Latest cancer-fighting technology Page 4
New screening for lung cancer
Winter calendar and program planner
Page 12
See pullout
News and information to help you get and stay healthy
Healthy Living
Winter 2014
FISCAL 2013 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY — PAGES 5-8
Robotic-assisted surgery has arrived Page 3
Winter 2014
Healthy Living M a g a z i n e
UPMC Altoona’s Healthy Living Magazine is published four times a year by the Marketing and Communications Department. President Jerry Murray Chief Operating Officer Ronald J. McConnell Director, Marketing and Communications Dave Cuzzolina Staff Writers Patt Keith Anne Stoltz Designer Chip Mock Mock Creations LLC For more information, please contact: UPMC Altoona Marketing & Communications 620 Howard Ave. Altoona, PA 16601-4899 814-889-2271 info@altoonaregional.org
Eat breakfast, be healthier Raise your spoon if you eat breakfast every morning. Anyone? Who makes breakfast a priority? UPMC Altoona clinical dietitian Pam Sepp says breakfast may be more important than you think. “If you’re skipping breakfast, you’re missing out on good food with important health benefits,” she explained. Adults who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to: • Eat more vitamins and minerals • Eat less fat and cholesterol
On the cover The team behind the robot includes (from left): front — Jennifer Craine, surgical tech; Pamela England, RN; Neil Kaneshiki, MD; Jocelyn Divido, CRNA, and Kimberly Barley, CRNA; back — Michael Burggraf, PA-C; Melissa Plazek, surgical tech; Tara Vukmanovich, surgical tech; Scot Currie, DO; Matthew Newlin, MD; Howard Black, MD, and Denise Strittmatter, RN. Erin Chandler, RN, is also a team member. Ryan Zlupko, MD, has also performed roboticassisted surgery. Photo lower left: Dr. Kaneshiki controls the robot from the surgical console.
• Have better concentration and productivity throughout the morning • Control their weight • Have lower cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of heart disease “Studies have shown the chances of you overeating at lunch are higher when you don’t eat breakfast,” Pam said. “Plus, your hunger might lead you to choose fast and unhealthy options.”
“These combinations can provide you with needed complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and a small amount of fat,” she said. “They refuel your body for the day and keep you feeling full until it’s time for lunch.” Pam gives French toast as one example of a traditional breakfast item that has a healthier version. “The typical recipe calls for heavy cream and eggs,” she said. “Use skim milk instead and a combination of eggs and egg whites.” Similarly, Pam says there are now healthy recipes for pancakes that call for whole-wheat flour, skim milk, and flaxseed meal, which gives you an extra fiber boost. “Once you start looking around, you can find plenty of healthy substitutions to make,” she said. “If you’re craving bacon, try Canadian or turkey bacon instead. If you like cream cheese on your bagel, make that bagel whole wheat and use low-fat cream cheese or Neufchatel.” If a tight schedule is keeping you from eating a healthy breakfast, Pam says a little planning can go a long way.
1. Whole grains — breads, rolls, bagels, muffins, cereals
“Figure out what you want to eat the night before,” she said. “Some dishes could be prepared and then reheated in the morning.
2. Healthy proteins — peanut butter, lean meat (Canadian bacon), cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and hard-cooked eggs
“Just remember: Breakfast doesn’t have to be time- consuming to be healthy.”
So what constitutes a healthy breakfast? Pam suggests choosing one or two options from each of the following categories:
3. Low-fat dairy — milk, yogurt, cheeses 4. Fruits and vegetables — fresh or frozen, 100 percent juice beverages without added sugar
The scoop on cereals Cereal topped off with skim milk and fresh fruit can be a quick (and healthy) option for breakfast. When choosing a cereal, though, Pam reminds you to read the nutrition label. Fiber — At least 3 grams of fiber per serving (aim for 5 grams per serving if possible) Sugar — 5 or fewer grams of sugar per serving (this figure can contain naturally occurring and added sugar)
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Calories — Ideally less than 120 calories per serving, although some can have more and still be healthy choices
Program alert!
Healthy Choices for a Healthier You in 2014 See calendar insert for details, dates, and times
Total control Surgeons using robotic assistance to deliver a better patient experience UPMC Altoona surgeons continue to expand the use of robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery. The first to use the da Vinci® system at UPMC Altoona were general surgeons Matthew Newlin, MD, and Neil Kaneshiki, MD. Three more quickly followed: general surgeon Scot Currie, DO; general and colon and rectal surgeon Howard Black, MD, and gynecologist Ryan Zlupko, MD. (All are boardcertified in their respective specialties.) And interest is spreading. “It’s a growing technology, and plans are to expand its use to procedures where it can benefit patients and outcomes,” said Dr. Newlin, medical director for Robotic Surgery. “Our robotic system supports the specialties of gynecologic, cardiac, thoracic (chest surgery), urologic, and head and neck surgery.” Patient benefits The robotic-assisted system provides the surgeon with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity, and control compared to unassisted laparoscopic surgery. It may lessen a patient’s time under anesthesia and reduce blood loss. Most of all, patients greatly appreciate smaller incisions and shorter recovery times. Surgeons performed robotic-assisted surgery for gallbladder removal and colon resection at UPMC Altoona within the first three months of the program. Dr. Kaneshiki said he gives
“It’s a growing technology, and plans are to expand its use to procedures where it can benefit patients and outcomes.”
patients a choice of the full range of procedures, including traditional open incision, multi-port laparoscopic, and roboticassisted. Most people who require gallbladder removal are candidates for the robotic, single-incision surgery, but not all might choose it. “For some, it’s not about the cosmetics but more about getting back to work and moving and lifting as soon as possible,” Dr. Kaneshiki said. “In some patients, recovery is quicker with multi-port laparoscopic surgery. Discuss your options “For other patients, limiting scars is very important. So, if all other medical factors are equal for the patient’s safety, I follow the patient’s preference. I would encourage all patients to discuss the various options with their surgeon to see which is the safest and most appropriate for their situation.” Dr. Black uses robotics because it allows him to do minimally invasive surgery in situations where traditional laparoscopic surgery is not appropriate. In addition, it allows him to complete other colorectal procedures more easily because of the improved optics and wristed instruments. “With robotics technology, I’m now able to see in three dimensions instead of two, have greater dexterity and range of motion,” he said,
“and the delicate finger tools and foot pedals allow for more-delicate, complicated maneuvers.” Patient’s story Regardless of the type of procedure, the important factor is the outcome. Megan McCahan, 29, of Duncansville, opted for robotic-assisted gall bladder surgery, becoming the first robotics patient of Dr. Newlin and the first at UPMC Altoona. When tests determined that her abdominal pain stemmed from a diseased gall bladder, she researched local surgeons to see which were qualified to perform laparoscopic surgery that avoided a large, unsightly incision. She chose Dr. Newlin and the robotic-assisted laparoscopic technique using just four small incisions. “Megan’s surgery went very smoothly. I was very pleased with the technology, with the operative experience in the OR, and especially with Megan’s excellent results,” Dr. Newlin said. Megan has no regrets about her choice. The results exceeded her expectations. “I definitely had a great recovery,” Megan said. “I was shopping within hours of surgery. I had very little pain, so the first two days afterward I used a couple of extra-strength acetaminophen. And, best of all, the stomach pain is gone. I returned to eating a normal diet in four days and returned to work in a week.”
The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery
• Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery uses new technology to help laparoscopic surgeons. • In real-time, the system translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist, and finger movements into more precise movements of the miniaturized instruments inside the patient. • True high-definition, three-dimensional viewing provides greatly improved depth perception. • Multi-port robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery allows for articulated instruments, which is invaluable to the laparoscopic surgeon. It’s like having your hands and wrists inside the operative field without making a large incision. • It’s more comfortable at the console. Standard laparoscopy sometimes requires the surgeon to be Program alert! placed in somewhat awkward positions throughout the case. At the console, he or she is in a Surgery Today: Robotic, Laparoscopic, Traditional very comfortable position, lessening fatigue. See calendar insert for details, dates, and times
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New technology keeps cancer center on leading edge
With its new Elekta Infinity® linear accelerator, UPMC CancerCenter Radiation Oncology at UPMC Altoona, along with its partner, the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, provides world-class radiation therapy close to home. “This equipment keeps us on the cutting edge of cancer treatment,” said Jack Schocker, MD, UPMC CancerCenter Radiation Oncology. “We can treat a patient in such a fashion that is second to none.” Traditional radiation therapy calls for imaging studies to be done several days before treatment. However, organs may shift naturally — during breathing, for example — affecting the exact location of the tumor or target. The Elekta Infinity can obtain 4D images just before treatment, with the patient in the exact position he or she will be treated in. ‘Meticulous’ tumor tracking “This allows us to track tumor movement, growth, or shrinkage on a daily basis and instantly account for variations,” Dr. Schocker explained. “The result is meticulous tumor localization prior to treatment.” The Elekta Infinity also uses highly advanced VMAT (volume modulated arc therapy) technology to lock onto the tumor and deliver radiation accurately and effectively, protecting healthy surrounding tissue. “This machine has the highest full-field resolution available in the industry,” Dr. Schocker said. “It is more ‘conformal,’ meaning we can better sculpt the radiation fields around the tumor. “It also has a hexapod table, which gives us the ability to position the patient for treatment in a very sophisticated, six-dimensional way. All of these things help us preserve surrounding tissue and reduce treatment-related side effects.” Fewer treatments Another advantage of the Elekta Infinity is its ability to allow higher dose rates for treatments typically requiring longer periods of time. “Many times this can mean fewer treatments,” Dr. Schocker said. “Certain tumors might be treated now in three or four sessions as opposed to 30 or more, because we can deliver such a high dose so quickly. “We’re committed to excellence and to providing a better experience for our patients,” he added. “By treating patients more quickly, we can also make them more comfortable.”
“We can treat a patient in such a fashion that is second to none.”
Jack Schocker, MD, (left) and radiation therapist Dave Fraundorfer prepare a patient for treatment on the new Elekta Infinity® linear accelerator at UPMC Altoona. 4
UPMC CancerCenter connects patients across western Pennsylvania to the integrated expertise of leading clinicians, academic researchers, specialty programs, and treatment centers. Through its partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, UPMC CancerCenter is working to accelerate breakthroughs in the labs into clinical practice around the world. Backed by the collective strength of UPMC and UPCI, UPMC CancerCenter is revolutionizing cancer research, care, and prevention — one patient at a time. For more information about UPMC CancerCenter, or to schedule an appointment, call 814-889-2400. You can also visit our websites at UPMCCancerCenter.com or FocusedOnYou.com.
2012-2013
2 0 1 3
a n n u a l
r e p o r t
UPMC decision highlights fiscal 2013 A message from Jerry Murray, president Fiscal 2013* was historic for Altoona Regional. It was the period of time when, after months of intense investigation and thoughtful deliberations, our board of directors decided to affiliate with UPMC, a world-class academic medical center. The decision was made with the overwhelming support of our medical staff and hospital leadership. Board members concluded that being part of the UPMC system would allow us not only to continue our existing services but to offer more specialized medicine, advanced treatments, and sophisticated technology. UPMC is No. 10 in the prestigious U.S. News and World Report rankings of all U.S. hospitals and No. 1 in Pennsylvania. This means our patients can receive an even higher level of care in our region for years to come. And they will receive this care from the very same physicians and caregivers they have come to know and trust. Although the events leading up to our UPMC affiliation grabbed most of the headlines in fiscal 2013, there was much more happening, especially in the areas of clinical quality and patient safety. The hospital received a Consumer Choice Award from National Research Corp. of Lincoln, Neb. The award goes to hospitals that health care consumers have chosen as having the highest quality and image in over 300 markets throughout the U.S. Our Cancer Center earned a three-year accreditation with commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, something less than one-third of hospital cancer programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico attain. In still more recognition for clinical quality, the hospital’s Regional Stroke Center staff earned the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association for having a higher standard of stroke care. And CT Scanning earned a three-year gold seal accreditation from the American College of Radiology, representing the highest level of image quality and patient safety. Speaking of safety, registering as a patient became safer thanks to the use of state-of-the-art biometric technology that identifies patients by their palm prints. It reduces the risk of misidentification and ends the practice of asking for personal identifying information, such as a Social Security number. One of many important clinical advancements came when our team of interventional radiologists began offering uterine fibroid embolization, an alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy surgery for treating uterine fibroids. The procedure met a medical need for women in the community. Another clear need is treatment and education for people with diabetes, a particularly prevalent disease here. To address it, we formed a multi-disciplinary team whose members are dedicated to helping newly diagnosed or long-term diabetics. (You can read more about this on Page 10.) And our Emergency Medicine Department began an initiative to enhance the quality of care for sexual assault patients, with staff learning comprehensive care, documentation, evidence collection, and courtroom testimony techniques. In summary, it was quite a year. And we expect bigger and better things for the community as we move forward with UPMC, always faithful to a heritage that goes back more than 100 years to the founding of Altoona Hospital and Mercy Hospital. I hope you share our excitement about the future of health care in Central Pennsylvania.
* The fiscal year began July 1, 2012, and ended June 30, 2013.
The affiliation took effect July 1, 2013, technically one day beyond the scope of this annual report. 5
Highlights: Clinical and community service July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013
NOVEMBER JULY 2012 The Healthy Blair County Coalition, partially funded by Altoona Regional, begins conducting a community health needs assessment. The assessment will identify areas that need to be addressed by health care providers, and Altoona Regional will target those areas with existing or new services.
After nearly a year of exploring affiliation options with various partners, the boards of directors of Altoona Regional and parent company Central Pennsylvania Health Services Corp. announce their decision to pursue affiliation discussions with UPMC. The affiliation goal is to enhance and expand the exceptional care the health system provides, while addressing the significant challenges and financial pressures in health care.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
AUGUST A team of interventional radiologists at Altoona Regional begins offering uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE, a highly successful, safe, noninvasive choice to treat uterine fibroids of any size. UFE is an alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy surgery.
2012/2013
National Research Corp. of Lincoln, Neb., recognizes Altoona Regional as one of the nation’s top hospitals and winner of a 2012/2013 Consumer Choice Award. The award identifies hospitals that health care consumers have chosen as having the highest quality and image in over 300 markets throughout the U.S.
OCTOBER
DECEMBER
Eighteen registered nurses volunteer to help improve quality of care for inpatients who have diabetes. The nurses educate staff, assist with patient education, and facilitate process improvement.
The American Cancer Society selects Altoona Regional’s Radiation Oncology Department for its Division Citation Award. This high honor recognizes the efforts of the Radiation Oncology staff
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in providing outstanding cooperation in carrying out the overall mission of the American Cancer Society in Pennsylvania.
January 2013 Effective Jan. 1, all tobacco product use is prohibited on any property owned or leased by the health system. The system also announces it will not hire tobacco users. Surgical Services and Information Technology unveil a surgical patient tracking system. It allows families to track their relative’s progress through his or her procedure by checking information screens at various hospital campus locations.
FEBRUARY Altoona Regional takes the next step toward an affiliation with UPMC, signing a nonbinding letter of intent to negotiate an agreement. Hospital President and CEO Jerry Murray calls this “an exciting and significant step toward a formal affiliation between two outstanding medical institutions.”
The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons grants threeyear accreditation with commendation to the cancer program at Altoona Regional. Only 30 percent
of hospital cancer programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico attain this status.
MARCH Altoona Regional’s Emergency Medicine Department begins an initiative to improve the quality of care provided to patients seen for sexual assault, in collaboration with Family Services Inc., the Altoona Police Department, and the Blair County District Attorney’s office. Registered nurses learn comprehensive care, documentation, and evidence collection, as well as referrals and courtroom testimony techniques.
MAY CT Scanning receives a three-year accreditation after a review by the American College of Radiology. The gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety.
APRIL Altoona Regional receives the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association. The award recognizes commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted guidelines.
JUNE Altoona Regional announces an agreement to affiliate with UPMC on July 1. The relationship will enable Altoona Regional to further enhance its quality of care and breadth of medical services, while gaining new access to capital and outstanding technology, science, innovation, and expertise. Patient Access staff begins using cutting-edge biometric technology to identify patients by their palm prints. This reduces the chance of misidentification, and patients no longer need to share personal identifying information, such as a Social Security number.
Report: Charitable giving to the Foundation for Life July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013
Department Gifts Center for Cancer Care General Mr. and Mrs. Donald H. George Mr. and Mrs. George W. Mollish Miss Darlene F. Rose In Memory Of In memory of Mildred K. Brady Mr. Charles V. Brady In memory of Richard and John Dunio Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Dunio Sr.
General Chris’ Hallmark Shop
In honor of Dr. Anthony Maniglia Dr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Kaplan
Pediatrics Department
In honor of Joe Moore Ms. Norma L. Shenkle Miss Suzanne M. Strunk In Memory Of In memory of Margaret A. Donoway Anonymous
Center for CardiacCare
In memory of Frank “Dutch” Elling Ms. Mary J. Campolong
General Mrs. Edna H. Brenneman
In memory of Donald J. Patton Mrs. Betty J. Patton
Digital Mammography
Glover Memorial Library
General Ms. Christina Arnsparger Ms. Brandy Bergum Ms. Cindy Blackburn Ms. Jacqueline D. Brooks Ms. Jenny Buckrop Claysburg Kimmel Lady Bulldog Volleyball Team Mr. and Mrs. James V. DeStefano Ms. Diane Garvey Ms. Kimberly Hoover Ms. Anita M. Kissell Ms. Justine Molinick Penn State Altoona - Women’s Basketball Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Pruznak Ms. Aurora Ressler Mr. Mark A. Rhodes Mrs. Joanne K. Sassano Ms. Pamela K. Simpson Ms. Nicole Wannett Ms. Emma Weakland Ms. Michelle Weaver
In Memory Of
Donna Jean Hospitality House General Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Wennin In Memory Of In memory of Ann Marie Frankhouser Northern Tier Career Center - Staff In memory of Ralph “Yo” LaVelle Mr. and Mrs. Russell C. Meyer
Emergency Department & Trauma Service General Mrs. Barbara P. Albright Mrs. Joann Baer Mr. Glenn E. Baker Mr. and Mrs. William P. Benzel Mrs. Dolores Burtnette Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dougherty Mrs. Flo Eberhart Drs. Anju and Pawan K. Gupta Dr. and Mrs. Andrew W. Gurman Mr. Patrick W. Hrzic Ms. Benita M. Jorkasky Dr. and Mrs. Mark M. Keating Dr. Nancy Kenney Drs. Matthew and Laura Newlin Mrs. Shirley A. Pechter Pittsburgh Critical Care Association Inc. Dr. and Mrs. David M. Rose Mr. James A. Verbeck Dr. Irini Youssef In Honor Of
Pastoral Care
In honor of Austin Kurtz Ms. Norma L. Shenkle Miss Suzanne M. Strunk
In memory of Lourdes Cruz UPMC Altoona Medical Staff In memory of Sterling A. Ruhl UPMC Altoona Medical Staff
Ira B. Kron Dialysis Unit General The Samuel and Rose Port Philanthropic Fund
Laboratory Services – Blood Bank In Honor Of In honor of Naomi Swineford Mrs. Denise Tavares
Maternity Department General Ms. Betty Ann Agosta Mrs. Helen L. Aikens Altoona Mirror Altoona Ward Relief Society Mrs. Joyce M. Beck Mrs. Lois E. Bottomfield Mrs. Karen Chappell Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth S. Clemenich Ms. Maxine Colyer Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Conner Ms. Patricia Conrad Ms. Mary Ellen Crock Ms. Nancy Delozier Mrs. Rosemarie Dibert Ms. Dorothy Dierkes Ms. Patti Faith Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gardner Mrs. Louise C. Hampton Mrs. Betty L. Kimmel Ms. Lois Kuhn Ms. Carol E. Leonard Ms. Kathy Loose Mrs. Sara G. Miller Ms. Elizabeth Muhlbauer Mr. and Mrs. Lyle V. Rea Mr. and Mrs. Larry Snowberger Ms. Virginia Socey Mrs. Susan J. Taneyhill Ms. Beverly Vaughn Ms. Patricia A. Winters Ms. Consuelo Zeak In Honor Of In honor of Leah J. Bergstein Mrs. Nancy J. Bergstein In honor of Lydia E. Caughey Dr. and Mrs. Robert J. Caughey In honor of Aryana R. Lewis Ms. Michelle M. Baughman
General Mr. Robert Hamel
Radiation Oncology General Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Larry Snowberger
Bernard A. Rosch Palliative Care In Memory Of In memory of Agnes Bricca Ms. Amy Benoni In memory of Dorothy C. Clark Blair Tower Resident’s Council Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Clark
It starts with us Employee Campaign General Anonymous (3) Mrs. Carol Abel Mrs. Kay Adams Ms. Michelle Adams Mr. Dennis W. Albright Mr. Drew M. Appleman Jr. Ms. Christina Arnsparger Mr. Todd Azeles Mrs. Dona Baughman Mrs. Janine Beard Dr. Donald Beckstead Mrs. Grace Beere Mr. Cloyd Beers Mrs. Nancy J. Bergstein Mrs. Shirley Bickers Ms. Vicki L. Bilka Ms. Miranda R. Bohn Mrs. Polly Boring Ms. Melissa Bowman Ms. Karen Brady Mr. Wesley Brallier Ms. Kelly Brunhuber Dr. and Mrs. Robert Budd Mrs. Margie Burchfield Mrs. Emily Burns Ms. Judy Carey Ms. Catherine A. Castellucci Mrs. Susan Chew Mrs. Cathy Chirdon Mr. Mark Chuff Ms. Angela Claar Ms. Karen Clapper Ms. Ronna Clark Mrs. Gayle Conner Mr. Tony Conrad Ms. Marylou E. Conway Ms. Kimberly J. Corle Mr. Joshua Corman Mr. Michael Corso Ms. Patricia Cox Ms. Amanda Crawford Ms. Laura Cresswell Ms. Sarah Crider Mrs. Deborah K. Curran Mr. David M. Cuzzolina Ms. Karen Day Mr. James V. DeStefano Ms. Michele Dignan Dr. and Mrs. Steven Draskoczy Mrs. Flo Eberhart
Ms. Christina Edmonson Ms. Vivian Evans Mrs. Paulette Farabaugh Mrs. Cindy Fickes Ms. Theresa Finamore Mrs. Debra J. Finochio Mrs. Brenda Forshey Mr. Mark Frederick Mr. Joseph R. Fromknecht Mr. Dale Fuller Ms. Lori Gaeto Ms. Nicole Gampe Mrs. Denise C. Gdula Mrs. Debra K. Geesey Mr. R. Geoffrey Geesey Mrs. Mary J. Geishauser Ms. Rosemarie Gibson Mr. David Gracey Mr. David Gracey Jr. Ms. Mandy Greaser Ms. Janet L. Grove Mrs. Linda L. Guida Ms. Michelle Hall Mrs. Cynthia A. Hammaker Reverend David C. Hammerle Ms. Joyce Haney Mrs. Diane L. Harris Mrs. Kelly M. Harris Ms. Linda J. Harris Mr. and Mrs. John Hawksworth Ms. Virginia Heidler Mr. Gregg Henry Miss Judith A. Himmelein Mr. Kevin Hockenberry Ms. Sarah Hollis Mrs. Georganna Horell Mrs. Shirley Hoyne Ms. Ann M. Hudak Ms. Karen W. Ickes Mrs. Shanda L. Imler Ms. Valorie Imler Mrs. Karen Isenberg Mrs. Lisa A. James Ms. Janice Johnson Dr. Nancy Kenney Mr. John R. Kepler Mrs. Gina M. Kirby Ms. Bonnie Kissell Ms. Patricia L. Koch Mrs. Dana M. Kopera Mrs. Sandra Kozielec Mrs. Betsy Kreuz Ms. Barbara Kuhn Mrs. Judy Kuzupas Ms. Michele Lacovitch Mrs. Mary Pat Lake Ms. Shirley M. Lattieri Mrs. Andrea Lauer Ms. Heather M. Lear Mrs. Kathleen Lenhart Ms. Karen Lenning Mr. Michael G. Letcher Ms. Kristen Letzo Ms. Erin Lingafelt Mr. Greg Madison Mr. Michael J. Maiocco Mr. Neal Maneval Dr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Martinelli Dr. Manesh Mathew Ms. Mary K. Maurer Mrs. Carol A. McCartney Mrs. Debbie McClellan Mr. Michael T. McCloskey Mr. Samuel L. McClure Sr. Mr. Ronald J. McConnell
Ms. Susan M. McGeary Ms. Elizabeth McIntyre Ms. Cheryl McKendree Mrs. Lisa McKnight Ms. Audrey McMullen Ms. Paula McNulty Ms. Karen Morral Mrs. Lynne M. Muri Mr. Jerry Murray Ms. Tempie E. Musselman Mrs. Jessica Nail Ms. Victoria Noel Mrs. Barbara Nosek Mrs. Verla Oakley Mrs. Pamela O’Donnell Ms. Darlene Panek Mrs. Ellen M. Paterson Mrs. Georgeanne Pettenati Mr. Anthony Phillips Dr. Debra S. Pike Pittsburgh Critical Care Association Inc. Mr. Steven T. Pope Mr. Kevin L. Pruznak Mr. Joseph M. Pufka Ms. Naomi Rajnish Ms. Nina L. Ramsey Ms. Sharon Richardson Mrs. Monica Richers-Kelly Mr. Clayton C. Rickens Mr. Randall Riva Mrs. Chelsea L. Rizzo Mr. James M. Robuck Dr. and Mrs. David M. Rose Attorney James S. Routch Mrs. Sharon A. Rydbom Ms. Leslee Sady Ms. Dawn Schandelmeier Ms. Ellen C. Schraff Mr. Randy Sciarrillo Mrs. Helen F. Seidel Ms. Deborah Semanchik Ms. Dana J. Shade Mrs. Diana M. Shaffer Mrs. Dolores Shellenberger Mrs. Lorene S. Shelow Mrs. Ramona Shrift Mrs. Marjorie D. Simpson Mrs. Sheri L. Simpson Ms. Loretta Smearman Ms. Brenda A. Smithmyer Ms. Carolyn L. Sollenberger Dr. and Mrs. Rodney L. Sponsler Mrs. Catherine Sprouse Mrs. Sharon M. Squillario Mrs. Maureen Steinbugl Ms. Anne T. Stoltz Mrs. Jacquie Strawser Mrs. Bonnie J. Sultage Ms. Kathryn Terlinsky Sister Mary Aquinas Tolusciak Mr. Joseph Trout Ms. Jolinda Trude Dr. and Mrs. Vijay Vakharia Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent Ms. Julie A. Vitko Ms. Sandra Wagner Ms. Jhodie Waters Ms. Claudia Weise Mr. Gregg A. Weise Mrs. Stephanie Wertz Mrs. Susan Wertz Ms. Karen Westrick Ms. Velma Williams Ms. Catherine A. Wilt 7
Mrs. Linda Winston Mr. Shawn Wyant Mrs. Loretta F. Wyland Ms. Mary L. Zabinsky Mr. Mike Zabinsky Ms. Carol R. Zamboni Mr. R. Thomas Zeek Mrs. Kiersten Zelnosky Mr. Barry Zernick
In memory of Jeff Conrad Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Conrad
Endowments
In memory of Chris Kopac Mr. and Mrs. Karl Steinbrunner
General Drs. Linnane and Todd Batzel Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Bouchard Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Deichert Mr. Michael Deichert Mr. and Mrs. David J. Duncan Mr. and Mrs. Dale Fuller Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Murray Mr. and Mrs. Gary Naugle Mr. and Mrs. Neil Port Mr. and Mrs. George Toroian Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Zorger Mr. and Mrs. Gary Zuckerman
Foundation for life General Anonymous (5) Mr. and Mrs. James W. Barner Bennett Holdings Inc. Mr. and Mrs. John R. Beyer Mr. Dee J. Bragonier Mrs. Edna H. Brenneman Mr. and Mrs. Roger Corle Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Creppage Mr. and Mrs. C. Elton Crider Mr. and Mrs. William R. England Friends of Altoona Regional Health System Mrs. Rita A. Gaut Mr. and Mrs. Brian Himes Mr. and Mrs. Michael Irwin Mr. Robert C. Jubelirer Kopp Drug Stores Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Lapierre Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin I. Levine Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ling Mr. and Mrs. Ronald McConnell Mr. and Mrs. John McGregor Sheetz Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sheffield Dr. and Mrs. Rodney L. Sponsler Sterry and Sterry Inc. Subway UPMC Altoona – Employer of Choice Committee Dr. and Mrs. Vijay Vakharia Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Weber Ms. Ann L. Williams Your Jewelry Box In Honor Of In honor of Dr. Anthony J. Bartkowiak Ms. Janice Johnson In honor of Dr. Robert Budd Ms. Janice Johnson In honor of Mrs. Nancy Devorris Mr. and Mrs. Willard Campbell In honor of Virginia L. Gherrity Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gherrity In honor of Dr. Robert E. Wertz Ms. Janice Johnson In honor of Dr. George Y. Jabbour Ms. Janice Johnson In Memory Of In memory of Donald Archey Mr. and Mrs. Alex Kulmatycki 8
In memory of John Finochio Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent In memory of Judith E. Hogan Mr. David E. Hogan In memory of John Hurst Dr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Silverman In memory of Robert Kimball Mr. and Mrs. Phil Sky
In memory of Richard B. Magee Mrs. Louise Magee In memory of Angelo Maniglia Dr. Anthony Maniglia In memory of Dennis McArthur Mr. Drew Appleman Ms. LaVerne Blair Mr. and Mrs. Vance Bolan Mrs. Anna M. Bush Ms. Erin L. Chandler Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Mark Emeigh Ms. Dolores Fresh Friends of Altoona Regional Health System Ms. Ann Harshbarger Keller Engineers Ms. Mary Jane Kitt Mr. and Mrs. James E. Korman Ms. Beatrice Lewis Mrs. and Mr. Janet Lowry Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Luke Mr. and Mrs. G.W. McArthur Mrs. Debbie McClellan Ms. Susann McGeehan Ms. Neleen McMasters Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Merilli Ms. Lillie Negley Ms. D. Ann Nesbella Mr. and Mrs. Stephen G. Nycum Ms. Tina Oeffinger Ms. Karen Parvin Mr. Terry Pincin Ms. Faye Ray Ms. Corky Rouzer Mrs. Eleanor M. Ryan Ms. Debbie Slippey Mr. and Mrs. R. Jack Sloey Ms. Judy Stotler Mrs. and Mr. Donna Stoy Mrs. Jane Strasser Ms. Dawn Troxell Tuscarora Intermediate Unit No. 11 Walton Family In memory of William C. McCaulley Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent In memory of Jack L. Miller Mrs. Patricia A. Miller In memory of Ruth C. Pfeffer Dr. and Mrs. J. Richard Pfeffer Jr. In memory of Rosemarie Prevost Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Welchko In memory of Clayton T. Rickens ADT Resource Nurses Mr. and Mrs. Harold R. Auker Mrs. Anita Grimes Mr. Stanley J. Halerz Mr. and Mrs. William J. Hoyne Mr. Michael P. Hudak Ms. Lynta M. Huff Mrs. Sharon M. Squillario Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent In memory of Nancy Walla Mr. Andrew Walla
Golf outing 2013 General Altoona Center for Nursing Care Aramark Atlas Therapy Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery Inc. Blair Companies Blair County Anesthesia PC Blair Medical Associates Burgmeier’s Hauling CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services Mrs. Sharon Ciccarella Mrs. Gayle Conner Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management Credit Control Collections Mrs. Sally Earnest Empire Communications Fenner Consulting Leonard S. Fiore Mr. and Mrs. John Hawksworth The Hite Company HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Home Health Resource Mr. and Mrs. William Hoyne Image Signs Kopp Drug H.F. Lenz Company Limbach Company LLC Mr. Richard Logan M&T Bank MedLine Mimi’s Restaurant NAC Inc. Nason Hospital Paris Healthcare Linen Services The Pepsi Bottling Group Inc. Radiology Business Solutions Ravine Medical Uniforms Embroidery & Screen Printing Reilly, Creppage Co. Inc. S&T Bank Schultz Company Senior Care Center Sheetz Inc. SimplexGrinnell Mrs. Sharon Squillario Stiffler, McGraw and Associates Inc. Subway Ms. Kathi Terlinsky UPMC Health Plan UPMC Life Changing Medicine Value Specialty Drug Xanitos Inc.
Holiday SPlendor 2012 General A&M Greenhouse Adler’s Landscaping Allegheny Ballet Company Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries Allegheny Orthotics and Prosthetics Allegro Restaurant Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allen Altoona Center for Nursing Care Altoona Community Theatre Altoona OB/GYN Associates The Artemis Group Ms. Lisa Baker Begin With Us Childcare and Preschool Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery Inc. Mr. and Mrs. William Benzel BKD LLC Blair Companies Blair County Anesthesia PC Blair County Arts Foundation
Blair County Golf Driving Range Blair Medical Associates Blink of an Eye Photography Boyer Candy Company Brescia Orthopedics Inc. Dr. Robert Budd Burgmeier’s Hauling Inc. Calvin House Mr. and Mrs. Willard Campbell CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services City Beverage Cohen and Grigsby Ms. Beth Collier Comfort Inn Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Conner Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management Inc. Cove Beverage Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cristillo Dale Oxygen Inc. DelGrosso Foods Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Michael DelGrosso Delightful Ewe Mr. and Mrs. James DeStefano Mr. and Mrs. Donald Devorris Diamond Supply Co. Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Dodson Mrs. Carolyn Donaldson Mr. James W. Drenning Mr. and Mrs. Robert Earnest eLeet Computer Evolution Alternative Physical Therapy Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fiore Mr. and Mrs. Michael Forosisky Mrs. Nancy Fulchiero Mr. and Mrs. Dale Fuller Gardner’s Candy Ms. Anita Grimes Dr. and Mrs. Charles Haas Mr. and Mrs. Robert Halbritter Hampton Inn Harper’s Fine Clothing and Sportswear for Men Mrs. Nancy Hawk Hayes Large Architects HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona Ms. Anna Mae Hepner The Hite Company Holliday Corvette Home Depot Hoss’s Steak and Sea House Dr. Patricia Hoyne Mr. and Mrs. William Hoyne Image Signs Iron Masters Country Club Jazzercise Dr. and Mrs. Mark Keating Kerr Kreations Floral and Gifts Kitchen and Gift Kopp Drug Kranich’s Jewelers Krug’s Eco-Logic Lamar Advertising Lee Industries Inc. Limbach Inc. Mrs. Cathy Lucas Lytle’s Transport and Moving Mainline Medical Associates Mane Effects Mattas Motor Sports Mr. and Mrs. Ronald McConnell McIntyre’s Candies McQuaide Blasko Attorneys at Law Meadows The Original Frozen Custard Medtronic Mr. and Mrs. Milton Miller Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Murray
Neely’s Train Shop New Look Uniform New Pig Corporation Paris Healthcare Linen Services Park Audio Plus Penn State Altoona Development Judge and Mrs. Thomas Peoples Peterman’s Florist Premier Safety and Service Inc. Ritchey’s Dairy Mrs. Judy Rossman Roxy Beverage S&T Bank Saint Francis University Mr. Stephen Sangiorgi Scotch Valley Golf Course Scrumptious Gourmet Rum Cakes Select Specialty Hospital Sheetz Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sheetz Shoe Fly SimplexGrinnell Smith Transport Southern Alleghenies Elite Orthopedics Mrs. Sharon Squillario Star Beverage Ms. Anne Stoltz Mr. and Mrs. Robert Strawser Stiffler, McGraw and Associates Inc. Subway Attorney and Mrs. Timothy Sullivan Sylvan Hills Golf Course Tea Merchant 101 Ms. Kathi Terlinsky Thompson Pharmacy Unkel Joe’s Woodshed UPMC Altoona – Administration UPMC Altoona – ADT Nurses UPMC Altoona – Community Education UPMC Altoona – Emergency Services UPMC Altoona – Finance UPMC Altoona – Foundation for Life UPMC Altoona – HealthForce UPMC Altoona – Imaging Services UPMC Altoona – Infection Prevention & Control UPMC Altoona – IT Department UPMC Altoona – Labor & Delivery UPMC Altoona – Marketing and Communications UPMC Altoona – Medical Staff UPMC Altoona – MICU UPMC Altoona – Nursing Administration UPMC Altoona – Nursing Supervisors UPMC Altoona – Patient Access UPMC Altoona – Planning UPMC Altoona – Volunteers UPMC Health Plan UPMC Life Changing Medicine US Recreational Properties Drs. Joseph and Wilhelmina Vetrano Warner’s Florist Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Whiting Xanitos Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Butch Zavalanski Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zorger
Please contact the Foundation for Life office at 814-889-6406 if we have omitted or made an error in the listing of your donation.
‘It was scary…’
Rotator cuff repair keeps her retirement plans on track When a serious rotator cuff injury plagued Cresson resident Bonnie Kos, she turned to David Junkin, MD, of UPMC Altoona affiliate Southern Alleghenies Elite Orthopedics. “I didn’t think I’d ever be able to move my arm again,” Bonnie said. “It was scary not being able to move it forward or backward. But I had to get better. I had a little over a year until retirement and didn’t want to have to slow down, or be on ‘light duty’ due to a disability.” Bonnie, 59, had surgery Feb. 28, nearly a month after being injured on the job. “The shoulder has a greater range of motion than any other joint in the body,” Dr. Junkin explained. “The ball-and-socket joint is held together by a group of muscles and tendons called the ‘rotator cuff.’ A healthy rotator cuff keeps the ball in the socket and aids in movement in many directions, but overuse or injury can disrupt normal stability of the shoulder, causing symptoms. ‘Major injury’ “In Bonnie’s case, this was a major injury. She practically had a complete tear of her rotator cuff.” Dr. Junkin offered these signs and symptoms of possible rotator cuff injuries: • Shoulder weakness and/or loss of range of motion • Pain and tenderness in your shoulder, especially when reaching overhead, reaching behind your back, lifting, pulling, or sleeping on the affected side • Inclination to keep your shoulder inactive “The most common symptom is pain,” he said, “especially when lying on the affected shoulder. If it wakes you up at
David M. Junkin Jr., MD
night and/or causes you to reposition, there could definitely be a problem.” As you get older, Dr. Junkin said, your risk of a rotator cuff injury increases. In fact, tears are most common in people over 40. Risk factors “Athletes who regularly use repetitive motions, such as baseball pitchers, also have greater risk for injury,” he said. Other factors that may increase your risk include: • Working in the construction trades (painting or anything else with repetitive motions). • Having poor posture. A forward-shoulder posture can cause a muscle or tendon to become irritated. • Having weak shoulder muscles. As for Bonnie, she was able to return home on the same day that Dr. Junkin repaired her rotator cuff. And after completing a physical therapy program, she reports her shoulder is “healed.” “I have better range of motion now,” Bonnie said. “I still have a little pain, but that was to be expected after such a big tear. “Dr. Junkin gave me the confidence and ability I needed to return to full duty at work. He really did a good job and I still get to retire in 2014.”
Dr. Junkin is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in general orthopaedics and sports medicine, with a focus on the treatment of injuries and disorders of the shoulder, knee, and ankle. After earning a master’s degree in medical sciences from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Dr. Junkin received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Temple University Hospital. Following his residency training, Dr. Junkin completed the Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Kentucky’s Albert Chandler Medical Center in Lexington.
601 Hawthorne Drive Hollidaysburg 814-889-3600 EliteOrthoDocs.com
If you’re experiencing severe shoulder pain or weakness, are unable to use your arm, or have pain that has lasted more than a week, Dr. Junkin advises you to seek help from a physician. Program alert!
Hip Fractures — Causes, Treatment, and Recovery See calendar insert for details, dates, and times
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Helping diabetics take control
Pat Rose, RN, CDE
Specially trained team available on every inpatient unit Accurate information about diabetes is crucial for controlling the disease and enjoying life, according to a certified diabetes educator (CDE) at UPMC Altoona. Pat Rose, RN, says although diabetes is life-changing, it needn’t take over your life. “Diabetes can be managed with education, the right tools, and a lot of support from health professionals and family,” she said. “Diabetes no longer has to control your life, but it takes education and effort daily.” UPMC Altoona has a full team of professionals helping newly diagnosed or long-term diabetics. The team is led by the patient’s endocrinologist or family physician, who oversees care and treatment.
Special training required Along with the physician and Pat, team members include Monica RichersKelly, RD, LDN, clinical dietitian, and 18 RNs who volunteered to be Diabetic Nurse Champions. Pat, a registered nurse for 35 years, served in different capacities for 11 years at the hospital before becoming its first certified diabetes educator. To earn that title, a nurse must train, pass an initial written exam, and be re-certified annually through continuing education in diabetes management. “Pat’s years of experience as the inpatient diabetic educator enable her to share her knowledge and
skills with the diabetic champions and staff,” said Kathryn Terlinsky, director of Education and Pat’s supervisor. To put the need into perspective, consider that about one-fourth of the approximately 20,000 patients discharged here during fiscal year 2008 had diabetes. And the number is rising. ‘Champions’ on every unit In the past 14 months, the Diabetic Nurse Champions began covering every inpatient unit. “A registered nurse from each unit volunteered to become more highly educated in diabetes,” Pat said. “Each Diabetic
“Diabetes no longer has to control your life...” 10
Nurse Champion provides improved care and support to inpatients, raises awareness, and assists other staff by being a visible and accessible source of reliable information.”
Outpatient help also available
The 18 nurses also provide valuable feedback to the Diabetic Committee, which oversees standards of procedure and processes related to nursing care for diabetics.
In addition, Monica and Pat tell patients they are both available through outpatient programs after discharge. With a referral from a physician, most people with diabetes may consult with a registered dietitian annually.
Monica, the team dietitian, assisted the Diabetic Nurse Champions with carbohydrate counting and substituting. “We noticed the staff nurses overall were grappling with the issue of patients wanting to switch snacks,” Monica said, “but the nurses weren’t sure if the new snack ‘fit’ with the carbohydrate count the patient was to eat.
“To make it easier for nurses to find satisfactory substitutes, a chart is now posted in each unit’s kitchen.”
“Each person with diabetes is unique,” Pat said, “but with a treatment plan and goal-setting, complications from diabetes can be minimized. It’s no longer the devastating diagnosis it was decades ago. And we are here to help. ”
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Foundation awards grants for medical equipment New treatment for asthma The Holiday Splendor Gala and Auction held Nov. 8 at The Calvin House raised $57,000 toward the purchase of bronchial thermoplasty equipment for Pulmonary Services at UPMC Altoona. This annual fundraising event includes both a silent and live auction, featuring gift items, baskets, gift certificates, art pieces, holiday gift items, and beautifully decorated holiday trees. Each year, proceeds are used to update programs, services, and equipment at UPMC Altoona for the benefit of our local community. Bronchial thermoplasty is a safe outpatient treatment for severe persistent asthma. Patients treated with bronchial thermoplasty have reported improved quality of life, fewer asthma attacks, fewer ER visits and hospitalizations, and fewer days lost from work and school. “UPMC Altoona is excited to offer this cutting-edge therapy to our community,” said Mehrdad Ghaffari, MD, medical
Foundation names new president Tim Balconi was recently named the new president of the Foundation for Life. Tim is a veteran fundraiser who served most recently as president of Unity Health Foundation in Rochester, N.Y. He spent many years as a new-car dealer and entered health care philanthropy after being a volunteer and board member at Unity.
director of the Department of Pulmonary Services, “thanks to the support of Holiday Splendor and the Foundation for Life.” Helping hearing-impaired children The Foundation for Life has awarded $2,500 from the Ethel Mallery Trust Fund toward the purchase of iPads and flashcards for the education of hearing-impaired children. The Ethel Mallery Trust Fund was established in 1982 through the last will and testament of Ethel P. Mallery, who designated funds to be used for the care and treatment of young people who may be deaf or hard of hearing. Through this trust fund and others like it, the Foundation for Life can continue to award grants to UPMC Altoona to benefit our patients and the community.
Employee donations exceed $20,00o UPMC Altoona employees are participating in the It Starts With Us campaign that began July 1 and will end June 30, 2014. It Starts With Us is an employee-centered giving program where all donations from employees to the Foundation for Life are used to support the programs and services of UPMC Altoona.
Save the date! Foundation for Life
Golf Classic Monday, June 23, 2014
Scotch Valley Country Club
Through voluntary contributions, 136 employees raised $20,305. The employee support of the Foundation for Life and UPMC Altoona shows how strongly employees believe in our mission of providing outstanding patient care. The Foundation’s Step by Step Endowment program gives a donor the opportunity to fulfill a pledge over a period of years. This enables many donors to give a larger amount than might be possible with a onetime gift. Multi-year pledges are very welcome. Endowment donors at UPMC Altoona include (from left): seated — Dale Fuller, chief information officer, and Linnane Batzel, MD, MBA, chief medical officer; standing — Neil Port, Foundation board member; Ron McConnell, COO; Gary Zuckerman, vice president, Supply Chain and Facilities Operations; Jerry Murray, president; Matthew Bouchard, MD, chairman of Emergency Medicine, and Charlie Zorger, former CFO (retired). Others include Dave Duncan, PhD, president and CEO, Blair Medical Associates, and the Deichert family.
“I am enjoying the warm welcome from the community, “ Tim said, “and look forward to working to connect donors with the wonderful opportunities to support UPMC Altoona.” Tim and his wife, Kathy, have two daughters. Tim Balconi. Foundation for Life President
Donor profile: Joseph Antonowicz, MD The Foundation for Life recognizes Joseph Antonowicz, MD, for his outstanding leadership as a donor to UPMC Altoona. Dr. Antonowicz has been the medical director of Behavioral Health Services at UPMC Altoona since 2000 and is board-certified in adult and geriatric psychiatry and addiction medicine. Through donations to our employee campaign, annual appeals, and fundraising events, Dr. Antonowicz has excelled as a leader in providing support for hospital programs and services. Dr. Antonowicz understands the importance of charitable giving. “As a physician and member of the medical staff, I believe I have a responsibility to support the charitable mission of our hospital,” he said. “Insurances, be they public or private, do not pay for the true costs of health care, and the Foundation is critical to the very survival of the hospital. “Without donations, we simply cannot obtain equipment and develop services necessary to achieve the goal of world-class health care.”
HOW to give To make a gift in love, tribute, or remembrance, contact the Foundation for Life at 814-889-6406, or send a check with a note providing background on the reason for your gift. You can also make your gift at www.altoonaregional.org/gift_giving. The Foundation will notify the person of your tribute gift with an appropriate card, and you will receive a receipt and letter thanking you for your generosity and thoughtfulness.
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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID UPMC Altoona
UPMC Altoona 620 Howard Avenue Altoona, PA 16601 Change Service Requested
and
Ask the specialist
Mehrdad Ghaffari, MD, FCCP, medical director of UPMC Altoona’s Department of Pulmonary Services, is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine as a diplomate in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine.
Lung cancer is the second most-diagnosed cancer in men and women, killing more than 150,000 Americans a year. With less than a 16 percent five-year survival rate, it accounts for 30 percent of all cancer deaths in America. Recently, low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening became a recommended screening tool for detecting earlystage lung cancer in people considered to be at high risk for the disease. How do you know if you are at risk for lung cancer and should have a low-dose CT screening? Discuss your health history with your physician to see if the benefits of screening outweigh the risks. Your doctor will consider these criteria for screening established by the U.S. Preventive Task Force: • Current or former smoker • Age 55-74 • A smoking history of 30 “pack years” (number of packs a day times number of years of smoking) • Exposure to radon • Exposure to cancer-causing agents, such as silica, cadmium, asbestos, arsenic, beryllium, chromium, diesel fumes, or nickel • Having had lung cancer before or radiation to the chest • A family history of lung cancer • COPD or emphysema What are possible symptoms of lung cancer? A visible sign or symptom of lung cancer may be shortness of breath, chronic cough, coughing up blood, or chronic bronchitis. If a patient tells a primary care physician he is experiencing one or more of these problems, the family physician is likely to order a CT scan. What is the difference between low-dose CT and a chest x-ray? Cancer research studies have shown that lung cancer can be detected earlier using a low-dose CT scan. Earlier detection and earlier treatment produce better survival rates, in most cases. Unlike a chest x-ray, which produces flat, two-dimensional 12
images of the lungs, a CT scanner can explore the entire lung area by taking a continuing series of x-rays in a spiral around the chest. These images can be examined on a computer in “slices” and reconstructed in three dimensions, giving detailed information about the volume and shape of lung nodules. Do I need a physician’s order to have the CT screening performed? Yes, a physician’s order for a low-dose CT scan must be obtained to verify that benefits from the scan outweigh the risk of radiation exposure. Radiation exposure is cumulative, so patients need to be aware of lifetime exposures. However, one low-dose CT scan gives you one-eighth the radiation of a regular CT, almost equal to the radiation exposure received during a mammogram, and with the potential to be just as lifesaving. This is the tool we have needed to reverse the odds of beating lung cancer and turn them more in our favor. If the scan comes back “negative,” do I ever have to be re-screened? Yes. A “negative” result means no abnormal findings at this screening. It does not mean you absolutely do not have lung cancer or that you will never get lung cancer. Because needs are individualized, a screening schedule should be discussed with your doctor.
Will my health insurance cover the test?
Since this is a recommendation approved by the U.S. Preventive Task Force and based on the Affordable Care Act, health insurances should cover all screenings, but it is best to check with your plan administrator to be certain.
Where can I get more information?
The American Lung Association has information at www.lung.org. Do a search for “CT screening.”
Does UPMC Altoona offer the screening?
Yes. After obtaining an order from your doctor, call 814-889-4222 to schedule your lung cancer screening.
Profile Dr. Ghaffari received his medical degree from Mashhad University of Medical Science in Mashhad, Iran, and completed his internship training at SinaiGrace Hospital in Detroit. He did his residency training at the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences, Memphis, where he also received fellowship training. He practices with Blair Medical Associates Pulmonology, Station Medical Center, 1414 9th Ave., Altoona; 814-946-1655. Blair Medical Associates is an affiliate of UPMC Altoona.