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Exercise safely even when it's hot

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Summer is a great time for being active. Even if you live where it gets hot or humid, there are ways to safely stay active. It depends on how active you already are and how used to hot weather you are. Anytime you exercise, it’s a good idea to take these precautions.

Drink plenty of water 

You lose fluid when you are active. If you lose too much, it can result in dehydration, muscle cramps or even heat exhaustion. In hot weather, drink plenty of fluids before, during and after activity. For longer exercise periods, sports drinks contain carbohydrates and minerals called electrolytes that may help prevent dehydration.

Watch for signs of dehydration and heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Signs of dehydration include having a dry mouth and eyes, and feeling dizzy.

Don’t exercise as hard when it’s hot 

Take rest breaks. Exercise more slowly than usual or for a shorter time. Stay in the shade when you can. Wear light-colored, breathable clothes. And always wear sunscreen.

Use extra caution if you have health problems 

If you are overweight, have health problems, take medicines or use alcohol, you may be at a higher risk for heat-related illness. You may also have trouble if you are not used to exercising in warmer weather.

Check the air quality before outdoor activities, especially if you have conditions like asthma. Airnow.gov provides air quality ratings for your location and a pollution index.

Consider changing outside activity on hot days 

When it’s hot and humid, take extra precautions when you’re active. This might mean you change your activity or when you choose to do it. Here are some ideas:

  • Take morning or evening walks.
  • Go for a bike ride. Find shaded areas and ride during cooler times of day.
  • Go swimming.
  • Do light yard work or gardening.
  • Wash your car. Give yourself a splash to stay cool.

Find an indoor activity 

Sometimes it isn’t safe to be active outdoors. There are many ways to be active indoors, such as:

  • Go for walks indoors. Take a walk at the mall with a friend. Check with local schools and churches. They may have indoor gyms where you can walk.
  • Get fit while you watch TV or listen to music with hand weights or stretch bands. Use cans of food if you don’t have weights.
  • Use an online exercise video or a smartphone app.
  • Join a gym or health club.
  • Try a fitness class or a new indoor activity, such as dancing or water aerobics.
  • Get involved in indoor sports leagues.

Always ask your doctor for the best exercises for you.

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Exercise safely even when it's hot

Summer is a great time for being active. Even when it’s hot or humid, there are many ways to exercise safely.

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The future of Genesis Hospice Care

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Why does a new hospice facility matter?

Carolyn Quinn

“I was exhausted caring for my mother at home as she neared the end,” said Carolyn Quinn, daughter of a hospice patient. “Genesis picked her up and took her to the Morrison House. I slept for 10 hours a night for two nights, and then they brought her home, and I was rested and ready to care for her so she could pass where she wanted.”

This is one of countless stories told by hospice patients’ family members and loved ones. As the region’s only dedicated inpatient hospice facility, the Morrison House has provided much-needed support for thousands of families during their most difficult times.

After serving our community for over 35 years, the Morrison House has reached the very end of its useful life. With the help of the community, partners and the Genesis team, we are committed to continuing to provide hospice service both at home and in a new dedicated inpatient facility.

The J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation was extremely generous in making a donation to name the new facility. The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity also demonstrated their generosity by donating the land across the street from the current Morrison House for the new building’s location.

With your support, we will fulfill our promise to build a new facility and ensure our nonprofit, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Five-Star Rated Hospice facility continues to provide the vital care you’ve come to know and trust.

Your contribution will support private patient rooms and bathrooms with beautiful garden views and so much more.

If you would like more information or to contribute, please visit genesishcs.org/foundation or call 740-454-5052.

Thank you for helping us support our community’s future.

Genesis Hospice Capital Campaign

Hospice Capital Campaign

With your help, we can continue providing the best care to patients and support their families at our new hospice facility.

Donate to the Genesis Hospice Care Capital Campaign
The future of Genesis Hospice Care

With your support, we will fulfill our promise to build a new hospice facility and continue to provide the vital care you’ve come to know and trust.

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Two minutes to better health

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Take another step for better health 

In recent years, study after study has piled up to shout the benefits of walking. In our The benefits of walking: follow these easy steps blog, we explained that walking can: 

  • Combat weight gain by decreasing the impact of genes that promote obesity 

  • Curb cravings, including for chocolate 

  • Reduce the risk of breast cancer 

  • Ease joint pain 

  • Boost immune function 

  • Improve your mood 

Benefits in as little as 2 minutes 

Today, we are highlighting a study from the Sports Medicine journal that shares walking for just two minutes after eating can help prevent blood sugar from spiking. This is important because drastic blood sugar spikes and falls can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. The study states that muscles need glucose (sugar) to function, and by walking, you get the glucose out of your bloodstream, where too much can lead to harm.  

Some studies cite a slightly higher number, like 10 minutes, but they agree that moving after eating is a good thing. A simple walk versus a high-intensity activity can help you avoid cramps and reap benefits.  

More benefits from walking 

It is likely the benefits in this study have already convinced you to get moving. However, if you need a little more inspiration, consider the research cited on the AARP website. The study states that taking 8.000 steps a day on average can lower your mortality by 51% compared to people who average 4,000 steps a day. The study also says the 8,000 steps don’t have to be rigorous. Even better, it shares it is never too late. According to the article, becoming fit later in life can reduce the risk of a deadly stroke by half.  

Considering all the benefits of walking, with the relatively low cost of equipment needed, a decent pair of walking shoes, it seems like the perfect form of exercise.  

Before starting a new workout, please talk to your doctor to determine an appropriate level at which you should start at and how quickly you should increase your steps and effort.  

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Two minutes to better health 

In recent years, study after study has piled up to shout the benefits of walking.

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You’re in control with MyChart

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Meet Mary. Juggling a busy life with three kids and a successful career, Mary always puts her family’s needs ahead of her own.

Mary needed a way to easily manage her family’s healthcare appointments, message doctors after the kids went to bed and know when it’s time for her annual wellness visit.

She saw a poster in the doctor’s office about MyChart and asked the nurse to tell her more. Mary learned MyChart is a quick way to view parts of her medical record online. Using her phone or computer, Mary can stay organized while on the go.

Mary can choose when and where to manage health information, such as:

  • Review upcoming tests and procedures with her morning coffee.
  • Receive appointment reminders on her daily walk.
  • Check for recommended screenings in the carpool line.
  • Ask her provider questions during lunch.
  • Schedule lab work at the park.
  • View and pay bills while watching TV.
  • Request prescription refills on a weekend.
  •  

Mary found that she saves even more time before appointments with special features including:

  • Simplified paperwork with eCheck-in: Update health and insurance information from the comfort of her home.
  • Skip the line: Click the “I’m here” button on the app to check into appointments.
  • Touchless arrival: Turn on mobile location notifications to automatically let care teams know she arrived.

With control of her health, Mary spends more stress-free time with her kids. She and her husband learned how to securely share their medical information to have better peace of mind.

Plus, she’s used “Find Care Now” to schedule urgent care and orthopedic urgent care visits. Many providers also offer online appointments and lab draw scheduling.

Visit mychart.genesishcs.org to get started or download the app from the Apple and Google app stores. An access code is not needed. You can add Genesis HealthCare System to an existing MyChart account.

Talk to your provider with questions.

 

MyChart Signup

Do you use MyChart?

MyChart Log in
MyChart

Juggling a busy life with three kids and a successful career, Mary always puts her family’s needs ahead of her own.

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Spotlight on Anna Carpenter, M.D.

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Interventional Pain Medicine 

Genesis Interventional Pain Management Clinic welcomes Anna Carpenter, M.D., specializing in interventional pain medicine.

Dr. Carpenter provides advanced treatments for acute and chronic pain. She uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat pain-related disorders.

“Interventional pain medicine provides an opportunity to impact patients by identifying and treating sources of pain. I appreciate learning about patients to help them in their greatest times of need.” – Anna Carpenter, M.D.

Anna Carpenter MD

Originally from Upper Arlington, Ohio, Dr. Carpenter became interested in medicine because she enjoyed working with her hands. She excelled in science and math and wanted a career where she could help others.

Before committing her entire practice to interventional pain medicine, Dr. Carpenter was an associate professor of anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine. She was drawn to Genesis because everyone works together to provide the best personalized care.

“Genesis is very patient-centered,” said Dr. Carpenter. “I’ve always believed in creating a great experience for my patients.”

Dr. Carpenter and her husband have two young daughters. She enjoys the outdoors and discovering new local restaurants.

Dr. Carpenter is accepting patients at the Genesis Interventional Pain Management Clinic, 2945 Maple Ave., Zanesville. Patients can schedule appointments by calling 740-454-4712.

Dr. Carpenter's Board Certifications and Training:

Doctor of Medicine: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Dayton, Ohio

Residency: Anesthesiology University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Fellowship: Chronic Pain Medicine University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Board-certified: Anesthesiology Chronic Pain Medicine

Spotlight on Anna Carpenter, M.D.

Genesis Interventional Pain Management Clinic welcomes Anna Carpenter, M.D., specializing in interventional pain medicine.

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One team. Greater impact.

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Zane Grey Intermediate student Jaiden Garnes runs to hug her Lunch Buddy, Genesis team member Marianne Graham, who made a surprise visit to her school. Smiling ear to ear, Jaiden couldn’t wait to tell Marianne about her latest class project.

Marianne is one of the many volunteers who mentor local youth like Jaiden through the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Zanesville Lunch Buddy program.

Southeastern Ohio has numerous remarkable organizations that benefit our community. From supporting local youth and packaging meals for senior citizens to helping animals and building houses, nonprofit organizations make our community a better place.

Over 4,400 Genesis team members like Marianne frequently lend a hand to our local nonprofit organizations.

Marianne has been involved with BBBS since 2017, serving as a BBBS Zanesville Lunch Buddy for the last four years. The Lunch Buddy program matches youth with BBBS volunteers. Bigs and Littles meet weekly to have lunch, play games and have meaningful conversations.

“Lunch Buddies opens the door for volunteers to make a difference,” said Marianne. “With so many programs available, BBBS enables me to give back and encourage others to share their time and talents.”

In addition to BBBS, Marianne volunteers with the Zanesville Farmers Market and the Muskingum Valley Park District. She sees the direct impact volunteering makes in the local community.

“Volunteers help nonprofit organizations support the communities they serve,” said Marianne. “Helping others inspires better teams. Together we can create a greater impact.”

 

 Connect with us

Genesis wants to help our community. We would like you to share local volunteering opportunities with our team. Nonprofit groups that meet the qualifying guidelines can complete the request form online at genesishcs.org/request-volunteers.

Guidelines include:

  • Opportunities that support Muskingum, Coshocton, Perry, Guernsey, Noble or Morgan counties.
  • Church events that benefit the entire community.
  • Submit your organization’s request at least 30 days before your event. Requests are reviewed weekly.

 

For more information, call Genesis Community Relations at 740-454-5913, option 2.

 

 

 

volunteering

Over 4,400 Genesis team members frequently lend a hand to our local nonprofit organizations.

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Quick and painless - You could save your life with a lung cancer screening

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

A lung cancer screening performed with a low-dose CT scan can increase your chances of surviving lung cancer by 20% if you are considered high-risk. If you meet the requirements, there is a good chance you will qualify for a free, low-dose CT scan. 

Requirements:

  • Have a 20-pack-year or more history. A pack-year means smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
  • Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years.
  • Are between 50 and 80 years old.
  • Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer.

 

Screening details:

  • A low-dose CT screening produces a 3D image of the lungs using less than 25% of the radiation of a regular computerized tomography (CT) scan.
  • The screening helps doctors find lung cancer early, when it is usually easier to treat. This can increase your odds of surviving lung cancer and allow for more treatment options.
  • The exam is extremely easy. You lie on a table that slides into a machine. The machine takes pictures of the inside of your body. It only takes about one minute, requires no medications or needles and is painless.

 

More on screening and quitting tobacco

lung cancer screening

A lung cancer screening performed with a low-dose CT scan can increase your chances of surviving lung cancer by 20% if you are considered high-risk.

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Arthritis patient finds renewed comfort

Rick Knowlden wanted to find relief from the lingering osteoarthritis in his right hip. Osteoarthritis is common in the knees, hands, hips and neck, and causes the tissues in the joint to break down over time.

Osteoarthritis patients feel pain from joint swelling and stiffness, often leading to joint replacement surgery. “I walked with hip pain until I couldn’t,” said Rick. “I was hurting for a few years.”

Rick asked his family doctor to recommend a specialist. He was referred to the Genesis Orthopedic Center where he met Christopher Leibold, D.O., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon.

“I shared with Dr. Leibold that I was at the point where it hurt to walk,” said Rick. “Getting out of bed was painful. Fearing the worst, I asked him for the best advice.”

 

An alternative approach

Dr. Leibold described the steps for a minimally invasive anterior hip replacement. Unlike the traditional posterior approach, which enters from the back of the hip and harms muscles, anterior hip replacement works around the muscles, leaving them attached to the bone.

“For anterior hip replacement, we enter through the front of the hip and the upper part of the thigh,” said Dr. Leibold. “The damaged bone and cartilage are easily removed, and the new hip is placed.”

Concerned about downtime, Rick asked Dr. Leibold about the length of recovery. Since the procedure works around the hip muscles, patients heal faster. They often feel less pain and can walk without assistance sooner than those with traditional posterior surgery.

“Dr. Leibold answered my questions,” said Rick. “It was easy to understand the steps of the procedure.”

 

An easy decision

“It was an easy decision to have the surgery. I recovered quickly. I give the experience a 10 out of 10.” – Rick Knowlden

Rick had his right hip replaced using the anterior approach in December 2024. He was dedicated to recovering quickly so he could return to his favorite outdoor hobbies, including hunting and fishing.

 

Learn about Rick’s surgery

An alternative to a traditional posterior hip replacement, the anterior approach locates the hip joint through the groin. Sometimes referred to as a mini-hip replacement, there are several advantages to the anterior approach, including:

  • Less disruption to muscles or tendons
  • Smaller incision
  • Less pain
  • Fewer restrictions after surgery
  • Less chance of dislocation after surgery
  • Walking without assistance sooner
  • Increased mobility
  • Quicker recovery time
  • Less time doing physical therapy

 

Watch Dr. Leibold explain the benefits and recovery of the anterior approach HERE.

 

Chris Leibold, DO

Christopher Leibold, D.O.

Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Genesis Orthopedic Center

 

Rick Knowlden

“It was an easy decision to have the surgery. I recovered quickly. I give the experience a 10 out of 10.” – Rick Knowlden

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Better begins at 80

Jack Fitch has lived a full life. A good life.

As he aged, he started to slow down. He couldn’t do as much as he used to, which he expected. After all, he is 80 years old.

However, over time, his health declined to a point where he couldn’t walk upstairs without being winded. He started having balance problems and coughing.

Regardless of his age, Jack wanted to feel better. He wanted to do more things. He wanted to live life on his terms.

 

Jack took action 

Determined to get better, Jack visited his primary care doctor, who referred him to the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute. Jack then met Trevor Ellison, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Medical Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute. He also met Shaun Bhatty, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Electrophysiologist at the Genesis Heart &Vascular Institute.

An MRI and EKG revealed that one of Jack’s heart valves was not opening and closing completely. It also showed he had atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is an arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat. These conditions were causing Jack’s trouble breathing, unsteadiness and coughing.

“After the diagnosis, Dr. Ellison and Dr. Bhatty shared treatment options,” said Jack. “They gave me information that I read and considered. We were talking about my heart, so I was only going to make an informed decision.”

Jack decided to move forward with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to replace his heart valve, which was not working correctly.

The procedure was performed in early September 2024 by Dr. Ellison, Kinan Kassar, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Interventional and Structural Cardiologist and the Structural Heart Team at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute.

“TAVR is a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery,” said Dr. Ellison. “We placed several catheters (small tubes) in his groins and then maneuvered a new, bioprosthetic aortic valve from there. It was then placed inside his deteriorated aortic valve and expanded, leaving him with a new, well-functioning aortic valve.”

Jack quickly recovered and two months later underwent a minimally invasive ablation for AFib.

“Similar to TAVR, we use a catheter inserted through the groin that we direct to the heart,” said Dr. Bhatty. “However, instead of maneuvering a valve, we send radio waves through the catheter to create small scars in the heart to stop the signals that cause AFib.”

During the procedure, Dr. Bhatty also performed a second minimally invasive procedure. He implanted a small device in the heart to block a part of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA), where blood clots form in people with AFib. This helps lower the risk of strokes and may reduce the need for long-term blood thinners.

“Soon after the procedures, I felt great,” said Jack. “I’m so glad I chose Genesis. I can also do my routine bloodwork at the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center, which is only five minutes from home.”

“After the diagnosis, Dr. Ellison and Dr. Bhatty shared treatment options. They gave me information that I read and considered. We were talking about my heart, so I was only going to make an informed decision.” - Jack Fitch

 

Jack is living his best life 

Jack expressed his gratitude for the follow-up care after his procedures. While recovering, he was asked to wear a heart monitor for one month. One day, Jack’s wife, Dawn, received a call from Genesis.

“Genesis called concerned because they could see Jack’s heart racing through the monitor,” said Dawn. “They wanted to know if he was okay. I told them he was outside stacking firewood, which accounted for his higher heart rate. It made us feel good for choosing Genesis all over again. First, they did a great job treating him and then continued to monitor and react quickly when something could have been wrong.”

Jack might be 80, but after seeking treatment, he is back to doing the things he enjoys. He spends his days with his wife and taking care of home and property.

 

Life after TAVR 

Jack Fitch quickly returned to his active lifestyle after his transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in September 2024.

Aortic stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic valve, slowing blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. The minimally invasive TAVR procedure uses tiny, flexible tubes to enter the groin and reach the heart. A new valve is placed, leaving no scarring or pain.

Most TAVR patients return home within 48 hours. Ask your doctor about the best day-to-day recovery plan, which includes supervised cardiac rehab. Eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, skinless poultry and fish, fat-free or low-fat dairy products and nuts is also important.

Follow-up care includes visits with your doctor and yearly checkups. Patients often return to their routine within a month, compared to up to 8 weeks for open-heart surgery.

Jack’s quick recovery allowed him to enjoy his hobbies without feeling out of breath. He was happy to get back to taking care of his home, doing yardwork and stacking firewood.

A non-invasive, painless test can check for aortic stenosis. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms:

• Chest pain

• Fast heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Feeling dizzy

• Trouble walking short distances

• Decline in routine

• Feeling very tired

 

Trevor A. Ellison, MD

Trevor Ellison, M.D., Ph.D., MBA 

Shaun Bhatty, M.D.

Shaun Bhatty, M.D. 

Kinan Kassar, MD

Kinan Kassar, M.D. 

Better begins at 80

Jack Fitch called Genesis when he needed help with breathing and balance. After minimally invasive heart procedures, he returned to his active lifestyle.

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A letter from our President and CEO | LiveWell Summer 2025

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

From day one 

As we celebrated Genesis Hospital’s 10th anniversary in June, we reflected on the incredible families we care for and the compassionate traditions that have always anchored our mission, vision and values.

Our faith-based mission of providing exceptional care began in 1891, when a local group of 84 dedicated Protestant women founded the 12-bed Zanesville City Hospital.

In 1907, the name was changed to Bethesda Hospital, one of our two future sponsors. The origin of our other sponsor began in 1900 when the Margaret Blue Sanitarium was donated to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity to operate under their leadership and healing ministry. It was renamed Good Samaritan Hospital in 1902.

Over the past 125 years, we have proudly embraced our faith-based roots to provide the best healthcare to Southeastern Ohio. For us, faith-based healthcare means caring for people, including the body, mind and spirit, with compassion and expertise.

In this issue of LiveWell, meet three patients who chose Genesis for their life-changing treatments and for help through their recovery. Not wanting to slow down, Jack Fitch called Genesis when he needed help with breathing and balance. After minimally invasive procedures for an abnormal heartbeat and a heart valve replacement, Jack has happily returned to his active lifestyle and is feeling great.

Your continued support attracts highly skilled physicians to serve our community. Join me in welcoming Anna Carpenter, M.D., to the Genesis Interventional Pain Management Clinic. Board-certified in chronic pain medicine and anesthesiology, Dr. Carpenter uses minimally invasive techniques to guide patients in the treatment of pain-related disorders.

Our mission continues to be a patient-centered healthcare system dedicated to helping you improve your health and well-being. Thank you for choosing Genesis.

In good health,

Matthew Perry signature

Matthew J. Perry 

President & CEO 

Over the past 125 years, we have proudly embraced our faith-based roots to provide the best healthcare to Southeastern Ohio.

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