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M O R E L O C A L H E A L T H C A R E C H O I C E S

t h r i v efor every season of your life

A Publication of Summa Health System Spring 2010

2 0 1 0 H E A L T H G R A D E S “ A M E R I C A ’ S 5 0 B E S T ” H O S P I T A L S – F O U R Y E A R S I N A R O W !

If you provide care for someone who is ill, elderly or unable to care for her/himself,

you are a caregiver, Summa has resources

that can help. – page 6

A vision for healthcare

– page 5

Cancer care close to home – page 15

What You need to knoW:

a guide for caregivers

1 thrive spring 2010

5 a vision for healthcare The Wadsworth community has changed over the years. Leadership at Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital developed a two-phased plan for the future of healthcare in this community.

6 What you need to know: a guide for caregivers If you provide care for someone who is ill, elderly or unable to care for her/himself, you are a caregiver, Summa has resources that can help.

14 Life: worth living at every age Kate Gannon wants to remain active. When knee pain began to slow her down, she sought the services of orthopaedic surgeon Donald F. Fisher, M.D.

15 Cancer care close to home Early detection is key to long term survival. Summa Barberton Hospital offers a number of diagnostic tools.

17 Sleep well for your health Thanks to the care she received at one of Summa’s Sleep Disorders Labs, Lynn Cranston has her energy back.

Welcome toThrive

C o n t e n t S

17156

On the cover: Donna Jackson and her daughter Leah, enjoy spending time outdoors. It’s how they thrive.

thrive spring 2010 2

health and medical myths: true or false?

You have probably heard countless suggestions for healthy living and home remedies for ailments large and small. But it’s difficult to determine which are actually true and which don’t deserve a second thought.

DAILY WATER INTAKEIs there really a specific amount

of water an adult should drink each day? For a number of years the answer was, “Yes! Eight glasses a day.” There are two problems with that theory. Glass sizes vary and so do people.

In some cases, eight eight-ounce glasses of water may be right, but your daily intake depends on:

Body composition (height, •weight, percent body fat, etc.)Diet•Physical activity•Surrounding environment •(temperature, humidity, elevation, etc.)

If you’re not sure how much water to drink or how to gauge your level of hydration, speak with your physician or a registered dietitian.

EATING AT NIGHTNever eat after 8 p.m. because

your body will store too many calories and gain weight. Well, not exactly. It’s more important to monitor what you eat than when you eat.

The number of calories and types of food you eat every day are most important. If you eat dinner or a snack in the evening, just be sure it’s something without a high number of calories and fats.

If you want to avoid gaining weight or maintain your current weight, be more aware of what you eat and drink. (Soda, fruit juice from concentrate, flavored coffee creamers, etc., contain a lot of calories and sugars.)

POISONOUS PLANTSPoison Ivy, Oak and Sumac

contain an oil called urushiol, which is an allergen. The oil can be found on and in the plants’ leaves, stems and roots. When most people come in contact with the oil, they usually have an allergic reaction in the form of rash, hives or blisters.

Some people believe the reaction is contagious. It’s not. You will only have a reaction if you come in direct contact with the oil. The reaction itself (rash, hives or blisters) is not contagious.

It may seem contagious because urushiol can stick to objects like garden tools, toys, balls, pet fur, clothing and outdoor furniture and cause a reaction when it comes in contact with your skin. If something does come in contact with a poisonous plant, the oil can be

washed off with soap and water. If you have a reaction to a poisonous plant, talk to your physician about the best way to treat it.

FLU SHOTSThough flu season has passed,

a common concern during the winter months is the effect of a flu vaccination. It’s not surprising to hear people say a flu shot increases your chance of contracting the flu.

You cannot contract the flu from a flu vaccination. Flu shots contain an inactive or “killed” virus that helps your immune system create antibodies to fight the active or “live” virus.

A vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu, but it is not a guarantee. You can still contract the flu after receiving a flu shot, which is typically the reason some people think the vaccination is the cause.

If you have an egg allergy, which is a major component of the vaccine, or had a negative reaction to a flu shot in the past, you shouldn’t receive a flu shot. Speak with your physician before receiving a flu shot to prevent any foreseeable problems. n


healthyhappeningsat Summa BarBerton hoSpitaLFREE CHILDBIRTH CLASSESmay 4, 11, 18, or June 1,8, 15, 7:30-9 p.m..Summa Barberton hospital Classroom in maternity unittopics include labor, delivery, postpartum and newborn care. infant Cpr and a tour of the maternity unit also are included. Classes are taught by a certified childbirth educator. to register for a series of free, 3-week classes call (330) 615-3550, extension 6711.

Free Breastfeeding Classestaught by a certified lactation consultant. to register, call (330) 615-3550, extension 6908.

EDuCATIon CLASSESDiabetes C.A.R.E. Program may 11, June 8, 7 p.m. parkview Center LobbyFree parking and refreshments are provided. registration is requested. please call (800) 237-8662 to register.

Healthy Heart Lecturesmay 18, 6 p.m. Conference rooms d & e, Ground Floorthis monthly lecture program is for those interested in learning about respiratory/cardiovascular diseases. there is no cost for this program. registration is preferred. please call (800) 237-8662 to register. For more information about lectures of cardiovascular services at Summa Barberton hospital, please call (330) 615-3918.

SuPPoRT GRouPSRespiratory Forumsmay 11, June 2, 4 p.m., Cardiopulmonary Gym, Ground Floor this monthly education program is open to people with respiratory diseases, such as Copd, asthma or emphysema. Friends and families are welcome. the programs and parking are free. registration is preferred. please call (800) 237-8662 to register.

Caring Hearts Support Groupmay 11, 2-3 p.m., Cardiopulmonary Gym, Ground Floorthis support group is for patients who have congestive heart disease and their family and friends. programs and parking are free. refreshments are provided. registration is preferred. please call (800) 237-8662 to register.

oTHER PRoGRAmSAmerican Red Cross Bloodmobilemay 14, June 11, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Conference rooms d & e, Ground Floorappointments are available and walk-ins welcome. to schedule an appointment, call (330) 615-3101.


at Summa WadSWorth-rittman hoSpitaL

EDuCATIonAL CLASSES:For information or to register for the classes listed, call (330) 331-1158 or (800) 828-1789, extension 1158, unless otherwise noted.

BLS for Healthcare Providers June 8, 4-8 p.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital Founders hall Quad a/Bthis initial course is for those in the healthcare field who have not taken the healthcare provider level course or who have an outdated course card and need to show proof of course completion. registration is required. Cost: $50

BLS Healthcare Provider Refresher may 6, 12:30-3 p.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital Founders hall Quad a/BJune 10, 8:00-10:30 a.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital Founders hall Quad a/Bthis is a refresher course for healthcare providers who are already certified in BLS. registration is required. Cost: $20 for online program and $20 for skills test.

BLS online June 29, 8:00-11:00 a.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital Founders hall Quad a/Bthis class includes the online BLS program as well as the hands on skills test for healthcare providers. participants who completed the online course within the previous 60 days may bring their completion certificate for the skills test. registration is required. Cost: $20 for online program and $20 for skills test.

Heartsaver AEDJune 16, 8-11 a.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital Founders hall Quad a/Bthis course covers adult, child and infant Cpr and choking, as well as instruction on how to use the aed on adults/children. registration is required. Cost: $40.

Pediatric First AidJune 26, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital Founders hall Quad a/Bappropriate for anyone involved in childcare. topics covered include: First aid basics, medical, injury, and environmental emergencies. Course options are Cpr and use of an aed. registration is required. Cost: $75.00.

Smoking Cessationmay 10, 7-8:30 p.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital Founders hall Quad a/BSumma Wadsworth-rittman hospital offers this 6-week smoking cessation course designed to assist individuals in quitting use of tobacco. For cost information or to register, please call the health educator at (330) 331-1158 or (800) 828-1789, extension 1158.

SuPPoRT GRouPSDiabetes Support Groupmay 22, June 26, 8-9:30 a.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital Cafeteriathis monthly support group meets in the cafeteria for a free breakfast followed by an educational program in Founders hall Quad a/B. For information call (330) 331-1163 or (800) 828-1789, extension 1163.

oTHER PRoGRAmSAmerican Red Cross Bloodmobilemay 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital Founders hall Quad Cappointments are available and walk-ins are welcome. to schedule an appointment, call (330) 331-1583 or (800) 828-1789, extension 1583.

Gentle Fitnessevery Wednesday, 12-1 p.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital therapy Services departmentthis program is for those who want to tone-up their bodies in a gentle, non-stressful way. participants should check with their physician before beginning the program and wear loose, comfortable clothing in the class. Call (330) 331-1680 or (800) 828-1789, extension 1680. Cost: $2 per person per class, payable at each class.

Estate Planning 101may 27, June 17, 4 p.m. Summa Wadsworth-rittman hospital Founders hall Quads a/B, Cmr. Bruce J. may, Lpa, will be discussing the need for basic estate planning documents, the difference between probate and nonprobate assets, the difficulties in designing estate planning documents for couples with blended families, the advantages/disadvantages of revocable living trusts and ways to reduce or eliminate Federal and ohio estate taxes. please call (330) 331-1583 or (800) 828-1789, extension 1583 to sign up for either class (or both, if you so desire).


The Wadsworth community has changed a lot over the years. Changes in the community often affect healthcare, too. For example, there must be enough doctors to care for the number of people who live in the area. And your doctors and hospital must be prepared to provide the types of services their patients need. To do so, you need a well-designed vision and a plan to achieve it.

The Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital Board of Directors spent months developing a vision for healthcare in this community. To develop the vision, they worked with leaders from across Summa Health System.

The first phase focuses on adult medical and surgical care. Convenient, high-quality inpatient and outpatient services

will continue. Those services will grow and expand to include:

cardiology, orthopedics and •senior services.geriatric healthcare, including •wellness services.

Developing this vision to its full potential requires some changes. First, Summa Wadsworth-Rittman will recruit additional primary care physicians. This process is underway with the addition of Joseph Burick, M.D., a family practitioner who relocated his office to Wadsworth. Dr. Burick’s office is located at 1 Park Centre, Suite 304, in Wadsworth.

We expect to add three to five additional primary care physicians within the next two to three years.

Second, upgrades to the hospital building will be made. The Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital

Board of Directors approved a multi-million dollar expansion plan. This renovation increases capacity for intensive care beds and operating rooms.

In the second phase, leaders of Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital are working with elected officials to secure public sector money for the potential expansion of the emergency department (ED) to accommodate patient volume that nearly doubled since the ED opened in 1996. The hospital will also consider renovations to the two acute units to create private rooms.

This local hospital has been an integral part of the community since 1921. As such, Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital leadership will continue to invest in and care for the healthcare needs of this community. n

a vision for healthcare

If you provide care for an individual who is ill, elderly or unable to care for her/himself, you are a caregiver.Like many events in life, even when you plan for something, you aren’t really prepared. You might be new to this role. Maybe you’ve been doing it for years and really just thought of it as something you do all the time. You might share the responsibility with someone else or you might be doing it alone. Wherever you find yourself at this time in your life, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns.

Summa Health System has the resources, experience, expertise, wisdom, compassion and dedication to help you – the caregiver – provide the best possible care to that important person in your life.

What do you need to know? What do you need to do?

This section is designed to answer many questions about caregiving. You’ll see profiles of individuals who are in similar situations, asking some of the same questions, looking for assistance, searching for some type of support.

We’re here to help – It’s the reason we exist.

What you need to know A G u i d e f o r C A r e G i v e r s

C e n t e r f o r S e n I o r H e a l t H

Summa Health System • (800) 23-SUMMA or (800) 237-8662 • summahealth.org/seniors

“ i ’ m t h e o n e . ”

What You need to Know A Guide for Caregivers

“ I guess I knew at some point I’d assume this role, but I didn’t think it would be now and I didn’t think it would be like this. and even though I thought I was prepared, really, I’m not. I’m not even sure what being a caregiver means.”

Caregivers provide services and assistance to individuals who are too ill or injured to care for themselves. Many times, that person is referred to as a “loved one” because she/he most often is a family member: spouse, parent, partner, child or sibling; however, the term is universal and includes anyone for whom you provide care, comfort, support and other services – directly or indirectly.

Caregiving often is a full-time job – if not physically, certainly psychologically and emotionally. Maryjo Cleveland, M.D., one of Summa Health System’s nine

board-certified geriatricians, notes individuals who assume these responsibilities are most successful when they:

Admit caregiving is not easy.•

Accept help when it’s offered or ask for help if/when •they need it.

Access community services (many organizations •provide valuable services to caregivers as well as those who need help).

Address their own needs, too.•

“ as a caregiver, do I need to give up everything in my own life to care for someone else?”

No, you don’t. Actually, there is a recognized Caregiver’s Bill of Rights which states you have the right to:

Take care of yourself. This is not an act of selfishness. •It will give you the ability to provide better care.

Ask for help from others even though the person •you care for may object. It’s important to recognize the limits of your endurance and strength.

Maintain facets of your life that do not include the •person for whom you provide care, just as if she or he was healthy. You are doing everything you reasonably can for that person and have the right to do some things for yourself.

Reject any attempt by the person you care for to •manipulate you through guilt, anger or depression, whether they do so consciously or unconsciously.

Receive consideration, affection, forgiveness and •acceptance for what you do for the person for whom you care, as long as these qualities are offered in return.

Take pride in who you are and what you accomplish •and recognize the courage it sometimes takes to meet the needs of another.

Protect your individuality and right to make a life for •yourself that will sustain you when the one you care for no longer needs your full-time help.

Expect that as new strides are made to find resources •to aid those who require care, equal strides are made to provide support to caregivers as well.


“I may be the primary caregiver, but there are others who might be able to help. What should we all know?”

An effective support system includes everyone who is in a position to offer some type of support, not only for the person who needs care but for you, too.

It’s not easy – but it’s important to discuss topics associated with caregiving. It may be uncomfortable to talk about financial issues, end-of-life care, who makes final decisions, etc.; however, not talking about them can have serious consequences.

There may be a time when you can no longer care for your loved one. There are difficult, complicated medical and financial decisions that must be made and carry a great deal of emotion. You and your circle of support want to be in a position to make rational, informed decisions that are in the best interest of all involved.

“After having pneumonia, my wife developed very bad asthma and was sent to Summa Akron City Hospital’s Acute Care for Elder’s Unit. She was a complicated patient to take care of, but the nurses were absolutely fantastic. It’s very frightening when you’re watching your wife struggle to breathe. The nurses had a way of calming us both down. God bless them, every one.”

– merle And hAnnAh (suffield, oh)


You can manage their financial responsibilities (paying bills, maintaining budgets, etc.), arrange for care and have neighbors and friends check on them. Keep in contact often. Establish a relationship with their healthcare providers so documentation is in place and they legally can share conditions, diagnoses and healthcare options with you.

You can consider hiring a local geriatric case manager, too. She or he can provide care directly and/or coordinate care for your loved one on your behalf.

Remember: you’re not alone. Almost seven million Americans provide long-distance caregiver support. Find a support group in your area. Many specifically address the challenges of providing long-distance care.

You’ll find additional information on the National Institute on Aging Web site: www.nia.nih.gov/healthinformation/longdistancecaregiving.

Write down questions so you don’t forget to ask them.•

Be clear and focused about what you want to say.•

If you have a lot of questions, make a consultation •appointment so the doctor can allow enough time to meet with you.

Educate yourself about your loved one’s disease or disability.•

Prepare yourself to accept that not all questions have answers.•

Separate your anger and sense of helplessness about •not being able to assist your loved one from your feelings about the doctor and staff.

Appreciate what the staff is doing. A sign of gratitude – •on all sides – is always welcome.

An individual and her/his family benefit from a comprehensive, holistic assessment by a geriatrician, geriatric-trained nurse and geriatric-trained social worker. This team creates a customized plan for the patient that is shared with the primary care physician, the patient and family. The goal is to provide recommendations that will maximize function of the patient and relieve some of the stress of caregiving. The patient may be referred to specific programs offered at the Center, including:

Free audiology screening•

Urinary incontinence program•

Fall prevention and balance program (a physical therapy •program)

Occupational therapy program that focuses on activities •of daily living.

They also may be referred to specific programs such as:

Adult day programs•

Memory enhancement programs•

Support groups •

If hospitalization is required, a geriatric consultation may •be obtained in the hospital. The goal is to:

Improve functional status –

Minimize hospital-induced complications –

Assist with discharge planning so the appropriate –level of care can be provided

“

“

“

My parents live far away. How can I provide them with long-distance care?”

I want to be sure I have productive conversations with my loved one’s doctors and others who provide care. What can I do to make this process easier?”

How will the person I care for benefit if we make an appointment at the Center for Senior Health?”

Summa Health System’s seniors program is renowned for the advances made in the study of aging and the science of geriatric medicine. It is a model of care for dozens of other healthcare systems nationwide.


No. Most patients who come to the Center for Senior Health have memory loss; however, many are struggling to adapt to – or improve – some of the common limitations that come with aging, including depression, incontinence, gait and balance issues and the use of multiple medications. Regardless of the underlying conditions, the focus is always on improving the functional status of the patient and increasing the quality of her/his life.

Summa Health System’s Senior Services offers a Caregiver Support Group. For information, call (330) 379-5095.

A resource directory is available by calling (800) 23-SUMMA or (800) 237-8662. You can find additional resources on our Web site at www.summahealth.org/seniors.

What follows is a “snap shot” of other people who are caregivers. They share the same role as you and have questions about conditions, medications, services, resources, etc. While there’s a lot more data we can share with you, we don’t want to overwhelm you with details.

What we do want to do is reassure you help is available at the Center and other Summa Health System facilities when you’re ready and when you need it. Help is also available from partners, agencies and support groups throughout our region.

And if you still have questions, call us. It’s why we’re here.

“

“

“

“Is the Center only for people with certain conditions?”

Where can I meet or talk to other caregivers?”

What other resources are available?”

What’s next?”

Summa Health System offers two programs that provide healthcare in the privacy and comfort of an individual’s home.

SummaCare Physician House Call ProgramThis program is available to SummaCare Secure and Traditional Medicare patients who live in Summit county. Qualified patients must have one of the following medical conditions:

Dementia•

Hypertension (high blood pressure)•

Heart failure•

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) •

Diabetes•

Bacterial pneumonia•

Limited mobility•


If they enroll in this program and become patients of the House Call team, they will have access to a physician, nurse practitioner and social worker. Patients can continue to see their primary doctor while they are enrolled in this program. Updates will be given by the house call program physician to their doctor.

For information on the SummaCare Physician House Call Program, call (330) 375-6777.

Summa’s HomeCareThis program serves individuals who meet specific criteria for skilled nursing or other professional services. Services prescribed by a physician may include:

Assessment (physical, mental, emotional) •and an education of a medical condition

Medication instruction•

Infections and infusions•

Wound care•

Physical therapy•

Occupational therapy•

Speech therapy•

Time also is spent teaching caregivers how to perform required care tasks.

Additionally, medical care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. For information on Summa Health System’s HomeCare program, please call (330) 379-5900.

“I am the caregiver for my mom who has limited mobility. She can’t get to the doctor’s office and I’m not always available to get her to her appointments. Can someone help us?”

“

“As my mom’s dementia progressed, her neurologist recommended New Horizons Adult Day Services in Summa Western Reserve Hospital. It’s very homey and bright. They even have gardens growing in the summertime. They’ve done a good job of keeping it from looking like an institutional setting. She plays bingo, word games, physical activities, crafts. They give her the attention she needs to keep her brain working. Since she’s been coming to New Horizons, she seems more alert, more active and able to carry on better conversations with me. New Horizons also gives me a break from 24/7 caregiving. It’s very demanding. Now I can go do other things I need to so. It’s nice because I know she’s in good hands.”

– PAul (CuyAhoGA fAlls, oh)

“My husband suffered from ALS for several years. When it became too difficult to get him to the doctor’s office, we turned to Hospice of Summa to make him more comfortable. Summa brought in oxygen, a hospital bed and a lift to help move from his bed to his chair. The nurse came in twice a week. A therapist gave him massages and an aide gave him a bath. I can call if I need someone after hours. We’ve even had home visits with the doctor. They’re all wonderful!”

– KAren (AKron, oh)

We talked with our mom’s doctor and decided we need help taking care of her. What should we know so we can make the right decisions for her?”


Talk to your mom’s doctor again to determine if an assisted living facility or other skilled nursing facility could meet her needs. Many have special programs for individuals with specific conditions, such as respiratory illnesses, dialysis regimens, stroke, dementia, etc. Contact the Area Agency on Aging to determine if there are home and community-based services your mom may qualify for and can help her as well.

It can be for patients who require supervision and whose caregiver cannot be available all day or may need assistance from time to time. Socialization offered by adult day services

is found to be beneficial. Statistics indicate patients who are in an environment such as this may not need to be transferred to a long-term facility until later in life. And caregivers can find respite as well, taking time they need to take care of personal matters. Find out more about Summa Health System’s Adult Day Services by calling New Horizon’s (330) 971-7142.

“Is adult day care an option?”

ADULT DAY CARE FACILITIES/ PROGRAM

New Horizons Adult Day Services(located on the campus of) Summa Western Reserve Hospital1900 23rd StreetCuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

(330) 971-7142www.summhealth.org/seniors

ASSISTANCE AGENCIES:Area Agency on AgingOne of the best sources of information for community resources available in your area

(330) 896-9172www.Ohioaging.org

Eldercare Locator Helps identify Area Agencies on Aging throughout the country

(800) 677-1116

HOME HEALTHCARESumma’s HomeCare444 North Main StreetAkron, OH 44310

(330) 379-5900TTY (330) 375-3630www.summahealth.org/seniors

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital HomeCare195 Wadsworth RoadWadsworth, OH 44281

(800) 828-1789 ex. 2786(330) 334-2785 www.summahealth.org

Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice 6847 N. Chestnut St. Ravenna, OH 44240

(330) 297-8899

HOSPICE AGENCIESSumma’s Palliative Care and Hospice Services444 N Main StreetAkron, OH 44309

(330) 379-5100www.summahealth.org/seniors

SUPPORT GROUPS Alzheimer’s Association Support Group (330) 864-5646

American Heart Association (330) 867-9987

American Cancer Society (330) 865-1200

American Diabetes Association (330) 699-9419

Eldercare LocatorIdentifies Area Agencies on Aging throughout the country

(800) 677-1116

Grief Support Group at Summa St. Thomas Hospital (330) 379-9440

Parkinson’s Support (330) 699-9419

Summa’s Health System’s Caregiver Support Group (330) 379-5905

Summa Health System’s “Life After Stroke” Support Group (330) 686-4455

Wadsworth Older Adults (330) 335-1514

Center for senior heAlth

resourCes



In August 2007, Kate Gannon had her first knee replacement surgery. She was two months shy of her 89th birthday.

The pain in Gannon’s knee kept her from playing tennis, an activity she loved. She made an appointment with Donald L. Fisher, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon, who performed knee replacement surgery at Summa Barberton Hospital. Then in 2009 at age 90, Gannon began to experience pain in her other knee and underwent a second replacement surgery, again with Dr. Fisher at Summa Barberton Hospital.

Her age was not an issue. “We look at each patient

individually and her/his expectation for their normal activities, regardless of age. What does the patient expect

out of life? Kate is a perfect example of that,” said Dr. Fisher.

The advances in techniques since her surgery just two years earlier amazed Gannon and her family. This combination included a new type prosthesis (knee joint), mini incision, nerve block (regional anesthesia), localized pain control and accelerated rehab. With these techniques, patients report they have a faster recovery time with less pain. Gannon experienced virtually no pain after the operation.

Dr. Fisher credits the accelerated rehab after surgery as beneficial to recovery. “Getting people back to activities quickly including a shorter return to work, is important,” he said. “Now recovery is only 4-6 weeks instead of 8-10 weeks.”

“I just wanted to be pain free,”

said Gannon. She was back home after five days in the hospital (including surgery and accelerated rehab), two days sooner than her first surgery.

She continued physical therapy as an outpatient at the hospital’s therapy department and includes walking as part of her daily exercise routine.

For more information about Summa Barberton Hospital surgical services, call (330) 615-3643. Dr. Fisher sees patients at 1309 Norton Avenue, Suite 150 in Norton. For an appointment, call (330) 825-6225.

Orthopaedics and surgical services are available are available throughout Summa Health System. Services may vary by location. For more information, speak with your doctor or call (800) 23-SUMMA. n

Life: worth living at every age


Experts agree early detection is key to long term survival. While there are risks for cancer that can be controlled, when you need a healthcare partner, Summa Barberton Hospital is here.

RISK FACTORSControl the risks you can and get

the screenings you need. Risk factors include:

Being overweight•

smoking•

sedentary lifestyle•

stress •

exposure to toxic substances•

By choosing to reduce these factors you can reduce healthcare costs and the risk for other illnesses.

SCREENINGSScreenings can detect cancer

in its earliest stages, sometimes even before symptoms are present. An early diagnosis followed by treatment increases survival rates. This is why it is so important to find cancer when it is most treatable.

Your doctor will recommend what cancer screenings you need based on your age, personal and family health history.

Some screenings can be done during the office appointment, but other screenings require special equipment and procedures. Summa Barberton Hospital offers screenings for various types of cancer.

Following are common cancer screening tests:

Colonoscopy, •sigmoidoscopy and barium enema: These are different tests, but all are used to detect polyps (abnormal growths that can become cancerous) or colon cancer. Ask your physician which screening is best for you when you should have them.

Because the risk for colon cancer increases with age, you should be screened regularly after age 50, even if you have no other risk factors.

Mammograms:• This test can detect breast cancer at the earliest stages when it is most treatable. Summa has the latest in digital mammogram technology, which offers optimal imaging for dense breast tissue. This produces better images so a more accurate diagnosis can be made. The risk for breast cancer also increases with age, so annual mammograms are recommended.

Cancer careclose to home


Should you need further testing, Summa Barberton Hospital offers breast MRI and stereotactic breast biopsy services. Our Breast Care Coordinator is available to support you and explain everything you need to know about your diagnosis and treatment.

CANCER TREATMENTSCancer treatments vary greatly

because cancer cells are not identical. Treatment is individualized because of the many factors that are involved. Typically more than one treatment will be used and may include:

chemotherapy•

hormone therapy•

monoclonal antibody •treatments

radiation therapy•

surgery•

Comprehensive outpatient treatments are offered at Summa Barberton Hospital’s Parkview Center in a comfortable, nature-based setting.

Services also include medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion center and physician offices.

CANCER AND YOUR LIFE

The medical professionals at Summa Barberton Hospital are here to help, whether you need to find a primary care physician, surgeon or a specialist in oncology/hematology.

Cancer care services are available throughout Summa Health System. Services may vary by location. For more information, call (800) 23-SUMMA. n

For information on our medical staff members call (800) 23-SUMMA (800-237-8662) For information on the services above, please call the following departments:

Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology(330) 615-3922 Parkview Center cancer services(330) 615-4126 Surgery Services(330) 615-3643

Sleep well For Your heaLthThere’s nothing like a good

night’s sleep. Ask Lynn Cranston. Always a bundle of energy, Cranston has worked two jobs as long as she can remember and enjoyed an active lifestyle with her children and grandchildren. But she started to notice that she was always tired, no matter how much she slept.

“I’d sleep 8-10 hours and wake up feeling dreadful,” Cranston said.

At first she thought it was just part of the aging process or she was overexerting herself. But even when she slowed down, she didn’t feel better. She knew sleep disorders could affect physical health but paid little attention to that fact until her father died of sudden cardiac arrest. She started to wonder if her sleep problems could cause heart problems, too.

Cranston’s doctor referred her to the Sleep Disorders Laboratory at Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital for a sleep study. She was diagnosed with obstructive sleep

apnea, a common and very serious sleep disorder.

While we sleep, we go through a series of sleep stages or

levels of sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs at the period of deepest sleep. At that time, the body enters into a temporary

state of paralysis and muscles, including those in the throat, relax. Depending on the size and shape of the airway, gravity may pull the airway in on itself leading to airway obstruction. At that point, snoring or periods of apnea (lack of breathing) occur. This lack of breathing can only be reversed by backing up into a lighter stage of sleep, at which point the muscles come back in line and open the throat. This resolves the breathing problem, but interrupts the sleep cycle. This process can repeat itself hundreds of times per night, leading to an incomplete sleep cycle and chronic fatigue. The individual doesn’t wake up enough to have a memory of the airway obstruction.

Sleep apnea is just one type of sleep disorder. Others include:

Insomnia (difficulty falling •asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early.)

Insufficient sleep syndrome •(regularly fail to get enough sleep at night)

Snoring •

Restless leg syndrome (leg •discomfort during sleep, which is only relieved by frequent movements of the legs)

Narcolepsy (difficulty •staying awake)

Most sleep disorders result in sleep deprivation, which may lead to poor memory, judgment and concentration; longer reaction times, depression, irritability and weight gain. It can also result in reduced attention span, more

frequent illnesses, decreased productivity and increased risk for workplace and car accidents.

As Cranston learned, sleep disorders can lead to serious health consequences. For example, those with sleep apnea have been shown to have four times greater risk of high blood pressure and stroke, three times greater risk of heart attack, and greater risk of arrhythmia and heart failure as compared to people without sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can also cause insomnia, swelling in the legs, increased urination at night and erectile dysfunction.

Treatment is available for most sleep disorders.

Cranston was given a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) unit, which uses air pressure to hold the airway open. This prevents the airway from being obstructed and allows the sleep cycle to be completed. The unit is comfortable and quiet and helps her to get a full night of restful sleep so she’s energized and ready to go each new day.

“My whole life has turned around,” said Cranston, “It’s like night and day. I’m a different person – full of energy again. I’m so glad I asked my doctor for help. It changed my life.”

Sleep studies are available at several Summa hospitals, including Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital, and are covered by most health insurance plans. Call (330) 331-1636 or (800) 23-SUMMA for more information. n

Lynn Cranston is back to an active life.



The Press Ganey Summit Award is the healthcare industry’s most coveted symbol of achievement bestowed annually, and Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital is one of just 23 emergency departments (ED) in the nation to receive this honor in 2009. This is the second consecutive year the hospital has been recognized.

To gauge patient satisfaction, Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital uses Press Ganey Associates, a national survey firm. All ED patients are sent a survey asking to rate their satisfaction with our care and services. Press Ganey tabulates the scores and reports them to the hospital.

To receive the award, a hospital’s patient satisfaction ratings must be in the 95th percentile and above, and they must sustain these high scores for three consecutive years, as compared to hospitals nationwide. Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital’s

ED’s satisfaction ratings have ranged from the 96th to the 99th percentile for more than four years.

Patient satisfaction scores have

remained high, even as emergency department volume continued to grow – more than 22 percent in the last four years. Even with the increased volume, the average “door to doctor” time is just over 20 minutes, far less than half the national average of 56 minutes. The average length of stay is 100 minutes, again below the national average.

According to Richard Kessler, M.D., medical director of the emergency department, “We always want to meet or exceed our patients’ expectations and clearly we’ve done so. Delivering the type of care patients want and need resulted in our excellent patient satisfaction scores. It’s also clear that more and more patients are choosing Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital because they’re pleased with, or have heard about, our care and service.”

Press Ganey currently partners with more than 7,000 health care facilities – including over 40 percent of hospitals nationally – to measure and improve the quality of their care. The company’s databases are the largest in the industry, and allow facilities nationwide to benchmark their results against peer organizations.

For more information about our Summit Award, visit www.wrhhs.org/summitaward. n

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman

Hospital wins 2nd consecutive national

award for patient satisfaction.

patients have spoken

Our Care is Among the Best in the Nation

Summa’s large network of

local community hospitals provides

easy access to excellent care.

Discover a Summa hospital near you!

• Summa Akron City Hospital

• Summa Barberton Hospital

• Summa Western Reserve Hospital

• Summa affiliate Robinson Memorial Hospital

• Summa St. Thomas Hospital

• Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital

Get Summa excellence close

to home.

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