Vitality Magazine Summer 2023

Healthcare Solutions Based on Evidence

The Summa Health Center for Clinical Inquiry supports our staff in using an evidence-based methodology to answer clinical questions, develop practice changes and make informed patient-care decisions. It does so by:

Facilitating translation of research

Promoting evidence-based practices within Summa Health Consulting on the commitment to high-quality, reliable and compassionate care

Developing an engaged and productive repository for clinical inquiry

The Summa Health Center for Clinical Inquiry is located within the Summa Health Corporate Office at 1077 Gorge Blvd in Akron. To learn more, visit summahealth.org/centerforclinicalinquiry or email TheCenter@summahealth.org

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach for healthcare that integrates best practices from evidence found in scientific literature and combines it with clinician expertise and patient preferences to make patient care decisions. The goals of evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) are to reduce variations in practice, enhance the quality of care, improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.

Evidence-Based Practice Immersion

Summa Health, in partnership with the Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-Based Practice, hosted an Evidence-Based Practice Immersion with teams attending from The University of Akron, Kent State University and MetroHealth. The interdisciplinary event, held the last week of April at the Summa Health System – Akron Campus, took participants on a deep dive into evidence-based practice methodology to improve patient, clinician and organizational outcomes.

Getting her health back through weight loss surgery

Leontyne Lynn Jones found Summa Health Weight Management Institute through a referral from a friend. “I went to work one day and shared with my friend some of the struggles and medical issues I was having due to my weight,” she says. “She recommended I contact Summa.”

Leontyne Lynn was diagnosed with diabetes a few years earlier and struggled to lose weight. She was tired, had high blood pressure, experienced joint pain and had little strength. She was not finding much enjoyment in life.

During her first appointment at Summa with Dr. Kenneth Wells, obesity medicine specialist, Leontyne Lynn told him she was committed to improving her health and well-being. Dr. Wells helped her change her diet and make other lifestyle changes. Her weight loss helped her regain many things she’d been missing, including energy and time with her family and grandkids.

Leontyne Lynn saw progress with her weight loss; however, her blood sugar was still elevated. “I met with Dr. Wells and he mentioned that weight loss surgery could help manage my diabetes

to where I might no longer have to take medication,” she says. She thought about it, and because of her trust in Dr. Wells, she agreed to meet with bariatric surgeon Dr. Adrian Dan to explore her options.

Leontyne Lynn met with Dr. Dan and was impressed by his thoroughness during her first appointment. “He didn’t pressure me about which procedure I should have. He sat with me, listened to me and explained the entire process and answered my questions about which surgery would help me most,” she says.

Dr. Dan informed her that the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery would help manage her diabetes and other issues, including high blood pressure. She left that meeting feeling empowered to make the best decision.

In July 2020, Leontyne Lynn had the procedure that changed her life. After having Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, she started losing weight and her blood sugar returned to normal. She worked with a registered dietitian on portion control and felt supported by the entire Weight Management Institute team.

Leontyne Lynn continues to see Dr. Wells as he supports her weight management journey after surgery. She is happy she had the surgery. “I’m no longer on medication. I’m living my life; I’m enjoying my life,” she says. “I am so glad I made this decision for myself.”

– Leontyne Lynn Jones, Weight Loss Surgery Patient

I’m living my life; I’m enjoying my life, I am so glad I made this decision for myself.

Kenneth Wells, M.D.

Adrian Dan, M.D.

Summa Health Weight Management Institute

Losing weight can be difficult, which is why Summa Health Weight Management Institute offers patients many options for weight loss.

Nonsurgical Weight Management

The focus of nonsurgical weight management is long-term weight loss through modifying food choices, intensive management of eating behaviors and exercise. Healthy weight management begins with reaching your goal weight and then continues with maintaining that weight. You will continue to see us for lifetime follow-up to prevent regaining the weight you worked so hard to lose. You can customize a program that works best for you.

Surgical Weight Loss

Weight loss surgery may be an option if your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 40 or between 35 and 39.9, with at least one other medical condition caused by excess weight. Weight loss surgery can increase metabolic function and resolution of obesity and associated health issues such as:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Fatty liver disease

• High cholesterol

• Sleep apnea

• Joint pain

• Heartburn/GERD

Additionally, the preventive benefits of weight loss surgery include reducing the incidence of cancer, heart attacks, stroke and kidney failure, among many others.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Options

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

This procedure creates a small pouch that separates it from the rest of the stomach. A portion of the small intestine is then bypassed and reattached to the pouch. This procedure creates a feeling of fullness sooner after eating and allows for the absorption of only part of the food eaten.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

During this procedure, most of the stomach is removed. The remaining portion of the stomach through which food passes is shaped like a tube or a sleeve, resulting in less storage for food in the stomach.

Single Anastomosis

Duodeno-ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S) This procedure is designed to reduce the size of the stomach and bypass some of the small intestine. This new route helps restrict the type and amount of food eaten while avoiding caloric absorption.

We’re Here to Better Serve You

Williams Breast Center in Barberton Renovated

Renovations were recently completed at the Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Center for Breast Health — Barberton Campus that support new capabilities.

Services provided at this site now include:

• High Risk Breast Clinic

• Cancer risk evaluation and consultation with our high risk breast specialist

• High risk screening

• Genetic counseling and testing

• Preventive options for individuals at increased risk for breast cancer

• Breast consultation after abnormal breast imaging

• New patient evaluations for abnormal breast imaging or breast concerns

• Breast imaging including 3D mammography, diagnostic ultrasound

• Ultrasound-guided core, MRI-guided and stereotactic biopsies*

• Survivorship Support

• Nutrition support

• Psychosocial support

• Integrative therapies

• Education

• Financial counseling

• Breast Surgery Consultations

• Medical oncology, outpatient infusion, radiation oncology and blood work onsite *

Call 888.234.1213 to schedule an

Women’s Health Services Expanded in Rootstown

We now offer obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) services at Summa Health Rootstown Medical Center. Whether you are welcoming a baby into the world, concerned about changes during menopause or searching for answers and support for sexual health issues, we have the services to meet your health needs.

In addition, we also offer patients specialty services in our Rootstown Medical Center. Gynecological oncology appointments are available for patients with cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer. If patients need treatment or surgery, including minimally invasive or robotic surgery, further care is available at Summa Health’s Akron Campus in downtown Akron.

Finally, patients can visit the Rootstown facility to see a urogynecologist for pelvic health conditions including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and overactive bladder.

25 Years of Level 1 Trauma Care

Each year, some 2,800 patients receive specialized trauma care at Summa Health.

Treatment at a trauma center reduces mortality among seriously injured patients by up to 25%

85% of our trauma patients are brought to the emergency department via emergency medical services.

In 1997, Summa Health System – Akron Campus was proudly designated as the first adult Level I Trauma Center in the Akron area, verified by the American College of Surgeons. The mission of a trauma center is to ensure continuity of care, from the scene of an injury through treatment and rehabilitation.

As a verified Level I Trauma Center, providing the highest surgical care for trauma patients, Summa Health has:

• 24/7 in-house coverage by a team of seven fellowship-trained trauma surgeons

• Six advanced practice providers and a trauma-focused navigator to support patients and families through their hospital stay

• Immediate care available in a full range of specialties and subspecialties for injury and noninjury care needs

• A robust outreach and injury prevention program, targeting our most frequent injury types to help reduce the likelihood of injury before it happens

• A comprehensive quality assessment program

• An ambulatory office committed to following patients after discharge

• A multidisciplinary research program with National Institutes of Health funded research on resilience and adaptation to injury, developing relationships in the neurosciences, orthopedics, geriatrics and emergency medicine research programs, as well as participation in the second largest multicenter trauma study to improve outcomes after major injury with severe bleeding

To learn more about the Summa Health Level I Trauma Center, visit summahealth.org/surgicaltrauma.

Our Community Counts on Summa Health

Did you know? Summa Health is a nonprofit, charitable organization that cares for everyone in our community, even when they cannot afford it. As the region’s largest safety net provider, Summa Health is more vital than ever before for the health and well-being of all those we serve. Philanthropic support is increasingly important to establish and sustain access to care through important programs and services such as:

First Step offers an innovative addiction treatment program, first launched at the Barberton Campus Emergency Department, then expanded to the Akron Campus Emergency Department and, most recently, the freestanding emergency departments in Green and Wadsworth in 2021.

The Complex Care Clinic serves the needs of adult patients with a variety of complex conditions and helps them to thrive with a coordinated care team of physicians in one centralized location on the Akron Campus. One patient who spent 296 days in the year in the hospital had that number dramatically reduced to just 10 days while in the care of the coordinated team.

The Summa Health Pride Clinic provides a comfortable, safe place for all who seek a medical home. Since opening in 2019, patient visits have continued to increase exponentially.

The Summa Health Women’s Health Center provides routine OB/GYN examination services, pregnancy services and referrals to other specialty women’s health services to uninsured and underserved patients.

The Summa Health Equity Center provides 11,000 patients annually with outstanding, quality care to create health equity for all through primary care, health education prevention initiatives and community programming.

The CenteringPregnancy® program provides enhanced prenatal care to more than 170 at-risk patients annually.

Strengthen Access to Healthcare in Our Community

Many of our programs and services rely heavily – and sometimes totally – on the continuing generosity of our community members. Your gift in any amount to Summa Health can help strengthen our safety net for those who need it the most. If you would like to support Summa Health, scan the QR code to give online at summahealth.org/giving or call 330.375.3159

Summa Health Women’s Health Center

First Step

Summa Health Pride Clinic

Summa Health Equity Center

Complex Care Clinic

Centering Pregnancy® Program

Prostate Cancer: What You Should Know

Prostate cancer is common among males in the United States, with about one in eight diagnosed in their lifetime. It is also the second-leading cause of cancer death for males. Here’s what you need to know to look out for, assess your risk, and learn how it’s diagnosed and what treatment options are available at Summa Health.

Signs and Symptoms

In its early stages, prostate cancer may have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can resemble those of an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with:

• Dull pain in the lower pelvic area

• Frequent urinating

• Trouble urinating, pain, burning or weak urine flow

Risk Factors

• Blood in the urine or semen

• Pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs

• Loss of appetite and weight

For prostate cancer, risk factors include:

• Age (approximately 6 out of 10 cases are found in males older than 65)

• Family history

• Obesity

Screening for Prostate Cancer

• Race (more likely to develop in non-Hispanic African American males)

• Smoking

Beginning at age 55, discuss with your provider the potential risks and benefits of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. If you are at higher risk for prostate cancer, you should begin discussions with your physician at age 40. Higher risk factors include:

• First-degree family history (father, son or brother) was diagnosed

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

• Of African American heritage

• Experiencing symptoms

If a biopsy is needed for diagnosis, you will be in good hands at Summa Health.

Dr. Joseph Dankoff performs prostate biopsies using the PrecisionPoint™

Treatment Overview

If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your cancer care team will discuss your treatment options to help make the decision that best fits your needs. Depending on your case, treatment options may include:

Active Surveillance

• Your condition is closely followed without treatment unless there are changes in test results. It is used to find early signs that the condition is getting worse.

Surgery

• If you’re in good health – and your tumor is in the prostate gland only – you may have a minimally invasive procedure to remove the tumor.

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

Joseph Dankoff, M.D.

Transperineal Access System in Medina. Prostate biopsies performed this way eliminate the risk of infection and complications associated with a transrectal biopsy. Another equally important benefit of the transperineal approach is that the system can access hard-to-reach areas of the prostate, including the anterior portion, during a biopsy.

For more information about urologic services offered at Summa Health, including prostate screening, go to summahealth.org/urology

Technological Innovations

C.A.R.E. Center HIV/AIDS Research and Education

The Summa Health Center for AIDS Research and Education (C.A.R.E.), located on the Akron Campus, is designed to meet the unique healthcare needs of patients with HIV/AIDS in our community. Serving as a clinical research unit, the C.A.R.E. Center evaluates new medications, as well as the effectiveness of existing treatments, for qualifying patients.

Innovative treatment options range from long-lasting HIV injectables, including a new class of HIV medications called capsid inhibitors, to HIV prevention through PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) medication. PrEP oral options are approved for daily use, while long-lasting intramuscular injections can be given in-office every eight weeks. Safe sex counseling and STD testing are also part of PrEP treatment, which has been shown to be over 99% effective when used correctly.

Since the Center’s opening in 1988, significant advancements in the treatment of HIV/AIDS have been developed. To learn more, call 877.203.4835 or visit summahealth.org/care-center

Barostim™ Therapy Heart Failure Treatment

If you are suffering from symptoms of heart failure –like fatigue and shortness of breath – and struggling to participate in activities you enjoy, Barostim™ therapy may be able to help.

Barostim is a pacemaker-like device designed to “outsmart the heart” by sending small electrical pulses to specialized pressure sensors in your neck. The sensors signal your brain to regulate your heart, kidneys and blood vessels. The effects reduce the heart’s workload and help it pump more efficiently, relieving symptoms of heart failure and improving your quality of life.

To find out if you may be eligible for a Barostim implant, contact the Summa Health Heart Failure team at 888.878.7064

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

Helps decrease the intensity of fear and anxiety responses brought on by memories of traumatic experiences

The Summa Health Traumatic Stress Center has added virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) as another tool to help its patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patients wear a virtual reality headset that creates an immersive sensory environment to help activate the trauma memory in a therapeutic way. The goal is it can be emotionally processed to alleviate the intense distress that the memory often evokes.

The setup is designed to help the patient confront the situations that cause fear and anxiety, but in a safe and controlled environment. The patient discusses these immersive experiences and feelings with their therapist.

To learn more about traumatic stress therapy options, visit summahealth.org/stress

What It Means to You

SummaCare’s Medicare Advantage plans have been recognized with a 5-star (out of 5) overall rating for 2023 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

97% of members who join, stay!

CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings help consumers determine how well a health plan is:

Achieving member satisfaction

Effective in assisting providers in illness prevention and detection

The rating for 2023 is the highest-possible star rating awarded by CMS.

Current Members of Other Healthcare Plans

Can choose to switch to SummaCare today! You don’t have to wait for fall enrollment.

Maintaining the overall well-being of its members

Responding to members’ needs in regards to receiving care and addressing members’ concerns, including appeals

SummaCare Members

Can choose to switch from one SummaCare plan to another SummaCare plan without penalty today.

SummaCare is an HMO and HMO-POS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in SummaCare depends on contract renewal. Every year Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. SummaCare’s Medicare Advantage Plans have been recognized with 5-Star (out of 5) rating for 2023 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). 97% retention rate based on 2023 AEP voluntary disenrollment study completed by SummaCare. H3660_SC325_M Accepted 06182023

Grateful for the compassionate care at Lung Nodule Clinic

In October 2021, Denise Pelima was in a car accident and taken to the emergency department at Summa Health System – Akron Campus. She received a CT scan to see if she had any internal injuries from the accident.

She was surprised when the emergency physician said the scan showed she had a lung nodule. In the following weeks, she saw her primary care physician to follow up on the CT scan results, who referred her to the Summa Health Lung Nodule Clinic.

“My first appointment was with Dr. Bauman,” Denise says. “As soon as I met him, I felt a sense of confidence and peace that I was where I needed to be.”

During her initial visit, pulmonary physician Dr. Brian Bauman shared the CT image of her lung and the area of concern. “He told me it could be an infection but that the shape of it made him think it could be cancerous,” she says. “No one wants to hear the c-word, but I also didn’t want it hidden from me; I wanted to know what it was.”

Denise had another CT scan six weeks later and the nodule was still there. Because of what she told Dr. Bauman during her first appointment, he recommended a biopsy to determine if the nodule was problematic.

At this point, Thanksgiving was approaching and Denise would be traveling to visit her family.

“Dr. Bauman remembered that I would be away for the holiday,

so they scheduled my biopsy the day I returned,” she says. “I was amazed by their compassion in accommodating my time with my family.” When she returned, she had the biopsy and the result was precancerous. She wanted the nodule removed.

Dr. Nkem Aziken, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Summa Health, performed the minimally invasive procedure to remove the lung nodule in February 2022. “Before the surgery, Dr. Aziken sat with me, drew a picture of my lung and showed me what he would be doing,” she says. “He ended up removing a fraction of what he thought he would have to in my lung.” Dr. Aziken removed the nodule and surrounding lung tissue. She was diagnosed with stage 0 non-small cell lung cancer.

– Denise Pelima, Lung Nodule Clinic Patient

Brian Bauman, M.D.

Nkem Aziken, M.D.

“

The entire team at Summa Health is phenomenal. ”

Denise meets with Dr. Bauman every six months for the next two years for follow-up CT scans to ensure her lungs are clear. After that, she will meet with him annually for three additional years.

“The entire team at Summa Health is phenomenal,” she says. “I am so happy I was in the care of Dr. Bauman, Dr. Aziken and the Lung Nodule Clinic; they are remarkable.”

Lung Nodule Clinic

Lung nodules are abnormal clusters of tissue that appear as “spots” on imaging tests. These spots are very common and 95% of lung nodules are not cancer. Since all lung cancers start as a nodule, determining which nodules are or will become cancer is challenging. Some lung nodules may only require surveillance and routine follow-up by a pulmonologist. Early detection is crucial to achieving the best outcomes.

The Lung Nodule Clinic features a dedicated team of experts who can handle everything along the continuum of lung care, including:

Lung cancer screenings

Rapid evaluation of nodules

Multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment

We know the time between lung nodule detection and diagnosis is very stressful. Most lung nodules only need ongoing monitoring, while others may require immediate next steps.

At the Lung Nodule Clinic, you’ll receive:

Expedited appointments if you have nodules that are concerning for lung cancer and are recommended to have immediate follow-up testing.

Continued follow-up for smaller lung nodules that need ongoing surveillance to make sure your nodules are not “lost to follow-up.”

95% of lung nodules are not cancerous

Continued surveillance if you have had prior curative treatment for lung cancer but need ongoing surveillance.

Coordinated, personalized and award-winning lung care where you feel supported by our team of experts.

Learn more at summahealth.org/lung or call 888.202.7558.

Is It a Headache or a Migraine?

I have been a patient of Dr. Casanova for 30 years and followed him from Canton to Portage Lakes. He is an incredible doctor and has done wonderful things to treat my migraines. He is caring and open and listens to everything I tell him. His staff is the same way and they respond immediately if I call for any issue I may have. This is a top-notch team.

- Patient C.S.

Most of us have had a headache at some point in our lives. Frequent or severe headaches can affect a person’s quality of life. Knowing how to recognize the type of headache and its cause can help a person take appropriate action.

Types of Headaches:

Primary Headaches – include tension headaches and migraines

Tension headaches:

• Mild

• Most common type

• Usually caused by stress, lack of sleep or dehydration

• Only last a few hours

• Pain is global, not in one specific spot

• Usually helped with over-the-counter medication, rest, sleep and relaxation

Migraines:

• Usually on one side or the other

• Can start at the back of the head and move behind your eyes

• Sensitivity to light and noise is very typical

• Run in families

• Can last between four hours and several days

• Over-the-counter medication does not usually help relieve pain

• Triggers include stress, weather changes, food and lack of sleep

Secondary Headaches – due to underlying disease like tumors or inflammatory diseases

Although headaches can be a sign of a brain tumor, there usually are other symptoms than a headache, such as:

• Cognitive problems like memory issues

• Motor symptoms like weakness in one arm or leg

• Trouble swallowing

If you are having one migraine or a “migraine-like” headache monthly or every other month, your primary care provider can take care of you. If you are starting to have four to five migraines a month, call the Summa Health Neuroscience Institute at 888.241.5493

Tips to Make Your Pregnancy as Smooth as a Baby’s Bottom

If you are expecting, you probably have a lot on your mind as you prepare for this momentous life event. From the earliest weeks of pregnancy, many questions arise on what you should do to prepare for your baby. Here are 10 tips to help ensure your bundle of joy has a smooth arrival.

First Trimester

Third Trimester

Community Events

July

• July 4: Western Reserve Racing, Four on the 4th –First & Main, Hudson

• July 12: Wellness Chat –Stroke Awareness, 10 a.m., Wadsworth Soprema Center

• July 13: Medina Ladies Night Out – Medina Public Square

• July 27: Kent’s Wizardly Weekend – Downtown Kent

August

2

Search for and establish with an obstetrician/ gynecologist (OB/GYN) or certified nurse midwife (CNM) in your area

Complete your necessary prenatal care, including visits, labs and assessments and start taking a multivitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid*

Second Trimester

3 Read about the benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby

4 Consider second trimester blood work and screening

1 6 7 8 9 10

5 Talk to your provider about birth control options after birth

Register for childbirth classes and schedule a tour

Make sure baby’s room and essential items are ready, including bassinet or crib and bedding, baby clothes and an infant car seat

Establish your baby’s provider so they are prepared to examine your baby in the hospital after delivery

Finalize your birth preferences, including who you want with you during labor, pain relief options, after delivery care and feeding options

Pack your hospital “to go” bag with everything you need during your stay so you are ready when the baby’s big day comes

Being pregnant can be a scary — but quite enjoyable — experience. Summa Health’s multidisciplinary team is here to guide you along on your pregnancy journey, putting you at ease and providing the highest quality of healthcare. To make an appointment or to learn more, visit summahealth.org/maternity or call 888.495.3859

• August 12: Akron Marathon Half & 10K – Goodyear World Headquarters

September

• September 13: Wellness Chat – 10 a.m., Wadsworth Soprema Center

• September 14: Silver Speakers Series: Lung Health –10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tallmadge Community Center

• September 16: Medina Fall Festival – Medina Public Square

• September 23-24: Barberton Mum Festival – Lake Anna Park

• September 29: Akron Marathon Expo – John S. Knight Center

• September 30: Akron Marathon – Downtown Akron

Please visit summahealth.org/events for up-to-date information.