HealthFOCUS. Invest in your health before it becomes a problem! FREE. Take one! Health Information and News from Meritus Health

Transcription

1 HealthFOCUS Invest in your health... Health Information and News from Meritus Health Winter before it becomes a problem! FREE Take one! Like us at Read our blog on healthy living at blog.meritushealth.com

2 Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. including holidays Ohhh, that s gonna hurt! Expert, board-certified physicians. The comfort of community-based medical care. Meritus Health s Urgent Care is a walk-in center that treats patients of all ages for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. No appointment needed Scheduled appointment times available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Directly linked to Meritus Health s primary care physicians and specialists Now offering convenient on-site prescriptions for a variety of the most commonly prescribed medications Most insurances accepted Treating the Community Well Sylvania Centre Suite Pennsylvania Avenue Hagerstown, MD MeritusHealth.com/UrgentCare Open seven days a week including holidays 7:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m. CALL 911 OR GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF YOU THINK YOUR CONDITION IS LIFE THREATENING.

3 INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH On average, Americans spend 2.8 hours each day watching television.* A recent community health needs assessment conducted by Meritus Health revealed that our region s most serious chronic disease problems include obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes. I often think that if we could devote more time to movement and less time tethered to electronics or sitting on a couch, we could improve our health. Physicians tell me that good nutrition, physical activity and a healthy body weight increase the chances for a longer, healthier life. Simple lifestyle changes like drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising at least 30 minutes a day go a long way toward improving our own health as well as that of our friends and neighbors. At Meritus Health, we are doing everything we can to improve the health of our community. Our recent initiatives include the creation of an Accountable Care Organization (see page 6), affiliations with other organizations including the University of Maryland Medical Center and University Joseph P. Ross President & CEO, Meritus Health of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the completion of a feasibility study for a community wellness center. We have also attracted top physician talent in the area of cancer care and formed a strategic alliance with Frederick Regional Health System and Western Maryland Health System. Despite ongoing changes in the health care industry, the need to take care of ourselves remains constant. By bringing new physicians to our health system and partnering with our medical staff, the community, local health-oriented organizations and our own employees, we strive to embrace this era of change and continue to treat the community well by caring for you in times of need and helping you to proactively manage and improve your health. Yours in good health, Joseph P. Ross President & CEO, Meritus Health Meritus Medical Center is perhaps our most easily recognized facility, but Meritus Health offers much, much more. For generations, Meritus Health has been responding to the specific needs of the region with the foresight of a true community partner by developing and sustaining a total health care system. Branches of care including primary care physician practices, specialists in disciplines from obstetrics to cardiology and satellite services from diagnostics to home medical equipment complement the hospital s efforts to provide quality care. Meritus Health is not just a hospital. That said, Meritus Medical Center does offer cutting-edge technology and services for inpatients and outpatients in a facility without a cold, clinical feel. Care is provided by a multigenerational workforce from around our region your friends and neighbors. Access to advanced diagnostics, treatments and services is right here, delivered by competent and caring, familiar faces. The quality services offered include a regional trauma center, a cardiac catheterization lab, a stroke center, a family birthing center, a bariatric surgery center, a wound center, a nationally recognized joint replacement program and a new center for breast health. Patients seldom have a reason to go down the road to receive excellent medical care. Meritus Health is the largest health care provider in the region and serves as a leader in the continued evolution of a comprehensive approach to wellness in the tri-state area and beyond. *Bureau of Labor Statistics, American Time Use Survey, 2012 Results. MeritusHealth.com 3

4 TRANSFORMED LIVES: PATIENTS TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH Rodney Campbell Financial Analyst Age: 38 I am ecstatic about my progress. I wanted a lifestyle change that I could maintain lifelong. Rodney Campbell, Financial Analyst His diagnosis In September 2012, Rodney Campbell felt crazy, as though his heart was beating out of his chest. A visit to the emergency department revealed no heart trouble, but a follow-up appointment with his primary care physician indicated that Rodney s blood sugar was more than twice the recommended non-fasting glucose level. I was horrified. Dr. Krishnamoorthy, my primary care physician, prescribed medications which horrified me even more, comments Rodney. Rodney had a family history of diabetes and was overweight. Like many of us, he loves sugar, soft drinks and fast food. But the day he was diagnosed with diabetes, all of that changed. I m not interested in insulin injections or losing a foot. That day in my doctor s office transformed my thinking about food and health, says Rodney. His plan He started by eating six small meals a day, capping his daily carbohydrate intake to 240 grams or less and eliminating regular soda from his diet. His physician referred Rodney to registered dietitian Tim Higgins at the Meritus Endocrine, Nutrition and Diabetes (MEND) Education Center, who told him to journal his eating habits. When you view what you eat, it s a catalyst for change, says Rodney. I would ask myself what can I cut out or substitute for healthier foods? Dietary changes alone helped Rodney drop 20 pounds by December By the following March, Rodney began exercising 30 minutes a day, four days a week. By summer he increased his workouts to 45 minutes a day, five days a week and dropped 60 pounds from his frame. His progress Rodney admits it hasn t been easy. He allows himself to nibble on cake or cookies every so often, but his fear of diabetes and its toll on the human body keeps him on the straight and narrow. So far, Rodney has eliminated one medication and plans to be off all diabetes prescriptions in the near future. Rodney has made significant strides with his diet and exercise and I expect to see continued progress in the months ahead. Managing a chronic condition like diabetes requires an educated and motivated patient along with a good support team of physicians, nurses and diabetic educators, explains Mahesh Krishnamoorthy, M.D., of Meritus Health s Robinwood Internal Medicine. I m ecstatic about my progress. I wanted a lifestyle change that I could maintain lifelong, says Rodney. His goal is to shed 100 pounds and start a second career in fitness where he can help people who are faced with a similar challenge. You need to have players on your team, but ultimately you have to take control of your life. Diabetes Indicators Type 2 diabetes develops over time. To avoid complications of diabetes, talk to your primary care physician about your family medical history and heed any changes in your body. The following symptoms of diabetes are typical; however, some people have very mild signs that can go unnoticed. Urinating often Feeling very thirsty Feeling very hungry even though you are eating Extreme fatigue Blurry vision Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands/feet Source: American Diabetes Association 4 MeritusHealth.com

5 Carl Galligan Former dean of students at Hagerstown Community College Age: 73 His diagnosis As the former dean of students for Hagerstown Community College, Carl Galligan is a smart guy. But sneaky signs of heart trouble eluded this otherwise healthy and fit retiree. In late May after walking his grandson home from school, Carl began to sweat profusely. Attributing his symptoms to a warm day, Carl dismissed his wife s suggestion to go to urgent care and scheduled an appointment with his primary care physician for the following day. Luckily for Carl, Amanda Bailey, PA-C, of Tri-State Physician Associates, conducted a thorough evaluation and performed an EKG. The EKG revealed a significant difference from my previous EKG several years earlier, says Carl. Dr. Bradford stepped in and I was immediately taken to Meritus Medical Center where I underwent a cardiac catheterization. The interventional cardiologist found four blockages and informed Carl that he needed open heart surgery. He was transported to Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., and underwent surgery on May 30, All along the way, I knew I was in the care of good hands, says Carl. He admitted he was worried, but didn t want his wife, children and grandchildren to feel his concern. His plan Carl s wife always cooked healthy meals, but the elimination of favorites such as red meat and cheese did change his diet. I accepted the new lifestyle because I wanted to be around for a while, says Carl. No stranger to education, Carl also participated in cardiac rehabilitation at You go into rehabilitation anxious and fearful, but the health care professionals at Meritus Medical Center s Cardiac Rehab have such a way of relaxing you. I can t recommend them enough. Carl Galligan Former dean of students, Hagerstown Community College Meritus Medical Center. Here, a certified education specialist showed Carl how to read food labels, understand good and bad fat and watch sodium in his diet. The program also included classes on stress management and safe exercise at home and a medications overview led by a pharmacist. With assistance from a cardiac nurse and exercise physiologist, Carl followed a closely monitored aerobic program using an elliptical, treadmill and rowing machine. From my intake assessment through the therapy sessions, the people at Cardiac Rehab made me acutely aware of the seriousness of my condition and my role in the recovery process, explains Carl. His progress From the first week in July to early October, Carl devoted three days a week to cardiac rehabilitation. In September, Carl was back to himself and given the green light by cardiologist Jeffrey Jones, M.D., of Hagerstown Heart, to join his wife and friends on a long-anticipated trip to Spain. What s amazing about all of this, is not only did my heart condition get addressed with dispatch, but I never had any preor post-surgical pain, says Carl. Today, Carl exercises three days a week at Meritus Health s Total Rehab Care and on other days, walks and uses a treadmill. You go into rehabilitation anxious and fearful, but the health care professionals at Cardiac Rehab have such a way of relaxing you. I can t recommend them enough. Typical Heart Attack Signs Most heart attacks start out slowly, but some are sudden and intense. It is important to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention immediately if you experience: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or pain that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Women s heart attack symptoms may be more subtle than men s and include shortness of breath; shoulder, arm, neck or jaw pain; sweating or pain between the shoulder blades or in the abdomen. Source: American Heart Association MeritusHealth.com 5

6 ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION: DEFRAGMENTING PATIENT CARE Your doctor is good. He looks you in the eye, listens to your concerns and spends time answering your questions. But does your physician know every piece of your health care plan? Does he know of your visit to the gastroenterologist or details of appointments with your cardiologist? Maybe, but maybe not. A medical snapshot The best way to take care of patients allows physicians to have as much information as possible, says orthopedic surgeon Robert Cirincione, M.D. This becomes increasingly important as we get older and our health care becomes more complex. Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and congestive heart failure require constant physician supervision. For these patients, knowing medication interactions and side effects, staying on top of required tests and frequent appointments becomes overwhelming and often confusing. We ask patients for so much medical information, but they don t have it at their fingertips, says Dr. Cirincione. As an orthopedic surgeon and medical director of quality for Meritus Health, Dr. Cirincione understands the need for care coordination among health care providers. For 18 years, he has provided patient and disease management services through TriState Health Partners (THP) and is currently the medical director for the THP-Meritus ACO. Information sharing for better care In 2013, Meritus Health and THP formed an Accountable Care Organization, or ACO, known as THP-Meritus ACO, LLC, to further the need of patient care coordination. An ACO assembles doctors, hospitals and other health care providers to offer coordinated, high-quality care to Medicare patients. An ACO brings patients, physicians and medical records into one place so information is available at the time of patient care, explains Dr. Cirincione. The premise behind an ACO is to improve the patient experience, quality outcomes and control costs. If you ask patients how they want their health care system to function they would answer: easy access, quality care and responsible health care spending, says Dr. Cirincione. The cost savings, says Dr. Cirincione, comes from getting it right the first time. The ACO s goal is to keep patients healthy and prevent them from having chronic conditions or prevent the conditions from worsening. Care coordination occurs because the primary care physician, specialists and hospital all view the patient s electronic medical record. While health care overuse or misuse receives a lot of attention, Dr. Cirincione sees the ACO as a means to identify gaps in care such as missed opportunities for screenings and blood tests and unfilled prescriptions. Making certain patients receive the care they require will help them maintain their good health, says Dr. Cirincione. Patients right hand A little hand-holding goes a long way in patient health too. Registered nurses or care managers work with patients, especially those with chronic conditions, to provide one-on-one support for medication management as well as check-ins after appointments. They become the patient s communicator, navigator, resource and translator. In addition to registered nurses, behavioral health professionals and pharmacists round out the team and help patients understand the care they need, set personal goals to achieve desired results and coach patients to better health. The THP-Meritus ACO is a partnership between Medicare beneficiaries, physicians and Meritus Medical Center. The patientcentered health care model bridges 16,000 area Medicare patients and 150 physicians with the goal of care coordination and improved patient outcomes. For more information about the THP-Meritus ACO, talk to your primary care physician or visit MeritusHealth.com/ACO. Orthopedic surgeon Robert Cirincione, M.D. and Stacey Black, case manager. 6 MeritusHealth.com

7 POPULATION HEALTH ON THE HOMEFRONT Meritus Health Takes Flu Season to Task According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, higher vaccination levels among health care staff have been associated with a lower risk of hospitalacquired influenza cases. Nearly all of Maryland hospitals require their employees to receive an influenza vaccination, especially if they are in close contact with patients. This year Meritus Health required employees to receive mandatory flu shots. We care for a vulnerable population newborns, pregnant women and the elderly. We must do what s right for our patients, staff and their families, explains Heather Lorenzo, M.D., chief medical officer at Meritus Medical Center. For the flu season, Meritus Health employees reached a 99-percent inoculation rate. Although the CDC recommends an annual influenza vaccinations for all health care workers, the national average is only 64 percent. I am proud that our health system chose to mandate employee flu vaccinations and pleased that our employees and physicians complied with this mandate, says Dr. Lorenzo. The flu is a serious infectious disease that can be life threatening for some people. To prevent the spread of influenza, get vaccinated against the flu every year, wash your hands often and avoid contact with anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms. To find a flu clinic near you, go to and use the easy flu vaccine finder. Runners compete in the sixth annual Meritus Health Total Rehab Care 5K Pumpkin Dash in October. A Healthy Business Meritus Health s mission to improve the health status of the region includes its own hospital campus. The health system earned a place on the governor s Healthiest Maryland Businesses list for creating an environment that supports healthy employees and their families at the third annual Maryland Workplace Health and Wellness Symposium in Baltimore. When it comes to wellness, there are different strokes for different folks, so we offer lots of options, says Cindy Earle, RN, community health education and wellness manager. Our goal is to help employees feel better on and off the job. Wellness Works, a committee designed by employees and staffed by community health education and wellness experts, identifies wellness opportunities throughout the health system and works with departments system-wide to create results-driven fitness, weight reduction, healthy eating and smoking cessation programs. To date, Wellness Works has offered employees biggest loser challenges, holiday weight loss contests, on-site yoga classes, stair climbing competitions, healthy eating seminars and a Fit to 5K program. The hospital s nutrition services department recently gave the dining room a menu makeover. The Go, Slow, Whoa program labels food according to color and encourages eating low calorie, high nutrient foods. Meatless Mondays and Fryerless Fridays also promote healthier eating and food awareness. On average, people devote 9.2 hours a day to work which shrinks available time for recreation. With employees health in mind, Meritus Health has helped increase employees access to exercise and healthy foods. We know that healthier eating and physical exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers, says Meritus Health President and CEO Joseph Ross. I see our wellness program as a win-win for everyone. MeritusHealth.com 7

8 FIT AT ANY AGE There is no turning back time, but there is good news: Fitness is the fountain of youth. Health Focus asked some of its healthiest associates to detail how they stay fit despite busy schedules and the inevitable aging process. 30s Emily Radaker Age 38 Internal Auditor Meritus Health Emily is passionate about her healthy lifestyle and shares that passion with those around her. A lifelong runner, kickboxing instructor, yoga student and Insanity DVD junkie, Emily is no stranger to exercise. I am constantly challenging myself to push harder, she says. In 2013, Emily led Meritus Health employees in a weekly Fit to 5K program in preparation for the Meritus Health Total Rehab Care 5K Pumpkin Dash in October. Many of Emily s students reported their best personal times and one Fit to 5K member placed second in the 60- year-old age group. Emily s love for fitness is contagious. It s the best feeling to know that you have something to do with helping someone get healthier. 8 MeritusHealth.com 40s Beth Doyle Age 46 Registered Nurse Meritus Health Beth s day job involves working as a care manager on the intermediate care unit of Meritus Medical Center, but at night and on the weekends, Beth s free time is spent belly dancing. People have a misconception of belly dancing until they come see it performed then they view it as an art form, says Beth. Belly dancing involves all parts of the body including the torso, arms and legs. The moves shimmies, hip snaps and undulations didn t come easy for Beth initially. But she likes moving her hips, abdominals and chest to create an excellent core workout, while improving her posture and range of motion. Five to six nights a week, Beth takes belly dancing classes and practices for upcoming performances. I try to give myself one night a week off, says Beth. She uses coin belts and isis wings and even balances a sword on her head to create a stunning visual dance. Whether it s the music, choreography or body isolations, Beth is hooked on this form of Middle Eastern dancing. 50s William Kerns, M.D. Age 55 Internist and pediatrician Meritus Health s Smithsburg Family Medical Center As a kid, Dr. Kerns loved to run. This natural form of exercise stayed with him throughout his adulthood. But at middle age, he recognized the need to cross train. Today, Dr. Kerns mixes up his workout routine by running, weight lifting and biking. I make sure I do some form of exercise five to six days a week, says Dr. Kerns. Even when working extended office hours, Dr. Kerns rolls into the gym between 8-9 p.m. You have to look for every opportunity to squeeze exercise into your schedule and be consistent about it. As a physician, Dr. Kerns knows exercise is a proven way to increase HDL (good cholesterol) levels. In fact neurologists now point to exercise as a way to stave off dementia. At some point, exercise becomes more of a prescription and less of an option, says Dr. Kerns. That s why Dr. Kerns puts exercise high on his priority list. Staying fit will allow me to do more things in my 60s.

9 60s Tim Thorpe, Age 60 Manager of Network Services Meritus Health For the last 15 years, Tim has pumped out 10-to-50 mile rides with fellow cyclists and once a year participates in a 100-mile bike ride through Washington County the equivalent of a runner s marathon. In good weather, he commutes to work by biking 15 miles each way from Williamsport to Hagerstown. Last spring, Tim and a fellow biker launched a Meritus Health bike club, leading employees on 10-to-30 mile rides through the Washington County countryside. I consistently workout 30 to 60 minutes a day, four to six times a week, says Tim. In the winter months, Tim replaces his outdoor rides with weekly spin classes at the gym and weight lifting. Recently, Tim re-booted his passion for running after a hiatus for back surgery. While he admits that rebounding from surgery was a major effort, he refused to let it bring him down. As you get older, there s always going to be some obstacle that gets in the way of exercising, but if you find a way around it, you ll be better off for it, says Tim. He is back to running three to five miles several days a week and is currently participating in the newly formed running club at Meritus Health. 70s & 80s Jean Goodnight, Age 82 Meritus Medical Center Auxilian Jean Goodnight s medication list includes a multivitamin and an aspirin. Her secret to good health and longevity comes down to an active lifestyle of ballroom dancing, volunteering at Meritus Medical Center and socializing with friends. I don t stop. I m not a lounger. There s a part of me that s never grown up, explains Jean. She admits to moving at a fast clip through hospital corridors while pushing the magazine cart. Jean s robust schedule includes managing the hospital s auxiliary office, writing and directing the auxiliary s June Day show, making baby stockings for the hospital s Christmas babies, socializing with friends and ballroom dancing. Jean teaches ballroom dancing at Hagerstown Community College one night a week, participates in round dance classes on a second night and attends dances or round dance festivals on the weekends. Some nights Jean and her partner practice dance moves in her kitchen. Jean estimates she dances at least five hours a week. Round dancing, a choreographed and synchronized version of ballroom dancing, challenges Jean s mind and body. As a cuer calls out dance steps such as the fox trot, waltz, mambo and cha-cha, Jean must remember the dance step and execute the move. For Jean it s the perfect way to keep her muscles and mind active. MeritusHealth.com 9

10 TEST YOUR WELLNESS SMARTS To improve your overall wellness, you should eat healthfully, engage in physical exercise, reduce stress and practice safe living. Take our test to determine your wellness wisdom. Note: Some questions have more than one right answer. 1. Risk factors for a heart attack include: Lack of sleep and too much stress Enjoying a steady diet of high-calorie foods Age, tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol or a family history of heart disease 2. An adult should aim to get six hours of sleep each night. True False 3. The recommended daily amount of vegetables for an adult is: 1 cup 2-1/2 to 3 cups 6 cups 4. Adults should exercise at least one day a week for optimal fitness. True False 5. Lifelong weightbearing exercise builds and maintains healthy bones and prevents or staves off osteoporosis. Examples of weightbearing exercise include: Brisk walking Dance or step aerobics Swimming 6. You should be concerned about developing type 2 diabetes if: You have a family member with type 2 diabetes You are overweight (especially storing excess fat in your belly) You lead an inactive lifestyle and are older 7. Protein, fiber and carbohydrates are mainstays of a good breakfast. True False 8. Whole wheat and other whole grains contain more fiber and nutrients than their white, refined counterparts. True False 9. Quitting smoking leads to: Improved blood circulation and lower blood pressure 20/20 vision Better hair texture and shine 10. Common sodium culprits include: Canned soup, frozen pizza and salad dressing Yogurt, raisins and walnuts Apples, whole wheat bagels and onions Answers 1. Age, tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol or a family history of heart disease are all risk factors for heart disease. 2. False. Studies suggest that healthy adults have a sleep need of seven to eight hours. 3. ChooseMyPlate.gov recommends adults eat 2-1/2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day. 4. False. The CDC recommends adults get two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and strength training on two or more days a week. 5. Brisk walking and aerobic classes. Any exercise that makes you bear the weight of your body or exercises your big joints is a weight-bearing activity. 6. All of the above. People more likely to develop type 2 diabetes also include African-Americans, Hispanics, Native American, Asian-Americans and women diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy. 7. True. Foods such as Greek yogurt (protein), bananas (carbs) and oatmeal qualify as go-to breakfast foods. 8. True. Refined grains, like the flour used to make white bread, have had the fiber-dense bran and the nutrient-rich germ processed out. Choose breads that list whole grain as the first ingredient. 9. Improved blood circulation and lower blood pressure. Kicking the habit also enhances lung function and can add years to your life. 10. Canned soup (700-1,260 mg), frozen cheese pizza (450-1,200 mg) and salad dressing ( mg). Recommended Health Screenings Discuss the frequency, age and appropriateness of these important screenings with your primary care provider. Screening Women Men Blood Pressure Bone mineral density Cervical cancer screening (Pap test) Cholesterol test Colorectal cancer screening Diabetes screening HIV test Prostate Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Adult Vaccinations Getting immunized is a lifelong responsibility. At your next doctor s visit, discuss these vaccinations with your physician. Influenza Every year beginning in the fall or early winter Tetanus-diptheria (Tdap) booster Every 10 years Shingles (Zoster) Once after age 60 Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia) Age 65 and older and adults with specific health conditions 10 MeritusHealth.com

11 WELLNESS AS A WHOLE Why is a balanced life so important? For starters, a balanced life creates a sense of calmness, energy and purpose. Balance makes you feel as though you have a handle on all aspects of your life and you are not being pulled in too many directions. Many health care workers are beginning to look at the whole person body, mind and spirit when evaluating a patient s health-related quality of life. When people become imbalanced in their life, physical symptoms may appear. They can include insomnia, headaches and gastrointestinal distress. Physical problems and emotional problems can often be interrelated, says licensed clinical professional counselor Patrick Ricker of Meritus Health s Behavioral Health Services. Optimal well-being or balance tells us that that we are probably managing the stresses we are facing in a healthy manner. To achieve balance, we must look at the whole person. Clinical professional counselor Patrick Ricker, Meritus Health Behavioral Health Services BODY Are you following a healthy, balanced diet? Are you sleeping six to eight hours a night with few interruptions? How often do you exercise? If you smoke, have you considered a smoking cessation program? Is your alcohol use within healthy limits? MIND Do you take time to stop and smell the roses? Do you read or engage in a hobby to stimulate your mind? Have you considered an adult education course just for the fun of it? Our mind is meant to drink in the world around us, reminds Patrick. SPIRIT Do you have connections with other people? Do you contribute to the lives of people you touch? Do you have a support network? Spirituality is much more than a religious belief. It is a discovery of your inner self and the living out of that discovery with people around you, says Patrick. Patrick Ricker is a licensed clinical professional counselor, employee assistance program counselor and ordained minister. He speaks to groups and organizations about the mind-body-spirit connection. Behavioral Health Services now offers a weekly group on mindfulness. For more information, contact Meritus Health Behavioral Health Services at To proactively address balance in your life, start by asking these questions: Look at your life and how you feel day to day. Are you neglecting any of the three areas on the chart on the left? Compare your life currently with the way you would like it to be. List the top five things that you must have to be happy and healthy. Does your list include acceptance, fellowship, a sense of meaning and love or is it a list of monetary things? Connect with people or groups who excel at achieving those missing components in your life. Make a list of things you would like to do to offset any deficiencies in your life. If you are feeling imbalanced, seek support from friends, your primary care physician or spiritual leaders or check to see if your employer offers professional counseling through an employee assistance program. Know that when imbalance occurs in one life area, such as a chronic physical illness, you can find a new sense of balance by strengthening your mind and spiritual self. MeritusHealth.com 11

12 PATIENT AND FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL About Health Focus Health Focus is published by the corporate communications department of Meritus Health. Mary Stuart Rizk Executive Director Corporate Communications Anne Gill, Editor/Writer Joelle Butler, Assistant Editor Betsy Maymon, Graphic Design Pictured (L-R): Joe Ross, president & CEO of Meritus Health; Patient and Family Advisory Council members Maureen Theriault, David Yohman, Anne Keyser, Marilyn Smith, Carol Neff, Kimberly Vocke, Frederick Hirsch and Dr. Jesus Cepero. Not pictured: Susan Lyons. A Voice for Patients and Families Getting patients healthy and back on their feet is a team effort at Meritus Medical Center. The hospital has embraced a new philosophy of care that fosters a partnership between health care providers, patients and their families. Patient and family centered care strengthens communication and collaboration among patients, families, caregivers and the staff and acknowledges that families play an important role in the well-being of patients during hospitalization and after discharge. At its core, patient and family centered care promotes respect and dignity of patients and families, information sharing, participation and collaboration. To promote the concept, Meritus Medical Center formed the Patient and Family Advisory Council, a ninemember forum of former patients, family members and health care professionals. The forum lets patients and their families be heard and integrates their voices into real change. Patient and family involvement makes for a better patient experience. Input from patients and families is used as a compass to set future strategic directions for current and new services. In today s health care world, the voices of the patient and families have taken on a whole new meaning, explains Chief Nursing Officer Jesus Cepero, Ph.D, RN. To date, the Patient and Family Advisory Council has created and revised patient education materials, recommended changes to the hospital s visitation policy, enhanced communication between nurses during shift changes, improved registration signage in the hospital s emergency department and offered suggestions on how to communicate organ and tissue donation requirements to family members. Patient and family centered care asks us to do things with the patient and their families versus to them. Patients understand how to be an active participant in their own health care and we recognize the important role patients and families play in recovery, says Jody Bishop, M.S.N., RN, director of nursing professional practice. For the patient this means we include them in all aspects of care; in other words, nothing about me without me, adds Kelsey Wilkes, co-chair of patient and family centered care. In the future, the hospital plans to create sub-patient and family advisory councils in the areas of critical care, pediatrics and the emergency department. Kyle Haught and Shelly Crate Photography If you have ideas, comments or suggestions for future Health Focus articles, Joelle.Butler@MeritusHealth.com, call or send them to: Meritus Health Corporate Communications Medical Campus Road Hagerstown, MD This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Please see your physician if you have a health problem. LOOKING FOR A DOCTOR? Visit Meritus Health s free service, Healthline at MeritusHealth.com/Healthline Search by doctor name, location, practice name or medical specialty. For personal assistance, call Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. 4 p.m. MeritusHealth.com blog.meritushealth.com