Northeastern PA Business Journal--06-19

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Business Journal NORTHEAST

$1.50

By Dave Gardener

PENNSYLVANIA

THE REGION’S AWARD-WINNING SOURCE OF BUSINESS NEWS AND INFORMATION

June 2019 VOL. 34 NO. 6

Health care impact: The latest in local trends

W

ithin America’s vast $3.65 trillion health care system, teams of specialized caregivers are striving to tend to the needs of both mind and body, with an eye on challenges as well as opportunities. A wide variety of high-tech equipment from the world of science lines the halls at Northeast Radiation Oncology Centers (NROC), but survivorship issues and quality of patient life are also vital within treatment, Peters according to Christopher Peters, MD, medical director. Access to a dietitian, exercise therapists and care for the mind are all vital parts of this formula. According to Dr. Peters, each patient’s situation is different as his or her treatment plan unfolds. This amplifies the fact that caregivers apart from physicians can help a patient in ways that a doctor can’t. “We have followed this comprehensive approach with care this since day one of the center opening,” said Dr. Peters. He described how problems with body image often haunt cancer patients during and after treatment, making support groups and a shared commonality helpful as social relationships develop. Caregiver staff members can also participate in care associated with patient emotional needs. “Therefore, the push for survivorship and quality of life during post-diagnosis treatment is national in scope,” said Dr. Peters.

Specialized caregivers Nutrition counseling is a vital part of oncology treatment, according to Mary Klem, registered dietitian with a board certification in oncology. She described how the side effects of cancer treatment can be difficult for a patient in regard to eating, resulting in needs for specially textured foods and fiber contents that must be changed according to the onset of various symptoms. Oncology dieticians are also finding themselves in a nation-wide battle against misconceptions about the best way to deal with cancer. Patients often wind up limiting nutritional items that are important within their recovery, or abusing supplements. “A non-science approach that obtains ideas from the internet is not the best source for information,” said Klem. “Sometimes I think whoever writes these things is selling something.” She emphasized that oncology dieticians can’t “heavy hand” a patient with nutritional advice, particularly if the individual is suffering from additional sickness from treatment. Yet, portion size and texture for swallowing all are vital for compliance with a care plan, and losing weight is certainly favorable for most patients. On a positive note, Klem has noticed that most people she deals with seem to be increasingly interested in nutrition. They also grasp that simple fresh food within any dietary plan is always a plus. “Sometimes, simple techniques such as setting up a crock pot before you leave for work can make very big changes in what we are eating,” said Klem. Renewing the relationship between a cancer patient and his or her body is the work of former Olympic

A 9-year consecutive winner of the prestigious President’s Award.

Submitted photo

Abby Peck, exercise specialist; Mary Klem, registered dietitian with board certification in oncology; and Mindy Morgan Hill, certified wellness and yoga instructor. rower Abby Peck, MA, exercise and sport science specialist with NROC. She detailed how cancer treatments often bring physical and emotional pain that can be highly emotional to endure, thereby disrupting the mind-body partnership. “We work with these patients despite their limitations and help them to use their bodies in a positive manner,” said Peck. “We also laugh a lot, even though this is all happening while so many are dealing with pain.” A Peck-coached workout utilizes exercise routines, Please see Impact, Page 8

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TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B01] | 05/29/19

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