Health Matters - Jeanes Hospital - Spring 2013

healthmatters Jeanes Hospital

Sophisticated Care. Personal Touch.

A New Generation of Surgical Specialists Also inside ④ W eight-Loss Surgery Helps Philly Man Regain Health ⑤ D iet Culture Can Send You Down The Wrong Path ⑥ T o Drive or Be Driven?

That Is the Question in a Medical Emergency

www.jeanes.com

March 2013

Surgery health matters

A New Generation of

Surgical Specialists

at Jeanes Hospital

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generation of dynamic young surgeons has been emerging in the Jeanes Hospital community, offering you, your family, and neighbors the opportunity to seek care from a growing roster of talent. The hospital’s Chair of Surgery, Jack Sariego, MD, wants to introduce them to you.

“This is an exciting time at Jeanes Hospital because we’ve been able to recruit bright and talented young surgeons to our medical staff, joining established colleagues who’ve been the mainstay of our operating room for a generation,” said Dr. Sariego. “The combination is proving to be valuable to the community, and so Jeanes Hospital is championing their efforts.”

Tatyan M. Clarke, MD Specialty: Bariatric Surgery Dr. Clarke was recruited to the weight-loss surgery program at Jeanes Hospital and Temple University Hospital after completing fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery at the Mayo Clinic-Florida in Jacksonville.

“The most gratifying thing about bariatric surgery is seeing how it really, profoundly affects the quality of patients’ lives and their interactions with their family and loved ones. It’s seeing people who are morbidly obese, who have been living on medication, and who experience pain every time they move start having lives they consider normal and satisfying.”

Justin D. Harmon, DO Specialty: Urology Dr. Harmon completed a urology residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia and a fellowship in laparoscopic and robotic urology at the Institute Mutualiste Montsouris in Paris. Dr. Harmon specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of urologic cancer. He also has advanced training in the treatment of other urologic diseases, including stone disease, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

“New techniques and technology enable us to treat complex urologic diseases with small incisions so patients get back to normal activities faster. I really enjoy talking with them about the newer, more advanced options of which they may not be aware. By offering minimally invasive urologic surgery, Jeanes Hospital gives people in the community another chance to stay close to home when they need high-level care.”

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health matters // March 2013

Jack Sariego, MD Chair of Surgery

Thomas J. Gillon, MD Specialties: Orthopaedic Surgery and Hand Surgery Dr. Gillon joined the medical staff at Jeanes Hospital in 2009. He completed a fellowship in orthopaedic hand and microsurgery at the Philadelphia Hand Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, allowing him to specialize in orthopaedic hand and upper extremity trauma and reconstructive surgery.

“The exceptional thing about hand surgery at Jeanes Hospital is that we treat patients of all ages with all conditions, from congenital abnormalities to arthritis to trauma. What I love about my field is that we’re almost always able to identify the problem and treat it successfully with medicine or surgery.

That’s very rewarding. We pride ourselves on having good clinical outcomes.”

Lori A. Lemonnier, MD Specialty: Otolaryngology Dr. Lemonnier is an assistant professor of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Temple University School of Medicine. Her medical training included an internship in general surgery, a residency in otolaryngology, and a fellowship in rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery.

“As a practice, my partners and I are pleased to be able to deliver comprehensive care of disorders of the ear, nose, and throat to the Jeanes community. Patients with sinus disease, my area of subspecialty, often require treatment not only with medications but also with surgery. Because Jeanes Hospital has invested in the latest surgical technology, I am able to safely offer advanced sinus surgery to those who need it in a setting where they feel most comfortable.”

Andrew S. Newman, MD Specialties: Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cosmetic Surgery Dr. Newman performs reconstructive and cosmetic surgery at Jeanes Hospital and is an assistant professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Temple University.

He completed a residency in general surgery and a fellowship in plastic surgery, both at the University of Pennsylvania.

“With plastic surgery, I treat patients with both reconstructive and cosmetic needs. Whether I’m helping a patient with a difficult wound or with a more youthful appearance, I’m confident their unique needs will be met during their stay at Jeanes Hospital. I’m honored to be among the newer members of this health care community and look forward to contributing to its already excellent reputation. What attracted me to Jeanes was the way in which it embodies the strengths of both an academic and a community institution. A high level of expertise and professionalism is combined with a personal touch and a caring environment — all of which are essential to healing.”

Tia Schellato, DO Specialty: Urology Dr. Schellato performed a urologic surgery residency at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, and Hahnemann University Hospital.

She is trained in both laparoscopy and robotic surgery, and treats patients with pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, dyspareunia, and sexual dysfunction.

“There’s a great community of doctors at Jeanes Hospital who work so well together for the good of their patients. When we need to communicate with each other, we don’t have to wait for a letter to be dictated; we have each other’s cellphone numbers. We’re available for each other at a moment’s notice to discuss a patient’s care. This camaraderie and teamwork enables us to provide the best care for our patients.”

Matthew M. Philp, MD Specialties: General Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery Dr. Philp is an attending physician at Jeanes Hospital and Temple University Hospital and an assistant professor of clinical surgery at Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital and specializes in minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery.

“It’s very satisfying to be able to offer minimally invasive techniques to patients with colorectal diseases — from newer treatments for hemorrhoids to surgery for cancer — because they offer many advantages over traditional open procedures.

Not only are patients’ outcomes better, they have less pain after surgery, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery.”

J. Milo Sewards, MD Specialties: Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Dr. Sewards is an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine at Temple University School of Medicine. He completed the Temple University Orthopaedic Surgery Residency program and is now residency program director there. He is also a team physician for Temple Athletics.

“My specialty is sports medicine, and I’m able to treat the vast majority of my patients — whether they’re high-level athletes or weekend warriors — with advanced arthroscopic techniques.

Most arthroscopic procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, so patients get back to their lives as quickly as possible.

My patients receiving care at Jeanes Hospital uniformly tell me what a pleasant experience they had, how comfortable they felt, and how they were made to feel like family.”

“Just as Dr. Sewards said, everyone on the care team at Jeanes Hospital makes our patients feel like family,” concluded Dr. Sariego. “As our slogan indicates, we offer sophisticated care with a personal touch … and with young surgical talent joining the team, we will continue our mission for generations to come.”

To schedule an appointment with one of these surgeons, or any physician on the Jeanes Hospital Medical Staff, call 215-728-CARE.

www.jeanes.com

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Weight Loss health matters

Weight-Loss Surgery Helps Philly Man Regain His Health

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efore Sean Seabrooks underwent weight-loss surgery at Jeanes Hospital last July, the 39-year-old telephone company account manager was 100 pounds overweight, packing 327 pounds onto his 6’2” frame. He also had prediabetes and high blood pressure that required medication to control.

Sean underwent gastric bypass surgery, a procedure that restricts the volume of food someone is able to consume. In just five months, Sean lost 90 pounds. “They call me ‘skinny’ at the office now, and that’s a great feeling,” he said. He’s also off his blood pressure medication and he’s out of the diabetes danger zone.

A Big Commitment Still, Sean understands that weight-loss surgery is just part of the commitment to embracing a new lifestyle. “Half the results of weight-loss surgery are due to behavior changes,” explained John Meilahn, MD, director of bariatric surgery at Jeanes Hospital. Sean has been visiting the gym more often, consuming smaller portions, and staying away from junk food. Patients who respect that this is a new lifestyle can keep their excess

weight off, and may successfully reverse obesity-related medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, joint pain, and depression, Dr. Meilahn explained.

“After having the chance to lose so much weight, the commitment is worth it,” Sean said.

Bariatric Surgery Basics Gastric bypass is just one surgical solution, explained Tatyan Clarke, MD, a recent addition to Jeanes Hospital’s weight-loss surgery team. In addition to gastric bypass, other options include sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, and adjustable gastric banding.

“The type of bariatric surgery you choose may depend on the amount of weight you have to lose and which is most appropriate for your lifestyle,” said Dr. Clarke. “We encourage people to attend one of our free seminars to begin their relationship with our team and explore their options.”

Jeanes Hospital is designated as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

John Meilahn, MD Director, Bariatric Surgery

Tatyan Clarke, MD Bariatric Surgery

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health matters // March 2013

Sean Seabrooks before and after bariatric surgery

For more information about weight-loss surgery, and to figure out which procedure would be most appropriate for you, attend a free seminar held at Jeanes Hospital, during which Drs. Meilahn and Clarke and other members of the team discuss options. Visit www. jeanes.com or call 215-728CARE to register for a free seminar.

“Studies show that losing just 5 to 10 percent of body weight improves health.”

— Rosalind Kaplan, MD, FACP

Diet Culture

Rosalind Kaplan, MD, FACP Medical Director, Temple Health Women’s Care

Can Send You Down the Wrong Path

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ieting is big business. Millions of Americans look to fad diets or medications to slim down. Statistics show, however, that these quick fixes won’t keep the weight off for long. The good news is that you can achieve your weightloss goals without a trendy program. The key to successfully losing weight is to let go of unhealthy ideals, eat only when you’re hungry and consume fewer calories than you burn.

“It’s energy input versus output,” explained Rosalind Kaplan, MD, FACP, medical director of Temple Health Women’s Care. “This metabolic equation is not a temporary fix. It’s a lifestyle change.”

Make Peace with Food The first step to maintaining your ideal weight is to reject society’s unrealistic and unhealthy body ideals and set small attainable goals.

“Studies show that losing just 5 to 10 percent of body weight improves health,” Dr. Kaplan said. “Small steps prevent people from feeling overwhelmed and resorting to drastic dieting.”

Next, make peace with food. No foods should be banned and labeled as “bad.” People also shouldn’t force themselves to eat anything they don’t like.

The Problem with Diets Research shows that 98 percent of all dieters gain the weight back in just two years.

“The ups and downs of dieting often leave people feeling frustrated, guilty, and preoccupied with food,” said Dr. Kaplan, who is certified in internal medicine and specializes in eating disorders, mind/body issues, and women’s health.

Many people also use food as a reward or a way to cope with boredom, stress, or depression.

Listen to Your Body Learn to recognize and follow hunger cues. The signs of hunger and fullness can be lost when people are busy, tired, or stressed.

“Listen to your body,” advised Dr. Kaplan. “Stomach ‘grumbling,’ lightheadedness, irritability, and headache are all signs of hunger.”

It’s also important to eat slowly so you realize when you are full.

Small tastes and bites throughout the day can add up. Dr. Kaplan recommended using a food diary, which has been proven to help people lose more weight, by keeping track of food intake.

www.jeanes.com

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Emergency health matters

To Drive or Be Driven?

That Is the Question in a Medical Emergency

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alling 911 if you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency is the fastest and most efficient way to receive potentially lifesaving care. Making the call will send medical personnel to your location within minutes. “Paramedics can assess your vital signs, give you oxygen if necessary, and provide basic lifesaving medical treatment right in your home and en route to Jeanes Hospital’s emergency department (ED),” said Garo Garibian, MD, division chief of cardiology at Jeanes Hospital.

Still, many people are reluctant to call 911 because they don’t want to make a big deal out of it, Dr. Garibian said.

They elect to drive themselves to the ED or have a friend or relative drive them.

Others don’t call 911 because they don’t know they should. According to the American Heart Association, for example, only 27 percent of people in 14 states and Washington, D.C., were aware of heart attack symptoms (pain in the jaw, neck, or back; feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint; chest pain or discomfort; pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder; shortness of breath), and said they would call 911 first if they thought someone was having a heart attack, which is a true medical emergency.

Garo Garibian, MD Division Chief, Cardiology

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health matters // March 2013

Erring on the Side of Caution “Calling 911 can be a tough judgment call,” said Dana Weber, MD, medical director of the Jeanes Hospital ED. As a general rule, he tells his patients it’s better to be safe than sorry. “If you think you may need emergent care but aren’t sure, call 911,” he advised. The call-taker can assess your circumstances and determine if you need emergency help.

Never drive yourself or be driven to the ED if you are experiencing a true medical emergency. “The symptoms you’re feeling could be the tip of the iceberg,” Dr. Garibian said. If you’re feeling chest discomfort, for example, you might be in the middle of a heart attack and lose consciousness while driving, endangering other drivers as well. If you’re being driven to the ED and your situation worsens, your driver may not know how to help you. You could also get stuck in traffic, wasting precious time, he said.

What to Do When dialing 911, be prepared to answer the call-taker’s questions, such as the location of the emergency, including the street address, the phone number you’re calling from, and the nature of the emergency. Don’t hang up until you’re told to.

Dana Weber,MD Medical Director, Emergency Department

Give It a Rest — Know the Risks of

Skimping on Sleep

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n today’s busy society, people cut back on sleep to save time. But sleep is as vital to well-being as good nutrition and regular exercise. “People who say they can get by on five or six hours of sleep a night or less— night after night after night — probably aren’t doing their best at work or living a healthy lifestyle,” said Carlos E. Sotelo, MD, pulmonologist/somnologist on the Jeanes Hospital medical staff, and the hospital’s sleep laboratory specialist.

Sleep deprivation from any cause endangers people and those around them. Drowsy driving alone accounts for more than 100,000 motor vehicle crashes — including 1,550 fatalities and 40,000 nonfatal injuries — annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Chronic lack of sleep has cumulative detrimental health effects. “It has been linked to an increased risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, infection, and depression, and might even shorten your lifespan,” said Dr. Sotelo. Researchers have found that people who regularly sleep less than six hours a night (or during the daytime in the case of night-shift workers) don’t live

Sleep health matters

as long as those who get closer to eight hours of solid rest on most nights.

Getting Help To determine if you’re sleeping well, the National Sleep Foundation recommends asking yourself these questions: • Does it take you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep at night?

• Do you wake up often during the night or early in the morning and have trouble going back to sleep?

• Do you feel groggy or lethargic, instead of refreshed, when you wake up in spite of eight hours of sleep?

• Do you feel drowsy during the day, especially in monotonous situations?

“If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, and sleep-related issues concern you, try establishing good sleep hygiene habits for yourself,” Dr. Sotelo stressed. “If you’re still yawning, contact your doctor. You could have a sleep disorder, or you may be taking medications that interfere with sleep.

When appropriate, your primary care physician would arrange for a referral to a sleep specialist for an in-depth evaluation.”

Carlos E. Sotelo, MD Pulmonologist/ Somnologist

To get to the root of the problem, Dr. Sotelo advised keeping a sleep diary for two weeks, and record when, how much, and how well you sleep; how rested you feel; any medications or caffeinated or alcoholic beverages you consume; and how much you exercise.

You should also record the number, timing, and length of naps, and your perception of benefit from them. If you work the night shift, Dr. Sotelo strongly emphasized to “make sure to adjust sleep and wake schedules accordingly, and allow for planned naps before and during your shift work when possible.

In some cases, alertness-promoting medications would be recommended to enhance performance and safety.”

For more information about the Sleep Disorders Center at Jeanes Hospital, visit www.jeanes.com or call 215-728-2148.

www.jeanes.com

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healthmatters Jeanes Hospital, the only Quaker-founded acute care hospital in the United States, is part of Temple Health. The hospital provides communities in Northeast Philadelphia, Montgomery County, and Bucks County with advanced medical, surgical, and emergency services.

Health Matters is published quarterly by Jeanes Hospital to provide its community with health, wellness, and safety information; however, it does not replace the advice of your physicians. You should always consult your physician regarding any medical concerns and before making any changes in your lifestyle, physical activities, or treatment plan.

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