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A Newsletter from North Cypress Medical Center at 290 & Huffmeister Rd. Spring 2009 Community Connection NCMC Sleep Center Earns Major Accreditation (page 3) Reconstructive Options After Breast Cancer New Options to Restore Yourself After Cancer Treatment (page 5) ACL Injuries & Treatment Options Diagnosing and Treating One of the Most Common Sports Injuries (page 6-7) Colorectal Cancer Awareness Knowing Signs & Symptoms That Could Save Your Life (page 8) A Message from the CEO Dear Friends, As spring approaches, we are making rapid progress with our expansion program, and many of you have probably noticed our construction. Our $100,000,000.00 expansion is well underway, with a 50-bed expansion of two hospital floors expected to open this summer. Also under construction is the North Cypress Professional Building II, which is expected to open in early fall, along with a new parking garage. This professional building will feature physician offices, a new surgery center, imaging center, and a pain center. A state-of-the-art sports medicine center and an elegant restaurant will be included, as well. I am proud to announce that we also recently opened our second Cardiac Catheterization Lab. The two laboratories are now available to treat patients experiencing acute coronary symptoms requiring catheterizations, angioplasty or pacemakers. Feel safe knowing that our experienced Cardiologists and Cath Lab Staff are available 24/7 to treat you in case of an emergency. The North Cypress Sleep Center recently achieved accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. We are one of only a few sleep centers in the area to have received this accreditation. It is quite impressive and a credit to our Sleep Center Medical Director, Dr. Todd Swick, and Coordinator, Tina Heddens. North Cypress is the first Sleep Center in the Houston area to have gained accreditation in less than two years of operation. Our Emergency Room continues to serve our community. Our ER physicians and staff are continuing to work diligently to not only give superior service and expert medical care but also to reduce your wait time. The ER staff has begun a new initiative called “Door to Doctor,” designed to reduce wait time to thirty minutes or less for the majority of our patients. Page 2 We continue to reach out to our community through many educational events including Orthopedic and Surgical Weight Loss seminars. This month we are featuring a seminar on breast cancer surgical treatments and reconstruction, as well. We also continue to offer several cancer support groups to help those going through this often difficult journey of cancer. And our cardiac rehab program provides a support group with a variety of topics to educate our cardiac patients. We will also be sponsoring several community events in the next few months. In February, the hospital served as a Platinum Sponsor at the $25,000 level for the Northwest Harris Heart Ball benefiting the American Heart Association. In April, North Cypress will serve as the Presenting Sponsor at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life–Cy-Fair on April 24th. We will also be participating as a sponsor at the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District Health Expo at the Berry Center on May 16th. North Cypress is committed to providing superior medical care and excellent customer service to you, our community. We are privileged to be your community medical center and appreciate the trust and support you have given to us. On behalf of the Board of Managers, the Medical Staff, and more than 1300 employees, I would like to wish you a wonderful spring and assure you that we are here to help you 24/7 when you are in need of medical attention. Best Wishes, Robert A. Behar, M.D. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer What’s Happening Sleep Center Receives Accreditation The Sleep Center at North Cypress Medical Center recently received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). To receive a five-year accreditation, sleep centers must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by AASM. The accreditation process involves a detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts, and physician training. “It is an honor to have gained accreditation in less than two years of operation,” said Tina Heddens, Clinical Coordinator of the Sleep Center. “To be one of only a few sleep centers in Houston with this designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at North Cypress.” A Correction from Our Last Edition In the last edition of “The Community Connection,” TaTa Collection was accidentally omitted from the Project Pink article as one of the style show vendors for Project Pink 2008, which benefits the Houston Komen Affiliate. TaTa Collection and its owners Kim Ta and Amy Nguyen have been a valued partner and instrumental in the success of this event for the last two years. We thank them for working with us in this meaningful endeavor, and we look forward to showcasing some of their beautiful and trendy apparel at our 2009 event! Volunteers Brighten the Holidays for Hundreds of Children For the second year in a row, The North Cypress Volunteer Program sponsored an “Angel Tree” to benefit Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM). The tree was placed in the hospital lobby and decorated with paper angels. Staff and visitors took an angel from the tree that listed the “wishes” of a child sponsored by CAM. Screen for Sleep Apnea in the Comfort of Your Own Home Millions of Americans are suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea. Many patients may not recognize the symptoms and may be uncomfortable going to a Sleep Lab without first being diagnosed. The North Cypress Sleep Center now offers ApneaLink, a device that screens unidentified sleep apnea patients in the privacy of their home. The ApneaLink device uses a nasal cannula to record patient breathing; the device itself is worn around the torso during sleep. Throughout the sleep cycle, breathing, oxygenation and pulse are recorded. The device is then returned and a report is generated for the sleep clinician to review. Learn more about the North Cypress Sleep Center and ApneaLink, or schedule an appointment, sleep study or consultation with our Sleep Specialist at 832.912.3700. The generosity of staff and visitors was overwhelming, and the volunteers were able to collect gifts for more than 170 children and families! Thanks to all who helped make their holiday season special! Page 3 Community News NCMC Serves as Platinum Sponsor for Cy-Fair ISD Health Expo North Cypress Medical Center will participate as a Platinum Sponsor in the first annual Cypress Fairbanks ISD Health Expo, which will be hosted by The Berry Center on Saturday, May 16th. There will be performances throughout the day by area students, door prizes, health screenings, and activities for the kids, as well as information on all your families’ health questions. Come out between 10am and 3pm to see what your health care community has to offer. In addition to the health services that will be offered, a recycling drop-off site will be available for electronics, household batteries, paper, plastic and aluminum. Hospital Supports American Heart Association North Cypress Medical Center participated as a Platinum Sponsor at the $25,000 level during the American Heart Association’s Northwest Harris County Heart Ball. The Heart Ball was held on Saturday, February 14th at the Hyatt Regency Downtown. Funds raised by the Northwest Harris County Heart Ball have helped place our medical centers at the heart of cardiovascular advancement and research. Committed to Fighting Cancer – Join the North Cypress Relay for Life Team! North Cypress is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2009 Relay for Life Cy-Fair. Relay for Life is an overnight walk, which will take place from 7 p.m. on Friday, April 24th to 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th at Cy-Woods High School. To symbolize the fact that “cancer never sleeps,” at least one member of each relay team remains walking on the relay track throughout the event. According to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life brings together more than 3.5 million people to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and communities to fight back against this disease. Please join us in the fight against cancer. If you are interested in joining one of the North Cypress relay teams, contact Janet Kantenberger at 832.912.3658 or register online at www.relayforlife.org/cyfairtx. Summer Junior Volunteer Opportunity Students: Volunteer This Summer at NCMC now accepting applications for our summer sessions. Session II: July 13th – July 31st To be considered for this program, candidates must be high school students between the ages of 14 and 18 and be willing to commit to a 3-week program. Applicants will then undergo an interview process, as all students will not be automatically accepted into the program. A mandatory orientation for all accepted students will take place on June 9th. The Junior Volunteer Program at North Cypress Medical Center is Applications may be obtained at the front desk of North Cypress Are you a dependable, mature teen who wishes to earn volunteer hours? Volunteering is a way to earn valuable experience while helping your community —plus it looks great on your college application! Session I: June 15th – July 3rd Page 4 Medical Center or on the web at www.NCMC-Hospital.com. For more information, please contact Glenda Salter, Volunteer Coordinator at 832.912.3842 or email her at [email protected]. Women’s Center Reconstructive Options after breast cancer by C. Bob Basu, MD Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Facing the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be a difficult journey. Part of this journey can also include options to restore oneself after cancer treatment, yet many American women are still unaware of their reconstructive options. Fortunately, the Center for Advanced Breast Restoration, now located on the campus of the North Cypress Medical Center, is working diligently to increase awareness of women’s reconstructive options. If you or a loved-one is facing a mastectomy or lumpectomy, there are multiple state-of-the-art options for breast restoration. Implant-based reconstruction has been improved with the new generation silicone gel implants and other state-ofthe-art techniques to provide natural looking results. Autologous reconstruction has procedures available such as the TRAM and DIEP free flap procedures that do not require the need of an implant. These autologous procedures utilize the excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen to replace the tissue that was removed by mastectomy. A fringe benefit of the procedure is that patients essentially obtain an aesthetically pleasing “tummy tuck” closure of their abdominal donor site. Of course, not every patient will be a candidate for every reconstructive technique. Plastic surgeons specializing in breast reconstruction work closely with your breast surgeon, oncologist, and radiation oncologist to develop a restoration plan that is developed in sync with your individualized cancer treatment plan. If you are considering breast reconstruction, it is never too early or too late to learn more about your options. To learn more, please join our upcoming FREE SEMINAR: With advances in reconstructive plastic surgery, breast reconstruction is not only an opportunity to restore oneself after cancer treatment, but for most, it can also be an opportunity to enhance. Reconstructive plastic surgeons can tailor a reconstructive plan to meet the cosmetic goals of each individual patient, whether it entails a rejuvenating breast lift, reduction, or augmentation. And the good news is that all of these options are covered by your insurance. In fact, a 1998 federal law requires insurance companies to cover reconstruction following mastectomy and cancer treatments. Board-certified plastic surgeons have made incredible advances in the aesthetic outcome of breast reconstruction procedures. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and preferences, there may be several different options for breast reconstruction involving breast implants as well as using the patient’s own tissues. There are essentially two major categories for breast reconstruction techniques: 1) implant-based and 2) autologous (using one’s own tissue). Current Surgical Treatments for Breast Cancer - From Biopsy to Reconstruction. Wednesday, March 11th at 7:00 pm North Cypress Conference Center To reserve your seat, please call the North Cypress Women’s Center at 832.912.3600. Hurry, space is limited. Dr. C. Bob Basu, MD, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He obtained his M.D. and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degrees from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. He trained in general surgery at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and completed cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery at the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, division of Plastic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. Page 5 Total Joint Center Is your knee keeping you on the sidelines? ACL Injuries and Treatment Options by David R. Mack, MD Director, North Cypress Sports Medicine Center (Opening Fall 2009) When Langham Creek High School Junior, Kelly Satterfield heard a pop in her knee while on the soccer field, she knew right away that something was wrong. “At first they thought I had dislocated my knee cap, after a couple of days of pain and swelling I went to see Dr. Mack, said Satterfield. “He knew almost right away that it was my ACL, all it took was an exam.” Kelly had outpatient surgery to repair her ACL at North Cypress a couple of weeks after the incident. Knee injuries are common in sports, and injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are among the most common. In fact, it is estimated that up to 200,000 ACL injuries occur each year in the United States alone. Fortunately, we have many ways to successfully treat ACL injuries, involving both surgical and nonsurgical options. Anatomy—What is the ACL? The normal knee is made up of two bones, the femur and tibia, connected by four major ligaments (Fig.1). The ligaments on either side of the knee are called the collateral ligaments. Page 6 The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is on the inside, and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is on the outside. The two ligaments crossing each other deep in the center are called the cruciate ligaments (cruciate means cross). The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is in the front of the knee, and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is in the back. The two bones are separated by cartilage called the meniscus. The medial meniscus is on the inside, and the lateral meniscus is on the outside. Either or both of these cartilages can be damaged along with the ACL, as can any of (Fig.1) the other major ligaments. How Do ACL Injuries Occur? The ACL is torn when the knee is subjected to a force that exceeds its normal ability to stretch. Many of these injuries occur during sports, especially basketball, football, soccer, and snow skiing. More often than not, the ACL is torn Total Joint Center during sudden deceleration or twisting, rather than direct contact with another player. It can also be torn during an awkward landing from a jump. Certain surfaces such as older styles of artificial turf, and shoes such as cleats can increase the chance of injury. Women are also more likely to tear their ACL than men. There are many reasons for this disparity. Women have a wider pelvis and a greater angle between the femur and tibia, which increases stresses on the ACL. Female hormones may also weaken the ligament. Women also tend to be smaller than men, meaning their ACL’s are smaller as well. Finally, women’s thigh muscles, which protect the ACL during sports, tend to be weaker than men, increasing the likelihood of injury. Regardless of gender, however, treatment for ACL tears in men and women is very similar. How Does the Doctor Know It’s Torn? In up to 70% of cases, when a person tears their ACL they hear or feel a “pop.” The knee usually swells immediately, due to bleeding from the torn ligament. Although pain is a frequent complaint, some ACL injuries can cause surprisingly little pain, sometimes making the diagnosis less obvious. Most people feel that their knee is unstable and it easily gives way when they stand or try to turn on it. Your doctor will examine your knee to determine the extent of the injury. Two common maneuvers include the Lachman and pivot shift test. One or both of these tests will usually demonstrate abnormal movement with a torn ACL. Based on the information you provide your doctor about your injury and his examination of your knee, he can usually determine if your ACL is torn. Since x-rays are usually normal (the ACL is invisible on x-ray), an MRI scan may be ordered if the diagnosis is in question, or to confirm the diagnosis. MRI’s are also helpful in determining the extent of other associated injuries, such as stretching or tearing of the other knee ligaments or cartilages. So I’ve Torn My ACL. What’s Next? Since ACL tears rarely heal on their own, the question for most people is whether or not to have surgery to repair the damage. Many factors go into this decision. For treatment without surgery to be successful, most people must be willing to actively participate in a rehabilitation program, agree to reduce or modify their activity levels, and sometimes agree to wear a knee brace. But to increase their chance of returning to their previous level of activity or sports, many people choose to have surgery to reconstruct their torn ACL. ACL reconstruction is usually performed arthroscopically, through very small incisions, and involves using a graft to replace the torn ACL. The graft chosen may be an autograft (taken from part of the patient’s own knee) or an allograft (taken from a donor). Either way, the surgery generally takes 60 to 90 minutes, and is performed on an outpatient basis. Rehabilitation begins immediately and can last for Kelly Satterfield is getting ready to several months. Full recovery get on the field again. and return to sports usually takes 7 to 10 months. Kelly was educated throughout her recovery. She states, “It seems like this injury is so common in girls my age, the problem is sometimes they try to get back into the action too soon and end up re-injuring themselves. Dr. Mack told me every step of the way what to expect and made it very clear that he would not release me to my normal activities until I was ready. I worked really hard at rehab, and now I feel strong enough to be back on the field.” For more information on ACL and other knee injuries, join us for a FREE SEMINAR: “ACL and Other Common Sports Injuries of the Knee” Wednesday, March 25th at 7 pm North Cypress Conference Center Register at NCMC-Hospital.com or call 1.877.47.JOINT. Seating is limited. Dr. David Mack, MD, obtained his medical degree and completed orthopedic surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine. His special interests are reconstructive surgery of the knee, shoulder, and hip. Dr. Mack is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has written, published, and spoken at national orthopedic surgery meetings on knee arthroscopy and ACL reconstruction. Dr. Mack practices out of the North Cypress office, and performs surgery at North Cypress Medical Center. Page 7 Cancer Awareness March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Knowing Signs and Symptoms That Can Save Your Life The diagnosis of cancer often results in feelings of fear and anxiety, and most everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with some type of cancer. Fortunately, some cancers can be prevented entirely through simple and painless screening programs. Colon cancer is one of those cancers. There are a variety of tests that can screen for colon cancer. Your physician will know which test is right for you. It is important that you discuss your options and any symptoms that you may be experiencing with your physician. Tests that find pre-cancer and cancer: • Colonoscopy • Flexible sigmoidoscopy • Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) • Double-contrast barium enema Tests that mainly find cancer: • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women according to the American Cancer Society. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in both males and females, after lung cancer. The good news is mortality rates have declined sharply over the past twenty years thanks to improvements in early detection and treatment. It is one of the most preventable diseases because it develops from polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. Early stage colon cancer does not usually have symptoms; so it is important to get screened. The Prevent Cancer Foundation recommends the following guidelines in screening those at risk: • Men and women age 50 and older • People who use tobacco, are obese and are sedentary • People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or benign (not cancerous) colorectal polyps • People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as long-standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease • People with a family history of inherited colorectal cancer It is recommended that those at average risk for colorectal cancer begin having regular screening at 50. Those individuals at greater risk may need to begin regular screening at an earlier age. Don’t wait until symptoms appear! Page 8 Symptoms of colon cancer are often not experienced until the disease has developed into the later stages. Symptoms can include the following: • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool • Change in the bowel habits or stool that is narrower than usual • Bloating, feelings of fullness • Stomach cramping • Diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely • Weight loss for no apparent reason • Fatigue • Vomiting Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. If it is discovered that the cancer has spread, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be given prior to surgery. If you or a loved one are in need of screening or treatment for colorectal cancer, North Cypress is here. The hospital offers board certified Gastroenterologists, a state-of-the-art Endoscopy Center with experienced Endo Techs and staff. If cancer is detected and treatment is needed, North Cypress has a full Cancer Center with Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy services. The North Cypress Cancer Center offers support groups and community services to help patients through this time. For more information about the North Cypress Cancer Center and its services, call 832.912.3650. Health Facts You Can Prevent A Stroke Know the Signs, Be Prepared and Act F.A.S.T. According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and the No. 1 cause of adult disability. Up to 80% of strokes are preventable— you can prevent a stroke! Do you know the warning signs of a stroke? Learn the signs and symptoms of stroke and save a life: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause The National Stroke Foundation states that many women may report unique stroke symptoms. These can include: • Sudden face and limb pain • Sudden hiccups • Sudden nausea • Sudden general weakness • Sudden chest pain • Sudden shortness of breath • Sudden palpitations Be prepared for an emergency. • Keep a list of emergency rescue service numbers next to the telephone and in your pocket, wallet or purse. • Know (in advance) which hospital or medical facility is nearest your home or office. • Keep a list of all medications that you take in your purse or wallet. This will help the nurses and physicians when you arrive at the hospital. If you or a loved one exhibits the signs or symptoms associated with a stroke, take action. Not all signs occur in every stroke, so you may exhibit some or just a few of the signs. Don’t ignore them, even if they go away. Try to alert yourself to the time that the symptoms started, as this may be an important question later and may be pertinent to your treatment. In a stroke, time matters. If you experience one or more symptoms that last more than a few minutes, immediately call 911. If you are with someone experiencing stroke symptoms, call 911. Although the person may protest, do not take “no” for an answer. Act F.A.S.T. Every minute counts for stroke patients and acting F.A.S.T. can lead patients to the stroke treatments they desperately need. The most effective stroke treatments are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within three hours of the first symptoms, and patients may not be eligible for stroke treatments if they arrive at the hospital after the three-hour window. Use the following tool furnished by the National Stroke Association to help you recognize stroke symptoms and act F.A.S.T.: ACT F.A.S.T. FACE Ask the person to smile. ARMS Ask the person to raise both arms. SPEECH TIME Does one side of the face droop? Does one arm drift downward? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly? If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to the hospital FAST. The North Cypress Emergency Center is here to care for you in an emergency 24/7. The ER features a 20-bed unit, the area’s leading ER physicians, experienced ER nurses, a dedicated imaging room and dedicated lab. Page 9 Heart Center Cardiac Rehabilitation – Building a Stronger Heart After experiencing a cardiac event, proper exercise and nutrition are essential to regaining strength and confidence. Because of this, North Cypress offers a comprehensive Cardiac Rehab program for outpatients following their return home. A physician order is required to participate in the program. The North Cypress Cardiac Rehab Team consists of cardiologists, nutritionists, and exercise physiologists working together to develop an individualized plan for each patient. Cardiac rehab participants experience an increase in their physical and emotional well-being soon after beginning the program. For many people, getting over the fear of a reoccurrence is a tremendous relief. When Paul Bradley began having chest pains in October 2007, he drove himself four miles to the emergency room at North Cypress Medical Center. The staff recognized the severity of his symptoms and immediately ran tests that determined that he had suffered a heart attack. After treatment for his heart attack, Mr. Bradley’s physician, Dr. Mobeen Mazhar concluded he was strong enough to begin the journey to recovery. At that point, Mr. Bradley joined the cardiac rehab program at North Cypress where he still continues his rehab three days a week. “They gave me a workout plan to get myself and my heart stronger,” says Bradley. “I feel great! Initially, I chose this hospital because it was close to my home, but now my entire family goes to North Cypress.” Cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial for people who are recovering from a wide range of cardiac problems and events including: heart attack, heart bypass surgery, angioplasty, heart valve surgery, and heart transplant. For more information, please contact the Cardiac Rehab Department at 832.912.3634 or visit the website at www.NCMC-Hospital.com. North Cypress Opens Second Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory In January, North Cypress Medical Center opened its second, state-of-theart Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. Both laboratories are now available to treat patients experiencing acute coronary symptoms requiring cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, stent or pacemaker implantation. “In 2008 our Cath Lab treated approximately 1500 patients,” said Debbie Rockoff, director of the Cardiac Cath Lab. “Adding a second room will benefit the community by providing the ability to perform two simultaneous life-saving treatments. It will also improve scheduling flexibility for patients requiring diagnostic studies.” North Cypress Medical Center is accredited as a Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. The North Cypress Cath Lab is staffed by board-certified interventional cardiologists as well as a highly trained, experienced staff which are on call 24/7. The lab also offers expanded services for cardiologists, interventional radiologists, interventional nephrologists, and vascular surgeons to care for our growing community. Page 10 Heart Healthy Screenings Keeping your heart healthy year-round requires exercise, a proper diet, and stress management. North Cypress Medical Center will be offering FREE Heart Healthy Screenings on Saturday, April 4th from 9 am to noon in the North Cypress Conference Center. The screenings will consist of cholesterol screening, blood pressure screening, glucose screening, and BMI index. Dr. Mobeen Mazhar, Chief of Cardiology at North Cypress Medical Center will also be on hand to speak on “Keeping a Healthy Heart.” Registration is required to ensure the proper number of tests. In order to obtain the most accurate test results, it is recommended that those having the screenings not eat or drink the morning of the test. For more information on the screening or to register, please call 832.912.3834. Support Groups & Seminars Cancer Support Groups Cardiac Rehab Support Groups Look Good/Feel Better Cardiac Tests and Procedures Wednesday, March 11th @ 12pm Wednesday, April 15th @ 12pm Wednesday, May 20th @ 12pm Healthy Eating on the Go Tuesday, March 10th, 6 - 7pm Tuesday, April 14th, 6 - 7pm Join us for this complimentary program that teaches beauty techniques to women with cancer to help combat the appearance-related side effects of treatment. Space is limited and all participants must register in order to receive a free cosmetic kit! Coping with Your Cardiac Event Tuesday, May 12th, 6 - 7pm Dialogue - Cancer Support Group All Support Group meetings will be held in the North Cypress Conference Center located in the hospital lobby. Monthly meetings every 1st Tuesday 6 - 7:30pm For more information, contact the Cardiac Rehab Department at 832.912.3634 or register at NCMC-Hospital.com. The group is for individuals coping with various kinds of cancer, including patients, their families, and friends. It provides an opportunity for those touched with cancer to share their experiences and assists them in learning how to live with cancer. Coping with Breast Cancer Monthly meetings every 2nd Tuesday 6 - 7:30pm This group is for women coping with breast cancer, offering a safe, uplifting place for women to come and share their common experiences, problems and solutions. Man-to-Man - Cancer Support Group Monthly meetings every 3rd Tuesday 6 - 7:30pm This group is for men coping with cancer and is designed to promote education and provide emotional encouragement in a safe, uplifting setting. Support Group meetings will be held in the lobby of The Cancer Center at North Cypress Medical Center. 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 110, Cypress , TX (1st floor of the Professional Building). For questions regarding any of these support groups, Call Janet Kantenberger, LCSW, at 832.912.3658. Bariatric Seminars Tuesday, March 3rd @ 6pm - Dr. Waggoner Thursday, March 12th @ 6pm - Dr. Leiva Saturday, March 28th @ 10am - Dr. Waggoner Tuesday, March 31st @ 6pm - Dr. Bina Meetings will be held in the North Cypress Conference Center, 1st Floor. Register online at NCMC-Hospital.com or call 1.888.U.LOSE.LB. Upcoming Seminars Current Surgical Treatments for Breast Cancer - From Biopsy to Reconstruction Presented by Dr. Kim Keller & Dr. C. Bob Basu Wednesday, March 11th, 7pm North Cypress Conference Center To register, call 832.912.3600. ACL & Other Common Sports Injuries of the Knee Sleep Apnea & CPAP Presented by Dr. David Mack Wednesday, March 26th, 7pm North Cypress Conference Center Wednesday, March 25th, 7pm North Cypress Conference Center Register online at NCMC-Hospital.com or call 1.877.47.JOINT. Presented by Eric Bell, Psy.D. The first 10 people to register will receive a FREE apnea screening, call 832.912.3700. Page 11 FastER ER BettER, FastER Service at North Cypress Emergency Room A trip to the Emergency Room can be filled with anxiety, fear, and the anticipation of long waits, not to mention the concerns associated with illness or injury. North Cypress is striving to make long waits in the ER a thing of the past with a new initiative called “Door to Doctor.” This program is designed to reduce the wait time to be seen by an Emergency Room physician to 30 minutes or less. Though the most critically ill patients will always be a priority, the hospital is committed to providing exceptional, timely care to everyone who comes through our doors. For more information on our FAST Track ER service, go to www.NCMC-Hospital.com or call 832.912.3800. 21214 Northwest Freeway, Cypress, TX 77429 Only one hospital cares for you like we do.