Vitality Magazine Spring 2023

SummaCare’s 5-Star rating means you can choose to switch today!

Where Am I? Finding My Way Around Summa Health

The Summa Health Way Finder, a free mobile app, can get you wherever you need to go on the Summa Health System – Akron Campus with personalized step-by-step directions. It’s quick. It’s easy. And it’s been updated with new and exciting features! Check out the new and improved Summa Health Way Finder now.

New to the Summa Health Way Finder?

Start by downloading the mobile app. You can also look for Way Finder campus kiosks throughout the Akron Campus. Visit summahealth.org/wayfinder to learn more!

Dedicated to Positive Mental Health

Did you know that millions of Americans experience behavioral health, or mental health, conditions every year? These include mental, behavioral and emotional disorders, including substance abuse. These conditions can affect a person’s thinking, feeling or mood, the ability to relate to others and function each day.

The need for behavioral health specialists is growing in the community. The Summa Health Behavioral Health Institute has the licensed and experienced professionals, resources, research capabilities and extensive history to help people survive, adapt and gather new hope and possibilities in their lives.

Services include:

Inpatient Services

• General Psychiatric Units

• Geriatric Psychiatric Unit

• Dual Diagnosis Unit

• Detox Unit

Outpatient Services

• Partial Hospitalization Program

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (General Psychiatry, Substance Use Disorder, Trauma)

• Summa Health Traumatic Stress Center

• Psychiatric Assessment and Referral Service

• Traditional Outpatient Psychiatry/Therapy Services

To learn more about how our team can help, contact us at 888.204.0180

New Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion Now Open

In January, Summa Health opened the Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion. This welcoming and secure 64 private room inpatient and outpatient facility is dedicated exclusively to Summa Health’s behavioral health patients.

Ground Floor

Suite 100: Mental Health and Addiction Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Programs (PHP/IOP)

Additional features:

• Dr. Joseph D. Varley Conference Center – for small to large community gatherings

• Grab and Go Café

• Heritage Center – dedicated to the history of St. Thomas Hospital

• Reflection Center – a nondenominational chapel

• Serenity Garden – featuring 12 granite benches representing the 12 steps of recovery for AA

Second Floor

Suite 500: Traumatic Stress Center Suite 600: Summa Health Medical Group Behavioral Health General Psychiatry and Psychology offices

Third Floor Mechanical only; no public access

Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Floors

Inpatient Care

• Private inpatient rooms

• Dedicated quiet space for patients

• Three-season porch for fresh air and sunlight for patients

• Large group rooms with AV capability for patient activities and education

To learn more about Summa Health behavioral health services or take a virtual tour of the new facility, visit summahealth.org/behavioral

70+ Years with Summa –and They’re Not Going Anywhere Else

A local couple celebrated 50 years of marriage last July. It’s entirely possible that their love first blossomed in the Summa Health nursery – well, that’s what they say at least (with a smile).

Jim Millard and Diane Krupnak were born four days apart at Akron City Hospital (now Summa Health System – Akron Campus) in the spring of 1949. Years later, after Jim graduated from Lake High School and Diane graduated from Garfield High School, the couple met for a “second time” at The University of Akron.

As they became working professionals, their connections to Summa continued to grow. Both Jim and Diane see Summa Health providers. Jim spent his working years in tire development as a senior tech service engineer for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company – SummaCare’s first official client. Diane was a business education teacher at Ellet High School within Akron Public Schools – another early SummaCare client.

Ready for Medicare?

When it became time to retire, they felt confident moving from their employer-based SummaCare insurance plans to a SummaCare Medicare Advantage plan.

The Millards grew up, worked and raised their family here in the Akron area, but one thing they cited as a point of security for them is the coverage they have when away from home.

“I had an ATV accident some time ago, and I was out of state. I had emergency coverage through SummaCare. I was very happy with that coverage,” Jim said. “Our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter live in Kentucky, and one of the things I really like about SummaCare is when we go out of state, we have emergency coverage down there.”

For Diane, it is important to know she can always get the help she needs. “Customer service is fantastic. When I make a call, a live person answers the phone – that’s so important to both of us at our age.”

Through a lifetime of health-based milestones – Summa has been a part of the Millard family’s journey. Jim and Diane wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We like SummaCare so much that we have referred several friends and family members and they’ve joined in too. We started with SummaCare, we’ve stayed with SummaCare,” Diane said.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Jim added.

SummaCare’s 5-Star rating means you can choose to switch today!

Not just affordable – our plans deliver value and savings

With plans as low as $0/month

“Our entire lives have been with Summa and for the last seven years we’ve been with the SummaCare Medicare Advantage Program.”

We’re Here to Better Serve You

Summa Health is one of Ohio’s largest integrated healthcare delivery systems. Summa has served millions of patients in emergency, acute, outpatient and long-term care settings. Summa Health is committed to offering a full continuum of compassionate, coordinated care.

Summa Health’s extensive affiliate network spreads across most of Northern Ohio.

Summa Health Network encompasses affiliate practices across 14 Northeast Ohio counties.

More locally, NewHealth Collaborative and Summa Health’s post-acute network, comprised of home care, hospice, and skilled nursing collaborative facilities, provide patients access to vital services in partnership with Summa Health providers and services.

SummaCare’s membership reach covers 33 counties. SummaCare offers affordable health insurance for employers, individuals, families and Medicare-eligible individuals in Ohio.

Whatever your healthcare need, Summa Health is here to provide you with the highest quality, compassionate care. We strive to meet the community’s needs and give access to specialized healthcare services. In addition, we continuously evaluate where care is most needed for those we serve and strive to expand our healthcare services as necessary.

Care When You Need It

Aches and pains? A fracture or sprain? Urgent Care is a great choice when you can’t wait for an appointment with your primary care provider, or when you need medical care after hours for non-life threatening conditions.

No appointment necessary — just walk right in. You also can log into your MyChart account for a virtual visit. Wait times are typically shorter, and co-pays and out-of-pocket costs are usually lower than an ER visit.

Our board-certified physicians and advanced practice registered nurses can treat fractures, sprains and strains, in addition to common health concerns like:

• Colds, flu, sore throat

• Bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma

• Ear pain

• Allergies and sinus infections

• Cuts, scrapes, splinters

• Rashes, cellulitis, poison ivy, minor allergic reactions

Conduct a virtual visit through MyChart

• Eye infections, irritations and minor foreign bodies

• Minor laceration repair

Get the care you need when you need it at any of Summa Health’s Urgent Care facilities:

Understanding Epilepsy:

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in which electrical brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. A chronic condition that affects every aspect of life, from memory and mood challenges to social interactions with others, epilepsy affects over 65,000 people right here in Northeast Ohio. It is the fourth most common neurological disease, after migraines, stroke and Alzheimer’s, and 1 in 26 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed.

Causes

• Genetics

• Head trauma

• Brain abnormalities

• Infections

• Prenatal injury

• Developmental disorders

Symptoms

Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, seizures can affect any process your brain coordinates. Seizure symptoms may include:

• Sensations such as tingling, dizziness and feeling full in the stomach

• Sudden changes in emotions

• Altered senses

• Staring off

• Confusion

• Loss of consciousness

• Stiffening

• Jerky, rhythmic or twitching motions

• Falling down

Epilepsy affects over 65,000 people right here in Northeast Ohio

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you are experiencing any symptoms, the Summa Health Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is ready to support you through a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan to improve your quality of life. With the right diagnosis and treatment, most patients can manage their symptoms and live regular lives with few interruptions.

At the Summa Health System – Akron Campus, the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit offers patients 24/7 continuous EEG monitoring services to observe brain wave activity in real-time to assist in diagnosis.

If diagnosed with epilepsy, Summa Health offers several treatment options, including:

• Anti-seizure medication

• Cutting-edge medical therapies

• Epilepsy-specific diets

• Behavioral health programs

• Integrative therapies

• State-of-the-art surgical option, from minimally invasive laser ablation therapy to implantable devices

Each option is best discussed with a neurologist specially trained to treat seizures and epilepsy.

The Summa Health Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is committed to facilitating community-based wraparound services for the medical and psychosocial well-being of patients and families living with epilepsy. For more information or to schedule a consult, call 888.203.1181 or visit summahealth.org/epilepsy.

Technological Innovations

New Enhanced MyChart

Your Secure, Online Health Connection

24 Hours a Day

Summa Health has transitioned to a new version of MyChart, your electronic medical record and/or mobile app! You can still manage your health information by requesting prescription refills, asking your doctor a question, conducting a video visit and viewing test results. But now you also have increased functionality with billing, hospital stays, labor and delivery registration and much more.

If you’re not already using Summa Health’s MyChart, sign up now and gain easy online access to your health records – including the ability to message your doctor at no charge! Visit summahealth.org/mychart for details.

Endobronchial Valve Technology

Achieving Relief for Severe Emphysema Patients

Summa Health is the first Akron-area pulmonary program to offer the Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve System, an FDA-approved minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of severe emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Pulse Platform Building a Smarter Operating Room

By integrating multiple technologies into one platform, Pulse enables Summa Health orthopedic surgeons to perform less invasive, more advanced surgical procedures. Pulse enhances a surgeon’s capabilities during surgery through spinal alignment tracking, intraoperative neuromonitoring, spinal navigation, enhanced imaging and patient-specific rod bending.

Benefits to the patient may include:

• Reduced time under anesthesia and lower intraoperative risks

• Decreased radiation exposure

• Reduced length of stay in the hospital

• Better clinical outcomes

With the Pulse platform, Summa Health surgeons can provide better spine care to our patients. To learn more, contact the Summa Health Orthopedic Institute at 888.808.3926.

Performed during a bronchoscopy that requires no cutting or incisions, the minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure involves placing small, one-way valves in the airways. The valves help prevent air from being trapped in the diseased area of the lung, while allowing healthier parts of the lung to take in more air. It results in patients being able to breathe easier without undergoing a major surgery. Our pulmonary specialists in our endobronchial valve clinic evaluate patients to ensure they are the best candidates for the procedure.

For more information or to see if you qualify to be evaluated for this procedure, visit summahealth.org/lung or call 888.203.3655

Helps patients with COPD breathe easier

One platform. Better spine surgery.

New feature: Pay your bill through MyChart

5

Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Health

Spring is a great time to pause and rethink your overall health. Here are five things you can focus on to make sure you are the best version of yourself.

Spend time outdoors. Now is the time to reap the benefits of better weather. Get outside and choose an activity that moves your muscles and bones. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. 1

Clean up your sleep schedule. Experts say adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Make sure you have healthy sleep habits, such as getting up at the same time each day, avoiding alcohol for four hours before bed and keeping the area in which you sleep dark and cool. 2

Spruce up your diet. Make healthy food choices like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Try to make half your plate fruits and vegetables and half whole grains. 3

Drink more water. It’s time to swap out those high-caffeinated, sugar and alcoholic beverages for water. Hydrating regularly benefits the body and keeps you refreshed and feeling alive. 4

See your doctor. Now is a good time to ensure you are up-to-date on your recommended physicals and immunizations. Check in with your primary care provider (PCP) to discuss any health concerns you have. 5

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house; your health can benefit, too. Call your PCP for an appointment. Don’t have a PCP? Go to summahealth.org/physicians to find one now.

Summa Health’s podcast, ”Healthy Vitals” explores The Importance of Knowing Your Family Health History. Check out this story, and many others, by visiting summahealth.org/podcast or find it in your favorite podcast player.

Happy to Be Back on Her Feet

Camille McGowan, a food service industry worker, is used to spending a lot of time on her feet. However, the severe arthritis in her knee was becoming too painful for her to even work. “I had to go sit at my desk all the time and put my leg up on a chair because it was hurting so bad,” she recalls.

Fortunately, a friend and former patient of Ryan Combs, M.D., a total joint reconstruction surgeon, referred her to the orthopedic team at Summa Health. “Dr. Combs said that I had bone-on-bone arthritis real bad,” says Camille, “and that I needed to get in there and have surgery.” So on March 3, 2022, Camille underwent knee replacement surgery at the Summa Health Joint Replacement Center of Excellence on the Summa Health System – Barberton Campus.

With a mission to help eliminate pain and restore function to joints, the Summa Health Joint Replacement Center of Excellence offers the latest in robotic surgery and innovative procedures. Our dedicated orthopedic nurse navigator, Liz Householder BSN, RN, ONC, guides patients through each phase of care with educational support through the Joint Effort Academy.

“I was so amazed by the surgery. I was up and walking in less than three hours,” shares Camille. “They had me up, out, and walking in and out of the hallways and back in the room. They asked, ‘Are you ready to sit down?’ I said, ‘No, let’s do this again.’’’

Camille loves to cook and, within a week, was back in the kitchen – cooking while standing on her own two feet. “Dr. Combs and his team were remarkable. They were calling me every week to see how I was doing – that was wonderful,” says Camille. “Everything went so well that I am ready to go get the next knee done right away!”

Interested in learning more about the Joint Replacement Center of Excellence? Contact us now at 888.808.3926 or visit summahealth.org/joint-replacement-center

– Camille McGowan, Orthopedic Patient

Kiel Pfefferle, M.D. Ryan Combs, M.D.

Liz Householder BSN, RN, ONC

Michelle Rappach, BSN, RN, ONC

Meet the Orthopedic Surgery Team

“ I was so amazed by the surgery. I was up and walking in less than three hours. ”

Summa Health Joint Replacement Center of Excellence

Hip and Knee Patient Roadmap

Preparing

The Summa Health Joint Replacement Center of Excellence on the Barberton Campus offers private suites for post-surgical care.

The Joint Replacement Center of Excellence team includes (left to right) Nick Luisi, PA-C; Jack Bonfiglio, PA-C; Kiel Pfefferle, M.D.; Scott Weiner, M.D.; Ryan Combs, M.D.; and Alix Melville, APRN.

Colorectal Cancer –the Silent Killer

Colon and rectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, resulting in about 53,000 deaths annually. However, it also is one of the most preventable, treatable and beatable cancers. But early detection is critical.

Testing Options

Colonoscopy – The gold standard. Screening should start at age 45 for average risk individuals. This test requires a day of prep beforehand and is recommended every ten years for people of average risk.

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) – Detects minute traces of blood in the stool. This easy, non-invasive test can be done in the comfort and privacy of your home and requires no special prep, changes to your diet or medicines. This test is recommended every year, and if traces of blood are found in the stool, a colonoscopy is generally recommended.

Are You at Risk?

If you check any of these statements, you’re at higher risk.

Personal history of colon/rectal polyps or cancer

Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis

History of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

Immediate family history of colon/rectal polyps or cancer

When you’re ready to get to the bottom of this issue, talk to your healthcare provider about which test might be a good option for you. No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to get tested regularly.

For more information, go to summahealth.org/colorectal or call 888.203.9244 to schedule your colorectal screening.

Are You at Risk for Head and Neck Cancers?

Head and neck cancers include cancers of the mouth (such as lip and tongue), the pharynx or throat and the larynx or voice box. Early symptoms occur as a lump or nodule, numbness, swelling, hoarseness, sore throat, foul odor in the mouth or any difficulty moving the jaw or swallowing.

Heavy tobacco and alcohol use, prolonged sun exposure and exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) all increase your risk of developing a head or neck cancer. There is no standard screening test for head and neck cancers; however, your dentist may check for signs of oral cancer during your routine checkup.

To learn more, visit summahealth.org/head-neck-cancer.

If you are experiencing any symptoms or you have a family history of head and neck cancers, make sure to talk to your primary care provider about your individual risk for cancer.

Second leading cause of cancer death

Honor Your Caregiver with a gift to Summa Health

Family members often ask us – “Is there a way to say ‘thank you’ to the people who made a difference to me and my family while I was a patient at Summa Health?”

You and your family can show gratitude to a caregiver – a physician, nurse, therapist, or any other Summa Health staff member or volunteer – who played a special role during your treatment.

Maybe it was exceptional care, compassion and kindness you or your loved one received, a life-saving procedure or a visit from a volunteer during your stay.

When you want to say more than “thank you,” consider recognizing your caregiver with a gift in their name. Your gift will help other patients in our community receive the same compassionate care you experienced.

Your honored caregiver will receive a personalized letter acknowledging your gift.

To make a gift in your caregiver’s honor, visit summahealth.org/grateful or call 330.375.3159

Community Events

Remember, Doctors Day is March 30!

“ ” Thank you for the care you’ve given my husband. We appreciate everything you have done for us.

“ ” Thank you for all you have done for me. I am in better health now than I have been in many years.

Due to COVID-19 in our communities, some events may become virtual or be canceled. Please visit summahealth.org/events for up-to-date information.

March

• March 8

Wellness Chat: Lung Health — 10 a.m., Wadsworth Soprema Center

• March 9

Medina Ladies Night Out — 5-8 p.m., Medina Public Square

May

• May 10

Wellness Chat: Senior Health — 10 a.m., Wadsworth Soprema Center

• May 11

Medina Ladies Night Out — 5-8 p.m., Medina Public Square

• May 18

Silver Sneakers Speakers Series: Stroke Awareness — 10-11 a.m., Tallmadge Community Center

June

• June 8

Silver Sneakers Speakers Series: Sleep Health — 10-11 a.m., Tallmadge Community Center

• June 23-24

Akron Marathon: National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile