Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can be an overwhelming experience. Men and their families may have many questions and concerns. Which treatment option is the best? How quality of life be affected after treatment? Now men in the Flint area have access to “gold standard” care for treating prostate cancer within their own community. McLaren Regional Medical Center has formed the McLaren Prostate Cancer Center, offering a resource to become better educated about the disease itself, and increase awareness of the advanced treatments and support services available.

Treatment OptionsTreatment for prostate cancer has made tremendous advances in the last decade. Current therapy options include surgery, radiation, and hormone

therapy. Deciding on the best course of treatment should be discussed between a patient and their physician. Factors to consider include the progression of the cancer, the patient’s general health and lifestyle.

SurgeryRadical prostatectomy: This operation removes your prostate gland and the cancer in and around it. Surgery can be successful if the tumor has not spread beyond the prostate and if it is easily removed. This operation may be done by robotic surgery or by open surgery through small incisions. At McLaren Regional Medical Center, specially trained doctors

What’s Inside...Davison Eagle Riders Soar to New Heights as a Top Donor to GLCI-McLaren Cancer Patients.............................32nd Quarter 2010 Beyond the Stars Award Recipient Named ..............................5Do You Know the ABCs of Backpacks? .......................6

McLaren Prostate Cancer CenterOffers Treatment and Support Services

Continued on page 2

ConnectionA Bimonthly Publication of McLaren Regional Medical Center Volume 9, Issue 5 August/September 2010

A local chapter of the national US Too prostate cancer support group meets at McLaren Regional Medical Center on a monthly basis. Meetings provide an opportunity to listen to guest speakers and talk to other prostate cancer survivors.

McLaren Prostate Cancer Center Offers Treatment and Support Services Continued from page 1

can perform robotic surgery by guiding robotic arms that hold the surgery tools. The first prostatectomy utilizing robotic surgical technology was performed at McLaren in 2005. Since then, hundreds of robotic procedures have been performed utilizing the daVinci robotic system.

Radiation TherapyFor patients with early-stage or locally-advanced disease, radiotherapy is an equally effective treatment option. This treatment uses high-energy X-rays to destroy the cancer while leaving the prostate and surrounding normal tissue healthy. Radiation treatments, both external and internal radiation, have been improved with newer technologies, so there are fewer side effects and complications than in the past. Radiation oncologists deliver radiotherapy by external beam (like an X-ray) called external beam radiation or internal radiation therapy. Radiation oncology services at Great Lakes Cancer Institute include intensity modulated (IMRT) and image guided external beam radiation therapy (IGRT) as well as permanent seed and high-dose rate brachytherapy internal beam radiation therapies.

Hormone TherapyMale hormones (testosterone) stimulates cancer to grow. Hormone therapy decreases the amount of testosterone and other male hormones in your body. This often causes tumors to be dormant or inactive. This could help stop cancer progression and ease severe bone pain caused by the spread of cancer to

the bones. Hormone therapy is sometimes combined with radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy Following SurgeryIn some cases men will have radiation therapy after a prostatectomy, particularly if the tumor could not be completely removed by surgery, if the margins are still involved, or if the cancer is spread beyond the gland.

Support Services and Complementary CareAdditional services to aid in care during treatment are available at McLaren including:

Nutritional therapy: A registered dietician assists patients with their nutritional needs while undergoing treatment at Great Lakes Cancer Institute-McLaren. A registered dietitian can offer help with common nutritional concerns such as loss of appetite, insufficient nutrition, nausea and changing tastes.

Social work: A medical social worker is available to address personal and financial concerns that may arise as a result of being diagnosed with cancer. The social worker meets with patients individually, or with family members to identify specific patient needs and connect them to resources to help resolve patient concerns.

Complementary Care: Art TherapyMcLaren Regional Medical Center and the Flint Institute of Arts offer a one-of a kind

partnership that provides individuals with cancer and their caregivers an opportunity to incorporate art into their healing process. A certified art therapist facilitates workshops at no cost for individuals and their families. One-on-one counseling sessions with the art therapist are also available by appointment.

Support group: A local chapter of the national US Too prostate cancer support group meets at McLaren Regional Medical Center on a monthly basis. Meetings provide an opportunity to listen to guest speakers and talk to other prostate cancer survivors.

Inpatient CareAlthough many patients receive outpatient cancer treatment, an inpatient unit is available to acute patients. The Inpatient Oncology Unit at McLaren Regional Medical Center is supported by a highly skilled, interdisciplinary team of experienced and caring oncology healthcare professionals. The unit accommodates 36 patients. The staff is committed to caring for patients recovering from oncologic surgeries, as well as patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation and brachytherapy.

For more information about the McLaren Prostate Cancer Center, visit the website mclarenregional.org/prostate.

Nursing Scholarship Recipients NamedEach year, MRMC awards scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in nursing. The following individuals were awarded this year’s McLaren Senior Year Nursing Scholarships:

Kristine Cargill Dana Hitchcock Sarah Perez Billie Jane Bowles

For more information about McLaren Nursing scholarships contact Yolanda Lemmer at (810) 342-2533 or yolandal@mclaren.org.

3

Davison Eagle Riders Soar to New Heights as a Top Donor to GLCI-McLaren Cancer PatientsCommitment to a cause can add up to a big difference. Since 2004, the Davison Eagle Riders Motorcycle Club has been the host of an annual motorcycle ride with proceeds benefiting local breast cancer patients. Including this year’s $4,000 donation, the Club has donated a total of $26,500 to GLCI-McLaren.

The donation is used to help breast cancer patients with extra financial needs they may incur during their treatment such as transportation, nutritional supplements, and medicine. Davison Eagle representatives were on hand to present a check to GLCI-McLaren on July 29. From left to right: Rusty Hampton, Jeff Swanson, Pat Shuart, Stephanie Gibbs and Marv Nowland.

Dave Bueby

CorrectionIn the June/July issue, Dave Bueby’s photo was incorrect.

David Bueby has assumed the position of Corporate Director of Materials Management.  David joined McLaren Health Care during 2001 and moved to Corporate Materials Management during 2005 as the Director of Purchasing.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness MonthFree prostate cancer screenings will be offered at Great Lakes Cancer Institute-McLaren on the following date:

Wednesday, September 295:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Screenings consisting of a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam are conducted on a walk-in basis. GLCI-McLaren is located at 4100 Beecher Road. For more information call (810) 342-3800.

AnnouncementsDiane Kallas, RN, BSN, MBA, ACM has been promoted to Vice President of Nursing Services. Diane previously served as Director of Case Management, Manager of IV Therapy and 2C Observation/Overflow. Diane Kallas, RN, BSN,

MBA, ACM

4

AnnouncementsTamar Swain has been promoted to the position of Director of Case Management. She was previously Manager of Case Management. The role of Director currently

encompasses the following areas: Case Management; Social Work; the Clinical Documentation Management Program / Clinical Documentation Specialists; Core Measure Coordination; 2 Central Observation / Overflow; Patient Registration Clerks; Utilization Management; Nursing Office Operations; IV Therapy and an indirect reporting structure for our Visiting Nurse Home Care Coordinators.

Tamar started her career at McLaren as a Student Nurse Tech in 1993. She graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing and completed her MBA with a concentration in Health Care Administration in 2006. In addition, Tamar has a varied background that includes teaching, public service and mentoring through a variety of community organizations within Genesee County.

Cathy Hipps has accepted the position of Assistant Nurse Manager for 9 South. She joins Melissa Buck who is the nurse manager. Cathy has 23 years of nursing

experience in the areas of surgical services and heart and vascular services.

Imad Issawi, M.D., a board certified interventional cardiologist, is seeing patients at Regional Cardiology Associates, P.L.C., located at 3399 Pollock Rd., Grand Blanc. Dr. Issawi completed a Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Issawi completed his residency at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. He received his medical degree from Damascus University School of Medicine in Damascus, Syria.

Armen Kirakosyan, M.D., an OB/GYN, has joined the medical staff. He is seeing patients at McLaren OB/GYN Associates, 1314 S. Linden Rd., Suite B, Flint. Dr. Kirakosyan completed his residency at Synergy Medical Education Alliance in Saginaw, Michigan. He received his medical degree from Crimean State Medical University in Simferopol, Ukraine.

Abdulfatah Osman, M.D., a board certified interventional cardiologist sees patients at Regional Cardiology Associates, P.L.C., 3399 Pollock Rd, Grand Blanc. Dr. Osman completed a Fellowship in Cardiology/Interventional Cardiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He also completed his Residency at University of Texas Medical Branch. He received his medical degree from the University of Jordan Medical School in Amman, Jordan.

Christopher Quinn, D.O., has joined McLaren Regional Medical Center as an emergency medicine specialist. Dr. Quinn completed his Residency at Oakwood Southshore Medical Center in Trenton, Michigan. He received his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lansing.

Jenese Reynolds, M.D., a family medicine specialist, has joined the faculty at McLaren Family Medicine Residency Center where she is seeing patients. The Center is located at G-3230 Beecher Rd., Suite 1 in Flint. Dr. Reynolds completed her residency at University of Illinois Chicago/Illinois Masonic Medical Center. She received her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.

Imad Issawi, M.D.,

Welcome to the Medical Staff

Cathy Hipps

Armen Kirakosyan, M.D.

Abdulfatah Osman, M.D.

Christopher Quinn, D.O.

Jenese Reynolds, M.D.

Tamar Swain

5

Employees Complete Nurse Aide Training CourseCongratulations to the following MRMC employees who have completed the Nurse Aide training course offered for McLaren Health Care employees through Baker College of Flint. This 8-week training program wrapped up at the end of June and included an intensive six weeks of lecture and two weeks of clinical training.

Keika Buggs, Internal Medicine Tarra Chamberlain, Internal Medicine Robbie Kelley, Environmental ServicesSarah Reames, Environmental Services Lynnette Spears, Nutritional Services Natanya Stanley, Internal MedicineCarolyn Westbrooks, Nutritional Services Khristal Woodall, Nutritional Services

Don Kooy, John Paul Stohon, Jill Witzman, Jennifer Forbes, Lori Walters and Tamar Swain

Congratulations to Jill Witzman, RN in the Coronary Care Unit, who was nominated and selected as MRMC’s 2nd quarter 2010 recipient of the Beyond the Stars

award. The Beyond the Stars Program was established to recognize outstanding performance on behalf of McLaren Regional Medical Center. Recipients of the award go beyond simply satisfying a customer. They make a personal commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

Jill has worked for McLaren for over 19 years. She became a Registered Nurse in 1994 and has worked in CCU since obtaining her license. Jill’s nominator had many positive things to say about her. Specifically, her nominator said, “Jill is a nurse who makes things better for patients and nurses. She helps deliver excellent care by educating staff around her and by keeping her leaders informed of opportunities for improvement. She is a dedicated friend to her co-workers too, being instrumental in arranging a fundraiser for a co-worker with an ill child. Jill’s manager,

John Paul Stohon, says that Jill has grown in her commitment to the CCU and her role as a team leader as well as a preceptor. He feels the nomination is a direct reflection of not only her hard work but the CCU staff as a whole who are working towards positive changes on the unit. Stohon noted he is proud to have Jill as an employee. Congratulations, Jill!

2nd Quarter 2010 Beyond the Stars Award Recipient Named

Jill Witzman, RN

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Continued on page 7

Is your child complaining about their homework weight load more than the workload? Their school bag may be the culprit. Wearing a backpack improperly or overloading it can lead to the start of, or an increase in, back pain. The prevalence of back pain reported in adolescents and teens over the past few years has increased to the point that several professional health organizations have issued guidelines for Back Pack Safety.

Some general guidelines should be followed for correct fit and use. The following is a list compiled from multiple professional organizations:

A full backpack should have a weight maximum of 10-15% of the child’s weight (a 100 lb child should carry no more than a 15 lb full backpack). If the back pack user feels that the backpack is too heavy, it probably is.

Organize the bag. Use compartments to distribute the weight, but keep the heaviest items closest to the

back. Pack light and take out unnecessary items on a daily basis.

A backpack is preferred over a shoulder bag. The wearer should always use both shoulder straps. Wide padded straps are preferred. Adjust shoulder straps to fit the backpack snug to the back but not so snug that it is difficult to remove the backpack. The length of the backpack should not extend past the lower back (maximum 4 in from waist). If there is numbness or tingling in the arms, the shoulder straps are too tight. Use the waist strap if it is on the backpack.

Other suggestions for safety include:Wheels on a backpack make the backpack heavier and bulky. They may not fit in a locker and some schools won’t allow them since the hallways are crowded. Stairs may also be a problem.

Your child may have picked out the perfect back pack for the new school year but smiles will turn to frowns if it causes back pain from incorrect wear or too much weight.

Do You Know the ABCs of Backpacks?

A full backpack should have a weight maximum of 10-15% of the child’s weight (a 100 lb child should carry no more than a 15 lb full backpack).

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Educational Event for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Features Blue Ribbon Speakers

Dr. Otis Brawley, the chief Medical Officer for the American Cancer Society along with several local medical and cancer care experts gathered to share their expertise and experience during a recent community event at McLaren entitled, “Personally Speaking about Prostate Cancer.” Over 130 guests attended the evening presentation in Ballenger Auditorium on September 8 to learn more about prostate cancer, treatment choices and the physical and emotional effects of the disease.

Bill Harris, ABC 12 news anchor and prostate cancer survivor served as emcee of the event. He shared personal stories of his journey with prostate cancer which included

both surgery and radiation therapy.

Following the speakers presentations, guests had the opportunity to ask questions to the panel. All men attending were provided with educational materials for reference.

The event was coordinated by members of the Prostate Cancer Coalition of Michigan, UsTOO Prostate Cancer Support Group, American Cancer Society, Ingham Regional Medical Center, McLaren Regional Medical Center, and Great Lakes Cancer Institute.

Otis Brawley, Chief Medical Officer, American Cancer Society

Ron Shaheen, D.O., Primary Care

Harold Rutila, M.D.,Urology

Hesham E. Gayar, M.D., Radiation Oncology

Jean Battles, LMSW, ACSW, Medical Social Worker

Bill Harris, ABC 12, News Anchor

Panel participants:

Reg Tidball, representing the UsToo Prostate Cancer Support Group welcomed guests and gave out educational materials.

Many trips are made to the Emergency Department by children who tripped over a backpack. Hopefully the school has hooks to keep them off the floor. If not, they need to be moved under the desk.

If your student’s school allows using backpacks during class hours, recommend they try to lighten the load and make frequent trips to the locker between classes.

Don’t attach anything to the backpack which can increase chances of tripping or hitting

another person including sweatshirts, charms, or keychains.

Children should avoid using a backpack while on a bike, skateboard, or skates.

Size the child to the backpack. There are options for smaller children.

Inquire if your child’s school has an extra textbook to keep at home or a CD version.

If there is discomfort carrying the backpack, lighten the load and adjust the straps. If

pain persists contact your primary care physician.

References:http://www.apta.orghttp://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/augschool.cfmhttp://aota.org/Practitioners/Awareness/

SchoolBackpackAwareness/Backpack08.aspx

Do You Know the ABCs of Backpacks? Continued from page 6

A bimonthly publication for employees and friends of

McLaren Regional Medical Center.

Donald Kooy, President and CEO,

McLaren Regional Medical Center

Managing Editor: Laurie Prochazka,

Director of Marketing Communications

Editor:Ellen Peter,

Marketing Communications Specialist

Contributing Writers:Sherry Stewart, Ellen Peter,

Laurie Prochazka, and contributions from McLaren employees

Photography:Ted Klopf, Sherry Stewart, Ellen Peter

Design:Shamiah Specht, Graphic Designer,

McLaren Art Department

Printing:McLaren Graphics Department

We welcome comments, suggestions, and story ideas.

Contact ellenp@mclaren.org or call (810) 342-4478.

Misson Statement:McLaren Health Care, through its

subsidiaries, will be Michigan’s best value in healthcare as defined by quality

outcomes and cost.

mclarenregional.org

Connection

Better doctors. Better care.sm

Le Champion Pave’ Bicycle Race Recap:July 25, 2010McLaren Regional Medical Center was a presenting sponsor of downtown Flint’s first Le Champion Pave’ bicycle race on Sunday, July 25. This event was held on the bricks of downtown Flint. Races ran from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ranging from novice to elite levels, with the final race of the day featuring the elite Men’s Division. Eleven races in all were held throughout the day, including a Kid’s Race, a hand cycle race at noon and a Women’s elite race. The public was invited to attend any portion of the event, free of charge. McLaren Regional Medical Center shared a tent at the start/finish line with the McLaren Health Plan. Representatives from Joint Express and McLaren Therapy services staffed the McLaren booth throughout the day, providing information on MRMC programs as well as water and light snacks for anyone who stopped by the tent.

Kenworthy Scholarship Recipients NamedEight local high school graduates are the recipients of the 2010 Harriett B. Kenworthy Humanitarian Scholarship. Tyesha Kemp of Kearsley High School, Nicholas Ozug of Lakeville Memorial High School, Alesha May of Davison High School, Selena Teall of Linden High School, Macy Caudill of Swartz Creek High School, Morgan Dennis of Faith High School, and Brianna Gilbert and Janelle Bandlow, both of Goodrich High School, attended the nursing program at Genesee Area Skill Center which exposed them to a career in nursing. The scholarship allows each of them to pursue an associate degree in nursing at Mott Community College tuition free. Each recipient pledges to work at MRMC for three years following graduation from nursing school and becoming a licensed registered nurse.

The recent scholarship recipients are slated to join McLaren in 2013. MRMC, in conjunction with the McLaren Foundation, funds the scholarship program.

Recipient Macy Caudill is not the first in her family to work at MRMC. Macy Caudill’s mother, Jill Caudill, is a registered nurse on 8 South. This is the seventh year MRMC has awarded the Harriett B. Kenworthy Scholarships to Genesee Area Skill Center students.

For more information about the scholarship programs available through MRMC, call Susan Theakston, Human Resources Manager at 342-4085.

(l to r): Morgan Dennis, Tyesha Kemp, Alesha May, Nicholas Ozug, Selena Teall, Harriett B. Kenworthy, Brianna Gilbert, Janelle Bandlow, Macy Caudill