Lakewood Health Care

The last thing you want to do is wait in line or wait for an appointment when you are having a health issue that needs immediate attention. West-siders now have a new, convenient option in MetroExpressCare.

MetroExpressCare is an urgent care center that is now open at the MetroHealth West Park Health Center, 3838 W. 150th Street, Cleveland, just off of I-71. Medical staff is available from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays to care for adults and children.

 

HI -- I'm not sure if my original submission had the photo!  If not, here it is.

On November 19, 2011, Dr. Caldwell “Es” Esselstyn, Jr. shared his research and experience with a capacity crowd of nearly 400 people at Lakewood Baptist Church on how to prevent and reverse heart disease with diet alone. Dr. Esselstyn, retired after a 35-year distinguished career as a surgeon and researcher at The Cleveland Clinic, has completed 20 years of compelling research on reversing heart disease. According to Dr. Esselstyn, heart disease is a “toothless, paper tiger.”  Even patients with severe, advanced coronary artery disease can reverse their disease with diet alone, and even make themselves “heart attack proof.”

Did you know North Coast Health Ministry provides free health care, preventive care, chronic disease management, medical tests, behavioral/mental health counseling, prescription assistance and so much more right here in Lakewood?

North Coast Health Ministry (NCHM), a free clinic serving the low-income uninsured in western Greater Cleveland, has begun offering primary care clinics on Monday evenings at its Lakewood location. The Monday evening clinic is being offered in addition to primary care clinics held during daytime hours Monday through Friday

North Coast Health Ministry (NCHM), a free clinic serving the low-income uninsured of Greater Cleveland, is now offering assistance to members of the community wishing to apply for public assistance programs through The Ohio Benefit Bank™. Individuals interested in learning about programs they may be eligible for are guided through an online application process by a trained Benefit Bank counselor. These programs can provide resources to individuals who may be having a hard time making ends meet, and include food and nutrition, health care, energy and child care assistance.

“It is our job as a free clinic to help our patients get access to all forms of assistance for which they are eligible,” says NCHM Executive Director Lee Elmore. “If someone is eligible for Medicaid, for instance, it’s our responsibility to assist them with their application so that they can get the benefits to which they are entitled. Our Ohio Benefit Bank counselors can help them through the process and, in many cases, help them access a range of other supports that positively impact their health, such as food, prescription, and utility assistance.”

Last month we celebrated one of our very special resident's 101 birthday Irene Kinny! Irene celebrated her special day with a party and surrounded by friends and staff. Irene has been a resident at our assisted living since 2009. Irene is always seen smiling and sporting her positive attitude. Irene has a lot of Faith which is evident when you are around her. Her light does shine on every-one she meets! Our National Assisted Living Week started on September 11th and what a way to kick-off our week then to attend the memorial at the Lakewood Fire House to remember those heroes who risked their lives for us and the victims of this tragic day!

Children’s car safety seats should face the rear of vehicles for longer than experts originally suggested. The American Association of Pediatricians recommends that all infants should ride in rear-facing seats, starting with their first ride home from the hospital until they are two years old, or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their safety seat’s manufacturer. 

Lakewood Senior Health Campus, a 150 bed skilled nursing facility with 54 assisted living suites and 60 independent living apartments, is in one of Lakewood’s nicest neighborhoods, just 2 blocks south of lovely, tree-lined Clifton Boulevard and is locally owned and managed by the O’Neill family. The O’Neill family, headed by John T. O’Neill, LNHA, has been serving seniors in the west side communities for over 40 years. Dining rooms and lounges in the Campus provide opportunities for seniors to gather and share meals, enjoy events, and participate in social events. The Campus was rated in the top 7 Skilled Nursing Facilities in the State of Ohio for family satisfaction in 2010 by the Ohio Department of Health and the Assisted Living has been awarded deficiency free surveys by the Ohio Department of Health in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

It’s no surprise to the residents of Lakewood that we are a health-conscious town. We have yoga studios, massotherapy clinics, chiropractic offices, reiki masters, a holistic pet supply store, cafés dishing up local organic fare, not one but two thriving seasonal farmers’ markets, and a landmark independent grocery store specializing in all things organic, vegan, and gluten-free. We like our health with a holistic flavor and our businesses reflect that. So, when Dr. Katherine Caputo, a naturopathic physician, moved to the Cleveland area last fall, she knew right away that Lakewood would be the best community in which to open up her private practice, Great Lakes Natural Medicine.

Are looking for a new twist to the traditional 5K running race? If so give the CrossFit Cleveland 5K Plus a whirl. As owner Bill Russell said, “Our version of a 5K adds a little work to the run.” He and wife/co-owner Staci Russell have mixed up body weight exercises with the running to really test your mettle.

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, CrossFit Cleveland is celebrating four years of getting people into the best shape of their lives by putting on the 2nd annual CrossFit Cleveland 5K Plus- with all proceeds going to charity again this year.

Children have fevers for many reasons. More often than not, they are treatable by over-the-counter medications and don’t require extensive medical intervention. And while self-help books may offer calming advice, parents can be fearful when their child has a fever, worrying that it may signal something more than a common viral infection.

The number one call that pediatricians get is fever.  When a child has a fever, and parents are worried, I prefer that they call me. A lot of times, a simple two- to five-minute talk with the parents can save them from having to go to the emergency room -- where they could spend most of their night and be saddled with high medical bills afterward.

Fever is the body’s reaction to an infection, which causes the body to reset the temperature to a higher level to help fight the infection. I counsel parents to not panic when there is a fever. Instead, be prepared by having some tools at hand.

 

Would you know how to help your family and neighbors in the event of a disaster or emergency? The Westshore Regional Community Emergency Response Team (WSC) is offering free classes on topics such as disaster preparedness, basic injury assessment and medical treatment, search and rescue procedures, fire suppression, disaster psychology, and much more. The 20-hour adult FEMA course is conducted by local safety professionals. Westshore residents who are US citizens, successfully complete training and pass a background check are eligible for team membership.

North Coast Health Ministry (NCHM) will offer a Women’s Health Day on Saturday, February 12, 2011, during which onsite mammography, breast health education, and clinical breast exams will be offered to low-income uninsured women.

“Numerous studies have shown that women are significantly less likely to have had a recent mammogram if they lack health insurance,” says Lee E. Elmore, NCHM executive director. “We have had Women’s Health Days in our clinic on regularly scheduled weekdays for several years. Offering the service on a Saturday will allow us to serve those women who cannot get here during the week due to work or family conflicts. Our goal is to ensure that all women who need breast health screenings and preventive care have access to care, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.”

By demonstrating compliance with the Joint Commission‘s national standards for healthcare quality and safety, Lakewood Hospital has earned the Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ in three areas: the advanced primary stroke center, heart failure and stroke rehabilitation.

The review of the three programs took place in September after an on-site evaluation by the Joint Commission. The reviewers conducted interviews with staff and patients while assessing processes and ability to improve patient care. The Gold Seal of Approval™ demonstrates Lakewood Hospital’s dedication to achieving the Commission’s high standards. "Lakewood Hospital has made exceptional efforts to promote better outcomes for patients in all levels of stroke care and heart failure," says Janice G. Murphy, RN, BSN, MSN, FACHE, president of Lakewood and Fairview Hospital. "These certifications confirm the staff has gone above and beyond the standard efforts to effectively provide critical care elements necessary to achieve long-term success. They wholeheartedly deserve this advanced recognition."

Some people do it just to get off the couch and improve their health. Some people do it because their lives have been touched by a blood cancer and they want to make a difference. And, some people do it for the camaraderie and the fun of being with others. For whatever reason, when you join Team in Training it gets us all closer to a world without cancer.

Four members of the Tabor family from Lakewood have come together to honor the memory of an amazing family friend by participating in the 2011 Cleveland Marathon. Andy, his wife Kris, and their two daughters, Hajnal Eppley and Lexi Tabor, will be preparing for the marathon as members of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training (TNT) program, receiving four months of training. In return for the personalized coaching and a supportive group of teammates, they raise money for critical blood cancer research. The Tabors have also recruited many other friends to join the cause to cure cancer. Take a look at the "Team Tabor" web-site at http://pages.teamintraining.org/noh/cleve11/teamtabor.

Lakewood Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic hospital, is pleased to announce it has achieved Pathway to Excellence® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Lakewood Hospital is the first hospital in the state of Ohio to receive this distinction.

The Pathway to Excellence designation confirms to the community that Lakewood Hospital is dedicated to nurses, recognizes what is important to nursing practice, and values nurses’ contributions to the workplace. The designation also demonstrates the level of professional satisfaction of nurses at Lakewood Hospital.

Those who know say that Cleveland is changing the face of healthcare, and many area leaders agree that the healthcare industry will play a major role in shaping Cleveland’s future. For Ophthalmologist Dr. Peter McGannon, of Cleveland Clinic/Lakeland Eye Ophthalmology, however, practicing medicine in Cleveland has as much to do with his past as it does with his city’s future.

Thursday, August 26 was a noteworthy evening at Lakewood Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic hospital. The hospital unveiled The Harold C. Schott Pavilion for Geriatric Neurological Health. There were many distinguished guests, including Cleveland Clinic physicians and friends of Lakewood Hospital, to witness the introduction. In December 2009, Lakewood Hospital Foundation received a $1 million gift from The Harold C. Schott Foundation to expand and improve neurological and geriatric services focused on brain health.

On hand to help with the unveiling was world-renowned Alzheimer’s researcher and neurologist Jeffrey L. Cummings, MD, Director of research and operations at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Cleveland and Las Vegas. He will play an integral role in developing programs that will be offered at Lakewood Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, and in Las Vegas.

The Harold C. Schott Pavilion for Geriatric Neurological Health is part of Lakewood Hospital’s Vision for Tomorrow strategic plan to meet the evolving needs of the community and to improve the patient experience. The plan places a particular focus on enhancing and integrating the hospital’s SeniorCare Services and Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Lakewood Hospital. 

 

On Friday, August 6th, Lakewood Hospital hosted its fifth annual Starry Night, a patron benefit presented by signature sponsor Regency Construction Services, Inc. More than 650 guests were in attendance and the event grossed nearly $120,000.

“Once again, Starry Night was a shining star in Lakewood,” said Janice Murphy, president of Lakewood and Fairview hospitals. “It was a perfect summer evening spent with friends and colleagues while raising money for two great causes. That’s a great combination and makes it even more memorable.” 

The Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center is the primary beneficiary of the monies raised. The Center uses event proceeds to host an educational Diabetes Symposium and to support its Diabetes Assistance Initiative (DAI), a program to help the uninsured and underinsured by providing funds for prescription diabetes medications and supplies as well as scholarships for diabetes education. Event proceeds also benefit the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship Fund. 

On Friday evening, August 6th, Lakewood Hospital is proud to host its fifth annual Starry Night, a patron benefit presented by Signature Sponsor, Regency Construction Services, Inc. The event will be held under the starlit tents on Belle Avenue from 7 to 10:30 p.m. A VIP Reception will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. for those purchasing tickets at sponsorship levels and will include participative activities.

You feel a stab of pain in your chest, abdomen, or head that makes you wonder what just happened. Is it a sign that something is wrong? Is it serious? Should you ignore it, or go to the nearest ER? For many of us, deciding when to go the ER can be a difficult decision.

The specially trained staff at the Lakewood Hospital Emergency Room recommends that you error on the side of caution, especially if the person is elderly or a child. Oftentimes, when an older person becomes ill or falls, they can quickly take a turn for the worst. A child’s condition can also become more life threatening in a shorter amount of time than an adult.

We hope that you never have to visit Lakewood Hospital’s ER, but if you do, we want you to know that we’re here for you, 24/7.

Our ER treats more than 34,000 patients each year and is always staffed with highly trained ER doctors, registered nurses and paramedics who treat patients of all ages with medical issues ranging from broken bones to strokes and heart attack.

So, what symptoms should you not ignore? Here are some top symptoms you should not ignore:

Adults:

Each year up to 1 million people in the United States suffer from shingles, a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash. Anyone who has ever had chicken pox can develop shingles, although it is most commonly found in those over age 60.

The Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacists (OSHP)  presented Jackie Hulec, certified pharmacy technician at Lakewood Hospital, the Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award at the organization’s 71st Annual Meeting on April 22-23, in Columbus, Ohio.

The award is given to one pharmacy technician in the state of Ohio who has demonstrated high integrity and has made significant contributions toward supporting the practice of pharmacy within the health system organization.

“This award confirms what Jackie’s co-workers already knew,” says Janice G. Murphy, RN, BSN, MSN, FACHE, president of Lakewood and Fairview Hospitals. “Her passion for accuracy and organization is unending; she inspires all of us to work smarter. We are very proud of her and her dedication to our hospital.”

A certified pharmacy technician for more than 20 years, Hulec’s current responsibilities are varied. “Jackie is an outstanding employee with incredible customer service skills,’” says Michael Carlin, R.Ph., director of Pharmacy at Lakewood Hospital. “Jackie was recently promoted to Pharmacy Purchasing Technician and this decision has proven to be invaluable to our department and the hospital as a whole. She is an excellent trainer and is always going above and beyond her assigned duties to ensure all staff is properly trained on medication inventory management.”

Ms. Hulec resides in Parma, with her husband and two children.

Lakewood Hospital recently installed three new generators to replace two older generators, which had served the hospital’s power needs for more than 30 years. The old generators were at maximum capacity and needed to be upgraded. Acquiring these state-of-the-art generators and associated switchgear was a $3.1 million investment, driven by the hospital’s multi-year strategic plan, Vision for Tomorrow.

Time is limited, and so is money. You want healthy eating to be a priority, but how to achieve it? Eat Well Lakewood is a program designed to help you answer that question.

Lakewood Hospital recently invested in the most advanced 3-D vascular imaging technology to better diagnose and treat patients suffering from a wide-range of peripheral vascular diseases. Acquiring this state-of-the-art equipment and establishing a new Endovascular Suite is a $2 million investment that is driven by the hospital’s multi-year strategic plan, Vision for Tomorrow.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a disorder of the circulatory system outside of the brain and heart, is a leading cause of disability among people 50 years and older and in those with diabetes. Advancements in medical technology used to diagnose and treat PVD is becoming more critical than ever before. In an effort to help physicians provide safer and more efficient care, patients are now able to benefit from life-saving procedures at Lakewood Hospital’s new state-of-the-art Endovascular Suite.

“PVD is a serious problem and we need to take necessary measures to ensure world class care is provided to our patients,” said Janice G. Murphy, FACHE, president of Lakewood and Fairview Hospitals. ”We are very excited to announce this $2 million Endovascular Suite renovation. This is another step towards our Vision for Tomorrow strategic plan, which includes enhancing the patient experience by providing access to the most advanced technology and care closer to home.” Lakewood Hospital’s expert staff of physicians, with the support of highly trained nurses and technologists, are now able to perform minimally invasive procedures to better diagnose and treat most patients with vascular disorders.

 

Lakewood Hospital has announced the appointment of Judith Johnson, RN, BSN, MS, a healthcare executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience, as its chief nursing officer.  Johnson has served as the hospital’s interim chief nursing officer for the past year. In her nursing leadership role, Johnson is responsible for the day-to-day operations of patient care and designated clinical areas, developing and implementing nursing strategies, and policies for the delivery of quality patient care. 

The objective of the Cleveland Clinic is to ensure the same level of nursing care is delivered at every Cleveland Clinic facility by more than 11,000 Cleveland Clinic nurses. Sarah Sinclair, RN, BSN, MBA, Cleveland Clinic Executive Chief Nursing Officer, said, “Judy will be instrumental in helping the Cleveland Clinic Nursing Institute to achieve its strategic goals, particularly in the areas of patient care, satisfaction and outcomes. She will bring the guidance and experience necessary to help the nurses at Lakewood Hospital to fulfill our vision to deliver the promise of world class care."
 

Almost half a million people annually in the U.S. undergo a procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to diagnose problems in their liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. As part of its Vision for Tomorrow strategic plan, Lakewood Hospital has invested in new, state-of-the-art direct visualization technology to enhance the ability to diagnose and treat conditions such as obstructions and stones within the biliary tract.

Lakewood Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic hospital, has received a $1 million donation from The Harold C. Schott Foundation to expand and improve neurological and geriatric services focused on brain health. “We are overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the generous gift from The Harold C. Schott Foundation,” said Jack Gustin, president of Lakewood Hospital. “Because of their unwavering commitment to the health and wellness in our community, we will now have additional opportunities to enhance the excellent care already provided through our neurological and geriatric services.” The expansion is part of Lakewood Hospital’s Vision for Tomorrow plan to meet the evolving needs of the community and to improve the patient experience. The plan places a particular focus on enhancing and integrating the hospital’s SeniorCare Services and Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Lakewood Hospital. The H. C. S. Foundation gift will allow the hospital to increase its capacity to serve seniors in the community and to provide specialized education and resources about brain health for patients and their families. The contribution ultimately will allow Lakewood Hospital to expand services focused on the health and well-being of caregivers, who often bear a tremendous emotional and psychological burden. “Lakewood Hospital has been offering care to the community for more than 100 years, and it is our hope that with this donation they will continue to provide excellent care to the community for many years to come,” said Betty Jane Mulcahy, trustee, H. C. S. Foundation. “The hospital’s Vision for Tomorrow is a great investment in the community, and we are very supportive of it.”

The medication aide program is an exciting opportunity for State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs) to advance their education and climb the health career ladder. Since the pilot program began in May of 2006, STNAs have expressed a growing interest in the medication aide position. STNAs who are on the waiting list for nursing school have found this program to be very beneficial to their education. 

After the pilot program ended on March 26, 2009, any long-term care facility or assisted living facility in the state of Ohio was able to employ certified medication aides, a group of employees who are making a huge impact on the nursing care of our residents. They are also having a positive impact on the nurses as well. At Lakewood Senior Health Campus, the nursing staff finds the medication aides to be a wonderful asset to the health care team. Nurses have long valued the team work that passes between the STNA and the charge nurse in long term care.  With the addition of the certified medication aides, the team is further enhanced and functions very well. Medication aides are an integral part of the health care team and have been employed by facilities in other parts of the country for many years. 

Lakewood Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic hospital, will open its new Orthopaedic Unit, which features private patient rooms, on Monday, November 16. The $3.2 million renovation project is part of the hospital’s multi-year strategic plan, Vision for Tomorrow. The Unit offers a modern, warm and healing atmosphere that will enhance the patient and family experience. Additionally, the Unit will become the blueprint for future renovations at the hospital. By offering state-of-the-art improvements and enhancements, Lakewood Hospital will continue its tradition of excellent inpatient and outpatient care well into the future. 

On Thursday, October 29, Lakewood Hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center, in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, will host a Diabetes Expo entitled "Helping People Help Themselves" at LaCentre Conference and Banquet Facility in Westlake. The cost of the event is $10 for the general public and $40 for healthcare providers ($25 for Cleveland Clinic employees). Pre-registration is required.

Mohun Sundar, Operations Analyst at Lakewood Hospital, Lakewood, Ohio, received the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent's Award at the ACHE Breakfast as part of the Annual Meeting of the Ohio Hospital Association in Columbus, Ohio. The award was bestowed on Mr. Sundar by Kevin J. Miller, FACHE, ACHE's Regent for northern Ohio and President of Ashtabula County Medical Center, Ashtabula, Ohio.

The Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent's Award recognizes ACHE affiliates who have significantly contributed toward the advancement of health care management excellence and the achievement of the goals of ACHE. Affiliates are evaluated on leadership ability, innovative and creative management, executive capability in developing their own organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community, participation in local, state, or provincial hospital and health association activities, participation in civic/community activities and projects, and participation in ACHE activities and interest in assisting ACHE in achieving its objectives.

“I am very appreciative of and deeply humbled by this great award. This accomplishment is a reflection of working with extraordinary healthcare leaders and individuals at all levels who continue to raise the bar on how to serve our local communities with compassion and purpose,” stated Mr. Sundar.

Mr. Sundar has served as operations analyst at Lakewood Hospital since 2007. Prior to this, he served as an Administrative Fellow for the Cleveland Clinic Western Market hospitals. Additionally, Mr. Sundar holds a member status in the American College of Healthcare Executives, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence.  He is also a member of the Group of Aspiring Leaders (GOAL), a young professionals group for the Cleveland Clinic Health System and a board member of the Cleveland StateUniversity Health Care Alumni Association.

Mr. Sundar received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from University of California, Santa Barbara, and his MBA in healthcare administration from Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio in 2006.

Doesn’t it seem that everyday there are errands to run and places to go? Whether it’s the grocery store, post office, school or work, we find ourselves behind the wheel more often than not.

As everyone knows, the president is pushing for a comprehensive program to overhaul how health care is paid for and to make sure everyone is adequately covered. Unfortunately, the solutions being advocated are going to cause an increase in spending by upwards of $2 trillion. This is only going to fuel inflation, further hurt our weak economy, and, actually, make it harder for people to get the care they desire.

Recognized as one of the west side’s premier events of the summer, Lakewood Hospital’s fourth annual Starry Night benefit exceeded all expectations with nearly 650 people in attendance and more than $125,000 raised.  Net proceeds will benefit two great causes – the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center and the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship Fund.

Held on Friday, July 31 under two huge tents on Belle Avenue, the event brought Lakewood Hospital family, community friends and neighbors together to enjoy four gourmet food stations, a wine cork raffle, live and silent art auctions, an art activity, palm reading, and music by The Bottom Line band. Monica Robins, WKYC-TV3 News Anchor and Senior Health Correspondent, served as the evening’s mistress of ceremonies.

After several weeks of enlightenment, education, and exercise, the Live Well Lakewood Wellness Challenge has drawn to a close. The Challenge began on May 6th; at that session, participants were weighed, measured (height, waist & hip,) had their body mass index calculated, had blood drawn for glucose and cholesterol levels, and their blood pressure was taken.  They were evaluated for strength and flexibility.  They united in teams of four, often consisting of family members, to provide support and encouragement.  Then they set about making positive changes in their health. 

Each year thousands of children and adults end up in the dental office with injuries to their mouth and teeth.  Injuries ranging from small chips on the edge of a tooth to fractured, loose and missing teeth.  The sad fact of this is that most of these injuries could have been avoided or at least lessened if a simple precaution had been taken - wearing a mouthguard.  Hundreds of studies from all parts of the world have proven, without question, the effectiveness of mouthguards in protecting teeth and soft tissues of the mouth from injury.  The American Dental Association, Academy for Sports Dentistry, and National Federation of State High Schools have worked together to develop basic guidelines regarding mouthguards.  Most importantly, mouthguards need to be properly fitted, unaltered, and should not impede communication and breathing or create any hazards to airways or oral cavities.  This is best accomplished through a custom mouthguard made specifically for each child from a model of his or her mouth.  Although custom mouthguards are more expensive than the “boil-and-bite” guards available in most stores, the fit and protection is unequalled.  And, if you figure in the cost of repair to a damaged tooth with a possible root canal and crown or replacement of a tooth with an implant, the cost of a custom mouthguard  is a worthwhile investment.  Even with a mouthguard, damage to the mouth can still occur, so it is important to be educated and prepared for a dental injury.  The sooner treatment is sought the more treatment options are available.

Starry Night, one of the biggest and best street parties, raises funds for two worthwhile causes – the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center and the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship Fund.