healthv 2 N 2 Patient Navigator Taking Control of Diabetes The Tale of a Breast Cancer Survivor

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1 T H E P E O P L E Y O U K N O W... T H E P R O F E S S I O N A L S Y O U T R U S T Patient Navigator health T/F from TNCP FPO Still waiting for the PO for this image The Spirit of Caring on Your Side The Tale of a Breast Cancer Survivor Page 7 Taking Control of Diabetes Page 4

2 Just a Word T H E P E O P L E Y O U K N O W... T H E P R O F E S S I O N A L S Y O U T R U S T WCA Hospital is a nonprofit, voluntary, 342-bed, 38-bassinet, regional medical center for acute care and rehabilitation services. WCA is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations and the New York State Health Department. Dear friends, Welcome to the fall issue of WCA Health magazine. We invite you to browse through the pages of our publication that feature informative and inspiring articles on living strong with diabetes; diagnosing, treating, and supporting persons with breast cancer; and new technological advances that improve the health and well-being of our community. I would like to send along a sincere thank you and congratulations to WCA employees, physicians, and volunteers. They have earned one of the most prestigious awards for quality cancer care in the nation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Because of its complexity, cancer care calls upon the expertise of our entire WCA family and our ability to work together as a team. See our story on page 6. This is also an exciting time for WCA, as we celebrate the opening of the new Lakewood Health Center and Outpatient Laboratory, our fifth primary care center in the region. The new premier center is centrally located, offering the latest technology and services that are patient-and family-centered and backed by the high quality of WCA. It is essential that our community have access to effective healthcare services and coordination of care with an emphasis on wellness that centers on preventive and primary care. As a valued and vital resource in your community, WCA is continually evolving, growing, and moving forward into new health frontiers. Our trusted professionals, volunteers, and board members work diligently to find superior ways to improve and keep our community healthy. From everyone at WCA, we wish you good health and happiness over the upcoming holiday season. Best wishes, Betsy T. Wright President/CEO 2 Additional certifications and accreditations can be found online at

3 You Get Busier, We Make Life Easier Primary Care Serving more than 70,000 lab patients annually, WCA hospital is committed to decreasing wait times by adding more locations. The Lakewood Outpatient Laboratory opened its doors on August 22, becoming WCA s fourth location for lab work. People are busier than ever these days and our current labs are becoming more congested, says William Geary, MD, PhD, medical director of the laboratory at WCA. Our goal is to increase convenience and decrease wait times for our patients. Now, our community has four sites from which to choose and we will soon be opening a fifth location at the Riverwalk Center in downtown Jamestown. Customer Service The lab draw sites are staffed by friendly and highly skilled professionals. No appointment is necessary. Hours for the Lakewood site are 7:00 a.m. until noon, Monday through Friday. Our labs are open to any person who has a written order from their physician or other licensed healthcare provider, Dr. Geary adds. Choose one of these convenient locations: WCA Hospital 207 Foote Avenue, Jamestown Jones Memorial Health Center (JMHC) 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown Next to the Cancer Treatment Center Randolph Health Center 11 School Street, Randolph Lakewood Health Center 110 Mall Boulevard, Lakewood THE DOCTER IS IN (and Close to Home) WCA Hospital is accepting new patients at its newest Primary Care Center on Mall Boulevard in Lakewood. The staff provides primary care service to area residents, from infants to seniors. With the addition of the Lakewood Health Center which is the fifth health center in the WCA system, patients have easier access to primary care services ranging from pediatrics to women s health and preventive health care to management of chronic health issues. Lakewood Health Center has a dedicated team of physicians and nursing staff who are focused on delivering evidence-based medicine with compassion for the patients, says Albert J. Persia, MD, board-certified family practice physician and chair of the department of family practice at WCA. In addition, patients find that Lakewood Health Center is convenient and easily accessible. Currently, Dr. Persia is available to see patients at the Lakewood Health Center on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for the noon hour. Staff members are available for lab services every weekday morning from 7:00 a.m. to noon. The current plan is to add additional providers to the staff of the 1,200-square-foot facility within the next year, based on community need. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (716) Most insurance plans are accepted. ALBERT J. PERSIA, MD, BOARD CERTIFIED FAMILY PRACTICE PHYSICIAN AND ASSOCIATE MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE WCA PRIMARY CARE CENTERS 3

4 Primary Care T H E P E O P L E Y O U K N O W... T H E P R O F E S S I O N A L S Y O U T R U S T Taking Control of Diabetes The diabetes program at WCA Hospital is geared toward putting you in the driver s seat on a journey to better health. 4 Diabetes is a disease caused by the body s inability to turn the food we eat into energy due to poor absorption or lack of insulin. It affects almost 21 million children and adults in the United States and is linked with numerous serious health complications. There is good news. With the help of WCA s diabetes program, a full, healthy life awaits you even after a diagnosis of diabetes. Successful management of diabetes requires active patient involvement, says Wolf-Dieter Krahn, MD, family practice physician with privileges at WCA. That s why diabetes education is crucial to help people with diabetes and pre-diabetes manage their health successfully and avoid complications, such as stroke, heart disease, blindness, and kidney disease. Teamwork You Can Trust When you turn to WCA, recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), you and your primary care physician have access to a registered dietitian and registered nurse, who are members of an elite group of professionals nationally certified as diabetes educators and certified insulin pump trainers. At WCA, we invest in continual staff education to ensure we have the best and most current information for all aspects of diabetes care, says Jacqueline Carlson, LD, RD, certified diabetes educator at WCA. We provide personal and individualized care that s often unavailable in larger metropolitan areas. WCA offers classes every other week for patients newly diagnosed with diabetes and individual appointments for those who prefer one-on-one consultations. We focus on education about diet, exercise, home glucose monitoring, diabetes medication injections, insulin pumps, and other factors essential to intensive diabetes management. For those who have pre-diabetes, are overweight, or need to lower cholesterol, monthly classes called A Healthy Balance are offered. Participants learn how to make choices to eat healthy and develop an active lifestyle. Additionally, the hospital offers free diabetes support group meetings at the Jones Memorial Health Center on the third Tuesday of every month. Diabetes is a complex and chronic disease, but it doesn t have to translate into a restrictive lifestyle for patients, says Kathleen Krieg, RN, BSN, certified diabetes educator at WCA. We give patients the knowledge to control their diabetes instead of letting their diabetes control them. Diabetes Showcase Keynote Speaker Dr. Robert Buynak, Author The Deabetes Diet Vendor Exhibits Interactive Displays Tuesday, November 9 5:30-8:00 p.m. Jamestown Community College Physical Education Complex Phone (716) To learn more, contact the WCA Diabetes Program at (716) CERTIFIED DIABETES EDUCATORS AT WCA, JACQUELINE CARLSON, LD, RD, AND KATHLEEN KRIEG, RN, BSN

5 Be Heart Smart about Diabetes If Heart Care you are living with diabetes, you ll want to be knowledgeable about risks for complications such as eye problems, nerve damage, kidney damage, and circulation problems. High blood sugar can also place you at a higher risk for heart disease or stroke. WCA Hospital is here to help you manage high cholesterol levels, which cause the blood vessels to narrow and potentially become clogged. High blood sugar levels can cause the vessels to thicken and lose their elasticity, a dangerous combination. As a result, heart attack or stroke are serious concerns. Most people with diabetes are unaware that their disease increases their risk for these conditions, says Antonio Roman, MD, cardiologist on staff at WCA Hospital. In fact, the American Diabetes Association estimates that only about one-third of those with diabetes are aware of the connection between diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. To reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke, consider these tips from the American Diabetes Association: Keep your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control. Choose a low-fat diet with lots of fiber, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise regularly. Take your diabetes-related medications. Quit smoking. The more you know, the more you can do to reduce your risk of complications. Contact your primary care physician for more information. red blood cell sugar blood stream Understanding Diabetes Carbohydrates raise blood glucose (sugar) levels. To lower the blood sugar, insulin opens the doors of the body s cells to glucose circulating in the blood. The glucose enters the cells and is used as the cells fuel for energy. Likened to a lock and key, insulin is the key to allow glucose to pass through the door into the cell. In Type I diabetes, the keys have been stolen (because no insulin is made by the pancreas), while in Type II, the door won t open fully even with the right key (because of insulin resistance). insulin Is Foot Care on Your Daily To-Do List? such as an ingrown toenail or Conditions hammertoe are more than an inconvenience if you re living with diabetes, says Timothy Brown, MD. These conditions for a diabetic can have serious consequences even lead to amputation if left untreated. Diabetes often affects blood circulation and can result in loss of sensation, especially in your feet. Fortunately, taking a few minutes every day to inspect your feet can reduce your risk of complications, such as infection or the need for amputation, adds Matthew Chang, MD, who, like Dr. Brown, is a general and vascular surgeon on staff at WCA Hospital. Keep your feet healthy by completing this checklist every day. Check your feet for redness, cuts, scratches, or sores. Wash your feet in lukewarm water. Trim your toenails and/or calluses. Ask your podiatrist for help if necessary. Apply lotion (avoid between your toes). Wear shoes. Don t go barefoot on extremely hot or cold surfaces. Wear socks. Ask your podiatrist or pharmacist about speciallydesigned socks for diabetes patients. Prevention is key to successful diabetes management, says Anthony Tuccio, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist on staff at WCA Hospital. In addition to home care, patients should always call their physicians if they notice changes in their feet and make regular appointments with a podiatrist who can assess circulation and detect problems early. For more information about diabetes or to receive a guide on foot care, call the WCA Diabetes Program at (716)

6 Here For You T H E P E O P L E Y O U K N O W... T H E P R O F E S S I O N A L S Y O U T R U S T Cancer Care It does matter where you optimizing individual care. choose your cancer care. The New Technology Enhances Care American College of Surgeons In addition to quality care, Commission on Cancer sets the gold teamwork, and community outreach, standard for cancer care across the the Commission evaluates our nation. The commission recently ability to stay on the leading edge awarded WCA s program three-year in technology to diagnose and treat approval with commendation. Only cancers. one in four hospitals across the nation WCA recently introduced a new has earned this high status and only PET/CT scanner, which more a small percentage of the hospitals have received commendation! The Commission on Cancer approval assures our community that WCA s cancer care program is among the best in the nation, says Brian Meagher, MD, board-certified radiologist at WCA. Because WCA is a community hospital, we all work very closely together and can communicate more efficiently, WCA Awarded the Gold Seal of Approval. accurately diagnoses and measures the progress of some cancers. This scanner combines two different types of imaging to produce scans that show how large a tumor is, and to give other information about the stage of the cancer and its response to treatment. The PET/CT is a marriage of two technologies, in which the sum is greater than its parts, says Lyndon Gritters, MD, boardcertified radiologist and chair of the department of radiology at WCA. The PET/CT scans act as a complement to our existing arsenal of imaging technology. With the combination of dedicated staff and excellent equipment, WCA has one of the finest cancer care programs in the region. 6 The Spirit of Caring on Your Side New Patient Navigation Program leads the way in cancer support When a patient at WCA Hospital is diagnosed with breast cancer, he or she often has many questions and needs but is unsure of where to turn. To increase the level of care for these patients, the WCA Cancer Care program recently introduced the Patient Navigation Program. Our patient navigation program guides those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families to essential cancer care services and community resources that may be needed during their cancer journey, says Toni DeAngelo, RN, wellness program director and patient navigator at WCA. Studies have shown that the faster patients and families are linked with cancer care services, the better their survival rate and quality of life. WCA is partnering with the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, adding their expertise in community outreach to help connect those affected by breast cancer to the appropriate services. The program is funded through a grant from the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation and aims to reach the following goals in helping those diagnosed with breast cancer. Improve breast health awareness. Enhance access to cancer care services. Work along with healthcare providers to navigate patients through the healthcare system, meet their non-clinical cancer care needs, and connect them to community resources. Reduce barriers to care that they may face, including communication, financial, and transportation concerns. Provide education and support for issues related to survivorship. Cancer changes lives emotionally, physically, spiritually, and professionally, says DeAngelo. It s comforting to know that at WCA, TONI DEANGELO, RN PATIENT NAVIGATOR (716) we are helping patients get back on course, linking them to essential cancer care so that they can keep moving on with their lives.

7 Cancer Care The Tale of a Survivor How one brave lady faced and conquered breast cancer with the help of her local hospital. ACT Now for Good Breast Health Early detection saves lives. It s best to follow all of these guidelines for optimum breast health. A for Activity Exercise to obtain and maintain an ideal weight. C for Choices Choose fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods for a healthy diet. T for Timeliness Maintain a regular schedule of monthly breast self-exams, along with both yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams by a trained healthcare provider. Bemus Point resident Sandy Cannone had no family history of breast cancer, underwent yearly mammograms, and was only 51 years old. Yet in September 2000, she learned she had breast cancer. I was lying on my bed reading, and I felt a lump when I turned, Sandy recalls. It was small, but it was there and I wasn t going to wait to get it checked out. A Frightening Reality After undergoing tests at WCA Hospital, Sandy was waiting anxiously for her husband to take her home, knowing that soon she would hear the results. Her suspicions were true. She was facing a diagnosis of breast cancer. Even though it is a frightening diagnosis, Sandy knew by acting quickly when she felt the lump that it could improve her chances for a full recovery. Following a lumpectomy in early October, it was determined that Sandy s cancer had already spread to 8 of the 16 glands surrounding Sandy s breast. To get rid of the cancerous cells, chemotherapy and radiation therapy were prescribed. Sandy turned to the trusted team at the Cancer Treatment Center at WCA. Everyone at the Cancer Treatment Center was so compassionate and caring, and they were willing to do whatever it took to keep me comfortable and happy, Sandy says. Undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy wasn t necessarily a great experience, but they made it as pleasant as possible, and I m very grateful to them for their hard work. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a good time to be sure you are on schedule for your mammogram. For more information, talk with your healthcare provider or call the WCA Patient Navigator at (716) The care I received at WCA Hospital couldn t have been any better. I don t know why anyone would willingly go to another facility for cancer care. Sandy Cannone, Bemus Point resident and six-year breast cancer survivor 7

8 T H E P E O P L E Y O U K N O W... T H E P R O F E S S I O N A L S Y O U T R U S T Care to Count On A+ Three Steps to Stress-Free Holidays While the holidays are a joyful time, stress an unwanted guest often accompanies them. This winter, declare a stress-free season by using these tips to enjoy the holidays. 8 V 1 N 1 WCA Makes The Grade, Again! Congratulations to employees, physicians, and volunteers at WCA Hospital. Those who set the gold standard for quality care have given you top honors. 2 consecutive years Top 100 Hospital for Performance Improvement 3-year Accreditation Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations Survey 3-year Approval with Commendation American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer WCA Hospital has an excellent physical plant and a well-run cancer program, says Lawrence Freant, MD, surveyor of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Everyone involved in the program works together well, which is so important to a successful cancer program. WCA Hospital 207 Foote Avenue Jamestown, NY Telephone: (716) Be realistic. Don t stay in the mindset that everything must be done to perfection. Many people develop inaccurate expectations about the holidays, says Patricia McClennan, clinical supervisor, NCC, CASAC at WCA Hospital. Although the holidays are a time of celebration and love, problems do not just vanish due to the time of year. Instead of expecting perfection, set small, accomplishable goals. Make a list and prioritize the things you have to do during the months, weeks, or days leading up to important events. When you can t accomplish something, ask for help or accept that imperfections will occur. 2. Make healthy choices. In a sea of holiday baked goods and fried foods, opt to eat as healthy as possible. Enjoy a salad or munch on sliced fruit before heading to a festive gathering, or sample high-calorie foods in moderation. Instead of using food as a way to cope with stress, take a walk, speak to a relative or long-lost friend, or meditate for 10 minutes. 3. Change your perception. Viewing the holidays as a time of joy and acceptance can put you on the right track to stress relief. Incorporate time into your schedule each day to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. Even though the holidays are a pleasant time for most people, they can become stressful when people overburden themselves with worries and commitments, says Israr Abbasi, MD, psychiatrist at WCA. Instead, try to emphasize the positive aspects, such as sharing more time with family, which will help to de-emphasize the negative feelings. If your holiday stress becomes overwhelming, don t be afraid to ask for help. For information on mental health services at WCA, please call (716)

9 T H E P E O P L E Y O U K N O W... T H E P R O F E S S I O N A L S Y O U T R U S T Patient Navigator The Spirit of Caring on Your Side health The Tale of a Breast Cancer Survivor Page 7 Taking Control of Diabetes Page 4

10 T H E P E O P L E Y O U K N O W... T H E P R O F E S S I O N A L S Y O U T R U S T health The Tale of a Breast Cancer Survivor Page 7 Taking Control of Diabetes Page 4 Patient Navigator The Spirit of Caring on Your Side