Geisinger Serves Meals at Drive-Through Veteran Appreciation Dinners DANVILLE, Pa. – To thank local veterans for their service, Geisinger served approximately 2,500 meals during drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across its service area on Thursday, Nov. 7. The dinners were provided at no cost to U.S. military veterans and their guests. Meals were provided in Bloomsburg, Danville, Jersey Shore, Lewistown, Mifflintown, Muncy, Pittston, Scranton, Shamokin, State College and Wilkes-Barre. Members of Geisinger’s executive leadership team, regional leaders and volunteers attended the event to hand out meals to veterans. Members of leadership, along with staff and volunteers, distributed the meals with a smile and expression of gratitude for the veterans’ selflessness and sacrifice. At some locations, veterans also received homemade cards and notes from local students.
Geisinger Performs First Ever Lifetime Guaranteed Shoulder Replacement Geisinger, Medacta announce first shoulder replacement with lifetime guarantee. Program builds on the success of the health system’s ProvenCare® surgeries on hips, knees and spines Geisinger and the Medacta Group SA, a Swiss company specializing in innovative and sustainable solutions for joint replacement, sports medicine and spine surgeries, announced the first lifetime guarantee for a recent reverse shoulder replacement surgery. Geisinger and Medacta will stand behind the full cost of care throughout the patient’s lifetime. Mark Pallis, D.O., Geisinger regional director of orthopaedic surgery, performed the first guaranteed reverse shoulder surgery at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. “This is the first reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a lifetime guarantee in the world,” Dr. Pallis said. “We used state-of-the art intra-operative navigation to more accurately place the implants, using sensors to guide pin placement, reaming depth and screw length and position. The postoperative results were nearly identical to the preoperative plan based on 3D modeling from a CT scan of the shoulder.” A reverse shoulder replacement is a specific type of total shoulder replacement commonly performed in patients who have arthritis as well as a torn or non-functioning rotator cuff. It is called a “reverse” because the ball portion of the shoulder is placed where the socket was, and the socket implant is placed where the head of the humerus was. Medacta and Geisinger previously partnered on groundbreaking guarantees for qualified patients for hip and knee replacement surgeries and spinal fusion surgery as part of Geisinger’s ProvenCare® program, which covers inpatient and follow-up care for patients, including visits due to complications up to 90 days after the procedure. “This new guarantee allows us to expand our ProvenCare® commitment to include patients who qualify for total shoulder replacement, offering those patients a sense of security when making the decision to have the procedure,” said Michael Suk, M.D., J.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Standing behind our world-class joint replacement and spinal surgeries demonstrates Geisinger’s commitment to making better health easier for our patients and communities.” A global leader in orthopaedic medical devices, Medacta provides unique resources to train surgeons — including those at Geisinger — in surgical techniques and the use of their specially designed hip, knee, shoulder and spinal implants for minimally invasive surgeries. Medacta’s innovative technologies are designed to enable a healthy and active lifestyle for every patient, reducing postoperative pain and shortening rehabilitation time. “The addition of the world’s first guarantee for reverse shoulder arthroplasty completes our robust offering of patient-focused guarantees for those undergoing hip, knee or spine procedures at Geisinger,” said Francesco Siccardi, CEO of Medacta International. “Through this initiative, we remain dedicated to improving outcomes for patients throughout their lifetimes.”
Geisinger Recognized as WellBeing First Champion Geisinger recently announced its recognition as a WellBeing First Champion for 2024 by ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare. As a WellBeing First Champion, Geisinger has demonstrated that licensure and credentialing applications for physicians and advanced practice providers are free from intrusive and stigmatizing language around mental health care and treatment. This means health workers at Geisingercan seek needed care without fear of losing their license or job. Geisinger is currently the only hospital system in its service area to be recognized. “This recognition is a testament to our deep commitment to supporting the well-being of our workforce,” said Susan Parisi, M.D., chief wellness officer at Geisinger. “Our profession is demanding and impactful, and all too often comes at a very personal cost to us, our families and friends. We often talk about the importance of taking care of ourselves so that we can best care for our patients, and with these credentialing changes, we’re putting our words into action. We hope our employees feel confident seeking any health care services they need, free from shame or barriers.” Verification that all invasive or stigmatizing language around mental health has been removed from applications is confirmed annually by ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare, a coalition of leading health care organizations that works to eliminate barriers for health workers to obtain needed mental health care. “Across the country, health workers are at an increased risk for burnout and mental health conditions,” said Corey Feist, co-founder of ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. “Many health workers feel they cannot speak up about their mental health without being criticized by colleagues or losing their jobs. Today, physicians and nurses die by suicide at two times the rate of the general population. We as a nation must better protect these lives, and I applaud our WellBeing First Champions for their leadership to support the well-being of health workers.”
Nine Effects of Stress on your Body Chronic stress can affect your whole body — from your head to your heart. By Allison Bailey, MD, Geisinger psychiatrist Stress is a powerful thing. In small doses, it can motivate you to ace that presentation at work or land your dream job. However, if left unchecked for a long time, stress is anything but motivating.So what’s really going on when you’re stressed? And how can paying attention to your stress improve your health? Whether you’ve narrowly avoided a car accident or are worried about losing your job, stressful situations trigger a release of hormones that cause a stress reaction, also called a fight-or-flight response. This reaction starts in a part of your brain called the amygdala, which processes emotions like fear. When the amygdala senses danger, it sends a distress signal to your hypothalamus, which communicates to the rest of your body via the nervous system. When the hypothalamus gives the signal, your brain releases hormones like epinephrine (also called adrenaline) and the stress hormone cortisol into your bloodstream. The fight-or-flight response is a survival mechanism that lets us react quickly to dangerous situations by preparing to either fight or run from the stressor. Some physical signs your fight-or-flight response has kicked in include: Rapid breathing and heart rate Heightened senses and awareness Tense muscles Pale or flushed skin Cold or clammy hands Dilated pupils Dizziness Nausea In a truly dangerous situation, this response can be lifesaving. But when stress is chronic and this system is activated too often, it takes a toll on your body. Left unmanaged, stress impacts you physically, mentally and emotionally. Research shows that chronic stress can have effects on almost every system in the body — from the heart to the digestive system to the immune system. Here are 9 effects of stress on your body: 1. Elevated blood pressure It’s normal for your blood pressure to temporarily spike when your fight-or-flight response is activated. But when stress becomes chronic, it could lead to long-term high blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease. 2. Weakened immune system Do you feel like you always catch a cold after finishing a stressful project? It’s probably because of cortisol’s effect on your immune system. When you’re stressed, your body releases this hormone. Cortisol temporarily inhibits your ability to fight off infections because it decreases your body’s supply of white blood cells. This can make you more prone to catching illnesses like a cold or the flu. 3. Chronic inflammation Too much cortisol over a long period can also cause your immune system to overreact in the form of inflammation. Inflammation is a critical part of the healing process as your body responds to intruders like viruses and bacteria. But when no intruders are present and your body is still sending out inflammatory signals, it can lead to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to several health conditions including: Arthritis Diabetes Heart disease Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Alzheimer’s disease and dementia Cancer Going through periods of high stress doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop one of these conditions, but it can put you at increased risk — or make symptoms worse if you already have something like arthritis or IBS. 4. Headaches Why does it always seem like a pounding headache strikes right when your frustration reaches its peak? Because your muscles tense up during the fight-or-flight response, chronic stress can cause tension headaches or trigger migraines in people prone to them. 5. Anxiety, depression or mood changes Beyond its physical effects, stress can also take a toll on your mental health.Studies have shown that chronic unmanaged stress can trigger anxiety, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability. 6. Weight gain There’s a reason you reach for mac and cheese or cake whenever you’re stressed — and once again, the culprit is cortisol.Cortisol can cause cravings for foods rich in fat, sugar and salt. This is because our bodies are looking for quick doses of energy to prepare for whatever perceived threat we’re facing. Over time, elevated cortisol levels can affect metabolism and your body’s ability to regulate insulin. Continuing to reach for comfort foods during stressful situations could become an unhealthy habit that leads to weight gain. 7. Difficulty sleeping You’re too stressed to sleep, so you stay up late. The next night, you’re so tired that you worry about falling asleep and end up staying up late again. Sound familiar? Stress and sleep can be a slippery slope. Increased adrenaline and cortisol can make you feel too on edge to fall asleep and sleep deprivation can make you more likely to get stressed out. 8. Decreased sex drive Wondering where your libido went? First consider how stressed you’ve been. When we’re going through periods of high stress, it’s perfectly normal for sex to be the last thing on our minds. This is typically only temporary and should resolve as you cope with the stress. 9. Changes to your menstrual cycle If you’ve noticed your period is later, heavier or shorter than usual, it could be due to stress.Because of chronic stress’ effect on hormones, you may have irregular menstrual cycles. Always talk with your doctor about any changes in your period and be sure to mention if you’ve had any long-term stress lately. Ways to relieve stress So, how do you reduce stress once you have it? t might be tempting to overeat, drink alcohol or use tobacco, but those things provide temporary relief at best, and only add to health problems in the long run. Some healthier ways to relieve stress include: Exercise Deep breathing Yoga Meditation Getting enough sleep Eating a healthy diet Exercise is an especially great way to reduce or eliminate stress, boost your energy levels and improve your mood, not to mention your overall health. And you don’t have to run miles to get the benefits for your mind and body. You can start small by taking a daily walk. But if walking isn’t your jam, try a short-guided meditation instead. It’s not always clear what’s causing your stress — or maybe the effects aren’t going away. Your doctor can work with you to identify causes and discuss coping techniques. They might also refer you to a licensed therapist or a professional counselor who can help you pinpoint and possibly eliminate sources of stress. And if constant stress leaves you with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, get help immediately. Listen to your body. When it tells you it’s under stress or you need help coping, pay attention to that message, so you can enjoy a long, healthy, high-quality life. For more health and wellness topics, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger Pharmacy Opens New Infusion Suite To meet an increased demand for home infusion services, Geisinger Pharmacy has opened a new infusion suite at 620 Baltimore Drive, Suite 100, Wilkes-Barre, and offers patients a personalized approach to their specialized pharmacy and medication needs. Infusion therapy allows patients to receive their medications through their bloodstream (intravenous or IV), under their skin (subcutaneous or intramuscular) or into the membranes surrounding the spinal cord (epidural). The infusion suite is an ideal option for patients who: Prefer a clinical setting to home but need to be site-of-care compliant to meet their insurance requirements Have a home environment is not appropriate for at-home infusion Prefer to not be infused at home Need urgent infusions or those who may not want to wait for a home visit The infusion suite is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Patients can call 800-245-8767, option 3. To learn more about Geisinger Home Infusion Services visit geisinger.org/pharmacy.
Geisinger Changes Anesthetic to Reduce Carbon Footprint In a continued effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Geisinger will stop using the anesthetic gas, Desflurane, for surgical cases due to its significant environmental impact. The elimination of desflurane will not impact patient safety as there are equally safe alternatives, according to Matthew Desciak, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Anesthesiology Department. While desflurane does offer some benefits, such as clearing patients’ systems quickly, it’s a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential more than 2,500 times that of carbon dioxide. “Discontinuing the use of desflurane will have the largest impact of our green initiatives,” Desciak said. “Using this agent at a typical flow rate for eight hours has the equivalent environmental impact as driving a car from Danville to Mexico.” In place of desflurane, Geisinger will emphasize the use of anesthesia gases with lower global warming potential and focus on using the minimal amount of these gases. This will allow the system to provide the same level of safe patient care with a lower overall environmental impact. In 2023, the department joined seven other health systems including Kaiser Permanente to look for ways to reduce department waste while still offering world-class care to patients in central Pennsylvania. This initiative is already in place at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and will roll out systemwide throughout the rest of 2024.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to Host Annual Turkey Trot Event benefits Friends of the Poor. Registration now open for 5K/10K run in downtown Scranton Nov. 3 Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students will host its 15th annual Turkey Trot 5K/10K run in downtown Scranton on Sunday, Nov. 3. The event will also feature a Tiny Trot, including crafts, games, face painting and relay races, for children ages 13 and younger. Proceeds will benefit the charitable organization Friends of the Poor, a nonprofit whose mission is to ease the burden of living in poverty and enhance the quality of life for all. Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m. in the main lobby of Geisinger Commonwealth’s Medical Sciences Building at 525 Pine St. in Scranton. The 5K and 10K runs and the Tiny Trot all begin at 8 a.m. Routes begin and end at the school’s Medical Sciences Building on Pine Street. Online registration is open and will close Friday, Nov. 1. For participants ages 14 and older, registration is $30 for the 5K run/walk and $40 for the 10K. For those age 13 and younger, Tiny Trot registration is free, but a donation of two canned goods on race day is appreciated. To register: runsignup.com/gcsomturkeytrot
Geisinger – Is Your Medicine Cabinet Fully Stocked? Stocking up on medicine cabinet essentials means you’ll be ready to tackle any cut, sprain or illness. Have you checked out your medicine cabinet lately? You might expect to find bandages, and maybe some Tylenol® or cold medicine. Or is it lacking a few essentials because someone used them up or tossed them out? Staying fully stocked is smart. If you have the right supplies in your medicine cabinet, you can treat everything from headaches to bee stings. Cleaning out your medicine cabinet Before you hit the store to stock up on first aid supplies, peek at what you have. Start by taking everything out of your medicine cabinet. Set aside any expired or unused prescriptions. Then make a list of what you’re keeping and note the expiration dates. Tape the list to the inside of the cabinet door so you can see it anytime. If you prefer a digital copy, use your phone or digital assistant to keep a list. When you replace something, scratch out the old expiration date and write in the new one so you’ll know when it’s time for a replacement. After documenting your inventory, make a second list — this one of the medicine and first aid supplies you need. Then stock up! What to keep in your medicine cabinet Not sure where to start? Some useful over-the-counter medications to keep on hand can include: Pain relievers Eye drops Decongestants Cough drops Antacids Aloe vera Hydrocortisone cream Antibiotic cream Personal medications prescribed by your doctor, like an EpiPen® It’s also good to have tools on hand that can help with everything from removing ticks to patching up cuts and scrapes. Injuries and illness are hard to predict so stocking up on a few things can help keep you prepared for the unexpected. Keep your medicine cabinet supplied with: Assorted bandages, including gauze Thermometer Cotton balls and cotton swabs Tweezers Nail clippers Rubbing alcohol Hydrogen peroxide Safety pins Scissors Have an infant at home? Don’t forget about baby nail clippers, diaper cream and other baby-safe tools. Storing medicine at home Once you have everything you need in your medicine cabinet, set the rest of your household up for success. If you have young children, keep medications and tools like scissors out of their reach, and consider keeping prescriptions for things like pain medicine hidden so they’re not accessible to others. While medicine cabinet supplies are great for treating minor illness and injuries, major cuts or allergic reactions may require a call to your doctor or even a trip to urgent care or the ER. But with a properly stocked medicine cabinet, you’ll be able to patch up the minor injuries of the day without leaving home. Disposing of expired medicine Have unused or expired medicine you want to get rid of? Drop them in a secure medication disposal box like Geisinger’s Medication Take Back Program. Getting rid of unwanted medicine is easy. Just find a location near you and drop them in. If you can’t get to a medication drop box, follow these easy steps to properly dispose of your medicine: Remove the prescription label or use a marker to obscure your name and address on the label. (This helps keep your personal info safe.) Mix medications with cat litter, dirt or coffee grounds to make them unappetizing. Put the mixture in a sealed bag with a little bit of water to make the medication unusable and throw it away. Remember: When you’re getting rid of medicine, don’t flush it down the toilet. It can contaminate local waterways. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice visit geisigner.org/balance.
Geisinger Children’s Hospital Receives Party from Spirit Halloween. Spirit Halloween held a Halloween-spirited event for pediatric patients and families at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital on Monday. Spirit Halloween brought dozens of costumes to share with Geisinger pediatric patients and their families. Patients and families were invited to pick from dozens of Halloween costumes and participated in spooky crafts and face painting. The party was held in celebration of Spirit’s 2023 fundraising efforts with the hospital. Miranda Peruso, Geisinger’s director of annual giving, said Spirit Halloween hosts parties at healthcare facilities that reach a $50,000 fundraising goal during the previous year’s in-store campaign. “This was the first party at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital,” Peruso said. “Our partnership with Spirit has raised nearly $300,000 for the Child Life department since 2019. We’re so grateful to everyone who supported Geisinger when shopping at Spirit Halloween.” Pediatric patient Kevin O’Brien of Glen Lyon, PA, dressed as Marshmello from Fort Nite, poses for a photo with the Spirit Halloween volunteers. Geisinger’s Child Life specialists make kids more comfortable at the hospital by explaining procedures using play, helping children cope with pain and supporting their efforts to stay up-to-date with their school work. Child Life has the motto of “making the hospital less scary for patients and families. Nearly a dozen patients and their siblings attended the party. Leftover costumes were taken to Geisinger pediatric clinics to share with more patients. “This is part of who we are,” said Jeremy Simpson, zone manager for Spirit Halloween, “It can be sombering to see kids in the hospital, but it is wonderful to see their faces light up for an event like this.”
