Silver Cross Heart Surgery Program Earns Highest Rating from Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Silver Cross Hospital has earned a distinguished three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures. The three-star rating, which denotes the highest category of quality, places Silver Cross among the most elite for open heart surgery in the United States and Canada. The hospital’s heart surgery program launched in May 2019.
“This is the second major award our heart surgery program has earned since October, when Healthgrades ranked Silver Cross #2 for Cardiac Surgery in Illinois, right in between two of Chicago’s leading academic medical centers,” said Michael Mutterer, RN, MA, LCPC, CADC, LNHA, Silver Cross President and CEO. “The credit for these extraordinary accomplishments goes to cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Pat Pappas and his associates at Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates, our Cardiovascular Unit, Cardiovascular Operating Room team, Procedural Care Unit and all those who support heart surgery at Silver Cross.”
The STS star rating system is one of the most sophisticated and highly regarded overall measures of quality in healthcare, rating the benchmarked outcomes of cardiothoracic surgery programs across the United States and Canada. The star rating is calculated using a combination of quality measures for specific procedures performed by an STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database participant.
“The Society of Thoracic Surgeons congratulates STS National Database participants who have received three-star ratings,” said David M. Shahian, MD, chair of the Task Force on Quality Measurement. “Only a very small percentage of participants nationally achieve this important recognition.”
About Silver Cross Hospital’s Heart Surgery Program
One of the busiest heart surgery programs in the state of Illinois,
Silver Cross performs nearly 300 surgical cases each year and is part of the Midwest Institute for Heart at Silver Cross.
The institute brings together experts from multiple specialties to deliver advanced heart care across the continuum. These include preventive and screening services, cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, advanced heart failure services, minimally invasive heart procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), open heart surgery, aneurysm repair, cardiac rehabilitation and more.
“If you’re in search of top-rated, nationally recognized heart care, you don’t have to travel far,” Mutterer added. “It’s right here at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox.”
To recognize staff for their contributions to the hospital’s STS three-star rating, Silver Cross hosted a celebration in the hospital’s Cardiovascular Unit Feb. 3, during American Heart Month.
For more information, visit www.silvercross.org/heart
About STS
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 7,700 cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers and allied healthcare professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lung and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. The Society’s mission is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research and advocacy.
Your HEART World-Class Deserves Care World-Class
From prevention programs to open-heart surgery and aftercare, we’ve brought together the latest technology and the finest heart experts anywhere. And it’s ALL right here at the Midwest Institute for Heart at Silver Cross Hospital.
Our nationally recognized heart surgery program has earned 3 Stars from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the gold standard for heart care. That’s the highest rating available and puts Silver Cross among the most elite heart programs in the U.S. and Canada.
World-class heart care close to home… that’s the way you should be treated.
For more information or to find a heart specialist, visit silvercross.org/heart or SCAN the QR Code to learn more.
UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS WHO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED MEDICAL SERVICES
New Physicians Join Silver Cross Medical Group in Homer Glen and Mokena Silver Cross Medical Group welcomes Dr. Crystal Hines-Mays and Dr. Abraham Thomas
Silver Cross Medical Group is pleased to welcome two new physicians to its Homer Glen and Mokena locations.
Dr. Crystal Hines-Mays is now seeing patients at 12701 W. 143rd Street in Homer Glen and Dr. Abraham Thomas offers care at 21205 S. Owens Road in Mokena within the Hedges Clinic office. Both physicians see patients 18 years of age and over. Dr. Hines-Mays treats women only.
Women’s Wellness and Family Medicine in Homer Glen
Dr. Hines-Mays, a Family Medicine physician with a special interest in Women’s Health, promotes wellness and stresses the importance of a comfortable doctor-patient relationship.
“Providing comprehensive healthcare,” she says, “encompasses the entire patient. Together we will attend to the physical, mental, and spiritual aspect and needs of their life.”
Internal Medicine in Mokena
Dr. Thomas, an Internal Medicine physician with over 30 years of experience taking care of patients, is committed to fostering a collaborative relationship.
“I want to get to know my patients as people. I am then able to invest the same time, dedication, and commitment as I would to those closest to me. I would describe my
philosophy of care as collaborative. The patient and I will come up with the best plan to suit their healthcare needs,” he said.
Silver Cross Medical Group is excited to welcome the doctors and introduce them to the Silver Cross Hospital community. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Crystal HinesMays in Homer Glen or Dr. Abraham Thomas in Mokena, please call 815-3007264 (SCMG).
Online scheduling is available for both physicians at www.silvercross.org/ medical-group.
About Silver Cross Medical Group
Silver Cross Medical Group offers comprehensive primary care for every member of the family. And through its
convenient online portal, patients can easily access their health records.
With locations in New Lenox, Crest Hill, Homer Glen, Joliet, Lemont, Mokena, Manhattan and Orland Park, Silver Cross Medical Group is staffed by board-certified doctors and advanced practice providers.
For more information, visit silvercross.org/medical-group/
Abraham Thomas, M.D. Internal Medicine
Crystal Hines-Mays, M.D. Family Medicine/Women’s Health
The
and most innovative Vein Treatments
Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Center offers the latest techniques in varicose and spider vein procedures by a team of professional doctors and staff that care about your experience.
“We are proud to be voted the 2024 BEST Cosmetic Center in the Will County area several years in a row. Making cuttingedge vein solutions available to the residents of Will and Grundy County, right here in Shorewood, Il. “ said Kathe Malinowski at Eterna MedSpa & Vein Laser Center.
Varicose Veins are a common condition caused by weak or damaged vein walls and valves. Spider veins are a mild form of varicose veins that affect smaller vessels. Everyone’s treatment needs are different based on the size and location of their veins.
At Eterna MedSpa & Vein and Laser Center they offer a no obligation Free consultation, so they can determine the best course of treatment specifically for you.
“We will conduct a physical exam and ask about your symptoms, family history, activity levels, and lifestyle. Image testing, such as an ultrasound may also be done. This noninvasive method uses sound waves to assess blood flow through the vessels in your legs. It is common to recommend an ultrasound to diagnose varicose veins and get a clearer picture.” said Malinowski.
Treatments
for varicose and spider veins include:
Sclerotherapy - Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the vein. The sclerotherapy solution causes the vein to shrink. Causing blood to flow through healthier veins. The collapsed vein then fades.
Venaseal - Minimally invasive procedure that uses a medical glue to close affected veins. This special glue holds the walls of the veins together, stopping and then redirecting the blood flow to healthy veins. With time, your body will absorb the inactive veins, and they will disappear.
RFA (Radio-Frequency Ablation) - This treatment is minimally invasive technique uses heat created by radio-frequency to shut down the vein and redirect the blood flow to the healthy veins.
Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Center : 217 Vertin Boulevard, Shorewood, 60404 : 815.254.8888 : https://www.eternalaser.com
Brother and Sister Toast the Bride … and their Successful Heart Procedures at Silver Cross
Both underwent heart procedures at the Midwest Institute for Heart at Silver Cross Hospital
At his daughter Kari’s wedding last July, Jim Galen and his sister, Linda Mitchell, shared a celebratory dance, and not just for the new couple.
Each had life-saving heart procedures at the Midwest Institute for Heart at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox only weeks before. Mitchell was first; thankfully, a friend had suggested the Frankfort Square woman make an appointment with Dr. Joseph Stella, an interventional cardiologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital.
“I hadn’t been feeling well since late winter, early spring,” Mitchell said. “Usually, I’m pretty active. My husband, Rik, asks if I am ever going to slow down.”
But that’s exactly what she felt herself doing: not keeping up with household chores on the weekend, getting out of breath after a short walk from her home to her office and her heart racing from time to time.
“I would wake up in the middle of the night, and my Fitbit watch was showing 95 beats per minute,” she said.
Explained it Away
While she ignored the troubling symptoms for weeks, Mitchell said Dr. Stella didn’t. He listened to all of it, and even though the camera portion of a nuclear stress test showed no blockages, the treadmill test showed abnormalities.
“He scheduled me for an angiogram, but several days before, I was watching my 3-year-old grandson, and I really didn’t feel well. Rik was at an event, so I called my son and daughter-in-law,” she explained. “They could tell I wasn’t doing well and called for paramedics. I asked to be taken to Silver Cross because of Dr. Stella.”
At the Emergency Department, her heart rate was 204 beats per minute. She had more tests, and her angiogram was bumped up to Monday. When Dr. Hong Jun Yun, Medical Director for the Structural Heart Program at Silver Cross and interventional cardiologist who was on call, saw her charts, he told her not to eat the breakfast on the tray near her.
“He said, ‘I have a procedure to do, and then you’re next,’” she said. “One artery was 90 to 95 percent blocked, and the other 80 to 85 percent. Only 20 percent of the blood was getting to my heart.”
The “widow-maker” artery also was blocked, requiring a second, more intricate stent procedure.
Dr. Stella to the Rescue
As she followed up with Dr. Stella in between procedures, Mitchell brought along a copy of her brother’s heart scan results taken at a hospital closer to his Aurora home. Galen, 64, wasn’t having any symptoms, but he knew his dad had a stroke and heart issues at 53.
“I was shocked when the scan showed I have a 95 percent chance of having a serious heart event,” Galen said. “Doctors up here didn’t seem too concerned, but I was.”
And so was Dr. Stella when he saw Galen’s scan results.
“He said, ‘I am double-booked through January. But I will see your brother next week,’” Mitchell remembered.
Galen said one artery was 99 percent blocked, and another 95 percent. The progression was so severe a stent was out of the question. Instead, Dr. Stella made a call and requested surgery as soon as possible.
Got to the Church on Time
Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Allison Beckett scheduled a double-bypass for June 20, less than a month before his daughter’s wedding.
“I asked Dr. Stella if I would be able to attend my daughter’s wedding,” Galen said. “He said I will be good to go.”
And he was. Galen got to walk Kari down
the aisle, make the father-of-the-bride speech, and, maybe most importantly, have that daddy-daughter dance.
“It would have been emotional anyway,” Galen said. “But with everything, it was more so. I was just so happy.”
Mitchell requested a song she and her brother could dance to: “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme to the movie, “Titanic.”
He and Mitchell can’t say enough about the care they got at Silver Cross. “The doctors – cardiologists, surgeons – nurses, technicians, all came in to check on me, and they were all great.”
Galen said heart scans are so important –as well as easy and economical – he wishes insurance companies would require them. And Mitchell is glad she shared her brother’s scan results with Dr. Stella.
“This has been the greatest blessing of my life. What happened to me saved my brother’s life.”
And they are spreading the love to other family members who are at risk, including a brother who lives in Rockford, but will travel to Silver Cross to see Dr. Stella.
“He’s driving 100 miles to see the best cardiologist we know.”
To schedule a $49 CT Heart Scan at Silver Cross Hospital, visit silvercross.org.
Allison Beckett, M.D.
Hong Jun Yun, M.D.
Joseph Stella, M.D.
Can certain foods lower cancer risk?
Cancer is a prolific group of diseases that can affect any area of the body. Although many cancers can be successfully treated, cancer avoidance is undeniably preferable. There is no way to completely prevent a cancer diagnosis, but certain foods may help to reduce your risk for the disease.
According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, cancer-fighting foods are plant-based items that are rich in phytochemicals, which also are called phytonutrients. UC Davis Nutrition Department says phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in vegetables, cereal grains and plant-based beverages like tea. Researchers have found phytochemicals can protect humans from environmental toxins and metabolic processes that can lead to chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Polyphenols are good examples of phytochemicals.
Health experts recommend packing every meal with healthy and nutritious foods that include plenty of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and beans. MDACC recommends filling at least two-thirds of a plate with these healthy options. The remaining one-third of the meal should come from lean meat, fish or plant-based proteins and nuts/seeds. It also is important to limit foods that may increase cancer risk, including sugar-sweetened drinks and foods, processed meats, red meat, and alcohol.
When revamping diets to help reduce cancer risk, these heavy hitters should be included:
• Berries
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Edamame
• Eggs or egg substitute
• Fish
• Green or white tea
• Grapes
• Leafy greens
• Lean chicken
• Lentils and other legumes/beans
• Oatmeal
• Oranges
• Quinoa
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Whole grains, including brown rice
Making smart food choices can keep a person healthy and may reduce the risk of cancer.
Did you know?
The American Heart Association reports that a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute is normal for most adults. However, a physically active person or athlete may have a resting heart rate as low as 40 beats per minute. Individuals may recognize resting heart rate or know it from past wellness exams, but why is it important? According to the AHA, a person’s resting heart rate can be an important clue into how healthy or unhealthy that person may be. The AHA notes that a lower resting heart rate indicates the heart muscle is in good condition and therefore does not have to work as hard to maintain a steady beat. Conversely, a higher resting heart rate has been linked to lower levels of physical fitness, higher blood pressure and elevated body weight
“How Can I Get Help with My Mental Health? Where Do I Start?”
By Dr. Jennifer Thomas, family medicine and addiction medicine physician with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
“Doc, something is wrong. I’m just not feeling myself. I’m tired all the time, but at night I can’t sleep. My low back pain seems to be getting worse and I don’t feel like doing the stuff I love, like my bowling league and going fishing. I’m taking the blood pressure and cholesterol pills you give me, but I just don’t feel like myself.” This was how a recent patient, let’s call him Bill, presented to my primary care office. I’ve known Bill for years and take care of several of his family members.
I asked Bill a little more about his daily life. “Are you having any new stressors in your life?” Bill replied, “Well, I have been worrying a lot about money since I’ll be retiring soon. And I guess I am still a little sad about my mom passing away over the summer.” Over the course of his visit, Bill and I had a great talk where we discussed another important aspect of his health and wellness: his mental health.
Bill’s story is not uncommon. Up to 30% of primary care office visits are for mental health concerns. And sometimes mental health conditions, such as depression, are accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue and poor sleep.
So where should someone start when they have a health concern? That’s a great question and an important one. Start with your trusted primary care provider. Whether you have a sore throat, knee pain, or feeling sad or anxious, your primary care office is the perfect place to start. Together, you and your provider can figure out what is going on, taking into account both your physical and mental health.
The primary care practices at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers are uniquely equipped with additional teammates to help address your mental health concerns. This approach is called Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH.) IBH is delivered right in your primary care office, where you already receive your medical care from a trusted, friendly team of healthcare professionals.
Mental health IS health, and at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers we want our patients to know that they can bring all of their concerns, both physical and mental, to their trusted primary care provider. We are ready, we have a great team assembled, and we’re excited to help you on your journey to health and wellness.
Dr. Jennifer Thomas, MD, FASAM, is a family medicine and addiction medicine physician with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. To learn more about Morris Hospital’s Integrated Behavioral Health program, visit https://www.morrishospital.org/behavioralhealth.
Dr. Jennifer Thomas
Life is Better After Robotic-Arm Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery at Morris Hospital
“Oskee-Wow-Wow, Illinois, our eyes are all on you. Oskee-WowWow, Illinois, wave your orange and your blue! Rah! Rah!”
For rural Morris resident Deborah Baker, nothing brings more joy than cheering on the University of Illinois Fighting Illini with her husband and three sons who are all alumni. As a football and basketball season ticket holder, Baker and her family attend as many home games as possible each season.
But Baker’s game day excitement was dampened when she realized she could no longer navigate the stadium or climb the stairs to her seat due to chronic knee pain that had impacted her life for nearly a decade. After nine years of conservative pain management, Baker decided it was time to take her life back by undergoing knee replacement surgery.
“I had known for many years that knee replacement surgery was necessary, but I always said I was too busy to take time off work to get it done,” she recalls. “It wasn’t until I visited the Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine office earlier this year for an injection with Dr. Treacy that he commented on how bad my leg looked as I walked.”
Dr. Treacy referred Baker to Dr. Ahmed Eldib, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine who has specialized training in Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for total hip and knee procedures.
From her very first appointment, Baker says Dr. Eldib’s thoroughness and patience put her at ease. “I felt very comfortable with Dr. Eldib because he always took the time to explain everything in detail,” she says. “He never hesitated to answer my questions, and I always left my appointments feeling informed and reassured.”
As they developed a surgical plan, it became clear that Baker was a candidate for robotic arm-assisted surgery. Years earlier, Baker had a heart defibrillator implanted, which meant she could not undergo MRI scans. Instead, the Mako system relies on computed tomography (CT) scans to create precise imaging of the knee. Dr. Eldib used this data to craft a customized surgical plan designed to minimize incisions and speed up recovery.
When Baker first heard about robotic arm-assisted surgery, she was intrigued and eager to learn more. “I did in-depth research and quickly realized that the robotic technology assists surgeons; it doesn’t replace them,” she explains. Hearing about positive outcomes from friends who had similar surgeries added to her confidence.
During the procedure, Dr. Eldib successfully replaced Baker’s knee using the Mako robotic-arm system. Baker says the most nervewracking moment was taking her first steps on her new knee just hours after surgery. But her fears were quickly replaced by relief.
“When I took my first steps, I couldn’t believe how much better I was walking so soon after surgery,” she says. “My husband even commented how straight my leg looked and how normal my walking seemed.”
After being discharged, Baker’s first challenge was the three stairs leading into her house. With only her husband’s arm for support, she managed them easily, a moment of relief she had not felt in years.
“When I went up those stairs so easily after just two days, I knew things were going to be so much better,” she says. Her successes continued into physical therapy where her walker became an accessory she carried instead of used.
“We used to laugh because I’d carry my walker into therapy—I didn’t feel like I needed it,” Baker shares.
Today, Baker has returned to doing what she loves. She happily attended Illini football and basketball games. Her advice to anyone hesitant about knee replacement surgery is straightforward: “Do it.”
“If you’re living with chronic pain like I was, please know that you don’t have to. For nine years, my pain kept me up at night and impacted my daily life. I am living proof that knee replacement surgery works. I am so thankful to Dr. Eldib for giving me my life back.”
Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has office locations in Morris, Joliet, Diamond-Coal City, and Ottawa. To learn more, visit morrishospital.org/orthopedics. For more information on Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for total hip, total knee, or partial knee replacement surgeries, go to morrishospital.org/robot.
Deb Baker no longer has difficulty climbing the stairs in the basketball arena at the University of Illinois after having Mako RoboticArm Assisted knee replacement surgery at Morris Hospital.
Morris Hospital and YMCA Team Up for Healthy Happens Here Series
Morris Hospital and the Morris Hospital YMCA have teamed up to offer a series of health, wellness and nutrition seminars that provide invaluable support and guidance for individuals looking to establish and maintain healthy lifestyles.
Held at the Morris Hospital YMCA, 2200 W. Dupont Avenue, Morris, the seminars are free and open to everyone in the community age 18 and older. You do not have to be a YMCA member to participate.
“Morris Hospital’s mission is all about improving the health of area residents,” says Becca Evola, Wellness Manager at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. “One way we do that is by offering programs and services that promote healthy lifestyles, early detection and safety for our community.”
“The YMCA is a perfect partner in helping Morris Hospital advance its mission,” she adds. “We encourage everyone to check out the schedule and join us for these beneficial programs.”
How to Register
To register for Healthy Happens Here classes, call the Morris YMCA at (815) 513-8080 or go to morrishospital.org/events and look under the category: Education Classes at the YMCA.
To register for classes listed under the Nutrition series, call Morris Hospital’s Wellness Manager at 815-705-7358 or go to morrishospital.org/events and look under the Nutrition category.
Healthy Happens Here Schedule:
Strength, Balance and Support = Healthy Life
Wednesday, March 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The athletic training team from Morris Hospital Orthopedic & Sports Medicine will help you learn more about prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. There are a variety of ways working with an athletic trainer can benefit your health.
Parkinson’s and You
Friday, April 11, 2-3 p.m.
Whether you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s or are a caregiver for someone with Parkinson’s, there is so much to learn and understand. Join Morris Hospital Neurologist Dr. Isaac Mezo as he talks about this complicated disease, medications, and therapy services available to help manage symptoms.
Learn More, Breathe Better
Tuesday, May 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Our lungs are important, but it’s easy to take them for granted. Make plans to attend this seminar lead by Morris Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation Charge RN Patti Holmberg to learn about various conditions that may affect your respiratory health. We’ll talk prevention, breathing techniques, and more.
Dimensions of Wellness
Thursday, June 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Do you know there are many dimensions that make up your overall wellness? Wellness is about more than just exercise and diet. In this seminar, Morris Hospital Wellness Manager Becca Evola will discuss each dimension and how they each play a role in your wellness.
Nutrition Series Schedule:
How to Build Muscle or Gain Weight with Protein Intake
Wednesday, March 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
A Morris Hospital registered dietitian will discuss the importance of protein intake and provide examples of which foods are rich in protein. The class will also focus on gaining muscle and weight in general.
Meal Prepping for People with Parkinson’s or People Cooking for Themselves
Wednesday, April 23, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Having Parkinson’s disease may lead to some nutritional deficiencies. A Morris Hospital registered dietitian will explain how to incorporate the right foods into your meals to make sure you’re getting the best nutrition. The class is also beneficial for individuals who cook meals for themselves, as single serving meals will be explored.
Build Balanced Meals for Weight Loss
Tuesday, May 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
If you’re wanting to lose weight, this class is for you. A registered dietitian from Morris Hospital will discuss how to create a balanced plate by incorporating all food groups. Weight loss and weight management tips through balanced eating will also be covered.
How to Read Nutrition Labels
Thursday, June 19, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Nutrition labels can be confusing to read, especially since they have undergone some changes. A registered dietitian from Morris Hospital will teach you how to properly read nutrition labels so you are able to find the amount of nutrients (carbohydrates, calories, vitamins/minerals, sugar) you are eating. This class will also provide tips for grocery shopping for individual households.
Listen to what your heart is telling
Chest discomfort • Shortness of breath • Lightheadedness
Extreme fatigue • Racing or slow heartbeat
These are signs that something might not be right with your heart.
The board certified cardiologists with Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating heart problems using advanced capabilities and technology in the Morris Hospital Cath Lab.
If you have a family history of heart disease or any concerns about your heart health, call 815-705-1000 today to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist: Syed Ahmed, M.D., Mostafa Ghanim, M.D., Mary Menz, D.O., Alexander Green, M.D., Athar Saeed, M.D.
Office locations in Channahon, Dwight, Morris and Ottawa
