Geisinger Raises $10 Million for Maternal Care The Geisinger Health Foundation has reached an ambitious $10 million fundraising goal for its Beyond the Bricks Campaign supporting maternal and pediatric care across the Geisinger system. The announcement was made at the Geisinger Beyond the Bricks Campaign Ball and was met with celebration and gratitude from attendees, including donors, community leaders, and healthcare advocates who have rallied together to support this initiative. “Tonight is a testament to the power of community and our shared belief in a healthier future for all,” said Nancy Lawton-Kluck, chief philanthropy officer of Geisinger Health Foundation. “Reaching our $10 million goal wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and dedication of our supporters, partners and staff. These funds will make sure we can continue to provide exceptional care to mothers, children and families throughout the region we serve.” The ball, held on the Geisinger campus in Danville, was a celebration of Geisinger’s long- standing commitment to excellence in healthcare. Several key projects have already been launched thanks to contributions from the community, including Geisinger Medical Center’s bridge clinic, which links emergency department patients in crisis with immediate psychiatric and follow up behavioral health care, and Free2BMom, a program that helps mothers with substance use disorders. Guests at the gala enjoyed entertainment, remarks from campaign leaders and presentations showcasing the impact of the Beyond the Bricks Campaign, which is helping to expand behavioral healthcare for young patients, protect children and promote research and innovation that benefits women and children.
Geisinger to Host Dinners to Honor Local Military Veterans Drive-through event to take place at 11 locations To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The Geisinger Healthplex State College location will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Geisinger will provide these dinners at a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served about 2,900 meals. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2024 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 1. Locations are: Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance) Danville: Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Danville, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2 Jersey Shore: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St. Lewistown: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance) Mifflintown: Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 CJEMS Lane Muncy: Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220 Highway Pittston: Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St. Scranton: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave. Shamokin: Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township State College: Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda Wilkes-Barre: Behind Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, at 50 Roosevelt Terrace
Geisinger Health Plan announces Medicare Advantage plans for 2025 Seniors have until Dec. 7 to sign up for a plan that helps fill coverage gaps Geisinger Health Plan announced its Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans for 2025 include benefits designed to make better health easier for its members with premiums starting as low as $0 per month. “Health care should be at the top of everyone’s mind — especially seniors,” said Kurt Wrobel, Geisinger Health Plan president. “Now is the time for older adults to review their Medicare coverage plans for 2025. Everyone’s health looks different, which is why Geisinger Gold offers plans that fill the gaps that might be missing in their current coverage. People can live healthier lives when they have access to extra services and programs that make managing health easier and more affordable.” The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins Oct. 15 and goes through Dec. 7, providing a seven-week window for eligible seniors to evaluate and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2025. Medicare Advantage plans help older adults fill health care gaps that traditional Medicare does not cover, such as vision, dental, prescription benefits and long-term care. As an added perk, all Geisinger Gold plan members can join Geisinger 65 Forward, a program that delivers concierge care focused on older adults. At a 65 Forward Health Center, members enjoy: Same-day appointments to see the doctor faster Longer 1:1 time with the doctor Social and educational activities A personal wellness plan, including state-of-the-art fitness equipment, exercise classes and wellness coordinators Access to mental health resources, including therapists and online tools Geisinger’s program data indicates participation in programs like 65 Forward lowers emergency room visits by 40% and lowers inpatient admissions by 15%. Click here to learn more about Geisinger’s Medicare Advantage health plans.
Geisinger’s Pediatric Neurologist Recognized for Patient Advocate Award Anne Marie Morse, DO, director of pediatric neurology and pediatric sleep medicine at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, was recognized with the Patient Advocate Award by the organization Wake Up Narcolepsy. The award is given to individuals who have touched the lives of patients living with narcolepsy and other rare sleep disorders and who have set a high benchmark for their unwavering commitment to patient partnership and advocacy for health and well-being of children and adults living with narcolepsy. Dr. Morse is passionate about the need for transformational healthcare change that empowers the patient and delivers on achieving outcomes that the patient values. She executes on this belief using channels within the healthcare system and through research, but also via social media platforms, public appearances and patient interactions and partnerships. “My commitment and mission for healthcare progress starts and ends with the person on their own healthcare journey. Every effort is centered on empowering people living with any chronic disease, but especially those living with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia,” Dr. Morse said. “My intention is to augment understanding, awareness and knowledge, while combating stigma about sleep disorders. And finally, I want to advance care through personalized treatment that allows every patient to live fully despite a chronic medical condition trying to limit them.” Dr. Morse has been the director of pediatric neurology since 2018 and has grown the department from 5 providers to 15 to serve more families throughout the region. She also created and is the director of the Department of Pediatric Sleep Medicine and is the program director for the child neurology residency program. Her commitment to growth and development extends into the community. She founded with her pediatric residents a program called LEAP (Launching the Empowerment of Adolscents Program), with a mission to provide social support and decrease stigma for teens living with a chronic disease. She created a school-based program called Wake Up and Learn that empowers teens, families and schools to learn about using sleep as a tool for wellness, health and performance and helps identify teens struggling with sleep wake difficulties. The program has been a success in many central Pennslyvania middle and high schools. She replicated this success with the development of Sleep to Be Well, a-first-in-the-country program that educates people about sleep as a resource for better health. Morse received the award during Wake Up Narcolepsy’s Shadows to Light Gala held in New York City on Sept. 20. Wake Up Narcolepsy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving narcolepsy awareness, education and research toward improved treatments and finding a cure.
Geisinger Going Pink, Hosting Health Talks to Combat Breast Cancer The system will also deploy mobile mammogram bus This October, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Geisinger is doing its part to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection. Geisinger hospitals across central Pennsylvania will be lit up in pink, and the mobile mammogram bus will bring screenings to patients in underserved communities. Geisinger will also sponsor two free public education events: PA Health Talk: Genetics and Risk of Developing Breast Cancer will be held virtually Oct. 9 from 6 – 7 p.m. PA Health Talk: Comprehensive breast care, a discussion of breast cancer prevention and treatment, will be held at Geisinger Woodbine, 16 Woodbine Lane, Danville, Oct. 10 from 6 – 8 p.m. A virtual link will be available. To register for either PA Health Talk, visit events.geisinger.org. The pink mobile mammogram bus will be available at the following locations: Sept. 30 – Oct. 4: 1525 N. Church St., Hazle Township Oct. 7 – 11: 1 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville Oct. 14 – 18: 35 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top Oct. 21 – 25: 1 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville Oct. 28 – Nov. 1: 1525 N. Church St., Hazle Township Patients can schedule mammograms through MyGeisinger or by calling 570-271-6000. “Early detection is one of the best ways to win the battle against breast cancer,” said Robin Skrine, M.D., director of breast health for Geisinger. “The American Society of Breast Surgeons and other leading health groups agree that lives are saved through annual mammograms beginning at age 40 — or earlier if there’s a history of breast cancer or other risk factors in a patient’s medical history.” Along with scheduling mammograms, Dr. Skrine urged women to attend the PA Health Talks to learn more about breast cancer and genetic risks. To learn more about breast cancer care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/breastcare.
Geisinger – How to Perform a Self-Breast Exam How to perform a self-breast examKnow exactly what to do, and what to look for, so you can keep on top of your health.Dr. Rebecca Jordan, general surgery, breast, Geisinger Life can get busy, but you’re never too busy to take a moment to check on your health. A monthly, at-home breast exam is just one of the many ways you can keep on top of any changes with your body. Along with your regular mammogram, monthly breast self-exams give you the opportunity to check for variations in skin texture, bumps or changes in your breasts.But, exactly how do you do a breast self-exam? Performing a breast exam at home It’s a good idea to align these monthly self-exams with your menstrual cycle. Choose a time when your breasts are the least tender or swollen. The best time is often the week after your period ends. Looking at a mirror, keep your arms at your sides to start. And remember that the key to these exams is to look for any changes compared to the previous month. You’ll begin your self-exam by looking for any visual changes in your breasts’ appearance. Visual changes in your breast appearance may include: Puckering or dimpling of the skin Changes in your breast size Nipple inversion Next, lie down to spread out your breast tissue to make it easier to feel for any bumps or lumps. Take your time as you feel around your breast and stick to a pattern — such as moving clockwise or up and down. Use the pads of your fingers to feel around, use different levels of pressure and gently squeeze your nipple to check for discharge. Examine your entire breast before moving to your other side and make sure to feel around your armpits, because your breast tissue extends up to that area. You can also perform a self-exam in the shower, using soap so your fingers glide up and down your skin more easily. When should you call your doctor to schedule a mammogram? Remember, just because you feel a lump or have any symptoms doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. But it’s always a good idea to follow up with your doctor to rule it out. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of the following: A hard lump in your breast or underarm Bloody nipple discharge Changes in your breast size Nipple inversion Pain redness, warmth or swelling in your breast Puckering or dimpling Scaly skin Sores or rashes At this appointment, your doctor will perform an external breast exam, like the one you get at your annual appointment. In some cases, they may recommend additional testing. For younger people, we may only recommend an ultrasound. Other times, we may recommend a magnetic resonance imagining test — or MRI — which can help when there have been no findings through other imaging tests but other symptoms present, including nipple discharge. Your doctor may even recommend a mammogram, especially if you have dense breasts or a lump that requires further testing. A mammogram, or low-dose X-ray exam of your breasts, will allow your doctor to detect any changes in your breast tissue that can’t be detected during a breast exam. You’ll be scheduled for either a screening mammogram or a diagnostic mammogram to determine the cause of your symptoms and come to a diagnosis. Remember that keeping on top of your health, including scheduling regular mammograms and self-exams, is important to detecting signs of breast cancer at their earliest stages — when they are easiest to treat. By following these steps each month, you’re doing just that — taking steps towards your healthiest self. To learn more about breast cancer care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/breastcare.
Geisinger – What Can Raise Your Risk of Breast Cancer? What can raise your risk of breast cancer?While you can’t control all your risk factors of breast cancer, you can arm yourself with knowledge. Better-informed health decisions, like taking preventive measures, could reduce your risk.By: Rebecca Jordan, DO, general surgery, breast, Geisinger Breast cancer is one of the better-known conditions because it’s relatively common. It’s likely you or someone you know — a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker — will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, you can take charge of your breast health now to help change the direction of your narrative and keep your breast cancer risk as low as possible. While breast cancer can’t always be prevented, regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk. The important first step is arming yourself with knowledge and the right resources to help prevent breast cancer or catch it in its earliest stages when success rates are higher. When you know your risk factors of breast cancer, you can make informed health decisions and take preventative measures by changing elements in your environment and lifestyle. Modifiable risk factors of breast cancer Modifiable risk factors are those you can control. You can modify lifestyle choices like diet, physical activity and alcohol consumption. Scientists don’t know what causes breast cancer. But they do know positive changes in your environment and daily habits can reduce your breast cancer risk. Maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet Being overweight or obese is a known breast cancer risk factor. Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to lower your risk. Limiting your intake of processed food, sugar and red meat may also be beneficial. Stay physically active Because a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of breast cancer, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (brisk walking, swimming or biking) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (running or aerobics) each week. Limit alcohol consumption The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount to no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men. Quit smoking Smoking cigarettes, being around secondhand smoke or using other tobacco products are known risk factors. The harmful chemicals in tobacco can increase your risk of breast cancer, especially when you use or are exposed to them for long periods of time. Limit exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants Exposure to harmful substances, such as pesticides — especially DDT — industrial chemicals, plastic that contains BPA and even some beauty products that include parabens, can increase your risk of breast cancer. However, more research is needed in this area. Understand the impact of your reproductive history Childbirth can affect your risk, too. Factors that increase your risk of breast cancer include becoming pregnant for the first time after age 30, not breastfeeding and never giving birth at all. Avoid hormone replacement therapy Hormone replacement therapy is used to relieve symptoms of menopause and help prevent osteoporosis. But according to research, taking some forms of hormone replacement therapy, especially those that combine estrogen and progesterone, for more than five years during menopause can raise your risk of breast cancer. If you’re considering hormone therapy, talk to your doctor about the benefits versus risks to decide if it’s right for you. Can deodorant cause breast cancer? Because underarm antiperspirant or deodorant is applied near the breast, some fear that the potentially harmful ingredients in these products, such as aluminum compounds or parabens, might be absorbed into the body, disrupt hormone levels and lead to breast cancer. Research on this topic is limited, but the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute state there is no convincing scientific evidence to support the claim that deodorant or antiperspirant use increases the risk of breast cancer. While concerns about deodorant and antiperspirant use persist, focusing on known risk factors and taking appropriate steps to maintain breast health are the most important things you can do to reduce your risk. Can birth control cause breast cancer? Many studies have found consistent evidence that women who use birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is especially true if they have used them for longer than 10 years. We know that estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development and growth of some cancers, but studies vary on the true risk of these medications. Fortunately, research also shows us that once the pills are stopped, the risk for breast cancer seems to return to normal within about 10 years. If you’re considering oral contraceptives, talk to your doctor. They can guide you based on your medical history, risk factors and birth control preferences. Weigh the risks versus benefits with a healthcare professional to decide what’s best for you. Nonmodifiable risk factors of breast cancer Nonmodifiable risk factors are those beyond your control, including your age, gender and family history of breast cancer. Although you can’t change these risk factors, being aware of them can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about screening and risk management. Nonmodifiable risk factors of breast cancer include: Your age, especially if you’re older than 50 Family history of breast or ovarian cancer Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 Dense breast tissue Early menstruation (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 55) Reducing your risk factors of breast cancer Now you know what changes to make in your environment and daily habits to reduce your modifiable risk factors. But don’t forget about screenings and early detection strategies. They’re crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, can help detect the disease in its early stages when it’s most treatable. If you’re in your 20s or 30s, start getting a clinical breast exam every one to three years when you visit your primary care provider or gynecologist. Before turning 40, talk to your doctor about risk factors that determine how often you should have a screening mammogram. The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends women of average risk start annual screening mammograms at age 40. Do you know you have nonmodifiable risk factors for breast cancer, such as a family history or genetic mutations? Your doctor can make personalized recommendations for earlier or additional breast screening and discuss options for risk reduction, such as medications and preventive surgeries. Early detection is the best protection: The five-year survival rate is highest for early-stage breast cancer. Understanding your unique risk profile, you can work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized plan for early detection and risk reduction — and beat the odds if you’re diagnosed. To learn more about breast cancer care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/breastcare.
Geisinger Marworth Ranked Top Treatment Center in Pennsylvania For the second year in a row, Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center has been named to Newsweek’s 2024 of American’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers as the top-ranked facility in Pennsylvania. “This recognition shows Geisinger Marworth’s dedication to providing quality, evidence-based treatment for people in our communities with substance use disorder. We are honored to once again be recognized as the top treatment center in the state,” said Kimberly Kabernagel, DO, medical director at Geisinger Marworth. The America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2024 list highlights the nation’s top facilities, ranking the top 400 inpatient/residential and long-term addiction treatment centers. Facilities in the 25 states with the highest number of addiction treatment centers, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), were included in the rankings. The evaluation process included quality and accreditation scores as well as likelihood of recommendations by peers. Geisinger Marworth, located in Waverly, offers a wide continuum of treatment services to include inpatient residential treatment, IOP and general outpatient services. Geisinger Marworth ensures individualized, well-integrated, evidence-based addiction care that has been repeatedly recognized and honored on various platforms to include these Newsweek rankings. A diversity of services offered include, but are not limited to, medication-assisted treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, recreational therapy, canine therapy and grief and trauma support. While Marworth’s rankings are for Pennsylvania, its services have expanded to care for individuals in New Jersey, New York, New England, and more and include specialty populations of healthcare professionals and first responders. To date, Marworth has served more than 40,000 people with substance use disorder since opening its doors in 1982.For more information about Marworth and addiction medicine care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/newsweekmarworth.
Geisinger Celebrates Growth at Commonwealth Day Event Geisinger will honor its past and embrace its future as it celebrates its growing College of Health Sciences. At its third annual Geisinger Commonwealth Day on Sept. 30, Geisinger College of Health Sciences will celebrate its growth as an integrated college with schools of nursing and medicine and a School of Graduate Education poised to launch new programs. The day is dedicated to “honoring the past and embracing the future,” and this year attendees will learn just how far the college has moved to advance its five-year strategic plan, Drive to THRIVE. “Part of honoring our past is acknowledging how important the community is to our future,” said Dr. Byerley, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences. “We’re happy to share that our strategic plan has been expanding opportunities for local students and growing programs that will meet the changing needs of our neighbors. This year we have an important milestone to celebrate. With the Class of 2024, our medical school has surpassed 1,000 alumni. That should be a source of pride for our neighbors. And speaking of increasing access and care in our region, our college has expanded its residency programs and introduced new programs in the Northeast.” “We’ll also spotlight our research accomplishments, especially the MyCode project which passed 350,000 enrolled participants in September,” she said. “With paired DNA sequence and health data currently available for nearly 230,000 of these participants, MyCode is the largest healthcare system-based study of its kind in the United States.” The community is invited to tour the Medical Sciences Building, including the school’s Simulation Center and historical displays, and learn about current research. Geisinger Commonwealth Day will be celebrated Monday, Sept. 30, from 1 – 5 p.m. at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine St., Scranton. Register at go.geisinger.edu/geisingercommonwealthday.
Geisinger’s Hispanic Group Hosts Event on Metabolic Dysfunction In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Geisinger’s Hispanic Latino employee resource group, SALUD, has partnered with NASH kNOWledge to host an informational event titled “Metabolic Dysfunction (Fatty Liver Disease) and its Impact Within the Hispanic Community” on Monday, Oct. 7, from 4 to 5 p.m. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, affects about a third of the U.S. population, with the highest prevalence in the Hispanic community. While it’s often thought to be clinically symptomatic, fatty liver disease can impact quality of life and in some cases, lead to more serious liver diseases like cirrhosis. Awareness of the condition is important, especially for those at higher risk, because lifestyle changes and medical management can prevent progression to more severe liver disease and other chronic diseases. Featured speakers Alberto Unzueta, MD, hepatologist at Geisinger, and Maria Hernandez, Latino community outreach coordinator at NASH kNOWledge, will provide education about the condition and prevention. The event will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams and is free and open to the public. To join, visit go.geisinger.org/fattyliverdiseaseimpact.
