HEALTHBody, Mind & Spirit

Summer 2

011

Knee ReplacementsGet a Young Woman Back on Her Feet

Kidney Stones Tag Team Treatment

Food for ThoughtGovernment Outlines New Eating Plan

Enjoy the Sweetness of SummerIt’s hard to believe it’s summer already. Time does, indeed, fly. And it might be my imagination, but was spring canceled this year? It’s as if we went from winter’s chill to summer’s scorch in about a day and a half. Alas, the weather is one of those things we can’t control, so enjoy the things that make summer special—vacations, swimming pools, back yard barbeques, gardening and fresh produce. There really is nothing like a fresh, ripe tomato, still warm and just off the vine. One of my favorite summer activities is strolling through a farmer’s market. With the many cities in the metro area hosting markets, you can do that just about any day of the week. I think visiting a market is good for both physical and emotional health. I love talking with the vendors and learning new ways to enjoy the fruits and vegetables. Often, other customers will join in the conversation offering recipes and such—making a connection with others in the community.In that same spirit of community connection, St. Mary’s Medical Center has a farmer’s market on Tuesday’s throughout the summer. Both associates and visitors enjoy it. Each week, something different is ripe and ready. Last summer, I was even able to take a bit of summer into the cold, dark days of winter by canning peaches—they were delicious!But let me add a word of caution as you enjoy the crazy days of summer—the extreme heat can cause serious health concerns. People under the age of four and over the age of 50 are more susceptible to heat illnesses. But all of us should take a few precautions while enjoying the great outdoors:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.• Protect yourself with sunscreen or light-colored clothing.• Avoid being out midday when the sun is the strongest.• Take breaks if you’re working or exercising outside.

Enjoy these summer days while you can. Before you know it the cool, crisp, colors of autumn will be here.

Fleury YelvingtonPresident and Chief Executive OfficerCarondelet Health

Cover Story

6 No More Knee Pain Bilateral Replacements Get a Young Woman Back on her Feet

Feature 9 Kidney Stones Relieving Pain is a Team Effort

DepartmentsQ&A 3 Some Facts About Osteoporosis

QUIZ 3 Sleep Matters

NEED TO KNOW 4 Mammography Recommendation

HOW TO 4 Keep Feet Smelling Sweet

KIDS’ STUFF 4 Is a Bottle to Blame for Obesity?

EAT WELL 5 Make Mine “Extra Virgin”

LEARN 5 Dishing Up a Better Eating Plan

WHAT’S NEW 10 Carondelet Health recognized for Quality

BODY & SOUL 11 Hardest Word

Perspective

A Letter From The CEO

Inside

Cover photo: Marc Carver

2

Car

onde

letH

ealth

.org

Sum

mer

201

1

Some Facts About OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and 34 million have low bone mass. By 2025 an estimated $25 billion will be spent on osteoporosis-related fractures. We asked our medical editor, Carrie Lehr, MD, for information.Is osteoporosis inevitable?There is no doubt that growing older is a very strong risk factor for osteoporosis. Good genes, good nutrition and exercise can play a role. Besides aging, other risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis, smoking, alcoholism, low testosterone (for men), certain medications such as corticosteroids, anti-estrogen drugs, or some anti-seizure medicines, and not getting enough calcium. Do only postmenopausal women get osteoporosis?While women are four to five times more prone to osteoporosis (and specifically mostly postmenopausal women), an estimated 25 percent of men will suffer a bone fracture because of osteoporosis at some point in their lives. Is it possible to build bone beyond a certain age?Between ages 20 and 25 we reach our highest bone density. That said, studies show resistance exercises can build bone even among older adults. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is important for calcium absorption. Eating more green leafy vegetables and less red meat can help. Biphosphonates prescribed for building bone are popular among those whose doctors recommend medication. But there can be issues with these medications. Last October, the FDA issued a warning about an increased risk of fractures of the thigh bone for those taking these drugs for more than five years. Is osteoporosis painful?Not usually. Many people with osteoporosis don’t even know they have it until they’ve broken a bone or received a diagnosis after undergoing a bone mineral density test.Do you have to fall to break a bone because of osteoporosis?Actually, certain fractures, especially those of the spine (called compression fractures) may happen without a fall or any typical injury.

Dr. Lehr’s office is on the St. Joseph Medical Center campus at 1010 Carondelet Drive, Suite 105. She can be reached at 816-943-6123.

Health IQ

QUIZ

Getting ZZZZZs

Q&A

3

Car

onde

letH

ealth

.org

Sum

mer

201

1

“So much to do, so little time” seems to be a common complaint for many of us and unfortunately, we often try to make up for it by cutting our sleep short. But sleep is important to our overall health. Find out how much you know about sleep.

1.AccordingtotheNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministration,whatpercentageofalltrafficaccidentsarecausedbydriverfatigueandsleepiness?A. 5 percent B. 10 percent C. 20 percent D. 80 percent E. 100 percent

2.Drivingwhilesleepyislikedrivingwithabloodalcoholcontentof.08percent—thelegallimitinmanystates. True or False?

3.Sleepdeprivationmagnifiestheaffectsofalcohol. True or False?

4.Untreatedsleepdisorderscancontributetowhichmedicalcondition?A. High blood pressure B. Obesity C. Stroke D. Depression E. All of the above

5.Sleepapneaandsnoringarethesamething. True or False?

6.Ifyouwakeupduringthenightanddon’tgobacktosleepwithin15minutesorsoyoushould:A. Go over your “to do” list until you have it memorized B. Count sheep to 100, then count cows C. Keep your eyes glued to the clock so you can see how long you’ve been awake D. Get out of bed, go to another room and do something relaxing (read or listen to music) until you feel sleepy.

7.Whatcanyoudotohelpgetagoodnight’ssleep?A. Limit naps B. Limit caffeine and alcohol use C. Take a bath or shower before bed D. Limit computer/cell phone usage before bed E. All of the above

If you regularly have trouble falling or staying asleep, snore or are tired most of the time, you may have a sleep disorder.Visit Carondelet Health.org and take our sleep assessment. It could be the first step to a restful night.

Answers—1C;2True;3True;4E;5False,althoughsnoringcanindicatesleepapnea;6D;7E.

HOW TO

Need to Know

KIDS’ STUFFObesity in the Bottle?Debates over when to move children away from the bottle to other drinking vessels have probably gone on since babies started using bottles. The current conventional wisdom of pediatricians and dentists is to encourage parents to stop bottle feeding by age one to prevent tooth decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the bottle be given up at around the first birthday and almost certainly by 18 months.

A new study by researchers at Temple University in Pennsylvania provides more weight to that advice. Of 6,750 children in a federal survey, the study found 22 percent were still using a bottle as their primary drink container at age two and were put to bed with a bottle typically filled with milk. Of those, 23 percent were obese by the time they were five, making them 33 percent more likely to be obese than children who didn’t fall asleep with a bottle. Researchers factored out other contributing factors to obesity, such as the mother’s weight and feeding practices during infancy.

About a third of children and teens are obese or overweight, the government says. Those extra pounds put children at a greater risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other health problems.

Let’s “fess up.” Few aromas are less appealing than odors produced by the human foot. It is a huge source of distress and embarrassment for many people. Googling “treating stinky feet” will get you over a million results, including everything from natural remedies like tea bags and alum, to medicinal applications to antiperspirants and even surgery.

Human feet contain about 250,000 sweat glands. Fully covered, moisture and sweat create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. These bacteria and fungi feed on dead skin cells, and then generate odor-causing waste material. Physically active people are especially prone to sweaty feet, and therefore smelly feet.

ChooseSocksCarefully. Nylon socks do not allow the feet to breathe as much as cotton socks do. Nylon also does not absorb sweat as effectively. Absorbent shoe inserts might help or using antiperspirants like those used underarm. There are also powerful prescription antiperspirants available.

CuttheCarbs. Diets high in refined carbohydrates promote bacteria and fungus growth in the body, giving rise to discharge phenomenon.

Relax. Stress can cause increased perspiration and therefore increased odor. Moderating stress through diet and lifestyle adjustments is helpful in reducing the stress and the odor.

GiveupBadHabits. Reducing your alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can also go a long way to relieve the unwelcome fragrance.

SeekProfessionalHelp. When all else fails, doctors are now using Botox® (botulinum toxin) to reduce perspiration. Yes, the same injections used to relieve chronic muscle spasms and facial wrinkles is proving valuable for disabling the sweat glands and minimizing the release of perspiration. It usually takes 40 to 50 injections per foot in two separate sessions to get relief. Doctors caution that while some will notice considerable improvement, others will need to continue using antiperspirants, and still others will not see improvement from the therapy. To learn if you are a good candidate for Botox®, consult your doctor.

For a physician referral, call 816-943-2584.

Keep Feet Sweet

Mammography Recommended YearlyLet’s clear up some confusing information out there surrounding mammography. Here are some facts:•The American Cancer Society and the Breast Centers at St. Joseph and St. Mary’s

recommends women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.

•Approximately 60 percent of eligible insured women are receiving their annual screening mammograms. That means 40 percent are not getting their annual screenings.

•Lack of age appropriate breast screening has resulted in breast cancer being detected at a later, more advanced stage.

•Screening programs have successfully reduced mortality rates over the last six decades.•Annual screening mammograms can detect breast cancer at an early stage. •Ninety-five percent of early stage breast cancers are considered curable. •This mortality improvement counts as a remarkable public health achievement.

Mammography is still the best screening tool used today to find breast cancer. “The technology used in mammography has advanced significantly over the past few years,” says Richard Kuckelman, MD, radiologist with the Breast Centers at St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Centers. “And while mammography can miss some cancers, with digital mammography and computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, the chances are better than ever that breast cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage and treated successfully.”If you are one of these women who has put off getting your mammogram, the Breast Centers at St. Joseph and St. Mary’s offer walk-in appointments and extended hours. For information, call 816-943-3022 at St. Joseph or 816-655-5767 at St. Mary’s.

4

Car

onde

letH

ealth

.org

Sum

mer

201

1

MOVE EAT WELL

LEARN

Make Mine Extra VirginThere may be a good reason to opt for extra virgin olive oil, apart from the taste. Recent studies indicate the venerable oil may have a number of medicinal benefits to help in the fight against health problems, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and pain management.

Scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia found that the antioxidant oleocanthal found only in extra virgin olive oil is similar in strength to that of the drug ibuprofen in inhibiting the Cox enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation. Italian researchers attribute the pungent, bitter taste in olives to phenols in the oil that have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. University of South Australia researchers have found compounds from the olive to be antimicrobial against various bacteria.

Consuming olive oil has been associated with reducing total cholesterol while increasing high-density (“good”) cholesterol. That has a protective effect on blood vessels and prevents metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

So, here’s to extra virgin olive oil winding up in your diet soon and often!

Don’t be a HeelThere’s no doubt that regular exercise like walking and jogging can be enormously beneficial to your health, but if you’re a jogger, know that how you jog can actually do as much harm as good.

Walking and running are natural human movements we learn at an early age, and among those we take most for granted. In walking, it is the heel that meets the road first, and in running it is the forefoot. Jogging falls somewhere between walking and running, and that’s why it can be a problem for many of us. Joggers should try to land on the middle of the foot, rolling through to the toes. If the jogger lands on the toes, the calves get tight and shin pain can develop. Landing on the heels indicates over striding and wastes energy.

Posture is important. The head should be up, back straight, shoulders level. Opening up the chest makes it easier to breathe. Try not to lean forward or backward while jogging.

While there is a growing minority of runners going barefoot, good footwear, in good condition is considered important. Orthopedic surgeons see many injuries occurring from patients using old sneakers past their prime. They urge regular joggers to replace their shoes every 300 miles, as they lose 60 percent of their cushioning ability in that time.

Finally, work up gradually. Doctors and trainers suggest the “10 percent rule” for beginners and veteran runners alike. That means don’t increase your mileage, or your time, more than 10 percent per week. Have a sports injury question? Call the St. Joseph Sports Injury Line at 913-529-4848.

Fit

Dishing Up a Better Eating PlanOut with the old; in with the new. The government is replacing its food pyramid with the image of a plate divided into sections representing how much of each food group you should eat each day. Many people thought the old food pyramid was too complicated. It’s hoped the new graphic will be easier to understand. The plate features four labeled sections: two larger sections representing vegetables and grains, and two smaller sections for fruit and protein. In simple terms, half of the plate is fruits and veggies; meat is more of a condiment than the main attraction. The new graphic also shows a glass as a reminder to include low-fat dairy.The new food plan is part of a healthy eating initiative that will convey seven key messages from the government’s dietary guidelines, including: enjoy food but eat less; avoid oversized portions; make half of your plate fruits and vegetables; drink water instead of sugary drinks; switch to fat-free or low-fat milk; compare sodium in foods; and make at least half your grains whole grains. Check out the new design at choosemyplate.gov.

5

Car

onde

letH

ealth

.org

Sum

mer

201

1

Sarah Elkins credits her family and her faith with helping her through her health challenges.

6

Car

onde

letH

ealth

.org

Sum

mer

201

1

At first glance, you might think Sarah Elkins’ life is rather ordinary. Like millions of women, this wife and mother drives her kids to school, cheers them on at

events, takes them shopping and more.Until you look closer at her swollen knuckles or see the scars on her knees. They’re reminders of a rare, degenerating disease that once confined Sarah to a wheelchair—until total knee replacement surgery at St. Joseph Medical Center got her back on her feet. For Sarah, the ordinary is now extraordinary. But it wasn’t always that way.

Out of the blueFit and energetic, Sarah loved throwing softballs and spiking volleyballs with her three daughters—when she wasn’t playing with preschoolers as part of her job with her school district. “I didn’t even like going to the doctor,” says Sarah, 36, of Belton, Mo. “I was a very healthy, active person.” Until October of 2006. That’s when Sarah, who was living in Ohio at the time, began experiencing joint pain and sore throats that didn’t let up. Then one day, her left wrist became red and swollen. She visited her physician. He thought Sarah—who was taking online college courses and typing a lot—might have carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by a pressed nerve in the wrist.  “About two weeks later, I got up one morning so I could wake up the kids for school,” says Sarah. “I couldn’t even climb the stairs. I had to crawl. Also, my jaw and neck were swollen and painful. It was really scary.” Her husband, Rob, and daughters—Hayley, Bethany and Abby—watched in worry and disbelief. “We were all wondering, What could this be? What’s going on?” recalls Sarah. “It was just a strange thing to happen so suddenly.”

The next (painful) stepSarah’s pain continued to get worse. For a month, Sarah visited the doctor weekly and tried antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to dull her relentless aches. Nothing worked. Next step? A rheumatologist, who gave Sarah more tests and “drew enough blood to feed a vampire.” But the only conclusion from the blood tests was that there was a dramatic increase in inflammation.Meanwhile, the medicines the doctor prescribed—painkillers and a rheumatoid arthritis drug—didn’t work. The pain in

Sarah’s joints got progressively worse, especially in her knees, wrists and knuckles.

New town, new searchIn the summer of 2007, Sarah and her family moved back to Belton, where she and Rob had grown up. There, she renewed her quest for answers and relief. While her body racked with pain and throbbed, Sarah tried more physicians, more tests and more drugs, with no relief. Worse, X-rays showed that her wrist bones had fused together.“From the time I woke up, not being able to walk up the stairs, to the time my wrists were fused, was less than two years,” says Sarah. Despite visits to various physicians and several medications, no one had been able to solve her problem. Sarah’s quality of life was slipping away.“I was having trouble washing my hair, dressing myself, slicing vegetables, opening water bottles,” says Sarah. “I had to stop working out and riding bikes with the kids.”

An answer at lastIn May of 2008, Sarah consulted a specialist at the Mayo Clinic. He took one look at Sarah’s X-rays, factored in her young age and pored over her recent, rocky medical history. Diagnosis? Still’s Disease. Adult onset Still’s Disease—the kind that Sarah has—is an inflammatory condition with no known cause. It ravages joints and sometimes organs, potentially causing heart inflammation and fluid buildup around the lungs. The disease strikes less than one in 100,000 people annually—usually before they’re 45 years old – and causes symptoms including joint pain, sore throat, high fever and rashes. Ironically, the diagnosis came as a relief. “Someone actually knew what was going on with my body,” says Sarah. “Someone understood what I was going through.”

Battling more than ‘the blues’The Mayo doctor, who still monitors her illness, advised Sarah to see an orthopedic specialist about her knees. She made an appointment with Scott Luallin, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at St. Joseph.“When I first saw Sarah, you could tell she was someone putting up with chronic pain, like someone who’s got the blues,” says Dr. Luallin. “When you’re hurting constantly, it brings you down.” Together, they determined an immediate course of action: cortisone shots in Sarah’s knees to reduce inflammation. They tried the shots for more than a year, beginning in November 2009.  

No More Knee PainBilateral Replacements Get a Young Woman Back on her Feet

by Mary Ann Luther

7

Car

onde

letH

ealth

.org

Sum

mer

201

1

“Sarah got some short-term relief,” says Dr. Luallin. “But as time went on, the shots were becoming less effective.” By January of 2011, it was clear Sarah’s condition required more aggressive action. “My knees had stopped supporting my legs,” says Sarah. “My joints were destroyed. I could feel my bones sliding around. I could barely walk from my bed to the bathroom without a walker. I started using a wheelchair.”

Under the knifeDr. Luallin and Sarah agreed it was time for a total knee replacement in both knees, a solution that doesn’t stop the progression of Still’s Disease but does provide relief for painful knee symptoms. He used a type of knee implant that provides flexion and range of motion similar to a natural knee. The morning after surgery, Sarah was up and out of bed, literally taking her first steps toward recovery. One person helping her was Wendi Hoeper, RN, BSN, an orthopedic nurse whom she’d met before surgery.“Wendy was a combination of advocate, nurse and friend,” says Sarah.That’s a role Hoeper relishes as part of the Joint and Spine Institute – an education, rehab and recovery program offered at both St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Centers. “The program is personalized, and patient education is a big piece of it,” says Wendi. “Meeting patients and talking about their surgery beforehand decreases anxiety about what to expect.” And then, there’s the continuity of care. Not only did Wendi check in frequently on Sarah, “She even checked on me after I had left her department and moved to rehab,” says Sarah.“Wendi played a major role in my healing process those first couple of days after surgery. She was like my rock, and I don’t know what I would have done without her.”

At home and healthierAfter Sarah got out of the hospital, she received at-home physical therapy from Carondelet Home Care for about eight weeks.Again, St. Joseph’s continuity of care kicked in. Home visits from Shannon Teter, physical therapy assistant, not only got Sarah moving again, they lifted her spirits, as well.“There’s a whole emotional side to being sick,” says Sarah. And that’s something Shannon understood and discussed, as the two worked on Sarah’s legs.“Shannon was like a hug,” says Sarah.

Back in the saddleOnce home therapy ended, Sarah began outpatient therapy. And now, she’s getting back in the groove.“I can do things like drive and pick up the kids from school and go to my children’s awards ceremonies, plays and concerts,” says Sarah. “I wasn’t able to do that before. I was the girl in the wheelchair that everyone stared at. At school, everyone wanted to know, ‘What happened to your mom?’” As for Sarah’s wrists and hands? She still has some flexion and limited use. And she’s considering a new drug that may help, later this year. In the meantime, she’s walking – and the wheelchair is gone. “I never want to see that thing again,” says Sarah. Thanks to her knee replacement surgery, she may not have to. “I could have stayed in extreme pain in a wheelchair and continued to limit my activities—or go through surgery and have my life back,” says Sarah. “I think I made a good decision and I’m glad I did it.” “I could never have made it through this journey without the help and support of my family and friends, as well as my faith,” says Sarah. “I see my struggles as a gift from God – an opportunity to use my own experiences to help others.”

Free Seminars Provide Information on Joint ReplacementKnee pain is one of the most common complaints among Americans. In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 11 million physician visits are made each year because of a knee or knee-related condition. And, as in Sarah Elkins’ case, the knee pain often leads to replacement surgery.

Knee replacement surgeries have doubled over the last decade and more than tripled in the 45 to 64 age group. Hip replacements are also increasing. The numbers show baby boomers are going kicking and screaming into their retirement years, and expect to be able to continue physical activities.

And these aren’t your grandmother’s joint replacements. There have been significant improvements in both the artificial joints and the surgery itself over the last decade. Technology is allowing orthopedic surgeons to nearly custom fit each patient. The recovery has changed over the years as well.

“People used to stay in bed for days after a replacement surgery,” says Lisa Boyd, RN, BSN, nurse navigator for the Joint and Spine Institute at St. Mary’s. “But research has shown better outcomes by getting patients out of bed and into physical therapy the day after their surgeries.”

Navigators in the Joint and Spine Institute at St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Centers manage care among doctors, nurses and physical and occupational therapists. Patients occupy their own area of the unit, where they’re fast-tracked for a successful recovery that includes in-hospital rehab, in-home therapy and outpatient physical therapy, as needed.

Most patients go through various therapies together – a major morale booster, according to patients who’ve gone through the program.

The Joint and Spine Institutes offer free seminars to people living with joint pain. Participants can ask questions, explore options and learn what to expect before, during and after joint replacement surgeries.

Joint and Spine Institute at St. Joseph Medical CenterEvery Tuesday9-11 a.m.Call 816-943-2366 to register.

Joint and Spine Institute at St. Mary’s Medical CenterSecond Tuesday of every month10 a.m.- noonCall 816-655-5555 to register.

Car

onde

letH

ealth

.org

Sum

mer

201

1

8

“Kidney stones.” Those two words can bring even the toughest of us to our knees. The words certainly make Michelle Visos, Grain Valley, shudder. Kidney stones have a reputation for being one of the most painful medical conditions one can experience. Fortunately, there is effective treatment available.

“It was the worst I’ve ever felt in my life,” says Michelle. She had her first experience with kidney stones about four years ago. “I felt nauseous and couldn’t stop vomiting. I was doubled over in pain. At first I thought my appendix had ruptured, so I went to a hospital and an X-ray showed kidney stones.”

Michelle went to see Tad Wilson, MD, a urologist with St. Mary’s Medical Center. She was treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy—a big term for a fairly simple procedure. It uses shock waves to break up stones so they can pass through the body. It is still the most commonly used treatment for kidney stones. It’s non-invasive, low-risk and depending on the size and location of the stone, fairly effective—although it can require multiple treatments.

The treatment worked well for Michelle. But about half of those with kidney stones will develop more within five years and Michelle was one of them. Early this year, that pain that Michelle remembered all too well returned. She had large stones in both kidneys. Because of the size and number of stones, Dr. Wilson opted for a different treatment—percutaneous stone removal—at the Kidney Stone Center at St. Mary’s.

“It’s a two-step process involving an interventional radiologist and the urologist,” explains Dr. Wilson. “It’s the type of procedure that you need dual expertise to do well.”

Dr. Wilson’s teammate in the Kidney Stone Center is John Borsa, MD. Using advanced imaging techniques, Dr. Borsa inserts a small

catheter through the skin and into the kidney, creating a tunnel directly to the kidney stone. After the guide is in place, the patient is transferred to surgery for step two. There, Dr. Wilson makes a small incision at the site of the guide and puts a scope through a sheath to see the stone. The stone can then be grasped and removed or broken into smaller pieces and then removed.

“Mutual respect makes this program work,” says Dr. Borsa. “And patients benefit from having a team coordinating their care.”

Michelle had the procedure done in one kidney, then a month later in the other. Patients usually have an overnight stay in the hospital, return to work in about a week and resume full physical activity within two weeks.

“She had several large stones, so we did lithotripsy again after the second procedure,” says Dr. Wilson. “Today, we have options that are minimally invasive and very successful. Almost no one does traditional surgery for kidney stones anymore.”

Now that her kidney stones are gone, Michelle wants to prevent more from developing. She’s working with Dr. Wilson to determine why she is prone to the stones and creating a plan for prevention.

“Dehydration is a leading cause of kidney stones, so drinking a lot of fluids is very important—particularly in the hot weather months,” says Dr. Wilson. “Lowering your salt intake and the amount of animal protein you eat can help as well, and include lemonade or orange juice in your diet.

The citric acid present in these beverages can help bind calcium in the urine and prevent stone formation.”

For more information on the Kidney Stone Center, or to schedule an evaluation with a board-certified urologist, call the center’s nurse coordinator at 816-655-5737.

Tag-Team Treatment for Kidney Stones

by Cyndi Fahrlander

Tad Wilson, MD, and John Borsa, MD, work together with great results in the treatment of kidney tones..

Michelle Visos knows first-hand how painful kidney stones can be. She was treated successfully and now is taking steps to stop the formation of the stones.

9

Car

onde

letH

ealth

.org

Sum

mer

201

1

What’s New

The Carondelet Heart Institute at St. Joseph Medical Center is among the first in the area using cardiac-only positron emission tomography (PET) to get a clear view of the heart without an invasive procedure. During a PET scan, a patient is injected with a small amount of radioactive tracer. The blood stream carries the material to the heart and a special PET camera shows the material and creates a picture of the heart. It gives very detailed information about the heart’s blood flow. Healthy muscle show more of the material indicating good blood flow. Less-healthy areas will show less absorption.

“The latest type of PET scan is the most accurate test available for assessing the impact of cardiovascular blockages in patients who may be at risk for heart attack,” says Timothy Blackburn, MD, cardiologist with the Carondelet Heart Institute. “Not only can we easily identify damaged areas, we can also determine the extent of damage and whether the patient will benefit from angioplasty or bypass surgery. It’s non-invasive, painless and we get a wealth of information.”

Dr. Blackburn says the new PET scan takes less than an hour and the amount of exposure to radiation is significantly less than earlier PET scans. In fact, radiation exposure is equivalent to that of a kidney X-ray. In addition, PET images are less likely to be distorted by conditions of the patient’s body, such as obesity, and are consistently of high quality, leading to a more accurate diagnosis in cardiac disease.

St. Mary’s Medical Center Ranked Among the TopSt. Mary’s Medical Center tied for sixth place in Kansas City in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals metro area rankings.

To be ranked in its metro area, a hospital had to score in the top 25 percent among its peers in at least one of 16 medical specialties. St. Mary’s is the only hospital in Eastern Jackson County making the list.

“We are honored to be recognized among the best in the metro,” says Annette Small, CEO, St. Mary’s. “This ranking is yet one more testament to the great work we do in caring for our patients every day.”

Carondelet Heart Institute Provides Cardiac-Specific PET Scan

St. Joseph Earns American Stroke Association AwardSt. Joseph Medical Center has earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award.

The Get With The Guidelines® Stroke program was developed to help hospitals ensure that the care they provide to stroke patients is aligned with the latest scientific guidelines. According to the American Heart Association, most hospitals implementing the Get With The Guidelines program realize measurable results that make a difference in the lives of patients and their families.

“The award recognizes St. Joseph’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations,” says Kathleen Henderson, RN, MN, ACNS-BC, coordinator of the stroke program at St. Joseph. “Earning the award shows our work in stroke treatment is ongoing.”

Don’tMisstheFunFamily Health CelebrationSaturday, September 249 a.m. - 1 p.m.St. Joseph Medical CenterI-435 and State Line Road

Children’s actvities, health screenings and wellness information for the entire family will be available.

10

Car

onde

letH

ealth

.org

Sum

mer

201

1

Hardest WordAn apology contains perhaps the most difficult word to utter. It is even more difficult to say with sincerity, and when delivered it provides no guarantee of acceptance. This may be why the word “sorry” is so avoided, and yet research has shown that apologizing in a heartfelt way can help you reduce stress and alleviate guilt. Try this:•Apologize immediately•Take responsibility for the situation•Acknowledge the offense•Ask forgiveness with a promise that it won’t

happen again•Offer restitution whenever possible.

How you respond to an apology often reflects your general view of relationships. Ryan Fehr and Michele J. Gelfand of the University of Maryland conducted a series of studies in which they examined three apology components (expressions of empathy, offers of compensation, acknowledgement of the violation of social norms) and their effectiveness with different apology recipients.Someone who defined themselves by their connections to others responded more strongly to expressions of empathy. Those who tend to keep track of the value each person brings to a relationship found apologies with offers of compensation to be most effective. Others who viewed their relationships as part of a larger group or community responded best to apologies that acknowledged the violation of social norms.Last, but not least, most experts say forgive yourself. If your apology goes unaccepted, there is nothing more you can do. Moving on will help you avoid further guilt that will only harm you internally. “To err is human, to forgive divine.”

—Alexander Pope

Body & Soul

Making Every Day a Treasure HuntBy Lori Hilbrich

Ahhh, the good ol’ summertime. Most of us look forward to taking a little break in the summer maybe we’re planning a summer vacation. Who doesn’t need a few days off once in a while? A little time away can clear our heads and help us re-energize. But if you dread returning to your “normal life” It’s time for a change—either in the job or in the attitude.For most of us, having a job is a necessity. There is something about food, clothing and shelter we grow accustomed to. The average American spends about 2,000 hours a year on the job—a lot of time. That’s too much time if you can’t find some joy in your work—or in your life. During orientation, I have the opportunity to talk with every new associate at St. Mary’s and I give each a wish: I wish for you to find a treasure; that is—I wish for you to find your work soul satisfying. You may be thinking that it’s easy for me to find soul satisfaction and spirituality in my job—after all I work in Spiritual Care in a faith-based hospital. But it’s available to everyone. “Spirituality is what we do with desire,” says Ron Rolheiser, OMI, Catholic priest and author. While you’re lounging on the beach or in the backyard in your free time, I urge you to do a “spirituality check” about your life’s work. Ask yourself a couple of questions: Do I have joy in my work? What do I learn at work? Is my work creating good or joy for others? There’s a saying that you always find what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for things that annoy you about your life’s work—there’s probably plenty of things out there. But turn it around—search for the good. Go on your own treasure hunt. Each of us can find soul-satisfying work—if we look for it. If not in the job we’re actually paid to do, then in a job we choose to do.

Be a FriendA recent study suggests that social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and others can play a constructive role in one’s health. The research indicates that social networking sites contribute to a sense of belonging and that sense of belonging positively correlated with the number of friends and time spent on social networking sites.Some people find that just airing their thoughts and sharing feelings and experiences are therapeutic, that others may gain inspiration and hope.  Professionals are finding social networking beneficial for both patients and peer support. What if we saw social media as a problem solver? What if we devised ways to use it to educate, inform, treat and improve lives? We’re willing to try. You can learn about upcoming events at our medical centers and get the latest health information by becoming friends of St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Centers. Just search for us and click “Like.”

Car

onde

letH

ealth

.org

Sum

mer

201

1

Lori Hilbrich is the manager of Spiritual Care at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

11

Health Wise is published four times a year by the Marketing and Communications Department at Carondelet Health. Address correspondence to Marketing and Communications, Carondelet Health, 1000 Carondelet Drive, Kansas City, MO 64114. 816-943-2565

Fleury Yelvington President and CEO • Carondelet HealthGinger Bliss • Vice President, Strategic Planning and Business Development • Carondelet Health Linda Smith • Regional Manager, Marketing and CommunicationsCyndi Fahrlander • Sr. Marketing and Communications SpecialistRandy Knittel • Sr. Graphic DesignerMarlina Robertson • Marketing and Communications SpecialistCarrie Lehr, MD - Medical Ediltor

Copyright © 2011 Carondelet Health. Any material in this publication may not be reproduced in whole or part without permission from the Carondelet Health Marketing and Communications department.

Carondelet Health consists of St. Mary’s Medical Center, St. Joseph Medical Center, three long-term care facilities and home care services. Carondelet Health is dedicated to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Our commitment to human dignity compels us to provide compassionate, quality healthcare for body, mind and spirit, with a special concern for the poor. We are responsible stewards serving the needs of all people from conception to death. Carondelet Health is a member of Ascension Health, the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health system.

Carondelet Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

1000 Carondelet DriveKansas City, MO 64114

816-942-4400

stjosephkc.com

201 NW R.D. Mize RoadBlue Springs, MO 64014

816-228-5900

stmaryskc.com

Public RelationsCarondelet Health1000 Carondelet DriveKansas City, Missouri 64114

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S Postage

PAIDPermit No. 1057

K.C. MO

Marketing and CommunicationsCarondelet Health1000 Carondelet DriveKansas City, MO 64114

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S Postage

PAIDPermit No. 1057

K.C. MO

My heart belongs to me.

816-9-HEARTS(816-943-2787)

HeartandSoulKC.com

Dwight: husband & cardiology patient

Carondelet saved my life, twice.

“…Now more than ever it’s up to me to take care of myself and my family by taking care of my heart.” Start with a Personal Heart Health Screening from the Carondelet Heart Institute.

Call now.Personal Heart Health Screening• Full cholesterol and triglyceride check• Blood pressure check• Body fat analysis• Family history and lifestyle review• Peace of mind

Here’s where to start:

The Heart & Soul of Cardiac Care.