Being there for you

“Hard times define one’s character” is a quote by author Ken Poirot. After two long years of COVID-19, I am in awe of the Genesis team. They continue to work long hours in the most difficult of circumstances and sacrifice time with loved ones they will never get back. They do all of this to care for each patient in their time of greatest need. They accepted the challenge and sacrifices and the emotional toll of caring for patients and families struggling with COVID-19.  

The heartbreaking truth is most of the suffering from COVID-19 can be avoided by getting the vaccine. The facts are clear. In 2021, almost 1,500 patients were hospitalized at Genesis with COVID-19. Of those patients, 80% were unvaccinated.

If everyone gets vaccinated, it will prevent so much human suffering and truly support our team and our community. It is the fastest and safest way to get this virus out of our lives. So, for the sake of you, your family, friends and neighbors, I encourage you to get vaccinated and receive a booster shot when needed.

Providers making a difference

On the following pages, you will meet new physicians who chose Genesis so they can care for this community. You will also learn how our doctors are using advanced robotic-assisted technology to improve care and extend and enhance the lives of community members.

Advancing healthcare

We are happy to announce that our new Genesis Orthopedic Center is now open. This facility offers board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons, a Walk-in Clinic, onsite therapies, imaging and more. In addition, our new Northside Pharmacy will open by late winter 2022 and will be Muskingum County’s only 24/7 pharmacy.

Thank you

The last couple of years has been very challenging. Everyone at Genesis is grateful for the support the community has shown. The signs in the parking lots, the well-wishes on social media help raise our spirits at the end of a hard day. We have come this far together, and together we will get beyond COVID-19.

Thank you, and we wish everyone the best of health.

Matthew J. Perry

President & CEO

Being there for you

Everybody forgets things once in a while, but if you notice it happening more frequently, is it cause to worry? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there is growing evidence you can reduce the decline in cognitive skills, which include the process of remembering, reacting and understanding, with lifestyle habits such as:

• Regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate
• Formal education, at any stage of life, helps your mind
• Stop smoking
• A healthy diet, one low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables
• Plenty of sleep
• Involvement in social activities that are meaningful to you
• Activities that challenge your mind, like games, puzzles or a building project

What’s the difference between normal, age-related forgetfulness and a serious memory problem? There are signs to help determine the difference. Typical age-related changes include: 

• Sometimes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later. 
• Sometimes having difficulty finding the right word.
• Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them. 

Signs to watch for that might go beyond the typical age-related changes include: 

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life and repeating the same questions. 
• Having trouble naming a familiar object, joining a conversation or repeating words. 
• Placing items in unusual places or go so far as to accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses. 

If you, a family member or friend has problems remembering recent events or thinking clearly, talk with a doctor. He or she may suggest a thorough checkup to see what might be causing the symptoms.

Everybody forgets things once in a while, but if you notice it happening more frequently, is it cause to worry?

Are you thinking about flying to your next vacation destination? Maybe you’re ready to go to a concert? As COVID-19 continues, many social situations require proof of a vaccine to participate. 

With the MyChart app on your phone, you have quick access to your vaccination records, which takes away the risk of being denied access to an event or venue because you lost your vaccine card. MyChart even provides a QR code that you can download to prove your vaccination status without logging into the app. 

To find your status within MyChart, log into the MyChart app, click “Menu,” and look for the COVID-19 virus icon.

MyChart signup

It’s quick and free to sign up for MyChart. In addition to using it to show your vaccination status, you can view test results, have a video visit with your provider, request medication refills and much more.

To get started today:

• Download the MyChart App from the Apple App Store or Google Play or go to mychart.genesishcs.org
• Click on “New user activation” and follow the easy instructions

Are you thinking about flying to your next vacation destination? Maybe you’re ready to go to a concert? As COVID-19 continues, many social situations require proof of a vaccine to participate.

Taking care of your physical health is important, but so is caring for your brain. So, give your body a rest and work out your mind tonight. Lift a few words, run through paragraphs and stretch your way through a chapter. Reading can benefit your health in multiple ways. 

Want to learn more? Take our quiz and start your workout without the smelly gym clothes. 

Taking care of your physical health is important, but so is caring for your brain. Reading can benefit your health in multiple ways.

A new Northside Pharmacy is coming soon to 721 Taylor St. in Zanesville. It will be Muskingum County’s only 24/7 pharmacy, giving you round-the-clock access to a pharmacist to fill or refill prescriptions and answer your medication questions. 

The new pharmacy will have goods and over-the-county medication for purchase during typical store hours. Easy drive-through access and plenty of parking will make this new location a convenient customer experience.

For more information visit www.northsiderx.com.

A new Northside Pharmacy is coming soon to 721 Taylor St. in Zanesville. It will be Muskingum County’s only 24/7 pharmacy, giving you round-the-clock access to a pharmacist to fill or refill prescriptions and answer your medication questions.

Preparing the perfect cup of tea can take practice. Especially because there are so many types of tea and ways to prepare it. Follow the steps below and enjoy. 

Green Tea – Add a tea bag or leaves just as the water begins to boil. Steep for 3 minutes uncovered. Don’t add anything for a refreshing tea flavor. 

Black Tea – Add a tea bag or leaves when the water arrives at a full boil. Steep for 5 minutes covered. Add a little honey, milk or lemon to taste. 

Oolong Tea – Add a tea bag or leaves when the water arrives at a full boil. Steep for 3 minutes covered. Oolong is the perfect tea for adding a citrus flavor like lemon or orange.

White Tea – Add a tea bag or leaves when the water is just under a boil. Steep for 2 minutes uncovered. White tea is best when enjoyed plain. The addition of milk, sugar, lemon or any spice is disruptive to its delicate tea flavor. 

Herbal Tea – Add a tea bag or leaves when the water arrives at a full boil. Herbal tea can steep forever unless it contains a tea listed above. Enjoy plain. Adding a little honey for root herbal teas can improve the taste but will add calories.

Tips: Use bottled, freshly drawn filtered water. If you use tap water, let it run for 10 seconds before use for fresher taste. Use one tea bag or one level teaspoon of loose tea per serving. Once the tea is ready, remove the bag or leaves to avoid excessive brewing that would cause a bitter taste.

Preparing the perfect cup of tea can take practice. Especially because there are so many types of tea and ways to prepare it.

The new Genesis Orthopedic Center opened in December 2021 at 2904 Bell St., Zanesville. Now all Genesis orthopedic providers are in one location. This makes it easier and more convenient for patients to receive high-quality orthopedic care. 

All orthopedic providers in one place

• Board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement surgery
• Orthopedic surgeons fellowship-trained in hand surgery
• Board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine and shoulder surgeons
• Board-certified and fellowship-trained sports medicine/physical medicine and rehab physician
• Advanced practice providers
• Athletic trainers
• Physical and occupational therapists

Appointments not needed for Walk-in Clinic

The Genesis Orthopedic Walk-in Clinic is also in the new Orthopedic Center. If you have a minor injury like a sprain, strain, muscle pull or injured finger, the Orthopedic Walk-in Clinic is a great resource to save you a trip to the Emergency Department. Appointments are not needed. The Genesis Orthopedic Walk-in Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Therapies and imaging on-site

Need an X-ray when seeing a provider? We have it here. Prescribed physical or occupational therapy after surgery or for an injury? No need to go elsewhere. It’s all at the new Genesis Orthopedic Center.

To make an appointment with an orthopedic provider at the Genesis Orthopedic Center, call 740-586-6828. A physician’s referral is not needed.

The new Genesis Orthopedic Center opened in December 2021 at 2904 Bell St., Zanesville. Now all Genesis orthopedic providers are in one location.

Megan Miller, D.O.

Genesis Primary Care

It’s that time of year when we recently made resolutions to lose or maintain weight. Is a New Year’s resolution the best way to manage weight? Megan Miller, D.O., Genesis Primary Care, gives us an answer and provides tips to help us achieve our weight goals. 

New Year’s resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are a great way to encourage change but making a resolution to lose weight isn’t always a good idea. Focusing on weight can result in giving up on the resolution easily when results aren’t seen. I encourage patients to refocus their goals towards daily attainable feats. Ideas include eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water (instead of sugary drinks), or being more active.

Fad diets and more

Extreme fad diets are rarely sustainable over the long term. I encourage patients to make changes to their eating habits that they can maintain forever. Even subtle changes will result in gradual weight loss over time. I encourage the concepts of intermittent fasting and low carbohydrate diets. A simple form of intermittent fasting would be to limit the hours of the day when you eat. For the best results, make it earlier in the day. For example, eat between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. or even 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Then fast the rest of the day.

For low carbohydrate diets, focus meals around lean meats like chicken, fish or lean beef and choose fresh vegetables. Avoid pastas, breads and potatoes. Shifting your food choice at meals will help you make small changes that can result in weight loss over the long run.

Nutritional plan

A balanced nutritional plan is important when trying to lose weight. Pay attention to portion size. Portions smaller than the size of your palm for meat servings and smaller than the size of your fist for most other foods are best. You also want to eat whole foods rich in natural vitamins and antioxidants, which are important for maintaining a healthy body.

Exercise

Daily exercise is important to be healthy and aids in weight loss when you are also following a healthy diet. I recommend 30 minutes of exercise every day. Cardio-type exercise is preferred. For those who are just starting out on an exercise program, a brisk 30-minute walk is the easiest way to get started. After some time, as you become more in shape, increasing your pace (even jogging) will help increase cardio intensity. Incorporating yoga, Pilates or some simple stretching in between workouts helps reduce stress and increase flexibility. These are important for overall health.

Keeping the weight off

If you want to maintain your current weight, be consistent. Try to get the same amount of sleep and drink plenty of water daily. Carve out your 30 minutes of exercise and focus on making good food choices. Try to eat early in the day. Also take time to relax and reduce stress each day.

Consult your physician

If you are considering drastically changing your eating habits or starting an exercise routine, I recommend consulting your physician first.

Dr. Megan Miller's tips for weight loss.

Abdul Dada, M.D.
Genesis Primary Care

Doctor of Medicine: Saint James School of Medicine in Anguilla
Family Medicine Residency: AMITA Health Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois

“Medicine is changing from a physician to a patient-centered approach,” said Abdul Dada, M.D., who joined Genesis Primary Care as a family physician in September. “We now ask patients for input on their treatment,” he said. “This is a great way to practice because if patients are reluctant to do something the physician tells them, they may not do it. However, if patients are involved in the medical decision making, they will be more inclined to do what helps them.”

Dr. Dada chose family practice because it covers the entire scope of medicine. “This is the type of medicine I want to be a part of,” Dr. Dada said. “I want to be a physician who can treat any patient with any problem. Typically, primary care physicians can treat most patients’ problems.”

“A common misconception about what I do is that I just prescribe medications and tell people to go on about their day,” Dr. Dada said. “This is not how family medicine works. We are in a field where communication and working together is of utmost importance.” He said rarely does a patient arrive, tell him his or her symptoms and leave the office with a prescription. 
“During visits, I talk to the patient about things they may be going through to get to know them better,” Dr. Dada said.

Dr. Dada enjoys playing basketball in his free time. “I try to play three or four times a week, and I’m in a league right now,” he said. “I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I could be doing anything and enjoy it as long as I am with the people I love.”

Dr. Dada is located at Genesis Primary Care, 1210 Ashland Ave., Zanesville and is accepting new patients. His office phone number is 740-454-0370.

Dany Abou Abdallah. M.D.
Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine

Doctor of Medicine: Saint-Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon
Board-certified: Pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine
Sleep Medicine Fellowship: The Medical College of Ohio, The Toledo Sleep Disorders Center in Toledo, Ohio
Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine Fellowship: SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York
Internal Medicine Residency: Cleveland Clinic Health System in Cleveland, Ohio

A good night’s sleep is critical, according to Dany Abou Abdallah, M.D., who joined Genesis Pulmonary & Critical Care Specialists in September. Most Americans are sleep deprived; however, Dr. Abou Abdallah said studies strongly support the potential dangers of sleep deprivation on cognition and work performance. Unfortunately, taking a nap will not solve sleep deprivation. “The best resolution for lack of sleep is to have a restful and regular sleep-wake schedule,” he said.

The field of critical care medicine and its disciplines fascinated Dr. Abou Abdallah during his training in internal medicine. He chose pulmonary medicine as his second specialty so he could treat critically ill patients whose condition affects their respiratory systems. “My background in pulmonary medicine enables me to treat patients who have acute lung diseases and manage those who have chronic respiratory diseases,” Dr. Abou Abdallah said.

“I chose to specialize in sleep medicine after I noticed sleep or lack of sleep can affect my patients’ chronic lung diseases or vice versa,” Dr. Abou Abdallah said. The field of sleep medicine is quite extensive and encompasses other sleep-related conditions such as insomnia and narcolepsy.

“My best time is spent around my wife and two young boys,” Dr. Abou Abdallah said. His hobbies include skiing, jogging, soccer and ping-pong. Dr. Abou Abdallah brings more than 20 years of experience to Genesis. He is located in the Genesis Pulmonary/Critical Care Specialists office, 945 Bethesda Drive, Suite 260, Zanesville. The office phone number is 
740-586-6888. Dr. Abou Abdallah is accepting new patients. A referral is required.

Meet our new Primary Care and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine providers.

Do you dread winter because you get the blues? If you had the blues or felt depressed the past two winters but feel better in the spring and summer, you may have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.