2015 NEA Health 1st Edition

ISSUE 15

2015 1st Edition

Brought to you by

NEABaptist.com

High Tech Heart Care

Recent Growth,•Heart Health, Technology, Advanced Lung Cancer Detection & more

DOC+FINDER 870.936.NEAB (6322) Family Medicine - Jonesboro Hilltop Clinic 870-932-8222 Jeffery Barber, DO, MRO Ryan Brenza, DO, MRO Tim Shown, DO Melissa Yawn, MD, MRO

Stadium Clinic 870-931-8800 Michael E. Crawley, MD Arnold E. Gilliam, MD Michael E. Tedder, MD

Windover Clinic 870-935-5432 Michael Blanchard, MD Douglas L. Maglothin, MD Joe McGrath, MD James Murrey, MD Angie Jones, APRN

Woodsprings Clinic 870-933-9250 Randy Carlton, MD W. Scott Hoke, MD Craig A. McDaniel, MD Nathan Turney, MD Troy A. Vines, MD

Anesthesiology

Medical Campus, 870-936-1000 Reagan Baber, MD David Daniel, MD Larry L. Patrick, MD Oksana Redko, MD Stacy Richardson, DO Erick Schuermann, DO

Cardiology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Freij Gobal, MD Matthew Haustein, MD Michael L. Isaacson, MD, FACC D.V. Patel, MD, FACC Eumar T. Tagupa, MD Robert D. Taylor, MD, FACP Anthony T. White, MD Margaret Cooper, APRN Teri Horne, APRN Jennifer Jarrett, APRN Brooke Pruitt, APRN

Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

Brookland Clinic 870-932-1211 Meghan Lyerly, MD Shane Lyerly, MD Sandra Stubblefield, MD

Cherokee Village Clinic 870-856-2862 Tommy Taylor, MD

Newport Clinic 870 -523-9337

Matthew Haustein, MD (Cardiology) Matthew P. Jackson, MD Roddy S. Lochala, DO

Osceola Clinic 870-563-5888

Freij Gobal, MD (Cardiology) Yulanda Harrison, MD Adam Woodruff, MD (Nephrology) JImmy Ballard, APRN

Paragould Clinic 870-240-8402 Freij Gobal, MD (Cardiology) Chris McGrath, MD Leslye McGrath, MD Aaryn Spurlock APRN Trumann Clinic 870-483-6131 Ronald Barnett, MD Chris Rowlett, DPM (Podiatry) Brannon Treece, MD Michelle Montgomery, APRN

Open 7 days a week No Appointment Needed STADIUM WINDOVER 3003 Apache Dr. 1111 Windover 870-931-8800 870-935-9585 HILLTOP WOODSPRINGS 4901 E. Johnson 2205 W. Parker Rd. 870-934-3539 870-910-0012 PARAGOULD 4700 W. Kingshighway 870-240-8402 Open Late Mon - Fri 4901 E. Johnson 870-934-3539 1111 Windover 870-910-6040

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Paul Levy, MD Deborah Fairchild, APRN

Center for Cancer Care

Medical Campus, 870-936-7000 Gynecologic Oncology Christopher Bryant, MD Hematology/Oncology Scott Dorroh, MD D. Allen Nixon, Jr., MD Carroll D. Scroggin, Jr., MD Stacia Gallion, APRN Oncology Clinical Research Radiation Oncology Kevin Collins, MD

Clinical Research 870-934-5210 Critical Care Intensivist Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Owen K. Criner, MD William Hubbard, MD

Dermatology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Johnathan J. Ledet, MD, FAAD Meredith Brewer, PA-C

Endocrinology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Kevin D. Ganong, MD Diabetes Center

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Amber Toombs, APRN

Gastroenterology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Michael D. Hightower, MD

General Surgery

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Russell D. Degges, MD K. Bruce Jones, MD David L Phillips, MD

Hospitalist

Medical Campus, 870-936-1000 Rodney Clark, Jr., MD Kara Cooper, MD Brock Harris, MD William Hubbard, MD Matt Quick, MD Mani Rajagopal, MD Robert B. White, MD, FACP

Infectious Disease

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Steven Stroud, MD

NEA Baptist Medical Campus 4800 E. Johnson, Jonesboro, AR

Internal Medicine

Pediatrics

Interventional Radiology

Physical Therapy

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Gordon Akin, MD Ray H. Hall, Jr., MD, FACP Brannon Treece, MD Stephen O. Woodruff, MD, FACP Kristy Wilson, APRN Valari Landrum, APRN Carla Nix, PA Trumann - 305 W. Main 870-483-6131 Ronald Barnett, MD Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Wolf Heberlein, MD Mark Wendel, MD Melanie New, APRN

Nephrology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Michael G. Mackey, MD Adam B. Woodruff, MD Sara Culbreath, APRN Dialysis Centers

3005 Middlefield, 870-934-5705 4909 E. Johnson, 870-336-3372

Neurology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Kenneth Chan, DO Bing Behrens, MD William Long, MD, PhD

Neurosurgery

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Robert Abraham, MD Rebecca Barrett-Tuck, MD Edison McDaniels II, MD Kelsey Schmidt, APRN

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Dominique Butawan-Ali, MD Charles Cesare, Jr., MD Jason Coletta, DO Norbert Delacey, MD, FACOG Charles C. Dunn, MD, FACOG Lorna Layton, MD, FACOG Mark C. Stripling, MD, FACOG

1150 E. Matthews Suite 101, 870-972-5437 Amy Bailey, MD Richard Reinhard, III, MD J. Justin Yancey, MD Amy Duch, APRN Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Brannon Treece, MD Trumann - 305 W. Main 870-483-6131 Ronald Barnett, MD Jonesboro 1007 Windover, 870-336-1530 Leif Lovins, PT Nikki Luster, PT Jeff Ramsey, PT Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Ken Miller, PT Cindy Norman, OT Ivan Spengler, PT Paragould - 4700 W. Kingshighway, 870-240-8402 Christopher Enger, PT Duston Jones, PT Trumann - 305 W. Main, 870-483-6131 Wayne Traylor, PT

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, FACS Paula Arnold, RN, CLT Shea Wilson, Aethetician

Podiatry

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Chris Rowlett, DPM

Pulmonology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Owen K. Criner, MD William Hubbard, MD Meredith Walker, MD Sam Hiser, APRN

Radiology

Occupational Medicine

4901 E. Johnson, 870-910-6024 Jeffery Barber, DO, MRO Ryan Brenza, DO, MRO Melissa Yawn, MD, MRO

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Cina Ali, MD Gregory Lewis, MD Jeffrey S. Mullen, MD David Parish, MD

Ophthalmology

Rheumatology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Thomas Nix, MD

Optometry

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 James Cullins, OD Ellen Lawrence, OD

Orthopedic Surgery

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Jason Brandt, MD Edward Cooper, MD Ron Schechter, MD Henry Stroope, MD Aaron Wallace, MD Scott Griffith, PA Drew Harper, PA

Otolaryngology (ENT)

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Bryan Lansford, MD Jeffrey Myhill, MD Heidi Cohn, APRN Hearing Center Amy Stein, AuD, CCC­A

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Beata Majewski, MD Leslie McCasland, MD

Center for Sleep Disorders 1118 Windover, 870-336-4145 Srirangarajan Raju, MD Bing Behrens, MD William Long, MD, PhD

Urology

1150 E. Matthews #203 870-932-8674 John Allen, MD Michael Suminski, MD

Wellness Center

2617 Phillips, 870-932-1898

Wound Care

1111 Windover, 870-336-3211 James Fletcher, MD Stacy L. Wilbanks, MD Brandy Crump, APRN

www.neabaptistclinic.com

NEA Health, established in 2005, is a publication of free health information and articles written by NEA Baptist physicians for our community.

As one of the largest multi-specialty groups in the mid-south, NEA Baptist is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized medical care. We are committed to the well-being of the community.

This magazine along with NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation is part of NEA Baptist’s expanded commitment to the community,

from the editor Y

ou likely hear about technology in nearly every aspect of your life. It is so ingrained into who we are as individuals and as a society. We are constantly learning about new advances in technology of all kinds, but I believe the recent advances in technology in the field of medicine are -by far- the most impressive and potentially have the largest impact on any of our lives.

It’s through the generous contributions of our donors that help us accomplish our mission. If you would like more information on how you can support NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation, please call Robbie Johnson at (870) 936-8479 or Kim Provost at (870) 934-5128.

We would love to have you be a part of helping meet the needs of others in our community.

You will read in this issue (dedicated to highlighting technology at NEA Baptist) that our doctors and surgeons are providing world class care right here in our community.

Take for instance our cover story (page 16) - we have a team of award winning heart care doctors who are continuously innovating and find the best technology and resources to help our patients get better.

PUBLICATION OFFICE 4800 E. Johnson, Jonesboro, AR 72401 NEABaptist.com Danial Reed, Editor Marketing Coordinator Nicole Frakes, Art Direction and Design

NEA Health is published bi-annually for the purpose of conveying health-related information for the well-being of residents of Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. The information contained in NEA Health is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by phoning 870-936-8000 or by writing in care of this publication to: PO Box 1960, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403.

Copyright© 2015 NEA Baptist. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording and any information storage retrieval system, without written permission from NEA Baptist.

The magazine also includes details about robotic surgery that enhances the skills of our physician and leaves incisions no bigger than the tip of your finger, bladeless eye correction and pinpoint precision treatments of tumors. And that’s just the tip of the realm where technology and expertise create an enhanced level of care at NEA Baptist.

The move to our new campus has enabled us to offer much more advanced care to the community through the addition of this new technology. The difference in the capabilities we now have is significant.

It is important to remember that this technology does not replace what you are looking for when you come here - the best care with a personal approach. Rather, it enhances that quality of care we strive to provide each day by equipping our skilled physicians and staff with the tools they need to provide better outcomes. In the end, it is and always has been about better patient care for our community.

I am constantly amazed at the new technology and procedures at NEA Baptist and I am proud to share these advancements with you.

Danial Reed, Editor

NEABaptist.com

1 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

CONTENTS 1 Letter from the Editor - Danial Reed

2 We’re Still Growing

- Darrell King, CEO NEA Baptist Clinic - Brad Parsons, CEO NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital

4 Events @ NEA

5 Highlights @ NEA

6 Baptist OneCare - My Chart

8 Tech vs Tumors

- Mark Wendel, MD - Wolf Heberlein, MD

10 Healthcare + Tech

12 Heart Disease Myths - Anthony White, MD

We’re still G

rowth is the theme at NEA Baptist! Just a few months ago on January 12, 2015 as we were celebrating our first birthday on our new campus, we had 178 patients in our 181 beds. Since that time, we have also celebrated the addition of a new 11-bed wing in our Women’s Center to accommodate additional growth in that service line.

13 Healthy Heart Lifstyle Choices - Michael L. Isaacson, MD, FACC

14 Heart-Healthy Ingredients - Matthew Haustein, MD

17 High Tech Heart Care 20 LASIK

- Thomas Nix, MD

21 The Lung News

- Meredith Walker, MD

22 So You Need A Valve Job - Paul Levy, MD 23 Coolsculpting

- W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, FACS

As we get further into 2015, growth continues. Construction is in progress on the 5th floor of the hospital to build out our new Inpatient Rehab Center.

This unit will feature a total of 24 additional beds to our hospital, bringing our bed count to 216 before the end of the year.

On the clinic side, we have also begun construction on an expansion of the Women’s Clinic to accommodate the two additional OBGYN physicians who have joined in the past year. Construction on the 2nd floor of the specialty clinic is also taking place to build out a space for our Urology Clinic services – they will be moving out of their downtown location and into their new space very soon.

The clinic has also added a second Late Night Urgent Care option for patients at our Hilltop Urgent Care location – with hours from 6 - 9 during the week.

The same facility also went through an expansion with the addition of a facility that hosts our Occupational Medicine Clinic. Still yet – there will be several physicians that will join our team later in the year.

24 da Vinci Technology &

Women’s Care

- Dominique Butawan-Ali, MD

27 Imaging & Orthopedic Care - Jason Brandt, MD

28 Life Saving Stroke Care 29 Caring for our Community - NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation Updates

2 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

I thought I was having a heart attack Thursday. Three episodes complete with jaw pain. Drove straight to NEA Baptist Hospital ER and was admitted for further evaluation. Verdict was I needed a heart cath. Dr. Anthony White was awesome. I passed with flying colors and he said I had the heart of a 20 year old.

Saw Dr. Thomas Nix this morning....staff was great and Dr. Nix was wonderful about explaining my condition and treatment options....truly felt they were more concerned with my wellbeing than anything else....have nothing but good things to say about quality of care I received.

Growing We are exceptionally proud of our colleagues at NEA Baptist who continue to go above and beyond every day for our patients and work tirelessly to ensure that level of care goes uninterrupted during these times of growth. From our ancillary and support staff to nurses and physicians – they are all dedicated to serving you.

The future looks bright at NEA Baptist! We are excited about what this means for our community – better access to our physicians, specialists and hospital. As we continue to grow, we also continue to evaluate health care needs in our community and how we can provide the best care to our patients. Northeast Arkansas has truly evolved into a healthcare hub for the surrounding region and we are glad to be a catalyst for that growth.

We look forward to serving you and your family.

Darrell King, CEO NEA Baptist Clinic

Brad Parsons, CEO NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital

3 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

NEA Baptist Farmer’s Market

Events @ NEA T

June 11* 8:30am - 1:30pm *Second Thursday, June - August

he 12th annual NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation Duck Classic experienced a record breaking year!

Thanks to the community $515,000 was raised for our foundation.

Over 1600 attendees came from a 10 state area. Duck Classic is an event which raises funds for the programs of our foundation.

It consists of a banquet complete with dinner, raffles, and live and silent auctions followed by a morning duck hunt. The 2015 Duck Classic Champion was “Jorge’s Revenge” hunting with landowner Kody Riggan. The success of Duck Classic depends heavily on our volunteers, sponsors, landowners, and hunters. We are very fortunate, what began as an idea has now grown into the largest outdoor oriented fundraiser in the area.

T

he Silos in Bono was the setting for our spring event – Art Slam. This event combines art, food, music, and fun to raise funds for NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation. Sara Howell was our featured artist of the evening. She created a lovely PMS piece “136 By the Roaring Fork River” CMYK 0, 0 which 31, was87,auctioned during the event. We are grateful to the artist community for embracing this event with their time and talent.

Proceeds from our events support the programs of NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation. Our foundation has a mission to help change lives through the programs and services it supports in our region. This is accomplished through five programs: Center for Healthy Children, ShareHope, Wellness Works, HopeCircle, and Medicine Assistance Program. Be sure and read about this programs in the special foundation section of NEA Health.

Kim Provost, Director of Events Kim.Provost@neabc.com NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation

4 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

Sept. 27 - Oct. 3

ShareHope Walk of Remembrance and Hope

Oct. 3

- A Hope Week Event -

ShareHope Wave of Light

Oct. 15

ShareHope Christmas Candlelight Memorial Service

Dec. 6

Highlights @ NEA ShareHope Father’s Day Bowlathon

Celebrated 1 year at new campus

June 20

Record breaking 101 Babies born in April 2015

2014 – Record breaking year for Duck Classic (1600 participants & $500,000 raised)

NEA Baptist Luncheon Series Teal Talk

Sept. 30

- A Hope Week Event -

Added a wing with 11 additional hospital beds to Women’s Center Hilltop Clinic expansion dedicated to Occupational Medicine Clinic Opened 2nd Late Night Urgent Care location at Hilltop Urology Clinic construction began at medical campus

Women’s Day at NEA

October 22

Telemedicine program with AR Saves Construction began on 24 bed Inpatient Rehab Unit New - ShareHope Family Fund & Palliative Care Program Construction began on Women’s Clinic expansion of exam rooms

Early December Banquet & Duck Hunt

5 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

B

aptist OneCare© is a fully integrated electronic health record, powered

by Epic Systems, that does far more than just digitize patient files. Baptist OneCare gives patients the power to access their own medical records anywhere, anytime, refill prescriptions and make doctor’s appointments from any computer or mobile device, and even consult with their doctor’s office remotely through an application called MyChart.

MyChart offers patients personalized and secure online access to portions of their medical records. It enables you to securely use the internet to help manage and receive information about your health. MyChart is a free service offered to our patients.

With MyChart, you can use the internet to: • Schedule doctor appointments and get phone numbers and driving directions • View your appointment summary and physician instructions • View test results faster • View your medications and get prescription refills • Access trusted health information resources • Keep up with your child’s immunizations As of March 2014, Epic had over 24 million MyChart accounts activated nationwide. With approximately 270 customers, Epic serves more than 51% of the U.S. population and 2% of the world’s population.

Patients who wish to participate will be issued a MyChart activation code during their clinic or hospital visit. This code will enable you to log in and create your own username and password.

You can also sign up today if you would like. Visit BaptistOneCare.org and click on the link in the lower right hand corner. Since you don’t have an activation code yet, you will need to request one. The system will take the information you enter and match it to your patient record to generate your activation code. Again, this code will enable you to log in and create your own username and password.

Is there a way to see MyChart on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes! You can download the free MyChart app by visiting BaptistMyChart.com. The MyChart app is available for Apple and Android.

No one wants to wait for their test results. With MyChart, many of your test results are released to you within 3 business days. Some test results can take more than 8 days to finalize and release. Hospital results are available at the time of discharge. In order to see these results, you MUST be active on MyChart before you are discharged from the hospital.

6 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

At this time, some of your test results may not be able to be shared with you through MyChart. If you have questions about which results are currently available to you with MyChart, please contact your provider.

We want to be sure you understand your test results on MyChart. Let your provider know if you have any questions about your results. It’s your health. We’re here to help you.

Why are certain test results not shared electronically via MyChart?

Your provider is able to determine which types of test results are able to be accessed through MyChart. Tests of a very sensitive nature may not be released to MyChart.

If I send a message to my doctor or nurse, when can I expect a reply?

You will generally receive an answer within 1-3 business days.

Please note that MyChart should not be used for urgent situations. Dial 911 if it is an emergency.

Can I view my child’s health record in MyChart?

Yes, you can. This is called proxy access and allows a parent (or guardian) to log into their personal MyChart account, and then connect to information regarding their child(ren). Parents (or guardians) have full MyChart access until their child reaches fourteen years of age. When the child turns 14, the parent’s access will be limited, based on state law requirements.

I take care of my father. Can I view his record in MyChart?

a Patient Authorization for Proxy Access form designating you as his/ her proxy. Additionally, you will need to establish a MyChart account. Then you can connect to information regarding your family member.

We take great care to ensure your health information is kept private and secure.

Access to information is controlled through secure activation codes, personal usernames, and passwords. Each person controls his/her password, and the account cannot be accessed without that password. Further, MyChart uses the latest 128-bit SSL encryption technology with no caching to automatically encrypt your session with MyChart.

Unlike conventional e-mail, all MyChart messaging is done while you are securely logged on to our website.

MyChart is owned and operated by MyChart and is compliant with federal and state laws pertaining to your privacy. Your name and e-mail address will be treated with the same care and privacy given your health records and will never be sold or leased by MyChart.

This new electronic health record is another way that we are bringing the latest in technology to Northeast Arkansas and advancing the level of health care.

Yes, if your adult family member gives permission for you to have Proxy access to their information. To initiate Proxy access, your adult family member will need to complete

7 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

Tech vs Tumors Uterine Fibroid Embolization

F

ibroid tumors, also known as myomas, are benign tumors from muscle cells of the muscular wall of the uterus. Likely stimulated by hormones, these muscle cells build nodular structures, and over time can reach tennis ball size or even larger.

There are several types of symptoms that women can experience if they have fibroid tumors. Frequently, fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain in the pelvic region, and pressure on the bladder or bowel.

Abnormal uterine bleeding that is prolonged can have some serious side effects over time. Untreated, it can lead to fatigue, headaches and anemia, which is the result of low red blood cell count.

With larger fibroids, pressure can be exerted to the surrounding organs, which can be extremely painful. Since the bladder and rectum are adjacent to the uterus, added pressure can lead to loss of bladder control, frequent urination and constipation.

Fibroids usually occur between the ages of 30 and 45. The exact causes of fibroids are unknown, even though their growth has been linked to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Although taking female hormones is linked to fibroids, the use of birth control pills is not. Having a family member with fibroids increases a woman’s risk. Being overweight or obese and having high blood pressure also may increase your risk. Genetics play a role, since fibroids are twice as frequent in African American females.

As many as 70-80% of all women will have fibroids by age 50, but only 20-25% will become symptomatic.

Only symptomatic fibroids require treatment, for which various options exist, including uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

Medications target the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and can shrink fibroids. The side effects of using these medications are similar to the symptoms during and after menopause. These include weight gain, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, changes in metabolism and infertility.

A wide array of surgical options exist, reaching from minimally invasive procedures like UFE over robotic-assisted removal of fibroids to – rarely requiring removal of the entire uterus (hysterectomy). The many options reflect that not one treatment fits all, but requires adjustment to your personal life situation and needs individual discussion with your OB/GYN or Interventional Radiologist.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is an image-guided, minimally invasive procedure performed by a trained specialist (Interventional Radiologist, IR). Using a highdefinition x-ray camera, thin tubing (catheter) is introduced into the groin (femoral) artery and advanced into the right and left uterine artery. This allows the delivery of small particles (embolic spheres) into the blood supply to the uterine fibroids. The embolic material blocks the vessels around the fibroid, depriving it of oxygenated blood, which results in shrinking of the fibroids. At the end, pressure will be applied to the groin to stop any bleeding. No sutures are needed.

Interventional Radiology & Technology

UFE is an outpatient procedure, performed under moderate sedation. Pain medication will be provided at discharge. Return to work is usually achieved after 7 days.

The question of whether uterine fibroid embolization impacts fertility has not yet conclusively been answered, although a number of healthy pregnancies have been documented in women who have had the procedure.

If a woman wishes to have more children and only a few fibroids are present, surgical removal of the individual tumors (myomectomy) may be an option. If this is not possible, UFE may still be the best option. It is not possible to predict whether the uterine wall is in any way weakened

by UFE, which might pose a problem during delivery. Therefore, the current recommendation is to use contraception for six months after the procedure and to undergo a Cesarean section during delivery rather than to risk rupture of the wall of the uterus from the intense muscular contractions that occur during labor.

For more information, setup an appointment with an interventional radiologist or your OB/ GYN to discuss options.

NanoKnife System

T

he Interventional Radiology suite at NEA Baptist offers a range of technology and services to treat patients in a manner that is less invasive and offers quicker recovery times and potentially better outcomes.

One piece of technology – the NanoKnife® - is an example of how our interventional radiology team can provide minimally invasive, yet lifesaving care for patients by treating soft tissue tumors that have been deemed inoperable or difficult-to-reach. These tumors are often located near critical organs and/or major blood vessels in the body. This use of technology for treatment is unique to Northeast Arkansas and is one of only two in the state of Arkansas.

The NanoKnife System is often the catalyst for one or several other lifesaving treatments.

By treating tumors that were previously untouchable, we are providing access to subsequent care that was not an option with a tumor in the way.

While other technology uses extreme heat or cold to treat tumors, the NanoKnife system uses electrical currents to directly target and destroy hard-to-reach, soft tissue tumors on the cellular level. The system has been FDA approved for the surgical ablation (destruction) of soft tissue.

The procedure – referred to as Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) – typically takes between two and four hours, followed by an overnight stay in the hospital for observation.

Mark Wendel, MD Wolf Heberlein, MD Interventional Radiology NEA Baptist Clinic 870.936.8000

While the patient is under general anesthesia, one of our skilled interventional radiologists uses image guided technology to place 2-6 probes strategically around a tumor.

Once the probes are in place, the NanoKnife System emits millisecond electrical pulses or currents between the probes to puncture tiny, permanent holes into the cellular walls of the tumor. These holes cause cancer cells to become unbalanced which results in the self-destruction of the tumor. The dead cells are then naturally replaced with healthy cells by the body. Because the electrical current is confined by the probes, any potential damage to surrounding healthy tissue, blood vessels and/or major structures is minimized.

IRE by the NanoKnife system is typically used to treat liver cancer and soft tissue tumors in the lungs, prostate, head/neck, kidney and pancreas. The treatment is used when tumors are inoperable because of the location within the body or if other treatment methods have not been successful.

To find out if you are a candidate for IRE, call our Interventional Radiology office at 870-936-8000 or ask your primary care doctor for a referral.

NanoKnife B e n e fi t s : • Treatment of otherwise inoperable tumors • Minimally invasive (no open incisions) • Less damage to healthy tissue • Minimal postoperative pain • Little to no side effects • Shorter hospital stays • Quicker postoperative recovery • Ability to repeat the procedure if new tumors develop

9 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

Healthcare Tru Varian Beam Linear Accelerator & CT Simulator • • •

Newest, all digital radiation therapy technology Uses latest imaging guided technology Higher level of accuracy and precision in the delivery of treatments

CT simulator • • • • • •

20 Slice Wide Bore CT Scanner used in the planning of treatment – allowing the linear accelerator to do its best job Advanced software pinpoints tumor location and movement, plans for best treatment and accurate dosage More angles reduces skin and organ dosage but increases tumor dosage, also FASTER delivery The new technology is very fast – capturing changes due to respiratory motion Reduces time on table Specialized devices allow for more comfort and accuracy

PATIENT BENEFIT: The Linear Accelerator offers pinpoint precision treatments in the fight against cancer.

This level of planning and accuracy in treatment means better outcomes for our patients and faster delivery of care.

HDR Brachytherapy Also known as internal radiotherapy, Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy where a radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. Brachytherapy is commonly used as an effective treatment for cervical, prostate, breast, and skin cancer and can also be used to treat tumors in many other body sites.

PATIENT BENEFIT: Allows for a reduced dose to surrounding healthy tissue that can potentially lead to fewer complications. May require fewer treatment sessions and shorter recover time.

Hybrid OR • Incorporating imaging capabilities with surgical technology • Team Approach

PATIENT BENEFIT: Our Hybrid Operating Suite combines imaging capabilities with the latest in surgical technology. This combined team approach allows our physicians and surgical teams to provide faster care while also enhancing the quality and level of care for each patient.

10 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

Tech

Healthcare & Technology

Flash CT Scanner • Siemens Somatom Definition Flash CT scanner • Captures incredibly detailed images of the heart, brain, bones—even the smallest blood vessels and utilizes the lowest radiation exposures • Fastest, safest and most technological diagnostic CT scanner • Scans the entire body in less than six seconds and images the chest in 0.6 seconds • Advanced CT angiography; this machine has the ability to automatically remove bone and calcified plaque to see the arteries in greater detail.

• Better blood clot detection

PATIENT BENEFIT: Our Flash CT Scanner at NEA Baptist is one of the fastest and safest diagnostic CT scanners in the state of Arkansas. The technological advantages with this piece of imaging equipment allow our staff to take a scan of the entire body in less than 6 seconds and an image of the chest in just 0.6 seconds, while providing incredibly detailed images of organs all the way down to the smallest blood vessels. This technology is especially beneficial for patients (adults and kids) who may experience anxiety during this type of diagnostic care.

11 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

e s a se i D t r a He s h t My

M

any people think they know a lot about heart disease, but the truth is there are many common misconceptions. Read on to discover the truth behind some of the biggest myths about heart disease.

since every person’s body responds differently to cardiac stress. Various symptoms may include:

Myth:

If I had high cholesterol or blood pressure, I would know.

If you don’t get a cholesterol or blood pressure test, there is no way to know whether you are suffering from hypertension or high cholesterol levels.

Most of the risk factors associated with these have no symptoms. Even people who are in good shape and a healthy weight can have high cholesterol depending on their diet.

If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, your physician will recommend lifestyle changes including nutrition and exercising more to maintain or lose body weight. For some patients, these lifestyle changes may not be enough, particularly for patients who are at a high risk for developing heart disease. For these patients, physicians may recommend medication in addition to lifestyle changes.

• Shortness of breath • Irregular heart beats • Quickened heart beats • Feeling weak or dizzy • Nausea • Profuse sweating

Myth:

I’m too young to worry about my heart health.

The truth is, one in three people in the United States suffer from heart disease and they span various age groups.

Because of the increase of risk factors like diabetes and obesity in the younger generation, heart issues in young and middle-aged people are becoming more common.

A patient that is not at high-risk for developing heart disease should have the following screening tests regularly:

Heart disease impacts men and women in the same way.

• Fasting lipoprotein profile

This is perhaps one of the biggest myths out there. The truth is, heart disease affects each gender very differently, starting with the symptoms alone. For example, many women experience unusual fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath prior to having a heart attack. Additionally, many women do not feel any chest pain at the time of the attack. Knowing how the symptoms may present themselves depending on your gender and your age is very important.

• Blood glucose level

Many different cardiac conditions and problems share similar warning signs and you should not ignore any of the symptoms 12 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

• Race; African Americans, American Indians and Mexican Americans are more likely than other ethnic groups to develop heart disease Lifestyle risk factors: • Smoking • Diabetes • Obesity • High Blood pressure

• Blood pressure

Myth:

menopause are at a higher risk for developing heart disease

• Body weight While there are many risk factors patients cannot control, some lifestyle changes can reduce one’s risk for developing heart disease.

Uncontrollable risk factors: • Gender; men are more likely to develop heart disease • Age; as you age your risk of heart disease increases • Family history of heart disease • Being post-menopausal; women who have gone through

• Physical inactivity; exercise can lower your risk for developing heart disease • Stress or anger; people who have a lot of stress or uncontrolled anger are at a higher risk for heart disease • Cholesterol problems; both high LDL and low HDL cholesterol can increase your risk for developing heart disease

Myth:

I should not exercise if I’ve had a heart attack.

In actuality, you want to begin exercising as soon as your doctor says it is safe.

For many, this will be within two weeks.

Your doctor can help you develop a personalized workout plan that will work with your health.

Exercise can reduce the progression of heart disease and decreases the risk that you will have another heart attack in the future.

Anthony White, MD Cardiology NEA Baptist Clinic 870.936.8000

H

eart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Some risk factors are uncontrollable – gender, race, family history, age – yet there are many things you can control when it comes to preventing heart disease.

Give up Smoking - Tobacco use is one of the biggest risk factors when it comes to developing heart disease.

The chemicals found in tobacco damage your heart and narrow your arteries, while the carbon monoxide leads to increased blood pressure and heart rate.

The more you smoke, the greater your risk.

Develop the Diet - Living in a fast food dependent culture, it’s easy to get sidetracked from one of the simplest ways to fight heart disease – how you eat.

A heart-healthy diet is a crucial step toward better heart health.

Mounds of research show that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and other superfoods will significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.

Remember to limit the saturated and trans fats by monitoring the amount of red meat, dairy products, and fried food you consume.

It is also important to moderate alcohol intake.

Salmon - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, salmon is a beneficial, heart-healthy fat that is proven to help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, it helps reduce the risk of developing blood clots and illnesses linked to inflammation, such as lupus and arthritis.

Oatmeal - According to the American Heart Association, soluble fiber has been associated with increased diet quality and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Oats have the highest proportion of soluble fiber of any grain. Try starting your day with a serving of cooked oatmeal topped with fruit.

Berries - A recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that eating three servings of berries a week can reduce the risk of a heart attack in women by 32%.

In addition to being an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, the anthocyanins, which give fruit its color, are proven to reduce blood pressure and arterial inflammation, as well as help protect arterial walls from developing plaque.

Lifestyle Choices Leafy greens - Your mom was on to something when she told you to eat your greens. Broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts and kale pack a powerful punch to your heart health. These leafy greens are full of vitamins (including vitamin K, so if you’re taking Warfarin, talk to your doctor) and rich in fiber, which lowers cholesterol and reduces your risk of heart disease. They also reduce inflammation in your body. If you aren’t a fan of leafy greens, try adding a couple handfuls of spinach into your fruit smoothies.

Almonds - Proven to lower total cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, almonds are the perfect snack. In addition, they are packed with antioxidants and nutrients, such as fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium. Watch your serving size because the fat and calories can add up fast.

Exercise Each Week - You don’t have to become a marathon runner, but getting regular exercise is a huge factor in reducing the risk of heart disease. Working out allows you to control your weight and keep your heart from feeling strained. If you work out moderately for 30-60 minutes several times per week, this can reap major benefits. Try incorporating exercise into your daily routine by walking the dog, jogging with the stroller, or even cleaning the house.

Sleep Soundly - You may think that missing sleep will simply leave you tired, but it can also have a negative effect on your health. Sleep deprivation can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, and even depression. Attempt to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night and try to stick to a schedule.

See Your Doctor - Regular checkups can help you better maintain your health on all levels. Getting your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar tested at your doctor’s office can provide you with information on how to change your lifestyle in order to avoid developing heart disease. If you’re interested in learning more about your heart health, find out how NEA Baptist’s HeartScore can help.

Micheal L. Isaacson, MD, FACC Cardiology NEA Baptist Clinic 870.936.8000

13 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

Heart-Healthy Ingredients

I

t’s no secret that eating low-fat, high-fiber foods can reduce your risk for heart disease. But with food companies constantly promoting healthier food options, it’s hard to tell whether their claims are really true. Just because food packaging claims to be reduced-fat, that doesn’t automatically make the food a nutritious choice.

Eating the right foods is important to maintaining not only a healthy lifestyle, but a healthy heart. In fact, the amount and kind of food we consume is important in reducing the risk of heart problems, especially coronary artery disease. A diet low in saturated fats, low salt and with multiple servings of fruits and vegetables with just enough calories to maintain an ideal body weight is best. Eating this kind of diet consistently while exercising regularly and maintaining an ideal body weight decreases our risk of heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.

Here are a few things you may not know about the foods you eat:

All oil is not created equal. The best choices are those low in cholesterol and saturated and trans fats. Oils made from vegetable fat are healthiest – try olive oil or coconut oil. Stay away from butter and use margarine with liquid vegetable oil listed as the first ingredient and no more than two grams of saturated fat per tablespoon.

Fatty acids reduce heart disease risk. It may seem strange that something with fat in the name could actually be good for you, but it’s true. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of arrhythmias and plaque, plus they decrease triglyceride levels. Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially tuna, salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines.

Other sources include soybeans (including tofu), walnuts and flaxseeds. Try to incorporate fish into your diet at least twice a week, and ask your physician if omega-3 supplements are right for you.

Reduced-fat products aren’t always low in fat. To be considered reduced fat, the product must have at least 25% fewer fat grams than the original product. This sounds good and is definitely an improvement, but the food still may be high in fat. For example, if the original product has 20 fat grams, and the reduced-fat version has 15 grams, it is still high in fat. To be classified as low fat, the product cannot have more than three grams of fat per serving, and fat must account for less than 30% of the total calories. Be sure to check the labels on your food; many times low-fat baked goods include more sugar than their full-fat counterparts. Also, people often eat larger portions of reduced-fat foods, sometimes resulting in higher calorie intake than eating the full-fat version.

Lastly, don’t forget to always check the labels on your food so you know exactly what you are putting into your body. The key to a healthy heart is always prevention.

Matthew Haustein, MD Cardiology NEA Baptist Clinic 870.936.8000

14 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

The best cardiac care is just a heartbeat away.

At NEA Baptist, we’ve created an advanced system of diagnosis and treatment for your heart, delivered by some of the most accomplished cardiac physicians in our region. This combination of technology and expertise is one reason NEA Baptist received the American Heart Association’s prestigious Mission: Lifeline® Heart Attack Receiving Center Accreditation, for our lifesaving heart attack treatments from the first 911 call to in-hospital treatment. Get Better with Baptist.

neabaptist.com

870-936-1000

Get Better.

High Tech Heart Care

Your Heart & Technology

E

very year more than 1.5 million Americans suffer from heart attacks. A half of a million die. That number continues to grow and it includes women as often as men. The age at which heart disease occurs continues to lower. Most victims never see it coming.

They have no symptoms; no chest pain, no numbness in the left arm.

No suspicion that the “silent killer” is at work, until it’s too late.

Award Winning Heart Care At NEA Baptist, we have created an advanced system of diagnosis and treatment options for your heart, delivered by some of the most accomplished cardiac physicians in our region. This technology and expertise, combined with a brand new clinic and hospital, allows NEA Baptist the ability to provide award winning heart care to our patients.

NEA Baptist recently received the American Heart Association’s prestigious Mission: Lifeline® Heart Attack Receiving Accreditation for our lifesaving heart attack treatment.

The timing for treating someone having a heart attack can mean the difference between life and death. To help save lives, the American Heart Association and the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care joined forces in September 2011 to launch the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® Heart Attack Referring/Receiving Center Accreditation Program.

The accreditation program recognizes centers that meet or exceed quality of care measures for people experiencing the most severe type of heart attack, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), in which blood flow is completely blocked to a portion of the heart.

NEA Baptist underwent numerous on-site reviews by accreditation specialists from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care and demonstrated exceptional quality of care to receive the accreditation.

NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital offers four dedicated heart care treatment rooms through the emergency department, with direct and convenient access to the cath lab and hybrid operating rooms.

High Tech Heart Care continued on page 18

D

17 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

High Tech Heart Care Ccontinued from page 16

T

aking steps to care for and protect your heart are important. Sometimes matters of health are out of your control and when you do need extra help caring for your heart, you want to know that your doctors have the experience and technology necessary to provide you with the best care possible. The new NEA Baptist medical campus places a special emphasis on heart care – from wellness and prevention to emergency heart care processes to advanced surgical equipment and technology; all backed by experienced and respected physicians.

Impella Last year, cardiologists at NEA Baptist used a new, advanced piece of technology that increases their level of care and ability to save lives.

This technology is called the Impella Left Ventricular Assist Device (which is commonly referred to as an LVAD).

The Impella Device is a ventricular assist device, also known as the world’s smallest heart pump. In fact, the Impella is 1/100th the size of a human heart and is smaller than the width of a pencil.

The Impella device is used in patients with a severe heart attack that causes shock (life threatening low blood pressure) and/ or respiratory failure. This device helps to stabilize the life threatening situation.

Another use for the Impella device is in patients that have critical blockage of coronary arteries, but the heart is weak or the blockage is in a high risk position. These patients would otherwise have a high risk procedure. This device can also be used to optimize a patient’s condition prior to surgery.

Diamondback 360 NEA Baptist is one of the first in the country to use the Diamondback 360® Coronary Orbital Atherectomy System (OAS) from Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (CSI). This technology is the first evidence-based, safe treatment approved by FDA for severely calcified coronary lesions. The Diamondback 360® Coronary OAS uses a patented combination of differential sanding and centrifugal force to reduce arterial calcium that can cause complications when treating Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), a life-threatening condition.

“NEA Baptist is at the leading edge of innovative cardiac care, and selected the revolutionary technology based on studies of its safety and effectiveness in treating severely calcified coronary lesions,” said Dr. D.V. Patel. “The Diamondback 360 Coronary OAS provides our patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention procedures with the first evidence-based option approved by the FDA for this difficult to treat patient population.”

Dr. D.V. Patel began using the Diamondback 360® Coronary OAS technology early 2015.

18 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

The Impella is placed percutaneously (through the blood vessels via needle stick in the groin or arm and not requiring open surgery). It can deliver 2.5 to 5 liters of blood flow per minute, i.e. near normal.

Since the procedure does not typically require surgery, it is usually performed in the catheterization (cath) lab. Also, the advanced Hybrid Operating Rooms at NEA Baptist allow for cath procedures in the surgical suite, physicians are able to save even more time by having the ability to insert the device and to then go straight into surgery when necessary.

There are many benefits to the patient and their overall level of care. The device has shown to reduce bleeding and stroke, restore hemodynamics (blood flow at the left ventricle of the heart), and improve overall outcome.

Robert Taylor, MD, FACP Paul Levy, MD Freij Gobal, MD Matthew Haustein, MD Michael Isaacson, MD, FACC D.V. Patel, MD, FACC Eumar Tagupa, MD Anthony White, MD

Your Heart & Technology

Heart Care Treatment and Prevention The NEA Baptist Clinic heart team physicians consists of seven cardiologists and one cardiovasular surgeon: Freij Gobal, MD, Matthew Haustein, MD, Michael Isaacson, MD, FACC, D.V. Patel, MD, FACC, Eumar Tagupa, MD, Robert Taylor, MD, FACP, Anthony White, MD and Paul Levy, MD. NEA Baptist cardiologists see patients at NEA Baptist Clinic to diagnose, treat, and create prevention plans for diseases of the heart and blood vessels. They also see patients at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital to evaluate and treat patients with chest discomfort, heart attack, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, congestive heart failure, and irregular heart rhythm.

NEA Baptist Clinic offers the following noninvasive heart care services: heart scans, echocardiograms, stress testing, holter monitoring, carotid dopplers, venous ultrasound, and nuclear stress testing. A Heart Scan CT, from NEA Baptist Clinic, can uncover heart disease in less than seven minutes and possibly years before you have a symptom. It’s completely noninvasive.

That means pain-free. There are no needles, no dyes, no injections, and no exercise. The test itself is 100% comfortable and convenient.

Our cardiologists work closely with patients to develop the best course of treatment and/or prevention based on the personal

needs and medical history of that patient. The team approach at NEA Baptist Clinic allows our cardiologists the advantage of working with each other and various NEA Baptist Clinic specialty physicians to determine the best course of treatment.

Many of our cardiologists also particpate in clinical research trials for new life saving medications and treatments.

To schedule an appointment with a NEA Baptist cardiologist, call 870-936-8000. Our cardiologists see patients at our new medical campus at 4800 E. Johnson Ave. in Jonesboro, Arkansas. They also see patients at our Paragould clinic located at 4700 W. Kingshighway, Osceola clinic located at 616 W. Keiser, and our Newport clinic located at 1500 McLain Street.

Learn more about NEA Baptist physicians and services by visiting www.neabaptistclinic.com.

NEA Baptist is committed to providing the highest quality of cardiac care to the resident of northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri. We also understand that education and awareness are key to a healthy heart and body. Visit our website or follow us through social media to stay up to date on all of the ongoing education and screenings events that we offer.

19 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

Eye Care & Technology

LASIK B

ladeless LASIK is the newest and most up-to-date FDA-approved method for performing LASIK surgery.

LASIK is a surgical procedure in which the front clear window of the eye (called the cornea) is reshaped to correct your vision and reduce your need for glasses or contacts. In the first part of the procedure, a very thin flap of tissue is elevated with a fine metal blade. Then, the remaining tissue is treated with a laser to reshape it. Finally, the flap is replaced, closing the incision and keeping the surface of the eye intact.

zLASIK is a blade-less vision correction procedure. In conventional LASIK, the metal blade passes across the wall of eye, but in zLASIK there is no need for a blade. A new laser technology is used to create the incision instead. Previously the laser was used to reshape the cornea. zLASIK offers more precision when preforming the surgery, as the laser light is focused even more precisely than the finest metal blade. There are fewer risks of complications in the cutting process, and it can result in better healing after the procedure.

First improvements are noticeable within minutes of completion of the procedure and optimal visual results are usually reached the same day or the next morning.

It is important to remember that all surgeries for correction of vision (LASIK, zLASIK, PRK) are meant to reduce reliance on glasses or contacts, and 20/20 vision or better without glasses is not necessarily guaranteed. However, the vast majority of patients are legal to drive with no glasses and most are 20/20 or better with no glasses.

Most patients experience only minimal discomfort, such as a feeling of dryness of the eyes, or perhaps a mild foreign body sensation on the eye. zLASIK can work for anyone who is a candidate for LASIK in the first place. Given that this procedure is more precise, it could work for some patients who weren’t candidates for conventional LASIK due to irregular prescription or corneal thickness.

20 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

A consultation in our office, including a thorough screening and exam, will determine if you are a candidate. Some of the general guidelines are: • You must have healthy eyes — no glaucoma, infection, cataracts, severe dry eye, or any other condition that would affect postoperative healing • You must be at least 21 years old, to best ensure that your prescription is stable for surgery • Your vision must be stable for at least a year before surgery.

(If you required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year this is not considered stable) • If you’re pregnant or nursing, your hormonal levels can affect the shape of your eye and you will need to wait until hormones are back to normal levels.

• You cannot have a degenerative or autoimmune disease, since this would affect healing NEA Baptist Clinic Eye Center is now accepting patients for zLASIK vision correction, and free consultations are available.

The goal of the consultation is to provide information about the procedure and to determine if you are a surgical candidate. You will have the opportunity to discuss your questions about zLASIK with Dr. Thomas Nix. Dr. Thomas Nix is the only ophthalmologist offering bladeless zLASIK surgery in the region. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Call us today at 870-936-8000 and find out if you can put aside your glasses or contacts and wake up every morning seeing clearly.

Thomas Nix, MD Ophthalmology NEA Baptist Clinic 870.936.8000

THE LUNG NEWS Finally, Hope for Early Lung Cancer Detection and Survival: Lung Cancer Screening

THE BAD NEWS

L

diagnosing early stage lung cancer is that most of these patients are without symptoms.

Not until the cancer has grown and becomes more advanced does the patient develop symptoms and seek medical attention.

By that time, unfortunately, it is often too late for curative treatment. Currently, only 15% of lung cancers are detected at an early stage.

ung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. Each year, in the U.S., about 220,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed and over 150,000 people die from lung cancer.

Worldwide, lung cancer causes over 2 million deaths a year.

THE GOOD NEWS Survival chances with lung cancer are dismal. Despite advances in therapy, the five year survival rate of all lung cancer remains at only 16%.

Over one half of the patients diagnosed with lung cancer die within the first year of diagnosis.

Five year survival of a patient with advanced lung cancer is only 4%.

The two greatest risk factors of developing lung cancer are smoking and age. Lung cancer risk with smoking is cumlative.

The longer a person smokes, the higher the risk of developing lung cancer. Lung cancer tends to be a disease of the older population. The average person is aged 70 at the time of lung cancer diagnosis. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 60 years old.

If a patient with lung cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage, their 5 year survival rate improves from 16% to 52% (or higher). The problem with

If lung cancer can be detected early there would be a much improved survival rate. For years physicians have looked for ways of effective screening for lung cancer. Unfortunately, until recently there has been no effective means of detecting early, lung cancer. Yearly chest x-rays have been used as a screening tool for many years, but have never shown to be effective in changing the high mortality rate associated with lung cancer.

In 2011, The National Cancer Institute released data from the National Lung Screening Trial study. This is the first study to give hope for early lung cancer detection and improved lung cancer survival. In this study, yearly screening for lung cancer was done comparing yearly chest x-rays vs yearly low dose CT chest scans. In the patients receiving low dose CT scans there was a 20% improvement in survival from lung cancer due to early detection compared to traditional screening methods.

More information on lung cancer screening can be found at: www.uspreventiveservicetaskforce.org • www.cancer.org More information on smoking cessation can be found at: www.cdc.gov • www.lung.org

This improved survival was found in a specific group of patients: • Age 55-74 years old • Current smokers or patients that have stopped smoking within the past 15 years • Smokers must have smoked at least a pack a day for 30 years, or the equivalent (i.e. 1/2 pack a day for 60 years, 2 packs a day for 15 years, 3 packs a day for 10 years) • Healthy patients asymptomatic of lung disease Outside of this criteria, the survival from lung cancer screening diminishes and screening is not recommended.

Medicare has recently (within the past year) approved yearly lung cancer screeing with low dose CT scans for patients that fall within these specific age groups and conditions. Reimbursement from Medicare for this service is expected to begin next year and this screening should be widely available. Under Medicare recommendations, patients must have an order for low dose CT sreening provided by a physician, physician assistant, nurse practioner or clinical nurse. Patients undergoing lung cancer screening are also required to have counseling and shared decision making between the patient and healthcare provider about what can be expected with lung cancer screening.

Patients undergoing lung cancer screening should be aware that one fourth of those undergoing low dose CT scans are found to have abnormal scans (a lung nodule found).

Of those abnormal CT scans, most nodules are small and 96% of them are benign and can be monitored with observation over time. However, suspicious nodules will require further testing and perhaps biopsy or surgical removal.

Look for more information concerning lung cancer screening in the near future.

If you fall within this recommended group, please talk to your physician about lung cancer screening. It could save your life.

Please remember that lung cancer screening does not take the place of smoking cessation.

All patients undergoing screening should be actively trying to stop smoking or have recently stopped. Your healthcare provider can discuss with you methods to help you stop smoking and ways to help you stay smoke-free once you have stopped.

Meredith Walker, MD Pulmonology NEA Baptist Clinic 870.936.8000 21 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

So You Need A Valve Job?

W

ell, you’ve been found to have a life-limiting heart valve problem. That murmur your doctor heard with his stethoscope was a warning sign that something was wrong. You need a Valve Job! You ask your doctor a series of questions, “How invasive is heart valve surgery?” “Is surgery s safe and effective treatment for my problem?” “Will I need an artificial valve?”

The answers to these questions relieve your worry.

Heart valve surgery has become a routine treatment option in the U.S. Garrison Keillor, the great American storyteller, stated “…heart surgery has become one of those ordinary miracles.” He had a curative heart valve surgery back in 2001. Nearly 250,000 valve surgeries are performed worldwide each year. It is well tolerated with a short term recovery period for a long term gain.

Valve surgery is safe with a low complication rate that successfully fixes your heart’s plumbing problems. It effectively reverses your life-limiting heart valve problem.

You visit with your heart surgeon to get more answers. Your heart valve will need to be replaced. You ask, “What are my options and what’s the BEST choice for me?” Your surgeon teaches you about man-made heart valves—tissue and mechanical valves—and then

discusses the best-fit option for you. He questions you about any lifestyle issues that may make one valve choice better for you than another. For example, he may ask, “Do you have any easy bleeding tendencies, take part in any risky activities, or have any leanings against taking medications?” If you answer “YES” to any of these questions, then a tissue valve may be a better choice for you. If you answer “NO”, then either tissue or mechanical valves may be a fit for you.

Both types of man-made heart valves—tissue and mechanical—are safe and effective options.

Anti-rejection drugs are not required with either valve; however, mechanical valves do require you to take strong blood thinners. Tissue valves (pig valves) are durable lasting 12 to 15 years on average and only require you to take an aspirin. You and your heart surgeon can choose a best-fit heart valve option for you. Visit us at NEA Baptist Clinic for more information.

Paul Levy, MD Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery NEA Baptist Clinic 870.936.8000

Continuing Excellent Eye Care NEA Baptist Clinic Eye Center offers comprehensive eye care, and specializes in the treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, pediatric disorders and other eye conditions.

Dr. Thomas Nix offers zLASIK, a blade-less eye correction procedure with quicker and more efficient healing and a lower chance of infection.

To make an appointment call 870-936-8000 NEA Baptist Clinic Eye Center | Thomas Nix, MD James Cullins, OD | Ellen Lawrence, OD 4802 E. Johnson | Jonesboro, AR 72401 | NEABaptistClinic.com

Get Better.

Plastic Surgery & Technology

Body Contouring Innovations:The non-surgical body contouring treatment that FREEZES AWAY STUBBORN FAT.

Reveal the real you everal years ago two Harvard University scientists, with DieterCoolSculpting Manstein, MD and R. Rox .Anderson, MD

S

®

observed that some children develop dimples in Show off the body you’ve always dreamed of with CoolSculpting: their cheeks due to eating popsicles. They reproduced the non-surgical body contouring treatment that freezes and this phenomenon in the lab and discovered that cold can naturally selectively eliminatesaffect fat from body. No needles,damaging no surgery andyour eliminate fat without the and bestskin of all, no downtime.

Developed by Harvard or surrounding tissues. This discovery was scientists, behind the CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared, safe and cryolipolysis, clinically proven. development of a process called the proven We will develop a customized CoolSculpting treatment plan science on which CoolSculpting® technology is based. to address your specific areas of concern so you can say is an amazing, one-of-a-kind technology that goodbyeCoolSculpting® to stubborn fat!

BEFORE

8 WEEKS AFTER

9 WEEKS AFTER

FIRST COOLSCULPTING® TREATMENT

SECOND COOLSCULPTING® TREATMENT (No weight change)

and with realistic expectations are the most ideal candidates for CoolSculpting®. This is not a weight loss procedure. Obese patients or patients with loose skin should not consider this W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, technology, but may be elegible for otherFACS procedures such as Voted or Best Plastictuck.

Surgeon by Occasions readers lipsuction tummy

Paula Arnold, RN,safe CLT, CMMSO/BLS CoolSculpting® is a very procedure.

The complications (if Specialist they should happen) are minor. TheyLaser include pink discoloration allows patients to get rid of localized deposits of stubborn and of skin (transient), “pins and-needles” sensation, transient skin unwanted fat that persist despite diet and exercise.

Shea Wilson, Aesthetician Call us today at (870) 936-8000 to schedule your consultation. numbness, broken capillaries, orbybruising.

Voted Best Aesthetician Occasions readers As of September 2010, the CoolSculpting® procedure is the rocedure by Edwardonly Becker,FDA MD In the U.S., thecoolsculptarkansas.com CoolSculpting® procedure is approved for cleared non-surgical fat reduction treatment that esults and patient experience may vary. Askcooling us if CoolSculpting is right forunwanted you. treatment of 4800 fatty E.deposits in Jonesboro, the abdomen, flanks, hips, “bra Johnson, AR 72401 uses controlled to eliminate fat. Over the the U.S. and Taiwan, non-invasive fat reduction is cleared only for the flank (love handle) and abdomen. CoolSculpting, the past fewdesign years, the CoolSculpting® procedure has become oolSculpting logo and the Snowflake are registered trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. © 2013.

All rights reserved.the IC1384-A rolls” and inner and outer thighs. It is also used “off label” to treat unwanted fat of the arms and even gynecomastia. Most patients #1 noninvasive body contouring procedure in the country. So can see an improvement within 30 days. far, there have been over 1 million CoolSculpting® treatments performed worldwide, with excellent safety records.

The number of treatment sessions depends on the body area to be treated and is personalized for each patient. It is generally How does it work? Cold is delivered in a very controlled fashion recommended to repeat the treatment of each area approximately through an applicator applied to the skin. The cold temperature 30 days after the first treatment. You can have several treatments initiates the slow death of fat cells, which then begin to break in a single day. down. Dead fat cells are permanently eliminated by the body’s immunological system. Most of the cells are removed within Most patients do not experience any downtime and are able to approximately 30 days. resume their activities immediately after treatment (including exercising within 24 hours).

CoolSculpting® is an office based procedure. The applicator (essentially a large suction cup – they come in a variety of sizes The CoolSculpting® procedure is available at and shapes appropriate for treatment of different body areas) is the NEA Baptist Clinic Plastic Surgery and placed over the treated area. After the machine is turned on, the Medical Spa with Dr. W. Tomasz Majewski, cold generator begins to cool down the fat tissue in a very precise, board certified plastic surgeon. To schedule computer controlled fashion. a consultation, please call (870) 936-8000.

Each treatment takes 1 hour (1 treatment = 1 body area). After the applicator is removed, the treated area is gently massaged for a few minutes. Anesthesia is not used (no needles, medications, or numbing creams).

W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, FACS Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Males and females over 18 years of age with localized areas of NEA Baptist Clinic unwanted fat, ideally within 10-15 lbs of desired body weight, 870.936.8000 23 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

da Vinci Technology & Women’s Care T

echnology has made huge leaps in recent years, particularly in the field of medicine. As an obstetrician gynecologist, I am excited to be able to share this state-of-the-art technology with my patients at NEA Baptist. This technology enables physicians to perform surgeries that previously required a large incisions and longer recovery times.

NEA Baptist Clinic Women’s Health offers the most advanced and minimally invasive surgical technology available – da Vinci surgery.

The da Vinci Surgical System is designed to provide our surgeons with enhanced surgical capabilities, including magnified high-definition 3D vision. Our certified da Vinci physicians control the system, which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body.

Though it is often called a “robot,” da Vinci does not act on its own. The su rgery is performed entirely by your doctor. Together, da Vinci technology allows your doctor to perform routine and complex procedures through just a few small openings, similar to the traditional laparoscopic techniques.

In contrast to traditional laparoscopic techniques, da Vinci enables physicians to perform difficult cases with a few small incisions.

The da Vinci System has been used successfully

24 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

worldwide in approximately 2 million various surgical procedures to date.

Within the realm of women’s health, conditions such as chronic pain, heavy bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, prolapse and ovarian cysts may all potentially benefit from surgery using the da Vinci system.

A common benign condition is uterine fibroids, or growths in and/or around the uterus, which can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure and/or pain. Another condition is endometriosis, which occurs when the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. This tends to cause painful periods, painful intercourse, chronic pelvic pain and infertility.

Adenomyosis occurs when the uterine lining grows into the wall of the uterus. This can cause a feeling of pelvic pressure or heaviness, heavier and possibly more painful periods and painful intercourse. Pelvic organ prolapse is a weakening of the pelvic floor, which supports the uterus, bladder and/ or rectum. Symptoms include pelvic pain or a sensation of “dropping”.

If you have similar symptoms, you should discuss them with your doctor. He or she may recommend non-surgical treatments or a surgical option, such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). An estimated one third of all U.S. women will have a hysterectomy by age 60. While this figure is lower in many other countries, it is still a common surgical procedure worldwide.

Traditionally, the hysterectomy is performed through an open surgery incision or through laparoscopy incisions. da Vinci Surgery offers a minimally invasive surgical option for women who are considering a hysterectomy.

Using the da Vinci System, your surgeon makes a few small incisions, similar to the traditional laparoscopy method. The difference is that the technology includes features such as magnified 3D HD vision and special instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the ability of the human wrist.

This means your surgeon can operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control.

Benefits of surgery through the da Vinci System include less blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and

possible no hospital stay, minimal scarring, lower conversion rate to open surgery and a reduced need for narcotic pain medicine following the procedure.

This is true for widely held insurance plans.

It is important to note that your coverage will depend on your plan and benefits package.

da Vinci Surgery technology also has the ability to perform single-site surgery, using only a single incision and resulting in a virtually scarless procedure. With da Vinci Single-Site Surgery, a single incision is made in the umbilicus. The uterus, tubes and possibly ovaries are removed in the usual fashion through the vagina but the only evidence of surgery is the scar hidden in the umbilicus. Ask your doctor if you may be a candidate for this procedure.

While the da Vinci Surgery system has many uses in the world of surgery – it has proven to be a valuable tool for women’s health. It is a tool that allows your skilled surgeon to enhance their own abilities while focusing on what is most important for you – better outcomes.

3D Mammography @ NEA Baptist • Taking the Fight to the Next dimension • 1st in NEA and SEMO to offer the latest in breast cancer detection • Improved Cancer Detection • Reduced False Positives

da Vinci Surgery is categorized as robotassisted minimally invasive surgery, so any insurance that covers minimally invasive surgery generally covers da Vinci Surgery.

• Less Patient Anxiety • Clearer, more precise images

Dominique Butawan-Ali, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology NEA Baptist Clinic 870.936.8000

870-936-PINK

Art &Beauty By combining the latest scientific techniques with an artistic skill, Dr. Tomasz Majewski works with women to instill the confidence they need to feel beautiful.

Call for your consultation to discuss breast augmentation, lift or other services.

W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, FACS Area’s Only Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Paula Arnold, RN, CLT, Laser Specialist Shea Wilson, Aesthetician

Skin Care, Permanent Makeup, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion, Laser Hair/Spider Vein Removal, Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Custom Facials and Skin Care Products: SkinCeuticals and Eminence

870-936-8000 • NEAPlasticSurgery.com

A baby changes everything, especially you. NEA Baptist Clinic – Women’s Health A baby changes everything, especially you. NEA Baptist Clinic – Women’s Health is here with the information and guidance to see you through. is here with the information and guidance to see you through.

We focus on you, from the confirmation of pregnancy to the sound of your infant’s cry. We conduct lab tests We focus on you, from the confirmation of pregnancy to the sound of your infant’s cry. We conduct lab tests to assure you of the safety of both you and your baby. Ultrasounds are available to see your infant’s first to assure you of the safety of both you and your baby. Ultrasounds are available to see your infant’s first movements. We provide nursing personnel to answer any concerns, and have an excellent team of physicians movements. We provide nursing personnel to answer any concerns, and have an excellent team of physicians readily available. readily available.

Our practice is dedicated to caring for a woman’s unique needs in a manner and quality that she Our practiceWe is dedicated caring forcontraception, a woman’s unique needs in a manner and quality that she deserves. can advisetoyou about perform routine yearly check-ups, and help deserves. can levels adviseofyou about contraception, perform routine yearly check-ups, and help restore We normal health when problems occur. restore normal levels of health when problems occur.

Mark C. Stripling, MD, Charles C. Dunn, MD MD, Lorna Layton, Mark C.Norbert Stripling,Delacey, MD, Charles C. Dunn, MD MD CharlesNorbert Cesare, Delacey, Jr., MD, Dominique Butawan-Ali, MD, Michael Hong, MD MD Jason Coletta, Lorna Layton, MD, Charles Cesare, Jr., MD DO

Dominique Butawan-Ali, MD, Jason Coletta, DO

Get Better.

Get Better.

870-936-8000 • 4802 Johnson., Jonesboro • NEABaptistClinic.com

870-936-8000 • 4802 Johnson., Jonesboro • NEABaptistClinic.com

Orthopedic Surgery & Technology

Imaging and Orthopedic Care

T

echnology is a common theme when discussing the care provided at NEA Baptist. We continue to seek

out and utilize new technology that helps us provide safer, more convenient and better care.

In the orthopedic care setting, one such technology is the musculoskeletal ultrasound. This technology provides many benefits to both the patient and doctor. First, let’s get the basics out of the way. Musculoskeletal, as the name implies, refers to the muscles and the skeleton or bones in our body.

Ultrasound imaging involves the use of a small probe and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel and into the body. The waves are then bounced back to the probe and processed by a computer to create an image or picture. Basically, the same technology that has been used to look at developing babies during pregnancy.

The musculoskeletal ultrasound is extremely safe. The ultrasound does not use any radiation as used in x-rays and CT scans.

Ultrasound images can help diagnose: - Tendon tears, or tendinitis in tendons such as the rotator cuff of the shoulder or the Achilles’ tendon of the ankle - Muscle tears, masses or fluid collections - Ligament sprains or tears - Inflammation or fluid (effusions) within the bursa and joints - Ganglion cysts - Foreign bodies in soft tissues (such as splinters or glass) The advantages or benefits of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging: - Ability to image in real time and see structures move dynamically - Able to guide procedures such as aspirations and injections - Can interact with the patient while imaging - Seeing the structures can help patients better understand the diagnosis - Enables rapid examination of the “normal” extremity for comparison - No known reasons for not taking the exam, whereas patients with pacemakers or certain metal implants can not have studies like an MRI scan

What are some procedures that can be performed under ultrasound guidance ?

- Guided injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid are the most commonly performed procedures in the orthopedic setting. Several studies have shown increased accuracy utilizing ultrasound and some studies have shown better short term response to the injections.

- Injections of PRP (platelet rich plasma) into damaged tendons with the ability to debride small spurs - Percutaneous tennis elbow release - Intra articular hip injections can now be performed in the office and not referred out What are some limitations with musculoskeletal ultrasound?

Unlike MRI, ultrasounds can not penetrate bone to “see” inside joints. So, the meniscus, the joint surfaces and deep ligaments can not be seen. Also, it is not as good as x-ray or CT for looking at bones.

The future of ultrasound in musculoskeletal imaging is incredibly bright. The use of ultrasound is increasing in orthopedic surgeons’ offices around the world.

We are the first in the region to have a dedicated machine in our office. The relative ease of performing an exam, the low risk, the low cost and the immediate images generated will help improve our delivery of superior orthopedic care.

With the advancement of many “regenerative “ products on the horizon, ultrasound guided placement of these substances will most likely be at the forefront of their delivery into the body.

There are many other ultrasound guided procedures that are in the early stages of development. So, our implementation and use of the ultrasound will position the orthopedic surgeons at NEA Baptist Clinic to provide leading edge technology now and in the future.

Jason Brandt, MD Orthopedic Surgery NEA Baptist Clinic 870.936.8000

27 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

Life Saving Stroke Care

T

he facts about stroke are staggering – someone suffers from a stroke every 40 seconds in the U.S., causing 1 out of every 17 deaths.

According to the Center for Disease Control, stroke ranks as the 4th leading cause of death in Arkansas.

If you or someone you know were experiencing the signs of a stroke would you recognize them? If you did, would you know what to do? Education is the key in lowering risk and the effects of stroke in our community.

include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking (doubles risk) and diabetes.

A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or artery, interrupting the blood flow to the brain. This can also happen when a blood vessel breaks. A stroke kills brain cells in the area of the brain where the clot or breakage occurred.

F A S T

Face

Arm

Speech

While we cannot always prevent a stroke occurrence, knowing what to do when it happens can mean the difference between life and death.

The signs of a stroke are easily remembered with the acronym – FAST.

Time

There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are most common, accounting for about 87% of strokes. An ischemic stroke can be embolic – the clot travels to the brain from another part of the body, or thrombotic – a clot develops in an artery. Although hemorrhagic strokes are less common, they are often more deadly. They occur when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults.

• F – Face: Look for facial Generally, approximately 25% droop or uneven smile recover with minor disabilities, • A – Arm: Check if one arm is 40% experience moderate to severe numb or weak disabilities that require special care, and 10% require care at either a skilled-care • S – Speech: Listen for slurred speech, or long-term care facility. 15% of stroke difficulty speaking or understanding May is National Stroke Awareness Month victims die shortly after the stroke.

• T – Time: Call 9-1-1 and get to the hospital immediately Baptist wants to remind everyone that recognizing the signs of a stroke can reduce the chances of long-term disability.

NEA Baptist is now offering patients experiencing a Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop? stroke 24/7 access to board certified vascular neurologists through The average time it takes from the onset of symptoms to arrival a tele-medicine partnership with AR Saves, a stroke treatment Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms.

Does one side drift downwards? at an emergency department is 48-72 hours in Arkansas (the offered

by University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. national average is 17-22 hours). Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is theirprogram speech slurred or strange?

Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The partnership uses telecommunications technology to connect 42% of people over 50 do not recognize signs and symptoms of If treatment occurs within three hours of the first symptoms, the risk of long-term disability can be significantly reduced. specially trained neurologists in Little Rock to the emergency stroke and 17% of people over 50 can’t even name a single stroke room doctors at NEA Baptist through live two-way video to aid symptom. Only 38% of people call 9-1-1 when experiencing in medical diagnosis and patient care. The partnership is based on a stroke and only 20-25% arrive to the emergency department research that shows earlyBetter. treatment is the best way to treat stroke. within 3 hours – the window that is recommended for the best Get The 24/7 access to specialists allows NEA Baptist to treat patients outcomes. neabaptist.com 870-936-1000 faster, resulting in better outcomes.

Immediate response is crucial in the treatment of stroke because The course of treatment is usually IV t-PA, the only FDA every minute truly matters. From the moment symptoms become approved acute stroke therapy when given within 3 hours of noticeable to the time that treatment is received, brain cells on-set. continue to die.

Anyone can have a stroke, but there are key factors that may put a particular person at a higher risk. Women are at a higher risk of stroke than men. In fact, stroke kills more than twice as many American women every year as breast cancer.

The incidence of stroke is also higher in African Americans and Hispanics. Other factors that contribute to stroke prevalence 28 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

The best method of stroke prevention is to reduce risk of stroke, to recognize the symptoms and to respond quickly.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be having a stroke, please call 9-1-1 and ask to be treated at NEA Baptist.

Caring for Our Community NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation’s mission is to help change lives through its free programs and services in Northeast Arkansas. The Foundation, through your generous gifts, touches every community member and every corner of Northeast Arkansas.

Center for Healthy Children – An exercise and nutrition education program for children who struggle with weight problems.

HopeCircle – A community of hope, support and educational programs for families living with a catastrophic illness.

Medicine Assistance Program – This program helps patients get their prescriptions from pharmaceutical companies.

ShareHope – A support program for those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through pregnancy loss, stillbirth or in the first few months of life.

Wellness Works – A FREE exercise and nutrition education program to help individuals cope with a chronic illness.

Come volunteer with us!

Memorials and Honorariums Welcome - PO Box 1960 • Jonesboro, AR 72403

870.336.1421 • NEABaptistFoundation.org

Campaign Update

W

ith the warmer temperatures and the budding trees, spring has finally arrived with summer only weeks away. The last of the snow has finally melted from parking lots, but, before the cold air and ice of winter are forgotten, I wanted to share a note with you.

During our last snowstorm, we had several patients scheduled to receive radiation therapy. Dr. Kevin Collins, Director of Radiation Oncology, recently pointed out that every radiation treatment is important. For the greatest outcomes, patients must have their treatments on their scheduled days. No treatments should be missed. With bad roads, patients from outof-town found it difficult to get to their radiation therapy. Thanks to your generosity, these patients, who did not have the means to get a hotel room, were provided lodging through the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund.

Alice Raines was one of those patients. She lives in Senath, Missouri with her husband John. Alice was undergoing radiation treatment when the snowstorm hit. Alice didn’t have the funds to get a hotel room, but she couldn’t skip her treatments. Thanks to your generous gift, Alice was provided with lodging so that the weather didn’t interfere with her battle.

Alice wanted me to pass along this note: “I would like to express my gratitude to the foundation for their support in paying for my recent stay… during the bad weather last week. I was able to keep my scheduled radiation treatments…I met other patients staying at the motel, who were also grateful for being able to keep on schedule with their treatments. It is [hard] enough to manage cancer and this was a big help. Thank you very much” Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to help patients like Alice. Patients fighting cancer but needing a hand with some basic dayto-day needs. We could use your help. If you would be willing to make a tax deductible gift to help Alice and the numerous other patients we see, you can either visit our website at www.neabaptistfoundation. org to make a donation or mail a gift to NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation attention: Robbie Johnson, 4802 East Johnson, Jonesboro, AR 72401. If you have any questions or need more information, you can reach me at (870) 936-8479 or robbie.johnson@bmhcc.org. On behalf of the patients you will help, thank you.

Your generosity truly heals.

Robbie Johnson, Director of Development robbie.johnson@BMHCC.org NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation 30 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

“O

ne evening I started to spread some laughing cow cheese spread on crackers.

He reminded me that crackers are not a good choice. I told him he was right and pulled out some celery sticks instead.” Barbara D., Paragould, AR. This is a quote from a parent about how her son learned to make changes to his diet from nutrition lessons at Center for Healthy Children.

This is just one positive example of how Center for Healthy Children is changing lives of children in Northeast Arkansas. Our mission is to teach children about living a healthy lifestyle though nutrition and exercise. This program gives them the opportunity to learn how to have fun while exercising and taking steps to eating healthier.

They engage in fun filled activities such as swimming, team activities, proper exercise workouts and nutrition education. Nutrition classes include healthy cooking, basic nutrition, grocery shopping and label reading.

Center for Healthy Children offers a 12 week session that focuses on helping children and their families learn to live a fit way of life through nutrition and physical activity. The program is free of charge for children ages 8-12 with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25 or greater and requires parental involvement. We have also added a teen program for ages 13-17. Our program has a fitness room that the children are able to explore during free play. The specially designed room includes a rock-climbing wall, stationary bicycles, Wii games and other equipment created specifically for children. The children also have use of the indoor swimming pool and indoor track at the NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center.

As a Health Promotion major at Arkansas State University my work experience has evolved to recently taking the position of Wellness Program Manager for Center for Healthy Children. I believe it is important for children to experience healthy lifestyle changes at a young age and apply it to their everyday life. The children that come through the program leave feeling confident and have a higher self-esteem about themselves.

Erica Huffstetler, Program Manager Erica.huffstetler1@neabc.com Center For Healthy Children Wellness Works NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation

“When we are depleted, Hope finds us by the care others give.”

Reverend Judith E. Meyer

I

t is hard to believe we have been in our wonderful HopeCircle space in the NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care for over a year. Every time we walk into the healing environment and experience the love and concern of volunteers and staff throughout the cancer center, we are reminded of how fortunate we and our patients are.

The vision of Baptist administration and the creativity of the design and construction teams combined to create a space and a program that is a blessing to all who are touched by it.

HopeCircle continues to provide free supportive care services to anyone experiencing a catastrophic illness. Our new Resource Center, the spacious treatment areas and the family friendly waiting area have made the experience a much easier, more comforting time for patients and their families.

We continue to host Look Good, Feel Better six times a year. The free skin, make-up and nail program for women in cancer treatment is provided by the American Cancer Society and trained cosmetologists. We also partner with ASU College of Nursing and

Health Professions to provide an annual grief seminar. A highlight of our year is always Hope Week, which will celebrate its 10th year anniversary Sept. 27-Oct. 3.

While we love our new location, the core of our success for the past 12 years has been and continues to be our volunteers. We are blessed with a cadre of people who staff our resource center, assist in the infusion area, knit, crochet, sew and help with special events. Several of our volunteers spend many hours at HopeCircle, others never come, except to deliver donations.

The common trait of all our volunteers is their love for our patients and their families and their willingness to make a difference. While we recognized our volunteers during National Volunteer Week in April, we are grateful for them every week and realize that they are vital to the success of HopeCircle.

With our new facility, we are able to serve more people. We interact with between 30-50 families daily, providing items, as needed, including assistance with gas and lodging and always, someone to offer a listening ear or a hug. We are grateful for our space and for all the individuals and groups that contribute in various ways.

June Morse, HopeCircle Program Manager june.morse@neabc.com NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation

H

ope Week was started ten years ago by NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation’s HopeCircle as a way to call attention to Hope and the impact it has on our daily lives. In dealing with families experiencing life changing illness, death and grief, it was observed that Hope made a difference, not necessarily in the outcome of a person’s life, but in the living of that journey.

Hope Week gives individuals, non-profits, schools, businesses and organizations an opportunity to celebrate the importance of Hope and to spread Hope through activities and events that signify Hope to them and benefit area non-profits.

While Hope Week officially begins September 27, some activities take place before the week and some will be held after the week. Teal Toes is a month long series of activities that commemorate Ovarian Cancer Month with cosmetologists painting toes “Teal” and spreading ovarian cancer awareness tips. The annual “Teal Talk” luncheon will be held on Wednesday, September 30 at SW Church of Christ.

Examples of possible Hope Week activities include: ovarian and breast cancer awareness events; collection of household items for families in need; food drives; job fairs; pet adoptions; mentoring at area schools; knitting and crocheting items for patients; hat and yarn drives; “Hopeful Art” contests and exhibitions; making and delivering cards and/or food to patients and nursing homes; eye checks and free glasses and carnivals for

HopeCircle Resource Center special needs children. The activities are as varied as the groups participating. The one constant is – the emphasis on celebrating and fostering Hope.

The culminating event of the week will be the 7th annual ShareHope Walk of Remembrance October 3 at 9 a.m, at the NEA Baptist medical campus. Families and friends will walk in remembrance of babies who died during pregnancy, at birth or in the first few months of life. Contact Jill Crews at jill.crews@neabc.com for information.

Each participating group will have their events listed in a “Hopeful Events” community calendar on our website, on Facebook and other social media. For more information or to submit details for Hope Week events contact June Morse at june. morse@neabc.com.

31 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

S

hareHope recently created the ShareHope Family Fund which was set in place to offset the costs that families incur when burying their baby.

A family in need would simply contact ShareHope to request the funds. The contribution would be sent directly to the funeral home. We have started selling Heartbeat Bears and animals at the NEA Baptist Women’s Clinic as one of our fundraisers for the ShareHope Family Fund. The bears are $30 and all other animals are $35. Proceeds from the sale of these animals go directly into the fund. We have bears, ducks, bunnies and elephants. The animals can be purchased at the Women’s Clinic and have a recorder inside to record the baby’s heartbeat. The animals can be gifted to grandparents and siblings as a lasting keepsake. Back in February, we had a family that was in the process of miscarriage.

We asked the family how they would feel if we captured the baby’s heartbeat before he died. The parents gladly accepted the gift and now have their child’s heartbeat recorded in the bear. The baby sadly passed shortly after birth.

ShareHope is constantly striving to find new ways to help families deal with loss and grief. We want to try to help them through this process as best we can before, during and after. We offer a monthly support group meeting, memorial services throughout the year, as well as the annual Walk of Remembrance in the fall.

Often bereaved parents are connected with other parents who have gone through a similar tragedy.

If you know of someone who has lost a baby, have them contact Jill Crews, ShareHope Program Manager 870-936-8400.

Jill Crews, Program Manager jill.crews@neabc.com ShareHope NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation

FREE Wellness Program for patients with chronic illness including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and cancer.

Don’t have prescription coverage?

Maybe we can help!

12 week program with physician referral

PO Box 1089, Jonesboro, AR 72403 neabaptistfoundation.org

870-336-1770

870-934-5400

32 NEA HEALTH • 2015 1st Edition

There when you need us

Walk-in clinic, when you need a doctor, but not an emergency room.

No appointment necessary.

HILLTOP CLINIC

WINDOVER CLINIC

4901 E. Johnson Ave. • 870-934-3539 Mon - Thurs 9am - 6pm Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 8am - 1pm Sun 8am - 12pm

1111 Windover Rd. • 870-935-9585 Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm Sat & Sun 8am - 12pm

STADIUM CLINIC

2205 W. Parker Rd. • 870-910-0012 Mon - Thurs 9am - 6pm Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 8am - 1pm, Sun 8pm - 12pm

WOODSPRINGS CLINIC

3003 Apache Dr. • 870-931-8800 Mon - Thurs 9am - 6pm Fri 9am - 5pm Sat & Sun 10am - 3pm

L AT E N I G H T

PARAGOULD CLINIC

4700 W. Kingshighway • 870-240-8402 Mon - Fri 8am -5pm Sat 8am - 1pm, Sun 8am-12pm

4901 E. Johnson Ave. 870-934-3539

DOC+FINDER

1111 Windover Rd. 870-910-6040 Mon - Fri 6pm - 9pm

L AT E N I G H T

DOC+FINDER 870.936.NEAB (6322)

870.936.NEAB (6322)

NEABaptistClinic.com

Teaming up for better cancer care At the NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care, we believe the best way to fight cancer is together. Our team approach combines radiation therapy, chemotherapy, research and support, all backed by a dedicated medical team with one common goal - to help you get better. That is one reason we were the first in Arkansas to receive certification by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative for meeting the highest standards in quality cancer care. Get Better with Baptist.

FOWLER FAMILY CENTER FOR CANCER CARE

neabaptist.com

870.936.7000

Get Better.