HEALTHCARE the HEALTH IMPACTS EVERY STEP Journey FALL 2023 Hunch saves a life Brain scan reveals cause of hand symptoms page 8 On the right course to healing Complete heart attack care, from ER to rehab page 4 New carpal tunnel surgery Less invasive with a quicker recovery page 6
2 RiversideHealthcare.org WOMEN Have the bladder blues? Don’t stay silent! Urinary incontinence is one of those health problems that happens mostly to women. And it can be very embarrassing. It can be challenging to admit it’s a problem—or to talk about. But it’s important to let your primary care provider (PCP) know if it’s happening to you. Urinary incontinence can be treated. First, though, you have to ask for help. You don’t have to live with leaks If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, it’s important to talk to your provider. Effective treatments are available. Your provider may talk with you about physical therapy for your pelvic floor. Riverside’s pelvic floor clinic is staffed by knowledgeable physical therapists devoted to providing patients with methods to regain their confidence. Physical therapy provides a noninvasive, evidence-based approach to managing urinary incontinence. Working with a skilled physical therapist allows individuals to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and goals. With time, dedication and guidance, physical therapy can empower individuals to regain control over their bladder function and enjoy an improved quality of life free from the limitations of urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is more than annoying. It can lead to rashes, sores, skin infections and urinary tract infections. And the fear of it happening can lead to social isolation. So talk to your provider about it, and get the help you need. Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Academy of Family Physicians How physical therapy can help with bladder issues 1 It can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. A physical therapist can teach specific exercises, such as Kegels, that target these muscles. By regularly performing these exercises, individuals can improve the strength and endurance of their pelvic floor, leading to better bladder control and reduced leakage. 2 It can help increase muscle coordination. In addition to strength, pelvic floor muscles require proper coordination. Physical therapists can guide individuals through exercises that enhance the coordination between the pelvic floor and other muscles involved in urinary control. This training helps individuals regain control over their bladder function. 3 Physical therapists can provide valuable education on bladder habits and behavioral modifications. They can advise on appropriate fluid intake, scheduled voiding and strategies to avoid triggers that may worsen incontinence symptoms. Individuals can effectively manage and reduce urinary incontinence by adopting healthy bladder habits and making necessary lifestyle modifications. Talk to your PCP Don't have one? Find a Riverside doctor at RiversideHealthcare.org/ providers.
Fall 2023 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. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Follow Us At Riverside, our staff play an invaluable role in providing compassionate care, comfort and support to patients and their families. As an organization, Riverside takes pride in acknowledging the exceptional contributions our staff has made through employee recognition programs. The DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence The DAISY Award is not just a recognition program, but also a testament to the impact that compassionate nursing care can have on patients’ lives. It honors nurses who consistently go above and beyond, displaying exceptional clinical skills, empathy and a genuine commitment to patients’ well-being. These nurses demonstrate an unwavering dedication to their profession and exhibit the traits that make nursing truly remarkable. The Butterfly Award This award recognizes extraordinary certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and techs who make an enormous difference in the lives of so many people through the superhuman work they do every day. These CNAs and techs are recognized for their profound impact they demonstrate as valued partners of the care team. The Starfish Award The Starfish Award for Ancillary Service Excellence recognizes employees who make a difference at Riverside every day. This award is intended to recognize ancillary team members who fill vital roles outside of nursing. Have you experienced a remarkable Riverside team member during your care? Scan the QR code to nominate a team member—or an entire team—to be recognized for their kindness, expertise and commitment to their profession. Best of health, Phillip Kambic, President and CEO, Riverside Healthcare Advanced care close to home One of the true joys of working at Riverside is hearing the stories about the difference we make in the lives of the patients we care for. I take pride in the great, often heroic, work done by our doctors, nurses and support staff. This issue of The Journey includes such stories—about patients who turned to Riverside in moments of fear and uncertainty and were able to get lifesaving care right here in their own community. In one case, the cardiac team treated a heart attack patient who came in to the emergency department and provided that patient with successful heart bypass surgery, preserving a quality of life that was in jeopardy. In another case, quick recognition by a physician that a sore hand was actually more likely a brain issue resulted in the patient getting lifesaving surgery to remove a blood clot. The significance of having these services available, close to home, performed by top-level doctors and staff, cannot be overstated. The people of our community deserve to have these important services available where and when they need them. The Journey also features a variety of topics to help you take charge of your health. It has been said that we are at our best when we feel our best, and within these pages is information to help you do just that—along with a couple of stories about individuals who are on the positive side of their health journey, thanks to Riverside. Recognizing remarkable team members
4 RiversideHealthcare.org Tom MacGilvray had been having chest pain off and on for a few weeks. But every time, the dull ache in the center of his chest passed after a few minutes of rest. “I thought, ‘Maybe I’m out of shape,’” MacGilvray, 74, of Bourbonnais, recalls thinking after one such episode. Then came the night of his grandchild’s birthday party. He went to bed after everyone left but was awakened an hour later by chest pain. He tried waiting it out, but this time his symptoms didn’t pass. “I said, ‘I’m not going to sit here and die in my living room in this easy chair,’” he says. “I told my wife, ‘I think we should have this checked out.’” Help for an ailing heart MacGilvray arrived at Riverside’s emergency department in the wee hours that Saturday morning. Tests showed he was having a heart attack. “We started him quickly on medical therapy,” says Riverside cardiologist Vikas Patel, MD. “We started thinning his blood to reduce the chance of any progression of his heart attack, and we controlled his symptoms.” After quadruple A healed heart and a grateful patient A NEW
Fall 2023 5 surgery performed by cardiothoracic surgeon Philip Alexander, MD. Dr. Alexander bypassed four of the clogged arteries supplying blood to MacGilvray’s heart. “Dr. Alexander did a wonderful job,” MacGilvray says. MacGilvray left the hospital just four days later. Soon afterward, he started cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) at Riverside’s Bourbonnais facility. Cardiac rehab includes several weeks of monitored exercise to help people recover after major heart events or surgeries. “I feel pretty good,” MacGilvray says. “I think it’s working.” Places to be, things to do Halfway through his rehab, MacGilvray was looking forward to traveling with his wife, Darlene, and golfing again. “I’ve got four grandkids to keep up with,” he adds. He’s even working on improving his diet, with support from Riverside. heart bypass, Complete cardiac care Riverside offers 24/7 heart attack care as well as advanced cardiac procedures, including open-heart bypass surgery, minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement and the Watchman procedure to reduce the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients. “We have excellent outcomes,” says cardiologist Vikas Patel, MD. MacGilvray’s symptoms improved quickly, but he wasn’t out of the woods. A coronary angiogram revealed partial blockages and one complete obstruction of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. MacGilvray had a less-severe type of heart attack, known as a non-STEMI heart attack, Dr. Patel explains. Dr. Patel recommended coronary artery bypass surgery graft (CABG) to treat the narrowed areas of MacGilvray’s arteries and improve his heart’s blood supply. In CABG, healthy blood vessels taken from the chest, leg or arm are attached below and above the narrowed arteries so that blood can flow around the obstructions. Another option for improving blood flow is coronary angioplasty and stenting. In that procedure, mesh devices are placed in the arteries to keep them open after they have been widened with a balloon catheter. Dr. Patel explains that bypass surgery was a better option because MacGilvray was relatively healthy, and his blockages would have required several stents. “When you have that, it’s better to go for surgery, because the long-term results can be better,” Dr. Patel says. The following day, MacGilvray underwent quadruple bypass MacGilvray has a grateful heart when it comes to his Riverside team, whom he credits with saving his life. “Thank you for the wonderful care,” he says, adding that he experienced seamless, comfortable and informed care. “I felt like I was on the road to recovery five minutes into the process,” MacGilvray says. LEASE ON LIFE
6 RiversideHealthcare.org Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed or irritated. This compression can lead to various symptoms and discomfort. “Carpal tunnel syndrome can be debilitating if left untreated,” says Riverside Orthopedic Surgeon Jonathan Cotton, MD. “We are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients.” Riverside offers several treatment options for CTS, from physical therapy to surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and individual circumstances. Talk with your provider to see what’s right for you. Treatment Conservative treatments, like making your workspace more ergonomic and taking regular breaks to stretch your hands, may be suggested first. You can also try wearing a wrist splint or brace during activities that trigger symptoms and while sleeping. Another option is physical therapy. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises and stretches that promote flexibility, strengthen the affected muscles and improve overall hand function. They may also use techniques such as ultrasound therapy to provide relief. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered. Jonathan Cotton, MD Taruna Madhav Crawford, MD, CIME Numb, tingly hands? It may be carpal tunnel syndrome CARPAL TUNNEL TREATMENT Minimally invasive surgery available at Riverside Riverside Orthopedic Specialists recently began offering a new, minimally invasive approach to carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery using the UltraGuideCTR by Sonex Health. This low-profile approach helps protect the sensitive anatomy of the hand. The procedure is done in an outpatient setting, usually the physician’s office, and allows for a faster recovery and less pain. With UltraGuideCTR, the physician performs CTR through a small incision under real-time ultrasound guidance. Then the incision can typically be closed with an adhesive strip or bandage instead of sutures. “For many, the Sonex procedure offers an opportunity to get the relief they are seeking,” says Orthopedic Hand Surgeon Taruna Madhav Crawford, MD, CIME. “Often my patients are apprehensive because of the recovery time associated with traditional carpal tunnel surgery; this offers a different approach.” Most patients return to regular activity in three to six days. Learn more about pain relief To find out more about options for carpal tunnel relief, call Riverside Orthopedic and Spine Center at (877) 776-7973 or visit ChooseRiversideOrtho.com.
Fall 2023 7 When it comes to treating cancer, Riverside knows that access to leading-edge technology plays a key role in giving patients the best outcomes possible. That’s why we have invested in the addition of a second TrueBeam Linear Accelerator—the latest in cancer treatment technology. “Adding another TrueBeam allows us to treat even more patients in our community with leadingedge technology,” says Cassandra Lacher, DO, MHA, oncologist and hematologist at the Riverside Cancer Institute. How it benefits patients TrueBeam targets tumors with extreme accuracy while minimizing side effects and damage to healthy tissues. This new TrueBeam will also have brachytherapy technology, which is a newer form of cancer treatment that uses internal radiation to treat head and neck cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and more. In addition to TrueBeam, patients at the Riverside Cancer Institute have access to surgical oncology, such as da Vinci® robotic surgery to remove tumors with fewer post-operative complications. The Riverside Cancer Institute also offers patients the latest chemotherapy medications and methods, and newer treatments like immunotherapy, which uses the Cassandra Lacher, DO, MHA Check it out To learn more about technology and treatments available at the Riverside Cancer Institute, visit RiversideHealthcare.org/ cancer. Complete cancer care, close to home Physical therapy: Support your cancer journey Research has found that longer survival rates have led to an increase in chronic, long-term toxicities associated with chemotherapy. Along with this, an estimated 20% to 30% loss of strength is associated with seven to nine days of bed rest for cancer patients. Patients who experience five weeks of inactivity see a loss of up to 50% of their muscular strength. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can increase the likelihood of successful completion of cancer treatment. Specialty rehab services offered at Riverside With a referral, we provide services in a number of specialties: ● Lymphedema. ● Myofascial release. ● Chronic pain. ● Pelvic health. ● Aquatics. ● Vestibular/ concussion. ● Speech therapy. Talk with your oncology team to see if cancer rehab is right for you. For more information, call (888) 901-3066. The Riverside Cancer Institute offers the latest technology body’s own defense system to find and destroy cancer cells. “Treatment options that have become available in the last 10 to 15 years have provided improved outcomes and renewed hope for our cancer patients, and we are grateful to be able to offer them this technology right here in the community,” Dr. Lacher says.
8 RiversideHealthcare.org In early 2023, Marlo Beeman noticed a strange problem with her right hand. “It would go limp three times or four times a day,” says Beeman, who was also experiencing unusual headaches. “I couldn’t pick up anything, grasp a pen or write. That was, to me, so bizarre.” Beeman suspected she had carpal tunnel syndrome. She shared her symptoms with hand and orthopedic surgeon Taruna Madhav Crawford, MD, CIME, of Riverside Medical Group, who had recently treated Beeman for another condition. As she listened to Beeman describe her symptoms, Dr. Crawford’s radar went off. Beeman’s symptoms seemed less like carpal tunnel syndrome than a potential issue with her spine or her brain—perhaps even a mini-stroke or a lesion on the brain. After performing a neurologic exam, Dr. Crawford arranged for Beeman to undergo a diagnostic MRI scan that very day. The scan revealed a subdural hematoma, an abnormal accumulation of blood between the surface of the brain and its protective covering. This blood, or a clot formed from it, can press on the brain, sometimes triggering symptoms like the hand weakness Beeman experienced. Undetected and untreated subdural hematomas can lead to worsening symptoms and, in rare cases, paralysis or even death. Chronic subdural hematomas, like Beeman’s, often occur slowly after a mild head injury. About two months before her symptoms started, Beeman had accidentally walked headfirst into a glass door while leaving a restaurant. Her brain injury likely resulted from that minor trauma. Dr. Crawford is humble about her role in diagnosing Beeman’s serious condition, though she acknowledges it was a “big catch.” Beeman puts it this way: “She saved my life.” ‘I was not afraid’ The next day, Beeman met with neurosurgeon Jehad Zakaria, MD, of Riverside Neurosurgery Specialists. “They were absolutely marvelous,” Beeman says. “Once I talked to Dr. Zakaria and his team, I was not afraid.” Not every subdural hematoma requires surgery to relieve pressure on the brain. “But in her particular case, because she was symptomatic and the size of the subdural hematoma was quite large, I felt that the safest option was to remove this for her,” Dr. Zakaria says. A ‘big catch’ SAVED Marlo’s life A routine appointment revealed she had a brain bleed Taruna Madhav Crawford, MD, CIME Jehad Zakaria, MD
Fall 2023 9 A short time later, Beeman underwent a craniotomy under general anesthesia. After temporarily removing a small portion of her skull, Dr. Zakaria carefully removed the blood clot from the surface of her brain. The pressure on Beeman’s brain immediately began to subside. “I knew that she was going to do well, even during surgery, because of how her brain looked and how it responded to the procedure,” Dr. Zakaria says. Afterward, Dr. Zakaria replaced the skull portion and closed the scalp incision. Craniotomies are associated with minimal post-surgery pain, and patients tolerate the procedure quite well, Dr. Zakaria notes. “It just seemed like five minutes, and then they were waking me up,” Beeman says. She recalls when her family visited her in the recovery room. “They were just amazed at the care and the staff and resources,” Beeman says. “I was hooked up to all these machines post-surgery. I was a pretty scary sight!” After her brain surgery, Beeman was able to resume her favorite activities, like knitting and playing mahjong with friends, without the problem of her hand going limp. She also takes three-mile walks a few times a week. She is grateful to everyone at Riverside for working together to find and treat her serious issue—and for the personal care she received at every step. “It’s like they just took my hand and led me on the path to getting well,” Beeman says. “We have great doctors here,” she says. “They deserve all the credit.” “We have great doctors here. They deserve all the credit.” —Marlo Beeman Marlo (second from right) six months after her surgery, celebrating with her husband, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter in San Francisco. Marlo celebrating her 75th birthday— one month after her surgery—with her brothers and sisters. Marlo and her husband, Larry, recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
10 RiversideHealthcare.org Tell them what to expect. When talking with your children about doctor visits, don’t be vague. Children may not understand words like “checkup” or “vaccinations.” Explain unknown terminology and give specific details about what will happen when they get to the office. Have them pick out a favorite book or toy to bring with them to keep them occupied. Be honest. Be open about what you do and don’t know. Otherwise, your child may feel betrayed and lose trust in you. Use kid-friendly explanations. You might say, “The shot may sting, but it will go away,” or, “Nobody likes getting shots, but they keep us healthy.” Easing your child’s fear of the doctor These simple steps can comfort you and your child When it’s time to see the doctor for a checkup or vaccinations, many children feel anxious and scared of the unknown. “We want our kids to feel safe and happy at all times, and that includes when we have to take them to the doctor,” says Rosvida San Gabriel, MD, pediatrician at Riverside Medical Group Pediatric Specialists, Bradley. “There are some things you can do to help them feel more comfortable with their pediatrician and their office experience,” Dr. Gabriel says. Try these tips to guide your children through doctor visits and vaccinations and ease their—and your—anxiety. Allow them to express themselves. Don’t ignore your children when they speak up about their fears. Rather, help them articulate why they’re afraid to go to the doctor. Naming their specific fears and feelings can go a long way to help children feel less worried. Validate their feelings. Never scold your child for being afraid or call the doctor visit no big deal. Instead, say something like, “I get it, because I sometimes get worried before I go to the doctor. But the doctor helps keep us healthy and strong.” Be aware of your own anxiety. Pay attention to your own feelings. Are you anxious? If so, managing your fears will help calm your child. If necessary, arrange to ask the doctor delicate questions when your child isn’t in the room or before or after the appointment. Vaccinations can be an especially anxiety-filled time for children and their parents. During vaccination visits, hold and comfort your child, remain calm, look at them and smile. Take deep breaths with them. Rosvida San Gabriel, MD Calm and caring Find a Riverside Medical Group pediatrician who is the right fit for your family at RiversideHealthcare.org/providers. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Fall 2023 11 When it comes to the health and well-being of our children, every parent wants to know that their little ones are receiving the best possible care. That’s why Riverside is proud to offer expert on-site care, working together with Comer Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialists from the University of Chicago. The best care for your kiddos Expert on-site pediatric care is available at Riverside 24/7 attention Medical emergencies can happen at any time, and that’s why we make pediatric hospitalists available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By having highly experienced child and newborn specialists on-site, families do not need to worry about transferring their child to a different hospital. “Having Comer Children’s Hospital Pediatricians here at Riverside is an incredible asset to the community,” says Kyle Benoit, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Riverside. “Whether it is an emergency room visit, newborn care or a hospital stay, they are here each day making sure that the pediatric patients are getting highly skilled and knowledgeable care backed by an incredible team.” What do pediatric hospitalists do? Pediatric hospitalists play an important role in providing coordinated, ongoing care for children. They work closely with the entire care team to ensure that everyone is kept up-to-date on a child’s condition. Throughout the day and night, these hospitalists regularly check on their young patients, addressing any emergent issues that may come up. Having the support and backing of a robust medical system, they are equipped to deliver high-quality pediatric care. They also collaborate with the child’s pediatrician, ensuring that the necessary information and recommendations are shared, allowing for continued care once the child’s hospital stay is complete. To ensure comprehensive care for complex cases, the pediatric hospitalists at Riverside can consult with subspecialists from Comer Children’s Hospital. This collaboration opens doors to advanced care options, giving families peace of mind. Your children are safe with us When it comes to pediatric care, Riverside goes above and beyond to ensure that children receive expert attention when they need it most. To learn more about Riverside’s partnership with Comer Children’s Hospital, visit RiversideHealthcare.org.
12 RiversideHealthcare.org Mental health: Get the facts Millions of people are affected by a mental illness, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. If you’re among them, it’s important to remember you’re not alone. “Acknowledging we are not alone when it comes to our mental health is important,” says Khalid Arshad, MD, with Riverside Psychiatric Specialists. “There are many misconceptions around the topic of mental health, which makes it challenging for people to access care. Understanding how stress can affect not only your mental health, but also your overall physical health and well-being, is a key factor to optimize and maintain your quality of life.” Yet, misinformation still spreads that might prevent someone from seeking the treatment they need—see the mythbusters below. Getting help First, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). “Talking to your PCP about feelings such as anxiety or depression is an important step to getting a referral to a mental health professional,” says Dr. Arshad. FACT A mental health disorder isn’t like a regular illness. You could just snap out of it if you tried. Like a physical illness, such as diabetes or heart disease, a mental health disorder requires treatment. It’s important to see your doctor. Mental health treatment can include taking medication; talking with a mental health professional; and getting support from friends, family or others with the same condition. Each can be an important tool in the recovery process. MYTH Symptoms must be extreme for an individual to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Symptoms of a mental health disorder don’t have to be life-threatening. They can just be something you notice on a regular basis, such as having changes in your sleeping habits, feeling tired or having low energy, feeling excessively sad or low, experiencing excessive worrying or fear, avoiding friends and social activities, and having trouble concentrating or learning. FACT MYTH FACT Mental health disorders just affect how you feel. They don’t impact your overall health. Mental health disorders can affect your physical health. People with depression, for example, have a 40% higher risk of developing heart disease than people without depression. Depression also increases your risk of diabetes and stroke. Preventing physical illness is another reason to seek mental health help. MYTH Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Alliance on Mental Illness Khalid Arshad, MD
Fall 2023 13 One of the most important things you can do for your health is talking to your primary care provider (PCP) about your cancer risk and getting the recommended screening tests. This step is right up there with making other healthy choices, like eating right, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco. “Your PCP is your partner in health. We want you to live your healthiest life, and doing that requires you to take action,” says Hamzeh Badwan, MD, Family Medicine Provider at Riverside Watseka Campus. Early detection and possible prevention Screening tests can help your PCP detect signs of cancer before you have symptoms, when treatment often works best. Below are some of the common male cancers, along with the basics you need to know about getting checked for them. This isn’t a complete list, so ask your PCP which screening tests are right for you. Colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths. In recent decades, colorectal cancer cases have been increasing among people under age 50. So, if you’re 45 or older, talk to your PCP about your options for screening, including a colonoscopy. Your PCP may want to screen you even sooner if your risk of developing the disease is increased because of a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or irritable bowel syndrome. Screening can not only detect colorectal cancer early, but it can also help prevent it from starting. That’s because colonoscopies allow doctors to find and remove colon polyps that could become cancerous. Prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers found in men. The risk of developing this cancer increases for men over 50, for African American men and for men with a family history of prostate cancer. Hamzeh Badwan, MD, Riverside Healthcare Watseka Campus Men: Get serious about your cancer risk Take control of your health Your provider can help you get the screenings that are right for you. Find a PCP who is a good fit for you at MyRiversideDocs.org and schedule your annual wellness exam today in the MyRiverside app. Prostate cancer is often a slow-growing disease. Treating prostate cancer can cause sexual side effects and incontinence. For these reasons, experts recommend that men in their 50s talk to their PCPs about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening. Men at higher risk should start that conversation at age 45. Lung cancer. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing this serious disease. Detecting lung cancer early through screening can make a difference. You’re at increased risk of developing lung cancer if you’re over age 50, you’re African American, you’ve smoked the equivalent of one pack a day for 20 years, or you still smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. If you fall into one or more of these categories, you may qualify for yearly lung cancer screening using a low-dose CT scan of the chest. And if you’re still a smoker, your PCP can help you quit. “It’s important to be informed about what illnesses men are prone to and at what age you should be getting screened for those things,” says Dr. Badwan. Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
14 RiversideHealthcare.org G R L I V I N G 34 Ingredients Sweet potato oven fries 4 large sweet potatoes or yams 11⁄ 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning blend Salmon burgers 1 can (14.75 ounces) pink or red salmon 2 green onions, chopped 1⁄ 2 cup red bell pepper, chopped 8 crackers, unsalted tops (saltinelike), crushed 2 teaspoons lemon juice Egg whites from 2 eggs, whisked 2 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt 1⁄ 4 teaspoon ground black pepper Cooking spray 4 whole-wheat buns 2 medium tomatoes, sliced 8 leaves Bibb lettuce Salmon burgers and sweet potato oven fries Makes 4 servings. Directions ● Place oven rack in center, and heat oven to 425 degrees. ● Wash and scrub sweet potatoes, and slice into wedges, lengthwise. ● In a large bowl, toss potato wedges with canola oil and seasoning blend. ● Spread potato wedges on cookie sheet. Roast in the oven, turning occasionally, until tender and golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes. ● While sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare salmon burgers. Drain salmon. Place in a medium mixing bowl, and flake. ● Fold in green onions, red pepper, crushed crackers, lemon juice, egg whites, yogurt and ground black pepper. ● Shape into 4 patties. ● Coat large nonstick skillet lightly with cooking spray, and heat. ● Cook salmon burgers until golden brown, turn and continue cooking until other side is golden brown. ● Serve burgers on whole-wheat buns with sliced tomatoes and lettuce and sweet potato oven fries. Nutrition information Amount per serving: 490 calories, 14g total fat (2g saturated fat), 69g carbohydrates, 25g protein, 11g dietary fiber, 590mg sodium. Source: Produce for Better Health Foundation
Fall 2023 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 8/2023 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
HEALTHCARE 350 N. Wall St. Kankakee, IL 60901 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Driving tips for teens Help them stay safe on the roads! There’s been a big push to discourage phone use while driving. But did you know that distracted driving involves more than talking or texting on one’s phone? “There are also other physical distractions, like eating while you’re in the car or driving with your dog on your lap,” says Dana Arseneau, Trauma Program Coordinator at Riverside Healthcare. “And then there’s mental and emotional distractions as well, something we don’t always think about.” What you should know Distracted driving contributes to 80% of car accidents. “Just to read a text, it takes your eyes off the road for five to six seconds,” says Arseneau. “If you’re going 55 miles per hour, that covers the entire length of a football field. So, you can see how accidents happen.” Parents play an integral role in helping their teens stay safe when driving. One way is to model good driving behavior. How we can help Riverside offers programs to educate teens about distracted driving and other driving-related issues. The Pre-Prom/Road to Reality program includes mock situations in which teens go through scenarios like having to do a field sobriety test, getting arrested or even being fatally injured in an accident. “It’s so helpful for them to be able to hear everything connected together, to give them a wellrounded idea of what can happen from these small decisions and choices they make,” shares Arseneau. Volunteers from the emergency department also go to local driver’s education classes to teach students about the different types of distractions. These Hear for your health Listen to our podcast series, “Well Within Reach,” to get the latest health and wellness information from our team of experts. Visit: healthcurrents.com/podcasts. volunteers also share what happens on the ER side if they’re injured. “We want to give them a robust idea of what these distractions are—what can come from them down the line,” says Arseneau. “So, not only the injuries that come with them, but what happens if they have to get transferred and what the monetary value could be. Everything that adds up with a distracted driving incident.” Not just for students Riverside offers free distracteddriving classes to church groups and worksites. To learn more about any of the programs available, reach out to Arseneau at darseneau@rhc.net. Dana Arseneau, Trauma Program Coordinator
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