FOR YOUR BEST HEALTH FALL 2023 Learning to CLIMB Class helps children cope with cancer in the family SHAKE IT UP Trade salt for these healthier alternatives HAPPY HOLIDAYS Tips to avoid seasonal stress, illness, and injuries INTERCEPTING CANCER TOGETHER
2 ketteringhealth.org Fall 2023 /KetteringHealth @KetteringHealth /KetteringHealth Connect with us 12 6 4 HEALTHY LIVING Visit ketteringhealth.org/events or scan the QR code to explore fun, informative fitness and health classes and more. 3 Ask a Doc: Can I strengthen my immune system with supplements? 4 Have a happy and healthy holiday: Spare yourself a trip to the emergency center this season 6 Learning to CLIMB: How a child-centered support program helps families dealing with cancer 10 Shake the shaker habit: Too much salt can be dangerous 12 Moving forward: How to navigate grief 14 Embarrassed to Ask? Answers to your breastfeeding concerns. STRIVE is published three times a year by Kettering Health, 3535 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429, to improve the health literacy of the community and connect readers to health information and services. CEO Michael Gentry Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jimmy Phillips Executive Editor Catherine Morris Managing Editor Carrie Bebris Art Direction Kelly Long Director of Communications and Public Relations Doug Walker Photography AGI Studios, Boom Crate, John Rossi, and Kettering Health staff Writing Carrie Bebris, Erin Laviola, Katlyn Stechschulte, Ben Riggs, Genesis Santos-Guzman, Emma Slivinski, and Kettering Health staff Information in STRIVE comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that might affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. 2023 © Kettering Health and Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
3 Theresa Sheridan, DO, is a family medicine provider with Kettering Health ASK A DOC Can I strengthen my immune system with supplements? It’s no secret that respiratory illnesses, including the common cold, the flu, and other viruses, peak during winter. What might be lesser known? Which nutrients can boost your immune system. We spoke with Dr. Theresa Sheridan to get the scoop on supplements that can help stave off sickness. “As far as immune-boosting substances go, natural sources should be your first line of defense,” says Dr. Sheridan. “Eating a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods will supply your body with vitamins and minerals it can easily absorb.” If you are not getting enough nutrients from your diet alone, supplements can help you meet recommended daily intake levels. These nutrients can help keep illness at bay: Vitamin D. “The number one nutrient to consider is vitamin D,” says Dr. Sheridan. “Since sunlight is one of the most abundant sources of vitamin D, many Midwesterners are vitamin D-deficient. When vitamin D levels fall below 30, your immune system drops off.” Your primary care provider should check your vitamin D level before you start taking a vitamin D supplement. Ingesting too much vitamin D can be harmful to your health. Vitamin C. “Vitamin C is the second most important nutrient when it comes to immune health,” says Dr. Sheridan. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C is 500–1,000 mg. Fish oil. “Fish oil helps your body absorb vitamins and nutrients so your cells can use them to fight off illness,” Dr. Sheridan explains. Pro- and prebiotics. “We have more bacteria in our gut than cells in our body,” says Dr. Sheridan. “People with a variety of bacteria in their gut are healthier than people with limited gut bacteria.” “When you are fighting an infection, you are detoxifying your body of the virus or bacteria,” explains Dr. Sheridan. “Substances that replenish your liver—the organ that filters toxins—will help you fight viruses more effectively.” Nutrients like zinc, quercetin, and berberine can be found in foods or taken as supplements to offer additional immune support. Before beginning any supplement, talk with your primary care physician to make sure it won’t interact negatively with medications or other supplements you’re already taking or worsen health conditions you may have. Your doctor can recommend the best and safest combination of supplements for your health. STAY WELL Make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your immune health. Don’t have a provider? Visit ketteringhealth.org/primarycare or call 1-844-576-3627.
4 ketteringhealth.org Wellness Nancy Pook, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and medical director of Emergency Services with Kettering Health HOLIDAY With autumn and winter come colorful leaves, neighborhood snowmen, cherished traditions, and celebrations galore. In less festive fashion, these seasons also bring an increase in certain emergency department Spare yourself a trip to the emergency center this season Have a happy, healthy visits. Dr. Nancy Pook shares some common causes of emergency department visits this time of year and ways to avoid them. Influenzas and respiratory illness Influenza, or “the flu,” is a respiratory illness that can cause fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, and fatigue, among other symptoms. People over the age of 65, infants, and immunocompromised individuals can suffer severe consequences from the flu, including death. Flu season typically begins in October, peaks
5 between December and February, and can remain active into May. “For most people, getting a flu shot in October is key to preventing serious illness and death,” says Dr. Pook. “The biggest myth is that the flu shot can give people the flu. The flu vaccine does not make people sick. It is designed to decrease flu symptoms and does a good job.” Other respiratory illnesses that lead to more emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the fall and winter include RSV, pneumonia, and COVID-19, all of which now have vaccines available. Injuries around the home Injuries from ground-level falls are among the most common year-round reasons for emergency department visits, but falls from ladders increase during the holiday season. In the fall and winter, people climb ladders to clean gutters, string festive lights, and hang holiday decorations. Other seasonal injuries that send people to the emergency center include falling while navigating slippery or icy sidewalks and driveways, and injuries from chores like raking leaves and shoveling snow. “Treating outdoor surfaces before snow and ice storms, wearing proper footwear, practicing ladder safety, and being mindful of your surroundings—as well as how you’re physically feeling— are all ways to prevent a seasonal injury around the home,” says Dr. Pook. Heart attacks The American Heart Association reports that more heart attack deaths occur over winter holidays than any other time of year. The holiday season can be a busy and stressful time, when it’s easier to focus on the excitement of seasonal activities than your health. Common heart attack symptoms might be dismissed as holiday-related inconveniences. Chest pain may be attributed to heartburn from indulging in rich food. And pain in the jaw, back, or neck might be excused as sore muscles from shoveling snow. “It’s important to keep practicing heart-healthy habits year-round, including during the holiday season,” says Dr. Pook. “Find ways to stay physically active; incorporate lean protein, vegetables, and fruits into your diet; and stay attuned to your body. You can enjoy the season and your good health.” When to go to the emergency department “If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, a low pulse oximeter reading*, chest pain, uncontrolled vomiting, impaired cognition, or significant injury, you should be treated in an emergency department,” says Dr. Pook. “If you are battling a common cold or sore throat, you can seek treatment with your primary care provider or an On-Demand Care clinic.” *If your oximeter reading is less than 95%, contact a healthcare provider. If less than 90-92%, call 911. GET THE CARE YOU NEED Kettering Health’s 14 emergency centers are available 24/7, offering treatment for trauma, stroke, heart attack, and other serious illnesses and injuries. Visit ketteringhealth.org/emergency to find your closest emergency center. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911. Chest pain or discomfort Feeling lightheaded, nauseous, or dizzy Jaw, neck, or back pain Shortness of breath Arm or shoulder pain or discomfort Recognize the signs of a heart attack
Kids are often wiser and more aware than they’re given credit for. And they can be incredibly resilient. But nothing can prepare them for the emotions and shock of a parent’s cancer diagnosis. Especially when that shock hits a family twice. Just an ordinary family Two years ago, the Williamson family’s days were like those of many other suburban families. Chris, a pharmacist, and Melissa, a nurse practitioner, led busy lives, balancing work with raising their three active children. Afternoons and weekends were spent taking the kids to sports practices and band rehearsals; when one activity ended, they would host the team’s end-of-season pool party at their home as the kids started another sport. A scary diagnosis . . . On May 29, 2022, Melissa woke in the middle of the night with excruciating abdominal pain. Unknown to her, a mass had been growing in her upper right abdomen. She’d had no symptoms—until the mass hemorrhaged, filling her abdomen with blood. If that weren’t terrible enough, the mass, a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, was cancerous. Melissa and Chris faced the difficult task of breaking the news to their children, Alivia (15), Eva (13), and Joseph (9). When the kids heard the diagnosis, they were tearful and scared of losing their mom. But they held onto hope. “We are a faith-based family,” Melissa says. “We believe that God will get us through.” . . . followed by another After Melissa’s surgery that July to remove the mass, the family thought Patient story LEARNING TO 6 ketteringhealth.org How a child-centered support program helps families dealing with cancer
7 they were on the other side of their frightening storm. But in January 2023, Chris began having side pain and developed textbook signs of kidney stones. Testing determined he had multiple myeloma, a rare cancer of the plasma cells in his bone marrow. They learned that Chris’s cancer was treatable, but not curable. When they told their children about Chris’s cancer, “they were all in shock, and all three of our children burst into tears,” Melissa says. “Joseph thought he was losing his dad and fell to his knees. Eva and Alivia said they didn’t understand how this happened.” The children now wondered: Would they lose both parents? As a healthcare provider, Melissa was experienced in delivering difficult news to patients and their families. But nothing had prepared her for this. “I’ve told many people about the loss of their loved ones. I’ve told many people they have cancer,” says Melissa. “But to tell my kids, only seven months later, that their father had cancer in addition to their mother—it was probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do.” A way forward Melissa and Chris wanted their children to know they had support during this tumultuous time. “As a family, we developed a plan for them to talk to us if they were scared or had questions,” Melissa says. She also reached out to the children’s guidance counselors and teachers. During one of Chris’ appointments with Dr. Kelly Miller, an oncologist with Kettering Health Cancer Care, they were introduced to the CLIMB® program (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery). CLIMB, developed by the Children’s Treehouse Foundation, is a national program that uses hands-on art activities and age-appropriate projects to help children develop skills to cope with the emotions related to the cancer diagnosis in their family. At Chris’ first treatment, DeAnn Gallatin, LSW, an oncology social worker for Kettering Health Cancer Care, gave the couple more information about CLIMB. “She was so kind and went over everything,” Melissa says. Kettering Health’s CLIMB program is for children ages five to 12. When Melissa told DeAnn that 13-year-old Eva was a worrier who tended to internalize things, they welcomed her into the program. An oasis in the storm Over the next six weeks, Eva and Joseph were eager for their —Continued on page 8 “I didn’t cause cancer. I can’t catch cancer, but I can help people with cancer.” —The “three Cs” of CLIMB Eva, Joseph, and Alivia Williamson enjoyed hands-on art projects and other activities that helped them cope with their parents’ cancer diagnoses.
8 ketteringhealth.org CLIMB meetings. “They looked forward to it every Wednesday,” says Melissa. “They would say ‘When is CLIMB?’ and ‘We can’t be late!’” The CLIMB program helps kids learn about cancer and treatment. Plush toys shaped like different kinds of cells give kids a visual of what’s going on inside their loved one’s body and help them understand chemotherapy and radiation. Other activities include using a stuffed animal to show kids where a port is placed and decorating cookies to learn about healthy cells and cancer cells. The kids toured where their dad would receive chemotherapy and spoke with medical professionals about what treatment looks like. And they heard everything in a way they could understand. CLIMB also helps children learn how to process their complicated emotions. Activities like making a worry box gave the kids a way to discuss and then “store their worries” instead of carrying them around. “I could see the de-escalation, the de-stressing, the overall demeanor of my children changing,” Melissa says. Patient story —Continued from page 7 Invaluable lessons learned Before CLIMB, Joseph didn’t want to leave his parents’ side. “He was in bed with us when I hemorrhaged,” Melissa explains. “He went to bed with us and [when he] woke up, his mom was gone.” After Chris’ diagnosis, it took them months to get Joseph to sleep in his own bed. He worried that he’d wake up and his dad wouldn’t be there. “The CLIMB program gave our kids the tools to process this situation and their emotions,” she says. “It gave them an outlet besides Mom and Dad to talk about it. They learned that there are [other] people there to help.” Bubbles, boxes, and the “three Cs” Eva says her favorite parts of the program were an outdoor bubble activity, learning how they could help their parents with cancer, and creating her worry box, because when they write down their worries CLIMB: Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery Kettering Health’s CLIMB program is offered as a six-week evening class in spring and fall. It is open to any child with a loved one dealing with a cancer diagnosis, regardless of the patient’s relationship to the child (parent, grandparent, sibling, teacher, neighbor, etc.) or where the patient is receiving their treatment. There is no charge for the program. HELP IS HERE To learn more about Kettering Health’s CLIMB program or to register, visit ketteringhealth.org/cancercare or call DeAnn Gallatin at 1-888-681-5610.
Crucial Catch: Intercepting cancer together The best defense is a strong offense. That’s why Kettering Health has partnered with the Cincinnati Bengals to advance the NFL’s Crucial Catch mission to fight cancer through early detection and risk reduction. Many cancers can be caught early through cancer screenings. Kettering Health is committed to providing people the tools they need to help them better understand the importance of early detection and ways to reduce their cancer risk. Crucial Catch focuses on six common, screenable cancers (breast, cervical, colon, lung, prostate, and skin), encouraging people to be proactive about working with their healthcare provider to determine what screenings are recommended and other steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of cancer. “Cancer screening saves lives,” says Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor. “I’m proud to team up with Kettering Health to raise awareness about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.” The Bengals’ Crucial Catch mission also includes honoring cancer survivors and patients who are still fighting their cancer battles. “The Bengals are proud to be a positive force in the fight against cancer,” said Bengals Director of Strategy and Engagement Elizabeth Blackburn. “Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S., and the Bengals, along with great partners like Kettering Health and Crucial Catch, provide an important platform to raise awareness about resources that can help save lives.” “we can place our worries in the box, and we no longer have to worry about it because it’s in the box,” she says. “That helped me a lot because I learned how to control my emotions, and they taught us how we can talk to people about our emotions.” Joseph enjoyed “all the projects we did, and the food,” he says. “I liked the masks we made and the worry box. I really liked seeing where Daddy got his treatments and seeing the radiation machine. The teachers were really kind, too.” But his biggest takeaway from CLIMB was learning the “three Cs”: “I didn’t cause cancer. I can’t catch cancer, but I can help people with cancer.” While Melissa praises many things about CLIMB—the people and the process—she says the best part was that “my kids felt safe going there.” After their children graduated from CLIMB, the Williamson family made a donation to Kettering Health’s CLIMB program so more children can benefit from it. “Even though my children aren’t the patient, they are a part of the patient,” Melissa says. “The CLIMB program fits into Kettering Health’s model of caring for the patient and the whole health of those involved.” Looking to the future As of July 2023, Melissa gets scans every six months and will need to do so for the next 10 years. But she’s been given a good bill of health and doesn’t require further treatment. Chris recently underwent an auto stem cell transplant and is home recovering. When asked about their children’s progress, Melissa says that through faith, a supportive healthcare team, and the CLIMB program, “We are able to get through this. I can’t say how grateful I am.” 9 To learn more about Crucial Catch, visit ketteringhealth.org/crucialcatch
10 ketteringhealth.org Surender Neravetla, MD, is a cardiothoracic surgeon with Kettering Health Salt is one of the most common ingredients in our food. But consuming too much of it can be dangerous for long-term health. “Salt is a silent killer,” says Dr. Surender Neravetla. Most people won’t notice the damaging effects on their bodies, he warns, “until a major problem occurs.” Salt is linked to many health issues In his book, Salt Kills1, Dr. Neravetla wrote that tens of millions of Americans suffer from Nutrition Too much salt can be dangerous conditions caused or aggravated by the amount of salt they regularly consume. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common health problem in the world, and salt intake is a primary cause. Excess salt narrows and stiffens our blood vessels and causes them to lose elasticity over time, forcing the heart to work harder to pump, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. It also impacts brain health. “High blood pressure constantly affects the parts of the brain that store memories,” Dr. Neravetla says. People with hypertension are more likely to experience cognitive decline and develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In addition, salt intake is linked to autoimmune issues, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Research shows that a high-salt diet can send Th17 cells, which protect your body from external Shake S a ekhthe shaker habit
11 threats, into “hyperdrive,” says Dr. Neravetla, causing the body to attack itself. High salt intake may also increase a person’s risk of developing gastric cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Ditch the salt Saltshakers are a common sight in American kitchens, but Dr. Neravetla recommends ditching them. “We should stop adding salt to our food. Period.” He emphasizes that “if you eat a normal diet, there’s already enough natural sodium in food to meet your daily sodium requirements.” The American Heart Association recommends adults consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, which is equivalent to about one teaspoon of table salt. The ideal limit is less than 1,500 mg daily, especially for those with high blood pressure or who are at high risk for heart disease. “We really need to highlight that 2,300 mg is a ‘do not exceed’ number,” adds Dr. Neravetla. “That’s the limit, not the requirement.” Use spices and seasonings instead Dr. Neravetla says he wouldn’t endorse most products that are marketed as sodium-free salt alternatives. “The only brand that is tried and tested is Mrs. Dash,” he explains. “Their products contain different combinations of herbs, and they’re available in any supermarket.” He also encourages people to get creative with spices and seasonings, such as ginger, cilantro, curry leaves, peppers, and unsalted vinegar. Sprinkling food with lime or lemon juice is another way to add flavor. Reducing sodium intake doesn’t mean food has to taste bland, Dr. Neravetla adds. “If you use seasonings and experiment with different recipes, you’ll find you won’t miss salt.” 1Salt Kills, Surender Reddy Neravetla, MD, FACS, with Shantanu Reddy Neravetla, MD, (2012) Health Now Books, Springfield, Ohio HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR HEART? Go to ketteringhealth.org/heartcare to take our heart quiz. Don’t be salty Reduce your sodium intake with these tips: Add zing with herbs and spices instead of salt A few flavorful combinations: • Chopped garlic with potatoes • Turmeric with rice • Citrus juice with fish • Rosemary with chicken • Basil with pasta • Paprika with soups Put on your chef’s hat Up to 75% of the sodium we eat comes from processed or ready-made packaged foods—from instant rice to frozen pizzas. Whenever possible: Prepare foods with fresh, naturally delicious ingredients instead of instant mixes and sauces, which often have added salt Cook with dried beans instead of canned Choose unprocessed meats, such as fresh, skinless poultry and fish, instead of meats that are smoked, cured, or salted Choose low- or no-salt versions of your favorites At grocery stores, compare nutrition facts labels and choose foods with the least amount of sodium. When buying canned or frozen items (such as soups and vegetables) look for “no salt added,” “low sodium,” “reduced sodium,” or “unsalted.” Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
12 ketteringhealth.org Losing someone or something important is always difficult. Loss changes our world in an instant. Suddenly, we’re faced with learning to adjust, to cope, and—namely— to grieve. Grief is compounded not just by loss, but by how loss means grieving the loss of normalcy and the loss of what was. For those grieving, Julie Manuel, a licensed professional clinical counselor, wants you to know: “You’re not alone.” Every year, this one included, has been difficult for countless people. Some lost homes. Others lost jobs. Some lost loved ones. And each loss, regardless of what it entailed, creates deep emotional wounds that require “the slow, nonlinear process of grief” to heal. Embrace the process and make a plan Grief, though universal, isn’t a one-size-fitsall experience. How to navigate grief “There’s no blueprint for processing grief,” says Julie. “It happens as we allow it to happen.” The first thing to know is that your grief is not anyone else’s. Julie encourages not comparing your grief with someone else’s. For starters, this may mean avoiding social media. “Don’t compare your grief to someone else’s joy,” says Julie. “Instead, embrace that grief is a process and make a plan.” The best plans, she says, are simple, which may feel counterintuitive. Grief is heavy and intimidating. Often, those in the thick of it believe the solution to grief should be as dramatic and cumbersome as grief itself. But the way forward, Julie suggests, is the opposite: Take baby steps that acknowledge the difficulty of grief and the possibility of moving forward. “If we can simplify the grief process, if we can practice doing a few simple things, it’ll help reduce and even release some of the severity of grief.” Mental health Julie Manuel is the clinical program manager at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center MOVING FORWARD
13 Practice the “three Cs” As you build a plan, consider the “three Cs”: choose, connect, and communicate. Choose: Choose what’s best for you. Even during dark bouts of grief, you still possess the dignity of choice. “Grief often brings the sense of loss of control,” says Julie. Make choices about what you can attend, join, and do—and what you can’t—to help reinstate some of that loss of control. Connect: “We’re wired for connection,” says Julie. And grief intensifies feelings of loneliness, which often leads to isolation. It’s difficult but important to not remove yourself from others’ lives. “No one wants to constantly hear ‘How are you doing?’ But it’s important not to fake it when you’re asked,” Julie says. That honesty will help you and will help others help you. Communicate: “Put your needs out there. Say to others, ‘This is going to be awkward or weird, but this is what I need,’” says Julie. “Let folks know how you plan to respond to others who ask, ‘How are you doing?’’’ The greatest difficulty with this, cautions Julie, is the vulnerability it requires. Communicating however you can to your friends and family will help them know how best to come alongside you, especially when grief arrives. “And in those moments of breakdown or confusion, talk about it,” says Julie. “It’s how we heal.” Move toward healing Grief hurts. The only thing that will make it worse is to hide or mask your grief. Instead, Julie invites anyone who is grieving to remember that grief is difficult—and that’s enough. Don’t be someone you’re not. You are not a burden. You’re a person navigating loss, like many others. You may not feel like yourself quite yet, but you can take baby steps toward healing. WE’RE JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY To learn more about Kettering Health’s counseling services or to schedule an outpatient appointment, visit ketteringhealth.org/mentalhealth or call 1-855-472-0134. Don’t be someone you’re not. You are not a burden. You’re a person navigating loss, like many others.
14 ketteringhealth.org Breastfeeding comes with changes that might be concerning or embarrassing for women—even though they’re completely normal. Lactation Consultant Michelle Gnagey offers help for new moms. Why am I leaking breast milk? “It can happen for a number of reasons,” Michelle says. You might notice leaking when hearing a baby cry or even when thinking about your baby. This is due to the “milk ejection” or “let-down” reflex, in which oxytocin (sometimes called the “love” hormone) causes breast milk to flow. You may also experience leaking if you overproduce breast milk. Michelle recommends fabric breast pads to prevent milk from leaking through your clothing. Avoid pads with plastic lining, which can break down nipple tissue. Why are my breasts sore? Breast soreness, Michelle assures, is typical and usually goes away within a week. “There can be some soreness,” she says, “but there shouldn’t be any pain.” Pain while breastfeeding is likely due to a latching or positioning problem. Your lactation consultant can help. Engorgement, an inflammatory response where breast tissue around milk glands swells, is a common cause of soreness in the early days of breastfeeding. “Your breasts aren’t used to having milk in them,” Michelle explains. Why do I have dry skin and cracked nipples? While breastfeeding, your nipples may become dry EMBARRASSED TO ASK? What to know about breastfeeding YOU’RE NOT ALONE For breastfeeding and maternity support, visit ketteringhealth.org/maternity Michelle Gnagey is an international board-certified lactation consultant with Kettering Health or cracked. They may even bleed. Instead of creams or lotions, which can cause further irritation, Michelle suggests using a few drops of breast milk to soothe the skin. Allow your nipples to air dry before dressing to prevent clothes from sticking and chafing. However, Michelle says bleeding and irritated nipples indicate an issue a lactation consultant can correct. How do I know if I have an infection? A tender knot in your breast with skin that’s red and warm likely means you have a plugged milk duct. Though uncomfortable, plugged ducts are harmless, but can lead to an infection of your breast tissue, called mastitis, if left uncleared for longer than a few days. Massage the area during feeding to clear the blockage. Don’t be afraid to ask If you have questions or concerns, reach out. Your lactation consultant has likely seen it all—there’s no need to feel uncomfortable. “When it comes to breastfeeding, there’s really not a question that would embarrass a lactation consultant,” Michelle says.
15 Kettering Health is here to serve our community AT OUR BEST Four Kettering Health campuses recognized as high-performance hospitals U.S. News and World Report ranked Kettering Health Main Campus as a high-performing hospital in six different procedures. The annual Best Hospital rankings aim to help both patients and healthcare professionals make informed decisions about where to seek treatment for serious medical concerns. The following conditions and procedures achieved high-performing ratings at Kettering Health Main Campus: • Aortic valve surgery • Colon cancer surgery • Heart bypass surgery • Hip replacement • Knee replacement • Stroke Three additional Kettering Health medical centers received high-performance rankings: • Hip replacement: Kettering Health Miamisburg • Knee replacement: Kettering Health Dayton, Kettering Health Miamisburg • Stroke: Soin Medical Center Kettering Health Cassano Health Center renovates and expands services In August, Congressman Mike Turner visited the newly remodeled Kettering Health Cassano Health Center. The $4 million renovation, with $2.5 million in funding from the Grandview Foundation and $1.25 million in direct federal funding secured by Congressman Turner, will help meet the healthcare needs of the underserved in the community. New additions include seven more patient rooms; space to fully integrate on-site behavioral health and remote psychiatric treatment; and upgraded equipment, technology, and services. In addition to family practice and internal medicine, patients can access nephrology, neurology, and surgery (general, orthopedic, and hand) at the health center. On-site services include a laboratory, pharmacy, imaging, orthopedic procedures and casting, case management, and social work. Kettering Health Hamilton signs on to Work+ program Kettering Health Hamilton recently signed an agreement to participate in the Work+ program, available to students attending Miami University Regionals. This program offers part-time work and financial assistance to fulltime students pursuing degrees at Miami’s regional campuses. For the next three years, Kettering Health Hamilton will hire 10 Work+ students in a variety of entry-level roles. Compensation includes an hourly wage and paid tuition while they complete their undergraduate degrees.
Kettering Health 3535 Southern Blvd. Kettering, OH 45429 Update or remove address by emailing strive@ketteringhealth.org. Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Zac Taylor Head Coach Cancer screenings save lives. That’s why Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor and Kettering Health are reminding you that cancer screenings are the easiest way to catch and treat cancer as early as possible. INTERCEPTING CANCER TOGETHER Learn how we’re intercepting cancer. Ad to come Official Healthcare Provider of the Cincinnati Bengals
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