In Good Health - A Community Publication from McLaren Bay Region

In Good Health A COMMUNITY PUBLICATION FROM

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PRIMARY CARE

VISITING A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IS AS EASY AS TAPPING AN APP TRUST YOUR BRAIN, SPINE, AND NERVOUS SYSTEM TO THE BEST

IN THE EVENT OF A STROKE, “BE FAST” YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE MEET OUR NEW CEO: DARRELL LENTZ

Lisa Wade, DO

MEET OUR NEW CEO:

DARRELL LENTZ MBR: When did you first realize you wanted to be a CEO? DL: My first position, over 25 years ago, was in materials management at a hospital in Maine. Combining this role with my college degree in finance, my interest in healthcare grew quickly. I started to consider the opportunities and I realized I wanted to eventually become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a hospital. A few years later, I was fortunate to earn the role of CFO at a hospital in Largo, Florida. Two years after that, the hospital was being released from its system partner, and the opportunity for the CEO role presented itself. At the time, the hospital was struggling and without a new partner, closure was imminent. I approached the Board of Directors and convinced them that I could help stabilize the hospital as well as find a long-term partner. That’s exactly what we did. A little over a year later, the hospital transitioned to a new system, and along the way all services were kept, physicians’ practices were not disrupted, and the employees retained their roles.

I was not driven by the title or the responsibility of the role: I simply wanted to help the hospital remain open and continue to provide care for the community.

After the hospital transition in Florida, my career took me to the University of Mississippi Medical Center as CFO, then Wisconsin as a vice president of finance for a large health system. It was this system that I was called on to take the role of president again. After ten years in the system, it cemented my dedication to the role of a CEO. MBR: What brought you to McLaren?

DL: As McLaren was working to finalize the acquisition of its first hospital in Ohio, McLaren St. Luke’s, I was offered the opportunity to facilitate the integration. During a six-month period, I helped progress the cultural transition of bringing an independent hospital into a larger system, put a fiscal improvement plan in place, and helped to prepare the incoming CEO. My next opportunity was the role of president and CEO at McLaren Central Michigan in Mt. Pleasant, followed by my current role at McLaren Bay Region, which began August 1, 2021.

MBR: Why is bringing advanced, competent, and compassionate healthcare to our communities important to you?

DL: I am a firm believer that whether you live in a big city, or a small rural community, everyone should have access to quality healthcare. Advancements in science and technology have provided a platform for that delivery to occur. With over two decades around the country spent in the healthcare industry, my observations and experiences have created a passion and dedication in doing my part to serve our communities.

MBR: What are your philosophies on health and wellbeing and MBR’s role in supporting our communities?

DL: I am a big advocate for preventive care and a balanced approach to personal health. Regularly seeing a primary care provider (PCP) can dramatically improve your quality of life. A PCP can address concerns and identify issues early, before they become potentially life-threatening conditions.

Getting older certainly has reinforced all the good advice I have received over the years on building healthy habits.

It can be challenging to stay balanced and focused on our 2 | IN GOOD HEALTH

well-being, but today, I think it is more important than ever.

I am honored to be part of such a world-class organization that is genuinely making a difference and saving lives every single day. McLaren is an incredibly impressive organization, with access to state-of-the-art treatments and technologies, and delivered by industry-leading physicians and healthcare teams. McLaren Bay Region is a vital part of the integrated system and the leader in our communities delivering that care.

DARRELL LENTZ

MBR: The healthcare climate has changed significantly in the past two years due to COVID-19. How do you address daily needs and challenges?

DL: Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have definitely faced our fair share of challenges, but I am proud to work for a healthcare system that is truly dedicated to doing what’s best for our patients—no matter the situation. It is no secret our industry is being tested with resource constraints in nearly every facet. Our key to continuing to provide quality healthcare has been in combining the unwavering dedication of our care team with adaptability, flexibility, and constant communication.

I suspect our approach is not much different than other organizations, but I am constantly impressed with how our team stays creative, passionate, and patient centered.

MBR: What future growth and innovation is ahead for McLaren Bay Region?

DL: My vision is still being formulated, but it is a top priority for me to embrace our regional role in the delivery of healthcare. I want to make sure we provide a superior experience through the right access points and technologies, in addition to providing a seamless continuum of care for our patients.

We employ and partner with world-class physicians and providers in every specialty, and we will continue to promote an environment that supports their work. By constantly reevaluating our geographic presence, we are able to ensure we are leveraging our resources while having the necessary facilities and capital infrastructure to support our plans.

As we develop the tactical elements of the strategic plans there will be dozens of major initiatives, but they all can be categorized under three important tenets: superior patient experience, taking care of each other, and growth.

Since I’ve started, I’ve been so impressed with our team at McLaren Bay Region. From the Board of Directors to every employee I have encountered, their loyalty, dedication, compassion, and often long tenure is inspiring. We will identify the things we’re doing well and celebrate them, and we will identify areas where we can improve in order to strengthen the delivery of our mission. I’m looking forward to being part of the team and providing the best care possible to even more people within our region.

OUR SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM DARRELL LENTZ President & Chief Executive Officer

MONICA BARANSKI Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer

NORMAN CHAPIN, MD Chief Medical Officer

DANIELLE JACKS-PORTER Chief Financial Officer

CAROLYN POTTER Regional Vice President of Human Resources

HEALTHCARE INFO IS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get started with QR codes.

MAGEN SAMYN

You’ll see QR codes throughout this publication. They direct you to additional helpful information. They’re easy and fast to use.

Regional Vice President of Marketing & Business Development

STEP 1

JOSHUA ULERY

STEP 2

Vice President of Ancillary & Support Services

Open the camera on your smartphone or tablet.

Point the camera at the QR code so it is centered and clearly displayed on the screen.

STEP 3

HAVE QUESTIONS? Call 989-894-3000 or visit mclaren.org/bayregion

This winter 2021 issue of In Good Health is published by McLaren Bay Region.

Hold the camera in place for a couple of seconds until a pop-up banner appears.

STEP 4

Tap the pop-up banner to visit the site.

McLAREN.ORG/BAYREGION | 3

THE RIGHT CARE AT THE RIGHT TIME—ALL THE TIME Choosing the proper care helps save time and money while conserving valuable resources.

Regardless of your stage of life—whether you just had your first child, or you’re preparing to enjoy your Golden Years—McLaren Bay Region has you covered.

No matter why you may need it, or when you may need it, McLaren has the right care for you.

However, it’s important for you to go to the right place for your care.

“Extra thought, regarding the particular location a patient or a loved one chooses for their emergent or convenient care, is critical in ensuring decreased frustration in an already stressful situation,” says Brad Blaker, DO, an emergency medicine physician at McLaren. “In non-emergent situations, a great first resource is your primary care provider, who will direct you to the appropriate location for your healthcare needs.”

McLaren Primary Care Provider

McLarenNow: Virtual Care

McLaren CareNow Clinic

McLaren Convenient Care

McLaren Emergency Care

Trust your overall health and wellness to your McLaren Primary Care Provider. Committed to decreasing patients’ visits to the Emergency Room, primary care providers specialize in treating the following conditions:

Virtual visits, via telehealth, are especially beneficial for patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, along with the following other conditions. You may also use the McLarenNow app, available at mclaren. org/mclarennow.

Available at the Midland Walgreens location (931 S Saginaw Rd, Midland), the McLaren CareNow clinic provides costeffective care for any minor illness or injury you may have. In addition, it offers health screenings, laboratory tests, physicals, rapid PCR COVID-19/Flu tests, and vaccinations.

If your condition is more of an urgent matter—accidents or falls, minor burns or injuries, moderate backaches, and sprains, etc.—you should visit McLaren Convenient Care in Uptown Bay City as soon as possible.

Finally, if your condition appears to be emergent, call 9-1-1 or seek care in a dedicated McLaren Emergency Department located in Bay City or West Branch— whichever is closest to you—without delay.

• Cold/Flu Symptoms • Earaches • Mild Backaches • Mild Sprains • Rashes • Sore Throat/Cough • Toothaches Also, visit a PCP for: • Annual Physical • Routine Screenings • Referrals

• Allergies • Bronchitis • Colds and Flus • COVID Symptoms • Earache • Headache • Hives • Insect Bites • Pink Eye • Rashes • Sinusitis

IMPORTANT LOCATIONS McLaren Emergency Departments Bay City: 1900 Columbus Ave, Bay City West Branch: 2110 M-76, West Branch

McLaren Occupational & Convenient Care 4 Columbus Ave, Ste 140, Bay City Call ahead for current hours 989-393-2850

McLaren CareNow Clinic (inside Walgreens) 931 S Saginaw Rd, Midland, 989-423-1768 4 | IN GOOD HEALTH

• Severe Chest Pain or Difficulty Breathing • Accidents and Falls • Compound Fracture • Moderate Sprains (bone protrudes • Moderate Backaches through skin) • Rapid PCR • Mild Breathing • Convulsions/Seizures COVID/Flu Tests Difficulty (i.e., Asthma) • Loss of • Cough, Colds, Upper • Minor Cuts with Consciousness Respiratory Infections Controlled Bleeding • Fever in Newborn • Sore Throats, Ear • Eye Irritation/Redness (under 3 months old) Infections • Cold/Flu Symptoms • Heavy, Uncontrollable • Pink Eye and Sties WITH fever Bleeding • Sinus Infections, • Vomiting/Diarrhea • Deep Knife or Allergies and with Dehydration Gunshot Wounds Congestion • Severe Sore Throat • Moderate to Severe • Heartburn, Indigestion or Cough Burns Nausea and Vomiting • Minor Broken Bones • Poisoning • Urinary Tract or Fractures (fingers/ • Serious Head/Neck Infections toes) or Back Injury • STD Testing • Skin Rashes and • Pregnancy-Related • Pregnancy Testing Infections Problems • Sprains, Strains • Urinary Tract • Severe Abdominal Pain • Chronic Illness Infections • Signs of Heart Attack Management • Minor Injuries • Signs of Stroke • Bug Bites and Skin • Minor Burns • Suicidal or Homicidal Conditions • Feeling Down or Thoughts/Feelings Anxious • Vomiting up Blood

Richard Mohammed, MD

PUTTING PEOPLE AT THE CENTER OF BETTER HEALTH Receiving proper care helps patients lead healthier lives.

A primary care provider (PCP)—a physician, a nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant—is not just a medical provider; a PCP is a partner in better health.

And it’s called primary care for a reason—as it is often the first step in addressing health needs, according to Mickey Scharnott, DO, a McLaren Bay Region family medicine physician as well as program director of the McLaren Bay Family Medicine Program.

“PCPs provide comprehensive care, which means they can address chronic, long-term conditions like diabetes or anxiety, as well as acute problems like bronchitis, allergic reactions, or colds and flu,” says Dr. Scharnott. “The care is person-centered, team-based, community-aligned, and designed to achieve better health, better care, and lower costs.”

High-value primary care includes physicals, cancer screenings, recommended diagnostic and preventive care, counseling, and medical treatment. Well visits, including well-child visits—a significant component of primary care—are also essential, and ensure patients get required vaccinations, screenings, and develop a comprehensive care team. In fact, primary care is so critical that a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2019 found Americans with PCPs live healthier, higher-quality lives and receive more high-quality healthcare than those without a PCP. They also reported better healthcare access and healthcare experiences overall. “[Primary care] is person- and family-oriented, and is designed to be continuous, coordinated and integrated,” says Dr. Scharnott. “The care we provide is person-centered, McLAREN.ORG/BAYREGION | 5

team-based, and designed to achieve better health and care at lower costs to our patients.”

McLaren’s PCPs are board-certified, trained, and credentialed to care for patients at every stage of life: from well-child visits with a family medicine provider or pediatrician to receiving care from an obstetrician during pregnancy, or while seeking care during the later years of life. They coordinate medical care, including needed specialists, establish health baselines, and identify early warning signs of diseases and disorders.

PCPs get to know their patients well, helping them by delivering more accurate assessments, targeting treatments, and providing better outcomes for their patients. Seeing the same PCP over time can also help establish trust, and often makes patients feel more comfortable when it comes to discussing health concerns.

“We are your coach, cheerleader, and team member in the game of life and healthcare. We help to guide you to a healthier lifestyle and quality of life,” says Dr. Scharnott.

“We want to work on prevention and early recognition of many diseases to improve your quality of life and provide highvalue care.”

Not only can McLaren’s PCPs provide excellent care in their own right, but they are also conveniently and seamlessly connected to all other providers in the entire McLaren system. They also can prescribe and access all therapies and new care advancements the McLaren system offers. McLaren PCP patients also have easy access to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of 51 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. This means patients can access treatments exclusive to Karmanos as well as clinical trials, cancer prevention programs, and multidisciplinary teams of cancer specialists. Because comprehensive cancer centers are at

McLAREN PCP PATIENTS ALSO HAVE EASY ACCESS TO THE KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE, ONE OF 51 COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS MEANS PATIENTS CAN ACCESS TREATMENTS EXCLUSIVE TO KARMANOS AS WELL AS CLINICAL TRIALS, CANCER PREVENTION PROGRAMS, AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS OF CANCER SPECIALISTS.

Michelle Scharnott, DO (center) with Family Medicine Program residents.

the forefront of cancer research, they can often handle patient cases that are more complex.

The robust McLaren and Karmanos healthcare networks allow PCPs to provide patients with quality care close to home, says Dr. Scharnott.

Another benefit of choosing a McLaren PCP is their integrated electronic medical record system, Cerner. By having patient information all in one location, members of the care team are able to more efficiently document and access vital health records. Having the most up-to-date information readily available greatly assists the care team in making the most appropriate, data-driven decisions.

Another benefit of McLaren’s primary care services is highlighted through the primary care Graduate Medical Education (GME) program.

“When a patient is seen in a resident clinic, they are literally seeing two providers at every visit, the resident and the attending physician. This provides the patient with a team approach to their care,” explains Dr. Scharnott, who oversees McLaren’s primary care GME program. She says teaching the next generation of physicians also helps to keep all of

DON’T DELAY: MAKE USE OF YOUR HSA/FSA FUNDS Have you postponed non-essential procedures for the last two years? With funds to spend in your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account before year-end, consider exploring whether the elective procedure you’ve been holding off on is covered.

Many quality-of-life improving procedures such as 6 | IN GOOD HEALTH

removing kidney stones, hernia repair, and certain joint replacements are covered.

The first step? Check with your employer’s HSA/FSA administrator to see what dollars remain in your account. What you learn might surprise—and please—you!

McLaren’s healthcare providers up to date with the highest quality of care.

Through the GME program, McLaren maintains academic affiliations with medical schools at Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and Central Michigan University.

McLaren’s six GME campuses, including McLaren Bay Region, offer 27 residencies and eight fellowship programs that train more than 650 future physicians each year.

“Teaching patients to have the knowledge to make the best choices possible to improve their quality of life starts with providers teaching the next generation,” says Dr. Scharnott.

McLAREN BAY REGION FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER The McLaren Bay Region Family Health & Wellness Center is staffed by enthusiastic and qualified medical residents to provide high-quality care for your little ones. Benefits of choosing this clinic include: • Accepts most insurances • In most cases, our clinic can accommodate same week appointments • Physician on call and available 24 hours a day To learn more or make an appointment, please call 989-895-4625.

McLaren Bay Region Family Health & Wellness Center 1458 W Center Rd Essexville, MI 48732

QUESTIONS TO ASK TO FIND A PCP WHO’S RIGHT FOR YOU If you need a new PCP, here are a few questions and considerations that can help you select the McLaren provider who is right for you.

• Is my insurance accepted?

• How long have you been practicing?

• Will the PCP adapt treatment plans based on my beliefs, e.g., herbal supplements, homeopathic remedies, etc.?

• Can I ask questions via email or phone?

• How can I reach you in case of an emergency or after hours?

• Is telehealth available?

Get started selecting a PCP by calling 989-894-3000, or by scanning the QR code.

INVESTMENTS IN CARE

ENHANCING YOUR COMFORT, HELPING YOU HEAL FASTER

Calming colors and cosmetic upgrades to the 5th and 6th floors of McLaren Bay Region improve patient experience.

As McLaren Bay Region sought to renew its 5th and 6th floors, its upgrade team focused on achieving one primary goal: creating an environment that helps patients heal—and return home—faster.

While using evidence-based design, a method that considers patients’ psychological and physiological needs, the team focused on upgrades that will reduce patients’ anxiety, falls, lengths of stay, and pain.

Overseen by Joshua Ulery, vice president of McLaren’s Ancillary and Support Services, every bathroom’s surface was re-coated entirely, resulting in an impervious coating that has improved patient satisfaction while decreasing slip and fall risks.

Patient rooms were painted with colors known for their calming effects; bedside tables, flatscreen TVs, mattresses, overbed tables, and window shades were added to each room; and natural photography was selected that will improve patients’ and visiting family members’ moods. As an added benefit, all products were chosen to absorb noise, too, so that family members can relax more easily, while patients can rest better and heal faster.

“We also replaced the patient rooms’ induction units, which were formerly metal covers with custom-made covers,

that include Corian tops to enhance the overall looks, cleanability, and durability,” Ulery says.

Additionally, the team decided to use anti-microbial welded seam floors that are impermeable and can, in turn, be cleaned and sanitized more easily. All ceilings also have a high noise reduction coefficient now, which enables greater noise absorption and creates a quieter, more healing environment for patients.

Take a virtual tour of an updated floor by scanning the QR code.

AN INFORMATION INTEGRATION

Through a new EMR, McLaren Bay Region’s data can be unified more easily.

Cheryl Chesny 8 | IN GOOD HEALTH

This past June, McLaren Bay Region launched a new electronic medical record (EMR) integrated database, known as Cerner Millennium.

Cerner’s integrated system has improved management of the health status of patients while enhancing the efficiency, productivity, and satisfaction of physicians and staff who utilize the system.

“Consequently, employees’ workflow and patients’ safety are increasing,” says Dave Steele, McLaren’s clinical information specialist.

Through Cerner’s secure, online patient portal, patients have easy access to their own health records. They also are able to send and receive secure messages with their care team, view upcoming appointments, and pay balances.

Through the Cerner implementation, McLaren Bay Region has empowered their patients to take a more active role in their care, leading to not only improved health, but also improved overall well-being.

TRUST YOUR BRAIN, SPINE, AND NERVOUS SYSTEM TO THE BEST

Khalil Nasrallah, MD

Advanced, connected treatments mean better outcomes for patients with neurological diseases and disorders.

The world has come a long way in our collective understanding of neurosciences in the past 50 years. Only a few decades after the first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on a human patient in 1977, neurologists know more about the brain, spine, and nervous system than had ever been thought possible.

Neurology, the branch of medicine that focuses on the nervous system, is divided into two categories: the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which consists of all other nerves in the body. McLaren Bay Region’s dedicated

neuroscience medical teams include experts in neurology, neurosurgery, and stroke treatment.

Physicians who specialize in neurology are called neurologists. They treat patients with spinal cord, brain, and nerve disorders that include stroke, headaches and migraines, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Bell’s Palsy (facial paralysis), Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), and Huntington’s disease, among other conditions.

Patients in need of surgery—including skull-base surgeries to address tumors or blood vessel abnormalities, spinal McLAREN.ORG/BAYREGION | 9

decompressions or fusions, or craniotomies—are referred by their neurologists to neurosurgeons.

The neuroscience team at McLaren Bay Region is committed to providing the highest standards of neurological and neurosurgical patient care. Other conditions that may require neurosurgery include head and spine trauma; cerebrovascular disorders, such as aneurysms of the brain and clogged arteries in the neck that can lead to strokes; chronic low back pain; birth defects; and brain and spinal tumors.

McLaren’s team of neurologists and neurosurgeons isn’t just leading the way when it comes to providing patient care; they’re also at the forefront of harnessing groundbreaking technologies and tools. The McLaren Stroke Network is the only program in Michigan—and one of only a handful in the nation—where every stroke patient is seen by a stroke-trained interventional neurologist in minutes—any time of the day or night.

Designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, McLaren is among the best when it comes to stroke care.

Maintaining Primary Stroke Center status requires providing the most advanced treatments and highest expertise. For example, for appropriate patients, including Crystal Wackerly, whose story you can read in this publication, McLaren administers tPA, the only FDA-approved drug to treat blood clots in the brain. Although the lifesaving drug is typically given in hospitals through an IV, McLaren has the capability of injecting the drug directly into the blood clot in the brain. This delicate procedure can be performed only by a specially trained neurointerventionalist.

When it comes to spinal surgeries, McLaren’s boardcertified neurosurgeons have extensive experience treating pain and degenerative conditions of the spine. They use the latest technologies and minimally invasive techniques, when possible, for spinal surgery, minimizing risk and decreasing recovery time for patients.

A neurosurgeon may also provide non-surgical care, depending on the nature of the injury or illness. Neurologists and neurosurgeons at McLaren will also consult each other on challenging cases and work in tandem to provide care

McLAREN’S TEAM OF NEUROLOGISTS AND NEUROSURGEONS ISN’T JUST LEADING THE WAY WHEN IT COMES TO PROVIDING PATIENT CARE; THEY’RE ALSO AT THE FOREFRONT OF HARNESSING GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGIES AND TOOLS.

for patients. Each brings their own wealth of knowledge, experiences, and expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and management plans for each individual patient.

McLaren’s neurological treatment capabilities extend far outside of the hospital and operating rooms, too. With specialized neuro rehab and therapy services to treat neurological disorders and neurosurgery patients, care continues while patients work with McLaren providers on

SPECIALIZED CARE, ENHANCED RECOVERY Complex trauma patients, like those who have experienced a stroke, brain injury, orthopedic injury, or rib fracture, are a very specialized patient population, and there are certain criteria to remember when caring for them.

McLaren Bay Region’s new Neuro/Trauma Stepdown Unit, a specialized nursing floor overseen by the Stroke and Trauma Programs, is able to accommodate 36 stable patients who require increased monitoring from having been admitted to critical care. The new unit provides advanced knowledge of current stroke and trauma patient standards, which provides patients with the highest level of specialized care.

“The Neuro/Trauma Stepdown Unit has a highly trained, compassionate nursing staff to assist you in recovering from your injuries,” says Trauma Program Manager Patricia Irwin, RN, BSN. “They are able to recognize the nature of the injuries and their natural progression. The nursing staff can

10 | IN GOOD HEALTH

quickly identify subtle changes in condition and provide and coordinate additional interventions to address the changes.”

Nurses in the unit, all of whom have additional, specialized neuro/trauma and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support training, focus on active patient engagement and participation in things like practicing deep breathing and coughing, and early mobility exercises, which Irwin says are a critical component of recovery for this patient population.

“Each patient offers specific nuances based on the injuries they have sustained,” explains Irwin, and knowing those nuances, and being able to recognize and look out for them, is important.

“The goal is to help patients recover and get back to their baseline, or as close as possible to that, prior to their injury occurring,” says Irwin.

IDENTIFYING STROKE SYMPTOMS

BE FAST

Every moment counts when it comes to a stroke. If you suspect a stroke, be on the lookout for these signs:

BALANCE

Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?

Trouble walking, dizzy, loss of balance or coordination.

EYES

Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

FACE

Does the person’s face look uneven?

Is their smile crooked or mouth drooping?

ARM

Is one arm hanging down?

Jennifer Pressler, RN & Sara Collins, RN

therapeutic exercises, muscle re-education, speech therapy, and other treatments to minimize potential deficits, enhance quality of life, and to regain independence.

Being diagnosed with a neurological disease can be scary, but it can be reassuring to know that McLaren’s team of highly skilled, experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons are there to provide expert, patient-centered care at every step of the way.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR STROKE CARE We’re once again honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to improving outcomes for stroke patients.

Can the person raise both arms equally?

SPEECH

Is the person’s speech slurred?

Is speech slurred, or drooling, or confused?

TERRIBLE HEADACHE & TIME

Does the patient have a terrible headache?

TIME IS CRITICAL.

WATCH AS DR. BRAD BLAKER EXPLAINS STROKE SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENTS Each minute a stroke is left untreated could result in the loss of up to 1.9 million neurons. “Time is brain tissue, and it’s crucial that patients get to us in a timely fashion,” Dr. Blaker says.

“The quicker they get to us, the more we can do.”

Watch Dr. Blaker’s presentation by scanning the QR code.

SOMETHING GOOD FROM EVERYTHING

IT COULDN’T “HAVE COME OUT ANY BETTER FOR EITHER OF US - Crystal Wackerly

”

A stroke survivor’s story.

It had been a normal few days for Crystal Wackerly. The active, 64-year-old wife, mother, and grandmother had spent the March 2018 weekend with friends and family celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at her daughter Amy’s house. But that Monday, when she returned home from helping her daughter, Catherine, at her chiropractic office, she knew something wasn’t right.

As she sat down on the couch, her vision became honeycombed. She couldn’t see to dial, but she was able to find her husband, Neil, in her cellphone’s favorites.

“At this point, I didn’t think it was a stroke,” Crystal says, as she was only experiencing vision symptoms.

Her vision had improved by the time Neil arrived home, but he suspected Crystal might be having a stroke. Sure enough, when he tried to get her to stand, they discovered Crystal’s left side had been affected. Her balance was gone, and she had severe nausea and vomiting. Neil immediately called for an ambulance, and Crystal was transported to McLaren Bay Region.

Scans revealed a blood clot, or an ischemic stroke, making Crystal a candidate for a clot-dissolving medicine known as tPA (tissue plasminogen activator). Injected by a specialist directly into the blood clot, tPA dissolves blood clots that block blood flow to the brain. When administered within three hours of an ischemic stroke, tPA restores blood flow in the brain, limiting the risk of long-term damage or impairment.

By the time she was in her room, Crystal was alert. And while she was still experiencing balance issues, they had subsided enough so that she was no longer nauseated.

Visitors could hardly believe how well she looked.

“I feel so fortunate that I was a candidate for the tPA shot, and that my husband recognized the warning signs,” Crystal says.

Crystal Wackerly

While she was on the path to recovery, the rest of that year wasn’t without challenges. After Neil received two heart stents near the end of 2018, a friend lamented the couple’s bad year.

Crystal disagreed.

“We didn’t have a bad year,” she says. “It couldn’t have come out any better for either of us.”

The experiences that year taught Crystal and Neil to appreciate each moment for what it is. And, while she’s always been active and health-conscious, since her stroke, Crystal has eaten a mostly vegetarian diet and does yoga five days a week.

“Something good comes from everything,” Crystal says.

“It can sometimes be hard to find it, but that good thing is always there.”

IT’S A SOLID NEUROSCIENCES SERVICE LINE AT MCLAREN BAY REGION Healthcare service lines—where providers across disciplines engage to provide specialized care for specific patient populations—allow for more effective communication, better delivery of care, and, ultimately, improved patient outcomes.

McLaren’s strong neurosciences service line offers the highest quality diagnostic, treatment, surgical, and rehab services to manage numerous neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, dementia, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson’s disease.

“Patients have a more streamlined, accessible health care experience,” explains Stroke Program Coordinator Grace Rodriguez, RN-MSN. And providers are better able to quickly 12 | IN GOOD HEALTH

adapt, modify, and improve programs based on colleague and patient feedback.

“McLaren’s service line uses a patient-centered approach to the delivery of healthcare services,” Rodriguez says, “and is organized in the way that neurological patients experience healthcare as a whole system.” This involves multi-disciplinary collaboration between EMS, Emergency Department, Inpatient Units, Discharge Readiness, and Outpatient Community Resources.

With a standardized approach across the McLaren system, patients experience the same high-quality, expert care no matter where they are.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Meet Lance and Wendy Krager

When Lance Krager, now a registered nurse and scheduler in the surgical department at McLaren Bay Region, met his wife, Wendy, a respiratory therapist there, more than 30 years ago, he had no idea they would still be together and working at the hospital far into the future. But more than 31 years, and three children later, the two are still happy members of the McLaren family.

The couple, who met on the hospital’s medical-surgical floor while Wendy was giving a respiratory treatment, say much of their life together revolves around the “family” they have created with their fellow workers at McLaren. A feeling of community is the best part of working at McLaren, says Lance. “You know everyone you work with. You know their family, what they’re going through, and you’re involved in their lives.”

Both have even become close to patients over the years, say the couple.

Lance recalls a family that “took him in and invited him to Christmas” after he helped to care for their dying father in the hospital, while Wendy fondly recalls an ALS patient from years earlier whose “strength, kindness, and sweetness” she will never forget.

The couple agree that working at McLaren has done much for their lives.

- Lance Krager “The hospital has been very good to me,” says Lance, who notes that he moved up from working in the lab through several other positions over the years and into his current one. “They’ve always believed in me, and I’ve never seen myself working anywhere else.”

“We still do things with the same people, and that’s what the hospital has provided,” Wendy agrees. “Our recreation, our friendships, our community—[McLaren is] a family outside of our immediate family.”

McLAREN PRIDE

THE HOSPITAL “HAS BEEN VERY GOOD TO ME ”

Wendy and Lance Krager

“IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, YOU GET TO EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING. WE HAVE A GREAT CREW HERE WHO ARE EAGER TO HELP, PROACTIVE, WANT TO BE GOOD NURSES, AND TAKE CARE OF THEIR COMMUNITY.” - DANIELLE JEAN, RN, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

“I LIKE THE VERSATILITY OF MY JOB – I GET A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING. I ENJOY WORKING WITH THE PATIENTS. MOSTLY, I LIKE CARING FOR PEOPLE.” - KAREN LOWRY,

WE’RE HIRING! COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

ENDOSCOPIC PATIENT CARE ASSOCIATE

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“I LOVE THE PEOPLE WHO I WORK WITH. WE MAKE A REALLY GOOD TEAM COMING TOGETHER TO TAKE CARE OF OUR PATIENTS AND GUESTS.” JOSEPH WEAVER, RETAIL SUPERVISOR, FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL DEPARTMENT

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

PATIENT SUCCESS STORY

CLARK DEAN LIVES UP TO HIS NICKNAME OF “SUPERMAN” Doris and Clark Dean

“I was trying to be Mr. Macho, hanging and finishing drywall in this 100-year-old farmhouse, and I started having a pain in my stomach. My cousin, who was helping me hang the drywall, went up to get the homeowner, because he knew I was in pain. Later, my wife, Doris, said, ‘you’re going in now, because you’re not going to wake me up at midnight to take you in.’”

Shortly after arriving to the Emergency Department at McLaren Bay Region, several tests were run. The Deans were waiting for results when all of a sudden Doris recalls, “he sat down, and said, ‘oh my gosh, I’m going to throw up.’ I rang for the nurse and said, ‘he’s throwing up and in really bad shape!’

Then he started having a seizure.”

The Deans didn’t realize it at the time, but Clark had just experienced the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

“It was like clockwork,” said Doris. “The way they were working. I mean, how can you have so many people in such a little room and nobody tripping over anybody? I mean nobody.

There were about 10 or 12 people in there, and Clark was losing blood faster than they could give it to him. They ended up giving him 10 units of blood. He basically lost all of his blood, twice.”

“Dr. Mouawad, - Doris Dean the vascular surgeon, came in. He looked at me and then to the rest of the care team in the room and said, ‘I’m going to get ready,’ and boom, he was out of the room,” said Doris. “A few minutes later, another gentleman came in, introduced himself as the anesthesiologist, then boom, he was gone, too.”

“The surgery was long, almost five hours,” Doris recalls.

“Dr. Mouawad came out to give me an update. When I saw

BIG, BIG HUGS “TOBIG, THE ENTIRE TEAM.

EVERYONE WAS JUST SO COMPASSIONATE, SO REASSURING, AND COMFORTING.

”

14 | IN GOOD HEALTH

the look on his face, I was just so scared. I thought, please, don’t tell me you did everything you could, please don’t tell me that. He said, ‘it’s going to be a long road to recovery.’

He told me, ‘stitching his arteries was like trying to sew wet paper. They just kept wanting to tear, they were in such rough shape.’”

After nearly a two-week stay at McLaren Bay Region, Clark was able to go home to finish his recovery. “I truly believe they saved his life. I’m just eternally grateful,” said Doris. “Big, big, big hugs to the entire team. Everyone was just so compassionate, so reassuring, and comforting. Jenny, his night nurse, was really good to him. Amanda, his day nurse, was just awesome. She would call me to tell me what was going on, and that was really good. I’m just so grateful. I wish I could remember everyone’s name, but there were too many wonderful people.”

“Being on oxygen, I was worried how I would be able to walk all of the way to Clark’s room by myself,” said Doris. “I asked the security guard if there was anyone who would be able to help me, and they instantly had a wheelchair ready.

Every day someone would wheel me up there and then all of the way out to my car when it was time to go home. It really meant so much.”

Clark and Doris realize just how lucky he is to be alive.

“My sister is an RN,” said Clark. “She is just overwhelmed with my recovery to this point. She just can’t even believe it. After 40 years of nursing, she has never personally seen anybody survive this.”

Clark and Doris want to thank the entire team at McLaren Bay Region. “I hope they realize that they did this,” said Doris.

“They carried him from day to day with all their words of encouragement. I really want them to have 100 percent credit for saving his life.”

After living to share the story of experiencing an abdominal aortic aneurysm, Clark says “I feel like I’m living up to my nickname of Superman.”

Robert Render, DO Orthopedic Surgeon

FROM PRIMARY CARE TO ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

YOUR LOCAL CONNECTION TO A WORLD OF CARE. The best minds in medicine are right here in your community. With McLaren, you’re always closer to leading doctors and advanced specialty care, because our primary and urgent care providers are seamlessly connected with specialists across our network. And with McLarenNow virtual care, you can conveniently access McLaren physicians when you need them, wherever you are. See the power of connection at mclaren.org/connect

UPCOMING COMMUNITY HEALTH EVENTS At McLaren, we are committed to the health and well-being of our community. Through free and low-cost health screenings, community education events, and prevention programs, we are passionate about providing opportunities for people to learn about and take control of their health. For a complete list of upcoming events, scan the QR code to the right.

JANUARY 12 – FEBRUARY 2: 4-WEEK CHILDBIRTH SERIES 6:30-9:00 p.m. at McLaren Health Pavilion, 3175 West Professional Drive, Bay City, 48706; register online at www.mclaren.org/BayBirthClass or call 989-894-3935; $60

JANUARY 18 & FEBRUARY 1: PRE-DIABETES: STOP DIABETES IN ITS TRACKS! 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.. at McLaren

Bay Region Diabetes Education, 400 S. Trumbull Street, Bay City, 48708; call 989-894-9528 to pre-register; $25

JANUARY 20 & FEBRUARY 3: AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY FRESHSTART SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Center for Rehabilitation,

3190 E. Midland Road, Bay City, 48706; register online at www. mclaren.org/BayClasses or call toll-free 1-877-411-2762; $25

MARCH 9: BAY AREA STROKE EDUCATION SERIES “SLEEP APNEA, AFIB, AND STROKES: WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?” 3:00 p.m. at Center for Rehabilitation,

3190 E. Midland Road, Bay City, 48706; register online at www.mclaren.org/BayClasses or call toll-free 1-877-4112762; Free

MARCH 15: CARING FOR OTHERS SUPPORT GROUP “HOW TO PRACTICE MINDFULNESS TO HELP REDUCE STRESS” 3:00 p.m. at Center for

Rehabilitation, 3190 E. Midland Road, Bay City, 48706; register online at www.mclaren.org/BayClasses or call tollfree 1-877-411-2762; Free

MARCH 22: COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

East Medical Mall, 1454 W. Center Road, Essexville, 48732; call toll-free 1-877-411-2762 to make an appointment; $10

5:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Karmanos Cancer Institute, located on McLaren Bay Region’s West Campus, 3140 West Campus Drive, Bay City, 48706; register online at www.mclaren.org/ crcscreening or call toll-free 1-877-411-2762 to make an appointment; Free

FEBRUARY 23 – APRIL 13: A MATTER OF BALANCE

MARCH 24: BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS 6:00 – 9:00

FEBRUARY 17: HEART HEALTH & STROKE SCREENING 7:30 – 10-30 a.m. at McLaren Bay Region

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Lincoln Center, 820 S. Lincoln Street, Bay City, 48708; call 989-894-3819 or email patricia.irwin@ mclaren.org to register; Free

1900 Columbus Ave. Bay City, MI 48708

p.m. at McLaren Health Pavilion, 3175 West Professional Drive, Bay City, 48706; register online at www.mclaren.org/ BayBirthClass or call 989-894-3935; Free