electronic - Holy Cross Hospital

health
HoLy CRoSS
Day care for
adults offers a
dynamic program
with a welcoming
atmosphere.
see page 10.
Holy cross Hospital. Experts in Medicine, specialists in caring.
Winter 2010
Arati singh, of
Northern virginia, finds
relief from severe
back pain.
see page 8.
www.holycrosshealth.org
301-754-7000
4
HigH-TEcH
HEALTH cArE
electronic medical
records improve care.
6
sTrOKE
Fast action
saves edgardo
Saddul’s life.

cEO update
A MEssAgE FrOM KEviN J. sEXTON, PrEsiDENT AND cEO
A new hospital is needed in upper Montgomery county
Life in Montgomery County has changed a great
deal since 1979. We’ve grown from a relatively
quiet suburb to Maryland’s most populous county,
increasing from about 580,000 residents to more
than 950,000.
yet one thing hasn’t changed in all that time—
there has not been a new hospital built in our
county in 30 years.
now Montgomery County has an opportunity
Kevin J. sexton, to change that. in the face of a growing and aging
President and population that will require significantly more hospital
care, the time has come for us to move health
cEO
care forward by building a new upcounty hospital.
Here’s where we stand right now:
our county is aging. More than 70 percent of our future
growth will be from people over 65, who are the biggest consumers
of hospital care.
the germantown/gaithersburg area has, by far, the largest
concentration of people (more than 230,000) without a hospital
in the state, and it is aging twice as fast as the county as a
whole.
our county already experiences substantial times when
ambulances must bypass the closest hospital due to a shortage
of beds.
in addition to a in the face of a growing
shortage of beds, and aging population
we face a significant
that will require
shortage of nurses
and other health significantly more
care professionals. hospital care, the time
We urgently need
has come for us to move
a new upcounty
hospital. And failing
to achieve that building a new upcounty
health care forward by
objective would be
hospital.
a tragic loss for our
county. therefore, we are asking all Montgomery County
residents, including our elected leaders, to come together
to support a new upcounty hospital.
To show your support for a new hospital in northern
Montgomery county or to help support Holy cross
Hospital in its quest to build a new hospital in germantown,
visit www.holycrosshealth.org.
MOviNg FOrWArD: This computer-generated model
illustrates Holy cross Hospital’s proposed facility in northern
Montgomery county, which will improve access to health care
for everyone and expand educational opportunities for people
who are interested in health care careers. Approval by the
Maryland Health care commission of this six-story, full-service
hospital on the germantown campus of Montgomery college
will meet the needs of the large and growing population by:
providing more than 90 private rooms for adults requiring
medical, surgical, obstetric or psychiatric care and eight
private rooms for babies requiring care in our special care
nursery
extending the current teaching partnership with
Montgomery college to train new nurses
enabling the college to educate a new generation of health
care workers
2 Holy Cross Health

New & Noteworthy
gala supports health centers
thanks to many volunteers, committee members, physicians,
trustees, staff and donors, the 2009 Holy Cross Hospital gala
was a record-breaking success.
the event—held on Sept. 26 and attended by more than
670 guests—raised over $580,000 for the Holy Cross Hospital
health centers in Silver Spring and gaithersburg. these centers
provide primary care to uninsured adults at a nominal fee. Holy
Cross Hospital will open a third health center in Wheaton/Aspen
Hill in 2010.
cOMMuNiTY MATTErs: Marilyn Kawamura, president, Kaiser
Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic states inc., accepts
the Holy cross Hospital Foundation cornerstone Award at
the gala from Kevin J. sexton, president and cEO, Holy cross
Hospital. The award honors an individual or institution for
exemplary financial support of the hospital’s mission.
Holy cross Hospital
expands cardiac services
Holy Cross Hospital’s cardiac team is now performing elective
angioplasty for certain patients with coronary artery disease who
choose to have the procedure to improve their heart health.
Angioplasty is a procedure in which a balloon is used to open
a blockage in a coronary artery to help increase blood flow to the
heart. Holy Cross Hospital is among nine hospitals in Maryland
providing elective angioplasty for approved patients as part of
a national research study called C-PoRt-e.
Holy Cross Hospital’s cardiac team is already on alert
24 hours a day, seven days a week, to perform emergency angioplasty
to open blocked arteries that cause heart attacks.
Preparing seniors for surgery
there are important issues to consider if you are 65 and
older and need surgery. Holy Cross Hospital has created
an informational guide to help steer you, your family and
caregivers through the many questions and decisions
surrounding surgery. As a leader in specialized medicine
for seniors, Holy Cross Hospital opened a unique Seniors
Ambulatory Surgery Center in August 2009 to care for patients
65 and older who are having outpatient procedures
or surgeries.
For more information about the c-POrT-E study, visit
www.holycrosshealth.org.
To receive your free guide,
Surgery for Seniors: What
to Ask, What to Know, visit www.holycrosshealth.org
or call 301-754-8800.
www.holycrosshealth.org
3

Ahead of
the curve
Electronic medical records are essential to modern health care delivery
A lot of information
about electronic
medical
records is in the
news these days.
But the fact of
the matter is, only
about 1 in 50 hospitals
in the United
Katherine Ball, MD
States has adopted
fully functional
electronic medical
records, according
to a study published
in the New
England Journal of
Medicine.
H o l y C r o s s
Hospital has been
Miriam Halimi, DNP using a variety of
electronic medical
records for years, and last year we
embarked on the largest information
technology initiative in our history by
combining all of our electronic medical
records into one integrated computer
informatics system. In doing so, we
were the first in Montgomery County to
implement a fully functional electronic
medical records system.
Here’s a look at what Katherine Ball,
MD, chief medical informatics officer,
and Miriam Halimi, DNP, director, Clinical
Informatics, have to say about the benefits
of Holy Cross Hospital’s integrated
electronic medical records system.
4 Holy Cross Health
Q.
Why did Holy Cross Hospital
implement an integrated
electronic medical records system
Miriam Halimi: It was the right thing
to do. Our integrated system ensures
that all of our health care providers have
all the information they need to deliver
high-quality care to our patients.
The system offers a range of clinical
applications with built-in triggers and
alerts to support the care decisions we
make.
Katherine Ball: And Holy Cross Hospital’s
integrated system coordinates
care our patients receive at any of our
facilities with ease. This will become
increasingly important as we move forward
with our plans to improve access
to health care by building a new hospital
in Germantown and opening another
health center in Wheaton.
Q.
What kinds of information
does Holy Cross Hospital’s
electronic medical records system
store
KB: One of the biggest benefits of
electronic medical records is the large
amount of information that can be
maintained and obtained in one place.
Electronic medical records not only store
all of the information that was previously
recorded on paper—including a
patient’s medical history, test results,
physicians’ notes, medications and billing
information—they also have enough
space to store large files such as MRI and
X-ray images.
Q.
What improvements to Holy
Cross Hospital’s integrated
system have been made recently
KB: Before implementing the latest
system, there were multiple computer
programs in place, but they were not all
connected. Our integrated system stores
all of the information in one convenient
central location.
MH: One component of our multifaceted
system is computerized physician
order entry. Most of the hospital’s medical
staff are using this highly effective
mode of relaying orders. This speeds
fulfilling prescriptions, reduces errors
that can stem from illegible handwriting
or mistakes in transcriptions, verifies
dosing recommendations, and automatically
performs other patient safety
functions.
KB: And the system is a work in progress.
It will constantly be in a state
of evolution, with new applications,
“Our integrated system ensures that all of our health
care providers have the information they need to deliver
high-quality care to our patients.” —Miriam Halimi, DNP

upgrades and improvements to help us
provide the best possible care.
Q.
How do health care providers
at Holy Cross Hospital access
this information
MH: Authorized hospital staff caring
for patients can see and add to their
patients’ records through passwordprotected
computer terminals conveniently
located in patient-care areas
throughout the hospital. Physicians
also can access the system from their
offices, at the hospital and even from
their homes, if necessary.
Q.
Why would health care providers
in different areas in
the hospital need access to a patient’s
electronic medical record
KB: A person with complex health issues
may see several specialists at Holy Cross
Hospital. Integrated electronic medical
records allow caregivers to review information
and keep everyone on the team
aware of all the other team members’
actions and recommendations.
MH: The ability for everyone on a patient’s
health care team to see the information
available in the electronic medical record
in real time helps to coordinate care. This,
in turn, avoids duplication of testing and
prescribing medications in combinations
that might be dangerous. It also provides
the ability for all members on the health
care team to recognize other modalities
taken to improve the patient’s condition.
Q.
How was patient information
shared before electronic
medical records
MH: Paper records had to be checked
out to one person at a time or they could
have been faxed. Files took longer to
complete because it took precious time
for lab results, X-rays and test results to
make their way to paper charts.
KB: When a doctor or care team member
has instant access to all of a patient’s
information, including things like X-rays,
lab tests, and information about prescriptions
or allergies—which are posted to
a patient’s electronic medical record as
soon as they are available—the care provider
is empowered to act right away.
Q.
How are patients’ electronic
medical records kept private
and secure
KB: Patient privacy is a top priority
at Holy Cross Hospital. We follow the
national standards of the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA) put into place by the government
to keep our patients’ information
private and secure.
www.holycrosshealth.org
5

Lesson
After multiple strokes,
this teacher recommends
following the doctor’s advice
EXCELLENT CARE:
Stroke survivor
Edgardo Saddul
says, “Holy Cross
Hospital saved my
life.”
A middle school teacher in Hyattsville,
Edgardo Saddul is passionate about
educating his students.
“I want to touch their lives in a way
that will make a lasting difference,” the
66-year-old says. “My legacy is to give
these kids a future to look forward to.”
While Edgardo is usually the one
teaching, last August he learned his
own lesson about following his doctor’s
advice.
“My doctor had prescribed medicine
for my high blood pressure, and I
stopped taking it,” he says. “As a result,
I had multiple strokes of varying degrees
over several days.”
serious Signs The night before he
was rushed to the Emergency Center,
Edgardo experienced two signs of
stroke. “I had a terrible headache and
blurred vision,” he says.
While he may have experienced a
minor stroke that night, the next day he
felt better and went to school.
But the seriousness of the situation
quickly became clear to Edgardo.
“I was giving instructions to the students,
and I suddenly felt awful,” he
remembers. “My speech was slurred, and
my body felt so heavy I couldn’t move.”
He was having another stroke.
Quick diagnosis During a stroke, the
brain’s blood supply is disrupted, leaving
brain cells without crucial oxygen
6 Holy Cross Health

learned
and nutrients. As a result, the cells can
start to die quickly. This makes treating
a stroke a race against time.
Fortunately, the school nurse immediately
called 911, and an ambulance
took Edgardo to Holy Cross Hospital,
which has been designated a Primary
Stroke Center by The Joint Commission
and the Maryland Institute for Emergency
Medical Systems.
Upon Edgardo’s arrival, Holy Cross
Hospital’s stroke response team was
called into action. This team is available
for stroke evaluation and treatment
24 hours a day, seven days a week,
and uses several tests to provide rapid
evaluation and treatment options.
For Edgardo, magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) confirmed that he was
having a stroke. An MRI uses magnets
and radio waves to reveal abnormalities
in brain structures. It is the most
sensitive exam for detecting strokes.
Edgardo had multiple ischemic
strokes. Ischemic stroke is the most
common type of stroke, and it is
caused by a blockage in an artery.
This can occur in the head or in an
artery in the neck leading to the brain.
It may be due to a blood clot or the
buildup of plaque that causes an
artery to narrow.
viTAL TrEATMENT “From the time ischemic
stroke symptoms start, doctors
have a three-hour window to begin
treatment with a drug called tPA,” says
Andrew Barbash, MD, medical director,
Neuroscience, Holy Cross Hospital.
“This drug restores blood flow and may
stop an ischemic stroke, thus reducing
its disabling effects.”
Ashish Tolia, MD, hospitalist; Sharon
Harriston, ACNP; and Aman Savani, MD,
neurologist, managed Edgardo’s care
during his four-day stay in Holy Cross
Holy cross Hospital cares for more stroke patients
than any other hospital in Montgomery county.
Hospital’s Neuro Critical Care Unit. In
this unit, a broad range of specialists—
including medical neurologists, neuroradiologists
and neurosurgeons—provide
coordinated care and intensive patient
management.
High blood pressure is a major risk
factor for strokes. Dr. Tolia resumed
Edgardo’s blood pressure medication
and prescribed antiplatelet medication
to prevent the formation of blood
clots and reduce the risk of additional
strokes.
Hospitalists, such as Dr. Tolia, are
physicians who focus their care on hospitalized
patients and are essential to the
expert care provided to stroke patients.
As someone who knows genuine
care and concern when he sees it,
Edgardo says Holy Cross Hospital offers
both.
“They did everything to save my life,”
he says. “Not in a mechanical way, but
with great care and genuine concern.
“My message to others is to follow
your doctor’s advice.”
come to our “When seconds
count!” informational lecture
about preventing, recognizing and
responding to stroke. see page 13.
stroke signals: Learn to recognize them
A stroke can come on suddenly—at any time and in any place. So it’s important
to be able to recognize the signs, which may include:
numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on just one side of
the body
confusion or trouble speaking or understanding
trouble seeing with one or both eyes
trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
severe headache for no obvious reason
if you or someone in your company shows these signs of stroke, call 911
immediately.
For a free booklet about stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation,
call 301-754-7712.
www.holycrosshealth.org
7

We’ve got
your back
Two accounts of spine surgery
Back pain can happen at any age, but
you don’t need to suffer. Just ask Elizabeth
Briscoe, 65, and Arati Singh, 27.
Both women experienced excruciating
back pain and found relief at the Holy
Cross Hospital Spine Center—a leader
in the field of minimally invasive spine
surgery. Thanks to our spine specialists,
Arati and Elizabeth are back to doing
what they love.
Elizabeth’s story:
Taking a stand
Elizabeth’s back pain started suddenly
in November 2006.
“I was on the treadmill trying to lose
weight when a terrible pain went down
my leg,” the 65-year-old says. “After
several days, the pain did not go away,
so I went to see my doctor.”
For the next 2½ years, Elizabeth
bravely struggled to fight the pain. She
tried anti-inflammatory medicine, steroids,
pain medicine, physical therapy,
epidural blocks and other treatments.
“But nothing worked for long,” she
says. “I couldn’t drive, and some nights
I had to sleep standing up supported
by furniture.”
Philip Schneider, MD, orthopedic
spine surgeon, medical director, Holy
Cross Hospital Spine Center, diagnosed
Elizabeth with a damaged spinal disc
(extruded disc herniation) and degenerative
disc disease.
“The spine is a complicated area, but
accurately identifying the cause of the
pain helps determine the most beneficial
treatment for each person’s unique
spine condition,” Dr. Schneider says.
He performed a minimally invasive
laminectomy and spinal fusion in April.
The laminectomy removed a bone and
ligament that were pressing on the
spinal nerves and also corrected the
extruded disc herniation. To treat the
degenerative disc disease, two vertebrae
in the spine were fused together so that
no motion occurs between them.
“I consider surgery a last resort, after
patients have tried many different pain
management therapies and medications,”
Dr. Schneider says. “Not only had Ms.
Briscoe tried many types of pain management,
her pain was getting worse.”
The surgery was successful.
“When I came to, all I could say was,
‘I have no pain’ over and over again,”
Elizabeth says. “I am so thankful to
Dr. Schneider.”
Elizabeth spent two days in the Holy
Cross Hospital Spine Center.
“Instead of the physical therapists
working to get me moving, they actually
had to slow me down,” she says.
Elizabeth Briscoe loves taking
care of children.
Our specialists are at the forefront of progress in spine
treatments, especially in minimally invasive surgery.
8 Holy Cross Health

While Elizabeth had no pain after
surgery, she experienced severe nerve
damage from her injury that needed
time to properly heal.
“It was a great experience,” she says.
“I keep asking myself, ‘Why didn’t I
have surgery sooner’”
Arati’s story:
Back to the books
Arati was almost forced to abandon her
dream of becoming a doctor because of
the excruciating pain from a condition
rare among young adults—a herniated
disc in her spine.
Last December, the 27-year-old was
home in Northern Virginia for a semester
break from medical school when her
back pain became so severe she could
no longer ignore it.
“I woke up one morning and collapsed
when I got out of bed,” she says.
“I couldn’t walk or sit. I was comfortable
only lying on my stomach.”
Although Arati had experienced back
pain over the years, it had progressively
gotten worse during medical school.
“I used to be very active, but in
medical school I sit for hours and hours
studying,” Arati says. “Sitting is the
worst position for the spine.”
For several months, Arati tried different
types of pain management options,
such as pain relievers, muscle relaxers,
anti-inflammatory medicine, acupuncture
and steroid shots.
Still in agony, Arati realized she
could not go back to school.
“I couldn’t sit for longer than two
minutes at a time, so I really had no
choice,” she says. “I was desperate for
pain relief.”
In April, Arati went to see Amin
Amini, MD, medical director, Neurosurgery,
Holy Cross Hospital, and her quest
for pain relief started to look brighter.
Arati singh is studying
to become a doctor.
“Due to the severity of the disc
herniation, and the fact that no other
treatment options were helping to
alleviate her pain, we decided to proceed
with surgery,” Dr. Amini says.
“In June, I performed a minimally
invasive microdiscectomy using a
surgical microscope, which is one of
the latest surgical techniques used to
treat herniated discs and other spinal
disorders.”
In the procedure, a small portion of the
bone over the nerve root or disc material
from under the nerve root is removed to
relieve neural impingement and create
more room for the nerve to heal. Because
the procedure leaves nearly all of the
joints, ligaments and muscles intact, it
does not change the mechanical structure
of the patient’s spine.
Arati spent one night at Holy Cross
Hospital, and today she is back at medical
school.
“I have my life back, and I am
so thankful,” she says. “Dr. Amini
patiently answered all of my questions
and thoroughly discussed all of my
options—and he seemed genuinely
happy to do this. When it’s my turn
to treat patients, I will remember how
Dr. Amini cared for me—both medically
and as a person.”
To learn more about treatment
options for back pain or to be
referred to a specialist for a spine
assessment, call 301-754-7929 or visit
www.holycrosshealth.org.
www.holycrosshealth.org
9

FAMILY TIES: Hanna Green, of Silver Spring
(seated), with her daughters—(from left)
Helene, Regina and Camille.
10 Holy Cross Health

in good
hands
Hanna’s warm welcome to the Medical Adult Day center
brings tears to her daughters’ eyes
“Knowing that
our mother is
in good hands
throughout the day
is tremendously
helpful to me and
my sisters.”
—Helene goodman, Hanna green’s
daughter and caregiver
Hanna Green, of Silver Spring, is a
strong and independent woman. But
at age 88, she and her caregivers—
daughters Regina, Helene and Camille—
were looking for ways for Hanna to form
new friendships, develop new interests,
refresh old skills and just have fun. They
found the perfect place at the Holy Cross
Hospital Medical Adult Day Center.
One of the primary goals for seniors
at the Medical Adult Day Center is
socializing.
“It is important not to be lonely, and I
enjoy socializing with the staff and other
participants,” Hanna says. “I come to
this beautiful place three times a week.
I feel very happy here, and I enjoy the
activities.”
The Medical Adult Day Center
allows seniors and medically disabled
adults to maintain the independence
of living at home while providing them
with the opportunity during the day
to enjoy a structured, activity-focused
program.
“Staffed with caring professionals,
our dynamic program of educational,
cultural and supportive
activities provides participants
with opportunities to learn and
grow,” says Tammy Duell, director,
Medical Adult Day Center.
Participants discuss current
events and learn about each other’s
lives. Hanna has shared her experience
as a Holocaust survivor with
the group.
“I am the only one of my ten siblings
and large extended family to survive,”
Hanna says. “It is important for people
to know.”
rEsPiTE FOr FAMiLiEs “My three
wonderful daughters take very good
care of me,” Hanna says. But Regina,
Helene and Camille also face other
daily commitments.
The sisters take comfort in knowing
that their mother is in a tight-knit community
atmosphere that celebrates and
acknowledges each participant’s unique
skills and contributions to the group.
“The way they welcomed my mother to
the group brings tears to my eyes,” Helene
says. “And knowing that she is in good
hands throughout the day is tremendously
helpful to me and my sisters.”
ONsiTE NursiNg cArE At the center,
participants enjoy daily activities with
confidence because a registered nurse is
available to meet their health needs.
Try us out for free
“The nurse gives my mother her
medication and even informs me ahead
of time when the medication is running
low,” Helene says.
The Medical Adult Day Center’s registered
nurse can:
administer medications
monitor blood pressure and other
vital signs
monitor weight and diet
arrange laboratory and podiatry
services
facilitate onsite structured therapies
review individual health needs
offer health counseling
WHO WE sErvE The Medical Adult
Day Center welcomes seniors and other
adults with medical or cognitive issues
to join the program. The center serves
seniors and other adults recovering from
or coping with conditions including
stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other
dementias, depression, Parkinson’s
disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and
diabetes.
Spend two days at the Medical Adult day Center at no charge. this trial period gives
potential participants and caregivers a chance to meet with staff and other participants
and to see what the center offers. Reduced rates and scholarships may be available
for qualifying participants.
For more information or to schedule a tour, call 301-754-7150.
www.holycrosshealth.org
11

take time for your health
To register, call 301-754-8800, visit www.holycrosshealth.org or complete the form on page 15.
Location KEY
Classes and events are at the following
locations, unless otherwise noted.
Holy Cross Hospital Professional and
community Education Center
1500 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring
Holy Cross Hospital Resource Center
9805 Dameron Drive, Silver Spring
Holy Cross Hospital senior source
8580 Second Ave., Silver Spring
Special EVENTS
All special events are free. Registration
is required. To register, call
301-754-8800 unless otherwise
noted.
Celebrate Heart
Health MONTh
Saturday, Feb. 13
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location:
Join Holy Cross Hospital and the
African American Health Program at
the second annual Celebrate Heart
Health Month event. Free health
information and blood pressure and
cholesterol screenings will be available
to participants. Screenings
will be provided on a first-come,
first-served basis. Refreshments
will be served.
Cancer: IT does not
discriminate
Saturday, April 3
8:30 to 10 a.m.—Discussion
and poster presentation
10 to 11 a.m.—Cancer care
panel discussion
11 a.m. to noon—Survivor
stories panel discussion
Noon to 1 p.m.—Lunch and
cultural entertainment
Location:
Learn about the effects of cancer
in our ethnically and racially
diverse communities. This event
includes presentations and exhibits
about health disparities,
support groups and resources in
our community. Presentations will
have simultaneous interpretation
in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
and Korean. Other languages may
be requested.
to your health!
Saturday, May 1
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Registration starts at 9 a.m.
Location:
In recognition of Cover the Uninsured
Week, Holy Cross Hospital
will host its sixth annual health fair
and screening event. Learn about
health topics for the entire family—
infants to seniors—through health
education lectures and hands-on
health exhibits. Health screenings
for early disease detection include
diabetes glucose (A1C) and cholesterol
tests; prostate-specific antigen
(PSA) testing, digital rectal and
prostate examinations for men; and
clinical breast examinations and
Pap tests for women. Screenings
will be provided on a first-come,
first-served basis. Refreshments
will be served.
Latino health lecture
series: MiÉrcoles
para mujeres
TBD Enero—Obesidad—Dieta
y Usted
TBD Febrero—Enfermedad
del Corazón: Prevención y
Tratamiento
TBD Marzo—Cancer en la
Communidad Latina
TBD Abril—Prevención y
Control de la Diabetes
Location: TBD
Acompáñenos en una serie de
charlas acerca de varios temas de
importancia de la salud para la
comunidad Latina. Todas las charlas
serán gratis y en español. Para
registrar llame al 301-754-8730.
Disease
Prevention
Education and
Screenings
Free
Can type 2
diabetes be
prevented
Thursdays, Jan. 14, March 18,
May 13
7 to 9 p.m.
Location:
This seminar will address the
worldwide epidemic of type 2
diabetes and the potential health
problems associated with the disease.
A diabetes nurse educator
and a dietitian will share proven
methods to prevent or delay its
12 Holy Cross Health

onset and information about how
you can identify your risk of developing
diabetes. Call to register.
Free Diabetes
Prevention
Program
Wednesdays, Jan. 13-March 31,
April 14-June 30
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location:
7 to 9 p.m.
Location:
If you have pre-diabetes or higherthan-normal
blood sugars, our
lifestyle coaches can help you
lose weight and increase your
physical activity level while providing
ongoing support to help
prevent or delay diabetes. Call for
an information packet or to see if
you qualify to participate in this
12-week program.
Free Early
detection
is your Breast
protection
Holy Cross Hospital and Susan G.
Komen for the Cure are offering
mammograms and follow-up care
for underinsured and uninsured
women who live in Montgomery
and Prince George’s counties. To
find out if you qualify, call Leticia
Addo at 301-754-8407. Foreign language
interpretation is available.
Free Falls
Prevention
Program
Part I: Falls—When, Why and
Where
Monday, Jan. 25
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Learn why seniors are at risk for
falls and ways to prevent them.
Then, have your risk for falls
assessed. This assessment covers
gait, balance and hearing.
Part II: Fall-Proofing Your Home
Wednesday, Jan. 27
10 a.m. to noon
Learn about measures you can
take to reduce your risk of falling.
Part III: Better Balance Exercise
Class
Mondays and Wednesdays,
Feb. 1-April 21
11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Instructor: Judy Cooper
This 12-week program uses
resistance training and balancespecific
exercises that increase
muscle strength and improve
balance. The program also helps
increase the ability to prevent
and manage falls. Prerequisite:
participation in parts I and II of the
Falls Prevention Program.
Location:
Nixing Nicotine:
Smoking Cessation
Wednesdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 17,
March 10-April 14, May 5-June 9
6 to 7:3o p.m.
Location:
Free; quit-smoking aids included
Take a six-week path to nixing
nicotine. This program is designed
to help you stop smoking. A certified
tobacco treatment specialist
provides a unique, supportive
opportunity for each participant to
learn to be and stay tobacco-free.
Participants will first speak with
the tobacco treatment specialist
to develop an individualized treatment
plan.
When seconds count!
Thursday, March 11
6 to 7 p.m.
Location:
This informational lecture will discuss
how to prevent a stroke, how
to identify stroke symptoms and
how to deal with a stroke. Refreshments
will be served.
Fitness and Movement
Ball and sculpt
Wednesdays, Jan. 6-Feb. 10,
Feb. 24-April 14 (no class March
24 or March 31), April 21-May 26,
June 9-July 14
5:40 to 6:40 p.m.
Location:
$70 per six-week session
Learn how to use the Resist-a-Ball,
SPRI elastic bands and free weights
to get a total-body workout.
ballroom/Latin/
swing Dance:
Basics and Beyond
Tuesdays, Jan. 5-Feb. 2, Feb. 16-
March 16, March 30-April 27
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location:
$60 per five-week session
Learn ballroom dancing in a fun,
supportive atmosphere. Enjoy a
gentle, varied cardiovascular workout.
No partner required.
Gentle Yoga
Thursdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 11,
March 4-April 8, April 22-May 27
10:30 to 11:45 a.m. or 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Location:
$70 per six-week session
Great for people of all ages and
those with physical challenges.
Less Stress
for success
Sundays, Jan. 10-Feb. 14, Feb. 28-
March 28*, April 18-May 23
6 to 7:15 p.m.
Location:
$70 per six-week session
(*five-week session, $60)
Learn to relax through a variety of
breathing and yoga techniques.
Movement, Stretch
and Strength
Saturdays, Jan. 9-Feb. 13,
Feb. 27-April 3, April 17-May 22,
June 5-July 10
10 to 11 a.m.
$20 per six-week session
Tuesdays and Thursdays,
Jan. 5-Feb. 11, Feb. 23-April 1,
April 13-May 20, June 1-July 8
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
$40 per six-week session
Location:
Perfect for those with mobility problems
and pre- and post-weight-loss
surgery patients. Open to all ages;
physician consent required.
NEW One-Stop
Wellness
Thursdays, Feb. 4-March 25
6 to 7 p.m.
Location:
$80 per eight-week session
Learn about nutrition, exercise and
behavior modification. Each class
includes 30 minutes of movement.
Blood pressure, weight, body mass
index and body fat percentage will
be measured for all participants at
the first and last classes.
Pilates
Wednesdays, Jan. 6-Feb. 10,
Feb. 24-April 14 (no class
March 24 or 31), April 21-May 26,
June 9-July 14
6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Location:
$70 per six-week session
A mat class to improve core strength,
flexibility and posture.
Free
Senior Fit
A free 45-minute, multicomponent
exercise program for
adults 55 and older that focuses
on upper- and lower-body strength,
balance, agility, and cardiovascular
fitness. Offered at 19 locations. This
program is offered in partnership
with Kaiser Permanente.
Tai Chi Chih
Mondays, Jan. 4-March 8,
March 29-June 7 (no class May 31)
9:30 to 10:45 a.m., beginners
11 a.m. to noon, review and
refresh (advanced)
Location:
$70 per 10-week session
These gentle movements help release
stress by relaxing the body,
balancing energy and promoting
serenity. Can be done by anyone
regardless of physical condition.
Yoga I
Mondays, Jan. 11-Feb. 15,
March 1-April 5 (no class
March 29)*, April 19-May 24
6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Thursdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 11,
March 4-April 8, April 22-May 27
9 to 10:15 a.m.
Location:
$70 per six-week session
(*five-week sessions, $60)
This physically active, meditative
experience develops flexibility
and strength.
Yoga II
Thursdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 11,
March 4-April 8, April 22-May 27
7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Location:
$70 per six-week session
For continuing yoga students who
have taken Yoga I.
Yoga for Women
Sundays, Jan. 10-Feb. 14,
Feb. 28-March 28*,
April 18-May 23
4:30 to 5:45 p.m.
Location:
$70 per six-week session
(*five-week session, $60)
For women 30 and older.
Yoga Nidra
Mondays, Jan. 11-Feb. 15,
March 1-April 5 (no class
March 29)*, April 19-May 24
8 to 9 p.m.
Location:
www.holycrosshealth.org 13

support groups
Free
To learn more or to register, call the numbers listed below.
For a full listing of support groups that meet at Holy Cross
Hospital, visit www.holycrosshealth.org.
adult caregiver support groups
For more information, call Sister Kathy Weber at 301-754-7152.
Adult diabetes support group—
living with diabetes
For more information, call Linda Henderson, RN, at 301-754-7448.
Bariatric Program support group
For more information, visit www.holycrosshealth.org/bariatrics.
Bereavement support groups
For more information, call Franca Posner, MSW, at 301-754-7742.
Breast Cancer Support Group
For more information, call Jackie Diehl at 301-754-7537.
Caregivers of Cancer patients
For more information or to register, call Patricia Malik at
301-754-7543.
HEMATOLOGY SUPPORT GROUP
For more information, call the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at
703-960-1100.
Living With Diabetes Adult Support Group
For more information, call Linda Henderson at 301-754-7448.
Look Good…Feel Better
For more information, call Jackie Diehl at 301-754-7537.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Support Group
For more information, call Kathleen Velte-Lee at 301-754-7724.
Nixing Nicotine: Staying Quit Support Groups
For more information, call Ryan Coffman at 301-754-7278.
OVARIAN and GYNECOLOGICAL
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
For more information, call Jackie Diehl at 301-754-7537.
Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver Support Group
For more information, call Mary Bulla Sanchez at 301-754-8510.
Perinatal Loss Support Group
For more information, call the Spiritual Care department
at 301-754-7390.
Stroke Support Group
For more information about the Montgomery
County Stroke Association support group,
call 301-754-8800.
Surgical weight loss
post-op support group
For more information, call 301-754-8800.
THYCA: Thyroid Cancer
Support Group
For more information, call 301-943-5419.
14 Holy Cross Health
$70 per six-week session
(*five-week session, $60)
This guided meditation practice
promotes healing by transforming
the effects of stress, fatigue,
chronic illness and disease.
Disease
management
and
maintenance
All disease management and maintenance
programs are free. Registration
is required. To register, call 301-
754-8800 unless otherwise noted.
BETTER BONES
For seniors 55 and older, this osteoporosis
prevention and management
program focuses on maintaining
bone density while improving
strength, flexibility and balance.
Some exercises are done in a seated
position.
DIABETES
self-management
Education
Mondays, Jan. 4-25, Feb. 8-
March 1, March 15-April 5,
April 19-May 10
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Location:
Thursdays, Jan. 7-28,
Feb. 11-March 4, March 18-April 8,
April 22-May 13
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location:
This interactive four-week series of
classes will prepare someone who
has diabetes to successfully selfmanage
the disease on a day-today
basis. The program is staffed by
Finding a
physician is easy!
Looking for a physician
At the heart of Holy Cross Hospital
is a large and diverse network of more
than 1,200 experienced physicians in
45 specialties.
Just visit
www.holycrosshealth.org
or call 301-754-8800.
a certified diabetes nurse educator
and a registered dietitian experienced
in the care and treatment of
diabetes. Call for information and
to register.
NEW Guided
Meditation
for Chronic
conditions
Wednesdays, Jan. 6-27, Feb. 10-
March 3, March 17-April 7,
April 21-May 12
Noon to 1 p.m.
Location:
$40 per four-week session
These deeply relaxing and restorative
sessions are perfect for pain management,
stress relief and relaxation. Different
topic explored each week.
Guided Meditation for
Chronic conditions:
Free workshops
Saturdays, Jan. 30, March 6
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Come and learn more about the keys
to achieving a relaxed mind and
body and why “trying to relax” rarely
works. Introductory practices include
breathing techniques, mindfulness
and a deeply restorative guided
meditation.
HEART Success:
A Workshop for heart
failure Prevention
and Recovery
Wednesdays, Feb. 24, April 28
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Learn about the early signs of
heart failure, heart-healthy nutrition,
medication and weight
management. Have your medication
reviewed and your blood
pressure checked. Enjoy a hearthealthy
lunch with a cooking
demonstration.
Medical Adult
Day Care
Holy Cross Hospital Medical Adult
Day Center provides social, recreational
and medical programs
for seniors and disabled adults.
The center fosters a tight-knit
community atmosphere by celebrating
and acknowledging each
participant’s unique skills and
contributions to the group. Staffed
with caring professionals, including
a registered nurse, a social
worker and activity coordinators,
adult day care is a cost-effective

alternative to residential care. For
more information, to register for
two free trial days or to schedule a
tour, call 301-754-7150. See page 11
for more information.
NEW Support
for breast
cancer patients
A new program at Holy Cross
Hospital pairs breast cancer survivor
volunteers with newly diagnosed
breast cancer patients. Survivors
Offering Support (SOS) matches
volunteer mentors with new patients
according to age, lifestyle and stage
of breast cancer. SOS mentors offer
emotional support, encouragement
and insight to newly diagnosed
breast cancer patients like no one
else can. To learn more about the
SOS program, to become a volunteer
mentor or to find a mentor, contact
Denise O’Neill, SOS coordinator, at
oneillde@holycrosshealth.org or by
calling 301-754-8502.
SENIOR
SPOTLIGHT
HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL
SENIOR SOURCE
Location:
The Holy Cross Hospital Senior
Source offers an array of health and
wellness education classes, health
screenings, and programs for active
senior adults 55 and older.
Nixing Nicotine:
Smoking Cessation
for seniors
Wednesdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 17,
May 5-June 9
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location:
Free; quit-smoking aids included
Take a six-week path to nixing nicotine.
This program is designed to
help you stop smoking. A certified
tobacco treatment specialist provides
a unique, supportive opportunity
for each participant to learn to
be and stay tobacco-free. Individuals
will first speak with the tobacco
treatment specialist to develop an
individualized treatment plan.
Wellness
Education
CPR AND FIRST AID
Please note: These classes are
designed for the general public and
meet the requirements for day care
providers. They are not designed
for health care professionals. An
American Heart Association card
will be issued upon completion. Call
301-754-8800 for information, dates
and times.
First Aid (American Health and
Safety Institute certification)
$42
Heartsaver: Adult CPR (AED
training)
$50
Heartsaver: Adult/Infant/Child
CPR
$55
Heartsaver: Adult/Infant/Child
CPR (AED training)
$60
Location:
Girl Talk
Thursday, March 4
7 to 9 p.m.
Location:
$20 per family
For girls ages 8 to 11 and their
moms. Explore puberty changes,
menstrual cycles and opening the
lines of communication.
Safe Sitter
Sunday, Feb. 7; Saturday,
March 20
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location:
$65 per person
A class for 11- to 13-year-olds that
covers child care safety, handling
emergencies, CPR techniques and
more.
Childbirth
AND Parenting
Education
Holy Cross Hospital offers a variety
of classes, tours and exercise
programs to help a family prepare
for new baby’s arrival and
beyond. For a list of classes, visit
www.holycrosshealth.org, email
classinfo@holycrosshealth.org or
call 301-754-8800.
Register today!
You also may register for classes by credit card at
www.holycrosshealth.org or by calling 301-754-8800.
Please mail this form with payment (no cash, please) to:
Community Health Holy Cross Hospital
1500 Forest Glen Road Silver Spring, MD 20910-1484
Program Date Fee
!
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Name_____________________________ Date of birth_______________
Address_______________________________Apt. No._______________
City/State/ZIP_ _______________________________________________
Telephone (Daytime)____________________(Evening)_______________
Email (Optional)_______________________________________________
Payment method (circle one):
Visa MasterCard American Express Discover Money order
Check (to Holy Cross Hospital)
Card number__________________________Exp. date_______________
Signature_ ___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Holy Cross Hospital reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient
enrollment. In inclement weather, call 301-754-7000 for class
cancellations.
Refund policy
If you cancel within 72 hours of the first class, you will be given a refund
minus a 10 percent processing fee.
A full refund will be given for medical reasons with a physician’s
note.
A full refund will be given if the class is cancelled due to insufficient
enrollment.
A full refund will be given if the class is full at the time your registration
is received.
www.holycrosshealth.org 15

Georgia Ave.
health
HoLy CRoSS
HoLy CRoSS HoSPitAL
1500 Forest glen Road
Silver Spring, Md 20910-1484
nonprofit org.
u.S. Postage
PAiD
Lebanon, oH
Permit no. 158
HoLy CRoSS HeALtH is published for friends and
patients of HoLy CRoSS HoSPitAL, 1500 Forest
glen Road, Silver Spring, Md 20910. to be added
or removed from this mailing list or if you have
comments about this publication, please call
301-754-7712.
HoLy CRoSS HeALtH is not meant to replace
professional medical advice or service. Personal
health problems should be brought to the attention
of the appropriate health professionals.
1
Kevin J. sexton
President and Ceo
Wendy Friar
vice President, Community Health
Diane Meyers
vice President, Communications and Marketing
Elizabeth Dooley
director, Marketing
Nancy graham
editor
Where to find us
Holy Cross Hospital
Copyright © 2009 Holy Cross Hospital and
Coffey Communications, inc. CuM24385h
www.holycrosshealth.org
301-754-7000 • TTY 301-754-7406
A healthy mother and
baby is our first priority
MEET THE sAFrAs: All three of sharon and Michael safra’s
children—rebecca, 5; Ethan, 3; and gila, 17 months—were
born at Holy cross Hospital—and sharon was born here too!
More babies are born at Holy Cross Hospital each year
than at any other hospital in Maryland or the district
of Columbia.
Whether you are having your first baby or adding to
your family, the Holy Cross Hospital Maternity Center
is here to help you with the birth of your new child.
our center combines a state-of-the-art facility with
highly skilled staff and a nurturing approach to provide
sophisticated and compassionate care.
While most women have normal pregnancies and
deliver healthy babies, if the unexpected occurs, our
Maternity Center offers the most advanced programs
and care available.
in fact, we house the state’s largest neonatal intensive
Care unit to care for critically ill newborns.
Holy cross Hospital offers a wide variety of
childbirth and parenting classes. For a list of
classes, visit www.holycrosshealth.org.