Monthly Archives: September 2009

Want to Shape the Future of Medicine?

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Posted by Lew Tysman on September 23, 2009 – 11:07 am
Filed under Borgess Health, Borgess Research Institute, Innovation

Currently, the Borgess Research Institute seeks patients for enrollment in a variety of medical studies, including type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cervical degenerative disc disease, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Participating in one of our studies could not only help improve your condition, but also shape the future of medicine. Best of all, those who qualify will receive study-related exams and medications at no charge.  For study details, or to enroll today, visit the Borgess Research Institute web site.

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New Procedure Helps Patients with Back Pain

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Posted by Lew Tysman on September 23, 2009 – 10:31 am
Filed under Borgess Brain & Spine Institute, Borgess Health, Events, Innovation

Bruce Dall, MD, of Borgess Brain & Spine Institute presents a pioneering sacroiliac joint surgery procedure to Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology, on Friday, September 25, 2009.  Developed at Borgess Medical Center and perfected over the past decade by our orthopedic spine surgeon and neurosurgeons, this novel procedure helps patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and chronic back pain.

Free mammograms offered through Komen Pink Saturdays for the Cure

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Posted by Lew Tysman on September 23, 2009 – 9:13 am
Filed under Borgess Health, Events, Women's Health

pink_saturdays

Sturgis – August, 2009

Sarah Snyder’s family history of breast cancer has been a constant concern to her for many years.  As Sarah’s 50th birthday approached, she began to worry about how she would be able to afford a mammogram to screen for cancer. Sarah’s husband was unemployed and uninsured. Sarah was a self employed mother of five, also with no health insurance.

Sarah saw the ad for Pink Saturdays for the Cure in the newspaper. She called right away and got an appointment for a free mammogram. Unfortunately, a pressing matter made it impossible to make it to her designated appointment. She called in mid October to reschedule, but all the spots were filled and she was placed on a waiting list.
Sarah was lucky. She was called three days later and was able to receive her mammogram. A few weeks later Sarah was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. Of course like most women who receive a Breast Cancer diagnosis, Sarah cried but “Early detection saved my life and my business.”  “The process for receiving my FREE mammogram was easy,” she said.

“I urge every woman to get their annual mammogram…. There is help out there,” says Sarah. “Following my diagnosis, I was grateful the Breast Cervical and Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) was there to take care of my treatment and follow-up.”

Join a team of experts and local legislators to learn more about breast health at the 2009 Pink Saturdays for the Cure event on Tuesday, September 15 at 9:00 A.M. at the West Michigan Cancer Center in Kalamazoo.
Partners in the Pink Saturdays for the Cure 2009 initiative are many.  They include:  Borgess Medical Center; Borgess Westside Lab and Radiology; Borgess-Pipp Hospital; Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital; Borgess At Woodbridge Hills;  Premier Radiology;  Bronson Center for Women; Bronson Diagnostics at Woodbridge/ Bronson Lakeview Hospital;  Bronson Vicksburg Hospital;  Advanced Radiology Services PC—Kalamazoo Division;  Community Hospital;  Oaklawn Hospital; Sturgis Hospital; Summit Radiology; Allegan General Hospital; Southwest Michigan Radiology; Lakeland HealthCare; Radiology Associates of Berrien County; Midwestern Pathology; Radiology Consultants PLC; The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System; Battle Creek Health System; South Haven Community Hospital;  Michigan State University-Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies;  West Michigan Cancer Center;  the Southwest Michigan Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program and the Southwest Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

To discuss eligibility and schedule a mammogram, call toll-free 1-800-873-0649.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

Reenergizing Your Body’s Regulator – September 30

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Posted by Lew Tysman on September 21, 2009 – 8:44 am
Filed under Borgess Health, Events

Sensitivity to cold … lack of energy … weight gain … stiff muscles and cramps … dry skin and hair–these are some of the symptoms of a possible thyroid disorder. When levels of thyroid hormones are abnormally low, your body burns energy more slowly, and vital functions, such as heartbeat and temperature regulation, slow down. To discover how you can reenergize your body’s regulator, sign up for our free thyroid screening on September 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Borgess Internal Medicine-Kalamazoo (North Professional Building).

Through a fast and virtually painless finger poke, this screening will evaluate the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your thyroid. Call 269.226.8135 or 800.828.8135 to register, or visit screenings.borgess.com.

Lee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Funds Purchase Of Innovative Intravenous (IV) Light Device

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Posted by Lew Tysman on September 21, 2009 – 8:34 am
Filed under Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, Innovation

DOWAGIAC, Mich., September 15, 2009—Thanks to a $500 donation from the Lee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital now has a portable, battery-operated IV light device that allows health care providers to find even the tiniest veins in neonatal, pediatric and frail, older adult patients. 

“We sincerely thank the Auxiliary for enabling us to continually offer our patients the latest technologies and advancements in care. This device can be used in a variety of areas, including IV therapy, blood sampling and ambulatory phlebotomy,” said Joy Strand, administrator and chief operating officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. “It illuminates difficult-to-see veins, making the process of vein puncture and IV insertion much easier and more comfortable for the patient.”

(left to right) Lorrie Mortensen, chief nursing officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, and Barbara Moses, president, Lee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

(left to right) Lorrie Mortensen, chief nursing officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, and Barbara Moses, president, Lee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

A closer look at the IV light device.

A closer look at the IV light device.

Women’s Joints: Aches, Aging, Arthritis and Injury: October 13

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Posted by Lew Tysman on September 15, 2009 – 11:10 am
Filed under Events, Women's Health

This free presentation by Mark Noffsinger, MD, Kalamazoo Orthopaedic Clinic, will provide information about women-specific orthopedic concerns including: differences in our anatomy that make us more prone to certain injuries, the effects of perimenopause and menopause on our joints, as well as arthritis and the different treatment options available.  Dr. Noffsinger is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Michigan Representative to the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation and has the distinction of being honored as one of America’s Top Physicians. He also serves as the Medical Director of Orthopedic Services at Borgess Medical Center.

When:  October 13, 7pm to 8:00pm followed by a question and answer period

Where:  Lawrence Education Center (on the campus of Borgess Medical Center)

Why:  The physical differences between men and women often require a different approach to care – particularly in orthopaedic medicine.   Take charge of your health.  Please join us to learn more about bone, joint and muscles health issues affecting women in all life stages.

Contact:  To register for this Women’s Health Sense lecture, call 269.226.8135 or 1.800.828.8135

Borgess Sleep Disorders Center receives program re-accreditation

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Posted by Lew Tysman on September 14, 2009 – 8:51 am
Filed under Achievements, Borgess Health

KALAMAZOO, MI.    The Borgess Sleep Disorders Center recently received program re-accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
 
“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates Borgess Medical Center on fulfilling the high standards required for receiving re-accreditation as a sleep disorders center,” said Dr. Clete Kushida, AASM president.  “The center is a significant resource to the local medical community and will provide academic and scientific value in addition to the highest quality care for patients suffering from sleep disorders.” Read More »

Borgess Pipp-Hospital receives $2 million donation from life-long Plainwell resident

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Posted by Lew Tysman on September 10, 2009 – 11:21 am
Filed under Borgess-Pipp Hospital

 

PLAINWELL, MI. Kay Pierce loved Plainwell and the hospital that has served the region for more than 75 years–Borgess-Pipp Hospital. When she died on March 2, 2009, the 90-year-old, life-long Plainwell resident left her entire estate worth more than $2 million to the Borgess Foundation to be used exclusively for providing improvements and acquiring new equipment at Borgess-Pipp Hospital. 
 
“We are humbled by both her generosity and the confidence she placed in the mission of Borgess Health,” said Paul Spaude, President & CEO of Borgess Health. “Kay Pierce chose to help improve Borgess-Pipp Hospital which serves the health care needs of the greater Plainwell area, a community she embraced her entire life.”
 
“We will use Kay’s tremendous gift for both immediate and future improvements to our facility,” said John Ryder, Administrator and Chief Operating Officer, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “Immediate needs include purchasing new medical and laboratory equipment.”
 
Kay Pierce’s connection to Borgess-Pipp Hospital was woven into the fabric of her life. She was the daughter of Dr. Willard “Bob” Vaughn, one of the founders of modern health care in Plainwell. Vaughn was a respected family practitioner. He helped organize William Crispe Community Hospital, the precursor to Borgess-Pipp Hospital.
 
Kay lived the early part of her life on East Bridge Street, growing up with her younger sister, Gretchen, just down the street from the hospital where their father worked. Read More »