Shine - Methodist Health System

YO U R H E A LT H Y L I VI N G M AG A Z I N E FALL 2 016

They call it

PUPPY LOVE

Pet therapy makes a difference at Methodist

Make GAME DAY a win for your health Try these recipes!

Stretch it out

What to do when back pain cramps your work day

Don’t fall for fall allergies >>PATIENT STORY

RISING ABOVE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Corey Dooley has a bright future, thanks to Methodist Dallas’ trauma team

4 ways to control your symptoms

CONTENTS

FALL 2016

INSIDE & ONLINE

p. 18

SHINE (Vol. 6, Issue 3) is published quarterly as a community service for the friends and patrons of METHODIST HEALTH SYSTEM, P.O. Box 655999, Dallas, TX 75265, telephone 214-947-4600, MethodistHealthSystem.org. To unsubscribe, please email [email protected]. Stephen L. Mansfield, PhD, FACHE President and CEO, Methodist Health System

Begin your day the right way Back-to-school time is busy, but you can get your crew going with these delicious breakfast ideas.

Martin L. Koonsman, MD, FACS President, Methodist Dallas Medical Center Stacy Covitz Assistant Vice President External Relations, Methodist Health System Calvert Collins-Bratton Manager Public Relations, Methodist Health System Sarah Cohen Publication Specialist/Editor, Methodist Health System The information presented in this magazine should be viewed for general purposes only and should not be construed as prescribed medical advice. Please consult your private physician for further information or evaluation. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff, including those being referenced in the articles contained in this publication, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals. Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups are owned and operated by MedHealth and are staffed by independently practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth. The physicians and staff who provide services at these sites are not employees or agents of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals. The physicians practicing at The Liver Institute at Methodist Dallas and those providing services in connection with the kidney and pancreas transplant program at Methodist Dallas Medical Center are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals. Methodist Hospital for Surgery and Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital are independent legal entities separate from Methodist Health System and Methodist Hospitals of Dallas. Methodist Urgent Care is an independent legal entity separate from Methodist Health System and its affiliated hospitals. The physicians and other personnel providing care at the Methodist Urgent Care locations are employed by Methodist Urgent Care and are not employees or agents of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals. Methodist Southlake Hospital is an independent legal entity separate from Methodist Health System, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Richardson Medical Center, or any other affiliated institution. Developed by StayWell. 2016 © StayWell, Inc. All rights reserved.

TO YOUR HEALTH 14 | Best for your breasts Get advice on the best bra fit and learn the pros and cons of having a double mastectomy. 31 | Back to school with diabetes Learn how to team up with your child and his school for effective diabetes management.

46 | Fazed by fall allergies? Try these tips for treating the seasonal troublemakers.

FEATURES 9 | Game-day get-togethers Don’t fumble on game day. Make one of these tasty and healthy recipes!

20 | They call it puppy love Pet therapy dogs visit two Methodist hospitals to provide comfort and love.

PATIENT STORIES 28 | Strength and resilience Corey Dooley has a bright future after Methodist Dallas’ trauma team saved his life. 32 | Making up for lost time A new kidney brings an end to 24 years of dialysis treatment for Cesar Duran.

p. 6

6 steps to finding a doctor right for you.

Do a 180 for your heart Let’s face it — there are some things you cannot change, like your shoe size or the weather or even rush-hour traffic. Fortunately, that isn’t the case when it comes to your heart disease risk. Mark A. Thompson, MD, cardiologist on the medical staff at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, says you can actually reduce your heart disease risk by doing these four things: 1 Take control of diabetes. “Diabetes is considered to be inappropriate handling of blood sugar,” Dr. Thompson says. “Your body puts sugar into other parts of the body, where it crystalizes and becomes incorporated into the fabric of arteries, nerves, and other organs. If you can improve the way your body handles blood sugar, you take away that effect and allow those tissues to work better.” Plus, you’ll cut your risk of developing heart disease in half! 2 Break the habit. Smoking cigarettes raises your blood pressure, deprives your heart and arteries of oxygen, and damages your blood vessels, among other dangers. But within one year of quitting smoking, your heart disease risk drops 50 percent and continues to lessen over time. 3 Maintain a healthy weight. Many factors lead to weight gain, including poor diet and too little exercise. But losing even 10 percent of your body weight and maintaining that loss for two years can reduce your heart disease risk. 4 Get moving. “The heart is like a machine in that it needs to be constantly used or it loses its ability,” Dr. Thompson says. You can build your “cardiac reserve,” as Dr. Thompson calls it, by getting 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise three or four times a week. Additional source: American Heart Association

>>WHAT’S HARMING YOUR HEART?

Head to Answers2.org/Heart for our quick Heart Health Risk Assessment. You’ll learn which factors are putting your heart most at risk and next steps to take.

now online ON OUR BLOG Answers.MethodistHealthSystem.org Breast cancer and its genetic link Allison DiPasquale, MD, breast surgical oncologist on the medical staff at Methodist Charlton Medical Center, debunks myths and offers clear information about the role genetics might play in your health. Read more at Answers.MethodistHealthSystem. org/Genetics-and-Breast-Cancer. A dog, not a diamond, is a girl’s best friend Pet therapy is something pet owners can experience every day. Dog-lover and Assistant Vice President of External Relations Stacy Covitz shares her experience at Answers.Methodist HealthSystem.org/Pet-Therapy.

WE’RE ALSO ON /MethodistHealthSystem /MethodistDallas /MethodistCharlton /MethodistMansfield /MethodistRich /MethodistHealth @mhshospitals @methodistdallas @methodistcharl @methodistmans @methodistrich /MethodistHealthDFW

/MethodistHealthSystem /+MethodistHealthDFW

DOWNLOAD OUR APP! Read the mobile version of Shine easily through our new app, available for Apple and Android devices.

CHECK ON YOUR BACK Back and neck pain are nothing to ignore. Our free online Back and Neck Health Risk Assessment can help you decide if seeing a doctor is your best next step. Visit Answers2. org/Back-and-Neck today.

NEWS

More room for

bundles of joy How Methodist Richardson’s new Level II nursery will help even more little ones and their families An exciting new addition is coming to the fourth floor of Methodist Richardson Medical Center — a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that’s poised to offer little ones a smoother transition from hospital to home. Since 2014, Methodist Richardson has been home to a Level III NICU and a Level I step-down nursery. Adding the new Level II nursery will make care more seamless for families with infants recovering after premature birth or other illnesses. Harold Magee, MSN, RN, manager of children’s services, shares more about what the new nursery means for families at Methodist Richardson. SHINE: What is the difference between Level II and Level III care? H.M.: Level III care is for newborns who need a high level of nursing care, including ventilator support. Level II care is required once the newborn has transitioned off the ventilator but still requires intensive care by a trained NICU nurse. Level II will now help prepare a transition to Level I care and discharge home. SHINE: How many infants will the expanded NICU accommodate? H.M.: We’ll be adding 12 Level II beds, which will increase our combined number of Level II and Level III NICU beds to 20. SHINE: How does the additional space enhance care? H.M.: On any given day, we usually have a higher Level II patient population than Level III, and this new unit will help better accommodate these patients and help us avoid having to transfer our babies to another facility because of full beds. We never want to separate our moms from their babies if it is not absolutely necessary.

4 | SHINE | FALL 2016

>>SPECIAL CARE FOR MOM AND BABY Learn more about delivering at Methodist Richardson by visiting MethodistHealthSystem.org/ RichardsonWomens.

Methodist Family Health Centers

20 years of service. 26 locations and counting. Methodist Family Health Centers have 26 convenient locations across the Metroplex staffed by board-certified physicians. Backed by the strength of Methodist Health System, you can rest assured your health is in good hands.

Find your physician at MethodistFamilyCare.com or call today 214-947-0033

Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups are owned and operated by MedHealth and staffed by independently practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth. The physicians and staff who provide services at these sites are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or any of its affiliated hospitals.

SMART CHOICES

AT A TIME

ONE STEP A GREAT WAY TO FIND A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER

6 | SHINE | FALL 2016

P

W

hether you are right out of college looking for your first primary care provider (PCP), recently moved to a new area, or are just looking to switch doctors, putting in the legwork to find a good match is invaluable. “In the long run, it’s worth it to put in the time up front to find the right PCP to see you through all aspects of your health,” says Ming Yang Bi, MD, family medicine physician at Methodist Breckinridge Family Medical Group. Consider these steps to simplify your search for a new provider.

STEP ONE

Define your search criteria

Pinpoint which factors are most important to you. When Lillian Lockhart, Methodist Health System’s new manager of digital communications, moved to Dallas last December and needed a new PCP, she knew she wanted a female physician within Methodist’s network of providers, but she also wanted a practice near her office at Methodist Dallas Medical Center in Oak Cliff. Not sure which criteria to consider? Start with these: • Gender — Are you more comfortable with a male or a female? • Age — Young PCPs have recent

training, while older ones have years of experience. • Location — Is close to home or the workplace more convenient? • In-network — Confirm coverage with your insurance provider. • Office hours — Do you need appointments outside normal business hours?

STEP Do your research TWO Most people will start by getting a list of in-network providers from their insurance carrier. Once a working list exists, it’s time for research. The internet or a find-aphysician hotline will be helpful resources. continued on the next page >>

After moving to Dallas, Methodist’s new manager of digital communications, Lillian Lockhart, went to one of her favorite places — the internet — to start her search for a new physician.

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ONE STEP AT A TIME continued from the previous page

“I’m most comfortable doing internet searches for providers,” Lillian says. “That way I can quickly look through a lot of information.” STEP

THREE

Check their qualifications and affiliations

By this point, you have a narroweddown list of PCPs who fit with your personal preferences, lifestyle, and insurance company. Now it’s time to consider their qualifications. Lillian knew she wanted a board-certified family medicine physician, but you may be just as comfortable choosing a certified nurse practitioner who works under the supervision of a physician. Also worth considering is if you want a PCP who is affiliated with a particular hospital. Those connections help streamline your care for any exams or procedures you might need down the road.

STEP FOUR

See if you like their medical practice

Taking some time to learn about a PCP’s staff, office policies, and services will help narrow down your list even more. A good place to start is the practice’s website, which will tell you how technology plays a role in the practice. For example, is there a patient portal through which you can access your medical records or schedule appointments, and is the doctor available via email? Healthcare is a team sport, so evaluate the staff, too. Are the receptionists and nurses friendly, helpful, and efficient when you call? Find out how long patients typically spend in the waiting room. Accessibility is another factor. Well-established, popular physicians may have fewer appointments, while lesser-known physicians can typically see you sooner. 8 | SHINE | FALL 2016

Q: What does ‘board certified’ mean? A: Board certification demonstrates a physician’s exceptional expertise in a particular specialty or subspecialty of medical practice. It requires rigorous testing, peer evaluation, and periodic recertification. STEP FIVE

Discover the PCP’s personality

It’s common practice for PCPs to take introductory phone calls from potential patients, and this is a perfect way to get to know them better. Here are some questions to consider: • Do you want a PCP who is laid-back and intuitive or more formal and calculated? • How does the PCP view the provider-patient relationship? Is it a partnership? • What is the PCP’s philosophy about medicine? Does he or she prioritize medications over holistic approaches?

STEP SIX

Choose your physician

Lillian Lockhart (right) wanted a board-certified family medicine physician who was female and had an office near her workplace in Oak Cliff. Irene Olabode, DO, at Methodist Family Health Center – Kessler Park (left) was a perfect fit.

PCPs vary widely in their practice styles and personalities, but with the right amount of research and patience, you’ll find your match. Lillian’s search paid off when she found Irene Olabode, DO, at Methodist Family Health Center – Kessler Park.

“My health is a priority to me, so finding a go-to medical provider is such a relief,” Lillian says. “In my search, I found a lot of great, highly qualified PCPs, but Dr. Olabode seems like she will be the best fit for me.” •

>>FIND A PHYSICIAN AT METHODIST

To find a PCP at one of our 26 Methodist Family Health Center and Medical Group locations, visit MethodistFamilyCare.com.

a win make it

for your health Fall sports are upon us, and with them come all sorts of food-focused festivities. Be it Friday night lights, college game tailgating, or NFL parties, the food and drinks will be abundant — and odds are, we’ll eat an abundance of them!

GAME DAY continued from the previous page

A LITTLE GAME-DAY SPLURGE MAY SEEM HARMLESS, BUT HERE’S THE RUB: It not only undoes all the healthy choices you made during the week, but also puts your health at risk. In a word, fumble. “Overindulging on junk food on the weekends wreaks havoc on the body,” says Hector E. Nazario, MD, chief of the division of hepatology at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. He is also a gastroenterologist and hepatologist with The Liver Institute at Methodist Dallas. “It is common to see increased heartburn, disrupted bowel movement patterns, surges of insulin and hormones, raised blood pressure, and decreased liver function.” Gathering around food for sporting events is an American pastime, but there are healthier ways to do it. Here’s Dr. Nazario’s game-day playbook to protect your health.

Ramp up your exercise routine When you know you’ll be indulging, make time beforehand to fit in a longer-than-normal workout or challenge your body with a different routine, like swimming laps instead of hitting the elliptical machine.

Have a weekend weigh-in When you are watching your weight, it’s common to jump on the scale during the week and follow a dedicated menu. Come the weekend, discipline seems to fall by the wayside. Add in a weekend or Monday morning weigh-in to keep yourself motivated.

Have a plan

Bring a healthy dish

Knowing your food craving weaknesses Sometimes the easiest way to eat is key to navigating temptations. healthier at a gathering is to bring Indulge without overindulging by a treat that can be enjoyed with less balancing with healthier options. guilt. If that’s not an option, pack For example, if the buffalo wings a few smart snacks to nosh on. are your Achilles’ heel, decide to Recipe on next eat a few celery sticks or carrots Know the risks page! for every wing you have. The It’s important to remember same concept works for that choosing healthier options beverages. For every sugary or or being mindful of your portions alcoholic beverage, have a glass of water. isn’t just about the number on the scale. Our bodies have real, immediate responses to Don’t come hungry overindulging. This may be the cardinal rule when “The short-term symptoms — it comes to eating in moderation. “It’s acid reflux, bloating, raised blood a common mistake to think that not pressure — are the ones we are eating much before an event to ‘save familiar with and don’t seem too calories’ will be beneficial,” Dr. Nazario scary,” Dr. Nazario says. “But says. “In fact, showing up hungry people should also be mindful of often leads to eating much more than the long-term effects, like fatty you would have if you had eaten liver, diabetes, and increased cardiac beforehand. Snack on nuts, hummus risks from hypertension, that come and carrots, or Greek yogurt and fruit from routinely making poor choices.”• to stave off hunger.”

>>FIBER IS YOUR FRIEND

One of the best things you can do for your liver is to get the right amount of fiber. Caroline Susie, RD, employee health and wellness manager at Methodist Health System, boasts about the benefits of fiber and offers some great meal tips in our answers2 blog. Visit us at Answers.MethodistHealthSystem.org/Liver-Fiber-Love-at-First-Bite. 10 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 6

Keep the flavor, ditch the calories Try these tasty and healthy recipes at your next football get-together!

RECIPES

CLIP & SAVE

SKINNY BUFFALO WINGS AND BUTTERMILK BLUE CHEESE DIP Recipe courtesy of John Phillips, FACHE, president of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center Preparation time: 15 to 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes | Number of servings: 4 INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

Buttermilk blue cheese dip 1/3 cup low-fat buttermilk 1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese 3 teaspoons lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 Make the buttermilk blue

Wings 2 pounds of chicken wings 3/4 cup Frank’s® RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or other favorite sauce), plus more for serving 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth 3 large ribs of celery, cut into dipping-size sticks Cooking spray

cheese dip first by combining all ingredients in a blender. Set aside in the refrigerator. 2 Preheat oven broiler to 500 degrees. Place the wings in a large pot, and fill the pot with water until wings are covered in water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and continue to boil for 10 minutes. Drain. 3 Meanwhile in a medium bowl, combine the hot sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and broth. Set aside. 4 Transfer wings to a baking sheet that has been lightly coated with cooking spray, and broil the wings 5 to 6 inches from the top of the oven until the skin begins to blister and brown, about

5 minutes. Turn the wings over and broil until cooked through, another 5 minutes. Watch the wings carefully once they’re under the broiler, as they will brown quickly. 5 Remove wings from oven. Using tongs, add wings to the bowl of sauce and stir to evenly coat. Transfer the wings back to the baking sheet, drizzle with the remaining sauce, and toss well to coat. 6 Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn the wings over and broil an additional 1 to 2 minutes. 7 Serve the wings with extra hot sauce on the side, celery sticks, and the buttermilk blue cheese dip.

NUTRITION INFORMATION Wings: Serving size: 5 to 6 wings. Amount per serving: 434 calories; 152 calories from fat; 16.8g total fat; 4.7g saturated fat; 202mg cholesterol; 2,269mg sodium; 0.4g total carbohydrates; 65.8g protein Dip: Serving size: 1/4 cup. Amount per serving: 159 calories; 126 calories from fat; 14g total fat; 4.7g saturated fat; 13mg cholesterol; 324mg sodium; 4.4g total carbohydrates; 2.3g sugars; 4.3g protein

Methodist Mansfield President John Phillips, FACHE, shows off his delicious skinny buffalo wings. Check out the recipe above!

EDAMAME HUMMUS WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS Preparation time: 10 to 15 minutes | Number of servings: 14 INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1 8-ounce package frozen edamame, cooked and thawed (about 1 cup) 1/2 cup roasted red pepper (from a 12-ounce jar, about 1/3 jar), plus two slices, diced for garnish (optional) 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons tahini (stir tahini before measuring) 1 teaspoon honey 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 2 to 3 cloves garlic 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)

1 Place all ingredients except

the paprika in a food processor fitted with a standard S-shaped cutting blade. Pulse until smooth, or about 3 to 5 minutes, until all ingredients are creamy and well blended. 2 Garnish with a few diced red peppers and a sprinkling of smoked paprika (optional). 3 Serve with crackers; toasted pita bread; corn chips; or sliced vegetables, such as cucumbers, peppers, jicama, and carrots. Spread on

sandwiches and wraps as a delicious and low-calorie substitute for mayonnaise. NUTRITION INFORMATION Serving size: 2 tablespoons. Amount per serving: 35 calories; 2g fat; 0g saturated fat; 0g trans fats; 0mg cholesterol; 154mg sodium; 3g carbohydrates; 1g sugar; 2g protein

>>DOWN FOR DELICIOUS IDEAS

For more recipes, visit our answers2 blog at Answers. MethodistHealthSystem.org, and click on “Nutrition” at the top of the page.

CLIP & SAVE

M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H S Y S T E M . O R G | 11

FALL 2016

Events

mark your calendar

Check out some of the happenings at Methodist Health System this season. Find more events and RSVP at MethodistHealthSystem.org/Events, unless otherwise noted.

HEALING AND PREVENTING COMPASSION FATIGUE: A WORKSHOP FOR CAREGIVERS Saturday, Sept. 17, 8:30 a.m. to noon Weiss Auditorium, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, 1441 N. Beckley Ave., Dallas, TX 75203 Free Professional caregivers, like doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, and police officers, aren’t the only ones who can get burned out from putting the needs of others first. Anyone caring for a child or adult can experience challenges, one of the most common being a loss of a sense of compassion. This loss is usually accompanied by numerous other reactions that can damage relationships and make life pretty miserable. In this workshop, Charles Gaby will teach simple tools that can help you recover compassion and develop the self-care needed to thrive as a caregiver. >>Reservations are required for this event. RSVP at Info.MethodistHealthSystem.org/ CompassionFatigue or by calling 214-947-0017.

OPERATION D(AD) DAY • Tuesday, Oct. 4, 6 to 8 p.m. Conference Room 12, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, 3500 W. Wheatland Road, Dallas, TX 75237 • Monday, Oct. 24, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, 2700 E. Broad St., Mansfield, TX 76063 Free For dads only! Veteran dads help fathers-to-be get ready for fatherhood in this class. Learn how to support Mom, create a positive environment for baby, adjust to life as a father, and bond with your newborn. >>Register online or by calling 214-947-7261 (Methodist Charlton) or 682-242-6366 (Methodist Mansfield).

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SHOP, EAT, DRINK, PINK! • Thursday, Oct. 6, 6 to 9 p.m. Bishop Arts District, Dallas $25 • Thursday, Oct. 20, 5 to 8 p.m. Hillside Village, 305 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104 $25 Don’t miss these events to raise awareness and funds for the early detection of breast

cancer. Your ticket gets you access to discounts and specials at participating merchants and qualifies you to win prizes. All proceeds will fund early detection programs and mammograms for those unable to afford them at the Breast Center at Methodist Charlton Medical Center. Oh, don’t forget to wear pink! >>For ticket information, visit shopeatdrinkpink.com.

FREE! BOOMER U: IF NOT NOW, WHEN? Saturday, Nov. 12, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Weiss Auditorium, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, 1441 N. Beckley Ave., Dallas, TX 75203 Free What are your dreams and goals? Stop wishing and start doing! Now is the time to make those changes, whether it is a new career, new hobby, new exercise, or new love. >>RSVP at Info.MethodistHealthSystem. org/BoomerU or by calling 214-947-0017.

HOLLY DAYS Saturday, Nov. 12, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, 2700 E. Broad St., Mansfield, TX 76063 Complete your holiday shopping and support Methodist Mansfield at this annual event. Shop from a variety of unique gifts, including home decor, clothing, jewelry, and baked goods. Plus, get your photo taken with Santa between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.!

Help for managing diabetes Methodist Dallas Medical Center 1441 N. Beckley Ave. Dallas, TX 75203

DIABETES EDUCATION WORKSHOP Fourth Saturday of the month, 10:30 a.m. to noon Weatherford Conference Room (off the main entrance lobby) >>For more information, contact Stacie Anderson at 214-947-2521 or [email protected].

DIABETES CLASS Last Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Room 203 or 204 (in the Hitt Building; call ahead to verify) This class is open to people with prediabetes or diabetes and features different speakers covering ways to prevent and manage diabetes. Guests enjoy a free catered lunch and free handouts and product samples. Registration is required. >>For more information, contact Julie Sadler at 214-947-6762 or [email protected]. Methodist Charlton Medical Center 3500 W. Wheatland Road Dallas, TX 75237

LEARN HOW TO MANAGE YOUR DIABETES Second Tuesday of the month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Conference Room 4 We’ll cover the basics of diabetes and the importance of diet and lifestyle in management of the disease. Attendees will receive education kits and healthy snacks! >>For more information, contact Alicia Bell at 214-947-6671 or [email protected].

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP Third Thursday of the month, 3 to 5 p.m. Auditorium This class is for diabetes patients who also struggle with heart disease. >>For more information, contact Cindy Melis at 214-947-9496 or [email protected].

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center 2700 E. Broad St. Mansfield, TX 76063

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP Second Thursday of the month, 7 to 8 p.m. Classroom C This class is hosted by the Tarrant County Diabetes Collaboration and features different speakers each session. >>For more information, call 682-622-7132 or email [email protected].

DIABETES EDUCATION CLASS Third Tuesday of every other month, 3 to 5 p.m. Conference Room C October’s topic is “Maintaining Your Emotional Health With Diabetes.” >>For more information, call 682-622-7132 or email [email protected]. Methodist Richardson Medical Center 2831 E. President George Bush Highway Richardson, TX 75082

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP First Tuesday of every other month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pavilion Room 200 >>For more information, contact Angela R. Appling at 469-204-6962 or [email protected].


WOMEN’S HEALTH

What’s best for your breasts? From the right bra to the right approach to breast cancer prevention and treatment, there are many ways to look out for your breasts. Read on to learn about: • When a woman should consider a double mastectomy • How a new procedure is pinpointing cancer treatment • Tips for picking the perfect sports bra • Upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

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>>FREE BRA FITTINGS! Methodist Charlton Women’s Imaging Center has partnered with Dillard’s to offer free bra fittings once a month at mammography appointments. Just in time for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can schedule your mammogram and fitting by calling 214-947-5490 today.

For the ‘girls’: A good bra is all about the fit

W

hen shopping for bras, few women think about their ligaments, but that’s exactly what they should be thinking about. Bras aren’t just about looking pretty. They serve a very real purpose: support. Tiny internal suspensory ligaments carry the weight of the breasts, but over time, these ligaments begin to strain and break down. A properly fitted bra can not only support the breasts but also slow down the effects of gravity. Linda J. Hendrix, a foundation fit specialist who often works with the Methodist Charlton Medical Center team, points out that a properly fitting bra can reduce:

5. There’s minimum pressure when a thumb is run under the strap.

• Back and shoulder pain • Strain on the breast tissue and ligaments • Rashes and irritation beneath the breast tissue and scarring around the tissue.

The sporty look The proper fit is just as important for sports bras. Sports bras are classified according to three types of activities: Low impact. Look for an encapsulation sports bra that includes individual cups and little to no compression for low-impact sports, like yoga and walking. Medium impact. Try a sports bra that pulls over the head and supports the breasts with compression for sports like road cycling or hiking. High impact. This sports bra is a combination of the prior two, offering compression and encapsulation. The breasts are fully supported for the most active sports, including running. •

What to look for As Hendrix explains, when trying to find the perfect fit, check for five key features (shown in the diagram below): 1. The center core of the bra tacks or touches the skin. 2. Breast tissue doesn’t spill over the top of the cups of the bra. 3. All side breast tissue is inside the cups of the bra. 4. When the arm is raised, breast tissue doesn’t push out from the bottom of the cup.

more on the next page >>

(3) All side breast tissue is inside the cups of the bra.

(5) There’s minimum pressure when a thumb is run under the strap.

(2) Breast tissue doesn’t spill over the top of the cups of the bra.

What to look for in a bra

(1) The center core of the bra tacks or touches the skin.

5 key features

(4) When the arm is raised, breast tissue doesn’t push out from the bottom of the cup.


WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BREASTS? continued from the previous page

PREVENTING BREAST CANCER

Can a double mastectomy really help?

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hen faced with the possibility of having breast cancer, many women are considering a radical prevention technique as a very real option — a double mastectomy. A double mastectomy is the removal of both breasts. In some cases, it is a viable prevention method. “But it’s reserved for very specific situations and not a standard by any means,” explains Darshan Gandhi, MD, MBA, medical director of oncology at Methodist Charlton Medical Center. One of the most significant factors to consider is genetics. A person carrying a genetic mutation, such as the BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, or CHEK2

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gene, is at higher risk of breast cancer, whether a man or a woman. In this case, a double mastectomy may be an option in the prevention of breast cancer. Other factors that may influence a decision include cancerous cells in both breasts or abnormal biopsies from both breasts. However, before deciding on a double mastectomy, it’s also important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of such a procedure.

Advantages • No more mammograms. Because breast tissue has been removed during the procedure, there is little need for future mammograms. • Perceived peace of mind. Patients often feel relieved, believing the procedure decreases future cancer chances and allows them to live longer. Unfortunately, both

assumptions are misleading, as studies have shown that the 10-year survival rate is identical for women who undergo a breastconserving surgery compared to those who opt for a double mastectomy. Also, studies have shown the risk of getting a new breast cancer is actually much lower than what most women think. • Reconstruction. While not a medical benefit, reconstructive surgery allows for symmetry of the breasts.

Disadvantages • A lengthier surgery. A breastconserving surgery lasts 45 to 60 minutes. A double mastectomy is two to three hours. If you choose to undergo immediate reconstruction, surgery time can be upward of six to eight hours at least. • Longer hospital stay. A breastconserving surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. Patients undergoing a double mastectomy often stay in the hospital for up to four days.

SAVI SCOUT® PINPOINTS BREAST TUMORS IN MERE MINUTES • Other health risks. With a double mastectomy also comes an increased risk for blood clots in the legs; infection; blood loss; lymphedema, or swelling of the arm; and postoperative pain. • False sense of security. Some patients have the perception that once the breast is removed, the cancer will never return. Cancer can return in remaining skin or another part of the body. The risk never decreases to 0 percent. One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Talk with your physician about your family history and breast cancer risks. The better informed you are, the better decisions you can make for your overall breast health. •

Methodist Charlton Medical Center now offers SAVI SCOUT®, one of the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment. Using real-time audible and visual indicators, SAVI SCOUT allows surgical oncologists to perform lifesaving lumpectomies and excisional biopsies with accuracy, precision, and minimal scarring. “It’s basically a metal detector inside the breast,” explains Allison DiPasquale, MD, breast surgical oncologist on the medical staff at Methodist Charlton. “Using SAVI SCOUT, I can make the incision in any way I like and can specifically target the tumor while leaving practically no scars.” SAVI SCOUT employs electromagnetic waves and light as a surgical guidance system. A small micro reflector, the size of a tiny staple, is inserted into the breast at the site of the tumor. The process takes about five minutes and can be performed up to seven days in advance. The surgeon uses the SAVI SCOUT probe to scan the breast and confirm the location of the tumor by way of the micro reflector. He or she is then able to plan the incision site and, guided by the technology, accurately remove the tumor, along with the micro reflector. Now compare that to traditional surgery, which requires the patient to remain in a mammogram for close to 20 minutes while a guidewire is inserted into the breast just prior to surgery. Methodist Charlton began offering the technology earlier in the year. By midsummer, close to 20 patients had opted for SAVI SCOUT over the traditional guidance method.

>>YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A STATISTIC Annual mammograms make it easier to catch breast cancer early when it’s easiest to treat. Schedule your mammogram today at one of Methodist Health System’s convenient women’s imaging locations. Learn more at MethodistHealthSystem.org/Mammogram.

>> GO SHOPPING TO HELP OTHERS!

Awareness and early detection are key in fighting breast cancer. You can also help women who are uninsured or underinsured get the mammograms they need at Shop, Eat, Drink, PINK! events coming up on Oct. 6 and 20. Details on page 12.


5

delicious breakfast ideas from well ness coac h Julie McC ullough

HEALTHY EATING

Begin your day the right way BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON IS BUSY. WE GET IT. Early mornings lead to nonstop days chock-full of learning, soccer practices, rehearsals, and school fundraisers — and that’s just your kids’ schedule. Somewhere in there you still have to go to work, get the car washed, walk the dog, and take care of a house, not to mention yourself. All of that takes energy, and to stay energized, your body needs the right fuel. We’ve taken the guesswork out of breakfast with some simple ideas from mother of three and Methodist Health System employee wellness coach Julie McCullough. “Each of these breakfast options has a combination of carbohydrates, which your brain needs to function properly, and protein, which helps you stay fuller longer,” McCullough says. These easy meals will get you going and keep you fueled for your busy days ahead.

Perfect parfaits

1

It looks like an ice cream sundae but is much healthier and simpler to make. “My boys, ages 17, 10, and 4, start off with a cup of low-fat Greek yogurt, choose the fruit, and sprinkle granola on top,” McCullough says. For a less sugary option, swap chopped nuts and seeds for the granola.

2

Go south of the border Breakfast tacos don’t have to be only a weekend indulgence. McCullough suggests a whole-wheat tortilla, scrambled eggs, and a sprinkle of low-fat cheese as a healthy at-home alternative to this family favorite. Or try black beans topped with salsa and a couple slices of avocado.

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3

>>DIETARY DO’S AND DON’TS

Mix and match

If you have dietary restrictions, talk to your doctor about healthy alternatives to these breakfast ideas so that you can get the energy and nutrients you need. To find a physician at Methodist Health System, go to Answers2.org or call 214-947-6296.

For those mornings when you’re running late and need to grab something on the go, string cheese, an apple or grapes, and granola cereal or nuts will help you make it to lunchtime. McCullough recommends making portioned baggies of the snacks before the week starts so that they’re ready to go when you are. An added bonus: These morning snacks are easy to eat in the car.

4

Tricked-out toast Whole-wheat toast, or even waffles, with almond butter, sliced banana, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey can be big on flavor. Or step out of the “breakfast box” and dress up your toast with leftover baked chicken strips, hummus and sliced cucumbers, or low-fat cheese and thinly sliced apple.

Bunches of oats

5

Oatmeal is a classic breakfast that’s always in style. Start off with a bowl of cooked old-fashioned oats, and instead of refined sugar, McCullough suggests adding nuts and dried or fresh fruit as toppings. Swirling in peanut butter or even pureed pumpkin and a dash of pumpkin pie spice can put a delicious take on this cozy morning staple.

>>ONE MORE TIP: Meal plan

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McCullough says breakfast is too important to miss, but as a busy mom, she knows that planning is key. “Breakfast is planned the night before, because my mornings are hectic,” she says. You might even try prepping the week’s meals before Monday arrives, such as whipping up a batch of eggs for your breakfast tacos or chopping up the fruit for parfaits. “Remember, your body has been asleep for hours,” McCullough says. “The right kind of breakfast wakes your body up and gives you the energy you need to begin the day.” M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H S Y S T E M . O R G | 19

FEATURE STORY

Patient Christine Walker cuddles with Molly, an adorable dog in the pet therapy program.

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>>CUTENESS OVERLOAD! Check out a video of our therapy dogs being awesomely adorable at YouTube.com/MethodistHealthDFW.

They call it puppy love

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“

he’s so cute!” “Wow, look over there!” “Oh! So sweet!” In a hospital, cheers of delight aren’t often heard outside of the delivery room. But Methodist Mansfield Medical Center’s newest healthcare providers elicit smiles wherever they go. Max, Duke, Duchess, Molly, Choco, Lucy, and Rascal are registered therapy dogs through Paws with Partners, a local chapter of the nationwide group Pet Partners. They are trained to visit hospital patients and their families, bringing smiles and comfort during a stressful and sometimes frightening time. “I miss my dogs a lot, and even with visitors, being in the hospital can be lonely,” says patient Christine Walker while snuggling with Molly, a Maltese-schnauzer mix. “It’s nice having a dog come in and give me some comfort, some loving. I’m not a very good patient, but Molly helps.”

Making a patient’s day A friendly pet visit has both positive physical and mental health benefits. Director of the Magnet Program Laura Sweatt, MSN, RN-BC, helps oversee the Pet Therapy Program. Sweatt says in addition to lowering blood pressure and anxiety, the dogs create motivation that helps patients recover faster. “When the dogs come to patient floors, patients who have stayed in bed all day will get up and walk to their doors, wanting to see or play with the dogs,” she says. “Increasing mobility is

huge for their recovery.” Lucy, a West Highland terrier, has been a therapy dog for nearly two years. Her owner, Darlene Powell, says as a former counselor, being the owner of a therapy dog is rewarding. “One time we visited a stroke victim in a wheelchair,” Powell recalls. “I lifted Lucy up so the patient could touch her, and the woman smiled and said a word. The patient’s daughter was shocked. Apparently, it was the first time she had spoken since the stroke.”

Dogs on the job

See the next page for our all-star team. >>

Improving patients’ health is just one goal of the pet therapy program. Sweatt says the second goal is to raise the spirits of the clinicians and staff. As Choco, a Labrador mix, walked through halls and by nurses stations and break rooms, staff came from all directions to give him a hug. “No matter how stressful or tiring my day, when I see one of the dogs, my eyes light up,” says Mandi Longoria, RN. •

>>TAILS WAGGING AT TWO CAMPUSES Methodist Mansfield Medical Center may be our newest campus to offer pet therapy, but patients at Methodist Richardson Medical Center have been getting a little help from furry friends for more than 12 years. If you’d like to get involved with pet therapy at Methodist Richardson, contact Joni Reed at [email protected].


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>>SPREADING THE LOVE

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PATIENT STORY

ROBOTIC SURGERY PUTS A MOTHER OF FOUR

BACK ON TRACK When most people are diagnosed with high blood pressure, the likely culprit — like excess weight, poor diet, family history, or stress — is usually easy to identify. But in the case of 38-year-old Monique Brown, her high blood pressure didn’t appear to be caused by any of the usual suspects. >>

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“I had gestational hypertension [high blood pressure] with my third pregnancy, but was always able to control it with medication and diet,” says Monique, a Grand Prairie pharmacy technician. “But during my fourth pregnancy last winter, my blood pressure seemed to skyrocket out of control, even with medication and bed rest. Finally, I had to be induced six weeks early.” Monique’s baby girl quickly began to thrive despite the early arrival, but Monique’s blood pressure remained dangerously high. Plus, she was experiencing fatigue, weakness, and low potassium levels, prompting a

entire Methodist team was so good “toThe me during this entire situation. I highly recommend choosing Methodist to anyone who is having renal problems or who needs surgery.

”

— Monique Brown, robotic surgery patient

regulate blood pressure. The tumor on Monique’s adrenal gland, however, caused an overproduction of one of these hormones, resulting in a condition called hyperaldosteronism. After the diagnosis, Dr. Nangia

“The da Vinci system’s ability to provide the surgeon with highdefinition, 3-D vision and flexible movement is unparalleled,” says Dr. Parcells, who has performed hundreds of da Vinci procedures. “It’s especially beneficial for a procedure like an adrenalectomy, which involves some very tricky navigation around other organs. The robot’s super-precise wristed instruments give me a flexibility I just wouldn’t have otherwise.”

An easy choice and a strong recovery

referral to a nephrologist, in this case Samir Nangia, MD, on the medical staff at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. “I was very worried until Dr. Nangia said, ‘I’m not going to stop until we figure out how to fix you,’” Monique recalls. “He treated me like I was a member of his family — and it made me feel better right away.”

Da Vinci: Unparalleled precision Ultimately, Dr. Nangia diagnosed the cause of Monique’s mysterious high blood pressure as a benign tumor on her left adrenal gland. Located on top of each kidney, adrenal glands are responsible for producing important hormones, including some that

referred Monique to Jeremy Parcells, MD, general surgeon on the medical staff at Methodist Mansfield, who recommended that Monique have the troublesome adrenal gland removed with the robotic da Vinci® Surgical System. Dr. Parcells describes the minimally invasive surgical option as one that offers a range of patient benefits, including smaller incisions that result in less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries.

Monique says that the decision to have robot-assisted surgery paid off almost immediately. “When Dr. Parcells explained the surgery’s benefits, it was an easy choice to say ‘yes,’ and I’m glad that I did,” Monique says. “I was back at work and in my normal routine within a few weeks, and most important, I felt better right away. I’ve been able to stop taking several medications, and I have a lot more energy. “The entire Methodist team was so good to me during this entire situation,” she adds. “I highly recommend choosing Methodist to anyone who is having renal problems or who needs surgery.” •

>>IF THE SHOE FITS ...

Surgery with the robotic da Vinci Surgical System may be the best option for you. Learn more at MethodistHealthSystem.org/DaVinci.


PATIENT STORY

Reducing risk with a robot

I

A new tool in the fight against pancreatic cancer is now at Methodist Richardson t was a series of unrelated events, but they led to what was hopefully a lifesaving diagnosis for Jim Johnston. First came a stroke in October 2015. Then, during his recovery period, he took a tumble at a movie theater. After the fall, Jim had a nagging back pain that wasn’t getting any better. “We thank God he fell, because we may not have known about the cancer until it was too late,” says Catherine Johnston, his wife of 32 years.

Marking a milestone There was no obvious cause for Jim’s back pain, Catherine says. They ruled out what was wrong from top to bottom. A biopsy of a brain lesion came back negative; so did a thyroid biopsy. A possible lung tumor turned out to be benign, but a pancreatic biopsy came back inconclusive. That same day, Jim’s doctor referred him to hepatobiliary surgeon D. Rohan Jeyarajah, MD, FACS, on the medical staff at Methodist Health System. Suspecting pancreatic cancer, Dr. Jeyarajah recommended a complicated surgery commonly known as a Whipple, which involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, and part of the stomach and small intestine. Although Jim and Catherine immediately bonded with Dr. Jeyarajah, they wanted to be sure he was the right surgeon for them. “To be honest, we got a second opinion, and that physician said, ‘You want Dr. Jeyarajah doing this surgery,’” Catherine says. Less than a month later, Jim had the procedure at Methodist Richardson Medical Center. It was a milestone — and not just for Jim. It was also the first Whipple performed with the robotic da Vinci® Surgical System in Collin County.

How the robot helps “In effect, it’s three operations in one,” Dr. Jeyarajah says of the Whipple procedure. “That’s what makes it so challenging.” Fortunately, the robot makes it easier for surgeons and patients alike. Instead of one large incision, a robotic Whipple is minimally invasive and needs only five small incisions. Physicians get the enhanced precision and visualization afforded by the robot, while patients heal much more quickly, allowing them to move forward with other treatment therapies to fight the cancer. “Not everyone is a candidate for a robotic Whipple,” Dr. Jeyarajah says. “It must be a smaller tumor that has not spread. The patient also has to be relatively fit, because this operation does take a little bit longer.” Just six days after surgery, Jim was well enough to go home. “I told Dr. Jeyarajah, ‘If you get me through the surgery, I’ll handle the rest,’” Jim says.

No one fights alone After the Whipple procedure, Dr. Jeyarajah confirmed that Jim did, indeed, have pancreatic cancer. Though he continues his cancer battle, Jim is eager to point out that no one fights cancer alone. He credits his wife for being with him every step of the way and the family and friends who have also rallied, even throwing a surprise support party in February. Jim has faced a long cancer journey, including six months of chemotherapy and six additional weeks of radiation, but the robotic Whipple has increased Jim’s odds. “I now feel like I can handle this and that it’s going to get better,” Jim says. Smiling at Catherine, he adds: “I’d love to be around another 15 years. I’ve got to teach her how to do the taxes.” • >>FIND HOPE HERE Methodist is home to North Texas’ Pancreatic Cancer/ Whipple Support Group. Learn more by calling 214-947-1781.

Methodist Dallas Medical Center is the FIRST HOSPITAL IN THE U.S. recognized by The Joint Commission for pancreatic surgery and the FIRST IN TEXAS recognized for pancreatic cancer. Now one of its greatest assets, the robotic Whipple, is available to patients at Methodist Richardson.

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Standing

PANCREATIC CANCER: KNOW THE SIGNS

Jim Johnston gladly boasts that he did not have to fight cancer alone. His wife and family were eager to help him every step of the way, even throwing a surprise support party in February.

Pancreatic cancer recently surpassed breast cancer to become the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. It is difficult to detect — and therefore difficult to treat — because there are often no signs or symptoms until the cancer has reached advanced stages or spread to other parts of the body. Some common symptoms are: • Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) • Nausea and vomiting • Sudden weight loss and poor appetite • Belly or back pain • Swollen gallbladder or liver • Blood clots • Diabetes • Itchy skin • Dark urine.

g up against pa

“Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have pancreatic cancer,” says hepatobiliary surgeon D. Rohan Jeyarajah, MD, FACS, on the medical staff at Methodist Health System. “In fact, many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but it’s important to have them evaluated by your physician.”

ncreatic cance

>>NOVEMBER IS PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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nston h o J im J d n Catherine a

If you are experiencing any combination of the above symptoms, call 214-947-6296 or go to Answers2.org for a physician referral.


PATIENT STORY

When domestic violence tried to claim the lives of Corey (left) and Cody Dooley and their mother, Nicole Rishard, Methodist Dallas stepped in to save this family.

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Strength and resilience Corey Dooley has a bright future in football after Methodist Dallas saved his life

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n the evening of Oct. 16, 2013, Nicole Rishard and her sons, Corey and Cody Dooley, were driving home from Cody’s middle school football game. Everyone was in a good mood. Cody’s team had won, and normal banter passed between the brothers. Until they pulled into their garage. Nicole’s husband (and the boys’ stepfather), from whom Nicole had been separated for two months, snuck into the garage with a gun and began firing at the family. Two shots flew into 15-year-old Corey’s back, and as he turned to

shelter his mother from the passenger seat, two more entered his left hip. His stepfather walked around the car to take aim at Nicole, but she reversed the car just in time. The bullet meant for her head hit her arm instead. “It was a living nightmare,” Nicole remembers.

Fighting for Corey’s life The family was taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center, one of only three Level I Trauma Centers in Dallas County. Nicole was treated and discharged that night, but Corey’s chances of survival were fading fast. Michael S. Truitt, MD, FACS, trauma surgeon on the Methodist Dallas medical staff, led the trauma team that night.

The most life-threatening of Corey’s injuries was a severed artery near his pelvis. “Corey had bled to the point that he was about to die,” Dr. Truitt says. “Fortunately, just before he slipped away, we were able to clamp the artery, stop the bleeding, and replace the blood he had lost. If it hadn’t worked, there were no more options.” Corey was in a coma for four days, but when he woke, there was one thought in his mind: When can I play football again? “Football was a goal so far down the road,” Dr. Truitt says. “The first question was really, Are you going to survive? Then beyond that, How do continued on the next page >>

ONE PHYSICIAN’S PERSPECTIVE Why Methodist Health System Foundation matters “You never know when another Corey Dooley is going to roll into the trauma bay, but we’re more prepared than ever when he does.” These are the words of Michael S. Truitt, MD, FACS, trauma surgeon on the medical staff at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. Three years ago, Dr. Truitt led the team that saved Corey Dooley’s life (see “Strength and Resilience” above), but that lifesaving work now has the added support of the Charles A. Sammons Tower, which opened in 2014 and is dedicated to emergency, trauma, and critical care. This six-story, 248,000square-foot facility would not have been possible without the philanthropic efforts of Methodist Health System Foundation. “I love being able to care for people at the most critical

time in their lives and then see them not just go back to what they were doing before but excel and thrive beyond my wildest expectations,” Dr. Truitt says. “The Foundation plays a role in that.” In fact, the Foundation plays a role in dozens of programs at Methodist Dallas, providing the funds for essential personnel, equipment, and facilities. Dr. Truitt serves as program director for general surgery in the health system’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program. Between trauma surgery and GME, he has seen Foundation funds: • Improve the hospital’s skills simulation lab • Remodel the GME offices • Establish a critical care fellowship continued on the next page >>


STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE continued from the previous page

we get you out of bed and walking? The significance of his injuries really debilitated him. We had to take care of one thing at a time.” So Corey did. He leaned on the love of his family, the inspiration of his faith, and the steadfast support of his medical team. “Thank God I wasn’t at any other hospital because I feel like this was the best place for me to be,” Corey says. “Everybody just seemed like they were there to help me.”

On the field again Corey spent one week in intensive care and another two weeks recovering at Methodist Dallas before beginning the long journey of rehabilitation. But by spring, he was able to join his high school football team again, and by senior year, he was strong enough to play varsity. His performance earned him a football scholarship to Concordia University Chicago starting this fall. While Corey’s story is not a pretty one, it is a powerful one, and it’s one

had bled to the point that “heCorey was about to die. Fortunately, just before he slipped away, we were able to clamp the artery, stop the bleeding, and replace the blood he had lost. If it hadn’t worked, there were no more options.

”

— Michael S. Truitt, MD, FACS, trauma surgeon

he’s sharing to illustrate the horror that domestic violence can bring. “This has affected thousands of people, much more than my family,” he says. “It could go on to affect millions and possibly change the world.

ONE PHYSICIAN’S PERSPECTIVE continued from the previous page

• Construct the Sammons Tower, with a new emergency department and new intensive care, neurocritical care, and surgical care units that helped advance the hospital to a Level I Trauma Center. “Every area that I’m enthusiastic about and is a passion of mine has been supported wholeheartedly by the Foundation and the hospital administration,” he says. “That support is an integral part to my being successful as a surgeon and to Methodist Dallas being successful as a healthcare provider in North Texas.”

>>HOW TO HELP To lend your support to the efforts of Methodist Health System Foundation, visit Foundation.MethodistHealthSystem.org/Give.

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“Proverbs 4:25 speaks a lot to me: ‘Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.’ What lies before me is a second chance at life, and I hope to use it to help others.” •

>>OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Methodist Dallas is proud to partner with Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support to help survivors of domestic violence. Learn more about this organization at genesisshelter.org.

Safe at school: Tips for parents of kids with diabetes

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or parents of kids with diabetes, the thought of someone else managing (or mismanaging) your child’s condition during the school day can certainly cause anxiety. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to foster an effective diabetes management partnership with your child’s school. “The three key areas are monitoring, nutrition, and response,” says Saleemah Fahmi, MD, endocrinologist on the medical staff at Methodist Charlton Medical Center. A few school management tips covering all three areas are:

Be proactive and positive Though it can be challenging to start over each year with new teachers, keep a positive attitude. “You’re more likely to have a good relationship with your child’s school if you’re seen as both an advocate and a resource,” Dr. Fahmi explains.

Discuss your child’s concerns Let your child know that you and his or her teachers are in touch and that

the school knows how to help in the event of an emergency. “Talk through ‘what-if’ scenarios,” Dr. Fahmi advises. “Make sure your child knows what to do if he or she starts to feel ill or if his or her numbers get too high or low.”

Update your child’s diabetes medical management plan At the beginning of the year, sit down with your child’s school nurse and make sure everyone is on the same page regarding insulin and medication, testing, nutrition, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia management, and other important issues. “If something changes during the year, make sure the school is aware,” Dr. Fahmi says. “Clear communication will help your child get the care that’s appropriate for the current situation.”

Ask for help “If your child is having trouble managing diabetes during the school

day or if you’re facing challenges with your child’s school, consult his or her physician or the school nurse for advice or Saleemah Fahmi, MD, ideas,” endocrinologist on the Dr. Fahmi medical staff at Methodist says. “Some Charlton Medical Center school nurses have decades of experience taking care of kids with diabetes.”

Know your rights Texas law ensures that children with diabetes have access to accommodations and assistance during the school day. You can find out more by calling 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visiting diabetes.org/safeatschool. •

>>WHAT IF MOM AND DAD HAVE DIABETES?

Learn tips for taking charge of the disease in programs offered at our hospitals. Turn to page 12 or visit MethodistHealthSystem.org/Events for upcoming classes. M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H S Y S T E M . O R G | 31

PATIENT STORY

Making up for A new kidney brings an end to 24 years of dialysis for Cesar Duran

E

xceptional. It’s not a word spoken often from a physician’s mouth about his patient, but that’s exactly how Jose “Tony” Castillo-Lugo, MD, transplant nephrologist on the medical staff at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, describes Cesar Duran.

Cesar, 65, has endured a long journey with chronic glomerulonephritis, a condition that causes gradual inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys that remove excess fluid, electrolytes, and waste from the bloodstream and pass them into the urine. This condition can often lead to chronic kidney disease and, consequently, dialysis treatments.

Cesar, a Puerto Rico resident, began his treatments in January 1986 and continued until he received a kidney transplant in 1990. He immediately began antirejection medication so that his body would accept the new organ, but Dr. Castillo says he developed antibodies that caused kidney failure within two years.

A TRANSPLANT MODEL FOR SUCCESS The kidney transplant program at Methodist Dallas Medical Center is a model for success. It’s one of only 11 programs in the United States — and the only in Dallas–Fort Worth — selected as a Best Practice Model Hospital by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) for its good outcomes, even while accepting higher-risk kidneys. As a Best Practice Model Hospital, Methodist Dallas joins the Collaborative Innovation and Improvement Network (COIIN) to help kidney transplant centers nationwide have better outcomes. Through site visits and conference calls, hospitals in COIIN and UNOS representatives share effective practices and are developing a tool kit of interventions designed to impact change in kidney programs nationwide. “We are so pleased to have a chance to not only share with but also learn from other Best Practice Model Hospitals,” says Tracy Giacoma, MBA, MSN, RN, FACHE, vice president of transplant services at Methodist Dallas. “We look forward to the outcomes from this collaborative effort and the impact it will have on kidney transplant patients across the country.”

>>LEARN MORE Methodist Dallas is proud to raise the bar for transplant services in North Texas and nationwide. Learn more about the Methodist Dallas Transplant Institute at MethodistHealthSystem.org/Transplant.

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lost time Starting over Back to dialysis Cesar went, from 1992 until 2016. Three days a week for 24 years, he drove to a dialysis center to be hooked up to a machine for hours. He ultimately had to use a neck catheter because none of his other veins were accessible. In recent months, though, he grew despondent about his future. “I’ve seen more than a hundred people in dialysis with me die waiting for a new kidney, and lately, I had given up,” Cesar says. “I didn’t think they would find a kidney.” Dr. Castillo says prolonged dialysis

most often causes complications and damage to the heart. Cesar required open heart surgery in 2007 because of calcium buildup. “It’s very rare to have a patient who can survive dialysis for 24 years; it’s practically unheard of,” Dr. Castillo says. “Patients who take care of themselves and who don’t have comorbidities, like diabetes, do well.”

From failure to success Like several physicians at Methodist Dallas, Dr. Castillo sees patients in his native Puerto Rico; he first met Cesar in his clinic five years ago. continued on the next page >>

A new kidney donor allocation system allowed Cesar Duran of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to receive a second kidney transplant. Now, feeling like a new man, he can leave behind his 24 years of dialysis.


MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME continued from the previous page

A quick look at the kidney transplant program at Methodist Dallas

99%

Survival rate of patients 1 year post-transplant, which exceeds the expected rate of 97.7%

1981

The year the transplant program was started

Richard Dickerman, MD, FACS The transplant surgeon who founded the program 35 years ago — and who is still successfully performing kidney transplants today

“I feel so much better,” says Cesar Duran, here with his wife, Carmen Colón Lopez. Cesar traveled to Dallas for his second kidney transplant.

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Cesar had been on the transplant list in Puerto Rico for years, but doctors told him his antibody levels were too high for most available kidneys. Dr. Castillo, though, believed Cesar could receive a new kidney soon based on recent protocol changes. In December 2014, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network changed the rules for how patients could be ranked in priority to receive a new organ. For the first time in nearly three decades, Cesar would receive credit for the amount of time he spent on dialysis. Plus, his high antibody levels moved him up. Within a few weeks, Cesar went from being just another number to the top of the list. On Saturday, March 12, Cesar and his wife got the call saying a

perfect-match kidney had been found. “Really, I was in shock,” Cesar says. “I even asked the transplant coordinator if she was sure.” They flew to Dallas, arriving only hours before the transplant was successfully performed by transplant surgeon Richard Dickerman, MD, FACS, also on the Methodist Dallas medical staff. “The only reason Cesar got transplanted was because of the new allocation system,” Dr. Castillo says. “He is living proof it is possible to spend years on dialysis, so don’t lose hope.” Months after his transplant, Cesar believes his new kidney was worth the wait. “I was hopeful but never thought I would get another transplant, and now I feel so much better.” •

GIVING BACK

A NOVEL IDEA:

Saying

thank you service with

How a dislocated shoulder and new hip led Robyn Jones to become a Methodist volunteer


A NOVEL IDEA: SAYING THANK YOU WITH SERVICE continued from the previous page

Robyn Jones’ relationship with Methodist Richardson Medical Center is like a novel with several chapters. “My husband and I have been going to Methodist Richardson for 15 years now,” she says. “We live right on Renner Road, and the staff has always taken such good care of us. It’s always been an easy choice.”

It wasn’t until about five years ago, though, that Robyn needed Methodist Richardson in a new way: She had fallen and dislocated her shoulder. “They brought me to the emergency department and told me that I had dislocated my shoulder backward, which was harder to pop back into place,” Robyn says. “Of

After being treated for a dislocated shoulder and receiving a new hip at Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Robyn Jones was so overjoyed with her care that she decided to join the team as a volunteer.

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course, I was nervous, but I met Dr. Litke, who was on call at the time, and honestly, I couldn’t have been better taken care of.” After setting Robyn’s shoulder back into place, Diane Litke, MD, orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Methodist Richardson, helped clean up any questionable tears left behind

“Methodist had done so

much for me and for my family that I felt compelled to do something to show them how much they meant to us.”

— Robyn Jones, former patient and current volunteer

from the fall. She prescribed rehabilitation moving forward, and Robyn was all set — or so she thought.

Another chapter: A new hip In the months after the shoulder surgery, Robyn’s hip pain had become progressively worse. It was hard to walk like she used to, and she was in pain even while sitting. She knew she needed to see Dr. Litke. “Robyn came back about six months after her shoulder surgery,” Dr. Litke says. “We decided that the best approach would be a total hip replacement but through the anterior approach, which was relatively new at the time but offered the chance at a quicker recovery.” The anterior approach creates a significantly smaller incision at the front of the hip, as opposed to the side, to prevent cutting through tissue and tendons. This allows the body to heal more quickly. On April 25, 2011, Robyn went into surgery. “I was up and feeling good in just a couple of days, and on my two-week visit, I was walking!” Robyn says.

A happy ending After being given the okay to go back to life as usual, Robyn got to thinking. “Methodist had done so much for me and for my family that I felt compelled to do something to show them how much they meant to us,” she says. So with passion in her heart and giving back on her mind, Robyn decided to become a volunteer at Methodist Richardson. In her time there, she has helped direct patients to their rooms, refilled supplies, put together infant cribs, greeted patients at the Women’s Center, and even managed the main lobby (her personal favorite) by herself — all while getting in her daily step count just during the hours she was there. “I’d get almost 7,000 steps any given time I was there, and my hip didn’t hurt one bit,” Robyn says. “Honestly, I don’t even remember I had a hip replacement unless someone tells me. It’s a small part of my story at Methodist Richardson.” •

STOP JOINT PAIN BEFORE IT STARTS Whether you realize it or not, every day you put a lot of pressure and stress on your joints just with normal movements. Throw in a high-impact workout, a family history of arthritis, or a day when your 1-year-old insists on being held nonstop, and the pressure can build. Fortunately, there are two things in particular you can do to prevent joint pain from interrupting your day, says Sacheen Mehta, MD, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician on the medical staff at Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

1. WATCH YOUR WEIGHT This might seem obvious, but its importance in the health of your joints bears repeating. The more weight you put on your joints, the more stress they are under. “One of the most important things you can do for yourself is maintain a healthy weight for your height and frame,” Dr. Mehta says. Eat the right foods and strive for at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. Dr. Mehta also recommends stretching and, most important, muscle strengthening, which leads us to tip No. 2.

2. BUILD YOUR MUSCLE STRENGTH When choosing strength-training exercises, pick some that target the muscles around your joints. Keeping these muscles strong reduces joint pain most effectively: • Quadriceps for the knees • Rotator cuffs for the shoulders • Abductor muscles for the hips. “There aren’t any shortcuts when it comes to preventing joint pain, but a healthy weight and strong muscles are the most effective way to keep it from starting in the first place,” Dr. Mehta says. “That’s a far better approach than having to treat with medications, shots, and braces after joint pain sets in.”

>>IF JOINT PAIN HAS ALREADY SET IN Call 214-947-6296 or visit Answers2.org to find an orthopedic surgeon to help manage your pain.

>>SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

You can make a difference in your community by becoming a hospital volunteer. To learn more about serving at any of Methodist Health System’s four campuses, visit MethodistHealthSystem.org/Volunteer.


>>IN CASE OF AN INJURY Know where to turn if you or your child is injured? Find a Methodist Urgent Care near you at MethodistUrgentCare.com. SPORTS MEDICINE

Taking the f al HOW TO HANDLE THE SEASON’S SPORTS INJURIES

F

all sports are here, and unfortunately, for some, so are the injuries. If you do end up sidelined, it’s important to know when and where to turn for medical help. Different sports have a propensity for different injuries. While knee injuries are common in football, primarily from tackles and falls, baseball sees more shoulder injuries. Concussions are most common in soccer and football, and both basketball and soccer players bear the brunt of their injuries in the lower extremities. Whatever the sport, most injuries fit into four categories:

1. Sprains or strains are the stretching or tearing of the ligaments or muscles. They’re the most common sports injury. 2. Contusions are bruises to the muscle or bone caused by a blunt force. 3. Fractures are breaks in the bone, whether hairline or more pronounced. 4. Concussions are traumatic brain injuries usually caused by a fall or blow to the head.

Whether it’s you or your child who gets injured on the field, the first step after any injury is to get evaluated by the team coach or sports trainer or a doctor.

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Many teams have sideline trainers and doctors who can provide care on the spot. However, if the pain doesn’t subside with ice and rest, if swelling continues, or if you’re unable to put weight on an injured ankle or foot, visit your local urgent care center. Doctors caution that if you don’t pay attention to what the body is telling you, you could be at risk for not healing properly. And remember: Sitting out a game or even a season to fully heal from an injury can help you get back on the field and playing your best game that much faster. •

ER DO? IC TRAIN ith P M Y L O y Sm AN WOULD d athletic trainer Case asketball >> WHAT hea n’s b me vericks’ m USA’s Dallas Ma s for lping Tea e h r on his tip e p m u sum Rio. Read spent his in s ic p e Olym juries at es. team at th sports in rts-Injuri handling .org/Spo m e st y S h lt istHea .Method Answers

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Care you can count on, right here in Richardson. The new Children’s HealthSM and Methodist Richardson Pediatric Services brings quality pediatric care even closer to home. Located on the Methodist Richardson campus, count on two names you trust to treat a variety of conditions that require a brief hospital stay. From bacterial and viral infections to gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, we’re by your side in more ways than ever to keep your family healthy.

To learn more, visit MethodistHealthSystem.org/ChildrensHealth Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff, including those practicing at the Methodist Richardson Pediatric Unit, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System, Methodist Richardson Medical Center, or any other affiliated institution.


PATIENT STORY

N O G N I V O >M Spine surgery at Methodist Mansfield gets Arlene Steward back into a healthy retirement

I

n Arlene Steward’s home, there is one constant — that Arlene herself will be in constant motion. Sitting still is something the 4-foot10-inch retiree simply does

not do. “I’ve always been very active,” she says. “I used to horseback ride and was in gymnastics and cheerleading all through high school and college.” She played baseball, tennis, and golf and bowled regularly with her husband, Odell. In fact, every day they would take a 3-mile walk around their Grand Prairie neighborhood. Then last spring, Odell found himself holding his wife’s hand more often than before — not as a romantic gesture but to keep her from falling. “I thought I was just clumsy, but he noticed I was stumbling all over the place,” Arlene says. She was showing one of the classic signs of cervical myelopathy, a condition that could lead to paralysis if left untreated.

Seeing the signs Cervical myelopathy is damage to the cervical spinal cord from pressure. That pressure, or pinching, often results from changes to the spine after years of wear and tear. “The pressure kills spinal cells bit by bit,” says Dilip Sengupta, MD, orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, who has specialized in spine 40 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 6

surgeries since 1996. “That’s why it’s important to pick up on signs like stumbling or numbness early so we can suggest surgery before permanent damage is done.” In fact, Arlene’s first sign that something was wrong was numbness starting in January 2015. Fortunately, Dr. Sengupta intervened with spine surgery in time to save her quality of life.

Lessons with the Spine Academy Dr. Sengupta planned a decompression fusion procedure on seven of the vertebrae in Arlene’s neck and upper back to both correct the pinched spinal cord and restore proper posture to her head-neck region. “Unless she could hold the head upright, the outcome would not be good,” Dr. Sengupta says. “This was quite a major surgery.” Fortunately, Arlene had the help of Methodist Mansfield’s Spine Academy to prepare her. “The Spine Academy is a free workshop to prepare patients both mentally and physically for surgery,” says Ashley Bolen, BSN, RN-ONC, nurse navigator at Methodist Mansfield. “The program gives patients valuable information

regarding preparing their home for return after surgery and how to prepare for the day of surgery. We also discuss what to expect while here at the hospital and give patients a tour of our brand-new surgical unit.” Arlene has one word to describe the Spine Academy: awesome. “Nothing was a surprise because they had explained the whole process to me,” she says. The program also gave Arlene the opportunity to make arrangements for staying at a rehabilitation hospital after her surgery. Otherwise, in true Arlene fashion, she’d be too tempted to try to run around her home cooking and cleaning instead of focusing on physical therapy and recovery.

On the mend The surgery on Monday, Jan. 18, was a success for Arlene, and within weeks, she and Odell were back to their daily walks — albeit at first with the help of a walker. Arlene says she’s glad she did what was needed to correct her neck and back issues, and she can already see an improvement. “I’m still in the recovery period, but as far as I can see, the more I move, the better I am,” Arlene says. “The success is beautiful.” •

>>TAKE NOTE OF NUMBNESS

Numbness in the limbs and stumbling are often signs of a spine issue. For a physician referral, call 888-222-BACK (888-222-2225) or visit Answers2.org/Shine-Spine.

> > > > > UP Arlene Steward feels like a new woman after a successful spine surgery at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center.


Stretch it out Easy exercises to give your back and neck relief

It’s a typical Wednesday afternoon. You feel a sharp pain in your back, a dull ache in your wrist, or maybe a crick in your neck. You look up at the clock and realize you’ve been sitting at your desk for four hours — without a break. Those long stretches at your desk are a lot more dangerous than you might think — and not because you’ve barely burned any calories. “Sitting for too long makes your muscles get stiff and causes you to keep tension in your shoulders, neck, and back,” says Ginnie

Emmott, supervisor of Methodist Dallas Medical Center’s Folsom Fitness and Rehabilitation Center. She says workers should get moving for five minutes every hour. “That’s important for joint lubrication, improving blood circulation, and mental stress relief.” Can’t get away from your desk? Here Emmott demonstrates some simple stretches you can even do while on a conference call — just maybe not a video chat.

ROTATE YOUR TORSO. With one leg on the floor and the other crossed over it, rotate your torso and look in the opposite direction of the crossed leg. Don’t look or turn further than your shoulder.

GIVE IT A PUSH. If you have minor back pain, twisting could aggravate the problem. Sit with feet on the floor, leaning forward slightly. Clasp your hands and push your arms away from your body.

LEAN IN AND LOOK UP. While standing, put your hands on the small of your back. Gently push forward, looking up at the ceiling in front. Be careful not to pull your neck back.

ELBOWS OUT! Standing or sitting, put your hands behind your head and gently pull your elbows backward.

NECK STRETCH. Slowly turn your head, though not past your shoulder. Slowly face front again, and tilt your head down to the side.

GET A LEG UP. Put one leg on the floor, the other straight ahead, and arms on the armrests. This stretches your leg while working your core. A strong core is a good way to fight back pain. Option: Rotate your ankle or move your leg up and down for increased blood flow.

: ANT ORT

each Hold h for tc stre onds. c 10 se IMP

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>>CHECK YOUR BACK

If your back and neck are giving you bigger problems than a few stretches can fix, take our quiz at Answers2.org/Back-and-Neck to see if it’s time to visit the doctor.

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INSIDE THE OR

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ou might feel lucky if you’ve never needed to be in an operating room (OR). But for the surgical staff at Methodist Health System, they feel pretty lucky to get to work in ORs as nice as ours. Here Joshua Ast, BSN, RN, CNOR, surgery nurse manager at Methodist Richardson Medical Center, takes us on a tour of the technology that helps them care for patients safely, efficiently, and expertly. 1. Spacious rooms accommodate larger OR teams and all necessary equipment. Overhead booms suspend equipment, leaving more floor space, as well. 2. Four high-definition monitors give surgeons close-up views of the surgical site and imaging test results.

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3. OR tables can hold up to 1,000 pounds and be raised or lowered to accommodate the surgeon’s height. One room at Methodist Richardson has the Maquet YUNO OTN modular operating table, ideal for orthopedic procedures. 4. The Stryker® Neptune® Suction System is the gold standard in suction, helping to remove excess fluid from the operating site and giving the surgeon a cleaner site for operating. With five suction points in the room, this tool does its job without getting in the surgeon’s way. 5. The robotic da Vinci® Surgical System gives surgeons enhanced vision and precision during minimally invasive robotic procedures. 6. This anesthesia ventilator and cart with disposable anesthetic equipment provide everything needed to keep patients sedated and comfortable during surgery.

7. We’ve gone green with these hazardous waste disposal containers. A granulated material inside neutralizes unused drugs, reducing their harm to the environment. 8. Every room has at least two LED lights, each containing 120 bulbs. They cast no shadow, so the surgeon has unobstructed light during procedures. 9. Sanitation is tantamount in ORs. Seamless floors prevent bacteria growth between panels, and every room has positive air pressure ventilation, keeping room air fresh and clean. UV technology also helps with disinfection. 0. 1 The Omnicell® Medication Management System is like a portable pharmacy, with any medications the staff might need during a procedure. • M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H S Y S T E M . O R G | 43

Living out our mission Methodist Southlake Hospital is officially open! On Tuesday, May 17, Methodist Health System officially took ownership of the Forest Park Medical Center at Southlake, now called Methodist Southlake Hospital. The 142,000-square-foot hospital features 54 private inpatient rooms; 10 family suites; six intensive care rooms; and 12 advanced, fully integrated operating suites. Learn more at MethodistSouthlake.com. >>WHAT’S NEW AT METHODIST We’re always looking for ways to bring new technology into our hospital. Follow us on social media to see the latest ways we’re growing and advancing to serve you.

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ: Summit High School’s Teen Leadership

students helped newborns get a head start on literacy by donating more than 250 new children’s books to the Read to Me program at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. Proudly accepting the donation from the students are (from left) Amanda Truelove, RN; Tonya Tippens, RN; and Mandy Longoria, RN.

SIMPLY THE BEST! Methodist Mansfield Medical Center directors celebrate being named the Best Hospital and Best Maternity Ward by the Focus Daily News 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards and the Living Magazine Best of Arlington and Mansfield Readers’ Choice Awards. Both publications’ awards were based on votes from readers and members of the community. Methodist Mansfield has been honored five consecutive years by the Focus Daily News.

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ART WITH HEART: Methodist Mansfield Medical Center has partnered with Mansfield ISD for the Art with Heart program to highlight the talents of art students. Each month, a different school’s artwork is featured in a gallery inside the Amon G. Carter Foundation Heart and Vascular Center. Shown above are Legacy High School’s art pieces on display in June. Studies have shown that art creates a sense of peace for patients and family members. TEDDY BEAR HAS A BOO-BOO? Methodist Richardson

Medical Center celebrated the opening of Children’s HealthSM and Methodist Richardson Pediatric Services with a Teddy Bear Clinic this spring. Doctors and nurses made sure each child’s favorite doll or stuffed animal got a clean bill of health. The Teddy Bear Clinic was a great way to introduce families to the hospital in a friendly, safe environment. Our littlest guests enjoyed an afternoon of fun that included face painting, balloon animals, and a photo op with characters from Shrek thanks to Wylie High School’s theater program!

Celebrating our tiniest patients For 20 years, Methodist Dallas Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit staff has welcomed former patients and their families back to the hospital for a special Preemie Party. This year, dozens of our youngest patients returned for a carousel ride and petting zoo on the Folsom Fitness and Rehabilitation Center lawn just north of the main hospital. More than 200 people came for the princess and super hero–themed event on Saturday, July 2. It was a wonderful way to reunite these families with their child’s first caregivers.

METHODIST CHARLTON CELEBRATES PASTORS FOR 8TH YEAR: More than 200 local

clergy attended Methodist Charlton Medical Center’s eighth annual Pastor Appreciation Luncheon on April 21. Among those attending are (from left) Methodist Health System Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Pam Stoyanoff, MBA, CPA; Methodist Foundation President and CEO April Box, CFRE; the Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, DMin, Friendship-West Baptist Church; Methodist Charlton President Fran Laukaitis, MHA, BSN, RN, FACHE; Methodist President and CEO Stephen L. Mansfield, PhD, FACHE; and Methodist Vice President Pastoral Services the Rev. Caesar Rentie.


Fazed by fall allergies?

Consider these approaches to treating the seasonal troublemakers

>>HAVE AN ALLERGY-FREE AUTUMN

Find a physician to help you manage your fall allergy symptoms at Answers2.org or by calling 214-947-6296.

So you made it through the spring and summer allergy seasons and thought you were in the clear? Not so fast! While spring and summer are known for tree and grass allergies, weeds come out to play in fall. If you’re like millions of other Americans, you might be wondering how you’ll make it through another round of sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat, runny nose, and sinus pressure. “Not only can these symptoms make you miserable, but they can also complicate other chronic conditions,” says Srividya Sridhara, MD, allergy and immunology physician on the medical staff at Methodist Richardson Medical Center. “For example, if you have asthma, breathing becomes even more difficult when air passages are irritated by allergens. Asthma can be 46 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 6

quite debilitating for people with allergies and needs to be controlled.” The good news is that there are things you can do to help control your allergies and asthma. The bad news is that you might be missing out on the ideal treatment for you. Here are some options an allergist might suggest.

Avoiding peak pollination times From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., pollen is at its worst. Consider staying inside during those times to cut down on your exposure. If you have to be outside, you could try wearing a face mask that filters out most allergens (look for N-95 approval from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).

Taking over-thecounter medications These are great when you need them, but they’re not

recommended for long-term use because they lose effectiveness and can have side effects. Look for antihistamines like cetirizine hydrochloride (marketed as Zyrtec®) or fexofenadine (Allegra®), for example. Also, nasal steroid sprays can help with congestion.

Considering prescription medications Antihistamines levocetirizine (marketed as Xyzal®) and other agents like montelukast sodium (marketed as Singulair®) and prescription nasal steroid sprays are great alternatives to the over-the-counter allergy medicines and can be better options for some people, Dr. Sridhara says. They may also lose effectiveness with long-term use as your body builds up a tolerance to the medication, so you should avoid taking them year-round and use

them for the shortest amount of time needed to control your allergy symptoms. If you have asthma, inhalers for rescue and maintenance purposes are among the most common ways to manage symptoms when you’re exacerbated by allergens.

Getting allergy shots Allergen immunotherapy builds up the body’s tolerance to allergens in small increments over time with allergy shots or drops you put under your tongue. It’s perhaps the best and most natural treatment option for allergies. “It provides a more effective and long-term solution to allergies and allergic asthma with the fewest side effects,” Dr. Sridhara says. If you find that antihistamines and nose sprays aren’t working anymore, it might be time to get evaluated for immunotherapy.”

We’re in your neighborhood North to Methodist Hospital for Surgery

4 DFW International Airport

7

Methodist Southlake Hospital

5

Lake Highlands

6 Dallas Love Field Airport

Airport Frwy.

White Rock Lake

1

Irving Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

3

Methodist Dallas Medical Center Mountain Creek Lake

Grand Prairie

2

Dallas Executive Airport

South to Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital

Duncanville Medical Centers Methodist Dallas Medical Center

1441 N. Beckley Ave. Dallas, TX 75203 214-947-8181

Methodist Hospital for Surgery 17101 Dallas Parkway Addison, TX 75001 469-248-3900

Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital

3020 W. Wheatland Road Dallas, TX 75237 972-708-8600

Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups 1 Uptown Medical Group

3000 Blackburn St., Suite 130 (in the Mondrian building) Dallas, TX 75204 214-599-8624

2 Kessler Park

1222 N. Bishop Ave., Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75208 214-941-1353

3 Central Grand Prairie 820 S. Carrier Parkway Grand Prairie, TX 75051 972-262-1425

4 Preston Hollow

4235 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 400 Dallas, TX 75220 214-750-5100

5 Timber Creek

Other facilities 7 Methodist Urgent Care – Inwood Village

5709 W. Lovers Lane Dallas, TX 75209 469-913-8940

6243 Retail Road, Suite 500 Dallas, TX 75231 214-361-2224

6 Highland Park

4101 Lomo Alto Drive Dallas, TX 75219 214-522-2700

Methodist Southlake Hospital 421 E. Texas 114 Frontage Road Southlake, TX 76092 817-865-4400


Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Methodist Health System

Methodist Dallas Medical Center P.O. Box 655999 Dallas, TX 75265-5999

DON’T MISS OUR UPCOMING SHOP, EAT, DRINK, PINK!

breast cancer event in the Bishop Arts District. For details, see page 12.

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$

Flu Shots

Your family’s health is our priority. It’s why you should get vaccinated against this year’s new strain of the influenza virus. Kids are especially at risk, so make sure your family is protected with a $30 flu shot at any of our Methodist Urgent Care Centers.

MethodistUrgentCare.com

Richardson 350 South Plano Rd. 972-231-0011

The Colony 5151 State Highway 121 469-305-4586

Inwood Village 5709 W. Lovers Ln. 469-913-8940

Methodist Urgent Care is an independent legal entity separate from Methodist Health System and its affiliated hospitals. The physicians and other personnel providing care at the Methodist Urgent Care locations are employed by Methodist Urgent Care and are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or any of its affiliated hospitals.