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n Heart Surgery and Cardiac Rehab at Silver Cross a Winning Combination | 6
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 windows. “The people there are wonderful,” Pappas said. “They push you just a little more each time. And that’s good.” Pat Pappas, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon at Silver Cross and President of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates – and no relation to Chuck – added, “He has continued to progress very well at home and continues to get stronger in Cardiac Rehab. I am proud of the team, because we are Each of our birthing suites has soft lighting and soothing décor here to help the patients get better and stronger.” designed to put you at ease with thoughtful touches you’ll Pappas graduated from the cardiac rehabilitation program in appreciate. The moment you walk in, you’ll feel at home. Every September. And thanks to the heart team at Silver Cross, he’ll have private birthing suite has an easily adjustable labor bed and more time to enjoy his grown children and three grandchildren, and labor ball available. celebrate his 50th anniversary with Nancy in a few years. 3 “We are fortunate to have this beautiful place in Silver Cross New Labor/Delivery/Recovery Rooms and beautiful people working there. And I can’t thank the doctors To accommodate the growing number of special deliveries at enough. They saved my life.” Silver Cross, we’ve added 3 spacious LDR rooms to our Women For more information about Silver Cross Hospital’s heart and Infant Services Birthing Center, bringing our total from
program, visit silvercross.org/heart
Other amenities include: • Private bathroom • Sofa sleeper • Glider chair • Blanket warmers Everything for Your Peace of Mind An obstetrician/gynecologist is in-house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Upon your arrival, you’ll be “partnered” with a specially trained obstetrical nurse certified in electronic fetal monitoring who’ll assist you through delivery. Our unit also features mother/baby couplet care, which means that the same experienced nurse will care for both mother and baby until it is time to go home. This ensures continuity in care and improved communication between the patient, family, nursing staff and physicians. At Silver Cross, we also have several certified lactation consultants available for support to new moms who choose to breastfeed their babies. They offer education and support before and after delivery as well as when you return home.
SILVER CROSS A WINNING COMBINATION • In-room refrigerators • Flat-screen TV • And more Dr. Pat Pappas Chuck Pappas walking on the treadmill.
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).
When you start your family at Silver Cross, you’re Professional Medical 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 Professional Medical PROFILE PROFILE UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS WHO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED MEDICAL SERVICESplace for special arrivals—the Women and Infant Services Birthing Center, where you and your UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS WHO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED MEDICAL SERVICES family are at the center of everything we do.
Experienced Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Joe Northup From the personal attention of our highly trained staff to the
Joins BMI Surgery at Silver Crosscomfort 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. Each of our birthing suites has soft lighting and soothing décor designed to put you at ease with thoughtful touches you’ll appreciate. The moment you walk in, you’ll feel at home. Every private birthing suite has an easily adjustable labor bed and labor ball available. 3 New Labor/Delivery/Recovery Rooms To accommodate the growing number of special deliveries at Silver Cross, we’ve added 3 spacious LDR rooms to our Women and Infant Services Birthing Center, bringing our total from Other amenities include: • Private bathroom • Sofa sleeper • Glider chair • Blanket warmers Everything for Your Peace of Mind An obstetrician/gynecologist is in-house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Upon your arrival, you’ll be “partnered” with a specially trained obstetrical nurse certified in electronic fetal monitoring who’ll assist you through delivery. Our unit also features mother/baby couplet care, which means that the same experienced nurse will care for both mother and baby until it is time to go home. This ensures continuity in care and improved communication between the patient, family, nursing staff and physicians. At Silver Cross, we also have several certified lactation consultants available for support to new moms who choose to breastfeed their babies. They offer education and support before and after delivery as well as when you return home. Silver Cross Hospital | 1900 Silver Cross Blvd. | New Lenox, IL 60451 | 815-300-1100 | silvercross.org
• In-room refrigerators • Flat-screen TV O Obesity is an epidemic that affects nearly one out of three American adults. It also affects • And more their families, the people they work with and those who will have to care for them if they become unable to care for themselves. BMI Surgery and Silver Cross Hospital’s nationally recognized weightloss surgery program has transformed the lives of more than 10,000 individuals who are living healthier, happier lives. The program is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The program has also been Dr. Joe Northup recognized as a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery for its demonstrated track record of outstanding outcomes in weight-loss surgery. BMI Surgery at Silver Cross offers the latest and safest bariatric surgical procedures including: • Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass • Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy • Revisional Bariatric Surgery Introducing Dr. Joe Northup, Bariatric Surgeon With more than 17 years of experience as a bariatric surgeon, Dr. Joe Northup, comes to BMI Surgery from Premier Weight Loss Solutions in Dayton, Ohio. He joins bariatric surgeons Dr. Christopher Joyce and Dr. Brian Lahmann. 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 Surger y
known for his personable, caring manner. Certified through the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Northup completed his residency at the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo as well as an Advanced Laparoscopic and Bariatric Fellowship at the University of Virginia. In addition, he has received several awards and written numerous articles about general and bariatric surgery. He is a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and American Society of Bariatric Surgeons. Noted for his clinical expertise, Dr. Northup has given numerous lectures and courses in addition to proctoring over 30 bariatric surgeons across the U.S. He was also selected by the American College of Surgeons as a site surveyor for the MBSAQIP bariatric accreditation program. In addition, Dr. Northup has been nationally recognized for his excellence in patient care. In 2012, he was featured in an article in the Wall Street Journal for his outstanding patient follow-up. In 2020, Dr. Northup was named to Ohio Top Doctors and by Dayton Magazine as the Best Bariatric Surgeon; he was a finalist for best physician of the year for 2020. Dr. Northup has also given presentations internationally for Advances in Surgery and the International Bariatric Club on surgical techniques and practice development with 8,000 attendees viewing these lectures. Find Out More About Weight-Loss Surgery Take the first step to a healthier and happier life by registering for a free Obesity & Your Health Informational Session with Dr. Joyce, Dr. Lahmann or Dr. Northup. In this one-hour program, you’ll: • Learn about the advantages and risks of all types of bariatric weight loss surgery • Find out if you are a candidate for the procedure • Receive information outlining the steps to begin the process When: Zoom sessions are every Wednesday evening at 5:45 p.m. For more information visit bmisurgery.org or call (815) 717-8744.
Four Reasons why NOW is the best time to do vein treatmenT is Winter the timethe
to take the next step toward a Healthier You!
Have you noticed tiny veins starting to spread across one or both of your legs? And have some of them become larger and more painful over time? With cold weather approaching, now is a great time to get them taken care of.
1. Winter
If you choose to do a vein treatment, now is the best time! Winter makes recovery easier for several reasons.” The cold temperatures are soothing to veins to help decrease swelling. You generally will be engaging in less physical activity, so you will have time to rest and heal. If there is a need for compression stockings they will be easier to hide and can help keep you warm during the winter cold.” said Kathe Malinowski, lead esthetician and marketing manager for Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Cener.
2. Less Sun
Since the weather is colder, treated areas are less likely to be exposed to the sun. Sun exposure should be avoided after treatment for at least a couple of weeks due to potential skin discoloration. “The sooner you have treatment, the more time your body will have to recover and get your legs looking great for summer,” Malinowski said.
3. Utilize your insurance
Almost all insurances are accepted at Eterna Med Spa. Scheduling a year-end surgery may help you to avoid paying a deductible in the new year, which was already met this year.
There are several effective options for combating the condition, including endovenous laser treatment, sclerotherapy, and microphlebectomy. They can be done in-office under local anesthesia.
“Sclerotherapy is usually cosmetic but if it is done to clean up spider veins after an endovenous vein treatment it will be covered under the insurance,” Malinowski said.
4. Age doesn’t matter
Varicose veins are equal opportunity offenders.
“If you are unlucky and you inherited the condition it can affect you as young as in your mid-20s,” Malinowski said.
Additionally, varicose veins can be brought on by pregnancy, standing for prolonged periods of time, and wearing high heels daily.
But don’t think the condition is limited to women.
“We have treated several men here at Eterna for the condition,” Malinowski said.
We Specialize in the Treatment of Varicose and Spider Veins Trust an Expert!
Laser spider vein treatment Sclerotherapy Microphlebectomy Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Center 217 Vertin Boulevard, Shorewood, 60404 815-254-8888 | www.eternalaser.com
Free
Vein Screenings Call 815-254-8888 Today!
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 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.
