We know we often recommend exercise. However, there are several good reasons. 

An update from our President and CEO, Matthew J. Perry.

Brian Cooper has a big heart – not just in how he cares but also anatomically. Brian was diagnosed with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). This is a complex disease that enlarges and thickens the heart muscle, reduces blood flow and can lead to sudden death.  

“My heart was too big,” Brian said. “What I have is rare, so I guess you can say I’m special and big-hearted.”  

Genesis Hospital: A place and people focused on healing hearts  

While some people with HOCM don’t feel symptoms, Brian experienced exhaustion, chest pain, heart fluttering, lightheadedness, shortness of breath and swollen feet and ankles. Plus, he constantly felt like his life was in jeopardy. Thankfully, Brian said Genesis Hospital’s experts vigilantly looked out for him.  

“I have a special love for the place and people.  They’ve kept me alive,” Brian said.  

Abdulhay Albirini, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Interventional Cardiologist at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute, diagnosed Brian with HOCM. This wasn’t Dr. Albirini’s first life-saving interaction with Brian and his family.  

“I love that man,” Brian said. “My dad had two heart attacks, and Dr. Albirini saved him both times. This time, he saved me. He’s a doctor who cares about every patient.”  

“Diagnosing Brian’s disease was critical so he could receive the proper treatment,” said Dr. Albirini.  “However, it is also vital that he takes the appropriate action to recover and stay healthy.”  

After his diagnosis, Brian underwent open-heart surgery at a nearby facility as the first step to treating HOCM. His second step focused on strengthening his heart. That’s why he sought expertise at the Genesis Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.  

Genesis Cardiac Rehab: Gaining strength and stamina  

Logan Clark, Exercise Physiologist Therapist and Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Coordinator, watched Brian weakly enter the rehab center for the first time.  

It took everything Brian had. Once settled in, Logan taught Brian about the hope and healing that is possible through rehab.  

“At first, I was overwhelmed,” said Brian. “Then Logan said, ‘Surgery’s only 50% of the battle. Rehab is the other 50%.’ With his help, I knew I could get stronger.”  

Logan created a personalized exercise plan for Brian. During workouts, Logan monitored Brian’s heart and progress. A few weeks later, Brian’s endurance and strength showed tremendous growth.  

“Just by how he walked into rehab, we could see it making a difference,” said Logan. “He worked hard to get where he is. We gave him the tools, but it’s what he did with them that made the difference.”  

Initially, Brian had lost physical strength and gained unneeded weight due to HOCM and the related surgery. Thanks to his consistent diligence at Genesis Cardiac Rehab, Brian lost weight, gained muscle and significantly increased his stamina.  

A couple of years after surgery, Brian continues benefiting from cardiac rehab workouts.  

“I still go to cardiac rehab,” Brian said. “I go because they know my heart condition and want me to succeed. They keep me going.” 

Brian Cooper has a big heart – not just in how he cares but also anatomically.

Pamela Sealover is a wife, mother and grandmother. She is also the proud owner of one goldendoodle named Daisy. Pamela is a nursing professor at Ohio University Zanesville and has worked there for 25 years.  

Not long ago, she noticed concerning symptoms. Pamela called the Genesis Breast Care Center and immediately got an appointment. The team at the Breast Care Center diagnosed her with breast cancer and developed a plan for Pamela to treat the disease and win.  

“I had confidence in Genesis because of the excellent care they gave my husband during his cancer treatment,” Pamela said about her treatment plan.  

Bilateral diagnosis  

At the Genesis Breast Care Center, she was diagnosed with a slow-growing tumor in the right breast and a more aggressive tumor in the left breast. The care team at the Breast Care Center advised Pamela to start with chemotherapy for 24 weeks, and after the treatment, they would determine the next steps.  

Shyamal R. Bastola, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Hematologist/Oncologist at the Genesis Cancer Care Center, cared for Pamela during her treatment. Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer. It was the best option for Pamela. The length of chemotherapy varies from person to person. With the help of the Cancer Care Center, Pamela began chemotherapy soon after her diagnosis.  

“A lot of students I had in class were taking care of me at the Cancer Care Center,” Pamela said. “I knew I was in good hands.” On her last day of chemotherapy, Pamela’s coworkers celebrated with her. They performed a skit visible from the Cancer Care Center’s windows. It brought smiles to everyone’s faces.  

Advanced treatment  

After Pamela went through chemotherapy, she had a bilateral mastectomy. Dr. Bastola scheduled a follow-up appointment to make sure the procedure had removed all the cancer. The results showed there was one lymph node that was still positive for cancer. The best solution to get rid of the cancer was radiation.  

Radiation therapy damages the genetic material of cancer cells, which stops their growth. This is one of the common treatments provided at Genesis. Radiation therapy can also be used for other types of cancer.  

Pamela and her doctors discussed the possibility of reconstructive surgery while she was preparing to get her bilateral mastectomy. After radiation and procedures, Pamela had reconstructive surgery.  

“If something is not right, get to a doctor to check out what is wrong and how to proceed.” 

Reconstruction of her life  

Today, Pamela is doing great and has recovered from her battle with breast cancer. Pamela gets screenings every six months at the Cancer Care Center to ensure there are no returning cancer cells. She also takes an anti-estrogen pill. These can help stop the growth of future cancer cells.  

Pamela was a part of the Genesis Celebrate Life National Cancer Survivors Day event for cancer survivors and supporters in June 2024. She told her story to those in attendance and stressed the importance of scheduling an annual mammogram to make sure there are no signs of breast cancer. And she has advice for others when it comes to listening to your body.  

“If something is not right,” said Pamela, “get to a doctor to check out what is wrong and how to proceed.” The faster a medical professional can identify the problem, the quicker it is to develop a treatment plan.  

“At the Genesis Cancer Care Center, we make a cancer treatment plan that is catered to you,” said Dr. Bastola. “We are happy Pamela is doing well, continuing to live her life to the fullest and bringing awareness to early symptoms of breast cancer.” 

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer. It was the best option for Pamela.

Low-dose CT scan

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force revised lung cancer screening recommendations in March 2021 to include people who meet all the following requirements:  

• Have a 20-cigarette pack-year or more history. 

A pack-year is 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. 

Facts:

Low-dose CT scan 

Ingredients:  

• 5 ounces of strawberries (about 6 medium strawberries)  

• 6 ounces of blueberries (about 1 ¼ cups)  

• 7 tablespoons of granulated sugar  

• 5 tablespoons of lime juice  

• 1 ounce of ice cubes (about 3 ice cubes)  

• 10 tablespoons of water  

Instructions:  

1. Red (strawberry) layer:  

• Cut 5 ounces of strawberries and place them in a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water.  
• Boil on medium-high heat, then simmer for 5 minutes. Blend until smooth, then add 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 ounce of ice cubes. Stir until the ice is melted and the mixture cools.  
• Divide the puree among 6 popsicle molds, tapping them to remove air bubbles. Freeze for at least 1 hour and while that’s freezing, move on to the next layers.  

2. White (lime) layer:  

• Place 3 tablespoons of lime juice and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a liquid measuring cup and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add enough cold water to make 3/4 cup lime mixture.  

3. Blue (blueberry) layer:  

• Combine 6 ounces of blueberries, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan.  
• Boil on medium heat, then simmer for 5 minutes. Blend until smooth, adding 1 tablespoon of lime juice. ° Chill until needed.  

4. Combining the layers:  

• When the red layer is completely solid, divide the white mixture evenly among the molds. Freeze until mostly frozen, about 45 minutes. Insert the popsicle sticks and freeze until completely solid, about 30 minutes.  
• Divide the blue mixture evenly among the molds. Freeze until completely solid, at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, run lukewarm water over the outside of the molds so they release easily.  

5. Enjoy.  

Nutritional information:  

• Calories: 85  

• Total fat: 0.2 g  

• Sodium: 2.1 mg  

• Cholesterol: N/A  

• Carbohydrates: 21.9 g 

You will love this creative summertime treat.