SEPTEMBER 2015 I HOLYOKEHEALTH.COM Health&Life ‘SCREENING SAVED MY LIFE!’ KID-FRIENDLY LUNCHES HEAL WOUNDS FAST REHAB ROCKSR MEE T 12R NEW DOCS

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A PUBLICATION OF HOLYOKEVALLEY MEDICAL CENTER L L SEPTEMBER 2015 I HOLYOKEHEALTH.COM health&life ‘SCREENING SAVED MY LIFE!’ KID-FRIENDLY LUNCHES HEAL WOUNDS FAST REHAB ROCKSR MEE T 12R NEW DOCS

9 $ / �� & R Y H U�� L Q G G �� $0 VALLEY COMMUNITY CARE

DEAR READERS, Q HOLYOKE I hope you have enjoyed the summer and the many MEDICAL CENTER delights in the beautiful Pioneer Valley. QHOLYOKE VNA I want to talk about a subject that has been in the HOSPICE LIFE CARE news quite a bit lately: the future of community hospi- QRIVER VALLEY tals. With local mergers, the media has been quick to COUNSELING CENTER point out that Holyoke Medical Center is the last remain- QWESTERN MASS PHYSICIAN ing independent community hospital in the Valley. On ASSOCIATES behalf of the more than one thousand employees of our hospital, I want to share our thoughts about indepen- Valley Health & Life, dent community hospitals. a publication of Holyoke Let me begin by saying that we consider being an Medical Center, appreciates your feed- independent community hospital a badge of honor that 10 back. Please contact: we wear with pride. We are firm believers that the best Public Relations care is delivered in the local community. Don’t misun- Holyoke Medical Center derstand; there is a need for strong academic medical 575 Beech Street Holyoke, MA 01040 centers that have the resources to deal with complex CONTENTS 413.534.2532 health problems such as trauma, heart surgery and communications@ transplants. But nothing comes close to the care that holyokehealth.com can be delivered in a smaller, local community hospital. 3 10 Just take a look at Medicare’s “Hospital Compare” Healthy habits At the core Valley Health & Life website and see how patients rate healthcare in the Valley. Reports on staying well— of rehab is published by Wainscot Notice that Holyoke Medical Center received four stars including the danger diet Newly expanded centers Media, 110 Summit vs. three stars for many of the bigger systems. Notice soda poses to heart health. offer physical and occupa- Avenue, Montvale, NJ the quality ratings and see how well a smaller hospital tional therapy and more. 07645, in association with Holyoke Medical Center. like ours can be ranked. Of course it makes sense. Why 4 This is Volume 1, Issue 4. wouldn’t it? Holyoke Medical Center provides great care close to home, clean and comfortable private rooms, Meet our 12 caring staff who you recognize and who recognize you, new physicians Stretch your Material contained herein These additions to Holyoke exercise dollar is intended for informa- great doctors, valet parking and room service. What’s not tional purposes only. to like? I will let you in on a little secret. I like to refer to our Medical Center’s staff 8 tips to help you stay physi- If you have medical hospital as a “boutique hospital.” We’re the place that can bring top credentials and a cally—and fiscally—fit. concerns, seek the give you an exquisite patient experience, the experience passion for helping patients. guidance of a healthcare professional. only we can provide because we are smaller, friendlier 13 and focus on the individual. Make no mistake—a pleas- 6 Pack healthy! ant and caring environment, good food and a staff that Helping Ideas for school lunches reduces anxiety with empathy and compassion are just wounds heal as important to healing as are medicines and surgeries. kids will actually eat. When an open cut or sore This knowledge motivates us to work hard to keep proves intractable, a special improving the experience at Holyoke Medical Center 14 Wound Care Center is and to focus even more on the individual needs of every the place to go. The promise of patient, every time. It also drives us to grow and to pro- red pepper vide more services, like our new Wound Care Center. It’s sweet—not hot—with Rest assured that we will continue to be the voice that 8 health benefits galore. reminds our legislators of the importance of independent Screening community hospitals, and we will stay on our path to saves a life make Holyoke Medical Center better than ever. We hope Learn why one Holyoke that you, our readers and your families, will be standing woman is glad she didn’t with us, supporting us, encouraging us, rooting for us and postpone her regular advocating for us. Most importantly, when you need care, mammogram. come and see for yourself what the buzz is all about.

Best Regards, 14 SPIROS HATIRAS

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER & VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

VAL.0915.TOC.5.indd 2 9/9/15 12:49 PM FOR THE RECORD WELLNESS HEALTHY HABITS EVENTS Our lineup of upcoming seminars FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY and programs is designed with your health in mind. Join us!

ALL ABOUT KIDNEYS GRIN AND WIN Date: Tuesday, September 22 Don’t have anything to smile Time: 4–5:30 p.m. about? Do it anyway; it’ll Place: HMC Auxiliary Conference Center boost your mood. A Univer- Join Jonathan Slater, M.D., and American sity of Kansas study found Renal Associates staff to learn more about that when people smiled kidney health, including chronic kidney during a difficult test, they disease and treatment options for end- reported feeling more positive stage kidney disease. Hear from a panel afterward than those whose of patients on dialysis and former patients, expressions were neutral. who have had a transplant, about the treatment options they chose and why. Please pre-register to ensure materials TAKE A HIKE! are available by calling 413.534.2789. Outdoors, that is. Not only will you get a MIDWIFERY CARE CELEBRATION good workout, but you’ll also enjoy the Date: Saturday, October 3 mood-boosting benefits of being out Time: 3–5 p.m. in the crisp autumn air, listening to the Place: Holyoke Merry-Go-Round sounds of nature and taking in beauti- Midwifery Care of Holyoke has been ful views. Here are a few places in the providing services to our community for Holyoke area to explore this fall. 30 years! Join us for a “birthday party” to QDinosaur Footprints, Northampton kick off National Midwifery Week in honor Street, Route 5, Holyoke of this practice and the care it continues QJ.A. Skinner State Park, 10 Skinner to provide to the women in the Pioneer State Park Rd., Hadley Valley. Enjoy the merry-go-round, face QMount Holyoke Range State Park, painting, refreshments and more. 1500 West St., Amherst QMount Tom State Reservation & ANNUAL ALUMNI BRUNCH Little Tom Mountain, 125 Reservation Rd., Date: Sunday, October 18 Holyoke Time: 11 a.m. Place: Castle of Knights in Chicopee All Holyoke Hospital School of Nursing alumni are invited to the brunch honoring I CHOCOLATE s the Class of 1974. For more information or Folks who sipped a cacao-based drink to purchase tickets, please contact Con- daily for a week scored 32 percent bet- nie Kurdziel at 413.533.6974. ter on tests revealing circulatory system function than abstainers did. It’s thought WOMEN’S HEALTH FAIR that the flavonoids in cacao help blood Date: Wednesday, October 28 vessels dilate. Don’t like your chocolate Time: 8 a.m.–1 p.m. in liquid form? A square of 70 percent Place: HMC Main Lobby DIET dark chocolate will net 200 mg of the Whether you’re looking for information on antioxidants, and that’s the recom- SODA breast health, osteoporosis, heart health, mended daily “dose.” AND nutrition or menopause, you’ll find it here. Schedule a free clinical breast exam, have YOUR your blood pressure checked, schedule a HEART mammogram and enter a free raffle for a Drinking two or more diet gift basket. We also will be offering free fast- sodas a day can increase ing cholesterol/lipid profile and A1c diabetes your risk of a heart attack screening from 8–10 a.m. Please pre-regis- or stroke by 30 percent, ac- ter for blood work by calling 413.534.2789. cording to a recent Univer- sity of Iowa study. For more upcoming events, please visit holyokehealth .com/events. VALLEY HEALTH & LIFE 3

9 $ / �� + H D OWK \ + D E L WV �� L Q G G �� $0 MEET OUR NEW PHY

CELSO DIAS, SANDIP T. M.D. MARU, M.D., Dr. Dias offers MARTIN FACS NEAL CHUANG, comprehensive LESSER, D.O. Dr. Maru, a board- M.D. vascular services, RENUKA Dr. Martin Lesser, certified vascu- Dr. Chuang is a including endovas- DULALA, M.D. family medicine lar and general JOHN board-certified cular surgery, at Dr. Dulala is a provider, received surgeon, is also MAZZUCCO, thoracic and Holyoke Medical board-certified his medical degree a certified wound M.D., FACS general surgeon Center. Dr. Dias specialist in from the New York specialist. He is Dr. Mazzucco is who completed his is board-certified hematology and College of Osteo- certified by the a board-certified medical degree at in vascular sur- oncology. After pathic Medicine. Undersea & Hyper- general surgeon. the University of gery and general attending medical He completed a baric Medical So- After attending Colorado Health surgery. He com- school at Osmania rotating internship ciety for hyperbaric Fairfield University Sciences Center. pleted a fellowship Medical College in at Coney Island oxygen therapy in Connecticut, He then spent in vascular surgery Hyderabad, India, Hospital and his and is a registered he went on to 10 years at the and a residency in she went on to residency in family physician for vas- Loyola University New York Uni- general surgery at complete the Pri- medicine at the cular interpretation. Chicago–Stritch versity School of Stony Brook Uni- mary Care Internal Catholic Medical With a medical School of Medi- Medicine, where versity in New York. Medicine Residen- Center of Brook- degree from the cine in Maywood, he completed Dr. Dias’ clinical cy Program at the lyn and Queens. University of Medi- Ill. He completed his internship areas of interest University of Con- Lesser is also a cine and Dentistry his residency at and residency in include abdominal necticut. She then lieutenant colonel in New Jersey, he Waterbury Hospi- general surgery aortic aneurysms, finished a fellow- in the Massachu- went on to com- tal Health Center followed by a fel- carotid disease, ship in hematology setts Army National plete his general in Connecticut, lowship in cardio- endovascular and oncology at Guard. Dr. Lesser surgery residency where he was chief thoracic surgery. approaches to Long Island Jewish is currently accept- at Monmouth surgical resident Afterward, he was peripheral vascular Hospital. Dr. Dulala ing new patients in Medical Center and in 1992 and 1993. at the Mount Sinai disease, varicose is a member of the the Chertoff Medi- a vascular surgery Dr. Mazzucco is School of Medicine vein disorders, di- Massachusetts cal Building, 1236 fellowship at the accepting new in New York City, alysis access and Medical Society Main Street, Suite State University of patients at HMC where he obtained wound care. He and the American 201, in Holyoke. To New York at Buf- General Surgeons further training in is accepting new Society of Clinical schedule an ap- falo. Dr. Maru offers at 10 Hospital minimally invasive patients at HMC Oncology. She is pointment, please comprehensive Drive, Suite 104, in thoracic surgery. Vascular Surgeons currently accept- call 413.536.7040. vascular services, Holyoke. To sched- Dr. Chuang is in Holyoke Medical ing new oncology including endovas- ule an appoint- accepting new Center, Suite 404. and hematology cular surgery, and ment, please call patients at HMC To schedule an ap- patients at Holyoke is accepting new 413.5 32.1411. Thoracic Surgeons pointment, please Medical Center. To patients at HMC in Holyoke Medical call 413.535.4721. schedule an ap- Vascular Surgeons Center, Suite 404. pointment, please in Holyoke Medical To schedule an ap- call 413.534.2543. Center, Suite 404. pointment, please To schedule an ap- call 413.535.4721. pointment, please call 413.535.4721.

4 SEPTEMBER 2015

9 $ / �� Q H Z S K \ V L F L D Q V �� L Q G G �� $0 A DOZEN DOCTORS HAVE JOINED THE HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER FAMILY, EXPANDING YSICIANS OUR SERVICES IN THE PIONEER VALLEY.

LAKI ROUSOU, ELIZABETH J. M.D. NOYES, D.O. JAMES Dr. Rousou is Dr. Noyes is a PRIBULA, M.D. certified by the board-certified DAVID Dr. Pribula, a American Board HARI family practitioner. PIERANGELO, board-certified of Surgery and SUBRAMANIAN, After attending the M.D. pediatrician, is L. WILLIS the American M.D. College of New A board-certified also certified in ROBERTS, M.D. Board of Thoracic Dr. Subramanian Jersey, she went rheumatologist, Dr. pediatric advanced Dr. Roberts, a Surgery. Dr. Rou- is board-certified on to the University Pierangelo brings life support and general surgeon, sou attended the in echocardiogra- of Medicine and his expertise to neonatal resuscita- attended Brown Boston University phy and nuclear Dentistry of New patients of Holyoke tion. A graduate University for both School of Medicine cardiology. After Jersey, School of Medical Center. Af- of St. George’s his undergradu- before complet- attending Kilpauk Osteopathic Medi- ter attending Tufts University School ate and doctor of ing an internship Medical College in cine. She complet- University Medical of Medicine in Gre- medicine degrees. and residency in India, he went on ed her residency in School, he went nada, West Indies, He began his sur- general surgery at to finish a residen- family medicine at on to complete a he brings 30 years gical residency at New York Uni- cy in internal medi- the Forbes Health residency in in- of experience to University Hospital, versity Langone cine at Abington System in Monro- ternal medicine at pediatric care for Stony Brook, N.Y., Medical Center. He Memorial Hospital eville, Pa., where Baystate Medical infants through and completed completed a fel- in Abington, Penn- she served as Center. He then fin- adolescents in the his residency lowship in cardio- sylvania. He then chief resident from ished a fellowship Pioneer Valley. Dr. at Lehigh Valley thoracic surgery completed a car- 1993 to 1994. Dr. in rheumatology at Pribula is accept- Hospital Center at Yale New Haven diology fellowship Noyes is accept- the University of ing new patients in Pennsylvania. Hospital in Con- at Hahnemann ing new patients California, Irvine. at Western Mass He also served in necticut as well as University Hospital with Western Mass Dr. Pierangelo is Pediatrics, located the Army Medical a research fel- in Philadelphia. Dr. Physician Associ- a member of the at 10 Hospital Corps. Dr. Roberts lowship in cardio- Subramanian is ates at 10 Hospital American College Drive, Suite 201, in is currently accept- thoracic surgery a member of the Drive, Suite 305, in of Rheumatol- Holyoke. To sched- ing new patients at Harvard Medi- American College Holyoke. To sched- ogy. He is cur- ule an appoint- at HMC Spe- cal School/Beth of Cardiology. He is ule an appoint- rently accepting ment, please call cialty Surgeons, Israel Deaconess currently accept- ment, please call new patients at 413.534.2800. 2 Hospital Drive, Medical Center in ing new patients at 413.533.2452. Holyoke Medical Holyoke, and 75 Massachusetts. Holyoke Medical Center Rheumatol- Springfield Road, Dr. Rousou is Center Cardiovas- ogy, 575 Beech Suite 3, Westfield. accepting new cular Specialists. Street, Suite 402, To schedule an ap- patients at HMC To schedule an ap- Holyoke, and 75 pointment, please Thoracic Surgeons pointment, please Springfield Road, call 413.540.5048. in Holyoke Medical call 413.534.2870. Suite 3, Westfield. Center, Suite 404. To schedule an ap- To schedule an appointment, please pointment, please call 413.534.2682. call 413.535.4721.

VALLEY HEALTH & LIFE 5

VAL.0915.newphysicians.5.indd 4 9/9/15 12:50 PM HELPING WOUNDS HEAL WHEN AN OPEN CUT OR SORE PROVES INTRACTABLE, A SPECIAL WOUND CARE CENTER CAN HELP.

27 VALLEY HEALTH & LIFE

9 $ / �� Z R X OG F D UH �� L Q G G �� $0 FOR MOST OF US, we can close them faster. As a result, the healing process. Other treatments a cut, sore or other we are seeing a reduction of hospital may include management of any infec- open wound is admissions and amputations, and that tion with topical or medication treat- a minor incon- has improved life expectancy.” ments, skin substitute therapy (a less venience—spray This new service is being offered in invasive form of skin grafts) or negative some antibiotic on partnership with Healogics, a nationally pressure therapy (pulling the air out of it, cover it with a known wound healing company, but a closed dressing to create a vacuum, plastic bandage, will function as an outpatient depart- which improves blood flow). and it heals in a ment within Holyoke Medical Center. Along with these treatments, ad- Amy Pierno few days. But for HMC decided to open its own wound vances in bandages and dressings have people with diabetes or another condi- care center, Pierno says, because many helped wound patients heal faster. “It’s tion that causes circulation problems or patients were coming in with wounds a lot more than just selecting a band- nerve damage, wounds can sometimes and not receiving specialized help, or aid,” Pierno says. “There are dozens prove stubbornly resistant to traditional were having to leave their hometown for of options to use.” These dressings treatment. And a chronic wound is sus- that care. are used in combination with special ceptible to infection and can even lead “We want to streamline care and gels and ointments, some of which to a stay in the hospital and, worse, to communication for those patients and contain materials produced naturally by amputation. their primary care doctors,” she says. the body that help wound-healing cells Fortunately, this fall Holyoke Medical “Patients would always prefer to stay grow. Follow-up care, when needed, will Center (HMC) will open a new Wound with their local hospital team. And we include help managing diabetes, weight Care Center to provide state-of-the-art can work closely with primary care and medications, in collaboration with care for patients with stubborn or resis- physicians and home care providers to the patient’s primary care doctor. tant wounds—right in the Holyoke area. reduce the frustrations that can come The Wound Care Center will be staffed The center will be located on the with trying to heal chronic wounds.” by a medical director, a hyperbaric medical center campus at 18 Hospital While wounds are often related to oxygen technician, a nurse manager, a Drive in the space formerly occupied complications of diabetes, they can also wound care nurse and an administrative by Western Mass Pediatrics, which has be caused by non-diabetic circulation assistant. Along with the hyperbaric oxy- relocated to 10 Hospital Drive, Suite 201. diseases, obesity, damage from radia- gen chambers, there will be five treatment The space has been thoroughly renovat- tion used to treat cancer or trauma from rooms. It will be open five days a week, ed to accommodate the special equip- accidents. They can also be worsened by and requires a referral and appointment. ment needed to treat chronic wounds. poor nutrition, lack of movement, exces- “We are really excited to bring this That equipment, which includes two sive alcohol consumption or smoking, service to the community,” Pierno says. hyperbaric (high-pressure) oxygen weakened immune systems and aging. chambers, will make a remarkable dif- For some kinds of wounds, hyperbaric ference in the treatment of wounds over oxygen therapy may be recommended. In TO LEARN MORE the past decade or so, says Amy Pierno, this treatment, patients sit inside a special If you have any questions about wound the Wound Care Center’s program di- chamber. The air pressure inside the care or the Wound Care Center at Holyoke rector, who is a certified wound special- chamber is about two and a half times Medical Center, please call 413.535.4740. ist and a physical therapist. “Advanced greater than the normal pressure in the therapies have helped to heal wounds atmosphere—hence the term hyperbaric. that were previously never expected This pressure helps the blood carry more to heal,” she says. “We used to accept oxygen to organs and tissues in the body, FACTS & FIGURES the fact that certain wounds could be which can help some wounds heal faster. around for months or years. Now we Wounds may also require a process ON WOUNDS are more aggressive in diagnosing known as debridement. This involves Q 6.7 million patients suffer from non- their causes and addressing them, so removing dead skin and tissue to assist healing wounds. Q There are more than 29 million diabetes patients in the U.S., almost 10 percent of the population, and their ranks are expected to grow by 2 percent per year over the next decade. Q Each year, 2.5 million patients age 75 and older suffer from a pressure ulcer. Q Wounds are becoming a larger burden to the healthcare system because of an aging population and the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity. Source: Healogics VALLEY HEALTH & LIFE 7

VAL.0915.wouldcare.4.indd 7 9/9/15 12:51 PM SCREENING SAVES A LIFE REGULAR MAMMOGRAMS ENABLE A HOLYOKE WOMAN TO BE TREATED FOR BREAST CANCER BEFORE THE DISEASE HAS SPREAD.

8 SEPTEMBER 2015

9 $ / �� E UH D V WF D Q F H U�� L Q G G �� $0 MARGARITA COLON KNOWS SHE WAS report mammography. In the old days lucky. “If I had waited another year, it you’d see TV shows where someone would have been too late,” says Colon, was holding an X-ray up to a light box. 49, of Holyoke. She is talking about That was how we did it. Now we read Deborah Panitch, M.D. breast cancer; “I was very blessed they images on computer workstations with caught the cancer in time.” large monitors that allow high resolution She was also very smart, because and focus.” SURGICAL she was vigilant in getting yearly mam- Treatments have improved as well. OPTIONS FOR mograms, which is the best way to “Biopsies are now simpler and less detect breast cancer at its earliest and invasive,” the doctor says. “When I was BREAST CANCER most treatable stages. Colon—who in training a biopsy was done through “Many women still believe that has five children, ages 14 to 31, with her open surgery in the operating room. survival is always better with mas- husband, Raul Vazquez, 47, a materi- Now it can be performed in an office tectomy, but that is not true,” says als scientist with Bayer—earned that setting, takes 30 minutes with a needle Deborah Panitch, M.D., a general sur- awareness the hard way. Her mother through the skin, and is painless.” Find- geon at Holyoke Medical Center with died from breast cancer at the age of ing cancers earlier means more women a special interest in breast surgery. 56, and her mother’s father and older can have a lumpectomy instead of “As long as you are an appropriate brother lost their lives to other types of mastectomy, which not only stops the candidate for lumpectomy, there is no cancer. “My mother’s oncologist said spread of cancer, it also provides better advantage with mastectomy.” that her daughters have to start getting cosmetic results after surgery. Dr. Panitch describes the options mammograms early,” Colon says. “I “Although Holyoke is a community available for breast cancer surgery: have been getting them since I was 35, hospital, we have all the things you’d Q Lumpectomy. “This involves and I go every year.” find in a larger institution,” says Dr. removing the area of disease with a It was at her regular screening in July Urbanski. “We have a comprehensive small amount of surrounding normal 2014 that her radiologist detected what breast program from screening to total tissue. It is recommended for inva- was thought to be calcium deposits in treatment. It starts with imaging and bi- sive and noninvasive breast cancers her left breast. A second mammogram opsy and includes pathology, surgeons, measuring 5 centimeters or less or confirmed that something was there, so support programs, and medical and encompassing less than 25 percent surgeons took a biopsy. It was breast radiation oncology. You don’t have to of the breast volume. For invasive cancer, but stage 1, meaning the mass leave the area—everything is provided cancers, evaluation of the lymph was still small—1.5 centimeters—and here.” nodes with sentinel lymph node biop- had not spread. Because it was caught As soon as she fully recovers, Colon sy generally is done at the same time. so early, her surgeon was able to plans to return to work as a consultant After recovery from surgery, radiation perform a lumpectomy in August 2014 to organizations that help the devel- therapy commonly is administered to to remove the tumor and nearby lymph opmentally disabled. And she vows to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.” nodes. That was followed by chemo- promote breast cancer awareness to Q Mastectomy. “Generally not therapy and then radiation treatments, other women. “Get your yearly mammo- required, this may be needed to treat which ended this past March. gram and check yourself in the shower larger cancers or multiple cancers in Her experience is a far cry from her before and after your period,” she the same breast. Sentinel lymph node mother’s, thanks to modern medicine. advises. “It’s good to know your body, biopsy usually is done at the same “Radiology has advanced during my so you can notice any changes in it. You time. Reconstructive surgery may be career, partly because of technology,” can always be the first person in your done after mastectomy, and the pro- says Steve Urbanski, M.D., chief of family to get cancer. I am the second cess often is started at the time of the radiology at Holyoke Medical Center. in my family, and that made me more mastectomy and completed later.” “When I started in the mid-1980s, the conscious of it, more careful and more Q quality of mammography was not like faithful to my mammograms. My mother Oncoplastic surgery. “This newer the quality today. Over the last few de- had stage 4 cancer and her ending technique combines a lumpectomy cades the American College of Radiol- wasn’t happy. So it is very important with rearranging the remaining breast ogy has devoted tremendous effort to that women get screenings every year. tissue for a better cosmetic result. It standardizing the ways we perform and It saves lives—it really does.” may be appropriate for some women.”

VALLEY HEALTH & LIFE 9

9 $ / �� E UH D V WF D Q F H U�� L Q G G �� $0 Victor Colon Váquez of Holyoke with physical therapist Josh Mull.

AT THE CORE

IT USED TO BE CALLED THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL, OF REHAB Occupational, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Holyoke Medical Center (HMC)—a mouthful to be sure. And though that moniker accurately described the services THE NEWLY EXPANDED that it provided, both the name and the structure of those CENTERS OF REHABILITATION services were ripe for updating. That’s why HMC has been working for the past year to renovate the existing rehab EXCELLENCE OFFER SERVICES space on the hospital campus, expand into new satellite THROUGHOUT THE REGION. locations in surrounding communities and, last but certainly not least, change the name of the department to the Cen- ters of Rehabilitation Excellence, or CORE. At the core of CORE’s transition is the continued growth and demand for rehab services in the region, according to

10 SEPTEMBER 2015

9 $ / �� F R UH �� L Q G G �� $0 David Moriarty of Hoyoke with physical therapist Sara Brown.

Trisha Neill, manager of the department. That care is also changing—for the “We knew we had tremendous poten- better. Patients now can receive extend- tial, and we finally had the opportunity ed sessions as prescribed by a thera- to bring a strong vision to reality,” she pist, which are longer and more frequent says. “We have great clinicians offer- than was possible before the facelift. ing fantastic care, but we were almost “No one wants to be in therapy longer unnoticed. We wanted to showcase our than they need to be, and our role is to skills, and in order to do that we had to help expedite the process and return make transformative changes, including patients to a pain-free, healthy lifestyle,” renovations.” she notes. “Being able to accommodate These changes will mean creating patients with continuity and expanded three new facilities, in West Springfield, care is absolutely key to recovery.” Chicopee and South Hadley. “Our goal is CORE’s clinical and support staff has to deliver the same care that we offer on nearly doubled in size—from 16 to more the hospital campus in settings that are than 30, according to Neill. She expects closer to where people work and live,” continued growth and hiring as the new explains Neill. locations are established. Neill also As a result of the renovations, the hopes to expand CORE’s vision into a 30-year-old on-campus rehab center robust schedule of community pro- now features an open floor plan that can grams at senior centers, health fairs and accommodate state-of-the-art equipment hospital-sponsored events. “We want to such as treadmills, stationary bikes and get our name out there and ultimately elliptical machines. There’s also open serve more people,” she says. “It’s very floor space for dynamic balance and exciting to have the support from our re- functional activities. The entire space ferral sources who entrust their patients was re-floored in recycled rubber, which to us, and for us to give back to the provides added traction and cushion for community.” patients and staff members. Holyoke Medical Center’s motto, says Aesthetic enhancements include a new Neill, is “‘the best place to receive care color scheme—“a soft cream with blue and the best place to work,’ and we and green accents, which ties into the want to deliver that to our patients and hospital’s logo colors,” Neill says—as well employees. HMC is a community hos- as offering an expanded and redecorated pital where everyone knows everyone, waiting room. “It’s a welcoming and re- both within the hospital and within the freshing space with all new furniture and community. It’s important that we deliver amenities to help family members feel respectful, kind and compassionate comfortable while they wait for their loved care. That speaks very loudly to who we ones to receive their care.” are and what we strive to do every time.”

patients with arthritis and joint replace- complication of breast cancer surgery. CORE ments. They do very well with physical Cardiac and pulmonary rehab. therapy intervention.” CORE provides specialized, structured OFFERINGS Many of the physical therapists carry rehab programs to meet the needs of The Centers of Rehabilitation Excellence advanced doctoral degrees and numer- those patients who may have had heart (CORE) at Holyoke Medical Center offer ous specialty certiﬁcations, and stay attacks, heart surgery or chronic lung the following outpatient and inpatient current with continuing education training, disease. This service line includes trained rehab services: according to Neill. staff ranging from exercise physiologists Physical therapy. CORE provides Occupational therapy. At CORE, oc- to nurses to respiratory therapists and physical therapy for a wide range of peo- cupational therapists devote most of their physical therapists. The educational ple—teenagers to seniors. “Many issues time to the rehabilitation of hand injuries components of the rehab programs are related to injuries, illnesses and aging, and disabilities. They work closely with extend even further to include a panel of including orthopedic, neurologic, vestibu- the physicians to deliver collaborative care healthcare professionals and physicians. lar and musculoskeletal diagnoses,” says to patients. The therapists carry advanced If you have questions about the Trisha Neill, manager of CORE. “As people certiﬁcations to treat patients for hand services and locations of CORE, age and want to stay active, we treat more therapy and lymphedema, a common please call 413.534.2555.

VALLEY HEALTH & LIFE 11

VAL.0915.core.2.indd 11 9/9/15 12:52 PM FINANCIAL BALANCE STRETCH YOUR EXERCISE DOLLAR WANT TO BE FIT PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY TOO? HEED THESE 8 TIPS.

SO, LIKE NEARLY EVERYONE, YOU have a goal of dropping a few pounds and getting back in shape. But you’re watching your wallet too—and again, you’ve got lots of company. Can these two lofty ambitions actually coexist? With some crafty maneuvering, the about dieting and training, and you can which can guide you to free yoga answer can be a resounding “yes!” As reach your health and fitness goals classes. Count calories, get fitness ad- Brett Fischer, president and CEO of faster and more efficiently, saving you vice and receive community support Gr8FITness, a website devoted to help- money and time. from websites like sparkpeople ing people achieve their fitness goals, Go back to basics. There’s no .com and myfitnesspal.com. You’ll also says: “One can get in great shape 4 reason to blame your financial find free workout programs at thetum- without spending a lot of money.” situation for getting out of shape. Rent blrgym.com/workout. Here are some strategies for getting workout DVDs from the library, start See if your company will kick these two unruly rascals—fitness and a walking group or put on a pair of 7 in something. Some employ- finances—on the same page. shorts and go jogging. Cost: $0. ers will give you a rebate on your gym Negotiate your gym member- You can do a tough workout us- membership—it more than pays for 1 ship rate. Gyms face a lot of ing only your bodyweight (remember itself with lower healthcare costs. “Em- competition and can be persuaded to push-ups and pull-ups?) and a mini- ployers look at workplace wellness negotiate their rates. It may pay to sign mum amount of equipment (jump rope, programs as investments,” says Lacie up when gym sales are typically slow bands). Alternatives like these may not Glover of NerdWallet, a website dedi- (summer and toward the end of the be cool, but they’re effective. Modern cated to helping people make smarter year) and they’re more eager to sign up weight training machines are great—if buying decisions. Your company may members. A good negotiating tip: Ask you can afford them. If not, use your also have corporate rates from gyms. the gym to write off the initial member- creativity and make use of what you According to Glover, “Securing a group ship fee if there is one. And find out if have. Does your house have stairs? rate is one of the most affordable in- there’s a discount for paying up front Join a group; there’s health in vestments an employer can make.” for the year. 5 numbers. From sharing a person- Consider pre-owned equipment. Simplify your workout gear. Do al trainer to joining a health food co-op, 8 There’s a huge market in used 2 you really need to spend more there are savings in numbers. Join up home exercise equipment because money to be seen with a logo? Go with with like-minded people and pool your many people don’t have the drive that generic, low-cost workout clothing until resources. If no group exists, start one. you do, nor are they as careful with you can afford the logo-wear…or feel Get the most out of freebie apps their money. Most fitness equipment you’ve trained hard enough to earn it 6 and websites. Apps that do ev- stores—both online and brick-and- as a reward. erything for you and websites that give mortar—that sell new equipment also Gather information and be- you detailed, customized information sell pre-owned. But your preference 3 come your own “expert.” “The are a blessing. Check out 7 Minute should be to buy from the previous most effective way to save money on Workout, a high-intensity program; owner, who’s likely anxious to get rid fitness is to do your own research,” Simply Yoga, which provides 20-, 40- of it. Check out the offerings on ebay says Fischer. Become knowledgeable and 60-minute sessions; and YogaYak, .com too. SHUTTERSTOCK 12 SEPTEMBER 2015

9 $ / �� ) L Q D Q F H �� L Q G G �� $0 EAT SMART PACK HEALTHY! FOLLOW THESE 5 TIPS TO MAKE LUNCH A NUTRITIOUS SUCCESS FOR YOU AND YOUR KIDS.

NOBODY SAYS IT’S EASY. GETTING AIM FOR BALANCE. Try to include at least four of the ﬁve your child to “eat healthy” can be a chal- 2 food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein. lenge even at your dinner table. Packing “Encourage your kids to eat fruits and veggies as snacks,” she a lunch that will be eaten in the relative suggests, “and limit empty-calorie snacks like chips and cook- freedom of the school cafeteria—where ies to once or twice a week.” it’s tempting to toss away unwanted items or trade them for a cupcake—can GET KIDS ON BOARD. When children take part in food seem like a big undertaking. But it’s 3 selection and preparation, they’re more likely to eat what worth the effort because studies have they pack, according to the dietitian. “When my little one helps Zoraida shown that children who eat healthy, bal- make lunch he eats everything that he chose,” Rodriguez says. Rodriguez, R.D. anced meals are more alert throughout “When I do it myself, there are always some items left.” the school day and get higher grades than those who have an unhealthy diet. EXPAND THE OPTIONS. Carrot sticks and celery stalks Zoraida Rodriguez, R.D., knows all about this, both as 4 can get boring fast. Other ideas for keeping things varied a registered dietitian with Holyoke Medical Center and as include low-fat or Greek yogurt, hummus, a hard-boiled egg, the mother of two school-age boys. “As parents we have to trail mix (without nuts, depending on your school’s rules), home- provide our kids with healthy choices, and then their job is to made rollups (wrap a slice of deli turkey around string cheese), pick from those choices,” she says. Rodriguez offers these bean salad with corn and peppers, and pasta salad with tuna tips to help you prepare nutritious lunches that your kids will or chicken, made with olive oil instead of mayonnaise. actually eat. BE PERSISTENT. Often, it takes time for kids to try new THINK SAFETY FIRST. “The most important thing is to 5 foods let alone like them. Don’t give up! “Even when your 1 keep cold food cold and hot food hot,” Rodriguez says. children refuse to eat something, include it in their lunch any- “Be sure to use ice packs to keep perishable foods cold, way,” she advises. “The more they see it, eventually we hope particularly dairy products like yogurt, cheese and milk.” they will try it.” A stealth approach may help. “Sneak things Rodriguez also tells her own children to eat perishable foods in—add some spinach or shredded carrots to a sandwich,” ﬁrst—and not save them for an after-school snack to prevent says Rodriguez. She tried that trick with her oldest son. “It took spoilage. (To learn more about food safety, check out the web- a few weeks, but he likes spinach and carrots now—even for site foodsafety.org.) breakfast,” she says with a laugh.

VALLEY HEALTH & LIFE 13

9 $ / �� OX Q F K H V �� L Q G G �� $0 POWER FOOD the promise of RED PEPPER

ITS SPICY COUSINS MAY WIN MORE FAME, BUT THIS SWEET-TASTING VEGGIE IS PACKED WITH DISEASE-FIGHTING NUTRIENTS.

IN CULINARY TERMS, THE RED BELL PEPPER IS A vegetable, but botanically it’s actually a fruit—just like tomatoes. No matter. Whichever bin you drop it in, you’ve got a nutritional superfood. In fact, red peppers are some of the most nutrient-dense vegetables you can eat, boasting 30 different antioxidants, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

POWER UP One medium red pepper provides a hefty 253 percent of your daily value of vitamin C and 74 percent of vitamin A. It’s also a very good source of B6 (17 percent), folic acid (14 percent) and ﬁ ber (10 percent). And it’s high (second only to tomatoes) in the antioxidant lycopene, which can help prevent cardiovascular disease, lower your risk of certain types of cancer and lessen the likelihood of chronic inﬂ ammation. Red peppers are potent when it comes to eye health too: They’re rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which combat macular degeneration. Added bonus: One medium red pepper contains just 37 calories, making it an ideal snack for waist-watchers.

BUY • STORE • SERVE Choose red peppers with deep color, taut skin and stems that look green and fresh. They should feel heavy for their size and ﬁ rm enough so that they only “give” slightly to a small amount of pressure. If you’ll be eating your peppers in a day or two, there’s no need to refrigerate them. Beyond that, un- washed peppers will keep in the fridge for 7–10 days; wrap them in a damp paper towel. Options for incorpo- rating red peppers into your daily diet are limited only by your creativity: add ﬁ nely chopped pepper to soups, stews and tuna or chicken salad; toss sliced pepper into stir-fries and green salads; dip slices into hummus or low-fat ranch dressing for a healthful snack or appetizer.

DID YOU KNOW? Bell peppers come in a palette of colors—green, yellow, orange, red—and the difference in their hue is a matter of maturity. Spicy-crunchy green peppers are harvested before they are fully ripe. When left on the vine, they usually turn yellow-orange and then red. Since red peppers spend more time on the vine before being picked, they’re sweeter, have a higher nutritional content and are more expensive.

14 SEPTEMBER 2015

VAL.0915.PowerFood.indd 58 9/9/15 12:53 PM Awards A RED CARPET EVENT IN SUPPORT OF HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER

Saturday, October 24, 2015 MassMutual Center • 5:30 pm

Please join us as Holyoke Medical Center presents the ACE Awards, a celebration honoring Dr. Samuel Mazza and Angela Wright for their outstanding dedication and hard work on behalf of the Holyoke community. Also being honored are select members of the Valley Health Systems staff who exemplify exceptional care.

Enjoy dinner and entertainment as we acknowledge those whose dedication and selfessness make our Medical Center and our community better places to live and work.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Denise Rebmann at [email protected] or (413) 534-2579.

HolyokeHealth.com

015_VALLEYHL_SEPT15.indd 1 8/24/15 4:20 PM HOME is where you want to be.

Steve Chevalier, RN, Case Manager, Marcia Merithew, Physical Therapist and Michael Salerni, Occupational Therapist

Enjoy more independence, safety and quality of life. Familiar surroundings can make recovering from illness, injury or surgery easier and much more comfortable. Our certi ed home health care specialists make healing at home possible with a wide range of services, from skilled nursing to wound care, and social work to physical therapy. For a complete list of services or to make a referral, please call (413) 533-3923.

HolyokeVNA.org A member of Valley Health Systems, Inc.

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