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Be prepared for anything

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Jason Richardson celebrated Father’s Day with his girlfriend, Amanda, his daughters and his family. They spent the day riding dirt bikes and cooking out.  It was a great day.  

After they returned home, as Jason was unloading the bikes from his truck, he began to feel feverish, and extremely thirsty. After guzzling a glass of water, his nausea became worse. He rushed to the bathroom and began to vomit. He experienced a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain as his nausea and sweating worsened. He asked Amanda to call 911, and he was rushed to the Genesis Hospital Emergency Department. This call saved his life. 

 

A surgeon identifies a rare and dangerous situation 

Edmund Kassis, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon and Medical Director of Thoracic Surgery at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute, was notified of Jason early Monday morning. After examining him and reviewing the CT scan, he quickly diagnosed Jason as having a rupture of the esophagus. The operating room was notified, and Jason was taken to the operating room to repair his life-threatening condition.  

Dr. Kassis drained the fluid and undigested food that escaped from the esophagus and then repaired the ruptured esophagus.  

“Jason suffered from Boerhaave syndrome,” said Dr. Kassis. “It is a rare problem where the esophagus tears. This happens most commonly after severe vomiting. It is a life-threatening condition, and delays in surgical treatment can be fatal.” 

After the surgery, Jason faced a long journey to recovery. He remained in the hospital for most of the summer to make sure the infection was controlled, and he was given nutritional support and time to allow his esophagus to heal. 

“I can’t thank Dr. Kassis and his team enough. They saved my life.” 

“It was hard to be in the hospital and away from my daughters,” said Jason. “I’m grateful for my family and friends for visiting and helping to care for my girls.   

I also appreciate Amanda, my girlfriend, for being by my side more than anyone could have expected.” 

 

Back to life 

After healing, Jason left the hospital and returned to work as a heavy equipment operator. He also learned his grandfather had suffered from the same thing many years before.  

“I can’t thank Dr. Kassis and his team enough,” said Jason. “They saved my life. They did a wonderful job.” 

“It feels good to return to life,” Jason said. “It sounds cliché, but once the little things are taken from you, you realize how much you missed them. Getting to be a dad. Going to work. I’ve also proposed to Amanda, and thankfully, she said yes. I am excited to start our lives together.” 

Jason Richardson

“I can’t thank Dr. Kassis and his team enough,” said Jason. “They saved my life. They did a wonderful job.” 

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Prostate cancer screening can save your life

Submitted by emily.griffin on

According to the American Cancer Society: 

  • About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. 

  • Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men, with the average age of 67 when first diagnosed. 

  • Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer.  

  • About 1 in 43 men will die of prostate cancer. 

 

Early detection matters: 

  • 99% – 5-year survival rate if cancer is detected early before it spreads or only spreads to nearby structures or lymph nodes. 

  • 32% – 5-year survival rate if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver or bones. 

 

Your screening options: 

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test 

  • Digital rectal exam (DRE) 

  • No single screening is absolute. A diagnosis is usually dependent on several factors, and other tests like a prostate biopsy or an MRI may be needed. 

Discuss your options with your Primary Care Physician. You may also be referred to a Urologist for testing, diagnosis and a plan of treatment if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

For more information, visit genesishcs.org/screenings. 

prostate screenings

99% – 5-year survival rate if cancer is detected early before it spreads or only spreads to nearby structures or lymph nodes. 

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Spotlight on David Wu, D.O.

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Palliative Medicine 

David Wu, D.O., recently joined Genesis Palliative Care Specialists, specializing in hospice and palliative medicine. Dr. Wu’s background in science and desire to serve his community spurred his interest in medicine, particularly in palliative care. His philosophy is to treat patients from a personalized holistic perspective. 

“I was drawn to palliative care,” Dr. Wu said, “because I find guiding patients and families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives fulfilling, and I liked the possibility of exploring ways to treat symptoms.”   

Dr. Wu was looking for a community hospital system that is quick to change and respond to the needs of its patients and providers. Genesis turned out to be the perfect fit.  

“It’s essential that the medical and emotional health of patients in palliative care is closely monitored and treated,” Du Wu said. “Things can change quickly. It is very satisfying to see that a quick response or explanation provides a great deal of comfort to patients and their families.”  

Outside of work, Dr. Wu enjoys Brazilian jiujitsu, travel and cooking. He has one cat named Nelly. 

Dr. Wu’s office is in Genesis Medical Arts Building III at 1330 Ashland Ave., Zanesville. He is seeing patients in Genesis Hospital, at the Coshocton Genesis Medical Group office and in patients’ homes. His phone number is 740-455-4925. He is accepting new patients. 

Doctor of Medicine:    

Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Downers Grove, Illinois  

Internal Medicine Residency:  

University of Connecticut Farmington, Connecticut  

Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship:  

OhioHealth Columbus, Ohio  

Professional Memberships:    

American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American College of Physicians and the American College of Osteopathic Internal Medicine 

Dr. David Wu

David Wu, D.O., recently joined Genesis Palliative Care Specialists, specializing in hospice and palliative medicine.

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A letter from our President and CEO | LiveWell Spring 2024

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Mission Moments

Saving a life when seconds count, taking the extra time to comfort a patient and family in unique ways and organizing a bedside birthday party. 

We call them mission moments, and they happen at Genesis every day. These are the special times when our team members make our values of Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Team and Innovation come alive for our patients. They are living our mission and are responsible for the extra things that make a big difference for those we care for and their families.  

As a testament to their character, their goodwill also extends beyond our walls when they change out of their uniforms. You can routinely find our 4,000-plus Genesis team members out in our neighborhoods, building houses for the less fortunate, coaching and serving meals to the hungry and so much more. They are creating mission moments in our community alongside each of you who gives your time, money and energy to help others.  

It is this mindset that makes our community special. And please accept my thanks for all you do for your neighbors, friends and our team.  

 

Our growing team 

This issue will introduce you to David Wu, D.O., our new Palliative Medicine Specialist. He has already become a great addition and is helping those in need. 

 

A rare diagnosis  

On the following pages, you can read about Jason Richardson, who, at only 39 years old, suffered a rare, ruptured esophagus. Thanks to a quick diagnosis and treatment, he is at home enjoying life with his family. 

 

Community Benefit Report 

When I think about Genesis, I am proudest of the people who care for our patients and families.  As I mentioned in the opening, they tirelessly give to help others, both through their profession and outside of work. I am also grateful for how our non-profit health system constantly gives back locally. Our annual Community Benefit Report, within this issue of LiveWell, highlights some of the programs and efforts we make to ensure everyone in our community receives the exceptional healthcare they need. 

 

In good health, 

Matthew Perry signature

Matthew J. Perry  

President & CEO

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

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Genesis Spiritual Care: a source of support for all

Submitted by emily.griffin on

The Genesis Spiritual Care team provides spiritual and emotional support for patients, their families, the community and Genesis team members. This includes all religions and non-religious beliefs. Our commitment to delivering total care, including spiritual, is part of our longstanding traditions that come from the faith-based roots of Genesis’ founders, who started serving the area in the late 1800s. The team includes chaplains from diverse faith backgrounds who listen and help others find inner strength when dealing with challenges. 

 

The Spiritual Care team provides support during times of joy, suffering, calm and crisis. Spiritual Care Director Randall Gearheart said, “We believe healing takes place in the body, mind and spirit. Therefore, we offer an open and compassionate environment to support each person’s unique beliefs and practices. We support patients in drawing upon their unique beliefs and practices for comfort and strength.” 

 

Providing care to the whole person is an important aspect of the Genesis mission. To support the optimal health and well-being of the community, the following services are available: 

  • Crisis intervention 

  • Unbiased ear for those faced with a difficult decision 

  • Short-term individual counseling 

  • Religious sacraments, including communion and anointing of the sick 

  • Notifications for churches, synagogues or other faith communities for patients 

  • Memorial services 

  • Lay visitors and local clergy training 

  • Cultural diversity training 

  • Patient advocacy when needed 

  • No One Dies Alone (NODA) program 

 

Spiritual Care team members can also help with Advanced Directives, the legal documents that enable patients to state the kind of medical care they want if they are too ill or hurt to express their wishes. 

 

St. Francis Chapel at Genesis Hospital 

The St. Francis Chapel at Genesis is open 24/7 and available to everyone for prayer and reflection. Patients, team members and community members are invited to join in a celebration of Mass in the St. Francis Chapel at 7:15 a.m. every Friday. 

 

We’re here for everyone. Chaplains are available to community members by appointment. You can reach Genesis Spiritual Care Services at 740-454-5859. 

 

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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.

The Spiritual Care team provides support during times of joy, suffering, calm and crisis.

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Tips to prevent falls

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Two out of three falls occur when someone slips or trips. This is especially true if you live in a climate that includes freezing temperatures in the winter. Cold weather makes it easier to fall and harder to maintain your balance. 

 

For instance, people slip or trip on: 

  • Visibly icy surfaces 

  • Black ice, a coating of ice so thin that people think it’s asphalt or pavement 

  • Ice that’s covered by snow or snow drifts 

  • Unplowed sidewalks and streets 

 

A fall becomes more dangerous when: 

  • Ice and snow makes it difficult to get up 

  • Exposure to freezing temperatures compounds the fall or injury 

 

Fall statistics 

Falls are the number one reason for injury-related Emergency Department visits and accidental deaths in people aged 65 and over. Prevention is key. 

 

Indoor prevention 

  • Remove hazards (bags, baskets, cords and anything in walkways) 

  • Good lighting 

  • Non-slip rugs 

  • Make sure your clothes and shoes fit 

  • Bathroom grab bars 

 

Outdoor prevention 

  • Make sure surfaces are clear 

  • Use assistance devices for stability (walkers, canes) 

  • Dress for the weather 

  • Use a path you know 

  • Good lighting 

 

General safety measures 

  • Walk with a buddy 

  • Carry a cell phone 

  • Carry a medical alert system 

  • Wear watches with fall sensors 

  • Make a daily phone call or check in with a friend, family member or neighbor 

 

If you fall, soften your landing 

  • Flex forward into the fall, which gives you some control over direction. Fall sideways, if possible. 

  • Tuck your head and turn your shoulder into the fall to protect your head. 

  • Relax everything and fall like a sack of beans. 

  • Fall on the soft, fleshy places, like your buttocks and thighs. These areas have more protection and are lower to the ground. 

  • As you complete the fall, try to roll to your side in a ball. This will spread the impact to reduce injury and stop you from rolling farther. 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletter 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 out of three falls occur when someone slips or trips. This is especially true if you live in a climate that includes freezing temperatures in the winter. Cold weather makes it easier to fall and harder to maintain your balance. 

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“I thought I had the flu.”

Submitted by emily.griffin on

You are probably familiar with numbness in your left arm and amcrushing feeling in your chest as heart attack warning signs. But what if you don’t feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest? Sometimes, the symptoms are subtle and people ignore them, thinking they have indigestion or are getting the flu. This is especially true for women. 

 

Know the warning signs and call 911 immediately if you experience them. 

 

Heart attack symptoms in women: 

  • Chest pain, but not always 

  • Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen 

  • Jaw, neck or upper back pain 

  • Nausea or vomiting 

  • Shortness of breath 

  • Fainting 

  • Indigestion 

  • Extreme fatigue 

 

Heart attack symptoms in men: 

  • Squeezing chest pressure or pain 

  • Jaw, neck or back pain 

  • Nausea or vomiting 

  • Shortness of breath 

 

If you have heart attack symptoms: 

Call 911 immediately. 

The best treatment for a heart attack is to prevent one by taking care of your heart. Your Primary Care Physician can refer you to one of several Genesis heart care locations where you can learn more about diet, exercise and controlling your risk factors. Our Heart & Vascular Institute is at the Genesis main campus in Zanesville with additional offices are in Coshocton, Cambridge and Somerset. 

 

To learn more, visit genesishcs.org/heart. 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletter 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.

Sometimes, the symptoms of a heart attack are subtle and people ignore them, thinking they have indigestion or are getting the flu. This is especially true for women. 

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Heart healthy chocolate pie

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Ingredients: 

  • 13 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 

  • 1/3 cup coffee liqueur 

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

  • 1 pound silken tofu, drained 

  • 1 tablespoon honey 

  • 1 (9-inch) prepared chocolate wafer crust 

 

Directions: 

Place enough water in the bottom of a 4-quart saucepan to come 1 inch up the sides. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. 

 

Melt the chocolate chips with the liqueur and vanilla in a medium metal bowl set over the simmering water, stirring often with a rubber or silicone spatula. Combine the tofu, chocolate mixture and honey in a blender or food processor and spin until smooth, about 1 minute. 

 

Pour the filling into the crust and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until the filling sets firm. 

 

Chocolate wafer crust 

Ingredients: 

• 6 1/2 ounces chocolate wafer cookies 

• 1 tablespoon sugar 

• 3 ounces unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled 

 

Nutrition facts: 

• Calories 484 

• Total Fat 24 g 

• Sodium 363 mg 

• Total Carbohydrates 62 g 

• Fiber 1 g 

• Sugar 14 g 

• Protein 5 g 

 

Find more recipes at genesishcs.org/eatwell. 

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletter 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.

Try this delicious and healthy option for homemade chocolate pie!

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Lower your cholesterol naturally

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Maybe you just came from the doctor’s office and learned your cholesterol is too high. Maybe you want to avoid hearing those words from your doctor. Either way, take our quiz to learn more about cholesterol and tips to lower it naturally. 

 

1. All cholesterol is bad. 

False. Cholesterol is made up of HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Good cholesterol helps your body build cells and make vitamins. If you have too much of the bad cholesterol or not enough of the good, it can build up in the arteries leading to a heart attack or stroke. 

 

2. Foods with a lot of fiber and no saturated fats are best for naturally lowering cholesterol. 

True. According to Harvard Health, the best 11 foods to naturally lower your cholesterol are oatmeal (the old-fashioned kind), white (navy) beans, avocado, eggplant, carrots, almonds, kiwi, berries (raspberries and blackberries are the best, but strawberries and blueberries are also good), cauliflower, soy and salmon. 

 

3. Eating colorful fruits and vegetables can lower your cholesterol. 

True. Colorful fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber and contain sterols and stanols, molecules that block cholesterol. Generally, the richer the color of vegetables and fruits, the more nutrients they have. So, when shopping, look for dark green spinach, vibrant blueberries and so on. 

 

4. Exercise is the most important thing you can do to lower your cholesterol naturally. 

False. For decades, a healthy diet and exercise were recommended to naturally lower cholesterol. However, according to Harvard Health, an analysis found that exercise did not lower cholesterol. However, exercise provides so many other health benefits you should exercise regularly. 

 

Eating healthy is a great way to lower cholesterol naturally. However, sometimes our bodies need a little help, and there are medications to assist you when needed. If you have high cholesterol or want to prevent it, please talk to your family doctor about the best plan of action for you. 

 

To learn more about options for heart health, visit genesishcs.org/heart. 

 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletter 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.

Take our quiz to learn more about cholesterol and tips to lower it naturally. 

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The loneliness epidemic

Submitted by emily.griffin on

‘Tis the winter season, which has a reputation for sadness given the shorter, darker days. It’s also after the holidays when post-holiday funks are legendary. 

 

How do you know if you’re feeling alone or lonely? According to researchers, there’s a big difference. 

 

In 2020, health consulting firm Cigna conducted an online survey of adults in the United States to explore the impact of loneliness. They found that 61% of Americans reported loneliness in 2019, up from 54% in 2018. 

 

What did they want to know? 

The researchers first wanted to determine if people were alone or lonely. They learned that: 

  • Feeling alone occurs after situational variables, such as moving to a new location, losing a family member or friend and divorce. Even civic or religious holidays and events that bring people together, like a concert or the World Series, can cause people to feel disconnected when they are over. 

  • The feelings lasted for a short time. 

  • The feelings lessened as seasons and situations changed. 

 

People who said they were lonely shared the following: 

  • They reported little to no social support and infrequent meaningful social interactions. 

  • They did not feel good about their relationships. 

  • Their physical and mental health tended to be poor. 

  • They lacked balance in their daily activities – doing too much or too little of anything (for example, sleep or work). 

 

Figuring out if you are alone or lonely allows you to seek sources of support or otherwise make changes. Even if it does not feel comfortable, reach out. 

 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists many health conditions made worse by ongoing loneliness, including heart disease, depression, cognitive decline and weakened immune systems. 

 

Talk to your Primary Care Physician, who may have helpful resources. 

 

You can also: 

  • Find groups that share your interests. 

  • Volunteer. (See the next paragraph for groups in need.) 

  • Contact friends and family members regularly. 

  • Eat a healthy diet and spend time in nature. 

 

Young adults, mothers with young children, members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants and older people are all at increased risk for loneliness. The people in these groups need you and would most likely welcome you with open arms. 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletter 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.

‘Tis the winter season, which has a reputation for sadness given the shorter, darker days. It’s also after the holidays when post-holiday funks are legendary. 

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