Good Health. My Healthcare Record Patient Portal Stay informed, stay in touch and stay in good health. In this issue. Summer 2014 Volume 12 - Number 3

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1 Good Health Summer 2014 Volume 12 - Number 3 My Healthcare Record Patient Portal Stay informed, stay in touch and stay in good health. In this issue New online portals put medical information at your fingertips... 2 Welcome our newest physicians... 3 Community Health Education Programs Think twice before indulging in a fad diet... 6 Ready to lose weight once and for all?... 6 Safe exercising in the heat... 7 Union Multi-Specialty Practices: Caring, convenient, world class... 8 Like us on Facebook... 8

2 New online portals put medical information at your fingertips When it comes to your medical care, knowledge is power. That s why Union Hospital recently launched two new online portals that help patients understand their healthcare information, take control of their medical care and improve their health. The portals one for patients of Union Hospital and a separate one for patients of the hospital s physician practices provide simple, secure access to a variety of tools. My Healthcare Record Patient Portal, the hospital portal, gives round-the-clock access to: Your lab results Your visit history Your hospital discharge instructions Your health summary Authorized caregivers, such as parents and healthcare proxies, can also access the records of individuals for whom they manage care. To get started, just visit the Release of Information Office on the first floor of Union Hospital, and the staff will help you enroll. You will need to show your driver s license and provide your date of birth and address. You will receive an with a link to the portal, as well as a temporary username and password. It s that easy! Follow My Health, the patient portal for Union Hospital physician practices, lets you: View test and lab results Request Rx refills Send and receive secure messages Schedule appointments Receive care reminders TIP: Download the free portal app at the Apple or Android app store. Enter FollowMyHealth in the search field. Having almost real-time access to their own health information gives patients more control of their care, because now they have the information they need to talk with their doctors and monitor their own health, said Anne E. Lara, Chief Information Officer at Union Hospital. Rather than being simply recipients of care, patients can be active members of their healthcare team. Portals reflect new emphasis on security, ease of use My Healthcare Record and Follow My Health patient portals reflect a broad effort to move Union Hospital operations toward a new information system called Meditech 6.1. The system offers improved safety, efficiency and ease of use for patients and staff. For example, the system continually monitors all access to patient data to quickly identify any potential privacy breaches. It also works seamlessly with other technology used at Union Hospital, such as ensuring accuracy and improving efficiency of lab specimens collected from patients. The new Meditech system is crucial to helping Union Hospital achieve its top priority: ensuring the safety, security and privacy of our patients and their loved ones. 2

3 New physicians expand quality and convenience for Union Hospital patients Union Hospital is proud to welcome four new physicians to our medical staff and to the Cecil County community. Eugenia Gray, MD, FACS, Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) Dr. Gray is an otolaryngologist board-certified in head and neck surgery. Dr. Gray earned her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and completed a residency in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Virginia. Among other professional associations, Dr. Gray is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Association of Women Surgeons. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gray, call (410) Usman Moghal, MD, Neurology Dr. Moghal is a neurologist who most recently served as Chief Resident in Neurology at Cooper University Hospital, in Camden, NJ. He previously completed an internship in internal medicine at SUNY Upstate University Hospital, in Syracuse, NY. He joins Tariq Mahmood, MD, at Union Neurology. His special areas of interest include the treatment of epilepsy and seizures, movement disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Moghal, call (410) Sirin Pandey, MD, Endocrinology Dr. Pandey is a board-certified endocrinologist who completed a residency in Internal Medicine at St. Vincent Hospital, in Worchester, Massachusetts, and a fellowship in Endocrinology/Diabetes/ Metabolism at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. A member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, Dr. Pandey is fluent in English, Hindi and Nepali. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pandey, call (410) Henry Schoonyoung, MD, General Surgery Dr. Schoonyoung is a general surgeon who comes to Union Hospital after completing a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Florida. He earned his medical degree with honors from Ross University School of Medicine, in Dominica, West Indies, and completed a general surgery residency at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Dr. Schoonyoung is specialty trained in the treatment of colon, rectal and anal cancer. He is a certified robotic surgeon and uses advanced techniques for the treatment of benign disorders such as pelvic floor dysfunction (including fecal incontinence), anorectal pathology (including hemorrhoids and fistula disease) and inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Schoonyoung performs an outpatient transanal method of removing rectal polyps and early cancers that can spare the patient a bowel resection (known as TAMIS). In addition, he offers expert care in abdominal wall hernias and gallbladder disease. He is proud to be offering these services to Cecil County and surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Schoonyoung, call (443)

4 Community Health For more information and registration for these and other community Childbirth & Family Education For more information and registration for our childbirth and family education programs, call (443) or visit Core Childbirth Preparation $50 per couple These classes cover the essentials of labor and delivery. Topics include signs of labor, breathing and relaxation, comfort measures, possible interventions, cesarean birth, medications and epidurals. A tour of the Maternal & Infant Center is provided. Weeknight Childbirth Class: This three-session class is offered September 11, 18 & 25 and October 16, 23 & 30, 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday Express Childbirth Class: This class is offered October 25, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Split-Session Weekend Childbirth Class: This class is divided into two sessions of Friday, September 26, 6:30-9 p.m. & Saturday, September 27, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Family Education Classes Register for any Childbirth Preparation class and receive two FREE classes. You can make a complete five-class series by choosing to add on Postpartum & Newborn Care and Infant Feeding. Additional classes are priced at $20 each. Postpartum & Newborn Care October 2, 6:30-9 p.m. $20 There are physical, emotional, social and economic changes that occur with the birth of a new baby. Learn how to navigate all of the changes and how to prepare for the early days after the birth of your baby. Included in this class are common newborn characteristics, behaviors and expectations for hospital care. Learn how your baby communicates and how you can learn cues that will make you a better parent. Baby bath demonstration is included. Breastfeeding Basics October 9, 6:30-9 p.m. November 1, 9-11 a.m. $20 The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for one year for optimal health. Learn how it all works and how to get off to the best possible start in those early postpartum days and beyond. This class is taught by a lactation consultant, a specialist in lactation care. Thursday class will spend the last 30 minutes on expression and storage of breast milk. Breastfeeding Expression & Storage November 1, 11:15 a.m. - noon. Free to participants of Breastfeeding Basics or $10 Going back to work, school or just want to pump and feed? Would you like to know how to manage feeding when you are apart from your baby? Do you need to know how to safely store and thaw breast milk? Then this is the class for you. You will also learn about new support systems for breastfeeding families. Infant Soothing & Massage September 8 & October 6, 6:30-9 p.m. $20 Learn from the experts how to calm a newborn by replicating the movement and sounds they remember from the womb. Five basic soothing techniques will be taught to calm a crying baby. This course is for expectant parents or caregivers of newborns. Topics include soothing techniques, benefits of infant massage, demonstration of a full-body massage for baby giving you hands-on practice with dolls. You will learn therapeutic strokes for relieving colic, constipation, teething and congestion. The instructor is a registered nurse certified in infant massage instruction. Grandparenting Today September 22, 6:30-9 p.m. $10 for two grandparents If this is your first grandchild, you may be wondering what role you play if invited into the delivery room. Many changes have taken place in obstetrics and pediatrics since you have given birth to your child. You may be hearing Mom, they don t do it that way anymore. Topics include helping the new parents adjust to their role, reducing the risk of SIDS, infant CPR/first aid for choking with hands-on practice with dolls, new pediatric practices and rationale and infant safety. Infant Safety September 9 & October 14, 6:30-9 p.m. $20 This class presents valuable information on safety topics for expectant parents. Topics include car seats, safe sleep, how to childproof your home and instruction in infant CPR and choking relief including a hands-on practice session using infant CPR mannequins. Family & Friends CPR October 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $12 for one participant, $20 for two using the same manual Family & Friends CPR teaches the basics of CPR but does not provide certification. Hands-on instruction is provided in the following: Adult CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use Child CPR and AED use Infant CPR Choking relief for adults, children and infants For more information, please call (443) or dgreer@uhcc.com. 4

5 Education Programs education programs, call (410) or visit Meetings, Clubs & Support Groups Alzheimer s Support Group 4 th Thursday of each month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This group provides comfort and coping information for caregivers managing Alzheimer s disease for loved ones. Meetings are free and open to the community. Location: Adult Day Services at Union Hospital. Call (410) for more information. American Diabetes Association Support Group Free 2 nd Tuesday of each month, 5-6 p.m. Support and educational group for persons with diabetes and their families. Call (410) for more information. Breast Cancer Support Group Free 3 rd Tuesday of every other month, 6-7:30 p.m. (No meeting in October due to the Survival Brunch) Those faced with breast cancer can join us and receive support, understanding, guidance and education to help them stay strong. Call (410) for information. Breastfeeding Mom s Café Every Tuesday, 10-11:30 a.m., and 1 st Thursday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) Breastfeeding Mom s Café is an easy way for mothers to exchange information and experiences. You can also speak to the lactation consultant if needed. This is a casual drop-in with weight checks before and after feedings. No registration is required. Call (443) for more information. Caregivers Support Group Free 3 rd Wednesday of each month, 4-5 p.m. Sponsored by Union Hospital s Adult Day Services, this group offers emotional support, tips about managing your loved one and information about community resources. Anyone caring for a loved one either at home or in a nursing facility is invited. Call (410) for information. I Can Cope Cancer Support Group Free American Cancer Society & Union Hospital Co-Sponsor 3 rd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7 p.m. This program gives participants an opportunity to share their concerns with others having similar experiences and to design ways to cope with the challenges that arise from a cancer diagnosis. Guest speakers include professionals in the field of cancer management. A light dinner will be provided. Call (443) for more information. Kids Can Cope Free 2 nd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Having a parent with a serious illness can be a challenging emotional time for children. This support group is for children who have a parent or loved one with cancer or other chronic illness. Creative activities are designed to help participants identify and cope with feelings and build resiliency they will need during difficult times. RSVP is required. Call (410) , ext. 5546, for more information. Cecil County Ostomy Association 4 th Monday of each month, starting at 7 p.m. This support group is dedicated to helping patients with intestinal or urinary diversions return to everyday living. Call (410) , ext for information. Look Good Feel Better Free This program offers women and men with cancer a chance to learn how to enhance their appearance while undergoing treatment. A licensed cosmetologist assists those with cancer in looking their best. Call (443) for an appointment. Moms Matter Free 1 st & 3 rd Wednesdays of each month (excluding holidays), 3:30-5 p.m. This is a support group for moms coping with pregnancy or postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety or mood disorder. To join or for more information, call (410)

6 Think twice before indulging in a fad diet If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is You have probably seen TV ads for diet plans that promise miraculous weight loss that will melt the pounds away quickly and easily. Unfortunately, fad diets that sound too good to be true usually are too good to be true. In fact, many fad diets can help you to lose weight in the first few days, but maintaining the regimen for very long can be expensive, difficult and possibly dangerous. For successful, long-term weight loss: Get help from a health professional Your doctor or a qualified nutrition specialist can help you understand the underlying causes of your weight problem. They can use that information to develop a safe, effective weightloss plan just for you. Find a plan that fits your experience and budget Ask yourself: How is this diet a better fit for me than from others I ve tried in the past? Will this diet help me reach my target weight in a healthy, responsible way? Can I afford to follow this diet? Make sure the plan is flexible and enjoyable Your weight-loss plan should encourage you to be physically activity and to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods, including occasional treats. The registered dieticians at Union Hospital s Nutrition Services Diabetes Center can help you build a customized weight-loss plan suited to your unique situation and needs. For more information, call (410) or visit > Services > Nutrition and Diabetes Center. 6 Ready to lose weight once and for all? Union Hospital seminars can help Union Hospital and University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health are partnering to provide bariatric surgery for individuals considering weight loss surgery. The Union Hospital Bariatric program offers a multi-disciplinary team of professionals committed to providing the highest quality of care. If you are ready to lose weight and keep if off, then join the healthcare team at Union Hospital and Dr. Sung Kim of the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health Bariatric Surgery program to learn more about your options for weight loss surgery. Seminars are held the third Tuesday of each month. In addition, Dr. Hien Nguyen, General Surgery, of the Alpha Health Centers, will host a Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Information Session on the first Monday of each month, from 5:30-7 p.m. Begin your journey toward healthy, lasting weight loss today. To learn more, call (410) or visit

7 Safe exercising in the heat By Connie Hewitt, CPT Summer has finally arrived! And with that comes hot and humid conditions that can make exercising challenging. Here are 10 tips to help you continue with your workouts through the summer months: 1. Acclimate yourself by exposing yourself to the warmer temperatures. The average person takes 10 to 14 days to adapt to warmer temperatures. 2. Wear light-colored, breathable clothing. 3. Remember that thirst is not an indicator of dehydration. Once you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. 4. Indications of dehydration include an elevated heart rate during and after exercise, and dark/golden colored urine. 5. During your workout, drink about 4-8 ounces of water and/or sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes. 6. Exercise early or late in the day. Avoid exercising outdoors from noon to 3 p.m. when the conditions are the worst. Keep in mind that if you work out in the morning, you will avoid the heat but may encounter higher humidity. 7. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, as these dehydrate you. 8. Wear plenty of sunscreen. 9. Weigh yourself before and after your workout. Drink 16 ounces of fluids for every pound of weight lost. 10. Stop exercising at the first hint of a heat-related illness. Symptoms include: Weakness Headache Dizziness Muscle cramps Nausea or vomiting Chills Lack of sweating despite the heat Rapid heart rate Rapid and shallow breathing If you suspect a heat-related illness: Move out of the sun and into a shady or air conditioned space. Call 911 or emergency medical for help. Apply ice packs to the armpits, groin, neck and back to reduce body temperature. Direct air toward yourself with a fan or newspaper. Drink cool water. Have a great summer and a great workout! Connie Hewitt, CPT, is a personal trainer at Union Hospital s Employee Fitness Center. 7

8 106 Bow St. Elkton, MD (410) Rising Sun: (410) Delaware: (302) TDD: (410) Visit us online at Dr. Kenneth S. Lewis, President & CEO Kathryn McKinney, Director Public Relations & Marketing OR CURRENT RESIDENT Nonprofit Org. US POSTAGE PAID PROGRESSIVE IMPRESSIONS INTERNATIONAL Good Health is published quarterly by the Public Relations Department of Union Hospital, 106 Bow St., Elkton, MD Nonprofit postage paid. Issue date: Summer 2014 Caring, convenient, world class When your family needs medical care, turn to the trusted professionals of Union Multi-Specialty Practices. Our physicians are experienced, board-certified family practice providers and specialists who offer personalized service at convenient locations throughout Cecil County. Visit us for: Family Medicine Audiology Cardiology and Electrophysiology Colorectal and General Surgery Endocrinology Gastroenterology Gynecology Neurology Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) Psychiatry Pulmonology Rheumatology Urology Whether you need treatment for an illness or injury, an annual checkup or preventive screenings, Union Multi-Specialty Practices is here for you and your family. Call Union Hospital s Physical Referral Program at (410) or visit Union Multi-Specialty Practices new Web page at Like us on Facebook Keep up with Union Hospital news and events, view photos and take part in interesting discussions on our Facebook page. To visit our page, simply scan the attached QR code with your mobile device. (You can also access our Facebook page from a link on the home page of our website at And while you are there, be sure to Like us!