HEALTH EALTH&fit &fit SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2021
INSIDE: n Cochlear Implant Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital | 2 n Heart Surgery and Cardiac Rehab at Silver Cross a Winning Combination | 6 & 7 n Young Stroke Victim Grateful for Morris Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation | 11
Cochlear Implant Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital Transformational for Richton Park Man “We then did a formal cochlear implant evaluation, which is simulating the real world where you wear hearing aids with full sentences. That showed he only understood 23 percent of sentences in the right ear.”
We’ve Expanded Our Birthing Center with Your Comfort in Mind When you start your family at Silver Cross, you’re in good company! In fact, more families choose our Birthing Center than any other hospital in Will County. That’s because we’ve created a unique place for special arrivals—the Women and Infant Much to his surprise, Larry Miller of Richton Park shares Services Birthing Center, where you and your something in common with The Incredible Hulk’s Lou Ferrigno. Both family are at theimplant centersurgery of everything weyear. do. Miller had his underwent cochlear earlier this at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, and both agree their lives have been transformed. Miller been wearing hearing aids for 10 years, following From had the personal attention of our highly trained staff to the years of working around loud machines, despite donning ear protection. comfort and luxury of our private mother-baby suites, we’ve But even after retirement, his hearing grew worse, especially in his designed it with you in mind. Everything’s ready for you from right ear. the moment you arrive—even complimentary valet parking “Every time I would go to the audiologist, I would say, ‘Turn it and shuttle service. up,’” said Miller, 71. “He said, ‘I can’t turn them up any higher. You need to go to a specialist to see what’s going on.’” Miller found Dr. Scott DiVenere, an otolaryngologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital. After running some tests, Dr. DiVenere told Miller he was a candidate for a cochlear implant, and referred him to Dr. Matthew Bartindale, an otolaryngologist specializing in head and neck surgery – and cochlear implants. “Patients who are cochlear implant candidates don’t just have a volume issue, they also have a clarity issue,” said Dr. Bartindale. “You can think of hearing like an old analog radio; there’s the volume knob and the frequency knob. Larry’s volume knob wasn’t but that be ‘turned Each of our birthing suites has great, soft lighting andcan soothing décorup’ with hearing aids. His you’ll problem, designed to put you at ease with thoughtful touches especially in ear, was appreciate. The moment you walk in, you’ll the feelright at home. Everythe frequency knob. Even amplified private birthing suite has an easily adjustable labor bed and to a loud enough volume where labor ball available. he should have been able to understand based on his ‘volume,’ 3 New Labor/Delivery/Recovery Rooms he only understood 8 percent of To accommodate the growingwords number special at onofthe right deliveries ear and 52 Silver Cross, we’ve added 3 spacious LDR rooms to our Women percent on the left. Dr. Matthew Bartindale
About Cochlear Implant Surgery Cochlear implant surgery has been around since 1978, and the most notable case was earlier this year when former champion body builder Lou Ferrigno, better known for playing“The Incredible Hulk” onAnd television, to hear the world clearly after nearly a 12 to 15. just likewas our able existing LDR rooms, these beautiful lifetime of almost total deafness. new rooms feature a host of amenities designed for your Miller’s– decision to have thenew surgery was easier learning comfort with an important addition: large after immersion insurance, including Medicare, covers cochlear implant surgery, tubs for laboring moms. unlike hearing aids, which are not covered. During his one-hour surgery, Miller was under general anesthesia as Dr. Bartindale made a 1-inch incision (no hair trimming necessary) and placed the cochlear implant. Several weeks later, Miller received his external processor, which receives and processes sound. This connects to an internal receiver/stimulator through the skin with a magnet. The receiver/stimulator has an electrode which goes into the inner ear and directly stimulates the hearing nerve. “Your brain will learn how to understand those electrical impulses when you start using your cochlear implant,” Dr. Bartindale said. “You will take the external processor on and off like a normal hearing aid, and the internal receiver/stimulator will stay in permanently.” During a test last November with his hearing aids, Miller repeated 8 percent of words correctly; after five weeks of active use with the cochlear, thatinclude: increased to 44 percent. In other tests, when Other amenities Audiologist Kristine Eubanks, who works with Dr. Bartindale, • Private bathroom • those In-room refrigerators checked his hearing again after five weeks, Miller went from 37 percent 70 percent in understanding words, • Sofatosleeper • Flat-screen TV and sentences from 23 percent to 70 percent in understanding sentences. • Glider chair • And more “I can hear the refrigerator running now; the dishwasher going,” • Blanket warmers Miller added. “I could hear my daughter texting and my dog’s nails on our hardwood floors.” Everything Peace of Mind Dr. Bartindalefor saidYour patients have most of their improvement in the first three months, continuing to improve forhours at least a year. An obstetrician/gynecologist is in-house 24 a day, 7 Miller’s volume levels are normal now, he said, as is the TV volume, days a week. Upon your arrival, you’ll be “partnered” with a his wife added. specially trained obstetrical nurse certified in electronic fetal Improvement continues not only with use, but Miller has an app monitoring who’ll assist you through delivery. Our unit also on his phone that tests his ability to hear words and sentences. features mother/baby couplet care, which means that the same “I still have a little trouble with loud background noise experienced nurse will care for both mother and baby until it is like trucks,” Miller said. “But I can hear and understand two time to go home. conversations at once again.” Miller expects his hearing be improved even better when he receives This ensures continuity in caretoand communication abetween new hearing aid for his left ear that will work in concertAtwith the the patient, family, nursing staff and physicians. cochlear implant. “Right now, it’s like they fight each other,” he said. Silver Cross, we also have several certified lactation consultants “I can hear so much more now … even some things I don’t want available for support to new moms who choose to breastfeed to hear!” their babies. They offer education and support before and after delivery as well as when you return home. For more information, visit silvercross.org
and Infant Services Birthing Center, bringing our total from
2 | Health & Fit | Saturday, November 6, 2021 Silver Cross Hospital | 1900 Silver Cross Blvd. | New Lenox, IL 60451 | 815-300-1100 | silvercross.org
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of the Nation’s BEST Hospitals Just Got BETTER!
Earning the “Triple Crown” for healthcare – a 100 Top Hospitals ranking, a 5 -Star Rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and an A for Safety from the Leapfrog Group all in the same year – is a proud moment for Silver Cross Hospital.
This puts us in a very exclusive group of hospitals nationwide that have achieved this level of excellence in patient safety, patient outcomes and patient experience. So if you want award-winning care without the commute, trust Silver Cross Hospital.
1900 Silver Cross Blvd. • New Lenox, IL 60451 silvercross.org Saturday, November 6, 2021 | Health & Fit | 3
HaborChase of Plainfield
Offers a Robust Health and Wellness Program Located less than an hour’s drive from Chicago, HarborChase of Plainfield offers an active and engaging retirement lifestyle, full of modern amenities, classic sophistication, and unparalleled hospitality. The senior living community has richly appointed apartments, innovative health services, award-winning dining venues, and a genuine emphasis on health and wellness, making it a popular choice for seniors throughout the Plainfield area. HarborChase’s mission is to celebrate senior living every day, ensuring each resident lives a full and active life. With exercise playing an essential role in the aging process and an individual’s overall health, their award-winning Life Enrichment Program provides a variety of fitness classes ranging from meditation and yoga to sports and cardio. These interactive classes encourage residents to enthusiastically participate with their friends and reach new fitness goals.
“Before the pandemic, our residents were exercising three days a week. Now, they exercise 45 minutes, five times a week – and they absolutely love it! They’re noticing a huge impact on their mobility and ability to walk longer distances without getting as tired. It’s often a challenge to find an open seat in our Club Room,” said Nallely Tinoco, Director of Life Enrichment. The Life Enrichment program at HarborChase was created to provide a variety of cultural events, learning opportunities, entertainment options, religious programs, and group events. Ensuring residents have fun and look forward to each day is paramount to the program. In addition to physical exercise, jeopardy, board games, and fun brain challenges help keep community residents sharp and engaged. A variety of luxury amenities, including culinary options prepared by professionally
4 | Health & Fit | Saturday, November 6, 2021
trained chefs, an onsite salon and spa, beautiful courtyards, and spacious gardens ensure residents enjoy a balanced combination of convenience and care. Community care levels include assisted living, memory care, and respite care. For added peace of mind and security, HarborChase is staffed 24 hours a day. Residents receive the appropriate level of support needed to nurture and maintain independence for as long as possible. Guests are invited to experience a true taste of HarborChase hospitality with a personalized tour. For more information, call (815) 676-4445.
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Heart Surgery and Cardiac Rehab at Chuck Pappas admits he’s always been one to push himself. So, when he got a call early one morning from his son to help clear brush on his Morris riverfront property, Pappas and his wife, Nancy, drove from Justice to lend a hand. They made the nearly 50-mile trip even though they had gotten home only a few hours earlier that morning from a Buddy Holly tribute concert in Wisconsin. “What are you going to do? We love our kids, and they needed my chainsaw,” said Pappas, 68, retired from construction, but always willing to lend a hand with a project. After a day of clearing brush, Pappas and his wife were heading back home when he told her he wasn’t feeling well. He convinced her to stop at “that big, beautiful hospital” along Interstate 355 north of Interstate 80 to get checked out. The hospital was Silver Cross in New Lenox. And it’s a good thing they stopped at the hospital’s emergency department; in fact, it proved lifesaving. According to Pappas, “They ran some tests, and they said, ‘We’re going to keep you here. We’re trying to figure out how you’re still alive.’ That got my attention.” Those tests showed Pappas had suffered a small heart attack, and that coronary artery disease diagnosed and treated with stents 15 years before had progressed to severe multi-vessel blockages in need of surgical repair. Pappas, who also was suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol, told the admitting personnel he also was smoking half a pack of cigarettes daily, but “he could quit at any time, and didn’t need any medication or patches.” Heart Surgery to Restore Blood Flow Earlier this year, George Hodakowski, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon on staff at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, performed coronary artery bypass grafting to restore blood flow to Pappas’ heart. The surgery went well, and Pappas said the Silver Cross staff was there to support him physically and emotionally. “The first time I stood up to walk, they all applauded,” he said. “I Dr. George Hodakowski haven’t felt this good in years. It even helped my soul.” After a week recuperating from the surgery, Pappas was sent home, but not before he was scheduled for his cardiac rehabilitation. Three times a week for six or 12 weeks, Silver Cross’ highly trained cardiac rehabilitation nurses and exercise physiologists review risk factors with patients and discuss lifestyle changes and choices to help improve the success of their treatment. 6 | Health & Fit | Saturday, November 6, 2021
Building Strength through Cardiac Rehab Best of all, Pappas underwent rehabilitation of his heart muscle at Silver Cross Hospital’s recently opened Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation center on the second floor of Pavilion D. The new center features 3,000 square feet of additional space for rows of treadmills, recumbent bikes and other cardio equipment, all
Chuck Pappas working with hand-held weights.
At Risk for Heart Disease? Get Your Heart Scanned for $49! Calcification in the coronary arteries is the earliest indicator of heart disease. The good news is that calcium artery scoring at Silver Cross can predict heart disease long before symptoms even start. Calcium artery scoring is a quick, painless exam that uses high-speed CT scanning to measure calcium deposits in your heart. It's ideal for men over age 45 and women over age 55 who smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of premature coronary artery disease.
our Birthing Center than any other hospital in Will County. That’s because we’ve created a unique place for special arrivals—the Women and Infant Services Birthing Center, where you and your family are at the center of everything we do.
SILVER CROSS A WINNING COMBINATION From the personal attention of our highly trained staff to the comfort and luxury of our private mother-baby suites, we’ve designed it with you in mind. Everything’s ready for you from the moment you arrive—even complimentary valet parking and shuttle service. brightly lit by large, spacious
Other amenities include: • • • •
Private bathroom Sofa sleeper Glider chair Blanket warmers
• • •
In-room refrigerators Flat-screen TV And more
windows. “The people there are wonderful,” Pappas said. “They push you just a little more each Everything for Your Peace of Mind time. And that’s good.” An obstetrician/gynecologist is in-house 24 hours a day, 7 Pat Pappas, M.D., cardiothoracic days a week. Upon your arrival, you’ll be “partnered” with a surgeon at Silver Cross and specially trained obstetrical nurse certified in electronic fetal President of Cardiothoracic & monitoring who’ll assist you through delivery. Our unit also Vascular Surgical Associates – and features mother/baby couplet care, which means that the same no relation to Chuck – added, “He experienced nurse will care for both mother and baby until it is time to go home. has continued to progress very Dr. Pat Pappas well at home and continues to get This ensures continuity in care and improved communication stronger in birthing Cardiac suites Rehab. I am of and the team, because Each of our has softproud lighting soothing décorwe are between the patient, family, nursing staff and physicians. At here to help theyou patients get better and stronger.” designed to put at ease with thoughtful touches you’ll Silver Cross, we also have several certified lactation consultants Pappas graduated from the cardiac rehabilitation program appreciate. The moment you walk in, you’ll feel at home. Every in available for support to new moms who choose to breastfeed September. And thanks to the heart team atlabor Silverbed Cross, private birthing suite has an easily adjustable and he’ll have their babies. They offer education and support before and after Chuck Pappas walking on the treadmill. labor moreball timeavailable. to enjoy his grown children and three grandchildren, anddelivery as well as when you return home. celebrate his 50th anniversary with Nancy in a few years. “We are fortunate to have this beautiful place in Silver Cross 3 New Labor/Delivery/Recovery Rooms and beautiful people working there. And I can’t thank the at doctors To accommodate the growing number of special deliveries enough. They saved my life.” Silver Cross, we’ve added 3 spacious LDR rooms to our Women more information Silver Cross Hospital’s andFor Infant Services Birthingabout Center, bringing our total fromheart program, visit silvercross.org/heart Silver Cross Hospital | 1900 Silver Cross Blvd. | New Lenox, IL 60451 | 815-300-1100 | silvercross.org
Who Should Get Screened • Family history of heart disease • High cholesterol • High blood pressure • Smoking habit • Physically inactive • Diabetic • Overweight • Men over 45 • Women over 55 (post-menopausal) The scan produces a score that identifies your level of calcium deposits. A higher score means you have more plaque in your coronary arteries, putting you at greater risk for a heart attack. Find out your risk and what you can do to lower it.
To schedule your $49 Heart Scan today, call (815) 300-SCAN (7226).
Saturday, November 6, 2021 | Health & Fit | 7
When you start your family at Silver Cross, you’re in good company! In fact, more families choose our Birthing Center than any other hospital in Will County. That’s because we’ve created a unique place for special arrivals—the Women andWHO Infant UNIQUEINDIVIDUALS INDIVIDUALS WHO PROVIDESPECIALIZED SPECIALIZEDMEDICAL MEDICALSERVICES SERVICES UNIQUE PROVIDE Services Birthing Center, where you and your family are at the center of everything we do.
Professional Medical Medical PROFILE PROFILE Professional
Experienced Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Joe Northup Joins BMI Surgery at Silver Cross
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From the personal attention of our highly trained staff to the comfort and luxury of our private mother-baby suites, we’ve designed it with you in mind. Everything’s ready for you from the moment you arrive—even complimentary valet parking and shuttle service.
Obesity is an epidemic that affects nearly one out of three American adults. It also affects their families, the people they work with and those who will have to care for them if they become unable to care for themselves.
Other amenities include:
• Private bathroom • Sofa sleeper • Glider chair known for his personable, caring manner. • Blanket warmers Certified through the American Board
• • •
In-room refrigerators Flat-screen TV And more
of Surgery, Dr. Northup completed his Everything for Your Peace of Mind residency at the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo as well as an Advanced An obstetrician/gynecologist is in-house 24 hours a day, 7 Laparoscopic and Bariatric Fellowship days at a week. Upon your arrival, you’ll be “partnered” with a the University of Virginia. specially trained obstetrical nurse certified in electronic fetal monitoring who’ll assist you through delivery. Our unit also
BMI Surgery and Silver Cross In addition, he has received several features mother/baby couplet care, which means that the sam Hospital’s nationally recognized weightawards and written numerous articles experienced nurse will care for both mother and baby until it is time loss surgery program has transformed the about general and bariatric surgery. Heto go home. lives of more than 10,000 individuals who is a Fellow of the American Society for This ensures continuity in care and improved communication are living healthier, lives.suites The has soft Metabolic Bariatric Surgery, Fellow of Each ofhappier our birthing lighting andand soothing décor between the patient, family, nursing staff and physicians. At program is accredited byput theyou Metabolic the American College and designed to at ease with thoughtful touches you’llof Surgeons, Silver Cross, we also have several certified lactation consultan and Bariatric appreciate. Surgery Accreditation American Society of Bariatric Surgeons. The moment you walk in, you’ll feel at home. Every available for support to new moms who choose to breastfeed and Quality Improvement Program private birthing suite has an easily adjustable labor bed and their babies. They offer education and support before and afte Dr. Joe Northup Noted for his clinical expertise, (MBSAQIP). The program has also been labor ball available. delivery as well as when you return home. Dr. Northup has given numerous recognized as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Find Out More About Weight-Loss lectures and courses in addition to of Illinois Blue3Distinction Center for New Labor/Delivery/Recovery Rooms Surgery proctoring over 30 bariatric surgeons Bariatric Surgery for its demonstrated To accommodate the growing number of special deliveries at across the U.S. He was also selected by track record Silver of outstanding outcomes Take the first step to a healthier and Cross, we’ve added 3inspacious LDR rooms to our Women the American College of Surgeons as a weight-loss surgery. and Infant Services Birthing Center, bringing our total from happier life by registering for a free site surveyor for the MBSAQIP bariatric Obesity & Your Health Informational BMI Surgery at Silver Cross offers accreditation program. In addition, Session with Dr. Joyce, Dr. Lahmann or the latest and safest bariatric surgical Dr. Northup has been Silver Cross Hospital | 1900 Silver Cross nationally Blvd. | New Lenox, IL 60451 815-300-1100 | silvercross.org Dr. |Northup. procedures including: recognized for his excellence in patient care. In 2012, he was featured in an In this one-hour program, you’ll: • Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass article in the Wall Street Journal for his • Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy • Learn about the advantages and risks outstanding patient follow-up. • Revisional Bariatric Surgery of all types of bariatric weight loss surgery In 2020, Dr. Northup was named to Ohio Introducing Dr. Joe Northup, • Find out if you are a candidate for the Top Doctors and by Dayton Magazine Bariatric Surgeon procedure as the Best Bariatric Surgeon; he was a finalist for best physician of the year • Receive information outlining the With more than 17 years of experience for 2020. steps to begin the process as a bariatric surgeon, Dr. Joe Northup, comes to BMI Surgery from When: Zoom sessions are every Dr. Northup has also given presentations Premier Weight Loss Solutions in Wednesday evening at 5:45 p.m. internationally for Advances in Surgery Dayton, Ohio. He joins bariatric and the International Bariatric Club surgeons Dr. Christopher Joyce and For more information visit on surgical techniques and practice Dr. Brian Lahmann. bmisurgery.org or call (815) 717-8744. development with 8,000 attendees viewing these lectures. Dr. Northup specializes in laparoscopic bariatric procedures including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and bariatric revisional procedures and is Bariatric & Minimally Invasive Surgery
|Health Health& &Fit Fit| |Saturday, Saturday, November6, 6, 2021 Health Fit Saturday, November 2021 || Health && Fit || Saturday, November 6,6, 2021 8888| November 2021
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How active seniors can protect their vision Retirement may be seen as a time to slow down and enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation, but today’s seniors clearly did not get the memo. Modern seniors look and act a lot different than traditional depictions of retirees. The shift in attitudes regarding aging is noticeable in the growth of active retirement communities, which are designed for aging men and women who want to engage in activities where no chairs are required. Active seniors may not fit outdated stereotypes of cardigan-clad grandparents shuffling about dusty retirement homes, but even the most energetic retirees may still be vulnerable to age-related health complications. For example, the American Optometric Association notes that men and women over the age of 60 may be vulnerable to age-related vision problems. A certain degree of vision loss is natural as men and women age, but that doesn’t mean active seniors have to sit idly by. In fact, there are many ways for active seniors to protect their vision so they can continue to get up and go without having to worry about losing their eyesight. • Make your diet work for you. The AOA notes that a number of eye diseases can develop after an individual turns 60, and some of these conditions can be minimized with wise lifestyle choices. For example, a healthy, nutrient-rich diet can protect vision over the long haul. The National Council On Aging notes that studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in foods like spinach, kale and salmon, can reduce individuals’ risk for age-related eye diseases. Seniors can speak with their physicians about other ways to utilize diet to combat age-related vision problems. • Protect your eyes and look cool at the same time. Active seniors spend lots of time outdoors, and that may have an adverse effect on their vision. The NCOA notes that lengthy exposure to
the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause both short- and long-term eye damage. Thankfully, such issues are easily avoided if seniors wear sunglasses with UV protection when going outside. Brimmed hats also can protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. • Be mindful of screen time. Much has been made of how much screen time is healthy for young people. But seniors also are not immune to the potentially harmful effects of spending too much time staring at their phones and other devices. The NCOA recommends seniors employ the 20-20-20 rule in regard to screen usage. Every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This quick exercise can reduce eye strain. An active lifestyle benefits seniors in myriad ways. Seniors should take steps to protect their vision so they can continue to get up and go long after they retire.
Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease is an insidious illness that slowly robs individuals of their memories, personalities and relationships. The Mayo Clinic says Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that causes brain atrophy and cell death, which contributes to continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills. This eventually affects a person’s ability to live independently. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which is believed to affect approximately 5.8 million Americans age 65 and older. While there currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, there are strategies that can help mitigate symptoms. An ability to recognize dementia symptoms early can help millions take proactive steps to improve quality of life. Below are some early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, courtesy of notable health organizations, including MJHS® Health System, the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s New Zealand, and the Mayo Clinic. • Recent memory loss that affects daily life. While it is normal to forget where you left keys, names or even telephone numbers from time to time, a person with dementia may have difficulty remembering recent events or where they live. • Personality changes. Individuals may begin to show subtle differences in their personalities, including mood swings. For 10 | Health & Fit | Saturday, November 6, 2021
example, a person who is easygoing may become reluctant to interact with others. • Difficulty with familiar routes. A person with dementia may have regular difficulty driving familiar routes or finding the way home. • Trouble finding the right words. Finding words to converse freely can be difficult for people with Alzheimer’s. Such individuals may experience particular difficulty finding the right words to express their thoughts or identify objects. • Disorientation with time. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may be confused about the time of day and what is appropriate for that time. • Decreased or poor judgement. Individuals with dementia may make consistently poor decisions and may start paying less attention to their physical appearance. • Difficulty following a plan. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have challenges solving problems, such as working with numbers, following a recipe or keeping track of finances. Early signs of dementia may be confused as normal age-related changes. However, when such signs present themselves, it is critical to speak with medical professionals to get a clear diagnosis.
Young stroke victim grateful for Morris Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation MORRIS, IL – Most people know that the sooner you get to the hospital after a stroke, the better you will do. Unfortunately, Heather Lyon, of Morris, didn’t even realize she had suffered a stroke. Not the first one and not the second one, either. At only 35 years old today, a stroke was nowhere on her radar. She assumed the symptoms she was experiencing -tingling and numbness in her head and back of her throat, and fading vision -- were from an unrelated heart condition she was diagnosed with at birth that limited her physical activity. “I couldn’t lift my arms at times,” she said. “This would happen frequently. At one point in time, it happened while I was driving.” About five years ago, a neurologist discovered scar tissue in her brain from a stroke she never even knew she had. Then, earlier this year after a period of not feeling well and a series of headaches, she was told she had suffered a second stroke. “I also had similar sensations that I had the first time,” she said. “I can’t believe that I ignored them.” Heather was fortunate that the nearby Diagnostic & Rehabilitative Center of Morris Hospital has outstanding rehabilitative care with licensed and experienced physical and speech therapists. She needed both types
of therapy after her strokes and started with physical therapy this past summer. “My physical therapist gave me her most challenging exercises,” Lyon said. “She was wonderful about making sure that I was comfortable and feeling confident in what I was doing. I overcame a lot, including fears. I was so afraid of exercising. She was very calm with me and very patient.” Much of the focus of her rehabilitation was learning how to breathe properly during physical activity. Strengthening her core muscles was also key. “The strokes threw off my balance,” she said, “and I was continually falling over, even when I was just standing still for a moment. It happened all the time. We worked on the core exercises to keep me upright.” Lyon also had some difficulty speaking as a result of her strokes, and Morris Hospital speech therapists helped her better her communication. “I still have trouble getting my words out because I pause a little bit to try to find my words,” she said. “But I have improved a great deal.” Lyon is now back in school, continuing her path to a degree in social work. “I am incredibly grateful and appreciative of all the help that I received at Morris Hospital,” she said. “My life and my overall
health have improved since I did the physical therapy and speech therapy, and I feel that I am more prepared to function better in my life.” For individuals experiencing the physical effects of an injury or medical condition, Morris Hospital offers outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy at location in Channahon, Diamond-Coal City, Joliet, Morris and Ottawa. Services vary by location and may be helpful for those struggling with an orthopedic injury or surgery, lymphedema, pain, concussion symptoms, falls, dizziness or balance problems, Parkinson’s disease, speaking or understanding speech, vocal loudness or sound quality, memory, difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing, coughing or choking when eating food or drinking liquids, or performing daily tasks. For more information, go to morrishospital. org/therapy.
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Does pain keep you from enjoying activities you love?
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It’s time to improve your quality of life. Call today for an appointment: Diamond-Coal City 815-942-4875 Morris 815-942-4875 Ottawa 815-433-0850 Joliet (Houbolt Rd) 815-741-4000
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