fall 2011 issue healthwise -...

L E A D I N G T H E W A Y T O B E T T E R H E A L T H .

HEALTHWISEHEALTHWISET H E M A G A Z I N E O F M E T H O D I S T H O S P I T A L ST H E M A G A Z I N E O F M E T H O D I S T H O S P I T A L S

Methodist Marches OnNew facilities and improvements enhance patient care.Methodist Marches OnNew facilities and improvements enhance patient care.

In this issue:• Heredity and Cancer: Cracking the Code• Breast Reconstructive Surgery a Positive Choice• Selecting the Right Family Practice Physician• New Technologies Enhance the Joint

Replacement Experience

FALL 2011 ISSUE

METHODIST HOSPITALS

TO FIND A PHYSICIAN, CALL 1-888-909-DOCS (3627) OR VISIT METHODISTHOSPITALS.ORG

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WELCOME FROM THE CEOWelcome to the Fall 2011 issue of Methodist Hospitals’ community magazine, HealthWise.

We are tremendously excited about the many new initiatives and improvements designed to enhance patient care and comfort at Methodist Hospitals. Some of those improvements, such as our new Northlake campus lobby, are already

completed. Others are well underway, including an expanded Emergency Department at Southlake and construction of the new Breast Care Center.

Construction has also started on a new orthopedics and spine navigational operating suite, which will allow local surgeons to provide cutting edge treatment for neurosurgery, spine and orthopedics right here in Northwest Indiana. We have also introduced the latest technology in mammography, three-dimensional breast tomosynthesis. Methodist Hospitals is the only facility in Northwest Indiana offering 3-D mammography, which allows our physicians to diagnose breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stages.

This month, HealthWise tackles a number of important issues. Because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, we take a closer look at the role of heredity in breast cancer and the benefits that breast reconstruction can offer for women facing cancer diagnoses. We also discuss advances in joint replacement surgery, heart disease in women, provide insights into sleep disorders, give tips on choosing a primary care physician and much more.

In these pages you will also find a schedule of classes, seminars, support groups and other educational opportunities offered by Methodist Hospitals. Everything we do at Methodist Hospitals is aimed at leading the way to better health for our patients and the communities we serve.

We welcome your feedback. Call our Marketing and Corporate Communications Department at 219.886.5972 or email us at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Ian E. McFadden, FACHE President/CEO

Construction for Methodist Hospitals’ far-reaching expansion program is well underway. �is program, which encompasses facilities, services, technology and the hospital’s physician network, is further evidence of Methodist Hospitals’ ongoing commitment to serving Northwest Indiana.

�e Methodist Hospitals board of directors earmarked $18 million for 2011 capital projects at both the Northlake campus in Gary and the Southlake campus in Merrillville. �ese capital investments were made possible by Methodist Hospitals’ �nancial turnaround that began in 2009.

�ese investments are intended to ensure that Methodist Hospitals will continue to deliver quality care to Northwest Indiana’s most complex cases across a range of specialties, including stroke, brain tumor, cancer, heart disease, trauma and high-risk pregnancy.

�at is what leading the way to better health is all about.

MethodistWe’re investing $18 million in facility enhancements

Construction will soon begin on the Emergency Department renovation at the Methodist Hospitals Southlake campus. This $8 million investment will include an 1,800 square foot expansion, and will help our experienced emergency healthcare professionals to decrease waiting time and improve the patient experience.

Leading the Way to Better Health. 3


Methodist Hospitals recently completed the renovation of its Northlake campus lobby. Every patient and visitor will enjoy the benefi ts of these enhancements, which will also include renovation of the Southlake campus lobby, and updating every patient room.

Methodist Hospitals has invested nearly $2 million in a new multi-specialty Navigational Operating Room Suite. With this new technology, Northwest Indiana residents no longer need to travel outside The Region for the most advanced treatments in neurosurgery, spine, orthopedics and ENT.

Facility enhancements also include beautifi cation projects, such as the new fountain recently installed near the main hospital entrance at the

Southlake campus.

on the move

When a person su�ers from severe, constant joint pain, joint replacement can provide them with the relief they need.

�e most commonly performed procedures a�ect knees and hips, and we also replace shoulder, elbow and �nger joints. While the

concept of joint replacement is no longer new, advances in procedures and materials continually improve patient experience.

A signi�cant advancement at Methodist is the use of a computer guided system during hip and knee surgery. �e system helps us to get the alignment of the replacement joint down to the nth degree of accuracy.

Methodist is the only Northwest Indiana hospital to use such a system, which also has applications for ear, nose and throat as well as neurosurgery and spine surgery. During joint replacement, computer guidance enables essentially perfect prosthesis alignment, facilitating a faster recovery and longer wear on the new joint. Using it during a knee replacement also eliminates the need to drill a hole in the femur, thus minimizing blood loss.

Over time, surgical techniques have evolved to where joint replacements are now minimally invasive surgeries. Using smaller incisions means the patient experiences less pain and blood loss, and recovery is hastened.

While the materials used in joint replacements are virtually the same as they have always been, the years have brought considerable advancements in the bearings, which are polyethylene liners between the two pieces of metal. Now the polyethylene is stronger, better contoured and machined �ner to reduce wear.

In the past, we considered people in the 65-to 70-year-old range as prime candidates for joint replacement surgery. Today, patients as young as 50 may be considered, though I counsel them that the new joints may last 15 to 20 years. At any age, the decision to have a joint replaced is a considerable one and should be driven by the patient’s desire to have the procedure.

Patients not only need to be emotionally ready for the surgery, they need to make sure family members and people at work know what to expect. Methodist Hospitals’ Total Joint Replacement Program delivers a complete educational experience to make the entire process go more smoothly. Prior to surgery, patients meet their therapists and nurses, as well as attend classes about the procedure and what to expect in recovery.

If you are considering joint replacement surgery, recent advances can help deliver a better overall experience than that of a few years ago. But no matter how much things have changed, you still must be fully prepared to become an active participant in your recovery.

Judson Wood, M.D., is a Board Certi�ed Orthopedic Surgeon with Methodist Physician Group.

Dr. Judson Wood


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Improvements Enhance the Joint ReplacementExperience

Live Well & Stay Active with ArthritisFREE Joint Replacement SeminarPresented by: Judson B. Wood, Jr., M.D, FACS

Thursday, November 17 6:00 p.m.

Methodist Hospitals Rehabilitation Center300 E. 89th Ave., MerrillvilleGet up-to-date and down-to-earth information about the causes of joint pain and many of the latest treatment options.

Space is limited. To register, call 1-888-909-DOCS (3627), or visit www.MethodistHospitals.org.

There’s a common misconception that podiatrists only treat things like bunions and hammertoes. These days, podiatrists are so specialized that they perform major reconstructive surgery for flat foot, ankle arthroscopy and fractures, trauma care, and so much more.

So, while people often think they need to see an orthopedic surgeon for serious foot or ankle injuries or issues, most orthopedists now refer back to this specialty because that’s the realm of the podiatrist. “We spend an average of six to seven years of study devoted solely to the foot and ankle.”

You may also think you need to go downtown to find the latest innovations, advanced training, and newest treatments in podiatry.

Now, instead of going to Chicago to find “a downtown surgeon” the downtown surgeon has come to you! “I’m expanding my practice to Northwest Indiana to provide you with advanced care close to home.”

To make an appointment, just call the office – there’s no referral required. Or if you’d just like some advice, leave a message and we’ll be happy to return your call.

Mark A. Jones, DPM, is a foot & ankle surgeon affiliated with Methodist Hospitals. Call his Highland office at 219-923-9090. Soon to open in Merrillville.

Not Your Grandma’s Podiatrist

Dr. Mark Jones

FREE Arthritis

Screening


Women’s heart health has long been taken for granted. In reality, cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death and disability in women in the United States. One in nine women between the ages of 45 and 64 die of some form of heart disease.

Heart disease presents about 10 years later in women than men, bringing with it the risk factors associated with advancing age. Prior to menopause, women are usually protected from heart disease by estrogen. However, I caution against using hormone replacement therapy to prevent heart disease because it increases the risk of stroke, blood clots in the lungs and legs, and breast cancer. In many cases, aspirin is e�ective for the secondary and primary prevention of stroke in women over the age of 45, and for both heart attack and stroke in women over age 65. Consult your physician before starting an aspirin regimen.

Many women’s heart attacks go unrecognized because of their atypical presentation. “Classic” heart attack symptoms can include chest pain or heaviness, a feeling of squeezing or tightness, pain in the left arm, neck or jaw; shortness of breath, dizziness, and a cold sweat. Women are more likely to initially present with symptoms such as pain in the jaw, back or neck; fatigue or weakness, a burning sensation in the chest, shortness of breath, and stomach upset similar to acid re�ux. Historically, heart disease in women has been under-diagnosed, especially in young women, who are likely to be misdiagnosed with anxiety.

Stress cardiomyopathy is an interesting syndrome that women are more prone to than men. Nicknamed “broken heart syndrome,” it mimics a classic heart attack by causing severe but reversible heart muscle weakness. It happens when sudden shock or stress brings on a surge of adrenalin and other stress hormones, temporarily stunning the heart.

Women must be aware of the risk factors of heart disease and stay on top of them. Keep high blood pressure or diabetes under control with a doctor’s care, have your cholesterol and triglycerides checked, maintain a healthy weight, give up tobacco products, and exercise at least 15 minutes a day, �ve days a week. Anyone with a family history of heart disease needs to be particularly attentive to maintaining good heart health.

I advise women to pay attention to changes in their bodies. If you experience any unusual symptoms, see your doctor. After taking a complete medical history, performing a thorough physical exam and conducting blood tests, the doctor can assess your risk. Women with intermediate risk can bene�t from a stress test. �ose at high risk are candidates for an angiogram. Appropriate cases for angioplasty and stent can be �xed on the spot.

Abdul Kawamleh, M.D., is a Cardiovascular Disease Specialist a�liated with Methodist Hospitals.

Dr. Abdul Kawamleh


Women Should Guard Against Heart Disease

Take Steps to Protect Your Heart & Vascular HealthCardiovascular Screening PackageOnly $85Schedule your Cardiovascular Screening Package today.

Call 219-738-1075

Methodist Hospitals’ comprehensive Cardiovascular Screening Package will help you identify your risk for heart and vascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and aneurysm.

The package includes:• PADNet: a non-invasive test to help identify peripheral

artery disease• Cholesterol, HDL and blood glucose tests (non-fasting)• Single-lead EKG to assess heart rhythm• Carotid bruit check to identify potential artery blockage• Vascular risk assessment: a review of your family history,

medical history and life style risk factors to gauge your overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

METHODIST HOSPITALS6

It’s no surprise that certain types of cancers run in some families. In most cases, that’s because family members often share the same risk factors, such as smoking, which is the cause of many forms of cancer.

According to the American Center Society, just �ve to 10 percent of all cancers are the result of abnormal gene mutation passed from generation to generation.

While they are a relatively small segment of cancer cases, those with inherited gene mutations have a signi�cantly greater chance of developing cancer than the general population.

For example, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is one of the causes of hereditary colon cancer. People with FAP begin developing colon polyps as teens, and have hundreds of polyps over their lifetime. �ey have a 100 percent risk of developing colon cancer. Fortunately, colon cancer is among

the most preventable cancers.

Women with �rst-degree relatives, such as a mother, sisters, or daughters, with breast

cancer are about twice as likely to develop breast cancer themselves. However, most breast cancers, even those in close relatives, are still not caused by an inherited gene mutation.

�e most frequent causes of inherited breast cancer are mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Inherited mutations in these genes cause

hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC). It can also lead to

male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, as well as some others.

Women with a strong family history of breast cancer may choose to undergo genetic counseling to estimate their risk for inherited breast cancer. Women with a BRCA1 mutation have up to a 70% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, compared to 11 percent for the general population. Women aware of their genetic predisposition may get mammograms at a younger age, or take other measures to detect cancer earlier.

Genetic counseling involves a review of your personal and family medical history. Its goal is to provide clear and clinically relevant information about genetic risk factors.

�is knowledge will help you or other family members plan health care for the future.

Here are some signs that may indicate that inherited gene mutations are causing cancer within a family:

• Cancers occurring at younger ages than usual. For example, colon cancer diagnoses before age 50.

• More than one type of cancer in a single person, such as a woman with both breast and ovarian cancer.

• Cancers occurring in both paired organs – both eyes, both breasts, or both kidneys.

Based on that review, speci�c lab testing may be recommended to determine if a patient has a genetic mutation.

If you are concerned about your family’s pattern of disease, or other cancer risk factors, you may want to talk to your doctor about whether to arrange genetic counseling or testing.

Janice Zunich, MD, is a board certi�ed geneticist and cytogeneticist a�liated with Methodist Hospitals.

Dr. Zunich conducts a cancer genetics clinic on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Methodist Hospitals Oncology Institute. Call 219-757-7212 for more information.

Heredity & Cancer:

Cracking the Code


Dr. Janice Zunich

Leading the Way to Better Health.


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More than 254,000 women in America face breast cancer every year. When a breast needs to be removed, most patients are able to have a breast reconstruction. In some cases a lumpectomy takes a large enough

amount of breast tissue to make reconstruction a desirable option. Today’s advances in treatments and reconstructive surgery o�er women a wider range of choices than in the past.

Performed by a plastic surgeon, breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast to provide a more natural look and restore balance. �e old way of thinking was to delay the decision to have a reconstruction until after the surgery. Now we realize patients are better o� discussing the possibility with their surgeon and a plastic surgeon prior to surgery, as reconstruction can be done at the time of the mastectomy.

While learning of a breast cancer diagnosis and facing surgery is daunting, the prospect of breast reconstruction may shine a beacon of light into the picture. A plastic surgeon then joins the surgical team that, together, will plan the best course for each individual.

�e �rst objective is to make sure all of the cancer is removed. Once this has been accomplished, my job as a plastic surgeon begins.

In most cases, the reconstruction process involves two or more phases. Patients who require follow-up chemotherapy or radiation after surgery will �rst

need to complete their course of treatment before the surgery is �nalized. Immediately following mastectomy, I insert a spacer to retain the shape of the breast. �is provides an additional psychological bene�t for patients who will wake up and have something there.

To complete reconstructive surgery, I often use silicone implants for their natural look and feel. Today’s silicone implants have come a long way from those of the past. �ey are proven to be safe and are FDA approved. In patients where silicone is not an option, we can use a �ap, taking tissue from the abdomen to replace the lost breast tissue, or a latissimus �ap, taking tissue from the back. Certain women are not candidates for the �ap option, including those with diabetes, connective tissue or vascular disease, and smokers.

As a board-certi�ed plastic and reconstructive surgeon, I’m quali�ed to perform many kinds of surgeries but specialize in breast reconstruction. I chose this specialty not just because I found I had a particular talent for it, but because it is so rewarding to be able to bring something positive into the cancer equation.

�e bene�ts of having reconstructive surgery go beyond the cosmetic. In my experience, the majority of patients who have the reconstructive surgery are less likely to develop post-surgical depression. I’ve also found that reconstruction contributes to patients’ ability to maintain more positive attitudes, which promotes faster healing.

Susan M. Schneider, MD, is a Board-Certi�ed Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with the Methodist Physician Group.

Dr. Susan M. Schneider

Heredity & Cancer:

Cracking the Code Breast Reconstructive Surgery

a Positive Choice

OCTOBER SPECIAL3D Screening MammogramOnly $125Same-day appointments available.

Call 219-981-5440Schedule between 10/1/2011 and 10/31/2011. Cash, check or credit card payment due in full at time of service.

Why Choose the Methodist Hospitals for Breast Care?The Methodist Hospitals’ Breast Program combines comfort and compassion with the latest technology, treatments and research. Our overriding goal is to expedite diagnosis and facilitate treatment decisions. That’s why we have assembled a remarkable team of professionals who specialize in breast health.

• Methodist Hospitals is Northwest Indiana’s first Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. That means Methodist meets the high practice standards and program guidelines established by the American College of Radiology.

• Methodist Hospitals is the first hospital in Northwest Indiana to be accredited by the American College of Surgeon’s National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

• An integral part of the Methodist team is the Breast Care Navigator. This specialist in breast health issues organizes a full continuum of services and programs including health promotion, wellness, screening, diagnosis, education, treatment and research. It is the Breast Care Navigator who, with your physician, will guide you through every phase of your treatment.

To learn more about the Methodist Hospitals Oncology Institute, visit www.MethodistHospitals.org.

METHODIST HOSPITALS


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A good night’s sleep would be a dream come true for the nearly 60 percent of Americans who su�er from a chronic sleep disorder. �e most common sleep disorder, sleep apnea, can a�ect all age groups, from children to the elderly.

People with sleep apnea su�er from a partial obstruction of the upper airway, causing a cycle of choking and waking up throughout the night. As a result, these individuals wake up tired and are exhausted by the end of the day.

Upper airway obstructions can be caused by swelling of the nasal linings brought on by a common cold, allergies or a broken nose. Other causes include large adenoids, tonsils or tongues; polyps, and a small or receding chin. Obesity may adversely impact the size of the airways.

Snoring, the outward manifestation of sleep apnea, can deprive other household members of sleep. �e divorce rate among people with sleep apnea is as much as seven times higher than that of non-su�erers.

�e constant state of exhaustion brought on by sleep apnea impairs its victims’ ability to function at work, jeopardizing their jobs and leaving them susceptible to injury. Untreated sleep apnea can predispose people to stroke, diabetes mellitus, heart attack, hypertension, heart burn, weight gain, and congestive heart failure. It can cause memory loss, headaches, depression and other mood disorders, and in children, bedwetting.

Children with sleep apnea may become hyperactive and be mistakenly labeled with ADHD. If you have a child that snores or breathes through his or her mouth and is hyperactive, take them to a sleep specialist or an ear, nose and throat doctor. �e solution may be as simple as removing the tonsils or adenoids.

We diagnose sleep disorders through a sleep study, which is most often conducted in a sleep lab. A sleep technologist is in attendance in the lab where patients spend the night in a comfortable, private setting.

�e �ndings of the sleep study will dictate the most appropriate treatment to use. Treatment may be as simple as sleeping on a side instead of the back. We can use positional therapy devices to prevent patients from rolling onto their backs during the night. Weight loss is often recommended for those who are overweight.

�e most common therapy, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, is considered the gold standard. CPAP therapy provides constant air�ow delivered via a facial device which is worn during sleep.

Surgery may be indicated, which can range from the simple: �xing a deviated septum or removing large tonsils and adenoids, to the complex: reducing the size of the tongue or reshaping the jaw.

We have also had quite a bit of success with oral appliances. Made by a dentist, the appliance looks like a denture which patients wear at night. �e appliance moves the lower jaw out, which repositions the tongue to make more room in the back of the throat.

Olusegun Apata, M.D., is board certi�ed Pulmonologist, Sleep Specialist and Critical Care Specialist a�liated with Methodist Hospitals.

Dr. Olusegun Apata

Sleep Well to Be Well



In some cases, a stay in the hospital is just the �rst step on the road to healing. Patients who will be homebound can require continued care once they return home.

“Home” immediately conjures the image of a safe haven, a place that’s warm and secure. It is a setting in which you are cared for, and a spot that provides a sense of belonging. Methodist Hospitals’ Home Health provides transition in care services designed to help

homebound patients experience a smooth adjustment from the hospital to home.

Methodist Hospitals sta� family practice physician, Suresh Reddy, M.D., observed, “I refer most of my patients who need transition in care from the hospital to home to Methodist Home Health because it is my assurance that my patients will be well taken care of after they leave the hospital. I know their nurses will follow my protocols, keep medications uniform and perform the appropriate tests.”

Home health patients bene�t from a specially tailored plan of services. �ese can include nurse visits for such things as setting up and monitoring IV medications, educating the patient and caregiver on various aspects of their healthcare needs, wound care or other skills services. �eir goal is to educate patients and caregivers in advance so they can transition from being dependent on agency services to being independent in providing self-care.

Nurses remain in close communication with the patients’ doctors, working together to deliver a high level of care. According to Dr. Reddy, “Methodist Home Health regularly follows up with patients – this way, if anything is abnormal or not good, the physician can immediately modify treatment as needed.”

Depending on the patient’s plan of care, home care aides may periodically visit to deliver services such as bathing, hair washing and other hygiene-related tasks the caregiver may be unable to perform. Social workers may be assigned to recommend community resources or evaluate the home environment.

Methodist’s Home Health’s therapy-driven focus makes us stand out from the others. Many of our referrals come from Methodist’s exceptional rehab program, with some patients progressing from home care to our outpatient physical therapy department. During their course of home care, patients may be visited by physical, occupational or speech therapists.

Safety is a primary concern when releasing a patient to home care. We perform home safety assessments that include looking at room arrangement, potential fall hazards, as well as sleeping and toileting arrangements. In order for a patient to progress at home, a caregiver not only must be living there, but be capable of seeing to the patient’s needs.

Home health care is usually assigned in 60-day cycles, depending on the intensity of services, the diagnosis and what will be required. Available through physician referral, home health care is covered by insurance providers for patients who are homebound but not sick enough to require nursing home care.

One of the most unique aspects of the service lies in the close bonds that develop between patients, their caregivers and the home care. Patients bene�t from one-on-one time with their home health sta� member. Adds Dr. Reddy, “I feel con�dent sending my patients to Methodist Home Health Care because they are very professional and my patients are happy under their care.”

Suresh Reddy, M.D., is a Family Practice physician a�liated with Methodist Hospitals.

Deborah Mans�eld, RN, is Director of Nursing Support and Rehabilitation Services at Methodist Hospitals.

Dr. Suresh Reddy

Deborah Mansfield, RN

Transition in CareProvides Healing Touchto Homebound Patients

METHODIST HOSPITALS


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The doctors are in. Methodist Hospitals welcomes...

CROWN POINTFamily Medicine11496 Broadway 219-663-1150

GARYFamily Medicine, Internal Medicine,Obstetrics and Gynecology2269 West 25th Avenue 219-944-4187Orthopedic Surgery650 Grant Street, Suite 4 219-886-4356

GRIFFITHInternal Medicine1212 N. Broad Street 219-838-1270

MERRILLVILLEOrthopedic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery200 E. 89th Avenue, Suite 3-CMerrillville, IN 46410219-757-7566General Surgery6111 Harrison Street, Suite 252Merrillville, IN 46410219-980-1348Family Medicine6111 Harrison Street, Suite 331Merrillville, IN 46410219-887-1340Internal Medicine99 E. 86th Ave, Suite DMerrillville, IN 46410219-769-3233

Susan Schneider, MD Mark Mueller, MD Jonathan Pattterson, MD Brendan Frawley, MD Tom Galouzis, MD

The right doctors make all the difference.

Bernadette Aghaji, MDInternal Medicine

Melissa Mahoney, DOObstetrics & Gynecology

Ruby Bailey, NPNurse Practitioner

Debra Equihua, CNMCertifi ed Nurse Midwife

Paul Nyongani, MDGeneral Surgery

Joi Bradshaw, MDObstetrics & Gynecology

Pamela Goodwin-Cole, MDInternal Medicine

Winifred Oniah, MDFamily Medicine

Angelique Brown, MDFamily Medicine

Michael Linton, MDGynecology

Arnita Reed, MDObstetrics & Gynecology

Nadezda Djurovic, MDInternal Medicine

Jerry Kuna, MDFamily Medicine

Judson Wood, MDOrthopedic Surgery

Family practice physicians are knowledgeable doctors that take care of the full range of ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. They are schooled in a wide range of illnesses and conditions and can refer you appropriate specialists.

When shopping for a family doctor, try to make a choice you’ll be happy with for a long time. Here are some guidelines to consider:

• First and foremost, fi nd someone with whom you are comfortable and trust.

• Consider the convenience of the offi ce location and hours.

• Ask the offi ce staff how diffi cult it may be to get an appointment, and whether they can fi t you in when you are ill.

• Find out what kind of insurance the physician accepts.

• Learn the doctor’s hospital affi liation, so you will know at which hospital he or she can admit you.

• Research a physician’s background online. Learn where the doctor schooled and trained, and what other languages he/she speaks.

• Ask friends and family for references.

• Be aware of your own expectations of a doctor, including whether or not they are open to alternative medications or rely on antibiotics.

• Consider whether you want someone whose approach is aggressive or laid back.

At the Methodist Physician Group Crown Point Offi ce, we welcome new patients, and encourage them to schedule a free 15-minute appointment to get acquainted with us. I welcome anyone to come in and talk for a while to determine if they are comfortable with me as a person and as a professional. It’s time well spent when making such an important decision.

Jaroslaw Kuna, M.D., is a Family Practice Physician with Methodist Physician Group in Crown Point. He practices all phases of family medicine, including women’s health, pediatrics, adolescent care and geriatric care. Dr. Kuna is currently welcoming new patients. Call 219-663-1150.

Selecting the Right Family Practice Physician

Dr. Jerry Kuna

The right doctors make all the difference.

Methodist Hospitals welcomes... Methodist Hospitals welcomes...

November is National Diabetes Month

FREE DiabetesAwareness SeminarPresented by Dr. Jerry KunaThursday, November 3, 6:00 p.m.Methodist Physician Group – Crown Point11496 BroadwayJoin Dr. Kuna as he discusses the risk factors and treatment options of diabetes.

Space is limited. To register, call 1-888-909-DOCS (3627)

Susan Schneider, MDDr. Schneider is a board certifi ed plastic and reconstructive surgeon, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American Board of Surgery.200 E. 89th Avenue, Suite 3-CMerrillville, IN 46410219-757-7566

Indiana Surgical AssociatesExperienced, board certifi ed general surgeons specializing in breast, abdominal, GERD, colorectal, cancer and laparascopic surgery.

101 E. 87th Avenue, Suite 420Merrillville, IN 46410219-947-1910

Mark Mueller, M.D., F.A.C.S.Jonathan Patterson, D.O.Brendan Frawley, M.D., F.A.C.S.Tom Galouzis, M.D., F.A.C.S.


FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 1-888-909-DOCS (3627) OR VISIT METHODISTHOSPITALS.ORG

Community Event Calendar

Free Scoliosis ScreeningsSouthlake Campus, NeuroScience Institute, 200 E. 89th Ave, MerrillvilleBy appointment only. For information call 219-738-4926.

Back and Neck Pain SeminarsThe New Spine Care Center takes an innovative team-oriented approach to treatment. Identify your back or neck pain and learn about the most effective treatments available.

Southlake Campus, Center for Advanced Clinical Studies, 200 E. 89th Ave, Merrillville • 4:00 p.m.• October 19 • November 2 • November 16 • December 7To register call 1-888-909-DOCS (3627).

Health Matters SeminarsPresented by Methodist HospitalsYWCA of Northwest Indiana, 150 W. 15th Avenue, GaryAll Health Matters seminars begin at 12 noon.

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease• October 19

Diabetes Prevention and Management• November 16

Coping with Stress and Depression• December 14

Stroke and PAD ScreeningsFree Stroke risk assessment and PAD Screenings: Blood Pressure and Carotid Bruit Check

Methodist Hospitals Midlake Campus, 2269 25th Ave, Gary • 12 to 2:00 p.m.• November 1Southlake Campus, Center for Advanced Clinical Studies, 200 E. 89th Ave, Merrillville • 4 to 6:00 p.m. • December 6To register call 1-888-909-DOCS (3627).

Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric) Community SeminarAn informational seminar about Gastric Bypass, LAP-BAND® and Gastric Sleeve surgery. The session is open to all interested persons and their families or friends. Call (219) 738-5617 for any questions.

Southlake Campus, ReStart Center, 101 E. 87th Ave, Suite 430, Merrillville• October 22 - 9 - 10:30 a.m.• November 7 - 6 - 7:30 p.m.To register call 1-888-909-DOCS (3627).

FREE Outpatient Congestive Heart Failure ClinicThe goal of this clinic is to assist heart failure patients in learning how to monitor and control their symptoms, improve their quality of life and prevent hospital stays.

By appointment only. Call 219-738-1075

screenings & seminars: classes:Diabetes Self-Management Education Classes Comprehensive diabetes education involving all aspects of treatments as well as prevention of chronic complications.

Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus, Rehabilitation Center (Pavilion D) 303 E. 89th Ave., Merrillville• Tuesdays

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (3 Tuesdays in a row)

To register call 219-944-4160. Must have physician referral.

Prepared Childbirth Classes A five-week course to help pregnant mothers and their partners learn about labor, delivery and the immediate post partum period. Recommendation for attendance is 7 – 8 month of pregnancy.

Southlake Campus, Center for Advanced Clinical Studies, 200 E. 89th Ave, Merrillville • 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.• November 1 To register call 1-888-909-DOCS (3627).

Sibling Classes Classes are designed help to prepare children and their parents for a new family member.

$15 per child; Free if parents are delivering at Methodist.Southlake Campus, Center for Advanced Clinical Studies, 200 E. 89th Ave, Merrillville • 6 to 9:00 p.m.• November 5 To register call 1-888-909-DOCS (3627).

We’re Holding a Jacket for You.Become a Methodist Hospitals

Volunteer

We can never have too many helping hands and smiling faces. Volunteering is a wonderful way to make a difference in the life of someone else. Methodist

Hospitals’ Volunteer Services offer unique opportunities for anyone 15 years or older to share their time, talents

and interests to support our mission. As a volunteer, you’ll be providing vital support, assisting with many of the services that contribute to the quality of care and

comfort of our patients.For more information on volunteer opportunities, call

Northlake Campus, Gary: 219-886-4257 or Southlake Campus, Merrillville: 219-738-5622

Relief is in sight.Dry Eye Seminar

Presented by Vincent L. Ray, M.D.

Thursday, October 20 6:00 p.m.Methodist Outpatient Surgery Center101 E. 87th Avenue - Merrillville

Does persistent dryness, scratching or burning in your eyes cause discomfort or eye strain? Dr. Ray will discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment options available for dry eye syndrome. Common symptoms include itching, stinging, a gritty feeling, eye strain and blurred vision.

Space is limited. To register, call 1-888-909-DOCS (3627), or visit www.MethodistHospitals.org.

support groups:Diabetes Support & Education Groups A wide variety of topics related to diabetes are discussed. For persons with diabetes and their family members.

• Methodist Hospitals Midlake Campus, 2269 25th Ave, Gary

• Free. Classes meet the 4th Tuesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon or 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

To register call 219-944-4160.

MS Support Group A support group for friends and family of people with multiple sclerosis.

Southlake Campus, Center for Advanced Clinical Studies, 200 E. 89th Ave, Merrillville • 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.• October 21 • November 18 • December 16 Midlake Campus, 2269 West 25th Ave, Gary • 12 noonThird Tuesday of each month. For more information call 219-738-4926. No registration required.

Living After Loss A support group for adults grieving the death of a loved one.

Northlake Campus, South Pavilion Conference Room A, 600 Grant St., Gary • 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.Every Wednesday

Southlake Campus, Ground Floor Classroom 1, 8701 Broadway, Merrillville • 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.Every Tuesday For more information call 219-886-4522.

Dr. Vincent L. Ray

Let us help you fi nd a physician who shares our commitment to quality care. Visit MethodistHospitals.orgor call 1-888-909 DOCS (3627) to speak to a Methodist Hospitals representative.

Blood PressureBlood Sugar*Cholesterol*Blood Oxygen Level

Free Health ScreeningsBody Mass IndexBone DensityPeripheral Vascular Disease ScreeningStroke Risk Assessment

Ask-A-DoctorBreast HealthCardiologyDiabetesNeuroScience Institute

Free Health Information and Raffl esNutritionOncology InstituteRehabilitation ServicesVolunteer ServicesWomen’s Services

Methodist HospitalsOutpatient Surgery & Diagnostic Center, 101 E. 87th Avenue, Merrillville, IN 46410

Saturday, November 5, 20118:30 a.m. - 12 noon

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