Bucks County Magazine’s 2020 Guide to
Healthy Living
HEALTH WATCH
ST. MARY:YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR COVID-19 t St. Mary Medical Center, during the COVID19 pandemic, we have continued to perform essential surgeries and procedures for patients for whom a delay could cause harm. We have put enhanced safety measures in place to protect you and our providers, and are ready to resume select surgeries, procedures and vital services. We can care for you safely. • We designated COVID-free zones to minimize risk of infection. COVID-Free Zones are areas where we provide care only for people not known to have COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms. • We require screenings of all patients, colleagues, physicians and visitors. • We provide and require masks to be worn by everyone throughout our facilities. • We follow the CDC’s standards -- with more frequent cleaning and special attention to frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and flat surfaces. • We continue safe social distancing measures as much as possible. You can also continue to receive the quality care you need from the comfort of home with telemedicine. Trust that we are prepared to provide you with the high-quality care and excellence St. Mary is known for. If you have postponed a procedure, surgery screening or visit, talk to your doctor about getting your health and wellness back on track.
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Also, St. Mary Medical Center recently earned an "A" grade in patient safety from Leap Frog, again! The Safety Grade is a letter grade assigned to all general hospitals across the country and updated every six months, assessing how well the hospital prevents medical errors and other harms to patients. Dr. Larry Brilliant, president of St. Mary Medical Center, said, "We are proud to receive this recognition and appreciate the unwavering dedication of our staff to provide the highest quality of care for our patients." St Mary Medical Center is located at 1201 Langhorne-Newtown Road, Langhorne, PA. For information, call 215-710-2000 or visit www.trinityhealthma.org.
PLATELET RICH PLASMA AND STEM CELL THERAPY latelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy have revolutionized the treatment of chronic pain and inflammation. We at the Regenerative Healing Arts Center specialize in such a natural approach for treating knees in our clinic. Gait analysis, functional bracing, introduction of mesenchymal stem cells (NOT collected from embryos) … when used together, form the foundation that allows for enhancing the body's natural ability to heal while postponing or eliminating the need for a surgical procedure. When people think of regenerative medicine it is often associated with just stem cells. Regenerative medicine is much more than just stem cells, it includes exosomes, growth factors, cytokines and other regenerative tissues, offered in an injectable cocktail that includes PRP, platelet rich plasma. (PRP is collected from the patient’s
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body with a simple blood draw). Together this has been shown to help with decreasing or eliminating pain, reduction of inflammation, minimizing of scar tissue and promotion of soft tissue growth by harnessing the body’s own natural properties to limit recovery time and speed the healing process. It’s possible to treat your chronically injured and/or arthritic knee problem without being subjected to surgery with associated pain, and disability. Regenerative techniques do not require prolonged down time or a painful process of reclaiming the loss of range of motion that results from surgery. Resumption of normal daily activities can begin immediately after treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact Dr. L. Celia Malmad at 267-347-9135.
ST. MARY MEDICAL C ENTER
YOUR WELLNESS
IS ESSENTIAL Schedule a telehealth visit with a St. Mary provider, today. We have designated COVID-Free Zones to minimize any risk of infection. COVIDFree Zones are areas where we provide care only for people not known to have COVID-19 or COVID symptoms.
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trinityhealthma.org
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HEALTH WATCH DOYLESTOWN HEALTH: READY FROM THE BEGINNING
oylestown sent visiting nurses into neighborhoods to care
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for those who had the Spanish Flu. The VIA founded Doylestown Hospital a few short years later. Today, as the world battles another pandemic, Doylestown Health continues our life-saving tradition with similar compassion and innovation. Since the opening of the first Doylestown Hospital in 1923, the focus continues on improving the quality of life in the community and advocating for the health and wellbeing of community members. The countless and generous instances of goodwill, equipment donations, food and funding extended to us by the community throughout this pandemic validates our mission and humbles us. Early Preparedness Makes the Difference Long before the coronavirus (COVID-19) was a known threat to our community, Doylestown Health began preparing—and was ready to meet the challenge when the virus arrived.The first drivethrough testing site for COVID-19 in the region opened at Doylestown Hospital on March 17. As the expected surge of coronavirus patients arrived, Doylestown Health took leadership positions in Pennsylvania for the immediate distribution of a trial drug that showed promise in treating the disease. As conditions improve, we are again providing the vast array of routine and complex healthcare services for which Doylestown Health is nationally recognized. Despite these accomplishments, one troubling aspect of the 88 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M
pandemic continues to threaten the health of the community, and that is the fact that some patients have deferred necessary medical care due to fear or anxiety about coming to the Hospital during the pandemic. We’ve seen the effect on patients and their families who delayed treatment for serious health issues such as heart attacks and strokes—and the results can be devastating. For your own health and wellbeing, please do not delay your medical care. Serious health issues require immediate action, chronic health conditions need ongoing treatment and minor health issues should be treated to avoid major health issues. The “New Normal” Things will look a little different when you arrive at all Doylestown Health inpatient and outpatient facilities. Every person is screened for COVID-19 symptoms, including staff.You’ll see patients and staff wearing masks or other face coverings.Waiting areas have been rearranged to provide physical distancing and cleaning protocols have been enhanced for everyone’s safety. Visit our website (doylestownhealthy.org) for the most up-todate information as well as a series of helpful videos that will explain what to expect when you arrive. Throughout the pandemic, Doylestown Health continued to operate with the same level of excellence that earns our national reputation. We are ready to care for you in safety, as we have since our beginning nearly 100 years ago.
HEALTH WATCH ST. LUKE’S UPPER BUCKS’ NEW MRI TECHNOLOGY
RI studies at St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus are now easier, faster and more comfortable for patients since the hospital introduced innovative GE Healthcare AIR™ Coils in May. The hospital is the first in the Lehigh Valley (and the fourth in PA) to use blanket-like GE AIR™ Coils on the SIGNA™ Artist 1.5T MRI platform to detect and relay signals from the body to the MRI computer for image creation. An MRI ‘coil’ describes the antenna-like apparatus that is placed on or near a body part being imaged. The GE AIR™ Coil is a soft, flexible pad measuring 26.5” x 32” x .5” and containing proprietary, thin, featherweight wiring and electronics. Conventional coils are semi-rigid, heavy and bulky shell-like casings, which are positioned several inches from the body. AIR™ Coils are 50 percent lighter than conventional coils, benefiting both patients and technologists. The coils offer greater flexibility in all axes to help conform to patients’ anatomies and fit all patient ages, sizes and shapes. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), a non-radiation procedure, generates detailed diagnostic pictures of the internal human anatomy by combining a magnetic field and radio waves. AIR™ Coil Technology is a major, and singular, advance in MRI science that gives enhanced image clarity and patient convenience while significantly reducing scan duration in many cases, according to radiologist Melkamu Adeb, MD, who specializes in MRI of the chest and abdomen. He says this advanced product results in “an improved patient experience.”
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Because of its pliant nature, the AIR™ Coil conforms to the human anatomy in any position to obtain the highest-quality scan without causing discomfort to the patient.This improvement in design and materials reduces the “breath-hold” time required during scans to limit blurry images and other unwanted side effects. David Furman, MD, St. Luke’s radiology site director at Upper Bucks, says acquiring the GE AIR™ Coil is another example of “the network always investigating and obtaining new technologies that benefit our patients.” He notes the shorter scan time is especially beneficial for sick or injured patients who labor to hold their breath during the often-lengthy MRI procedure. Breath holds with this super-sensitive AIR™ Coil Technology are significantly reduced from the time required using conventional coils. “This technology is a game-changer,” says Amit Pal, MD, St. Luke’s section chief for MRI. He praises GE as a valuable and innovative partner for St. Luke’s because of GE’s responsiveness and ease of collaboration in product development.“They are at the forefront of technology.” “It’s our great pleasure to provide to St Luke’s, one of leading medical providers on the East Coast, the first delivery of AIRTM Coils for the benefit of their patients, their technologists and their radiologists,” said Fraser Robb, PhD, CEng, chief technology leader at GE. “AIRTM Coils have revolutionized the MRI industry, and we have had great feedback on their performance.”
HEALTH WATCH DR. SAGUN PENDSE ANNOUNCES NEW ASSOCIATE agun J. Pendse, MD., F.A.C.S. announces that ophthalmologist Lindsay Machen MD has joined Eye Associates of Bucks County, P.C., now a part of Vantage Eyecare. Dr. Machen, is a Pennsylvania native. She received her undergraduate degree from Bucknell University where she graduated magna cum laude. She attended medical school at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey.At Penn State, she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society recognizing the top 10 percent of her graduating class. She completed her internship year at Reading Hospital in Reading, PA followed by her ophthalmology residency at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago, IL where she served as Chief Resident. She returned to Pennsylvania to complete her Glaucoma Fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital. Dr. Machen’s subspecialty is in the field of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a chronic, painless loss of vision due to high pressure in the eye. The disease tends to run in families and predominantly affects older patients with slow, progressive loss of peripheral vision. Dr. Machen specializes in the treatment of high eye pressure with drops, lasers and surgery to slow the progression of glaucoma and preserve sight. Glaucoma currently affects more than 3 million Americans and is a recognizable and treatable cause of vision loss if identified early.The best way to screen for glaucoma is by way of an eye pressure check with your local ophthalmologist. Eye Associates of Bucks County now a division of Vantage Eyecare is located at 360 Middletown Blvd., Suite 402, Langhorne, PA. for more information or to schedule an appointment, call 215-757-6200 or visit www.eabceyes.com.
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Regenerative Medicine Chronic Knee, hip and shoulder pain.
One on one FREE consultation keeping with the COVID-19 protocols
HEARING SERVICES
If you are dissatisfied with your: - hearing - hearing aids - cur ent hearing health care provider Call to schedule an appoint ent today!
Dr. L. Celia Malmad
Stem Cell/PRP therapy is an exciting new option for non-surgical treatment of your chronic pain and inflammation. Contact us to make an appointment for a comprehensive presentation regarding this revolutionary option.
Dr. Patrick M. Murphy Au.D., M.Ed., CCC-A, FAAA Board Certified and Licensed Private Practice Audiologist
330 North Main Street • Doylestown, PA 18901
215-230-9000 Call 267-347-9135 to schedule. 92
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murphyhearingservices.com
THE SIGNS AND EFFECTS OF HEARING LOSS earing loss may affect anyone at any age. Typically, as we grow older many changes are evident. The most common of these changes are the decreased ability to hear and understand speech. I am sure most you have encountered a relative or friend with a suspected hearing loss. Some of the symptoms you may have noticed include, but are not limited to: • Requiring the television volume control to be placed at a higher than normal level • Inability to understand speech unless they can see your face • Asking for repetition • Mistaking some words for others • Inappropriate responses to your questions or comments • Inability to understand speech from around the corner or another room • Asking you to speak louder When a person has untreated hearing loss, there may be changes in his/her social behavior. In addition, a number of psychological effects may present. Typically, not all of them will occur and some will be more evident than others. In the realm of social effects: a person withdraws from his or her surroundings. There may be ‘personality’ changes, conversations become shorter, less frequent, less spontaneous and less personal. They become less attentive and/or avoid social gatherings and noisy surroundings, and they reduce social contact with less
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activity. Psychologically, a person with hearing loss may experience: shame, guilt, anger, embarrassment, lack of concentration, sadness or depression, worry and frustration, anxiety, insecurity, and low self-confidence. Untreated hearing loss can also make the person irritable and less tolerant towards other people. Some may even become paranoid. For more than ten years, research at Johns Hopkins University has documented that people with even mild untreated hearing loss is associated with dementia. The first step to find out about your hearing is to schedule a complete audiological evaluation with a private practice audiologist, not a sales person at a retail outlet. An audiologist is a board certified and licensed professional with a doctorate in audiology who is able to evaluate, diagnose, make recommendations, and treat hearing loss. If you feel you may be suffering the early stages of hearing loss contact Dr. Patrick M. Murphy at 215-230-9000 for an appointment or visit www.murphyhearingservices.com.
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HEALTH WATCH
HELPING YOUR PETS RELAX s summer approaches, and after months of being home with pets, some people and pets struggle to relax and adapt to changing routines. As people go back to work, some pets will suffer distress from being home alone. Dr. Tripp’s easy, self-help, Plan, and eCourse, are free for any pet lover with a computer or smart phone and internet access. Tripp wants pet parents to know how to help pets relax and become more enjoyable companions at home. When pets
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are anxious, they tend to bark too much, scratch or lick themselves too much, jump up on people, show fear or aggression, and even eliminate in the home. Rolan Tripp, DVM, CABC, a graduate of U.C. Davis, owned and operated the La Mirada Animal Hospital in Southern California for ten years before starting AnimalBehavior.Net, online pet behavior education provided to pet parents in veterinary hospitals in 26 states, Canada, and worldwide. Dr. Tripp learned that pet parent education is more important that pet training, although both are needed. Tripp does not want any pet scolded or physically punished because the pet parent doesn’t understand the pet and needs a better way to teach the pet any house rules. Tripp’s special interests are the emotional causes of scratching and licking disorders (psychodermatology), and pet separation distress. Tripp’s free eCourse is now available using code, PetHap. Learn more and start easy access at BehaviorVet.net. No bank card information or charges are collected for the Free Pet Happiness Basics plan and eCourse, designed for people and pets to learn at their own pace.
NEW NURSING ADMINISTRATOR NANCY STILES AT PINE RUN
ine Run Retirement Community, one of Bucks County’s leading senior living and senior care providers, is pleased to announce that Sandra Stiles has joined the team as nursing home administrator. “It is a pleasure to formally announce Sandy’s arrival at Pine Run,” said Maria Santangelo, Executive Director of Pine Run Retirement Community. “During these challenging times, her experience and commitment have been vital to ensuring that Pine Run Health Center continues to deliver the exceptional health care services that our patients and their families expect.” Her responsibilities include resident care, staffing, life enrichment, social services, admissions, and operations. “I’m excited to be a part of the Pine Run team, getting to know the residents and their families. I embrace the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our Health Center residents,” said Stiles. She brings more than two decades of experience in business and healthcare management to Pine Run Health Center. She has
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worked in a variety of Montgomery County continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. Stiles earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Albright College and an associate degree in business administration from Ursinus College. She serves as an adjunct instructor at Penn State University for the nursing home administrator course Call 800-992-8992 to learn more about independent living, personal care, or skilled nursing and rehabilitation programs or visit www.pinerun.org.
Health Tip Get moving.Your heart is a muscle and, as with any muscle, exercise is what strengthens it!
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HEALTH WATCH LOWER BUCKS HOSPITAL WELCOMES NEW SURGEONS
Left to right; Dr.Troy Kerner, Dr. Garvey Choi and Dr. Menachem Mueller.
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MC Medical Group, LLC. at Lower Bucks Hospital is pleased to welcome board-certified surgeons Troy Kerner, DO, and Garvey Choi, DO, and board-certified orthopedic
PINE RUN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Healthy Living
specialist Menachem M. Meller, M.D., Ph.D., FAAOS. Dr. Kerner received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.With over 20 years of experience,
Pine Run is pumped from celebrating the grand opening of our New Community Center! Active lifestyles and community wellness is the nurturing root of our beginnings in Bucks County. Today, we share pride in the deep connection to the people we touch for the betterment of the community we serve.
Call Dan or Linda today at 800.992.8992 to learn all about active living options at Pine Run. Ask about our Power Lunch series.
777 FERRY ROAD • DOYLESTOWN PA 18901
800.992.8992 • PINERUN.ORG EOE
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he specializes in General and Laparoscopic Surgery. He performed over 2,000 laparoscopic procedures and is the most experienced laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgeon in the area. Dr. Choi received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He specializes in laparoscopic surgery and is trained in robotic surgery. Dr. Choi has proudly served the Bucks County community for over 14 years. Dr. Meller, in practice over 33 years, received his medical degree from Rush Medical College. He specializes in orthopedic medicine
and is experienced in trauma and acute injuries, adult reconstruction joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, and arthroscopic surgery as well as injuries and illness which may have a medical or metabolic basis. Now accepting new patients at two new locations: Lower Bucks Hospital 2nd floor, 501 Bath Road, Bristol, PA 19007. and 970 Town Center Drive, suite C-15, Langhorne, PA 19047. Surgery call (215) 891-1430 and orthopedic call (215) 785-9818.
MOHS TREATMENT FOR SKIN CANCER ardley Dermatology Associates uses Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an advanced surgical technique, for the treatment of certain skin cancers. All cancer cells in the skin may not be visible to the naked eye. Cancer cells form roots below the surface of the skin and if these roots are not removed, cancer will recur. It is common for skin cancers to appear completely removed after the initial biopsy. Pioneered by Dr. Frederick Mohs, Mohs micrographic surgery has been embraced by an increasing number of surgeons for an everwidening variety of skin cancers. Mohs is the only skin cancer procedure that spares the greatest amount of healthy tissue while also most completely removing cancer cells. The reason for the technique’s success is its simple elegance. Dur-
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ing a Mohs surgery, microscopic examination of all excised tissue occurs during, rather than after the surgery. The procedure entails removing one thin layer of tissue at a time; as each layer is removed, it’s margins are studied under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells. If the margins are cancer-free, the surgery is ended. If not, more tissue is removed from the margin where the cancer cells were found, and the procedure is repeated until all the margins of the final tissue sample examined are clear of cancer. In this way, Mohs surgery eliminates the guesswork in skin cancer removal, producing the best therapeutic and cosmetic results. Yardley Dermatology is located at 903, 803 & 805 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA. to schedule a teledermatology appointment, call 215-5796155. For more information, visit https://yardleyderm.com.
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