John C. Lincoln HealthBeat: July/August 2013

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> Wisdom of Immunizations > Pelvic Floor Repair > Cervical Spine Surgery > Desert Mission’s Corporate Partners >

Essential Health News and Information

July/August 2013

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The Beat Goes On

John C. Lincoln and Scottsdale Healthcare Explore Affiliation

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cottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network have endorsed a letter of intent to form a system-wide affiliation to better meet health care needs and thus improve the health of the communities they serve.

The nonbinding agreement between the two non-profit organizations allows both to pursue an exclusive negotiation during a due diligence period in order to create a combined health system. Discussions are anticipated to be complete later this year.

Five Hospitals The new non-profit system would include five hospitals with approximately 10,500 employees; 3,700 affiliated physicians; 3,100 volunteers; an extensive primary care physician network; urgent care centers; clinical research; medical education; an inpatient rehabilitation hospital; an Accountable Care Organization, two foundations and extensive community services.

“The combined system will allow us to provide more cost-effective health care and to thrive during this period of rapid change as a result of national and local health reform,” said Rhonda Forsyth, John C. Lincoln Health Network President & CEO.

Damir Tursanovic shows off his specially equipped vehicle to his physician – and friend – Jonathan Hott, MD, who saved his life after a motorcycle crash.

Defying Death, Time and Again “Some of my friends say I like to live on the edge. I think I’ve walked about as close to the edge as you can get without going over.”

To look at Damir Tursanovic, 29, you might not guess he’s come close to death — more than once. But his friends are right. He’s walked very close to the edge, indeed.

As a young teen in the early 1990s, he and his family survived the horror of war in Bosnia and immigrated to the United States.

Five years ago, Damir walked the edge again.

Riding a motorcycle from Lake Pleasant just west of Interstate 17, traveling about 70 miles an hour on a two-lane highway with excellent road conditions, Damir’s bike went into a skid.

He laid down the bike well, but his tires hit a post, flipping the bike one way and Damir another. He sailed through some cactus and palo verde branches, stopping when his head hit a rock. He was not wearing a helmet.

Paramedics rushed Damir to the Level I Trauma Center at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital. He was very close to death.

Damir’s initial CT scan showed a significantly depressed fracture on the right side of his skull continued on Page 2

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and a blood clot, an epidural hematoma, between his skull and brain.

“It was a very severe traumatic brain injury,” said Jonathan Hott, MD, a skilled trauma neurosurgeon. “The CT scan showed bleeding on the surface of the brain and in the brain stem, and a skull fracture — neurologically, he was doing very badly.”

He also removed the blood clot, easing more pressure on the brain. But, as is often the case with brain injuries, the swelling soon worsened. “I had to take him back to surgery,” Dr. Hott said.

He removed a large portion of Damir’s skull to give his brain space to swell.

Otherwise, swelling would press on the brain stem, which controls breathing, and might have been deadly.

“I have been told I was in a coma for four months,” Damir said. “Dr. Hott told me they weren’t sure I would come out of it.”

For weeks in the ICU, Damir did not regain consciousness.

His clinical condition however, had stabilized, and he improved enough for discharge to a rehab facility.

“Right before he was discharged — during the last 24 hours he was with us — he began to follow a command intermittently,” Dr. Hott said. “That gave me a glimmer of hope that the door was open to make real improvement.”

“I have been told I was in a coma for four months,” Damir said.

“Dr. Hott told me they weren’t sure I would come out of it.”

Even if Damir recovered, returning to anything like a normal life could take years. In his favor were his age, physical condition and a fighting spirit.

The neurosurgeon removed the fractured bone pushing on Damir’s brain and replaced it temporarily with titanium mesh.

However, another complication brought death close again.

In the rehab facility, Damir acquired Clostridium difficile, a debilitating infection of his colon. The infection led to pneumonia and cascading organ failure.

“His chances of surviving an infection like that on top of the head injury were not great,” Dr. Hott said. Damir returned to North Mountain Hospital in a coma.

Again he battled back. The brain swelling finally began to subside. For months he’d lived without a large section of his skull, his brain shielded by a protective helmet. In yet another surgery, Dr. Hott was able to reconstruct Damir’s skull.

A Challenge, Not a Burden “Damir ultimately made an excellent recovery,” Dr. Hott said, crediting John C. Lincoln’s patient care and “top-tier trauma program.”

“When it comes to Dr. Hott, I rate him five stars,” Damir said. “I consider what happened with my care at John C. Lincoln to be somewhat miraculous.”

“Damir looks at everything as a challenge, not a burden,” Dr. Hott said. “He’s tenacious and dedicated, working extremely hard in rehabilitation.

He’s still at it. I think that’s a big reason he’s been able to come back from the edge and make such progress.”

Doctor and patient still keep in touch. At Damir’s request, Dr. Hott has visited the rehab facility to watch him work.

They talk about what Damir can achieve, his limitations, his next goal.

The relationship finds Dr. Hott relating as a friend and mentor, as much as physician to patient. It’s been a long road, and it’s a victory they share.

For more information, please visit JCL.com/neurosciences or JCL.com/trauma.

Jonathan Hott, MD, and Damir Tursanovic discuss Damir’s progress after a four-month coma and long rehab. Behind them is the scan showing his brain injury after the motorcycle accident.

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JCL.com

Your Health

Community Immunity Immunizations Can Save Your Child’s Life

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s a parent, Jenna Dye of Phoenix struggled with the decision to vaccinate her 3-month-old daughter Ivy for pertussis ( whooping cough). She called Corina Veatch, MD, who practices internal medicine and pediatrics at Cave Creek Family Medicine.

“I really wanted a trustworthy opinion,” Jenna said. “I felt very supported and not pressured. Dr. Veatch weighed the pros and cons and was very open-minded in helping me decide which vaccinations I felt were appropriate for my daughter.”

Two New Practices Open John C. Lincoln Physician Network is constantly expanding.

The newest locations are: Cave Creek Family Medicine

20330 N. Cave Creek Road, Suite 160 Phoenix, 85024 Phone: 602-730-8443 Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday – Friday

Deer Valley Rd.

Cave Creek Rd.

Now’s the time when schools require parents to make sure those vaccinations are up-to-date. Many parents wonder about side effects and if the recommended vaccination schedule can be altered.

If parents decide to space out vaccines, children and the community are left unprotected from diseases for a longer period of time, Dr. Veatch noted.

“Vaccinations are safe and effective and are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors and health care professionals,” she said. “The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.”

Immunizations will: > Save you time and money. Some diseases that can be prevented by vaccines can result in prolonged disabilities and take a financial toll because of medical bills or long-term disability care.

21681 N. 77th Ave., Suite 1410 Peoria, 85382 Phone: 623-312-2265 Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday – Friday

July/August 2013

Deer Valley Rd. 67th Ave.

“It’s my job to listen to parents’ concerns and help them make the best informed decision about vaccinating their children,” said Dr. Veatch. “Ultimately, the decision to not vaccinate your children puts them at risk for preventable disease.”

Schedule an appointment for back-toschool vaccinations or seasonal vaccinations at a John C. Lincoln Physician Network location. Visit JCL.com/practices to find an office in your neighborhood.

Our office is located here

75th Ave.

JCL.com

North Peoria Family Medicine

e Pleasant Pkwy.

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When a majority of individuals are immunized against a contagious disease, most members of the community are protected against that disease, Dr. Veatch said. It’s called herd immunity — there’s little opportunity for an outbreak. One of the best ways you can protect your children from disease is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations.

E. Beardsley Rd.

83rd Ave.

Jenna Dye debated about immunizations for her daughter Ivy. She consulted Corina Veatch, MD, (right) before choosing which immunizations she felt were appropriate.

> Protect future generations. In the United States, vaccines have reduced, and in some cases eliminated, such diseases as chicken pox, polio and measles that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago.

Our office is located here

For a full list of locations, visit JCL.com/practices.

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Surgery Success Story

Surgery Improves Quality of Life Pelvic floor disorder can cause recurring infections

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t 74, Eve Loiselle is an active volunteer and the caregiver for her husband, Cornelius, after his heart attacks. She couldn’t afford much time away from home.

But she needed to end the constant urinary tract infections caused by vaginal prolapse. It’s relatively common for women as they age, particularly for women who have had children. Eve, a retired nurse and restaurant manager, has seven, including a set of twins.

Women often put off the surgery, sometimes because of embarrassment, sometimes because of busy lives, said her physician, Jennifer Klauschie, MD, a gynecologist with specialty training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Women live with the consequences such as frequent urinary tract infections, leakage, incontinence, bowel difficulties, bulges, pain or pressure, sexual discomfort, and other issues.

Can Cause More Serious Issues “Pelvic floor disorders are not lifethreatening issues, but they are big quality of life issues,” Dr. Klauschie said.

“As patients get older, recurring infections can cause more serious problems. If you can take care of the underlying cause, there is no need for long-term antibiotics.

I had one patient tell me she wished she had the surgery before her husband had died so they could have danced again.”

David Kaplan, MD, Dr. Klauschie’s partner, referred Eve for evaluation and treatment after recognizing that the prolapse was causing the infections. With

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Eve Loiselle is grateful that a surgery performed by Jennifer Klauschie, MD, solved issues shared by many women.

the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, Dr. Klauschie completed the pelvic repair — essentially moving the organs back to the proper positions and relieving the pressure — at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital.

“Our group often provides multidisciplinary care for our patients, and this approach, along with our use of the latest technology, improves outcomes,” said Dr. Klauschie.

Eve spent one night at the hospital and was home the next day. Married for 54 years, the Black Canyon City couple can’t travel in their motor home like they used to, but they did use it last year to see their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren in Minnesota.

Years ago, Eve’s surgery would have required open surgery with a C sectionlike scar, a longer hospital stay and a longer recovery.

“It was important to me that I wasn’t gone that long,” Eve said. “The doctor and staff at Deer Valley have been fabulous.

They are really caring, and I didn’t feel like I was just another patient. I felt like I got personal care.”

Learn more about minimally invasive surgery at JCL.com/scarlesssurgery.

July/August 2013

Are You a Candidate?

If your doctor recommends surgery, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, an effective alternative to open surgery.

John C. Lincoln Hospitals offer a variety of options, including the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.

The possible benefits of minimally invasive surgery are numerous: > Less post-operative pain and discomfort. > Less risk of infection. > A shorter hospital stay. > Faster recovery and return to normal daily activities. > Less scarring. > Better patient outcomes.

For a referral or more information, please call the program coordinator at 602-943-1111.

JCL.com

Medical Excellence

Smooth Sailing Traveling’s no longer a pain in the neck for Glendale globetrotter

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ou wouldn’t think a woman who travels for a living would want to spend her vacation traveling — but you’d be wrong.

Glendale hospital consultant Kathy Kelly will happily regale you with tales of her exotic trips to Bali and Istanbul, snorkeling through crystal waters off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or scaling the Andes to experience the magic of Machu Picchu.

But right now Kathy’s even happier about traveling because — finally! — she no longer has to worry about becoming permanently paralyzed from a simple fall or accident.

For almost a decade, Kathy was plagued with a combination of neck issues — cervical spondylosis and stenosis, with two protruding discs impinging on her spinal cord. As a result, she experienced increasing numbness, tingling and weakness in her arms and hands.

She had been trying to get them fixed for years, but it was an uphill battle. Kathy’s job got in the way. As a consultant, Kathy advises hospital administrators on process improvement in all the operations that affect customer service. She has had her own consulting business for more than 15 years.

Finally, in February, she was able to schedule her surgery.

Kathy Kelly’s spine surgery by John Ehteshami, MD, resolved worries about paralysis, as well as numbness, tingling and weakness in her arms and hands.

JCL.com

Kathy’s travels have included (left) the glacier that guards Lake Louise in Banff, BC, Canada, and (below) Wat Po. It’s the largest and oldest monastic enclave in Bangkok.

Kathy’s doctor, orthopedic spine specialist John Ehteshami, MD, performed her neck surgery, an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital where, in Kathy’s words, “My care was flawless.”

“It was an easy fix, a traditional surgery,” Dr. Ehteshami said. He removed the bulging discs, instantly relieving pressure on her spinal cord. He then replaced them with spacers to keep her spine properly aligned, and used advanced titanium plates and screws to fixate her spine, stabilizing it.

The most important thing in this kind of case is for patients to understand the risks if they delay treatment, Dr. Ehteshami said. Patients with Kathy’s condition often look for pain relief without realizing they risk paralysis if they don’t get the pressure off their spinal cord.

Luckily, Kathy’s problem was fixed in time.

“After 25 years of working with hospitals to improve the patient experience, it was really interesting to be on the receiving side of patient care,” Kathy said.

“I was very — very — impressed with the process at John C. Lincoln,” she said. “The care was excellent, the nurses were so kind, the staff was sensitive to my need for privacy and still there quickly whenever I needed help. I had no pain, virtually no post-operative discomfort — except for having to wear the hard neck brace for four weeks,” she said.

“Let me just say,” she quipped, “John C. Lincoln does not need my consulting services!”

For more information, please visit JCL.com/ortho.

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Foundation News

Grant Supports Patient Care

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rauma patients 60 and older will be treated in specially designed hospital rooms at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

“This outstanding gift allows us to increase our ability to deliver exceptional quality care and service for patients over the age of 60,” said Marcia Mintz, CEO of the John C. Lincoln Health Foundation.

The rooms will be part of the G-60 program, the only in Arizona.

The program provides expedited treatment and care, along with improved outcomes, for older patients.

For more information, please visit JCL.com/G60.

Tee Off, Change a Life

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oin more than 200 golfers for a day of fun and support the important community programs of Desert Mission at the 27th Annual Lincoln Guild Invitational on Friday, Sept. 20, at the Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Desert Ridge, 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix.

Fees for individual golfers are $350 each; foursomes are $1,400.

The day begins at 6:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast followed by a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch and awards are set for noon.

Check out sponsorship opportunities and register at JCL.com/golf or call 602-331-7860.

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Staff members at Republic Services often volunteer at Desert Mission Food Bank.

Corporate Partners

Strengthen Desert Mission They play a major role in helping meet the needs of its most vulnerable clients

As part of a company’s desire to give back to the community — and as a team-building activity — many local companies regularly make time for their employees to volunteer their talents to assist Desert Mission.

They assemble Snack Pacs so students don’t go hungry over the weekend and Smile Kits so kids have a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. They organize food drives and volunteer at the Food Bank. In short, they do a world of good.

Desert Mission staff members especially appreciate corporate volunteers in the summertime when volunteerism traditionally declines and help is needed with such big projects as the Back to School Supply Drive. Corporate partners help collect, sort and assemble school supplies for Desert Mission student clients, helping kids succeed in the coming school year.

July/August 2013

“We’re able to fulfill our mission of helping clients, thanks to our corporate partners,” said Cindy Hallman, executive director, Desert Mission, and John C. Lincoln Health Network vice president. “Their hands-on work energizes us!”

Here are just a few ways to partner with Desert Mission: > Donate supplies for the Back to School drive. > Assemble weekend Snack Pacs and emergency food boxes. > Sort supplemental food. > Conduct a food drive. > Assemble Smile Kits. > Conduct a supply drive. > Donate a needed service. > Participate in our Holiday Adopt A Family program.

For more information about partnering with Desert Mission, please call the John C. Lincoln Health Foundation at 602-331-7860 or visit JCL.com/desertmission.

JCL.com

What’s Happening >

July & August > Screenings/Seminars Hearing Screenings

John C. Lincoln audiologist Kristin Wells, AuD, will conduct free hearing tests for adults from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 23, 24 and 25 and Aug. 20, 21 and 22 at the Tatum Health Center, 18404 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 101, Phoenix.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 602-494-6237. Special offers on hearing aids also will be available.

> Support Groups Better Breathers for those

living with lung disease: 1:30 to 3 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month. Call the Respiratory Care Department at 602-870-6060 ext. 5793 for meeting locations. Free.

Caregivers Support Group 10:30 a.m. to noon on the first Wednesday of every month, Cowden Center, 9202 N. Second St., Phoenix, on the campus of John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital. Free. No registration necessary. 602-870-6374

> Breast Cancer

Support Groups

The John C. Lincoln Breast Health and Research Center, 19646 N. 27th Ave., Suite 205, Phoenix, hosts several free programs and support groups to meet the needs of those affected by breast cancer.

For more information about any of the groups, call 623-780-HOPE (4673), email BHRC@JCL.com or visit JCL.com/breasthealth.

Yoga for Recovery

6 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

(Note: Held at 19841 N. 27th Ave., Room 400, Medical Office Building 1, on the campus of John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital).

Experience the physical as well as emotional benefits of yoga.

JCL.com

Invigorate mind and body in this gentle yoga class tailored for breast cancer survivors — soothing stretches, meditation, relaxation and centering breath techniques help reduce daily stress and boost overall immune function. No RSVP required.

radiation, or other forms of treatment for cancer. Co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

RSVP: 623-434-2784 or email BHRC@JCL.com.

THRIVE! Young Breast Cancer Survivor Group

Thursday of every month. Living with advanced or recurrent breast cancer is markedly different from those who are newly diagnosed.

Join other women who share a similar journey and realize you’re not alone. Co-sponsored by Bosom Buddies of Arizona. No RSVP required.

6 to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. This monthly group is an opportunity for those in their 20s, 30s and 40s to meet with others facing early diagnosis. Young survivors have unique needs, and sharing triumphs and challenges can reduce stress and anxiety.

No RSVP required.

Circle of Help Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group 6 to 8 p.m. on the fourth

John C. Lincoln Health Network offers a variety of classes, events and support groups to the community each month.

Breast Cancer Learn and Support Group 6 to 8 p.m. on

the second and fourth Thursday of every month. Those diagnosed with breast cancer can find support and learn from one another here. Sharing with others with similar experiences can reduce stress and anxiety.

Discuss aspects of living with cancer, treatments, side effect management and survivorship.

Open to family and friends.

No RSVP required.

For Men Only: Supporting the Women We Love

6 to 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month. Men can meet other men whose loved one has been affected by breast cancer.

Discuss all aspects of being a caregiver. NO RSVP required.

Look Good ... Feel Better!

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 9. Look Good … Feel Better is a non-medical, brand-neutral public service program that teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Open to all women undergoing chemotherapy,

Cooking for Wellness:

6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 20. A registered dietician covers breast cancerrelated nutrition topics during a cooking demonstration and tasting that feature meals loaded with antioxidants to help boost the immune system. Eating well also can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce fatigue and increase energy throughout your cancer journey. Open to family and friends.

RSVP: 623-780-HOPE (4673) or email BHRC@JCL.com.

Please visit JCL.com/events for more information on upcoming events.

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nonprofit org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 4524

P.O. Box 9054 Phoenix, AZ 85068-9054 Address Service Requested

John C. Lincoln > Honored by Experts. Honored to Serve.

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e’re a not-for-profit organization that includes hospitals, physician p ­ ractices and a network of charitable community service programs. The honor and privilege of serving the people of the Valley has been a mission that’s driven our efforts for more than 85 years.

Although our focus is local, we hold ourselves to standards of health care and business excellence worthy of national recognition. From nursing care to community service to business ethics and more, we’ve been honored by experts with awards for practically every aspect of what we do.

But it’s not the trophies that matter. The way we see it, the greatest honor of all is that people trust us with their lives in moments of their greatest vulnerability. That’s a privilege we take seriously.

John C. Lincoln Urgent Care

Anthem Way

Map Not to Scale

Cave Creek Road

Carefree Highway

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John C. Lincoln Breast Health & Research Center

John C. Lincoln Immediate Care

Dynamite

How to Reach Us >

LOOP

John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital

Yorkshire

Union Hills

LOOP

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Emergency Department and Level 1 Trauma Center.

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51

Dunlap Avenue

2nd Street

Peoria

John C. Lincoln Health Foundation

Emergency Department and our 24/7 Children’s Emergency Center, Mendy’s Place.

John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital 602-943-2381

7th Ave.

43rd Ave.

Greenway

John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital 623-879-6100

John C. Lincoln Immediate Care

Desert Mission

Tatum Boulevard

John C. Lincoln Immediate Care

Cave Creek Road

27th Ave.

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John C. Lincoln Urgent Care 623-434-6444 John C. Lincoln Immediate Care 623-580-5800 Provides walk-in care 7-days a week.

John C. Lincoln Health Foundation 602-331-7860

Supports the Network’s health care and community service programs through fundraising and investment of donations.

Desert Mission 602-331-5792 LOOP

24th St.

John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital

Providing 101 service for our community’s most vulnerable.

John C. Lincoln Physician Practices

Find a family physician near you at JCL.com/practices.

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