Healthy. Together. SPRING/SUMMER 2014
Markham.Stouffville.
TM
Chris Hadfield B e r e a d y•W o r k h a r d•E n j o y i t
Thanking our heroes Partners for healthy living Compliments of the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. Please take this magazine with you and share it with your family and friends.
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Healthy. Together.
in this issue
Markham.Stouffville.TM
Spring/Summer 2014 Publisher Ian Proudfoot Regional General Manager John Willems Associate Publication Manager Lee Ann Waterman Markham Stouffville Hospital Editorial Advisors Lisa Joyce, Suzette Strong Contributors Jim Craigmyle, Cathy Hillard, Sue Kanhai, Nick Kozak, Andrew Livingstone, Joann MacDonald Director of Advertising Debra Weller
message from our CEOs 3
This end is only the beginning Our partnership continues
cover story 8
Chris Hadfield Be ready. Work hard. Enjoy it.
at your hospital 16
Meet our MSHeroes Staff members are making a difference
20 Partners for healthy living Hospital, city team up to build community centre 22
Dr. Jerry Halik Local leader, global influence
24
Working behind the scenes For your benefit
your community partners 27
Hockey for health care Annual event scores big
28
Family donors proud Of hospital’s metamorphosis
keeping you healthy 12
Plan ahead For a healthy vacation
26
Find relief From seasonal allergies
30
Boost your fibre Tips to improve your diet
31
Ask the specialist Health care professionals take your questions
supporting your hospital
14
Best possible cancer care Close to home
15
Thanking our heroes Patients honour hospital staff
events 4
Seen supporting your hospital Highlights of past events
Advertising Manager Anne Beswick Advertising Team Pam Burgess, Carrie Emerson, Cindy Johnson Regional Director Production and Creative Services Katherine Porcheron Graphic Designer Michelle Al-Jbouri Director of Business Administration Rob Lazurko Director of Distribution Tanya Pacheco
Healthy.Together.Markham.Stouffville. is published twice a year by York Region Media Group Ltd., in partnership with the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. TM
Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.
The material in this publication is intended for general information purposes only and, while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material, it does not constitute advice or carry the specific endorsement of either York Region Media Group or Markham Stouffville Hospital. Readers are encouraged to consult their doctor to discuss their health concerns.
6 Champions for hospital support Students, parents and teachers fundraise 32
Join us! Upcoming events benefiting the hospital
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message from our CEOs
This end is only the beginning “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” – T.S. Eliot At Markham Stouffville Hospital, this end is only the beginning. The end of our construction and renovations is in our sights – we look ahead to a bright new beginning in our organization’s history. Our new building is fully occupied and, in the coming months, our existing building’s renovation will be complete. Over the past few years, we have been overwhelmed by the pride and commitment our community has shown towards its hospital. Construction is never an easy process, and at times it has been messy, noisy and inconvenient. But our community has continued to support us and it has definitely been worth it. We are grateful to our patients, staff, visitors and community for accommodating us during this time.
Janet Beed President & CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital
Your support has not ended there. Through the generosity of our donors, we have been able to outfit our new spaces with the most advanced technology so that we can continue to provide the excellent quality care our community deserves. As our community continues growing, we are excited to be able to keep up with the need for specialized health care, programs and equipment close to home. Be sure to check out the Cornell Community Centre article. It covers our innovative partnership with the City of Markham, just one of the many ways we are encouraging you to stay active and live your life to the fullest. We look forward to continuing to be a partner in your health – together.
Suzette Strong CEO, the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation
Compliments of the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. Please take this magazine with you and share it with your family and friends. www.mshf.on.ca 3
events
Seen supporting your hospital Highlights from our signature events 25th Anniversary CIBC Celebration of Hope More than 900 people gathered at the Hilton Markham Suites to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the CIBC Celebration of Hope, supporting cancer care at Markham Stouffville Hospital. With the generous support of numerous corporate and community sponsors, including CIBC as the title sponsor, the event raised more than $200,000. Highlights included performances by Canada’s amazing R&B vocalist Quisha Wint and “red hot” dancers from So You Think You Can Dance Canada, as well as an incredible runway show by fashion icon Franco Mirabelli.
The afternoon was capped off with the awarding of a brand new 2013 BMW 128i Cabriolet to the lucky Town+Country BMW Raffle of Hope grand prize winner Mike Davidson of Markham.
R&B vocalist Quisha Wint
Host CHFI’s Erin Davis
Hosted by CHFI’s Erin Davis, the day was filled with laughter, love, inspiration and hope. Ms Davis received an honourary Hope Award to recognize her 22 years of supporting the luncheon and for all the work she does to aid in the fight against cancer. The other recipients honoured were CTV News Channel’s Jennifer Ward and community advocate and fundraiser Linda Chambers. Save the date for this year’s luncheon, Sunday, October 26. For more photographs, visit hope.mshf.on.ca.
Hope Award recipient Jennifer Ward of CTV News Channel with Allan Bell, director of community relations and corporate partnerships at the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation
RUN4MSH at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Last October, the MSH Leaders participated in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge for the first time. Thirty-five RUN4MSH team members, including MSH Leaders committee members, physicians, hospital staff, business and community supporters, took on the big city challenge by walking or running a marathon, half-marathon or 5K race. Members successfully raised $20,000! The MSH Leaders are organizing a RUN4MSH team again for this year’s event, Oct. 19. For information about MSH Leaders or this event, visit mshleaders.ca. 4 www.mshf.on.ca
events
Highlights from our fall and winter community events It takes our community to support Markham Stouffville Hospital. We gratefully recognize the generous fundraising efforts of our many supporters. Every dollar raised offers life-changing and life-saving potential for a family member, friend or neighbour. Thank you!
Tracey Rubinoff SkateAthon
Holiday gift wrapping at Markville Shopping Centre
Clubs4Cancer Looking Back ‘50s and ‘60s dance
Canada-HK New Horizon Lions Club Hollywood Glamour Gala
Svengali Salon Grand Opening
Toronto Paragon Lions Club Mardi Gras Charity Ball
School of Rock Rockathon
Direct Energy holiday employee fundraiser
New Wave Hair and Day Spa Cut for a Cause
Canadians of Pakistani Origin 12th Annual Gala
11th Annual Markham Unionville Homes for the Holidays House Tour
View more photographs at mshf.on.ca
Markham East Youth Council Spooktacular
www.mshf.on.ca 5
events
Champions for hospital support by Sue Kanhai The youngest among us are certainly doing their part when it comes to supporting health care in their community. Under the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation’s School Program banner, many local schools host events each spring to raise money for Markham Stouffville Hospital. Last year, more than 35 schools from the York Region District and York Catholic District School Boards participated and together raised $85,000. Schools kick off their fundraising efforts in April, with events taking place in May and June. Some schools do a run or a walk and others host a “loonie-toonie” day. Some have a family fitness night or a “civvies” (non-uniform), pajama or silly hat day. Many schools have been fundraising since 2000, when they would host a run as part of the MSH Legacy 5K. The School Program grew out of that event and is now in its third year. At Boxwood Public School, 500 JK to Grade 8 students enthusiastically participate in fundraising that culminates in a schoolwide run every spring, says vice-principal Ruth Carmichael. The School Program, she says, offers many opportunities for learning—about healthy living, finances and social responsibility. “The kids have an incredible sense of social justice,” Ms Carmichael says. “They support a number of causes both around the world and in the community. The hospital has become the focus in the community.” Ms Carmichael says finding students who are passionate about physical fitness and giving back to the community to champion the cause has been key to the program’s success. “That’s what makes it fly,” she says. “As soon as you have student leaders, it just takes off.” Last year, under the guidance of a Grade 7 class, the school doubled its 2012 donations. The students, she says, do everything from sharing information with schoolmates to submitting write-ups for the school newsletter to setting up a course for the run.
6 www.mshf.on.ca
Boxwood Public School students (above) are proud to make a difference and support their local hospital. School champion Susan Bury and her son Carson with Dr. Bear (below) at St. Justin, Martyr Catholic Elementary’s 2013 fundraising event for the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. St. Justin, Martyr Catholic Elementary School in Unionville has been the top fundraising school each year students and staff have participated. In 2013, the school hit the cumulative sum of $100,000—an amount raised over eight years. The school has 580 students and 40 staff. Principal Susan Knetsch says Susan Bury spearheaded the school’s fundraising efforts during the eight years her children attended. “Mrs. Susan Bury was a very motivated parent volunteer. She worked enthusiastically behind the scene as well as most visibly during our kick-off assembly and run day.” Ms Knetsch says. The kids themselves didn’t need much convincing. St. Justin, Martyr students are motivated to do well and want to get involved. Their remarkable success is due to a really strong partnership—a wonderful example of staff, home and community working together, she says. “We have excellent teachers here, wonderful students and we’re very family and communityoriented,” says vice-principal Catherine Donovan. “We get great support from the parent community.” Participation in the event reinforces some of the school’s core values, Ms Knetsch says, citing giving back to others, being appreciative of what you have, doing the right thing and taking a leadership role. The school launches the program every spring with a big kick-off rally—tied to fitness and good health—including a presentation for students and a visit from MSH’s mascot Dr. Bear. A pledge form goes home asking for a onetime donation. Pledges over $25 earn kids a
T-shirt fashioned to look like doctor’s scrubs, complete with stethoscope. “When we have our run, it’s a sea of green or blue scrubs,” Ms Knetsch says. “Parents come out and people are out there cheering. The kids, many of whom were born at MSH, really enjoy the day and feel good about giving. They think of it as their hospital that they’ve helped to build.” Ms Bury was on the executive committee for the Legacy 5K when her kids started attending St. Justin, Martyr. She joined the parent council and brought the school on board for fundraising. As a “school champion” for the fundraiser, she acted as a link among the hospital, foundation, school and parents—a role she says isn’t difficult or time-consuming. “Once the process was set up, it ran itself,” she says. She also enlisted the help of longtime friend, Brian Chatland, a former vice-principal who had recently retired. “Brian was a big contributor in helping to get schools on board. He excelled at making connections. His personality would just draw people in,” she says. “It’s so important for our kids to understand the importance of giving back locally,” Ms Bury adds. “I hope that other schools will see that it really isn’t a daunting task and that more parents will step into the champion role.” To get involved or for information about the school program, visit msh5k.ca or contact schools@msh.on.ca or 905-4727373 ext. 6647.
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Chris Hadfield
BE READY WORK HARD ENJOY IT by Lee Ann Waterman cover photography by Nick Kozak
In his memoir An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield offers a favourite maxim he says can apply to almost any situation in life: “Be ready. Work hard. Enjoy it.” A 21-year veteran of the Canadian space program, Mr. Hadfield is probably best known for his recent role as commander of the International Space Station during a five-month mission from December 2012 to May 2013. Mr. Hadfield captured worldwide attention through his Twitter feed (@Cmdr_Hadfield) and YouTube channel (Chris Hadfield)—chronicling life aboard the space station, posting photographs of Earth and videos of himself brushing his teeth and playing guitar, and appearing on numerous television programs. 8 www.mshf.on.ca
It’s fair to say he gave hundreds of thousands of us a new or renewed understanding of and interest in space. The son of an airline pilot, Mr. Hadfield started flying when he was 16 years old. Inspired by Neil Armstrong’s 1969 moonwalk, Mr. Hadfield wanted, against all odds—there was no Canadian Space Agency at the time— to become an astronaut. In preparation, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, earned an engineering degree and became a test pilot, and, on exchange with the United States Navy and United States Air Force, obtained a master’s degree in aviation systems at the University of Tennessee Space Institute. All of this served him well when he applied to the Canadian Space Agency in 1992.
David Bebee, The Record photograph
Chris Hadfield speaks in front of an image of an astronaut in space during a lecture at the University of Waterloo. www.mshf.on.ca 9 Astronaut Chris Hadfield during training before his 2013-2013 mission (above) and as commander of the International Space Station (right).
Astronaut Chris Hadfield during training before his 2012-2013 mission (above) and as commander of the International Space Station (right).
But, he says, to “be ready” to become an astronaut and be selected for space travel required a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. To live and work on the International Space Station, he says, astronauts must pass “the hardest physical in the world.” This doesn’t mean they have the speed of an Olympic sprinter or the strength of a champion weightlifter. It’s about being “fit for life—having a body that will sustain you for the long run,” he says. Mr. Hadfield compares his attention to physical fitness to car maintenance. “Have you cared for your [car] so reliably that you can guarantee that you can drive from here to Los Angeles and it’s not going to break down? Or, in our case, can you guarantee that your body is going to be on the space station for six months and you will not need to go to the hospital or go to a clinic?” 10 www.mshf.on.ca
Maintaining a healthy body becomes a way of life. It means “not trying to treat your body like a short-term project, but as a long-term goal and building yourself a set of habit patterns that despite all the vagaries of life is still going to allow you to maintain health,” Mr. Hadfield says. Key to these patterns is diet and exercise. For the former, he pays attention to what he eats—making nutritious choices that will fuel his body and support general health. For the latter, he has a simple approach. First, he takes opportunities in his daily life to be active. “You can buy the membership at the most expensive gym in the world or order the best equipment, but what it really comes down to is: Do you take the stairs or not? Do you carry your bags? How much walking do you do? What do you actually, on a regular basis, choose to do with your body
so that you’re exercising it and, if possible, exercising it for free?” he says. Second, he aims to do aerobic exercise, most often running, but sometimes using a rowing or elliptical machine, and full-body strength training three times a week. By focusing on simple, but effective, exercises, Mr. Hadfield can fit them into his routine regardless of his schedule and sustain a good level of physical fitness. “What I really want is to build a body that will allow me to do the things that I want to do,” he says. “Exercise is sort of like studying for an exam. You can’t do well on the exam if you haven’t put in the hard work beforehand.” Those “things” can range from a mission aboard the International Space Station to a game of two-person volleyball or a ski trip. “Hopefully, you can continue to push your body enough that when the opportunity comes to go skiing in Banff, you can ski all
NASA photographs
MSH’s mission: Your health
day and not injure yourself or have to give up because you’re not strong or fit enough,” he says. Of course, zero gravity puts a whole new spin on staying fit. “You can be incredibly lazy in space,” Mr. Hadfield says. “Literally, you do not have to lift a finger. You don’t have to hold your head up. My neck did nothing for five months but position my eyeballs. “It’s the ultimate sedentary lifestyle.” For his most recent mission, Mr. Hadfield, who has been in space three times, worked extensively with a trainer from the Canadian Space Agency—starting four years beforehand with training and tests to measure his fitness, through an exercise prescription in space and continuing with several months rehabilitation upon his return. His prescribed two hours daily exercise in space included time on a treadmill (held down with bungee cords that could be adjusted to mimic body weight), a “seatless” stationary bike (no need to sit at zero gravity) and an advanced resistive exercise device, equipment similar to a universal gym where astronauts can do squats, heel raises, bench presses, etc. The exercise is for the astronauts’ health, but also for science. Research into the effects of weightlessness and prolonged space flight on the human body requires astronauts to follow specific guidelines and submit to a myriad of tests, in space and for decades afterwards. One area of focus is the parallels between the effects of space travel and natural aging, such as osteoporosis, shrinkage of the heart, arterial sclerosis (hardening of the arteries), muscle wasting or atrophy, issues with balance and deteriorating vision. For astronauts, the changes reverse when they
return to Earth. “It’s a wonderful guinea pig set-up, a wonderful laboratory to try and figure out how the body is regulating those things. If we can figure out why weightlessness causes osteoporosis, what is going on inside the body… then that will, of course, have application for people back on Earth,” Mr. Hadfield says. “That’s a big part of what we’re studying up there—not just for longterm space travel, but for direct application to all different populations on Earth, including the aging population.” There are many ways in which space exploration has and will continue to impact our lives here on Earth. Mr. Hadfield co-authored an academic paper on using ultrasound as a remotesensing technique. Medical equipment is limited in space, but the International Space Station is equipped with a small ultrasound unit—which crewmembers are trained to use to assist in the diagnosis of injuries and illnesses in their colleagues with the help of doctors on Earth. The same could work for residents of remote communities, where medical resources are limited, Mr. Hadfield says, adding it is just one example of technology designed for space travel that has use here on Earth. “As soon as you create an esoteric need like that and develop an expertise, you start to see applications that apply in a lot of different locations and situations,” he says. You could say the same about Mr. Hadfield’s approach to health and fitness: conscious nutrition with a focus on supporting the body and day-to-day activity in combination with simple exercise is a system adaptable to any lifestyle in any location…maybe even outer space.
When you walk into the lobby of the newly expanded and renovated Markham Stouffville Hospital, you’ll see a staircase—and visitors and staff using it to make their way around the hospital. That staircase is symbolic of MSH’s commitment to wellness. Like retired astronaut Chris Hadfield, administration, physicians and staff at MSH think your good health should be a long-term goal and a way of life. “We believe our role is to help you maximize your health,” is one of the hospital’s four stated beliefs. That goal is reflected in programs that offer education, build awareness and support disease prevention, early diagnosis and rehabilitation. Examples include the adult diabetes education centre, pediatric diabetes program, asthma education centre and stroke prevention clinic. MSH is also working with partners to promote healthy lifestyles. The Markham Family Health Team, which has several locations, including two at MSH, brings together family physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians, mental health counsellors, social workers and pharmacists to provide primary care to residents. The team offers preventative care through education sessions and programs ranging from smoking cessation, heart healthy lifestyle and diabetes prevention to prenatal care to 50-plus wellness and aging at home. As well, a unique collaboration with the City of Markham led to the construction of the Cornell Community Centre on the MSH campus, which allows the city and hospital to promote wellness by sharing expertise and facilities. Increasingly, you can turn to MSH for the resources and knowledge you need to establish and maintain good health not just to treat an illness or injury...and take the stairs to get there. For more information about MSH’s mission and beliefs, programs and services, visit msh.on.ca.
www.mshf.on.ca 11
keeping you healthy
Plan ahead for a healthy vacation by Cathy Hillard
You’ve been looking forward to this vacation for months. You’ve chosen the perfect accommodation, booked your flights and maybe even figured out what you need to pack. But there is one crucial thing you may have overlooked. Getting sick on vacation is no-one’s idea of a fun time, yet it can happen remarkably easily. Different sanitation and hygiene standards in your destination country, as well as issues with safe drinking water can lead to all sorts of problems for travellers. And in some cases, serious diseases are present in those countries against which you should be vaccinated. Even if the destination is familiar to you, you could still be at risk. It is essential you visit your health care provider or a travel clinic six weeks (or more depending on your destination) before your trip. Different destinations carry different risks and the clinic will be able to tell you how to prepare. You should also ensure you are up-to-date with routine immunizations, as diseases that have been mostly eradicated through immunization in Canada may be prevalent in other countries. This is especially true of measles, which is still common in many parts of the world. 12 www.mshf.on.ca
“Vaccination is a lifelong process” explains Sylwia Krzyszton of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). “Over time, the protection provided through vaccination may decrease and your risk of getting certain diseases may also increase.” Your own health will also dictate whether or not you are particularly vulnerable to certain illnesses and whether you should take added precaution. Ms Krzyszton suggests people check for travel health notices on the PHAC website (travel.gc.ca), which is updated regularly and contains the latest information on disease outbreaks and advisories for specific countries. The most common illness to affect travellers is food poisoning, usually caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites in food or water. Protecting against this can be as simple as washing your hands, avoiding unpeeled raw produce and drinking bottled water. But poor sanitation and hygiene can also spread more serious illnesses such as hepatitis A and B, which is why it is important to make sure you have adequate vaccination. Because many diseases are carried by insects, it is wise to take precautions against getting bitten. If you are travelling to a region where malaria is prevalent, it may be necessary to take anti-malaria medication, which a doctor
can prescribe. Packing a simple travel health kit, with oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamine and other first aid items should prevent you having to spoil your vacation by going to a clinic or hospital should you succumb to a bout of illness. (For a complete list of items to include in your travel kit, visit travel.gc.ca.) Even if you travel incident free, it is still possible to bring home more than souvenirs. In recent months, a man returning from China to Alberta became the first confirmed human case of H5N1 “bird flu” in North America and other strains of avian influenza continue to be a concern. So it is important to continue to monitor your health upon your return. “If you develop any symptoms when you get back, you should see a health care provider immediately and tell them where you have been,” Ms Krzyszton says. Compliments of the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. Please take this magazine with you and share it with your family and friends.
www.mshf.on.ca 13
supporting your hospital
The best cancer care close to home by Lee Ann Waterman
When patients and visitors began arriving at the new cancer centre at Markham Stouffville Hospital in January, they were welcomed with a warm hug delivered on a board filled with messages from caring strangers in their community: “Keep up the good work. Sunshine will come.” “Know that there are people cheering you on.” “May the new year bring you peace, joy, happiness and, above all, good health.” “We will always be rooting for you and will continue to send you positive and healing thoughts.” During the holiday season each year, the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation shares a “holiday wish list” with the community and asks for its support. In 2013, that request included equipment needed for the hospital and cards for people to offer their words of encouragement to patients. The response was overwhelming—more than 1,000 cards and personalized notes arrived at the foundation offices. Both the new centre, funded in large part by donations from individuals, families, groups and local businesses, and the well wishes speak to our collective belief that our family members, friends and neighbours deserve the
very best quality cancer treatment close to home. And, at Markham Stouffville Hospital, they are getting that care. Currently, the MSH cancer centre treats about 400 cancer patients every year, with approximately 2,700 chemotherapy visits and more than 3,050 visits to the Breast Health Centre. That number is expected to double to 800 patients within the next few years and the new centre has room to accommodate that growth. Patients come to MSH for fast, accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment including surgery and chemotherapy, follow-up care and support—all right where every patient wants that care to be, close to home. For some complex surgeries and radiation treatment, patients will go to one of MSH’s partner hospitals. The new centre, says oncologist Dr. Henry Solow, who has worked at MSH for 24 years, is a welcoming environment for patients. “It’s a beautiful area that is bright and spacious. A more sophisticated cancer centre,” he says. You could say the physical space now reflects the excellent care oncologists, chemotherapy nurses, pharmacists, volunteers, social workers and others have been providing patients. “Our looks have changed but our philosophy is the same. We do everything we can to ensure people get the best care,” Dr. Solow says.
Cancer centre features • Nine new chemotherapy chairs and room to accommodate an additional five. At a cost of $4,200 each, these heated chairs were funded by the community through donations to the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. • A design that offers privacy and room for family members, but also allows for patients to interact if desired, as patients often find supportive relationships with others undergoing similar treatment. • Floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in natural light, many overlooking a new healing garden. • A computerized order system, in-house pharmacy and technicians that ensures chemotherapy medication is accurately mixed and administered.
14 www.mshf.on.ca
Thanking our heroes by Sue Kanhai
Do we take our heroes for granted? They appear at a critical time, save the day— or simply make a difference—then just as quickly disappear from our lives. When we encounter someone who goes above and beyond what we could ever expect, makes us feel understood, valued or even inspired, we may mention it to a friend or family, but it usually ends there. This is where Brian Chatland, a longtime supporter and friend of the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, was different. The Markham resident, former teacher, rugby coach, high school viceprincipal and volunteer believed in thanking people, acknowledging them for the work they do, empowering them and bolstering their self-confidence. “He had this way of connecting with people and I think that was his gift,” says his wife, Valerie Chatland. He was also on the go 24/7, walking 5 km and swimming 50 laps a day—all before volunteering, coaching, supply-teaching or running leadership courses for kids. In June 2012, Mr. Chatland was diagnosed with a very rare cancer. All of a sudden, the Chatlands were using the very services they had long supported. Inspired by the care he received, they took advantage of the MSHeroes program, each making donations in honour of two staff who touched their lives and made a significant impact on them during this challenging time. MSHeroes is a grateful patient program, a way for everyone to acknowledge special care they receive as patients at Markham Stouffville Hospital. “It provides an opportunity for our patients to say thanks and show their gratitude to whomever it was that provided care for them or had a positive impact on their experience at Markham Stouffville Hospital,” foundation CEO Suzette Strong explains. It could be anyone, a doctor, a nurse, a volunteer or a porter. “These are the people who are on the frontlines,” she says. “They care for patients directly.” While grateful patients have always donated and supported the hospital in the past, this was often done without the element of recognition. MSHeroes puts in place a system that makes this easy. Patients make a donation to the foundation
in honour of their hero. The person honoured receives a card from the foundation, together with a small gold pin. That it resembles Superman’s signature “S” shield is no coincidence. “We want staff to know that what they do every day makes a difference,” Ms Strong Brian and Valerie says. “We care Mr. Chatla Chatland both nominated MSHeroes to recognize the excellent nd receive at Markham Stouffville Hospital. are here to support them so they can continue to do what they do so well.” Donations help fund the purchase of lot to me,” says Mrs. Chatland, who is herself a volunteer at the hospital. “It was incredible much-needed hospital equipment. “If you need an X-ray or a CT scan, that’s how much support and encouragement we funded 100 per cent through donor dollars,” received throughout Brian’s illness.” “Our family wanted to honour these Ms Strong says. “And yet, we want people to know that every dollar counts, however big people for what they had done for us. But or small their donation, every single dollar it wasn’t just about us. It was the care and compassion we saw them bring to their daily counts. It’s the power of community here.” Mr. Chatland nominated nurses Kerry work and the way they interacted with other patients, families and staff as well, which Shewchuk and Stacie Rose. “Their kind, giving and compassionate we felt needed to be recognized. We’re very natures made me, as a patient, feel special,” lucky to have people like that working in our community hospital.” he wrote in a letter to the foundation. “He saw those nurses as people who went above and beyond,” says daughter Sarah Chatland, a social worker at MSH. “He was big on telling people that and letting them know, which isn’t that common really. He wanted to make sure they were recognized.” Just four months after writing that letter, 441 professional staff (physicians, dentists, Mr. Chatland passed away. At Christmas, midwives) Mrs. Chatland made a donation in his 1,813 staff (nurses, therapists, memory, honouring oncologist Dr. Mateya social workers) Trinkaus and emergency room physician Dr. 712 adult volunteers Andrew Arcand. 120 school year students “Seeing people go out of their way to help 435 summer students keep Brian comfortable or make things easier 40 co-op students for him, those were the things that meant a
MSH staff by the numbers
www.mshf.on.ca 15
at your hospital
Meet our MSHeroes by Lee Ann Waterman photography by Jim Craigmyle
Patients of Markham Stouffville Hospital recognize excellent care by nominating physicians, nurses and other staff members as MSHeroes. Patients make a donation to the foundation in honour of their heroes, who receive a card and gold pin from the hospital foundation.
Dr. Mark Berber staff psychiatrist assistant professor, Queen’s Dr. Mark Berber works with the hospital’s mental health team, which includes nurses, psychologists and social workers, to help people troubled with emotional, psychological or psychiatric problems. “The best thing about my job,” he says, “is seeing patients recover from very disabling illnesses, helping patients get well and stay well.” Dr. Berber is also committed to advancing his field through education; in addition to his role as assistant professor at Queen’s University, he regularly shares his knowledge with physician groups and the general public. When asked what it means to him to have been nominated as an MSHero by patients and their families, Dr. Berber responded by saying: “While it is nice to be recognized by your peers, it is the positive feedback and appreciation from patients that really matters.”
psychiatrist 16 www.mshf.on.ca
Coleen Allum Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation volunteer A volunteer for more than a decade, Coleen Allum spends a day a week—more during busy times—in the foundation office. “I’m helping the foundation with fundraising efforts in the community, which is so important,” she says, adding she feels a part of the team there. “It gives me a sense of satisfaction to make a positive contribution to our vibrant community,” says the resident of 15 years. “I feel blessed, my family feels blessed, to be so close to such a state-of-the-art health care facility.” Ms. Allum says it was both a surprise and an honour to be nominated as an MSHero. “The staff in the hospital—the nurses, the doctors and all of the caregivers —they are the real heroes,” she says. “I do feel so honoured that someone also thought to include me.”
volunteer
Sue Bonk registered nurse certified diabetes educator It was the opportunity to provide “proactive” health care that brought Sue Bonk, a former emergency room nurse, to Markham Stouffville Hospital’s adult diabetes clinic eight years ago. Ms Bonk works with a team of 15 nurses and dietitians, two endocrinologists, as well as a manager and support staff. Together, they help approximately 8,000 patients with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, as well as prediabetes (elevated blood sugar levels indicating a risk of developing type 2 diabetes) every year. “I like it when they realize that they can do something positive for themselves,” Ms Bonk says. “It puts them back in the driver’s seat.” Her MSHeroes nomination indicates her clients feel the same way. “It’s was so nice,” she says, “to hear someone thought I’d really helped them.”
diabetes educator www.mshf.on.ca 17
Tom Delaney redevelopment project manager, construction Hired by Markham Stouffville Hospital six years ago, when plans began for the expansion of the hospital, Tom Delaney has more than 20 years of experience working in construction and facilities management at health care centres around the province. At MSH, he acts a liaison between the construction crews and hospital administration and staff. A large part of his role is troubleshooting, finding solutions to the challenges of expanding and renovating a hospital while providing the best care to patients—from handling noise concerns to coordinating movement of staff and visitors through the building. “It’s interesting and challenging,” he says. “You get to see the project from a hole in the ground to completion, to see positive changes.” Mr. Delaney says his MSHeroes nomination came as a “total shock.” “I’m out and about so much, people see me all the time. Someone must have seen me doing something right,” he says.
project manager
Carolina Rotella radiology technologist On any given day in MSH’s busy diagnostics imaging department, Carolina Rotella is performing CT (computed tomography) scans to help physicians diagnose and monitor illness and injury. Her patients could include a collision victim who arrives at the emergency department with possible internal injuries or a cancer survivor in for a six-month check-up. Ms Rotella left her job at a Toronto hospital to work at MSH when it opened—and remembers looking out the office window onto farmland. Although the hospital and city have grown, she still feels that community connection. “This is my hospital. I live in this neighbourhood. I feel like I’m helping my neighbours,” she says. “I am honoured that someone decided to go that extra bit to thank me, but I have to say it’s a total team effort here,” she says of her nomination. “Although we are often thanked by others, it means more when it comes from a patient.”
radiology technologist 18 www.mshf.on.ca
WIN A $100 VISA GIFT CARD Thank you for taking your time to review the Spring/Summer 2014 edition of Healthy Together Markham Stouffville™ magazine. Have you enjoyed learning about your hospital’s expansion, the advancements in services and the contribution of donors? We value your input and want to hear from you. Eligible entrants must complete survey before Monday, November 3, 2014 and the random draw winner will be notified immediately. This VISA gift card could be yours if you take 5 minutes to give us your feedback.
LOG ON TO: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SXSSKW5 to take this 5 minute survey and you could win a $100 VISA gift card! Purpose and eligibility: Draw will be held on Monday, November 3, 2014. Winner will be notified by phone. Winners agree to the use of their name and photo for announcment/publicity purposed by the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. All answers will be kept strictly confidential and will be used to better understand readership value. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age. All prizes must be accepted as awarded and may not be exactly as shown. Values stated are retail at time of purchase (October 2014). No cash value or substitution. Privacy: The Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation respects your privacy and will never sell, trade, or loan your information to any other organization. We will use your information for statistics and administrative purposes. Liability: The Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation assumes no liability for prizes awarded.
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Partners for healthy living by Cathy Hillard
Bruce Anderson has his heart rate monitored by a physiotherapist as he walks on a treadmill. He is taking advantage of the facilities at the newly built Cornell Community Centre while attending his weekly session of the Lifestyle Education and Exercise Program (LEEP), run by Markham Stouffville Hospital. Aimed at stroke prevention, LEEP is a three-month education program on the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyle, followed by a three-month support period in which patients will hopefully “fly solo” in their healthy ways. Patients identified as being at risk of stroke are referred to the program by MSH’s emergency department and stroke clinic. “It’s a great motivator, having to come here every week,” explains Mr. Anderson, who was referred to the program after his doctor suspected he might have had a stroke. “They are constantly encouraging you to exercise at home and be aware of what you are eating, reading labels and so on. Coming here with the exercise facility and the running track, it couldn’t get any better.” The program is just one example of an innovative partnership between MSH and the City of Markham aimed at providing a “campus” approach to wellness through joint 20 www.mshf.on.ca
programs and a sharing of expertise and facilities. “In essence, this innovative partnership enables us to broaden the traditional focus of the hospital from being a place that treats sick people to a place that collaborates with the community to help our patients maintain or regain their health,” says MSH president and CEO Janet Beed. LEEP patients are seamlessly introduced to using the community centre for their rehabilitation. “It is so much better than sending someone home with a lifestyle program and advising them to find a place to implement it,” says Ms Beed, who credits the program with giving MSH one of the lowest rates of admissions for stroke care, while caring for a high-risk population. “If you are looking at overall health and wellness, it should be happening in a familiar setting,” explains Sharon Pynn, a physiotherapist with LEEP, which used to be run out of the outpatient physiotherapy department until it moved to the centre a year ago. “When you have people going to the hospital for prevention or rehabilitation, it seems to escalate the problem. We want people to feel comfortable and focus on their health not their illness.”
Coming to the centre also “breaks the ice” for people who feel self-conscious or fearful of joining a gym or signing up for a fitness class at a community centre. And when they see what is on offer at the centre—including group activities like seniors’ volleyball, pickleball (a paddle sport for all ages) and yoga, as well as the fitness centre and pool— the hope is that the healthy lifestyle they have been introduced to will continue naturally. “Everyone is different,” Ms Pynn explains. “You have some people who have had a stroke and they have already started to make changes to their lifestyle and to do things on their own and then there are others who seem to be waiting, who have not started a new focus on health. Our program gives people guidance and helps get them going in a healthy direction.” This resource and guidance is something that could benefit many people in the community, not just those at risk of a first or repeat stroke. Given the success of LEEP, Ms Beed says that MSH hopes to expand access to this program in the future to support referrals from family practitioners. But the stroke prevention program is not the only success story. This blending of clinical excellence and top-notch community facilities is also evident
City of Markham photographs
Facilities at the Cornell Community Centre, located on the MSH campus, include a fitness centre, pool, gym and library.
with two mental health programs for young residents that are already running out of the Cornell Community Centre. “Worry Busters” is a program for younger children with anxiety issues. Through yoga, group writing and reading, the centre provides a supportive environment for the children as they learn to recognize what triggers their anxiety and how to cope. There is also a day hospital program for teens run in conjunction with the York Region District School Board that is designed to have the youth moving between facilities at the hospital and the exercise room and library at the community centre. A key success element of the program is the transitioning from the community centre facilities rather than a hospital environment as teens discover ways to deal with their anxiety and find a path back to full participation in school. The collaboration continues on the education front, with the hospital creating a special health section in the Cornell Community Centre branch of the Markham Public Library. By running some of its education programs out of the community centre, the hospital manages to reach a wider audience. It’s a win-win situation. The whole “campus” concept of putting
Bruce Anderson is monitored by physiotherapist Gail Kitagawa during a weekly session of Markham Stouffville Hospital’s Lifestyle Education and Exercise Program.
illness and health side by side was a visionary step for the City of Markham—one that Mayor Frank Scarpitti thinks will be the envy of other communities in North America. “I see it as a hub for human advancement,” he says, citing the range of facilities and activities available to all ages and abilities at the centre, from the indoor playground and children’s area in the library to the seniors centre and physiotherapy pool, as well as the 200-seat rehearsal hall. “Human advancement is about trying to meet the broader spectrum of needs of the community,” explains Mayor Scarpitti, who says is he particularly proud of the multi-sensory room at the centre, which was designed for children with autism but which they are now finding is also beneficial to older people with dementia. “It is a wonderful space that provides a soothing and stimulating environment.” “People are starting to understand what this campus inspires,” he continues. “It inspires people to live a healthier lifestyle but also to recognize that sometimes they do need professional or medical intervention and that by working the two ends of the spectrum, we actually do create a campus that becomes a centre of excellence for health and wellness.” Once hospital renovations are complete,
there will be a focus on rolling out new programs and partnerships that Mayor Scarpitti says will really show the value of the collaboration between the centre and the hospital. “We’ve only just begun to unleash the potential,” he says. Ms Beed is also optimistic about the future, in which she hopes to see such things as arthritis programs in the warm therapeutic pool as well as rehabilitation and prehabilitation programs. “For example, a pre-habilitation program could be used to assist someone before their knee replacement. By working on their muscle strength and balance before the surgery, the patient would likely experience a quicker recovery period,” she explains. With the clinical excellence and commitment to patient care provided by the hospital acting as support for programs provided through the community centre, residents will have unrivalled access to services supporting a healthy lifestyle. “It’s all is about keeping people healthy while helping others return to health,” Ms Beed explains. “And the physical proximity of the centre and the hospital, where you can walk between the two in the link makes it truly a partnership.” www.mshf.on.ca 21
Dr. Jerry Halik
Local leader, global influence Jim Craigmyle photograph
by Lee Ann Waterman
Otolaryngologist Dr. Jerry Halik has helped make Markham Stouffville Hospital a leader in ear reconstruction surgery.
22 www.mshf.on.ca
Dr. Jerry Halik built his reputation performing a specialized surgery to restore hearing to a small percentage of the population—yet his impact has been heard around the world. An otolaryngologist, commonly referred to as an ear, nose and throat surgeon, Dr. Halik completed medical school and a residency in otolaryngology at University of Toronto, as well as a fellowship at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. It was the challenge and variety of the work that drew Dr. Halik to his specialty. The anatomy of the head and neck is the most complex in the body, he says. The work is both specialized and diverse; otolaryngologists do cosmetic and reconstructive ear surgery, nasal and sinus surgery and head neck oncology surgery, using conventional scalpel as well as endoscopic (tubes carrying tiny cameras and tools) and microscopic techniques. Dr. Halik further specialized in ear surgery and spent a year learning advanced surgical techniques at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland. After several years working in Toronto, Dr. Halik joined Markham Stouffville Hospital in 1988 as its first chief of surgery, a role he held until 1997. At the time, he explains, the downtown academic hospitals were establishing areas of expertise—and otolaryngology was not a focus. At the new MSH, he would have the support to continue growing his practice. “It was almost a perfect storm,” he says. “I had a transportable skill set and a very transportable need that could be fulfilled easily in a community-based setting, as opposed to having to be near the university.” His expertise and leadership has given MSH an international reputation for excellence in the field. “Now fast-forward 25, 30 years, Markham Stouffville Hospital is recognized as a leader and international centre in the area of middle ear reconstruction,” he says. “When groups meet in my area [of practice] and they talk about work in Canada, Markham Stouffville Hospital is the name that comes up. We have given our community hospital a global profile and international stature in this area.”
Dr. Halik is sought most to perform stapedectomy, a surgery to improve or restore hearing for patients with otosclerosis, a condition where the bones in the ear fuse together. Of the 450 to 500 stapedectomies performed annually in Ontario, about 200 are done at MSH. The hospital also fields requests and referrals from other parts of the country and as far away as South America. Dr. Halik has travelled to Nova Scotia twice a year for the past 20 years to provide this surgery to people living in eastern Canada. As Dr. Halik explains it, the condition is relatively uncommon and the surgery complicated. As a result, most surgeons would not see enough cases to gain and maintain proficiency in the procedure. Passionate about research and training, Dr. Halik has been an assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s department of otolaryngology since 1987. “I feel like I have a responsibility not only to try and do things the best I can, but to encourage others to start thinking about doing things in a better way and being innovative and creative,” he says. “I feel more fulfilled if I’m doing that and that’s been the big appeal for me continuing on and helping in educating.”
I feel like I have a responsibility not only to try and do things the best I can, but to encourage others to start thinking about doing things in a better way and being innovative and creative. Dr. Jerry Halik, otolaryngologist
For the past 15 years, he has also mentored physicians from around the world looking to learn reconstructive ear surgery. The post-doctoral fellows have come from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Kuwait, Dubai, Europe, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Central America to spend a year with Dr. Halik and his team. They have taken the skills they have learned back to establish similar ear surgery practices in their countries.
Dr. Halik has also continued to learn and the surgeries he performs now result in less trauma and better outcomes for his patients. For example, new techniques and technology today mean stapedectomy is an outpatient surgery; two decades ago, a patient would have been in the hospital five to seven days, “mostly because they were so dizzy and couldn’t get up off the bed,” he says. Working at MSH has been crucial to building his own practice and helping to build others around the world, he says. “We have been able to do things that would never have happened in any other place or environment,” he says. “To have the ability and be able to do this work in meaningful volumes is truly amazing. And to have the opportunity to guide the next generation of surgeons and physicians who are interested and passionate, like I have been for the last 25 years, is extraordinary.”
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Working behind the scenes for your benefit by Lee Ann Waterman
The laboratory at Markham Stouffville Hospital is about as behind the scenes as it gets. With blood samples arriving via a pneumatic tube system and test results sent directly to electronic patient records, the 55 lab staff, including technologists and pathologists, who work there have little direct contact with hospital patients. Laboratory technicians and technologists, who do blood and other fluid collections, are the face of the lab to the public. All their work is crucial to the diagnosis and monitoring of a large percentage of patients who come through the hospital doors. 24 www.mshf.on.ca
Jonathan Kwan, patient care director of laboratory services, explains that the two diagnostic disciplines, diagnostic imaging and laboratory, complement each other in providing physicians with the information to make a diagnosis and both are equally important. This year, Mr. Kwan says, the lab’s technologists and pathologists will perform more than 1 million tests, a number that has increased with the growth of the community served by MSH. “We work in the back supporting the whole hospital,” Mr. Kwan says. “Doctors rely on lab testing to provide diagnosis. Seventy to
80 per cent of diagnosis is provided by lab results.” Advances in medical research and medical technology have improved the speed and accuracy of those diagnoses. As part of the expansion and renovation of MSH, the lab and its staff are seeing those advances first hand—with the purchase and installation of a new automated track system for testing blood. To cope with the large volumes of specimens, hospitals in Ontario have adopted automated technologies to provide consistent quality and faster reporting times for test results. With the hospital redevelopment, the laboratory had an
Jim Craigmyle photograph
Senior technologist Mohamed Bhugun (left) and Jonathan Kwan, patient care director of laboratory services, with the new automated track system for testing blood at MSH.
opportunity to employ the latest generation of automation to benefit its patients. “The lab is licensed to perform 132 different blood tests—used to screen for disease, confirm or rule out a diagnosis or to monitor the well-being of patients, explains senior technologist Mohamed Bhugun. Samples come from inpatients who require regular testing to monitor electrolyte levels after surgery or glucose levels, for example; for patients of MSH’s cancer program, diabetes, stroke prevention, COPD and geriatric services clinics; and from arrivals in emergency with chest pain or other symptoms/issues.
Until January (and still in most hospitals across the province), blood testing was very much a hands-on procedure, Mr. Bhugun explains. The process relied on a technologist physically transferring samples from one machine or area within the lab to another. “The new automated track system does all this work for you,” he says. It reads a bar code on the vial, sends the sample through a centrifuge and then to all appropriate analyzers before storing it in a refrigerated unit for seven days. If a physician orders another test from the same sample, the machine can locate the stored sample and send it for the additional test. The technologist sits at a “command centre” overseeing the process on a set of computer monitors. “This technology allows staff to work to their full potential and makes technology a real partner in the lab and in serving our patients,” Mr. Bhugun says. Once the tests are complete, the technologist releases the results, which are sent digitally to patient charts. For critical results, a technologist will telephone the physician or hospital unit directly. The process eliminates errors and allows for a more seamless transfer of specimens and results. “The system is much faster and more reliable,” Mr. Bhugun says. This advanced technology is precisely the type of equipment the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation has been raising funds for throughout its expansion campaign. But technological advancement is only one part of the puzzle. The work of staff in the lab is complex and constantly changing. For example, the number of known tumour markers (substances in blood or urine that can indicate cancer) has grown exponentially in the past 10 years. “The explosion of knowledge is just incredible,” Mr. Kwan says. In order to keep current in this rapidly changing field, Mr. Kwan encourages his staff to continue their education to learn about new developments in testing and technology—ensuring they will be able to meet future challenges and changes as well as they have adapted to recent ones. Lab staff, Mr. Kwan and Mr. Bhugun say, are aware of the very important role they play in patient care, even though most will never care for a patient directly. “Part of this drive is knowing you’re contributing to patient care, although you may not be at the bedside with the patients like our physicians and nurses,” Mr. Kwan says. “We are among the unsung heroes behind the scenes. We know we’re providing a worthy and indispensable service.”
In the lab The lab operates 24/7 in order to keep up with volumes and provide rapid results. The work of the lab falls under five categories: • Phlebotomy: collection and processing of specimens prior to testing • Transfusion: safe storage and handling of blood products provided for transfusions to the hospital by Canadian Blood Services • Clinical chemistry: analysis of body fluids such as blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a variety of analytical instruments • Hematology: study of blood and disease including problems with red and white blood cells, platelets, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen and proteins involved in bleeding and clotting • Microbiology: collection and transfer of samples to a reference lab at a Toronto hospital for testing for infections such as C. difficile • Pathology: examination of samples of body tissue, such as a breast biopsy or tumour, for diagnostic purposes
Safety, quality Hospital laboratories in Ontario are highly regulated by Ontario Laboratory Accreditation to ensure quality of analysis and safety of the facilities. For the past 10 years, they have been accredited based on International Standards Organization (ISO) standards that cover employee competency, maintenance of equipment, procedures for troubleshooting, identifying issues and taking corrective actions and more. As part of external quality assurance, labs are regularly sent “blind” samples to test; their results are compared to the known results to ensure the quality of lab performance. At MSH, lab staff regularly run blind samples of known values as a way to test the process. “We build in a lot of checks and balances in what we do,” Mr. Kwan says.
www.mshf.on.ca 25
keeping you healthy
Find relief from seasonal allergies by Andrew Livingstone
Allergies occur when the body over-reacts to something that is normally harmless, such as tree pollen, ragweed or dust. With spring upon us, seasonal allergies will irritate and overwhelm more than one in six Canadians—many of whom won’t realize why it is happening. Under-reported and under-diagnosed, an allergy can be a manageable annoyance for some and debilitating problem for others, says Dr. Karuna Gupta, a family physician with Health For All family health team in Markham. “Poorly controlled allergy symptoms can affect quality of life significantly, causing fatigue, time lost to work or school, limiting ability to enjoy time outside or exercise,” Dr. Gupta says. “They can also lead to worsening of asthma symptoms.” From April through June, tree pollen rules, while ragweed allergies are most irritated from late August until the first frost, Dr. Gupta says. These are the times of year people suffer the most. However, there are people who have year-round allergies to dust, mould or grass, she adds. While most allergies manifest themselves in people during childhood, it’s not uncommon for an adult to develop an allergy later in life. An allergic reaction triggers an immune response in the body, Dr. Gupta explains. The body produces an antibody that attaches to cells and causes the release of various substances, including histamines, which cause allergy symptoms like a runny 26 www.mshf.on.ca
nose or sneezing. “All of it is challenging,” she says of the symptoms that come with even the most moderate allergy. “Typically, you’ll get sneezing, runny nose, usually watery or red eyes and you might also get a little itching in the mouth.” More severe symptoms include nasal congestion that leads to sinus congestion and headaches, and coughing or shortness of breath, often associated with asthma. While allergies can’t be cured, Dr. Gupta says there are ways to minimize the impact seasonal allergies may have in your day-today routine. Sufferers of seasonal allergies should try to avoid exercising in the morning or late evening when pollen levels are high and use an air conditioner while keeping the windows closed, for example. Patients with milder symptoms may find relief with the occasional use of over-thecounter medications, Dr. Gupta says, while patients with more severe symptoms may
need prescribed medication throughout the allergy season. “Medications treat the immune response,” she explains. “The best medications for a particular person will depend on the nature and severity of the symptoms. “Some medications work better if they are started before the beginning of the allergy season. Some patients will need a combination of medications to manage their symptoms, such as an antihistamine for the sneezing, nasal spray for congestion and eye drops for the irritation of the eyes.” If you think you have developed allergies, your family physician can recommend treatment, Dr. Gupta says. “Most people have a good sense if they have allergies because they can be predictable,” she says. “If you know you have them, often starting treatment before the allergy season begins can be helpful. Used properly, overthe-counter and prescription medication can help minimize your symptoms to mitigate the problem.”
your community partners
Hockey for health care by Andrew Livingstone
Local sports fans, mark your calendars: Hockey Night in Stouffville hits the ice August 21. Now in its fourth year, this charity fundraiser marries two community passions—hockey and health care—and the end result is an event that to date has helped raise $210,000 to aid in Markham Stouffville Hospital’s ambitious expansion campaign. Paul Calandra, a key player in the event, has a great deal of affection for the local hospital. His daughters, Natalie and Olivia, were born there and the MP for Oak RidgesMarkham believes an important aspect of any community is high-quality health care services. Hockey Night in Stouffville, which Mr. Calandra hosts alongside former NHLer and Stouffville native Keith Acton, has quickly become one of the area’s biggest annual events. In the past, players have included current and former NHL players, OHL stars, Olympians and community leaders, who come together to entertain and dazzle fans with a night of hockey in support of the hospital and its goals of improving the delivery of health care services to the fast-growing community. “The foundation is currently in the final stretch of a $50-million capital project to fund an expansion that doubled the size of the hospital with a brand new building and saw extensive renovations to the existing building,” explains Allan Bell, director of community relations and corporate partnerships. The multi-year construction project, which is to wrap up this year, has brought increased space and improved technology to many departments within the hospital, including emergency, mental health, child and maternal health and diagnostic imaging. Mr. Calandra says the hospital’s staff had been doing a tremendous job servicing a large and growing community in a small building, but the expansion was a necessity. As an MP, it was an “absolute priority” to help in any way he could. His idea was “to fuse two things together: Markham and Stouffville residents’ love for hockey and the community’s need to have its hospital expanded.” “It’s events like this that help us reach out and make our community aware that the government can’t fund all of our hospital’s
Oak Ridges-Markham MP Paul Calandra (left) and former NHLer and Stouffville native Keith Acton cohost Hockey Night in Stouffville, an annual fundraiser for Markham Stouffville Hospital.
needs,” Mr. Bell says. “The only way we can achieve our goals is through fundraising support and events like Hockey Night in Stouffville.” Each year it has gotten easier to connect with the athletes, Mr. Calandra says. NHL stars such as Cody Hodgson, Stephen Weiss, Raffi Torres and Mike Zigomanis have been eager to commit to the event, as a great way to give back to their local communities. Former NHLers Darcy Tucker, Mike Gartner and local hockey legend Brad May have also participated, along with Olympic gold medalists Therese Brisson, Becky KellarDuke, Cherie Piper and women’s hockey pioneer and Hockey Hall of Fame member, Angela James. Mr. Calandra is grateful for the enthusiastic participation of these athletes. “It’s asking a lot of them to come out to the game,” he says. “They usually start training camp a week later and they do this voluntarily, they sign autographs and help launch the game. “Markham Stouffville Hospital has touched a lot of these players’ lives; they have had
family members treated there, their children were born there or they personally have received health care from the hospital. They understand how important this cause is and because of that, it’s an easy sell.” This year, the mental health program will be the major recipient of the money raised at Hockey Night in Stouffville, Mr. Bell says. “This year should be the best year yet.” Mr. Calandra says. “I am happy to be designating the funds from this year’s event to child and adolescent mental health services. I know that the team of doctors and nurses do a great job and I am happy to support that cause.”
Get your tickets Hockey Night in Stouffville comes to the Stouffville Arena, August 21. The event starts with a tailgate party at 4:30 p.m., arena doors open at 6 p.m. and the puck drops at 7 p.m. Tickets, at a cost of $10 each, can be purchased by contacting MP Paul Calandra’s office at 905-640-1125. For more information, visit paulcalandra.com/hnis.
www.mshf.on.ca 27
Lab technician Donna Marie Cardoza (this page), registered nurse Anita Villote (right) and Leo Clemente, food services, are all proud to support Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Family donors proud of hospital’s metamorphosis by Joann MacDonald photography by Jim Craigmyle
When the opportunity to support her hospital arose, medical lab technician Donna Marie Cardoza jumped at the chance. In fact, she was the first staff member to drop off her payroll deduction form at the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation office. “I was so excited when the foundation announced the family donor campaign, I filled out the form and dropped it off the next day,” Ms Cardoza says. “I was and am so proud to be a part of the metamorphosis here at Markham Stouffville Hospital.” Ms Cardoza recognized the urgent need to support the hospital’s expansion. “Not only did we need more services and space for our patients, but for staff as well, to do what I believe we do very well,” she says. “I really wanted to show my commitment to the organization at this historic time, not only in performing my duties, but in a financial way as well.” 28 www.mshf.on.ca
Ms Cardoza and Rob Ruskin, technical coordinator of hematology, sold their colleagues on the need to donate. “I was just so excited that this was happening,” Ms Cardoza says. “I wanted to rally everyone else in the lab to get involved. People really got on board. They wanted to show the community that the people working here care, too.” The staff united not only to support their hospital, but also to remember lab technician Tatjana Lazarovski, a colleague who passed away last year after a short battle with cancer. Staff members who donate are named on the hospital’s family donor wall. Lab staff collected funds in Ms Lazarovski’s name. “How better to honour her than to have her name included with us,” Ms Cardoza says. Ms Cardoza says both patients and staff have seen the benefits of the expansion campaign.
“When I think back, every department was struggling with space issues and the need to serve a community that was growing so quickly,” she says. “When the expansion came along, it seemed so far away. But, as donations came in, we thought ‘Wow, people really care about what we’re doing here.’” Ms Cardoza and her colleagues moved into their large state-of-the-art new lab in January. “It’s really remarkable to see it come to fruition,” she says. “To be part of that is great. Why wouldn’t you want to be?” Anita Villote, a registered nurse in the surgical day care unit, lives outside the hospital’s catchment area, but she feels it’s important to support the hospital where she has worked for 15 years. She is committed to donating until she retires. “It’s one way of ensuring the hospital will carry on,” she says. “We are constantly changing, constantly evolving. I want the
hospital to continue to flourish. If I can help in any way by donating an amount I can manage, I’m all for it.” Ms Villote says giving is also a way to honour the work of her fellow nurses, who she has always been able to turn to for support. “If I have a problem, I know that I can count on my co-workers,” she says. “I have trust in them and they have reciprocated trust. The
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people you work with are the ones that supply you with energy.” Leo Clemente, who has worked at MSH for 25 years, led the charge to solicit donations in the food services department. “I explained to them that this is for a good purpose,” he says. “We can help the hospital improve. And most of them were willing to help.”
And he led by example, pledging his own regular contributions. “I feel I’m doing something for the hospital, even if it’s a small amount,” he says. “It’s not the amount that gauges the spirit of giving. It is the feeling of helping that made me do it. I want to help the community. I want to participate in raising funds to improve the hospital.”
14-05-16 4:20 PM www.mshf.on.ca 29
keeping you healthy
Make the high-fibre choice
Boost your fibre According the Dietitians of Canada, a healthy diet includes 25 to 38 grams of fibre every day. Soluble fibre, found in some vegetables and fruit and legumes, can help lower blood cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Insoluble fibre, found in some vegetables
and fruit, whole grains and wheat bran, helps keep your bowels regular and may protect against colon cancer. To increase the fibre in your diet, try this recipe and follow these tips provided by the team at Markham Stouffville Hospital’s Adult Diabetes Education Centre.
Chickpea and bean salad (cholay chaat) This colourful salad can be eaten as a sidedish or satisfying vegetarian meal. It contains high quality carbohydrates with lots of fibre, as well as protein.
Method Cut vegetables into small cubes. Chop cilantro. Combine beans and vegetables. Add chaat masala and lemon juice. Mix well and serve.
Ingredients 250 mL (1 cup) cooked chickpeas 125 mL (1/2 cup) cooked red kidney beans 125 mL (1/2 cup) cooked white kidney beans 125 mL (1/2 cup) cooked navy beans 125 mL (1/2 cup) cooked black-eyed peas 1 each red, yellow and green pepper 1-2 tomatoes 1 bunch fresh cilantro juice of 1 lemon 30 mL (2 tbsp) chaat masala (less for less spicy)
Helpful hints • Chaat masala is a spice mixture common in Indian and Pakistani cooking. Look for it in South Asian markets or the international section of your grocery store. • Cook your own beans rather than buying canned. Canned beans are higher in salt. If using canned, wash and drain twice to wash out as much salt as possible. • Do not add any salt, as chaat masala already has a lot of salt in it.
30 www.mshf.on.ca
Avoid: • white or durum atta for rotis/chappattis • white bread • low-fibre cereals like Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies and Cheerios • cereals with added sugar, frosting or honey • white pasta, spaghetti and noodles • string hoppers (noodles common in Sri Lankan cooking) from white atta or rice flour Choose: • rotis/chappattis made with 3 parts whole-wheat flour and 1 part barley flour or black gram (kala channa) flour • 3 parts whole-wheat flour and 1 part barley flour or black gram (kala channa) flour • 1 part high-fibre cereals like Fibre 1 Original, All Bran, Fibre First, etc. and 1 part low-fibre cereal • brown or smart pasta, spaghetti and noodles • string hoppers from whole-wheat atta or a mix of red or brown rice flour and whole-wheat atta
For more information about the services provided by MSH’s Adult Diabetes Education Centre, visit msh.on.ca/adultdiabetes.
ask the specialist
Q A
ASK AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PHYSICIAN When should I go to the ER?
Generally people know when it is appropriate to seek medical attention in an emergency department (ED). Any time there is a concern about potential lifethreatening illness or injuries, you should go immediately to the ED or call 911. Typical and appropriate reasons for an ED visit include chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain or traumatic injuries such as lacerations or fractures. Patients in an ED are assessed by a nurse upon arrival and assigned a triage code according to the severity of their illness. Not all people who go to the ED need to be seen with the same level of urgency. The triage code is a universal system of assessing patients. While patients are never sent away from the ED, patients with more severe injuries and illnesses are given priority; for example, a patient in cardiac arrest or coma will be seen immediately by a doctor on duty. Occasionally patients come to the ED because it is convenient for them. Most patients with less severe illness, such as minor coughs and colds, sore throats, rashes, sprains and strains, are better served by seeing their family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic. Markham Stouffville Hospital’s ED serves approximately 200 patients each day. Sundays and Mondays typically are the busiest days, in addition to holidays. It is very rarely quiet in the ED, but volumes of patients usually wind down between 2 a.m. and about 6 a.m. The hospital tries to manage the volumes of patients by making certain there are more staff and physicians working during the busiest times. If you are ever in doubt about a serious medical issue, you should go to your closest ED or call Telehealth Ontario for advice at 1-866797-0000. Dr. David Austin is the chief of staff at Markham Stouffville Hospital and an emergency room physician.
Q A
ASK A FAMILY PHYSICIAN
What is pink eye and how is it treated?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common medical concern. Conjunctivitis literally means inflammation of the conjunctiva (the lining of the inner eyelid and surface of the eye globe itself), which produces the characteristic pink colour we associate with pink eye. Pink eye itself may be a result of an infection, either viral or bacterial, or a response to an allergy or other irritant. Or, much more rarely, it may be a sign of a more serious eye condition that warrants urgent physician assessment. Symptoms of a potentially more serious condition include pain in the eye, sensitivity to bright light, blurry vision, sensation of a foreign particle in the eye, historical or recent eye trauma, red eye in association with severe headache and nausea or recent contact lens use. Treatment depends on the cause of pink eye. Bacterial infection warrants antibiotic eye drops, but the majority of infectious pink eye, at least in adults, is actually viral. Antibiotic drops in these cases will have no effect on outcome. In general, use of warm compresses, lubricating eye drops and scrupulous hand hygiene is a more effective treatment strategy, especially since infectious conjunctivitis is extremely contagious until eye discharge resolves. Dr. Michelle Homer is a family physician at Health for All family health team.
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events
JOIN US! Upcoming events benefiting the hospital Fundraising events organized and supported by others demonstrate a strong belief in the hospital’s services and programs. This endorsement is most encouraging to the many dedicated volunteers, physicians and staff at Markham Stouffville Hospital. We hope to see you at one of these upcoming events! Visit mshf.on.ca for full details.
June
8
Unionville Festival Funky 5K 8:30 a.m., Main Street Unionville funky5k.ca
Aug.
11
Sept.8 22-2
This race is bringing back tie-dye and all things groovy! Don’t miss this timed run/walk around Toogood Pond Park.
June
14
P&F Charity BBQ “Let’s Meat for Cancer Care” 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. P&F Meats, 10768 Woodbine Ave.
Community barbecue in support of Markham Stouffville Hospital’s Breast Health Centre and chemotherapy clinic.
June
18
30th Anniversary Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament York Downs Golf & Country Club golf.mshf.on.ca
The longest running fundraising event in Markham and Stouffville. Enjoy a day of golf, live and silent auctions and great food at the prestigious York Downs Golf & Country Club. Sponsorship opportunities available.
Aug.
14
Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign
Tim Hortons restaurants in Markham and Stouffville
Purchase a Smile Cookie from Tim Hortons and proceeds from the sale will benefit child and adolescent mental health services at MSH.
Sept.
28
4th Annual MSH Leaders Night at the Races
5:30 p.m., Woodbine Racetrack mshleaders.ca
Don’t miss the action at Woodbine Racetrack. Enjoy dinner, cocktails, an amazing track-side view, auction, raffle and opportunity to network. Register online or call 905-4727373 ext. 6970.
July
18
10th Annual Howcroft Charity Golf Tournament
Lions Community Walk/Run for Happiness
Private golf tournament with lunch organized by the Howcroft family.
Join hundreds of participants as they come together to walk or run in support of mental health.
Oakridge Golf Club
Aug.
21
9:30 a.m., Milne Dam Conservation Park lionswalk.org
Oct.
1
Angus Glen Summer Five Miler Angus Glen Golf Club angusglenrunningseries.com
Celebrate the summer with an evening race including after-race party with dinner and entertainment.
Would you like to host a fundraising event? Whether a barbecue, golf tournament or dance - no event is too big or too small. EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS. To find out more, visit mshf.on.ca or contact Madeline Cuadra at mcuadra@msh.on.ca or 905-472-7373 ext. 6970. 32 www.mshf.on.ca
4th Annual Hockey Night in Stouffville 4:30 p.m. tailgate, 7 p.m. game begins, Stouffville Arena paulcalandra.com
An exciting night of hockey with current and former NHL stars, Olympians, community leaders, local politicians and minor hockey teams hosted by Paul Calandra, MP, Oak Ridges-Markham.
10th Annual Culinary Golf Classic Angus Glen Golf Club
This esteemed tournament mixes together top chefs, fabulous wines and one great golf course to provide a one-of-a-kind experience. To book your foursome, contact 905-887-0090 ext. 237 or kwayling@angusglen.com.
STORIES.
DAVID STRESSED HE WAS TOO YOUNG FOR HEART FAILURE. NOW HE STRESSES THE NEED FOR NEW BEDS. It started with a tingling sensation in his arms. Then, David almost passed out in an elevator. Running through Pearson Airport, he couldn’t breathe and knew it was serious. Dr. Minkowitz got to the heart of the matter. The doctor persistently investigated beyond these mild symptoms and ultimately discovered a major blockage and recommended a quadruple bypass. David was 45 years old. With outstanding care and support at MSH, he made a full recovery and has returned to his active life. Naturally, his heart is in MSH and he’s an enthusiastic supporter of our Buy a Bed campaign. Government does not fund all new equipment and expansion needs at the hospital. And your support has a huge impact on the lives of others. Buy a Bed. Be a Life Saver.
PLEASE GIVE:
| BedsSaveLives.com
905-472-7373 x 6341 | mshfoundation@msh.on.ca
33 www.mshf.on.ca
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU: The Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation respects your privacy. We keep personal information confidential and will never trade, sell or lease your information. For more information contact us at 905.472.7373 ext. 6341 or mshfoundation@msh.on.ca Charitable registration No: 13064 3620 RR0001
REAL LIVES. REAL PEOPLE . REAL
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