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Mary McCurdy - PinnacleHealth

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S P R I N G 2 0 1 2<br />

contents<br />

3 A Message from Our<br />

President & CEO<br />

12 Classes, Programs<br />

and Upcoming Events<br />

15 My <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong><br />

19 Take An Active Role<br />

in Your Healthcare<br />

mind<br />

16 Staying Calm: Preventing<br />

Shaken Baby Syndrome<br />

body<br />

6 All Vein Treatments<br />

Are Not Done in Vain<br />

7 Vitamin D and You<br />

8 The New Approach<br />

on the Maternity Unit<br />

for In-room Care<br />

10 What Women Are Saying<br />

About Acupuncture<br />

20 Physician Focus:<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> and the<br />

da Vinci ® SI Surgical System<br />

22 Specialized Rehabilitation<br />

Services at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong><br />

spirit<br />

4 From NICU to Ninth<br />

Grade: A Tale of<br />

Triumph + Gratitude<br />

18 What’s Your Favorite<br />

Springtime Activity<br />

or Tradition<br />

dear ,<br />

What does springtime signify to you For many, it’s an awakening of sorts. Trees and flowers<br />

bloom, people find themselves spending more time outdoors and even begin to think about warm<br />

weather attire.<br />

Whether we feel the transition of the<br />

season inside or outside, spring is in fact,<br />

a time for transformations. We abandon<br />

the monotonous, dark days of winter with<br />

an eagerness to put our best foot forward.<br />

In our industry, <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> also is<br />

entering a new phase of its own with<br />

healthcare reform. We continue to grow to<br />

meet the needs of our community through<br />

new partnerships, additional services and<br />

providers, as well as infrastructure changes<br />

to better accommodate our patients.<br />

Health and wellness is something we need<br />

to think about each day of our lives. While<br />

we’ve experienced our share of emergencies and miracles within our system (one of which you will<br />

read about on page 4), there is an equal amount of individuals seeking information and support on<br />

general health, disease management and preventative medicine. All of these topics are addressed<br />

in this publication.<br />

Today’s “EveryWoman” often is at the center of her family unit. Whether they are caring for a<br />

spouse, children, friends or aging parents, every female could use additional resources to get<br />

the job done. It’s also important for those caregivers to not forget how to care for themselves.<br />

From pedicures to planting gardens—we all have our springtime traditions. So, too, does<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> as it continues to honor its tradition of patient-centered care. Our health system<br />

is doing great things and providing many choices along the way to help you find—or put back—<br />

a spring in your step.<br />

Sincerely,<br />

Kendra Ferguson, Editor<br />

EveryWoman is published two times a year and focuses on the issues every<br />

woman faces during her lifetime. Whether a young adult, professional,<br />

parent, grandparent, caregiver, spouse or friend, our magazine is for you.<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> is a non-profit healthcare system serving Central Pennsylvania.<br />

The healthcare network includes four campuses (Community, Cumberland,<br />

Harrisburg and Polyclinic), FamilyCare physician and specialty practices,<br />

home health services, outpatient surgery and imaging centers, inpatient and<br />

outpatient care and an array of other healthcare services. For a complete list<br />

of services, visit our website at pinnaclehealth.org/everywoman.<br />

Michael A. Young<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong><br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> President & CEO<br />

Cheryl Key, MS, RN<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong><br />

Vice President,<br />

Women & Children's Services<br />

Marian Lefevre, RN, BSN<br />

WomanCare Resource Center<br />

Manager<br />

Kendra Ferguson<br />

Marketing & Public Relations<br />

Editor<br />

Marketing & PR<br />

Harrisburg Campus<br />

Southgate Building<br />

409 South 2nd Street, Suite 1A<br />

Harrisburg, PA 17104<br />

Phone: (717) 231-8900<br />

Hours<br />

Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br />

2 (717) 231-8900


A MESSAGE FROM OUR president & ceo<br />

Our extended families are unique parts of our lives. We may not see them often and may not<br />

always agree or get along, but we remain connected. Cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and<br />

other family members once or twice removed are part of our history and experiences. Physical<br />

encounters may occur only at occasions like weddings, baby showers, relocation, or funerals, but<br />

technology and social networking allow us to keep in touch.<br />

In some ways, <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> System is like<br />

an extended family. Within our organization,<br />

we use technology to stay connected—<br />

to each other and with our patients.<br />

We encompass a wide range of medical specialties<br />

and experience. And first and foremost at the heart of<br />

our relationship with you is concern for the well-being<br />

of you and your loved ones.<br />

Trusting your health care to a health system allows<br />

for a greater range of referral options when needed.<br />

Our family includes surgeons, therapists,<br />

primary care providers, oncologists, and<br />

so many more experts in their fields. Like your<br />

family, we know each other, and that promotes better<br />

care. It gives our patients access to a full continuum<br />

of care across family care, prevention, diagnostics, and<br />

treatment—all with coordination and communication.<br />

One way we communicate: we use technology to stay engaged with each other. Our electronic<br />

medical records (EMR) enable us to stay connected to you during your lifetime<br />

and communicate with all your doctors and specialists. And our patient portal promotes<br />

your patient satisfaction. Patients can send e-mails, schedule appointments, and access test results<br />

with this secure feature. Within our system, we stay connected to each other to ensure that you can<br />

stay connected to us.<br />

We hope you will consider <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> System as another member of your family. You may not<br />

always need or want us, but we’re here for you if and when that time arrives. It is our privilege<br />

to participate in your healthcare and serve as bridge which connects you and your<br />

loved ones to quality, comprehensive, and coordinated care.<br />

Sincerely,<br />

Michael A. Young<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> President & CEO<br />

pinnaclehealth.org 3


from NICU to ninth grade…<br />

triumph+<br />

ATale OF<br />

gratitude<br />

For many of us, turning 16 is about learning to drive a car, passing tests in school and all the other<br />

interests of being a teenager. For <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>McCurdy</strong>, the view is a little bit different. For <strong>Mary</strong>, life is<br />

about appreciation, survival and miracles.<br />

Born in 1996 at<br />

24 weeks’ gestation,<br />

<strong>Mary</strong> <strong>McCurdy</strong><br />

was the smallest<br />

newborn her doctors<br />

had ever seen.<br />

In the <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> community, <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>McCurdy</strong>, age 16, is known as the “soda can” baby.<br />

Weighing a little over 14 ounces at birth, she compared in size to a can of soda. Her astonishingly<br />

small weight underscores just what a miracle her survival has signified. Born in 1996 at 24 weeks’<br />

gestation, she was the smallest newborn her doctors had ever seen. Her size along with other<br />

complications kept her in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for the first seven months of<br />

her life. Had her birth occurred over a century ago, she would not have survived.<br />

Dr. Domingo Alvear, Chief of Pediatric Surgery at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> remembers <strong>Mary</strong> very well.<br />

Dr. Alvear performed several difficult, yet critical surgeries on her during the first few months of<br />

<strong>Mary</strong>’s life. “She is a survivor. <strong>Mary</strong> was one of the tiniest babies who survived such major surgical<br />

procedures at that time,” explains Dr. Alvear. “We can no longer give up in caring for tiny babies<br />

because of our experience with <strong>Mary</strong>. The care given by the <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> NICU doctors and<br />

nurses is the best, bar none,” Dr. Alvear states. The connection between <strong>Mary</strong> and Dr. Alvear still<br />

stands today. The <strong>McCurdy</strong> family visits the NICU every year and keeps in touch with Dr. Alvear.<br />

“I had three children in the <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> NICU. We have been very involved with the nurses and<br />

doctors and it’s important to us to comfort families with the comfort we received,” says Beverly<br />

<strong>McCurdy</strong>, <strong>Mary</strong>’s Mother.<br />

Thanks to modern day technology and the services of <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>, <strong>Mary</strong> has not only survived<br />

the battle for her life, but she is a vibrant and healthy ninth-grader with a keen interest in writing and<br />

has been recognized for her talent. “I want to be a fiction writer when I grow up,” explains <strong>Mary</strong>.<br />

4 (717) 231-8900


Encouraged through a chance encounter with her favorite author, she has been submitting her<br />

writing for professional critique. Being a young-woman with an inspirational story of life and her<br />

experiences, <strong>Mary</strong> certainly has a story to be told. She recently began a writing project inspired by<br />

her experiences at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>. <strong>Mary</strong>’s story tells a fascinating tale of triumph in the form of an<br />

allegory set in the imaginary world of “Pinnacle: The Realm of Rescue.” Traveling to a place called<br />

“Ribth” (an intentional misspelling of the word birth) she arrives too early and falls victim to the evil<br />

“Necrotizer”; a representation of the Necrotizing Enterocolitis from which she suffered during her<br />

first days. Battling strong in the fight for her life, <strong>Mary</strong>’s parents; the Duke and Dutchess of Constant<br />

Faith as well as her knights in shining armor (her doctors) are able to rescue her.<br />

<strong>Mary</strong> got her inspiration for the story from what she’s heard her parents tell her as well as the<br />

doctors and nurses. “My mom and dad help me remember what I went through while I was here,”<br />

says <strong>Mary</strong>. “I think of different things in my head, and I created my own fairytale. Oddly enough,<br />

the hardest part right now is thinking of a beginning to the story. I still want to meet everyone who<br />

helped me.” <strong>Mary</strong>’s real life journey is transformed into an uplifting tale of hope and gratitude;<br />

testimony to the invaluable work of the <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> children’s comprehensive services.<br />

Every mother wants a smooth delivery and a healthy baby, but sometimes<br />

life has other plans. If a baby, like <strong>Mary</strong>, requires specialized care, the NICU<br />

at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> is equipped with the technology and experienced staff to<br />

provide the best care possible. Level III NICUs offer the highest level of care<br />

for premature newborns. The 32-bed NICU at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> is comprised of<br />

seven board-certified neonatologists, three neonatal nurse practitioners and<br />

registered nurses with years of NICU experience.<br />

“It’s imperative to consider the level of care available when choosing where to give birth because<br />

there’s always a change the baby may need specialized care,” says Cheryl Key, MS, RN, Vice<br />

President of Women’s and Children’s Services at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>. “Parents find it comforting to<br />

know that if their baby needs specialty services, they can receive care close to home instead of<br />

being transported elsewhere.” Most parents who have a baby that required care in the NICU feel<br />

nervous about bringing him or her home. At <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>, parents can “room-in” with their<br />

baby prior to being discharged. A nurse is available to answer questions or concerns. Free infant<br />

CPR classes are also offered to all parents and relatives who have a baby in the NICU.<br />

Now turning 16, <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>McCurdy</strong> has come a long way from her first months in the NICU. “She’s<br />

excited to start driving soon,” Beverly <strong>McCurdy</strong> points out. Thanks to Dr. Alvear and Dr. Margaret<br />

Donahue of the NICU, along with all the <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> staff that assisted in her survival, dreams<br />

like this are coming true for <strong>Mary</strong>.<br />

In attendance and honor with her knights in shining armor, Drs. Domingo and Veneranda Alvear,<br />

<strong>Mary</strong> has been invited to share the spotlight with them on April 21, 2012 at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Auxiliary’s<br />

annual “Club PHantastic” fundraiser. This year’s theme is “Star Light, Star Bright, Shine for a Child<br />

Tonight” and promises to be a spectacular event. As a special contribution to such a special woman,<br />

Taylored for You Bridal Boutique of Mechanicsburg has donated a dress for <strong>Mary</strong> to wear to this<br />

PHantastic event.<br />

All proceeds will go to <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Children’s Fund, making it possible for more fairytales to<br />

come true.<br />

If you are interested in attending the <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Auxiliary event or want more information,<br />

please call (717) 657-7124. For information about <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>’s children’s services, visit<br />

pinnaclehealth.org or call (717) 231-8900.<br />

about<br />

Domingo T. Alvear, MD<br />

Since 1965, Dr. Alvear has been<br />

helping children overcome<br />

unbelievable odds with his<br />

delicate surgical skills. His<br />

surgical work has been featured<br />

in newspaper articles, books<br />

and even on an episode of<br />

“Amazing Medical Stories” on<br />

The Learning Channel (TLC).<br />

Dr. Alvear is the founder<br />

and chair of the World<br />

Surgical Foundation, a ream<br />

of surgeons and other<br />

healthcare professionals that<br />

serve people in developing<br />

or impoverished countries<br />

where modern healthcare is<br />

not available or is too costly.<br />

Each year, Dr. Alvear dedicates<br />

himself to at least one mission<br />

trip as well as fundraising<br />

and other support roles.<br />

Patients, and their parents,<br />

find Dr. Alvear to be readily<br />

available for questions and<br />

value his ability to speak to<br />

them in terms they understand.<br />

pinnaclehealth.org 5


ALL vein treatments ARE NOT DONE IN VAIN<br />

Whether multiple pregnancies or a family history of spider and varicose veins have created an<br />

unsightly appearance, or you suffer from discomfort due to a lifestyle or trauma, there is hope in<br />

treating cosmetic and physical venous ailments.<br />

The Capital Region Vein Center (CRVC) offers women and men options in<br />

both inpatient and outpatient treatments for those experiencing leg aching,<br />

heaviness, swelling, physical changes such as skin color, ulcers and restless<br />

leg syndrome. Typical candidates include men and women ages 40–60<br />

(patients can be both younger and older) who find themselves with venous<br />

insufficiency, red spider veins and varicose veins, as well as anyone who must<br />

stand or sit for a lengthy period of time due to a job.<br />

Stuart Pink, MD, medical director for the Capital Region Vein Center, is a<br />

Cardiologist who can diagnose and treat both arterial and venous disease.<br />

Compared to 20 years ago, the latest treatments<br />

for venous disease cause less scaring, pain, and<br />

recovery time.<br />

This also translates to less time required in having to take off work. Common<br />

outpatient procedures include:<br />

• Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA)<br />

• Sclerotherapy<br />

• Phlebectomy<br />

RFA is a medical procedure where heat generated from the high frequency alternating current is<br />

used to treat varicose veins. RFA replaced vein stripping, which had a 3–4 week recovery time. It’s<br />

the most common and preferred treatment at the CRVC. The patient only is restricted the day of the<br />

procedure and does not require general anesthesia. His or her recovery time is less than 24 hours,<br />

and the chance of a complication is less than four percent. Patients are able to return to work the<br />

next day.<br />

CRVC also performs sclerotherapy and phlebectomy to treat varicose veins and spider veins.<br />

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. It involves<br />

an injection of a solution (generally a salt solution) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the<br />

lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time,<br />

the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.<br />

Phlebectomy is a treatment for superficial varicose veins. The procedure involves the removal of the<br />

varicose veins through small 2–3mm incisions in the skin overlying the veins. The procedure may be<br />

performed in hospital or outpatient settings.<br />

Based on the individual patient’s complaints and an accurate ultrasound study, Dr. Pink can determine<br />

the root of the problem—whether arterial or venous—and treat the disease with today’s latest<br />

technology.<br />

A referral is only required for RFA or when the individual’s insurance company requires it. Patients<br />

can self refer, but they need to contact their insurance provider prior to scheduling a visit for specific<br />

instructions. Most sclerotherapy and phlebectomies are an out-of-pocket expense; therefore, no<br />

referral required.<br />

If you would like to learn more about the CRVC, visit pacrvc.com or call (717) 920-4500.<br />

6 (717) 231-8900


vitamin D and you<br />

Vitamins are essential nutrients for optimal health. Many times we<br />

think of a vitamin as a daily supplement; however, extra “boosts”<br />

aren’t necessary if proper nutrition is consumed through daily<br />

diet. One essential vitamin that is often overlooked is vitamin D.<br />

Vitamin D is critical in helping to build strong bones and teeth,<br />

and absorb calcium. Without it, bones can become thin, brittle<br />

or misshapen. A deficiency has been associated with an increased<br />

risk of osteoporosis. Sitting in direct sunlight without sunscreen<br />

for twenty minutes is enough to meet the daily requirement.<br />

Sunscreen blocks out UV rays—the same UV rays that your skin<br />

needs to absorb vitamin D.<br />

“Twenty minutes without sunscreen will not lead to sunburn for<br />

most people,” explained Renu Josh MD, Chief Endocrinologist<br />

at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>, adding that the benefits it provides such as<br />

improved muscle strength, dental health and cancer prevention<br />

(especially colorectal cancer), are significant.<br />

The normal blood levels of vitamin D are defined as at least<br />

a value. These values differ between summer and winter and<br />

therefore, it is advisable to check levels at winter time when<br />

they may be at their lowest. According to research, people<br />

up to age 50 should take 200 IU, while anyone age 51–70,<br />

400 IU is important. People over 70 should take 600 IU daily.<br />

• mild deficiency is considered 20–30 ng/ml<br />

• moderate deficiency is 10–20 ng/ml<br />

• less than 10 ng/ml is considered severe<br />

• toxicity is usually considered with blood levels greater than<br />

100 mg/gl<br />

Remember, too much of a good thing is not good. Nausea,<br />

constipation, confusion, abnormal heart rhythm and kidney<br />

stones can result in overdoses. It is important to be aware of<br />

your levels so you can be conscious of maintaining your food<br />

intake properly and your need for supplements.<br />

S O U R C E S O F V I TA M I N D<br />

• Sunlight (best source)<br />

• Cod liver oil<br />

• Salmon<br />

• Mackerel<br />

• Tuna or sardines<br />

canned in oil<br />

• Cheese<br />

• Milk, regardless of whether<br />

it’s whole, nonfat, or<br />

reduced fat (nearly all<br />

milk in the U.S. is fortified<br />

with the vitamin)<br />

• Egg yolks<br />

• Beef or calf liver<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> offers free screenings for osteoporosis, and<br />

programs to help educate the community how to prevent a<br />

deficiency. Nutritionists are also available to help with diet and<br />

exercise maintenance. The osteoporosis clinic is designed to treat<br />

osteoporosis through comprehensive clinical care, medication<br />

administration and education. The clinic is staffed by an<br />

endocrinologist, nurse practitioner and a nurse educator.<br />

Good vitamin D and calcium intake to maintain bone health is<br />

important at all ages—at a young age for preventative measures<br />

and at an older age for maintenance Osteoporosis affects over<br />

10 million Americans, with women four times more likely to<br />

develop it than men. Studies have also linked vitamin D<br />

deficiency with depression and fatigue, often present in the<br />

winter months, when sun exposure is decreased.<br />

Talk to your physician about your need for calcium and vitamin D.<br />

Also discuss any medications you may be taking to see if they<br />

interfere with the absorption of the these supplements.<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Osteoporosis Clinic<br />

• Treats osteoporosis through comprehensive clinical care<br />

• Diagnoses osteoporosis by use of a DXA scan<br />

• Prescribes oral medication<br />

• Administers IV medication<br />

• Educates patients on the disease, treatment plans, nutrition<br />

and exercise guidelines and fall prevention<br />

• New treatments for people on Bisphosphonates<br />

To learn more about our Osteoporosis Clinic, call (717) 791-2540.<br />

You can also visit pinnaclehealth.org to find more resources.<br />

pinnaclehealth.org 7


family centered maternity care<br />

the new approach<br />

on the maternity unit<br />

for in-room care<br />

After nine months of pregnancy<br />

and preparation, the birth of your<br />

baby can be an exciting time.<br />

At <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>, we believe<br />

that the first few hours after birth<br />

are an important time for bonding.<br />

From the moment your baby is<br />

born, you will be encouraged<br />

to be involved in his or her care<br />

throughout your hospital stay.<br />

In 2011, <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> took steps to<br />

advance its goal of excellence in maternity<br />

care. Focusing on the birth of the family,<br />

Family Centered Maternity Care became the<br />

standard practice. Family Centered Maternity<br />

Care is the patient and family experience<br />

throughout the continuum of care that<br />

includes antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum<br />

and post-discharge services. From the<br />

moment your baby is born, mothers and<br />

babies stay together. The baby’s first baths<br />

as well as initial assessments are done<br />

in the mother’s room. “The objective of<br />

Family Centered Maternity Care is to deliver<br />

personalized care that focuses on the needs<br />

of the mother-baby dyad, supports the<br />

birth of a family, and fosters the parent-child<br />

relationship,” explains Marianne Allen MN,<br />

RNC-OB, CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist at<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>.<br />

8 (717) 231-8900


Studies show that mothers<br />

and babies being cared for<br />

together during transition<br />

and throughout their<br />

hospital stay results in<br />

best outcomes related to<br />

transition to extrauterine life,<br />

breastfeeding, regulation<br />

of glucose and temperature,<br />

bonding, maternal and<br />

paternal role and identity<br />

development as well as<br />

enhanced learning to care for you and your baby's needs.<br />

Skin-to-skin contact is essential in the healthy<br />

development of the baby and mother<br />

relationship, especially to begin breastfeeding.<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> is currently encouraging<br />

exclusive breast milk feeding for all babies<br />

as outlined by The Joint Commission of<br />

Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations<br />

(JCAHO). JCAHO defines exclusive breast milk<br />

feeding as a newborn receiving only breast milk<br />

and no other liquids or solids except for drops<br />

or syrups consisting of vitamins, minerals,<br />

or medicines. Breast milk feeding includes<br />

expressed mother’s milk as well as donor<br />

human milk, which may be fed to the baby by<br />

nursing at the breast or by bottle. JCAHO also<br />

acknowledges although breastfeeding is the<br />

goal for optimal health for your baby, human<br />

milk provided indirectly is still better for baby<br />

than formula. Studies show that breastfeeding<br />

decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death<br />

Syndrome, allergies, asthma and obesity.<br />

At <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>, education and support for<br />

breastfeeding is a priority. Skilled nurses on<br />

the Maternity Unit and the Neonatal Intensive<br />

Care Unit assist mothers and babies to learn<br />

to breastfeed. Lactation consultants provide<br />

additional education and support, both in the<br />

REST IS IMPORTANT<br />

for new mothers to help physical<br />

and emotional recovery after<br />

delivery. Some tips to help recovery<br />

and promote breastfeeding while<br />

supporting Family Centered<br />

Maternity Care include:<br />

• Sleep when your baby sleeps<br />

• Place signs on the hospital room<br />

door to remind visitors that it is<br />

quiet time<br />

• Visiting from family and friends<br />

should be balanced with private<br />

time for mother and baby to rest.<br />

(Visiting hours are 12–8 for public;<br />

10–8 for grandparents, 1 support<br />

person for 24 hours)<br />

• Lactation consultants to assist you<br />

and your baby with breastfeeding<br />

education<br />

• Childbirth classes prior to your<br />

baby’s birth<br />

• Physicians and nurses to assist<br />

you during your stay<br />

hospital and after discharge through phone calls and appointments at the <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong><br />

Lactation Clinic. Currently, 75% of mother’s who have their baby at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> initiate<br />

breastfeeding during their stay. The goal is to continue exclusive breastfeeding while at home.<br />

After discharge from the hospital, every mother is called by a <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> nurse within<br />

24-48 hours to provide any additional information as well as reassurance. The partnership<br />

of Pinnacle Health and each new family continues beyond the birth of the baby.<br />

FAMILY CENTERED<br />

MATERNITY CARE<br />

Philosophy +<br />

Core Values<br />

• Each family is unique,<br />

and we recognize<br />

the significance<br />

of a baby's birth.<br />

• Through a family<br />

centered care<br />

approach, we strive<br />

to provide the best<br />

care possible to meet<br />

your expectations<br />

and to promote<br />

well-being.<br />

• We offer an<br />

environment that<br />

supports the birth<br />

of a family and fosters<br />

the parent-child<br />

relationship.<br />

• To meet the needs of<br />

your family, our core<br />

values will guide us to:<br />

Demonstrate our belief<br />

in the dignity and worth<br />

of each person<br />

Deliver personalized<br />

care that is focused<br />

on the physical,<br />

emotional and<br />

spiritual needs<br />

of each family<br />

Encourage families<br />

to be partners in<br />

their care and<br />

decision making<br />

Provide individualized<br />

education to support<br />

the new and growing<br />

family<br />

Nurture healing<br />

environments through<br />

respect, empathy and<br />

compassion<br />

pinnaclehealth.org 9


WHAT WOMEN ARE SAYING<br />

about acupuncture<br />

Today, most women have heard of acupuncture, one of the many modalities of Oriental Medicine (OM). Research has shown that<br />

acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and enkephalins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals; and this makes acupuncture<br />

a worthy alternative to conventional pain-relieving medication. Additionally, when used in conjunction with the prescription of Chinese<br />

herbs, acupuncture is known to improve a woman’s immune response by balancing the flow of vital energy, Qi, throughout her body.<br />

Through all her stages—menstruation, prenatal, postnatal, menopause—OM can be a woman’s best friend.<br />

“I began seeing Linda for infertility. Within months,<br />

I became pregnant, and she continued to treat<br />

me for the issues that arose during my pregnancy.<br />

I continue to see Linda on a regular basis. She is<br />

incredibly knowledgeable, patient-focused and<br />

Now more than ever, women are expected to take care of<br />

children, spouses, pets, and aging parents, all while she holds<br />

a full-time job, no less. Now, deep into the so-called recession,<br />

any given woman might be the only wage-earner in the family.<br />

At some point, this everyday stress has to take its toll.<br />

cares about my health and well-being.” — KRISTIE B.<br />

One very important yet often-overlooked<br />

indicator of a woman’s health<br />

is her menstrual cycle. Irregular cycles<br />

often indicate something is out of<br />

balance in the body. While this may<br />

be considered normal, the fact is OM<br />

has been used for thousands of years<br />

to regulate the woman’s menstrual<br />

cycle. A regulated cycle will generally<br />

lessen the severity or frequency of<br />

fatigue, pelvic cramps, back pain,<br />

bloating, irritability, depression,<br />

nausea, constipation and headaches.<br />

“When I decided to try<br />

acupuncture with Linda in<br />

2008, I didn’t know what to<br />

expect. I was looking for relief<br />

from depression and anxiety,<br />

irritable bowel syndrome and endometriosis.<br />

Linda’s great care has made all the difference<br />

for me. Acupuncture is now an integral part<br />

of my routine to take care of myself … something<br />

I won’t do without!” — CONNIE B.<br />

10 (717) 231-8900


“My sciatica gave me problems for a number of<br />

years. I started going to Linda about four years ago<br />

and haven't had a problem since. During one of my<br />

regular visits, I had a terrible headache and within<br />

moments of the treatment’s start, the pain was<br />

gone. These are just two of the wonderful benefits<br />

I’ve experienced with my acupuncture treatments.”<br />

“I had one knee replaced about 10 years ago,<br />

and the other knee was giving me problems.<br />

In the short time I’ve been seeing Linda, I<br />

believe the treatments have been a big help<br />

in controlling the pain in that knee.” — HELEN B.<br />

— DEBBIE S.<br />

If there’s only one thing a<br />

woman will notice about another<br />

woman, it’s the other woman’s<br />

shoes. Aside from a poor fit,<br />

what those shoes are walking<br />

on matters. Today, most working<br />

women spend most of their<br />

time on concrete or hardwood<br />

floors, which is certainly bad<br />

for her joints. Wear and tear<br />

is inevitable. For the woman<br />

who prefers not to use<br />

pharmaceutical pain-killers<br />

or wishes to bypass surgery,<br />

acupuncture and Chinese<br />

herbs are viable options,<br />

options free of adverse or<br />

harmful side-effects.<br />

When it comes to “de-stressing” or “balancing,” OM offers<br />

a time-tested remedy: acupuncture. Most stress that a woman<br />

can experience is caused by motion—too much. She is in<br />

the constant mode of “go and do,” forgetting to relax or<br />

re-energize. Acupuncture treatments are excellent vehicles for<br />

transporting her back to “stillness.” For at least thirty minutes<br />

during treatment, there will be stillness; there will be nothing<br />

“inner” moving in relation to the “outer,” because they<br />

become one.<br />

If you have any questions about Oriental Medicine or acupuncture,<br />

or you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>’s acupuncturist and certified Wu Ming Qigong<br />

instructor, Linda D’Agostino, LAc, Dipl OM. Linda can offer an<br />

individualized treatment plan to assist you or any member of<br />

your family. Linda treats patients at the Cumberland Campus<br />

at the Fredricksen Outpatient Center, 2025 Technology Parkway,<br />

Suite 211, Mechanicsburg, PA., and at Medical Sciences Pavilion,<br />

Community Campus, 4300 Londonderry Road, Harrisburg, PA.<br />

She can be reached at (717) 319-1259.<br />

pinnaclehealth.org 11


support groups<br />

For information about other support<br />

groups offered by <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>,<br />

please call PHoneLine at (717) 231-8900.<br />

Anorexia Nervosa and<br />

Associated Disorders<br />

(A.N.A.D.)<br />

Every Wednesday<br />

7–8:30 p.m.<br />

Polyclinic Campus, 6 Landis Building,<br />

2501 North Third Street, Harrisburg<br />

Anxiety: Coping with<br />

Anxiety and Panic (CAP)<br />

2nd Tuesday/month<br />

7–8:30 p.m.<br />

Cumberland Campus,<br />

Fredricksen Outpatient Center<br />

Depression<br />

1st and 3rd Tuesday/month<br />

7–9 p.m.<br />

Trinity Lutheran Church<br />

2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill<br />

2nd and 4th Tuesday/month<br />

7–9 p.m.<br />

Polyclinic Campus, 6 Landis<br />

Friends of the Heart<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> invites you to learn<br />

more about heart failure and share ideas<br />

with others. Each month there is a new<br />

educational topic and guest speaker<br />

followed by an interactive discussion.<br />

Our experienced healthcare professionals<br />

attend each session. Free parking is<br />

available in the visitor’s parking garage.<br />

Simply bring your ticket to the meeting<br />

for validation. Friends and family members<br />

are welcome. Please call (717) 231-8445 to<br />

reserve your spot or for more information.<br />

4th Thursday/month<br />

2–3 p.m.<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Community Campus<br />

Rehab Hospital, Conference Room 1<br />

4300 Londonderry Road, Harrisburg<br />

Heartstrings<br />

A perinatal bereavement support<br />

group for those who have experienced<br />

a pregnancy loss or newborn death.<br />

Two registered nurses, who are also<br />

perinatal bereavement counselors,<br />

facilitate meetings. No registration<br />

required. Call (717) 782-5906 or<br />

(717) 221-6268 for more information.<br />

4th Tuesday/month<br />

7–8:30 p.m. FREE<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Community Campus<br />

I Can Cope<br />

A free educational support group for<br />

adults facing cancer—either personally, or<br />

as a friend or family caregiver. Upcoming<br />

topics include Managing Effects of Illness<br />

and Treatment, Nutrition, Mobilizing<br />

Support and Keeping Well in Mind and<br />

Body. Choose to attend a single session<br />

or the full series. Call PHoneLine at<br />

(717) 231-8900 to register.<br />

Tuesdays beginning March 13<br />

through June 2012<br />

6–7:30 p.m.<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>-Fox Chase<br />

Regional Cancer Center<br />

Community Campus,<br />

4300 Londonderry Road, Harrisburg<br />

Infertility Journey<br />

A general infertility, peer-led support<br />

group sponsored through RESOLVE, a<br />

national non-profit organization designed<br />

to support and educate women and<br />

couples struggling with infertility. This<br />

support group is open for women and<br />

couples who would like the opportunity<br />

to connect with other individuals going<br />

through infertility. A topic within infertility<br />

will be presented at each meeting to help<br />

facilitate discussion.<br />

4th Monday beginning October 24<br />

6–8 p.m.<br />

Linglestown GIANT Community Center<br />

Moms Navigating<br />

Through Life<br />

A therapy group dealing with the<br />

transition into and through all stages<br />

of motherhood. Children are welcome.<br />

Most insurances cover the cost of<br />

group therapy. To register or for more<br />

information, please call <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong><br />

Psychological Associates at (717) 231-8360.<br />

Thursdays<br />

Noon–1 p.m.<br />

$45/session<br />

Stroke<br />

2nd Wednesday/month<br />

10–11:30 a.m.<br />

Conference Room 1, Second Floor,<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Community Campus<br />

new mom<br />

networks<br />

An informal time of sharing and support<br />

for new mothers. These groups are<br />

facilitated by an experienced nurse in<br />

maternal/child health, infant massage<br />

and lactation. Join other new moms<br />

and parents for one of these groups.<br />

No older children please.<br />

New Mom Network I<br />

For new moms and their<br />

0–9 month-olds<br />

1–2:30 p.m. FREE<br />

Every Monday: Linglestown GIANT<br />

Super Food Store Community Center<br />

Every Tuesday: Camp Hill GIANT<br />

Super Food Store Community Center<br />

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. FREE<br />

New Mom Network II<br />

For new moms and their<br />

10–16 month-olds<br />

1–2:30 p.m. FREE<br />

Every Monday: Linglestown GIANT<br />

Super Food Store Community Center<br />

WomanCare lifetime members will receive early notification. For more information about <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> classes,<br />

programs and upcoming events, please call PHoneLine at (717) 231-8900 or visit pinnaclehealth.org.<br />

12 (717) 231-8900


New Mom Network III<br />

For new moms and their<br />

18–24 month-olds<br />

10–11:30 a.m. FREE<br />

Mondays: Linglestown GIANT Super<br />

Food Store Community Center<br />

Working Moms Network<br />

(Evenings)<br />

Informally discuss the challenges of<br />

returning to the workplace, along with<br />

some tips on how to adjust. For moms<br />

who work outside the home and their<br />

babies. Facilitated by working moms.<br />

2nd and 4th Wednesday/month<br />

6–7 p.m. FREE<br />

Linglestown GIANT Super Food Store<br />

Community Center and Camp Hill<br />

GIANT Super Food Store Community<br />

Center<br />

classes<br />

and events<br />

Total Joint Replacement*<br />

Whether it's a knee, hip or shoulder,<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>’s orthopedic physicians<br />

and specialists have the expertise to<br />

identify the most effective treatment for<br />

your condition. If you think a joint<br />

replacement is on your horizon, please<br />

attend this seminar and learn more from<br />

Ronald Lippe, MD, orthopedic surgeon.<br />

May 2<br />

7 p.m. FREE<br />

Camp Hill GIANT Super Food Store<br />

Vitamin D & Supplements—<br />

How Much is Enough*<br />

Get the facts on vitamins you may need<br />

and how to meet those needs through<br />

nutrition and supplements from by<br />

Renu Joshi, MD, Chief of Endocrinology<br />

at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>, and Ashlee Hughes,<br />

RN, LDN.<br />

May 10<br />

7 p.m. FREE<br />

Camp Hill GIANT Super Food Store<br />

*Registration required. To register,<br />

call PHoneLine at (717) 231-8900<br />

or call toll-free 877-499-3299.<br />

Expert Advice On<br />

Weight Management*<br />

Learn more about how you can<br />

improve your quality of life and resolve<br />

obesity-related medical illnesses from<br />

Anuj Prashar, DO, Bariatric Surgeon,<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Weight Loss Center.<br />

April 19<br />

7 p.m. FREE<br />

Camp Hill GIANT Super Food Store<br />

May 24<br />

7 p.m. FREE<br />

Linglestown GIANT Super Food Store<br />

Capital Area<br />

Girls on the Run ® 5K NEW!<br />

Girls on the Run ® is a life-changing,<br />

character development program<br />

for girls in 3rd through 8th grade.<br />

This is a family, friendly event. All<br />

are invited to run! Register online at<br />

capareagirlsontherun.org. To learn<br />

more, visit pinnaclehealth.org.<br />

Saturday, May 19<br />

Registration at 9 a.m.<br />

Run begins at 10 a.m.<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Fredricksen Outpatient<br />

Center, Mechanicsburg<br />

Rainbows: Pregnancy After<br />

Loss Support Group<br />

Provides parent support to families<br />

who have had pregnancy losses and<br />

are considering becoming pregnant<br />

again, are currently pregnant, or have<br />

recently given birth. No registration<br />

or fee is required to attend. For more<br />

information, please contact Marianne<br />

Allen at (717) 782-5906 or Carole Brtalik<br />

at (717) 231-8916.<br />

2nd Thursday/month<br />

March 8–December 13<br />

7:00–8:30 p.m.<br />

Rehab Building<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Community Campus,<br />

second floor Conference Room<br />

May 14<br />

Women’s Check-Up Day*<br />

Schedule your annual physical today! For<br />

information about physicians, call PHoneLine<br />

at (717) 231-8900. Space is limited.<br />

Twins, Triplets, & More*<br />

This two-evening class, for parents<br />

expecting multiples, is recommended<br />

for the second trimester. The class is<br />

intended to supplement a regular<br />

childbirth class, with information specific<br />

to your family’s unique needs. It is also<br />

for parents who already have children<br />

and are now expecting multiples. Class<br />

includes information about the different<br />

types of twinning, the process of labor<br />

and birth with multiples, what you need<br />

“two or more” of, feeding multiple<br />

babies, and ways of supporting the<br />

new family postpartum. A tour of the<br />

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)<br />

and Newborn Nursery is included.<br />

Registration fee: $50 (includes partner).<br />

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.<br />

May 8 and May 15<br />

August 7 and August 14<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Harrisburg Campus,<br />

Brady Building<br />

206 S. Front Street, Harrisburg<br />

The Happiest Baby*<br />

Join the growing number of parents<br />

using Dr. Harvey Karp’s method to calm<br />

their crying babies. In a single class you<br />

will learn Dr. Karp’s secrets for making<br />

babies happy. Practice the 5 S’s used<br />

to engage your baby’s “calming reflex.”<br />

These techniques are most beneficial<br />

for babies birth to two months of age.<br />

Childbirth and lactation educators<br />

teaching this class have completed the<br />

Happiest Baby Certification Program.<br />

Class fee includes “The Happiest Baby<br />

on the Block” DVD and “Soothing<br />

Sounds” CD. Registration fee: $35.<br />

Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.<br />

May 16<br />

July 18<br />

September 19<br />

Camp Hill GIANT Super Food Store<br />

may is women’s health month!<br />

May 23<br />

Third Annual Tea for Mammograms*<br />

2–4 p.m., West Shore Country Club, Camp<br />

Hill. Call PHoneLine at (717) 231-8900 for<br />

more information. Space is limited.<br />

pinnaclehealth.org 13


HAVE YOU REGISTERED for<br />

My <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> today<br />

Did you know that <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> has created a new website with personalized features just for<br />

you In fact, when you join “My <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>” you can create your own personalized homepage<br />

with information that interests you.<br />

Here are just a few of the benefits of creating a My <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> account:<br />

What Interests You<br />

Select only information that interests you from 12 interests<br />

Channels:<br />

• Pregnancy & Childbirth<br />

• Weight Loss & Nutrition Orthopedics<br />

• Heart, Vascular & Lung Care<br />

• Women’s Health<br />

• Children’s Health<br />

• Cancer Care<br />

• Family & Specialty Care<br />

• Wellness & Prevention<br />

• Back & Spine Care<br />

• Neurological Care<br />

• Diabetes Care<br />

• Around <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong><br />

Information and tools relative to your interests in<br />

My <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> updates every two weeks. You’ll also have<br />

regular health e-newsletters emailed to you on a monthly basis.<br />

Do you have your doctor’s information<br />

all in one place<br />

When you customize your own homepage you can add your<br />

doctors from our doctor database so you have easy access to<br />

their information when you need it. You can also:<br />

• Keep track of your appointments<br />

• Add notes for your doctors<br />

• Save health articles and information to share with your doctor<br />

What’s your BMI Are you at risk for a heart attack<br />

When you join My <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>, you’ll have access to regular<br />

tools, quizzes, health trackers and videos that can help you manage<br />

your health.<br />

Are you getting your daily dose<br />

Sign up for My <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> and get a “Daily Spoonful”—<br />

a daily health tip to keep you thinking about making the right<br />

choices for living a healthy life.<br />

Have a health-related question<br />

Join a discussion board and connect with others going through<br />

the same health issue you are. Look for opportunities to ask a<br />

doctor a question and share on social media with your friends.<br />

Join today at pinnaclehealth.org/registration<br />

Join “My <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>”<br />

for a personal experience.<br />

pinnaclehealth.org 15


staying calm: PREVENTING SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME<br />

Parenthood is both exciting<br />

and challenging! From the<br />

time your baby first opens<br />

its eyes, to its first step and<br />

even first date, later in life;<br />

parenthood is a continual<br />

learning process. As many of<br />

us know, being a parent is the<br />

hardest job you will ever have,<br />

but also the most rewarding.<br />

Understanding Your Baby<br />

The first few weeks being home from the<br />

hospital with your newborn baby can be<br />

a scary time. With so much to learn and<br />

do, it can be overwhelming. The most<br />

important thing to know and to remember<br />

is that you are not alone. Along with the<br />

joy of parenting, there will be moments<br />

of frustration, sadness and possibly even<br />

anger. A fleeting feeling of anger can<br />

be normal, but you must have a support<br />

plan to help you stay balanced. Staying<br />

balanced will help you manage emotions<br />

and decrease the incident of Shaken<br />

Baby Syndrome (SBS). SBS, also known<br />

as abusive head trauma (AHT) is caused<br />

by the violent shaking of an infant or<br />

young child. Shaking a baby can result in<br />

brain damage, paralysis, seizures, loss of<br />

hearing, learning disabilities or death.<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> System was one of the<br />

first hospitals to partner with Pennsylvania<br />

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention<br />

& Awareness Program in 2004. The<br />

project promotes the ability of medical<br />

professionals to recognize cases of SBS.<br />

Raising awareness of the issue is the first<br />

step towards making a difference.<br />

16 (717) 231-8900


In the first two to three months, crying is at a peak in the baby’s<br />

development Crying is absolutely normal, even for a prolonged<br />

period. Being aware that parenthood is going to be hard is the<br />

first step to preventing SBS. “Many parents get home after<br />

having help from medical staff and feel completely overwhelmed,”<br />

says Norine Tamborino RN, Performance Improvement at<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>. “Have a support plan even before going into<br />

the hospital.”<br />

baby. While it is important to accept help or take a break when<br />

you are stressed, it’s also important to remember as parents you<br />

are the ‘A-Team’ for the baby’s care,” says Tamborino. The “B”<br />

team, made up of grandparents and friends, are responsible for<br />

the household basics. There are many “mommy and me” and<br />

play groups you can get involved in. This way, you can spend time<br />

with your baby while socializing with other parents going through<br />

the same things you are.<br />

Support Plan<br />

Before going to the hospital<br />

to have your baby, it will be<br />

helpful to have a phone list of<br />

people you trust and can call<br />

for support. If you cannot reach<br />

a friend and you’re feeling<br />

overwhelmed, put your baby<br />

in a safe place, like a crib,<br />

and step outside and take a<br />

deep breath, rebalance your<br />

emotions and remember: it<br />

gets easier. No one is an expert<br />

of your babies. Within relatively<br />

a short time you will become<br />

the expert of your child.<br />

“Nurses should advise new<br />

parents on how to comfort a<br />

crying baby. Sharing personal<br />

experiences helps parents<br />

realize that even professionals<br />

caring for babies have the same<br />

issues and deal with the same<br />

stresses,” explains Tamborino.<br />

Don’t ever leave the baby with someone you do not trust. Even<br />

a close friend or relative can lose their patience when stressed,<br />

especially if they are normally known to have a hot temper. Asking<br />

someone for help whom you trust is key. Even as a parent, you<br />

must be able to walk away for twenty to thirty minutes when you<br />

are feeling overwhelmed. Take a deep breath to regain a sense<br />

of peace. You must take care of yourself in order to take proper<br />

care of your baby. Relationships can suffer during this time as<br />

well. Schedule a date night with your partner to help keep your<br />

marriage balanced as well.<br />

While accepting help is recommended, it is also crucial not to<br />

accept too much help. During the first few months of your baby’s<br />

life, you and your baby are learning to work together. The baby<br />

is establishing a schedule while you are learning their cues to<br />

meet their needs. This process is critical in strengthening your<br />

confidence. “Don't let well meaning family and friends hog the<br />

Even as a parent,<br />

you must be able to<br />

walk away for twenty<br />

to thirty minutes<br />

when you are feeling<br />

overwhelmed. Take a<br />

deep breath to regain<br />

a sense of peace.<br />

Team Work<br />

Raising your baby takes a<br />

team approach. Whether the<br />

mom is at home during the<br />

first few months, while the<br />

dad is at work or vice versa,<br />

sharing responsibility is a<br />

must. Work as a team to care<br />

for your baby. Schedule time<br />

for lunch with friends and<br />

have the other parent do<br />

housework and take care of<br />

the baby. Don’t feel guilty for<br />

being out and enjoying some<br />

quiet time. Responsibility is<br />

shared and the time will help<br />

relieve stress and make you<br />

a better parent. Make sure<br />

to take turns; teamwork is<br />

the best approach to a<br />

healthy family.<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> is committed<br />

to building strong families.<br />

There are about 4,200 infants<br />

delivered at Harrisburg<br />

Hospital each year. Since 2006, every new family is provided<br />

with education from a Registered Nurse, pamphlets explaining<br />

methods to comfort a crying baby, a DVD entitled, “Portrait of<br />

Promise,” which illustrates personal stories, consequences of<br />

violent shaking, and positive parenting techniques for prevention.<br />

Parents are asked to sign a voluntary commitment statement by<br />

the Registered Nurse. The form validates that the parents have<br />

received, read and understand the information given about SBS.<br />

A copy is given to the parents and a copy is placed in the infant<br />

birth record.<br />

For more information about SBS or <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> services,<br />

visit pinnaclehealth.org. If you or someone you know need help<br />

managing stress or anger to prevent any harm to your/their<br />

baby, call the Pennsylvania Department of Health CONNECT<br />

line at 1-800-692-7288.<br />

pinnaclehealth.org 17


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE<br />

springtime activity OR tradition<br />

18 (717) 231-8900


take an active role IN YOUR HEALTHCARE!<br />

Now you can securely access<br />

portions of your medical record<br />

electronically.<br />

The Health Information Exchange (HIE) Patient<br />

Portal assists <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> in providing the<br />

highest quality care to better serve your needs.<br />

The Patient Portal contains documents and<br />

information that will assist you in continuing<br />

your healthcare needs and knowledge outside<br />

of the doctor’s office. Participating physician<br />

offices also have the capability to receive<br />

requests for refills through the Patient Portal.<br />

“The Patient Portal provides a new aspect of<br />

integrated care to our patients,” explains Joel<br />

Arker, Director of Strategic Tech Services at<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>. “Patients can view, print and store portions of their<br />

electronic medical record. As technology continues to evolve and the<br />

industry grows at a rapid pace, it makes sense for us to be serving our<br />

patients not only in person, but electronically as well.”<br />

Registration is being accepted at your participating FamilyCare offices,<br />

as well as any <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> outpatient laboratory draw sites. All<br />

you need is a valid government issued photo ID and email address.<br />

For more information, visit pinnaclehealth.org and click on<br />

My Medical Records.<br />

FREE!<br />

Easy to use!<br />

pinnaclehealth.org 19


physician focus:<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> and the da Vinci ®<br />

A Q&A with Robert DelRosario, MD,<br />

and Gregory S. Willis, DO<br />

Just as both of these doctors are committed to providing the best care for their patients,<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> is committed to providing the latest technology and training for the doctors<br />

working to get them back to optimal health. That’s exactly what the da Vinci ® Surgical System<br />

can do. Minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci allows a patient to get back on her feet<br />

faster, reduces the risk for infection and complications, and provides the freedom to return<br />

to her family or daily routine faster than ever before.<br />

Below, Dr. Robert DelRosario, Obstetrics & Gynecology (left), and Dr. Gregory S. Willis,<br />

Gynecologic Oncologist, <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Women’s Cancer Center, explain the technology,<br />

who is eligible, how it works and what it means both to women and the surgeons who<br />

help them.<br />

Describe what “minimally invasive” means when using the da Vinci SI<br />

Surgical System.<br />

Unlike traditional surgery, which involves making a large incision in order to operate,<br />

minimally invasive surgery means doing the same procedures through small incisions with<br />

less pain, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications and better accuracy. The<br />

da Vinci robotic technology offers improved precision and less abdominal wall trauma. This<br />

translates into more complete surgeries with less pain and fewer complications. – DR. WILLIS<br />

The instruments are able to move in many directions simulating all those of a human hand<br />

when using the da Vinci robot. Doctors gain the “minimal” incision of laparoscopy, with<br />

the “hand-movement” capability of traditional “open” surgery. In laparoscopic<br />

surgery, doctors place instruments through small incisions allowing for some<br />

rotational type capabilities; but, in a “left-to-right” direction, move<br />

somewhat akin to chopsticks. Their movements are visible via a small<br />

camera also placed through a small incision. – DR. DELROSARIO<br />

What kinds of procedures are possible with the da Vinci<br />

In Gynecologic Oncology, the da Vinci technology has been a game<br />

changer. We are routinely performing cancer staging hysterectomies,<br />

radical hysterectomy, lymph node dissections, appendectomy,<br />

ovarian cancer staging and restaging. We are using da Vinci for<br />

difficult endometriosis, obese patients and uterine fibroids. These<br />

are all done traditionally by open surgery, but da Vinci offers a<br />

distinct advantage. – DR. WILLIS<br />

In my field, some of my most common procedures that can<br />

be done with da Vinci include hysterectomies, myomectomies<br />

(removal of fibroids of the uterus), surgery for pelvic floor prolapse<br />

and endometriosis. I feel it can replace nearly every gynecologic<br />

surgery where a large incision would be otherwise required and<br />

offers improved dissection and visualization in many cases where<br />

traditional laparoscopy would be used. – DR. DELROSARIO<br />

Who is a candidate for these procedures<br />

In gynecology, if surgery is indicated and the approach would have required<br />

a large incision, many of these patients are excellent candidates for robotic<br />

surgery. In many laparoscopic surgical cases, the da Vinci offers a better surgical<br />

access than the traditional approach. – DR. DELROSARIO<br />

20 (717) 231-8900


SI Surgical System Provide Women with Options<br />

Women who are not medically contraindicated to high<br />

abdominal pressure, have reasonable cardiac and lung function<br />

and are not overly complex in regards to adhesions from previous<br />

surgeries and tumor or uterine size are good candidates for<br />

robotic surgery. – DR. WILLIS<br />

How do you maneuver the machine Is the surgeon<br />

really operating the machine<br />

The da Vinci is “docked” by the surgeon who places the small<br />

ports in the abdomen. The surgeon then sits down at a console<br />

with a 3D view of the abdomen. In real time, the surgeon uses<br />

the robotic instruments to perform the operation. The robot does<br />

not move without the surgeon in complete control. This is kind<br />

of like a high tech video game, but far superior to the surgeon’s<br />

hands and eyes. The robot does not fatigue, and the vision is<br />

magnified to ten times the magnification of the naked eye.<br />

We can even see the blood circulate in capillaries! – DR. WILLIS<br />

What benefits do the patients receive in having<br />

minimally invasive surgery<br />

For me, reduction in a woman’s recovery time has<br />

been the most rewarding aspect of robotic surgery.<br />

Compared to the woman who is healing from a large<br />

incision, I have had many da Vinci patients return to<br />

work within 1–2 weeks with full recovery by 3–4 weeks,<br />

as opposed to a full six weeks for both with traditional<br />

surgery. I greatly appreciate the burden of surgery and<br />

the patient’s recovery can place upon a person and her<br />

family. Having minimally invasive options reduce this<br />

burden dramatically. Many women wear several hats—<br />

mother, wife, employee and friend. When one woman<br />

is “down” due to surgery, we need to replace the<br />

responsibilities of four people! I always say<br />

bringing the “captain back to her crew”<br />

will benefit the entire ship. This means<br />

being back to 100% by 2–3 weeks, not<br />

beginning to ease into your life at six<br />

weeks (as we had with traditional open<br />

surgery.) – DR. DELROSARIO<br />

The benefits of minimally invasive surgery<br />

are: smaller incisions, far less pain, fewer<br />

wound related complications, shorter hospital<br />

stays, less time off of work, and more<br />

thorough cancer staging operations. In our<br />

practice, 60% of women who have radical<br />

cancer surgeries with the da Vinci require<br />

zero narcotic pain medications after discharge.<br />

Ninety plus percent of these women are<br />

discharged after a single night’s hospital stay.<br />

Those who stay longer are usually kept for<br />

medical (non-surgical) indications. – DR. WILLIS<br />

Historically, what used to be done gynecologically<br />

when women needed a hysterectomy, for instance<br />

In comparing today’s hysterectomies with those from many years<br />

ago, I must say that hysterectomies are now the final stop, when<br />

a multitude of more conservative measures have failed. Robotic<br />

surgery has helped reduce the pain, blood loss, infection rate,<br />

scarring, and recovery time compared with the older approach.<br />

The da Vinci platform is the state-of-the-art robotic device for<br />

surgery of both benign and malignant gynecologic conditions.<br />

Nearly every surgery we would have performed with a large<br />

incision can be formed with the use of this device. Many surgeries<br />

we performed with traditional laparoscopic instrumentation, we<br />

can perform more precisely with this technology. – DR. DELROSARIO<br />

In the good old days of gynecologic oncology, the surgical<br />

needs of our patients were accomplished with the use of large<br />

abdominal incisions. This usually required a three-to-four day<br />

plus hospital stay and significant level of pain, blood loss and<br />

related infection and complication rate. Particularly<br />

for obese women, the open approach<br />

represented a significant challenge and<br />

sometimes very protracted recovery. We are<br />

constantly increasing the type and complexity<br />

of patient that we are able to safely offer<br />

the benefits of da Vinci. – DR. WILLIS<br />

For more information about the<br />

da Vinci Surgical System, visit<br />

pinnaclehealth.org/robotic.aspx.<br />

pinnaclehealth.org 21


specialized rehabilitation services<br />

A T<br />

P I N N A C L E H E A L T H<br />

“There is a place for you anywhere at <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>,” says Ted Yanchuleff, PT, ATC, MPA,<br />

Manager, Outpatient Rehab Services. “Regardless of setting—whether it's acute care, rehabilitation,<br />

occupational therapy, or home care—we are a full-fledged entity providing leading services in<br />

the area.”<br />

Whether you need relief from carpel tunnel syndrome, aching joints felt in every day activity or<br />

you’ve suffered a stroke or other traumatic injury, our team is committed to return you to good<br />

health and a functional lifestyle. While treatments range from medication or therapy to surgery,<br />

the focus remains the same—patient-focused care.<br />

Patient-focused care means meeting the needs of every patient during every stage of their<br />

rehabilitation process. At <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong>, we provide a full range of advanced rehabilitative care,<br />

using the latest technology and techniques. We also offer specialized services for core programs<br />

including Brain or Nerve Injury/Disorders, Cancer/Lymphedema, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Hand<br />

and Upper Extremity Disorders, Orthopedic Rehabilitation and McKenzie Method Spine Center<br />

Program.<br />

Three Hydroworx pools (like those used by the Philadelphia<br />

Eagles) can be found at three convenient locations: Dillsburg,<br />

Fredricksen Outpatient Center, and at the Helen M. Simpson<br />

Community Campus location.<br />

“Our vision is simple—we want to meet the needs of the<br />

community. We have the most qualified and convenient<br />

rehabilitation program just 10 minutes or 10 miles from your<br />

home or work,” Yanchuleff says.<br />

Whether you live on the East or West Shore, the goal with every<br />

patient, every time is producing excellent outcomes, increasing<br />

patient satisfaction, and providing unsurpassed, leading<br />

rehabilitation care—in both traditional and specialty services.<br />

Our two acute care facilities (on the Community Campus and<br />

at Harrisburg Hospital) offer patients a full range of rehabilitative<br />

services on site including physical, occupational, and speech<br />

therapy. What is particularly special about <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> and its therapy services are the specialty<br />

programs—many of which people do not know about until they find they or a loved one needs it.<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Spine Centers are two of less than 30 Certified McKenzie Clinics in the U.S. This<br />

comprehensive therapeutic program is based on the cause and effect relationship between pain<br />

and pain response, often resulting in a reduced number of physical therapy visits for the patient.<br />

For patients with hand and upper extremity pain, simple tasks such as carrying groceries, driving,<br />

working at a computer or gardening can become impossible. Whether your situation is postoperative<br />

or injury-related, our hand/wrist orthopedic treatments on the Fredricksen and Community<br />

Campuses can get you back to self-sufficiency.<br />

From assessments and diagnosis to traditional and post-surgical therapies, the high level of<br />

core care and one-on-one individual treatment given to each patient is both special and unique<br />

according to Yanchuleff, “Once you’re in the system, you generally will see the same therapist and<br />

receive that continuity of care.”<br />

We want the community to know us before they need us. In doing so, people should know<br />

about the breadth and depth of rehabilitation and therapeutic services in their own backyards.<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> is with every patient through their recovery process.<br />

Whether you’re recovering<br />

from a broken bone<br />

or complex surgery,<br />

<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> Physical<br />

Medicine and Rehabilitative<br />

Services offer seven core<br />

programs to support a<br />

wide range of care, including<br />

treatment for brain or<br />

nerve injury, cancer, cardiac<br />

conditions, hand and upper<br />

extremity problems, spine<br />

conditions, and orthopedic<br />

injuries.<br />

Our comprehensive<br />

rehabilitation services are<br />

listed below and vary from<br />

location to location. Visit<br />

pinnaclehealth.org/rehab<br />

for details and locations.<br />

• Amputee<br />

• Aquatics<br />

• Arthritis<br />

• Balance & Vestibular Center<br />

• Body Mechanics/<br />

Postural Evaluation<br />

• Chronic Pain Management<br />

• Cognitive Rehabilitation<br />

• Dizziness<br />

• Hand therapy<br />

• Horticultural Therapy<br />

• Musculoskeletal Disorders<br />

• Neurological Evaluation<br />

and Treatment<br />

• Neurological Aquatics<br />

• Neurological Disease<br />

• Occupational Therapy<br />

• Physical Therapy<br />

• Prosthetic/Orthotic<br />

• Pulmonary Rehab<br />

• Speech, Hearing and<br />

Swallowing, Adult<br />

• Spinal Mobilization<br />

• Sports Medicine<br />

• Stroke Rehabilitation<br />

• Wheelchair Seating<br />

and Sizing<br />

22 (717) 231-8900


<strong>PinnacleHealth</strong> System<br />

P.O. Box 8700<br />

Harrisburg, PA 17105-8700<br />

Non-Profit Org.<br />

U.S. Postage<br />

PAID<br />

Harrisburg, PA<br />

Permit No. 600<br />

FREE Lifetime WomanCare Connection<br />

B E N E F I T S A N D P R I V I L E G E S<br />

• Subscription to EveryWoman<br />

magazine, published twice a<br />

year which includes a calendar<br />

of events, list of services and<br />

support groups<br />

• Free health counseling with nurse<br />

educator by phone or in person<br />

• Access to speaker’s bureau for<br />

businesses or community groups<br />

• Priority notice about special<br />

membership events held<br />

throughout the year<br />

• Connection to <strong>PinnacleHealth</strong><br />

physician and service referrals<br />

• Fifty percent discount annual<br />

cardiac risk assessment includes<br />

a bone density screening<br />

(usually $20)<br />

• Discount on select services<br />

and women’s midlife health<br />

assessment<br />

Join online at pinnaclehealth.org/wcmembership or call (717) 231-8900.

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