Fall 2012
Information and Resources for Health and Wellness
SaintVincentHealth.com
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Know the warning signs
Living Life WELL
beating the odds The region’s highest
standard of stroke care
New health program exclusively for women
There are more than 40 primary care physicians in the Saint Vincent Medical Group. Dr. Mary Russo-Colt is one of them. One of the first osteopathic physicians to complete the residency program at Saint Vincent, Mary Russo-Colt, DO, certainly knows how to treat people. An integral member of the Erie healthcare community, she has dedicated her life to providing the most comprehensive, compassionate family-oriented care. With the strongest, most-experienced network of physicians in our community—backed by an entire health system of trusted specialists—it’s no wonder so many people trust their ongoing care to Saint Vincent.
Meet Dr. Russo-Colt at SwitchToSV.com. If you’re looking for a new primary care physician, we make it easy to make the switch. Call our Physician Hotline at (814) 452-SVMG or visit SwitchToSV.com.
contents
Mission Statement Inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Saint Vincent Health System is a community of caregivers dedicated to bringing God’s healing love to all and committed to compassion and excellence in the delivery of a continuum of holistic care.
Board of Trustees Mike Redlawsk, Chairman Mark Webb, Vice Chairman Jeff Szumigale, Treasurer Sister Mary Herrmann, SSJ, Secretary Helen Baran Terrence Cavanaugh Zdzislaw Chorazy, MD Natalie Dwyer-Haller, Esq Alan Glaser, MD Bill Hilbert, Jr. R. Steven Jones Wayne Jones, DO Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ Daniel Muccio, MD Dennis Prischak Tim Shuttleworth
saint vincent health system vitals MAGAZINE • fall 2012
Life-saving Heart Interventions
2
Urinary Incontinence
4
Health Happenings
6
Enhanced Stroke Care
8
President/CEO Scott Whalen, PhD, FACHE
cover story
Special pull-out calendar
On the Cover On June 30, 2012, Jim Swanson became one of 700,000 Americans who suffer a stroke every day in our country. Luckily, he was treated at the Saint Vincent Stroke Center. Read the full story on page 8.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/SaintVincentHealth FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SVErie
Questions or Comments Please call the Saint Vincent Marketing Communications Department at 814- 452-5706.
Vitals Magazine is a publication of Saint Vincent Health System
Holistic Birthing
12
Living Life WELL
14
Peripheral Vascular Disease: Lessening the Risk Begins with Early Detection
After he retired, one of the hobbies Paul Hughes of Celoron, New York, enjoyed most was going salmon and muskie fishing in his boat. But when he began to get a stabbing pain in his calf—pain so severe that it prevented him from walking from his house to his boat—Paul sought the help of an expert. That expert was Saint Vincent interventional cardiologist and vascular specialist Matthew “Casey” Becker, MD. Paul, 65, had been previously treated by Dr. Becker, and had undergone heart and carotid artery surgery at Saint Vincent in 2011. It was determined that he was at risk for peripheral vascular disease (PVD)— blockages in the veins and arteries of the legs—and Dr. Becker had advised him of the potential warning symptoms that indicate the presence of PVD.
Saint Vincent:
Providing Life-saving Heart Interventions Faster than the National Standard 2
SaintVincentHealth.com
Time = muscle. It’s a simple equation. But if you experience a heart attack, it can be a lifesaver. And it is the very reason Saint Vincent should be your hospital of choice if you or a loved one experiences chest pain or other heart attack symptoms. Picture a clock that begins ticking when a heart attack patient comes through the doors of the Saint Vincent Emergency Department. The clock continues ticking, counting down
“Dr. Becker had told me to call if I experienced pain in my legs, and I knew it was time to call, because I was in some pretty serious pain. I’d say it was at a level of eight out of ten,” he said. “I could barely make it off the couch.” Dr. Becker scheduled testing immediately. Utilizing a catheter to view the main vessels of Paul’s
Dr. Becker performed a minimally invasive procedure known as laser atherectomy with balloon angioplasty to open Paul’s blocked arteries and restore blood flow to his leg. Paul spent the night in the hospital before going home. With virtually no recovery time, Paul was back on his feet, able to return to tinkering in his workshop
“Dr. Becker and Saint Vincent stopped the pain and helped me to get back into my boat.” right leg, Dr. Becker discovered a complete blockage in the artery that supplied blood flow to the bottom half of the leg, as well as a partial blockage near the knee. As a result of many factors— including aging, cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking, arteries tend to thicken and stiffen. At the same time, plaque can build up in the arteries, reducing the amount of blood that can flow through the arteries. If left untreated, this type of disease can result in life-threatening issues, including amputation, aneurysms and even death.
and making repairs on his boat to get it ready for fishing season. “For patients who suffer from peripheral vascular disease, the pain can be agonizing,” said Dr. Becker. “What people need to know is that a simple, minimally invasive procedure can help patients like Paul return to a normal quality of life.”
the seconds until the moment doctors restore blood flow to blocked arteries through balloon angioplasty or another specialized intervention. This period is known as door-to-balloon time. For the past 12 months in a row, the Saint Vincent HeartStat team has accomplished door-to-balloon times that are on average 30 minutes faster than the nationally recognized guidelines. This remarkably fast turnaround reduces the loss of valuable heart muscle, lowers
mortality rates, lessens the length of stay for heart attack patients, and provides patients with a better quality of life after they leave the hospital. “Restoring blood flow to the arteries in a manner that is consistently one-third of the time faster than nationally recommended guidelines is a result of enormous commitment and passion for patient care by everyone from our ambulance crews, emergency department staff, cardiac catheterization
Paul is still plagued with a longstanding knee injury and, on Dr. Becker’s enthusiastic recommendation, he is going to undergo a surgical procedure to repair it at Saint Vincent in November. But not, he says, before he and Dr. Becker—himself an avid fisherman—go muskie fishing on Chautauqua Lake in October. “I need to say that Dr. Becker is not only an excellent doctor, he is one of the most loving, caring people I’ve ever met,” Paul said. “And, as for Saint Vincent, well, I’ve had carotid artery surgery there, I’ve had heart surgery there, I had my leg surgery there, and I’m heading there for my knee. I would never go anywhere else.” If you are experiencing pain in your legs or discoloration or ulcers, schedule a vascular screening to determine if you have PVD. It includes three screenings and takes only 30 minutes. Cost is $75. Weekday or Saturday appointments can be made by calling 814-452-5658.
30
On average, Saint Vincent opens blocked arteries 30 minutes faster than the national guideline.
team and cardiologists,” said interventional cardiologist Samuel Ward, MD, cardiac catheterization lab director at Saint Vincent Health Center. If you or a loved one has a heart attack, insist on the hospital that treats you faster. Saint Vincent. Learn more at www.SaintVincentHealth.com/Heart.
SaintVincentHealth.com
3
Urinary Incontinence
Most people don’t want to talk about it
ore than 33 million people in the United States—or one in six adults—suffer from some sort of bladder control problem. In fact, on average, most adults who experience bladder control issues wait almost seven years before they seek a diagnosis. That’s because many believe their problems are just a part of “growing old.” When urinary incontinence has a major impact on everyday life, causing sufferers to avoid vacations, parties and many social situations, it is not a normal part of aging Life changing Erie’s Jane Laffin, 68, traveled with her husband to Michigan this summer to visit their daughter and grandchildren. It was a five-hour car ride each way that normally would have meant several bathroom stops for Jane along the way. This year marked the first time in nearly
4
SaintVincentHealth.com
20 years that Jane was able to travel without worry. “It was life changing for me,” said Jane. It was just a month earlier that Jane was diagnosed correctly with non-obstructive urinary retention with urge-induced overflow incontinence. Her symptoms included frequency, urgency and incomplete bladder emptying. Jane had previously been treated for a variety of conditions, including urethral stricture disease. She underwent several procedures, and spent time in the emergency room when the pain got so bad but the urinary urges and pressure did not subside. “The pressure was oftentimes painful,” said Jane. “So, I kept going to the doctor, looking for some sort of a solution.” She had not received a proper diagnosis until she met Saint Vincent urologist, Lori Dulabon, DO.
Diagnosing the problem Ninety-five percent of the nation’s urologists are men. When Lori Dulabon joined her father, David Dulabon, MD, and his partners at Allied Urology Associates about a year ago, she brought another dimension to this long-successful practice in Erie. Although trained in the latest surgical urology procedures for both men and women, Dr. Dulabon quickly discovered that many women were seeking her advice on urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders. After hearing about Jane’s years of suffering, Dr. Dulabon ordered a few tests and gave her not only a proper diagnosis, but a minimally invasive surgical option that could be the answer she had spent years looking for. “The tests showed that Jane’s pain and urinary urges were caused because her bladder never fully emptied as it should,” commented Dr. Dulabon. “She had already tried medication and biofeedback and I believed she would be a good candidate for the InterStim Neuromodulation™—a surgically implanted device that acts as a ‘pacemaker’ for the bladder.”
In July, Dr. Dulabon successfully implanted the device in a same-day surgical procedure and Jane returned home that afternoon with new hope.
The device, which is about the size of a silver dollar, was approved by the FDA in 1997 for urge incontinence, and in 1999 for both urgency-frequency and non-obstructive urinary retention. It is implanted just under the skin and helps control urinary urges by sending mild electrical impulses via a thin wire to the sacral nerves that control the bladder, sphincter and pelvic floor muscles.
A New Life The trip to Michigan a month after surgery was a good test. By Jane’s estimation, it was perfect! “This was amazing to me,” said Jane. “My quality of life is so much better and I feel blessed to have met Dr. Dulabon and to have received this device.” “Patients should know that overactive bladder symptoms can often be treated successfully with medical therapy,” said Dr. Dulabon.
“But, some patients fail to respond to medical therapy and for them this device can provide a significant improvement in their symptoms.” Urge incontinence happens when the brain and the sacral nerves aren’t communicating and the nerves can’t tell the bladder to function properly. The InterStim therapy send the electrical impulses to the nerves which then signal the bladder. “This device absolutely changes lives for many patients,” according to Dulabon. “There is just no need to suffer for years with these symptoms.” Call 814-452-7600 for help with urinary incontinence.
Saint Vincent Center for Pelvic Health:
A Team Approach to Restoring a Normal Life For anyone suffering with a pelvic health issue—from urinary leaking to pelvic pain and other issues—the solution can begin with a single phone call to the Saint Vincent Center for Pelvic Health. Guided through the process of diagnosis and treatment by a program manager and specialized pelvic health navigator, patients can regain a normal lifestyle through the expert care of a multidisciplinary pelvic health team that includes: • Primary care physicians • Urologists • OB/GYNs • Colorectal physicians and surgeons • General surgeons • Gastroenterologists • Rehab medicine specialists • Anesthesiologists • Continence nurses • Physical therapist certified in pelvic muscle dysfunction Depending on your specific problem, members of the team work together to design the optimal treatment plan for you. It is confidential, compassionate care that can be life changing.
“Many suffering from incontinence are embarrassed to address the topic with their doctor, but those who have had the courage to seek the confidential treatment offered by The Saint Vincent Center for Pelvic Health and now enjoy confidence and freedom once again, never regret it for a moment,” said Saint Vincent OB/GYN Carla Picardo, MD. The Center for Pelvic Health diagnoses and provides care for a broad spectrum of conditions, including: • Urinary incontinence/leakage • Fecal incontinence • Pelvic organ prolapse • Pelvic pain • Interstitial Cystitis • Post-surgical pelvic pain • Postpartum needs • Uterine fibroids • Abnormal uterine bleeding • Endometriosis • Sexual dysfunction • Gynecological cancers • Abnormal pap smears
“The fact is that a better quality of life is possible.”
Saint Vincent urologist, Lori Dulabon, DO
Call the Saint Vincent Center for Pelvic Health at 814-452-7600 today. To learn more, go to www.SaintVincentHealth.com/PelvicHealth.
SaintVincentHealth.com
5
Friday Fusion A combination of cardio, weights, and abs that changes every week. When: Fridays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
R.I.P.P.E.D. A plateau-proof fitness formula that combines resistance, intervals, power, plyometrics, endurance, and diet. When: Tuesday or Thursday, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
All About the Core Utilize a variety of equipment to strengthen your core muscles. When: Tuesdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Sucker Punch A kickboxing strength hybrid class When: Mondays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Zumba® Burn calories to hypnotic musical rhythms and tantalizing moves. When: Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., or Thursdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Saint Vincent is dedicated to your good health! Please join us for this series of health and wellness classes. Purchase a 10-class pass for $50 in the Saint Vincent “Inspired” Gift Shop to enjoy these exciting classes. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in the Associate Fitness Center in the lower level of the Hardner Building, 2315 Myrtle Street, Erie. Call 814-452-5619 or e-mail arzyczycki@svhs.org for more information.
Saint Vincent Fitness and Wellness Classes
Saint Vincent
Drop 10 in 10 SM When: Thursdays, October 4 to December 6, 10 to 11:30 a.m. OR Thursdays, January 10 to March 14, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Cost: $120 or $20 for Highmark members Breastfeeding Class for New Parents When: October 11, November 8, December 13, January 10, February 14, March 14, or April 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $15
Eat Well for Life II SM When: Tuesdays, October 2 to 23, OR February 5 to 26 OR April 2 to 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Cost: $65 or free for Highmark members
Saturday Preparation for Labor Classes When: October 6, 13, or November 3, 10, or December 1, 8, or January 5, 12, or March 2, 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $30 per couple
Daily Steps to Stress Less When: Thursdays, October 11 to November 8, OR February 7 to March 14, OR April 4 to May 9, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Cost: $65 or free for Highmark members
Eat Well for Life I SM When: Tuesdays, November 6 to 27, Wednesdays, January 2 to 30, OR April 2 to 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Cost: $65 or free for Highmark members
Weekday Preparation for Labor Class When: October 1, 8, 15 or November 5, 12, 19, or December 4, 11, 18, or February 4, 11, 18, or April 1, 8, 15, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost: $30 per couple
Newborn Care Class When: October 4, November 1, December 6, or March 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost: $15
For registration, please e-mail arzyczycki@svhs.org. Classes are held in lower level of the Hardner Building, 2315 Myrtle Street, Erie.
Highmark Class Series
Pull out and post this calendar!
Online e-Learning Childbirth Education When: Anytime! Cost: $35 Go to www.SaintVincentHealth.com/babies to learn more and connect to this exciting class series.
Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at the Saint Vincent Women’s Center, 311 West 24 Street, Erie. To register, call 814-452-5664 or e-mail sbuffalari@svhs.org. Beautiful Beginnings classes may be reimbursable, so be sure to check with your health insurance provider.
Beautiful Beginnings Classes For Expectant and New Parents
Health Happenings
When: Third Wednesday of every month, 5:30 p.m. Where: Regional Cancer Center, 2500 West 12 Street, Erie RSVP: 814-836-2660
Breast Cancer Support Group
FREE
When: Second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 4 p.m. Where: Regional Cancer Center, 2500 West 12 Street, Erie RSVP: 814-838-0431
Thriver’s Group for Advanced Cancer Patients
FREE
When: Monday Nov. 12, 2 to 4 p.m. Where: Saint Vincent Women’s Center Classroom, 311 West 24 Street, Erie RSVP: 800-227-2345
Look Good, Feel Better for Female Cancer Patients
FREE
Community Cancer Learning and Support
Piloxing Erie’s only Piloxing class, blending the power and speed of boxing with the sculpting and flexibility of Pilates. When: Mondays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Glutes, Guns and Guts Utilize gliding disks, medicine balls, and stability balls along with your own body weight to target each muscle group. When: Wednesdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Living without Hip and Knee Pain Experiencing hip or knee pain? Attend a free seminar, where you’ll hear the latest on treatment from one of our orthopedic surgeons and a Rehab Solutions physical therapist. Participants receive a free hot/cold gel pack. When: October 17 or December 4, 1 p.m., OR November 6 at 10 a.m. Where: Saint Vincent McGarvey Learning Center RSVP: 814-866-4819
Mothers and Daughters: On Growing Up (For girls 9 – 12 and their mothers) When: February 23 Cost: $20 per mother/daughter couple; $5 for each additional daughter
So You’re Going To Be a Grandparent! A Class for Expectant or New Grandparents When: April 29 Cost: $10 per person; $15 per grandparent couple
Dads Make a Difference! A Class for Fathers-to-Be or New Dads When: April 22 Cost: $10 per dad
CPR for Infants, Children, and Adults When: March 23 Where: Takes place in Educational Services classroom Cost: $40 per person
Breastfeeding Support Group When: January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17 Cost: Free
Sibling Preparation Class When: October 2, December 4, April 30, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost: $10 for one child, $5 for each additional child Where: Neonatal Intensive Care Family Waiting Room, 5th Floor
FREE Saint Vincent Cardiac Support Group When: November 1 and February 7, Noon to 1 p.m. Where: Saint Vincent McGarvey Learning Center RSVP: 814-452-7273
These free seminars take place every Wednesday in the Saint Vincent McGarvey Learning Center, 232 West 25 Street, Erie, at 6 p.m. Call 814-452-7800 today to register.
The Center for Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery offers weekly informational seminars about the minimally invasive bariatric procedures available at Saint Vincent.
Bariatric Seminars
Suspending Stress: A Free Saint Vincent Lunch and Learn Class When: Wednesday, April 17, noon to 12:30 p.m. Cost: Free Where: McGarvey Learning Center in the Health Center
Health on the Menu Lunch and Learn: Clear the Air When: Tuesday, January 15, noon to 12:30 p.m. Cost: Free
Enhanced Stroke Care in the Region ike most couples who have been married for 56 years, Jim and Marian Swanson have a morning routine. While Marian gets her day started with a short walk, Jim heads to Youngsville, just outside of Warren. Jim is known as a regular at the Pleasant Valley Inn. It’s a typical restaurant and tavern found in small towns around the country and a place where everyone knows your name. Jim stops every morning for breakfast, sits at the same table and starts his day with Inn owner Jerry Lyon and the rest of the regulars, who get into some lively conversations. Jim and Marian then spend the rest of the day at Swanson’s Barn, a country store they have owned and operated together for many years. But, on June 29, 2012, their morning was anything but routine. “I went to pick up my cup of coffee,” Jim said, “and I couldn’t move my arm. I couldn’t reach the cup and I knew something was wrong.” “I took one look at Jim and I just knew.” said Jerry Lyon, Pleasant Valley Inn owner. “He was slurring his words and I could see the right side of his face starting to droop.” Lyon also works with the safety patrol at nearby Peek’n Peak Ski Resort and has been involved in a number of rescues. He knew, despite Jim’s insistence that he was okay, Jim was exhibiting classic symptoms of a stroke. Lyon quickly dialed 911 and then called Marian.
8
SaintVincentHealth.com
cover story
While the Youngsville Volunteer Fire Department and EmergyCare ambulance were dispatched, Marian, afraid Jim was having another heart attack, said she wanted him taken to Saint Vincent Health Center. “Jim has had a few heart procedures and we know that if it’s something big, we need Saint Vincent,” commented Marian. “There was no question in my mind that Jim needed to get to Saint Vincent, even though there were other hospitals close by.” The right hospital That day, Jim was one of 700,000. That’s the number of Americans who suffer a stroke every single day in this country. His odds of surviving depended upon many factors, including the hospital where he would be treated. For stroke victims, where a patient is taken is just as important as how quickly he or she arrives there since not all hospitals have the necessary staff and equipment to diagnose and treat acute stroke patients in a rapid and efficient manner. Research shows that stroke victims receive better treatment and recover with fewer disabilities at primary stroke centers, which are staffed and equipped around the clock to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat acute stroke victims.
“Saint Vincent made a commitment to developing a Stroke Center a few years ago because we know that it can mean a huge difference in recovery for those afflicted,” commented Wayne Jones, DO, medical director of the Saint Vincent Emergency Department. The Saint Vincent Stroke Center features a 24/7 stroke alert team, a specially trained neurointerventionalist to intervene in a stroke as it is happening and a team of neurologists and neurosurgeons. Last year, the Stroke Center advanced to a higher level of expertise through a unique telemedicine program that links Saint Vincent with the Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation’s top neurological programs. Timing is crucial Back in Youngsville, Emergycare paramedic, Norris Daugharthy was responsible for making sure that Jim was stabilized before he would be transported by helicopter to Saint Vincent. He quickly went to work on regulating Jim’s blood pressure—which was quite high—and starting IV therapy, while the Lifestar helicopter landed at the Youngsville Fire Department. When Jim was in the air on his way to Saint Vincent, his vitals were relayed to the Emergency Department.
“There was no question in my mind that Jim needed to get to Saint Vincent, even though there were other hospitals close by.”
When he arrived, Jim was taken straight to radiology without stopping in the ER, for a CT scan, which is an x-ray that produces a three-dimensional image of the brain to diagnose the stroke. Timing is the most important factor to ensure survival from a stroke. “The key to successful recovery from an acute stroke is timing. The diagnosis must be made in the critical early hours, which are between one and four hours from the onset of the stroke symptoms,” said John Sullivan, MD, Saint Vincent neurologist. “That’s when a clot-busting drug known as tPA can be safely administered. And, when that happens, the patient has a better chance for a full recovery.” Jim made it in time. The Saint Vincent ER physician was immediately connected by telemedicine video conferencing with a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic Telestroke Network, who confirmed that the patient was exhibiting clear symptoms of a stroke, and ordered the life-saving tPA treatment to try to reverse the deficits. Shortly after receiving the tPA, Jim’s wife and daughter began to notice that he could move his fingers and toes and Jim realized the feeling in his face was slowly returning to normal.
11
The number of Saint Vincent physicians recognized by The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for providing outstanding quality care to patients with diabetes.
SaintVincentHealth.com
9
cover story
Why Saint Vincent At Saint Vincent Health Center, our caring and qualified physicians and nurses are committed to providing excellent stroke care for the patient’s best outcomes. The Saint Vincent Stroke Center has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from the Joint Commission for providing the highest quality of care, resulting in better outcomes for patients. This means that Saint Vincent has been nationally recognized as a leader in stroke care and that the quality care provided is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients. The Saint Vincent Stroke Alert Team, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, uses a stroke-specific protocol to expedite care for patients who exhibit stroke symptoms to ensure appropriate treatment is provided.
10
SaintVincentHealth.com
“You can see the number of what we call ‘touch points’ in Jim’s care which included his friends, the first responders and then here at the Saint Vincent in radiology and emergency and through telemedicine with the Cleveland Clinic,” said Dr. Jones. “If any one of those pieces to this huge puzzle does not follow through, there could have been a different outcome for Jim.” Jim and Marian are settling back into their routine and looking forward to each day. Jim spent a few weeks in a rehabilitation facility, becoming stronger and recovering well. In fact, the day after he got home, he was right back in that familiar seat at the Pleasant Valley Inn, solving the world’s problems and thankful for his friends.
25
Saint Vincent was recently included among the top 25 hospitals nationwide to be named “Most Wired, Most Improved,” according to the results of the 2012 Most Wired Survey, released in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.
For more information about Saint Vincent Neurosciences and the Saint Vincent Stroke Center call 814-452-5500 or 800-326-8080.
Open MRI Offers Power in a Wide Open Space
Concussion Clinic:
A Resource for Injured Athletes, Families The Saint Vincent Sports Medicine Concussion Clinic offers specially trained sports medicine physicians who can provide diagnostic services and comprehensive personalized treatment programs. They will work with the athlete (or anyone suffering a concussion), helping the individual to get back into his/her sport or activities safely. If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, trust the region’s concussion experts at Saint Vincent Sports Medicine. Learn more at www.SaintVincentHealth.com by clicking on the Services tab, then Sports Medicine and Concussion Clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 814-835-2035.
For those who are uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, the prospect of having an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test performed in a closed unit can produce anxiety. At the Saint Vincent Imaging Center in the Yorktown Center, patients have access to the most powerful open MRI in the region and the widest opening of any MRI system. The C-shaped opening of the MRI system enables patients to enter sideways for all imaging studies, rather than head-first or feet-first in a closed unit.
The system is also three times stronger than any other open MRI in the region, and features a high field quality image and extensive clinical applications, including stroke assessment, neurology, orthopedic, spine, body and angiography. The system also offers faster completion time and can accommodate patients weighing up to 550 pounds. Ask your doctor to schedule your MRI at the Saint Vincent Imaging Center, 2501 West 12 Street in the Yorktown Center, by calling 814-866-4850.
Saint Vincent Bariatrics: Same-day Appointments at a New Location Saint Vincent’s bariatric practice and its surgeons, Muhammad Asad, MD, and Jawaid Kalim, MD, have moved to a new location.The new practice address is: Center for Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery The Hillside Building 145 West 23 Street, Suite 303 Erie, PA 16502 The phone number remains the same at 814-452-7800. If traditional weight loss methods have not worked, talk to your primary care physician about your potential for bariatric surgery. The center provides general and minimally invasive surgical procedures as well as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding.
SaintVincentHealth.com
11
Certified Nurse Midwives:
A Holistic Birthing Option at Saint Vincent For centuries, many women have utilized the skills and insights of midwives for assistance and support in childbirth. Today, certified nurse-midwives provide comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who has also completed an accredited educational program in nurse-midwifery and passed an examination given by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Expectant mothers can utilize the specialized care of three nurse midwives at Saint Vincent, including Peggy Boyd, CNM, Stefanie Young, CNM, and Gretta McCool, CNM, who practice at Erie Women’s Health Partners, 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 220, in Erie. If needed, the consultation and clinical services of the OB/GYN physicians in the practice are also available. The benefits of a nurse-midwife include: • A personal, more holistic style of care with a lower rate of interventions, such as labor-inducing medications and cesarean sections • Full service care, 24/7 • 1-to-3 patient/midwife ratio, so expectant mothers know who will deliver their babies • Support for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section (VBAC) • Availability of water birth • OB/GYN physicians are at the ready for consultation or referral, if needed. To inquire about or contact a nurse midwife, call 814-454-8185. You can view information about our nurse midwives and our entire team of OB/GYN physicians by visiting www.SaintVincentHealth.com/Women.
12
SaintVincentHealth.com
2
The number of Gold Star Performance awards Saint Vincent earned this spring from UnitedHealthcare as a result of reduction in hospital infections and neonatal intensive care quality.
Saint Vincent Welcomes New Physicians
Feras Alkhudari, MD Pediatrics and Neonatology Children’s Health Care West 2501 West 12 Street Erie, Pennsylvania 16505 814-835-4838
Yasser Jamal, MD Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine Digestive Diseases of NW PA Inc. 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 290 Erie, Pennsylvania 16502 814-452-2767
Terence O. Lillis, MD Family Medicine McClelland Family Practice 2240 East 38 Street, Suite 200 Erie, Pennsylvania 16510 814-825-4262
Joshua Czerwinski, DO Family Medicine Elk Valley Medical Center 5165 Imperial Pkwy Girard, Pennsylvania 16417 814-774-3128
Jay J. Kiessling, MD Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Surgery Saint Vincent Cardiovascular Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 160 Erie, Pennsylvania 16502 814-456-9197
Muhammad M. Tariq, MD Psychiatry Saint Vincent Behavioral Services 232 West 25 Street, 3R Erie, Pennsylvania 16544 814-452-5530
Need a Doctor? Call Saint Vincent Ask-a-Nurse at 814-452-5500 or visit www.SaintVincentHealth.com and click on the Find a Physician button.
SaintVincentHealth.com
13
Saint Vincent Health Center 232 West 25 Street Erie PA 16544
Living Life WELL
Saint Vincent’s NEW Health Program for Women Loving your life begins with good health for both you and your family. And now Saint Vincent celebrates a new beginning as we give our women’s health membership program an exciting makeover! We are proud to launch WELL (Women Empowered to Love Life), a women’s health program that includes: • Free health screenings • Fun, free health events designed especially for women • Opportunities to speak one-to-one with health experts • A monthly e-newsletter on important health topics • Exciting prizes and giveaways If you were an existing member of Saint Vincent’s former Spirit of Women program, you will automatically become a member of our new WELL program. If not, we invite you to join the 2,000+ members working with Saint Vincent to reach their health goal of being truly WELL. Join today by visiting www.SaintVincentHealth.com/WELL or calling 814-452-5500 to sign up. Then watch for our monthly e-newsletter and notices about exciting women’s events and seminars designed to help improve the health of you and your family!