Health Care
in the Jewish community
Supplement to Jewish News May 23, 2016
Health Care Israeli-developed HyGIeaCare® Center now open in collaboration with Gastrointestinal & Liver Specialists of Tidewater
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new HyGIeaCare Center, where patients experience simple and easy bowel prep on the same day as their scheduled colonoscopy, recently opened at the Amelia Building in Norfolk, in collaboration with Gastrointestinal & Liver Specialists of Tidewater, PLLC. The Center features the HyGIeaCare Prep System, cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to effectively clean the bowel using a gentle infusion of warm, gravity-flow filtered water. This method allows patients to forgo many of the elements that make traditional bowel prep inconvenient and uncomfortable. “The HyGIeaCare Prep will allow our patients to prep effectively and easily—this is a game changer,” says David A. Johnson MD, MD MACG FASGE FACP, professor of Medicine and chief of Gastroenterology at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Johnson practices gastroenterology at the Norfolk location. “Our patients will be able to undergo same day prep in a safe, private and hygienic environment at the HyGIeaCare Center. We are one of the first Centers in the country to offer exclusive referral to the HyGIeaCare technology—it is way more than exciting to provide this as an option to our patients!” Good bowel cleansing is the key to a successful colonoscopy and early cancer prevention. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. It typically begins as abnormal growths called polyps, which can be detected and removed during a colonoscopy, lowering the risk of death from the disease by more than half. Delivering better GI outcomes Up to one-quarter of all colonoscopies are reported to have inadequate bowel preparation, which can hinder these reports. The reasons for inadequate prep varies, including poor compliance with preparation instructions; having a medical condition such as diabetes, that makes drinking large quantities of water difficult; and physical impairments. A bowel that is not adequately
HyGIeaCare-prep-system
cleansed can result in a missed polyp or cancer, a longer procedure time, and a repeat colonoscopy at much shorter intervals than if adequate cleansing. “We are continuing to expand the HyGIeaCare footprint with our improved method to prep prior to colonoscopy,” says Gabi Meron, chairman and CEO of HyGIeaCare, Inc. Meron is one of Israel’s top medical devices pioneers, co-founding Given Imaging, an Israeli medical technology company that manufactures and markets diagnostic products, including the capsule endoscopy technology for the visualization and detection of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The convenience of simple, same-day prep. At the HyGIeaCare Center, the prep is performed in a clean and comfortable environment. A trained prep-tech leads the patient to a private room where he or she is seated on a comfortable lounge table. The prep-tech walks the patient through the procedure, which routinely takes less than one hour. A small, sterile, disposable nozzle is easily inserted into the rectum and a gentle and comfortable stream of warm water flows into the bowel, loosening stool and causing the intestine to contract allowing for the comfortable and discreet evacuation of the colon. Water continues to gently flow until the prep-tech determines the colon has been sufficiently cleansed. The HyGIeaCare Prep replaces traditional prep for colonoscopy and is performed just prior to the scheduled colonoscopy. Patients say this prep is simple, comfortable and convenient.
Health Care
The Maimonides Society
Building community and healing the world medicine, particularly the treatment of Syrian refugees. Partnering with the UJFT Business he integration of medical and & Legal Society in November, the Jewish concerns is the founMaimonides Society hosted a dation of the Maimonides program titled, Business in Society of the United Jewish The Medicine, which featured Federation of Tidewater. local experts from the Society members work to legal and medical comheal others while providmission of the munities. Adam Foleck, ing better lives for Jews a Maimonides Society in need locally, nationMaimonides Society member, dentist and ally and globally. owner of The Foleck Throughout the year, is to form a fellowship Center, presented opportunities for about managing socializing, networka successful pracing, and learning of Jewish healthcare tice. Jeffrey Brooke, are enjoyed by doca Business & Legal tors, researchers, professionals dedicated Society member and and other healthcare attorney at Poole professionals. to educational, social Mahoney PC, proThis has been an vided insight into the active and inspiring legal side of medical year for the Maimonides and philanthropic malpractice and busiSociety. Under the leadness contracts. ership of co-chairs Dr. activities. Israeli high-tech is Julius Miller and Dr. Steven booming and Maimonides Warsof, events kicked off Society members, along with last summer with a special visit members of the Business & Legal from Dr. Eric Shinwell of the Ziv Medical Center in Sefat. A group of med- Society, had an opportunity to learn how ical professionals from the Maimonides Israeli technology is revolutionizing the Society gathered to learn and discuss with world from special guest Viva Sarah Press, Shinwell about humanitarianism in Israeli associate editor and writer for ISRAEL21C, which is recognized as the single most diverse and reliable source of news and information about Israel in the 21st century. Other special invitations for Maimonides members were extended throughout the year. One was to join the UJFT Young Adults Division for a program on the impact of Israel in the Ofer Merin, Marcia Samuel, Linda Samuels and Steven Warsof at a Maimonides event. by Samantha Golden
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Tidewater community. At this event, Dr. Mae Winchester and Dr. Steven Warsof, Maimonides co-chair, discussed the successful EVMS and Bar-Ilan University continued on page 18
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Health Care enjoyed a unique and hand-selected assortment of Kosher wines and delicious pairings at the Holiday Inn North Beach at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Society members expressed a desire to make this an ongoing Alison Ohana, Neil Schulwolf, Ralph Northam, Julius and Jeanne Miller, April 2015. annual event. All wines were availcontinued from page 17 able to order in time for Passover, and a Medical School Exchange Program, portion of the proceeds were donated to the Israeli Emergency and Disaster the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Preparedness Course and the benefits of The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater thanks current Society members for their these two exceptional programs. Another invitation was extended to participation, engagement and ongoing finanattend a JFS program, Heart 411: Getting cial support of the Annual Campaign. All to the Heart of the Matter. Heart 411 Maimonides members have contributed at least addressed common questions about heart $1,000 to the UJFT’s Annual Campaign, which health and cardiovascular disease, and in turn provides allocations to organizations featured Dr. Steven Nissen, department such as Jewish Family Service of Tidewater and chair of Cardiovascular Medicine at The the JDC (American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee), that provide food and medicine or Cleveland Clinic. The Maimonides Society will join the education or cultural enrichment, to those in Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative need, wherever they may be. The Maimonides Society welcomes any Care of Tidewater for Conversations before the Crisis: An End of Life Discussion on Jewish doctor or other medical professional to Tuesday, May 24. This program will be pre- attend an event and consider becoming involved. To join the Maimonides Society, or to sented by Dr. Deborah A. Morris, medical learn more about upcoming events, “Like” the director of HPCT. Probably one of the highlights of the Maimonides Society’s Facebook page, www. year was a Kosher Passover wine tast- fb.com/UJFTMaimonides, visit JewishVA. ing that took place in February, led by org/Maimonides, or call Alex Pomerantz at professional Sommelier Crystal Cameron 757-965-6136. of Crystal Palate. One hundred guests
Harriett Dickman and Debra Aleck, April 2015.
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Lisa Binder Barr and Edie Weiss, April 2015.
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Health Care
Healthcare leaders and hospital supporters from around the world to gather at “State of the Heart” conference HAIFA, Israel—Leading researchers, healthcare professionals and supporters will gather at the Rambam Health Care Campus for its annual summit May 29–31, where they will showcase exciting innovations and solutions to the global strategic challenges facing cardiovascular innovations and digital health. Several hundred participants annually attend this conference. The campus will host prominent practitioners, researchers and philanthropists to see first-hand the hospital’s advances in modern medicine, its steadfast promotion of coexistence and the vision for the future of the hospital and the region. The conference culminates with a gala reception and ceremony where the Rambam Award is presented. The Rambam Award recognizes individuals for their contributions to medicine, science and
technology, as well as their passion and special generosity to the State of Israel. This year’s recipients are: Professor William Brody, the former president of the Salk Institute who will be recognized for innovations in the treatment of cardiovascular disease; Professor Eric Topol of the Scripps Translational Institute, for his work on digitizing and democratizing medicine; and Sandor Frankel and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Professor Yuval Noah Harari, the best-selling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, will speak about what he describes as the future of medicine: the changing focus from healing the sick, to “upgrading” the healthy. Participants will also be shown cutting-edge technological capabilities such
20 | Jewish News | Health Care | May 23, 2016 | jewishnewsva.org
continued on page 21
Simulation of the Rambam Sammy Ofer Underground Hospital. In times of war, when rockets are falling, Rambam’s underground parking structure can be converted into a 2,000-bed underground hospital with different wards, as well as operating theatres and specialty care.
Health Care
Bernard is doing good works forever.
continued from page 20
as a robotic cardiac surgery and optogenetic treatments of abnormal heartbeats. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the Rambam hospital, including a tour of the Samy Ofer Underground Fortified Emergency Hospital. “We see the annual summit as the apex of Rambam’s yearround commitment to medical research and innovation,” says Rafi Beyar, director general of Rambam, “the best and latest of cutting-edge medical technologies are presented at Shimon Peres presents the Rambam Award to Professor Rafi Beyar. the conference, as well as the methods and practices that make up the digital medicine frontier. serves the Israel Defense Forces Northern Rambam is more than just a hospital. Command, UN Peacekeeping Forces, and We believe that to best serve our con- the US 6th Fleet. Many of Rambam’s physicians particstituents, we must always be leading the way in developing a bright future for the ipate in cutting-edge research projects to bring new therapies and treatments not community.” Rambam Health Care Campus is a only to their patients, but the greater com1,000-bed academic hospital serving munity of the world. Rambam Heath Care Campus believes the more than two million residents of Northern Israel. Providing comprehensive that everyone deserves the highest quality of medical services in all medical specialties, care and has always opened its doors to all Rambam is the tertiary referral center those in need, regardless of their religion, race, for 12 district hospitals. In addition to and ethnicity. Visit http://www.rambam.org.il/ the citizens of Northern Israel, Rambam EnglishSite.
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Today from the Bay.
Health Care
Sole Meunière
Picky eater or a problem feeder?
with Balsamic
Brown Butter Sauce • • • • • • • • •
4 (6-ounce) sole fillets, skin removed 2 cups milk SECRET INGREDIENT 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup flour Salt, pepper 4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley 6 tablespoons butter 1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or to taste • Lemon slices, for garnish
w
Soak fillets in milk for 20 mins. Remove and pat dry. Season fillets with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp. oil over moderate heat in 2 large pans. Put flour into shallow dish; season with salt and pepper. Dredge fillets in flour, shake off excess, dip back in milk and in flour. Place fillets in pan and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place fillets on platter, sprinkle with parsley. Wipe skillet, add butter. Heat until it begins to brown. Remove from heat, stir in balsamic vinegar. Pour sauce over fish and serve. Garnish with lemon slices.
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Josh Adler by Josh Adler, OTR/L, ATP, Adler Therapy Group
P
ediatric occupational therapists and speech therapists often receive referrals from physicians with children that have been diagnosed with feeding delays or oral aversion. They range from newborns to toddler/school age and generally do not have any other diagnoses and an unremarkable medical history. Many parents of these children are told by doctors that these feeding issues will get better on their own and to let their child eat what they want whenever they want. The problem, however, is that when these problems are untreated by a professional they tend to get worse over time and start to effect the child’s everyday encounters with food. Some parents report they don’t know when this oral aversion started to
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take place, whereas others report problems since infancy. They report inter-conflict in the home where one spouse does not believe there is a problem and the other spouse feels strongly that a problem exists. Occupational and speech therapists are specially trained to treat children with oral aversion and can quickly help parents turn the corner and assist their child learn how to accept new foods whether it’s a texture, taste or smell aversion. Picky eaters do not generally warrant outpatient therapy, as they generally like one or two foods in each food group. They don’t exhibit negative behaviors that impact their ability to participate in everyday activities when food is presented to them, regardless if they like that particular food or not. Problem feeders, on the other hand, are not a normal part of child development. Children who are problem feeders often have inadequate caloric intake, poor weight gain and growth, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies. If left untreated, children who are problem feeders can suffer from malnutrition, dehydration and impaired intellectual, emotional and academic development. Children with this condition have completely eliminated food groups and commonly have food jags where a once commonly eaten food is no longer acceptable and they outright refuse it. These children exhibit negative behaviors with a strong fight or flight mechanism in place and meal times become highly stressful. Children that struggle with oral aversion will avoid being in the same room with certain foods and it can easily affect the entire family dynamic. Often times, pressure from parents or other family members to “just try it” leads to more resistance and creates behavioral issues. The bright side, however, is that children with oral aversion generally can successfully be treated by specially trained occupational and speech therapists who can educate the family and give the child the tools they need to overcome this very serious feeding diagnosis. These checklists can help identify picky eaters vs problem feeders.
Health Care
WE TAKE PRIDE IN EXCEEDING YOUR EXPECTATIONS.
Picky eaters commonly: • Eat less than 30 different foods • Eat one or more foods from each type of food texture • Have one favorite food they eat consistently, then may burn out and not eat that food, but after 2 weeks will resume eating that food • Accept new foods on their plate and willingly touch or try new foods • Eat a new food after being exposed to it at least 10 times Problem feeders typically: • Eat less than 20 foods • Eat fewer and fewer foods over time until they are limited to about 5-10 foods • R efuse foods of certain textures altogether • E at one food over and over, but unlike picky eaters, they will eventually burn out and not go back to eating that food again
• Do not accept new foods on their plate and will not tolerate even touching or tasting a new food • Cry, scream and tantrum when new foods are placed on their plate • Are unwilling to try a new food even after 10 exposures • Have a rigidity and need for routine/ sameness during meals • Are inflexible about certain foods Adler Therapy Group (ATG) was opened in 2015 by Josh Adler, OTR/L who has been practicing in Hampton Roads as an occupational therapist since 2003. ATG has more than eight therapists, including a specially trained outpatient therapist in their pediatric division with decades of experience in treating oral aversion/feeding difficulties. In addition to feeding programs, ATG offers pediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy for all other diagnoses and conditions. ATG also offers an outpatient adult therapy services division where a multi-disciplinary approach (PT/OT/Speech) is available. www.adlertherapygroup.com.
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Health Care
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have type 1 Gaucher Disease, a rare lysosome storage disorder that occurs when someone is born without the enzyme glucocerebrosidase that breaks down lipids in the cells. The result is a disease cell that accumulates in the blood, bone marrow, liver and spleen. Gaucher affects only 1 in 45,000 people overall, but among Ashkenazi Jews, the rate is much higher at 1 in 850. It is one of several genetic diseases that disproportionately affects our community. Despite the fact that my father was a doctor, it still took 21 years for me to get an official diagnosis. And like me, up to one-third of Gaucher patients are initially misdiagnosed with a number of other conditions, including cancer, lupus or leukemia. My childhood was riddled with illnesses, but no answers. My earliest symptoms were probably apparent from infancy, but my first significant symptom was when I broke my left hip at 18 months by simply falling off of a bed. The hip break was eventually written off as a freak accident, but I was still continually sick. Whatever my siblings brought home, I would wind up with bronchitis, pneumonia and croup. There was always an initial pattern: sore throat, fever and bone pain. By the time I was eight years old, these illnesses were accompanied by an enlarged spleen, liver and low platelets. I was misdiagnosed with a number of conditions, including juvenile arthritis and leukemia. At age 11, at the beginning of sixth grade, I fell ill with what appeared to be mono. This episode took on a completely different trajectory. My dad was taking lab work at my bedside. Different colleagues with different specialties were examining me in my room before and after work. I had a home tutor from the school that tried to teach me as I laid my head across the kitchen table. Once an avid social and enthusiastic student, I was so sick that year I missed more than three quarters of the
Tamara Isaacs Ciocci
sixth grade. At 14, a rheumatologist misdiagnosed me with lupus, and prescribed steroids and an anti-malarial drug. I stayed on steroids for seven years, adding 45 pounds of fluid weight to my frame. Over the next few years, my waist grew to 42 inches from the enlarged spleen and liver. My platelets were so low, I was restricted from all activities to avoid the risk of internal bleeding or rupturing my spleen. By the time I went to college, my life was no longer congruent with who I wanted to be. During my junior year, I fell off my bicycle and landed in the ER. A bone marrow biopsy came back positive. Finally, at age 21, I was diagnosed with type 1 Gaucher disease. Having a chronic illness means always second guessing yourself. I am constantly debating about which ailments are serious enough to report. What makes it even more difficult to live with a rare disease is knowing very few physicians in the world are even aware of the condition, let alone how to treat it. A simple trip to the doctor’s office can be very frustrating. Now married with a beautiful family, I have started working again. I continue to battle the bone pain, fatigue and poor immune system, but just having a diagnosis now gives my doctors the tools to manage my condition. Why, you might ask, should you care about Gaucher disease? When we learn about one rare orphan disease, everybody wins. Gaucher disease research has led to new insights on multiple myeloma and Parkinson’s disease, both complications of Gaucher. Tamara Ciocci lives in Duxbury, Mass. and was diagnosed with Gaucher disease in 1985 at the age of 21. She is a member of the Genzyme Gaucher Partners program and speaks on behalf of Genzyme Corporation.
Health Care First Person
What about the Jewish prayer for those with mental illness? by Risa Sugarman
(Kveller via JTA)—Traditionally, we say the Mi Sheberach prayer for those who are ill and those recovering from illness or accident. For example, I added the name of my friend’s daughter to the list to be recited at my synagogue following a terrible accident in which she was burned. As the Mi Sheberach was recited this past Shabbat at my synagogue, I had an epiphany. I wondered aloud to my husband, what about those with mental illness? Do we ever think of adding their names in hopes of recovery and wellness? Anyone who has ever had any diagnosis of mental illness knows it can be a horrendous and difficult road to travel, and prayers of any kind would be appreciated. In synagogue, as the names were recited, I wondered to myself if any of those mentioned were struggling with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. A mental illness is an illness. Complications from diabetes must be treated appropriately, and prayers can be part of the treatment plan. Similarly, complications from bipolar disorder must be treated appropriately, and prayers can also play a role in the treatment plan. As logical as this seems to someone like me who lives with depression; unfortunately, society as a whole has not yet reached that level of understanding. I like to think that the Jewish community is more open to accepting people for who they are because of what our earlier generations endured. But we still could and should do better. My synagogue greatly supported me over the past two years when I suffered from severe depression. Individual women from the synagogue reached out to me in response to my writing about my experience. I not only made some wonderful new friends, but I added to my support and logistics team. I gained friends who
checked on me, and these friends would also drive me to my ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) treatments. They availed themselves to me, which not only helped me, but my family as well. Now it was not as if an announcement was made in synagogue alerting everyone that I was ill, but these women knew we shared a connection to our synagogue and took it from there. I am very lucky. Part of the Mi Sheberach prayer asks God to restore, heal, strengthen and enliven the individual who is suffering. Someone who is suffering from severe depression definitely needs to be restored, healed, strengthened and enlivened. The individual may not know that she needs this due to her impaired cognition, but her community can surround her with these words in order to support the restoration of her cognition, the healing of her sadness, and wish her increased strength and a reason to wake up in the morning. This is what we need. This is what I need. We should not be feared due to our illnesses. Someone with schizophrenia not only deserves this, but as a human being, it is his/her right. Agreed? Let’s take what is scary, “invisible” and not easily understood, and turn it all around. I challenge synagogues, groups and individuals to include those with mental illness in the list of names when reciting the Mi Sheberach prayer. Make the invitation clear in synagogue announcements and bulletins. Give those and their families who may feel shame and fear the permission to reach out and ask for the prayers they need. Let’s provide each and every member of our communities the same opportunity to heal. —Risa Sugarman has an MSW from Fordham University and a B.A. from Columbia University. She has written for the Huffington Post, Psych Central, Keshet and Stigma Fighters; she blogs at sillyillymama. blogspot.com.
jewishnewsva.org | May 23, 2016 | Health Care | Jewish News | 25
Beth Sholom Village team at “Israel Fest” serves up delicious pareve food.
Ev e ry ye ar i n th e Ti dewate r Jewi sh c o m m un i t y…
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We prepare Meals on Wheels packages for those in need.
At our campus on Auburn Drive and throughout the community, we play a vital role in many aspects of Jewish life and for people of all ages.
We provide support to the Simon Family JCC, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater and other local schools and agencies.
How Our Village Makes an Impact • On the second Thursday of the month, we hold an Alzheimer’s support group, which is open to the public and free of charge. In the group, caregivers of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia share advice, tips and mostly have the opportunity to be heard. • Every month, our dietary team prepares approximately 600 meals for Jewish Family Service so volunteers can deliver them to people in need. • Transportation plays a vital role in the lives of our residents and the community. With the addition of our new company, BSV Transportation Company, LLC, it is easy to attend doctor’s appointments and celebratory family events. • For the past two years, we have staged a booth at the JCC’s popular “Israel Fest” and served a pareve meal with an Israeli theme. Come by our booth next month and see what we have prepared! • Every year, we provide financial support to synagogues and schools in our community. Just a few of them include: Beth El, Temple Israel, Ohef Sholom, Bina High School, St. Matthew’s Catholic School and Hebrew Academy of Tidewater. When the community needs us, we always answer the call. Of course, that’s what being a Village is all about.
A showing during the annual Jewish Film Festival was held at Beth Sholom.
All Denominations Welcome (757) 420-2512 | www.bethsholomvillage.com
26 | Jewish News | Health Care | May 23, 2016 | jewishnewsva.org