@ CANCER BY THE NUMBERS
66.9 o∕o of PEOPLE
SURVIVE 5 years or more after a cancer diagnosis.
Excess body weight
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is the
ND GREATEST RISK FACTOR
for developing cancer. Tobacco use is the first.
SUMMER 2018 CANCER CARE
Expect only the best When you learn you have cancer, your head spins. In a split second, life as you know it changes. But one thing is quickly clear: You want the very best care possible. And that’s just what you’ll find at Nazareth Hospital. You can count on highly skilled cancer specialists who follow the latest evidence-based guidelines for treating the disease.
A full spectrum of treatments are available at Nazareth, including leading-edge therapies that use the immune system to kill cancer cells. Nazareth also offers minimally invasive procedures that attack tumors without surgery. A multidisciplinary team of specialists will review your treatment choices — Continued on page 2
IN THIS ISSUE
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KNOW PRESSURE Get to the heart of the new blood pressure guidelines.
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SAVE YOUR SMILE As you age, dental care is key.
BEST CARE POSSIBLE To read more about cancer treatments at Nazareth, go to mercyhealth.org/cancer.
A vision for the at Nazareth for several years now. From 2015 until this July—when he took over his new post—Dr. Magro was vice president of medical Michael Magro Jr., If you wonder just how affairs at Nazareth. Under DO, MBA, FACOI much Michael Magro Jr., his leadership: DO, MBA, FACOI, Nazareth •• Nazareth launched Hospital’s new president, believes its first residency programs, in the quality of care at Nazareth, establishing itself as an here’s an insight: His father, battling academic medical center. This cancer, was recently a patient distinction helps hospitals at the hospital. “The care is so recruit and retain highly skilled exceptional,” he says. “I just didn’t physicians. want him anywhere else.” •• The hospital lowered its Dr. Magro himself—a boardreadmission rates by seeing certified internist with an MBA in that patients treated for heart health administration—doesn’t want attacks, heart failure and other to be anywhere but here either. “I serious health problems have grew up in Northeast Philly,” he all the support they need to get says. “And I want to give back to better after discharge. our community.” As for the future, Dr. Magro is Dr. Magro has been doing that committed to improving patient
OUR NEW PRESIDENT SHARES HIS COMMITMENT TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE COMMUNITY
CANCER CARE:
Expect only the best
— Continued from front page and create a customized navigator, a specially plan to fight your cancer. trained nurse, will help All this means “you you know what to get expert cancer care expect at every stage that’s equal to that of a of your treatment. Rajan Singla, MD major academic hospital,” Other services include: says Rajan Singla, MD, •• Nutritional a medical oncologist at Mercy counseling to help you eat well Hematology/Oncology at Nazareth. and stay strong “But it’s close to home.” •• Outpatient therapy to help you recover from any cancer-related Care with a human touch complications, such as fatigue, Furthermore, at Nazareth, “we weakness or pain believe in treating all aspects of •• Social work services to help you a person—physical, spiritual and find the resources you might need, emotional,” Dr. Singla says. such as home care or financial For example, an oncology nurse assistance
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HERE FOR YOU Learn more about Mercy Cancer Center at Nazareth by calling 1.866.629.2738.
•• A cancer support group to help ease the isolation that a cancer diagnosis sometimes brings •• Spiritual care to comfort you and your loved ones “We truly believe in treating every concern of someone facing cancer,” Dr. Singla says.
future care. For example, he wants to establish: •• A cardiac rehabilitation program to help people recovering from heart problems live longer and better lives. •• A comprehensive women’s health center with different specialists under one roof. “This one-stop shop for busy area women will allow them to meet most of their medical needs at one time—instead of seeing different doctors at different times,” Dr. Magro says. “My goal is to expand the services we provide at Nazareth and to continue to make our care patient-centered,” Dr. Magro says. “Our mission is to provide the highest quality, safest care for the broadest number of people, including those in need.”
Thank you, Nancy Cherone, for your service Nazareth Hospital recently said thanks and farewell to a trusted friend and leader—Executive Director Nancy Cherone—who retired July 1. Nancy joined Nazareth in 2009 as vice president of operations. She was promoted to executive director in 2012. During her tenure, Nancy led Nazareth to many achievements. Among them: The expansion of the Cancer Center, including a new infusion suite The launch of Mercy Bariatrics New recognitions as a chest pain center and provider of emergency heart attack care Awards for patient safety and care Continued recognition for the stroke, heart failure and joint replacement programs Mercy Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Susan Croushore says Nancy will be missed. She notes Nancy’s leadership, compassion and humor. “Nancy’s desire and ability to impact people’s lives has been evident throughout her career,” Croushore says. Croushore recalls what Nancy told the Philadelphia Business Journal in a profile of women healthcare leaders. When asked why she had entered healthcare, Nancy replied: “When I graduated, nursing was one of the few roles open to women that allowed us to impact people’s lives and healthcare. That appealed to me.” Please join us in wishing Nancy a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.
OUR ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATOR MAKES COPING WITH CANCER EASIER
By your side
At some point, almost every person diagnosed with cancer asks this question: How am I going to get through this? For cancer patients at Nazareth Hospital, the answer comes in the form of Terrie Cannon, BSN, RN, OCN, an oncology nurse navigator. Terrie is a registered nurse with specialized training in cancer care. If you’re a patient here, she will guide you through every step of your care, starting when your cancer is first suspected. “Oncology navigator is such a mouthful, though,” Terrie says. “Just think of me as your cancer coach and advocate.” It’s an apt analogy. She’s available to answer any questions you have about your diagnosis, treatment choices and test results. Terrie will even give you her cellphone
number so that she’s easy to reach. And if you want, she will sit at your side during doctors’ visits so you don’t forget what you hear. Terrie can also: Terrie Cannon, •• Make appointments BSN, RN, OCN for you so that you get timely care •• Connect you with other services you might need, such as transportation to and from medical appointments or help arranging medical insurance •• Educate and support your family members so that they understand your care “Very simply, my role is to help ease the stress of facing cancer so that you can concentrate on what’s most important: getting better,” Terrie says. mercyhealth.org
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NEW BLOOD PRESSURE
From PINs to passwords, we need to keep track of a lot of important information in this busy age. And here’s another bit of information that’s just as vital to know: your blood pressure numbers. If you haven’t been paying attention to your blood pressure numbers lately, you could be putting your health at risk. That’s especially true now that medical experts have issued a new definition of high blood pressure that starts at lower numbers than before. The new definition (part of complete new blood pressure guidelines issued by the American Heart Association) means that many more people now have high blood pressure that may need treatment. If you’re one of them, that’d be good to know. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can damage arteries and overwork your heart.
What is high blood pressure now? High blood pressure (also called hypertension) used to start at 140/90 mm Hg (spoken as 140 over 90 millimeters of mercury). It now starts at a reading of 130/80 mm Hg. Remember, a blood pressure reading has two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number). Here are the new blood pressure categories:
More @ Mercy Summer 2018
180
110
160
100
140
90
120
80
HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS SYSTOLIC mm Hg
Higher than 180
AND/OR DIASTOLIC mm Hg Higher than 120
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE STAGE II SYSTOLIC mm Hg
140 or higher
DIASTOLIC mm Hg
90 or higher
OR
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE STAGE I SYSTOLIC mm Hg
130 to 139
DIASTOLIC mm Hg
80 to 89
OR
ELEVATED SYSTOLIC mm Hg
120 to 129
DIASTOLIC mm Hg
Less than 80
AND
NORMAL SYSTOLIC mm Hg
Less than 120
DIASTOLIC mm Hg
Less than 80
AND
The new definition of high blood pressure emphasizes the fact that complications from the condition can occur at lower numbers, says Sonela Skenderi, DO, FACC, a cardiologist at Mercy Cardiology at Nazareth Hospital. Monitoring and treating high blood pressure earlier could help you avoid consequences like these down the road: •• Heart attacks •• Kidney disease •• Stroke •• Poor circulation in the legs
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DIASTOLIC
What do they mean for you?
SYSTOLIC
GUIDELINES:
Do you know your numbers?
Sonela Skenderi, DO, FACC
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. So it’s important to get regular blood pressure checks from your primary care doctor. In addition, it’s a good idea to monitor your blood pressure yourself with an inexpensive home blood pressure cuff or at a pharmacy, Dr. Skenderi says. Talk to your doctor about your results.
The cardiologist will see you soon A NEW PROGRAM GETS YOU AN APPOINTMENT BY THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY
Martin J. O’Riordan, MD
Sometimes, sooner is better than later. At Mercy Cardiology at Nazareth Hospital, you can now call and be seen by a cardiologist the next business day—sometimes even the same day you call. It’s part of our next-day/ same-day cardiology appointment program. Some examples of when you might need a prompt appointment might include: •• You recently went to the emergency department or saw your primary care doctor for a possible heart problem. If the recommendation is to see a cardiologist for further evaluation and possible testing, you shouldn’t wait weeks for an appointment. “You should be seen in short order,” says Martin J. O’Riordan, MD, Cardiovascular Service Line Director for Mercy Health System. “Our goal with this new program is to see you within 24 hours.” •• You need a cardiologist’s OK before having non-cardiac surgery, such as bariatric surgery or knee replacement surgery. An appointment with a cardiologist allows you to make sure your heart is up to the surgery and to have that surgery in a timely manner. “The reason we established this program is to help ensure that our community has prompt access to care,” Dr. O’Riordan says.
24/7 HEART CARE Need a cardiologist? Call us at 1.866.629.2738. To learn more about the next-day/same-day program or schedule an appointment, please call 215.332.3972.
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And if your doctor says your blood pressure is too high? It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need medications, though you might if you have other risk factors for heart attack or stroke, Dr. Skenderi says. “Lifestyle changes will be emphasized a lot more, even if your blood pressure is in the elevated range,” she says. The good news? Modest lifestyle changes, like these, can help get your blood pressure under control:
Eat well. Enjoy fruits and vegetables every day. Make whole grains and low-fat dairy products a regular part of your diet. Cut back on sodium and salt. Ask your doctor about a diet called DASH, which has been proven to help lower blood pressure. Get some exercise. Work your way up to at least 150 minutes a week. “It doesn’t have to be strenuous,” Dr. Skenderi says. It just needs to be at a moderate pace, such as brisk walking or dancing, she says. Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor what’s a good weight for you. Being active and adopting a healthy diet can help you lose any excess pounds.
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Ask the Doctor DONNA RAZIANO, MD, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF MERCY HOME HEALTH AND MERCY LIFE, ANSWERS COMMON HEALTHCARE QUESTIONS
Q
What is an advance directive, and why do I need one?
A
An advance directive empowers you. It is a document that helps your family and doctors know your wishes about the care you would want if you were unable to decide for yourself. Why might that be important? Like many people, you may feel strongly about certain care choices that may be offered during a serious illness or at the end of life. An advance directive gives you the power to accept or reject medical treatment. By making your preferences known, others will know to respect those wishes too. The different types of advance directives are: A living will. It puts into writing what medical care is wanted—and not wanted—if your recovery isn’t likely. For example, you can say whether you would want to be on
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a breathing machine or to have CPR to revive you. A medical power of attorney. This appoints a trusted person to speak on your behalf on medical matters if you are unable to make decisions. This should be someone who understands and respects your wishes. If you do write an advance directive, be sure to make multiple copies. Give one to the person you’ve chosen to make healthcare decisions for you and one to your primary care doctor. And bring a copy with you if you have to go to the hospital. The time to make an advance directive is before a crisis happens. They do not have to be complicated legal documents. Free standard forms are available from various organizations. You can find forms for Pennsylvania here: caringinfo.org/files/public/ ad/Pennsylvania.pdf.
It’s never too late to quit smoking When is the best time to quit smoking? Right now. In your 60s, 70s and beyond, breaking free of tobacco boosts your health. “If you stop lighting up, you’re likely to add years to your life, breathe more easily, have more energy and save money,” says Deborah Ludwig, Regional Director of Operations, Mercy Home Health. You’ll also: •• Lower your risk of cancer, heart attack, stroke and lung disease •• Have better blood circulation •• Have whiter teeth and healthier gums •• Stop smelling like smoke “What’s more, you’ll set a good example for your children and grandchildren,” Deborah says. If you’ve smoked around your family and friends, quitting helps protect them as well. That’s because secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems. In adults, it can cause heart disease and cancer. And in babies, it raises the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
YOUR LIFE ON YOUR TERMS
Immediate benefits
Mercy LIFE helps all program participants arrange their advance directives through a team of licensed social workers and physicians. Your wishes, both medically and spiritually, can be discussed. To learn more about the Mercy LIFE program and its social services, call 215.339.4747.
“Within minutes after your last puff, your health will start to improve,” Deborah says. Here’s a timeline of what’s ahead in just the first year after you quit smoking: •• In 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure will drop to more normal levels. •• In 48 hours, your nerve endings will begin to regenerate. You’ll be able to smell and taste better. •• In two weeks, your lungs will work better. •• In one month, you’ll cough less and be less short of breath. •• In one year, your risk of heart disease will be half of a smoker’s risk.
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Take action now! MERCY LIFE IS THE BEST COMMUNITY HEALTH CHOICE Community Health Choices i s a new health insurance program coming in 2019 to residents in the Greater Philadelphia area. Information about the new health insurance program was mailed to the homes of Pennsylvania residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (Medical Assistance). Community Health Choices will give you the option to choose one insurance plan. You must choose one of the plans. If you do not choose a plan by January 2019, a plan will automatically be selected for you by the state of Pennsylvania. The insurance plans available are: • • AmeriHealth Caritas • • PA Health & Wellness •• UPMC Community HealthChoices If you are eligible for the three health insurance plans listed above, you can also enroll in the Mercy LIFE program. Current members of the Mercy LIFE program do not need to enroll in the new Community Health Choices health insurance program. Members are already covered under
Give your teeth the care they deserve As you get older, it’s more important than ever to give your teeth and mouth lots of TLC. “That’s because your risk of cavities and tooth loss increases as you grow older,” says Donna Raziano, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Mercy Home Health and Mercy LIFE. One reason is dry
HAVE QUESTIONS? To learn more about the Mercy LIFE program or for more information on the new Community Health Choices health insurance program, visit mercylife.org/CHC or call 215.339.4524. Mercy LIFE’s health insurance and benefits.
Again, if you do not select one of the Community Health Choices health insurance programs, the state of Pennsylvania will choose one for you. You make the choice! Consider Mercy LIFE for you and
your family. Mercy LIFE provides seniors 55 and older with the support they need to continue living in their own home or with family. Mercy LIFE services help seniors remain independent, active and healthy. There are no out-of-pocket charges if seniors qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid or Medicaid only.
mouth—a common side effect of many medications. You’re also more likely to get gum disease, a bacterial infection in your mouth. “In its early stages, your gums may bleed and be tender,” Dr. Raziano says. Left untreated, this infection may eventually seriously harm your bones, gums and other tissues that support your teeth. You might even lose your teeth. The good news: There’s a lot you can do to help keep your teeth and smile healthy, especially if you follow these tips: •• See your dentist regularly—not just when you have a painful tooth. As
you age, the nerves inside your teeth become less sensitive. By the time a cavity hurts, it may be severe. Plus, regular visits can help your dentist find early signs of gum disease, as well as oral cancer, which is also more common later in life. •• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily too. If your hands are stiff, try an electric toothbrush or a water flosser. •• Don’t smoke. It makes you even more vulnerable to gum disease. •• Speak up if your mouth is dry. Your dentist can help ease the dryness and protect you from cavities.
Make your own choice!
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NAZ
What types of cancer does a surgical oncologist treat? ANSWER: A surgical oncologist treats all types of solid tumors of the head and neck, lung, stomach, pancreas, liver, large bowel, skin, and soft tissue. Some surgical oncologists specialize by treating only lung, head and neck, or liver cancers.
Q
AND
What is a surgical oncologist? When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they may be treated by a variety of doctors with different specialties. One of those might be a surgical oncologist. Carmine Volpe, MD, is Director for Mercy Health System’s Oncology Service Line and a surgical oncologist. Here he answers some questions about what that means. What is a surgical oncologist, and how does one differ from other oncologists and other surgeons?
Q
What is your role as Oncology Service Line Director? Carmine Volpe, MD ANSWER: As the Director, I am the primary ANSWER: An oncologist is coordinator of all cancer programs a doctor who treats cancer. A and activities within Mercy Health surgical oncologist treats tumors System. Working alongside other by removing them surgically. cancer specialists at Mercy That’s different from a medical Philadelphia, Mercy Fitzgerald and oncologist, who treats cancer with Nazareth Hospitals, my job is to chemotherapy or other medicines. ensure that patients are offered the It’s also different from a radiation most up-to-date, evidence-based oncologist, who treats cancer using cancer treatments, as well as easy radiation therapy. Surgery is the access to the many support services oldest type of cancer therapy. Mercy provides.
Q
BY YOUR SIDE When you need cancer care, our nurse navigators can point you in the right direction. Call 1.866.629.2738 to learn more.
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. 2018 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.