More@Mercy - Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital - Summer 2016

@ HEART DISEASE

BY THE NUMBERS

54%

The percentage of females who know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women.

64%

The percentage of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease but have no previous symptoms of the disease. You can still be at risk for heart disease even if you don’t have symptoms.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

SPRING 2016 SUMMER 2016

Heart disease: What every woman needs to know You’ve heard the expression knowledge is power. Well, when it comes to women and heart disease, nothing could be truer. The more you know, the better your chance of avoiding a possibly deadly heart attack.

So here’s fact No. 1: Heart disease is the leading killer of women nationwide.

About one woman dies from it every minute.

Here’s another crucial fact: “Heart disease in women can be different than in men,” says Jammie Menetrey, DO, a female Cardiologist joining Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital this summer. And one key difference is heart attack symptoms.

Women, like men, may experience some type of chest pain. “But women ­— Continued on page 2

IN THIS ISSUE

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WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY Are you a candidate?

PARTNERS IN HEALTH How this doctor-patient pair achieves continuity in care

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR HEART DISEASE? To find out, go to mercyhealth.org/ heartsmarts.

Our breast care team GIVING EXPERT CARE TO WOMEN FACING BREAST DISEASES Highly specialized breast care when you need it the most. That’s just what you’ll find at our hospital if you have a breast condition, such as cysts, pain or even cancer.

“A whole team of skilled specialists dedicated solely to breast health is ready to care for you,” says Karen Kish, MD, Breast Surgeon at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.

This team may include doctors specializing in: •• Imaging for breast issues •• Breast surgery •• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy •• Breast reconstruction

Customized care This team will use its expertise to tailor treatments just for you. That’s crucial since one woman’s cancer— or other breast condition—can be very different from another’s.

You’ll have access to the latest treatments and imaging. In fact, Mercy Fitzgerald is a designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.

And you may even be able to take part in a clinical trial, Dr. Kish says.

This is a research study that tests new treatments that aren’t yet widely available.

Still another plus: Our team includes a breast health nurse

navigator. Among other things, she will answer your questions and help arrange appointments.

“One of our huge strengths is compassionate care,” Dr. Kish says. “We understand how anxious a woman may feel about any breast issue. And we provide emotional support from diagnosis through recovery. We help the whole woman.”

HERE TO HELP Call 1.877.GO MERCY (1.877.466.3729) to find a breast specialist.

Heart disease: What every woman needs to know ­— Continued from front page are more likely to have symptoms unrelated to chest pain—and not realize they’re having a heart attack,” Dr. Menetrey says. Those symptoms include: •• Discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back or stomach •• Shortness of breath •• Nausea or vomiting •• Sweating •• Lightheadedness •• Unusual fatigue

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Still another difference is risk factors. Some—like obesity, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol—are an equal threat to both sexes’ hearts. But others affect women more. Diabetes, for example, makes women far more prone to heart disease than it does men. So does emotional stress.

Protect your heart “So my message to women: Take heart disease seriously,” Dr. Menetrey urges.

Even if you’re a young woman without symptoms, ask your doctor about your heart disease risk—and how to stay healthy. If you’re at high risk, a full range of diagnostic tests are available at Mercy Fitzgerald, including EKGs, stress tests and heart ultrasounds.

And, finally, if there’s any chance you’re having a heart attack—even if you’re not sure—call 911 right away.

Never second-guess yourself.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

BARIATRIC SURGERY

Picture a healthier new you Have you struggled to shed a lot of unhealthy pounds? Imagine how great it would feel to say, I did it!

Here’s something else to ponder: Could weight-loss surgery help you make that change?

It often helps when diet and exercise aren’t enough. And people typically enjoy big improvements in their health as a result. For example, many people with type 2 diabetes have their blood sugar levels decline dramatically.

“Within a week after surgery, they’re coming off of medications,” says Piotr Krecioch, MD, a surgeon at Mercy Fitzgerald’s award-winning bariatric center.

Other people see their blood pressure, sleep apnea or cholesterol improve after weight-loss surgery.

And they often feel better overall.

“They’ll say: ‘I’m not as achy. I have more motivation. I have more energy,’” Dr. Krecioch says.

Bariatric surgery is generally for those with: •• A body mass index (BMI) of 35 to 39 and a weight-related health problem, like diabetes •• A BMI of 40 or higher Although surgery can help you take off stubborn pounds, it isn’t a quick fix. You’ll still need to make changes in eating and exercise habits to stay healthy.

That’s why Mercy Fitzgerald has an entire team of experts to help guide and support you throughout your journey.

“Bariatric surgery is a big step,” Dr. Krecioch says. “We want to make sure you’re ready to make that commitment.”

Not a surgery candidate?

Losing even a little bit of extra weight in a slow and steady way could still improve your health.

Speak up about bladder problems Telling your doctor that you sometimes leak urine can be a difficult conversation to start. But it’s a talk that’s likely to end with you smiling.

“Without exception, every woman who finally talks about leakage of urine is happy that they did,” says Melanie Amster, MD, Urologist at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital. “Because they only get better. They never get worse.”

Leaking urine is a type of bladder control problem known as urinary incontinence (UI). It’s much more common in women than in men.

In some cases, UI can cause urine to leak when you laugh, sneeze or lift something heavy. Another kind of UI might make you feel like you have to go to the bathroom right away—but then it turns out your bladder really wasn’t that full after all.

UI can have a big effect on a woman’s life. But embarrassment often stops her from seeking help— sometimes for years.

“Don’t let that happen to you,” advises Dr. Amster. There are good treatments available. For example, changing your diet, losing some pounds if you’re overweight and doing special exercises can help.

“Those first steps are usually very effective,” Dr. Amster says.

Patients have told her they can finally leave their house again without being embarrassed.

“But the only way I can help is if you tell me about the problem,” she says.

Is it time for you to start the conversation?

FREE SEMINAR

NEED A UROLOGIST?

Is bariatric surgery right for you? Attend our free seminar and meet our bariatric surgeons. Learn more at mercybariatrics.org/seminar.

Or call 1.855.LESS.YOU (1.855.537.7968).

Call 1.877.GO MERCY (1.877.466.3729). Or visit mercyhealth.org/find-a-doctor. mercyhealth.org

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The perfect

[union] They’ve been doctor and patient through good times and bad

Madeline Coveleskie isn’t totally sure, but she thinks Patricia Szabo, MD, has been her primary care doctor for more than 25 years.

That sounds about right to Dr. Szabo.

“We’ve been together a long time,” Patricia Szabo, says Dr. Szabo, Internal Medicine MD Specialist at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.

“I’ve been doing this 30-some years.

I would venture a guess that Madeline’s been with me pretty close to that amount of time.”

That relationship is important to both of them. For Madeline, it’s the comfort that comes with knowing that your health is in good hands. For Dr. Szabo, it’s a rewarding reminder of why she’s a primary care doctor.

A partnership based on trust Honesty is a vital part of a good doctorpatient partnership. And it’s the first reason Madeline gives for staying with Dr. Szabo over the years.

“I think a lot of it is because she’s so honest, and I appreciate that from anybody,” Madeline says. “Let’s face it—we don’t always get good news from the doctor.

And Dr. Szabo doesn’t try to hide things from you.

“She also knows I’m not going to lie to her, either.

Because if I’m not honest, she’s not going to be able to resolve my problem.”

Honesty is also part of the contract between doctor and patient, Dr. Szabo says.

“You’ve contracted with me to help you. At least give me the whole story,” she says.

If a patient doesn’t like a medicine she prescribed, she wants them to be frank about it.

“Tell me you’re thinking about stopping it,” Dr. Szabo says. “Let’s talk about it, instead of me finding out you stopped it three months ago.”

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For example, Madeline wanted to stop having blood tests every three months. “So I said to Dr. Szabo one day, ‘Can’t we go back to every six months?’ And she said no,” Madeline recalls with a laugh. But Dr. Szabo explained why she thought it was best to stick with every three months.

“And she was right,” Madeline says. “Nobody likes a lot of appointments, but it has been to my benefit.”

Sharing a history Madeline says Dr. Szabo has seen her through a lot of hard times, health-wise. The two women worked together to get Madeline’s high blood pressure under control.

“Also, Dr. Szabo knows when you need a specialist for a particular problem and never hesitates to send you to one,” Madeline adds. “She knows the appropriate specialist who would handle your issue and always has references for you.”

Over the last few decades, Dr. Szabo has moved her practice three times. Madeline has moved too.

They no longer live in the same city, so Madeline drives “a good 20 to 25 miles” to see Dr. Szabo.

“But she’s worth it,” Madeline says. “She knows my history.”

It’s that continuity in primary care that Dr. Szabo finds so rewarding.

“Medicine becomes more complicated by the day,” she says. “It’s good to have somebody in the driver’s seat. Somebody who can be the repository for all your information. That’s your primary care doctor.”

LOOKING FOR A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR? Search no more. Call 1.877.GO MERCY (1.877.466.3729).

GYNECOLOGICAL CARE CARE GYNECOLOGICAL

A must-have must-have for A for women women It’s a crucial fact about women’s health that is sometimes missed: No matter what her age or life stage, nearly every woman needs gynecological care.

“Regular gynecological care is an important part of a woman’s overall health,” says Michael McCollum, MD, Gynecologist at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.

Female-specific treatments The gynecologists at Mercy Fitzgerald can help women with a wide range of symptoms or conditions, including: •• Breast pain or lumps •• Irregular menstrual bleeding •• Pelvic pain •• Vaginal discharge •• Hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms Some conditions can be managed with medicine or lifestyle changes. But if needed, gynecological surgery—such as hysterectomies or fibroid surgery—is also offered at Mercy Fitzgerald. These surgeries can often be done using minimally invasive techniques.

Care that keeps you well

Patricia Szabo, MD, knows: A good doctor-patient relationship is about care and trust as much as it’s about expertise.

Helping women manage a health condition is just part of a gynecologist’s job.

“We also provide routine screenings like the Pap test, which can detect changes in the cervix before they become cancer,” Dr. McCollum says. “We can screen for viruses, such as HIV. We can make sure women are getting mammograms on a regular basis. And, most important, we can help women better understand their bodies and what is normal for them.” mercyhealth.org

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shower and a raised toilet seat in the bathroom. If your home has stairs, install handrails going up and down the stairs. Telephone and call devices should be easy to reach too.

• Make sure your loved one wears nonskid shoes.

“These are just some of the things you can do,” Hillerman says. “A Mercy Home Health Occupational Therapist can assess your home and offer more ideas on how to make it safer.”

Make eating easier

After a stroke CARING FOR A LOVED ONE AT HOME Your loved one has survived a stroke. You may feel relieved that the worst has passed and the healing has begun. But the road ahead can still hold challenges—particularly at home. Safely managing life at home is an important part of a stroke survivor’s recovery.

“As a caregiver, you play a vital role in helping your loved one recover,” says Mindy Hillerman, Physical Therapist at Mercy Home Health. “However, you don’t have to take on that role alone. The

therapists at Mercy Home Health can help.”

Prevent falls Many stroke survivors lose some physical abilities after they have a stroke, which may increase their risk of falling.

To reduce the risk of your loved one falling at home: • Clear a path to the kitchen and toilet by moving furniture and any clutter from the floor.

• Move electrical cords so they aren’t a tripping hazard.

• Remove or secure any loose rugs.

• Turn on night-lights so your loved one can safely see the way to the toilet in the dark.

• Install grab bars in the tub or

Know the signs of stroke Anyone who’s survived a stroke is at risk for having another one. That’s why you should learn the warning signs of stroke and be ready to react quickly in case your help is needed.

Stroke symptoms come on suddenly. The word FAST can help you remember them:

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FACE: Ask the person to smile.

Does one side of the face droop?

ARM: Have the person raise both arms. Does one drift downward?

Some stroke survivors have a hard time swallowing and can easily choke. If your loved one has problems swallowing, you can try: • Cutting food up into smaller pieces.

• Pureeing food.

• Offering thick liquids to drink.

They are easier to swallow than thin liquids like water.

Also, make sure your loved one sits up straight when he or she eats or drinks. Encourage your loved one to take small bites of foods and small sips of drinks.

“Caregiving is a big job,” Hillerman says. “Mercy Home Health can make that job easier.”

FIND OUT MORE Experience the high quality care that the Mercy Home Health team provides. To learn more, call 1.888.690.2551 or visit mercyhomehealth.org.

SPEECH: Have the person repeat a sentence, like “What’s your name?” Is the speech slurred?

TIME: It’s time to call 911 if you notice any of these signs of a stroke.

LYMPHEDEMA

How to cope with swelling Breast cancer treatment can be a lifesaver for women. But like all treatments, it sometimes causes side effects.

One of them is a condition known as lymphedema—a buildup of fluid in the arm or other areas of the body, such as the chest, breast or hand.

It can happen after treatment with surgery or radiation therapy.

Lymphedema can’t be cured, but it can be controlled.

“There are often ways to reduce the swelling and help keep it from getting worse,” says Catherine J. Friel, RN, Mercy Home Health Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Here are some tips from Friel that can help if you have lymphedema:

Keep using your arm. Everyday activities, such as brushing your hair or bathing, can help drain the fluid from your arm.

Rest sometimes. If your arm aches, lie down and raise it on a pillow above the level of your heart.

Wear a compression garment.

These are carefully fitted sleeves worn over the arm to help push fluid out.

Protect your arm. Do your best not to get an infection or a burn. And avoid things that put pressure on your chest or arm. They could make the swelling worse.

For instance: •• Ask to have blood pressure checked, blood drawn or shots given in the unaffected arm.

•• Clean and protect any cuts or

range. Follow his or her advice about your diet, exercise and medicine.

•• Don’t go barefoot, even indoors.

You might step on something and hurt your feet.

•• Check your feet every day. Look for sores, blisters, red spots and swelling. Tell your doctor right away if you see any of these changes, even if they’re not painful.

If an ulcer does develop, then your doctor may clean out any infected and dead tissue. The wound will also need to be cleaned every day, using a wound dressing or bandage. Mercy Home Health nurses can come to your house to help take care of your wound.

Learn more about this and other Home Health services at mercyhomehealth.org. Or call 1.888.690.2551.

scratches that could let in germs.

•• Be extra careful if you shave your underarms.

•• Use an oven mitt that covers your lower arm.

•• Put on protective gloves when doing chores such as cleaning or gardening.

•• Wear sunscreen and insect repellent when you spend time outdoors.

FIND OUT MORE How can Mercy Home Health help you or a loved one?

Learn about our services. Call 1.888.690.2551.

Living with diabetes PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO YOUR FEET Your feet need a lot of TLC when you have diabetes.

That extra care is crucial because diabetes raises your risk of developing deep sores—or ulcers— on your feet. Here’s why: “Over time, high blood sugar can damage your nerves and make it hard to feel a blister or sore on your feet,” says Mindy Hillerman, Physical Therapist at Mercy Home Health.

If you don’t notice that sore, it can grow deeper and even become infected. Sometimes an infection can even lead to the loss of a limb.

But proper care can help keep your feet healthy, Hillerman says. Be sure to: •• Work closely with our doctor to keep your blood sugar in a healthy

mercyhealth.org

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SCREENING MADE EASY! Walk-in screening mammograms

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Harrisburg, PA Permit No. 66

Mercy Health System of Southeastern Pennsylvania 1 W. Elm St., Suite 100 Conshohocken, PA 19428-4108

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Women’s Imaging Suite, Sister Marie Lenahan Wellness Center Physician prescription, insurance card and photo ID required.

For more information, call 610.237.2525.

Find more @ mercyhealth.org

MFH

SCREENING TESTS

They save women’s lives

AND NEAR AND DEAR TO YOU We can help you find a primary care physician. Call 1.877.GO MERCY (1.877.466.3729).

You might wonder: Why get tested for a disease if you feel fine?

Because screening tests—which look for diseases before they cause symptoms—save lives.

“They can find a health problem in its earliest stages, when treatment is often most successful,” says Karen Kish, MD, Breast and Colon Surgeon at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.

So which screening tests do women need? Dr. Kish answers this and other questions about these important tests.

When should women get Q mammograms? There’s conflicting advice.

Answer: The best guideline is for most women to have a mammogram yearly, starting at age 40. One reason is breast cancer risk rises with age, especially after you’re 40. But talk with your doctor about what’s best for you.

As a colon surgeon, what’s Q your advice about testing for colon cancer?

Answer: Most women—and men too—should start screening at age 50. Several tests are available.

But generally the best choice

Karen Kish, MD

is a colonoscopy. Colon cancer usually starts from growths called polyps. And this test finds polyps before they become cancerous.

Doctors can remove polyps during a colonoscopy, which can stop colon cancer from ever developing.

What other tests do women Q need?

Answer: It’s best to ask your primary care doctor what tests are right for you—and when to get them. Still, to protect your heart, you need regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks. And most women need: •• Regular Pap tests to protect against cervical cancer •• At least one bone density test at age 65 to check for brittle bones Any final advice?

Q Answer: Getting screening tests is only one way to stay healthy.

Regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle are also a must.

MORE @ MERCY is published as a commu­nity ­service for the friends and patrons of ­Mercy Health System. Information in MORE @ MERCY comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you would like to stop receiving this publication, please email IAtMercy@mercyhealth.org. 2016 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.