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Healthy
Fall 2020
COMHS.org
COMMUNITY
COMHS.org
This issue:
CHRONIC
PAIN
TV PERSONALITY &
RECORDING ARTIST
Kristin
Chenoweth
MANAGING
MÉNIÈRE'S DISEASE
FOCUS
on
COVER story
CHRONIC
Kristin
abrupt changes in the weather and
the barometric pressure, so I keep
PAIN an eye on both. All of these
FOR preventive measures help me
Chenoweth
manage my condition. However,
what is so frustrating about
Ménière’s is that you can follow the
exact routine and still have an
attack.
How has Ménière’s affected
THE SHOW MUST GO ON your life and career?
In my 30s, I thought my career was
over. But by knowing my triggers
and taking care of myself, I’ve been
able to manage my condition for the
The Emmy and Tony Award winner most part. To be honest, my greatest
talks about the medical condition difficulty today is explaining to
producers in my business what my
that almost ended her career.
K
disease is and how it affects my
body.
RISTIN When did you first think
CHENOWETH something was medically
has enjoyed a wrong?
remarkable career as I was in my 20s, dancing in a rehearsal
a singer and actress room in New York City. When I finished
since leaving her dancing, it felt like I was still spinning.
hometown of Broken My head began to pound and I threw
Arrow, Oklahoma, and up. After suffering for a couple of
arriving in New York years, I finally found a doctor who
City in 1993. Her diagnosed me correctly. After three
powerful soprano days of medical testing, I discovered I Tell us about your work with
voice has been had Ménière’s disease. the 2019 Migraine World
featured in Broadway stage Summit.
productions that include Wicked and What are the symptoms that
The event took place in Los Angeles,
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. you normally experience?
and I was happy to be there to share
She’s starred in TV shows such as The Usually, it starts with a migraine my story. I believe people there who
West Wing and Glee. And she recently headache. I often say the feeling of also suffer from migraines and
released her latest album, For The having a migraine is like getting a Ménière’s disease or other chronic
Girls. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the brain freeze if you drink something pain conditions understood my
greatest female singers throughout that’s cold too fast, but then it doesn’t frustrations and could find support by
history and features guest artists Dolly end. At other times, I can just wake up hearing my story. When people come
Parton, Reba McEntire, Jennifer with vertigo. What really stinks is that together and discuss their issues, that
Hudson and Ariana Grande. But what there are no warning signs. It just can be a real source of healing.
is perhaps even more remarkable is happens spontaneously. Fortunately,
that, for almost her entire professional there are some things I can do to Looking ahead, what projects
career, Kristin has achieved all this prevent an attack. For example, I are you working on now?
despite suffering from Ménière’s sleep on an incline. I can’t sleep flat Well, I'm scheduled to star in new
disease, a disorder of the inner ear because laying my head down affects musical called Death Becomes Her,
that can cause dizzy spells and my inner ear. I also use a nasal rinse, which is based on a 1992 movie
vertigo. Healthy Community recently and very rarely drink alcohol. Salt is a starring Meryl Streep and Goldie
spoke to Kristin to hear her story of real trigger, so I’m on a low sodium Hawn. I'm also involved in a project
perseverance in living with this chronic diet. I’ve also noticed that my about Brownie Wise, the woman
medical condition. condition seems to be connected to behind the man who created
2 Community Healthcare System | Fall 2020
Making
the Pain
Go Away
C
“When people
come together HRONIC PAIN can have
a debilitating effect on
and discuss their the quality of life. Pain
issues, that can management physicians
can help alleviate patients’ pain and
be a real source often identify the underlying cause.
of healing.”
©2019 BRUCE GILKAS
Community Healthcare System
hospitals offer pain clinics where
patients can receive evaluations
and a variety of treatments.
“We have a big tool kit to treat
Right: Kristin’s seventh album For The Girls someone with pain,” says Physical
pays homage to the women singers who
influenced her career. Below right: Kristin at Medicine and Rehabilitation
the theatre that bears her name in Broken Specialist Nikhil Shetty, MD, who
Arrow, OK.
cares for patients in the Pain
Tupperware. Brownie Wise was doing Center of St. Mary Medical Center
“Me Too” way before anyone had ever in Hobart. “It’s important to be
heard of “Me Too.” I also filmed a evaluated by a pain physician to
Netflix movie coming out later this look at each of the possibilities
year called Holidate. And, if I can, I’d and develop an individualized
like to mention my support for two treatment plan for that person.”
charities that are dear to my heart. More conservative approaches
One is an annual Broadway Bootcamp to pain management often prove
that I started in 2015 in Broken Arrow. successful, Shetty says. These
It provides young Broadway hopefuls may include physical therapy,
with the opportunity to take classes,
stretching or even over-the-counter
hold performances and learn from top
medications or ointments. Common
mentors in the entertainment industry.
The other is my partnership with the outpatient procedures may include
Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center epidural injections, nerve blocks or
(BAPAC) Foundation. It’s the radiofrequency ablations.
cornerstone of the arts district in my
hometown, and I’m really proud of it.
Pain Centers Offer Relief
Any final piece of advice?
I want everyone who is suffering from To learn more about Pain Management
migraines or Ménière’s disease or services at the hospitals of
Community Healthcare System:
chronic pain in general to know that
Community Hospital,
they’re not alone. It’s also important to St. Catherine Hospital and
share what you’re going through with St. Mary Medical Center, visit
those you love and trust. I’ve found COMHS.org/services/pain-management.
that having that kind of emotional For a physician referral call 219-836-3477
support provides me with the strength or 866-836-3477.
to carry on. T
COMHS.org Fall 2020 | Healthy Community 3
FOCUS
on
CHRONIC
PAIN
Physical Therapy:
A Smart Choice If You Are
Experiencing Chronic Pain
P
hysical
therapy (PT) is an
important but
often overlooked
part of managing
and treating
chronic pain. In
fact, PT can reduce or, in some The first step in the process
cases, eliminate chronic pain. It is for a physical therapist to
can also greatly improve the perform an evaluation. An
quality of life of patients by helping
them be more active and
individualized treatment plan is
then developed to address the Manual
independent. Physical therapists
are specially trained to teach
patient’s specific challenges and
goals, either on an inpatient or Therapies
exercises and techniques that help outpatient basis, depending on the Manual therapies can include
patients regain their strength, patient’s needs and the severity of stretching and soft- or deep-tissue
mobility, balance and range of the condition. Your physical massage, which can decrease pain
motion. They are experts not only therapist has a wide variety of and promote healing by helping
in treating pain, but also identifying therapeutic strategies and muscles relax and boosting
its source. treatment options to choose from. circulation.
4 Community Healthcare System | Fall 2020
Exercise TENS
(Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Find Relief from
In many cases, physical therapy
involves working out on specially Stimulation) This therapy uses
designed equipment such as a low-voltage electrical current that
treadmill, stationary bike, parallel comes through electrodes
bars, steps/stairs, poles, pulleys, attached to the skin to provide Kristin Chenoweth was
pain relief. diagnosed with Ménière’s disease
free weights, and other ergonomic
(see story on page 2) after seeing an
aids. All of these different
exercises can be used to Education otolaryngologist, more commonly
known as an ENT, a physician who
Is Key
strengthen muscles and improve
specializes in the diagnosis and
flexibility to heal painful
treatment of disorders of the ear,
joints.
One of the most important nose and throat. Allergies are one of
Ultra-
responsibilities for a physical the most common disorders that
therapist is teaching patients ENTs treat every day, especially if
sound proper techniques and providing
information they can use after their
patients are suffering from nasal
congestion, post nasal drip, recurring
This therapeutic therapy has concluded. These sinusitis (inflammation or swelling of
technique delivers techniques may include proper the tissue lining the sinuses), or a
deep heating to the posture alignment when walking cough that won’t go away.
soft tissues of the body, and sitting, lifting techniques, If you suffer from allergies,
including muscles, ongoing exercises and strength you’re not alone. More than 100
tendons, joints and training. Equipped with this million Americans suffer from
ligaments. information, patients can continue allergies. The most common
their therapy at home, allergies include hay fever and
improving their health and allergic reactions to insect bites,
significantly increasing their ability food and drugs. Allergy symptoms
to manage their pain or stop a typically include sneezing, itching of
reoccurrence. the nose and eyes, a runny or stuffy
nose, and watery, red or swollen
Physical Therapy eyes, but the symptoms can vary
Physical therapy can be arranged with a depending on the type of allergic
Hot & physician referral through the hospitals
of Community Healthcare System
reaction. Allergic reactions can affect
your airways, skin, digestive system,
Cold
or any of the many outpatient facilities sinuses and nasal passages. The
across Northwest Indiana. reactions can range from mild to
Visit COMHS.org/therapy-services
severe, even life-threatening. If you
Therapies for more information.
think may have allergies, don’t suffer
needlessly. Talk to your primary care
Treating pain with hot or cold can Although PT is usually arranged physician about your symptoms. T
often reduce inflammation, relieve through your primary care
pain and promote healing. How- physician, in many cases, your
ever, knowing which situations call health insurance will often cover Find Relief from Allergies
for heat, and which for cold, can be physical therapy without a
important. In general, ice is used to physician referral. Be sure to check For a list of ear, nose and throat
treat acute injuries or pain in order with your provider and with your specialists or otolaryngologists in
your area, call the free physician
to reduce inflammation and health insurance administrator. T referral line for the hospitals of
swelling. Heat, dry or moist, works Community Healthcare System,
in the opposite manner. It 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477. Online,
promotes circulation and is often click on COMHS.org/find-a-doctor.
Sources: APTA, Healthline.com
used for muscle pain or stiffness.
COMHS.org Fall 2020 | Healthy Community 5
FOCUS
on
CHRONIC Finding The Help
PAIN
You Need To Treat
Chronic Pain
Your Guidebook from Community Healthcare System
ALL THE ARE YOU LIVING WITH chronic pain? If you are one of the
WAYS 50 million Americans who do, Community Healthcare System is
here to make sure you or a loved one don’t suffer needlessly. In this
WE CARE article, we provide helpful information about the four most
1
common types of chronic pain—arthritis, nerve pain, lower back
pain and migraine headaches—as well as guide you to the medical
professionals who can provide the help and expertise you need.
Arthritis remedies that can relieve or eliminate
the pain. For example, a physical
About 54 million American adults have
some form of arthritis, and that number therapist can create a customized
is climbing as baby boomers grow older. exercise plan that can strengthen the
Simply put, arthritis is inflammation of muscles around the joint, increase your
the joints. There are 147 joints in your flexibility and reduce your pain. You
body, and almost any joint in the body can also consult an occupational
can be affected, but arthritis usually therapist, who can teach you the
strikes in the hands, hips, knees, feet techniques that put less stress on your
and spine. joints during daily activities.
Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the form of the disease Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an
most prevalent in people 60 and older. autoimmune disease that occurs when
This degenerative joint disease occurs the lining of a joint becomes inflamed.
when there is a breakdown of cartilage It’s a serious, painful and often debilitat-
in the joints. The less cartilage there is, ing condition. Treatment usually
the greater the pain. In the worst case, involves a combination of medications,
bone rubs against bone. The pain and regular exercise and physical therapy.
stiffness associated with osteoarthritis Surgery is another possibility.
can be severe, even debilitating.
F Which Medical Professionals To See:
There is no known cure for Your primary care provider or a
osteoarthritis, but there are several rheumatologist
6 Community Healthcare System | Fall 2020
2
Nerve Pain F Which Medical Professionals To See: Spinal Stenosis
3 4
Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic Your primary care provider (for all),
This painful condition occurs when the
pain, is usually experienced as a or an endocrinologist (diabetic
nerve pain), a rheumatologist spinal canal, located in the lower back,
stabbing, prickling, burning or tingling
(diabetic nerve pain and fibromyal- narrows and reduces the space for the
sensation. Often caused by damage or
gia) or an orthopedist (carpal spinal cord and nerves, which causes leg
irritation to a nerve, neuropathic pain
can be the result of a variety of medical
tunnel) pain, numbness and/or tingling.
issues. Medications such as anti-depres-
sants and pain relievers are usually the
first treatment used to relieve nerve
Lower Back Pain F Which Medical Professionals To See:
Your primary care provider, a
About 80 percent of American adults physical therapist or an orthopedist
pain. Electrical stimulation is another experience low back pain at some point
option in some cases. When the nerve
pain is caused by diabetes, managing
in their life. In fact, more than 25
percent of adults say that they’ve
Migraine
the disease is often the first priority.
Cold packs and splinting can be used for
experienced low back pain during the
past three months. Back pain that lasts
Headaches
Recent studies estimate that 12 percent
carpal tunnel. more than 12 weeks is considered of adults in the United States have
chronic. About 20 percent of people
Diabetic Nerve Pain who experience low back pain will
experienced a migraine headache and
Up to 70 percent of people with four million have chronic migraines.
develop chronic back pain. In those The severe throbbing pain of a migraine,
diabetes will suffer from nerve
cases, a physical therapist can use a vari- usually felt on one side of the head, is
damage. If you are a diabetic and are
ety of techniques to relieve the pain and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting
experiencing burning or numbness in
then, after the pain decreases, teach and extreme sensitivity to light and
your feet, see a medical professional
exercises to keep the pain from return- sound. The attacks can last for hours,
immediately.
ing. In the most severe cases of back even days, and can be completely
Autoimmune pain, surgery may be an option. Lower debilitating.
Diseases back pain has several causes, including:
Fortunately, both pain-relieving and
A variety of autoimmune diseases can
produce symptoms of nerve pain. These
Disc Degeneration preventive medications are available if
A common cause of low back pain, this you suffer from migraines. You should
include multiple sclerosis, lupus and
condition occurs when the discs that act definitely talk to your provider about
inflammatory bowel disease.
like shock absorbers in the spine wear taking preventive medications if you are
Carpal Tunnel out. Herniated or ruptured discs occur experiencing four or more migraines a
Carpal tunnel is a common condition when the discs in the spine become month. Lifestyle changes, such as having
that causes pain, numbness, tingling compressed and bulge outward or a regular sleep schedule, getting plenty
and weakness in the hand and wrist. rupture, irritating a nearby nerve. of exercise, and reducing stress, can
It occurs when too much pressure is also help prevent migraines or reduce
placed on the median nerve in the wrist.
Sciatica their severity.
Sciatica occurs when a herniated disc or
F Which Medical Professionals To See:
Fibromyalgia bone spur compresses the sciatic nerve,
Your primary care provider or a
About four million American adults the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic neurologist
suffer from a condition called fibromy- nerve branches from the lower back
algia, which causes pain all over the through the hips and then down each Find a provider
body as well as fatigue, sleep problems, leg. The most common symptom is pain Visit our free online directory at
and mental and emotional distress. that radiates from the lower back down COMHS.org/find-a-doctor or call
Fibromyalgia can also cause a higher the side of the legs. Numbness, tingling 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477.
sensitivity to pain. and weakness in the leg can also occur.
Sources: CDC, migraine.com, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, webMD
COMHS.org Fall 2020 | Healthy Community 7
Balancing Act
by Debra Gruszecki
A
S A WOLF LAKE
Terminal lab
technician,
Roberto
Cervantes relies
on chemistry to
tell when a
product is in balance or needs an
adjustment. He had always been
an active person, but had to slow
down recently when he started
experiencing dizzy spells. One day
he felt so woozy that he fell as he
bent over to tie his shoes. That got
his attention and he realized that
maybe he needed an adjustment.
“I needed to know what was
causing this,” Cervantes says. He
visited his primary care doctor who
suspected Cervantes had a
balance disorder.
After an MRI and a head scan
ruled out other potential disorders
of the brain and spinal cord,
Cervantes was referred to the
Dizziness and Balance Clinics of
Community Healthcare System.
The hospital system operates
five such centers across
Northwest Indiana:
Dizziness therapy can help to Community Hospital, Munster;
Community Neuroscience &
rebalance your life Sports Medicine Center, Schererville;
Community Outpatient Center,
St. John; St. Catherine Hospital,
East Chicago and the
Valparaiso Health Center of
St. Mary Medical Center, Valparaiso.
8 Community Healthcare System | Fall 2020
“I felt better after two sessions,”
Cervantes recalls. “I told my
therapist, you’re my miracle.”
St. Catherine Hospital
outpatient physical therapy
supervisor Geoff Ritter says
Cervantes was diagnosed with
benign paroxysmal positional
vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a condition
created when tiny calcium crystals
in the inner ear shift to another
part of the ear responsible for
maintaining balance. When this shift
happens, a person can feel as if the
world around them is spinning.
Ritter taught Cervantes a series
of positional maneuvers and
exercises to shift the stones back
where they belonged to help
regain balance control. Vestibular NeuroCom® balance equipment Above: Physical therapist Geoff Ritter works
with Roberto Cervantes using the Biodex
rehabilitation is a specialized form diagnostic technology to test Balance System™. The advanced technology
of therapy used to improve different sensory systems in an is a balance testing and training machine
that provides the therapist feedback on the
balance and reduce dizziness individual to help identify reasons patient’s posture, stability, weight-bearing load
symptoms associated with inner- for their balance deficits. A specific per side and risk of falling.
ear/balance disorders. and appropriate exercise program
is then developed for each medications such as tranquilizers
individual. and antidepressants, diseases
I felt better after two “Accurate diagnosis is integral such as Parkinson’s, multiple
sessions,” Cervantes to effective and successful
treatment and outcomes,” explains
sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and cardiac
conditions can impair sense of
recalls. “I told my Lisa Sheehan, supervisor of balance.
therapist, you’re my Physical Therapy at the
Community Neuroscience & Sports
“Prevention is key,” Ritter says.
If you’re feeling weakness,
miracle.” Medicine Center. “We can evaluate experience frequent dizziness or
for BPPV which is very common in falls, struggle with walking on
Dizziness can lead to falls and the elderly population and causes gravel, grass or a routine task, it’s a
that can lead to higher mortality dizziness, imbalance and good idea to talk with your doctor.”
rates, more injuries and more increased fall risk. The majority of Physical and occupational
hospital admissions. Fall risk our patients complete this testing therapists create individualized,
and avoiding falls is a big area of as a part of the evaluation results oriented treatment plans
focus, says Dave Hudak, director process.” that focus on decreasing dizziness,
of Outpatient Services at The elderly aren’t only enhancing balance and improving
St. Mary Medical Center. susceptible to balance disorders. functional independence and
“Effective physical therapy can Balance function involves effective safety in your life. T
significantly help reduce your risk use of information from our vision,
of falls by improving lower muscles and joints and vestibular Find Your Center
extremity strength and balance,” system (inner ears) for control
explains Hudak. under changing situations. Vision To learn more about Dizziness and
Balance Clinic services at five convenient
The healthcare system’s impairment, lower body weakness, locations, visit COMHS.org.
Dizziness and Balance Clinics use Vitamin D deficiency, foot pain,
COMHS.org Fall 2020 | Healthy Community 9
Life after
Weight Loss Surgery
What to know about undergoing
a bariatric procedure
J
by Elise Sims
ACKI OSENKARSKI day. I was on two different blood
had been trying to pressure medications, cholesterol
lose weight on her medication and more totaling 15
own for as long as she different medications. My weight
could remember. She was taking a toll on my heart
was overweight as a health.”
child, teen and adult. This unhealthy cycle continued
Through the years she had until she attended a Healthy 4 Life
attended different weight loss seminar in April of 2019, and her
programs determined to lose yo-yo dieting finally came to an
weight by herself. In the beginning abrupt halt. There she learned that
she would lose weight quickly then Community Healthcare System’s
hit a plateau and stop losing Healthy 4 Life individualized care
Above: Jacki Osenkarski was frustrated with
altogether. She eventually would program of medical weight loss, her own weight loss attempts before hearing
quit and eat her way back up to bariatric surgery, lifetime wellness, about Healthy 4 Life’s best practices’ approach
to individualized care.
her starting weight and then gain fitness, dietary and psychosocial
even more. counseling helps to ensure that Right: After attending a free weight loss
seminar, Osenkarski learned that Healthy 4
“I was unhealthy, unhappy and patients stay healthy; lose weight Life’s individualized care program of medical
extremely frustrated,” Osenkarski and keep it off. With on-site weight loss, bariatric surgery, lifetime wellness,
fitness, dietary and psychosocial counseling
says. “I was a type 2 diabetic, locations at St. Mary Medical Center helps to ensure that patients stay healthy; lose
taking five shots of insulin each in Hobart and Community Hospital weight and keep it off.
10 Community Healthcare System | Fall 2020in Munster, the Healthy 4 Life
program offers convenient access At Healthy 4 Life, psychologists, to come together
using the evidence and best
to comprehensive services everyone truly practices known to individualize
necessary for long-term weight
loss success.
cares about you each patient’s plan for the rest of
their life. Losing weight is not that
“I cried when I realized I and helped me find hard. Honestly, keeping the weight
wouldn’t be alone anymore,” the right weight loss off is the biggest challenge.”
Osenkarski explains. “At Healthy 4
Life, everyone truly cares about choice for me. I had There are three keys to
successfully keeping that weight
you and helped me find the right a whole team off, according to Haddadin.
weight loss choice for me. I had a
whole team behind me: my
behind me.” “Desire is first and foremost,”
she says. “Our most successful
surgeon Dr. Stanish, my bariatrician medications she takes to control patients tell us they were over
Dr. Haddadin, nurses, dietitians her blood pressure. Her overall being unhealthy, having extra
and exercise coaches to offer so health and energy levels have weight, etc., and wanted to do this
much support and encouragement. improved, too. for themselves.”
A year after gastric bypass surgery, “I have way more energy for my “Second, they need to follow
grandchildren,” Osenkarski says. our advice to a T,” she says.
“On a trip to Disney World, I was “Those who follow the program
able to get on and off the rides guidelines do very well long term.
without a struggle and walk so Those who only halfway follow the
much easier around the park.” plan, get halfway results.”
Those improvements didn’t “It’s also important to stay
come without careful planning and connected,” Haddadin says.
consideration, along with a “Having a powerful medical,
supportive network of family, surgical and integrated health
friends and healthcare providers. team all located in one place so
“At Healthy 4 Life, our patients each patient stays on track and
are treated like members of our has accountability is key. Patients
family” says Debi Pillarella, director who attend their follow up
of Bariatric Services. “Everyone on appointments do much better than
our staff is passionate about those who do not. In addition,
helping patients improve their Healthy 4 Life offers monthly
health and empowering them to support groups and newsletters
adapt a healthier lifestyle.” with recipes and Facebook LIVE
Many weight loss programs rely events to stay connected.” T
on significant unrealistic restriction
and focusing the patient on having
more willpower, explains
Osenkarski’s bariatrician Fadia
Haddadin, MD, on staff at Become a Healthier You
St. Catherine Hospital in East
I have lost 90 pounds (and Chicago and Community Hospital. Attend a free webinar or seminar “Weight
counting).” “In contrast, we use experts in a Loss Surgery Is It Right for Me?” to learn
more about individualized options for
Beyond just the number on the variety of disciplines (dietitians,
losing weight. Classes are held monthly
scale, though, her surgery has exercise physiologists, bariatric through Community Hospital, Munster,
dramatically improved her health: nurses, weight loss physicians St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago and
she no longer needs insulin or called bariatricians, bariatric St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart. Go to
cholesterol medications and she surgeons (for those interested in COMHS.org/overit to learn more.
has reduced the number of surgical weight loss) and
COMHS.org Fall 2020 | Healthy Community 11TMIST target:
personalizing
women’s care
Local women have access to national breast cancer trial
through the Community Cancer Research Foundation
P
by Elise Sims
INK RIBBONS worn The study aims to compare two
around the world types of digital mammography,
serve as a symbol 2-D and 3-D, for breast cancer
of unity in the fight screening. It also looks at whether
against breast certain women should have their
cancer and search screening mammograms annually
for a cure. Those or every two years.
well-known ribbons also remind “There has been much debate
women of some important current on this,” said Amber Kindt, RN,
recommendations: women 40 and administrator, Community Cancer
older should have a yearly Research Foundation. “How often
mammogram and an annual breast you screen, who benefits and who
exam by a doctor or nurse doesn’t, but our main goal is to
practitioner, along with a monthly help women with advanced breast
self-breast exam. cancer detect their cancer early
The Community Cancer Research and increase their chances of
Foundation through the hospitals survival.”
of Community Healthcare System TMIST researchers are enrolling
is now enrolling women in a new healthy women, ages 45 to 74,
trial offered by the National Cancer who are already planning to get
Institute (NCI), called the routine mammograms in the study.
Tomosynthesis Mammographic By taking part in TMIST, the more
Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST). than 164,000 planned participantsWe are hopeful
that this trial will
help us to better
understand the
potential benefits
of looking for
breast cancers in
women with no
symptoms.
will provide critical information that especially ‘aggressive’ ones, Above: Dr. Mary Nicholson serves as
will help researchers learn how to earlier than 2D mammography, principal investigator for a trial offered
by the National Cancer Institute (NCI),
most effectively screen women for and this trial with thousands of called the Tomosynthesis Mammographic
breast cancer and in the future, women should help to define how Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST). The
study aims to compare two types of digital
make more informed decisions much earlier.” mammography, 2-D and 3-D, for breast
about screening. To date, across TMIST is important to the future cancer screening.
the nation more than 22,000 of breast cancer screening
women have enrolled in the trial. because it aims to provide cancer, our strongest weapon
Mammography trial screenings knowledge about how to move against it remains the detection of
are currently taking place at beyond the current “one size fits it at the earliest time we can.”
St. Mary Medical Center’s Women’s all” approach to mammography The Community Cancer
Diagnostic Center in Hobart and where women are screened the Research Foundation has been
Community Hospital’s Women’s same way based on age specific making a difference for cancer
Diagnostic Center in Munster. The guidelines. The trial will help patients for more than 20 years.
TMIST study is being coordinated radiologists adapt a more Through trials sponsored by the
through the Community Cancer personalized approach that tailors Foundation, local patients have
Research Foundation by dedicated mammography for each woman been among the first to benefit
fellowship-trained breast based on her own genetics and from treatments that have helped
radiologist Mary Nicholson, MD. individual risk factors for to improve survival and are less
“We are hopeful that this trial developing breast cancer. invasive.
will help us to better understand “We are anticipating that “The next step for those women
the potential benefits of looking for through the TMIST study, we will who are interested in participating
breast cancers in women with no learn more about the relationships in the trial is to contact our office,”
symptoms through the use of among age, menopausal and Kindt says. T
tomosynthesis that is, 3D hormonal status and breast density
Want more information?
mammography,” says Nicholson, to the development of breast
who serves as regional director of cancer,” Nicholson says. “About 95 For a listing of active clinical
Breast Imaging Services for percent of breast cancers are NOT trials at the hospitals of
Community Healthcare System. genetic, so more information is Community Healthcare System,
“Global experience with 3D needed regarding why it happens visit www.myccrf.com/trials.asp or
mammography leads us to believe to so many women every year. call the Community Cancer Research
Foundation, 219-836-6875.
that it can show breast cancers, Until we can prevent breast
COMHS.org Fall 2020 | Healthy Community 13Aging out
of Pediatric Care
Knowing when your growing child
is ready for adult wellness
by Karin Saltanovitz
I
T HAPPENS SO FAST. One
day your child is taking his
first steps and the next he is
driving a car.
It may feel like just
yesterday your baby had his
first visit with the
pediatrician, but as your child
grows and develops, he will need
to fly from the pediatric nest and
start seeing a physician who treats
adult patients.
For parents and some children,
making this transition can be a bit
overwhelming. For pediatricians, it
is a sign of success.
“The best part of my job is Walker adds that when her Above Left: Internal medicine physician
and pediatrician Ragini Bielski, MD, says
watching my patients grow up patients leave the practice it is not between the ages of 13 and 15 children start
and embark on their journey of always for the last time. answering more questions for themselves
and getting used to the idea of being more
being independent functioning “I have been practicing long personally responsible for their health.
adults,” says Chantal Walker, MD, enough that some of them return Above Right: Community Care Network
a pediatrician with the with their own children,” she says. pediatrician Chantal Walker, MD, says as
Look at the primary differences children become older, their pediatrician—
Community Care Network. “I in addition to being a physician—can be
love to hear what colleges or between the medical specialties: a mentor or confidante. Trust is extremely
universities they have been • A pediatrician offers important in the doctor-patient relationship.
accepted to or what their plans are specialized care throughout the
for the future. As children become developmental needs and • A family practitioner is a
older, their pediatrician in addition milestones of children. They often pediatrician and internist
to being a physician, can become see patients for their entire combined into one specialty and
a mentor or confidante. Trust is childhood and well into cares for both children and adults.
extremely important in the doctor- adolescence, typically from birth • An internal medicine physician
patient relationship.” up to age 18. cares for adults.
14 Community Healthcare System | Fall 2020Community Care Network To find the right physician for similarly it will be hard for you to
physician Ragini Bielski, MD, who your child at any age, schedule a agree with your doctor.” T
specializes in both pediatrics and consultation to learn more about
internal medicine, sometimes has the physician’s practice. Want more information?
the opportunity of caring for the “Consider your overall
whole family. philosophy of medicine and what For more information about
When children are between the kind of care you are seeking. It’s Community Care Network’s providers,
ages of 13 and 15, Bielski important that you and your visit our free online directory at
COMHS.org/find-a-doctor or call
recommends parents start talking provider agree on common goals 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477.
with them about making the such as vaccinations, up-to-date
change from a pediatrician to an medical guidelines, and whole
adult wellness physician. body wellness and preventive
care,” Bielski says. “If
For children with you don’t agree on
these topics, it will
chronic conditions, make it
it’s important to start hard for the
doctor to
looking for an adult give you
medicine physician advice;
a year or two in
advance.
“This is the age when children
start answering more questions for
themselves and getting used to
the idea of being more personally
responsible for their health,” Bielski
says. “As they grow older they
must feel empowered to discuss
topics with their doctor even
without a parent, so that they can
develop good habits into
adulthood. By age 17, it’s good to
start looking for an adult doctor so
your child has a smooth transition
of care.”
This is especially the case
if there is a history of chronic
medical issues that will follow
the child into adulthood.
“Waiting until the last
moment is not the right time,”
Bielski says. “For children
with chronic conditions, it’s
important to start looking
for an adult medicine
physician a year or
two in advance.”
COMHS.org Fall 2020 | Healthy Community 15Healthy
Healthy Community is published as a community
COMMUNITY service by Community Healthcare System. It in no
way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM® substitute for professional medical care. For individual
guidance, consult your physician. For more information
about Community Healthcare System or anything in
COMHS.org COMMUNITY this publication, please call 866-836-3477.
Community Healthcare System • Marketing Department • 901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster, IN 46321 • 866-836-3477 • COMHS.org • Fall 2020
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Kristin Physical Chronic The Right
Chenoweth Therapy Pain Care
Community
Message
Working toward better health
The COVID-19 pan-
demic has been an
important remind-
er of the signifi-
When it comes to your health and
cance of health and
community, and well-being, we are all in this together
of having access to
A challenging situation such as COVID-19 has
expert care when Donald P. Fesko, president emphasized the need for us to continue to focus and
you need it most. and chief executive officer, work together toward a healthier tomorrow.
Community Foundation of
One of the ways we Northwest Indiana, Inc.
At the hospitals of Community Healthcare System,
are reaching out to
you will find the right combination of skilled medical
help build healthier communities is through professionals, innovative technologies and education
our new digital magazine, Healthy Community. that can help you and your loved ones live life to the
Each quarter we will post current informa- fullest. Count on quality care, close to home:
tion to COMHS.org that aims to improve the
Community Hospital
quality of life and health in Northwest In-
901 MacArthur Blvd | Munster
diana. Education is an essential component
of our healthcare continuum that spans the St. Catherine Hospital
spectrum from illness to wellness. 4321 Fir St | East Chicago
We also will provide valuable information St. Mary Medical Center
about leading edge diagnoses, treatments and 1500 S. Lake Park Ave | Hobart
medical research available through the hos- Community Stroke & Rehabilitation Center
pitals of Community Healthcare System. You 10215 Broadway | Crown Point
also will meet patients whose lives have been
saved and enhanced by advanced technolo- COMHS.org
gies, access to national research trials and
studies or important new initiatives in care.
@CHSHospitals @CHSHospitals chshospitals
We hope you enjoy reading this issue of
Healthy Community. When it comes to your #communitystrong
health, we’re all in this together. T
16 Community Healthcare System | Fall 2020 COMHS.orgYou can also read
