13.01.2015 Views

And the Emergency Chain that Saved Him. - St. Joseph Medical ...

And the Emergency Chain that Saved Him. - St. Joseph Medical ...

And the Emergency Chain that Saved Him. - St. Joseph Medical ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Summer 2010 / <strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com<br />

A Dramatic<br />

<strong>Emergency</strong> and<br />

Cardiac Rescue<br />

See page 4<br />

A Young<br />

Lacrosse Player<br />

<strong>And</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Emergency</strong> <strong>Chain</strong> <strong>that</strong> <strong>Saved</strong> <strong>Him</strong>.<br />

Welcome Primary<br />

Care Docs<br />

Diet, Disease<br />

and You<br />

SRS<br />

DestroysTumors<br />

page 2 page 7 page 8


Primary Care<br />

Matched<br />

Missions<br />

Premier Primary Care Groups<br />

join with <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong><br />

‰Patient-centered primary care is <strong>the</strong><br />

foundation for good health. <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong><br />

<strong>Medical</strong> Center is proud to announce<br />

<strong>that</strong> <strong>the</strong>se prestigious primary care<br />

providers have aligned with <strong>the</strong> hospital<br />

and become members of <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong><br />

Physician Enterprise.<br />

Towson <strong>Medical</strong> Associates<br />

“We’ve sent our patients to <strong>St</strong>. Joe’s for a long time.<br />

Our patients get excellent care, are treated as individuals<br />

and have a good experience <strong>the</strong>re.”— Kenneth Sibila, M.D.<br />

Dr. Timothy Herlihy<br />

120 Sister Pierre Drive<br />

When internist Dr. Timothy Herlihy<br />

finished residency training in 1985, he<br />

spent six months in India doing mission<br />

work at a leper colony. He returned with<br />

a renewed commitment to medicine.<br />

“We are very blessed to live in <strong>the</strong> U.S.<br />

and have <strong>the</strong> level of care <strong>that</strong> we do,”<br />

he reflects.<br />

“Towson is where my family, children<br />

and patients are. It’s my home,” he says.<br />

Though he has had various medical affiliations,<br />

he recently chose to join with <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> Physician Enterprise because,<br />

he says, “we have matched missions.”<br />

Not only is it beneficial for his practice<br />

to be part of a larger, prestigious medical<br />

facility, “<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> has <strong>that</strong> sense of<br />

community commitment <strong>that</strong> I am looking<br />

for,” he explains. “Their hearts are in<br />

<strong>the</strong> right place. <strong>St</strong>aff smile and greet you.<br />

They care about <strong>the</strong>ir patients.”<br />

Dr. Timothy Herlihy<br />

Plus, <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> hospital’s wealth of<br />

resources: “<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s staff do excellent<br />

work and are world-class—in orthopaedics,<br />

heart, spine and more. There’s a<br />

community of specialists, nurses, physical<br />

<strong>the</strong>rapists, social services and hospice for<br />

my staff and me to turn to,” he says.<br />

This complements his philosophy of personalized<br />

medicine. “I believe <strong>that</strong> part of<br />

treatment involves giving patients reassurance<br />

and showing kindness. This begins<br />

even before <strong>the</strong>y start <strong>the</strong>ir medicine.”<br />

“<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> has <strong>that</strong> sense of community<br />

commitment <strong>that</strong> I am looking for<br />

...They care about <strong>the</strong>ir patients.”<br />

Towson <strong>Medical</strong> Associates<br />

7801 York Road<br />

The <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> Physician Enterprise<br />

also welcomes Towson <strong>Medical</strong> Associates<br />

(TMA) on board—a practice composed<br />

of two internists, four family practitioners<br />

and two nurse practitioners. The group<br />

has a longstanding history with <strong>the</strong> hospital.<br />

“In many ways, Towson <strong>Medical</strong><br />

Associates has had an unwritten affiliation<br />

with <strong>St</strong>. Joe’s,” explains Dr. Kenneth Sibila,<br />

one of <strong>the</strong> group’s family practitioners.<br />

“Our doctors have trained at <strong>the</strong> best<br />

medical schools with many of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s<br />

specialists, and we have a lot of respect for<br />

<strong>the</strong>m. Many are patients of ours, and we<br />

are patients of <strong>the</strong>irs.<br />

“We are <strong>the</strong> largest primary care practice<br />

in Towson, and <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> needed a<br />

large successful group. We are <strong>the</strong> most<br />

logical personal match for each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

We’ve sent our patients to <strong>St</strong>. Joe’s for a<br />

long time. Our patients get excellent care,<br />

are treated as individuals, and have a<br />

good experience <strong>the</strong>re.”<br />

Summer 2010 / <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center


Primary Care<br />

In This Issue<br />

Created in <strong>the</strong> late 1980s, TMA is<br />

embedded in <strong>the</strong> community. “We provide<br />

a full spectrum of primary care from<br />

birth to death, including pediatrics,<br />

well-women care and minor procedures,”<br />

says Dr. Sibila, who emphasizes <strong>the</strong><br />

group’s “like-minded<br />

philosophy of providing<br />

quality medical care <strong>that</strong><br />

is customized and right for<br />

each person who entrusts<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir care to us.”<br />

Communication is an<br />

important TMA value.<br />

“Our communication with<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> has already<br />

worked perfectly for years,” says Dr. Sibila.<br />

“We couldn’t be happier about this affiliation.<br />

It offers us <strong>the</strong> potential to expand<br />

and continue thriving.”<br />

“We like seeing ourselves as <strong>the</strong> Towson<br />

primary care arm of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong><br />

Center,” he adds.<br />

Owings Mills Internal Medicine<br />

5 Park Center Drive<br />

Owings Mills Internal Medicine, an<br />

internal medicine and primary care<br />

group <strong>that</strong> has been a fixture in <strong>the</strong><br />

Owings Mills community for 20 years,<br />

has also joined <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> Physician<br />

Enterprise. “<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> offers a lot for our<br />

patients. We have been impressed with<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> as a hospital entity and for<br />

Owings Mills Internal Medicine<br />

Need a<br />

Physician<br />

referral<br />

Call our Doctors Directory<br />

at 410-337-1337 or visit<br />

www.<strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com<br />

<strong>the</strong> quality of <strong>the</strong> affiliated specialists,”<br />

explains Dr. Joanna Saba, who adds <strong>that</strong><br />

her group got to know <strong>the</strong> hospital well<br />

because her husband Dr. Mark Saba has<br />

been an employed physician at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong><br />

for a number of years.<br />

Composed of four<br />

physicians and two nurse<br />

practitioners, Owings<br />

Mills Internal Medicine<br />

has “a philosophy of<br />

total care,” says Dr. Saba.<br />

“We develop a longstanding<br />

provider<br />

care relationship with<br />

patients and encourage<br />

<strong>the</strong>m to participate in <strong>the</strong>ir care.<br />

We emphasize preventive medicine.”<br />

The affiliation with <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> also “takes<br />

<strong>the</strong> business of running a practice off our<br />

shoulders.” Dr. Saba adds, “As health care is<br />

changing, it’s become increasingly difficult<br />

to run a health care practice.”<br />

This way, <strong>the</strong> group can focus on <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

brand of patient care, which <strong>the</strong>y like to<br />

describe as “boutique medicine without<br />

<strong>the</strong> additional annual care fee.”<br />

The o<strong>the</strong>r new chapter for Owings Mills<br />

Internal Medicine is <strong>that</strong> it has traditionally<br />

been all female physicians and providers,<br />

but <strong>that</strong> recently changed. “We are very<br />

excited to welcome Dr. Jeffrey Swetts,” says<br />

Dr. Saba. “We have always seen adult men<br />

and women patients, but he is our first<br />

male physician.”<br />

“<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> offers a lot for our patients. We have been impressed<br />

with <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> as a hospital entity and for <strong>the</strong> quality<br />

of <strong>the</strong> affiliated specialists.”<br />

— Dr. Joanna Saba<br />

Summer 2010<br />

4<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

10<br />

COVER STORY<br />

<strong>Chain</strong> of Survival<br />

A dramatic emergency<br />

and cardiac rescue<br />

Handled with Care<br />

Orthopaedic expertise for<br />

hand and wrist problems<br />

Diet, Disease and You<br />

Meet our outpatient dietician<br />

SRS Goes Where<br />

Surgery Cannot<br />

Taking precise aim at tumors<br />

with radiation care practices<br />

Inspired Giving: 1A–4A<br />

A special section of <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center Foundation<br />

Look & Feel Good<br />

this Summer:<br />

Varicose vein treatments and<br />

putting your best feet forward<br />

On <strong>the</strong> cover: Thomas Thibeault (far right)<br />

with some of <strong>the</strong> EMS and <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> staff who<br />

saved him (L to R): emergency nurse Caroline<br />

Muchunu, RN, emergency physician Dr. Neal<br />

Frankel, EMS Lt. Kim Glaze and Chief of Cardiac<br />

Surgery Dr. <strong>St</strong>ewart Finney.<br />

We are an equal opportunity employer and, in conjunction with<br />

applicable laws, do not discriminate on <strong>the</strong> basis of race, color,<br />

religion, sex, national origin, age, or physical or mental handicap.<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center accepts patients without regard to race,<br />

color, national origin, disabilities, age or religion. Copyright © 2010.<br />

housecall is published quarterly by <strong>the</strong> Marketing Communications<br />

department at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center, a member of Catholic<br />

Health Initiatives. Information is intended to educate our readers<br />

and not substitute for consultation with a physician.<br />

Blue Distinction<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center is proud to<br />

announce <strong>that</strong> it has been designated a<br />

Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery<br />

and Knee and Hip Replacement by<br />

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center / <strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com


<strong>Emergency</strong> Care<br />

WHAT MAKES A SURVIVOR<br />

The C h a i n of<br />

<strong>Emergency</strong> & Cardiac Care<br />

It was winter break for college sophomore Thomas Thibeault, and he and<br />

his sister were enjoying a workout toge<strong>the</strong>r at a Timonium fitness club near home<br />

when <strong>the</strong> unimaginable happened.<br />

homas, a varsity lacrosse player in peak condition, collapsed.<br />

His sister called 9-1-1 followed by a frantic call to<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir parents who rushed over from <strong>the</strong>ir nearby offices.<br />

In four minutes, Baltimore County EMS arrived and<br />

began emergency care on Thomas, who was slipping in<br />

and out of consciousness.<br />

“He was extremely sweaty, and his lips and hands were blue,”<br />

describes EMS Lt. Kim Glaze. “We put him on oxygen, gave him<br />

IV fluids, and put him on a 12-lead heart monitor to see if he was<br />

having a heart attack.” Thomas wasn’t having a heart attack, but<br />

“he was really sick, and we called ahead to <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong><br />

Center to be ready for him,” says Lt. Glaze.<br />

“The EMTs did an excellent job,” recounts Thomas’ mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />

Trish. “We all realized something was seriously wrong.”<br />

“The ambulance rushed him to <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s <strong>Emergency</strong><br />

Department,” continues Trish. “The nurses and doctors were waiting<br />

at <strong>the</strong> door for us. By <strong>the</strong>n, he was very much in pain.”<br />

Soon she and her family would be hearing a heart surgeon<br />

state, “His life is in danger. We need to operate right now!”<br />

Upon Thomas’ arrival, emergency physician Dr. Neal Frankel<br />

and <strong>the</strong> ER team sprang into action. Dr. Frankel quickly assessed<br />

an apparently healthy young man with no known risk factors,<br />

ordering an immediate CT scan. Upon seeing <strong>the</strong> results, Trish<br />

recalls <strong>that</strong> Dr. Frankel declared, “This is bad. His aorta is bleeding.”<br />

<strong>And</strong>, “within ten minutes, a heart surgeon was walking<br />

through <strong>the</strong> door,” she adds.<br />

The surgeon who rushed to <strong>the</strong>ir service is Dr. <strong>St</strong>ewart Finney,<br />

chief of Cardiac Surgery at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>. “Thomas suffered a dissection<br />

and rupture of an aortic aneurysm,” explains Dr. Finney. “He<br />

was declining quickly.<br />

“What happens is <strong>that</strong> <strong>the</strong> aorta quietly enlarges until <strong>the</strong><br />

wall gets so thin <strong>that</strong> it tears and bursts. Thomas’ aneurysm was<br />

similar to <strong>that</strong> of actor John Ritter who succumbed when his aorta<br />

ruptured. Aneurysms can be caused by uncontrolled high blood<br />

pressure and weakness in <strong>the</strong> aorta wall, but in Thomas’ case it<br />

was related to a congenital abnormality,” explains Dr. Finney.<br />

“It’s a credit to <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s ER, cardiac surgery, intensive care<br />

unit and post-op recovery staff <strong>that</strong> we can handle this type of<br />

grave situation,” he adds. “The team is very experienced.”<br />

Following six hours of open heart surgery, during which Thomas<br />

had his aorta and aortic valve replaced, Thomas received intensive<br />

care and monitoring on <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s Cardiac Surgery Unit.<br />

The links in<br />

<strong>the</strong> chain are:<br />

American Heart Association<br />

The <strong>Chain</strong><br />

of Survival<br />

For <strong>the</strong> sudden cardiac arrest<br />

patient whose heart stops.<br />

<strong>St</strong>ep 1<br />

Early recognition<br />

A cardiovascular emergency<br />

exists. Activate EMS<br />

services. Call 9-1-1.<br />

<strong>St</strong>ep 2<br />

Early bystander CPR<br />

Perform promptly and properly.<br />

<strong>St</strong>ronger when bystanders know<br />

CPR or get CPR instructions by<br />

phone from 9-1-1.<br />

<strong>St</strong>ep 3<br />

Early defibrillation<br />

Use automated external<br />

defibrillator (AED), which has<br />

voice prompts to guide rescuer<br />

through steps of defibrillation.<br />

Summer 2010 / <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center


thomas thibeault<br />

“This whole experience<br />

has given me a much greater<br />

appreciation for how incredible<br />

medical care can be.”<br />

Women’s Care<br />

“When he awoke, he had an immediate sense of well being,”<br />

says his mo<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

“This whole experience has given me a much greater appreciation<br />

for how incredible medical care can be,” says Thomas.<br />

“Dr. Finney is a great doctor —he saved my life. The staff<br />

at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> really cared for me as a person and for<br />

<strong>the</strong> well-being of my family.”<br />

Although Thomas will be on blood thinners<br />

for life, he says, “I feel very lucky to have<br />

survived a physical defect <strong>that</strong> no one knew<br />

about. The mechanical valve I have is very<br />

strong.” Just three months after heart surgery,<br />

he was assisting coaching lacrosse at his<br />

former high school, Boys Latin.<br />

“Thomas has shown a lot of maturity and<br />

grace through all this,” says Dr. Finney, a former<br />

lacrosse player himself.<br />

Innovators in <strong>Emergency</strong> Care<br />

Recently, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> embarked on a campaign to highlight<br />

<strong>the</strong> hospital’s innovation in ER care, “which has resulted in<br />

decreasing treatment time by 25 percent,” explains Dr. Gail<br />

Cunningham, head of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s <strong>Emergency</strong> Department. By<br />

increasing efficiency and enhancing patient care, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s<br />

ER won <strong>the</strong> “Top Innovator of <strong>the</strong> Year Award” in 2009 from<br />

<strong>the</strong> Daily Record.<br />

“It’s a credit<br />

to <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s ER,<br />

cardiac surgery team<br />

and intensive care unit<br />

<strong>that</strong> we can handle<br />

this type of grave<br />

situation.”<br />

Dr. <strong>St</strong>ewart Finney<br />

chief of Cardiac<br />

Surgery<br />

Innovation is a <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> tradition: its ER has <strong>the</strong> longest<br />

standing group of emergency physicians in <strong>the</strong> U.S., who founded<br />

one of <strong>the</strong> first ERs in <strong>the</strong> country in 1966. “We are always striving<br />

to improve <strong>the</strong> care we give,” assures Dr. Cunningham.<br />

“We have quality, experienced, specifically trained<br />

ER physicians and nurses. We are in a unique environment,<br />

working shoulder to shoulder daily, and<br />

know each o<strong>the</strong>r so well <strong>that</strong> we can anticipate<br />

how care is going for each patient.<br />

“A lot of care is initiated even before <strong>the</strong><br />

patient sees <strong>the</strong> doctor. We are very motivated,<br />

getting <strong>the</strong>ir tests started, blood work,<br />

x-rays or CT scans and even <strong>the</strong> administration<br />

of certain medicines done as soon as we<br />

can,” she says.<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s ER is a vital partner in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Chain</strong><br />

of Survival advocated by <strong>the</strong> American Heart<br />

Association. (See illustration below.)<br />

“It begins with <strong>the</strong> lay person doing CPR and calling<br />

9-1-1,” says Captain <strong>St</strong>even Adelsburger of Baltimore County EMS.<br />

“Then EMS does <strong>the</strong>ir part; we treat and stabilize at <strong>the</strong> scene of<br />

<strong>the</strong> emergency and deliver <strong>the</strong> patient to <strong>the</strong> ER where <strong>the</strong> cardiac<br />

team is waiting. With our LifeNet system, we even transmit<br />

a picture of <strong>the</strong> patient’s heart to <strong>the</strong> ER, so <strong>the</strong> team is a couple<br />

steps ahead before <strong>the</strong> patient arrives. We have great confidence<br />

in <strong>the</strong> cardiac care at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center.”<br />

<strong>St</strong>ep 4<br />

Early advanced care<br />

Qualified paramedics/healthcare<br />

providers respond to cardiac<br />

arrests with Advanced Cardiac<br />

Life Support standards.<br />

<strong>St</strong>ep 5<br />

ER & Cardiac Teams<br />

Patient arrives by ambulance at <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Emergency</strong> Room, where emergency<br />

doctors and nurses are waiting, plus<br />

a cardiac team is prepared.<br />

survivor.<br />

“If any of <strong>the</strong> links in <strong>the</strong> chain<br />

are broken, <strong>the</strong> chances for survival<br />

and a successful outcome are<br />

significantly diminished.”<br />

Captain <strong>St</strong>even Adelsburger<br />

EMS Shift Commander, Baltimore County<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center / <strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com


Orthopaedics<br />

Handled with Care<br />

Orthopaedic expertise in hand, wrist, and upper extremities<br />

As much as we use our hands and<br />

arms, it’s no surprise <strong>the</strong>y are prone<br />

to overuse or injury. Summer sports,<br />

such as tennis and golf, can stress and<br />

injure wrists and elbows, while gardening<br />

and outdoor work may strain hands<br />

and fingers.<br />

Orthopaedic hand and wrist specialists<br />

affiliated with The Orthopaedic Institute<br />

at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> are experienced in treating<br />

not only severe and complex cases, but<br />

are also up to date on <strong>the</strong> latest research<br />

and treatments for conditions <strong>that</strong> range<br />

from carpal tunnel syndrome to birth<br />

defects and degenerative joints and tendons.<br />

Among <strong>the</strong>se conditions are:<br />

Tendonitis<br />

This common condition can cause significant<br />

pain and discomfort. It occurs<br />

when <strong>the</strong> tendons—<strong>the</strong> fibrous tissue<br />

<strong>that</strong> connects your muscles to <strong>the</strong><br />

bones—become inflamed. Here are a<br />

number of types of tendonitis:<br />

De Quervain Syndrome affects movement<br />

of <strong>the</strong> thumb. If a splint and medication<br />

do not ease <strong>the</strong> discomfort, “a cortisone<br />

injection may often cure <strong>the</strong> problem,”<br />

For a referral to an orthopaedic<br />

■ hand specialist, call our<br />

Doctors Directory at 410-337-1337<br />

or go to www.<strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com<br />

Dr. Michael Marion<br />

Hand and Wrist Specialist<br />

“Trigger finger can<br />

result from repetitive<br />

use…It’s specifically<br />

connected with<br />

gripping…it may<br />

affect electricians<br />

who use hand tools.”<br />

Dr. Bruce Wolock<br />

Hand, Elbow and Shoulder Specialist<br />

“Thumb arthritis is<br />

especially common<br />

in women over<br />

age 40, and can<br />

cause severe hand<br />

pain, swelling and<br />

decreased strength,<br />

making even routine<br />

tasks difficult.”<br />

says orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Michael<br />

Marion, a hand and wrist specialist.<br />

Trigger Finger, (or trigger thumb),<br />

occurs when a swollen tendon develops<br />

into a nodule, causing clicking and locking<br />

of <strong>the</strong> finger so it becomes stuck in<br />

place. “This can result from repetitive<br />

use or anything <strong>that</strong> can cause tendonitis<br />

in <strong>the</strong> hands. Trigger finger is specifically<br />

connected with gripping, for example,<br />

it may affect electricians who use hand<br />

tools,” says Dr. Marion.<br />

Anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone<br />

injections and surgery—known<br />

as “trigger finger release”—are possible<br />

treatment options, adds Dr. Wolock.<br />

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a condition<br />

in which <strong>the</strong> median nerve of <strong>the</strong> wrist<br />

is compressed, can cause numbness,<br />

tingling and weakness in <strong>the</strong> hand.<br />

“It is three times more likely to occur<br />

in women and is often connected to<br />

repetitive movements done in a working<br />

environment—such as an assembly line<br />

or cash register,” explains Dr. Marion.<br />

Treatments may include anti-inflammatory<br />

medications, cortisone injections,<br />

and, occasionally, surgery.<br />

“Thumb arthritis is especially common<br />

in women over age 40,” says Dr. Wolock,<br />

“and can cause severe hand pain, swelling<br />

and decreased strength and range<br />

of motion—making even routine tasks<br />

difficult.” It occurs at <strong>the</strong> joint at <strong>the</strong> wrist<br />

and <strong>the</strong> base of <strong>the</strong> thumb. Treatments<br />

may include splints, medication, cortisone<br />

injections or, in severe cases, surgery.<br />

Fractures<br />

Older women who have lost bone density<br />

are vulnerable to a common fracture in<br />

<strong>the</strong> radius of <strong>the</strong> forearm <strong>that</strong> frequently<br />

occurs with a fall, cautions Dr. Marion.<br />

Known as a distal radius fracture, this<br />

may be treated with a cast or a splint; but<br />

if <strong>the</strong> break is severe enough, surgery<br />

may be needed.<br />

Both orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Marion<br />

and Dr. Wolock, caution <strong>that</strong> patients<br />

shouldn’t assume <strong>that</strong> finger fractures<br />

are always simple. They need a doctor’s<br />

evaluation to determine if a splint will be<br />

sufficient to advance healing or whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

a serious break has occurred <strong>that</strong><br />

requires surgery.<br />

Summer 2010 / <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center


Nutrition<br />

Meet Our Outpatient Dietitian<br />

Nutrition counseling for diabetes, heart disease, weight loss and more<br />

As <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center’s new<br />

Outpatient Clinical Dietitian, Alison<br />

Massey, MS, RD, LDN, is on a mission<br />

to help <strong>the</strong> community get nutritionally<br />

fit. Whe<strong>the</strong>r you have diabetes, heart,<br />

kidney or Crohn’s disease, or colitis or<br />

food allergies—Massey specializes in<br />

guiding patients through <strong>the</strong> right eating<br />

choices for healthy living.<br />

She has a rich education in nutrition<br />

and health promotion at both Penn <strong>St</strong>ate<br />

and <strong>the</strong> University of Delaware, combined<br />

with clinical dietetic experience at Johns<br />

Hopkins Bayview <strong>Medical</strong> Center and<br />

Bayhealth <strong>Medical</strong> Center in Delaware.<br />

Given her enthusiastic personality, she’s<br />

always been interested in communications.<br />

Her background includes working<br />

with <strong>the</strong> Almond Council and extolling<br />

<strong>the</strong> virtues of almonds, which can be<br />

heart healthy.<br />

“But I missed providing patient care,”<br />

says Massey.<br />

With her office located in <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s<br />

Diabetes Management Center, Massey<br />

offers nutritional counseling to individuals<br />

with types I and II diabetes, as well as<br />

pregnant women with gestational diabetes.<br />

“For people with diabetes, it’s more<br />

about <strong>the</strong> total amount of carbohydrates<br />

taken in every day, ra<strong>the</strong>r than simply <strong>the</strong><br />

grams of sugar,” says Massey.<br />

If you have hypertension, she might<br />

advise you on <strong>the</strong> DASH (Dietary<br />

Approaches to <strong>St</strong>op Hypertension) diet<br />

which, by lowering your sodium intake,<br />

can lower your blood pressure. “Begin by<br />

putting away <strong>the</strong> salt shaker,” says Massey,<br />

adding many processed foods are high<br />

in sodium, and even some naturally low<br />

sodium foods—like peas—once canned,<br />

can be loaded with salt.<br />

Massey can provide heart disease<br />

patients with low-cholesterol diets.<br />

To learn more about <strong>the</strong><br />

■ outpatient nutrition services<br />

at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center, please<br />

call 410-427-2543.<br />

Put away <strong>the</strong> mayonnaise, she advises,<br />

and switch to mustard or to mayonnaise<br />

made with canola or olive oil.<br />

Need to lose some serious weight<br />

Massey can create a weight loss plan and<br />

menu, while educating patients on food<br />

content. “Food labels and claims are<br />

confusing, but we can help make sense<br />

of <strong>that</strong>,” she says. Whole wheat bread, for<br />

example, is not necessarily made of whole<br />

grain—it could just be white flour colored<br />

with molasses. She also helps with<br />

shopping lists and counsels on vitamins<br />

and supplements—which ones are beneficial<br />

and which are bogus.<br />

<strong>And</strong> she believes eating should still be<br />

enjoyable. “A healthy eating plan takes<br />

into account cultural differences, your<br />

lifestyle, your food preferences and your<br />

personality,” she says. “We customize a<br />

plan for every patient…it’s about taking<br />

small steps and getting you started in <strong>the</strong><br />

right direction.”<br />

You’ll be happy to hear <strong>that</strong> goes for<br />

Massey herself, who isn’t shy to admit her<br />

sweet tooth.<br />

“Chocolate and ice cream are important<br />

parts of my diet,” she laughs. “But,<br />

it’s all about portion control.”<br />

Which means <strong>that</strong> if you think you<br />

can’t make do with just a handful of<br />

M&Ms and not <strong>the</strong> whole bag, Massey<br />

will commiserate with you—and <strong>the</strong>n<br />

show you just how you can.<br />

Heart Health Seminars<br />

Call 410-337-1337 or register<br />

at www.<strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com<br />

Fixing or Preventing a Broken Heart<br />

—Treatments & Diet<br />

Presented by Dr. Mahmood Alikhan,<br />

cardiologist, and Alison Massey, MS, RD,<br />

LDN, outpatient dietician<br />

Wednesday, June 30, 7 p.m.<br />

Does heart disease run in your family Do<br />

you have high blood pressure or o<strong>the</strong>r heart<br />

problems Learn to be proactive in your care<br />

through diet, exercise and education about<br />

<strong>the</strong> latest in prevention and treatment.<br />

Diet, Disease and You…<br />

Good Foods for Diabetes,<br />

Heart Disease and Cancer<br />

Presented by Alison Massey, MS, RD, LDN<br />

Wednesday, June 16, 7 p.m.<br />

Nutrition can help manage or prevent disease.<br />

Explore what summer’s fresh bounty of fruits<br />

and vegetables can do for you!<br />

A healthy eating plan<br />

takes into account…<br />

your lifestyle…and<br />

your personality,” says<br />

Alison Massey, who does<br />

one-on-one nutrition<br />

counseling.<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center / <strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com


Oncology<br />

“nicknamed<br />

knifeless surgery…<br />

it delivers high radiation<br />

doses to <strong>the</strong> concentrated<br />

area of <strong>the</strong> tumor.”<br />

Dr. <strong>St</strong>ephen Ronson<br />

SRS director<br />

while avoiding normal healthy cells.<br />

Patients simply lie down on a platform<br />

under <strong>the</strong> SRS machine for ten to<br />

15 minutes.<br />

Knifeless Surgery<br />

“SRS is completely noninvasive,<br />

with no need for anes<strong>the</strong>sia,”<br />

says Dr. <strong>St</strong>ephen Ronson, SRS<br />

director at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s Cancer<br />

Institute. “This technology is<br />

nicknamed knifeless surgery<br />

—whe<strong>the</strong>r it’s called Cyberknife,<br />

Gamma Knife, Trilogy or SRS, it delivers<br />

high radiation doses to <strong>the</strong> concentrated<br />

area of <strong>the</strong> tumor.” Radiation is emitted<br />

through a linear accelerator—a high-tech<br />

machine with thin, metal, sliding panels<br />

<strong>that</strong> direct <strong>the</strong> beam.<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s SRS has “specialized gating<br />

capability <strong>that</strong> manipulates <strong>the</strong> radiation<br />

to <strong>the</strong> tumor in sync to <strong>the</strong> patient’s<br />

breathing,” says Dr. Mark Krasna, medical<br />

director of The Cancer Institute. This<br />

helps target lung tumors as well as liver<br />

tumors near <strong>the</strong> rib cage.<br />

SRS Goes Where<br />

Surgery Cannot<br />

Taking precise aim at tumors with radiation<br />

When Helen Thornburg was treated for lung cancer six years ago, she<br />

went through a demanding combination of surgery and chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy,<br />

which was well worth it—her cancer went into remission.<br />

However, last fall, “excruciating pain”<br />

in her back needed immediate<br />

attention from her doctor. “It felt as<br />

if a cinder block was lying on me,” she<br />

describes. At The Cancer Institute at<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>, a CT scan revealed a malignant<br />

tumor. Dr. Ziv Gamliel, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s<br />

chief of Thoracic Surgery, and a multidisciplinary<br />

team of cancer experts,<br />

determined her tumor was inoperable<br />

—but not untreatable—and created a<br />

treatment plan.<br />

Following five sessions of stereotatic<br />

radiosurgery (SRS), a highly advanced<br />

weapon against cancer, she was pain-free,<br />

and her tumor virtually disappeared.<br />

SRS uses pinpoint precision to aim<br />

laser beams of radiation at cancer cells,<br />

Brain, Lung, Liver & Spine<br />

“SRS is a new standard of care for<br />

numerous types of inoperable cancer—<br />

including lung, liver and bone,” remarks<br />

Dr. Jason Citron, head of Radiation<br />

Oncology at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>. He and Dr. Neal<br />

Naff, chief of Neurosurgery at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>,<br />

have treated many inoperable brain<br />

cancer patients with SRS.<br />

At <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>, radiation oncologists<br />

are working in partnership with orthopaedic<br />

specialists to use SRS for tumors<br />

of <strong>the</strong> spine. Patients may receive SRS<br />

plus orthopaedic surgery, or benefit<br />

from SRS alone.<br />

“We can shape high doses of radiation<br />

to bend around <strong>the</strong> spinal cord and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

critical organs,” says Dr. Ronson. Bone<br />

cancer patients benefit from longer periods<br />

of local tumor control and symptom<br />

relief, giving <strong>the</strong>m comfort and hope.<br />

(L to R) Dr. <strong>St</strong>ephen Ronson and Dr. Jason Citron offer<br />

a new standard of care for inoperable tumors.<br />

Looking for a Cancer Specialist<br />

For a referral, call our Doctors Directory at 410-337-1337 or go to www.<strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com<br />

Summer 2010 / <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center


O u r<br />

C a n c e r<br />

S u r v i v o r<br />

S t a r s<br />

MELISSA ARKILLS<br />

BREAST CANCER<br />

SURVIVOR<br />

L<br />

ights…Camera…Action! All three were in full swing<br />

Saturday, April 17th at <strong>the</strong> Marriott Waterfront as<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center celebrated our 15th annual Gala.<br />

This year’s gala transported a sell-out crowd of 850 guests back<br />

in time to <strong>the</strong> magic of old Hollywood style and glamour.<br />

The Cancer Institute at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center is devoted<br />

to providing patient-centered cancer care. Our mission in <strong>the</strong><br />

fight against cancer is sustained through continued research,<br />

appropriate technology, essential equipment and professional<br />

development.<br />

Co-Chairs Michael Schultz, M.D. and his wife, Joan, worked<br />

tirelessly for <strong>the</strong> past year, along with <strong>the</strong>ir respective committees,<br />

to ensure <strong>that</strong> <strong>the</strong> evening would be a stellar event. We are<br />

particularly grateful to our Cancer Survivor <strong>St</strong>ars, pictured on<br />

<strong>the</strong>se pages, who proved <strong>that</strong> <strong>the</strong>y can more than hold <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />

with anyone in Hollywood when it comes to sophisticated style.<br />

JEANETTE ASKA<br />

LUNG CANCER<br />

SURVIVOR<br />

Left to right: <strong>St</strong>eve and Susie Weintraub, Honorary Chairs, Joan and Michael Schultz,<br />

Co-Chairs, and Phyllis and Leonard Attman, Honorary Chairs, get toge<strong>the</strong>r before<br />

<strong>the</strong> Gala.<br />

GEORGE HALL<br />

COLON CANCER<br />

SURVIVOR<br />

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LEAD<br />

SHOW STOPPER SPONSORS:<br />

Leonard and Phyllis Attman • Victoria and Carmen Deyesu<br />

MileOne Automotive<br />

Carolyn Pass and Richard Susel Family Foundation<br />

Joan L. Schultz and Michael J. Schultz, M.D.<br />

A Summer 2010 / <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center FOUNDATION


To Benefit The Cancer Institute<br />

O u r<br />

C a n c e r<br />

S u r v i v o r<br />

S t a r s<br />

Fred and Farideh Mirmiran made a gift of<br />

$25,000 at <strong>the</strong> Gala and challenged guests<br />

to match it, raising an additional $50,000.<br />

Paul Mark Sandler, Esq., Chair of The Cancer<br />

Institute Board of Visitors, responds to <strong>the</strong><br />

challenge with an early bid of $5,000.<br />

LOIS HODES<br />

STOMACH/COLON CANCER<br />

SURVIVOR<br />

Victoria and Carmen Deyesu, President of<br />

FANS and Foundation Board Chair,<br />

respectively.<br />

Jerome and Rheda Fader, lead Gala sponsors,<br />

enjoy <strong>the</strong> reception.<br />

KATHY KEATON-BOWMAN<br />

HODGKINS LYMPHOMA<br />

SURVIVOR<br />

Mark Krasna, M.D., <strong>Medical</strong> Director of<br />

The Cancer Institute, and Baltimore County<br />

Executive Jim Smith.<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center President and<br />

CEO Jeff Norman, and his wife, Leslie.<br />

MIKE NELSEN<br />

BREAST CANCER<br />

SURVIVOR<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center FOUNDATION / <strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com A


I N S P I R E D giving<br />

Patients Honor Our Doctors on<br />

National Doctors’ Day – March 30, 2010<br />

Judy Pickering meets with <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>’s Hospitalist David Utzschneider, M.D. to “thank him for <strong>the</strong> excellent<br />

care I received as a patient at <strong>the</strong> medical center.”<br />

“Thank you for all <strong>the</strong> love<br />

and care given to me during<br />

my surgery. I will be forever<br />

grateful,” writes one of our patients<br />

to her physician. We have received<br />

over 440 letters along with gifts from<br />

patients who are honoring <strong>the</strong> 954<br />

doctors who practice at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> on<br />

<strong>the</strong> 77th anniversary of Doctors’ Day.<br />

The first Doctors’ Day observance was<br />

held on March 30, 1933 in Winder,<br />

Georgia to recognize <strong>the</strong> initial administration<br />

of anes<strong>the</strong>sia by Dr. Crawford<br />

Long in Barrow County, Georgia in 1842.<br />

In 1990 a federal law was signed, designating<br />

March 30 as National Doctors’<br />

Day. We are pleased and proud to<br />

annually recognize <strong>the</strong> men and women<br />

who take such good care of us, with<br />

commitment, skill and compassion.<br />

The patient comments ranged from<br />

one poignant line: “Thank you for<br />

saving my life” to an entire page,<br />

highlighting every facet of care<br />

where <strong>the</strong> physician went beyond all<br />

expectations of <strong>the</strong> patient.<br />

Daniel Hardesty, Head, Department<br />

of Medicine, at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong>, comments<br />

on <strong>the</strong> recognitions: “We see those who<br />

come to us as more than ‘just a patient’<br />

and it is so gratifying <strong>that</strong> <strong>the</strong>y see us<br />

as more than ‘just a doctor.’ There is<br />

simply nothing more rewarding than<br />

seeing our patients get well. All of <strong>the</strong><br />

physicians at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> appreciate <strong>the</strong><br />

warm words from <strong>the</strong> folks we care for.”<br />

One note sums up many of <strong>the</strong> letters<br />

received: “In honor of your skill and<br />

to thank you for your care and concern<br />

in returning Leslie to good health. We<br />

couldn’t ask for anything more.”<br />

Nei<strong>the</strong>r can we. Congratulations!<br />

Caring Spirit honoring those who make a difference<br />

For more information,<br />

please call <strong>the</strong><br />

Foundation at<br />

410-337-1397.<br />

Upon leaving <strong>the</strong> medical center, many of<br />

our patients ask if <strong>the</strong>re is any way <strong>the</strong>y<br />

can express <strong>the</strong>ir heartfelt thanks to <strong>the</strong><br />

physicians, nurses and staff members who<br />

cared for <strong>the</strong>m during <strong>the</strong>ir stay. Our<br />

Caring Spirit program is a wonderful<br />

way for patients to make a gift in honor<br />

of a specific person or group of caregivers.<br />

Support of <strong>the</strong>se healthcare professionals<br />

is deeply appreciated.<br />

Join us for <strong>the</strong> Foundation’s<br />

23 rd Annual Golf Tournament<br />

Monday, September 20, 2010<br />

Chestnut Ridge Country Club<br />

For more information<br />

contact Michele Distler<br />

at 410-337-1398<br />

A Summer 2010 / <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center FOUNDATION


All activities are FREE and held at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center unless o<strong>the</strong>rwise indicated.<br />

Community & Family Programs<br />

HEALTH SEMINARS<br />

Call 410-337-1337 or register at www.<strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com<br />

Heart Lecture Series<br />

In partnership with <strong>the</strong> American Heart Association.<br />

Family Programs<br />

Taught by registered nurses<br />

with maternal-child health<br />

experience, certified in<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir fields. Call 410-337-1880.<br />

Advancements in Heart Care<br />

Presented by Dr. James Ricely, cardiologist.<br />

What tests and treatments can diagnose heart<br />

disease and save your life From stress tests,<br />

EKGs, and calcium scoring to medications,<br />

interventions, defibrillators and more. Learn<br />

what tests are good for prevention, when<br />

and how to seek care.<br />

Tuesday, June 22, 7 p.m.<br />

Fixing or Preventing a Broken Heart<br />

—Treatments & Diet<br />

Presented by Dr. Mahmood Alikhan, cardiologist,<br />

and Alison Massey, MS, RD, LDN, outpatient<br />

dietician. Does heart disease run in your family,<br />

do you have high blood pressure or o<strong>the</strong>r heart<br />

problems Learn to be proactive in your care<br />

through diet, exercise and education about <strong>the</strong><br />

latest in prevention and treatment.<br />

Wednesday, June 30, 7 p.m.<br />

Breastfeeding Class<br />

Taught by a certified lactation<br />

consultant $20 per couple.<br />

Saturday, June 12, July 10,<br />

August 7, or Sept. 11, 1–3:30 p.m.<br />

Childbirth Education<br />

$60 per couple. ($75 for<br />

non-<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> patients.)<br />

Tour included. Call for dates:<br />

• 5-week evening series, Mondays<br />

or Wednesdays<br />

• 3-week evening series, Thursdays<br />

or Saturdays<br />

Best Feet Forward—Feet<br />

That Look and Feel Good<br />

Presented by podiatrist<br />

Tina Woodburn, DPM.<br />

Learn about treatments for<br />

bunions, hammertoes, corns,<br />

fungus and more.<br />

Tuesday, July 20, 7 p.m.<br />

Body Contouring: Plastic<br />

Surgery after Weight Loss<br />

Presented by plastic surgeon<br />

Jeffrey Schreiber, M.D.<br />

Learn about surgery to tighten<br />

excess skin in <strong>the</strong> abdomen,<br />

face, arms, thighs and more.<br />

Wednesday, July 14, 6:30 p.m.<br />

Da Vinci Bariatric<br />

Weight Loss Surgery<br />

Information Session<br />

Presented by<br />

David von Rueden, M.D.<br />

Wednesday, August 4, 6:30 p.m.<br />

Free Prostate<br />

Cancer Screening<br />

For eligible men ages<br />

50–70 (starting at 40–45<br />

years if African-American<br />

or with a first-degree<br />

relative [fa<strong>the</strong>r, bro<strong>the</strong>r] diagnosed<br />

before age 65). Includes digital<br />

rectal exam (DRE) and PSA blood<br />

test, which in combination, can<br />

detect prostate cancer at an<br />

early, potentially curable stage.<br />

Appointment required.<br />

Call 410-337-1479. Wednesday,<br />

September 22, 5:30–7 p.m.<br />

DIABETES<br />

WELLNESS<br />

Call <strong>the</strong> Diabetes Management<br />

Center at 410-337-1382.<br />

Diabetes Self-Management<br />

Education Program<br />

ADA nationally recognized.<br />

Individual assessment plus<br />

multidisciplinary-taught group<br />

classes. Fee: May be insurance<br />

reimbursable.<br />

Diabetes In-Check<br />

Two-hour annual follow-up. Fee:<br />

May be insurance reimbursable.<br />

Diabetes Information<br />

Exchange<br />

Monthly meeting—varied topics.<br />

First Tuesday every month, 1 p.m.<br />

July 6, August 10, September 7<br />

Diet, Disease and You!<br />

Good Foods for Diabetes<br />

and Heart Disease<br />

Presented by Alison Massey,<br />

MS, RD, LDN, outpatient dietician.<br />

Nutrition can help manage or<br />

prevent disease. Explore what<br />

summer’s fresh bounty of fruits<br />

and vegetables can do for you!<br />

Wednesday, June 16, 7 p.m.<br />

SERVICES<br />

Lymphedema<br />

Management Program<br />

To reduce swelling with physical<br />

<strong>the</strong>rapy and self-management<br />

education. Fee: May be insurance<br />

reimbursable. Call 410-337-1412.<br />

Safe Driver Assessment<br />

Includes vision, cognitive and<br />

physical problems, medication<br />

side effects and reaction times.<br />

Fee. Call 410-337-1412.<br />

SUPPORT GROUPS<br />

Breast Cancer SOS<br />

(Survivors Offering Support)<br />

Call 410-427-2513.<br />

Caregivers<br />

First Thursday every month, 7 p.m.<br />

Call 410-337-1109 to register.<br />

LUNGS Cancer Support<br />

Call 410-337-4543.<br />

Pregnancy Loss Hotline<br />

Call 410-427-5440.<br />

TRAINING<br />

Registration required.<br />

Call 410-337-1479.<br />

CPR for Health Care<br />

Providers<br />

Registration required. Fee $50.<br />

Saturday, July 10, August 7, or<br />

September 18, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.<br />

Childbirth Review Class<br />

$20 per couple. Call for dates.<br />

Grandparents’ Class<br />

For those expecting a first<br />

grandchild at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong><br />

—includes infant care & CPR.<br />

$10 per person. Thursday,<br />

June 17, or August 12, 6–8:30 p.m.<br />

Family Ties<br />

Safe Sitter<br />

All-day class prepares<br />

adolescents ages 11 to 13<br />

to babysit. $45 per child.<br />

Thursday, July 22,<br />

9 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.<br />

Kangaroo Kapers<br />

For children<br />

ages 3–7 <strong>that</strong><br />

are expecting<br />

new siblings.<br />

$10 per child.<br />

Saturday:<br />

• June12<br />

• July10<br />

• August 7<br />

• Sept. 11<br />

10:30–11:30 a.m.<br />

Mo<strong>the</strong>ring Matters<br />

Free support group for new<br />

moms and <strong>the</strong>ir babies.<br />

Meets every Thursday,<br />

10:30 a.m.–12 noon.<br />

Call for location.<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center / <strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com


orthopaedics<br />

‰ Summer Tips to<br />

keep your feet happy<br />

• Limit flip-flops: They are not<br />

supportive and can cause foot<br />

fatigue and tendonitis.<br />

• Don’t go barefoot: Hazards<br />

include stepping on broken<br />

glass and catching warts.<br />

• New sandals with orthotics:<br />

They resemble regular sandals<br />

or flip-flops, and are available<br />

through podiatrists’ offices.<br />

Look Good, Feel Good<br />

for<br />

Summer<br />

Best Feet Forward For Summer Sandals<br />

Are corns, calluses or funky feet taking <strong>the</strong> spring out of your step<br />

Summer is <strong>the</strong> time to wiggle your<br />

toes and let your feet brea<strong>the</strong>.<br />

Sandals, jellies, flip-flops and<br />

open-toed shoes feel great. But do<br />

your feet look great in <strong>the</strong>m<br />

Many women and men are<br />

embarrassed by <strong>the</strong>ir feet, hiding <strong>the</strong>m<br />

in closed shoes in <strong>the</strong> warm wea<strong>the</strong>r, but<br />

<strong>that</strong>’s not necessary. There are many ways<br />

Orthotic sandals can provide foot support according<br />

to Dr. Tina Woodburn.<br />

to resolve corns, calluses, bunions and<br />

more, so put your feet up and read on:<br />

“Unsightly corns and calluses are areas<br />

of thickened skin,” explains podiatrist<br />

Dr. Tina Woodburn. “They are caused by<br />

pressure and rubbing against bony prominences<br />

such as hammertoes and bunions.”<br />

Dr. Woodburn recommends sandals in<br />

this case. “Your toes will love <strong>the</strong> open<br />

roomy space.”<br />

Salicylic acid pads can help reduce skin<br />

buildup, but be careful. “The pads don’t<br />

know <strong>the</strong> difference between good and<br />

bad skin, and <strong>the</strong>y shouldn’t be used by<br />

people with diabetes or vascular disease.”<br />

A pumice stone is ano<strong>the</strong>r option.<br />

Nail polish can trap in moisture and<br />

encourage fungal infections. For women<br />

prone to <strong>the</strong>se stubborn infections,<br />

Dr. Woodburn recommends a line of antifungal<br />

polish. The active ingredient is tea<br />

tree oil. “The polish can cover up imperfections<br />

while preventing or controlling<br />

fungal infections,” she says.<br />

Some people suffer from exceptionally<br />

sweaty feet. Try an antiperspirant spray<br />

along with antifungal powder. “If nothing<br />

works, Botox injections can be very effective.<br />

They block <strong>the</strong> neurotransmitter acting on<br />

<strong>the</strong> sweat glands,” says Dr. Woodburn.<br />

Problems <strong>that</strong> need a doctor’s assessment<br />

include hammertoes (one or more toes<br />

<strong>that</strong> curl or bend abnormally), a crossover<br />

toe (<strong>the</strong> second toe drifts and eventually<br />

crosses over <strong>the</strong> big toe) and bunions.<br />

These conditions can make walking<br />

painful. When nonsurgical treatment<br />

isn’t effective, surgery can provide a solution.<br />

For hammertoes, <strong>the</strong> surgeon may<br />

release <strong>the</strong> buckled joint, remove a small<br />

FREE LECTURE:<br />

Best Feet Forward<br />

— Feet <strong>that</strong> Look and Feel Good<br />

Presented by Dr. Tina Woodburn, podiatrist<br />

Tuesday, July 20, 7 p.m.<br />

Learn about treatments for bunions,<br />

hammertoes, corns, fungus and more.<br />

Register at www.<strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com<br />

or call 410-337-1337.<br />

10 Summer 2010 / <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center


Sleep Disorders<br />

‰ VARICOSE<br />

VEIN SYMPTOMS<br />

• Aching legs <strong>that</strong> feel heavy<br />

and sometimes painful<br />

• Enlarged, bulging veins<br />

• Ankle and calf swelling<br />

• Brown discoloration at <strong>the</strong> ankles<br />

• Skin ulcers near ankles in severe cases<br />

For complications such as sudden<br />

increase in pain or swelling, redness,<br />

fever or leg ulcers, see your doctor.<br />

section of bone from <strong>the</strong> affected joint, or<br />

replace <strong>the</strong> entire joint with an implant.<br />

Bunions often run in families. Wearing<br />

tight shoes doesn’t cause bunions, but<br />

can make <strong>the</strong>m worse. Various surgeries<br />

are available to remove <strong>the</strong> bony bump<br />

and straighten <strong>the</strong> bone structure.<br />

Dr. Tina Woodburn’s Foot Soak<br />

and Massage for Callused Feet:<br />

1. Add to a basin of water: Fresh lemon<br />

wedges, mint leaves and peppermint oil,<br />

or a lavender and tea tree oil blend<br />

2. Place smooth river rocks in <strong>the</strong> basin<br />

and rub your feet on <strong>the</strong>m<br />

3. Pat your feet dry, use a pumice stone to<br />

remove dead skin, and use a moisturizer<br />

such as Aqua Glycolic.<br />

YOU’RE NOT VEIN!<br />

Vaporizing Achy-Breaky<br />

Varicose Veins<br />

a cosmetic nuisance <strong>that</strong> makes<br />

women feel self-conscious to a<br />

health hazard. They can cause ach-<br />

Varicose leg veins can vary from<br />

ing legs, chronic leg swelling and,<br />

even, lead to leg cramps or restless<br />

leg syndrome at night. Some very serious<br />

conditions such as blood clots or phlebitis<br />

occasionally result.<br />

Although many women develop varicose<br />

veins during pregnancy, both men and<br />

women can be at risk for <strong>the</strong>se bluish, often<br />

bulging, veins. Risk factors include having<br />

a job <strong>that</strong> keeps you sitting or standing<br />

for hours—which is just plain unhealthy,<br />

according to Dr. Wayne Reichman, vascular<br />

surgeon with a specialty in varicose<br />

vein treatment.<br />

“Laser <strong>the</strong>rapy vaporizes<br />

<strong>the</strong> vein and has a very<br />

high success rate.”<br />

Dr. Wayne Reichman, vascular surgeon<br />

“When you walk, your calf muscles act<br />

like a bellow <strong>that</strong> forces blood to flow up<br />

to your heart,” he says. Long periods of sitting<br />

and standing can cause <strong>the</strong> blood to<br />

pool in <strong>the</strong> legs, creating a pressure buildup<br />

<strong>that</strong> leads to enlarged, bulging veins.<br />

Extra abdominal weight—whe<strong>the</strong>r due to<br />

pregnancy or being overweight—can be<br />

ano<strong>the</strong>r contributing factor.<br />

Leaky vein valve<br />

In normal veins, blood moves toward <strong>the</strong><br />

heart. A varicose vein usually indicates <strong>that</strong><br />

a valve is not closing properly. “The problem<br />

occurs upstream from <strong>the</strong> varicose<br />

veins. At <strong>the</strong> inner junction in <strong>the</strong> groin,<br />

<strong>the</strong>re’s a valve <strong>that</strong>’s leaking blood back<br />

into <strong>the</strong> leg,” explains Dr. Reichman.<br />

Amazing laser<br />

One of <strong>the</strong> newest treatments to eradicate<br />

varicose veins is called Endovenous Laser<br />

Therapy (EVLT ® ). “Laser <strong>the</strong>rapy vaporizes<br />

<strong>the</strong> vein and has a very high success<br />

rate,” says Dr. Reichman, who uses <strong>the</strong><br />

laser to seal <strong>the</strong> leaky valve so <strong>that</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

varicose vein doesn’t recur.<br />

Disappearing veins<br />

“No harm is done by closing <strong>the</strong> valve,”<br />

reassures Dr. Reichman. The superficial<br />

vein system, where varicose veins<br />

occur, carries only ten percent of <strong>the</strong><br />

leg’s blood flow. When <strong>the</strong> valve is shut,<br />

<strong>the</strong> body compensates by moving all <strong>the</strong><br />

blood flow through <strong>the</strong> deep venous system,<br />

where 90 percent of <strong>the</strong> blood has<br />

flowed previously.<br />

This outpatient procedure takes<br />

approximately 20 minutes. Patients<br />

return home with <strong>the</strong>ir leg in a compression<br />

wrap, which stays on overnight.<br />

Following treatment, “<strong>the</strong> varicose veins<br />

in 70 percent of patients gradually shrink<br />

and disappear in one to two months,”<br />

says Dr. Reichman.<br />

For large veins <strong>that</strong> don’t shrink, <strong>the</strong>re<br />

are two o<strong>the</strong>r procedures: A microphlebectomy<br />

involves a tiny puncture though<br />

which <strong>the</strong> doctor pulls out <strong>the</strong> vein,<br />

barely leaving a scar. The o<strong>the</strong>r, called<br />

schlero<strong>the</strong>rapy, is a vein injection with a<br />

solution <strong>that</strong> will cause <strong>the</strong> vein to seal<br />

and disappear.<br />

For people with minor or cosmetic<br />

varicose vein problems, Dr. Reichman<br />

recommends keeping your legs elevated<br />

while sitting and wearing support stockings<br />

while standing.<br />

For a Physician referraL<br />

Call our Doctors Directory at 410-337-1337 or go to www.<strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com<br />

<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center / <strong>St</strong><strong>Joseph</strong>Towson.com 11


7601 Osler Drive<br />

Towson, MD 21204-7582<br />

Non Profit Rate<br />

US Postage<br />

PAID<br />

Mechanicsburg, PA<br />

Permit No. 301<br />

Heart Series see page 9.<br />

In partnership with <strong>the</strong> American Heart Association.<br />

Jeffrey K. Norman<br />

President and CEO<br />

Walter Furlong<br />

VP of <strong>St</strong>rategy and Business Development<br />

Vivienne <strong>St</strong>earns-Elliott<br />

Writing, Project Management<br />

Patti Wells<br />

Inspired Giving Writer<br />

Baltimore magazine’s Custom Communications<br />

Design and Printing<br />

Christine Langr, <strong>St</strong>acy Zarin<br />

Photography<br />

Comments, requests, change of address<br />

Contact us at 410-337-1337<br />

or housecall@catholichealth.net.<br />

Discover our latest advance<br />

in emergency care.<br />

At <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> Center, we’ve re-engineered<br />

our ER process. Now care begins in minutes. In fact,<br />

<strong>the</strong> wait time to see a healthcare professional and<br />

begin care is now just 14 minutes, on average. <strong>And</strong><br />

total time in <strong>the</strong> ER has been shortened by 25%.<br />

You’ll find caring physicians to treat any type of<br />

emergency, from pediatric to geriatric. We also have<br />

heart, stroke, orthopaedic and gastroenterology<br />

specialists available. <strong>And</strong> a recent Health<strong>St</strong>ream<br />

survey shows <strong>that</strong> 80% of our patients would<br />

recommend <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> ER to a friend. That<br />

puts <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Joseph</strong> in <strong>the</strong> 96 th percentile of all hospitals<br />

surveyed.<br />

See how our ER care is better and faster than ever<br />

before at ShorterERwait.com.<br />

CheCk our Current er wait time at<br />

ShorterERwait.com<br />

Shorter wait times.<br />

Winner 2009 Top Innovator of <strong>the</strong> Year Award by<br />

The Daily Record.

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!