Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement Now Available at Washington Adventist Hospital

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1 Community Class Schedule starts on page 8 R E M A R K A B L E C A R E. R E M A R K A B L Y C L O S E. SPRING 2005 Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement Now Available at Doctors at Washington Adventist Hospital are now performing minimally invasive total knee replacement. This new treatment uses a much smaller incision than conventional knee replacement, which could mean less pain and a shorter overall recovery for patients. If arthritis pain or other conditions limit your enjoyment, talk to your doctor about having this surgery. Eileen Kyle, age 71, a retired high school teacher, underwent minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery at Washington Adventist Hospital on October 19, At the time of her surgery, Eileen s previously active lifestyle was diminished (Story continued on page 3) Eileen Kyle with her husband, Bill, and grandson Jake. This Issue: Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement , 3 A Letter from the President: Helping the Whole Community Live Well A Better Understanding of Bariatric Surgery Louis Larca, M.D., Named First Physician R.I.S.E.S. Award Winner An Evening in Grand Style for a Good Cause Helping Parents Help Depressed Teens Our Program Has Breast Cancer Patients Looking Good and Feeling Better Looking for a Doctor? Important Numbers and Map See pages 8 through 15 for a complete schedule of classes and community events.

2 A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Helping the Whole Community Live Well Since opening its doors in 1907, Washington Adventist Hospital has earned a reputation for delivering skilled medical care in a caring and supportive environment. As the newly appointed president, it is in this proud tradition that I join the Washington Adventist team on a journey of improving health adding quality and years to the lives of the people we serve. Our Mission Since Day One While the mission of Montgomery County s longest-operating hospital has not changed through the years, our hospital and the community we serve have seen many changes. Once a nearly rural environment, our community now is almost urban with an increasingly diverse population. Our hospital has grown in size and scope, with new facilities and highly specialized services like open-heart surgery, heart catheterization and cancer treatment. For nearly a century, the wonderful people of Washington Adventist Hospital have fulfilled our mission of delivering excellent health care through a ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing. Today, our hospital has a bright future and I am committed to working with the employees and physicians of and with our community. The future we create together will continue to meet the needs of those we serve and enable Washington Adventist to be a vibrant and vital part of our community s quality of life. I look forward to working with you, the members of the community, as we continue on this journey together. Sincerely, Jere D. Stocks President A view of patients and staff enjoying the grounds of the Washington Sanitarium and Hospital in

3 continued from page 1 Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement Now Available at Washington Adventist Hospital tremendously. I could no longer go hiking with my husband or play with my grandchildren in the park. I was in a great deal of pain, Eileen remembers. I did not want to have major surgery, Eileen notes. But when my physician, Dr. Magee, showed me the x-rays of my knee, where bone was rubbing against bone, I knew that my knee was not going to get any better using pain medication. Dr. Magee was sensitive to my fears and with his counsel and knowing I was in good health, I decided to have the surgery. Explains Christopher Magee, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon at Washington Adventist Hospital, Minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery is not the right choice for every patient, but it is a new option. For some individuals, the smaller incision may allow earlier, less painful mobilization after surgery. Patients Have Less Pain and Shorter Overall Recovery The day after surgery, Eileen walked a short distance with a walker. By day five she was home and getting around the house with more ease. Today she s doing physical therapy at home three times a week, and will eventually be in outpatient physical therapy for a few weeks. My goal is to play with my grandchildren in the park by week six, Eileen said. Eileen is thankful for her recovery: My experience at was wonderful. The care I received went beyond my expectations. From my easy Christopher Magee, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon at Minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery is a new option. For some individuals, the smaller incision may allow earlier, less painful mobilization after surgery. Christopher Magee, M.D. check-in at the hospital to the chaplain who visited me the night before my surgery. From the fabulous nurses and physical therapists who all gently encouraged me, to the kind and caring staff member who wheeled me out of the hospital upon my discharge, I am grateful for Washington Adventist s care. For more information on our orthopedic services, call In the Winter 2005 Health Advisor it was stated that Dr. Catherine Salem heads the Radiation Oncology Department at Washington Adventist Hospital. The director of the Radiation Oncology Department is Dr. Chan Chung; Dr. Catherine Salem is a Radiation Oncologist. FOR A FREE PHYSICIAN REFERRAL, CALL Spring

4 A Better Understanding of Bariatric Surgery We sat down with Alfreda Hill-Wilkerson, Health Advisor: What made you consider surgeries, since that time he has also operated LPN, Bariatric Program Director. As bariatric surgery? on two cousins and multiple friends. a patient, Alfreda lost 150 pounds under Dr. Gary Harrington s bariatric program. Bariatric surgery is a procedure on the stomach and/or intestines to help patients with extreme obesity lose weight. Dr. Harrington s program at Washington Adventist Hospital offers surgical treatments for weight loss that are bringing about impressive results. Health Advisor: Tell us about your position. Alfreda: I am the Program Director Alfreda: I had multiple co-morbid conditions including hypertension, asthma, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, fibromyalgia, diabetes and avascular necrosis in both hips. I also Health Advisor: What was the outcome of your surgery? Alfreda: I lost 150 pounds over a 14-month period. But more importantly, I ve maintained that weight loss due to the change in my behavior as it relates to food. I ve increased my physical activity from zero to walking three to four times a week, taking water aerobics and doing light weight lifting. Aftercare is so important, and it really helps to have for Washington a physician like Adventist Hospital s Dr. Harrington who bariatric program. is dedicated. Now I Not only am I a don t have any of nurse, but I ve also the preexisting comorbid conditions. had the surgery. I met Dr. Harrington Health Advisor: How three and a half would you say your years ago when he Alfreda Hill-Wilkerson, LPN, Program Director, and Dr. Gary Harrington of the bariatric life has changed? performed my program discuss new surgical treatments for weight loss. bariatric surgery at Alfreda: With all the St. Mary s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. And when he moved to the area I joined his practice. had osteoarthritis and was walking with a walker. I took 17 pills a day, two shots of insulin and used oxygen. I was spending excess weight off, I feel better about myself. I feel healthy. I m much more active and can do the things I ve always a lot of time in the hospital. wanted to do but couldn t. This surgery I consider myself an advocate for patients who want to have bariatric surgery Health Advisor: When did you have the surgery? has given me the energy to live again. their cheerleader. It s extremely important that anyone considering this surgery is physically and mentally prepared. Because this surgery isn t a quick fix. Depending on your insurance and individual needs, it may take up to six months for approval. So, I m here to help patients with their insurance, give them direction and lend an ear. Alfreda: I had the surgery three and a half years ago. Being a nurse, I was doing my research on the surgery and found Dr. Harrington. He performed the surgery on my aunt, and the way that he interacted with her before and after the surgery, along with the success of the surgery, let me know he was the physician for me. Not only has Dr. Harrington performed my aunt s and my The Bariatric Information Group is held on the second Tuesday of every month from 6-8 p.m. at the hospital s Conference Center. At this meeting the Bariatric Team describes the procedure in detail and answers your questions. If you or a loved one is considering bariatric surgery, call for more information or to attend. 4

5 Louis Larca, M.D., Named First Physician R.I.S.E.S. Award Winner Dr. Louis Larca, the first Physician R.I.S.E.S. award winner. Congratulations to Louis Larca, M.D., a cardiologist at for more than 24 years and for the past 10 years both the Medical Director of Unit 5300/CCU and Co-Chairman of the Special Care Committee. Dr. Larca was selected as the first physician to receive our Physician R.I.S.E.S. Award. The award will be given out quarterly to physicians who care for patients with the highest quality technical skill and who live the values of our hospital Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship. Says Dr. Larca, who was truly honored to receive the award, "Washington Adventist Hospital is a unique hospital. The caring attitude and work ethic of the employees create an environment that allows physicians to do exactly what they need to do. It is a joy to work here!" Dr. Larca was nominated by colleagues at the hospital, who praised him for his skill and dedication. Says one colleague, "I truly believe Dr. Larca encompasses everything doctors should strive to be: Intelligent, compassionate, humble and more. Adds another, To not give him this award would be shameful. He has never been only for himself, but truly for the service of others." Congratulations again to Dr. Louis Larca. An Evening in Grand Style for a Good Cause You are cordially invited to the 17th Annual Foundation Black-Tie Gala April 9, 2005 Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center (Left to Right) Natasha Ramoutar and Asha Dharam volunteered at the 2004 Black-Tie Gala after reading a promotion for the event in last spring's Health Advisor. Foundation s 17th annual Black-Tie Gala is scheduled for April 9, 2005, at the luxurious new Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. This elegant evening will begin at 8 p.m. with a reception and silent auction in the foyer of the new conference center, with dinner and live entertainment hosted in the ballroom. The community s support of the 17th annual Black-Tie Gala will allow s surgical services to continue growing its mission of high quality interventional healing. Individuals and organizations wishing to support the gala fundraiser can do so by making a contribution, volunteering or helping with the silent auction. Proceeds from this event will benefit s wide array of surgical services, including orthopedic, minimally invasive and bariatric procedures. For more details, visit WAH/foundation or call FOR A FREE PHYSICIAN REFERRAL, CALL Spring

6 Helping Parents Help Depressed Teens How can a parent tell if his or her adolescent is suffering from depression? Are they experiencing normal teenage moodiness or do they need treatment? These are very serious questions. And depression is a serious problem. Studies have reported that 8.3 percent of adolescents in the United States suffer from depression. And in 1997, suicide, often an end result of untreated depression, was the leading cause of death in year-olds. So what symptoms should parents, teachers and other adults look for in teens? The best thing to do is be aware of changes in behaviors. Symptoms for depression are the same at any age, but these symptoms may be expressed differently depending on a person s developmental stage. And symptoms that last for days or a week are more serious than those that come and go. Teens may not have the verbal skills to express their feelings and they may act out or show an increase in irritability when feeling depressed. Treating Your Child Studies have shown that a combination of talk therapy especially cognitive behavioral therapy and medication is the best treatment for depression in adults. Yet more research on the effectiveness of these types of treatments for children and adolescents is needed. Some studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy can relieve depression in adolescents. However use of medication has caused recent controversy. Currently only Prozac has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for depression in children and adolescents. The FDA has recently issued guidelines indicating that, for some teenagers, treatment with an antidepressant causes suicidal thoughts or actions, or makes these thoughts or actions worse. Know the Warning Signs of Depression Look for changes in behavior, such as: school performance sleeping eating mood swings crying angry outbursts So follow-up medical care and being aware of warning signs in your child is always recommended. Signs like talk of suicide must always be taken seriously, and require the help of a mental health professional immediately. offers inpatient adolescent treatment services and intensive outpatient treatment programs for adolescents between 13 and 17 years of age. Our specialized care includes teen-focused therapy groups, psychiatric assessment, study hall and tutoring, and referral to after-discharge counseling facilities. Clinical evaluation and crisis intervention is available 24 hours a day for emergencies. For more information on these programs call talk of hopelessness inactivity lower energy level not socializing not interacting with others A Strategy For Depression The best strategy for parents who are worried about their child is to seek a mental health professional. A family doctor or pediatrician can refer families to the appropriate person, and emergency room evaluations may be necessary in some cases. The right treatment can help lead to improvement at school, and in interaction with friends and family it could even save a life. For more information about depression in children and adolescents visit or 6

7 One Program Has Breast Cancer Patients Looking Good and Feeling Better, the American Cancer Society and the National Cosmetology Association work together to offer a fantastic program called Look Good Feel Better. This program was developed to help offset the appearancerelated side effects women often experience while undergoing breast cancer treatment. Breast cancer has a major impact on the physical and emotional health of women. Approximately 215,990 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 40,110 women died of this disease in 2004 (American Cancer Society, 2004). When a woman is diagnosed with localized breast cancer, she has the option of a mastectomy or lumpectomy plus radiotherapy as the primary choice of treatment. In addition, she may need adjuvant chemotherapy treatment and/or hormonal therapy, depending on the stage and hormone receptor status of the disease. Although chemotherapy and radiation are two common forms of treatment for breast cancer, they are not without side effects. These vary based on the type and length of treatment. Some women may experience hair loss and weak nails from chemotherapy, or skin reactions from radiotherapy, as a result of treatment. Treating the Whole Patient Under the guidance of a certified cosmetologist, women come to Look Good Feel Better to learn how to care for their skin and nails, which may have experienced some changes. They learn make-up application techniques that are specific to their possible skin changes. For women who experience hair loss, this program offers advice on wigs, hairpieces, hats and scarves. What s more, in a friendly, comfortable environment, it allows them to interact with experts and other women who may be having some of the same experiences. We re proud of our Look Good Feel Better program and our many other medically advanced, comprehensive patient services for the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer. Our multi-disciplinary approach to breast cancer care continues to put our patients and their families first by remarkable care remarkably close to home. The next Look Good Feel Better class is scheduled for Monday, March 7th, 10 a.m.-noon and on Monday, June 13. For more information or to register for the program call Advanced registration is required. FOR A FREE PHYSICIAN REFERRAL, CALL Spring

8 Looking for a Doctor? offers a free 24-hour referral service that helps you find the physician or specialist that best suits your needs. You can get information on specific physicians, such as their medical training, office locations and more. Call us at Important Numbers for Main Number Health and Wellness Employment Center Foundation Office Center for Cardiac & Vascular Research CCVR (2287) If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please contact us via mail or phone:, Mary Nanson, Privacy Official, 7600 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912, Copyright 2005, SILVER SPRING 16th St. Colesville Rd. Georgia Ave. Sligo Creek Pkwy. Philadelphia Ave. Exit 29 University Blvd. Maple Ave. Maplewood Ave. H 1. CUC Gym/Pool 2. Hospital 3. Lisner Building 4. Conference Center 5. Professional Building 6. Sligo Church 7. HMS Richards Hall 8. Morrison Hall 9. Long Branch Community Center P. Free Parking WHITE OAK Piney Br anch Rd. Flower Ave. Carroll Ave. Exit 28 New Hampshire Ave. LANGLEY PARK Riggs Rd. East-West Hwy. Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter. Each ehealth Advisor is full of health tips, news and information on upcoming events at Washington Adventist Hospital. Visit and sign up today. HYATTSVILLE For a free physician referral, call or visit Carroll Avenue Takoma Park, MD Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Rockville, MD Permit No. 2064