Community Connection – Winter 2010
Transcription
Community Connection – Winter 2010
A Newsletter from North Cypress Medical Center at 290 & Huffmeister Rd. Winter 2010 Community Connection Project Pink NCMC Raises $50,000 For Houston Komen Affiliate (page 3) Clayton’s Story One Man’s Journey with Guillian-Barre Syndrome (page 6) TIF EsophyX Procedure Non-Invasive Surgery to Treat Chronic Heartburn and Reflux (page 7) Flu Facts 101 Tips for Staying Away from The Flu (page 9) North Cypress Medical Center is a Doctor owned, Patient Centered healthcare institution. A Message from the CEO Dear Friends, It has been another exciting and eventful year for North Cypress Medical Center. We have celebrated many milestones including our 1,000th Joint Center patient. We have also reached new accreditation standards in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Primary Stroke Care, and Bariatric Surgery. We have completed the addition of our Comprehensive Wound Care Center, offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy and wound management, along with dedicated and experienced staff and physicians to treat those suffering from chronic wounds. This state-of-the-art center is equipped with all the latest high tech equipment for 21st century wound care. As many of you have probably noticed, our campus is growing again. We are in the process of adding 24 additional emergency room beds in order to create a “Zero Wait Emergency Room” to better serve the community. We also have inaugurated our new Outpatient Dialysis Center. This center is beautifully appointed and features convenient dialysis for those patients with kidney disease. Entertaining guests this holiday season? Treat them to dinner or Sunday Brunch at our restaurant, Merche. For larger gatherings or holiday parties, you can reserve our private dining room or enjoy happy hour on the patio. Merche also offers wine tastings and dinners throughout the year. Please visit our website at www.MercheRestaurant.com for more information. The winter and holiday seasons can be a great time to gather with friends and family. As you enjoy the Holiday Season, feel safe in knowing that North Cypress is here to serve you and your loved ones 24 hours a day/ seven days a week if you should need us. On behalf of the Board of Managers, Medical Staff, and employees, I would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Season’s Greetings, Robert A. Behar, M.D. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Page 2 Project Pink 2010 North Cypress’ Project Pink Raises $50,000 for Houston Komen Affiliate Project Pink, North Cypress Medical Center’s annual event benefiting the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, successfully took place on Saturday, October 16, 2010. Over 300 members of the community were in attendance, helping NCMC raise $50,000 in the fight against breast cancer. During the event, attendees learned about the latest in breast cancer research and treatment from speakers Dr. Kim Keller, General Surgeon, and Dr. Craig Thiessen, Interventional Radiologist. Survivor Speaker, Kanisha Williams, powerfully shared her inspirational battle against breast cancer, leaving the audience with feelings of hope and strength. The audience enjoyed a delicious three-course lunch from Merche Restaurant while previewing holiday and fall fashions from Bling It On, Coldwater Creek Outlet, Loft Outlet, Merle Norman & More, Muzzie’s, and Scruples. Fabulous accessories were displayed from Miche Bag of Cypress and Shannie Girl. Along with the outstanding speakers and fall fashions, the event is known each year for the extensive silent and live auction presented for all guests. Live auction items included a diamond Tag Hauer watch, a full advertising plan from Clear Channel Radio, a diamond necklace and earring set, and a company picnic provided by Houston Oaks Golf Course. Over the past four years, the North Cypress Medical Center has raised over $150,000 from its Project Pink event to donate to the Houston Komen Affiliate. The hospital has been honored for its efforts by the Houston Komen Affiliate with the Hope Award for Ambassadorship and the Impact Award for Community Partnership. The Project Pink Team wishes to thank our many event sponsors, volunteers, models, participating stores, and our generous silent and live auction donors. Together, we are making a difference. Please check out our Project Pink website at www.NCMC-ProjectPink.com for 2010 event pictures and a list of all of our sponsors, etc. Page 3 Hospital News & Sponsorships Local Businesses Donate to the North Cypress Cancer Center Event & Sponsorships North Cypress is Don Julio’s Donates $7,000 to Cancer Center Walking from the Heart The North Cypress Cancer Center was presented with a $7,000 donation from Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant following a fundraising event they held on July 4, 2010. The monetary donation will be used to help directly assist the patients of the North Cypress Cancer Center. The North Cypress Medical Center proudly participated as the Survivor sponsor in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk this year. As the American Heart Association’s signature fund-raising event, the Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun family environment. Painting with a Twist Donates $250 to Cancer Center Painting with a Twist recently donated $250 to the North Cypress Cancer Center. Proceeds came from the organization’s “Paint with a Purpose” fundraiser held on Sunday, October 24th. Participants painted a lovely pink lotus flower painting to take home and enjoy. On October 30th, the Start! Northwest Harris County Heart Walk brought together more than 2,000 walkers to celebrate healthier living and to raise over $205,000, exceeding their goal! Sports Medicine Center Serves as Title Sponsor for Hoops Invitational Dr. Behar accepted the donation from Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant. Participants at the “Paint with a Purpose” Fundraiser. New Art Therapy Offered at North Cypress Join us on January 20th at 6pm, for this unique and complimentary art therapy class, which helps patients manage the physical and emotional problems of cancer by using therapeutic painting to express emotions. Research has proven that creating art can have a positive impact on pain management, depression, anxiety, and stress reduction. Art therapy can be used as a healing tool, fostering self-awareness and coping skills. The program will be located at North Cypress Medical Center (main hospital building) in the room adjacent to the cafeteria. For more information or to register, call Janet Kantenberger at 832.912.3658. Page 4 North Cypress Sports Medicine Center is the title sponsor for the Cypress Hoops Invitational, benefitting the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation’s “Dollars for Scholars” program. The men’s basketball tournament will include 24 teams from Cy-Fair ISD and many other schools across the greater Houston area. The tournament will take place Thursday, December 9th - Saturday, December 11th. Games will be held at the Berry Center, Cy-Ranch High School, and Cy-Woods High School. Tickets can be purchased at the Berry Center during normal business hours. Ticket prices are: - $20 for a 3-day tournament pass - $10 for a 1-day pass - $5 for an adult single game ticket - $3 for a student single game ticket For more information about specific game times and locations visit the Berry Center’s web site at www.BerryCenter.net or contact the Cy-Fair ISD Athletic Department at 281.894.3980. Hospital News North Cypress Emergency Room Continues to Grow with New Willowbrook ER North Cypress recently opened a second Emergency Room location on Tomball Parkway just south of the Spring Cypress exit. This new addition offers our neighbors in the 249 corridor the same expert level of emergency care provided at the main Cypress campus, including experienced doctors and nurses and state-of-the-art technology in a new, convenient and upscale location. Full Service Lab Open 24-hours a Day Walk-ins welcome. Outpatient Imaging Services Open 24-hours a Day Walk-ins welcome for conventional x-rays. Other imaging services include CT and ultrasound. To make an appointment for imaging services, please call 832.912.3724. The emergency room’s first-rate personal care provides a board certified physician to see you within 30 minutes of arrival. Because the facility operates with so many specialty doctors inhouse, treatment for your emergency needs begin immediately. With access to physicians in a full array of specialties and high-tech equipment, the new location is equipped to handle both minor and acute emergencies. We also provide pediatric treatment rooms decorated with kid-friendly wall murals to create a less intimidating experience for our younger patients. In addition to 24-hour emergency care, the North Cypress Emergency Room at Willowbrook offers the following outpatient services: The North Cypress Emergency Room at Willowbrook is located at 22475 Tomball Parkway. For more information, call 281.320.8500 or visit www.NCMC-Hospital.com. Awards & Accreditation Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Receives Leading Certification North Cypress Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center has been nationally recognized by the AACVPR (American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation) as an accredited Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. This certification recognizes the program’s high standards of care, making the North Cypress Cardiac Rehabilitation Center the only certified program in the area. Cardiac Rehabilitation is a multi-disciplinary, medically supervised program that provides individualized exercise, education and support for lifestyle modification for people with heart problems. For more information, please contact the Cardiac Rehab Department at 832.912.3634 or you can also email [email protected]. NCMC Earns Performance Achievement Award from the American Stroke Association North Cypress Medical Center has received the American Stroke Association’s “Get With The Guidelines-Stroke” Silver Performance Achievement Award. This award recognizes North Cypress Medical Center’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. North Cypress also received the Joint Commission’s accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center. The center was also recognized by The Texas Department of State Health Services and awarded the distinction of Level II Primary Stroke Facility. Page 5 Clayton’s Story NCMC Patient Makes Strides in Recovery from Immune Disorder Clayton Simmank did not know what was happening when he began to lose feeling in both his legs. A week prior, the 23-yearold had been experiencing nausea due to food poisoning and an unexplained tingling in his feet before waking up to numbness in his legs. Once the numbness set in, he knew something was seriously wrong. On January 31, 2010, Clayton Simmank was rushed to the North Cypress Medical Center Emergency Room. The day after his arrival Dr. Paul Gill, a neurologist at North Cypress Medical Center, and a team of physicians diagnosed him with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Less than 24 hours after rushing to the North Cypress Emergency Room, Clayton became paralyzed from the chest down. The syndrome caused him to become a quadriplegic. The paralysis quickly progressed from his neck down, causing Simmank’s ability to fill his lungs to rapidly decrease. When he could no longer get enough oxygen on his own, he was electively intubated and placed on a ventilator for airway support. Clayton was weaned from the ventilator and began a more active therapy program. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a viral disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In extreme cases such Clayton Simmank continues with his AMAZING recovery as Clayton’s, these symptoms can intensify until certain muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is fully paralyzed. The signs and symptoms of GuillainBarre syndrome can be quite vast, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose in its earliest stages. The timely diagnosis by Dr. Gill and the team of physicians at North Cypress Medical Center saved Clayton’s life. On August 18, 2010, during physical therapy Clayton miThe most critical part of treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome raculously walked 194 feet with assistance. After previously consists of keeping the patient’s body functioning during the spending approximately 8 weeks in the Intensive Care Unit nervous system recovery. During this time, nurses and physical at North Cypress Medical Center therapists worked closely with and another 4 weeks in long term him to keep his muscles active ICU at another facility, Clayton is and strong. At first, high-dose What is now able to move his arms, a few steroids were used for treatment fingers, and walk short distances. and later plasma exchange (also Clayton’s outstanding recovery is called plasmapheresis) was used ongoing and has been a miracle to treat the complications of Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect anyone. to him and his family. Clayton’s syndrome. This helps to It can strike at any age, and both sexes are lessen the attack on the patient’s equally prone to the disorder. The cause for this nervous system. syndrome, which is not contagious, is currently unknown. However, there are therapies that Doctors treated many of the lessen the severity of the illness and accelerate complications that developed as the recovery in most patients. Guillain-Barre a result of the Guillain-Barre syndrome can be a devastating disorder because syndrome including high blood of its sudden and unexpected onset. Recovery pressure, a rapid heart rate, time is on an individual basis and can be quite pneumonia, eye infection, high fever, and difficult swallowing. prolonged. After three months of treatment, Guillain-Barre Syndrome? Page 6 TIF Procedure Surgery Without Incisions is Now Available for Chronic Heartburn and Reflux Tens of millions of Americans suffer with daily heartburn or other symptoms of chronic acid reflux, such as regurgitation, chronic cough, hoarseness and dental erosions. Until recently, these people either faced a lifetime of daily medications or the high risks of invasive surgery. At North Cypress Medical Center there is now a better option: the new Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure, or TIF, uses the innovative EsophyX device to perform the complete surgery with no incisions! “The TIF procedure can significantly improve quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Brad Waggoner, one of the first specialists in the Northwest Houston area to be trained on the TIF procedure. Chronic acid reflux disease is a condition in which stomach bile or intestinal acid travels backwards from the stomach to the esophagus, an anatomical problem, which needs an anatomical solution. Regular reflux medications such as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can help relieve patients’ heartburn symptoms but do not solve the underlying anatomical issues or prevent further progression of the disease. Following the TIF procedure, numerous clinical trials show most patients are able to eat and drink foods they have been forced to avoid for many years. How the TIF Procedure Works The TIF procedure reconstructs the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent reflux. The surgery is based on the same well-proven traditional principles of invasive acid reflux surgery, but the advantage of the new procedure is that it is “surgery from within” performed through the mouth. While the patient is under anesthesia, the flexible EsophyX device is gently lowered through the mouth into the stomach. Once inside the stomach, the surgeon manipulates the device to create a tight sealing valve. This incisionless surgery results in less pain, less recovery time and no visible scars. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within a few days. “We are very excited to be able to offer our patients the same incredible results as more invasive procedures but without incisions,” said Dr. Waggoner. “Recent studies show that the TIF procedure will reduce patients’ dependency on reflux medications. Two years following the TIF procedure, nearly 80% of patients remain off their daily reflux medications and have experienced a dramatic improvement in their quality of life.” With millions of Americans diagnosed with acid reflux and not fully satisfied with their treatment options, the new procedure offers an excellent alternative. If you are suffering from chronic acid reflux and would like more information about how the TIF procedure can benefit you, please visit www.NCMC-Hospital.com or call Dr. Waggoner’s office at 281.640.8373. FREE SEMINAR TIF INCISIONLESS SURGERY FOR ACID REFLUX Presented by: Dr. Bradley Waggoner, MD, General Surgeon Tuesday, November 30th at 7:00pm North Cypress Conference Center North Cypress Medical Center 21214 Northwest Freeway, Cypress, TX Call 832.912.3734 to Register Visit us at www.NCMC-Hospital.com Page 7 Surgical Weight Loss Center Great News About Weight Loss Surgery More Benefits Than Just Losing Weight! Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is known to be the most effective and long lasting treatment for morbid obesity and related conditions. Now, there is exciting news about how weight loss surgery can help to resolve or decrease the symptoms in a number of obesity-related health conditions. According to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) there is evidence that suggests bariatric surgery may be among the most effective treatments for metabolic diseases and conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnea. According to the ASMBS, patients typically have a maximum weight loss within 1–2 years after surgery and maintain a substantial weight loss with improvements in obesity-related conditions for years afterwards. Patients may lose 30–50% of their excess weight 6 months after surgery and 77% of their excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. Long-term studies show that up to 10–14 years after surgery, morbidly obese patients who had surgery maintained a much greater weight loss and more favorable levels of diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension, as compared to those who did not have surgery. Obesity in America – An Overview • Obesity is a life-threatening disease affecting 34% of adults in the United States. Sixty-eight percent of adults are either overweight or obese. • According to the ASMBS, between 2000 and 2005, obesity (BMI > 30) increased by 24%, morbid obesity (BMI > 40) increased by 50% and super obesity (BMI > 50) increased by 75%. • Morbid obesity is associated with more than 30 illnesses and medical conditions including: type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and cancer. Other conditions include arthritis, infertility, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), liver disease, sleep apnea, lower back pain and more. • Obesity-related health spending costs in the US is an estimated $147 billion annually—double what it was a decade ago and amounting to nearly 10% of medical spending. • Obese individuals spend 40% more on health care costs than individuals of normal weight. Diseases associated with obesity account for 27% of the increases in medical costs since 1987. Statistics on Bariatric Surgery in the U.S. About 220,000 people with morbid obesity had bariatric surgery in 2009. Since there are approximately 15 million people in the US with morbid obesity, only 1% of the clinically eligible population is being treated for morbid obesity through bariatric surgery. Page 8 Impact on Obesity-Related Diseases and More Bariatric surgery can improve or resolve more than 30 obesityrelated conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, hypertension, and high cholesterol. According to the ASMBS, studies have shown the following: • Gastric bypass resolves type 2 diabetes in nearly 90% of patients • Banding resolves type 2 diabetes in 73% of patients • Risk of developing coronary heart disease is cut in half • Sleep apnea is resolved in more than 85% of patients Other studies have shown Gastric Bypass surgery’s impact on the following conditions: • Acid reflux / GERD resolved in 98% of patients • Osteoarthritis / Joint pain resolved in 41% of patients • Urinary incontinence resolved in 44% of patients • Ovulation and fertility restored in 100% of patients Flu Facts Weight loss surgery has been found to pay for itself in about 2 years, due to the fact that it helps to resolve these associated medical conditions. As a result, patients save money on related prescription drugs, doctor visits and hospital visits. Quality-of-Life Improvements In addition to medical benefits, patients also enjoy an improved quality-of-life. Patients find that they feel better, spend more time participating in recreational and physical activities, benefit from enhanced productivity and economic opportunities and have more self-confidence than they did prior to weight loss surgery. Offering YOU Services Close to Home We recognize that weight loss surgery is not for everyone, but many will benefit from weight loss. That’s why North Cypress Flu Facts 101 By Dr. Kelly M. Englund, MD It isn’t always possible to prevent colds and flu but there are some ways to reduce your risk. Approximately 5 to 20% of the population will contract influenza, more commonly known as the flu each year. On average, more than 200,000 people will be hospitalized and 36,000 die from complications of influenza annually. The risk of complications is highest among people age 60 and older, young children, or people with underlying health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. The infection is most common during late fall and winter and is spread through respiratory droplets from person to person. Symptoms include the abrupt onset of fever and chills, headache, nausea, runny nose or upper respiratory congestion, nonproductive cough, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. Although mild cases of the flu are similar to a cold and usually resolve on their own within a few days, weakness and fatigue may persist for weeks. Severe cases, which are often complicated by pneumonia, can be fatal. The best way to prevent the flu is with vaccination. There are two types of influenza vaccines available. The first type consists of a live, weakened virus given nasally; it is only approved for certain non-high-risk populations. The second form of the vaccine (the common “flu shot”) is an inactivated virus and is appropriate for anyone older than 6 months of age. Because it is a killed vaccine, it cannot cause the flu. Weight Loss Center offers a non-surgical weight loss program with our hospital dietitians in addition to surgical weight loss options with our Bariatric Center and Bariatric Surgeons. Weight loss surgery seminars are held weekly at the hospital. For more information, call 832.912.3997 or visit our Weight Loss website at www.NCMC-Weightloss.com North Cypress Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Center has been designated as a Bariatric Center of Excellence. This designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the flu shot for children from 6 months to 5 years of age, women who will be pregnant during the flu season, adults age 50 and older, and anyone with a chronic medical condition (such as COPD, diabetes, or kidney disease) which increases the risk of influenza complications. Furthermore, anyone in close contact with these high-risk people should also be vaccinated. This includes health care workers and household contacts of young children and other at-risk people. Because it takes approximately 2 weeks after vaccination to develop an immune response, it is recommended that people get their shots early, starting in October or early November. The flu season can go through April or May, however, and it is never too late in the season to get vaccinated. Since the flu is caused by a virus, treatment focuses mainly on relieving symptoms. This includes rest, fluids, acetaminophen for fevers and aches, and cough suppressants as needed. There are antiviral medications available by prescription, but these are only effective if taken within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. If you think you have the flu, call your doctor and practice good hygiene to limit transmission of the virus from person to person: wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, immediately dispose of all tissues and stay away from others until you are feeling better. Contact Dr. Englund’s office at 281.807.5300 or your family physician if you are interested in getting a flu shot. For a list of Family Practice or Internal Medicine physicians contact our Physician Referral Line at 832.912.3634. Page 9 Hospital News Sports Medicine Center Provides Funding to CFISD for Concussion Testing The North Cypress Sports Medicine Center recently provided funding to the Cy-Fair Independent School District to purchase concussion testing software for all district high schools, as well as Waller High School and Cypress Christian. The software, called ImPACT, is the first, most widely used, and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. In the event that the student suffers a concussion, the results from their baseline are compared with the post injury results and the results are made available to the student’s physician. ImPACT is a 20-minute test that has become a standard tool used in comprehensive clinical management of concussions for athletes of all ages. The $10,000 software is currently being used by the schools for post-injury evaluation tests. Beginning in January, the software will be used to conduct baseline testing on 9th-11th grade students involved in a contact sport. The tests can be administered by an athletic trainer, school nurse, athletic director, team coach, team doctor, or anyone trained to administer baseline testing. The ImPACT program measures multiple aspects of cognitive functioning in athletes, including symptoms, attention span, non-verbal problem solving, verbal and visual memory, speed, and reaction time. These results will largely assist clinicians and athletic trainers in making difficult decisions regarding the athlete’s health and mobility. North Cypress Medical Center’s Joint Replacement Center Celebrates 1000th Patient The Joint Replacement Center at North Cypress Medical Center reached a milestone by admitting its 1,000th patient on September 1, 2010. Mr. Michael Dupuis received a left anterior hip arthroplasty performed by Dr. Congratulations to Mr. Dupuis! Stefan W. Kreuzer, M.D., North Cypress Medical Center Orthopedic Surgeon, marking the milestone for the hospital. For more information regarding the Joint Replacement Center at North Cypress Medical Center, please visit www.NCMC-Hospital.com or call 832.912.9812. Page 10 For more information on the ImPACT program, please contact David Griffin at the North Cypress Sports Medicine Center at 832.912.6330. We’re Going Green! North Cypress Medical Center has partnered with Waste Management to implement a new campus-wide recycling program. A cardboard baler has been installed on the main North Cypress campus in an effort to protect the environment, conserve resources and reduce expenses. The permanent cardboard baler is estimated to compact 12 tons of cardboard from the hospital to recycle each month. Within a few months, the recycling project will expand to also include plastic, paper, aluminum and surgical disposables from the operating room. The North Cypress recycling project will help in the reduction of energy and natural resource consumption, air pollutants and most water emissions, and will hopefully influence others to go green. Support Groups & Seminars Cancer Support Groups Better Breathers Support Groups Look Good/Feel Better The North Cypress Medical Center Pulmonary Rehab Program is dedicated to helping those with breathing difficulties. Please join our free support group to learn now to regain the quality of life you deserve. Wednesday, December 15th, 12pm Wednesday, January 19th, 12pm Join us for this complimentary program that teaches beauty techniques to women with cancer to help combat the appearance-related side effects of treatment. Space is limited, and all participants must register in order to receive a free cosmetic kit! Dialogue-Cancer Support Group Monthly Meetings every 1st Tuesday, 12pm – 1:30pm This group is for individuals coping with cancer in various ways, including patients, their families and friends. Dialogue meets the 1st Tuesday of each month. Coping with Breast Cancer Monthly meetings every 2nd Tuesday, 6pm – 7:30pm This group is for women coping with breast cancer, offering a safe, uplifting place for women to come and share their common experiences, problems and solutions. Man-to-Man - Cancer Support Group Monthly meetings every 3rd Tuesday, 6pm – 7:30pm This group is for men coping with all types of cancer. Yoga & Visualization Thursday, February 10th, 6pm – 7:30pm Join us for this complimentary class for all levels of yoga participants to help individuals with cancer enhance their physical and emotional wellness. Please bring your own yoga mat. Art Therapy for Indviduals with Cancer Thursday, January 20th, 6pm – 7:30pm. Join us for this unique and complimentary art therapy class to help manage the physical and emotional problems of cancer by using painting to express emotions. The location for this program will be at North Cypress Medical Center (main hospital building) in the room adjacent to the cafeteria. Support Group meetings will be held in the lobby of The Cancer Center at North Cypress Medical Center. For questions regarding any of these support groups, call Janet Kantenberger, LCSW, at 832.912.3658 or register online at NCMC-Hopital.com. Cardiac Rehab Support Groups The Helping Hearts Support Group Monthly meetings every 2nd Tuesday, 6pm – 7pm Groups meet in North Cypress Conf. Center in the hospital lobby. For more information contact the Cardiac Rehab Department at 832.912.3634, or register online at NCMC-Hospital.com. Tuesday, December 28th, 12pm Support Groups meet in the Cardiac Rehab Dept, Suite 620 of the North Cypress Professional Building. To register for one of the upcoming dates, please call 832.912.3633. Surgical Weight Loss Seminars Thursday, December 2nd @ 6pm Tuesday, December 7th @ 6pm Thursday, December 16th @ 6pm Saturday, December 18th @ 10am All seminars & support groups meet in the North Cypress Conference Center, 1st Floor. Please call 1.888.U.LOSE. LB to register for an upcoming seminar, or register online at NCMC-Hospital.com or our weight loss website at www. NCMC-Weightloss.com On-line Surgical Weight Loss Seminars Tuesday, December 7th @ 12pm Please call 832.912.3997 to register for one of these free on-line seminars. Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injury Seminar “Minimally Invasive Treatments for the Active Person” Free Seminar, Wednesday, Dec. 1st @ 7pm Presented by Dr. Alain Elbaz, MD North Cypress Conference Center Join us for this free informative seminar and learn how minimally invasive procedures such as Shoulder Arthroscopy and Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair can help you return to an active life free of shoulder pain. To register, please call 1.877.47.JOINT or register online at NCMC-Hospital.com. Our New Websites Are Live! Anterior Hip Replacement Center: www.AnteriorHipHouston.com North Cypress Epilepsy Center: www.NCMC-EpilepsyCenter.com Remember To Check Them Out! North Cypress Surgical Weightloss Program: www.NCMC-Weightloss.com Page 11 21214 Northwest Freeway, Cypress, TX 77429 Only one hospital cares for you like we do. Book Your Holiday Party Today! Book Merche for your private or company holiday party. Our private room is the perfect ambiance to celebrate in style. Call 281.949.5999 Today! Now Serving Sunday Brunch Sunday 10am-3pm Choose from special Merche dishes such as Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs, Crab Cake Poached Eggs Benedict, and Toasted French Croissants, or enjoy a mimosa on the outdoor patio. Merche also serves a variety of meals for kids, all under $5.00. Sunday brunch is served from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and dinner is served Sunday evenings from 3:00pm to 9:00pm. Autumn in Napa Valley On Thursday, November 30th Merche restaurant will be hosting “Autumn in Napa Valley,” a wine dinner celebrating fine wines from the Napa Valley region. Napa Valley features more than three hundred wineries today and grows many different grape varieties. The outstanding five-course meal will be paired with classic Napa Valley wine selections, highlighting the unique tastes of these California wines with the delectable dishes from Merche’s chef. The event will begin at 6:30pm, with a cost of $95 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. Reserve your place by calling 281.949.5999. California Wine Tasting Join Merche on Thursday, December 9th at 6pm for our California Wine Tasting. Enjoy four wines from four different regions in California along with Merche’s delectable passed hors d’oeuvres. Cost of event is $20 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Reserve your place by calling 281.949.5999. 21208 Northwest Freeway, Cypress, Texas 77429 | North Cypress Medical Center Professional Building II | MercheRestaurant.com