heart health 5 SIMPLE SECRETS

BREATHE! HOW REHAB HELPS

SYMPTOMSYOU’D NEVERSUSPECT

A FOUR-WHEELEDFRIEND

T H E G O O D L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E F R O M O T S E G O M E M O R I A L H O S P I T A L

WINTER 2012

HOLIDAYSTRATEGIES

STAY-SLIM

cover_OTS411_REV1.indd 4 11/29/11 1:20 PM

COVER IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

OTSEGO STAFF

CEOTHOMAS R. LEMON

PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MARY SANDERS

MARKETING & FOUNDATION DIRECTOR

CHRISTIE PERDUE

MARKETING COORDINATOR KIMBERLY RULEY

WAINSCOT STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEFRITA GUARNA

SENIOR EDITORTIMOTHY KELLEY

ART PATRICE HORVATH

Otsego Health & Life is published by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645, in association with Otsego Memorial Hospital. This is Volume 3, Issue 4. © 2012 by Otsego Memorial Hospital. All rights reserved.

Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.

THE GOOD LIVING MAGAZINE FROM

OTSEGO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

3P R E V E N T I O N5 secret weapons for heart health Studies suggest simple (but not obvious) ways to help keep your ticker strong.

4 R E H A B R E P O R TBack to breathing free For patients with COPD, pulmonary rehab can be the key to renewed health and vigor.

7C L I N I C A L U P D AT EUnusual signs of heart disease This deadly illness can show itself in unexpected ways—especially in women.

8H E A LT H Y L I V I N GHolidays needn’t go to waist5 ways to say “no, thanks” to seasonal weight gain—and stay merry.

10F R I E N D S O F O T S E G OTrips for treatment OMH joins with two partners to provide a new “cancer van” to take patients to medical appointments.

7

4

10

toc_OTS411_REV1.indd 1 11/17/11 12:15 PM

HOW TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE? WE’VE ALL HEARD THE

classic advice: Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains; go easy on salt and

fatty foods; get exercise; don’t smoke; and watch that cholesterol. But

there’s more. “It can be confusing,” admits Cary Bailey, an acute care

nurse practitioner at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale’s Prairie

Heart Institute in Carbondale, Illinois, “because it seems every week

we hear that something we thought was good is really bad.” However,

research does offer other simple steps we can take toward heart-attack

prevention every day. Here are fi ve:

1GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP. In one large study,

women who had fi ve hours’ sleep or less per night were 39 percent

more likely to develop coronary heart disease within 10 years than those

who slept for eight hours. Quality of sleep counts too. Breathing prob-

lems such as obstructive sleep apnea, in which breathing stops briefl y

many times during the night, have been linked to an increased risk of

heart problems. So allow seven to eight hours a night for sleep.

If you still wake up unrefreshed, see your doctor.

2SEE YOUR DENTIST. Both tooth loss and untreated gum

disease have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascu-

lar illness. Doctors believe bacteria from gum disease enter the blood-

stream and cause infl ammation of other tissue—including the lining of

the arteries, producing atherosclerosis. And in data from a major survey

of nearly 42,000 people ages 40 to 59, the more teeth a person lacked, the

more likely he or she was to suffer from heart disease.

3 EAT BARLEY. The Food and Drug Administration approved

a rule that allows foods containing barley to carry labels claiming

that they “may reduce the risk of heart disease.” The reason? Barley

contains soluble fi ber, which can help lower LDL (low-density lipopro-

tein) cholesterol levels.

4CONSUME OLIVE OIL AND NUTS. In a recent Span-

ish study, Mediterranean-style diets rich in healthy fats from

virgin olive oil and certain nuts outdid a low-fat diet in improving cho-

lesterol, blood pressure and blood-sugar levels. Virgin olive oil retains

natural antioxidants and other nutrients thought to reduce dangerous

infl ammation in blood vessels, researchers say, while almonds, walnuts

and hazelnuts contain unsaturated fats believed to aid the heart.

5HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE. No, this isn’t your cue to

jangle your nerves with a caffeine overload. “Whether high caf-

feine intake increases the risk of coronary heart disease is still under

study,” says the American Heart Association. But drinking one to

three cups of coffee a day may be heart-protective, according to a

study of more than 27,000 women in the American Journal of Clinical

Nutrition. Compared with abstainers, moderate java drinkers had a 24

percent reduction in the risk of “infl ammatory deaths.”

These tips have a trait in common, suggests Bailey. “They contribute

to the goal of reducing the body’s degree of infl ammation,” she says.

“Vascular infl ammation is part of many cardiac disorders.” ■

STUDIES SUGGEST SIMPLE (BUT NOT OBVIOUS) WAYS TO HELP KEEP YOUR TICKER STRONG

secret weapons 5

FOR HEART HEALTH

3 OTSEGO HEALTH & LIFE

PREVENTION

Heart Health_OTS411_02.indd 3 11/17/11 12:13 PM

rehab report

4 Winter 2012

back to breathing freeFor patients With CopD, pulmonary rehab Can be the key to reneWeD health anD vigor

“o.k., take a Deep breath,” your healthCare

provider instructs. “and one more. Good.”

You feel the stethoscope against your chest, but

what you may feel even more is your inability to really

take a deep, full breath. You could be one of thousands

of people who suffer from a variety of respiratory dis-

eases that can make even the easiest task feel like you’re

climbing a mountain. Joyce ross, a chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease (CopD) sufferer, knows firsthand

the debilitating nature of the disease, which is why

she chose pulmonary rehabilitation to combat the

symptoms.

pulmonary rehabilitation is an integral part of

the clinical management and health maintenance of

those patients with chronic respiratory diseases such

as asthma or CopD (which includes emphysema

and chronic bronchitis) who remain symptomatic or

continue to have decreased function despite standard

medical treatment.

at otsego Memorial hospital (oMh) in Gaylord,

pulmonary rehabilitation is offered to those patients

who have undergone pulmonary function testing—a

group of tests that measure how well the lungs take

in and release air and how well they move gases such

as oxygen from the atmosphere into the body’s

OTS411_rehab_REV1.indd 4 11/28/11 1:27 PM

5 otsego health & liFe

circulation—and from those results have been determined to be qualifying

candidates for the program.

ross, a 76-year-old Gaylord resident and oMh pulmonary rehab cli-

ent, is a former smoker who kicked the habit 36 years ago, but had a reac-

tion to a prescription medication and was left short of breath, making even

her regular household chores seem like a daunting task. her primary care

provider, Michael Samalik, M.D., recommended a pulmonary function

test in order to see how well her lungs were performing, and prescribed

an inhaler as a short-term remedy. When her test results came back, it was

revealed that ross was now among the millions of americans suffering

from CopD.

but she didn’t simply sit and take

in her diagnosis. Instead, she got up and

decided to do whatever it took to ease the

symptoms and slow the progression of

her disease. her pulmonary function test

results and diagnosis made her a fabulous

candidate for pulmonary rehabilitation.

after her recent graduation from the oMh

pulmonary rehab program, she enrolled in the phase III–Maintenance,

the pay-as-you go program at oMh, because she enjoys the physical activ-

ity and socialization provided by the program.

“the exercise makes me feel much better,” says ross. “and being able

to talk with others going through the same type of things helps as well.”

“regular exercise improves your quality of life,” says Denise Schmid-

lin, Director of the oMh pulmonary rehabilitation program. “It

improves endurance, strength and stamina, and helps to maximally restore

function to allow patients to remain independent in their

daily activities.”

ross has also benefited from the educational component of her

rehab program, especially the nutrition and exercise sessions. the lecture

series is held via reMeC, an interactive video conference for pulmonary

rehabilitation patients across northern Michigan, and includes topics

such as medications, nutrition, exercise, blood pressure and dealing with

a diagnosis.

Implementing aspects of the pulmonary rehab program in a client’s

daily life is a key to being successful, and ross has done just that now that

her energy has returned. She enjoys riding her bike, going for walks and

gardening again.

“It was unbelievable what I was having a hard

time doing before,” she says. “but about half-way

through my sessions I felt an improvement in my

energy level, and now I can do so much more.”

ross participates in the oMh pulmonary

rehabilitation program twice a week, and appreci-

ates the care and attention that the rehabilitation

staff delivers to all of the clients. before, during

and after their activity sessions, clients have their

oxygen level, blood pressure and heart rate checked, and are given guid-

ance on whether to slow down, rest or continue with the activity.

“the girls are wonderful; the program is wonderful” says ross. “I

would recommend this program to anyone, and I have.”

oMh pulmonary rehab is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on

tuesdays and thursdays. Denise Schmidlin, Director of Cardiac and

pulmonary rehab, can be reached by calling 989.731.7866. For more infor-

mation about the oMh pulmonary rehabilitation program, or other

services offered under the umbrella of the oMh rehabilitation Ser-

vices Department, please visit the otsego Memorial hospital website at

myoMh.org, or call the oMh Information hotline at 989.731.oMh1. ■

otsego memorial hospital’s on-premises cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation

department (above) helps patients like joyce ross improve their energy, stamina

and strength. at right, ross is shown with omh exercise specialist julie sheppard.

“i would recommend this

program to anyone, and

i have.”

OTS411_rehab_REV1.indd 5 11/17/11 12:15 PM

004_OTS_WINTER2011.indd 2 11/3/11 3:19 PM

7 otsego health & life

clinical update

unusual signs of heart disease

this deadly illness can show itself in unexpected ways—especially in women

if anyone should be familiar with the threat of

heart disease, it’s pam Welsh, 64, of Johannesburg, as it claimed the

lives of both her mother and father. Yet in 1999, when she was having

jaw and face pain, she never once thought it was her heart.

“i had just had a tooth pulled two weeks before my face pain

started, and i was sure it was pain from that,” recalls Welsh, “i even

went to two different emergency rooms while on vacation, and at

each i was told it was pain related to my tooth.” the pain in the face

continued, and she developed additional symptoms such as extreme

fatigue and difficultly breathing while walking.

Fortunately, Welsh followed up with her primary care physician,

Robert Mee, d.O., at the Otsego Memorial Hospital Medical Group

Family practice. Right away dr. Mee knew there was a serious issue,

most likely related to her heart. “there are times when we have to

consider unusual symptoms as a presentation of a disease process,”

says dr. Mee. “Heart disease can cause some seemingly unworrisome

symptoms at times in women.” according to dr. Mee, a high “index

of suspicion” and consideration for risk factors in women—and in

patients with other disease processes such as diabetes—is imperative

to enable doctors to identify blockages of the coronary arteries before

they become critical.

Recognizing Welsh’s symptoms immediately, dr. Mee coordinated

care with Munson Medical center, and she was seen by a cardiologist

that afternoon. “When dr. Mee said i needed to see a cardiologist i

was shocked,” Welsh recalls. “i always thought heart attacks came with

chest pains, and i didn’t have any chest pains.”

Welsh was admitted to Munson Medical center in traverse city,

and within a day she had received a triple bypass. She says she was

told at the time that if she had waited a day or two more she could

have died.

today Welsh sees both dr. Mee and her cardiologist every

six months. She has lost more than 60 pounds, and works to live a

healthy life so that she can enjoy her two great-granddaughters.

“Without dr. Mee, i would not be here today,” says Welsh. “He

saved my life by recognizing my unique symptoms immediately.” ■

pam welsh is checked out by her primary

care physician, robert mee, d.o.

Clinupdate_OTS411_05.indd 7 11/17/11 12:12 PM

You can tell from the nip

in the air and the car-

ols on the airwaves:

Most of us will soon

be celebrating with

family, friends—and

fattening food. From Thanksgiving pumpkin

pie through eggnog on New Year’s Eve, this sump-

tuous season is the calendar’s biggest threat to your

trim waistline. And while a New England Journal of

Medicine study a few years ago had some good news

(we don’t pack on as many pounds as we fear), it brought a

warning, too: The weight we do add during this season tends

to stay on.

So must you be a stay-at-home sourpuss, munching on

celery? No, insists Janet R. Laubgross, a Fairfax, Virginia, clini-

cal psychologist who specializes in weight management. You

can be socially active and still face the scales happily, she says,

if you heed fi ve tips:

1. PLAN.“It’s essential to mentally prepare for events you know will

be stressful, such as Christmas dinner with the in-laws,” says

Laubgross. “If you gear up beforehand, you’ll feel less need to

soothe yourself with food.”

SHU

TTER

STOC

K

holidays needn’t goto waist

5 WAYS TO SAY “NO, THANKS” TO SEASONAL WEIGHT

GAIN—AND STAY MERRY

TIP: “If you’re drinking wine with dinner, wait until your entrée is served to take the � rst sip. You’ll be more sensitive to your body’s fullness cues and less likelyto overeat.” ~ DIETITIAN LAURA CIPULLO

8 WINTER 2012

HEALTHY LIVING

HealthyLivingOTS411_REV1.indd 8 11/17/11 12:13 PM

Restaurant meals are easy, because most eater-

ies now post their menus online. Decide what to order

in advance, so you won’t be tempted while sitting at the

table—keeping in mind that fried foods and butter generally

should be avoided.

Also, never leave home very hungry—or very full. “If

you’ve starved yourself beforehand hoping to save calories,

you’re likely to gobble every bite in sight!” warns Laubgross.

On the other hand, she adds, you should also avoid the other

extreme—a pre-dinner binge: “No matter how stuffed you are,

you’ll still be tempted to indulge in tasty morsels.” Your best

bet: Prep for an evening fête by eating a sensible lunch, fol-

lowed by a light snack two hours before you leave home for

the social event.

Finally, when you see a party spread, ask yourself,

“Which of these foods do I really like?” Permit yourself small

portions of these and enjoy them to the hilt—then pass on the

other fattening items.

2. DE-STRESS.“I know this is easier said than done,” says Laubgross, “but

when we’re stressed we tend to overeat and overdrink.” Work

on keeping pressure levels down by sticking to your regular

routine as much as possible.

It’s also perfectly acceptable to avoid high-strain situa-

tions. “We all have notions about what we’re supposed to do,

yet in reality life presents us with only a few real obligations,”

says Laubgross. This means it’s O.K. to skip certain parties or

leave others early, especially if the temptation to overindulge

is high.

Does shopping in a teeming mall make you want

to tear your hair out? Try buying presents online or from

a catalog. “And remember: It’s not necessary to get the

absolute perfect gift for every single person you know,” says

Laubgross.

When all else fails, just take a break. “Excuse yourself

from cocktail hour at your family’s house, and step outside for

a breath of air,” says Laubgross. Then you can rejoin the group

feeling refreshed.

3. SWEAT.Yes, we know—during this busy time it’s easier than ever to

let your exercise routine slip. Don’t! Even if it means breaking

up workout sessions, with 15 minutes on the treadmill in the

morning and a 20-minute walk after work, keeping active will

help you burn excess calories and thus stay trim.

But it goes beyond the digital “calories burned”

display. “Exercise also boosts confi dence and helps lower anxi-

ety,” says Laubgross. “Because many of us deal with feelings of

social uncertainty by medicating with food, regular physical

activity may just help you avoid bingeing at the New Year’s Eve

buffet table.”

4. BE FIRM.“If a hostess offers you a second helping of her famous—and

fattening—chocolate caramel cream pie, all you have to do is

say, ‘No thank you,’” says Laubgross.

A small voice inside may whisper that it’s rude to say

no. After all, food is a symbol of love and a currency of hospi-

tality. So have a smile and ready answer: You need to take care

of you. Of course, it’s the job of a host or hostess to make sure

you’re offered everything you might wish to consume. But

you’d be surprised how few parties will stand or fall based on

the amount you personally eat.

“In most cases, I don’t think it’s good to get into a litany

of excuses about why you’re passing on that sugary cocktail

because you end up apologizing for yourself,” says Laubgross.

And you can always compliment a spread without partaking.

5. KEEP MOVING.Remember: If you’re truly tempted by a favorite treat, enjoy it

and then move on. “Otherwise you’re likely to overeat the rest

of the week, unconsciously trying to get a taste of that delicacy

you really wanted,” says Laubgross.

Don’t park yourself in front of the chow cart or dessert

table. Circulate, and think of why you decided to attend this

social event in the fi rst place. Enjoy your loved ones, friends—

and possible friends-to-be. Isn’t that what truly makes the

holiday season special? ■

TIP: “Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, including salad, and eat them � rst. � e � ber will help � ll you up and leave less room for those dangerous higher-calorie foods.” ~ DIETITIAN SARAH AMER

9 OTSEGO HEALTH & LIFE

HealthyLivingOTS411_REV1.indd 9 11/17/11 12:13 PM

friends of otsego

You maY see the “Road to RecoveRY” van in town, on

the highway or parked outside the otsego County Volunteer Center, but no

matter where it is, it is saving lives. otsego Memorial Hospital foundation

was one of three regional organizations to fund the purchase of this new van

to help transport local cancer patients to radiation treatments in Petoskey.

the road to recovery program has been in operation since 1998 in

otsego County. it represents a partnership between the American Cancer

society and the otsego County Volunteer Center in assisting with the trans-

portation of individuals undergoing radiation treatment by picking patients

up at their homes and taking them to and from medical appointments in

Petoskey. the American Cancer society provides the vehicle and fuel, and the

Volunteer Center provides a team of up to 60 volunteer drivers for the van

and keeps up the maintenance on the vehicle.

in the last two years, road to recovery has assisted 54 cancer patients,

making more than 560 trips in total. All of this travel put serious wear and

tear on the old van, leaving it with bald tires and the danger of an impending

breakdown.

otsego Memorial Hospital foundation joined with northern Michigan

regional Hospital and dCP Midstream to purchase a brand new passenger

van, replacing the old one, which had more than 200,000 miles on it.

otsego memoRial hospital joins with two paRtneRs to pRovide a new “canceR van” to take patients to medical appointments

trips for treatment

10 winteR 2012

“this is a special program that enhances healthcare in otsego County

and the surrounding area,” says Christie Perdue, foundation and Marketing

director at otsego Memorial Hospital. “it’s a great example of how partner-

ships can build programs and save lives.”

the road to recovery program is made possible through the dedica-

tion of community volunteers, who drive the van in all sorts of weather

and throughout the entire year. for more information on the road to

recovery program, please contact the otsego County Volunteer Center

at 989.705.6584 or the otsego Memorial Hospital foundation office at

989.731.2342. ■

the american cancer society’s “road to recovery” program van

OTS411_van_03.indd 10 11/17/11 12:12 PM

002_OTS_WINTER2011.indd 11 11/16/11 12:43 PM

C4_OTS_WINTER2011.indd 4 11/16/11 12:44 PM