Volume 1
WHAT’Snew
Number 15
October 19, 2012
Pennsylvania Hospital
B r e a s t C a n c e r A wa r e n e ss – Going B e yond the P ink Ribbon Ah, the fabulous colors of fall. A time when those of us inhabiting the more northern parts of the hemisphere are treated to a natural environment rich in russet, gold and burgundy hues. Then, come October: PINK. There are all the little ribbons, t-shirts and caps. There’s pink neon lights atop Philadelphia’s tallest skyscrapers. And for one whole month every season, pro football players — those hardened gladiators of the gridiron — are sporting hot pink footwear and gloves. (No pale pink for those guys!)
“ The newer digital mammograms use about 21 percent less radiation than traditional film mammography. They also take sharper pictures, so there’s less of a chance that you’ll get called back for a repeat test.” — D a h l i a S ata l o ff, M D
Inside Breast Cancer Awareness Cont...2 PAH Recognized.............................2 Penn’s Way!....................................3 Friendly Reminder.........................3 Latest CAREs Foundation Grant Recipients.............................3 What’s Happening..........................4 Awareness & Recognition Event...4
Did you know there is even a whole website (http://pinkforoctober.org/) solely dedicated to turning “the Internet pink for October in an effort to help bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month”? Thanks to the original efforts of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and millions of other dedicated and generous folks, pink is now as synonymous with the month of October as a jack-o-lantern, a truly universal symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So what has all this “pink awareness” gotten us? There are benefits, for sure. According
to Komen, which was founded in 1982, the combined efforts poured into more research and awareness have led to: earlier detection and more effective treatments; a significant rise in early stage breast cancer’s five-year survival rates; and an increase of federal funds toward research, prevention and treatment — from $30 million in 1982 to now over $850 million. But in all this national pink fervor, women must remember that while working to help the greater good is a wonderful thing, they also need to remain aware and vigilant on a personal level. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among American women (second only to skin cancers), affecting one in eight (12 percent) of women in the U.S. Breast self-exams, clinical breast exams and mammograms starting at age 40 are still the best first lines of defense against breast cancer. “Mammography, including digital mammography, remains the single best screening method for early detection of breast cancer,” said Brian S. Englander, MD, director of the Women’s Imaging Center at PAH. “Although new modalities play important roles, the best research has consistently demonstrated the importance of annual mammography for breast cancer screening.” Thanks to more research and improved technology, women don’t need to fear annual mammograms. “Recent research has found
/ / / Continued on page 3
myPennMedicine...........................4
1
PAH Recognized for Charitable Care of Underserved Women and Children Latina Community Health Services at PAH was announced as a
finalist for the Jackson Healthcare Hospital Charitable Service Award. The Hospital Charitable Service Award honors hospitalsponsored programs that set new standards `` Dr. Jack Ludmir, director of for health and wellness in the communities Latinas Community Health Services, professor and chair in which they operate and serve through of Obstetrics and Gynecology education and providing access and delivery at PAH. of services. The goal of the program is to recognize hospitals whose commitment to their communities — local, regional, national or global — has led to innovative, sustainable and collaborative efforts to improve community health and increase access to health care education and services. “We are proud of the relationship between Pennsylvania Hospital and our outreach program directed to an under-resourced and vulnerable population,” said Jack Ludmir, MD, director of Latinas Community
Health Services, professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at PAH. “Our strong relationship has resulted in significant improvement in maternal child health in our surrounding community.” Latina Community Health Services provides care from PAH faculty, staff and student volunteers to pregnant women and their children across Philadelphia. The need for such services continues to grow. Since 1997, there have been 44 maternity unit closures in Pennsylvania with only six hospitals remaining in Philadelphia delivering babies. With all the maternity programs that have closed throughout the city, PAH and HUP now deliver nearly half of all the babies born in Philadelphia each year. Latina Community Health Services at PAH is one of ten hospital programs around the country to be selected in late 2012 to share a $100,000 unrestricted award. The award is sponsored by Jackson Healthcare, the third-largest health care staffing company in the US, serving more than four million patients in over 1,300 health care facilities.
B r e a s t C a n c e r A wa r e n e ss – Going B e yond the P ink Ribbon that the risk from exposure to mammogram radiation is even lower than previously thought, said Dahlia Sataloff, MD, director of the Integrated Breast Center at PAH and vice chair of the Department of Surgery. “The newer digital mammograms use about 21 percent less radiation than traditional film mammography. They also take sharper pictures, so there’s less of a chance that you’ll get called back for a repeat test.’”
Diet can also affect breast cancer risk. Even moderate alcohol consumption (two to three drinks a week) can increase a woman’s risk while two or more drinks a day can increase risk up to 25 percent. Soy supplements can also increase risk since they contain concentrated doses and mimic estrogen in the body. Good news for all you vegetarians out there though: soy foods themselves, like tofu, edamame and soy milk, do not increase risk.
BRCA1 or 2 mutations. Physicians and scientists in Penn’s new Basser Research Center for BRCA are focused specifically on the treatment and prevention of cancers associated with these hereditary mutations. But those genes don’t only impact women — men carry them, too, and that’s an important point to make during all this pink mania: men can also develop breast cancer.
The Women’s Imaging Center at PAH offers both screening and diagnostic mammography, including digital mammography. When necessary, additional special views with breast ultrasound can be performed immediately for patient convenience. Breast MRI, Cyst aspiration under ultrasonic guidance and core biopsy of suspicious lesions are also performed.
“Many factors contribute to a woman’s risk of breast cancer — environmental, behavioral, genetic — the important thing is to be proactive. Visit your gynecologist regularly and discuss all these factors with him or her so you can determine when and how often you should be screened,” said Dr. Sataloff.
According to the ACS, as far as the symptoms of breast cancer go, men and women both need to look for irregularities and changes in their breasts including swelling, lumps, skin irritation or dimpling, breast or nipple pain, nipple retraction, redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin and nipple discharge.
In addition to diligent screening, it also helps if a woman can gauge her risk for breast cancer. Obesity, especially after menopause, is a clear risk as body fat is a significant source of the hormone estrogen — a known contributing factor in causing breast cancer. Recent studies also suggest that highly fit women are less likely to die from breast cancer their less fit counterparts.
2
/ / / Continued from page 1
If caught early, breast cancer has a more than 90 percent survival rate in the U.S. Part of prevention, in addition to diet, exercise and regular screenings, is knowing your family’s history and possible genetic risk. While family history isn’t everything, it can play a large role, especially in families where people carry theBRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. Even having a father or brother with colon cancer can raise a woman’s risk of breast cancer as it signifies possible
So this October, be informed, be proactive and do your own part to “be aware” this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Change some bad habits to good, see your doctor, get screened and go ahead — wear pink and wear it proud. While it may have become more of a fashion statement than ever originally intended, it’s safe to say that as far as breast cancer is concerned: pink, it does a body good.
We Are Passionate About Penn’s Way! All PAH staff and employees are invited to participate in the Penn’s Way 2013 campaign which continues through Friday, November 16. Those of us who work in health care have a special commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others — and we share that commitment with the more than 6,000 agencies supported each year by the Penn’s Way campaign through Penn Medicine, the United Way, and the Center for Responsible Funding. All three agencies focus on the health of our community by providing resources to prepare children to achieve, build adult independence, and strengthen neighborhoods. The overall Penn Medicine goal this year is 1.4 million dollars. Our Pennsylvania Hospital goal for the 2013 campaign is $108,000, with 90 percent participation.
It only takes a minute to make a donation and change a life for the better. To contribute, participants can use their debit or credit cards just like online shopping or enroll in convenient payroll deduction payments. To make a contribution, or to learn more about the Penn’s Way campaign and the organizations you can support, please visit www.upenn.edu/pennsway. There you will find agency information, answers to frequently asked questions, and a link to donate online. If you wish to donate directly to Pennsylvania Hospital, be sure to designate code 00093. You may also click the Penn’s Way banner on our PAH Intranet page to track our progress, learn about Penn’s Way events — including the PAH Penn’s Way Fair on Wednesday, October 24 — and meet the PAH volunteers making this year’s campaign possible. Over one hundred PAH employees have volunteered to be Department Captains and Campaign Coordinators this year. They’re working hard to increase the number of employees who participate, and the number of people in our community who will benefit from the money we collectively raise.
Latest CAREs Foundation Grant Recipients Congratulations to all the CAREs Foundation Grant Recipients for the first quarter of FY 2013. Eight recipients have been chosen from throughout Penn Medicine’s Health System entities and the Perelman School of Medicine to receive $1,500 each to help fund the following community outreach initiatives:
Community Outreach, Pine Hill Primitive Baptist > Shirley Arrington, HUP, HIM Department
Girls on the Run Philadelphia > Killeen Shuda, HUP, CICU
Home Infection Control > Eileen Agiya, HCHS, Penn Home Infusion, Nursing Office of Diversity and Community
Penn-SHC Anti-Bullying Project > Jack B. Lewis, PSOM, Outreach
The Maternal Wellness Initiative > Delane Casiano, HUP, Psychiatry
My Place Germantown > Tom Volkert, HCHS, Penn Home Care and Hospice Services
Health and Vitals Screening in a Primary Clinic for Latinos > Robert Bonacci, PSOM, Medical Student
Heeding God’s Call: Faith Based Gun Control Advocacy > Joanne Miles, HUP, Accounting
If you have any questions or concerns, please ask your Department Captain or campaign coordinator. Be sure to make your pledge as early as possible in the campaign to be eligible for individual and departmental prizes. The generosity of the combined workplace charitable giving campaign between the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine allows us to make a broader, more immediate impact on the vulnerable populations we serve. Won’t you please help us all better serve our Hospital and community?
Friendly Reminder – Penn Medicine Filming and Photography Policy Camera phones and tablet devices make it easy to snap photos anywhere, at any time. And events, such as the upcoming Philly Photo Day, held on October 26, by the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center, encourage people to take photos with these devices in an effort to document their daily lives, not realizing that hospitals and health care facilities have policies in place regarding photos and videos on their grounds. To ensure the safety and privacy of our patients, staff should be observant of patients and visitors using their cell phones and other devices in patient care areas and alert the Department of Communications to any photography or filming issues by calling Olivia Fermano at 215.829.6799. The full filming and photo policy is available online here — PAH Policy http:// uphsxnet.uphs.upenn.edu/pahhome/pahpolicies/ RE12.pdf.
>C AREs Foundations Grants have been awarded
to PAH staff/programs in the past. Two were most recently awarded in the last quarter of FY2012 and more applications are always welcome! For more information and to apply please visit http://pennmedicine.org/community.
3
WHAT’S H a p p ening
Y ou r r e s ou r c e fo r e v e n t s a n d h a pp e n i n g s t h r oughou t PA H a n d P e n n M e dici n e
For complete events listing, please visit What’s New on the Inside Penn Medicine web site at: http://news.pennmedicine.org/inside
October/ November
Awareness and Recognition Event t o
Next Magnet Monday
8th Annual History of Women’s Health Conference Call for Papers
November 15
JKCC’s Look Good, Feel Better — A Day of Beauty
November 4
2012 Penn Medicine/Philly Heart Walk
honor
Facilities Management, Allied Health and Ambulatory Services
Robert L. Baer, PhD
Angela Piech, BSN
From October 30 through November 16, PAH will celebrate Facilities Management, Allied Health and Ambulatory Services at the Hospital. All are welcome to attend an awareness and recognition kick-off event, Tuesday, October 30, in the Zubrow Auditorium at 2 pm and November 6 at midnight (Tuesday into Wednesday) to accommodate off-shift employees. The 2012 Facilities Management and Allied Health and Ambulatory Services Employees of the Year will be announced at the kick-off events. Please show your support for your fellow colleagues in these vital areas of our institution whose hard work and dedication contribute to making “Pennsylvania Hospital the best place for a patient to be a patient!”
myPennMedicine
Colleen Davis
Employee Flu Vaccine Campaign
November 12
Michael Ashburn, MD, MPH, MBA
October 27
Deadline November 2
PAH Auxiliary Now Accepting Requests for Funding
Hilary Lopez
Cultural Diversity Conference 2012
Until November 5
32nd Annual Molly and Sidney N. Zubrow Award Program
Nishaminy Kasbekar, PharmD
October 26
October 29
Tracy Hawkins
JJKCC Breast Cancer Awareness Month Public Event – Healthy Living: Reducing Your Risk of Cancer
Daniel M. Feinberg, MD, FAAN
October 25
v
Until November 16 Penn’s Way 2013
PENN’S WA
2013 FA
Until September 1, 2013
Mental Health During the Civil War: Thomas Story Kirkbride and the Pennsylvania PENNSYLVANIA Hospital for the Insane Exhibit
H CAFETERIA Wednesday, Octobe 11 am to 1 pm WHAT’Snew
Editorial Staff
OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 16, 2012 | DONATE TODAY. | www.upenn.edu/pennsway
Sally Sapega Director of Internal Communications
Go Digital
Olivia Fermano Editor and Photographer
with myPennMedicine!
Pamela Furches Design Graphic Design
Enroll today in myPennMedicine, the UPHS online patient record portal to access your medical records online. The portal provides you with secure digital access to the information you need most whenever you need it. The benefits of using myPennMedicine include the ability to: »» Review your health summary
»» View details from previous appointments
»» View lab and radiology test results
»» Request Rx renewals
»» Request appointments or cancel an existing appointment
»» Request a referral/pre-cert »» Communicate with your doctor’s office
Simply go to myPennMedicine.org and click on Request an Activation Code to start your online enrollment process.
4
Barry Ogburn Photography
Administration
Susan E. Phillips Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Contact What’snew at: Department of Communications Pennsylvania Hospital Philadelphia, PA 19106 phone: 215.829.6799 email: olivia.fermano@uphs.upenn.edu WHAT’Snew is published biweekly for PAH employees. Access WHAT’Snew online at http://news.pennmedicine.org/inside/whats-new/.