Genesis awarded highest Quality Star Rating

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from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Genesis Hospital is one of the top 8% of hospitals in the U.S. to earn a 2024 Five-Star Quality Rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Genesis was awarded five out of five stars, the highest rating a hospital can receive. Extensive outcome data from over 4,600 hospitals nationwide is compared to determine each hospital’s rating.

CMS evaluates over 40 outcome measures from hospitals in five categories:

• Hospital readmission

• Patient experience and communication

• Timely and effective care

• Patient safety

• Low mortality rates

Achieving the five-star rating

Our rating is the result of the intentional, ongoing work of the entire Genesis team.

• We recruit and retain exceptional physicians.

• We grow and develop a dedicated team of caregivers.

• We focus our culture on constant improvement.

• We adopt innovative technology.

• We continuously implement new quality and safety practices.

TOP 8%

OF ALL HOSPITALS IN THE U.S.

TOP 10%

OF ALL HOSPITALS IN OHIO

1 OF ONLY 20

FIVE-STAR HOSPITALS IN OHIO

OVER 4,600

HOSPITALS IN NATIONWIDE STUDY

We are committed to providing you with compassionate, exceptional healthcare services. Our dedicated team of professionals is grateful for the trust you place in them for your care. Thank you for helping us achieve this high level of excellence.

Learn more at genesishcs.org/better-begins-here.

CMS 5-Star

Genesis Hospital is one of the top 8% of hospitals in the U.S. to earn a 2024 Five-Star Quality Rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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A letter from our President and CEO | LiveWell Winter 2025

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You can count on us

At Genesis, we care about your well-being and will help you meet your health needs by ensuring you receive exceptional medical care close to home. We continue to recruit exceptional physicians and adopt the newest innovative technologies. In this issue of LiveWell, you can read about our latest advancements in serving you.

The Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute recently became the first in Ohio to acquire a Veriton-Spect CT scanner, specifically used in heart care. This new equipment provides our expert cardiologists with the highest-quality images of your heart for the most precise diagnosis.

The Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute is also among the first in the state to use tiny drug-coated balloons to treat patients whose heart stent has started to close over time. This innovative, minimally invasive approach delivers medicine to a narrowed artery that was previously stented. This procedure restores proper blood flow to your heart and significantly reduces the risk of future blockages.

These latest advancements in medical care help us deliver high-quality heart care as a Top 50 Heart Hospital in the nation for the second year in a row, as rated by Fortune Magazine and PINC AI. Learn more heart-healthy information in this issue and on our Facebook page as we honor American Heart Month in February.

The future of hospice care

For the past 35 years, the Genesis Hospice Care program has served thousands of families through the Morrison House, the region’s only dedicated inpatient hospice facility.

For anyone who has ever had a loved one at the Morrison House, you know the lasting impact this program has for families during the most difficult of times.

Well, the current Morrison House building has reached the very end of its useful life and must be replaced. We have decided to build a new replacement inpatient facility to serve our patients and families for decades to come. In this issue, learn about the capital campaign we have started to fund the replacement of this special place.

Keeping you healthy

Read about six new physicians ready to serve you, including Christopher Leibold, D.O., with the Genesis Orthopedic Group, focusing on partial and total knee replacements and anterior hip replacement.

You’ll also meet Dean Daniels, who received life-saving heart surgery at Genesis. Dean encourages you to learn about your family health history to share with your doctors.

We wish you a healthy 2025. Thank you for your continued trust in Genesis.

In good health, 

Matthew Perry signature

Matthew J. Perry 

President & CEO 

Read about our newest innovative heart care technologies and the future of Genesis Hospice Care. 

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Choosing a good multivitamin

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The National Institute of Health reports that one-third of adults in the United States take a multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplement. Whether starting a new regimen or planning for a repeated purchase, it’s easy to wonder which multivitamin may be for you.  

 

Adults take supplements for a variety of reasons, including: 

  • Increased consumption of nutrients. 

  • Improvement of overall health. 

  • Cancer prevention and outcomes. 

  • Prevention of chronic disease. 

  • Pregnancy and birth outcomes. 

  • Taken in conjunction with dieting. 

 

Comparing options 

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require the review of supplements, there are no regulations for the nutrients that need to be in them. As a result, many products are available to the public.  

 

The NIH outlines three types of MVMs

  • Basic: Taken once a day that includes “all or most vitamins and minerals” that do not surpass recommended daily nutrient levels. 

  • High potency: These MVMs sometimes come in daily packs of two or more. They contain some vitamins and minerals that are higher than the recommended daily nutrient levels. 

  • Specialized: Includes vitamins for “energy, enhanced athletic performance, weight control, improved immune function or eye health.” They are commonly combined with other vitamins and minerals with specialty ingredients that are much higher than the recommended daily nutrient levels.  

  

The Nebraska Medicine University Health Center says that aside from price, there isn’t much variation between brand-name and generic over-the-counter supplements. A general multivitamin can be equally effective as gender or age-specific options. Pregnant women should take prenatal vitamins, which have more folic acid to help prevent birth defects. 

 

Gummy vitamins have become popular supplement choices. Although tasty, be sure to review the label, as some contain around 20% of our daily sugar intake. According to Nebraska Medicine, go with the pill version when possible.  

 

USP evaluation 

Consider checking that your supplements are verified through the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The USP symbol means that the manufacturer has voluntarily had their product evaluated to meet four quality standards: 

  • Product includes the strength and amounts of ingredients that match the label. 

  • Is void of harmful levels of contaminants.  

  • Follows FDA Good Manufacturing Practices for safety. 

  • Ingredients break down and dissolve within a specific timeframe so the body can absorb them.  

Use these tips when choosing your next multivitamin. Remember that taking supplements should not replace eating healthy foods. It’s always good to talk with your doctor about which product is best for you. 

 

 


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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Choosing a good multivitamin

Whether starting a new regimen or planning for a repeated purchase, it’s easy to wonder which multivitamin may be for you.  

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Genesis Hospice Care builds for the future

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For the past 35 years, the Genesis Hospice Care program has served thousands of families through the Morrison House, the region’s only dedicated inpatient hospice facility.

 

For anyone who has ever had a loved one at the Morrison House, you know the lasting impact this program has for families during the most difficult of times.

 

As a reflection of our commitment to providing you and your loved ones with exceptional care, Genesis Hospice Care received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) based on family and caregiver experiences.

 

We are also the only hospice in our area with a dedicated inpatient facility, the Morrison House, to provide symptom management or respite care.

 

Morrison House opened in 1987 after the land was donated by Dr. Robert Morrison, a local physician. It was built by donations from the community and employees. It has served this community for over 35 years, providing a destination for families and patients to have comforting, compassionate, end-of-life care.

 

Morrison House is aging

The current Morrison House building has reached the very end of its useful life and must be replaced. We have decided to build a new replacement inpatient facility to serve our patients and families for decades to come.

 

We are committed to continuing to provide hospice services both at home and in a dedicated inpatient facility. The new building will be constructed on the greenspace across from the current Morrison House on Forest Avenue in Zanesville.

 

The building will have all private rooms with private bathrooms and access to the garden from each room. We plan to keep all current amenities, such as the Reflection Room, as well as some upgrades, such as larger patient rooms to accommodate family.

 

Making it possible

We are kicking off a $6 million capital campaign to raise the necessary funds to construct and equip the new facility. We are immensely grateful to the J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation for its naming-level donation. Our thanks also go to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity for their donation of the land.

 

Every donation, small or large, will help us reach our $6 million goal to make the new facility a reality. Donations can be pledged to pay over 5 years. Thank you for your support as we build for our community’s future.


Donating made easy

Click here to learn more about Morrison House and how you can donate.

 

Hospice Campaign

For the past 35 years, the Genesis Hospice Care program has served thousands of families through the Morrison House, the region’s only dedicated inpatient hospice facility.

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Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute among the first in Ohio to implement drug-coated balloon procedure

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In the summer of 2024, the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute began utilizing drug-coated balloons to treat in-stent restenosis.

 

This condition occurs when an artery that was previously opened with a stent becomes narrow again. The drug-coated balloon offers a minimally invasive method to deliver medication directly to the narrowed artery, helping to reduce the likelihood of restenosis or the regrowth of blockages after treatment.

 

During the procedure, a drug-coated balloon is guided through a thin tube from a blood vessel in the wrist or groin to the narrowed artery. Once in position, the balloon is inflated, allowing the medication to be delivered directly to the affected area, thereby opening the artery and restoring proper blood flow.

Perks

The drug-coated balloon procedure offers four key benefits:

  1. It avoids the need for an additional layer of metal in the artery.
  2. It can reduce the use of medications that may cause bleeding complications.
  3. It is minimally invasive.
  4. Most patients can go home the same day as the procedure.

This innovative option allows our heart doctors to effectively treat our community and keep hearts beating strong.
 

What is a minimally invasive procedure or surgery?

A minimally invasive procedure or surgery minimizes the size of the incision. In the case of the drug-coated balloon procedure, only one needle will puncture the skin once. The advantage is that minimally invasive procedures reduce healing time, pain, risk of infection and scarring.

 


More minimally invasive heart and vascular procedures at Genesis

 


 

 

Top 50 heart hospital

Genesis is one of America's Top 50 Heart Hospitals

For the 2nd year in a row, as rated by Fortune Magazine and PINC AI.

Drug-coated Balloon

In the summer of 2024, the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute began utilizing drug-coated balloons to treat in-stent restenosis.

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The facts say it all

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Early detection of colon cancer with a colonoscopy matters.

Only colonoscopies can prevent colon cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps.

The Facts Say it All

 

What does survival rate mean?

Survival rate means the percentage of people who are alive five years after they were diagnosed or started treatment for a disease, such as cancer. It’s essential to detect colon cancer earlier rather than later.

 

Risk factors you can impact:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having Type 2 diabetes
  • Eating a lot of red meat and processed meat
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol

 

Risk factors you cannot impact:

  • Older age
  • Racial and ethnic background
  • Being a male
  • Having gallbladder removed
  • A personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
  • A personal history of certain diseases

 

Visit genesishcs.org/screenings for more information on cancer screenings.

 

 

 


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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

The Facts

Early detection of colon cancer with a colonoscopy matters.

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Genesis HealthCare System Recognized Nationally as One of the Best Places to Work in IT

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The Information Technology (IT) department at Genesis HealthCare System has been recognized as one of the top places to work for information technology professionals for the 11th time. This award, given by Computerworld, is an annual ranking of IT departments across all industries based on a comprehensive employee questionnaire. To be selected, IT departments must value challenging projects, possess a corporate culture emphasizing teamwork, invest in employees through training and career development initiatives, and have high employee retention.  

 

"On behalf of the entire IT team at Genesis HealthCare System, I am honored to accept this award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, innovation, and commitment of our team, who consistently strive to leverage technology to improve patient care and operational efficiency.” Said Ed Romito, Chief Transformation Officer at Genesis HealthCare System. “Our success is built on a foundation of collaboration, problem-solving, and a shared dedication to our mission of providing exceptional, compassionate, and affordable healthcare. We are proud to contribute to the continued success of Genesis and look forward to further advancing our efforts to meet the evolving needs of our community."

 

The Computerworld questionnaire focuses on company offerings in categories like benefits, career development, diversity, equity and inclusion, future of work, training and retention. In addition, this year, the winners were reviewed and chosen by a panel of industry experts. The complete Best Places to Work in IT list is available online at Computerworld.com

 

Best Places to Work in IT

The Information Technology (IT) department at Genesis HealthCare System has been recognized as one of the top places to work for information technology professionals for the 11th time.

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Thakkar, Akanksha

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Doctor ID
5846
Akanksha Thakkar, MD
First Name
Akanksha
Last Name
Thakkar
Professional Titles
MD
Year Joined Staff
2025
Year Began Specialty
2014
Gender
Office Phone
Cardiology
Interventional Cardiology

955 Bethesda Drive
1st Floor
Zanesville, OH 43701
United States

NPI
1174907752
About

Akanksha Thakkar, M.D., specializes in interventional cardiology. Dr. Thakkar brings a wealth of expertise in advanced cardiovascular care, including minimally invasive interventions and cutting-edge diagnostic techniques. She earned her medical degree from the prestigious Seth G.S. Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India, before completing her residency in internal medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas. She furthered her training by completing fellowships in cardiovascular medicine at the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Texas, and interventional cardiology at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dr. Thakkar is double board-certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular medicine and internal medicine, with additional certifications in nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. She is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (FSCAI), reflecting her commitment to excellence in her field.

Fellowship

Cardiovascular Medicine:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, Texas

Interventional Cardiology:

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Medical Education

Seth G.S. Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital

Mumbai, India

Residency

Houston Methodist Hospital

Houston, Texas

Board Certifications

American Board of Internal Medicine: Internal Medicine

American Board of Internal Medicine: Interventional Cardiology

American Board of Internal Medicine: Cardiovascular Medicine

National Board of Echocardiography: Echocardiography (ASCeXAM)

Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology: Nuclear Cardiology

Accepting New Patients
FALSE
Is Referral Required
FALSE
Akanksha Thakkar, M.D.
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Akanksha Thakkar, M.D., specializes in interventional cardiology. Dr. Thakkar brings a wealth of expertise in advanced cardiovascular care, including minimally invasive interventions and cutting-edge diagnostic techniques. She earned her medical degree from the prestigious Seth G.S. Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India, before completing her residency in internal medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.

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5 simple steps to boost your confidence

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Confidence. It’s something we all want but sometimes struggle to find. The good news? You don’t need a magic potion or a life coach to feel more self-assured. Building confidence is all about small, intentional changes that add up over time. Here’s a straightforward guide to boosting your confidence, and no superhero cape is required. 

 

1. Recognize your strengths (and own them) 

We all have unique skills and talents, so it’s time to acknowledge yours. Whether you’re a master at organizing, great at listening or know how to make a perfect cup of coffee, these are your strengths. Own them. It is not bragging. It is about knowing your worth. Reflecting on what you’re naturally good at is a solid foundation for building confidence. You don’t need to be perfect at everything. Just focus on what makes you, well … you. 

 

2. Set small, achievable goals 

Confidence grows with progress. Set simple, attainable goals that you know you can achieve. Whether it’s finishing a book, learning a new skill or organizing your desk, each goal you complete is a confidence booster. The trick is to keep things realistic. Celebrating small victories can have a huge impact over time. 

 

3. Practice positive self-talk 

How you talk to yourself matters. If you constantly tell yourself, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’ll never get this right,” it’s time to change the script. According to the Mayo Clinic, shift your inner dialogue to something more encouraging, like “I’m learning as I go” or “I’m capable of figuring this out.” Positive self-talk may feel awkward at first, but it’s a powerful tool for retraining your mind and building self-belief. 

 

4. Dress for confidence (it works) 

It may seem simple, but how you present yourself can influence your confidence. Wear something that makes you feel good, whether it’s your favorite pair of jeans or a sharp blazer for an important meeting. It’s not about impressing others but about boosting your mindset. Looking good makes you feel good and feeling good boosts your confidence. 

 

5. Step outside your comfort zone 

Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone, and neither does confidence. Start by doing one small thing that challenges you. It could be speaking up in a meeting, introducing yourself to someone new, or trying a new skill you’ve been avoiding. Every time you push past fear or doubt, you prove to yourself that you can handle more than you think, leading to increased self-confidence. 

 

Final thoughts 

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build. By focusing on your strengths, celebrating small wins and stepping out of your comfort zone, you’ll find that confidence grows over time. So, take that first step. It’s simpler than you think. 

 


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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

5 simple steps to boost your confidence

Here’s a straightforward guide to boosting your confidence, and no superhero cape is required. 

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Natural ways to improve focus with ADHD

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ADHD can make it difficult to stay focused, but there are several natural strategies that can help improve concentration and manage symptoms. 

1. Prioritize exercise: Physical activity boosts dopamine and serotonin, which aid in focus. Try incorporating activities like walking or yoga into your daily routine for mood and attention benefits. According to Unity Point Health, people who have ADHD typically have neurons in their brains that have a tough time responding to dopamine, making regular movement a good symptom-reducing activity. 

2. Establish a routine: A structured daily routine can reduce feeling overwhelmed and help with time management. Set specific times for work, meals and relaxation to maintain consistency. 

3. Behavioral therapy: According to the National Library of Medicine, a prominent natural remedy for ADHD is behavioral therapy (behavior modification). This is highly effective because it helps individuals with ADHD identify and change negative thought patterns, leading to healthier behaviors and improved emotional well-being. 

4. Break tasks into steps: Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller steps to make them manageable and focus on completing one part at a time. 

5. Reduce distractions: Create a clutter-free workspace and limit noise. Noise-canceling headphones or soft background music can help block distractions. 

6. Eat well and stay hydrated: A balanced diet with regular meals supports steady energy levels, and staying hydrated is essential for cognitive function. 

7. Get quality sleep: Sleep deprivation worsens ADHD symptoms. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep and establish a calming bedtime routine to improve sleep quality. 

8. Practice self-compassion: Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories. Managing ADHD takes time, and every small improvement is a step forward. 

Managing ADHD may feel daunting, but by embracing natural strategies, you can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and focus. Empower yourself with patience and self-compassion and discover how small changes can lead to meaningful improvements in your daily life. 

 


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Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Natural ways to improve focus with ADHD

ADHD can make it difficult to stay focused, but there are several natural strategies that can help improve concentration and manage symptoms. 

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