PORTER REGIONAL HOSPITAL
GUIDE TO LIVING WELL
Sign up for our
e-newsletter at
PorterHealth.com
A Heart Hospital
Within a Hospital
Porter’s Center for
Cardiovascular Medicine
What Your
Urine is
Telling You
Take Our
Heart Smart QUIZ
on page 8
WINTER 2015
25478
2199838300
?
Are You Building
A Heart-Healthy
FUTURE
stayhealth-e
Health News
Designed For You
Sign Up Today for Porter’s
E-Newsletter, StayHealth-e
It’s News to You!
Keep yourself and your family healthy and active
with StayHealth-e – our online newsletter.
Throughout the year we’ll keep you up-to-date
on the latest news from Porter, and we’ll offer
you practical health, wellness and prevention
information.
Designed for You!
You’ll be able to customize your newsletter to
include the article topics you want to read about,
and you can change the topics at any time and as
often as you like to reflect your changing lifestyle
and interests.
Sent to You!
To sign up for our email newsletter to receive
health and wellness information and links
to a variety of healthcare resources, go to
PorterHealth.com. Look for the “Sign Up for
our eNewsletter!” button in the lower right
corner of the page, click and go.
Make informed choices for a
healthier you with StayHealthy-e.
2
•
Choice of topic preferences
•
Timely health news, classes
and upcoming events
•
Optimized for your smartphone
ou.
inside
The Center for
Cardiovascular Medicine
pages 4 & 5
top performer quality award
We’re on Top at Porter
By focusing on quality care for our patients,
and by always striving to do what’s right, Porter
has earned “Top Performer” recognition.
Ask the Doctors
pages 6 & 7
Heart Smart Quiz
pages 8 & 9
What your Urine
is Telling You
pages 10 & 11
The Joint Commission, which supports National Patient Safety goals,
named Porter Regional Hospital a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures.®
Porter was recognized for achieving excellence in the areas of Heart Attack,
Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Surgical Care in 2013.
Building a
Heart-Healthy Future
The Joint Commission
Top Performer on
Key Quality
®
Measures
2013
page 13 – 15
PAD is BAD
pages 17
Physicians Speak
What this means to individuals in
Northwest Indiana is that, through the use
of evidence-based protocols, the care
delivered locally is among the top in the nation.
There is no need to travel long distances to get
the quality care you need and deserve.
page 18
Support Groups
®
page 18
Childbirth Education
page 19
Community Education
pages 20 –22
You can also view this issue
of StayHealthy online at
porterhealth.com
3
Step Inside
The Center for
Cardiovascular
Medicine
The Center for Cardiovascular Medicine at Porter
offers the extensive services and proven experience
patients want in one convenient location, right here at
home. Planned for efficiency and an improved patient
experience, the Center for Cardiovascular Medicine is a
collaborative setting where cardiac specialists diagnose,
treat and manage patients’ heart and vascular conditions.
Convenient
At the Center, the services that
complement cardiology are easily
accessible. Nearby are diagnostic
imaging, the lab and the emergency
department. Because all ancillary
services are easily accessible, patients
can get in, get their testing or
procedure done and get out in less
time than if the services were located in
many different areas of the hospital.
Referred to as a ‘Heart Hospital
within a Hospital,’ the entrance to the
Center is separate from the hospital’s
main entrance. Patients coming for
cardiovascular services can preregister
by phone and then check in with the
Center’s registrar. Additionally, the
person who initially greets the patient
will “follow” that patient through their
course of care in the center.
The Center for Cardiovascular
Medicine includes private
cardiac rooms, all private
pre- and post-op recovery
rooms, and four cardiac
catheterization and
electrophysiology labs.
The Center also has
38 cardiac-monitored
private rooms on the
Intermediate Care Unit.
4
center for cardiovascular medicine
Advanced
Skilled
The diagnostic wing of the Center has separate testing
rooms for patients requiring an echocardiogram, stress
test, electrocardiogram (EKG), trans-esophageal
echocardiogram (TEE) or other diagnostic procedure.
Performed by a team of well-trained cardiac nurses,
technologists and, when required, board-certified
cardiologists, all tests are done using advanced equipment.
For patients needing a cardiac procedure such as the placement
of a pacemaker, cardiac catheterization, a stent insertion,
angioplasty or other minimally invasive procedure, the
procedure wing of the Center offers a seamless transition from
pre-op through post-op. Patients wait in a private room where they
are monitored and prepared for their surgery. Once the procedure
is complete patients return to the same room and are cared for by
the same staff.
Within the diagnostic area there are also separate rooms
where the staff conducts outpatient clinics. The heart
failure clinic helps patients and their families manage this
chronic disease and improve the patients’ quality of life.
In the anticoagulation clinic, patients who are taking
long-term prescription blood thinners are monitored
and assessed. If medication adjustments are needed, a
pharmacist is on site to make the change.
The latest program to be launched is the heart
valve center. Before a patient enters the program, a
multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, cardiothoracic
surgeons, and a patient navigator have a case conference
to discuss treatment options.
The program provides patients
with heart valve disease
guideline-based care.
While advanced technology and
procedures and the seamless
delivery of service are important,
the hallmark of the Center lies
in the people who make up the
staff. The team of cardiologists,
cardiovascular surgeons and
interventional radiologists bring
progressive treatments to the
community and are well-versed on innovations being made in
the specialty. Through on-going education, process improvement
and evidence-based practices, the doctors, nurses, technologists and
staff make a continuing commitment to meet a higher standard of
care at every level.
continued on page 6
Turn the page to learn more about the
Award-Winning Care offered at Porter’s
Center for Cardiovascular Medicine.
5
ask the doctors
continued from page 5
Nationally Recognized & Award Winning:
Porter’s Center for Cardiovascular Medicine
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Distinction in Cardiac Care
Advanced Certification in Heart
Failure by The Joint Commission
in conjunction with the American
Heart Association
Get with the Guidelines® - Heart
Failure Silver award from the
American Heart Association/
American College of Cardiology
Chest Pain Accreditation from the
Society of Cardiovascular Patient
Care (SCPC)
Advanced Ccertification
as a Primary Stroke Center by
The Joint Commission
Certified Program by the American
Association of Cardiovascular and
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Atrial Fibrillation Certification
by the Society of Cardiovascular
Patient Care (SCPC)
Echocardiography Accreditation
by the Intersocietal Accreditation
Commission
6
To learn more, call 219-983-5188
or visit PorterHealth.com.
Q: What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)
and how is it treated?
A: Atrial fibrillation is a problem with the heart’s electrical
system. In AFib, the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) quiver,
causing the lower chambers (the ventricles) to beat irregularly.
As Cardiac Electrophysiologist Scott Kaufman, D.O.,
explained, “The problem with AFib is that it raises a person’s
risk for stroke and heart failure. In fact, the risk of stroke is
increased fivefold in people with AFib.”
When asked about the causes of AFib, Dr. Kaufman said
it typically is the result of the aging process. “AFib is the most
common abnormal heart rhythm disorder. People over the
age of 60 who have conditions such as heart valve disease,
heart muscle disease, COPD, other types of heart disease or
hypertension are also at risk.”
For those with AFib, treatments can include medicine,
surgical procedures, and/or placement of a pacemaker. “At
Porter, we also perform minimally invasive procedures such
as electrical cardioversion or radiofrequency ablation to treat
AFib,” said Dr. Kaufman. He explained that during electrical
cardioversion, the patient is sedated and an electric current is
sent through the chest to reset
the heart’s normal rhythm.
“With radiofrequency
ablation, a thin tube is
threaded up a blood vessel
to the heart. The tube
delivers radiofrequency
energy that burns off the
heart tissue causing the
abnormal electrical
signals.”
AORTA
LEFT
ATRIUM
RIGHT
ATRIUM
RIGHT
VENTRICLE
LEFT
VENTRICLE
While AFib doesn’t always cause
symptoms, Dr. Kaufman said it can
cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness,
chest pain or pressure, shortness of
breath and a feeling like your heart is
racing or fluttering. “Because it can
be asymptomatic, it is always good to
be seen regularly by your primary care
physician. If AFib is suspected, your
doctor will probably order an event
recorder to try to document episodes
and possibly an echocardiogram and/
or stress test to evaluate the heart for
coronary artery disease or structural
disease.”
Dr. Kaufman is a member of the medical
staff at Porter Regional Hospital. He is Board
Certified by the American Board of Internal
Medicine in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology.
To schedule an appointment with
Dr. Kaufman, call 219-531-9419.
Q: How is interventional cardiology used
to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD)?
A:
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a disease in which
plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your
NARROWED ARTERY
head, organs and limbs. When plaque builds up in the
body’s arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis. Over
time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, limiting
the flow of oxygen-rich blood to other organs and other
STENT INSERTION
parts of the body.
“PAD usually affects the arteries in the legs, but we
do see it in other arteries throughout the body,” said
Interventional Cardiologist Keith Atassi, M.D. “Blocked
STENT EXPANSION
blood flow to the legs can cause pain and numbness, and it
increases your risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack,
stroke, and transient ischemic attack (TIA).”
STENT REMAINS
According to Dr. Atassi, treatment typically includes
lifestyle changes such as losing weight, stopping smoking,
and exercising, as well as taking medications that lower cholesterol, blood
pressure, and the risk of clots. If the symptoms are severe enough to require
intervention, Dr. Atassi uses the minimally invasive procedures angioplasty and
stenting.
“At Porter we are using a recent advancement in balloon angioplasty that
involves coating the balloon with a drug that prevents excess
scar tissue from forming along the wall of the treated artery,”
commented Dr. Atassi. He said that during the procedure he
threads a thin, flexible catheter through an artery and guides
it to the blockage. When the tube reaches the narrowed
artery, a small balloon at the end of it inflates for a short time,
which presses the plaque against the arterial wall to
improve blood flow.
Sometimes after angioplasty, Dr. Atassi uses a
stent to brace the artery open. To place a stent,
he removes the balloon catheter and inserts a
new catheter with a stent. The stent remains in
place to support the walls of the artery.
Dr. Atassi advises that the initial treatment
for PAD is to reduce risks associated with it –
smoking, inactivity and poor diet.
Dr. Atassi is a member of the medical staff at Porter
Regional Hospital and Chief of Porter’s Cath Lab. He
is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular
Disease and Interventional Cardiology. To schedule an
appointment with Dr. Atassi at Northwest Indiana
Cardiovascular Physicians, call 219-531-9419.
7
Your life
depends on
it, but how much
do you really know
about your heart?
In the U.S., 1 in
every 4 deaths
is caused by
heart disease.
True
False
True. Heart disease causes the deaths
of over half a million people in the U.S.
annually, which totals a quarter of all
deaths in men and women each year.
Approximately three-quarters of a million
U.S. heart deaths are from heart attack.
Most of these are first-time heart attacks.
Sudden cardiac arrest
means that the heart…
a. Stops beating
b. Beats dangerously slow
c. Has a cycle of beating
and stopping
d. Skips beats
a. When the heart suddenly stops
beating, it is referred to as a sudden
cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest
stops the blood from flowing to
vital organs, including the brain.
Symptoms of a heart attack can include…
a. Dizziness, weakness, arm pain, pressure in the chest
b. Heart palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness
c. No symptoms
d. All of the above
d. The many symptoms of a heart attack include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath,
dizziness, palpitations, chest discomfort and/or pain, chest heaviness, nausea, vomiting,
and pain that radiates to the jaw, arm, or throat. Sometimes a heart attack has no
obvious symptoms.
8
Source: American Heart Association
heart smart quiz
When you sense heart trouble
how much time can you safely
wait before getting help?
The most common type of
heart disease in the U.S. is:
a. No time. Act immediately.
b. 30-60 minutes
c. 60-90 minutes
d. Up to two hours
a. Coronary artery disease
b. Atrial fibrillation
c. Mitral valve prolapse
d. Arrhythmias
a. When it comes to heart trouble, seek help immediately.
Each minute represents more damage to your heart
muscle – damage that can be irreversible or deadly. Know
the warning signs and call 911 as soon as symptoms begin.
Studies show that, sadly, too many people wait too long.
In the heart, a clogged
artery causes a heart attack.
In the brain it causes a…
a. Migraine
b. Mental illness
c. Stroke
d. Seizure
c. When blood flow is significantly
impaired to the brain a stroke occurs.
A stroke that results from inadequate
blood supply to the brain is referred to
as an ischemic stroke. When a blood
vessel to the brain breaks open and
bleeds it causes a hemorrhagic stroke.
a. The most common form of heart disease in the
U.S. is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD causes
heart attacks because the supply of blood and oxygen
to the heart muscle is inadequate. Lifestyle changes
and medications can reduce the risk of CAD.
Heart disease is the
leading cause of death
of American women.
True
False
True. Heart disease and stroke are the
leading killers of women, leading to a
third of all deaths, which is more than all
cancer deaths combined! Older women
are more likely to have heart disease,
however all women should be screened
for prevention and early treatment.
The term “heart failure”
means the heart has stopped
working completely.
True
False
False. When the heart does not pump
strongly enough to circulate blood
throughout the body, the condition
is referred to as heart
failure. This can occur
because of heart muscle
weakness or inadequate
filling of blood
into the heart
chambers.
Heart disease is the leading cause
of death in the U.S, but it’s both
preventable and controllable.
At Porter’s Center for Cardiovascular
Medicine, our comprehensive
services are focused on preventing
and treating heart disease.
To learn more call the Center
at 219-983-5188 or visit
PorterHealth.com.
9
all about urine
WHAT YOUR
URINE
is
TELLING YOU
In healthy adults, the kidneys typically
produce about two to three ounces of
urine per hour. Because your kidney’s main
job is to maintain the correct balance of
water and chemicals in your blood, urine
can be directly related to your health.
“Urination is one of the most fundamental bodily
functions,” said Urologist Ashay Kparker, M.D. “In fact,
urine can provide a snapshot of your overall health and
may reflect a variety of health conditions, such as kidney
function, metabolic issues such as diabetes, prostate
problems or even cancer.”
Dr. Kparker explained that causes for concern would be
blood or sediment in the toilet bowl, difficult or painful
urination, a weak urine stream or unexplained changes
in urinary frequency. He offered the following tips and
encourages patients to see their physician if they believe
there is a problem.
DARK COLOR
“Urine that’s dark (like the color of iced tea) could signal
dehydration,” says Dr. Kparker. “Urine should be about
the color of straw. Dark colored urine can mean the urine
is concentrated, which signals you need to drink more
water. It could also indicate blood in the urine, which can
be a sign of infection or disease.”
BRIGHT URINE
“Urine that looks like it might glow in the dark can
be the result of medications or vitamin supplements,”
Dr. Kparker explained. “Take note of any new medicine
or supplement.” He went on to caution that the bright
color doesn’t necessarily mean that the medications aren’t
working, because they can show up in your urine even as
they’re being absorbed in the blood stream.
10
BLOOD
PALE URINE
Pale urine may be a sign that you’re drinking lots
of water. “Drinking an abundance of water and
producing pale urine isn’t cause for alarm, but
may be cause to visit the bathroom more
often,” says Dr. Kparker.
SWEET SMELL
“Sweet-smelling urine can be a clue for
diabetes”, Dr. Kparker shared. “People with
diabetes may pass blood sugar in their urine.”
He stressed that this symptom should be
reported to your physician.
Dr. Kparker acknowledged that a drop or spot
of blood in the urine can be scary to patients.
“Blood can be a sign of something as innocent
as a urinary tract infection or a side effect from a
drug. Yet, it could also be as serious as cancer. It’s best
to get this checked out.”
AN ODD SMELL
An odd odor is probably not a reason for concern.
“Asparagus is an obvious one, but garlic and even alcohol
and coffee can cause your urine to have a funny odor,” said
Dr. Kparker. “The odor should go away when the offending
ingredient works through your system.”
FREQUENT OR PAINFUL URINATION
“If you haven’t been taking in more fluids, but you need to urinate more
often, you may have an infection,” Dr. Kparker cautioned. “Similarly,
a burning sensation isn’t normal. This is often one of the first signs of a
urinary tract infection or prostate infection. I recommend checking
with your physician in this case.”
According to Dr. Kparker, a simple urine test is a very
effective diagnostic tool. “Because it can give details about
the working condition of your kidneys, problems related
to bladder and even your vitamin and sugar levels, a urine
analysis is often part of a routine physical or check-up.”
Dr. Kparker is a member of the medical staff at Porter
Regional Hospital. He is board certified in Urology.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kparker at
Lakeshore Urologyy, call 219-983-6230.
11
ONLY AT PORTER REGIONAL HOSPITAL AND PORTAGE HOSPITAL.
Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. You’ll find these at Porter Regional Hospital
and Portage Hospital. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to working diligently to have
you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once
you do, you won’t want to go anywhere else. Visit us online at porterhealth.com to view our average E.R. wait times.
THE
30-MINUTES-OR-LESS
E.R. SERVICE PLEDGE.
AND PORTAGE HOSPITAL
*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Porter Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
?
Are You Building
A Heart-Healthy
FUTURE
HAPPINESS
FAMILY
LIVE
JOY
PLAY
HOPE
LAUGH
BE
WELL
CHERISH
DELIGHT
Sharing your heart means caring for yourself as well as your loved ones and doing
all you can to build a heart-healthy future. But sadly, according to the American
Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men
and women. Yet the heart of the matter is heart disease is largely
preventable because so many risk factors are within our control;
and if we choose to take charge of our health and adopt a healthy
lifestyle, studies show we can dramatically reduce our risks that help
to fight the disease.
That’s why it’s essential to know your family history and see your
doctor to determine your risk factors for heart disease now.
Don’t be the one who’s surprised by the results of heart tests –
surprised to learn you have problems with your blood pressure,
arteries, cholesterol or other parts of your cardiovascular system.
The reality is: people often think that if they don’t have chest pain,
they’re heart healthy. Yet we’ve learned that many of us are missing
opportunities to improve our heart health because of undiagnosed conditions.
Read on to learn how undiagnosed conditions impacted the lives of three
individuals and how Porter’s Center for Cardiovascular Medicine helped them
regain their heart-healthy quality of life.
continued on page 14
To find a doctor who can determine your risk factors for heart disease, call 1-800-541-1861 or visit PorterPhysicianGroup.com.
13
heart-healthy future
continued from page 13
Roger is a cycling enthusiast
and owner of Buck’s Bicycle
Shop for 42 years.
Porter’s Center for
Cardiovascular Medicine Helped
Susan, Roger and Ron rebuild
their heart-healthy quality of life.
“I’VE BEEN GIVEN THE GIFT OF
MORE TIME WITH MY GRANDCHILD.”
Susan Carr became a master at denial. She ignored the
swelling in her feet and legs. She disregarded her exhaustion.
“Just walking the 30 feet from my car to my office would leave me
breathless. But, I told myself it was aging, that I wasn’t drinking
enough water, that my sedentary job was taking a toll,” said Carr, 61,
of Portage. Last year she went to Disney World with
her family and was barely able to walk the park with
her granddaughter. Yet Carr continued to overlook
her health. “Since 1985 when I had my daughter, I had
only been to a doctor twice,” admitted Carr.
Finally, a nurse friend persuaded Carr to see a doctor. Quickly the doctor referred Carr to a cardiologist who called her in immediately
to discuss test results. “He opened up his laptop and said ‘You’re in the final stages of cardiac failure. You’ve got a bad valve.’ Suddenly
everything stopped. All noise and everything,” recalled Carr. She learned she needed a new heart valve. “It was very serious,” she said.
“I could go to sleep and never wake up. A sneeze could kill me.”
Despite her fears, Carr scheduled the surgery. “In reality, heart-valve replacement surgery was less traumatic and painful than
my C-section decades earlier,” said Carr. “I had surgery in the morning and was sitting up in the afternoon. My color immediately
looked better than it had in years. So much has changed in healthcare over the past 30 years. They talked to me; not at me.
They were encouraging, reassuring, respectful,” she said.
Just four days later, Carr was home. Today she’s back to work. “I feel better than I’ve ever felt before. My husband is
amazed. He was used to me coming home, kicking off my shoes, and laying down. Now I’m zipping around all over,” she
smiled. “I had always avoided doctors and understand people’s fear. But you have a responsibility to the people around
you. As women, we can’t just care for others. We owe it to our loved ones to take care of ourselves.”
Carr credits her four-year-old granddaughter with inspiring her to see a doctor and proceed with the surgery.
“I want her to have good memories of her grandmother. I’ve been given the gift of more time with my grandchild.”
Susan has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 30 years.
She is pictured here with her granddaughter, Teagan.
14
“I’M PROOF THAT YOU DON’T
ALWAYS KNOW WHEN THERE’S A PROBLEM.”
Roger Walsworth of Valparaiso has owned Buck’s
Bicycle Shop for 42 years and is an avid cyclist, often
riding up to 75 miles on a weekend spin. So it came as
quite a shock when the 73-year-old learned he had a heart
problem. “I went in for a regular physical. After my doctor
took a listen, he said something didn’t sound right,” said
Walsworth.
One test led to another and within days Walsworth learned he had 90% blockage in the
main artery of his heart. “The doctor said I might be fine for quite a while or I might keel over
in five minutes,” said Walsworth. This got his attention. Because of the nature of his blockage,
surgery was Walsworth’s only option. “My blockage was primarily calcium, which doesn’t
respond to the balloon angioplasty. I didn’t want something to happen to me while I was out
biking a country road. I chose the surgery and I scheduled it immediately,” he said.
So one week Walsworth was out riding his bike for 50 miles, and the next week he was
at Porter Regional Hospital having bypass surgery. “It was that quick,” he said. His recovery
was just as rapid. Within a day of the surgery, Walsworth was up walking around, and within
four days he was home – after a quick stop to check on the bike shop. “My healing was
unbelievable,” said Walsworth. His fitness made cardiac rehab seem like a vacation, and soon
he was back to riding his road bike.
“I couldn’t ask for a better situation with all the people at Porter. There was not one
negative person from my first consultation to the time I finished the rehab and they told me
my vitals were perfect,” said Walsworth.
Today Walsworth is back in the saddle and steering the way at Buck’s. “There’s no reason
for me to hang it up and retire. I still enjoy what I do. I’m serving the third generation of
customers these days and I’m in excellent health,” said Walsworth. “I was a ticking time bomb
and didn’t know it. Now I’m as active as I was when I was in my 20s,” he said.
“I’m proof that you don’t always know when there’s a problem. If you’ve got any
symptoms, get them checked, and it doesn’t hurt to get your heart checked even before you
have symptoms,” advised Walsworth.
“AFTER 50 YEARS,
I’M JUST NOW GETTING USED TO BEING ‘NORMAL.’”
Ron Kurmis had his first episode of supraventricular tachycardia when he was 14 years old.
“I didn’t even know what it was, but one day my heart started beating really fast – like 250 to 260
beats a minute,” said the Valparaiso resident, who is now 67. “It wasn’t related to exertion. I was able
to play minor league baseball, run five miles a day, and be very active. Yet then I could simply roll
over in bed and my heart would go from 70 to 240 beats per minute instantly,” he explained.
At 18, Kurmis had his heart evaluated by a full team of cardiologists at a Chicago hospital. “They gave me a name for the problem and told me
it wasn’t life threatening. They predicted that I would grow out of it. They taught me to control it with breathing techniques and told me to avoid
caffeine,” he said.
But Kurmis didn’t outgrow his condition. He served in the military. He had a family. He became a police officer in Valparaiso. But, his
episodes of tachycardia continued. “It wouldn’t be uncommon for me to have an episode once a day, and that’s being conservative,” he
said. He added that episodes could range from 10 seconds to many minutes at a time.
Then, Kurmis had the “big one.” It wasn’t a heart attack; but rather an episode of tachycardia that he couldn’t stop. After
about four hours of 200+ beats per minute, he ended up at Porter’s Emergency Department. Specialists immediately began
administering medication to control the heart rhythm. However, ultimately it took two electric shocks to restore Kurmis’s heart to a
normal rhythm. Kurmis needed help.
Shortly before his scary episode, Kurmis learned about the cardiac ablation procedure to control heart rhythm problems -- a
procedure that didn’t exist when he was diagnosed decades ago. Kurmis met with Dr. Scott Kauffman, who specializes in cardiac
electrophysiology to learn more. “Dr. Kauffman explained that electrical signals enter your heart and make it beat. Sometimes – and
in my case – pirate signals enter when they’re not wanted, creating an arrhythmia,” explained Kurmis.
Kurmis scheduled the ablation, a minimally invasive procedure in which a long, flexible tube or catheter is inserted through a vein in
the groin and threaded to the heart where doctors detect and correct the rhythm problem. He was home from the hospital the very next day.
“I haven’t had an episode since,” smiled Kurmis.
“After 50 years, I’m just now getting used to being ‘normal.’ I certainly feel a lot more confident in things that I do and it’s a good feeling.
I’m glad I found a solution,” said Kurmis.
Ron is a veteran and former Valparaiso police officer.
15
At CareEXPRESS Urgent Care Centers, we understand that injuries and
illnesses don’t always happen at convenient times. That’s why we are open 7 days a week with
physicians and walk-in care for illnesses, injuries, sports physicals and more. We also offer lab and
X-ray services. If you need urgent care after hours, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve got you
covered. No appointment necessary.
WHEN A MINOR
ILLNESS OR INJURY
JUST CAN’T WAIT.
CareEXPRESS-Valparaiso
809 LaPorte Avenue • Valparaiso
219-263-4977
CareEXPRESS-Chesterton
at Chesterton Medical Center
650 Dickinson Road • Chesterton
219-926-7755
URGENT CARE CareEXPRESS-Portage
at Portage Hospital
CENTERS
3630 Willowcreek Road • Portage
219-364-3900
9 am - 9 pm seven days a week
16
Porter Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
PADisBAD
Portage woman shares
her comeback story
Linda Beck of Portage was just 49 when she started
feeling bad. “I was just not feeling right,” she said. Her
shoulders hurt. She was tired. She consulted doctors
who recommended she see a gastroenterologist.
And then she had a heart attack.
“I woke up early one day and didn’t feel good. My only specific symptom
was pain across my shoulders,” she said. She dozed off and awoke sick to
her stomach. Recognizing that it was serious, Beck had her husband call
an ambulance. “On the way to the hospital the paramedic informed me
that I was having a heart attack,” she said.
Beck was rushed immediately to Porter, where Interventional
Cardiologist Sandeep Sehgal, M.D., succeeded in clearing an 85%
blockage using stents. With the help of cardiac rehabilitation, Beck
began eating healthier and exercising more regularly. In fact, after rehab,
Beck continued to exercise on her own at a local gym – until the pain
started. This time it was her leg. “I would get on the treadmill and almost
immediately my leg and hip would start hurting real bad. It felt like a
Charlie horse,” she said.
Beck consulted Dr. Sehgal and learned she had peripheral artery disease
– PAD – a narrowing of the arteries that reduces blood flow to the
limbs. Not only is it painful, but it puts you at added risk for heart
attack and stroke. Again, stents provided Beck with relief, clearing the
blockages in her legs, and improving her overall health.
These days, Beck, 56, is back in business, working full time for the City
of Portage, and feeling healthy. “Too often we ignore pain that could be
heart related. We think it’s indigestion, when we could be having a
heart attack. We think our legs hurt because we’ve been standing too
much or we blame it on varicose veins. It’s important to pay attention
to these signs as they can be serious,” shared Beck.
WHAT IS PAD?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common
circulatory problem in which narrowed
arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PAD?
•
Leg pain that gets worse while walking,
climbing stairs or exercising
•
Legs that feel tired
•
Foot or toe wounds that don’t heal well
•
Reduced temperature in the feet or
legs (compared to the rest of the body)
HOW PAD IS DIAGNOSED?
PAD is diagnosed with a small, painless
ultrasound device that measures the
pressure when your heart is actively moving
blood throughout your body.
WHY IS PAD DANGEROUS?
PAD increases your risk for heart attack or
stroke. Undiagnosed PAD can also lead to
loss of limbs.
Porter Health Care System offers a free national
screening program called Legs for Life at Porter
Regional Hospital in Valparaiso. The quick and
painless screening measures the circulation in both
legs to detect the disease. To schedule your free
Legs for Life screening, call 219-983-LEGS (5347).
17
physicians
“I enjoy taking care
of all my patient’s
healthcare needs
instead of focusing only
on one organ system.”
Pravin Gupta, M.D.
Steel Family Health Care Center
2022 Kelle Drive
Chesterton, IN 46304
219-395-2200
While in high school,
Dr. Gupta became interested in
pursuing a career in medicine.
He earned his medical degree
from the University of Delhi
and completed a three-year
internal medicine residency at
Grant Hospital in Chicago. “It’s
rewarding to be able to get to
really know my patients and
help them with their medical
care.” Dr. Gupta, who previously
practiced in Northwest Indiana,
continued to explain that his
goal is to provide the highest
quality and compassionate care.
“I am guided by evidence-based
medicine, and I am a firm believer
in a holistic approach in caring for
my patients.” His areas of interest
include the management of
chronic diseases such as diabetes
and pulmonary and cardiac
problems.
18
support groups
Rebecca Herrold-Engstrom,
MSN, FNP
Porter Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
1101 E. Glendale Boulevard, Suite 102-B
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-464-9054
A graduate of Purdue North
Central with an associate degree
in nursing and a graduate of
Valparaiso University with a
bachelor’s degree in Nursing,
Herrold-Engstrom began her
career on a telemetry unit and
advanced into the critical care and
cardiovascular intensive care units
at an area hospital. “Throughout
my 20 plus years in nursing there
has been a tremendous amount
of change and advancement in
technology. However, the constant
in healthcare is the irreplaceable
caring and compassion that
nurses provide,” shared HerroldEngstrom. “I earned my master’s
degree at St. Xavier University
in the Family Nurse Practitioner
program,” said Herrold-Engstrom.
“Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
ties together nursing’s compassion
and skill with the autonomy
to practice, diagnose and treat
patients holistically.”
“My hope is to make it a
better day by listening to
and guiding my patients
and their families to
their desired goals.”
“In urology, physicians
deal with a number of
quality-of-life issues.
I enjoy improving these
for my patients.”
Alzheimer’s
Support Group
219-793-9023
Aphasia
Support Group
219-263-4888
Diabetes
Support Group
219-263-7992
Hope & Healing
Breast Cancer
Support Group
219-983-6171
Low Vision
Support Group
219-464-1867
Ashay Kparker, M.D.
Lakeshore Urology
Porter Medical Plaza
85 East U.S. Highway 6 - Suite 230
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-983-6230
After receiving a dual
undergraduate degree in
engineering and biomedical
engineering and chemistry from
Duke University, Dr. Kparker
received his medical degree
and completed his residency
at the University of Illinois
Chicago College of Medicine.
“It’s not unusual for people
with a biomedical engineering
degree to choose the field of
urology,” explained Dr. Kparker,
“because we are continuously
challenged to try and improve
the specialty.”
Dr. Kparker chose the field of
urology because he feels it gives
him a good mix of surgical and
clinical cases. “I really get to
do so many things in this field,
and it is always evolving, which
keeps it very interesting,” he
said.
Physicians pictured above are members of the medical staff at Porter Regional Hospital.
Muscular Dystrophy
Association
574-259-9912
National Alliance on
Mental Illness - NAMI
219-764-2958
Northwest Indiana
Multiple Sclerosis
Self-Help
219-548-9103
219-921-9411
219-945-1127
Ostomy
Support Group
219-309-5939
219-406-0019
Parkinson’s Disease
Support Group
219-263-7203
Porter County
Cancer Society
219-462-7466
Stroke Survivor
Support Group
219-983-8355
VNA Phoenix Center
Grief peer support ages 6 – 24
219-531-8042
eLearning Online Childbirth Education
This comprehensive online class covers all aspects of pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum and
newborn care. This online program offers an alternative for women and their support person who
cannot attend a conventional prepared childbirth class due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts or time
constraints. The interactive Web-based program includes animated illustrations, videos and games.
Your partner or support person is encouraged to participate with you online. Register to participate
in the online learning during your 6th or 7th month.
Ongoing • $75 • Pre-registration required by calling 219-983-8692
CPR
Family & Friends
SUPER
SIBLING
CLASS
for
For those wanting to gain
knowledge of CPR but do
not need to be certified, this
American Heart Association
program covers all of the
basics of CPR and choking for
infants, children and adults.
February 12, 2015
April 9, 2015
6 – 8 p.m.
PRH Women & Children’s
Pavilion classroom
$20 per person
Pre-registration required
1-800-541-1861
childbirth/family education
All classes on this page meet at
Porter Regional Hospital, 85 E. US Hwy 6, Valparaiso
To register online, visit porterhealth.com
Childbirth
Education
This comprehensive class covers all aspects of pregnancy, labor, birth,
postpartum and newborn care. We discuss natural coping methods, such
as relaxation and breathing, as well as the use of pain medication and
epidural anesthesia. Your partner or support person is encouraged to
attend with you. Register in your 4th or 5th month of pregnancy and take
the classes in your 7th or 8th month. Classes meet one night per week for
four consecutive weeks.
WEDNESDAYS
February 4, 11, 18, 25, 2015
MONDAYS
April 8, 15, 22, 29, 2015
March 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015
May 6, 13, 20, 27, 2015
$65 per couple • 6 – 8:30 p.m. • PRH • Women & Children’s Pavilion classroom
This class is geared for children
8-years-old and younger.
Children are asked to bring
a doll or stuffed animal to
practice holding, diapering
and swaddling the new baby.
Craft and tour of the
OB area are included.
March 1, 2015
May 24, 2015
2 – 3:30 p.m.
PRH Women & Children’s
Pavilion classroom
Free. Class size limited.
Call 1-800-541-1861 to register.
Pre-registration required 1-800-541-1861
Fast-Track
Childbirth
Education
Spend one full Saturday
and learn all of the aspects of
pregnancy and birth.
February 7 or 21, 2015
March 7, 14, or 21, 2015
April 18, 2015
May 2 or 16, 2015
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
PRH Women & Children’s
Pavilion classroom
$65 per couple • Pre-registration
required 1-800-541-1861
A free, one-session class coordinated by an
Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
This program is geared for expectant and new parents.
Designed to promote successful breastfeeding, the program will discuss the benefits of
breastfeeding and how to get started.
February 10, 2015 • March 10, 2015
April 14, 2015 • May 12, 2015
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
PRH • Women & Children’s Pavilion classroom
Free • Pre-registration required
1-800-541-1861
New Beginnings Tours
Learn what your experience will be
like during a 30-minute
tour of the labor, delivery,
postpartum, and nursery areas
at Porter Regional Hospital.
First two Saturdays each month,
2 p.m. and last two Tuesdays
each month, 6 p.m.
Free • Space is limited.
Call 219-983-8343 to register.
childbirth refresher
For couples who have already had a baby,
this course is a review of the labor and
birth process and provides a refresher
on breathing and relaxation techniques.
April 13, 2015
6 – 8 p.m.
PRH Women & Children’s
Pavilion classroom
$25 per couple
Pre-registration required
1-800-541-1861
Medical
Acupuncture
community wellness
CT Lung Cancer
Screening Just $75*
Lung cancer is the number one cause of
cancer-related deaths in the United States.
If you meet the National Comprehensive
Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria below, you
are eligible for a screening at Porter Regional
Hospital. A low-dose CT scan may help detect lung cancer in its earliest stages,
when it’s most treatable. Screenings are available in both Valparaiso and Portage.
Just $75. Call 219-983-8399 for information or to schedule a screening.
NCCN CRITERIA for LUNG CANCER SCREENS
High-risk Category 1
( no physician referral required )
Age 55 to 74 AND
Have smoked a pack a day for 30 years
or two packs a day for 15 years AND
Current smoker or former smoker
of less than 15 years
High-risk Category 2
( physician referral required )
Age 50 and older AND
Have smoked a pack a day for
20 years or more AND
Have one additional risk factor
(other than second-hand smoke)
*Payment required at time of service.
HEART MONTH
Faleh Atassi, MD
Member of the Medical Staff at Porter Regional Hospital
Board Certified Family Physician
UCLA Trained in Acupuncture
•
•
•
•
•
Migraine Headaches
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Fibromyalgia
Musculoskeletal Pain
Respiratory Diseases
• Gastrointestinal
Disturbances
• Reproductive
Disorders
• And More
Porter is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes
physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
Programs at Porter Regional
PAD is Bad
It is estimated that by the age of 65, up to 20% of the population
will have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a circulatory problem in
which there is partial or total blockage of an artery in a leg, arm
or torso. Join Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Sandeep Sehgal to
learn more about how PAD is diagnosed and the best treatment
options. February 11, 2015 • 6 p.m.
How Clogged
Are Your Arteries?
Coronary artery
disease, also known
as hardening of the
arteries, is a result
of plaque buildup in
your arteries, which
blocks blood flow to your heart and
heightens the risk for heart attack
and stroke. Clogged arteries often
develop over decades and can go
virtually unnoticed until you have a
heart attack. Cardiologist Dr. Akram
Kholoki will discuss the symptoms
and treatment of blocked arteries and
when interventions may be necessary.
February 18, 2015 • 6 p.m.
Out of Rhythm:
The Dangers of an
Irregular Heartbeat
A heart rhythm disorder, known
as an arrhythmia, is characterized
by an abnormal heart beat — too
fast, too slow or uneven. Porter
provides comprehensive arrhythmia
treatment, from lifestyle-modification
assistance to highly
complex surgical
treatment. Join
Electrophysiologist
Dr. Mark Dixon to
learn how arrhythmias
are diagnosed and the
range of treatment options available.
February 25, 2015 • 6 p.m.
Physicians mentioned in this section are members of the medical staff at Porter
SAVE THE DATE
Senior Circle is a nationwide organization for adults age 50 and better.
Joining is easy. Visit seniorcircle.com to join online
or call your Senior Circle advisor at 219-983-8633.
Monthly Circle Breakfast
Healthy. Hustle.
5K Run & Walk
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, June 6, 2015 • 8 a.m.
Sunset Hill Farm County Park
775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso
Hospital Community Room
Let’s do breakfast at 9 a.m. on the third and fourth Tuesday
each month. Conveniently located in the Community Room
at Porter Regional Hospital. Doors open at 8:15 a.m.
Free for members, $5 for non-members.
Registration opens up one month prior
and fills up quickly. To accommodate interested members,
we ask that you attend only one breakfast each month.
Register by calling 1-800-541-1861.
February 17 & 24, 2015 • 9 a.m. • PRH
Identifying Chest Pain
Christine Cowger, RN
March 17 & 24, 2015 • 9 a.m. • PRH
A Look at the Lab
Dr. John Feczko, Pathologist
Get Heart Smart
Heart disease may be the leading cause
of death; but the fact is, it is largely
preventable because so many factors
are in your control.
Studies show that if
you choose to take
charge of your health
and adopt a healthy
lifestyle, you can
dramatically reduce your risks of heart
disease. Join Cardiologist Dr. Jay Shah
to learn ways to prevent heart problems
and improve your heart health today
and into the future.
March 5, 2015 • 6 p.m.
Senior Cinema Monthly Movie
It’s show time. Join us the last Monday of each month at
Porter’s Education & Rehabilitation Center
1401 Calumet Avenue, Valparaiso for a movie and popcorn!
Free. No registration necessary.
February 23, 2015 • 1 p.m.
Saving Mr. Banks (PG 13)
Senior Nature
Outings
Enjoy the great outdoors
with Senior Circle and the
Porter County Parks the
third Wednesday each month
at 3:30 p.m. Includes
education and moderate
exercise.
Free. Register by calling
1-800-541-1861
Sunset Hill Farm County Park
775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso
February 18, 2015 • 3:30 p.m.
Feed the Birds
March 18, 2015 • 3:30 p.m.
Get Buggy
March 30, 2015 • 1 p.m.
The Fault in Our Stars (PG 13)
Register by calling
1-800-541-1861, or visit
porterhealth.com
Regional Hospital.
21
health classes, screenings & assessments
Porter offers a National Screening Program
for Peripheral Artery Disease - PAD
If you experience pain, cramping and fatigue in the legs while walking,
or skin discoloration and pain in the feet, PAD may be the cause.
PAD affects nearly 12 million in the U.S. annually, and is most common
in people over 50, those who smoke, have high blood pressure, high
cholesterol or diabetes.
To schedule your FREE PAD screening, call 219-983-LEGS (5347) today.
Exclusively for parents,
the Porter County
Substance Abuse Council
has made urine drug
testing kits available.
$5 each
219-462-0946
Healthy Heart
Diet Class
Understand how to read labels,
choose heart-healthy food and learn
basic food preparation tips.
Monthly
First & Third Tuesday
1 – 2:30 p.m.
February 19, 2015 • 6 – 7:30 pm
Cardiac Rehabilitation Room
on the second floor of
Porter Regional Hospital
Free. Pre-registration required,
call 219-983-8874.
Diabetes Classes Winter 2015
Diabetes classes are presented by nurses and dieticians who
have specialized diabetes training. Most insurances and Medicare
cover 10 hours of diabetes education when diagnosed and two
hours each year thereafter to help maintain self management
skills. To schedule a class physician orders are required.
Call 219-983-8399 to register. Fee required.
EDUCATION & REHABILITATION
CENTER IN VALPARAISO
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
February 3, 10, 17, 24, 2015
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2015
May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2015
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2015
May 5, 12, 19, 26, 2015
PORTER REGIONAL HOSPITAL
IN VALPARAISO
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2015
22
GO PINK AT PORTER
SCHEDULE YOUR MAMMOGRAM WHEN
IT’S MOST CONVENIENT FOR YOU & THE GIRLS.
Porter Regional Hospital
Center for Women’s Health
Women’s Center
at Portage Hospital
85 East U.S. Highway 6, Valparaiso
Thursday Nights – Mammograms and
Complimentary Spa Services Provided
3630 Willowcreek Road, Portage
Saturday Mornings – Mammograms and
Complimentary Brunch Provided
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
February 5, 2015
April 2, 2015
June 4, 2015
7 a.m. – Noon
February 28, 2015
March 28, 2015
April 25, 2015
May 9, 2015
Your insurance will be charged, and insurance typically
covers only one mammogram per year.
Pre-register today by calling 219-983-8392.
Sleep Apnea
Assessment
Porter’s Center for
Sleep Medicine
will perform free
sleep apnea assessments.
Call 219-764-4567 for
locations & times.
If you have pain, cramping and fatigue in your legs when you walk, or skin discoloration of your feet, you could have
peripheral artery disease (also known as P.A.D.). It is caused by blocked blood flow or narrow blood vessels in the legs,
and is most common in people over 50. Those who smoke, have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol are also
at increased risk. Detection is critical because P.A.D. can be a sign of blocked arteries elsewhere, including the heart.
LEGS FOR LIFE is a free national P.A.D. screening program provided by Porter Health Care System.
To schedule your FREE P.A.D. screening, call 219-983-LEGS (5347) today.
ARE YOU ONE OF THE 10 MILLION AMERICANS
AT RISK FOR P.A.D.?
Porter Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
Voted Best, Again.
PSRT STD
US Postage
PAID
Permit 541
Valparaiso, IN
85 East US Hwy 6 | Valparaiso, IN 46383
Company
To Work For
Health Care Provider
for Cardiology
Porter is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
When it’s time for your mammogram, choose Porter Regional Hospital 3D mammography. The clarity of images it produces can reduce
stressful call-backs for repeat screenings by up to 15%. Even more important, 3D mammography increases early invasive cancer detection
by 41% over 2D mammography alone, which may mean an even greater chance of survival.
Porter Regional Hospital’s Center for Women’s Health
is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.
To schedule your appointment, call Central Scheduling at 219-983-8399.
85 East U.S. Hwy. 6, Valparaiso
3D
MAMMOGRAPHY.
MAMMOGRAPHY
BECAUSE EARLY DETECTION
IS A BEAUTIFUL THING.
An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is not required, but the patient must provide a physician/provider name when an
appointment is made. If the patient does not have a physician/provider, a list will be provided for the patient’s selection. All mammogram
reports will be sent to the physician/provider and follow-ups are the responsibility of the patient. Porter Regional Hospital is directly or
indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.