John Chestnut with his wife, Patty, a few months after his near-fatal heart attack

John Chestnut of Redford, MI was only 52 when he almost died from a heart attack.  Here, he tells his story in his own words, including the lesson he learned and wants you to know about.

A day he won’t soon forget

On November 1, 2011, at approximately 4:15 a.m., I was downstairs watching TV, having a cup of coffee and playing with the dog—a typical weekday morning before work. I went upstairs, got a refill on my coffee and used the bathroom. There, I began to feel chest pain and pressure, like an elephant sitting on my chest. I started having the cold sweats. I went into the kitchen and sat down, thinking I was coming down with a bad cold or the flu. After sitting for a couple of minutes, I could tell it was serious, so I woke Patty, my wife, and told her. She immediately knew what was wrong when she saw me sweating and extremely pale. Patty told me to lie down on the bed while she called 9-1-1. She returned and gave me three baby aspirin and said, “Take these and lie still.”

Redford Township Fire Department EMS arrived within five minutes. Due to the layout of my front porch, the paramedics could not bring their stretcher into the house. However, they helped me out of the house, got me onto the stretcher and into the ambulance. They delivered me to Botsford Hospital’s Emergency & Trauma Center within five minutes.

Dr. Mark Rasak, the cardiologist at Botsford Hospital who helped care for Mr. Chestnut

I do not remember much of what happened in Botsford’s ER, but Patty recalls Dr. Mark Rasak’s prompt response. He’s a cardiologist.

Within two hours, I was recovering in the intensive care unit (ICU) after having two lifesaving stents placed in Botsford’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab. One artery was 100 percent blocked; the other 90 percent blocked. My care in Botsford’s ICU was excellent. I especially remember the care I received there from my nurse Laurie Winstrand.

Recovery

After three days in the ICU, I was released. I continued taking my new medications, and I changed my diet. Not two weeks later though, I had to have three more stents placed in my arteries. Soon after the second hospital stay, I began Botsford Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab program. Instead of going back to work on December 27, I did rehab for five weeks, finishing on January 25. I returned to my full-time job on January 26.

Lessons learned

In retrospect, I should have seen the warning signs. Not only had I experienced chest pains in the past, but I also have a family history of heart disease and heart attacks on my Dad’s side. A voluntary health screening at work showed I had high cholesterol. These symptoms should have been enough to get me to make an appointment with a doctor, but like many people, I was afraid of seeing a doctor, being in a hospital and finding out bad news.

This whole experience has changed my lifestyle with respect to diet and exercise. After cardiac rehab, Patty and I both joined a gym. I try to work out three to four times a week.

How you can help avoid a heart attack:
Courtesy: the American Heart Association

1. Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke
2. Find out if you have high blood pressure, and get it treated if you do
3. Eat foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt
4. Be physically active
5. Keep your weight under control
6. Get regular medical check-ups
7. Take your prescribed medications
8. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control

Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and the specific things you should do to help prevent a heart attack.  If you don’t have one, find a Botsford doctor here.  You can also learn more about cardiology services at Botsford Hospital.

Valley Hill Therapy Center is now Botsford Pulmonary Rehab

To more closely align its outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program with the parent organization, officials at Botsford Hospital have changed the name of the former Valley Hill Therapy Center to Botsford Pulmonary Rehab. The stand-alone facility is located at 26905 Grand River Avenue in Redford just east of Inkster Road. The hospital purchased Valley Hill in 2006.

In honor of Botsford Hospital’s ongoing commitment to serving the health needs of the local community, a renaming celebration is planned for Tuesday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be held in conjunction with the facility’s 6th Annual Gardening Day during which patients will use healthy techniques to perform supervised gardening activities at the facility. Patients’ gardening efforts last year led to the facility earning the Business Beautification Award from the Redford Township Chamber of Commerce.

Botsford Pulmonary Rehab offers respiratory therapy for those with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis and other lung conditions in addition to a comprehensive physical therapy program for people recovering from surgeries, strokes, mobility issues and others in need of this outpatient service.

To learn more, call (313) 387-3800, or visit the Botsford Pulmonary Rehabilitation website.

Ann models the Penguin Cold Cap, which she wears during chemotherapy treatment to prevent hair loss.

Most people would have lost much of their hair by now, but not Ann.  This is her third treatment of chemotherapy for breast cancer and her hair is as full and beautiful as ever.  She says small amounts of hair have come out during brushing but not much more than normal, no large clumps and not nearly enough to be noticeable.

Ann is using cold cap therapy during her chemotherapy sessions, a treatment technique suggested by Ann’s oncologist, Dr. Jeffrey Margolis, and recently featured in Oprah Magazine.  Botsford Cancer Center in Farmington Hills is currently one of the few cancer treatment centers in the area offering the new technology.

How does it prevent hair loss from chemotherapy?

During chemotherapy, hair follicles are damaged causing hair loss.  Cold Cap Therapy works to reduce this damage by cooling the follicles which makes the chemotherapy drugs less harmful to them.  The cap, which sort of looks like a ski cap, is worn before, during and after every chemotherapy session.  Ann must wear hers for about seven hours on the days she receives each of her six chemotherapy treatments.

Benefits of cold cap therapy

Besides the obvious benefits of preventing hair loss from chemotherapy, Ann said the most

Ann still has beautiful hair thanks to the cold cap therapy she receives during chemotherapy treatment at Botsford Cancer Center.

important reason she opted for the cold cap was her young children, ages 13 and 11.  It struck a chord when her daughter asked “are you going to lose your hair, mom?”  A breast cancer diagnosis affects the whole family so Ann believes that if she doesn’t “look sick,” then her children will do better both at home and in school.

So far it has worked.  Ann is halfway through her treatments, looks great and feels confident.  She’s able to continue about her life as normal without worry of getting those dreaded “pity looks” from strangers.  Most importantly, her children are doing well.

Cold cap therapy is offered to Botsford Cancer Center patients but is currently not covered by most insurance carriers.  To learn more, contact the Botsford Cancer Center at (248) 471-8120 or by email.

Other risk factors for skin cancer include:

• Age. The longer a person’s skin is exposed to the sun over time, the higher the risk of developing skin cancer.
• Appearance. People who have red or blond hair, fair skin, freckles, and blue or light-colored eyes are more at risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer occurs less often in Hispanics, Asians, and African-Americans. However, darker-skinned people and those who tan easily can still develop skin cancer as well as suffer other long-term effects of exposure to ultraviolet light, like dry skin and premature aging.
• Climate. People who live in sunny climates are at an increased risk for skin cancer.
• Geography. People who live in southern states or in the Sun Belt are at higher risk.
• Family history. A family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma, increases the risk.
• Personal history. A person who develops skin cancer is at risk of developing the same cancer again in the same place or developing a new skin cancer somewhere else.
• Previous injuries. Someone who has traumatized skin, such as a major scar or burn, could be at higher risk of developing skin cancer in that region.
• Medication.  Some medications used to suppress the immune system prescribed for autoimmune disease.
  

  Dr. Savitha Balaraman, Botsford Hospital board certified medical oncologist

• Tanning beds!

Join us for a Walk with a Doc and learn more about skin cancer risks, prevention

and the latest treatment with Dr. Savitha Balaraman Thursday, May 17, 2012 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. at Heritage Park Nature Center.  Call for more information and to register: (248) 473-1800

This is kind of a bittersweet moment for me. I have accomplished the last milestone of my college experience and will now be thrown into the real world. And as exciting as that will be, I will without a doubt miss coming to work here at Botsford.

If you have ever had the opportunity to speak with some of the people that work for Botsford you will understand when I say they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Everyone has been so compassionate and treated me as if I was part of the Botsford Family, even as an intern. They really do believe that everyone should be treated like a family member and not just any ordinary person.   If you ever have the opportunity to work, volunteer or be an intern here… do it!  Especially if you can get an internship with the marketing department, because hospitals are completely different then any other type of organization.

What I learned about healthcare marketing

I’ve learned that using real people and real stories can help make people feel a little more at ease about a possible hospital visit. Hearing real success stories from Botsford patients can give some people a little hope when they may not have it.

What’s next?

I have no idea where this economy will take me. Maybe I’ll be in health care or maybe I’ll end up being a well-educated barista. I do know that the skills and knowledge that I have acquired here at Botsford have prepared me for almost anything that could be thrown my way. So to everyone at Botsford Hospital…thank you.

Tips to take the mystery out of eating healthy while eating out

It can be a real challenge to stay healthy while eating out!  In today’s fast paced society eating out is more common.  Here are some tips I often give my patients.

Choosing a meal from a restaurant menu can be especially difficult because there is usually no nutritional information.  But there are clues to look for in the meal’s description.

Avoid these key words:

• For sauces: Fried, buttery, breaded, pan-fried, creamed, scalloped, a la mode.
• For meats:  Anything fried, ground beef, meatloaf, corned beef, short ribs, prime rib, sausage, bacon, spareribs, ground pork, veal cutlet.

Instead, choose meals described with these key words:

• Baked, steamed, stewed, broiled, roasted
• For sauces: Ketchup, mustard, bbq sauce, oil based dressings, marinara, salsa
• For meats: Chicken without the skin, fish, pork loin or chops, ground round sirloin, flank steak, tenderloin, lamb chop, turkey, egg whites.

When you’re eating in a restaurant, a few good habits will help you control your calorie intake:

• Order dressings and sauces on the side and use only what you need.
• Eat the lowest calorie item first.
• Split a meal with a friend.
• Be the first person to order!
• Drink water!
• Eat on the bread plate.
• Put half your food in the to-go box.
• Always order the half portion if there is the option.
• If it comes with fries ask if you can have a side salad or a baked potato instead.
• Check the restaurants website ahead of time.  Not only will this give you more time to assess the menu choices, but sometimes nutritional information is posted.  More and more fast food restaurants are now posting fat and calorie content on their websites.

Now that you’re armed with the info you need to make healthier meal choices in your favorite restaurant, here’s a quick challenge for you.  If you’re at McDonald’s, which is the healthier option:

Option 1:  Premium grilled chicken classic sandwich, small fries and a large diet soda

OR

Option 2:  Premium crispy chicken classic sandwich, large fries and a large regular soda.

If you chose option 1, you would be correct.  The word “crispy” indicates the item is fried, which is a key word you should avoid.

Ok, that was easy.  So say you’re at Olive Garden.  Which is the healthier option?

Option 1:  Garden fresh salad and herb grilled salmon (salmon filet brushed with Italian herbs, extra-virgin olive oil), served with seasoned broccoli.

OR

Option 2:  Breadstick with garlic butter spread and the Tour of Italy (homemade lasagna, lightly breaded chicken Parmesan and creamy fettuccine Alfredo sauce).

Did you notice the key words?  Breaded and creamy are big giveaways.  Option 1 is the healthier choice.

Happy eating!

Annie

Note: Join Annie, Botsford Hospital registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, for a fun and informative walk in the park.  She’ll talk about nutrition for healthy living and weight management.  You can even bring your recipes and ask her questions!  Get event details here.

Uproot These Grasses and Trees

Seasonal allergies occur when your body treats pollen in the air as an unwelcome invader. This overreaction can cause congestion, sneezing, a red nose, a scratchy throat and itchy, watery eyes.

Some greenery can make allergy symptoms sprout more than others. Aim to keep these irritating offenders off your property:

• Grasses: johnsongrass, ryegrass, timothy, Bermuda, orchard, sweet vernal  grasses, bluegrass, fescue, ornamental grasses

• Allergy-triggering trees: maple, oak, birch, hickory, juniper, cedar, cottonwood

Raise These Fruits and Flowers Instead

Having allergies doesn’t mean you’re stuck landscaping with gravel and concrete. These buds and blooms will beautify your yard with less chance of giving you the sniffles.

• Flowers: lilac, daisy, geranium, dahlia, hibiscus, iris, roses, snapdragon, tulips
• Low-allergen trees: cherry, apple, dogwood, pear, plum

Hedge Your Bets with These Habits

Gardening is good exercise, produces nutritious fruits and vegetables, and helps beautify your community. In short, it’s worth the effort, even with allergies. To increase your comfort, however, follow these tips when tending to your plot:

• Take your allergy medications before you head outside. And if you have asthma, keep your quick-relief drugs on hand.

• No matter what type of grass you have, keep it short. If you can, ask someone else to mow.

• Don’t touch your eyes or face while you’re working. Wear a mask and gloves if they help.

• Wash your hands often, and rinse your eyes when you come back inside. Shower before you go to sleep to avoid getting pollen on your sheets.

• Visit an allergist. He or she can help you identify the plants that aggravate your symptoms. You might benefit from treatments such as allergy shots.

Learn more about gardening with allergies from professional gardener, author and educator Janet Macunovich.  At her upcoming free seminar, she’ll tell you how to create an allergy-friendly garden and how to minimize allergic reactions.  Learn more here.

Rebecca Hilss, a Physician Assistant at one of Botsford’s medical homes, Midwest Internal Medicine Associates, checks up on a patient.

A “medical home,” also called a Patient Centered Medical Home or PCMH, is a medical office or clinic where a team of health professionals work together to provide a new, expanded type of care to the patient. The approach is to provide a blend of personalized and comprehensive treatment across all points of care.

What are the benefits of a Patient Centered Medical Home? 

Medical homes are increasing in popularity because they are believed to have many benefits, including:

• Coordinated, long term care through a personal physician and integrated team
• Increased quality of care and improved health and safety
• Whole person orientation
• Few or no barriers to access
• Primary care for children, youth and adults
• Customized care according to the patient’s needs and values
• Continuous healing relationship

What do I need to do?

When you first start receiving care at a Patient Centered Medical Home you will be asked to become a partner in your own care. You will work with your doctor, nurses, health educators, nutritional specialist, physical therapist and others. Your care plan will be developed around you and your healthcare needs. Since you are involved in the development of your health goals, you will be expected to commit to meeting those goals and keeping up your good health.

Where do I find a Patient Centered Medical Home?

Botsford Hospital has five clinics that are functioning as a Patient Centered Medical Home.  Each is accepting new patients and focuses on the Patient Centered Medical Home concepts and practices.

• Botsford Pediatric Associates (Farmington)
• Midwest Internal Medicine Associates (Livonia)
• Botsford Primary Care Physicians (Dearborn Heights, (313) 274-3320)
• Farmington Village Family Practice (Farmington)
• Botsford Medical Center (Redford)

March 17^th of course is recognized as St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish religious and cultural day celebrated by wearing green and white.  A traditional celebration includes feasting on corned beef and cabbage.

But did you know that cabbage is actually a super-food?  While celebrating and enjoying festivities, fun and food, consider the nutritional benefits of cabbage as an excellent source of the following:

1 cup (70 grams)

• Vitamin K – 66.5%
• Vitamin C – 42.7%
• Folate  – 7.5%
• Fiber – 7%
• Calories – 17

Health Benefits of the Super-food Cabbage

• Cardiovascular support: May help lower cholesterol
• Anti-inflammatory properties (omega-3)
• Cancer protective phytonutrients specifically for bladder, colon and prostate
• Digestive track support: 2g fiber per cup raw

Cabbage has a long history of use both as a food and a medicine. It was grown in Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations that held it in high regard as a general panacea capable of treating a host of health conditions. Early German settlers introduced cabbage and the traditional sauerkraut recipe to the United States.

With all these benefits, consider adding more cabbage to your diet year-round!  Here’s an Asian-inspired and tasty recipe for Gingered Cabbage that’s low in calories and packed with great nutritional value.

References:

1.WHFoods: Cabbage The World’s Healthiest Food http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=19

2. Cabbage Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbage