Start! Greater Baltimore Heart Walk Raises Money

More than 8,000 people put their best feet forward recently for the 2009 Start! Greater Baltimore Heart Walk in Federal Hill Park.

The gray day didn’t dampen any spirits as runners and walkers trekked along the 5K route to raise money for research in the battle against heart disease and strokes.

And raise money they did…$900,000!

In addition to the dollars and cents, The Start! Heart Walk was designed to be a rewarding fun experience that promotes physical activity.

While it’s up to individuals to make strides toward heart-healthy living, some businesses are also pitching in to help their employees.

“These companies are a part of an elite group of organizations nationwide who have been able to attain the American Heart Association’s Fit Friendly designation,” Neil Meltzer, the president of the American Heart Association and the president of Sinai Hospital, told the crowd.

“They lead the way to inspire healthy workplaces and a culture of wellness in our community. At Sinai Hospital, we take great pride in our designation as a Fit Friendly Company.”

The Greater Baltimore Walk was on of three walks in Maryland and one of many more across the country.

Cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke, is still the number one killer in the United States. More than 860,000 Americans died from it in 2005.

However, most people can dramatically reduce their risks by making a simple changes in their daily lives and by receiving early diagnosis and treatment.

To make an appointment with a cardiologist or to learn more about heart disease, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Sinai Hosts Electronic Recycling Event

Perhaps you have a printer in your basement that's sat untouched for the past five years, or a series of cellular telephones sitting in your attic. Thanks to Sinai Hospital, you can finally break free from the various electronic items lurking in your house or office.

As part of the Sinai Hospital 50th Anniversary "50 Acts of Kindness," both employees and members of the community are invited to drop off their unwanted electronic materials on 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, November 6 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 7.

We are accepting the following items:

• A/V equipment
• Biomedical devices
• Cables/cords
• Circuit Boards
• Copiers
• Diagnostic equipment
• Fax machines
• X-ray films
• Gurneys/wheelchairs
• Hard Drives
• Keyboards
• Lab Instruments
• Light Fixtures
• Loose wire/cabling
• Mainframes
• Manuals
• Microwaves
• Network Equipment
• Pallets
• Plastic trays/containers
• Printers
• Radios
• Rigid Plastics
• Scanners
• Scrap metal
• Software
• Speakers
• Stereos
• Stretch wrap
• Telecom equipment
• Telephones (including cellular)
• Typewriters
• Wire
• Toys
• Bicycles

Unacceptable Items:

• Televisions
• Computer monitors
• Tires
• Batteries
• Paint
• Mattresses
• Box springs
• Regular recycling items like paper, aluminum, glass, etc.

For more information, call 410-601-9157 or 410-601-5022.

Bariatric Division Recognized

Sinai Hospital's Division of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery, led by Alex Gandas, M.D., was recognized for excellence this week. The American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network Accreditation Program granted Sinai "full approval" as an American College of Surgeons Level 1A Accredited Bariatric Center.

This designation means Sinai Hospital voluntarily met essential criteria of excellence in bariatric surgery care capability and institutional performance. Established by the American College of Surgeons in 2005 in an effort to extend established quality improvement practices to all disciplines of surgical care, the ACS BSCN Accreditation Program provides confirmation that a bariatric surgery center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality care for its bariatric surgery patients. Accredited bariatric surgery centers provide hospital resources necessary for optimal care of morbidly obese patients. They also show they have the support and resources necessary to address the entire spectrum of care and needs of bariatric patients, from the pre-hospital phase through the postoperative care and treatment process. Sinai Hospital's program includes monthly support groups for bariatric surgery patients.

To learn more about the bariatric surgery, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

LifeBridge Health Mourns Passing of Dr. Alan Levine

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dr. Alan Levine, the director of the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute at LifeBridge Health.

"Under the guidance of Alan Levine, the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute is a recognized leader in the care and treatment of cancer, not only in Baltimore, but beyond,” Sinai Hospital President Neil Meltzer says. “Alan's vision of a team approach always placed the patient at the center of care. This focus on the patient is what made Alan not only a visionary in the field, but also a man whose devotion to humanity rose above all else."

Dr. Levine, 61, also the head of the Division of Orthopedic Oncology, was renowned in his field. An expert on scoliosis, he was the editor-in-chief of the Journal of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for eight years, and his published works included “Skeletal Trauma” and “Nonoperative Musculoskeletal Care.” After receiving his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Levine completed a general surgery internship at the University of Colorado Hospital, after which he completed an orthopedic surgery residency at Yale.

Erik Wexler, president of Northwest Hospital, says Dr. Levine was a critical component to the success of the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute.

"I will miss Alan's passionate interest in advancing oncology services at LifeBridge Health," Wexler says. "His impact is far and wide within the Baltimore region. He exemplified the type of leadership we depend on from our physician leaders to enhance services on each of our campuses. There is no doubt that Northwest Hospital's development of cancer infusion services and the breast care center happened due to the vision of this highly dedicated leader. I will miss him very much."

From an early age, Dr. Levine was fascinated by medicine – his father, Dr. Leon Levine, was an orthopedic surgeon and his grandfather was a dentist. He told the AAOS News in 2007, “In general, the sort of things that we do in orthopaedics, and especially in orthopaedic oncology, can make a huge difference in people’s lives. I had a patient recently whom we treated for a spine tumor. His wife said to me, ‘You gave me my husband back.’”

LifeBridge Health radiation oncologist Mark Brenner, M.D., who met Dr. Levine in 1991, says his colleague and friend's death has created a tremendous void.

"I'm going to miss him terribly," Dr. Brenner says. "If someone, anywhere, called me with a soft tissue or spine tumor, it was a no-brainer - you sent them to Alan Levine. He was a giant presence, and the Cancer Institute was really his baby."

In addition to his professional success, Dr. Levine was active in charitable works. In his spare time, he would make teddy bears for his pediatric patients. He was featured in an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Exhibition of Orthopedics in Art, and told AAOS the bears were “a non-threatening way for some of my younger patients to deal with scoliosis. The nature of the interaction of the physicians with the child and parents is paramount.” Dr. Levine also donated his time to braVo!, designing a bra called “Bear Breasted.”

In addition to his father, Dr. Levine is survived by his wife, Barbara Portnoy Levine, and his children: Dana Levine of San Francisco, Calif; Alissa and Greg Wong of New York, N.Y.; and Andrea Levine of Baltimore, Md. He was the brother of Francea McNair, brother-in-law of Tim McNair, and son-in-law of Rae and Murray Portnoy of Connecticut. He was preceded in death by his mother, Felice Levine.

"He was really a family man," Dr. Brenner says. "He was really proud of his kids. He adored them. His life may have been cut short, but he was someone who stopped and smelled the roses."

Services will be tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc., 8900 Reisterstown Road, at Mount Wilson Lane. Interment will be at Garrison Forest Cemetery of Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Owings Mills. Please omit flowers. The family will be in mourning at 1805 By Woods Lane, Stevenson, MD 21153.

braVo! Breakfast Held at Regalo

The designer Jay Strongwater creates pieces found in the most exclusive stores or in the homes of top celebrities. But on Friday, those purchasing his frames, vases or other beautiful objects not only got a collector's item - they also helped out women and men with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Regalo, located between sponsors Renaissance Fine Arts and Radcliffe Jewelers, joined forces with Strongwater and LifeBridge Health in holding a breakfast to benefit the braVo! Financial Assistance Fund at LifeBridge Health.


"This is amazing for us," says Renaissance Fine Arts Vice President Merritt Miller, pictured above with Ronnie Footlick, chairwoman of the LifeBridge Health Board of Directors. "It feels good to work together with Jay and LifeBridge Health in order to give something back."

Each year the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute diagnoses more than 2,000 new cases of cancer and has 25,000 outpatient visits. For some patients, the costs associated with treatment can be overwhelming. The braVo! Fund was established nearly four years ago to help patients in need obtain supplemental services that are not covered by insurance, such as wigs, massage therapy, medications, and transportation.

Spread the Word, Not the Germs

It's important for everyone to wash their hands. But there are some professions where hand washing is a critical part of the job: health care workers, teachers, and anyone involved in the food industry.

That's why LifeBridge Health is so excited that the Restaurant Association of Maryland has joined us in the promotion hand washing. A variety of posters, including the one pictured here, are available free to RAM members. Each poster is available in a laminated 8 1/2 x 11 format. You can read more about it on the Restaurant Association of Maryland Education Foundation Web site.

The hand washing campaign continues to "spread the word, not the germs." When you click on Wash Your Hands Maryland, you'll not only see our PSA but see the variety of downloadable hand washing tools available.

Tell us: are you washing your hands more these days? Are you carrying hand sanitizer everywhere, or using our LifeBridge Health towelettes? Post your thoughts in our comments section!

Seasonal Flu Vaccines Available Saturday

Have you had your seasonal flu shot yet? Northwest Hospital is hosting a Community Seasonal Flu Vaccination Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, October 24. Vaccinations will take place in the Pikes-Reister-Owings Educational Rooms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vaccine is the most important step in protecting against seasonal flu, as it protects against the three most common seasonal viruses. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people over the age of 65. Each year more than 200,00 people in the United States are hospitalized with seasonal flu complications, and 36,000 die.

This vaccine does not protect against H1N1 influenza.

You should not get the flu shot if you have:

• Severe allergy to eggs or egg products.
• Allergy to Thimerosol (a preservative), other than having a contact lens sensitivity.
• A history of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Previous severe (life-threatening) allergic reaction to the flu vaccine.

Community members wishing to obtain the vaccine will be directed to park on the physician's parking lot and will enter through the physician's entrance.

In order to provide a smooth flow of traffic and adequate parking for employees and community members obtaining the flu shot, the receiving court driveway on Carlson Lane (leading to the physician's lot) will be closed to employee traffic between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Employees arriving at and leaving Northwest Hospital during those hours will be required to enter via the Emergency Room Ambulance and directed by Security to park in the B-Lot. Physicians are asked to park in the C-Lot, the E-Lot (ER) physician spaces, or security will gladly direct them to spaces on the A-Lot adjacent to the ASB Building. We ask that physicians also please enter via the employee entrance to avoid any line may accumulate waiting to obtain the vaccination.

We hope to see you on Saturday!

How I Became an Environmental Health Nurse

by Janel C. Parham, RN, MS, O.R. Liaison Nurse, General Operating Room, Sinai Hospital

I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was in the third grade, so it was no surprise when I graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During my undergraduate clinical rotations, I’d fell in love with maternal/child health and that’s where I started my career. Back then, I had no idea that my path would eventually lead me to Environmental Health Nursing (EHN). I had never even heard of EHN and wasn’t thinking of health problems related to exposures to toxins.

It wasn’t until I left the hospital to work in community health that I found a new area of interest. I was not only able to care for my patient, but play a role in preventing health problems. My work in community health led me to pursue a master’s degree in Community/Public Health from the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

One of the requirements for the master’s degree was a course in Environmental Health Nursing. The course, taught by Dr. Barbara Sattler, both intrigued and frightened me. It was a lot of information to process, learning the everyday exposures that everyone encounters. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. It seemed that the toxins were everywhere- our food, water, air, clothing, cosmetics - the list was endless. At first I felt there was nothing to be done - how could anyone escape toxins? - but what I came to realize was that the knowledge was actually empowering. I was able to use my resources to reduce my exposure and I was excited to share what I learned. I eventually went on to get post-master’s in EHN. Even better was the information could be used in conjunction with my other passion- maternal/child health. I looked at how all these toxins effected female reproduction and fetal development.

I eventually went on to work for Dr. Sattler in the Environmental Health Education Center at UMSON in addition to teaching a clinical course in community health nursing, with a focus on the health effects of environmental exposures. Even though I’ve since moved on from the academic world, I still teach everyday with patients and coworkers.

My current position at Sinai Hospital is O.R. Liaison Nurse. I work as the coordinator for/and between the various areas within Peri-Operative Services (O.R., P.A.S.S., Pre-Op/ Holding, and PACU) I also provide support to waiting family members of our surgical patients. As the Liaison Nurse, I often attend meetings with other hospital departments as a representative for Peri-Operative and serve as the co-chair for our Education and Practice Committee. On the LifeBridge Health Green Committee, I use my clinical and advanced training to offer input on some of the green initiatives that directly effect patient care areas, including working closely with Reduction in Motion to help implement the blue wrap and saline bottle recycling program programs in the Operating Rooms on the fourth floor.

The Environmental Health option prepares nurses to address the human health effects associated with environmental risks. Special vulnerabilities of children, pregnant women, older adults, minorities, and the chronically ill are explored.

The Debate on Breast Cancer Campaigns

by Deb Kirkland, RN, BSN, MPH

Nurse Navigator, Herman & Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center

“Save Second Base” and “Save the Ta Tas” are common slogans used today in creating breast cancer awareness. Recently, there has been some controversy over the latest public service announcement, “Save the Boobs”* for breast cancer awareness month. One thing everyone would agree on, this video made an impact! If that was the purpose, it was accomplished. Some state it was too provocative and seemed more like a beer commercial. Others agree it served a purpose and created an impact, one that most of us will not forget.

Breast cancer was once considered an older woman’s disease; today we are changing the face of breast cancer, as it is being seen more in younger women. Awareness campaigns have become more creative in attempts of targeting younger audiences. These slogans target younger women, as well as younger men. In breast cancer, due to ineffective diagnostic screening tools in this younger population, breast self awareness (BSA) is the best tool we currently have. In women under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer, 80 percent of these lumps are detected by younger women themselves or by their significant other. While some may find this PSA inappropriate, it can also be taken as creative and targeting young men, making them aware. It is a sensitive topic and if educational statistics are provided in a dry manner, people may not always remember. In a flashy commercial…they do not forget! I personally like “Feel Your Boobies”. The slogans are trendy and catchy, as they are targeting younger women. It may seem more fun wearing one of these slogans, instead of the standard pink ribbon.

If you are participating in the local Komen MD race this Sunday, you can view their local campaign, “Support Your Local Breasts” (where you will see my picture) on their Web site to promote their Race for the Cure.

I think we have come a long way, as traditionally people did not talk about breast cancer. Today it is out of the closet and awareness campaigns are everywhere, from clothes, milk cartons, to golf clubs year round. The key to remember is the message behind all of it.

*Please note the video is only allowed for users 18 and older.

Men and Their Hand Washing

At this point, it would be hard not to know that LifeBridge Health is in the midst of a massive hand washing campaign. We've also had great response to our Harris Interactive poll, which shows that when in a public restroom without soap or towels, 74 percent of American adults who use public restrooms would rinse their hands with water and let them air dry.

Sadly, it would be no surprise to learn that researchers report in the American Journal of Public Health that roughly a third of men wash their hands with soap after using a bathroom, versus 64 percent of women.

Yuck.

Today is Global Handwashing Day, and what better way for LifeBridge Health (@LBHealth) to show its support than by hosting a hand washing Tweetup at Little Havana from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.? There will be cool prizes, including a Garmin GPS, a Bodum french press, lots of hand sanitizers, and a chance to meet Sinai's John Cmar, M.D., in person. Come meet the man behind many a flu story!

A Brief Case for Saying Thanks

Have you ever worked with a case manager at a hospital? They are the people who help patients understand their health status, what is being done, and what treatments to expect.

The case department managers at LifeBridge Health institutions are composed of nurse case managers, clinical social workers, utilization review nurses and case management support staff. They collaborate with physicians, nurses and all the ancillary support departments to facilitate access of care for patients, and help them through the often confusing process of health care options.

National Case Management Week is this week, so if you see a case manager, it's a good time to say "thank you!"