JHN_Healthy Living_022424

Premier Suburban Medical Group and Silver Cross Introduce Orland Park Medical Pavilion

Premier Suburban Medical Group and Silver Cross Hospital have teamed up to open their Orland Park Medical Pavilion, debuting March 9 at a community grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This comprehensive 42,000-square-foot medical facility is located at the corner of 171st Street and LaGrange Road and features all the care the community needs in a single, convenient location: medical professionals you know and trust partnered with Silver Cross Hospital, nationally recognized for superior quality, safety and patient experience.

Services include:

• Primary care and multi-specialty care doctors and advanced practice providers

• Full diagnostic imaging services, including X-ray, MRI, PET Scan, Nuclear Medicine and Mammography

• Lab services

• Cancer care with a 20-chair Infusion Center

• An Endoscopy Suite with 2 endoscopic procedure rooms

• After-hours care

About Premier Suburban Medical Group

In 2020, Silver Cross Hospital formed a partnership with several former Pronger Smith Medical Care physicians, who have a long history of serving patients in the southwest and south suburban areas. Premier Suburban Medical Group is currently staffed by more than 40 primary care and specialty care physicians and advanced practice providers exclusively affiliated with Silver Cross.

“Our doctors have been a trusted part of suburban Chicago families for decades, caring for children, young adults, parents and grandparents,” said Dr. Refat Baridi, hematologist/oncologist and practice cofounder.

Premier Suburban Medical Group features doctors specializing in family and internal medicine, pediatrics, cardiology, endocrinology, orthopedics, oncology, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, rheumatology and more.

For more information, visit premiersuburban.com

SILVER CROSS HOSPITAL

When you need surgery, choose Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, ranked # 1 for surgical care in Illinois by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or a doctor.

Whether it’s heart, hip, knee, spine, brain, lung or any other type of surgery you can count on Silver Cross for consistently superior care and outcomes.

To learn more, visit silvercross.org

That means you can get back to doing what you love with the people you love most.

Silver Cross Welcomes Renowned Cancer Specialists

Two renowned cancer specialists recently joined the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, reinforcing an already impressive staff of experienced cancer experts ready to help the community.

Dr. Azhar Awan, Radiation Oncologist, and Dr. Dario Villamar, Hematologist –Medical Oncologist, now treat patients on the Silver Cross campus.

Dr. Villamar is a Clinical Associate of Medicine in Hematology and Oncology. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine. He received his medical training at Weill Cornell Medicine, with an internship at New York Hospital Weill Cornell Medical College. He performed his residency at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center and completed his fellowship in Hematology-Oncology at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Dr. Awan is an Associate Professor of Radiation and Cellular Oncology at the University of Chicago. He has been on staff at UCM for many years but has now transitioned his practice to Silver Cross full-time.

He specializes in treating all solid tumors and lymphomas. He is particularly skilled in the treatment of prostate cancer, soft tissue sarcomas and breast cancer.

Dr. Awan is an expert in leading edge cancer treatments, including intensitymodulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and 3-D conformal radiation therapy. He also is skilled in the use of unsealed

radioactive sources for treating painful bone metastases.

Dr. Awan has been a contributing researcher in several cancer studies, including early trials that formed the basis of the multidisciplinary head and neck cancer program at the University of Chicago Medicine.

He received his medical education at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, with an internship at Henry Ford Hospital and a residency at St. Luke’s Medical Center.

In addition to English, Dr. Awan speaks Swahili, Punjabi and Urdu.

To request an appointment with Dr. Villamar or Dr. Awan, call (815) 300-1400.

About the Cancer Center at Silver Cross

The Cancer Center is a partnership between Silver Cross Hospital and UChicago Medicine that combines academic specialists and the latest cancer treatments in a community hospital setting that’s comfortable, familiar and close to home, including

• Comprehensive care for adult cancers in one convenient location.

• Clinical trials and investigational therapies from the University of Chicago’s NCI-designated comprehensive cancer care team of over 150 clinical care specialists and subspecialists.

• Advanced treatment options including state-of-the-art chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

M.D.

Dario Villamar, M.D.

• Supportive programs for you and your families, including cancer support groups, preventative screenings and a comprehensive cancer resource center.

For more information, visit silvercross.org/cancer

Awan Azhar,

Beating winter’s ice and isolation blues.

When the wind blows chilly and the sky turns gray, many older adults prefer to stay indoors. Given the prospects of frosty windshields, slippery sidewalks, and cold feet and toes, you’re likely to reconsider grocery runs and meet-ups with friends to stay in where it’s warm.

This can be unhealthy. Remaining isolated indoors all winter long might help keep Jack Frost at bay, but the winter blues can invite themselves in anyway. And according to CDC.gov*, isolation often results in loneliness, which increase the “risk of premature death from all causes.”

Warm, friendly Cedarhurst Senior Living.

Cedarhurst of Frankfort offers a better idea — their heart-warming, socialization-rich, engagingly active lifestyle. For any day when the cozy indoors appeals more than the brusque outdoors, their indoor life is amazingly satisfying. Residents enjoy:

• Abundant friendship opportunities

• Entertainment, conversation and laughter

• Loads of programs and activities

• Great food prepared and served

• And helpful people always nearby

Warm and friendly — isn’t that how you like your winter days?

$25 says you can beat winter’s blues.

The assisted living and memory care community welcomes tours so you can see how life at Cedarhurst of Frankfort beats winter’s ice and isolation. Schedule now — CedarhurstFrankfort.com or (815) 264-2554 — then complete a post-tour survey for a $25 gift card** by mail.

* https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html

**Offer expires 2/29/24. Only one gift card per household, please.

Call Cedarhurst of Frankfort for more information at 815.264.2554 or visit CedarhurstFrankfort.com

Healthgrades Names Silver Cross Tops in Surgical Care

Ranked #1 in Illinois For Surgery Outcomes

Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox ranks #1 in Illinois for Surgical Care, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor.

This achievement along with their Surgical Excellence Award reflects Silver Cross Hospital’s commitment to delivering the best care possible and distinguishes the organization as Illinois’ leading hospital for Surgical Care.

“Silver Cross Hospital is known for our culture of excellence and for delivering unrivaled healthcare to our patients and the community,” said Dr. Joseph Hindo, Silver Cross Hospital Chief of the Medical Staff. “Our Healthgrades ranking as No. 1 for surgical care in Illinois is not only a great source of pride for Silver Cross, but it also lets our community know, if you or

Healthgrades evaluates hospitals solely on what matters most – patient outcomes – to determine the top-performing hospitals for specialty care in each of the 32 states assessed. Healthgrades’ 2024 analysis revealed that patients who seek care at a hospital with rankings in their condition or procedure have a better chance of a good outcome than if they are treated at a facility that is not #1 in Illinois. This widening performance gap highlights the importance of selecting a top-rated program. In fact, from 2020 to 2022, patients treated at hospitals that received a state ranking for Surgical Care had, on average, a 36.4% lower risk of experiencing a complication while in the hospital than if they were treated at hospitals that were not state ranked for Surgical Care.*

“Healthgrades is proud to recognize Silver Cross Hospital as the top facility in Illinois for Surgical Care,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Data Science at Healthgrades. “Hospitals with a #1 ranking in their state deliver consistently superior outcomes for the patients in their community. Consumers should feel confident knowing that they have access to top-ranked care for Surgical Care at Silver Cross Hospital.”

Consumers can visit Healthgrades.com to learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality.

a loved needs surgery, you can consistently count on Silver Cross to give you the very best care anywhere in the state! Congratulations to our entire surgical team on this historic achievement.”

*Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2020 through 2022 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. For more information, see the complete 2024 Specialty State Rankings Methodology

For more information about Silver Cross, visit silvercross.org

Pictured with their Healthgrades Award are, from left, Silver Cross Interim President/CEO Michael Mutterer, Vice President of Clinical Operations Marybeth Antone and Chair of Surgery Dr. Erik Borncamp.

Area Woman Getting Sound, Safe Sleep After Inspire Therapy at Silver Cross Hospital

Charlotte Caputo suffered with breathing problems for years. After her doctor suggested a sleep test, she learned her breathing stopped often during the night.

Some 25 million Americans go to sleep at night and don’t realize they may stop breathing 15 to 65 times an hour. They are victims of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and it’s about as dangerous as it sounds.

OSA occurs when soft tissues in the airway collapse during sleep and block the flow of oxygen to the brain. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and wakes the body up just long enough to take a breath, then the body falls back asleep.

Since she lived alone, Caputo had no idea her breathing was stopping throughout the night until she went on a rafting trip with some girlfriends.

“One of them woke me up and said, ‘Your breathing keeps stopping.’ Well, I got in for the test right away. That can affect your organs and overall health.”

The first remedy was a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, which Caputo said worked fine. But then she heard that particular brand was recalled after being linked to cancer.

“I already had cancer, and I didn’t want to have it again,” said Caputo, 76, of Marseilles. “I heard about the Inspire therapy in ads. My doctor referred me to Dr. Rajeev Mehta.

Dr. Mehta, a board-certified otolaryngologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, performed his first Inspire therapy procedure there in November 2021. Caputo was intrigued when she heard about how it works…and that she could get rid of the cumbersome mask.

To be a candidate, Dr. Mehta said OSA sufferers must have been diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea, cannot use or get constant benefit from a CPAP, are not significantly obese (BMI 35 or less), and must be 18 years or older.

The Inspire device system, implanted during a 1 ½-hour surgery, delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, allowing the airway to open during sleep.

Caputo had her surgery Feb. 8, 2022, and hasn’t regretted it since.

“It is wonderful,” she said. “I have a little implant, and when I push the button, a green light goes on, and I can feel it working.”

The Inspire implant delivers gentle pulses that move your tongue out of the way each time you take a breath, keeping your airway open while you sleep soundly. No mask or hose is required.

“It is the best thing I have ever done,” she said. “I would recommend it to anyone.”

Dr. Mehta and Dr. Salah Lababidy, Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist, will be presenting a lecture on Inspire Therapy at Silver Cross Hospital Wednesday, March 13, at 5 p.m. For more information about sleep apnea or to register for this free lecture, visit silvercross.org.

Dr. Salah Lababidy

Dr. Rajeev Mehta

common health conditions that affect women 5

Men and women share various health concerns. However, certain health issues affect women differently and more frequently than men. In addition, certain health conditions, such as cervical cancer, are exclusive to women.

Women who want to take charge of their health can recognize that various conditions and diseases are more common than others. The following are five common and notable health issues affecting women today.

• Heart disease: Heart disease affects more than 60 million women in the United States and is the leading cause of death for women. Heart disease can affect women of all ages. Despite this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says only 56 percent of women recognize the prevalence of heart disease. In addition, it’s important to note that most women between the ages of 40 and 60 have at least one or more risk factors for heart disease and likely do not even realize it.

• Breast cancer: Routine mammograms and other breast cancer screenings can help women detect breast cancer at its earliest stage when it is most treatable.

• Cervical and ovarian cancer: Cervical cancer originates in the cervix, which is part of the lower uterus, while ovarian cancer begins in the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Pap smears can detect cervical cancer, but currently there is no screening test for ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam and ultrasound or other imaging may be recommended if doctors suspect the presence of ovarian cancer.

• Reproductive health issues: The Orlando Clinical Research Center says that reproductive issues can have a major affect on women’s quality of life and overall health. Some common issues include uterine fibroids, gynecological cancers, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Pain, heavy or irregular periods and other discharge may be symptoms of these types of conditions.

• Mental health concerns: Rates of anxiety and depression are higher among women than men. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that, from the time a girl reaches puberty until about the age of 50, she is twice as likely to have an anxiety disorder as a man.

Recognition of the most common health issues to affect women can help them get the care they need to live long, healthy lives.

Boost your diet with these powerhouse foods

A nutritious diet is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. That’s an important thing to remember for people looking to turn over a healthier leaf and accomplish their long-term wellness goals.

Avoiding certain ingredients, like saturated fats and added sugars, and choosing foods known for their nutritional benefits is one way individuals can utilize diet to live healthier.

• KALE: Kale long has had a place on healthy eating lists. Kale is a good source of vitamins A, C and K, and also contains alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid. According to Britannica, studies show kale can help combat heart disease and cancer, and also boost eye health by reducing risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. Kale is not the only dark, leafy green vegetable that has earned superstar status. Swiss chard, spinach, collard greens, and turnip greens are equally beneficial.

• BERRIES: There is strong antioxidant capacity associated with berries that helps reduce the risk of heart disease and other inflammatory conditions, says Healthline. That’s why blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries are so revered by nutritionists. They’re also great sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

• HONEY: This natural sweetener is a powerful ally to animals and insects. Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products, according to the study “Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research,” published in 2017. Since ancient times, honey has been used therapeutically due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects.

• WALNUTS: Studies have found that those with higher nut consumption have improved cardiovascular risk factors and lower rates of cardiovascular disease. Walnuts are a particularly good choice for lowering LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apoprotein B (a protein linked to cardiovascular disease).

• LEGUMES: Legumes, also known as pulses, include beans, lentils, peas, peanuts, and alfalfa. Legumes are full of nutrients, like minerals, protein, fiber, and B vitamins. Healthline notes legumes also improve feelings of fullness, which may help people eat less at each meal.

• TEFF: Not too many people have heard of teff, which is a very small grain that is a dietary staple in parts of eastern Africa. Teff is high in the nutrients iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and vitamin C. Teff also contains ample protein and fiber. Teff also is gluten-free, so it can be ground and used in place of other flours in cooking, says Britannica.

• KEFIR: Fermented foods and beverages have garnered increased attention recently because of their effect on helping maintain gut health. Kefir is loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients, says the Cleveland Clinic. It is a fermented milk that boasts higher concentrations of probiotics than some other fermented foods, like yogurt. Kefir has approximately 12 active probiotic strains.

Varicose Vein Disease can lead to many symptoms, including swelling, aching, cramping, fatigue, heaviness, itching and burning. If left untreated, varicose vein disease can worsen and lead to hyper pigmentation (brownish discoloration) and ulcers. Individuals with varicose vein disease also have a higher risk of developing blood clots.

At Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Center, we have a team of professionals, from our physicians to our medical and support staff. We strive to be a recognized leader in advanced, innovative, medically based treatments for varicose veins. Educating our patients on their treatment options and tailoring a treatment plan that meets their needs.

Vein treatments offered:

Sclerotherapy is the “gold standard” and is preferred over laser for eliminating large spider veins and smaller varicose leg veins. Unlike a laser, the sclerosing solution additionally closes the “feeder veins” under the skin that are causing the spider veins to form, thereby making a recurrence of the spider veins in the treated area less likely. Sclerotherapy can also be performed using micro foam sclerosants under ultrasound guidance to treat larger varicose veins.

Venaseal is a procedure that uses a medical glue to close affected veins. This special glue holds the walls of the veins together, stopping and then redirecting the blood flow to healthy veins. With time, your body will absorb the inactive veins, and they will disappear.

RFA is Radio-Frequency Ablation. This treatment is a minimally invasive technique and uses heat created by radiofrequency to shut down the vein and redirect the blood flow to the healthy veins.

Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Center : 217 Vertin Boulevard, Shorewood, 60404 : 815.254.8888 : https://www.eternalaser.com/

Ask a Foot & Ankle Surgeon

A board-certified, reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon with Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Kyle Pearson diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the lower extremities -- specifically the foot and ankle -- utilizing advanced, non-surgical and surgical treatment options.

He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Des Moines University and then went on to complete his residency in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery in the Orthopedic Department at the renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Patients can see Dr. Pearson for a wide range of conditions, including foot and ankle trauma, fractures, and sprains, ankle instability, tendon ruptures including Achilles, bunion, hammertoe, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot conditions/ limb salvage, sports-related injuries, foot and ankle arthritic conditions, and flatfoot and cavus foot reconstruction.

Dr. Pearson has office locations in Morris, Joliet, and Ottawa. For more information, visit morrishospital.org/footandankle, or call Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at 815-942-4875.

Q: Why is it important to take good care of my feet and ankles?

Dr. Pearson: Often, people do not realize how important their feet and ankles are until they have problems. The foot and ankle are the foundation of the lower extremity, and when issues arise it can cause problems elsewhere within the body. Being proactive is one of the best things you can do to prevent further issues with your foot and ankle.

Q: What can I do to prevent foot or ankle problems?

Dr Pearson: Wearing proper shoe gear is one of the best things you can do, along with regular exercise and stretching. A proper fitting, hard sole tennis shoe with a wide toe box is recommended. It’s also important to have your foot measured by a professional at

a shoe store to make sure you are purchasing the right size and fit. If you exercise regularly, work on uneven ground and/or hard surfaces such as concrete, you should change shoe gear on a regular basis. Also, discomfort of your feet or abnormal wear to the tread of the shoe could be signs of needing to purchase new shoe gear. I often see individuals who have trained improperly and increased activities too fast, which could result in stress fractures or tendon pathology. In addition, if you have diabetes mellitus or neuropathy, evaluating your feet on a regular basis is important.

Q: What should I do if I have foot or ankle pain?

Dr. Pearson: If you notice foot or ankle pain, the most important thing you can do is not ignore it. Pain is your body’s way of letting you know something is abnormal. Continued pain is a sign that you need to have your foot and ankle evaluated by a professional such as a foot and ankle surgeon. Being seen sooner than later will often prevent issues that could be easily solved with a nonsurgical modality from turning into something that may require more extensive treatment, including possible surgery.

Q: How does your advanced training make you well qualified to perform foot and ankle surgeries?

Dr. Pearson: During my time at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, I received extensive, well-rounded training in both nonsurgical and surgical treatment of the lower extremity. Additionally, I am board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in foot, as well as rear foot and ankle reconstructive surgery, which indicates that I have completed the highest level of requirements to treat pathology of the foot and ankle. By receiving this title and extensive training, I am able to provide advanced procedures for my patients -- including total ankle replacements -- and get them back to normal activity in a quicker fashion.

Q: How do I know when it’s time to see a foot & ankle surgeon?

A: If you have a traumatic injury, I recommend seeking treatment as soon as possible. For other foot and ankle concerns, if you are continuing to have pain after resting, icing, taking oral anti-inflammatories, and activity modifications, you should seek further professional advice from a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. I am fortunate to be able to provide a full service line of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, including formal physical therapy, access to medical equipment, X-Ray, MRI and an outpatient surgical center within our Morris office location. Access to these additional services heightens my ability to provide a comprehensive treatment plan in order to get my patients active again as soon as safely possible.

Dr. Kyle Pearson, Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Shoulder Surgery at Morris Hospital

Gives Morris Woman New Lease on Life

& Sports Medicine would be able to help. It was at the recommendation of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Rezin, who replaced Stamper’s left hip, that she meet with Dr. Robert Williams, a fellowshiptrained orthopedic surgeon with Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine who has sub-specialization in total shoulder replacements and elbow surgery.

From her first appointment with Dr. Williams, Stamper says she knew he was the one. She was most impressed with Dr. William’s bedside manner and the way he explained things.

“Dr. Williams is a fantastic surgeon. From the first time I met with him, he made me feel comfortable and really explained how the shoulder works. That matters when you are choosing a surgeon.”

learn to live with their shoulder pain is dead wrong,” she says. “There are amazing surgeons in our community like Dr. Williams who helped me go from horrible pain to nearly pain free.”

For more information about Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, visit www.morrishospital.org/orthopedics.

At 76 years old, Morris resident Lois Stamper was understandably frustrated when persistent shoulder pain started affecting her everyday life. Unable to do basic tasks such as reaching the top shelf of the cupboard or putting on earrings, Stamper decided it was time to take back control of her life by getting help for her shoulder pain.

With an extensive history of orthopedic surgeries -- including two hip replacements and a back surgery -- Stamper knew the pain she was experiencing in both shoulders was something she could no longer live with. Even though she considers herself a “seasoned professional at getting orthopedic surgeries,” she admits she was nervous at the prospect of a shoulder replacement – let alone two.

“The pain in combination with not being able to do simple things like putting on deodorant or lotion was the final straw for me to agree to surgery,” says Stamper. “I was nervous I would never be able to regain the ability to do everyday tasks again.”

In 2021, Stamper began looking for an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in shoulders. She was hoping one of the surgeons with Morris Hospital Orthopedic

During Stamper’s first surgery in 2021, Dr. Williams performed a reverse total shoulder replacement on her left side. She says the pain relief she felt from the moment she woke up from surgery was “life changing” and that after so many years with crippling pain she was ecstatic to be able to think about something besides the pain. That inspired Stamper to focus all her energy into physical therapy. It wasn’t long before she regained full range of motion in her left shoulder.

Little did Stamper know that nearly one year later, she would be back meeting with Dr. Williams to talk about surgery for her other shoulder. While the pain she was now experiencing in her right shoulder was very similar to the pain she previously felt, this time, she was no longer willing to tolerate what she calls unnecessary pain. Stamper says there was never any doubt in her mind that she would get the other shoulder replaced by Dr. Williams as well.

“I called Dr. Williams and asked him if he was ready for round two,” she says. “I knew without a doubt that I trusted him to operate on me again. He was as excellent the second time as he was the first.”

After two successful shoulder replacements and many physical therapy sessions, Stamper is back to living her independent lifestyle. She says that Dr. Williams changed her life, calling him a “top-tier surgeon.”

Today, Stamper encourages others who have shoulder pain to seek help. “Anyone who thinks they have no option but to

Dr. Robert Williams

Orthopedic Surgeon

Are you experiencing pain

in your shoulder, elbow, neck, back, hip, knee, hand, wrist, foot or ankle?

The physicians with Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are an excellent resource!

Orthopedic Surgeons:

Dr. Ahmed Eldib

Dr. Raymond Meyer

Dr. Paul Perona

Dr. Keith Rezin

Dr. Stephen Treacy

Dr. Robert Williams

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon: Dr. Mir Ali

Foot & Ankle Surgeon: Dr. Kyle Pearson

With office locations in Morris, Diamond-Coal City, Ottawa and Joliet

For more information, visit morrishospital.org/orthopedics

Lois Stamper, of Morris, has a new appreciation for being able to perform everyday tasks following two shoulder replacement surgeries at Morris Hospital.

injuries and problems associated with the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hand, knee, hip, foot, and ankle, always consdering conservative treatment methods first.