160125_AIK_Quality of Life Mag 1Q 2016

aiken regionalQ U A L I T Y O F L I F E from

MEDICAL CENTERS

A culture of service and commitment to the community

JANUARY – MARCH 2016

Compliments of

P E O P L E Y O U K N O W . H E A L T H C A R E Y O U T R U S T .

INSIDE:Taking care of your heart At the Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina

Teaching children about good nutrition Tips for healthy options and picky eaters

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Trust and service. Each is important when you

are part of a community. At Aiken Regional

Medical Centers, we put service first so our

patients feel like part of our family and trust

us to care for them and their needs.

In this issue of Quality of Life, we talk about

our commitment to serving our patients and

community, the dedication of our staff, our

volunteers and our long history of supporting

the community through outreach programs.

That story begins on page 4.

February is American Heart Month. Did you know that you have access

to heart care for a lifetime right in your back yard at the Cardiovascular

Institute of Carolina? With highly trained staff, enhanced imaging and

faster procedures, there is a wide range of diagnostic and treatment

options available. Read more about it on page 10. And on page 12,

we break down the warning signs of heart attack for men and women.

Also featured are stories on helping your child make good nutritional

choices, diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, colorectal cancer

screenings and more.

We are constantly looking for ways in which to better serve you, our

community. In the words of Kevin Hall, author and performance coach,

“Your gifts are not about YOU. Leadership is not about YOU. Your purpose

is not about YOU. A life of significance is about SERVING those who need

your gifts, your leadership, your purpose.” We look forward to your visit

and to being of service to you.

May God bless you and your family,

Vance Reynolds

Chief Executive Officer

People you know. Healthcare you trust.

4

10

INSIDETHIS ISSUEJANUARY – MARCH 2016

4Aiken Regional Medical Centers Committed service to the community

10 February is American Heart Month Heart care for a lifetime, close to home

12 Heart attack warning signs for men and women Know the symptoms

20 Ask the Doctor Diagnosing and treating prostate cancer

22Senior Wellness

On the cover: Nurses Jessica Luke, NP and Ashley Foisey, RN with Ansermo Arthur, MD.

Aiken Regional Medical Centers is committed to caring for the community

When you are part of a community, there is a

feeling of belonging and trust. There is also a

sense of serving others, building relationships and

supporting each other. Aiken Regional Medical

Centers proudly cultivates that environment to care

for our patients, employees and the community as

a whole. And we are committed to providing quality

care with compassion and patience.

4 www.aikenregional.com


2015 Facts about Aiken Regional

• Our ER treated more than 53,000 people

• Our Women’s LifeCare Center delivered more than 1,100 babies

• More than 4,800 surgical procedures were performed

• We had nearly 11,000 admissions to our hospital

• Employed a skilled workforce of over 1,100 people

• Had over 120 physicians on our medical staff covering 38 specialties

• Had over 270 active volunteers

http://www.aikenregional.com

www.aikenregional.com 5

Creating a culture of serviceWHEN VANCE REYNOLDS (RIGHT) CAME TO AIKEN REGIONAL AS CEO A YEAR AGO, HE HAD A VISION OF CREATING A CULTURE OF SERVICE. But it wasn’t just service to patients and the community. It was also service to each other as employees, from the top down. “I believe as we serve our employees, that translates to better service for our patients, which leads to greater patient satisfaction,” Reynolds says.

Reynolds is also an advocate of gratitude and thanks. He says thanking someone for something they have done goes a long way. “I ask every administrator to write out three to five thank you notes a month to employees. For example, one employee recently bought clothes for a needy patient who was ready to be discharged. That’s what I mean by serving others,” says Reynolds. “Gratitude brings about gratitude.”

Reynolds says the Aiken community is like family and very often, employees personally know the patients they are caring for. “When you know it’s your family and friends you are taking care of, you are putting more of yourself into it,” he says. One of his favorite things to do is take care of people, so they can take care of others. And he plans to keep doing just that.

ASK ERIC MUHLBAIER (LEFT) WHAT HIS

FAVORITE QUESTION IS, AND HE WILL

PROBABLY SAY, “DID WE SERVE THE

PATIENT?” As the Director of Patient Advocacy

and Volunteer Services, that question is part

of his daily routine. He says asking that question

often leads to additional actions to ensure the

hospital has served the customer.

“Our hospital is fortunate to have employees and volunteers who represent

our hospital with the mission of serving others,” says Muhlbaier. “The

Hospital Auxiliary, Chaplain Services, Mended Hearts and Care Team

Volunteers have key responsibilities with the intention of enhancing the

patient/visitor experience.”

Chaplain Services Volunteers provide spiritual needs based on cultural and

religious preferences. The Mended Heart Volunteers provide counseling to

patients and families of patients with cardiac disease. Care Team Volunteers

focus on spending time with the patient to make their hospital stay easier.

This is especially helpful for patients who have no family or support persons

who are able to visit. Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers help with directions,

escorting, gift shop, patient representation and discharge services.

“Many of our volunteers are retired professionals, and some also work other

jobs, but they all live in our community and understand what it means to ‘be

of service to others,’” says Muhlbaier.

“ How did we serve our

patients today?”



Recruiting the best

physicians for the

community

SERVING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY COULD

NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT SKILLED AND HIGHLY

TRAINED PHYSICIANS ON YOUR TEAM, SOMETHING

SHARON HAGAN KNOWS WELL. As Director of Business

Development and Physician Services, it is her job to find the best physicians for the

Aiken Regional community.

“Many of the physicians are active in the community. They serve on boards, see

patients in the free medical clinic, their kids go to school here and their spouses get

involved in charitable causes. It’s a great place to raise children,” says Hagan.

Hagan says doctors are recruited based on need, so she takes frequent assessments

to determine exactly what those needs are. “Aiken Regional has many long-tenured

physicians,” she says. “That is a testament to the culture here. It’s a wonderful

community.”

“We currently have more than 120 primary and specialist physicians, and we just

recruited two female OB/GYNs who will be starting a new practice in 2016. We also

added a new urologist and orthopedic surgeon,” says Hagan. “We look forward

to meeting the needs of our community and providing the best possible care from

highly credentialed physicians and clinical staff.”




I enjoy interacting and communicating with patients in order to develop trust, which in turn makes their overall experience a better one.

“

”Trevor Raysor, RRTRespiratory Therapy

IT’S COMMON TO HEAR THE PHRASE, “WE ARE FAMILY,” BUT ACCORDING TO KRISTEN MEDLIN, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, IT REALLY IS THAT WAY AT AIKEN REGIONAL. Medlin says 30-40 percent of Aiken Regional staff have been there for at

least 15 years, with some even there for 30 years. “We focus on our employees

and their quality of life,” she says. “It’s a small community, so it’s really the

community serving the community.”Medlin says the employees take pride of ownership in the hospital. “It’s a

personal thing – it’s my hospital,” she says. If an employee needs help, the

community automatically rallies around them. “An employee recently adopted

a child and was asked if she would also adopt the siblings. She agreed, and

the employees here threw a shower for her,” says Medlin. Recruiting often begins with nursing students. Those who do their clinical

training at Aiken Regional learn what it would be like to work there. Many

of the nursing students come from the Alan B. Miller School of Nursing at

the University of South Carolina, Aiken campus. Medlin also visits with high

school students. “We reach out to young people to encourage their interest

in healthcare because they are the next generation of caretakers,” she says.

“ A community serving the community”



Education and support

through outreach

AIKEN REGIONAL HAS A LONG HISTORY OF CARING

FOR THE COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING EDUCATION

AND SUPPORT THROUGH OUTREACH PROGRAMS.

“We take great pride in caring for our community and

providing the education and tools needed to achieve

and maintain the healthiest life possible,” says Physician Relationship Manager

Nicole Morgan.

The Community Outreach Department provides free and low-cost health screenings,

education and support programs to Aiken and surrounding county residents.

Classes, ranging from CPR, childbirth preparation, babysitting training and grief

support, to weight loss and educational seminars, are regularly held at the hospital

and throughout the community.

For those age 50 and older, Senior Wellness offers age-specific education to its

nearly 8,000 members at a quarterly breakfast called “The Breakfast Club.” Members

also have access to many social events, activities and travel opportunities. The

Women Enlightened for Better Health (WE) health initiative is dedicated to providing

women with the tools they need to live a healthy life. Care Navigators help with

making appointments, answering questions about health concerns and providing

educational materials on health issues.

“People choose Aiken Regional Medical Centers because they know they will receive

high-quality healthcare from people fully invested in their well-being,” says Nicole.

“We truly are people you know and healthcare you can trust.”


We’re always looking for new ways to serve our patients better.

“”

Amanda GaskinsLaboratory



Vance. Eric. Sharon. Amanda. Kristen. Trevor. Nicole.

These are only a few of the people at Aiken Regional who are dedicated to caring for the community. They and the rest of the

medical, administrative and hospitality staff all take responsibility to personally interact with the community, develop relationships and

consistently look for ways to better serve patients, doctors, families and fellow employees. It is their mission. It is “their” hospital.

Whether helping to bring a new baby into the world, or assisting with end-of-life care, Aiken Regional has the community covered.

We truly are the people you know who provide the healthcare you can trust.

For more information on programs available at Aiken Regional Medical Centers, visit

www.aikenregional.com or call 803-641-5926.




Did you know that according to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, resulting in 17.3 million deaths per year? The good news is that quality heart care is close to home at the Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

Quality standards and highly trained staffAiken Regional Medical Centers is consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals in the nation for quality measures in heart attack and pneumonia care. Cardiac and vascular specialists actively participate in initiatives for continuous improvement in treatment for heart attack, congestive heart failure and surgical care.

The Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina is the only area facility with EKOS® technology to treat deep vein thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. And when it comes to Door-to-Balloon (D2B) time, the focus is on shortening the time between a patient’s arrival and having a balloon angioplasty to clear the arteries. The Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina consistently achieves D2B times of less than 60 minutes, 30 minutes faster than the national standard of 90 minutes.

H E A R T Health

A lifetime of heart health …Starts close to home at the Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional Medical Centers



The Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional offers a wide range of diagnostic, treatment and preventive options.

DIAGNOSTIC• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

• Cardiac Catheterization

• Color Doppler and Transesophageal Echocardiography

• Intravascular Ultrasound

• 24-Hour Holter Monitoring

• Nuclear Medicine Studies

TREATMENT• Atherectomy for Plaque Removal

• ASD Closure

• Coronary Angioplasty

• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

• Coronary Stents

• EKOS® System for DVTs

• Emergency Services

• PFO Closure for Recurrent Stroke

• Thrombolytic Therapy

PREVENTION• Wellness and Education Programs

• Aerobic and Yoga Classes

• CPR Classes

• Support Groups

• Diabetes Education

REHABILITATION• Personalized cardiac rehab in

partnership with the University of South Carolina at Aiken

• Programs designed to improve heart health through exercise and education on risk factor reduction

“When you combine our team’s experience with the technology available to us, many heart attack and stroke patients are able to walk out of the hospital on their own in just a day or two,” says Interventional Cardiologist Ansermo Arthur, MD, FACC.

Enhanced imaging, faster procedures With two catheterization labs, physicians are able to treat more patients affected by heart attacks, stroke and vascular disease. “Time is of the essence when we are treating heart and vascular issues. The technology we have makes it easier for us to diagnose patients. The sooner patients are diagnosed, the sooner we can treat them appropriately,” says Weems R. Pennington, III, MD.

Get your heart back in rhythm

Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia are abnormalities that affect the heart’s rhythm. “For patients with these conditions, we implant pacemakers, defibrillators or other appropriate devices to help the heart beat normally again,” says Dr. Arthur.

For patients with more complicated heart conditions, minimally invasive techniques enable patients to go home sooner, with less pain and smaller incisions, which can mean a quicker recovery. “By sharing the knowledge we have right here in Aiken, we can help our residents live longer, healthier lives,” Dr. Pennington says. ■

For more information on the Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional Medical Centers, go to www.aikenregional.com/cardio. To find a cardiologist, call Direct Doctors Plus® at 800-882-7445.

CARDIOLOGISTS

Ansermo Arthur, MD

David W. Cundey, MD

Gregory L. Eaves, MD

Weems R. Pennington III, MD

Idris S. Sharaf, MD

CARDIAC SURGEONS

Thomas P. Paxton, MD

L. Dieter Voegele, MD

February is American Heart

Month


http://www.aikenregional.com/cardio


Heart attacks in men and women RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

According to the American Heart Association, men and women often experience different heart attack symptoms. Timing is critical for anyone

experiencing a possible heart attack, since 85 percent of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack.* Learning how to recognize the symptoms of heart attacks can greatly increase your chances of survival.

HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS IN MEN

Men often (but not always) experience what are known as “classic” signs of a heart attack:

• Discomfort in the center of the chest that may feel like pressure, squeezing or fullness that goes away and comes back

• Chest discomfort accompanied by fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath or nausea

• Pain that spreads to the neck, shoulders or arms

Other symptoms of a possible heart attack can include (and are similar to women’s symptoms):

• Cold sweats

• Feeling of indigestion

• Sudden dizziness

• If you previously had symptoms, are they recurring more frequently or stronger?

DO YOU KNOW YOUR RISK?Take the Heart Attack Risk Assessment from the American Heart Association, and get a report to discuss with your doctor. Visit www.heart.org and click on “Conditions” to take the quiz.

H E A R T Health


http://www.heart.org


Heart attacks in men and women RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN

In the movies, it is common to see a man clutch his chest, gasp for air, and collapse. That scene may not be as dramatic for women, because only 50 percent of women who have heart attacks get chest pain.**

Women are more likely to experience:

• Pain in the arm (especially left arm), back, neck, abdomen or shoulder blades

• Upper back pain that travels into the jaw

• Nausea, vomiting or dizziness

• Unusual fatigue, sometimes with shortness of breath

• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulty

• Palpitations, paleness or cold sweats

• Mild, flu-like symptoms

LEARN YOUR RISKYou can find out your risk for heart disease by taking the assessment at www.goredforwomen.org.

*Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care**heart.org

February is American Heart

Month

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, or if something doesn’t feel right, DO NOT WAIT. Call 9-1-1 immediately.


http://www.goredforwomen.org

H E A L T H Y Eating

Teaching your children about good nutritionAdvice on handling dietary challenges, healthy options and picky eaters

What are some of the dietary challenges children face?

Children drink too many sweet beverages, especially soda. Drinking water instead of two cans of soda per day or another sweet drink is equal to losing one half-pound of weight per week. Cutting down on sugar and fat, and getting the servings from each food group is a healthy lifestyle approach that becomes a habit. A good way to incorporate this is to involve them with planning healthier meals at home, packing their school lunch and making better choices at restaurants. ➤


Choosing the right foods for your children can be a daunting task, especially

with so many options available in so many different places. Jackie Enlund,

MPH, RDN, CSR, LD, from the Diabetes and Nutrition Teaching Center at

Aiken Regional Medical Centers shares information on child obesity, teaching

children about nutrition and portion control, and choosing healthier foods.



Choosing healthier optionsWhen choosing healthier alternatives, try to avoid products containing artificial colors and flavors, artificial sweeteners and preservatives such as MSG. Remember, the purpose of a snack is to calm hunger while meeting a child’s nutritional needs.

INSTEAD OF:

Potato chips

Ice Cream

Candy or fruit

gummies

Milkshake

Cookies

CHOOSE:

Flavored rice cakes, regular or

flavored wheat crackers, baked

tortilla chips and salsa or

low-fat popcorn.

A single popsicle or individual

cup of sherbet. Try a frozen

tube of yogurt, or frozen fruit

like blueberries or mango.

Fresh fruit, trail mix or flavored

Greek yogurt. Or try making

your own fruit gummies – there

are lots of healthy recipes

online.

Make a smoothie using ½ cup

frozen fruit, ½ frozen banana,

one cup of skim milk, ice,

vanilla extract and a little honey

or other natural sweetener.

Handful of dry cereal or one

granola bar.

What are some tricks used in helping children learn portion control?

Reference charts or food models are great tools to help children learn portion and serving sizes. For example, a medium-sized piece of fruit is equal to the size of a tennis ball. Instead of allowing your child to sit down with a whole bag of potato chips, help them measure out one serving. A good resource is choosemyplate.gov, which has child-friendly printouts you can use to help your child learn the right portions and serving sizes of foods.

What advice do you offer for parents of picky eaters?

For picky eaters, offering new or questionable foods with a favorite food is more helpful. For example, if your child loves cheese sauce or ranch dressing, offer steamed broccoli for dipping. Kids also love to play, so engage them to make foods into fun shapes using small cookie cutters. Also, kids at certain ages may eat only certain foods repeatedly. Try to be patient and don’t force a child to eat. Make the eating atmosphere pleasant and keep offering small amounts of a new food, remembering that it may take 10-15 attempts before a child likes a food. Continuing to offer children a variety of healthy foods will help them accept healthier foods as adolescents and adults. ■

The Diabetes and Nutrition Teaching Center helps parents meet childhood nutrition and weight-management goals at any age or stage. They offer one-on-one counseling and individualized nutrition plans of care for a variety of needs, including athletic training, food allergies, poor growth/failure to thrive and healthy eating. For more information, call 803-293-0021 or 800-245-3679.



Aiken Regional supports Best Chance NetworkOffering no-cost screening services to underserved women

*South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

For more information on the Best Chance Network or to see if you qualify, call 800-227-2345. See back cover for more information on the Oyster Roast.

According to the American Cancer Society® (ACS), 3,820 women in South Carolina will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 690 will die from the disease this year. And with South Carolina having one of the highest rates of uninsured women,* the Best Chance Network’s goal is provide underserved women with access to screening services.

In collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the South-Atlantic Division of the ACS, the Best Chance Network is composed of public and private partnerships, with more than 400 providers who offer breast and cervical cancer screenings at no cost to women. You may qualify if you are a woman who is 40 to 64 years old and lives in South Carolina; do not have health insurance or only have hospitalization coverage; and meet income eligibility guidelines.

“An increase in breast cancer awareness is leading to more women doing breast self-exams and getting their mammograms,” says Carolyn Cook, RN, Breast Health Nurse Navigator at the Cancer Care Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

“The Best Chance Network is a great resource for women who meet their criteria to get mammograms and other screenings at no cost.”

Carolyn explains that different physicians work with the Best Chance Network to provide the screening services. However, there are only a certain number of free screenings available. “That’s why we started our annual fundraiser, the Oyster Roast. The funds from this event are used only for women in Aiken county,” says Carolyn.

In addition to mammograms, the Best Chance Network offers clinical breast exams, pap tests and pelvic exams, and diagnostic testing is available for women with abnormal screening results. Support services such as patient navigation and treatment referrals are also provided. ■


They know me.At Aiken Regional, we know women.“The Women Enlightened for Better Health (we) initiative is to provide guidance, support and care navigation to women as they make health decisions for themselves and their family. This program is outstanding. I appreciate getting the personalized postcard in the mail, it feels like it’s a message

tailored just for me.”

KEYATTA PRIESTER

JOIN we

TODAY! Visit

aikenregional.com/

we

http://aikenregional.com/we

http://aikenregional.com/we

MARCH IS

COLORECTAL CANCERAWARENESS MONTH


H E A L T H Calendar

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer, known as the

“silent” killer, is the third most common cancer in both men and women. However,

rates have declined for the past 20 years due to increased screening tests. But while

rates dropped by 4.3 percent per year among adults age 50 and over, there was a

1.8 percent increase per year in adults younger than age 50. ➤

Edward Jakubs Jr., MDVirginia B. Winburn, MD

David Gibbs, MD




MARCH IS

COLORECTAL CANCERAWARENESS MONTH


THE IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING

“A colonoscopy is the ‘gold standard’ for evaluation of the colon and may save your life,” says Colon/Rectal Surgeon, Virginia B. Winburn, MD. “We can examine the lining of the colon and rectum for polyps or cancer. About 25 percent of our patients will have a polyp the first time they undergo colonoscopy. By finding and removing polyps early, colon cancer may be prevented,” says Dr. Winburn.

Colon/Rectal Surgeon Edward Jakubs Jr., MD, says many primary care physicians are recommending the procedure to their of-age patients. But sometimes fear and lack of access to care prevents people from getting their screenings. “It must be stressed to patients that prevention of colon cancer through screening colonoscopy is the goal,” he says.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

Dr. Winburn explains that lower abdominal pain is the most common symptom for colon cancer, varying in location and intensity. Another common symptom is a change in bowel habits. Classic changes include bowel movement frequency or stool that has a consistent narrow caliber and diarrheal stool. Symptoms of advanced disease can include unexpected weight loss, abdominal distention, anemia, jaundice, passage of bloody mucus, nausea and vomiting.

Rectal bleeding occurs in about 25 percent of patients, which can be mistaken for hemorrhoids. This can delay diagnosis and treatment. “If a patient experiences any rectal bleeding, they should see their doctor to determine the cause,” says Dr. Winburn.

TREATING COLORECTAL CANCER

The majority of patients with colon cancer have surgery as the first approach to treatment. The pathology report determines the stage of cancer and whether additional treatment is needed.

Dr. Jakubs says rectal cancer is approached differently initially because of its location in the pelvis. “The close confines of the pelvis raise concern about invasion of the tumor into adjacent organs,” he says. “An ultrasound or a CT scan helps stage the cancer preoperatively by determining depth of the tumor and presence of enlarged lymph nodes. Some patients may have chemotherapy and radiation before the surgery to shrink the tumor, which makes it easier to remove,” says Dr. Jakubs.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

There are many risk factors for colon and rectal cancer. Colon/Rectal Surgeon David Gibbs, MD says if you have a history of adenomatous colon polyps, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colon/rectal cancer, you are at increased risk. “Simply being over 50 years of age increases the risk of developing colon/rectal cancer. About 9 out of 10 people who develop colorectal cancer are at least 50 years of age*,” says Dr. Gibbs. Lifestyle risk factors include diets high in red meat, processed meats, low-fiber diets, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. Dr. Gibbs adds that a healthy lifestyle combined with routine colon screenings is the best way to prevent colon cancer. ■

*Cancer.org

Get a Free Colorectal Cancer Screening Kit!Colorectal cancer is often preventable and beatable — if it’s detected early. That’s why Aiken Regional is providing FREE colorectal cancer screening kits during the month of March.

The kit contains a test designed to detect small amounts of hidden blood in your stool, which can indicate early problems with polyps or cancer. The test is performed in the privacy of your home and requires only a minimal stool sample. To get your free kit, visit www.aikenregional.com and click on colorectal cancer screening kit.



It used to be

that only the

PSA blood test

or an abnormal

prostate exam

could be used

to indicate the need for a

prostate biopsy, and these

methods are not 100%

accurate. Newer tests can

be used to detect prostate

cancer, and there are many

more advanced treatment

options available. Urologist

Darren Mack, MD, shares

his thoughts on the latest

diagnostic methods and

treatments.

A new paradigm for prostate cancer treatment and diagnosis

Q: What are the latest techniques used to diagnose prostate cancer?Prostate biopsy procedures are commonly performed via trans-rectal ultrasound, however, some cancerous areas may be missed, especially in larger prostates. A newer technique, known as MRI fusion biopsy, allows the urologist to map lesions on an MRI of the prostate in real time, using ultrasound to guide the biopsy. Ultrasound alone is not as accurate, but the MRI is more sensitive and it gives the doctor a more targeted picture. Hopefully this procedure will lead to more precise biopsies, conservative treatment, and less repeat biopsies.

Q: Is there a link between breast cancer and prostate cancer?

Breast and prostate cancers are very similar in their biochemical pathology and both are often hormone-sensitive. Having a family history of breast cancer can increase a man’s chances of getting prostate cancer. Use of genetic testing is starting to become part of the common workup in these types of cases. And certain gene mutations, specifically the BRCA 2 gene mutation, can indicate a higher likelihood of developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Q: What new types of targeted treatment are available? New technology allows us to target the affected area instead of treating the whole prostate. The most established form of focal therapy is brachytherapy – placing radioactive “seeds” in the prostate to treat the tumor. It’s effective at killing cancer cells and minimizing the damage to normal surrounding tissue. Another treatment is high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), which focuses ultrasound beams to kill cancer cells. Other options include proton therapy and cryoablation. The best type of therapy is one the patient chooses with the guidance of their prostate cancer treatment team, which can consist of a urologist, radiation oncologist, and medical oncologist.

Q: Do all prostate cancers need to be treated? After careful discussion with the urologist and any other practitioners, the decision for treatment is based on guidance from newer diagnostic modalities. Following American Urological Association guidelines, we choose the treatment that is evidence-based and patient focused. By intervening with treatment only when needed, we can be judiciously aggressive, which may prevent side effects in the long run. This ensures the patient’s quality of life is maintained for as long as possible. ■

Need a doctor? Call Direct Doctors Plus® at 800-882-7445 or visit www.aikenregional.com.


A S K T H E Doctor




newsand notes

The people we care for at our hospital are more than our patients – they’re our friends and neighbors. That’s why our Care Navigation Services are available to help you take charge of your healthcare – and your family’s healthcare, too.

Our Care Navigators are a phone call away to help:

• Find a primary care physician and obtain necessary referrals

• Schedule appointments and screenings

• Educate on medical conditions and treatments

• Provide support during stressful health events … and more!

To connect with our Care Navigation Services, call 803-641-5893.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP … CARE NAVIGATION SERVICES AT AIKEN REGIONAL

New P H Y S I C I A N S

Darren J. Mack, MDAiken Professional Association Urology410 University Parkway, Suite 1520Aiken, SC 29801803-716-8712

Specialty: UrologyMedical School: Medical College of Georgia School of MedicineResidency: State University of New York, Health Science Center at Brooklyn College of Medicine

E. Louis Peak, MDCarolina Musculoskeletal Institute410 University Parkway, Suite 1000Aiken, SC 29801803-644-4264

Specialty: OrthopedicsMedical School: Emory University School of MedicineResidency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Zaharaa Sater, MDAiken Regional Medical Centers302 University ParkwayAiken, SC 29801803-641-5874

Specialty: Internal Medicine/HospitalistMedical School: American University of BeirutResidency: Staten Island University Hospital

Joseph Ogunsulire, MDAiken Regional Medical Centers302 University ParkwayAiken, SC 29801803-641-5874

Specialty: HospitalistMedical School: Ross UniversityResidency: Bronx Lebanon Hospital

Seema Faiyaz, MD121 Aurora Place, Suite B Aiken, SC 29801 803-716-9428

Specialty: Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical School: Morehouse School of Medicine Residency: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

W E L C O M E !Cindi Long, MBA, FHFMA

Cindi is Aiken Regional’s new Chief Financial Officer. Cindi received her BA in Finance from Bluffton University and her MBA from Michigan State University. She is a Fellow with the Healthcare Financial Management Association and has more than 30 years’ experience in healthcare finance and management. For the past year, she served as an Interim Regional Finance Director for Universal Health Services (UHS). Welcome, Cindi!



SENIORS AND EXERCISE – STAYING ACTIVE AND FITEngaging in regular physical activity and exercise can offer many health benefits, including an increase in HDL (good cholesterol), improved circulation and a better frame of mind. Exercise has been shown to help many people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis. Staying in good shape also allows you to keep doing activities you enjoy.

You should try to include both physical activity and exercise in your daily routine.

Examples of physical activity:

• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator • Walking the dog • Caring for your lawn/garden • Cleaning your house

Examples of exercise:

• Walking • Aerobics class • Water fitness class • Yoga

Where do I start?

Many people think they have to join a gym or get special equipment in order to exercise. But that is usually not the case. Walking is one of the best exercises you can do, and it costs nothing except a good pair of supportive sneakers or walking shoes. You can walk outside, or indoors at your local mall. Many community centers offer free or low-cost weekly or monthly activities for seniors. Swimming is another good exercise, as there is no impact on the joints and it is considered a whole-body workout.

Check with your doctor

Before you embark on a new fitness routine, make sure you check with your doctor, especially if you have a chronic health condition or haven’t seen your doctor in a while. You will also want to ask if you should avoid certain activities and how physical activity and exercise can help you. Remember to start slowly with any new activity or exercise to give your body time to acclimate.

Health and wellness information for adults age 50 and older



To join Senior Wellness, please call 800-882-7445 for your FREE enrollment form, or register online at www.aikenregional.com

Romance is in the air!Join us for a Valentine’s Day Dance Saturday, February 13, 6 – 10 p.m.

Location: Aiken Shrine Club, 1526 Columbia Highway N., Aiken, SC

• Ages 40+ welcome

• Live music by The Ace of Clubs band

• Dinner included – Cash Bar

• Tickets are $10 per person

Tickets can be purchased in advance in the Marketing Department of Aiken Regional Medical Centers on the 6th floor.

SENIOR WELLNESS

PLEASE NOTE: The Senior Wellness Breakfast Club is held once each quarter. Below is the Breakfast Club meeting scheduled for next quarter:

Coronary Artery Disease: Treatment and Prevention

Speaker: Greg Eaves, MD Interventional Cardiologist Date: Friday, February 12

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: USCA – Business Conference Center

Travel OpportunitiesNow you can access travel opportunities online! Visit www.aikenregional.com and click on Community Outreach to find Senior Wellness and AAA Travel.

Seniors on the Go! Day TripsTo learn about upcoming day trips and events, call the Weeks Center at 803-642-7631.

Fitness & FunVisit www.aikenregional.com and click on Community Outreach to sign up for Fitness & Fun games, offered through the City of Aiken’s Parks and Recreation Tourism department. For more information, call 803-642-7631.

BREAKFAST CLUB FITNESS & FUN





Community EducationSenior Driving ProgramAARP’s driving program helps you improve skills and brush up on driving-related knowledge. South Carolina seniors who complete the course are eligible for discounted auto insurance rates.

Facilitator: Vinnie Jones, Certified AARP Instructor (Director) Date: Mar. 11Time: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Location: ARMC, 6th floor, Classrooms A & BRegistration: Required. Fee: $20, payable to AARP, $15.00 with proof of membership.

Family Life EducationBreastfeeding for Expectant ParentsThis FREE class helps make breastfeeding a positive and successful experience for mother and child. Both parents and support persons may attend.

Date: Mar. 1Time: 6 – 8 p.m. Location: ARMC, 6th floor, Classroom ARegistration: Required.

For Babies’ SakeThis monthly support group allows you to connect and share experiences with other new moms. Dads are welcome, too! Become part of a friendly and supportive community. Expert guest speakers will be featured every quarter. Group is free to patients and meets the second Tuesday of every month.

Dates: Mar. 8, Apr. 12 Time: 1 – 2 p.m. Location: 6th floor classrooms Registration: Not required.

Childbirth PreparationJust for ARMC patients, this FREE course helps prepare you for the birth of your child.

Dates: Feb. 27 and 28 Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Dates: Mar. 22 – Apr. 12 Time: 6 – 9 p.m.

Location: ARMC, 6th floor, Classrooms A & B Registration: Required.

Community HealthKidney Smart® ClassesLearn how to manage your kidney health.

Facilitator: Lorie Ann Pardue Dates: Mar. 7, Apr. 11, May 9, June 13Time: 11 a.m.Location: Aiken Dialysis, 775 Medical Park DriveRegistration: Required. Call 803-641-4222.

Weight-loss Surgery: Is it For You?Severe obesity is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. If you’ve tried to lose weight with no success, weight-loss surgery may be an option for you.

For more information on bariatric surgery, go to www.aikenregional.com/weightloss

First Aid and CPRFamily and Friends CPRLearn basic CPR and relief of foreign body airway obstruction for adults, infants and children. Course DOES NOT result in certification.

Instructor: Helen Thompson, Certified Instructor, American Heart Association BLS Date: Feb. 16Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Location: ARMC, 6th Floor, Classrooms A & BRegistration: Required. Fee: $10

Support GroupsAA MeetingDesigned for open discussion.

Dates: Every Sunday and Wednesday evening Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Aurora Pavilion

Aiken Cares Alzheimer’s Support GroupFor family members and caregivers.

Facilitators: Liz Neal Dates: Mar. 8, Apr. 12Time: 11 a.m. – Noon Location: Cumberland Village Library, 2nd FloorRegistration: Not required.

H E A L T H Choices


http://www.aikenregional.com/weightloss



Al-AnonSupport for those dealing with another’s drinking.

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Location: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Aiken. Call 803-270-0853.

Bariatric Support Group Facilitator: Gail Collins, RN Dates: Feb. 15, Mar. 21 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Outpatient area by Bariatric Services, 1st floor Registration: Not required.

Bereavement – Grief Support for AdultsThe group meets to support those who have lost a loved one.

Facilitator: Chaplain Cathy ColeDates: Mar. 2, Apr. 6Time: Noon – 1 p.m.Location: ARMC, 4th floor classrooms Registration: Required. Call 803-641-5389.

Cancer Support GroupEmotional, educational and spiritual support for families living with cancer.

Facilitator: Chaplain Cathy Cole, available to answer questions at 803-641-5389. Dates: Feb. 17, Mar. 16 Time: 3 – 4 p.m. Location: First Baptist Church Registration: Not required.

CSRA Dream Catchers – Traumatic Brain Injury and Disability Support GroupThis group offers peer and skilled support to those seeking assistance for and information/education about head and spinal cord injuries and other disabilities.

Facilitator: Les Paul MorganDates: Meets first Monday of each monthTime: 6 – 7 p.m.Location: Walton Options for Independent Living, 325 Georgia Ave.Registration: Required. Please call 803-279-9611 or visitcsradreamcatchers.weebly.com.

Diabetes Support GroupOn the second Tuesday of each month, join others to discuss how to better manage your diabetes.

Date: Mar. 8, Apr. 12Time: 3 – 4 p.m.Location: O’Dell WeeksActivity CenterRegistration: Required. Call 803-293-0023.

Look Good ... Feel BetterA free program for female cancer patients actively undergoing or about to start treatment. Learn to cope with appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Dates: Feb. 15, Mar. 21Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m.Location: Cancer Care Institute of Carolina at ARMCRegistration: Not required.Please call 803-641-6044 for more information.

Mended Hearts Meeting on the second Friday of each month, this volunteer organization consists of people who have had heart disease and their families, medical professionals and other interested individuals.

Dates: Mar. 11, Apr. 8, May 13Time: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location: USCA Business Conference CenterRegistration: Not required.Please call 803-641-1192 for more information.

Pink RibbonettesThis is the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Self-Help Group for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer. Guest speakers cover topics of interest to survivors, patients and caregivers.

Facilitators: Joan Jarcik and Carol LylaDates: Mar. 1, Apr. 5Time: 10:30 a.m. – Noon (light lunch provided)Location: Millbrook Baptist ChurchRegistration: Please call Joan at 803-641-0011 or Carol at 803-648-7365 or visit pinkribbonettes.org.

To register for any programs in Health Choices or for more information, please call Direct Doctors Plus® physician referral service and class registration line at 800-882-7445 to speak with a representative.

http://csradreamcatchers.weebly.com

http://pinkribbonettes.org


AllergyMatthew T. Clark, MD803-279-7666Gregory H. Esselman, MD803-649-0003Anthony E. Harris, MD803-648-7897

Bariatric SurgerySean Lee, MD803-641-5751

Cardiac SurgeryThomas P. Paxton, MD803-641-4874L. Dieter Voegele, MD803-641-4874

CardiologyAnsermo L. Arthur, MD803-641-4874David W. Cundey, MD803-641-4874Gregory L. Eaves, MD803-641-4874Weems R. Pennington III, MD803-641-4874Idris S. Sharaf, MD803-641-4874

Colon and Rectal SurgeryDavid H. Gibbs, MD803-648-1171Edward J. Jakubs Jr., MD803-648-1171Virginia B. Winburn, MD803-648-1171

DermatologyRichard S. Chesser, MD803-641-0049John R. Cook, MD803-644-8900Margaret H. Fitch, MD803-649-3909

EndocrinologyR. Bauer Vaughters, MD803-648-3130

Family PracticeJames L. Bland, MD, JD803-641-1404Adam Bruckner, DO803-649-7266Dean T. Koukos, DO803-259-5762Ann M. Kulik, MD803-648-8804Leopoldo M. Muniz, MD803-642-3505Howard G. Royal Jr., MD803-649-6941Henry S. Tam, MD803-648-4224F. Michael Vasovski, DO803-648-1464Ray B. Vaughters Jr., MD803-649-2501David Zimmerman, MD803-649-6941

GastroenterologyAyaz Chaudhary, MD803-226-0073David S. Keisler Jr., MD803-648-7888Afsar M. Waraich, MD803-226-9786

HematologySitki M. Ergul, MD803-641-7850T. Mark Meyer, MD803-648-7888

Infectious DiseasesGerald Gordon, MD803-649-5300

Internal MedicineWilliam T. Besson III, MD803-648-7888Marc H. Brickman, DO803-648-7774Alyssa Degnan, DO803-649-5300Gerald Gordon, MD803-649-5300Asif Hashmi, MD803-644-1027David S. Keisler Jr., MD803-648-7888Thomas McCullough, MD803-648-7888T. Mark Meyer, MD803-648-7888Frank J. Mondschein, MD803-649-5300Sidney Rhoades, MD803-226-0739 Ashley E. Toole, DO803-649-5300Danijela S. Zotovic, MD, Ph.D.803-648-7888

NephrologySindhu Garg, MD803-648-0718Douglas A. Stahura, DO803-648-0718

NeurologyRichard A. Eisenberg, MD803-642-6500Melvyn L. Haas, MD803-642-6500Khaled F. Kamel, MD803-642-6500Michelle Lyon, MD803-644-4264Gregory J. Sengstock, MD803-226-0130

NeurosurgeryJames D. Dillon, MD803-226-0130

Nurse PractitionerKristy Haddock, FNP803-648-7774

Obstetrics/GynecologyCindy G. Besson, MD (Gynecology only)803-648-0803

James F. Boehner, MD803-649-7535Robert D. Boone, MD803-649-7535Seema Faiyaz, MD803-716-9428Tiffany Boyd, MD803-380-7000Judith L.B. Hoover, MD803-649-7746Oletha R. Minto, MD803-649-7535

OncologySitki M. Ergul, MD803-641-7850Ahmad N. Gill, MD803-641-7850T. Mark Meyer, MD803-648-7888

OphthalmologyR. Lee Grantham, MD803-642-1000Nini S. Patheja, MD803-642-6060Daniel J. Smith, MD803-642-6060Enoch N. Tsai, MD803-649-7991

Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryDavid S. Hudson, DMD803-649-1177

Orthopedic SurgeryTy W. Carter, MD803-644-4264Douglas E. Holford, MD803-644-4264R. Vaughan Massie, MD803-644-4264Clark D. Moore, MD803-335-2281E. Louis Peak, MD803-644-4264Timothy J. Shannon, MD803-644-4264

OtolaryngologyGregory H. Esselman, MD803-649-0003Anthony E. Harris, MD803-648-7897Patrick G. McMenamin, MD803-649-0003

Pain ManagementRussell K. Daniel, MD803-226-0102William E. Durrett Jr., MD803-642-6500

Pediatrics Saira Alimohamed, MD803-641-KIDS (5437) Jonathan C. Collins, MD803-642-9204Shalini Khurana, MD803-641-KIDS (5437)Jose A. Luis, MD803-380-7000

Paula A. Luther, MD803-642-9204Edward Rigtrup, MD803-641-KIDS (5437) Ronald Rimmer, MD803-641-KIDS (5437) John B. Tiffany, MD803-508-7651

Plastic/ Reconstructive SurgeryDean A. Page, MD803-642-0277

PodiatryGeorge Sich III, DPM803-648-6988

PsychiatryBhavna Kaushik, MD803-641-5906 John A. Allen, MD803-641-5906Merry A. DeLeon, MD803-641-5906John Dewitt, MD803-642-3801Jaya Merugu, MD803-641-5906David A. Steiner, MD803-642-3801

Pulmonology/ Critical CareFrank J. Mondschein, MD803-649-5300Nicholas J. Sanito, DO803-643-1090Miroslav B. Zotovic, MD803-643-1090

Radiation OncologyByron Dasher, MD803-641-7850Mark P. Ezekiel, MD803-641-7850Jed Howington, MD803-641-7850Jerry Howington, MD803-641-7850John Stewart, MD803-641-7850

SurgeryFrank Y. Chase, MD803-648-1318Wayne T. Frei, MD803-648-1318Robert C. Terry, MD803-648-1318

Thoracic/Vascular SurgeryThomas P. Paxton, MD803-641-4874L. Dieter Voegele, MD803-641-4874

UrologyJonathan H. Anderson, MD803-649-3903Richard P. von Buedingen, MD803-648-7815Darren Mack, MD803-716-8712

Wound Care/HBO TherapyJames L. Hagan, MD803-643-2090

Hospital-Based Physicians

AnesthesiologyEmily Ashford, MDRobert P. Cassingham, MDKevin Graham, DO Benjamin S. Ulmer Jr., MD

Cardiac RehabilitationDon L. Pennington, MD

Emergency MedicineMichelle Bens, MDGordon Bobbett, MDAnthony Bostick, MDCortney Draper, MD Suzanne Echemendia, MDAaron Garrett, DOAaron High, MDYenney Meza, MDNathan Miller, MDChristina Millhouse, MDJames Mock, MD

HospitalistStephen Goldberg, MDItai Mupanduki, MDJoseph Ogunsulire, MDZaharaa Sater, MDChioma V. Udogu, MDOnyinye Ugboaja, MDRobert Walker, MD

Industry HealthAdam Bruckner, DO

PathologyTrent D. Trzpuc, MDRobert L. Williams, MD

RadiologyAlfonso Gay, MDStefan Ploch, MDRobert F. Searles, DOAnthony L. Toomer, MD

TeleneurologyAskiel Bruno, MDDavid C. Hess, MDFenwick Nichols, MDJerry Pruitt, MDJeffrey A. Switzer, DO

TelestrokeHartmut Gross, MD

M E D I C A L Staff



Quality of Life magazine is published four times annually. If you would like a copy mailed to your home, FREE of charge, visit www.aikenregional.com, or mail this form to:

Aiken Regional Medical CentersMarketing and Community Outreach Dept.302 University ParkwayAiken, SC 29801

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Every effort is made to prevent duplicate mailings. If your household is receiving more than one copy of Quality of Life, please give the extra copy to a friend and call us at 803-641-5926 to remove the additional address.

aiken regionalQ U A L I T Y O F L I F E from

MEDICAL CENTERS

A culture of service and commitment to the community

JANUARY – MARCH 2016

Compliments of


INSIDE:Taking care of your heart At the Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina

Teaching children about good nutrition

Tips for healthy options and picky eaters

Celebrateyour new self! Weight-Loss Surgery at Aiken Regional

Weight-loss surgery can reduce or eliminate such weight-related health problems as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

Learn how to begin our program confidentially from your home, or attend a FREE weight-loss seminar. Visit www.aikenregional.com/weightloss




OYSTER ROASTAll proceeds will be donated to The Best Chance Network to help provide mammograms for women in Aiken County. Tickets can be purchased for $40 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Allegra Marketing Print and Mail, the Aiken Standard and Maxwell Law Firm.

For more information, call 803-641-5974 or visit aikenregional.com

Food provided by JC’s Seafood. We sincerely thank all of our generous sponsors:

AIKEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTERS • ALLEGRA MARKETING PRINT AND MAIL • A.B BEVERAGE COMPANY, INC. WJBF NEWS CHANNEL 6 • JC’S SEAFOOD • MAXWELL LAW FIRM • THE AIKEN STANDARD • THE FERMATA CLUB

All-You-Can-Eat Oysters and Low-Country Boil • Silent Auction • Live Music

JOIN US FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL

an Aiken Regional Medical Centers Women’s Health Initiative

THE FERMATA CLUB841 Whiskey Road, Aiken

FRIDAY MARCH 18

6 pm – 10 pm

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 322

PONTIAC, IL

Information in Quality of Life comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos or illustrations. Any opinions expressed by an author whose article appears in this publication are solely the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Aiken Regional Medical Centers or Universal Health Services, Inc. Physicians mentioned in this publication are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. ©2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

You may have received this mail because your address appears on a purchased mailing list. The companies from whom we purchase mailing lists are responsible for removing your name if you do not wish to be listed. To add or remove your name and address from our mailing list, please contact Aiken Regional Medical Centers’ Marketing Department; the Direct Marketing Association, Farmingdale, NY; or log on to http://www.dmachoice.org.

QUALITY OF LIFE FROM AIKEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTERSVance ReynoldsChief Executive OfficerTimothy Dangerfield Chairman, Board of GovernorsRobert Searles, DO Chief of Staff

Sharon HaganAdministrative Director of Business Development/Physician ServicesNicole MorganPhysician Relationship Manager

302 University Parkway Aiken, SC 29801

ConnectWITH US! www.aikenregional.com

803-641-5000

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160125_AIK_Quality of Life Mag 1Q 2016