hello CELEBRATING THE HEALING POWER OF HUMANKINDNESS SPRING 2019

Bakersfield opens hearts and doors for homeless vets Tiny village a welcome idea

Family practice Why Mercy’s new ortho surgeon treats his patients like family Hello Memorial Hospital welcomes new President/CEO

‘They couldn’t believe I was actually having a stroke’ Nathan Banks is 23, happy— and a stroke survivor Rendering created by Centennial High School seniors Christopher Gereke and Caden Erickson and instructor Pierre Peasha

area, and a common space with a Tiny homes, laundry room. Each home is 400 square feet and includes a Say hello big impact for bathroom, kitchenette, bedroom, to Memorial Hospital’s local veterans and living area. CVAF will identify new President/CEO local homeless veterans to occupy A longtime champion for local the homes and will manage the As hospital executives go, veterans is taking the lead on a new facility. Terrio is working to raise Ken Keller is fluent in health care project. The mission: to provide funds through his nonprofit, Health “I tell people that I’m trilingual. I’ve permanent housing to Bakersfield’s Through Wholeness. been in the health care space for homeless veterans. Dignity Health Mercy and about 30 years. During that time I’ve Tim Terrio, president of TERRIO Memorial Hospitals contributed garnered experience on the health Physical Therapy and Fitness, saw $20,000 to the project. plan side, the physician side, and the a plan for so-called tiny homes on “We’re trying to build this entire hospital side,” Keller says. “It gives social media and had a lightbulb project with private funds, so me the ability to understand the needs moment. donations like the one from Dignity and concerns of all parties, and when “I knew this Health make a huge impact and we work in collaboration, it ultimately would be huge for help us reach our goal of getting leads to better patient care.” our community,” homeless veterans into permanent As Memorial’s chief operating Terrio says. “Both housing,” Terrio says. officer since 2015, Keller was my father and instrumental in many projects— grandfather are Bakersfield steps up most notably the completion of veterans, so I Tim Terrio for veterans the Robert A. Grimm Children’s know how The list of people involved keeps Pavilion for Emergency Services; important it is to growing. From local home builders the launch of the new neuro critical make sure those who have served to high school students, everyone is care unit; and the establishment our country are taken care of.” donating time and talents to the of a dedicated, permanent unit Terrio teamed up with the project, but there is still much to for the Grossman Burn Center. He California Veterans Assistance be done. also supervised the conversion to Foundation (CVAF), a local agency “Anything we can get donated a new electronic medical record with a long history of providing makes it go faster,” Terrio says. system and oversaw an $11 million housing for homeless veterans. The “We need everything from concrete face-lift for the hospital. nonprofit already had a piece of to coffeepots. land in mind on Covey Avenue in “This project is going to be a So what does the future hold? Oildale. testament to Bakersfield and how “I want to make sure we are this community comes together to aggressively focused on patient quality, Safe, dignified housing get things done,” says Terrio. patient experience, and patient safety,” The Veterans Village will consist of Construction is expected to start Keller says. “We want to continue to 12 tiny homes, an outdoor barbecue this spring. improve and elevate our game.” That includes continuing Memorial Hospital’s strong community A little help goes a long way partnership and delivering on the To find out how you can contribute, visitbakersfieldveteransvillage.org . Hello humankindness brand.

2 DignityHealth.org/Bakersfield | Spring 2019 Meet Timothy Galan, MD Get to know Mercy Hospital’s newest orthopedic surgeon

For Timothy Galan, MD, the best part about being an orthopedic surgeon is making an immediate—and meaningful—difference in people’s lives. That may be someone who has dealt with painful arthritis for years and can now enjoy a more pain-free, active life because of the treatment he provides. “I enjoy seeing the results and my patients’ appreciation for them,” he says. “Every day it’s a miracle. I’m very happy doing what I do.” Dr. Galan is the newest member of the surgical staff at the Mercy Orthopedic, Spine & Hand Center. He recently completed fellowship training in adult joint reconstruction at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to joint A former nurse, almost an engineer replacement surgery, Dr. Galan started his medical career as a nurse in Modesto. Before that, he Dr. Galan’s specialties graduated with a degree in engineering like his dad. But he ultimately include: followed in the footsteps of his mother, who had been a nurse in Ukraine ●● Nonsurgical management before she became a physician. of hip and knee arthritis. “I actually always wanted to be a doctor, so after four years of working as ●● Fracture care. a nurse, I applied to medical school,” Dr. Galan says. ●● Joint preservation “I decided to specialize in orthopedics after an orthopedic surgeon spoke (treatment intended to to my class in medical school,” he recalls. “I was just blown away by the delay or avoid the need presentation and made the decision that that was who I wanted to be. Since for joint replacement then, I never thought twice about it or had any doubts.” surgery). After medical school in Minnesota, Dr. Galan completed an orthopedic ●● Revision of hip and knee residency at UCSF Fresno. His nursing background helps him relate to replacement. patients and families. Being a mechanical engineer helps him think about orthopedic problems three-dimensionally, he says. Dr. Galan chose to work at Mercy because the philosophy here aligns with his own belief in whole-person care. Make the call “I treat everybody like family because that’s how I was trained and that’s To make an appointment with a specialist at Mercy how I expect my doctors to treat me,” he says. Orthopedic, Spine & Hand When he’s not seeing patients, Dr. Galan enjoys spending time with his Center, call 661.664.2300. three children. His interests include skiing, hiking, art, sports, traveling, and history. “I could talk for hours about history,” he says.

Marketing and Communications Department We hope you enjoy this issue of HelloHealthy. Comments about the publication can be directed to the Marketing and Communications Department: Robin Mangarin-Scott—Vice President, Strategic Marketing and DIGNITY HEALTH – Mercy and Memorial Hospitals Communications–Central California P.O. Box 119, Bakersfield, CA 93302 | 661.327.4647, ext. 4434 Michelle Willow—Director of External Communications–Central California HelloHealthy is published by Dignity Health – Mercy and Memorial Hospitals Cody Brutlag—Marketing Manager–Central California to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal Jessica Neeley—Communications Specialist–Central California medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. Fabiana Rienzo—Communications Specialist–Central California 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Michelle Oliver—Marketing Manager–Central California

HelloHealthy | Spring 2019 3 ‘I just couldn’t wrap my head around it’

For Nathan Banks of Rapid response A silent risk factor Bakersfield, what Banks was rushed to Mercy “It’s important that started out as a relaxing dinner Hospital Downtown on Truxtun young people get regular with a friend turned into a fight Avenue, where emergency checkups to make sure their for his life when he had a stroke department (ER) doctors blood pressure is normal,” says at the age of 23. determined that a blood vessel had Dr. Rahimifar. “They should One evening in August ruptured in his brain, causing a also find out if they have a 2018, Banks finished up at large blood clot. Bakersfield family history of stroke.” his job as a campaign field Neurosurgeon Majid Rahimifar, Dr. Rahimifar says Banks had representative and headed out MD, performed an emergency undiagnosed high blood to dinner. craniotomy to remove the blood pressure, which contributed to That’s when it hit. that was filling Banks’ brain. his stroke. All of a sudden Banks had a “Nathan was very lucky,” Several months and two severe headache. He immediately Dr. Rahimifar says. “Time was the surgeries later, Banks is on the drove home, and his mother biggest factor in his case. The ER road to recovery and extremely called 911. team was able to diagnose his grateful for the excellent care he “When the paramedics stroke in less than 30 minutes, received at Mercy Hospital arrived, they couldn’t believe I which is critical for a positive Downtown. was actually having a stroke, outcome.” “The doctors and nurses really because I was so young,” When he woke up from a exemplified the motto Hello Banks says. medically induced coma two weeks humankindness,” says Banks. later, Banks was shocked to learn “And Dr. Rahimifar was what had happened. fantastic. I saw him shortly after “When they told me I had a I was released from the hospital, stroke, and then a second one and I gave him a big hug and while in the ICU, I couldn’t believe told him, ‘Thank you for allowing it,” Banks says. “They really had to God to use your hands to save explain it to me because I just my life.’” couldn’t wrap my head around it.” “Nathan is a very charming For most young people, the young man and we are very chance of having a stroke seems pleased with his remarkable like an impossibility—but there is recovery,” Dr. Rahimifar says. no such thing as being too young for Since his brush with death, stroke. While the risk increases after Banks has adopted a healthier A stroke can strike at any age 55, the Centers for Disease lifestyle. He takes medication to age. Regular checkups Control and Prevention reports an manage his hypertension and can help find problems alarming rise in the number of has added exercise to his daily early. Need a doctor? Call young adults experiencing stroke. routine. 661.487.1042.

4 DignityHealth.org/Bakersfield | Spring 2019 More young adults are having strokes

Strokes primarily strike older adults. But as Nathan Prevention is key Banks’ story illustrates, a stroke can happen to anyone at any age. No matter what your age, you can take “You are not immune to stroke just because you’re steps to lessen your chances of having a a young adult,” says Kiron Thomas, MD, Director of stroke. Among other steps, you can: Stroke and Neurointerventional Services at Dignity Health – Memorial Hospital. Know your risk for stroke. Regular In fact, the number of younger adults having a checkups can help your doctor find and stroke is on the rise. One possible reason: A 2017 monitor any stroke risk factors you have. study in JAMA Neurology found that stroke risk If your doctor prescribes a medication, factors—such as high blood pressure, high such as one to bring your blood pressure cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity—have become down, take it as directed. more common among younger people. Another cause of stroke in young adults is a Lead a healthy lifestyle. For instance, condition called arterial dissection (a tear in the maintain a healthy weight, don’t smoke, blood vessel wall), Dr. Thomas says. Trauma is often a exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. cause of these tears in the neck arteries, though they “A healthy lifestyle can go a long way can happen spontaneously. Some people inherit a toward preventing a stroke,” Dr. Thomas higher risk for the condition. says.

HelloHealthy | Spring 2019 5 Mercy and Memorial Hospitals Dig deeper Community Grants For more information Committee on the Dignity Health with BARC Community Grants Program, contact Donna Winkley at donna.winkley@ Care beyond our walls dignityhealth.org.

Local organizations working to improve the health full-blown program to and wellness of our community’s most vulnerable promote health education, members are getting a helping hand. intervention, and prevention,” says Gil Garcia, The Dignity Health Community Grants Program, resource development specialist for BARC. through Mercy and Memorial Hospitals, helps local BARC was awarded $30,000 to help provide nonprofit organizations improve the quality of life for chronic disease health education to its clients. This our most underserved population. This year, eight includes a four-day health and wellness retreat in the local nonprofits were awarded a total of $339,351. San Bernardino Mountains for 90 disabled adults. “The Community Grants Program takes what we do “We are really excited about this program,” says beyond the walls of the hospital,” says Donna Garcia. “It’s going to help create a long-lasting lifestyle Winkley, Regional Director of Special Needs and change for our clients—and that’s what we want.” Community Outreach for Dignity Health. “We are Participants will receive health screenings to measure passionate about providing resources for the poor and things like body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol. disenfranchised so they have access to quality health They will also take part in workshops specially tailored care and education.” to teach them about diet and exercise, along with the dangers of stroke, heart attack, and diabetes. Giving BARC a boost “All too often mainstream society ignores disabled One local organization receiving a boost to its budget adults,” Garcia says. “This program will help create is the Bakersfield Association for Retarded Citizens increased awareness and really benefit our clients.” (BARC). BARC’s main mission is to provide essential job training, employment, and support services for A legacy of caring the intellectually and developmentally disabled and This year’s other grant recipients are Hoffmann their families. Hospice, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Alpha House, BARC recently determined that about three- St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, New Advances quarters of its clients are overweight and 30 percent for People with Disabilities, and Leukemia and are considered obese. Many have chronic conditions Lymphoma Society. Since its inception in 1990, the like diabetes. Community Grants Program has awarded more than “This information motivated us to put together a $4.5 million to 64 different agencies in Kern County. “Our Community Grants Program is one way we This year, eight local nonprofits were collaborate with nonprofit organizations to increase awarded a total of access to quality care for Kern County residents,” $339,351. Winkley says.

6 DignityHealth.org/Bakersfield | Spring 2019 GYNECOLOGICAL CANCERS What to know about three common types Ovarian cancer When you think of cancer in women, breast cancer is probably the first to come to mind. It is the most Ovarian cancer may be the most difficult of frequently diagnosed female cancer. these three cancers to try to prevent. Risk But gynecological (GYN) cancers are common factors include an early onset of menstruation, in women too—particularly uterine, ovarian, and as well as late menopause. cervical cancers. “Some women are at genetic risk because Those are the three GYN cancers Jonathan they have a BRCA gene,” Dr. Tammela says. Tammela, MD, most often sees as a board- Anything that suppresses ovulation can certified gynecologic oncologist surgeon at help reduce the risk for ovarian cancer. the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer That includes pregnancy and breastfeeding. Center, a partner of Dignity Health. He Like uterine and cervical cancers, knows a lot about GYN cancers—how to ovarian cancer is treated with surgery. And diagnose and treat them and, perhaps almost all women with ovarian cancer will most importantly, some steps women need to undergo chemotherapy treatment. can take to avoid them.

Uterine cancer Cervical cancer

“There are about 60,000 cases of uterine Most cervical cancers are caused by infection cancer every year in the U.S.,” says with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most Dr. Tammela. “And the No. 1 risk factor sexually active people will be exposed to HPV. for developing uterine cancer is obesity.” Females and males can help prevent infection That’s because obesity converts by getting the HPV vaccine, Dr. Tammela says. hormones in the body to estrogen, which Regular Pap tests help catch cervical increases a woman’s risk for uterine cancer cancer early. tenfold. Maintaining a healthy weight is one Cervical cancer is treated surgically, often way to reduce the risk of uterine cancer. with a radical hysterectomy and lymph node This type of cancer is usually treated with removal, Dr. Tammela says. Chemotherapy a hysterectomy and lymph node removal. and radiation may be needed if the cancer That most often is done using minimally has spread. invasive robotic surgery, Dr. Tammela says. If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy and radiation may also be used. Cancer care with kindness Get treatment From diagnosis to treatment, Dignity Health’s from a specialist community of skilled nurses, expert physicians, and patient navigators delivers “Multiple studies have shown a exceptional cancer care. Let us help you on greater chance of survival for your way to healing. women with cancer who are Visit dignityhealth.org/bakersfield/cancercare treated by GYN oncology or call to find an expert in cancer care: specialists,” Dr. Tammela says. 661.365.0191.

HelloHealthy | Spring 2019 7 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Too Dignity Health Merced, CA Permit No. 1186 young PO Box 119 Bakersfield, CA 93302 for stroke Nathan Banks couldn’t believe he was having a stroke at 23. SEE PAGE 4 to read his story.

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