better livingWINTER 2016

COORDINATED HEALTH MAGAZINE

Coordinated Healthcoordinatedhealth.com

1-877-247-8080

BILL VANGILDERFROM SURGERY TOTHE SLOPES

HEART HEALTHAT E V E R Y A G E

FACELIFTWITHOUT SURGERY

Coordinated Health is a physician-owned hospital system. ©2016 Coordinated Health. All rights reserved.

Photo by Colin Coleman

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better livingCONTENTS

CH News

Mammogram Upgrade

Facelift Without the Surgery

From Surgery to the Slopes

Safely Stranded

Winter Skincare

Heart Health at Every Age

Tapas On Main

Spartan Recovery

Fighting Winter Blues

Flu, Cold or Allergy

Back to Painting

Snow Shoveling Safety

The Throwing Athlete

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FROM SURGERY TO THE SLOPES

MAMMOGRAM UPGRADE

FIGHTING WINTER BLUES

HEART HEALTH AT EVERY AGE

BACK TO PAINTING

VISIT US AT COORDINATEDHEALTH.COM OR CALL 1(877)247-8080 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY.

OUR TEAM

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

FLORENCE BROWNOLIVIA BROWN

ENDRIT FASLLIAJJESSICA FLATTO

CASSY KLISCHBRIAN MENECOLA

DEBBIE MORGANHANNAH ROPP

MARTY WAMBOLD

DALE BAUTISTA, MD

TIBOR BODI, JR., MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, CF-L1, ITAT

JOYCE DOBISH, CRNPCARA GUILFOYLE, MD, FACS

GREGG GUILFOYLE, DO

WAYNE LUCHETTI, MD

JASON SMITH, MD

JOANN STUHL, LME

DAN TERPSTRA, DO

CHRISTOPHER WAGENER, MD

DIGITAL & PR MANAGER MARKETING & EVENT COORDINATORMULTIMEDIA PRODUCER JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERGRAPHIC DESIGNERDIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CREATIVEINTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTMANAGING EDITORVIDEO PRODUCER

PRIMARY CARE & SPORTS MEDICINEFELLOWSHIP DIRECTORATHLETIC TRAINER & PERFORMANCE TRAINERNURSE PRACTITIONERBREAST SURGERYPLASTICS & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

CHIEF OF STAFF, CHIEF OF SURGERY,CHAIR OF ORTHOPEDICS

PHYSIATRY

AESTHETICIANDEPARTMENT CHAIR ORTHOPEDIC SHOULDER SURGERY, LEHIGH UNIVERSITY TEAM PHYSICIANDEPARTMENT CHAIR ORTHOPEDICSPINE SURGERY, VICE CHIEF OF STAFF

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COMPANY NEWSJ A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

DR. SLENKER LIVE ON THEMORNING CALLOn January 13, 2016, Dr. Nick Slenker participated in a live chat with readers from The Morning Call to discuss youth sports safety. Many of the questions involved the assessment, treatment and prevention of concussions, and Dr. Slenker did an excellent job of providing both a clinical and personal perspective. The live chat event was part of a feature series by The Morning Call about the societal effects of heightened concussion awareness.

DR. MARTINEZ FEATURED ON WFMZDr. Marcos Martinez recently appeared on WFMZ’s Business Matters in a segment called, “Are We Protecting Our Athletes?” The show, which is hosted in partnership with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, featured local sports medicine experts and The Morning Call’s senior sports writer, Keith Groller. Dr. Martinez is a former athletic trainer turned physician, and he made a point to tip his hat to his fellow sports medicine clinicians at CH.

“We need to implement plans like the ones we have at Coordinated Health, where we have athletic trainers and physicians on the field, looking for injuries, and sending athletes to get appropriate care.”

Dr. Martinez also referenced the new Will Smith movie “Concussion” as a reason that public awareness has heightened around the topic of head injuries. He provided a stark reminder about the importance of being vigilant as a sports medicine practitioner:

“You have to be very stern. If you see any type of concussive symptoms, you have to take them out. Even if it literally means taking their helmet and putting it in the locker room, you have to do that.”

Kudos to Dr. Martinez on his first feature in local media!

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ATHLETE OF THE WEEKThe winter edition of the Athlete of the Week scholarship program has begun, and the first athlete was named as Dylan Belletiere from Salisbury High School’s basketball team. The 2016 Athlete of the Year banquet planning is in progress, and as always, CH employees who are interested in attending will be randomly selected to attend. Stay tuned for more information about the date and venue for the big day.

Coordinated Health CEO Emil DiIorio, MD, presented to 700 regional employers at the Lehigh Valley Economic Outlook and Community Development Awards Luncheon in January. His presentation, titled “2016 Healthcare Outlook: The Era of the Employer”focused on the challenges faced by business leaders in the post-Affordable Care Act era of increased healthcare spending.

As a business owner himself, Dr. DiIiorio expressed empathy for fellow employers who are increasingly feeling the strain of inflated healthcare costs.

“2015 was another year where healthcare dollars went up. $3 trillion were spent on healthcare in America. That was 17.5% of the largest GDP on earth,” Dr. DiIorio cited.

To anticipate the impending impact on area employers, Dr. DiIorio shared specific steps that business leaders can take to create more efficient health programs.

“Ask for and understand your claims - you do it in every other part of your business,” Dr. DiIorio advised. “Get you procurement people involved, and work with your HR team to see where the money is going.”

Credit: April Bartholomew / The Morning Call

DR. DIIORIO PRESENTS EMPLOYER HEALTH INSIGHTS AT ECONOMIC OUTLOOK EVENT

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COORDINATED HEALTH NOW OFFERS BREAST TOMOSYNTHESISMAMMOGRAPHY

CARA GUILFOYLE, MD, FACSbreast surgery

Coordinated Health is continuing to offer the best when it comes to diagnosing and treating breast cancer with the addition of a new breast tomosynthesis at the 250 Cetronia Road location.

Breast tomosynthesis has been FDA approved as an additional upgrade to standard mammography. Tomosynthesis is a modified mammogram that uses three-dimensional data to generate very thin slices of breast images, making it easier to tell the difference between a mass versus an overlap of normal tissue.

The screening is generally performed in conjunction with a conventional mammogram. While the process is the same, the unit sweeps across the compressed breast to take pictures in multiple views. It then creates a 2-D image from the 3-D tomosynthesis images.

Though Tomosynthesis is considered to be useful for all women, it’s especially helpful for women who have dense breast tissue. Breast Surgeon Cara Guilfoyle, MD, says that tomosynthesis has multiple benefits. “In the screening setting, tomosynthesis helps to decrease the amount of times a patient has to come back for additional imaging and has even been shown to improve cancer detection rates,” she says.

MAMMOGRAM UPGRADE

Q. WHAT IS THERMITIGHT?A. ThermiTight reverses the effects of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines, by delivering controlled thermal energy under the skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure and the results are comparable to a mini facelift. It is done as an outpatient procedure and generally takes less that an hour.

Q. WHO IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR THERMITIGHT?A. ThermiTight is for anyone who wants to see more drastic results than other non-invasive procedures like Botox, but does not want to undergo surgery. ThermiTight can be done on the face, neck, abdominal area, arms and thighs.

Q. HOW IS THERMITIGHT PERFORMED?A. The procedure is done under a local anesthetic in the office. First the area is numbed with the anesthetic. Patients may feel a slight pinch during the injection. Next, a small injection is made and a probe is inserted under the skin. The probe heats up the

tissue in the area and tightens the skin, eliminating fat pockets. During the procedure, patients may experience some pressure and warmth, but will not feel any pain because of the anesthesia.

Q. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS FROM THERMITIGHT?A. You may notice some redness and swelling in the area that it was done, but can generally return to normal activity within 24 hours.

Q. ARE THE RESULTS IMMEDIATE AND LONG LASTING?A. You will see some results immediately, but will improve over time as well. The results of ThermiTight are not permanent, but generally last up to a year and sometimes even longer.

FACELIFT WITHOUT THE SURGERY

If you feel like you are fighting a losing battle against fine lines and wrinkles, but don’t necessarily want to have a facelift, the new minimally invasive ThermiTight may be right for you. The procedure is the first of its kind to deliver drastic results, with no surgery or downtime. Coordinated Health Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Gregg Guilfoyle explains the benefits of ThermiTight and if it’s right for you.

GREGG GUILFOYLE, DOplastics & reconstructive surgeon

CARA GUILFOYLE, MD, FACSbreast surgery

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FROMSURGERYto the SLOPES

8 | WINTER 2016 Photo by Colin Coleman

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Snowboarding is second nature for 42-year-old Bill VanGilder. He began skiing at just three years old and by the time he was 16 transitioned completely to snowboarding.

“I discovered snowboarding as a teenager and just loved the freedom it gave me. I fell in love with it and have been doing it ever since,” says VanGilder.

VanGilder turned his passion for snowboarding into a career. He narrowly missed qualifying for the Nagano and Torino Olympics and continues to stay active in the snowboarding community through the Mid Atlantic Snowboard and Ski Series, which he founded to organize competitive events throughout the Mid-Atlantic States.

Because VanGilder suffers from hemophilia, a disorder where your blood doesn’t clot normally, he has always had to take extra precautions in order to avoid injury. Though most of the time his precautions were successful, he developed early onset osteoarthritis from frequent bleeding into his joint. When the arthritis began to interfere with his snowboarding, he went to Orthopedic Surgeon Wayne Luchetti, M.D.

Based on VanGilder’s previous history, which included a high tibial osteotomy at Harvard University, Dr. Luchetti knew that he would benefit from a knee replacement. “We generally don’t do joint replacements on patients that young, in fact I’ve only had one patient younger than Bill, but his situation was unique as well,” says Dr. Luchetti.

Although VanGilder was surprised that he would need a knee replacement, he quickly agreed to the procedure once he realized that he would be able to resume his active lifestyle.

“A lot of people choose to wait to have joint replacements because they are afraid it’s going to slow them down, but it’s meant to keep you active longer so why wait,” says VanGilder.

During the knee replacement Dr. Luchetti made an approximately 8-inch incision in the front of his knee. Then the damaged area of the joint was removed and the surfaces were shaped to help hold the artificial joint. The artificial joint was then attached to the thighbone, shin and kneecap with cement. Once everything was fitted together, the attached artificial parts formed the joint and relied on the surrounding muscles and ligaments for both support and function.

Following his knee replacement, VanGilder was up and walking with the help of crutches, and started physical therapy immediately. Within just six weeks, VanGilder was back on the slopes, a feat that surprised even Dr. Luchetti. “There was definitely no holding Bill back. He was determined not to miss a day of ski season and he didn’t,” says Dr. Luchetti.

It has been two years since VanGilder’s surgery and he has no regrets. He claims the knee replacement has given him the ability to snowboard and golf. “It’s been great and I’m pain free for the first time in years,” he says.

Pocono native Bill VanGilder has had to overcome a lot in order to chase his passion of snowboarding. When he began to lose momentum because of severe knee pain, he turned to Orthopedic Surgeon Wayne Luchetti, M.D.

WAYNE LUCHETTI, MDchief of staff, chief of surgery, chair of orthopedics

To see more of Bill’s story and other patient testimonials visit www.youtube.com/user/CoordinatedHealthTVWant to make an appointment?Call 1(877)247-8080

CHTV

The record-setting winter storm quickly reminded everyone of the road hazards that are caused by snow, ice and sleet. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared while travelling during the winter months – even short distances.

“Many drivers leave their heated garage, drive in their heated car and get to work and never get exposed to the elements. Some people may not even put on a coat. But, that’s not a reason not to be prepared. You should always prepare for the worst,” says Primary Care Physician Dale Bautista.

According to Dr. Bautista, being prepared means being ready for any situation, regardless of how unlikely that situation may be. After all, the weather can be unpredictable during the winter. He agrees with the American Red Cross’ recommendation of having a winter safety kit in your car.

THE TOP ITEMS THAT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE IN YOUR CAR DURING THE WINTER.

Dr. Bautista also recommends checking and making sure loved ones and the elderly are well prepared during the winter months.

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DALE BAUTISTA, MDprimary care and sports medicine fellowship director

1. FIRST AID KIT 3. JUMPER CABLES 5. AN EXTRA PHONE CHARGER

2. BLANKETS 4. ANY EXTRA MEDICATION YOU MAY NEED

6. FLARES

Winter weather can take a toll on your skin. Some common issues include dryness, flaking, cracking and even eczema. But Aesthetician Joann Stuhl says you don’t have to live with uncomfortable dry skin during the winter months.

“I typically recommend a customized professional skincare treatment at least four times a year to coincide with the seasons to help the overall appearance of your skin and stimulate collagen production,” claims Stuhl.

In addition to a professional treatment, she also emphasizes the importance of changing your skincare routine during the winter months. Because dryness is an issue that many people have during the winter months, moisturizing should be an integral part of anyone’s skincare regime.

To make sure your moisturizer is most effective, Stuhl suggests incorporating an alpha hydroxyl acid like Vitamin C or Glycolic products before applying a moisturizer. She says the alpha hydroxyl acid gently exfoliates your skin, which allows the moisturizer to penetrate deeper.

When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, Stuhl recommends one that has hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid holds three times its molecular weight in water and is found naturally in your body to aid in tissue repair.

In addition to lotions and creams, another way to combat dry skin is to use a humidifier. Heating systems like central air and space heaters blast hot dry air and can cause dry skin. A humidifier pumps moisture in the air and can prevent your skin from becoming over dry.

Stuhl believes that there’s a fix for your skin, regardless of how hard winter has been on it. “We offer a variety of effective, no down time professional treatments that will effectively rejuvenate stressed skin issues. Advanced skincare therapies like peels, laser therapy and professional at home skincare can help promote hydration and prevent aging,” says Stuhl.

WINTER SKIN CARE

JOANN STUHL, LMEaesthetician

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HEART HEALTH

AT ANY AGE

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, and while there isn’t much you can do to control genetics and the normal aging process, nurse practitioner Joyce Dobish, CRNP says there are other factors you do have the ability to control. Check out her advice for taking care of your heart at every age.

20s 30s“The earlier you begin to incorporate healthy lifestyle measures such as daily exercise, improved eating habits, including appropriate portion sizes, limiting sodium, certain fats, sugars, along with good sleep habits, the more you can help minimize the risk of developing heart disease and or other comorbidities such as diabetes,” claims Dobish.

GET REGULAR PHYSICALS

KNOW YOUR HISTORY

DON’T SMOKE

MAKE HEART HEALTH A FAMILY AFFAIR

STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

LOWER YOUR STRESSYou don’t have to be sick to visit the doctor! In fact, starting regular wellness exams at an early age will help put you on the path for good heart health. Talk to your family physician about your lifestyle including activity level and diet and have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked.

A family history of heart disease increases your risk of heart disease as well. Make sure you share your family history with your physician so they can appropriately follow your health.

You don’t have to stick to the gym in order to be physically active. Do something you enjoy, whether it’s hiking or dancing, just keep your exercise routine fun.

Stress can be a major risk factor when it comes to heart attacks. If you have a difficult time handling stress, look into some stress management techniques that can help.

Smoking doesn’t just cause lung cancer; it can also cause serious heart issues. You should also avoid second-hand smoke, which can be just as dangerous.

Family is a big part of many people’s life. Make heart health a family affair by incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your family’s daily routine.

“In general, children and adults alike should remain active, making daily exercise activity as basic and habit forming as brushing your teeth. At least 30 minutes daily will help one reap beneficial effects,” says Dobish.

JOYCE DOBISH, CRNPnurse practitioner

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40s 50s 60s +“Risk factors for development of heart disease include genetic disposition to disease development, immediate family member with known premature heart disease and /or premature cardiovascular death, advancing age, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and smoking history,” says Dobish.

“Amongst healthy food items that should be included in daily diet, most importantly should be fresh fruits and vegetables; more color more nutrients! In addition low-carb, whole grains and high fiber including such things as brown rice, whole wheat pasta, nuts. Recommendation continues for minimal consumption of red meat with continued recommendation for consumption of chicken, turkey, and fish and either baked, grilled, broiled, or steamed,” says Dobish.WATCH YOUR

WEIGHT

EAT HEART HEALTHY

HAVE AN ANKLE-BRACHIAL TEST

LOOK INTO SNORING STAY ON A

TREATMENT PLAN

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH WARNING SIGNS OF HEART PROBLEMS

CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR

KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK AND STROKE

CONTINUE TO MONITOR YOUR WEIGHT

Once you hit 40 your metabolism may begin to slow down, which makes it more difficult to lose weight. It’s important to keep your weight in check with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.

Make sure that your diet is rich in heart healthy foods like salmon, walnuts and berries.

This test helps diagnose peripheral artery disease by testing the pulse in your feet.

It’s a good idea to have a fasting blood glucose test done by the time you are 45. Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease, especially if left uncontrolled.

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms when it comes to heart attack and stroke. Learn what to look for and what you should do in the event of an emergency.

Weight continues to be a big risk factor when it comes to heart issues.

Don’t brush off snoring! Snoring can be caused by sleep apnea, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke if not treated.

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol or blood pressure, make sure that you continue taking medication as directed by your doctor.

If you don’t already know, learn the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke. They are not always the same and women may experience different symptoms than men.

“It is important to familiarize and have the ability to identify the signs and symptoms of both heart attack or stroke. Earlier identification and recognition offers one the opportunity to seek immediate emergency medical attention which includes initiation of life-saving measures to help minimize further heart damage and/or debilitating long lasting effects of stroke,” says Dobish.

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Rafael Palomino knows food. He owns six restaurants, a catering company and has penned multiple cookbooks throughout his 22 years in the industry. He is a strong

believer in the power of food

“I think now in this day and age, food brings people together. It’s really an experience, the music, the lighting, the décor,” says Palomino.

In addition, Palomino also believes that food can and should be nutritious and delicious. All of Palimono’s restaurants, including Bethlehem’s Tapas on Main and Cachette and Easton’s Mesa, boast dishes with all natural ingredients and lighter fare options.

“If you want a hamburger we can do it on a bun or for a healthier meal between two pieces of romaine lettuce. We give people options so they can decide,” he says.

Heart health is a big concern for many Americans, but Palomino says that it is absolutely possible to be heart healthy and still enjoy food. In fact, he incorporates a lot of heart healthy foods like olive oil, salmon and avocado into some of his favorite dishes.

“I make sure that you can eat in any of my restaurants and still observe your diet, whether it’s gluten free or heart health, we really try to make sure everyone can enjoy our food,” claims Palomino.

TAPAS ON MAINHEART HEALTHY RECIPES

Photos by Colin Coleman

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TUNA AND AVOCADO CEVICHEINGREDIENTS:- 2 pounds sashimi-grade tuna fillets, skinned and cut into 1/4-inch pieces- 1/3 fresh orange juice- 1 cup fresh lime juice- 2 ripe avocados, cut into 1/2 inch pieces- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

METHOD:Put tuna in a large bowl. Add the orange and lime juices, mix well and cover tightly. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients, stir to mix, and refrigerate for another 15 minutes, or until the tuna is turning opaque on the outside, but is still rare on the inside. Serve chilled.

GRILLED ROMAINE CAESAR SALAD INGREDIENTS:- 1 head romaine lettuce, leaves rinsed and dried, tops and bottoms removed- Olive Oil- 1/2 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese- 1 pinch kosher salt- 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar- 1/2 medium ripe avocado, sliced into quarters (note: if it’s too ripe, it won’t hold up during grilling)

METHOD:Light a fire in a charcoal or gas grill. Separate the romaine lettuce leaves and place in a bowl. Brush just a bit of oil on the lettuce, to lightly coat them for the grill.

Grill the lettuce just until grill marks are visible, about 1 minute, turning once. Cut the lettuce into bite-size chunks and place in a bowl. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt and vinegar and toss. Add the avocado. Serve immediately.

5 HEART HEALTHY FOODS TO INCORPORATE INTO YOUR DIETFISHBoth Tuna and Salmon have Omega 3’s that are great for your heart and joints

AVOCADOAvocados have monosaturated fatty acids and vitamins that protect your heart and can be included in a variety of dishes

OLIVE OILUsing olive oil can lower your LDL cholesterol levels

WHOLE GRAINSWhole grain breads contain vitamins, minerals and fiber that helps promote heart health

GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLESIn addition to heart health, green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale also aid in the retention of memory as you age

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SPARTAN

RECOVERY

Spartan races aren’t for the faint of heart. In addition to running a 12-mile course, participants also face obstacles like spear throws and a rope climb. While most people would shy away from an extreme race like that, East Stroudsburg Middle School gym teacher Jennifer Simpson embraces the challenge.

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“I’ve always played hard. I grew up with older brothers playing in the woods and when I saw the Spartan race with the obstacles I thought, I have to try this,” says Simpson.

Though always active, Simpson set her sights on doing Spartan races after suffering from a torn ACL four years ago. Orthopedic Surgeon Dan Terpstra, D.O performed her surgery and she says her recovery went so well that she achieved her goal of doing Spartan races. However, last year she ended up back in the care of Dr. Terpstra after an injury during one of the races.

“I wanted to complete a trifecta, which is nine races in the Spartan series. You do three different levels three times each. On my last race I was completing an obstacle and landed wrong. I knew I was hurt, but wanted to finish so I kept going and got my medal,” she says.

That particular race was in South Carolina and after returning home, the first thing she did was call Dr. Terpstra. After an exam and imaging studies, Dr. Terpstra told Simpson that she had a bucket handle meniscus tear, an injury seen most often in football players and that she would once again need surgery.

A bucket handle tear is a larger tear of the meniscus that has the ability to flip into the knee joint and lock the knee. The tear has the ability to cause a catching sensation in the knee.

The treatment for this type of tear is arthroscopic surgery to either repair or remove the torn fragment of meniscus in order to prevent further damage to the knee.

Simpson is now over two months post surgery and says her recovery is going well. “I think the key has been just listening to the doctor and physical therapist. If you do everything they ask, you will be in good shape,” says Simpson. Simpson hopes that she is back and running soon and even has her sights set on more Spartan and cycling races. “I’m still going to continue to play hard and Dr. Terpstra assured me that my ACL is stronger than what I was born with. Life is meant to be lived,” says Simpson.

DAN TERPSTRA, DOdepartment chair orthopedic shoulder surgery, lehigh university team physician

To see more of Jennifer’s s story and other patient testimonials visit www.youtube.com/user/CoordinatedHealthTVWant to make an appointment?Call 1(877)247-8080

CHTV

18 | WINTER 2016

If you’re craving more sunlight, you can sit by an artificial light box for 30 minutes a day. Also, keep your curtains and blinds open to let in as much sunlight as possible.

Sometimes just the simple act of planning a vacation can lift your spirits. Start looking into that summer vacation now so you have something to look forward to!

Though it may be cold outside, try to make an effort to get out for at least a short walk. Spending time outside has been proven to reduce symptoms of depression and can even lower your stress.

Find time to exercise. Getting your heart rate up boosts your serotonin levels, which can improve your mood.

If your case of the winter blues seems to be affecting your everyday life and getting in the way of things you normally enjoy, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can determine if you will benefit from anti-depression medication.

FIGHTING WINTER BLUESDuring the winter when the days are short and the temperatures are low, many people find it difficult to climb out of bed in the morning. In addition to the constant reassurance that spring will be here soon, there are ways you can fight the winter blues.

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BACK PAINTINGto20 | WINTER 2016

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Bethlehem resident Shelley Arida remembers exactly when her back pain began. She was stretching and felt some pain in her lower back. At first she thought she just pulled a muscle, but as her pain worsened she realized it was much more.

“The pain was crippling, to the point were I was unable to walk, I was unable to workout, paint, and I was unable to carry out normal functions,” says Arida.

Although Arida didn’t have a history of back pain she was surprised to learn that she was actually suffering from several degenerative conditions. Her imaging studies showed that she had spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal where the nerves go through and spondylolisthesis, or the forward slippage of one vertebrae over the other. Dr. Stoll told Arida that she would ultimately need surgery.

Arida claims she didn’t even entertain the idea of surgery at first. But, after trying several conservative methods, including physical therapy, she realized that she might not have a choice. “I just wanted to heal naturally, but it just got to the point that I couldn’t take it anymore,” she says.

Spine Surgeon Christopher Wagener, M.D. explained that she would need a level two spinal fusion, one of his more common surgeries. “What Shelley needed was for someone

like me to take pressure off of her nerves and then because she had a degenerative condition where her bones didn’t line up, we needed to fuse her back to prevent the condition from worsening at a later point in time,” says Dr. Wagener.

Dr. Wagener says that because Arida had spondylolisthesis after taking the pressure off of the

nerves she didn’t have the bone or the structural support so her bones would remain in the same place, therefore it was necessary to put some instrumentation in to hold everything together. Then he made the environment rich so that the bones would grow together and the bone slippage didn’t get worse.

Though the recovery time for a spinal fusion can vary and depends greatly on the individual,

it is typically anywhere from two to three months. However, Arida noticed an immediate difference.

“As soon as I got home I was going up and down the stairs and felt relief,”

says Arida.

Within just a few months, Arida had resumed all of her normal activities and is now looking forward to getting back on her bicycle this spring. She is grateful to Dr. Wagener and has only one regret. “I really wish I would have had the surgery sooner. I tell everyone who has back problems to at least have a consultation with Dr. Wagener because he can help you,” says Arida.

Though she’s a microbiologist by day, Shelley Arida has been

painting since she was a young girl. Painting has

always been her one creative outlet and when back pain

threatened her hobby, she knew she had to do

something.

CHRISTOPHER WAGENER, MDdepartment chair orthopedic spine surgery, vice chief of staff

To see more of Shelley’s s story and other patient testimonials visit www.youtube.com/user/CoordinatedHealthTVWant to make an appointment?Call 1(877)247-8080

CHTV

22 | WINTER 2016

JASON SMITH, MDphysiatry

SNOWSHOVELINGTECHNIQUESShoveling snow can be painful – literally!

Thousands of people hurt themselves each year while shoveling snow.

Believe it or not, there is also a certain technique you should follow when it comes to shoveling snow.

Bend at your hips, not your back. Then push your chest out while pointing forward. Next, bend your knees and lift with your leg muscles while keeping your back straight.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent injuries related to snow shoveling.

Some of the most common injuries are to the lower back and include everything from sprains and strains to herniated discs.

Always face towards the snow you are lifting and have your shoulders and hips facing it.

If you are going to be shoveling high snow, try to use a snow thrower. If you don’t have one, Dr. Smith says it is best to shovel in ‘shifts.’ “Don’t wait until all the snow has fallen to start shoveling. Begin after the first few inches have fallen and shovel periodically to keep up,” says Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith suggests warming up your muscles by stretching prior to going outside. He compares shoveling to going for a light jog and stresses the importance of treating it as exercise.

“Cold muscles are more easily injured, so layer up your clothing to help keep your body warm for the duration,” says Smith.

He also recommends dressing in layers.

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TIBOR BODI, JR., MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, CF-L1, ITATstrength and conditioning specialistcertified athletic trainer

As the spring season quickly approaches and athletes venture outside, the most glaring issue for overhead throwing athletes is overuse injuries. We see this primarily with pitchers in baseball and infielders in baseball and softball. Baseball pitchers at the high school level are most likely to produce symptoms.

Pitchers are at a high risk simply because of the repetitive maximal exertional movement. Think about an average baseball game… a pitcher will throw upwards of 100 pitches and sometimes more during a given game. This does not include the pre-game warm up, which can be around 50 pitches, or the pre-inning warm up, which may be 10-15 Pitches for each inning. In a standard 7-inning high school game a pitcher can produce over 200 maximal effort movements that place the joint under a great amount of stress.

This stress over time can create tendonitis issues as well as muscle spasms in the stabilizing musculature. The best method to address these issues is prevention. A proper mobility and strengthening program will help

your body handle the stresses involved and allow you to recover more efficiently. You will also see an increase in your ability to perform at a higher level for a longer duration. In the event you have an overuse injury, the best course of action is rest and a rehabilitation program. If rest is not a possibility, then consult your athletic trainer on the best steps that would allow you to continue activity. Use your athletic trainer as much as possible as they will know how to keep you on the field safely.

THE THROWINGATHLETE

To learn more about how to prevent overuse injuries, please contact the Performance Department at Coordinated Health and we will gladly assist you.

Call 610-861-8080 ex. 32021or email performance@coordinatedhealth.com

UPCOMING EVENTSJOINTS CLASSES

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 @ 1:00 PMMONDAY, MARCH 7 @ 6:00 PMMONDAY, MARCH 21 @ 1:00 PM

Bethlehem Campus2300 Highland Ave.Bethlehem, PA 18020

This class is for patients and caregivers who want to learn what to expect from shoulder, hip, knee and ankle replacements. Discussion will be led by members of our

rehab and nursing staff.

JOINTS REPLACEMENT SEMINARDon’t let joint pain keep you from enjoying your life to the fullest! Find out how you can take back your time with a joint replacement at Coordinated Health.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 @ 6 PM1621 Cedar Crest Blvd.Allentown, PA 18104

Join Orthopedic Surgeons Dr. Leonard Scarpino, Dr. Randy Jaeger and Dr. James Sunday as they discuss hip, shoulder and knee replacements.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 @ 6 PM2300 Highland Ave,Bethlehem, PA 18020

Join Orthopedic Surgeons Dr. Brett Godbout, Dr. Wayne Luchetti and Dr. John Williams as they discuss hip, shoulder and knee replacements.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 @ 6 PM511 VNA RoadEast Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Join Orthopedic Surgeons Dr. Carl Weiss, Dr. Dan Terpstra and Dr. Stephen Brigido as they discuss hip, shoulder and ankle replacements.