LiveWell | Genesis Healthcare System

Spotlight on Edmund Kassis, M.D.

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Edmund Kassis, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon, brings both clinical experience and leadership skills to his new position with Genesis HealthCare System. 

In addition to performing surgeries at Genesis Hospital, Dr. Kassis serves as medical director of cardiothoracic surgery within the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group. 

Dr. Kassis specializes in the surgical removal of lung cancer, esophageal cancer and mediastinal tumors. He performs a full range of traditional and minimally invasive procedures, and optimizes patient benefits by frequently utilizing innovative robotic-assisted technologies in the treatment of thoracic cancers.  

“Robotic-assisted technology allows outstanding visualization of the chest,” he said. “The instrumentation is like working with your hands but doesn’t require spreading a patient’s ribs and uses much smaller incisions. Patients who are candidates benefit from shorter hospital stays, less pain and the ability to return to work and normal activities faster.”  

Initially inspired to pursue medicine by family members who passed away from lung cancer, Dr. Kassis aims to help others facing similar diagnoses. He takes a direct approach to educating patients and strives to provide top-quality surgical care. “I always have my patients’ best interests in mind and want them to understand their treatment,” he said.

When asked about his most rewarding professional moments, Dr. Kassis said they include the satisfaction of an operation well done, seeing patients thriving in the hospital post-surgery and congratulating patients at the five-year mark when they are declared cancer-free.

Outside of work, Dr. Kassis enjoys taking his body to the extreme. Always moving, he has completed multiple Ironman competitions and is training for a 36-hour endurance hike. He also golfs and scuba dives.

Doctor of Medicine:  
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

General Surgery Residency:  
The Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, Maryland
Chief Resident 

Fellowships:  
Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas 

Board-certified:  
American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery

LiveWell

Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:00

Edmund Kassis, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon, brings both clinical experience and leadership skills to his new position with Genesis HealthCare System. 

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A letter from our President and CEO | LiveWell Spring 2023

Read more about A letter from our President and CEO | LiveWell Spring 2023

Off to a Great Start

In the past month, Fortune Magazine/PINC AI, a healthcare improvement technology company, ranked Genesis as one of America’s top 50 heart hospitals. We also opened the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center. Wow, what a month.

These milestones are the result of many years of recruiting and supporting the best people, implementing innovative technology and, most importantly, the support we received from you. You trusted us to care for you when you were in need. Your faith in us made these achievements possible.

We thank you and applaud the efforts of everyone at Genesis. Their work has and will continue to save lives. According to Fortune Magazine/PINC AI, if all hospitals performed at the top 50 heart hospital level, an additional 7,600 lives could be saved each year nationally.

With the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center providing local access to high-quality care, more families and neighbors can live longer, healthier and more enjoyable lives.

New to Genesis Heart & Vascular Group

We continually invest in technology and recruitment of physicians with the skills, experience and knowledge to advance the care we provide. In this issue, you can learn about our new medical director of thoracic surgery.

Power restored

Some patients do not return to life as it was. They improve. In this issue, a Coshocton native tells us how the support of his medical team after he suffered two heart attacks helped him change his life.

You’ll also meet a patient who benefited from a therapy using platelet-rich plasma. He is pain-free and enjoying his lifelong hobby, restoring vintage cars.

Community Benefit Report

Genesis HealthCare System annually provides no- and low-cost services, screenings, classes and events to help our communities get and stay well. These programs, investments and outcomes are reported in the Community Benefit Report, which is included in this special edition of LiveWell. These services are just some of many ways Genesis gives back to our communities every year.

In good health,

Matthew J. Perry

President & CEO

LiveWell

Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:00

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(Recipe) Healthier homestyle meatloaf

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Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fat-free milk

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 lb. 93-97% lean ground beef

• 1 slice (1½ oz) whole grain bread

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• 2 egg whites

• ½ cup steamed broccoli florets, chopped

• ½ cup roasted red pepper, chopped

• ½ cup white onion, chopped

Nutritional information:

• Serving size: 2 slices

• Calories: 178

• Total fat: 4 g

• Saturated fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 47 mg

• Sodium: 189 mg

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Protein: 20 g

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a 9” x 5” loaf pan with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, one tablespoon of ketchup, mustard and egg white. Add onion, red pepper and broccoli and set the mixture aside. In a food processor, pulse bread until completely crumbled. Add ground beef and breadcrumbs to the vegetable mixture. Add basil, parsley and black pepper. Mix all ingredients together by hand. Place meat mixture into loaf pan. Brush the remaining three tablespoons of ketchup over the top. Bake for one hour or until the thermometer inserted in the center of the pan registers 160 degrees. Let stand for 10 minutes. Cut meatloaf into 12 slices.

Find more recipes at genesishcs.org/eatwell.

LiveWell

Recipes

Tue, 01/31/2023 - 10:36

Try this healthier version of a classic for your next family dinner.

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Four Ways to Give Your Brain a Workout

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The word crossword might conjure up an image of a grandfather sitting around the kitchen table with a cup of joe, a newspaper and a pencil. Does that crossword help keep his mind sharp? Well, that’s still up for debate. Although study results have been mixed, most researchers agree that our brain needs exercise like our body. Brain games can’t hurt us, and they’re less smelly than going to the gym. Here are five ways to give your brain a workout:

1. Keep learning new skills

Whether it’s a new type of brain game or learning how to quilt, the Synapse Project study published in Psychological Science found that learning new skills helped the memory of older adults.

2. Play around with number puzzles

A study published in 2019 in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that number puzzles can help with things like attention, reasoning and memory, even in adults with dementia.

3. Try complex and challenging things – and keep practicing

According to Harvard Health, a complicated puzzle or challenging brain game fits the bill. You can also take a challenge you already enjoy and turn it up a notch. If you are a golfer, take a swing at a more challenging course. Knitter? Stitch a new pattern. Studies show these challenges will sharpen your thinking.

4. Tackle that word puzzle

According to the online PROTECT study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in 2018, older folks who completed a word puzzle a day showed better cognitive skills than those who did not often do puzzles.

5. Experiment with brain teasers – and involve your children

Brain games are not just for the elderly. A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental and Science Education found that brain teasers can even help young kids increase their attention span.

You don’t need fancy gadgets or the latest app to keep your mind sharp. Weave some new and challenging puzzles, brain games and crosswords into your day-to-day life, and you might notice your memory or thinking skills improve. At the very least, you had some fun.

LiveWell

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 15:00

You don’t need fancy gadgets or the latest app to keep your mind sharp. Here are five ways to give your brain a workout:

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Blisters 101

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Self-control + sanitary conditions

Question: What do spider bites, sunburns, chicken pox and tight shoes have in common?

Answer: They can all lead to blisters.

While blisters may begin as small, bothersome bubbles that form under the skin and fill with fluid, they can lead to infected areas needing medical attention. To help blisters heal quickly and without further issues, follow these guidelines:

1. Don’t pop it

That billowing booboo may call to you like a plump pimple, but white-knuckle-grip your self-control and don’t pop that blister. Picking, popping and probing blisters increases the chances of introducing bacteria to the wound, which can lead to festering infections.

2. Keep it clean

To keep bacteria at bay, wash the sore area with warm water and mild soap, then apply an antibacterial cream. Top it off with a fresh bandage or gauze, then give that blister time to

heal. Most blisters heal naturally within one to two weeks.

3. Know when to see a doctor

Generally, blisters don’t require a doctor’s expertise, but if a blister oozes with green or yellow pus, feels hot to the touch, or becomes more painful to the touch over the course of a few days, it may be infected. Don’t ignore an infected blister. A doctor can determine if your infection needs antibiotics for healing.

4. Change shoes/equipment

Blisters most often pop up due to excessive friction and pressure. So, stop the heavy, rubbing irritation that caused the blister in the first place. Sometimes that’s as simple as changing shoes, other times it means putting down the hand tools or baseball bat for a few days.

Are blisters preventable?

Research confirms that friction blisters form most easily on thick, stiff skin (like the soles of the feet) versus thinner skin. That’s why avid hikers, marathon runners and other athletes eagerly try all kinds of potential prevention tricks and tips to avoid blister pain.

“When it comes to blisters on the feet, I get asked about taping, specialty socks, foot powders, bandages and buying expensive shoes,” said Sierra Giesey, APRN-CNP. “I can’t guarantee any of those treatments will prevent the development of blisters. However, it may reduce the risk. I recommend finding out what works best on your skin through trial and error.”

LiveWell

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 14:00

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To Freeze or Not to Freeze?

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Health and safety tips for frozen meat

As demand for protein – from beef to poultry – steadily increases, consumers stock up on their favorite cuts. Stashing it all in the freezer remains the go-to option, but what does this do to food long-term? You may have found yourself frantically searching the internet to see if your hamburger is still good after a month, or maybe even a year.

While freezing meat prevents unwanted bacteria, the process also impacts the meat in different areas. For example, one study posted on the National Library of Medicine website in 2021 claimed that freezing improves meat tenderness. However, it can have a negative impact on other qualities, including color and flavor. The intensity of changes to the meat mostly depends on the freezer’s size and distribution of ice crystals caused by the freezer’s temperature and the meat’s length of time in the freezer.

Unfortunately, researchers have not created a set of hard and fast rules about freezing and storing meat because all freezers are different, as well as the cuts of meat and other factors. However, a study on the National Library of Medicine website from 2013 recommends storing meat at 0° F. According to the USDA, food stays safe indefinitely in the freezer, but once removed and beginning to thaw, bacteria start to spread.

The USDA also gives suggestions for three methods for safely thawing food:

In the refrigerator – this method takes the most time, so plan ahead. Ever forget to cook the thawed meat sitting in the fridge? The USDA says not to worry. It stays safe for an extra day or two.
In cold water – while faster than the fridge method, this requires more supervision. Place the meat in an airtight, leak-proof container before giving it a cold-water bath.
In the microwave – for safety’s sake, cook meat thawed in the microwave immediately.

Even after an extended stay in the freezer, frozen meat retains its nutrition and most of its flavor. So, check the freezer temperature, follow the USDA’s thawing suggestions and enjoy a delicious meal.

Go to genesishcs.org/yourhealth for more Wellness Resources.

LiveWell

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 15:00

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Choosing a Hospice Care Provider

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Life is a journey, and when your loved one enters the last stages of that journey due to a serious illness, it’s comforting to know the same local healthcare system caring for your loved one will also be there to help you and your family when you need it the most.

When and how to choose hospice

When it’s not possible to cure a serious illness or a loved one doesn’t want to undergo further treatment, it’s wise to consider hospice care. So, how do you choose a hospice provider? How can you find information about hospice services? We want to help you understand the hospice options in our community and how to choose one that will best meet the needs of your loved one and your family.

For example, is your hospice provider a for-profit or a non-profit organization? What kind of hospice services does the provider offer, such as in the home, in the hospital, at an outside facility that specializes only in hospice care, or in assisted living or nursing facilities?

Does your insurance cover hospice?

If not, or you don’t have insurance, how expensive would hospice care be for your loved one?

We have a list of questions you may want to ask when considering a hospice provider. We also have a list of all area hospice providers. Go to genesishcs.org/hospice to find information that can help you make these important decisions before your loved one enters the last stage of life.

What does Genesis Hospice offer patients and families? Genesis Hospice is the area’s only charitable, non-profit organization offering a full continuum of hospice care.

We are with patients in their homes or at the Morrison House, the only designated inpatient hospice in our area. We also provide care to patients if they need to be in Genesis Hospital or in assisted living or nursing facilities. Genesis Hospice is rated a 5 Star organization — the highest that can be achieved — by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid.

Our team of professionals work together to manage symptoms so that patients’ days are spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by loved ones. Hospice care is also patient- and family-centered, with the patient and the family making the decisions.

As Genesis Hospice is a non-profit organization, no one receives a bill for care, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

To learn more about Genesis Hospice, go to genesishcs.org/hospice.

LiveWell

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 14:00

We want to help you understand the hospice options in our community and how to choose one that will best meet the needs of your loved one and your family.

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The Path to a Top 100 Hospital

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Fortune Magazine and Merative, a data, analytics and technology partner for the healthcare industry, included Genesis HealthCare System in its prestigious Top 100 Hospitals list for 2022. Here’s a look at one of the Genesis HealthCare System initiatives that helped Genesis earn this recognition.

Heath Herron, R.N., who has worked for Genesis for more than 15 years in various patient-facing roles and participates in the Patient Safety Committee, said, “We set a goal to provide the best patient care and to continually get better.”

One of the ways that Genesis is continually achieving excellence is that the health system has created a culture where anyone on the Genesis team can suggest improvements. Bedside nurses, technicians, doctors and everyone else can suggest improvements at any time. After a suggestion is made, the Patient Safety Committee reviews the ideas and establishes teams to implement solutions that result in better, safer patient care.

The Patient Safety Committee is typically analyzing five to six improvement opportunities at any time.

One example of these efforts involves blood thinner medicines, which lots of patients use to lower the risk of harmful blood clots. These medicines require physicians, nurses and pharmacists to analyze many factors to make sure these medicines are safely given. The team identified an opportunity to standardize how these medicines are ordered and used powerful data tools to add automated safety checks.

The result is an increase in safety for patients on these life-saving medicines. Genesis is one of the first health systems in the country with this capability, and it is all because of the power of Genesis teams.

Genesis Chief Nursing Officer Shon Bender, R.N., and Genesis Chief Medical Officer Scott Wegner, M.D., spearhead the team that reviews suggestions. “However, they don’t make final decisions,” Herron said. “They bring solutions to a larger team for a vote. It’s a powerful thing when frontline staff sees changes within a week. It makes them feel good to make a difference beyond their normal responsibilities.”

“We have great people with great suggestions,” said Dr. Wegner. “It’s become part of our culture for everyone to speak up. Improvement is an ongoing process.”

The direct lines of communication Herron referred to go beyond Genesis. Genesis also shares challenges and successes with other hospitals. “Who gets the credit is not important. Only that we can provide the best care,” said Dr. Wegner. “We’re going to keep getting better. If we are recognized with awards, well, that is okay too.”

Using independent public data and proprietary analytics, the Top 100 Hospitals study recognizes hospitals that have clearly demonstrated top performance in care, efficiency and community value.

LiveWell

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 15:00

Here’s a look at one of the Genesis HealthCare System initiatives that helped Genesis earn this recognition.

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Spotlight on Kethelyne Beauvais, M.D.

Read more about Spotlight on Kethelyne Beauvais, M.D.

Genesis Primary Care

Kethelyne Beauvais, M.D., joined Genesis Primary Care in August 2022, specializing in family medicine. As a teen, Dr. Beauvais says she liked to study biology. Outside of school, she participated in many service activities. She says it didn’t take long for her to realize that becoming a doctor would allow her to pursue both passions.

In college, she volunteered at a free clinic. She worked with a family medicine physician and observed how he served. “It made an impact,” Dr. Beauvais said. “It was about helping and healing the community, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Dr. Beauvais also believes education is an important part of healthcare. When asked to give some advice about staying healthy, she offered several tips.

“Don’t underestimate the power of washing your hands — it seems like a little thing. With so many viruses around, it’s important,” she advised. “If you have kids, have them wash their hands when they come home from school and teach them to wash before they eat.”

She also encourages everyone to become familiar with the three-digit number “988.” Dialing the number routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7.

Any more words of wisdom? “The phrase ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ is good advice,” Dr. Beauvais said. “Even if you feel great, it’s important to check in with your primary healthcare provider. If you catch things early, it can make a big difference.”

Dr. Beauvais is accepting new patients at Genesis Primary Care, 401 Lincoln Park Drive, Suite A, New Lexington. Her office phone number is 740-342-5107.

Doctor of Medicine: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia

Residency: Family Medicine, Brown University, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Board-certified: The American Academy of Family Medicine

LiveWell

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 14:00

Dr. Beauvais also believes education is an important part of healthcare. When asked to give some advice about staying healthy, she offered several tips.

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Spotlight on Trevor Ellison, M.D., Ph.D.

Read more about Spotlight on Trevor Ellison, M.D., Ph.D.

Cardiac Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Trevor Ellison, M.D., Ph.D., recently joined the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group, serving as Medical Director. In this role, he oversees cardiothoracic services at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute and will lead the clinical team in cardiac surgery.

As a surgeon, he will perform a full range of traditional and minimally invasive heart procedures, such as aortic surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, TAVR, TEVAR, MitraClip and open valve repair and replacement.

Dr. Ellison said that the intricacy, nuance and technical skill required to perform operations with outcomes that are seen immediately is what drew him to cardiology. “There is non-stop variety, and the field is developing so rapidly that it requires constant study — both of which I enjoy.”

Growing up, Dr. Ellison witnessed frequent medical care given to his three siblings, all of whom have special needs. His brother has cerebral palsy and needed to undergo many orthopedic surgeries, which opened Dr. Ellison’s eyes to the medical profession. From the age of 12, he knew he wanted to become a doctor.

Dr. Ellison was awarded a prestigious scholarship from the Gates Cambridge Trust through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. With the scholarship, he focused on international medical relief while earning his MBA from the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England.

Outside of work, Dr. Ellison’s favorite activity is to spend time with his family. He and his wife have two girls, ages 5 and 9, and two boys, ages 11 and 13.

Dr. Ellison is accepting new patients by physician referral. His office is in the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute, 955 Bethesda Drive, First Floor, Zanesville. The office phone number is 740-454-0804.

Doctor of Medicine: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland

General Surgery Residency: The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland

Fellowships: Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland

Ph.D.: Health Economics and Policy, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland

Board-certified: American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery

LiveWell

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 16:00

Spotlight on Trevor Ellison, M.D., Ph.D.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Trevor Ellison, M.D., Ph.D., recently joined the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group, serving as Medical Director.

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