Health News and Information from MedStar MONTGOMERY Medical Center Fall 2013

Focused ON YOU MedStarMontgomery.org

insidE: Are You Ready for Flu Season? Surgery Without Scars New Huntington’s Disease Clinic Provides Specialized Care Caitlin Snider was planning her honeymoon when she had to take an unexpected trip to the operating room. See page 3 for her story. Check out our calendar of events. See the back page. Letter Excellence in From the President Quality Improvement MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is proud to Dear Friends, receive the 2013 Delmarva Foundation Excellence The signs of fall are all around us. Leaves are turning colors, Award for Quality Improvement, having excelled the final harvest has begun, and with this changing of the season is a feeling of thankfulness for what we have. And at in four national inpatient clinical areas. MedStar Montgomery Medical Center we are thankful for Delmarva Foundation for many things. Medical Care, Inc is the In July, we received the 2013 Delmarva Foundation Excellence Medicare Quality Award for Quality Improvement. Besides the accolades of such Improvement a prestigious award, it is solid proof of the hard work and Organization for professionalism our physicians and staff show day in and day Maryland. The Centers out for the well-being of patients in our care. for Medicare & Medicaid We always strive for better outcomes for our patients, and Services contracts with our surgical team supports these continued efforts by Delmarva Foundation for offering patients continued improvements in how we Medical Care to improve perform surgeries. Newlywed Caitlin Snider knows firsthand the quality of health care the benefit of MedStar Montgomery’s top-notch surgical team. Turn to page 3 to learn how she was able to take for Maryland’s more than advantage of our single-site technique during gallbladder 730,000 Medicare surgery. beneficiaries.

Just as our surgical team is making strides in enhanced The award honors MedStar Montgomery for techniques, MedStar Montgomery is always ensuring you excelling in patient safety and quality have the information you need throughout the year to stay improvement. To receive the Delmarva healthy. Discover how to avoid this year’s flu altogether with Foundation Excellence Award, MedStar Dr. Kerr’s sage advice on page 4. Montgomery had to meet specific performance Another instance of both high-quality care and health improvement criteria on 14 measures in four information is right around the corner at our Huntington’s national inpatient clinical areas that include heart disease clinic. While rare, this disease requires specialized attack, heart failure, surgical care improvement care for patients seeking relief and management. For the first and pneumonia. time, Montgomery County residents can receive expert Huntington’s disease care at MedStar Montgomery without “The recognition of this extraordinary award having to travel hours. Turn to page 5 to read about this validates our strong commitment to the fantastic resource within our community. community we serve,” says Peter Monge, Yours in good health, president of MedStar Montgomery. “This accomplishment is not possible without the loyalty and hard work of the physicians, nurses and associates who work here.”

Peter Monge, FACHE President, MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Senior Vice President, MedStar Health

Focused ONYOU

Kenneth A. Samet, FACHE Nikki Yeager President and CEO, MedStar Health Vice President, Marketing, Planning and Business Development Kevin Flannery Chairman, MedStar Montgomery Medical Gina Cook Center Board of Directors Manager, Marketing and Communications Peter W. Monge, FACHE President, MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Senior Vice President, MedStar Health

Focused on You is published by MedStar Health to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical information, which should be obtained directly from a physician. © 2013. Surgery Without Scars As a 29-year-old newlywed planning her honeymoon, Caitlin Snider had a lot to be excited about. But she got a little more excitement than she bargained for when she found out she needed unexpected surgery.

Caitlin had been having stomach pain “We perform the surgery through a and nausea for several months. A few 1-inch incision hidden at the belly weeks before her honeymoon, she got button, so there is virtually no scar a diagnosis: gallstones. Her gallbladder afterwards,” says Dr. Tweedt . “It is a would need to be removed, and soon. tightly-controlled, meticulous and very safe way to perform gallbladder Fortunately, Caitlin had a great option surgery. And because you don’t have available to her. Robotic-assisted additional incisions, there is also less single-site surgery using the da Vinci pain and a quicker recovery.” Surgical System at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center could be Robotic-Assisted Surgery performed with less pain, a faster “I used to do medical device training, so recovery and no visible scar to take on I was familiar with the da Vinci system, her honeymoon. and I know it takes a lot of practice to use those machines,” Caitlin recalls. “Dr. Single-Site Technique Tweedt has been using it since 2008 In the past, removing the gallbladder and has done hundreds of surgeries meant a full open surgery with a large with it. That was very reassuring to me.” incision and a long recovery. Today, many patients have “laparoscopic” Caitlin’s surgery went smoothly. She surgery, during which surgeons can arrived at 10 a.m., was back home that remove the gallbladder by inserting afternoon, and was feeling better the surgical instruments through several next day. A week later, she was able to smaller incisions. This technique is less return to work. That spring, she enjoyed invasive, but it still leaves scars. With her honeymoon without issues—or robotic single-site surgery, the surgeon unsightly scars. does the entire procedure through one tiny incision. Looking Ahead Robotic single-site surgery is an Caitlin Snider enjoys spending time “I met with Dr. Tweedt as well as a excellent option for people who need in her garden. surgeon at another , but only gallbladder surgery. In the future, Dr.

MedStar Montgomery offered the Tweedt believes it will be applied to MedStarMontgomery.org single-site option,” Caitlin says. In fact, many more surgical techniques. And he “Surgery by its nature is very invasive,” Shawn Tweedt, DO, general surgeon is confident that, with the support of says Dr. Tweedt. “If someone has to with MedStar Montgomery Medical MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, have a procedure, why not leave as Center is one of only 10 surgeons in the he will be able to continue bringing minimal a sign you were there as area who can perform this procedure. new surgical options to patients. possible?” << “It was an easy decision for me.”

If you would like to know more about the single-site surgery technique, visit MedStarMontgomery.com/singlesite or to schedule an appointment with Dr. TWeedt,

call 301-774-8881. | 3 4 | Focused on You > FALL 2013 2 1 Here are Dr. Kerr’s top fourtipstostayhealthy. altogether bytakingafewsimplesteps. But inmanycases, theflucanbeavoided Montgomery edicalC Department medicaldirector at MedS says MichaelKerr, MD usually peaks around September orOctober, andtheseason “ fluseason.fatigue of too comethefirstfevers, bodyachesand As theleaves start tochange each fall, so Are You for Ready Flu Season? or youpicked itupbefore youhadfullimmunity.” vaccinated, that means theviruswasalready inyoursystem, happen toshowsymptomsaround thetimeyouget can’t gettheflufrom thefluvaccine,” hesays. youdo “If T up fullimmunity, sogetvaccinated early,” Dr. Kerr advises. W here’s onemythhe’dlike todispelonceandforall:“You e see our first cases of flu around e seeourfirstcasesof surfaces like doorknobs. E coughs andsneezes, andtheviruscanliveon Wash y “R best defenseagainstgetting sick. Get vaccinated: emember that ittakes onetothree weeks tobuild our hands: Fluvirusspreadsour through December or January,” , Emergency enter. T he fluvaccineis, byfar, your ven if you are vaccinated,ven if tar Kerr, MD Michael 4 3 asinkisn’tavailable. alcohol-based handsanitizerif hands frequently withsoap andwater. You canalsousean some protection). included inthevaccine(althoughitshouldstillgiveyou there’s fluvirusnot achanceyoumightcatch astrain of medication suchas fever until yourfeverisgonefor24hourswithouttheuseof youdogetsick,If hestrongly recommends stayingat home they’re infectingtheentire office.” your doctorimmediately. breathing problems, highfever orothersevere issues, call yoursymptomspersist, youstart experiencingBut if orif In healthy people, the fluusuallygoesawayinafewdays. theflu.”medications that canlessentheseverityandlengthof the illnessinitsveryearly stages, there are antiviral symptoms wouldwarrant anoffice visit,” hesays. youcatch “If “In additiontogetting vaccinated, askyourdoctorwhich season starts. their caregivers toplanahead withtheirdoctorsbefore flu particularly dangerous. D r. Kerr advisestheseindividualsor Make a plan when they’re sick,” Dr. Kerr says. “Butmeanwhile, theygointowork they’re doingtheirbossa favorif If systems orrespiratory conditions, theflu canbe adults, children andpeoplewithfragile immune y ou get sick, s T hat’s whyit’s important towashyour T ylenol orMotrin. with << ta y y our doctor: F home:“Somepeoplethink or older MedStarMontgomery.org | 5

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obert. “Iworked 40 . T he therapy ishvaian, obert obert’s T he << “Joint replacement surgery is so important for softball players in their 60s, 70s and even their 80s, because they have a passion for playing and can continue to play,” says Dr. McMahon. “Playing sports promotes mental and physical well-being for older athletes, so it’s very important that they can continue.”

MedStar Montgomery had the first dedicated joint unit in Montgomery County, and has provided joint replacement surgery for more than 20 If it wasn’t for Dr. Kevin McMahon, Jim Ehrenfried and Sam Milwit may have stayed on the years. Today, the hospital offers total sidelines. joint replacement for hips, knees and shoulders, and a variety of other orthopaedic services. All surgeons are Older Athletes Retake the Field fellowship-trained and use best practices developed at the MedStar Following Joint Replacements Georgetown Orthopaedic Institute. The sidelines are no place for Jim Ehrenfried, 79, and “Total joint replacement is not for everyone and is not perfect,” says Dr. Sam Milwit, 73. Both have played baseball and softball McMahon. “But it improves function since they were kids and neither had plans to stop and decreases pain in more than 90 anytime soon. That is, until joint problems threatened percent of patients.” to bench them for good. Returning to the Field Sam had a knee replacement with Dr. For Sam, a bad slide into third base left division chief, MedStar Georgetown McMahon. Jim had a hip and knee him unable to round the bases. Jim Orthopaedic Institute. replacement. Today, both are making had hip pain that was getting the most of their rebuilt joints. Jim “Dr. McMahon has treated at least eight progressively worse. But he wasn’t plays in three different softball leagues, other guys in my leagues,” says Jim. ready to call it quits, either. and Sam plays twice a week. “The word gets around quickly when “I’m not giving up playing,” says Jim. “I you’re playing ball with people and “My leg is as good as it ever has been,” don’t want to live a sedentary life, you have a doctor who does such a says Sam. “I have absolutely no pain.” sitting on the couch watching TV all good job.”

day. That’s not me.” Jim, meanwhile, has some advice for MedStarMontgomery.org The Place to Go anyone with joint pain: Take action. Looking for help to get back in the for Joint Replacement game, the men turned to their Joint replacement is the most common “People may think, ‘Oh, I have a bad teammates for advice. One name kept treatment today for serious joint hip or knee; I can’t do anything coming up: Kevin McMahon, MD, problems, and it is increasingly anymore,’ but it’s not true,” he says. “Go MedStar Montgomery Medical Center common among older adults. get it fixed and get back out there.” <<

If joint pain is keeping you on the sidelines, find out if joint replacement can help you. Visit MedStarGeorgetownOrtho.org or Call

855-788-MGOI (855-788-6464). | 7 MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Nonprofit Org. 18101 Prince Philip Dr. U.S. Postage PAID Olney, MD 20832 MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center MedStar Hospital MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital MedStar Harbor Hospital MedStar Montgomery Medical Center MedStar National Rehabilitation Network MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital MedStar Union Memorial Hospital MedStar Washington Hospital Center MedStar Family Choice MedStar Health Centers MedStar Visiting Nurse Association MedStar Institute for Innovation MedStar Health Research Institute 10565M UPCOMING EVENTS

At MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, the health and wellness of our community Heartsaver First Aid is very important. One of the ways we try to keep our community healthy and well is by offering classes, lectures and screenings. We invite you to join us for any of our Teaches how to manage illness and until free informational lectures this year. professional help arrives. Meets the To register or to see a complete list of all of our classes and events, visit requirements for Childcare Providers certification. MedStarMontgomery.org/Classes or call 301-774-8881. • Thursdays, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 16, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Babysitting Plus CPR CPR & AED • Saturdays, Nov. 16, Dec. 14, Jan. 25, 12:45 to 5 p.m. Prepares 12- to 15-year-olds with the essentials Basic CPR; rescue breathing, choking relief for $55 needed to be a competent baby sitter, including infants, children and adults, and Automated safety, childcare development, safe play, first aid External Defibrillator (AED) use. New Mother’s Postpartum and CPR certification (two-year certificate). This is • Wednesday, Nov. 6, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Support Group a two-day class. Please bring a snack. • Thursdays, Dec. 5, Jan. 2, 9, Jan. 30, Saturdays, Nov. 2 and 9, Dec. 7 and 14, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ever wonder if you’re the only one feeling or Jan. 11 and 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Saturdays, Nov. 16, Dec. 14, Jan. 25, stressed and alone now that a baby has joined $65 9 a.m. to noon your family? If you are finding yourself feeling $80 sad, anxious, angry or irritable, group support Yoga can help. Our group will be led by two therapists Home Alone who specialize in the postpartum period. Babies This ancient and systematic approach to good are welcome. health and well-being helps reduce stress, Prepares 8- to 11-year-olds to spend brief periods Mondays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. improve concentration and develop strength, of time alone. Class provides skills to help kids FREE flexibility and balance. be safe when there is no adult supervision, Beginner class: Sundays, Nov. 3 to Dec. 29, including answering the door and telephone and Senior Fit 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. calling 911. $80; eight-week series classes Saturdays, Nov. 9, Dec. 14, Jan. 18, 9 a.m. to noon. A free 45-minute exercise program designed for $35 seniors age 55 and older. Senior Fit focuses on Weight Loss Surgery increasing strength, flexibility, balance, Physician Seminar Bariatric Support Group coordination and cardiovascular endurance. Exercise is an important factor in preventing falls, Learn how Weight Loss Surgery can help you lose Open discussions about weight and surgery managing chronic illnesses and improving quality weight and be the person you want to be. related issues. of life. Classes are ongoing and a physician’s Thursdays, 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 27, Dec. 18, Jan 29, consent form is required to participate. FREE 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 to 9:45 a.m. FREE FREE