HEALTHCARE the HEALTH IMPACTS EVERY STEP Journey FALL 2024 World-class cardiac care Bypass surgery and cardiac rehab help a gardener get well page 4 Ion robot revolutionizes lung biopsies This leading-edge technology is now at Riverside! page 6 Protect your health Know the six screenings every woman needs page 13
2 RiversideHealthcare.org Know the signs of a stroke Face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Look for drooping on one side of the face. Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms to the same height. One arm may drift downward or not raise at all. Speech. Ask the person to speak. Listen for slurred or incomprehensible speech. ● Nausea or vomiting. ● Sudden change of consciousness, such as fainting, confusion or seizures. ● Sudden loss of balance or coordination. ● Sudden, severe headache. ● Sudden trouble understanding simple statements. ● Sudden vision impairments, such as double vision. Time to call 911. When alerting emergency medical services, note the time symptoms started and other possible signs of stroke. F A S T Award-winning stroke care To learn more about strokes and what can help prevent them, scan the QR code. F.A.S.T. is a simple way to remember the main symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms can happen suddenly. F.A.S.T. stands for: A stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the U.S. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and calling 911 immediately can make a significant difference in treatment options and recovery outcomes. “Riverside is proud to be the only hospital in the area to provide advanced stroke care, including thrombectomy capabilities, right here in our community,” says Dr. Zakaria. “When a stroke strikes, lost time can mean lost brain function, so being able to provide brain-saving treatment as soon as possible is key.” In the event of a stroke, make sure you or a loved one is taken to Riverside’s Emergency Department. A stroke happens when blood cannot reach a part of the brain, which deprives brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. “Recognizing the signs and immediately calling emergency services increases the chances of a successful recovery,” says Jehad Zakaria, MD, Riverside Neurosurgeon. Other symptoms of stroke may include:
Fall 2024 3 THE JOURNEY is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of RIVERSIDE HEALTHCARE, 350 N. Wall St., Kankakee, IL 60901, telephone (815) 933-1671, RiversideHealthcare.org. HEALTHCARE Information in THE JOURNEY comes from a wide range of medical experts. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Follow Us Comforting beyond words Welcome to another information-packed edition of The Journey. As you read through this issue, take particular note of the story that begins on page 4. Jean Caputo’s ordeal was a harrowing one, but one that had a terrific outcome. I am very proud to say that each step of Jean’s journey took place at Riverside. From being rushed to the emergency room to having bypass surgery and going through cardiac rehab, at each step, Jean was cared for by Riverside staff. Perhaps most rewarding is what Jean herself has to say about it all: “I couldn’t have handpicked (a better team) to take care of me.” Providing the expert staff and technology to care for the community, close to home, is the foundation Riverside is built on. When you are sick and at your most vulnerable, knowing that the high-level care you need is not far away is comforting beyond words. From heart, spine, brain and orthopedic surgery to emergency pediatric specialists and stroke and cancer care, our experts are right here. When minutes matter, Riverside is minutes away. Along with Jean’s story, this copy of The Journey is filled with a variety of helpful health information. Within these pages, you can learn about the signs of stroke, find out how Riverside is advancing the detection of lung cancer, better understand what health screenings are most important, and meet the newest Riverside Medical Group members who are available to see you and your family. As the Riverside mission statement says, “Life is a remarkable journey.” Our hope is this issue of The Journey will help you on yours. Best of health, Phillip Kambic, President and CEO, Riverside Healthcare MyRiverside MyRiverside MyChart is a secure online health connection for you to access all of your health information in one place. With myRiverside MyChart, you can access your electronic medical record and take it wherever you go. You can access your health information on your desktop or through the app on your phone or tablet. MyRiverside MyChart allows you to take control of your health by scheduling appointments, checking test results, paying bills, messaging your doctor and more. You can also request access to your family’s health records so that you can manage care for your children, spouse or parents too. Take the hassle out of your health care Download the myRiverside app from the Apple App Store or Google Play today! Or sign up at riversidemychart.org.
4 RiversideHealthcare.org After a heart attack, Jean received exceptional cardiac care in her community While working with her grandson around her Peotone home on a beautiful Saturday last November, Jean Caputo felt an ache in her chest. “I was in pain and having a hard time breathing,” says Caputo, now 74. Caputo passed out. She woke up on her side, surrounded by first responders. “When I opened my eyes, a gentleman said, ‘You’re going to be alright. The ambulance is coming,’” Caputo recalls. An ambulance rushed her to Riverside Healthcare’s emergency room, where a medical team went to work treating Caputo’s heart attack. She lost consciousness a second time. When she woke up, it was Tuesday, and she was in the intensive care unit beginning her recovery from triple bypass surgery. The right treatment During a heart attack, blood flow to the heart becomes blocked, which can result in damage to the heart muscle (and lead to death) unless you receive prompt treatment. Close to home, close to heart
Fall 2024 5 After arriving at Riverside, Jean underwent coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery to restore her heart’s blood supply. During CABG, surgeons take healthy blood vessel grafts from the chest or leg and attach them below and above the narrowed coronary arteries. This creates a detour for blood to flow around the obstructions. Cardiothoracic surgeon Michael Frank, MD, performed the procedure. He explains why it can be a better option than angioplasty and stenting for the right patients. “Patients with complex coronary disease in crucial locations tend to do better long-term with bypass surgery compared to stents,” he says. “It can be safer and have better long-term results.” Caputo began her rehabilitation while still in the hospital at Riverside. She praised the hospital staff for their exceptional care throughout her inpatient stay. “I couldn’t have handpicked [a better team] to take care of me,” Caputo says. The journey back Caputo’s Riverside cardiologist recommended that she continue with outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) as part of her recovery. Cardiac rehab combines medically supervised exercise with hearthealthy education to help people recover after major heart events or surgeries. Caputo attended rehab three times a week, using treadmills and other exercise equipment. Gradually, she noticed her strength and stamina come back. “Slowly but surely, you realize you can do it,” Caputo says. “You can get back.” Amy Hornbuckle, BSN, RN, is the clinical nurse manager at Riverside Heart and Vascular Institute. She notes that, in addition to helping people get stronger, the cardiac rehab team provides risk-factor education and coaching to help people develop the tools they need to manage their heart disease. “A lot of our patients have risk factors, such as high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels,” she says. “Maybe they don’t eat heart-healthy and don’t know where to start. So a lot of our education focuses around nutrition.” Something else is gained in cardiac rehab—a sense of camaraderie among the participants. “Sometimes it sounds like coffee hour in here, with the patients chatting while they’re on the exercise equipment and discussing their lives and finding connections,” Hornbuckle says. Gardening again Caputo continues to get stronger and to take good care of her heart. She works out regularly with other seniors and applies the nutrition tips she learned in rehab in her kitchen. Last spring, she rototilled and planted her organic garden with tomatoes, peppers, artichokes, melons and more. Caputo is grateful for the care she received from her heart surgeon at Riverside. “The care you get there is excellent,” she says. “They took care of me.” Michael Frank, MD, Riverside cardiothoracic surgeon The help you need Riverside Heart and Vascular Institute has the expert providers and top technology to care for a wide range of conditions. Find out more about the institute at RiversideHealthcare.org/heart.
6 RiversideHealthcare.org The minimally invasive approach of the Ion robot enhances patient comfort and boosts the diagnostic capabilities of Riverside’s medical team. Early and precise diagnosis is crucial in treating lung conditions, especially lung cancer. Traditional lung biopsies often present challenges due to the complex and delicate nature of lung tissue. However, the Ion robot’s advanced imaging technology and robotic precision mitigate these challenges, significantly reducing the risk of complications. “Patients have shorter recovery times, less pain and fewer complications with Ion, compared to traditional lung biopsy methods,” Dr. Abraham says. Learning you have a suspicious lung nodule after a scan can be overwhelming and stress-inducing. Wondering whether the nodule is benign or cancerous can cause feelings of uncertainty and worry, especially if you have been told you need a lung biopsy for further testing. Fortunately, technological advances may qualify patients who have been told they have lung nodules in difficult locations or hard-to-reach places for a new lung biopsy procedure called Ion, which is offered at Riverside. Ion by Intuitive is a leading-edge robot that helps physicians obtain lung tissue samples in a biopsy more precisely and easily than with traditional methods. Because of the unmatched precision the Ion provides, this technology also helps patients avoid needing multiple lung biopsies. Advanced imaging with robotic precision “The Ion robot revolutionizes lung biopsies for not only our patients but also our physicians,” says Raju Abraham, MD, Riverside pulmonologist. Raju Abraham, MD, Riverside pulmonologist Revolutionary lung nodule technology Breathe easier See if Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is right for you. Contact Riverside Pulmonology Specialists at (815) 839-2734. Riverside is the first health care system in the area to offer Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy
Fall 2024 7 The American College of Radiology (ACR) has updated its supplemental breast screening guidelines to now recommend a breast MRI in conjunction with screening mammography for women at an increased risk for breast cancer. “As an ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, Riverside follows the most current breast cancer screening guidelines to ensure our patients receive the knowledge they need to make informed health care decisions,” says Allison Heil, Breast Imaging Supervisor. The ACR names several factors for increasing a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer, including: Family history of breast cancer. Already having an incidence of breast cancer. Genetic mutations, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation. Family member who is a genetic mutation carrier and you remain untested. High-risk results from past breast biopsies. Previous treatment with radiation on the chest area. Dense breast tissue. Women who have any of these risk factors should talk with their primary care provider about considering a breast MRI as a supplemental screening tool with mammography. “It is important to note that mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer imaging,” says Allison Heil, Breast Imaging Supervisor Niketa Kataria, MD, Riverside radiologist Niketa Kataria, MD, Riverside radiologist. “Supplemental screening, like a breast MRI, should be considered as an additional screening to mammography, not an alternative to mammography, for women at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.” Riverside reminds the community that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and according to the National Institutes of Health, 80% to 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. It is recommended that women receive yearly mammograms beginning at age 40 unless they have additional risk factors that increase their likelihood of developing breast cancer. “Women should talk with their primary care providers to determine the best breast cancer screening plan for them,” says Dr. Kataria. “When caught early, breast cancer is often treatable—a screening could save your life.” Lifesaving cancer screenings What to know about breast MRI with mammography
8 RiversideHealthcare.org Women’s health Riverside Women’s Health Specialists is dedicated to providing exceptional care for women, welcoming new patients with open arms. Riverside Healthcare boasts a team of highly qualified OB-GYNs available at multiple locations, ensuring comprehensive and convenient care tailored to women’s specific health needs. Whether you require routine checkups or specialized visits, Riverside offers expert services designed to meet your health care needs with ease. Your comprehensive health care for women’s health and p The journey to parenthood has many facets, and Riverside is here to help in every stage Family Birthing Center Riverside Healthcare delivers more babies than any other facility in the area. At the Riverside Family Birthing Center, the focus is on providing the highest quality care and the kindest touch, ensuring a memorable and positive experience as you welcome your baby into the world. Expectant parents can benefit from special classes designed to prepare them for childbirth and parenthood, fostering confidence and knowledge. Riverside’s comprehensive breastfeeding support ensures new mothers receive the guidance and assistance they need for successful breastfeeding. Additionally, the facility houses a level 2 special care nursery, equipped to provide advanced care for newborns requiring extra attention. Riverside’s top designation as a safe sleep hospital further underscores its commitment to creating a nurturing and secure environment for every family.
Fall 2024 9 destination pediatric care Your partner in health Riverside Healthcare’s commitment to pediatric care extends beyond emergency and inpatient support. The team of pediatric specialists includes both pediatricians and family medicine providers, ensuring that all your family’s health care needs are met under one roof. Riverside offers same-day appointments for pediatrics, making it easy for parents to schedule visits without delay. The convenience is further enhanced through the myRiverside MyChart system, which allows parents to access their children’s electronic medical records anytime, anywhere. This user-friendly platform ensures that managing your child’s health care is seamless and stress-free. Willbarger also shares that Riverside had identified a gap in care access surrounding health insurance. “We now accept some health plans that we did not accept in the past, such as the Aetna Better Health Medicaid plan and Blue Choice options like Blue Choice Select and Blue Choice Exchange Preferred. Again, our goal is really to provide care access to our community so patients don’t have to leave the community.” Riverside Healthcare is committed to providing exceptional care for families. From the specialized services of Riverside Women’s Health Specialists to the comprehensive maternity and pediatric services, Riverside ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of care with the utmost convenience and compassion. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby or seeking expert pediatric care, Riverside Healthcare is your trusted partner in health. Dawn Willbarger, MBA 24/7 pediatric support for peace of mind Parents can rest easy knowing that Riverside provides around-theclock pediatric care through its collaboration with Comer Children’s Hospital. This partnership brings pediatric specialists from Comer Children’s Hospital to Riverside, ensuring that your child’s health care needs are expertly attended to at any time of day or night. You can trust that your child will receive the specialized attention and treatment they require. “Since our inpatient Comer pediatricians will be documenting care in our electronic medical record, the Riverside Medical Group pediatrician will be able to view the documentation and continue care upon discharge for that very first visit,” states Dawn Willbarger, MBA, Vice President of Riverside Medical Group. Riverside Healthcare stands out as the only hospital in the area providing inpatient pediatric care, offering a crucial resource for families in need of extended medical attention for their children. The collaboration with Comer Children’s Hospital pediatric specialists enhances Riverside’s ability to deliver exceptional inpatient care, combining advanced medical expertise with compassionate support. This unique service ensures that children receive comprehensive and high-quality care close to home, minimizing the stress and disruption that can come with traveling for medical treatment.
10 RiversideHealthcare.org Most of us spend a lot of time on our feet, so it’s important to take care of them. One of the most common foot problems many of us have is bunions. So what are these odd-looking, painful bumps? And, more important, how do we treat them? Learn the answers to those and other common questions. QWhat is a bunion? A: A bunion is a hard, bony bump that forms on a foot. Most often, bunions appear on the bottom, outside edge of the big toe. They can also occur on the outside of your foot next to the little toe. “Bunions can lead to sore or swollen toe joints, as well as other sore spots on your feet,” says Riverside podiatrist Robert Martin, DPM. QWhat causes bunions? A: Bunions occur when the big toe joint bends inward toward the other toes. The bunion bump itself is a deformity in the bone on the outside of the toe. QWho is at risk of getting bunions? A: These uncomfortable bumps affect about a third of all Americans. You’re at higher risk of developing a bunion if you: ● Are a woman. ● Are older. ● Have arthritis or flat feet. ● Have a job that puts a lot of stress on your feet. ● Have a family history of bunions. You don’t inherit the bunions themselves, but instead a type of foot that is prone to forming them. ● Wear shoes that are too tight or force your toes to squeeze together. ● Walk in a way that puts pressure on the joint at the base of your big toe. Here’s to happy feet! To schedule an appointment with a Riverside podiatrist, call (815) 839-2879. QHow do you treat bunions? A: Bunions tend to get worse if left untreated. So it’s important to pay attention to them. “If you often wear shoes that hurt your bunion, your first step may be to buy some new, more comfortable footwear,” says Dr. Martin. There are other, simple home treatment options too. Apply an ice pack if your foot is sore. You can also use a bunion pad or place a spacer between your big toe and the second toe. Dr. Martin advises: “If your bunions get worse, talk to a podiatrist about other options. These may include physical therapy; medications; or shoe inserts, which can make walking more comfortable.” The lowdown on bunions Robert Martin, DPM, Riverside podiatrist Sources: American Podiatric Medical Association; National Institutes of Health
Fall 2024 11 Community members looking to make healthy lifestyle changes have a powerful new tool in the Weigh to Healthy Living Program. This six-month weight management program from the Riverside Healthcare Endocrinology and Diabetes Wellness Center addresses nutrition, exercise, behavior and medical intervention. “The Weigh to Healthy Living Program is a fantastic new tool to help members of our community lead happier, healthier lives,” says Rachel Shell, MD, Riverside Obesity Specialist and Weigh to Healthy Living Medical Director. “Our goal is to create a nonjudgmental environment and help participants develop sustainable, healthy habits they can continue outside of the program.” The program includes a multidisciplinary team of physicians certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, registered dietitians, fitness specialists and behavioral therapists, who all work together to help patients reach individualized health and wellness goals. Weight loss is used as a measure in the program, but it is not necessarily a determinant of a successful outcome. The Weigh to Healthy Living Program is open to anyone 18 or older with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with a coexisting condition (comorbidity) related to underlying obesity. Comorbidities could be diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea, among others. Rachel Shell, MD, Riverside Obesity Specialist and Weigh to Healthy Living Medical Director Win at losing weight For more information about the program, visit myrhc.net/endocrinology or call Riverside Endocrinology Specialists at (815) 214-9052. Weigh to Healthy Living is here Program offers supportive help with weight management
Riccardo Autorino, MD, PhD Urology Meet our new providers Jenna Cella, DO Family Medicine Federico Herrera, MD Pediatrics Elizabeth Kozak, DO Family Medicine Robert Martin, DPM Podiatry Tanya Bowsher, CNP Oncology Kendree’a Hodges, FNP-BC Family Medicine Katherine LeClear, FNP-BC Immediate Care Jessica Norman, FNP-C Orthopedics Amirreza Fallahi, DO Psychiatry Miranda Sirvinskas, FNP-C Internal Medicine Chanel Smith, FNP-BC Immediate Care Tracey Peachey, FNP-BC Internal Medicine Afton Swanson, FNP-BC Radiation Oncology Laura Redenius, FNP-BC Family Medicine 12 RiversideHealthcare.org Liji Surrao, FNP-BC Internal Medicine Scan the QR code to learn more about Riverside’s team of providers.
Fall 2024 13 Women, don’t let medical conditions sneak up on you. See your doctor for an annual wellwoman exam, also known as a preventive health checkup. Screening tests, which play a major role in this appointment, can help catch health issues in their early, most treatable stages, before you even notice symptoms. “Taking the time to schedule annual exams and recommended screenings is an investment in our health,” says Riverside primary care physician Jenna Cella, DO. “While it’s easy to feel fine and think screenings are unnecessary, they can detect issues early, preventing them from becoming major problems.” Here are six tests your doctor may perform or discuss with you during your visit. Blood pressure. Checking your blood pressure can help your doctor keep tabs on your risk of stroke and heart disease. Diabetes detection. Screening for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes is recommended for adults ages 35 to 70 who are overweight. Which screening tests do you need? It depends on your age, sex, and personal and family medical history. To schedule a preventive health appointment, visit RiversideHealthcare.org/primarycare. Protect your health with annual screenings 6 important screenings for women Jenna Cella, DO, Riverside family physician Breast cancer. Are you due for a mammogram (breast x-ray)? You may want to start getting annual mammograms at age 40. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends starting annual mammograms no later than age 45. If you’re 50 to 74, a mammogram is recommended every other year. Colon cancer. Screening can find and remove polyps—small precancerous growths—before they turn into cancer. The ACS recommends colon cancer screening starting at age 45. Lung cancer. Yearly lung cancer screening is recommended for people ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or who have a history of heavy smoking. Cervical cancer. The Pap test looks for abnormal cells in the cervix. Another screening test for cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV) test, looks for the HPV virus, which can cause these cell changes. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
14 RiversideHealthcare.org Creamy broccoli apple salad Ingredients 4 cups broccoli florets ½ cup carrots, shredded ½ red onion, sliced thin 2 apples, diced ½ cup pecans, chopped ½ cup dried cranberries 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey Salt and pepper, to taste Nutrition information Serving size: 1 cup. Amount per serving: 140 calories, 6g total fat (1g saturated fat, 0g trans fat), 5mg cholesterol, 20g carbohydrates, 5g protein, 3g dietary fiber, 25mg sodium. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research Directions ● In large bowl, combine broccoli, carrots, onion, apples, pecans and cranberries. ● In separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice and honey. ● Combine yogurt mixture with vegetable mixture and toss well. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. ● Chill until ready to serve. Makes 8 servings. G R L I V I N G
Fall 2024 15 K A N K A K E E I R O Q U O I S W I L L C O O K R U N D Y G S T O N F O R D Kankakee Bradley Momence Manteno Wilmington Coal City Pembroke Watseka Gilman Frankfort Ashkum St. Anne Herscher Bourbonnais 57 55 80 1 52 45 45 52 17 53 47 24 6 30 41 17 102 113 115 45 52 (815) 933-1671 350 North Wall Street | Kankakee, Illinois 60901 RiversideHealthcare.org Revised 7/2024 Learn more about the way we care. Main Campus Riverside Medical Center (including emergency room) Healthcare Campuses Bourbonnais Campus Coal City Campus* Frankfort Campus Watseka Campus* Immediate Care Bradley/Atrium Coal City Kankakee/Pavilion Watseka Ambulance Stations Ashkum Bradley Gilman Herscher Momence St. Anne Watseka Outpatient Centers Kankakee East Court Pembroke Manteno Wilmington Momence Senior Life Communities Kankakee Campus Bourbonnais Campus *Immediate Care services on-site RIVERSIDE SERVICE AREA
Scan the QR code to support Riverside’s Reach Out and Read Program today! HEALTHCARE 350 N. Wall St. Kankakee, IL 60901 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Lifesaving cancer screenings What to know about breast MRI with mammography. Page 7 Riverside houses four pediatric Reach Out and Read sites: ● Riverside East Court Clinic ● Primary Care Associates Kankakee ● Primary Care Pembroke ● Pediatric Specialists, Bradley Reach Out and Read is a national network of clinicians that encourages the importance of reading aloud from a young age. Because of Riverside’s participation, and thanks to gifts from donors, we provide a free, age-appropriate book at each well-child visit from birth to age 5, with titles in both English and Spanish. Reading together furthers language skills, promotes brain development and creates family bonding—all elements of holistic health and wellness. We’ve particularly focused on inclusion by purchasing stories that depict main characters that look like our diverse, local readership! Read and grow together Reading together furthers language skills, promotes brain development and creates family bonding—all elements of holistic health and wellness.
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