Food Safety in the Summertime

Grilling and eating outdoors is one of the best parts about summer. But as you know, your backyard isn’t nearly as sanitary as your air-conditioned kitchen. Follow these tips from Laura Ipe, Clinical Dietitian at SJRMC, to ensure your summertime meals are healthy and safe.

Start Clean

• Whether you are using your own grill or a public grill at a park or campground, scrub it with hot, soapy water before each use.
• Wash your hands before, during and after food preparation.
• Pack moist towelettes or a hand sanitizer in your cooler for when soap and water are not readily available.

"Bacteria can easily transfer from the body to foods and surfaces,” said Ipe. “This is especially important when you are handling raw meat.

Safely Thaw & Marinate Meat

• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator or microwave, not on the countertop or by the grill.
• Marinate meat in the refrigerator.
• Never use the same brush to baste raw and cooked meat. Wash brushes in hot, soapy water between uses.
• Boil any leftover marinade before using it to baste or season cooking meats.

Don’t Share Ware

• Use separate cutting boards, plates and grilling utensils when handling raw meat and ready-to-eat foods. Color-code them to easily separate items used with raw foods.
• After using knives, grilling tongs, forks and platters with raw meat and poultry – clean them thoroughly with hot soapy water – before using them again on cooked meats/poultry.

Cook It Right

“Grilled meat can be harmful if it’s not completely cooked,” said Ipe. “Many people rely on the color of the meat or the juices to tell them if it’s done, but the only surefire way is to use a meat thermometer.”

Use the following internal temperature guide:

• Steak (medium rare):  145° F
• Steak (well done):  170° F
• Hamburgers: 160° F
• Chicken: 165° F

Watch the Clock

• Don't leave food, even if it's fully cooked, out of refrigeration for extended periods of time.
• Put all dishes in the refrigerator within two hours. In hot weather (90° F or warmer), this time is reduced to one hour.
•  Set out perishable food items in one-hour shifts. After each shift, place uneaten food back in a refrigerator set below 40° F.
•  Lengthen the staying power of perishable foods by keeping them on ice. Keep a refrigerator thermometer on hand to make sure foods stay chilled properly in the cooler or refrigerator.

Let Leftovers Go

• Store leftovers in shallow, airtight containers (two inches deep or less). Write the date on top.
• Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165° F before serving a second time around. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Boil leftover sauces before reusing them on cooked meat.

“Grilled leftovers have a refrigerator life of three to four days,” said Ipe. “After that, toss it.”

Recipe: Mediterranean Kabobs

Yields 4 servings. Reference:  National Heart Lung & Blood Institute.

Marinade

• 2 tablespoons each of olive oil & lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon each of minced garlic (2-3 cloves) & fresh chopped parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Kabobs

• 6 oz top sirloin or other beef steak, cubed (12 cubes)
• 6 oz boneless & skinless chicken breast cut into ¾-inch cubes (12 cubes)
• 1 large white onion cut into ¾ inch squares (12 pieces)
• 12 cherry or grape tomatoes, rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, rinsed & cut into ¾ inch squares (12 squares)
• 12 metal skewers (each 6 inches long).

Directions

1. Preheat grill pan or oven broiler (with rack 3 inches from heat source) on high temperature.
2. Combine marinade ingredients and divide between 2 bowls (one to marinate raw meat and one for cooking & serving).
3. Mix beef, chicken, onion, tomatoes and red pepper cubes in one bowl of marinade and let sit.  After 5 minutes discard remaining marinade.
4. Assemble the skewers:  Place one piece of beef, chicken, tomato, onion, red pepper on each of the 12 skewers.
5. Grill (or oven broil) on each of 4 sides for 2-3 minutes or until completely cooked (minimum internal temp of 145° F for beef & 165° F for chicken).  Spoon most of the second half of the marinade over kabobs while cooking.
6. Serve 3 skewers per serving.  Drizzle the remaining marinade on top of each kabob before serving (use only the marinade that did not touch the raw meat or chicken).

Nutrition Information

1 serving (3 skewers) = 202 calories; 11g fat (2g saturated fat); 333mg sodium (if salt is used).

More Info

Learn more safety tips at www.homefoodsafety.org.  

Reference: American Dietetic Association.

National Running Day: It's Never Too Late to Start!

On National Running Day (http://www.runningday.org), some tips from Stephen Simons, MD, of Saint Joseph Sports Medicine Institute, about trying your first competitive run.

• It's never too late!

 A race isn’t just for athletic enthusiasts. The sense of achievement attached to accomplishing goals you have set for yourself can really kick your self-esteem into shape. Regular activity will also allow you to build up increased levels of strength and stamina so that everyday tasks will take less out of you.

• Stay determined & start out gently.

Gradually build up duration and intensity over a period of time. Starting out, speed should take a back seat while you focus on increasing the distance you can run. It is so much more important to find a comfortable pace that allows you to progress gradually and not feel torn to shreds at the end of each run.

• Try different routes, surfaces & conditions for your runs.

If you enjoy running on the roads, try to give yourself a break now and then by running on grass, around a field, or on a trail. However, be prepared, if it is rainy or cold. Similarly, don’t get caught out in the sun or dark.

• Shoe shop!

What you put on your feet is possibly the most important consideration when starting out. The choice you make can not only enhance your performance but also effect your running enjoyment while remaining injury free. It is worth it to spending some time researching this online or visiting your local specialist sports shop to seek their expert advice. 

• Warm up & cool down.

As important as the run itself, the warm up is the way to prepare yourself. Don’t fall into the trap of going straight at it just to get it over with. Allocate a certain amount of time for preparation. Similarly, each run should end with a cool down. As with the warm up, your body needs to adjust back down.

“Once you start, keep it going,” said Dr. Simons. “Set a challenging but realistic goal and see it through. Challenge yourself, not other runners. Reward yourself and think of the benefits and feelings of eventual achievement. Good luck and see you at the finish line!”

More Info: Go to www.michianarunners.org for information about running and races in and around Michiana.

April Associate of the Month: Plymouth Campus

Ron Westafer, RN

Ronald Westafer, RN, Emergency Department

“Ron Westafer is an excellent Nurse in the Emergency Department, is well like by his peers, and is highly recommended by the Physicians in the ED,” said Elaine Flemming, RN, Nursing Director at SJRMC/Plymouth. “He is very knowledgeable and well versed in Emergency Medicine and places patient satisfaction as a major goal.”

Ron has been a part of SJRMC since 1997 and is active on many committees. He frequently checks in with the Nurses on the Critical Care Unit and the Medical Surgical Unit to assist them with policy updates, changes, or implementation of different initiatives.

“Communication is vital to the success of any organization, especially in health care where the work we do affects so many,” said Westafer. “I am always glad to help however I can and am honored to have been selected as the Associate of the Month here in Plymouth.”

Ron receives many patient compliments, as well, and goes the extra mile to make sure his patients have outstanding care. He is friendly, caring and outgoing. Ron comes to work with a smile and keeps the smile during the entire 12-hour shift.

“We are very lucky to have Ron part of the Saint Joseph family,” said Flemming.

Congratulations to Ronald Westafer, the Plymouth Campus Associate of the Month for April!

April Associate of the Month: Mishawaka Campus

Kim Erby

Kim Erby, Human Resources Assistant

Kim joined SJRMC in October 2004. She has remained an integral part of the Human Resources team since she started.

“She is recognized by her team members as the glue that holds the team together,” said Virginia Chism, Director of HR Recruitment.

 Kim has a pleasant personality, always remains calm in all situations, and is always willing to reach out and help associates who bring everything imaginable to HR’s attention. Being the point of entry into HR, Kim successfully juggles many different responsibilities, and through it all she never loses her focus or her pleasant demeanor.

One of Kim’s co-workers felt Kim should be recognized for her kindness, and described Kim as being unfailingly kind to everyone she encounters. She describes a situation where Kim’s kindness was displayed to her while her arm was in a sling, and after a heavy snowfall Kim cleaned her car from top to bottom!

“It all comes down to just treating others as you want to be treated,” said Erby. “Simple acts of kindness go a long way. I am proud to be a part of Saint Joseph and am very proud of this wonderful recognition.”

HR is proud to have a team member that embodies our Guiding Behaviors and reflects that behavior in all that she does. Thank you Kim for all that you do for SJRMC!

Congratulations to Kim Erby, the Mishawaka Campus Associate of the Month for April!

March Associate of the Month: Plymouth Campus

Bruce Hite, Coordinator

Bruce Hite, Coordinator

Outpatient Rehab Therapy

Bruce Hite joined the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Family in 2004 as a Patient Care Provider (PCP) on the Medical Surgical Floor at Plymouth. He transitioned to Outpatient Rehab Therapy, where his duties include: registration of new patients; checking their benefit coverage; scheduling and reminder/follow-up phone calls; ordering office supplies; and managing the front desk.

“Bruce has a difficult job trying to keep scheduling on track with productivity,” said Raymond Canda, SJRMC’s Physical Therapy Rehab Administrator. “But he handles this with great efficiency and effectiveness and always with an upbeat personality.”

Bruce is described as an excellent team player who is thoughtful of patients and staff, alike, as well as being a dependable hard worker extremely focused on accommodating others.

“I try to remember each day that I am representing more than just myself but the entire organization whose goal is to deliver the best health care possible,” he said. “The best part of my job is the interaction with patients, knowing the position I work directly affects how that patient will see the rest of our department and, ultimately, the entire hospital.”

While Bruce feels honored to have been recognized as Associate of the Month, he is quick to note the award is a reflection on his entire department.

“I think this speaks volumes about the caliber of people working here at Saint Joseph,” he said. “I cannot say enough how much I appreciate everyone here. This is a feeling I will not soon forget.”

Congratulations to Bruce Hite, the Plymouth Campus Associate of the Month for March!

March Associate of the Month: Mishawaka Campus

Vanessa Davidson

Vanessa Davidson, Unit Secretary

Orthopedics/Neurosurgery

For 30 years, Vanessa Davidson has been an integral part of SJRMC’s Orthopedic Team. From day 1 back in 1981, Vanessa has worked the 3 to 11 shift as the Unit Secretary.

“Actually, I started here at Saint Joseph as a student intern in 1979 in the Plant Operations Office,” she said. “Two years later I was hired as Orthopedics Unit Secretary and I have been here ever since, enjoying every minute of it.”

Described as cheerful and ready to volunteer for extra assignments, Vanessa will go above and beyond to assist patients and families for the smallest things. But it was the big blizzard earlier this year where Vanessa continued to show she is always ready to give 110%.

“The last two Code Whites, Vanessa assisted the hour Supervisor with finding staff and coordinating rides to work, which was invaluable to our patients and their families,” said Christine Kaufman, Orthopedics Nursing Manager. “Vanessa is a wonderful Associate for Saint Joseph and we feel extremely lucky to have her.”

And who knows? Maybe this is just Vanessa’s first 30 years at SJRMC.

“After 30 years, I still come to work with a smile on my face,” she said. “I want to thank everyone for thinking of me for this wonderful honor and I look forward to another 30 years here!”

Congratulations to Vanessa Davidson, the Mishawaka Associate of the Month for March! 

College Volunteer Prepares for Future in Medicine at SJRMC

Rich McLaughlin

During the month of April, we recognize and celebrate our wonderful SJRMC Volunteers! Rich McLaughlin is a senior at the University of Notre Dame who has been volunteering in our ER for 4 semesters. We are sad to see Rich go this year, but excited for his graduation and future in Medical School. Thank you Rich!

When Rich McLaughlin volunteers alongside physicians and nurses in the Emergency Department at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, he’s not just generously donating his time – he’s preparing for his future.

Now a senior on the pre-med track at the University of Notre Dame, Rich has volunteered in our ER for the past four semesters. With graduation looming in just a few weeks, he’s busy cramming for finals while completing second round interviews with potential medical schools.

“I really wanted to make sure a career in medicine was right for me, and this has given me a good foundation,” he said. “I’ve learned to appreciate that medicine is not just diagnosing an illness, but really treating the patient and making them feel cared for.”

During his shift, Rich interacts with patients in the ER, bringing them blankets, water or fulfilling other requests. The experience has given him the ability to observe first-hand both bedside patient care and the clinical side.

“The staff is fantastic,” he said. “If there’s something interesting diagnostically, they will point it out to me. They are really appreciative of my help in the ER and allow me to shadow them and learn from them.”

Rich is not sure what kind of medicine he plans to study, but due to this exposure says emergency medicine is a possibility. He advises other college students considering a career in medicine to make volunteering a priority.

“Volunteering is looked at very favorably by medical schools,” he said. “It’s been really intense a few times, what comes through those doors. I’ve seen cardiac arrest and a lot of trauma. It’s just a great opportunity to see what it’s really like.”

On behalf of everyone at SJRMC, thank you Rich for all you’ve done to assist our patients and staff.   Congratulations on your graduation and best of luck in Medical School!

Plymouth Campus Receives $50,000 from Ounce of Prevention

John Oliver III of Oliver Ford and Ounce of Prevention; Mickey Hoffer, Mammogram Tech; Joan Hunt, RN; Timothy Smith, Jen Houin of Ounce of Prevention; and Jessica Oliver of Ounce of Prevention

Breast cancer treatment at our Plymouth Campus was enhanced even more with a $50,000 donation from Marshall County’s Ounce of Prevention Foundation.

Ounce of Prevention has provided funds to the Plymouth Cancer Institute to help in the treatment of the disease as well as raising awareness of breast cancer and its effects in the community.

“We’ve been able to get some professional training we wouldn’t have had a chance to get otherwise,” said Mickey Hoffer, Mammography Tech. “All of us have been doing this for a long time but it really helps to get new ideas and information on how to position everything and get better mammograms. So much of it has to do with positioning.”

With donations like this, the Cancer Institute has been able to purchase a special use mammography chair that enables radiographers to position patients better and more comfortably. The Institute has also purchased supplies and educational tools that would not otherwise be available.

“We are very grateful for the Ounce of Prevention Foundation and their constant support of our cancer treatment initiatives,” said Lori Price, President of SJRMC Plymouth. “This is another great example of two local institutions working together for the good of our communities.”

Certified Nurses Honored

On Friday, March 18, our Certified Nurses attended a ceremony to honor and bless them. They were recognized for their professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence in patient care. The ceremony was held on the Mishawaka Campus in the Chapel, with Marsha King and Sister Laureen Painter leading the ceremony.

At the Plymouth Campus, Elaine Flemming and Chaplain Les Johnson led the ceremony in their Chapel.  Certified nurses were given a small gift in appreciation for going the extra  mile in attaining their National Nursing Specialty Certifications. Watch for our certified nurses to be wearing their new blue Certified RN badges!

According to the Certified Nurses Day Coalition, Certified Nurses Day is an annual day of recognition for and by healthcare leaders dedicated to nursing professionalism, excellence, recognition, and service.  Every year, on March 19th, Certified Nurses are recognized in healthcare organizations across the country.

Maggie Erickson, RNC; Susan Goble, RNC; Linda Gleitz, CRNFA; and Linda Hissong, CNOR

Athletic Trainers Keep Area Athletes Healthy

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center is helping to keep athletes on the playing field as eight of its Associates are Certified Athletic Trainers by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). Founded in 1950, NATA has grown to more than 30,000 members worldwide today.

Throughout Northern Indiana, SJRMC Certified Athletic Trainers support Plymouth, John Glenn, Culver, Penn, Mishawaka Marian, and South Bend St. Joseph High Schools, as well as Ancilla College.

“I think our presence on the bench is just as critical as any member of the coaching staff,” said Ryan Carroll, a Certified Athletic Trainer at our Plymouth Campus. “I would encourage parents to find out who is taking care of their young athlete so they will know they are in good hands in the event of an injury.”

The situation has been played out thousands of times before.  Many young athletes are injured during an athletic event.  Except this time it is your child lying on the court or field in pain.  Are you comfortable and knowledgeable with what happens next? And exactly who is taking care of your child immediately after the injury? 

Certified Athletic Trainers are educated and trained for this exact scenario.  Through a 4-year college degree they are taught to handle any type of athletic injury.  Certified Athletic Trainers are not only taught to handle the immediate care of an injury, they are able to continue throughout the whole process up to deciding when the athlete can return to play.  This includes the prevention, evaluation, first aid, referral, treatment and rehabilitation of any athletic injury.

Like many other health professions in Indiana there is a license that needs to be issued to practice athletic training.  The profession is governed by the Indiana Athletic Trainers Board.  There is also a national certification that requires students to pass a 3-part examination to become a Certified Athletic Trainer.  Professionals in this setting need to complete mandatory education hours each year (25 per year) to continue as an Indiana licensed and nationally certified athletic trainer.  Certified athletic trainers also need to renew CPR/AED certifications every year to keep certification.

“It’s work but it’s fun work knowing that we are a valuable part of whatever team we’re working with,” Carroll said. “And, with last month being National Athletic Trainers Month, it is nice to receive recognition for what we do and the time we have put in to keep our young athletes healthy and in the game.”

Mishawaka Certified Athletic Trainers: Carl Landis, Gayle Thomas, Trish Irvin, Ann Micinski and Dr. Stephen Simons 

Plymouth Certified Athletic Trainers: Ryan Carroll, Tom Bolze, Adam Rippy and Kim Richey

Kale: The Super Veggie

National Nutrition Month advice from Whitman Hackman, Registered Dietitian, SJRMC

Kale is a green vegetable that looks sort of like and tastes like curly spinach but it comes from the cabbage family.  It can be found in grocery stores year round but its peak season is mid-winter to early spring. When buying, look for bright green leaves without traces of wilting or browning. 

Kale’s high concentrations of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents have linked increased consumption to lowered risk of cancer, obesity and heart disease.  One cup of chopped kale has 34 Calories, 0 g fat, 2 g of protein and 1 g of fiber.  The recipe below is an example of how quick and easy it is to make any night of the week!

Kale with Caramelized Garlic

• 1 ½ lbs of fresh kale (stems removed)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 8 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Remove leaves from stems and throw stems away.  Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook until garlic is golden brown.  Add kale leaves to mix and cook covered until it’s softened but still bright green probably about 2-3 minutes.  Add the vinegar, salt and red pepper, stir and serve!

Doctors' Day Celebration

Tonight, in honor of Doctors' Day, we will be celebrating with physicians who have reached milestones in their years of service on our SJRMC Medical Staff. Thank you to all of our doctors for your time, talents and dedication.

Dr. Engel and his wife, Sondra

Dr. Howard Engel will be marking his 50th year with SJRMC. A Chicago native, Dr. Engel received his medical education at the University of Chicago School of Medicine, followed by an internship at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, a two-year research stint at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and then his residency at Washington University in St. Louis at Barnes Hospital.

Dr. Engel married Sondra, the love of his life and his wife of 53 years, before starting his practice in South Bend in 1960. He supervised many local doctors while they were residents at what was then the Saint Joseph Hospital, a testament to his many contributions to the health and welfare of Michiana.

Throughout his 50 years of service, Dr. Engel has been driven to improve the quality of healthcare in our area and the lives of his patients. Due to his warm and caring manner and his genuine interest in the people he encounters every day, he continues to leave his mark on all of us at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center and the entire community.

Additional doctors who will be recognized tonight include:

40 Years

Keim T. Houser, MD     

35 Years

Stephen L. Anderson, MD

Robert S. Austgen, DDS

Elliott J. Blumenthal, MD     

David L. Clayton, MD

John L. Jenkins, MD

Mark S. Sandock, MD

30 Years

Rafat H. Ansari, MD

Frances D. Dwyer, MD

Gail A. English, MD

Nels R. Leininger, MD

Douglas N. MacGregor, DO

Robert J. Tomec, MD

25 Years

Thomas P. Barbour, MD

Sandra R. Brown, MD

Thomas E. Capannari, MD

Michael A. Englert, MD

Walter J. Filipek, MD

J. Michael Kelbel, MD

Robert B. Kolbe Jr., MD

Douglas S. Kuehn, MD

Michael J. O'Connell, DO

John W. Oren, MD

Stephen R. Ribaudo, MD

Carol A. Royer, MD

Robert A. Yount, MD

Stephen E. Zucker, MD

20 Years

Mark S. Cantieri, DO

Vinod Chauhan, MD

David A. Cory, MD

Ellen B. Crowe, MD

Scott B. Edwards, MD

Todd A. Graham, MD

Charles J. Lamb, MD

Mark G. Lewis, DO

Catherine B. Maxwell, PhD

Timothy W. Noveroske, MD

William Rozzi, MD

Gregory Spiritoso, MD

Arthur F. Wang, MD

Daniel E. White, DDS     

Emeritus

Ronald Aigotti, MD

John P. Eichorst, DO

Brian D. Saine, MD

Robert M. Sweeney, MD

Portion Control: Measuring Serving Sizes

During the last week of National Nutrition Month, here is some advice on portion sizes from SJRMC's Whitney Hackman, RD.

Portion sizes have been growing in this country right along with obesity rates, heart disease and diabetes.  Restaurants portions are almost twice the size they were in the 1960’s and our waistlines are reflecting the increase! 

Research has shown that portion control is an important component in healthy weight maintenance, but it can be frustrating if you plan on stepping outside of your house without your measuring cups and a scale at any point in your life. Here are some comparisons to help keep your portion sizes in line!

• 1 ounce of cheese (1 serving) is the same size as four dice or a 9-volt battery 
•  1 meat serving (about 3 ounces) is similar to a standard deck of cards 
• 3 ounces or 1 serving of fish will look similar to a checkbook
• A serving of peanut butter or mayonnaise is equal to a ping-pong ball
• A serving of ice cream or mashed potatoes is ½ cup, which will look about the same size as a tennis ball
• One serving of an apple or orange should look like a woman’s fist
• A baked potato should look comparable to a computer mouse
• A serving of nuts is comparable to a medium-sized egg 
• The diameter of a pancake should be the same as a CD
• A serving of chocolate looks like a standard packet of dental floss

We are faced with oversized portions everyday and it’s a tough battle!  Hopefully these visuals give you a good idea of what you should be comparing your meals to!

Guys: Time to Man Up & Schedule Your Prostate Exam

Guys: Time to Man Up & Schedule Your Prostate Exam

By Dr. Michael Helms, Northwest Family Medicine & Saint Joseph Physician Network

As tough as we all like to think we are, men have a long way to go in terms of manning up to a simple medical procedure that could end up saving our lives or at least improve our quality of life. 

For men approaching the age of 40 and above, a prostate exam – while admittedly slightly uncomfortable – only takes a minute but is as necessary a preventative health measure as a blood pressure test or cholesterol check.

Why a prostate exam? The primary reason is to check for the presence of three conditions:

1. Rectal Cancer, which is very rare.
2. Prostate Cancer, slightly little more common but still fairly rare.
3. BPH, or enlarged prostate. BPH is not life threatening but can nevertheless be quite disabling at times. The benefit here is that if we find a prostate that is enlarging, we can treat it before symptoms become severe.

 Fear Not

But why do men fear something that is so quick and simple and could save your life? First and foremost, I think there’s a stigma that it is somehow unmanly to get a prostate exam. We prefer to believe there should be some type of electronic or blood test to prevent a man from having a finger put in a place he really doesn’t want it.

Also, some men fear the discomfort of the test. To address this, I always like to reference the size of my index finger versus the size of an average bowel movement and submit it as “exhibit A.”

Sure, it’s uncomfortable but, by comparison, women often have to endure far worse. Not surprisingly, the women in our lives are not very sympathetic about our complaints.

I say “our” because I’m in the same situation. As a 47-year-old, I get my prostate exam every year from my physician so I’m doing what I am telling patients they need to do. And in reality, about 90 percent of the discomfort is psychological. Believe me, there are a lot of procedures out there that are worse than a prostate exam. Again, our better halves have been getting pelvic exams from the time they’ve been around 18, gone through childbirth and the exams that go with it – all of which are exponentially worse than a prostate check.

Finally, there’s a fear of the unknown. We are afraid of what the doctor will find or what the doctor will tell us we have to do. Certainly, the fear of prostate cancer is real and understandable. But there’s also anxiety about prostate cancer treatment as well –specifically, that treatment could render the patient impotent.

This fear is less prevalent than it used to be and for good reason. Cancer is seldom found. Most exams reveal a normal prostate condition. Plus, treatments are much better than they used to be in the sense that active surveillance (the strategy of closely monitoring patients with low-risk prostate cancer before prescribing specific therapy) is more common.

Other times, the condition is treated with hormones – some of which can cause impotence but this is less likely than it used to be. Prostate cancer can also be treated with radiation and, when it does require surgery, many times the procedure can be nerve sparing – meaning it will not impact sexual performance. These are certainly better treatment options than what used to be available to men.

How ‘bout those Bears?

Being mindful that most of the discomfort of a prostate exam is psychological, I like to do what I can to get the patients’ mind off the task at hand. For example, talking about sports – like Jay Cutler’s bum knee, sports cars, mutual funds, telling jokes – anything to lighten things up or put the patient at ease while he’s wearing a gown with no back and bending over. As a doctor, you have to build a rapport so that it is not psychologically threatening. One way to accomplish this is by conducting the bulk of the physical first – while engaging them in these discussions – before doing the prostate exam.

Additionally, a standard practice for me is to schedule physicals in the morning so I can tell guys I am making the rest of their day seem much better in comparison. Plus, I remind them that getting a prostate exam isn’t nearly as bad as going to the dentist. And while some may disagree, I can’t resist using this line as a good-natured tweak at my dentist friends.

Fortunately, most of the time I recommend giving an exam to a patient, they agree to it. Then again, if they are already in to see me, they are somewhat resigned to doing what comes with a physical. However, I worry about men of that certain age who may not be coming in for a standard physical – perhaps simply because of fear of this exam. If there are any of you out there, you may be forced to give back your “man card” if that’s really what’s keeping you away from an annual doctor visit.

Need to find a new primary care physician or want to learn more about Dr. Helms?  Go to www.saintjoedocs.com.

National Nutrition Month: Eating for Sustained Energy!

As National Nutrition Month continues, Sherry Flemming, RD, Clinical Dietitian at SJRMC, provides some tips on how to keep your energy level steady throughout the day:

• Eat 3 smaller meals per day, with frequent healthful snacks.
•  Make your meals “mixed energy fuels." These include high fiber carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts or seeds.
• Eat a variety of colors!
• Hydrate!  Start the moment you get up in the morning.
• Limit sugary foods to 2 (or fewer) small servings a day, and ONLY with meals.
• Eat whole-grain carbs at each meal, like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, corn tortillas or oatmeal.
• Eat 2 - 4 fresh fruits per day, starting early in the day.
• Take a 1 - minute stretch and focus on your breathing every 90 minutes.

ND's Dig Pink Donates $2,575 to Secret Sisters Society

From left, Al Gutierrez, CEO & President, Head Volleyball Coach Debbie Brown, Senior Volleyball Player Stephanie Slatt and Joan Lennon of the Secret Sisters Society display a check for more than $2,500, which was raised and donated to the Secret Sisters Society by the Notre Dame Dig Pink Fundraiser. Photo taken by Mike Bennett, Lighthouse Imaging

The University of Notre Dame volleyball team raised a national-best $10,300 last fall in an effort to support Dig Pink, a national initiative devoted to promoting breast cancer awareness spearheaded by the Side-Out Foundation.

Notre Dame also led the nation in 2008 by raising $6,655.

"One of the things that is important to us, as a program, is to continue to increase the amount we raise each year," Irish head coach Debbie Brown said. "We've been able to do that. And equally important, we want to continue to raise awareness throughout our campus and community. This is such a worthy cause, and our whole team really gets behind it. It will be fun to see the event grow larger each year as the community involvement gets strong and stronger."

The Secret Sisters Society of South Bend received $2,575 of the total proceeds.

"We are truly impressed by the support Notre Dame has shown for the Side-Out Foundation through its Dig Pink event," said Rick Dunetz, Side-Out Foundation executive director. "We are grateful for their continued commitment to the cause."

Added Joan Lennon of the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Women's Task Force: "We are so appreciative of the dedication shown by the University of Notre Dame volleyball team. The `Dig Pink' game highlights the dedication of the these young women and their coaches in raising awareness in the fight against breast cancer."

The Irish program raised the money through the sale of t-shirts, internet donations, online auction of match-worn jerseys and a silent auction on the day of the match.

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center served as the title sponsor of the Dig Pink match. Learn more about the Women's Task Force and the Secret Sisters Society at http://www.sjmed.com/medicalservices/canceroncology/taskforce/Default.aspx

Sam Schlosser to be Honored at Catch the Spirit Gala April 16

Sam Schlosser

Tickets are now available for Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center’s 13th Annual Catch the Spirit Gala, which will be held on Saturday, April 16, at the Swan Lake Golf Resort in Plymouth.

This year’s Gala will be honoring highly respected, long-time friend of the Marshall County area, Sam Schlosser, with the Community Spirit Award.

"I am certainly honored to participate in the upcoming April 16 Hospital Gala which is designed to raise funds helping to provide health care services to the under served in Marshall County,” said Schlosser.  “Kudos to SJRMC/Plymouth for their continued efforts to help those who need the help.  I invite all to join the hospital in making this year's event a great success by making a contribution, buying a table or attending."

Schlosser has been President of The Plymouth Foundry since 1984, and has been a fixture in the Marshall County area dating back to, and before, his grade school days at Jefferson School in Plymouth. Following completion of Graduate Studies in MSIA and MSE, Schlosser served in the United States Air Force. He has served on numerous community Boards and he is an enthusiastic, active member of numerous Purdue University Alumni Clubs. Sam and his wife Karen continue to donate their time and efforts to many initiatives that improve the Marshall County area.

Proceeds from the Catch the Spirit Gala will benefit SJRMC’s Community Health Services for the poor and underserved in Marshall County. 

During the past 14 years, the Gala has made a remarkable difference for Marshall County residents, raising well over one million dollars. In 2010, SJRMC’s Plymouth campus provided services that assisted 3,361 patients and included free medical care and prescription medication assistance as well as transportation, mobile health care screenings and health fairs.

The Gala begins with a reception at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner and program at 7:00 PM. To purchase tickets or for information on underwriting opportunities, call (574) 935-2189.