JHN_Health & Fit Magazine_November 2020

HEALTH&fit SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020

Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross | 4 Heart Care at Silver Cross Expanding | 6 & 7 Morris Hospital Launches Concussion Management Program | 10

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CURRENT DIALYSIS PATIENT OR IN NEED OF DIALYSIS? Concerned with Falling Temperatures & Rising COVID-19 Cases?

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Choosing a healthcare provider is one of the most important decisions you will make. You want to choose providers who are caring, knowledgeable and accessible. You want to choose doctors who are willing to take the time to go over all of your options and treat you as a person, not just a patient.

NORTHEAST NEPHROLOGY and CHD (Channahon Home Dialysis) physicians and nurses provide personalized experiences and specialized care for all patients through education, communication, and support. The safety and care of our patients is a top priority. We will help you navigate and decide if Home Dialysis is the choice of treatment option that best fits your lifestyle.

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is an independently owned facility associated with Northeast Nephrology Consultants.

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Dr. Teresa Kravets, MD Dr. Naila Ahmed, MD Dr. Preeti Nagarkatte, MD Dr. Aaron Gurfinchel, MD Dr. Ankur Sharma, MD

CHANNAHON HOME DIALYSIS

815-744-5550

27025 W. Eames St. Unit G, Channahon SM-CL1826237

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Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross a ‘Game Changer’ for Prostate Cancer Patients As with many prostate cancer sufferers, Paul Sprole of Morris had no idea he had any issues when, in fact, the cancer had already begun to spread.

Though he had no symptoms, his doctor noted during a routine physical in March 2019 that his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level had jumped from 3.0 to 4.79. A followup test the following June showed the level was at 5.47.

There was no prostate cancer in the family, Sprole said, and he’d never had any surgeries in his 68 years, but “after seeing my PSA increase over 4, I did expect to hear that I had prostate cancer when I met with my urologist at the end of July,” said Sprole, an Exelon retiree who lives in Morris with his wife of 48 years. He was right.

Sprole’s doctor thought he was a good candidate for a robotic prostatectomy, and suggested he see boardcertified urologist Thai Nguyen, M.D. Dr. Nguyen is also the Medical Director of the Midwest Institute for Robotic Thai Nguyen, M.D. Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, a position he’s held since 2012, when the nationally recognized hospital obtained its first da Vinci robot.

Robotic Institute at Silver Cross Dr. Nguyen is fellowship trained and spent 2003-2004 one-on-one with an expert urologist solely on minimally invasive/ laparoscopic/robotic surgery.

Most prostates can be taken out robotically, he said, depending on the skill level and comfort of the surgeon.

“But not every case of prostate cancer is best served with surgery, as there are many treatment options available, including various forms of radiation or even observation only. Each patient should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis,” Dr. Nguyen added.

Before choosing a course of treatment last fall, Sprole did his homework, talking with five men around his age who were also robotic surgical patients of Dr. Nguyen.

After the two met, Sprole’s mind was made up. He opted for robotic prostatectomy at the Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross.

The surgery was performed on Oct. 29, and Sprole went home two days later for “many hours of recovery in my recliner! One week out from the surgery, I felt very good, and I experienced no setbacks from the surgery. Everyone at Silver Cross Hospital was exceptional.

“I had almost no incontinence following the surgery,” he added. “That was one major concern I had prior to going into the surgery.”

Credit that to robotic surgery, Dr. Nguyen said.

“The wristed, robotically-assisted instruments that lack human tremors or muscle fatigue allow significantly improved surgical precision in the difficult-to-reach pelvis where the prostate is located,” he explained. “These advantages are key to allowing us the ability to optimize cancer cure while minimizing damage to structures that are critical to preserving urinary and sexual function.

“The technology certainly is a gamechanger,” Dr. Nguyen added. “The magnified visualization of the pelvic anatomy is unparalleled by that which we had through a large abdominal incision, and the 3-D image is light years ahead of anything that we were afforded through a standard laparoscope.

“As a specialty, there is consensus that this complex surgery is best when performed by a high-volume, subspecialized surgeon, rather than everybody in the practice trying to go out and do a few here and there,” he said. “So my practice – nine urologists including myself – funnels nearly all patients to me.”

Sprole is thankful they did. Further PSAs show no trace of cancer, and he has no residual effects.

“Dr. Nguyen did a wonderful job, and the nurses at Silver Cross took great care of me for those two days. I would recommend Dr.

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Paul Sprole of Morris (pictured with wife Diane) says robotic prostatectomy at Silver Cross Hospital was a game-changer for him.

Nguyen and the robotic surgery at Silver Cross to any guy who is facing prostate cancer.”

Prostate Cancer Awareness Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, yet it’s also one of the most treatable.

Individuals at the greatest risk for prostate cancer include African American men, men over the age of 65, and men with family histories of prostate or other cancers. While some signs, like trouble urinating and pelvic pain, may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, many men never experience any symptoms.

Screening for prostate cancer using the prostate specific antigen test can identify abnormalities and may find cancer early so that affected men can begin treatment before it spreads. For this reason, all men aged 55 to 69 are encouraged to talk to their physicians about screening options.

For more information about robotic prostate surgery at Silver Cross, visit midwestroboticsurgery.org

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Silver Cross Emergency Medical Services System

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One of the

NATION’S BEST. CLOSE to Home.

Silver Cross Hospital Being named one of the nation’s 100 TOP HOSPITALS is something few hospitals ever achieve. So you can imagine how proud we are to earn this distinction for the 8th time!

100 Top Hospitals like Silver Cross have better survival rates, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and higher ratings from patients.

Added to our Straight A’s for Patient Safety from the Leapfrog Group, our 100 Top recognition demonstrates that safety, quality and patient experience are at the heart of everything we do.

So when you’re looking for one of the country’s best hospitals, look no further than Silver Cross — proud to be your 100 Top Hospital.

125 CELEB RATING

1895-2020

1900 Silver Cross Blvd. • New Lenox, IL 60451 silvercross.org

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Heart Valve Surgery at Silver Cross a Lifesaver for Channahon Man Andrew Andreas knew it was just a matter of time. Eighteen years ago, Andrew, then 25, temporarily lost his vision. Then he started hyperventilating.

“It hit me like a ton of bricks,” he said.

After a battery of tests, doctors found his aortic valve – which normally allows blood flow to be pumped from the main chamber of the heart to the rest of the body – wasn’t working properly, most likely due to a congenital condition. To his relief, doctors said he didn’t need surgery at that time. But he would need surveillance testing twice a year. He’d also need to change his diet and work habits.

Andreas said the first part was no problem. The other, not so much.

“I’m a professional landscaper so from March to November, I’m working 70 or 80 hours a week,” the Channahon man explained. Often, that includes helping out

family and close friends with side projects on weekends. Even at that, Andreas said he wasn’t experiencing any symptoms, or so he thought, and his follow-up testing was fairly stable until last September when his cardiologist said, “OK, it’s time,” Andreas said. “I asked him if it could wait until the landscaping season was over in November, so we scheduled it for December.”

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Pat Pappas, medical director of Silver Cross Hospital’s heart surgery program, recommended a mechanical aortic valve replacement, which usually lasts for the remainder of a patient’s life. But the Pat Pappas, M.D. mechanical valve requires a lifetime regimen of blood thinners, meaning Andreas would lose his commercial driver’s

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license.

So, Dr. Pappas agreed to a bioprosthetic valve replacement, using tissue from a cow or a pig.

About Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when one of the major four heart valves aren’t working well, usually as the result of birth defects, infections or hardening of the valves due to aging. This can lead to the narrowed or leaking valves. When valve disease becomes severe, it can put undue stress on the heart muscle. Without intervention, valve disease can lead to progressively poor quality of life and/or death. The best treatment for most severe heart valve disease is to replace the diseased valve with open heart surgery or less invasive interventional procedures.

In early 2021, Silver Cross will offer a lessinvasive procedure called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Dr. Ravi Ramana, an interventional cardiologist on staff at Silver Cross, explained, “TAVR can be done by inserting a catheter about the size of a pen through an artery in the Ravi Ramana, M.D. leg and up into the heart.

A new tissue heart valve is then implanted inside the narrowed valve resulting in a normal functioning valve. This improves symptoms and takes the excess stress off the heart muscle. TAVR avoids the need for opening the patient’s chest and putting them on a heart-lung machine. Research has consistently showed that TAVR can be very successful in the right patient.”

Following his open heart surgery and what he learned through cardiac rehabilitation, Andreas has dropped weight and is amazed at his newfound energy.

“I have a wife and three kids who depend on me,” he said. “I have 70 employees who depend on me. I have to take care of myself. And Silver Cross has helped me do that.”

For more information about heart care at Silver Cross, visit www.silvercross.org/heart

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Silver Cross Heart Expansion Nearing Completion

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of all Americans have at least one of three main risk factors for heart disease—high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoking – making it highly likely that you or someone you know will need heart care in the future.

Closer to home, the statistics are equally alarming. In a 2017 Will County Community Needs Assessment, heart disease was the top cause of death and the second leading cause of hospitalization. Furthermore, respondents and their families reported that: • 46% had high blood pressure • 37% had high cholesterol • 24% were obese/overweight and • 15% had a heart condition.

Many of these conditions may lead to heart issues that will most likely require

minimally invasive or open surgical intervention, sometimes both.

The Latest in Heart Care

That’s why last year, Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox embarked on a 33,000-square-foot, 2-story heart expansion on the east side of the hospital. The expansion is scheduled to open in early 2021 and will feature: • Two Cardiovascular Operating Rooms • Cardiac Hybrid Room • Two Recovery Rooms • Patient Elevator to New 16-bed Cardiothoracic Unit with four (4) Cardiac Echo and Stress Testing Rooms • Space for Future Growth including a 16-bed observation unit and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) When construction is complete, Silver Cross will have the capability to provide innovative, multi-specialty care for patients with advanced and complex coronary

disease.

This includes surgery to correct the abnormalities of the heart structure such as repairing and replacing aortic and mitral valves. Historically, open-heart surgery has been the common method for treating structural heart disease; however, minimally invasive valve replacement now provides a viable alternative to patients for whom conventional surgery is considered too risky—and offers the potential benefits of lower risk of infection, less trauma to the chest and heart muscle tissue, reduced length of stay in the hospital, and a quicker recovery.

With the best medical technology and clinical expertise, patients can undergo these innovative surgical procedures close to home and in a hospital they trust—Silver Cross.

For more information, visit silvercross.org/heart

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Professional Medical PROFILE

UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS WHO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED MEDICAL SERVICES

Thoracic Surgeon at Silver Cross on a Mission to Spread the Word about Early Lung Cancer Screening

Gillian Alex, M.D.

A

s Breast Cancer Awareness Month concluded last week, Dr. Gillian Alex, a fellowshiptrained thoracic surgeon on staff at Silver Cross Hospital, wants everyone to know there’s another serious health issue in our community that doesn’t get nearly as much attention.

And like mammograms, there’s a screening available to help.

“Lung cancer is the Number 1 cancer killer in the U.S.,” said Dr. Alex, formerly Chief Resident of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Program at Rush University Medical Center.

She joined the medical staff of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox Sept. 1. “Most cases are diagnosed as ‘late stage,’ with more than half found while patients are being examined for other diseases or illnesses.”

Dr. Alex is on a mission to educate the community that a simple, painless and quick CT scan can save lives.

Born in Boston, she

attended medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston before completing her general surgery residency at Rush.

During her residency, she became “fascinated” with all types of thoracic oncology (cancer care), including esophageal cancer and mesothelioma.

She also spent considerable time studying reports showing just how powerful early intervention is in the fight against lung cancer deaths.

Compared to those diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and a 6 percent survival rate at five years, individuals diagnosed with Stage 1 lung cancer have a 92.5 percent survival rate for the same time period.

The high mortality rate for lung cancer is due to several factors, she said, including that there hasn’t been a push for screening until about eight years ago. Along with that, insurance companies wouldn’t pay for the screening, but now they do for those who are in the high-risk category: • Age 55 – 77 • At least a 30 pack-year smoking history, and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years • OR persons 50 years or older who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history A simple CT scan available at Silver Cross Hospital can detect lung cancer at its earliest stages, when it’s most

curable. In fact, in 2011, a major U.S. clinical trial showed a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality. What’s more, Dr. Alex said studies show scans have drastically reduced mortality rates for both men and women.

“You need to screen 320 people for lung cancer to prevent 1 lung cancer death,” she adds. “Compare that to breast cancer where 1,339 women need to be screened before preventing one breast cancer death.”

Sadly, while an estimated 7 million Americans are eligible for lung cancer screening, Dr. Alex said fewer than 4 percent have taken advantage of screening.

So, she wants to get the word out to those who qualify

to check with their insurers and come in to Silver Cross for a CT lung scan.

In addition to early lung cancer screening, Dr. Alex’s clinical interests include esophageal cancer, mediastinal disease, thymic disease, chest wall tumors, reflux, benign and malignant pleural disease, congenital chest wall deformity, tracheal tumors and more.

Dr. Alex is in practice with University Thoracic Surgeons, which specializes in minimally invasive approaches to thoracic oncology. Her Silver Cross office is located at 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., Pavilion A, Suite 375. To schedule an appointment, call 312-9426642.

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How to find a healthy peanut butter

Peanut butter is a staple in many people’s pantries.

A versatile and delicious food, peanut butter on toast can make for a filling breakfast, while few would deny the appeal of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at lunchtime.

Even ardent peanut butter devotees may be surprised to learn of the beloved spread’s many nutritional benefits.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, half the fat in peanut butter is monounsaturated fats, which help to increase the amount of “good” cholesterol in the body. That’s a valuable benefit, as higher levels of good cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, may provide some protection against heart disease.

In addition, the online medical resource Healthline notes that peanut butter is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, vitamin B6 and manganese.

As healthy as peanut butter can be, it’s important that consumers recognize that not all peanut butters are the same, especially in regard to their nutritional value. Some peanut butters are heavy on sugar and sweeteners, which can cancel out their potential health benefits. The AND offers the following tips to consumers looking for healthy peanut butters.

• Read the ingredients list. The healthiest peanut butters contain peanuts as their main ingredient. The AND notes that food labels list ingredients in descending

order by weight. Peanut butters that contain peanuts as their main ingredient will list peanuts first.

• Count the ingredients. Some peanut butters are made only from peanuts, and such options tend to be healthier than products with numerous ingredients.

• Choose “natural” peanut butters over “reduced fat” alternatives. The AND notes that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only allows manufacturers to use the descriptor “natural” when products are produced with no artificial or synthetic ingredients. Therefore, products with “natural” on the label are unlikely to contain added sugars or hydrogenated oils, the inclusion of which can add unhealthy trans fats to peanut butters. And while consumers may see “reduced fat” and think a product is healthier than foods with no such descriptors attached, that’s not necessarily the case, as the AND notes that manufacturers often replace fat with sugar and unhealthy fillers.

• Avoid premade PB&J. Peanut butter and jelly, or PB&J, may be a beloved combination, but premade PB&J tends to contain lots of artificial ingredients and sugar. PB&J is easy to whip up, so stick to purchasing peanut butter and jellies separately.

Peanut butter can make for a healthy addition to your diet, especially when you know how to find the most nutritious peanut butters at the grocery store.

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Choices for long-term care

Being able to care for oneself independently can be a source of pride. However, illness or age can affect people in ways that require them to seek assistance with medical needs or daily activities for an extended period of time. In such instances, long-term care services can fill a need.

Long-term care assists people in their homes, in the community or in various types of facilities with various daily and medical requirements. According to WebMD, research shows that many people are unaware of long-term care options or may be misinformed about what’s out there.

Home care

Various services can be utilized in the comfort of home.

According to the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee Office on Aging, services can include homedelivered meals, pest control, minor home modifications, or visiting nurses and health aides. Other benefits may include shopping or physical therapy.

Community care

Community services can include adult day care centers, meal programs, senior centers, community transportation, and others. Community services enable people to continue to live in the community with some support. They also may help family or friends serving as caregivers enjoy a break from the assistance they have been providing.

Care facilities

Long-term care may be mistaken as strictly nursing homes, but facilities extend to places that provide other services.

Here’s a look at the care facilities.

• Independent senior living: Independent living facilities may provide assistance only when needed. Amenities are designed to make things easier and more convenient for residents. Fitness centers, pools, dining venues, and transportation may be included. These facilities tend to provide the most independent form of senior living. Some independent living facilities are part of larger continuing care retirement communities that have staged care that goes from independent to skilled nursing.

• Assisted living: These homes provide 24-hour supervision, meals, healthcare services, and other forms of assistance in a home-like setting. Types of services include laundry, housekeeping, medication dispersal, and dressing.

• Skilled nursing homes: Nursing homes provide care for those who cannot care for themselves at home or in the community. These facilities offer many services all under one roof, like rehabilitative services, meals, activities, and around-the-clock care. Some skilled nursing homes offer temporary care after an injury or illness and are used in lieu of an extended hospital stay.

It is never too early to begin planning for elder care that may include long-term care possibilities. Individuals are urged to work with an elder care lawyer to help navigate the complexities of planning for medical care and their potential financial needs.

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Morris Hospital Launches Concussion Management Program

Dr. Isaac Mezo

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is striving to improve the outcomes for individuals diagnosed with concussions through its new Concussion Management Program.

Called “Getting Your Brain Back On Track,” the comprehensive and evidence-based concussion management program utilizes emergency or immediate care, neurology and rehabilitation services to enhance concussion diagnosis, evaluation and treatment.

“There’s an urgent need for someone with a Dr. Isaac Mezo, Neurologist, is one of four ImPACT certified providers at Morris concussion to be seen by a certified provider within Hospital who is specially trained in post-concussion diagnosis, evaluation and a few days of the injury,” says Dr. Isaac Mezo, a treatment. neurologist with Morris Hospital Neurology Specialists, adding that Morris Hospital has noticed an increase in concussions in the community specifically due to sportsprovides data to evaluate a patient’s post-injury condition and aids related and head injuries. “Yet, we’ve found it’s often weeks or in tracking recovery. Morris Hospital’s ImPACT certified providers months after a concussion occurs that patients are receiving postinclude Dr. Isaac Mezo and Dr. Samuel Quaynor, neurologists; concussion treatment.”

Dr. Jaynee Pendergast, family medicine; and Stefanie Henline, “These numbers are very troubling to us, and that is what this neurology nurse practitioner. program is looking to change,” adds Dr. Mezo. “Our goal is to Depending on symptoms, providers may refer patients for streamline the process for concussion diagnosis and treatment, physical therapy or speech therapy with an ImPACT certified so that people can get back to work, school or play as fast as therapist who will oversee the active rehabilitation for patients possible without any long-lasting injury,” who are recovering from a concussion. Morris Hospital has four A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a ImPACT certified physical therapists who work at the Diagnostic & bump, blow or jolt to the head that causes movement in the Rehabilitative Center of Morris Hospital. brain. This sudden movement in the head can cause chemical “Physical therapy focuses on vestibular exercises for balance changes in the brain and sometimes stretch or damage brain problems, neck pain, headache and dizziness,” Dr. Mezo says. “Or, cells, causing neurological symptoms. Common symptoms of a cognitive therapy with a speech therapist may be recommended concussion include headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to for individuals who are having difficulty concentrating or finding light, concentration or memory problems, confusion, vomiting, difficulty with memory.” vision problems or feeling sluggish, hazy or groggy. Concussions Initially, the concussion management program will be supported range in severity from minor injuries that heal with rest to serious with funding from the Morris Hospital Foundation. Morris Hospital conditions that can have long-term effects on daily life. will also be striving to raise awareness in the community about When a head injury occurs and symptoms last more than a few concussion warning signs and treatment. minutes, patients are strongly encouraged to visit an emergency “If anyone has any kind of head injury, it’s better to be safe than department or immediate care center so a provider can rule out sorry,” says Dr. Mezo. “Anyone who suffers a blow to the head a serious injury. Patients who are diagnosed with concussion should need just a couple of seconds to a couple of minutes for at Morris Hospital’s walk-in care locations will be referred for a symptoms to go away. If any symptoms last more than an hour priority care assessment and neurological exam within 48 hours after a head injury, it’s critical to get checked out.” with an ImPACT certified provider who is specially trained in postFor more information about the concussion management concussion diagnosis, evaluation and treatment. program, please visit www.morrishospital.org/concussion or call ImPACT, which stands for Immediate Post-Concussion the Morris Hospital Neurology Specialists’ office at 815-467-0555 Assessment and Cognitive Testing, is a computerized test that (Channahon) or 815-942-4506 (Morris) SATURDAY, November 7, 2020 | HEALTH & FIT | 11

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Our Emergency Entrance has Moved!

The NEW Morris Hospital Emergency entrance is located on the east side of the hospital, accessible from High Street.

MORE treatment rooms mean you’re in and out QUICKER.

Sometimes, patients with the least serious injuries and illness end up having the longest wait in hospital emergency departments.

We’re changing that.

In our brand new, bigger Emergency Department, patients can count on receiving care sooner in a safe environment.

Introducing the NEW Morris Hospital Emergency Department: • 17 private treatment rooms, including a specialized trauma room, pediatric room, gynecology room, and two rooms designated for psychiatric emergencies.

• A rapid care area for patients with the least serious illness and injuries.

• For patients coming in by ambulance, reassurance knowing paramedics and emergency medical technicians in the field can consult with board-certified emergency physicians via live video stream.

• Special designations as a Level II Trauma Center and Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics, along with Primary Stroke Certification.

For life threatening emergencies, always call 911!

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150 West High Street Morris 815.942.2932 morrishospital.org

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