CONNECTION - Summit Healthcare

summer 2012
Where Your Health Matters Most
Community
Connection
Freedom from
Acid Reflux
You’re Invited:
Women’s Health
Conference
Call
855-SMT-4YOU
to register for
our Women’s Health
Conference—Mother
and Daughter Heart
to Heart.
Meet Summit Healthcare’s
Newest Physicians!

Dear Friends,
As summer heats up, so does activity at Summit Healthcare Regional
Medical Center. Summit Healthcare continues to grow to care for the
communities we serve by expanding our facility, offering additional
services and providing healthy living information through Community
Connection.
Facility growth at Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center
continues with expansion of the Emergency Department, Cath Lab,
Wound Care, Physical Therapy and Women’s Imaging. The Emergency
Department expansion will increase our ER by 8,000 square feet,
bringing it to a total of 18,000 square feet. The Cath Lab will be
relocated from a single modular unit to three permanent cardiovascular
Cath Lab suites housed in the surgery department. Wound Care, Physical Therapy and Women’s Imaging
are currently under construction just off the Outpatient Atrium.
Physician recruitment continues to be active with two physicians highlighted in this edition. A
complete list of physicians affiliated with Summit Healthcare can be accessed through our website
at www.summithealthcare.net under Find a Doctor. You may also call our Physician Referral line at
1.855.SMT.4YOU (1.855.768.4968).
Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center now offers a procedure for people suffering with extreme
acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Learn more about the transoral incisionless
fundoplication (TIF) and how it can improve quality of life for patients.
Education and information you need to manage diabetes is available through our Diabetes Self-
Management Training Program. Registered dieticians and certified diabetes educators ensure you
and your family have the tools you need to be an active partner in diabetes care management. To
learn more about this program, call 928.537.6984.
Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer, whether it is a family member or friend, cancer is prevalent
in our lives. Each year Summit Healthcare Foundation focuses on a fundraising project to raise awareness
and improve services. On Saturday, September 22, 2012, the Foundation is hosting the “Dark Skies and
Black Ties” Gala, with all funds raised earmarked for expansion of the Summit Healthcare Cancer Center.
See page 5 for ticket information.
Wishing you a safe, healthy summer,
Ron McArthur, CEO
Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center
In this Issue:
Page 2
A Letter from Our CEO
Page 3
Meet Our New Docs
Pages 4
A Surgical Solution for
Heartburn without Incisions
Page 6
Diabetes and Whole Grains
Page 7
Good-Mood Food
Ron McArthur
CEO
Kim Mayfield
Public Relations Manager
Rachel Bettis
Publisher
Brianne Carswell
Managing Editor
Brian Norman
Designer
True North Custom Media
Developed By
Community Connection
is published as a service of
Summit Healthcare Regional
Medical Center, 2200 E. Show
Low Lake Road, Show Low,
Arizona 85901. All rights
reserved. The contents of
this publication may not
be reproduced in whole
or in part without written
permission from the
publisher. This publication
in no way seeks to diagnose
or treat illness or to replace
professional medical care.
Community Connection
is published four times a
year by Summit Healthcare
Regional Medical Center,
2200 E. Show Low Lake Road,
Show Low, AZ 85901.
Postmaster: Send changes
of address to True North
Custom Media, 735
Broad Street, Suite 708,
Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Michael J. Puchowicz, MD
Specializing in Pediatrics and Sports Medicine
meet our docs
3
Dr. Puchowicz is dedicated to the care of local young athletes
and children, treatment of sports-related injury and illness, and
promotion of lifelong health and wellness.
After receiving his medical degree from Vanderbilt University
School of Medicine in Nashville, TN, Dr. Puchowicz completed his
pediatric residency at the University of Arizona in Tucson and went on to complete an additional
fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in
Cincinnati, OH. He is ABP certified in Sports Medicine and Pediatrics.
Dr. Puchowicz has always been interested in science and originally entered the healthcare
field as a research scientist. After working at the National Institute of Health, he realized he
wanted to make a more direct impact in people’s lives and decided to pursue a career in medicine.
In his clinical practice, Dr. Puchowicz continues to draw on this background along with the
best available medical science to optimize care for each patient.
He has served as a team physician for a variety of high school and college sports teams. He is
inspired by these athletes and is continuously reminded just how wonderful and fragile the gift
of physical ability can be. His practice philosophy is to provide a medical treatment tailored to
meet the needs of young athletes and children to return them to their active lifestyles. His goal
for every patient is a return to full function and to get back to school, sports, or work sooner and
safer.
Dr. Puchowicz enjoys cycling, hiking, running, and competing in road and ultra endurance
mountain bike events.
4830 Highway 260 | Suite 102 | Lakeside, AZ 85929 | P 928.537.1040 | F 928.537.1042
www.summithealthcare.net
Dr. Puchowicz is licensed and board-certified in Pediatrics and Sports Medicine
Welcome Dr. Kyrimis,
Summit Healthcare’s Newest Employed Physician
Please join us in welcoming Melissa Kyrimis, MD, OB-GYN, as our
newest employed physician. Dr. Kyrimis is located at the Aspen Ridge
Medical Building, 5448 S. White Mountain Road, Suite 200,
in Lakeside.
Dr. Kyrimis received her medical degree from Michigan State
College of Human Medicine in Lansing, Michigan. She then travelled
to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Odessa, TX, for her residency. She is
certified through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Kyrimis had originally
thought about specializing in family practice, but realized that her true calling was women’s
health and that she would be able to provide a fuller set of services to women by specializing in
obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Kyrimis was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona and has experience in rural practice; in
both Farmington and Globe. From Globe she went to Henderson, NV for several years, but now
is back to her roots in Arizona in the rural setting that she loves. She and her husband like the
outdoors and the laidback nature of smaller communities. They enjoy walking the dogs, going to
movies, and camping, and they love the four seasons in the White Mountains.
Appointments can be made by calling 928.532.1575.
5448 S. White Mountain Blvd., Suite 200
Lakeside, AZ 85929
OB/GYN services
offered at Summit
Regional include:
• Low-risk and high-risk pregnancies
• Deliveries (vaginal and cesarean)
• Contraception for adults and teens
• Management of perimenopause and
menopause
• Well-woman exams
• Management of abnormal Pap
smears
• Management of abnormal bleeding
• Sterilization procedures (EsSure and
laparoscopic)
• Hysterectomies (vaginal and laparoscopic)
• Endometrial ablations
• Myomectomies
• Various surgical procedures with a
minimally invasive approach

4 advanced procedures
A Surgical
Solution for
Heartburn
without Incisions
Now Being Performed At Summit Healthcare
Regional Medical Center—Show Low, AZ

advanced procedures
5
Surgery without an incision is now a reality, making lives
better for patients suffering from chronic acid reflux, also
known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Edwin
Wehling, DO, and Summit Healthcare Regional Medical
Center offer the TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication)
procedure for the treatment of GERD.
“The TIF procedure with the EsophyX device can significantly
improve quality of life for our patients,” says Dr. Wehling. “Many
patients take reflux medications, which suppress acid production
such as PPIs [proton pump inhibitors] to help relieve their
heartburn symptoms and are still unable to eat the foods they want
or have to sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux. In addition,
recent studies have shown that long-term use of PPIs can lead to
inadequate absorption of minerals such as calcium leading to bone
fractures. Studies have also shown that PPIs can interact with other
prescription medications reducing their efficacy. Clinical studies
show that at two years after the TIF procedure nearly 80% of
patients are off their daily reflux medications and can eat and drink
foods and beverages they avoided for many years. Reflux no longer
impacts their lives like it previously did.”
In a healthy patient, there is a natural valve between the esophagus
and the stomach that forms a physical barrier preventing stomach
fluids from backwashing, or “refluxing,” up into the esophagus.
“In a patient with chronic GERD, this valve has become dysfunctional,”
explaines Dr. Wehling. The TIF procedure reconstructs the
valve between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent reflux. It
is based on the same well-proven principles of conventional more
invasive laparoscopic GERD surgery. TIF’s advantage is it is ‘surgery
from within’ performed through the mouth. Because the procedure is
incisionless, pain is reduced, there is no visible scar, and most patients
can get back to their normal activities within a few days.”
With millions of Americans diagnosed with GERD and not fully
satisfied with their treatment options, the TIF procedure with the
EsophyX device offers an excellent alternative.
“We are very excited to be able to offer our patients the same
benefits as more invasive procedures with only minimal risk,”
expresses Dr. Wehling.
■ If you or someone you know suffers from chronic GERD and would
like to learn more information about how TIF can get help restore your
quality of life, call 855.SMT.4YOU or visit www.summithealthcare.net.
Save the Date
Save the Date
Dark Skies
&
Black Ties
Summit Healthcare
Gala
Summit Health
Gala
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Tickets on sale soon!
Saturday,
September 22, 2012
Tickets on sale soon!

6 nutrition
Diabetes and Whole Grains
By taking care of your diabetes, you're also living a healthier life generally.
For instance, when you begin to exercise it not only helps
your blood sugar level; it can also benefit your heart, your
stress level and your emotional health. When you focus on
eating healthier foods it often will help with weight loss,
prevent some kinds of cancers and again protect your heart,
in addition to helping you control your blood sugars.
Speaking of eating healthier, many articles discuss the
benefits of whole grains. Some studies show that by replacing
refined grains with whole grains, you can help reduce your
waist size.
Simplify the Search
It is easy to become confused about whole grains. Many
packages in the store make claims of whole grains, some say
“multigrain”, others are “enriched” grains. How on earth do
you know if you are getting what you need? Let’s review a
few things to help you on your way:
Adults should get about 6 servings of grain per day—at
least half of which should be whole grains. What does a
serving mean? It is one ounce—one slice of bread, ½ cup of
cooked cereal, one cup of prepared (or cold) cereal, ½ cup of
rice or pasta.
Next, you need to know is what a whole grain consists of.
It is what it says it is...the whole grain! That means that the
little grain contains the bran, or outer layer, the germ, which
has many nutrients, and the endosperm, which is the body
of the grain. To qualify as a whole grain, it must contain all
three parts. When a grain is refined, the bran and the germ
are usually removed. According to the Whole Grain Council,
refining can remove at least 17 key nutrients!
You also need to know how to identify whole grain
foods by reading labels. In the ingredients, if it lists “whole
grains,” “whole wheat,” “oatmeal,” or “brown rice,” you
are getting the whole grain, not just parts of it. If it says
“multigrain,” it probably isn’t the whole grain. If the first
ingredient is listed as “enriched,” or “wheat germ,” it is not
whole grain.
Packing a Whole Grain Punch
Another easy way to include whole grains is to begin replacing
white rice with brown rice. Oatmeal is another common
whole grain. You may want to try replacing white bread with
whole wheat bread, or try mixing in wheat flour in place of
white flour in your recipes. Other whole grains include rye,
buckwheat, quinoa, wild rice, sorghum, and millet.
You can become much healthier by replacing the refined
grains in your diet with whole grains. You will want to
remember that whole grains are carbohydrates. They can
raise your blood sugar, but are still healthy for you! It only
means you need to account for that when choosing the other
parts of your meal.

nutrition
7
Good-Mood Food
Food and mood are closely connected. Research
shows that low levels of crucial nutrients can lead
to depression and other disorders.
Recent studies suggest that a good diet can be effective in preventing
depression. Try these mood boosters for a healthier way to a happier you.
• Be fond of fish—Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for a healthy brain,
and a healthy brain is a happy one. These fats are found in seafood and
several types of nuts, such as walnuts.
• Love those leafy greens—Low levels of folic acid can increase one’s
risk of depression, especially among the elderly. To ward off the blues, be
sure to eat plenty of spinach, lentils, asparagus, citrus fruits, and beans.
• Vote for vitamins—Vitamin B is important for proper brain
function. Get your daily dose by eating lean meat, fish, dairy, and beans.
• Increase your iron intake—An iron deficiency can cause anemia,
which leaves one feeling fatigued, weak, and short of breath.
How you feel also affects what you choose to eat. Stay away from
simple sugars, fast food, and large amounts of caffeine. While these
foods may cause temporary feelings of comfort and happiness, ultimately
they can increase symptoms of depression and anxiety because
they do not provide your body with a reliable source of energy.
If you experience chronic depression or other mental health problems,
speak with your physician.
■ To find a physician at Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center,
visit www.summithealthcare.net or call 855-SMT-4YOU (855-768-4968).
Women’s Health Conference
Mother
Heart
Daughter
to Heart
10–11:15 a.m.
11:15–noon
noon–1 p.m.
turday, August 25, August 2012 • 25, 10–2 2012 pm • Hon-Dah Resort
10 a.m.-2 Call 1.855.SMT.4YOU p.m. • Hon (1.855.768.4968) Dah Resort
Call 1.855.SMT.4YOU
1–1:45 p.m.
1:45–2 p.m.
SCHEDULE
Conference registration and
visit vendor booths
Melissa Kyrimis, MD, OB-GYN
Lunch and speaker J. Brian
Olack, MD, Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery
Cori Kennedy, NMD
Thank you, wrap-up
and socializing

M AILED FROM ZIP CODE 53714
2200 E. Show Low Lake Road
Show Low, Arizona 85901
www.summithealthcare.net
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 428
Massage therapy
has long been known
to improve mental and
physical relaxation, reduce
stress and help promote
physical healing.
Serenity Spa
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We now have 3 beautiful
massage rooms to service you.
Please visit our web site for
full descriptions
of our services and bios
on our massage therapists.
Now you can experience
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massage therapy
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Healthcare
Call today and schedule an appointment with our professional licensed staff.
To schedule your appointment, please call or email
928-537-6985 serenityspa@summithealthcare.net
Open by appointment only
Morning and Evening
Appointments Available
Open Monday through Saturday
Closed All Major Holidays
We accept: Cash • Check • VISA
• MasterCard • Discover
2200 E Show Low Lake Rd | Show Low, AZ
www.summithealthcare.net