SPRING 2022 Back to a steady beat Jim Crooks found Butler an excellent place to get help for a fluttering heart ButlerHealthSystem.org Follow us Jim Crooks talks with James A. Storey, MD, and Selena McMichaels, RN, whose procedure calmed his irregular heartbeats.
Butler Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. TTY: 711. HEALTH LINK is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of: BUTLER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: 1 Hospital Way, Butler, PA 16001-4670 724-283-6666 butlerhealthsystem.org Ken DeFurio President and CEO Jana Panther Director of Marketing and Public Relations Anne Lehman Editor To opt out of this mailing, contact Public Relations at 724-284-4200. People who are hearing-impaired can access the hospital by calling the AT&T operator at 800-654-5988 (voice) or 800654-5984 (TDD). The caller can then notify the AT&T relay system operator and request relay services to BMH at 724-283-6666. Information in HEALTH LINK comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. BUTLER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any basis, including a person’s age, sex, color, race, religious beliefs, national origin, disability or lifestyle. BMH also provides services without discrimination regardless of a person’s age, sex, color, race, religious beliefs, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, lifestyle or source of payment. 2022 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Numbers to know Butler Memorial Hospital Main 724-283-6666 BHS Clarion Hospital Main 814-226-9500 BHS Care Center: Find a doctor near you! 833-602-CARE (833-602-2273) 注意：如果您使用繁體中文， 您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。 TTY: 711。 Ken DeFurio, President and CEO BHS NEWS Staying strong I recently had the privilege to attend a Celebration of Life event for Jean B. Purvis, a true pioneer in our community. Jean passed a couple of years ago, and the service was delayed until now due to the pandemic. Jean supported many efforts through her vision, energy, philanthropy and ability to lead. Her contributions were far too many to list here. Notable among them was helping to establish the Visiting Nurses Association of Butler and, importantly, the Community Health Clinic of Butler County, now known as the Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center. Jean also was an author. One of her books has been on my shelf for many years: The History of Medicine in Butler County. Recently I’ve been doing much thinking about this history, as the Butler Health System Board of Trustees took up a significant decision for our community. You may have heard that Butler Health System and Excela Health have made the decision to pursue a merger—in this case, a “merger of equals.” These are two strong, independent, community-based health systems—ours based in Butler County, theirs based in Westmoreland County. Separately and together, we have studied the significant headwinds facing our industry. Both boards concluded that by coming together, we will remain strong and continue to chart our own destiny. And very importantly, we will remain community-based and locally controlled. The new organization, when formed, will have an equal number of trustees selected by each organization. While the new system will comprise five hospitals, hospitals are but one segment of health care in the 21st century. You know how extensive ambulatory care has become. You know that many doctors and advanced practice specialists choose to be employed by health systems. You know that technology is changing everything, including health care. You know that health care in the United States is complex and heavily regulated. You know that any good business, including ours, must continue to innovate to be successful. What you may not know is how important size and scale have become in obtaining reasonable health insurance contracts, in keeping costs under control, and in having the ability to access capital markets and achieve lower rates and more flexible terms. While health systems are very visible because of bricks and mortar, the only thing that really matters is the quality of their people. We must be in a position where we are able to recruit the best physicians and staff at all levels. One of the most important reasons to combine resources with Excela is to attract and retain the very best. The deal is far from complete. We will spend the summer and fall of 2022 completing due diligence and obtaining necessary reviews and approvals. When the BHS Board of Trustees met to act on pursuing a merger with Excela, it took me back to Jean B. Purvis and the history of medicine in Butler County. The original Butler County General Hospital was founded in 1898 by three dedicated women who wanted to make sure our community had the very best health care. They established a vision and values that we have lived and honored throughout our history. That will never change. As always, thank you for choosing Butler Health System. ai1655211573162_BHS_CV_VaccinesBoosterShots_6.8x1.65.pdf 1 6/14/2022 8:59:33 AM ai165238661447_BHS_Telehealth_9.2x2.pdf 1 5/12/2022 4:16:54 PM HEALTH LINK 2 |
3 sun-smart strategies to protect and save your skin Avoid the midday sun as much as possible. Structure your day to limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are most intense. “A simple way is to push your activities to the end of the day,” Dr. Hendrickson says. “If you were to, say, mow the lawn in the late afternoon, you’d automatically get significantly fewer UV rays.” Also: » Seek shade whenever you can. Did you know that you can buy a shade-making canopy for your riding lawn mower? Google it! » Cover up. A widebrimmed hat will shade your head and neck. “I also recommend long pants and long-sleeved shirts,” Dr. Hendrickson says. “I see so much skin cancer on the forearms. And when you’re riding a mower, your thighs are 90 degrees to the sun.” » Worried you’ll overheat? Clothing made of light, UVblocking materials— such as materials with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of 50—actually keeps you cool and comfortable while wicking away sweat too. Make a habit of regularly checking your skin. Consider doing this when you bathe. Tell your doctor about any new or changing moles or spots. Skin cancer is easier to treat and less likely to be disfiguring or potentially fatal when caught early. Get screened for skin cancer. Have a doctor check your skin once a year. “It’s just that important ,” Dr. Hendrickson says. The sun is shining, and you don’t want to stay indoors on a gorgeous summer day—and you shouldn’t. But you need to know how to protect your skin from the ultraviolet (UV) rays that raise your risk for melanoma and other skin cancers. Start with these three ideas and friendly reminders from Butler Health System dermatologist Chad S. Hendrickson, MD: Chad S. Hendrickson, MD Dermatology 833-604-7212 Avoid the sun Check your skin SKIN CANCER Use enough sunscreen. That’s about a shot glass full to cover your exposed skin. Choose a broad-spectrum product (blocks UVA and UVB rays) that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Apply it 20 minutes before you go outside, and reapply every two hours. Don’t be deterred by recent sunscreen concerns. Researchers are investigating potential safety concerns around chemical sunscreens. “But right now, you can use sunscreens containing zinc or titanium,” Dr. Hendrickson says. “They are not chemical sunscreens and are not absorbed into the bloodstream, and they’re generally regarded as safe and effective by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.” Use sunscreen ButlerHealthSystem.org | 3
Jim Crooks had symptoms that felt like panic attacks until he had a heart procedure at Butler—which got him back to work in just a few days. BHS HEART TEAM When Clarion business owner Jim Crooks needed an ablation procedure for his atrial fibrillation (AFib), he realized he had many choices for his health care. But Jim went to Butler Health System, he says, because it’s an easy drive from Clarion and has a reputation for excellent cardiac care. “I felt Butler was more than capable of taking care of me with their level of care,” Jim says. “And I felt extremely comfortable with Dr. Storey.” Jim is referring to electrophysiologist James A. Storey, MD, the Butler specialist who performed Jim’s cardiac ablation. Dr. Storey had Jim back to work at Jim’s family’s 117-year-old men’s and women’s specialty store, which he is passionate about, just a few days after his procedure. “That’s pretty amazing,” Jim says. A heart out of sync AFib is a common type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia. It occurs when the heart’s natural electrical signals misfire and cause the heart’s upper chambers, or atria, to contract irregularly. Jim’s irregular heartbeats occurred off and on (called paroxysmal AFib) for years. But by 2021, heart James Storey, MD, FACC, FHRS Electrophysiology A procedure to calm his irregular heartbeat has this Clarion man back doing what he loves best Life’s rhythm restored 4 | HEALTH LINK
Butler Cooking demos will be located at the BHS Food Institute at Butler Memorial Hospital, Brady Street entrance. The following classes will host a cooking demo: » July 13—5 to 5:30 p.m., followed by live feed of Volumetrics class from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. » Aug. 9—4 to 4:30 p.m., followed by live feed of Heart Healthy seminar from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. » Sept. 20—5 to 5:30 p.m., followed by live feed of Diabetes class from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. » Nov. 10—4 to 4:30 p.m., followed by live feed of DASH seminar from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. » Dec. 8—4 to 4:30 p.m., followed by live feed of Mediterranean seminar from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Clarion Cooking demos will be hosted in the BHS Health and Wellness Center conference room at Trinity Point. The following classes will host a cooking demo: » July 21—1 to 1:30 p.m., after live feed of Mediterranean seminar from noon to 1 p.m. » Sept. 8—4 to 4:30 p.m., followed by live feed of DASH seminar from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. A limited number of participants will be registered for the in-person events, where we will practice social distancing and masking. Please inquire when you register. BHS reserves the right to cancel if COVID-19 protocol requires. LIFESTYLE COACHING Tasting is believing! Butler Health System is introducing ON-SITE COOKING DEMOS as a part of the Lifestyle Coaching curriculum at both the Butler and Clarion campuses. Learn delicious, economical recipes to help meet nutrition goals. VOLUMETRICS WEIGHT MANAGEMENT ONGOING SERIES—PATTI Wednesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Introductory classes July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7 Ongoing classes » July 13, 27 » Aug. 10, 24 » Sept. 14, 28 » Oct. 12, 26 » Nov. 9, 30 » Dec. 14 Based on “The Ultimate Volumetrics Diet” by Barbara Rolls, PhD. Smart, simple, sciencebased strategies. New enrollment accepted monthly. DIABETES LIFESTYLE COACHING FOURWEEK SERIES—DIABETES EDUCATION TEAM » July 5, 12, 19, 26 Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m. » Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. » Nov. 4, 11, 18, Dec. 2 Fridays, 1 to 2 p.m. This four-week series is based on ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors for people with diabetes. You will learn about reducing risk, monitoring, taking medication, healthy eating, being active and more. To register, call 724-284-4504 BHSLifestyleCoaching@butlerhealthsystem.org July through December 2022 Virtual schedule ALL CLASSES ARE FREE The Lifestyle Coaching programs are provided complimentarily by Butler Health System. Call, email or scan the QR code to register! HEART HEALTH SEMINARS—PATTI DASH: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension » July 7—noon to 1 p.m. » Sept. 8—4:30 to 5:30 p.m. » Nov. 10—4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Heart Healthy Lifestyles » Aug. 9—4:30 to 5:30 p.m. » Sept. 27—noon to 1 p.m. Mediterranean Diet » July 21—noon to 1 p.m. » Oct. 6—noon to 1 p.m. » Dec. 8—4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Flexitarian/Plant-Based » Aug. 25—noon to 1 p.m. » Oct. 25—4:30 to 5:30 p.m. MENU PLANNING—BREANNA » Thursday, Sept. 15—noon to 1 p.m. » Tuesday, Nov. 15—4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Come to this timely workshop and learn how to stock your pantry for healthy, quick, economical meals. SELF CARE—JENNA » Tuesdays, July 19, 26—noon to 1 p.m. » Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13—4 to 5 p.m. We will learn simple, hands-on techniques to improve physical and emotional well-being. BRAIN HEALTH SEMINARS—MELISSE Mindfulness for Brain Health » Sept. 21—5 to 6 p.m. We will explore mindfulness and meditation benefits and techniques to lower your risk of heart and brain disease. Brain Healthy Lifestyles » Oct. 28—noon to 1 p.m. We will learn key brain healthy lifestyles, including how to socialize more, get active, eat better and sleep well. REDUCING BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY—NEW SEMINAR! » Sept. 20—noon to 1 p.m. Daily physical activity improves health and well-being. Join this seminar for information, support and motivation to get moving. HEALTH LINK 6 |
Give in honor of a loved one or in gratitude Scan this QR code to donate to the BHS Foundation. Visit BHS-Foundation.org or reach out to a staff member at 724-284-4409 for more information. Upcoming Foundation events The BHS Foundation supports the mission of Butler Health System by providing avenues for individuals, corporations and philanthropic organizations to support the programs and services of BHS. The Foundation raises money through personal contributions, special events, targeted campaigns, and soliciting foundation and corporate grants. Butler Memorial Hospital CELEBRITY CARE FEST, Saturday, July 23 Join HM3 Partners Independence Fund on Saturday, July 23, for Celebrity Care Fest. This exciting event is back, featuring music guests Queen V, the Temptations, Lou Gramm, founding member and lead singer Foreigner, and the Jacksons. Proceeds in part benefit Butler Health System. Visit HM3independencefund.org for more information. SIP OF SUMMER SOIREE, Friday, Aug. 26 We are excited to announce a new summer event. This event includes dinner, along with entertainment and summer-related activities. Ticket cost is $150 per person, and proceeds support the patient transportation fund. BHS provides qualified patients with transportation home from the hospital following discharge, as well as providing transportation to critical medical appointments and lifesaving treatments. Clarion Hospital GOLF OUTING, Friday, July 29, at Clarion Oaks Golf Course Format will be a four-person scramble Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with shotgun start at 10:30 a.m. Dinner will be available following the Golf Outing. Know the latest! Stay current with BHS Foundation events and opportunities by visiting BHS-Foundation.org. ButlerHealthSystem.org | 7
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1715 Pittsburgh, PA 1 Hospital Way, Butler, PA 16001-4670 playwell staywell Most Insurances Accepted, Including Highmark and UPMC Health Plans Seven Days a Week Walk-Ins Accepted BUTLER COMMONS 250B Butler Commons 877-9-URGENT (877-987-4368) KITTANNING - 724-543-FAST (3278) 21 Franklin Village Mall SARVER - 724-295-0087 South Pike Square 147 Mulone Drive SLIPPERY ROCK - 724-794-HEAL (4325) 100 Innovation Drive Urgent CareTelehealthVisits Available! Call 877-9-URGENT (877-987-4368) to get started. URGENT CARE BHSFasterCare_MomChildBike_5.25x5.75.indd 1 5/16/2022 11:23:23 AM ai1652729451103_BHS_HR_NowHiring_10.375x5.5.pdf 1 5/16/2022 3:30:53 PM The need for blood doesn’t go away during a pandemic. If you’re a healthy person, reach out to your local blood center to ask about donating. Source: AABB
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