<strong>Meritus</strong> Medical Center is perhaps itsmost easily recognized facility, but<strong>Meritus</strong> <strong>Health</strong> offers much, muchmore. For generations, <strong>Meritus</strong> <strong>Health</strong>has been responding to the specificneeds of the region with the foresightof a true community partner bydeveloping and sustaining a totalhealthcare system. Branches of careincluding primary care physicianpractices, specialists in disciplines fromobstetrics to cardiology, and satelliteservices from diagnostics to durablemedical equipment complement thehospital’s efforts to provide qualitycare across the spectrum.<strong>Meritus</strong> <strong>Health</strong> is not just a hospital.That said, the new <strong>Meritus</strong> MedicalCenter does offer cutting-edgetechnology and services for inpatientsand outpatients in a facility without acold, clinical feel. Perhaps that isbecause care is provided by a multigenerationalworkforce from aroundour region: your friends and neighbors.Access to advanced diagnostics,treatment and services is right here,delivered by competent and caring,familiar faces.The quality services offered includea respected regional trauma center,a cardiac catheterization lab, anda nationally-recognized joint replacementprogram. Patients seldom have areason to “go down the road” to receiveexcellent medical care. <strong>Meritus</strong> <strong>Health</strong>is the largest healthcare provider inthe region, and serves as a leader inthe continued evolution of a comprehensiveapproach to wellness inWashington County and beyond.Where is<strong>Meritus</strong> <strong>Health</strong>?At the corner of Eastern Blvd.and Professional Court are<strong>Meritus</strong> Imaging atProfessional Court andThe <strong>Meritus</strong> Weight Loss Center.
OWNER’S MANUALDo You Take BetterCare of Your Carthan Your <strong>Health</strong>?An apple a day keeps the doctoraway. Apples are good for yourhealth, but so are regular visits toyour primary care physician (PCP). To beas healthy as you can be, consider yourselfa part of your care team. This meansforming a partnership between you andyour physician.Approach your annual well visit withan agenda in mind. Tania Crussiah, MDof Williamsport Family Practicerecommendsproactivelydiscussinghealth concernsat the beginning of thecheck-up. Sheencourages patientsto share their moods,health worries, andfears with theirdoctor. “Ifsomething isbothering you, talk toyour doctor beforebelieving the worse casescenario,” said Dr. Crussiah.“Let us do the workup tohelp diagnose the condition.”Keep in mind that the purpose of theappointment is a preventative visit.“You’re taking yourself in for a checkup,similar to your car’s scheduledmaintenance,” said Dr. Crussiah. “Physicalsare for when you’re feeling well and wantto stay well.” Any medical concerns thatcome up during your well visit deserve aseparate, more focused appointment.Don’t skip well visits or regular healthscreenings such as mammograms andcolorectal screenings. Dr. Crussiah warnsthat just like your car, you don’t want towait for a light on the dashboard to tellyou something is wrong.Inform your PCP of any visits tospecialists—or the emergency room.If you have seen specialists throughout theyear, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist,be sure to discuss the outcomes with yourdoctor. Patients are the true hub of theirhealth information so be sure to confirmthat all specialist reports havebeen sent to your PCP. Atrip to theemergency roomor urgent carecounts asimportanthealthinformation, sodon’t forget toshare thisinformation withyour physician.Live a healthy life.Learn as much as youcan about your health—and how toprotect and preserve yourself. Thisincludes developing thoughtful habitsabout what you put into your body andavoiding things like junk food, excessiveuse of alcohol, and smoking. You cancontrol your health by making gooddecisions. “The doctor will be your guide,but in the end it’s your responsibility,” saidDr. Crussiah.Annual check-ups,screenings, andpreventative tests canhelp you learn moreabout your body andsometimes lead to earlydetection of a serioushealth risk. Do youknow what tests arerecommended for youand have you had yoursyet? Ask your physicianto find out and scheduleyours right away.—Dr. Anand Budi,PediatricianWeiss, Becker,Shuster & Budi Pediatrics<strong>Meritus</strong><strong>Health</strong>.com 3