Connectionswinter2014final

Connections

New cardiologist

ready to save lives

PAge 6

Health holiday

eating tips

PAge 9

wINter 2014

New technology

individualizes care

at Sports Medicine

PAge 4

Heart matters

2 CONNeCTiONS | WiNTer 2014

WWW.LiberTyHOSPiTaL.OrG 3

Jennifer Moretina, M.D., can’t wait for Monday, January 12. That’s the day when Liberty

Hospital Urgent Care Shoal Creek will open in a state-of-the-art facility, and the day she begins her new position as its medical director.

“Urgent care challenges me to think fast and make quick decisions, and i enjoy the challenge!” says Dr. Moretina, who also will continue her practic at The Liberty Clinic.

a team of physicians and nurse practitioners who share her zeal for urgent care will staff the new facility. “Liberty Hospital Urgent Care will offer our patients the same quality care, customer service and commitment to excellence that Liberty Hospital is known for in our area,” Dr. Moretina says.

That includes digital X-ray technology to assess fractures quickly and accurately. “Unlike many urgent care facilities or quick care clinics, we’ll be able to splint fractures, suture cuts and diagnose and treat health problems, including urinary tract infections, colds, the flu and strep. We’re really here for those times when issues crop up over the weekend, after hours, or when patients can’t get in to see their primary care providers.”

Liberty Hospital’s Work Health Solutions, the hospital’s occupational medicine program for area businesses, also will be located in the same facility.

the Doctor Will See You Now

“integrating Work Health Solutions with Urgent Care will allow us to see patients who have been injured on the job for Workers’ Compensation, perform pre-employment screeningsfor our clients and care for area employers’ urgent medical needs,” Dr. Moretina explains.

an experienced provider with the Liberty Clinic, Dr. Moretina is a board-certified family practice physician. “Though i’ve taken care of patients in a family care setting for most of my career, i’ve always had a passion for acute care, helping people with their urgent medical needs,” Dr. Moretina says.

She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and performed her residency in family medicine with Goppert Family Care. Dr. Moretina lives in the Liberty area with her husband, Charlie, and their three children, Joanne, Katie and a.J.

“My family and i are part of this community,” Dr. Moretina says. “i see the need for more quality urgent care here every day, and i’m confident we can meet that need.”

During the coming months, Dr. Moretina will be transitioning her patients’ care to other Liberty Clinic providers as she assumes her new responsibilities.

“i will miss my patients at the Liberty Clinic immensely,” she says. “it’s been such a privilege to care for them. but sometimes we are called to do something else, and that’s the case for me. i just couldn’t pass up this amazingopportunity to be part of the Liberty Hospital Urgent Care team.”

Liberty Hospital Urgent Care

8300 N. Church road, on the west side of I-35 across from Walmart. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays through Fridays; and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. No appointment is needed.

www.libertyhospital.org

Liberty Hospital Urgent CareSoon to Open


Getting back to life as usual after suffering a head injury or a stroke takes time. Now

that treatment time can progress a little faster, thanks to new technol-ogy available at Liberty Hospital Sports Medicine.

The bioness integrated Therapy System (biTS) allows therapists to individualize treatment accordingto the patient’s specific difficulties.it is designed to evaluate and improve abilities for physical, occupational and speech therapy patients.

“Ultimately, we can pinpoint that individual’s difficulties and focus

exactly on what needs to be done to help them recover,” says Sharla Leon, M.S., SLP-CCC, director of Liberty Hospital’s rehabilitation Services. “by combining traditional physical, occupational and speech therapies with the data these systems provide, we can give our patients objective feedback about a wide range of conditions.”

The system includes a 55-inch touch screen equipped with a software program that features seven main therapy categories: eye-hand, rapid eye movement, metronome, visual-motor, rotator, memory recall and a letter chart. it collects data and produces a

quantifiable report. by using these measurable activities, therapists can determine specific treatment to help in a patient’s recovery.

Jennifer Mackie, rPT, says it is especially is helpful with patients who may have suffered a stroke or a traumatic head injury, such as a concussion.

“The system helps me work with patients on balance, eye-hand coordination, visual tracking and reaction times,” Mackie says. “biTS provides us with immediate, objective feedback and takes the guesswork out of how well the patient is progressing.”

BITS

“BItS provides us with immediate,

objective feedback and takes the

guesswork out of how well the

patient is progressing”

—JeNNIfer MACkIe, rPt

New technology

IndIvIdualIzeS

care at Liberty Hospital

Sports Medicine


GaiT aNaLySiS

another way to individualize care is the Medical Motion Gait analysis system. Liberty Hospital Sports Medicine uses gait analysis to assess, plan and treat individuals with conditions affecting their ability to walk or run.

This system allows the therapists to measure the patient’s body move-ments, body mechanics and muscle activity. as the patient walks or runs on a treadmill, three synchronized video cameras will be used to identify mechanical imperfections and make corrections to minimize stress on the individual’s body.

“We can use this system with anyone, from an avid walker, to a long-distance runner, to a patient recovering from a stroke who is having problems with balance or walking,” explains b.J. Maloney, MPT, Sports Medicine Coordinator.

The technology also can be applied to any body system. “We plan to use it to analyze throwing mechanicsfor overhand throwing athletes, and possibly swings for golfers, for example,” Maloney says.

“This system gives us real-time feedback, looking at biomechanics and providing us with an analysis that can help us identify ‘faults’ for these athletes so they can improve performance and prevent injury,” Maloney adds.

Jennifer Mackie, RPT, observes a patient using the new Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS) at Liberty Hospital Sports Medicine. The technology helps patients’ recovery from a wide range of brain injuries, including concussions and strokes.

want to know more?Talk to your doctor to see if these technologies can help your recovery.

Go to libertyhospital.org, then Services, Sports Medicine.

Call 816-407-2315.

Liberty Hospital Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation is located at 398 N. Blue Jay Drive in the Liberty Triangle behind Dick’s Sporting Goods.


As one of only a few female interventional cardiologists in the Kansas City Metro, Martina Milcevic, M.D., demonstrates just how small a stent is. A stent is a small mesh tube that’s used to treat narrow or weak arteries. Dr. Milcevic uses stents as part of a procedure called percuta-neous coronary intervention (PCI) to restore blood flow through a patient’s narrow or blocked arteries.


The newest member of Liberty Hospital’s cardiology team, Martina Katarina Milcevic, M.D.,

brings an international perspective to her role not often found in the Midwest.

“i was born in Sarajevo, bosnia,” Dr. Milcevic explains. “i grew up in a country at war. That had a profound impact on my life and led me to choose a career in medicine.”

at only 16, Dr. Milcevic was work-ing as a journalist for an independent radio station in Sarajevo. “at that time, i really thought i would pursue a career in journalism,” Dr. Milcevic says. “but while covering the war, i saw people who were critically injured, and my first instinct was to help them, to save their lives. That’s when i knew i wanted to be a doctor. it was a calling for me.”

When she was just 17, Dr. Milcevic accompanied a group of journalists to the Czech republic for a conference on independent journalism.

“i literally got off the bus that day, and never went back to bosnia. i escaped

to the Czech republic and then to Croatia, followed by my parents and brother,” she says. Several months later, the family immigrated to the United States, making their home in New york City.

after completing high school in the states, Dr. Milcevic began studying biology and comparative literature at Queens College, CUNy, Flushing, N.y. She also studied abroad at Tel aviv University, Tel aviv, israel. Dr. Milcevic graduated from medical school at SUNy Downstate College of Medicine in brooklyn, N.y., also performing her residencies in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases there.

Most recently, Dr. Milcevic completed a fellowship in interventional cardiol-ogy at brown University Warren alpert School of Medicine, Providence, r.i. “Cardiology is an amazing specialty,” Dr. Milcevic adds. “i have the oppor-tunity not only to save lives, but to improve my patients’ quality of life every day.”

NeW HOMe aT LiberTy HOSPiTaL

Now, nearly 20 years after fleeing her homeland, she’s found a new home at Liberty Hospital. “i’m very excited to be here,” Dr. Milcevic says. “Liberty Hospital offers me the best of both worlds. i was looking for an oppor-tunity where i would be able to put down roots and establish long-term relationships with my patients and colleagues, while still being able to experience the cultural aspects of living near a major metropolitan city.”

Liberty Hospital’s reputation as one of the area’s quickest at assessing and treating patients experiencing a life-threatening type of heart attack, called an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STeMi), also was important to Dr. Milcevic.

“Time is crucial in providing the best care possible for these patients and preventing heart damage,” she says. “My fellowship at brown focused heavily on treating STeMis. it’s very rewarding to be there at the critical moment when you open someone’s arteries and save their life.”

as a female interventional cardiologist— the only in the Northland — Dr. Milcevic also looks forward to reaching out to women in the Liberty community. “being a woman, i can definitely relate to my patients. i am personally committed to doing all i can to educate women about the risks of heart disease, as well as how to prevent it,” she says.

a published author and presenter, Dr. Milcevic speaks several languages including english, bosnian, Croatian, Serbian and Hebrew. She is a mem-ber of the american College of Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular angiography and interventions and the american Heart association.

an avid horse lover, Dr. Milcevic looks forward to learning more about riding and the Kansas City traditions connected to the american royal and rodeos. “i can’t explain it, but i love horses and i hope i will have the opportunity to ride in my free time.”

but most importantly, Dr. Milcevic is excited to be a part of the Liberty Hospital cardiology team, a group of physicians dedicated to providing their patients with state-of-the-art cardiac care.

“being a cardiologist at Liberty Hospital reminds me of why i wanted to become a doctor—to save lives,” Dr. Milcevic says. “This hospital inspires me to do the best job i can for my patients and the community.”

HOMe IS WHere The hearT IsDr. Milcevic joiNS liberty carDiovaScular SpecialiStS

“I am personally

committed to doing all

I can to educate women

about the risks of heart

disease, as well as

how to prevent it.”

—MArtINA MILCeVIC, M.D.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Milcevic, call Liberty Cardiovascular Specialists,

816-407-5430.


birtHiNG ceNter eDucatioN

BreAStfeeDINg a lactation consultant provides support and education to new mothers experiencing difficulties. Dates: every Wednesdaytime: 1:00 p.m. Location: education Center(no registration required)

PrePAreD CHILDBIrtHClass covers the mechanics of the labor and birthing process and offers breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as the role of the coach. a guided tour of the Liberty Hospital birthing Center is included. Dates: Jan. 6 and 13, Feb. 10 and 17, March 10 and 17time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

BreAStfeeDINg BASICSThis class helps expectant families identify the benefits of breastfeeding and prepare them to manage breastfeeding for the first few weeks at home. Dates: Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

BABy CAre BASICSPrepares parents for thriving within the first few weeks at home with your new baby. Dates: Jan. 20, Feb. 24, March 24time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

BIg BrotHer/BIg SISter CLUBStimulates discussion with expectant siblings and their parents about the upcoming birth and family changes. includes a tour, video, discussion, snacks and a painting session. an adult must accompany the child/children. it’s for ages 3–7 and class size is limited. Dates: Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 7time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Location: The birthing Center, third floor of Medical Plaza east

All Birthing Center education classes are free, but registration is required. To register, visit www.libertyhospital.org or call 816-792-7227. Classes are in the Liberty Hospital Education Center unless otherwise noted.


1. Have aT LeaST Five COLOrS iN yOUr CarT. The giveaway to a cart that’s

lacking nutrient density is one that lacks color. research suggests

color is what gives fruits and vegetables many of their benefits,

including prevention of certain cancers and stroke.

2. SHOP THe PeriMeTer. Chances are the fresh produce section, the meat and seafood departments and the dairy case all are located around the perim-eter of your grocery store. This is where you should concentrate most of your shopping time. Why? Fresh foods generally are healthier than the ready-to-eat foods found in the middle aisles. This helps you better control the calories, unhealthy fat and sodium in your diet.

3. LiMiT TreaTS TO a SiNGLe ServiNG. When it comes to eating health-

fully, most people wonder where sweets fit in, especially if they are overweight or on a diet. Desserts,

chips, junk food and most sweets are usually the first to go when slashing calories. “everyone should allow themselves a daily treat, but go for the single-serving portion instead of the entire box of cookies, or for cost savings, buy the box of cookies and por-tion out a serving of cookies into baggies,” Friesz says. “There is no reason why daily a snack can’t fit into a healthy, well-rounded diet.”

4. aLL GraiNS SHOULD be 100% WHOLe-GraiN. instead of reaching for regular pasta, try a whole-wheat variety instead (look for “100% whole,” “whole durum wheat” or “whole semolina” on the package). baking? Use whole wheat, spelt or buckwheat flour – and throw in a handful of millet for added texture. Whole flours are higher in good-for-you fiber, minerals (like magnesium) and b vitamins than their refined cousins. Can’t eat wheat? There are plenty of wheat-free options, from brown-rice or quinoa pasta to oat, teff or chickpea flours.

5. WaTer, COFFee aND Tea SHOULD DOMiNaTe yOUr DriNKS.

There are hidden calories in a lot of your favorite holiday drinks.

For instance:

Peppermint mocha (coffeehouse), made with whole milk and whipped cream. Per 16-ounce serving: 470 calories

Hot Chocolate (coffeehouse), made with steamed milk, mocha syrup, vanilla syrup and whipped cream. Per 12-ounce serving:

320 calories

eating healthier doesn’t have to mean throwing out your favorite recipes. Sometimes a simple substitution can help make a recipe healthier.

For ideas on substitutions that might help you cook healthier foods, go to www.libertyhospital.org and click on Health resources or scan this code to go directly to the recipe tool.

Healthy holiday eating starts at the grocery store

Liberty Hospital Clinical Nutrition Manager Kendra D. Friesz, r.D., L.D., makes the following

five recommendations for eating healthy during the holidays:

reCIPe Makeover

“The good news is that you can

now find lower-calorie versions

of many classic holiday drinks.

For every high-calorie latte,

there’s usually a lighter latte.

Also sticking with non-calorie

drinks such as unsweetened

coffee, tea and water with lemon

are great alternatives.”

—keNDrA D. frIeSz, r.D., L.D.


coMMuNity Support GroupS

HUNtINgtoN’S DISeASeit is open to individuals with this condition, as well as their family and caregivers. Date: Second Monday of every monthtime: 7:00 p.m.Location: education Center.Contact rosalie Hamilton at 816-935-4267

Stroke This group is for stroke survivors and their families.Date: Second Tuesday of each monthtime: 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Location: education Center, room 5For more information about the following classes, call Jennifer Funston, MSW, at 816-407-2100.

For more information about thefollowing classes, call JenniferFunston, MSW, at 816-407-2100.

ALzHeIMer’S CAregIVerSThis group is for anyone who has a loved one with alzheimer’s. Date: Third Thursday of each monthtime: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: Doctors building, Ground Floor Conference room

LIVINg After LoSSThis professionally facilitated group is for the newly bereaved and those who have been grieving for longer periods of time.Date: Third Thursday of each monthtime: 11:00 a.m. to noon or 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Location: Doctors building, Ground Floor Conference room

CAre IN yoUr HoMeLiberty Hospital Home Health and Hospice social workers provide information on keeping an aging or disabled loved one safely at home. also provided is information on palliative care for a loved one with chronic, debilitating or life-threatening illness. resources are provided on community assistance, private-duty nursing care, Medicare reimburse-ment, etc.Date: Third Thursday of each monthtime: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Location: Home Health and Hospice office, Doctors building, ground floor

All support groups meet at Liberty Hospital, 2525 Glenn Hendren Dr., Liberty.

Liberty Hospital welcomed about 250 Liberty Public Schools 6th-12th graders and their parents Nov. 13 for the third annual Medical Careers Night. Students and parents saw demonstrations ranging from laparoscopic surgery to forensic analysis and took tours of the lab, radiology and — for the first time ever — an operat-ing room. Above, Nursing Coordinator Debra Jarman, R.N., demonstrates how to properly hand tools to physicians during surgery. At left, Cardiologist Mazhar Afaq, M.D., FACC, of Liberty Cardiovascular Specialists explained bypass surgery to students who asked how that worked.

MedIcal careers NIghT DrawS 250 liberty StuDeNtS, pareNtS


tHrowINg ProgrAMOverhand throwing athletes have a unique opportunity to improve their throwing performance and decrease their potential for injury. addressing both the physical and mechanical faults can provide a throwing athlete with a more efficient throwing pattern. This allows the thrower to utilize core muscles more effectively to produce velocity when throwing with less strain to the thrower’s arm and body. Call Sports Medicine Coordinator b.J. Maloney, P.T., at 816-415-2324 for details. Gift certificates are available.

yogADesigned for beginners (ages 15 and up), this class is taught by a certified yoga instructor. bring a yoga mat. Liberty Hospital employees and Liberty School District employees receive 20 percent off registration with a valid iD.Date: every Monday, 6:00 p.m.Cost: $15 per class or $66 for six weeks or $99 for 12 weeks.

eLIte AtHLetIC PerforMANCe trAININg

Explosive Strength TrainingStrength and power weight training, technical instruction, core strength-ening, flexibility training. ages 13 and up. Monday through Thursday, 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. $25 evaluation/baseline testing must be completed before the explosive Strength Training Program begins.

Elite Speed SchoolChange of direction training, plyo-metric training, flexibility training. all ages and ability levels. Monday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

ADULt fItNeSS

Strength CampHigh intensity fitness training in a group exercise class, mobility and flexibility training. all ages and ability levels. Monday/Wednesday/Friday 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

One-on-One individualized fitness program, nutrition guidance and custom program development. Two-on-one (partner training) available. all ages and ability levels.

Call Strength and Conditioning Coach Adam Long at 816-407-2323 to learn about various package pric-ing and program details. Team train-ing options available.

Gift certificates are available.

SportS MeDiciNe

All support groups meet at Liberty Hospital, 2525 Glenn Hendren Dr., Liberty.

HeArtSAVer AeD CPr/ADULt & PeDIAtrICThis american Heart association course teaches adult, child and infant CPr and the use of an aeD for victims 1 year of age or older. Participants must be at least 12. Date: Jan. 22, Feb. 26time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Location: Liberty Hospital 4 West, Classroom 1Cost: $40register at www.libertyhospital.org

Pre-DIABeteS MANAgeMeNt CLASSThis class is for people diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes, impaired Glucose Tolerance, Hyperglycemia or insulin resistance. Date: Third Thursday of each month time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Location: Liberty Hospital education Center room 5Cost: $25register at www.libertyhospital.org

DIABeteS CLASSinstruction is by a Certified Diabetes educator and includes diabetes management, medications, diet, exercise and stress management. This class requires a physician order and is charged to your insurance company. Date: every Wednesday time: 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 816-792-7267

coMMuNity eDucatioN claSSeS

Courses are at Liberty Hospital unless otherwise noted.

To enroll or to ask questions regarding sports classes offered, go to libertyhospital.org or call 816-407-2315, located at 398 N. Blue Jay Dr.,

Liberty, MO 64068 (behind Dick’s Sporting Goods).

2525 Glenn Hendren Drive Liberty, Missouri 64068

www.libertyhospital.org

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit #46

Liberty, MO 64069

The mission of Liberty Hospital is to work in partnership with our community to improve the health and well-being of those we serve.

Location:8300 N. Church Road (across from Walmart)

Hours of Operation:Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.URGENT

CARESHOAL CREEK

General Primary Care ServicesDiagnostic X-Ray

Basic Lab ServicesSprains and StrainsLaceration Repairs

OpeningMonday, January 12, 2015

Voted Best Hospital in the Northland 2014

Documents

Connectionswinter2014final