Planning Your Prenatal Care

Health & Wellness News For Western Massachusetts
Spring 2015
Finding
Dr. Right
Growing Older—
with Confidence
Oh, Baby!
Planning Your Prenatal Care
02
F O R YO U R I N F O R M AT I O N
Spring Cleaning
Safety Tips
Join us for our
“Say Goodbye
to Varicose Veins”
program. See page 10 for
more information.
Shape Up
Your Veins
This summer, don’t let varicose veins stop
you from wearing shorts, capri pants, or
a bathing suit. Help for these painful and
unsightly veins is available.
Caused by weak or damaged valves,
varicose veins occur when blood pools in
veins near the skin. As a result, pressure
builds and the veins can enlarge and twist,
leading to swollen blue veins visible just
under the skin.
If you have varicose veins, don’t suffer in
silence. Compression stockings, exercise,
leg elevation, and rest are simple solutions
that can help, and varicose veins can also be
treated with minimally invasive procedures.
Smaller varicose veins can benefit from
sclerotherapy, in which a solution is injected
to close the vein, and larger veins can be sealed
off with laser ablation. During this procedure,
the vein is treated using catheter-based laser
energy. With both treatments, the blood flow
is rerouted to healthier veins.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERCY VASCULAR
SERVICES OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO TREAT VARICOSE
It’s easy to get swept away in your spring
cleaning mission as you push your body to
the limit to get glowing floors, fresh powder
rooms, and clean-smelling carpets. But don’t
let your ultimate goal cloud your common
sense. Keep the following in mind as you take
on the cleaning challenge:
++ Buddy up. Don’t try to lift heavy
furniture or climb ladders alone. Enlist
the help of a cleaning partner to help
you divide and conquer.
++ Circulate. When you’re moving around
dust and polishing surfaces, the air can get
a little hazy. Keep some doors and windows
open as you work.
++ Look at labels. Most
products shouldn’t be
swallowed, but there are
several that should also
not come into contact
with skin. Stay informed
by reading the safety
labels on household
cleaning supplies.
VEINS, VISIT WWW.MERCYCARES.COM/VASCULAR
OR CALL 413-748-9378.
Heart-Healthy Asparagus Risotto
Ingredients
2 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
1 small bunch fresh asparagus, cut into
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon trans fat-free margarine
1-inch pieces
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small carrot, chopped fin
½ Vidalia onion, diced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup brown rice
¼ cup 1 percent milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1
/8 teaspoon salt
Black pepper to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a large saucepan, heat the oil and margarine over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook
for 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the rice and toss to coat. Gradually mix in the broth, 1/4 cup at a
time, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 50 minutes.
Stir in the asparagus, carrot, lemon zest, and milk, and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Remove
from the heat and let sit for a few minutes. Season with the parsley, sage, salt, and black pepper to
taste. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
information
(per serving)
Servings: 6
Calories: 118
Fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 4mg
Sodium: 440mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
03
W E LC O M E
contents
Dear Friends,
6
8
9
2 .....Shape Up Your Veins
Spring Cleaning Safety Tips
Heart-Healthy Asparagus Risotto
4......Your ‘Before Baby’ Checklist
Throughout the Sisters of Providence Health System, we are committed to providing you
with the best health care and the best health care experience possible. That commitment
also extends to empowering you with the information you need to not only maintain good
health, but also make your life healthier.
In this issue of Balance, you will learn about the importance of developing an ongoing
relationship with your primary care physician, because this partnership will support you
through many of life’s transitions. With four convenient offices throughout the Pioneer
Valley, the physicians and providers at Mercy Medical Group are available to assist in your
quest for a primary care physician who demonstrates expertise, instills confidence, and
encourages you to make healthy choices.
There is perhaps no greater life-altering event than having a baby. Proper planning,
preparation, and prenatal care can reduce your risk of complications and help that big
day go as smoothly as possible. Turn to pages 4 and 5 for information about ways to have
a healthy pregnancy and delivery, as well as tips for newborn care.
If you’re among the many middle-age individuals who share responsibility for the care of
an elderly relative, you’ll be interested to learn about the connection between self-esteem
and age-related health issues among seniors. Please see page 8 for confidence-building
strategies that could help improve the quality of life for your loved one.
This issue of Balance provides a glimpse of the programs and services offered through our
comprehensive continuum of care. For more information about the Sisters of Providence
Health System, log onto our new and improved website, www.MercyCares.com.
Your partner in good health,
6......Your Primary Mission
8......Growing Older, with Confidence
9......Stopping Stroke’s Impact
What Did You Say?
10....Healthy Balance Calendar
Daniel P. Moen
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Sisters of Providence Health System
All surveys are due
by May 15, 2015. One entry per
person. Completed survey responses
will be entered into a drawing. Must be
at least 18 years old to enter. Sisters of
Providence Health System employees
and their immediate families are
not eligible for the drawing.
11 ....The Benefits of Volunteering
Spring Back without Injury
12 ...Lung Cancer Screenings Save Lives
This publication in no way seeks to serve as a
substitute for professional medical care. Consult
your physician before undertaking any form
of medical treatment or adopting any exercise
program or dietary guidelines.
We Want to Hear From You!
Balance is our way of communicating with our community, and we want to make sure it meets
your needs. In order to find out what you love about our magazine—and want to see more
about in the future—we need your help.
Do you have an idea for an article? Would you like to see more classes and community
education programs? Would you be interested in an e-newsletter? Visit
www.MercyCares.com/healthy-balance and take our brief survey to let us know.
One survey participant will be randomly selected to win a
Fitbit activity tracker!
04
P R E PA R AT I O N
Your
‘Before Baby’
Checklist
Before you decorate the nursery or buy
diapers, you should be taking steps to
ensure a safe and healthy birth.
During the 40 weeks of pregnancy, regular visits to your physician
can help you prevent birth defects and ensure that you and your
baby are as healthy as possible.
“Accessing early prenatal care decreases the risk for preterm
delivery, one of the biggest complications of pregnancy,” says
Colette A. Haag-Rickert, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN at Fitzpatrick,
Moran, Costa & Haag-Rickert. “Getting the right care from
beginning to end will maximize your chances of a full-term,
healthy baby.”
First Things First
Pediatrician Teresa Mitchell, MD, examines a newborn.
If possible, talk to your physician before you get pregnant about
what you need to do to have as healthy a pregnancy as possible.
Know Your Birthing Center
With 16 private, beautiful rooms featuring birthing beds, comfortable
recliners, and large windows, the Family Life Center for Maternity at
Mercy Medical Center is a free-standing obstetrical unit that provides a
home-like atmosphere combined with the medical expertise you expect.
“You can have the comfortable delivery you want, yet all the
medical equipment is right here at our fingertips for an emergency
if it’s needed,” says Colette A. Haag-Rickert, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN
at Fitzpatrick, Moran, Costa & Haag-Rickert. “We have the option
of midwife- or obstetrician-attended births, and each room has
a private bathroom with a large shower that can be used during
labor. You’re in one room for your birth experience from beginning
to end, instead of being moved around between labor, delivery,
recovery, and postpartum.”
“Our patients tell us we have a calm, quiet, and relaxing atmosphere,”
says Claire Margosiak, Director of Women’s Services at Mercy. “We
also have pediatric, hospitalist, and anesthesiology services available
24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
05
P R E PA R AT I O N
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“Supplements with folic acid can prevent spinal defects when taken
before conception,” says Teresa Mitchell, MD, pediatrician at Mercy Medical
Center and director of pediatrics at the Family Life Center for Maternity.
“Smoking, drinking, drugs, and certain types of medication use should
be stopped before you get pregnant. We also encourage women to be
physically active and have a varied, healthy diet so their bodies are better
prepared for pregnancy.”
Your Initial Appointment
Call your health care professional as soon as you find out you are pregnant
(usually six to eight weeks along). At this first appointment, your provider
will review your personal and family medical history. A complete physical
exam—including a breast exam, Pap test, pelvic exam, and tests for sexually
transmitted infections—is standard as well.
You will also have blood and urine tests to check for:
• Bacteria in the urine
• Blood cell counts
• Blood type
• Elevated protein levels, a risk factor for preeclampsia, a dangerous
type of high blood pressure that can occur during pregnancy
• High sugar levels, a symptom of diabetes
• Infectious diseases
• Low iron levels
What’s Next?
Women between the ages of 18 and 35 who are otherwise healthy are
considered low-risk and typically have prenatal visits:
• Every four to six weeks for the first 28 weeks of pregnancy
• Every two to three weeks from week 28 to week 36
• Once a week during the ninth month
Women with certain preexisting conditions or who develop conditions
during pregnancy, teens who are pregnant, or first-time mothers older
than 35 are considered high-risk and may need more intense medical
care. This is part of why it’s so important to see your physician right
away—the earlier a risk factor is identified, the sooner your physician
can help you manage it for a safer pregnancy and delivery.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FAMILY LIFE CENTER FOR MATERNITY, CALL 413-748-7295
OR VISIT WWW.MERCYCARES.COM/MATERNITY.
Preparing Your Mind and Body
Another important part of prenatal care is learning as much
as possible about childbirth and infant care. The Family Life
Center for Maternity at Mercy Medical Center offers many
resources for expectant and new parents, whether this is
your first child or your third, including:
++ Baby Boot Camp. Learn basic newborn care, infant
behavior, signs of illness, safety at home, infant CPR, and
ways to calm your baby.
++ Baby Massage. Offered to new parents, this class is taught
by a certified infant massage instructor. Learn massage
techniques that promote relaxation and sleeping.
++ Big Brother/Big Sister Class. Free for children between
the ages of 3 and 7, this one-hour class includes a story,
discussion, education about safety issues, and a tour of the
Family Life Center.
++ Childbirth Education Program. Offered as a one-day
weekend class or over a period of several weeks, this class is
designed for all expectant mothers and their partners. Tour
the Family Life Center and learn the basics of labor, delivery,
and baby care.
++ Lactation Services. We have all the breastfeeding support
you need, whether inpatient or outpatient. The Expectant
Mother’s Breastfeeding class is offered once a month. Our
lactation consultants are also available for free, private,
individualized sessions and at the walk-in Baby Café on
Thursdays. Call our free Breastfeeding Support line at
413-748-7262 for information or to schedule an appointment.
++ Prenatal Yoga. Taught by a certified yoga instructor, this
course helps you relax and prepare for birth with light
exercise and breathing techniques.
To learn more about our childbirth and parenting education
programs, visit www.mercycares.com/childbirth-education.
Call 413-748-7295 to register for a course.
06
COMMUNIT Y CARE
Your Primary
You need someone in your life with whom you can share anything, turn to in sickness and
health, and plan for the future. You need a primary care physician (PCP).
When it comes to health, a PCP can be your
advisor, confidant, and expert. The relationship
you form with him or her could last decades
and take you through some of life’s most
important transitions.
“A PCP is critical to the long-term wellness
of any individual,” says Scott Wolf, DO, MPH,
senior vice president of medical affairs,
chief medical officer, and chief operating
officer at Mercy Medical Center. “It is well
documented that individuals with a PCP have
better management of chronic illnesses, lower
health care costs, and greater satisfaction
with their health.
“The relationship with your PCP is like
a marriage—it will, hopefully, last a long
time, and you want to feel comfortable with
and supported by the physician,” Dr. Wolf
continues. “Be sure you devote enough time
to the search for a PCP and perform your due
diligence because the decision you make is
an investment in your wellness.”
Start your PCP search by asking your
friends and family whom they see and
would recommend, then call your insurance
company to find out which physicians are in
your network. As you begin building a list of
possibilities, assess the practices’ proximities
to your home and find out with which hospitals
the physicians are affiliated.
Questions to ask include:
What kind of PCP do I need?
The term “PCP” can encompass several types
of physicians, including family medicine
practitioners, internists, and OB/GYNs.
“Often, the choice of which type of PCP
comes down to where an individual is in life,”
Dr. Wolf says. “Many women, for example,
maintain an OB/GYN as their PCP, especially
as they plan or have families. When they stop
having children, they might transition to a
family medicine physician, who sees children
through geriatric patients, or an internist, who
focuses only on adults. Many families prefer
family medicine practitioners because every
member can see the same physician.”
What should I be looking for in a
physician and his or her practice?
You should evaluate many factors, including
the physician’s credentials and history of
malpractice claims or disciplinary actions;
www.Healthgrades.com is a good resource
to consult for that information. Let your
assessment include the physician’s practice—
What are its hours? What are the physician and
staff’s preferred method(s) of communication?
Is the staff friendly and helpful?
What else is important?
“The physician’s personality is very
important—patients want to feel valued and
cared about,” says Shamim Najeebi, MD,
pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine
physician at Mercy Medical Group. “However,
Meet
you may not be able to get a true sense of
a physician’s bedside manner based on one
interaction. If he or she seems to be having
a bad or busy day, give the physician the
benefit of the doubt and base your opinion
on a couple visits.”
Dr. Najeebi’s best advice: Trust your
instincts.
“Go with your gut feeling,” he says. “If you
think a physician seems to have the right
combination of compassion and expertise
to care for you, you’re probably right.”
Once I find a PCP, how can we
start off on the right foot?
Like any relationship, you get out what you
put in. You may have found a physician who’s
caring, knowledgeable, and passionate about
your health, but if you always expect him
or her to take the lead, your partnership
will suffer.
“If you’re not engaged in your health
and wellness, your physician won’t feel as
invested in you as he or she would if you
were involved, transparent, and compliant
with his or her recommendations,” Dr. Wolf
says. “Physicians respond to an engaged,
enthusiastic patient.”
You are probably familiar with Mercy Medical Group—Mercy Medical Center’s new
collection of primary and specialty care practices—even if you don’t recognize the name.
In November, 2014, 19 physicians, as well as physician assistants, nurse
practitioners, and staff members formerly with Hampden County Physician
Associates (HCPA), joined Mercy Medical Group. The addition of the group brings
a wealth of expertise to the Sisters of Providence Health System, as the group’s
members represent cardiology, colon and rectal surgery, gastroenterology, primary
care, pulmonology, and rheumatology.
“These are well-established providers who are committed to the Pioneer Valley and
Mercy’s mission of caring for all patients,” says Scott Wolf, DO, MPH, senior vice
president of medical affairs, chief medical officer, and chief operating officer at Mercy.
“Mercy Medical Group gives the hospital a strong foundation in primary care, which
we plan to build on by recruiting more providers into the group and expanding
primary care services.”
Mercy Medical Group includes these locations:
East Longmeadow Office
Springfield Office
98 Shaker Road
175 Carew Street
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Springfield, MA 01104
413-525-1554
Suite 110: 413-732-4269
Suite 200: 413-734-8254
Ludlow Office
1 Moody Street
Feeding Hills Office
Ludlow, MA 01056
1158 Springfield Street
413-583-2274
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
413-786-1500
NEED A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN? VISIT WWW.MERCYCARES.COM/PRIMARY-CARE TO VIEW A
LIST OF MERCY MEDICAL GROUP PHYSICIANS AND MIDLEVEL PROVIDERS.
CONDITION, SERVICE, OR SYMPTOM
When to Go Where
Confused about when it’s best to visit an
emergency department (ED), urgent care
center, or your primary care physician’s
(PCP) office? Use the following chart as a
guide. (It is equally appropriate to go to an
urgent care center or your PCP’s office for
certain problems, but an urgent care center
may be a quicker option if your PCP can’t
see you right away.)
ED
Broken bone
✔
Chest pain
✔
URGENT CARE CENTER
PCP’S OFFICE
Coughing, congestion, fever, or sore throat
✔
✔
Diarrhea or vomiting
✔
✔
Difficulty breathing/speaking, numbness,
or altered vision
✔
Management of chronic conditions
✔
Minor cut
✔
Physical exam
Severe pain
Sprain or strain
✔
✔
✔
COMMUNIT Y CARE
07
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08
S U CC E S S F U L AG I N G
Helping Seniors Stay Engaged
Social and physical activities abound for seniors
enrolled in the Mercy LIFE (Living Independently For
Elders) program. Participants visit the 24,000-squarefoot Mercy LIFE Center in West Springfield, where
they enjoy social groups and events, exercise classes,
rehabilitation services, and coordinated medical care.
“We help seniors stay engaged on every level—
physically, socially, intellectually, and spiritually,” says
Rachel Broudy, MD, medical director of Mercy LIFE.
“We get comments all the time from family members
who say, ‘I haven’t seen my mom this happy in years,’
or ‘Dad is acting like his old self again.’”
Mercy LIFE is part of the Mercy Continuing Care
Network (MCCN). One of the goals of the MCCN is to
help seniors live independently for as long as possible.
The MCCN also includes a program for seniors called
Mercy Adult Day Health of Westfield, as well as Mercy
Companions, a private-duty home care program.
Building self-esteem through physical and social activity
is a vital part of all three programs.
“When people feel good about themselves, they eat better,
sleep better, and walk around more—and that boosts
their overall health,” says Christopher McLaughlin, chief
operating officer of the MCCN. “Participants’ and their
loved ones’ perceptions about their health improve after
several weeks in our programs.”
To learn how we help your loved one stay active,
visit www.mercycares.com/continuing-care or call
413-539-2917.
Growing Older, with
Confidence
Self-esteem may be the key to healthy aging.
A new study may have discovered another missing piece to the puzzle of
long-term health. Researchers at Concordia University met with 147 adults
age 60 and older to measure their self-esteem, cortisol levels, and symptoms
of stress and depression. Results of their research, which were published in
2014, found that seniors with higher self-esteem experienced fewer agingrelated health issues.
The problem is that self-esteem tends to drop steadily beginning at retirement.
Declining self-esteem may contribute to higher stress levels and a higher
likelihood of depression, both of which affect physical health. If you’re an
older adult who has experienced a loss of self-esteem in recent years, these
confidence-building activities can help:
• Meet new people. Good friends make you feel loved and appreciated, which
increases your sense of self-worth.
• Learn something new. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but
never had the chance to? Perhaps it’s studying a foreign language or learning
how to use a computer. Developing new skills helps your mind stay sharp.
• Stay informed. Whether it’s world events or just what’s going on in your friends’
lives, staying up to date on the latest news increases your sense of connection
and empathy.
• Maintain your muscles. Go on walks every day to strengthen your muscles and
improve balance. By preserving your mobility, you can enjoy more years of
living independently—a major factor in self-esteem.
Hearing tests are available at the Mercy Hearing Center.
Stopping
Stroke’s Impact
This May, celebrate National Stroke Awareness
Month by learning more about stroke symptoms.
Stroke occurs when a blood clot or ruptured blood vessel prevents
oxygen from reaching the brain, and it often strikes suddenly. Use
FAST, an acronym developed by the American Stroke Association
to recognize stroke:
(F) Face—Is your loved one experiencing numbness or paralysis
on one side of the face?
(A) Arms—Can he or she raise both arms to an equal height?
(S) Speech—Can you understand your loved one?
( T) Time—Call 911 as soon as you notice slurred speech or
weakness/numbness on one side of the body.
“Two million brain cells die every minute when the brain
is deprived of oxygen,” says Patricia Henault, RN, stroke
coordinator at Mercy Medical Center. “The quicker someone
gets medical attention, the less damage occurs.”
FOR PROMPT, QUALITY STROKE
STROKE.
d
A 2013
study published in The
Lancet reveals that strokes are
on the rise in young and middle-age
adults. Between 1990 and 2010, the
number of adults between the ages of
20 and 64 who experienced a stroke
increased 25 percent. Expanding
waistlines and earlier development of
diabetes, high blood pressure, and
high cholesterol may play
a role.
lts
WWW.MERCYCARES.COM/
r Ol
Adu
CALL 413-748-9912 OR VISIT
s t a C o n ce r n f o
er
CARE. TO LEARN MORE,
Ju
Not
What Did You Say?
Hearing loss affects an estimated 25 to 50 percent of older
adults. May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, so there’s
no better time to take the following quiz and learn if you or
a loved one could benefit from a hearing evaluation.
1 . Do your friends and family members complain that the television
or stereo is too loud?
❑ Yes
❑ No
2. Do those around you seem to mumble?
❑ Yes
❑ No
MERCY IS A PRIMARY STROKE CENTER,
WHICH MEANS WE MEET STANDARDS
09
YO U R H E A LT H
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. Do you have trouble keeping up with conversations or clearly
3
understanding what others say, especially when visiting with a
large group of people?
❑ Yes
❑ No
4. Do you avoid social gatherings?
❑ Yes
❑ No
. Are you having social difficulties or problems at work because
5
you don’t always understand what is said?
❑ Yes
❑ No
. Do you feel more comfortable bringing a loved one with you to
6
social events and doctor’s appointments?
❑ Yes
❑ No
You may have hearing loss if you answered yes to any of these questions.
“Over time, hearing loss can lead to social isolation,” says Lois E.
Osetek, MS, CCC-A, manager of audiology at the Mercy Hearing Center.
“Communication is the key in all of our encounters with friends, family,
and co-workers, so even mild hearing loss can interfere with our
interactions of everyday activities.
“If you are experiencing difficulty hearing sounds and words correctly,
a hearing evaluation can determine the nature and degree of your
hearing loss. A comprehensive explanation of your hearing loss with
recommendations for medical and/or rehabilitative follow-up can help
with your future communication needs.”
TO SCHEDULE A HEARING EVALUATION, CALL 413-748-6840. FOR MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT HEARING LOSS, VISIT WWW.MERCYCARES.COM/HEARING.
healthy balance
10
H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S C A L E N D A R F O R W E S T E R N M A S S A C H U S E T T S
Mercy Life, 2112 Riverdale Street, Suite One, West Springfiel
Mercy Medical Center’s Deliso Conference Center, 299 Carew Street, Springfiel
Mount Saint Vincent Care Center, 35 Holy Family Road, Holyoke
Providence Behavioral Health Hospital Auditorium, 1233 Main Street, Holyoke
Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital, 233 Carew Street, Springfiel
Community Health Education
Strong Bones, Strong Body
Wednesday, April 22, 6–7:30 p.m.
Mercy Medical Center’s Deliso Conference Center,
O’Hara Room
Although 80 percent of people with soft or brittle
bones are women, men are not immune and also
face broken bones, hospitalization, lost days at work,
loss of income, and a lot of out of pocket expenses.
The good news is that you can make a difference!
Join Jennifer Giffune, RD, LDN, for a program to learn
about the foods and activities you can put in place to
boost your bone strength.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration
is required. For convenient online registration, visit
our calendar at www.mercycares.com/classes-events
or call 413-748-9745.
Say Good-Bye to Varicose Veins
Tuesday, May 5, 6–7:30 p.m.
Mercy Medical Center’s Deliso Conference Center,
O’Hara Room
Learn the signs and symptoms of varicose veins, as
well as the various treatment options. Presented by
vascular surgeon Celso Dias, MD.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration
is required. For convenient online registration, visit
our calendar at www.mercycares.com/classes-events
or call 413-748-9789
Living with Bipolar Disorder
Tuesday, May 12, 6–7:30 p.m.
Providence Behavioral Hospital Auditorium
May is Mental Health Month. Join Maria Russo-Appel, MD,
as she discusses bipolar disorder, the signs and
symptoms, and potential treatments.
This event is free and open to the public, but
registration is required. For convenient online
registration, visit www.mercycares.com/classesevents or call 413-539-2815.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Understanding
Lung Cancer Screening
Wednesday, May 13, 6–7:30 p.m.
Mercy Medical Center’s Deliso Conference Center,
O’Hara Room
Are you or a loved one at risk for lung cancer?
Join thoracic surgeon Laki Rousou, MD, as
he discusses the importance of lung cancer
screening, who should get screened, and how
the screening works.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration
is required. For convenient online registration, visit
our calendar at www.mercycares.com/classes-events
or call 413-748-9918.
Wellness Programs/Classes
Donate Blood. It’s Safe. It’s Simple.
It Saves Lives.
Give the gift of life! Donors have their choice of
a variety of Mercy Blood Bank logo gifts (while
supplies last). A list of our community blood
drives and our donor room hours is located on
our website, www.mercycares.com/blood-donor.
For more information, please call 413-748-9511.
CPR Classes for Health Care Providers
Training Class: April 15; May 20; June 17, 8:30 a.m.
to 1 p.m.
Renewal Class: April 24, May 12, May 29, June 9,
June 26, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The cost is $50 for the renewal class and $60
for the training class. Classes will be held at the
Memorial House Auditorium on the Mercy Medical
Center campus. For more information, contact the
department of nursing education at 413-748-9029
or email [email protected].
Diabetes Education Classes
The Diabetes Education Center at Mercy Medical
Center offers a variety of classes open to people
with diabetes, their family members and friends,
and members of the general public.
Join others with diabetes at our every-othermonth support group, monthly diabetes selfmanagement classes, diabetes exercise program,
and diabetes foot exams. Certified diabetes
educators lead discussions and activities to assist
in managing your diabetes day by day. To inquire
about diabetes classes, please call 413-748-7000.
Mercy Weight-Loss Solutions
Tuesday, June 16, 5:30 p.m.
Mercy Medical Center’s Deliso Conference Center,
Medical Staff Room
Come hear about current options for weight
management and surgery from leading physician
experts Viriato Fiallo, MD, and Ursula McMillian, MD.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration
is required. For convenient online registration, visit
our calendar at www.mercycares.com/classes-events
or call 413-737-8328.
Health Screenings
Cholesterol and Blood Glucose Screening
April 30, May 28, June 25, 7–9 a.m.
Mercy Medical Center’s Deliso Conference Center,
Breck Room
The fee is $10 for the cholesterol screening and
an additional $2 for the blood glucose screening.
Fasting 12 hours is required (water is permissible).
Free blood pressure screening is also offered. Preregistration is not necessary. For more information,
contact the department of nursing education at
413-748-9029 or email [email protected].
Mercy Hearing Center
The Mercy Hearing Center holds regular seminars,
hearing screenings, and luncheons at no charge. Staffed
with caring professionals who provide diagnostic,
treatment, rehabilitation, and counseling services for
people with hearing problems, the center has licensed,
certified audiologists who hold advanced degrees in
hearing assessment and rehabilitation of hearing loss.
For more information, please call 413-748-6840.
Special Event
Weldon Children’s Rehabilitation Family
Fun Night
Tuesday, June 2, 5–7 p.m.
Mercy Medical Center’s Deliso Conference Center,
O’Hara Room
Free night out! Meet and greet the staff of Children’s
Rehabilitation and join them for local resources for
children of all ages. Light refreshments will be provided.
Children are welcome to attend. For more information,
please call Katie at 413-748-6855.
Cancer Caregiver Support Group
Second Monday of the month, 7–9 p.m.
For all people caring for someone with cancer
and their family members.
For more information, call 413-748-9453.
Cancer Support Group
Mondays, 7 to 9 p.m.
Provides a safe environment in which people with
cancer, family members, and caregivers can express their
fears, concerns, questions, struggles, and successes.
For more information, call 413-748-9453.
Diabetes Support Group
June 17, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Join others with diabetes for our monthly support
group. Certified diab tes educators will lead
discussions and activities to assist in managing
your diabetes day by day. This will be held at the
Diabetes Education Center at Mercy Medical Center,
300 Stafford Street, Suite 253. There is no charge, but
registration is required. Please call 413-748-7000.
Grief Support Group
Mondays, 5:30–6:30 p.m. (excluding holidays)
Provides support for people who have experienced
loss of a spouse, partner, family member, or friend.
For more information, call 413-748-9453.
Memory Loss Caregivers Support Group
First Wednesday of the month, 6–7 p.m.
Mount Saint Vincent Care Center
The group’s focus is to emphasize overall wellbeing, as well as the spiritual and emotional needs
of the caregiver.
For more information, call 413-827-4336.
Support Groups
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
Amputee Support Group
Third Thursday of the month, 10–11:30 a.m.
Provides support for people with MS, as well as
for their family, friends, and loved ones.
For more information, call 413-781-5718.
Unless otherwise indicated, support group meetings are
held in Mercy Medical Center’s Deliso Conference Center.
Third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
A peer-level support, education, and advocacy
group for individuals (and their families) who
have experienced amputation.
For more information, call 413-748-6892.
Aphasia Support Group
Fridays, 9:30–11 a.m.
Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital’s 4th floor dining room
People with aphasia will find information and
fellowship at these weekly meetings.
For more information, call 413-748-7486.
Childbirth and Parent Education
Brain Injury Support Group
A variety of childbirth education classes are offered,
including: Childbirth, Teen Childbirth, Breastfeeding,
Breastfeeding and Working, Pregnancy Fitness, and
New Mothers’ Fitness. All programs are open to the
community, but pre-registration is required. Learn
more by visiting www.mercycares.com/childbirtheducation or calling 413-748-7295.
Third Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m.
The group offers those who have suffered a
head injury (as well as their family and friends)
the opportunity to share their experiences,
achievements, and challenges in an understanding
and supportive environment.
For more information, call 413-748-6892.
Spinal Cord Support Group
Last Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m.
Provides information and support to people with
spinal cord injury and their families.
For more information, call 413-748-6892.
Stroke Support Group
Fourth Monday of the month, 7 p.m.
Stroke survivors, as well as their families and
friends, are invited to attend.
For more information, call 413-748-7486.
Widow/Widower/Partner Grief Support Group
Second and fourth Tuesday of the month,
1–2:30 p.m. or 7–8:30 p.m.
Mercy Life
This group provides a safe, supportive place for
those grieving the death of a spouse or partner.
For more information call 413-827-4218.
11
CARING FOR YOU
W W W.MERCYCARES.COM
The Benefits of
Volunteering
Anne Frank famously wrote in her diary “No one has ever become poor by
giving.” Volunteering to help others in small ways can also benefit your health.
According to the Corporation for National & Community Service,
people who help a cause important to them typically experience less
depression and live longer. Volunteering is perfect for people of all
ages: Younger adults may use it as a way to hone their skills and boost
their self-confidence, while older adults can forge new friendships, feel
more useful, and have fun.
“We currently have 130 volunteers who range in age from 16 to 94,”
says Nancy Reilly, CAVS, volunteer director at the Sisters of Providence
Health System. “Our volunteers are so tight-knit, it’s not uncommon
to find many of them crowded around the same lunch table together.”
All potential volunteers must pass a background check and work
one four-hour shift a week for six months. Duties include everything
from clerical work to gardening, assisting with pet therapy, and
visiting patients.
“We want people to be able to give back in a way that is tailored
to their strengths and interests,” Reilly says. “We find that many
people volunteer with us for an
initial period and love it so much
they stick around for years—we
recently recognized a volunteer
for 35 years of service.”
In April, the Sisters of
Providence Health System will
celebrate National Volunteer
Week by recognizing the
team of volunteers. During an
Above: Volunteers at Farren Care Center
annual awards banquet, senior
help patients feel at home. Below: Nancy
leadership will serve the team.
Reilly, volunteer director
THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU TO GIVE BACK AT THE SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE
HEALTH SYSTEM. VISIT WWW.MERCYCARES.COM/VOLUNTEERING TO LEARN
MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.
Spring Back without Injury
As gray and chilly days give way to sunny,
warmer spring days, getting outside may be
at the top of your to-do list. With the season’s
slow change, take advantage of gradually
working up to your normal activity level again.
If you’ve spent winter being inactive, it’s unwise to jump right
back into your old exercise routine. Avoid an unplanned injury by
following these tips.
1. Always stretch before beginning. Five to 10 minutes of walking
and gentle stretching before a run, hike, or bike ride can help keep
you from aching the next day.
2. Take a time out if needed. Gardening, mowing grass, and other
outdoor chores provide a great way to get your blood moving and
engage your muscles, but these activities can also be intense. If you’re
feeling tired, sit down for a few minutes and drink some water.
3. Get strong with weights. Cardio is great for keeping your heart
in shape, but using weights in between cardiovascular workouts can
strengthen your muscles and help your body burn more calories—
even when you’re not working out. Weight training can also boost
bone density, which is important since osteoporosis becomes more
likely for women and men as they age.
HAVE ACHES AND PAINS THAT WON’T GO AWAY? OUR EXPERTS CAN
SORT OUT THE CAUSE. VISIT WWW.MERCYCARES.COM/ORTHOPEDICS
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE HEALTH SYSTEM, INC.
271 CAREW STREET
P.O. BOX 9012
SPRINGFIELD, MA 01102-9012
Should You
Get Screened?
❑ Are you a current or
former smoker?
❑ Are you between the ages
55 and 79?
❑ Have you smoked the
equivalent of a pack a day for
30 years or more?
If you answered yes to
these questions, you may
be a candidate for lung
cancer screening.
To schedule a lung cancer
screening at Mercy Medical
Center or to learn more, call
413-748-9628.
Join us
for “A Breath
of Fresh Air:
Understanding Lung
Cancer Screening.”
See page 10 for more
information.
Lung Cancer Screenings Save Lives
Screenings for current and former smokers help
extend the lives of those who develop lung cancer
by guiding them to lifesaving interventions.
Cigarette smokers make up about 90 percent of those who
get lung cancer—a serious disease that claimed the lives of an
estimated 159,260 people in 2014. The best way to avoid lung
cancer is to stop smoking—or never start in the first place.
Even former smokers are at an increased risk of developing
lung cancer, which is one reason why screening is so important.
How It Works
To screen for lung cancer, technicians use low-dose computed
tomography (CT) to capture images of the lungs. Specially
trained doctors review the scans for any telltale signs of cancer
or precancer.
“By screening a specifically targeted group of people
who are at higher risk of lung cancer, we are often able to
find the disease early,” says Laki Rousou, MD, MS, thoracic
surgeon at Mercy Medical Center. “There are a lot of effective
options for treating lung cancer, especially if we find it in
its early stages. But it all starts with finding a disease that
very rarely has any symptoms early on. Screening is the
best way to do that.”
Spot-on Treatments
If lung cancer is discovered, Dr. Rousou and his colleagues work
together to decide the best treatment plans for patients. For
many, surgically removing the affected lobe stops the cancer.
New minimally invasive techniques help make this approach
more successful than ever.
“We use small incisions and instruments so we don’t have
to disturb the ribcage during surgery,” Dr. Rousou says.
“Patients recover more quickly, there is less pain, and the
results are sometimes better than they were with traditional
open procedures.”
This new procedure is appropriate for some patients who are
too frail to undergo traditional surgery, and the new technique
allows for a faster recovery so patients can receive additional
treatments, such as chemotherapy, earlier. Minimally invasive
surgery patients recover lung function sooner and require fewer
blood replacement products.
Other treatment options include partial lobe removal and a
targeted therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery for those who
cannot tolerate removal of the entire lobe.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SCREENINGS AND LUNG CANCER
CARE AT MERCY MEDICAL CENTER, VISIT WWW.MERCYCARES.COM/
LUNG-CANCER.