Talent and Technology

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1 PRIME CONEMAUGH HEALTH SYSTEM Winter 2012/13 Talent and Technology

It s PRIME time! In this edition of PRIME we talk about starting your journey to good health easy steps you can take that add up to big health benefits.

most flourishing stage or state 2. the best choice or part of anything One journey to good health, one screening at a time Take advantage of health screenings and educational opportunities. Dr.

For older adults and those with significant health problems, talk to your doctor about the shingles and pneumonia vaccines. Both may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Dr.

In 2006, JoAnn Stibich saw an ad for a free screening with Conemaugh Health System and Edwards LifeSciences.

2 It s PRIME time! In this edition of PRIME we talk about starting your journey to good health easy steps you can take that add up to big health benefits. One of the easiest things you can do is to get the flu shot hopefully by now that has been checked off your list but Prime [prahym] adj.- of first importance; demanding full consideration noun - 1. most flourishing stage or state 2. the best choice or part of anything One journey to good health, one screening at a time Take advantage of health screenings and educational opportunities. Dr. Archana Sodagam Conemaugh Physician Group - Cardiology if not, it is not too late. Although it is ideal to get vaccinated early, the flu shot can still be helpful even as late as January. For older adults and those with significant health problems, talk to your doctor about the shingles and pneumonia vaccines. Both may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Dr. Darius Pierko Conemaugh Physician Group - Somerset JoAnn (before) on left with her mom. JoAnn today! In 2006, JoAnn Stibich saw an ad for a free screening with Conemaugh Health System and Edwards LifeSciences. She had no health insurance, no family physician, no driver s license and no way to get there but she did have determination and so, she walked. That screening six years ago showed significant concerns including a family history of diabetes and heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The health screening was wonderful and gave me so much good information, says JoAnn. The nurses were on site to speak with me and they really took the time to explain things and answer my questions. Already on a self-proclaimed journey to get healthy, JoAnn used the information learned at the screening to kick her new healthy lifestyle into high gear. I learned that eating right and exercising go hand and hand, says JoAnn, and you really do need to take charge of your health. Take all the help and support you can get. JoAnn s journey has led to a 135 pound weight loss. Walking, strength training and eating well are now part of her daily routine. JoAnn also now has employment as a supervisor for Safari Contract Cleaners, health insurance and a family physician. People see before pictures and can t believe the difference.

Even small lifestyle changes can have a big impact. Shake the Salt Habit Reducing your salt intake can help control blood pressure.

Skip the Soda People who drink soda regularly (even diet) are at an increased risk for Metabolic Syndrome, a known precursor to diabetes and heart disease.

JoAnn (left), pictured with Susan Mann, President, Conemaugh Health Foundation; Jan Albert, Conemaugh Diabetes Institute; and Michelle George, Conemaugh Memorial Cardiac Rehabilitation.

3 Even small lifestyle changes can have a big impact. Shake the Salt Habit Reducing your salt intake can help control blood pressure. Relax When you are stressed, your heart rate and blood pressure increase. Skip the Soda People who drink soda regularly (even diet) are at an increased risk for Metabolic Syndrome, a known precursor to diabetes and heart disease. It is recommended that you consume no more than three cans of soda per week. JoAnn (left), pictured with Susan Mann, President, Conemaugh Health Foundation; Jan Albert, Conemaugh Diabetes Institute; and Michelle George, Conemaugh Memorial Cardiac Rehabilitation. JoAnn s story is a classic example of why the Conemaugh Health Foundation partners with Conemaugh Memorial and Edward LifeSciences to make these screenings available, says Susan Mann, President of the Conemaugh Health Foundation. There are so many people out there that need a helping hand, education, and support. This demonstrates how vital and life changing these efforts can be. I feel so much better, says JoAnn. I encourage everyone to take advantage of screenings and get the help and support they need to get healthy. Wine Wisdom Research shows antioxidents in red wine help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart, reducing cholesterol and preventing blood clots. Drink Responsibly! Brush your Teeth Studies show plaque causing bacteria which travels from your mouth to your blood stream can increase your risk of heart attack. One Step at a Time Aim to get 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise. Hectic schedule? Breaking exercise up into three 10-minute sessions works well too. Visit for upcoming health screenings. A recent Community Needs Assessment conducted by the United Way of the Laurel Highlands and Conemaugh Health System shows individuals in our region have a higher percentage of premature death and higher levels of smoking, obesity and excessive drinking. Simple way to improve your health Volunteer! That s right, many studies, including one conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, have shown the positive impact volunteering can have on the body and mind, such as: lower mortality rates Janet & Polo Yniguez greater physical function lower rates of depression And the more, the better! According to the study, those who volunteer about 100 hours a year are more likely to achieve the health benefits. Ready to reap the rewards? You can help build a stronger community, improve your health, and increase your social network just by giving a few hours a week. Consider joining Conemaugh s volunteer family. Visit /volunteer or call Volunteer Services at

4 Talent and Technology It takes our knowledge and experience as surgeons and combines it with precise surgical equipment. It makes us better. Dr. William Carney Conemaugh Physician Group - General Surgery Smooth as glass is how Dr. Russell Dumire, Conemaugh Physician Group Trauma/General Surgery, is describing the first robotic assisted surgery at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. It is an effective and minimally invasive alternative to both open surgery and laparoscopy for many types of procedures. Robotic assisted surgery helps us get to places within the body that are hard to get to with other tools. With robotic assisted surgery, surgeons have fewer limitations than manual laparoscopy, a better range of motion as the robot translates the doctor s hand movements into much smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the body. Physicians also benefit from a better view inside the patient s body through high definition 3D vision. As for the patient it is easier for them as well. With robotic assisted surgery, we place the tools through a small port, there is less tension and pressure on the patient and those who have undergone procedures with robotic assisted surgery have had no problems, little pain and really clean port sites with no complications, adds Dr. Dumire. 4

How does robotic assisted surgery work? Four interactive arms are controlled by a surgeon at a nearby consol.

The robotic system mirrors movement of the surgeon s hands, wrists and fingers. The surgery can be done through several small incisions rather than one large cut. Dr.

Robotic assisted surgery offers our patients a successful procedure and a quicker recovery and that is so important. Her colleague, Dr.

5 How does robotic assisted surgery work? Four interactive arms are controlled by a surgeon at a nearby consol. Arms hold surgical instruments and a camera which provide surgeons with a magnified 3D view. The surgeons control the arms and instruments with hand and foot controllers. The robotic system mirrors movement of the surgeon s hands, wrists and fingers. The surgery can be done through several small incisions rather than one large cut. Dr. Anne Marie Sterlin, Conemaugh Physician Group - Obstetrics and Gynecology, is equally pleased. I am excited to provide new techniques, particularly ones that afford such benefits to our patients. Robotic assisted surgery offers our patients a successful procedure and a quicker recovery and that is so important. Her colleague, Dr. Delbert Yoder, is also trained to provide gynecology surgeries with robotic assisted surgery. We are able to operate on complex conditions using tiny incisions so our patients are recovering in days not weeks. Dr. William Carney, Conemaugh Physician Group - General Surgery, was instrumental in bringing robotic assisted surgery to Conemaugh Memorial. We have such a talented, experienced group of surgeons and our outcomes are excellent, but we also want to be able to offer the latest technology and any Conemaugh s First Patient advancement that brings potential benefits to our patients. To date, surgeons at Conemaugh Memorial are using robotic assisted surgery for gallbladder and hysterectomy procedures but as more physicians train, it will be used for a wider variety of cases. Our Operating Room staff has been awesome; they ve really embraced this new technology. Another advantage of bringing robotic assisted surgery to Conemaugh Memorial is the potential to recruit medical students and physicians. Right now 96% of all urology residency programs utilize robotic assisted surgery as well as 90% of all gynecology residencies and 65% of general surgery programs, says Dr. Carney. Medical students are asking for this technology. Ruth Strayer, Ebensburg, had the unexpected notoriety of being the very first Conemaugh Memorial patient to undergo robotic assisted surgery. A diseased gallbladder left her with pain so significant she couldn t remember to breathe. Dr. Anne Marie Sterlin Conemaugh Physician Group - OB/Gyn and Dr. Russell Dumire Conemaugh Physician Group - General Surgery It was worse than childbirth, says Ruth, real estate business owner, mother and grandmother of two. When her surgeon, Dr. Russell Dumire said she would need surgery to remove the diseased gallbladder he said he would like to use robotic assisted surgery explaining the advantages of small holes rather than a large incision. Today I feel great. I am fully recovered and you can hardly see the marks where the surgery took place, says Ruth. The holes look like tiny scratch marks and are barely visible. 5

I still had the headache and now my vision was blurry too. I knew something was wrong. Kevin, Bishop McCort senior HEADS UP ON CONCUSSIONS Kevin Tomkowski, 17, had his bell rung.

That night he had a bad headache and we just thought maybe he was dehydrated. By the next day the symptoms were worse. I was just out of it, says Kevin.

6 I still had the headache and now my vision was blurry too. I knew something was wrong. Kevin, Bishop McCort senior HEADS UP ON CONCUSSIONS Kevin Tomkowski, 17, had his bell rung. That is how his mom, Paula, describes the hit to the head Kevin took during a travel soccer game last spring. He wasn t knocked out, in fact he continued to play, says Paula. That night he had a bad headache and we just thought maybe he was dehydrated. By the next day the symptoms were worse. I was just out of it, says Kevin. My headache continued, I had some blurry vision and I was really just going through the motions. It was hard to concentrate on anything for any period of time. I knew something was wrong. Fortunately for Kevin and his family, the Conemaugh Post Concussion Clinic was there to help. Most people recover quickly and completely, says Dr. Alfred Bowles, Conemaugh Physician Group - Neurosurgery. But concussion is something that must not be taken lightly. Serious, long term disabilities can be the result if concussions go untreated. Robert Sawicki, PhD, Conemaugh Physician Group - Neuropsychology says some young athletes may be hesitant to complain because concussion is an injury that no one else can see or feel. Athletes, parents and coaches must all understand if you do not allow your brain to recover, the effects of even a mild brain injury can alter the rest of your life. In fact, more concussions while your brain is recovering increase the risk for long-term neurological dysfunction, early dementia, disability and death. Specialists at the John P. Murtha Neuroscience and Pain Institute at Conemaugh East Hills have developed the Post Concussion Clinic to help guide the recovery process and return concussion patients safely to their daily activities. Kevin s recovery took about eight weeks a long period of time for a young man used to being on the go. For a while almost any activity gave me a headache, it was hard to concentrate even just watching television or doing homework, says Kevin. Dr. William DeMayo and the staff at the Concussion Clinic were wonderful, says Paula. They tested Kevin and went over his symptoms every couple of weeks. When Kevin was finally able to head back to soccer, we were nervous, but he was fine. We are so grateful! Concussion Signs and Symptoms Difficulty remembering recent events Mental confusion Severe headache in specific location Nausea or vomiting Stiff neck Blood or clear fluid dripping from ears/nose Dizziness, poor balance or unsteadiness Unequal pupils Weakness in either arms or legs Loss of consciousness Abnormal drowsiness or sleepiness Loss of appetite Convulsions Ringing in the ears Slurring of speech William DeMayo, MD Alfred Bowles, MD Robert Sawicki, PhD Conemaugh Post Concussion Clinic

Mammography Anxiety... Take the fear out of the unknown New technology. Increased comfort. Minimized radiation dose.

Mammo-graphy has come a long way since its inception, but shockingly, almost half of the women in our area over the age of 40 are still not participating in potentially life-saving mammography

When we are afraid or nervous of the unknown, we avoid it, says Dr. Theresa Kovacs, Conemaugh Physician Group Clinical Psychologist and former partner with the Susan G.

7 Mammography Anxiety... Take the fear out of the unknown New technology. Increased comfort. Minimized radiation dose. These are just a few of the benefits of the eight new digital mammography machines at six convenient Conemaugh Breast Imaging locations. Mammo-graphy has come a long way since its inception, but shockingly, almost half of the women in our area over the age of 40 are still not participating in potentially life-saving mammography screenings. While many excuses are readily available for not completing this important screening, the underlying component may be the fear of the unknown. When we are afraid or nervous of the unknown, we avoid it, says Dr. Theresa Kovacs, Conemaugh Physician Group Clinical Psychologist and former partner with the Susan G. Komen for a Cure North Eastern Affiliate. The fear of the unknown is always present. Women need to be advocates for themselves and we need to support each other. This will ideally reduce levels of anxiety and the unknown won t be so substantial in our minds. Dr. Kovacs confirms that there is a direct relationship between mind and body. Psychological health impacts physical health, and stress is a known factor in lowering a body s immune system, she says. Educating patients that mind and body are related is extremely important. Everyone has stressors and problems but overcoming these issues will have a positive impact on overall health. Research indicates that stress management to reduce anxiety levels improves an individual s immune system allowing the body to better accept treatment if needed. Women participate in hundreds of daily activities, instinctively caring for others first and often failing to take time to care for themselves. Mammography needs to be routine, says Kovacs. Prognosis improves dramatically when women have regular screenings and problem areas are detected early. Conemaugh Breast Imaging offers convenient hours and locations to help ease the stress of finding time for a mammogram. The staff is available to answer questions and walk patients through the entire mammography process. Immediate reading of mammography scans allows for quick feedback and additional follow up exams as needed. Conemaugh Breast Imaging is here to support and educate you! Support the women in your life and encourage mammography screenings. Early detection saves lives! Theresa Kovacs, PsyD Conemaugh Physician Group Behavioral Health A mammogram can detect breast cancer while it is still this small. I was very nervous after having a breast cancer scare last year. This year with Digital Mammography the process was efficient and much more comfortable. The test was so fast when they told me it was done, I said Wow! Karen Nagy, RN Conemaugh Breast Imaging Digital Mammography Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center Main Campus and Lee Campus Conemaugh Miners Medical Center Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center Conemaugh Ebensburg Conemaugh Richland Call to schedule your mammogram at one of six locations. 7

1086 Franklin Street Johnstown, PA 15905-4398 inside this issue.

Taking the fear out of mammography Health benefits of volunteering WISHING YOU A SAFE &

8 1086 Franklin Street Johnstown, PA inside this issue... Meet Conemaugh s first Robotic Assisted Surgery patient Heads up on concussion Taking the fear out of mammography Health benefits of volunteering WISHING YOU A SAFE & HEALTHY NEW YEAR! Oh Baby! 4 years in a row! Raigan Johnstown Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center Top 5% in the nation

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