Winter 2010-2011 - Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa

Dear friends,2011 is just around the corner, and itwill be far more than just another flipof the calendar for Sutter MedicalCenter of Santa Rosa. This new yearwill mark the beginning of a new eraof health care for residents of SonomaCounty as construction advances on thenew, state-of-the-art SMCSR hospital.The highly anticipated opening datewill be in the fall of 2014.SMCSR has a long history of providing outstanding healthcare, and that won’t change. The new facility will enhancethis exceptional care by providing advanced technology, roomfor new services, and additional levels of patient comfort andprivacy. SMCSR will continue to be the regional leader inacute health care services. Learn more about the exciting newhospital on page 5.On behalf of the physicians and staff at SMCSR, thankyou for your continued support and best wishes for a happyholiday season.Sincerely,Dear neighbors,They say an apple a day keepsthe doctor away, but stayingaway from the doctor isn’t reallya good idea. Your physician isyour partner in good health, socommunication with your doctoris a critical component of healthmaintenance. With your physician’sguidance, you can identify healthrisks, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen, andschedule the screenings you need to stay as healthyas possible.On page 4, you can learn more about healthmaintenance and understand why it’s so important thatyou take steps now to make yourself healthier in thefuture. The physicians and providers at Sutter PacificMedical Foundation want to be your partner in this goal,so take time now to schedule an appointment with yourhealth care provider—you’ll be glad you did!Enjoy a happy and healthy new year,Mike PurvisChief Administrative OfficerSutter Medical Center of Santa RosaChris RogersChief Operating OfficerSutter Pacific Medical Foundation, North DivisionJoin Us on Facebook TMand Win!Become a fan of SutterMedical Center of Santa Rosaon Facebook and you may winan iPod Touch! To learn moredetails about how to win, visitwww.suttersantarosa.org.Congratulations to Israel Collins ofSanta Rosa, winner of the fall iPod Touchcontest. For details on how to win our upcomingFebruary drawing, visit www.suttersantarosa.org.ON THE COVER:Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa employeesgather to kick-off construction at the new hospital site.Turn to page 5 to learn how the new hospital projectwill benefit Sonoma County.Photo by Dan Harmeson PhotographyPulse is published quarterly by Sutter MedicalCenter of Santa Rosa for Sonoma Countyresidents. For questions or to be added/removedfrom the mailing list, please contact ShaunRalston, Marketing/Communications Manager,at 707-576-4847 or Ralstos@sutterhealth.org.AT&T 12:34 PMSutter HealthCall 911Find Medical TreatmentFind A DoctorLook up your SymptomsResearch DiseasesLearn about ProceduresYour Health RecordSymptoms Diseases Procedures Providers HomeiPod, iPhone,iTriage?Looking for health informationon the go? The iTriage applicationfor your smart phone is just theticket. Now partnering with SutterHealth, the iTriage app can help youfind nearby health care, access medicalinformation according to your symptoms,and look up health conditions—all fromthe palm of your hand.Available as a free download, iTriageis your ticket to virtually endless localand general health care information. Byproviding you with information from thenearest local pharmacy location to weight-losspointers and flu prevention tips, iTriage willhelp you be the healthiest person possible.iTriage is simply one more way that SutterHealth is working to promote the health ofresidents across Sonoma County. The power to live a healthier life is inyour hands—don’t miss the opportunity to join in.For more information about iTriage, visit www.sutterhealth.org/iTriage.2 PULSE Winter 2011

Helping Patients AchieveWeight-LossSuccessObesity is a life-threatening disease that causes about 300,000premature deaths annually. If you are morbidly obese—a body massindex of 40 or greater—bariatric surgery may be the right choice.Am I a Candidate forBariatric Surgery?Bariatric surgery may be the best choice ifyou meet any of the following requirements:• body mass index of 40 or higher• body mass index of 35 or highercombined with conditions such asdiabetes or heart disease• weight of more than 100 pounds aboveyour ideal weightAt Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa, three bariatric surgicaloptions—Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy,and adjustable gastric banding—are available. Patientsare able to work closely with their physicians to identify theoption that will provide them with the best possible success.Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most popular surgical weightlossoption. During a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, thestomach size is reduced, which restricts theamount of food that a patient can consume ateach meal. A portion of the stomach and smallintestine is also bypassed so fewer calories areabsorbed from the food that is consumed.Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is the newest ofthe three surgical options. Physicians predictAllen Cortez, M.D.Robert Woodbury,M.D., F.A.C.S.it will likely be shown to have the lowestlong-term complication rate as their experiencematures. Like the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass,it involves restricting stomach size; however,patients receive all calories and nutrients fromthe food they consume.Adjustable gastric banding with theLAP-BAND ® or Realize ® band involvesrestricting stomach size by placing an adjustablegastric band around the stomach. Thisprocedure is completely reversible; however, frequent followupappointments and adjustments are generally necessary.“Depending on each patient’s contributing medical factors,including co-morbid conditions—such as diabetes, metabolicsyndrome, and acid reflux disease—previous gastrointestinalsurgeries, and the need for certain medications, we canidentify the best treatment option by weighing the risks andbenefits of each procedure,” said Robert Woodbury, M.D.,Medical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program. “Generally,when patients present with interest in bariatric surgery,they will attend an educational seminar where they will begiven information about all surgical options and will be introducedto necessary lifestyle changes that must be made.”The Healthy Steps ApproachAll patients interested in bariatric surgery participate in theHealthy Steps Program at Healthy Steps Weight Loss Center wherethey meet with a variety of medical professionals—includingphysicians, exercise physiologists, dietitians, psychologists—andbenefit from support groups and educational classes. During thistime, the weight-loss process starts, with many patients losingbetween 20 and 100 pounds prior to surgery.To learn more about the Bariatric Surgery Program, visitwww.suttersantarosa.org/bariatrics.www.suttersantarosa.org 3

Patient Participation PowersHealthyFuturesYou kick-start the day by brewing a hot cup of coffee.You travel long distances by filling you car with fuel. As anindependent adult, you know navigating the responsibilities ofeveryday life requires a little advanced planning. But when itcomes to your long-term health, how cautious are you?Screening for aHealthier YouAs you move through life’s various stages,make sure to schedule the following testsand screenings:Ages 40 to 49: Men should schedule alipid test at age 40 and continue having themperformed in five-year increments. Women inthis age range should have a Pap test everythree years and should begin having mammogramsevery one to two years. Females shouldundergo their first lipid test at age 45.Ages 50 to 70: Both men and womenshould, at age 50, schedule their firstcolonoscopy. Men in this age range shouldcontinue having their annual prostate examsand incremental lipid tests, while womenin this age bracket should undergo annualmammograms and Pap tests in addition toincremental lipid tests.People of all ages should regularly have theirblood pressure, weight, and height evaluatedto calculate their body mass index (BMI) andother health risks.4 PULSE Winter 2011Research has long-proven that the best way to improve health outcomesis to aggressively address conditions before they begin progressing.But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mostAmericans fail to undergo the regular tests and screenings needed todetect and prevent life-threatening conditions and pathologies.“If you’re not an active participant in your own care, you leave yourhealth up to luck,” said Gary McLeod, M.D., family medicine physicianat Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation. “Unfortunately, we treat manypatients with illnesses that could have been detected and cured at anearlier stage. If you want to avoid costly, life-altering diseases, youshould undergo regular tests and screenings.”Know Your HistoryIn addition to taking preventive health care measures, Dr. McLeod alsorecommended patients share their family history with their physicians.“Knowledge of a patient’s family history is a critical component inidentifying non-lifestyle-related risk for disease,” said Dr. McLeod. “It’sparamount that you convey that information to your physicians so theyknow what conditions to watch for as you age.”Combining Efforts, Improving OutcomesAccording to Dr. McLeod, when a patient’s commitment to his or herown health is matched with the dedication of knowledgeable healthcare providers, successful treatment outcomes aremost easily achieved.“As a patient, you have thepower to control a lot of yourfuture health problems,” saidDr. McLeod. “At Sutter, yourdoctor will partner withyou to reinforce that powerand prevent disease asproactively as possible.”To learn more aboutpartnering with ourphysicians to maintainyour health, visitwww.sutterpacific.org.Dr. McLeod

Wor th the WaitThe planning and preliminary work of nearly a decade has paid off. Construction of the new Sutter MedicalCenter of Santa Rosa has begun with a positive job forecast and state-of-the-art health care in sight.The new hospital was designed with the healthof patients, the planet, and the economy in mind.Offering easier access for area patients, the newlocation will feature a separate entrance for emergencyvehicles and a ground-level helipad.The new hospital will be a better match for theaward-winning care currently provided in an outdatedfacility. The new location will provideimproved community access with additionalfeatures for patient safety and comfort.All patient rooms will be private with individualclimate controls and additional overnightbeds for family members. Constructed to complywith seismic standards, the new hospital will alsofeature an advanced filtration system to enhancepatient safety.Growing Green JobsThe project has been registered with the UnitedStates Green Building Council and is workingtoward Leadership in Energy and EnvironmentalDesign (LEED) certification. Prioritization of localvendors will create and maintain jobs during theconstruction phase.Completion of the new hospital and a medicaloffice building are slated for late 2014 with a 27-bedexpansion approved for construction at a later date.“As progress on the new hospital begins inearnest, area residents can celebrate the creation of1,500 jobs in the coming months with its planning,design, and construction,” said Mike Purvis, C.A.O.at SMCSR. “The $284 million project will boost oureconomy in Sonoma County and give the skilledcaregivers, nurses, and physicians the tools theyneed to provide the efficient, effective care ourcommunity deserves.”For more information, visit the new hospitalwebsite at www.suttersantarosa.org/newhospital.Invest in Your HealthSutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa’s new hospital will be atremendous asset to the residents of Sonoma County, providing21st-century care close to home. Show your support for the projectby making a charitable gift.“Although the majority of funds needed for the building project havebeen provided by Sutter Health, future capital projects depend oncontributions from area residents and businesses to demonstratecommunity involvement and repay a small portion of the initial cost,”said Penny Vanderwolk, Fund Development and Community RelationsManager at SMCSR and Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation.“Investing in the project now will pay health dividends in the future,establishing a legacy of quality health care available for you, yourchildren, and your grandchildren.”For answers to your questions about charitable gift planning,contact Penny Vanderwolk at 707-576-4009.www.suttersantarosa.org 5

Helping Put Canceron the RunTen years ago, Barb Recchia battled endometrial cancerfor the second time. She emerged from the strugglevictorious, and today, funds raised by the annual racethat bears her name help patients at Sutter PacificMedical Foundation’s Women’s Health Center get thehelp they need during their own cancer journeys.A Traditionof ServingOur CommunityAt Sutter Medical Center ofSanta Rosa and Sutter PacificMedical Foundation, wepride ourselves on displayingthe same generous spirit toSonoma County that Barb’sRace has always shown us.Some of the ways we benefitour community include:• Annual drive-throughand community fluvaccination clinics• Charity care program forthose unable to affordmedical care• Giving Tree, a 10-year-oldtradition in which we partnerwith local volunteers andbusinesses to ensure underprivilegedchildren receiveholiday gifts• Grants to local food banks,community free clinics, andhealth clinics• Immunization programs forunderprivileged children• Sweet Successdiabetes program6 PULSE Winter 2011After undergoing chemotherapy during the summer of 2000, Recchia spent a weekin a residential support program for cancer patients, an unforgettable experience thattaught her the value of complementary therapies in aiding cancer healing. In 2001,Recchia—a volunteer at the annual Full Vineman ® Triathlon since its inception in1990—was honored by Vineman Owner and Race Director Russ Pugh with Barb’s Race,a women’s Half-Ironman triathlon to raise money for local cancer organizations.“Barb’s Race was a special gift,” said Recchia. “As namesake and chairperson of the race,I’m able to decide where the money raised by the event is donated. I’m honored and gratefulto have this opportunity to help women in their cancer journeys.”The Best Year YetMore than 500 women participated in the 10th annual Barb’s Race in 2010, and theevent broke its fund-raising record with $90,000 generated for several local cancerorganizations. One of the biggest recipients of donations from Barb’s Race since 2002 hasbeen the Integrative Health and Healing Services Program (IHHS) of the Sutter PacificMedical Foundation (SPMF) Women’s Health Center. IHHS provides complementarytherapies such as massage, acupuncture, and guided imagery to women with cancer,including free and low-fee services every Saturday to those who can’t afford to pay.“I selected IHHS to receive donations because complementary therapies were beneficialto my healing process, and I wanted other women with cancer diagnoses to havethose services available to them,” Recchia said. “Barb’s Race has donated more than$300,000 to IHHS since the event’s inception.”“Funding IHHS services through donations like those from Barb’s Race allows us toinvest in top-notch programs and staff,” said Penny Vanderwolk, Fund Developmentand Community Relations Manager at Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa and SPMF.“Barb Recchia and Russ Pugh are two great examples of what people can do to helpthose affected by cancer.”For information about giving, visit www.suttersantarosa.org and select“Philanthropy” or contact Penny Vanderwolk at 707-576-4009. To learn more aboutBarb’s Race, visit www.vineman.com/Barb_s_Race.

3325 Chanate RoadSanta Rosa, CA 95404Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDSutter Medical Centerof Santa RosaThis publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.Taking Health CareInto Your Own HandsFor Darlynn Devenuto, 42, mother and mental health careprofessional from Windsor, California, finding a good time andplace to call about test results, appointment scheduling, andother medical needs was difficult. Fortunately, Sutter PacificMedical Foundation’s online patient services fit a little betterinto her busy schedule.“Online patient services enable me to check my own lab results, as wellas manage my prescriptions, all without picking up the telephone—itreally is wonderful,” Devenuto said. “If you’re not using Sutter’s onlinepatient services, you’re missing out. The service truly puts the power ofhealth care back in the patient’s hands.”Devenuto explained that she began using the service about a year agowhen her physician recommended it and has continued to use onlinepatient services on a monthly basis. She said one of her favorite featuresof the service is the capability to route notifications to her e-mail.Ensuring Your SafetyFor your privacy, no medical information is sent to your e-mail inbox.Instead, e-mails simply prompt users to login to online patient services andview test results and other information.Patients can use online patient services to track their own health, aswell as that of their children or elderly parents. The site is encrypted toensure the safety of all users.To learn more about online patient services, speak with your primary carephysician or visit www.sutterpacific.org.