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WellnessMattersSPRING 20101Top 5%nationwideNew Partners inCancer TreatmentLiving withParkinson’sLaparoscopicHernia RepairC L I N I C A LE X C E L L E N C EI NO U RC O M M U N I T Y
President’sMessageRecently, the news has been focused on coverage of the health care reformefforts in Washington. While legislators tackle more global health care issues,Howard County General Hospital, your community hospital, remainscommitted to improving the care we deliver to you and your family.With that commitment as our guide, I am pleased to announce that CareFirstBlueCross BlueShield has designated HCGH as a Blue Distinction Center forKnee and Hip ReplacementSM. The Joint Academy at HCGH received thisdistinction due to our demonstrated commitment to quality care by meetingobjective, evidence-based thresholds for clinical quality and safety developedwith input from expert clinicians and leading professional organizations.Providing you and your family with needed health care services right herein our community is at the heart of our mission. To that end, we are equallyexcited about the recent opening of our new Special Care Unit. This 19-bedunit, located on the third floor of the hospital, is part of an entire floordedicated to caring for critically ill patients; these patients will be able tomove among the units on the third floor as their care needs changeduring the recovery process. Read more about this new unit on page 3.Facilities are not all that is new at HCGH; we recently welcomedEric M. Aldrich, M.D., to our executive team. Dr. Aldrich was namedvice president of Medical Affairs at HCGH, in addition to his roles asHCGH’s designated medical safety officer and co-director of theHCGH Stroke Center.By offering high-quality health care services that are accessible to those wholive and work in our community, recognizing and employing talented anddedicated people, engaging outstanding physicians, and upgrading ourfacilities and service lines, we are committed to becoming the premier healthcare provider in the area. Our efforts seem to be paying off, as Press Ganeypatient satisfaction surveys have seen a significant increase from last year.We are grateful for the dedicated employees, physicians and volunteerswho work tirelessly to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.Thank you for putting your trust in HCGH to provide care for you andyour family. We will continue to work very hard to improve the care weprovide you as the new health care reform laws areimplemented in the coming years.Sincerely,Victor A. Broccolino, President and CEOHoward County General HospitalWellness Matters is published by HowardCounty General Hospital, a private, not-forprofit, health care provider, and a memberof Johns Hopkins Medicine. Your physicianshould be consulted in regard to mattersconcerning the medical condition,treatment and needs of your family.Public RelationsMary Patton, directorWriting/Editing/DesignBonnie Heneson CommunicationsCustom PhotographyCarl CarusoJill MyersWellnessMattersVolume 14, No. 2 SPRING 2010Dear Friends,Partners in CancerTreatmentTogether, Johns Hopkinsand University of MarylandMedical Center bring stateof-the-art technology toHoward County.4CONTENTS:3Your Award-WinningHospital–Two Years RunningHCGH wins second consecutive HealthGrades Award712Wellness Classes15Giving Matters17Hernia1920Hospital NewsLiving with Parkinson’sHear one patient’s story of life with Parkinson’sA special thank you to all of those who have supportedour mission in transforming how we care for youThe benefits of minimally invasive surgeryMark Your CalendarsPictured on front cover (l. to r.):Radiation oncologists Drs. Courtney Bui, Deborah Frassica, and Sally ChestonBoard of TrusteesHarry L. Lundy, chairEvelyn T. Bolduc, vice-chairW. Brian McGowan, treasurerAnn B. Mech, J.D., R.N., secretaryVivian C. Bailey**Victor A. Broccolino*Frances S. Chuidian, M.D.*Marvin P. Davis, M.D.Adinarayana Divakaruni, M.D.George L. Doetsch, Jr.Miriam F. DubinJonathan S. Fish, M.D.*Robert T. ManfusoRonald R. Peterson*David PowellPeter J. Rogers, Jr.Alton J. ScavoMary Ann ScullyG. Daniel Shealer, Jr., Esq.Sue Song, APRN-PMH, Ph.D.Beverly J. White-Seals, Esq.W. Gill Wylie*Ex-Officio Trustee**Trustee EmeritusHoward CountyGeneral Hospital, Inc.Victor A. Broccolino, president/CEOHoward Hospital FoundationDavid Powell, chairHoward CountyGeneral HospitalProfessional StaffJonathan S. Fish, M.D., presidentVolunteer AuxiliaryAlicia Slahetka, presidentPlease direct questions, suggestions and comments regarding Wellness Matters to the Public Relations Department at 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044-2912Telephone Number: 410 -740 -7810, Hospital Information: 410 -740 -7890, TDD: 410 -740 -7990, Web site: www.hcgh.org.
Top-Ranked HealthCare at Your FingertipsThere is nothing more heart-wrenching for family members or lovedones than when someone you care about is sick. However, knowing thatthey are receiving top-quality health care goes a long way in relievingstress and allaying fears. Such is the case for HowardCounty General Hospital patients and their families.HealthGrades, the leading independent health careratings organization, recently conducted a nationwide surveythat analyzed patient outcomes in each of the nation’s5,000 nonfederal hospitals. HealthGrades in turn awardedHCGH with the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospitals forThe nursing station in theClinical Excellence award, ranking the hospital amongnew Special Care Unit affords nursesand other caregivers visibility to provide thethe top five percent of hospitals in the nation for thebest care to patients.second consecutive year. HCGH is one of only 269hospitals in the nation that received this distinctionfrom HealthGrades for 2010.“The number one priority of every employee,physician and volunteer at HCGH is to provide thehighest quality care to our patients and their lovedones,” said Victor A. Broccolino, president and CEO. “It is gratifyingthat a leading independent organization such as HealthGrades hasAn example of Howard County General Hospital’s commitconfirmed the success of our efforts.”ment to always improving patient care is the opening of the“It is important for residents in our area to know that they cannew Special Care Unit on the third floor. The entire floor willbe dedicated to caring for critically ill patients who will befind high-quality care right here in their own neighborhood at Howardable to move among the units as their care needs changeCounty General,” said Harry “Chip” Lundy, chair, board of trustees.during the recovery process. The most critically ill patients“As a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, we are particularly proud towill be cared for in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and moreadd to a long tradition of clinical excellence within the Hopkins family.”stable, but critical patients can be admitted to the SpecialCare Unit. Less critically ill patients will receive care onthe Telemetry unit.Other quality designations received by HCGHAccording to Dr. David Nyanjom, medical director of theinclude:Special Care Unit, “the new unit will enable us to care for Accreditation by The Joint Commissionthe patients who need a little more specialized care and Accreditation as a “Community Hospital Comprehensivecloser monitoring but not necessarily the level of careCancer Program” by the Commission on Cancer of theprovided in the ICU.”American College of Surgeons“With the addition of this unit, we are able to provide high Primary Stroke Center Designation by the MarylandInstitute for Emergency Medical Services Systemsacuity patients with a high level of clinical care while stillmaintaining a patient and family centered environment,” Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Programnotes Sharon Hadsell, RN, MSN, CNE-BC, senior vice presidentCertification from the Maryland Health Care Commission,which allows HCGH to provide emergency cardiacof Patient Care Services at Howard County General Hospital.catheterization and balloon angioplasty treatment“Patients on this unit will be in a private room withfacilities for family to stay.” Perinatal Referral Center Designation by the MarylandHoward County GeneralHospital in Top FivePercent NationwideNew Special Care Unit OpensThe same physicians that provide care in the ICU 24/7 arealso responsible for treating patients in the new Special CareUnit.“Providing the same nursing and medical directionacross the units, removes a lot of barriers, increases patientsafety, facilities rapid response to changing patient needs andis conducive to good clinical quality of care,” says Ms. Hadsell.Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems,recognizing the quality of obstetric and neonatal servicesoffered for seriously ill pregnant women and newborns Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement SMdesignation from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShieldSPRING 2010 Wellness Matters[3
New Partnership and Technology BringCancer Care to a New LevelMichelle Boucher, mother, wife and marketing director for aColumbia Webcasting firm, now has a new title breast cancersurvivor. Her story began in June 2009. With no family history ofbreast cancer, Michelle was completely blindsided by her cancerdiagnosis.“I was in total shock,” says Michelle. “I have had cysts in mybreast before, but never felt pain like I was feeling. The lump Iwas feeling felt different too.” Tests revealed Michelle had stagetwo breast cancer with two lymph nodes involved.Living in Ellicott City, Michelle started building her treatment team at Howard County General Hospital. The recentopening of the Medical Pavilion at Howard County centralizedthe care Michelle would need in one location.“It is so easy to have everyone in one place and to not bescrambling from one doctor to another,” says Michelle.“Although there is no good time to have cancer, the opening ofthe building with Central Maryland Radiation Oncology, just asI was diagnosed, was a blessing.”State-of-the-art Radiation OncologyCentral Maryland Radiation Oncology,a collaboration between University ofMaryland Medical Center and JohnsHopkins Medicine, provides advanced andcomprehensive radiation therapy. Thisunique relationship offers patients access tothe most leading-edge radiation therapytreatment options and clinical trialsavailable at these academic medicalcenters, yet in the comfort of the convenient community setting in the MedicalPavilion on the campus of HCGH.According to University of Maryland Medical Centerradiation oncologist, Dr. Sally Cheston of Central MarylandRadiation Oncology, the partnership means that “as physicians,we have the opportunity to feed off two large academic centers—working together on patient care without our patients having toleave the county. We can get opinions and perspectives from ourcolleagues, sound off on ideas and share approaches on cases.The more you interact with physicians, the better the patient4 ] Wellness MattersSPRING 2010care—collaboration is key. Hopkins and the University ofMaryland also have done a superb job in providing us withthe technology we need. With two state-of-the-art linearaccelerators, this is not your standard community practice byany means.”The linear accelerator is a machine that generates highenergy X-rays as opposed to having a radioactive source in thebuilding that emits radiation. “You can manipulate the intensityof radiation delivered to customize it to the patient and providevery complex treatment plans,” describes Dr. Debbie Frassica,a Johns Hopkins radiation oncologist with Central MarylandRadiation Oncology. “The accelerator also has image-guidancecapabilities with an integrated CT scan so that we can moreaccurately localize the treatment fields resulting in less tissuedamage.”With her family by her side, Michelle’s treatment began almostnine months ago with chemotherapy. After much consideration,she elected to have a double mastectomy followed by 28 roundsof radiation in the linear accelerator underDr. Cheston’s care.As Michelle was completing her last radiation treatments, she asked Dr. Cheston,“When does someone tell me I am cured?”Dr. Cheston answered, “The ‘c’ changesto ‘cured’ at the end of your radiation.”“Her words have sustained me,”says Michelle. “Dr. Cheston’s patience,kindness and level of expert care kept mecalm and hopeful from the first time wemet, eight months before radiationstarted. Based on all the radiation,surgery and care that I have received, Ibelieve this cancer didn’t have a fighting chance. I am fortunatethat I have outstanding care right in my backyard. I don’t thinkI could have gotten better care anywhere else. I count myblessings, and I consider everyone in that building a blessing.”Over the next year, Michelle will continue to be monitoredand undergo reconstructive surgery. Today, she celebratesbeing cured.
When the’’C‘‘BIGstands for‘‘CURED’’‘‘Dr. Cheston’s patience, kindness and level of expert carekept me calm and hopeful from the first time we met,eight months before radiation started. Based on all the radiation,surgery and care that I have received, I believe this cancerdidn’t have a fighting chance. I am fortunate that I haveoutstanding care right in my backyard. I don’t think I couldhave gotten better care anywhere else. I count my blessings,and I consider everyone in that building a blessing.”SPRING 2010 Wellness Matters[5
An Inside Look atHernia RepairMinimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery A Boon for PatientsHave you noticed a bulge under your skin? Do youexperience pain when lifting heavy objects, coughing,sitting or standing for long periods of time, or strainingwhen using the bathroom? If so, you may have a hernia.What is a Hernia?A hernia, which impacts both men and women, occurs when the abdominal musclesweaken and form a small balloon-like sac or tear. As a result, a loop of intestine orabdominal organs can be pushed into the sac, creating a hernia. They occur mostoften in the groin, belly button or the site of a previous surgery (incisional). Sometimesthey may be caused by a birth defect.”According to Dr. Gerald Hayward, a general surgeon on staff at HCGH, people withhernias can experience sharp and immediate pain or a dull ache that worsens over the courseof the day. Hernias also can cause other health problems that could require emergencysurgery; they do not get better over time and will not go away without medical attention.What Causes a ery]“Your abdominal wall has areas prone to weakness,” explains Dr. Hayward.“Heavy strain, injury, previous surgery, a birth defect, or aging can aggravatethis situation, resulting in a hernia. However, you can develop a hernia at any age.”is a superior optionfor hernia repair.“Many abdominal surgeries are performed using the ‘open’ method, in which an incision”How Can Laparoscopic Surgery Help?is made extending through the skin and layers of fat and through the muscle below to access theaffected area,” says Dr. Hayward. “One risk with this is developing an incisional hernia which occurs whenthe muscles do not properly heal back together. An old fashioned hernia repair of this type often involvesreopening the entire wound and the failure rate of the repair has been reported to be as high as 54 percent.”With laparoscopic surgery, several quarter or half inch incisions are made to allow placement of hollow tubesinto the abdomen. A surgeon can insert a camera, instruments, and mesh through these incisions andrepair the hernia. “This approach, performed on an outpatient basis, has several benefits,” saysDr. Hayward. “Unlike the open method, I can access the area using smaller incisions, and, ifthere is more than one hernia, often repair them without making multiple incisions. Laparoscopicsurgery is a less-invasive method to repair the condition with better long-term results.”According to Dr. Hayward, laparoscopic surgery reduces recovery time; patients typically are backto their regular pace of life in one week or less. It also impacts post-surgical pain management.“When doing a groin hernia repair, I can insert a pain pump that provides pain medication,resulting in minimal to no pain for days following surgery,” explains Dr. Hayward. “Thecatheter enabling the administration of pain medication is removed after the first fewdays, which for some patients means no post-surgical pain at all. For most patients,this is a superior option for hernia repair.”6 ] Wellness MattersSPRING 2010Dr. Gerald Haywardis a general surgeon inEllicott City, specializingin general surgery.
WellnessClassesspecial.Events:Bring a Sack,Get Answers BackFocus onMen’s HealthMay 11/ 2– 4 p.m. Free.Bring your medications and learnmore about the prescription drugsyou are taking.June 17/ 8:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. 50.Blood chemistry test including bloodcell count, cholesterol (HDL, LDL,and triglyceride), thyroid test, anda measure of 15 blood chemicalswill be provided. This test is alsoappropriate for women.Feeling the Burn:Managing Chronicor Severe HeartburnMay 27/ 7– 8:30 p.m. Free.Heartburn affects millions ofAmericans each year and can leadto more serious conditions if it’ssevere or chronic and left untreated.Johns Hopkins gastroenterologistDr. Kerry Dunbar will explainthe most common causes, symptomsand tips for managing heartburn,including when not to worry and whento seek help. Call 1-877-546-1009to register.Mental HealthFirst AidJune 7, 14, 21 and 28/ 6–9 p.m. 50.How can you help loved ones whomay be having mental health issues?This 12-hour, nationally recognizedcourse will familiarize you with thesigns and symptoms of the mostcommon mental health problems.Learn steps to follow that canpromote and enhance their recoverywhile at the same time allowingyou to maintain control of varioussituations.Managing YourJoint PainJune 15/ 7– 9 p.m. Free.Moving from place to place may seemeasy, but, when you have pain in yourjoints, you notice every motion. Learnabout the newest treatment optionsaimed at increasing your comfort andmobility. Presented by Ira Gelb, M.D.Focus onWomen’s HealthSeptember 23/ 8:30 a.m.– 3 p.m.Includes Standard Health Check ornew this year Health Check Plus—both are appropriate for menand women. Event also includesFree Activities.Standard Health CheckThis test measures 18 body chemicals, cholesterol (HDL, LDL, andtriglycerides), blood cell count,and thyroid-stimulating hormonelevels to check thyroid function.By appointment only. 50.Health Check PlusEverything included in the StandardHealth Check PLUS a vitamin Dscreening. By appointment only. 80.FREE ActivitiesBody fat analysis, osteoporosisscreening, breast self-examtechniques, blood pressuretesting, and height and weightmeasurements are available on awalk-in, first-come, first-serve basis.spotlightonHealthPreventing andResolving IncontinenceMALL EVENTS:Fitness and SportsMedicine ClinicMay 15/ 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. Free.Lord & Taylor Court in The Mall inColumbia. Talk with our physicianexperts; participate in our screeningsincluding feet, ankles/knees, spineand shoulders, pain, and osteoporosis;visit our booths; and learn fitnesstips and ways to incorporate moremovement into your life.June 3/ 7– 8:30 p.m. Free.A healthy bladder is an importantcomponent of your overall health.Learn easy steps to prevent bladderproblems and the newest treatmentsin the management of urinaryincontinence. Presented by LisaHawes, M.D., and Jennifer Otiz, P.T.Vascular Leg PainJune 30/ 5– 6:30 p.m. Free.Learn the causes, early symptomsand treatment options for PeripheralArtery Disease. Join us for adiscussion on ways to prevent theprogression of PAD, when your painis an emergency, and possiblesurgical solutions. Presented byRichard Feinberg, M.D.Healthy Kids in HealthyFamilies ClinicAugust 21/ noon – 4 p.m. Free.Lord & Taylor Court in The Mall inColumbia. Bring your family andparticipate in our screenings includingpediatric vision, asthma, height,weight and blood pressure. Stop byour booths and ask the pediatricianquestions. Learn physical activitiesfor the whole family, healthy nutritionand other health and safety tips forchildren and the whole family.Information & Registration: 410-740-7601 Online Registration: www.hcgh.org Pre-registration required for all programsSPRING 2010 Wellness Matters[7
I M P R O V I N G Y O U R H E A LT HLiving Well.TakeCharge of Your HealthPulmonaryRehabilitationThis chronic disease managementprogram teaches coping techniques,exercises for strength and flexibility,and communication skills. For peopleliving with chronic conditions as wellas caregivers. Six-class sessions startMay 11, 9:30 a.m.–noon, and July 12,6:30–9 p.m. To register, call MarylandAccess Point, 410-313-5980. 28.A program lasting up to 10 weeks thatis designed to decrease the debilitatingsymptoms of Chronic ObstructivePulmonary Disease through exercisetherapy, education, and emotionalsupport. HCGH RehabilitationServices Dept. Call 443-718-3000for information and an appointment.Blood PressureScreening & MonitoringHCGH Wellness Center: Wednesdays,3–6 p.m. Ellicott City Senior Center:Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Kiwanis-Wallas Recreation Center:first Wednesday and third Friday ofeach month, 9:15–10:45 a.m. TheMall in Columbia: second Tuesdayof each month, 8–10 a.m. WesternHoward County Senior Center: secondand fourth Tuesday of each month,9–11 a.m. Glenwood Library: firstand third Monday of the month,3:30–5:30 p.m. The Bain Center:first and third Thursday of each month,10 a.m.–noon. Savage Library:second Monday of each month,noon–3 p.m. Free.Weight Loss throughBariatric SurgeryLearn about weight loss surgeryfor the morbidly obese patient presented by the Johns Hopkins Centerfor Bariatric Surgery. To register, call410-550-0409 or register online atwww.hopkinsbayview.org/bariatrics.May 25 or July 27, 5–6:30 p.m. Free.IndividualizedWeight-Loss andDietary CounselingNutritional counseling with a registereddietitian to discuss your dietaryconcerns and goals including weightloss, healthier bones, high bloodpressure, elevated cholesterol, or forthose wanting to maintain a vegetariandiet. For adults and children. Dayand evening appointments available. 35 for a half-hour visit. Call foran appointment.HCGH PulmonaryRehabilitationMaintenance ProgramAn exercise maintenance program forpulmonary rehab program graduatesto continue exercising in a medicallysupervised setting. Tuesday andFriday afternoons/ 60 per month.For information, call 443-718-3000.Smoke-Free LungsLearn tips for quitting your tobaccohabit and mastering long-term success.This program provides support andeducation for those wanting to quitas well as those who have quit.Meets May 20, June 17, July 15,August 26 and September 23,7–9 p.m. Free.The Mall MilersLiving with DiabetesWalking for health program at The Mallin Columbia. Cosponsored by HCGH,area agencies, and local businesses.Blood pressure screenings availablethe second Tuesday of each month.Call 410-730-3300 for details. Free.Johns Hopkins education at HCGHand recognized by the AmericanDiabetes Association. Learn how youcan be an expert at managing yourown diabetes from presentationsby an endocrinologist, podiatrist,psychologist, diabetes nurse educator, and dietitian. June 18 & 22,July 23 & 27, and August 20 & 24,8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Bolduc FamilyOutpatient Center. For information,call 443 -718 -3000.Pre-Diabetes:What Is It and WhatCan You Do About It?Understand what pre-diabetes is andhow to make changes to prevent ordelay actual diabetes. June 2 orSeptember 22, 7–9 p.m. 15.IndividualizedDiabetes ManagementLearn from a certified diabetesnurse educator how to manageyour diabetes. For information oran appointment, call 443-718-3000.Dietary Counselingfor People withDiabetesPresented by a registered dietitian,this individualized counseling programfocuses on the dietary requirementsof diabetes. Call 443 -718 -3000for information.Living with Diabetes:Executive SummaryThis evening class is the condensedversion of our popular day-time classdesigned for the working professional.May 25 & 26, June 29 & 30, andJuly 27 & 28, 6–9 p.m.Nutrition and CancerIndividualized, three-sessioncounseling with a registered dietitian.For those who wish to lower their risksof certain cancers and those whoare undergoing treatment for cancer.Call for dates and times. 90.External EnhancedCounterpulsationTherapyA non-invasive alternative treatmentfor patients with stage III or IV angina.For information, call 443-718-3000.Phase II CardiacRehabilitation ProgramA four- to 12-week program to assistcardiac patients in the early recoveryphase following a heart attack, angioplasty, or cardiac surgery. Providesexercise, education, and emotionalsupport. Call 443-718-3000 forinformation and an appointment.HCGH CardiacRehabilitationMaintenance ProgramAn exercise maintenance program forcardiac rehab program graduates tocontinue exercising in a medicallysupervised setting. Tuesday and Fridaymornings, 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. 60 per month. For information,call 443-718-3000.Information & Registration: 410-740-7601 Online Registration: www.hcgh.org Pre-registration required for all programs8 ] Wellness MattersSPRING 2010WELLNESS CLASSES
WellnessClassesH E A LT H Y FA M I L I E SPrepared ChildbirthProgramHappiest Babyon the BlockFive-part program to preparefor the birth of your baby. Go towww.hcgh.org for more information.Endorsed by the American Academyof Pediatrics, this class will teachparents-to-be and parents of babiesup to 3 months old successfultechniques that can quicklysoothe your crying newborn baby.July 7, 7–9 p.m. 50 per couple(includes parent kits).Prenatal Class forEarly PregnancyFor parents-to-be in the first threemonths of pregnancy. Learn aboutthe early stages of pregnancy andunderstand the physical changes,your baby’s growth, and easyways to support your pregnancy.July 21, 7–9 p.m. Free.SiblingPreparation TourHelp siblings-to-be, ages 4 to 12,prepare for baby’s arrival by touringthe hospital. Call eight weeks priorto due date to schedule tour. Free.BreastfeedingHCGH WELLNESS CENTERNow located in the Medical Pavilion10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, MD 21044Learn advantages, preparation techniques, and ways to prevent and managefeeding problems. A nurse lactationconsultant will teach practical tips forsuccessfully combining career andbreastfeeding. Go to www.hcgh.orgfor more information.Baby SigningMaybe Baby? HealthIssues to ConsiderBefore PregnancyLearn about important choices toconsider when starting your family.Topics include lifestyle, parent wellness,and health care matters. Presentedby nurse practitioner Alysa Larimore.May 12, 7–8:30 p.m. Free.Financial PlanningIssues for Expectantand Prospective ParentsWhether you are thinking about startinga family or already pregnant, learn aboutthe financial aspect of being a parent:what to expect and what you need to do.The cost of raising a child, employerbenefits, taxes, saving for college, andhow to make confident decisions will bediscussed. October 12, 7– 9 p.m. Free.Childbirth EssentialsThis one-day course is a condensedversion of our Prepared ChildbirthProgram. Go to www.hcgh.org formore information.Childbirth WeekendParents, grandparents, andcaregivers of babies up to 12 monthsold will learn 100 basic signs tohelp your baby communicate.September 11, 9 a.m.–noon. 40 per person or 75 per couple(includes review DVD).Maternal ChildClassesMaternal Child Class brochureswith registration forms areavailable online at www.hcgh.orgor by calling 410-740-7601.Birthing Center TourA preview of maternal-child servicesavailable for expectant couples.Call at least eight weeks prior todue date to schedule a tour. Free.Infant CareLecture, group discussion, and handson practice are used to enhance learning about the care of an infant. Go towww.hcgh.org for more information.Infant MassageTaught by certified infant massageinstructor for parents and caregivers.For infants age 1 to 12 months.June 5, 10 – 11 a.m. 20.Expectant couples will learn aboutchildbirth preparation in this weekendclass. Go to www.hcgh.org for moreinformation.Choosing YourPediatrician forYour NewbornPreparing for your new baby shouldinclude finding a pediatricianbefore you deliver. Learn factorsto consider and ways to promotehealth for your newborn. Presentedby Zaneb Beams, M.D. June 9,7–8:30 p.m. Free.Information & Registration: 410-740-7601 Online Registration: www.hcgh.org Pre-registration required for all programsSPRING 2010 Wellness Matters[9
H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E SAdvance DirectivesSeminarAdult/Child/Infant CPRLearn about Advance Directives andhow to appoint or be appointed ahealth care agent. At the completionof the seminar, you will leave withan Advance Directives document.Beneficial to all ages. Presented byLeslie Rogers, MSW, LCSW-C, OSW-C.May 13 or September 9, 6–7 p.m. Free.Earn a two-year American HeartAssociation completion card.This is not a health care providercourse. May 26, June 10, June 29,July 14, July 27, August 12,August 30, 5:30–9 p.m. 48.Shiatsu Massagefor CouplesMastering TimeLearn easy ways to proactivelyprioritize and make the choicesthat will create abundant time todo the things you value most inyour life. June 15, 7–8:30 p.m.Free.Learn simple, yet effective Shiatsutechniques to reduce stress andpromote well-being. Upper body:September 10, 7–9 p.m. Lower body:May 14 or September 17, 7–9 p.m. 50 per couple for one class/ 90 per couple for both classes.F R E E H E A LT H S C R E E N I N G SOral, Head, and NeckCancerJohns Hopkins Community Physiciansat Howard County are providing free, 10minute head and neck cancer screenings.6350 Stevens Forest Road, Suite 102and 105 in Columbia. Register by calling1-877-546-1009. May 18, 6–8 p.m.Skin CancerDiabetesDermatologist will examineone or two areas of concern.May 18 or May 20, 5 –7 p.m.August 26, 9–11 a.m.Register online for HCGH’sWellness ClassesAll health screenings are now held in the HCGH Wellness Centerunless otherwise noted. Reg
Howard County General Hospital, Inc. Victor A. Broccolino, president/CEO Howard Hospital Foundation David Powell, chair Howard County General Hospital Professional Staff Jonathan S. Fish, M.D., president Volunteer Auxiliary *Ex-Officio Trustee Alicia Slahetka, president **Trustee Emeritus Volume 14, No. 2 SPRING 2010 3 7 12 15 17 19 20 CONTENTS:
