LiveWell | Genesis Healthcare System

Recognizing Depression

Read more about Recognizing Depression

Occasional sadness is a normal part of life. We all experience things that upset us or make us angry. However, if you or someone you care for is persistently sad, irritable or angry, you or they could be suffering from depression.

What is depression?

Depression is a common and serious medical illness. Also known as major depressive disorder, it negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, if you, a family member or friend report the following for more than two weeks, a visit to a doctor is a good idea.

Feeling sad, anxious or empty
Feeling hopeless or pessimistic
Feeling irritable, frustrated or restless
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Feeling tired all the time or feeling like you are moving slowly
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and that do not ease with treatment

Next steps

Untreated depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease the ability to function at work and at home.

If you’re concerned that you or someone close to you is depressed, you’re not alone. Let your primary care provider know what you are thinking and feeling, and urge your family and friends to do the same.

Learn more about depression at genesishcs.org/behavioralhealth.

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Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:00

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Take Time to Reflect

Read more about Take Time to Reflect

Do you feel like something in your life is off, but you’re not sure what? Maybe you feel like your brain is racing all the time. If you think of thoughts and feelings like these as warning signs, learning to practice reflection is a holistic approach to bettering your overall health.

What is reflection?

Reflection looks like different things to different people. Some people call it mindfulness. Maybe it’s thoughts of gratitude. Reflection can be a mantra you repeat. It can be a time to focus on your breathing. If you’d like, it can be an affirmation of your faith or prayer. What’s important is you take time for yourself. Take a step back from your ongoing tasks. Turn your attention to yourself. Listening deeply to your mind, body and soul comes with many health benefits.

What are the benefits?

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that learning to pause and reflect can reduce anxiety, depression and stress. Taking five to 10 minutes to reflect has physical benefits as well. According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, calming meditation may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease. With these facts alone, you may be ready to jump into this practice.

How can you reflect?

Sit quietly with your eyes closed. Start to inhale and exhale deeply. Relax your muscles. Settle your body and mind. Begin your reflection for the day. This can be as simple as one word: peace, love or kindness. You can recite a prayer. Ask yourself a question. No matter your focus, try to center your thoughts around only that. If your mind starts to wander, take another deep inhale. Bring your thoughts back to your reflection. Give yourself grace. This requires practice. You will get better in time.

When you first begin practicing, you may feel uncomfortable with silence. If you normally put others’ needs ahead of your own, it can feel strange. Set aside any bad feelings. Remember, to serve others, you must also tend to your needs. Your body and mind will thank you.

As always, talk with your primary care provider if you are experiencing any health issues.

Want more breathing tips? Read our Daily Breathing article at genesishcs.org/breathing.

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Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:00

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Recipe: Insta Pot Lentil Soup

Read more about Recipe: Insta Pot Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 medium carrots, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups French green lentils
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
1 can fire-roasted tomatoes, diced (15 ounces)
1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounces)
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Fresh parsley for serving, chopped
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, optional
Crusty bread, optional

Instructions:

Drizzle the oil into the pot. Set to sauté. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and stir. Continue to cook the onion, stirring often, until it is very soft, beginning to lightly brown and break down, about 8 minutes.

Dice carrots and celery and add to the pot. Sauté until the carrots and celery are barely soft, about 2 minutes. Bundle the thyme sprigs together to make them easier to pull out later. Add salt, smoked paprika and pepper.

Add the lentils and garlic to the pot and stir to coat them in the spices. Let cook 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.

Cover and seal the instant pot. Set to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow the cooker to release pressure naturally. This will take about 10 to 15 additional minutes.

Open the lid and stir the soup. Remove the thyme stems, leaving the leaves in the soup. If the soup is too thick for your liking, thin with a bit of water or additional stock until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.

Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley, Parmesan cheese and bread for dipping.

Nutritional information:

Serving size: 1 ½ cups
Number of servings: 6
Calories per serving: 236
Total fat: 12 g
Saturated fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 135 mg
Sodium: 516 mg
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 16 g
Sugar: 10 g
Protein: 36 g

Storage:

Place leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Approved by:
Maurine Maneely
Genesis Registered Dietitian

Find more recipes at genesishcs.org/eatwell.

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Recipes

Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:00

Learn how to make this delicious lentil soup with an insta pot.

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Three Sneaky Ways to Add Protein to Your Diet if You Don’t like Meat

Read more about Three Sneaky Ways to Add Protein to Your Diet if You Don’t like Meat

Protein. You know you need it, but if you don’t like meat or are opposed to eating it, it might feel like your options are limited. After all, you can only dip apples in peanut butter so many times before it starts to get old. It’s tempting to ignore, but protein is crucial for a healthy diet.

According to the National Library of Medicine, protein can help you heal more quickly, support healthy weight loss and lower your blood pressure.

If the thought of a big juicy steak doesn’t make you salivate, don’t worry. Whether you’re on a plant-based diet or can’t bear another bite of greasy ground beef, here are a few delicious ways to get more protein into your diet.

1. Add snacks to your rotation

Have you ever grabbed a snack to appease your grumbling stomach, only to still feel hungry? According to the National Library of Medicine, a protein-rich diet can help you feel fuller longer. Fend off the midday munchies with one of these snacks.

Keep sunflower or pumpkin seeds, edamame or string cheese on hand for a quick pick-me-up.
Cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse. It’s a great snack on its own or with fruit.

2. Swap an ingredient in one of your go-to meals with a protein-rich alternative

If an ingredient isn’t crucial to the structure of the meal, try switching it out with a protein-fueled substitute. Experiment to find the best fit for your dish. It might take some trial and error, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Switch up your spaghetti dinner by using whole-grain pasta. If you don’t like the taste of whole- grain noodles, try chickpea pasta instead. Both are protein-rich options.
Is plain Greek yogurt too bitter for you on its own? Try using it in place of sour cream. You probably won’t notice the difference during your next taco night.
Making a rice dish? Use quinoa or lentils as the base.

3. Boost your favorite meals by adding protein

Adding protein to a meal doesn’t have to mean adding a piece of grilled chicken to your plate. Adding an extra ingredient (or two) can enhance the flavor of your meal while making it healthier. You never know, you might find a new way to prepare your favorite dish.

Next time you pour yourself a bowl of cereal, toss in some cashews or peanuts for an extra crunch and boost of protein.
Love ramen? Add an egg, mushrooms or high-protein vegetables like cooked spinach or peas to your noodles.

LiveWell

Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:00

three sneaky ways to add protein to your diet if you don’t like meat

Whether you’re on a plant-based diet or can’t bear another bite of greasy ground beef, here are a few delicious ways to get more protein into your diet.

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Genesis Coshocton Medical Center

Read more about Genesis Coshocton Medical Center

The new 60,000-square-foot center brings together 200+ employees, including the region’s best physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, multi-skilled technicians, technologists, therapists, and other clinical and support staff.

The Genesis Coshocton Medical Center offers:

Emergency Department open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

10 patient rooms
Specialized rooms for major medical resuscitation and behavioral health needs
Genesis Community Ambulance Service medical transport

Outpatient Surgery

9 pre/post rooms, 2 surgical suites and 1 minor procedure room
Surgeries and procedures: examples include orthopedics and orthopedic sports medicine; podiatry, ENT, urogynecology, OB/GYN, endoscopy and general surgery

Overnight Observation Unit

10 patient rooms

Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Computed Tomography (CT) scans
X-ray
3D Mammography
Ultrasound

Laboratory for patient testing such as blood draws open 24/7

Cardiac diagnostics such as echocardiograms, stress tests, vascular ultrasound, EKGs, Holter monitors and cardiac computed tomography scans (CTs)
Respiratory therapy, including pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gases
Physical, occupational and speech therapies
Medical offices for physician specialists:
- Surgeons
- General and Invasive Cardiologists
- Gastroenterologists
- Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists

High-quality healthcare throughout Coshocton

In addition to the Coshocton Medical Center, Genesis offers other healthcare services in the Coshocton area, including:

• Primary Care, 410 Main Street, Suite A & 23599 Airport Road

• Orthopedics, 23599 Airport Road

• Urogynecology, 23599 Airport Road

• OB/GYN, 23599 Airport Road

• Podiatry, 23599 Airport Road

• Occupational Health, 23599 Airport Road

Celebrating the opening

Before the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center officially opened its doors, multiple events were held to celebrate what this new healthcare facility means to the residents of Coshocton and surrounding counties.

Here is the look at the festivities:

Family Fun Day

Community members of all ages toured the new facility on Saturday, March 18. They met their future caregivers, viewed new diagnostic and treatment equipment, and enjoyed refreshments and a door prize drawing.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Genesis board and team members and Coshocton community leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 16.

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Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:00

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Spotlight on Edmund Kassis, M.D.

Read more about Spotlight on Edmund Kassis, M.D.

Edmund Kassis, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon, brings both clinical experience and leadership skills to his new position with Genesis HealthCare System. 

In addition to performing surgeries at Genesis Hospital, Dr. Kassis serves as medical director of cardiothoracic surgery within the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group. 

Dr. Kassis specializes in the surgical removal of lung cancer, esophageal cancer and mediastinal tumors. He performs a full range of traditional and minimally invasive procedures, and optimizes patient benefits by frequently utilizing innovative robotic-assisted technologies in the treatment of thoracic cancers.  

“Robotic-assisted technology allows outstanding visualization of the chest,” he said. “The instrumentation is like working with your hands but doesn’t require spreading a patient’s ribs and uses much smaller incisions. Patients who are candidates benefit from shorter hospital stays, less pain and the ability to return to work and normal activities faster.”  

Initially inspired to pursue medicine by family members who passed away from lung cancer, Dr. Kassis aims to help others facing similar diagnoses. He takes a direct approach to educating patients and strives to provide top-quality surgical care. “I always have my patients’ best interests in mind and want them to understand their treatment,” he said.

When asked about his most rewarding professional moments, Dr. Kassis said they include the satisfaction of an operation well done, seeing patients thriving in the hospital post-surgery and congratulating patients at the five-year mark when they are declared cancer-free.

Outside of work, Dr. Kassis enjoys taking his body to the extreme. Always moving, he has completed multiple Ironman competitions and is training for a 36-hour endurance hike. He also golfs and scuba dives.

Doctor of Medicine:  
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

General Surgery Residency:  
The Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, Maryland
Chief Resident 

Fellowships:  
Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas 

Board-certified:  
American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery

LiveWell

Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:00

Edmund Kassis, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon, brings both clinical experience and leadership skills to his new position with Genesis HealthCare System. 

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A letter from our President and CEO | LiveWell Spring 2023

Read more about A letter from our President and CEO | LiveWell Spring 2023

Off to a Great Start

In the past month, Fortune Magazine/PINC AI, a healthcare improvement technology company, ranked Genesis as one of America’s top 50 heart hospitals. We also opened the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center. Wow, what a month.

These milestones are the result of many years of recruiting and supporting the best people, implementing innovative technology and, most importantly, the support we received from you. You trusted us to care for you when you were in need. Your faith in us made these achievements possible.

We thank you and applaud the efforts of everyone at Genesis. Their work has and will continue to save lives. According to Fortune Magazine/PINC AI, if all hospitals performed at the top 50 heart hospital level, an additional 7,600 lives could be saved each year nationally.

With the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center providing local access to high-quality care, more families and neighbors can live longer, healthier and more enjoyable lives.

New to Genesis Heart & Vascular Group

We continually invest in technology and recruitment of physicians with the skills, experience and knowledge to advance the care we provide. In this issue, you can learn about our new medical director of thoracic surgery.

Power restored

Some patients do not return to life as it was. They improve. In this issue, a Coshocton native tells us how the support of his medical team after he suffered two heart attacks helped him change his life.

You’ll also meet a patient who benefited from a therapy using platelet-rich plasma. He is pain-free and enjoying his lifelong hobby, restoring vintage cars.

Community Benefit Report

Genesis HealthCare System annually provides no- and low-cost services, screenings, classes and events to help our communities get and stay well. These programs, investments and outcomes are reported in the Community Benefit Report, which is included in this special edition of LiveWell. These services are just some of many ways Genesis gives back to our communities every year.

In good health,

Matthew J. Perry

President & CEO

LiveWell

Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:00

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(Recipe) Healthier homestyle meatloaf

Read more about (Recipe) Healthier homestyle meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fat-free milk

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 lb. 93-97% lean ground beef

• 1 slice (1½ oz) whole grain bread

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• 2 egg whites

• ½ cup steamed broccoli florets, chopped

• ½ cup roasted red pepper, chopped

• ½ cup white onion, chopped

Nutritional information:

• Serving size: 2 slices

• Calories: 178

• Total fat: 4 g

• Saturated fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 47 mg

• Sodium: 189 mg

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Protein: 20 g

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a 9” x 5” loaf pan with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, one tablespoon of ketchup, mustard and egg white. Add onion, red pepper and broccoli and set the mixture aside. In a food processor, pulse bread until completely crumbled. Add ground beef and breadcrumbs to the vegetable mixture. Add basil, parsley and black pepper. Mix all ingredients together by hand. Place meat mixture into loaf pan. Brush the remaining three tablespoons of ketchup over the top. Bake for one hour or until the thermometer inserted in the center of the pan registers 160 degrees. Let stand for 10 minutes. Cut meatloaf into 12 slices.

Find more recipes at genesishcs.org/eatwell.

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Recipes

Tue, 01/31/2023 - 10:36

Try this healthier version of a classic for your next family dinner.

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Four Ways to Give Your Brain a Workout

Read more about Four Ways to Give Your Brain a Workout

The word crossword might conjure up an image of a grandfather sitting around the kitchen table with a cup of joe, a newspaper and a pencil. Does that crossword help keep his mind sharp? Well, that’s still up for debate. Although study results have been mixed, most researchers agree that our brain needs exercise like our body. Brain games can’t hurt us, and they’re less smelly than going to the gym. Here are five ways to give your brain a workout:

1. Keep learning new skills

Whether it’s a new type of brain game or learning how to quilt, the Synapse Project study published in Psychological Science found that learning new skills helped the memory of older adults.

2. Play around with number puzzles

A study published in 2019 in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that number puzzles can help with things like attention, reasoning and memory, even in adults with dementia.

3. Try complex and challenging things – and keep practicing

According to Harvard Health, a complicated puzzle or challenging brain game fits the bill. You can also take a challenge you already enjoy and turn it up a notch. If you are a golfer, take a swing at a more challenging course. Knitter? Stitch a new pattern. Studies show these challenges will sharpen your thinking.

4. Tackle that word puzzle

According to the online PROTECT study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in 2018, older folks who completed a word puzzle a day showed better cognitive skills than those who did not often do puzzles.

5. Experiment with brain teasers – and involve your children

Brain games are not just for the elderly. A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental and Science Education found that brain teasers can even help young kids increase their attention span.

You don’t need fancy gadgets or the latest app to keep your mind sharp. Weave some new and challenging puzzles, brain games and crosswords into your day-to-day life, and you might notice your memory or thinking skills improve. At the very least, you had some fun.

LiveWell

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 15:00

You don’t need fancy gadgets or the latest app to keep your mind sharp. Here are five ways to give your brain a workout:

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Blisters 101

Read more about Blisters 101

Self-control + sanitary conditions

Question: What do spider bites, sunburns, chicken pox and tight shoes have in common?

Answer: They can all lead to blisters.

While blisters may begin as small, bothersome bubbles that form under the skin and fill with fluid, they can lead to infected areas needing medical attention. To help blisters heal quickly and without further issues, follow these guidelines:

1. Don’t pop it

That billowing booboo may call to you like a plump pimple, but white-knuckle-grip your self-control and don’t pop that blister. Picking, popping and probing blisters increases the chances of introducing bacteria to the wound, which can lead to festering infections.

2. Keep it clean

To keep bacteria at bay, wash the sore area with warm water and mild soap, then apply an antibacterial cream. Top it off with a fresh bandage or gauze, then give that blister time to

heal. Most blisters heal naturally within one to two weeks.

3. Know when to see a doctor

Generally, blisters don’t require a doctor’s expertise, but if a blister oozes with green or yellow pus, feels hot to the touch, or becomes more painful to the touch over the course of a few days, it may be infected. Don’t ignore an infected blister. A doctor can determine if your infection needs antibiotics for healing.

4. Change shoes/equipment

Blisters most often pop up due to excessive friction and pressure. So, stop the heavy, rubbing irritation that caused the blister in the first place. Sometimes that’s as simple as changing shoes, other times it means putting down the hand tools or baseball bat for a few days.

Are blisters preventable?

Research confirms that friction blisters form most easily on thick, stiff skin (like the soles of the feet) versus thinner skin. That’s why avid hikers, marathon runners and other athletes eagerly try all kinds of potential prevention tricks and tips to avoid blister pain.

“When it comes to blisters on the feet, I get asked about taping, specialty socks, foot powders, bandages and buying expensive shoes,” said Sierra Giesey, APRN-CNP. “I can’t guarantee any of those treatments will prevent the development of blisters. However, it may reduce the risk. I recommend finding out what works best on your skin through trial and error.”

LiveWell

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 14:00

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