WINTER 2018 HEALTHCONNECTION

W I N T E R 2 018HEALTHCONNECTIONSEE PAGE 4 FOREmilee’s Story

IN THIS ISSUEFrom Traumato TriumphGynecologicCancers:South JerseyWoman TurnsInjuries IntoInspirationWhat EveryWomanNeeds toKnowPAGE42Free CancerSupportGroupsFROMMD AndersonCancer Centerat CooperPAGE6PAGE7The RipaCenter forWomen’sHealth andWellness iologyServicesFROMIntegrativeMedicineProgram forWomenCooper UniversityHealth Care PAGEPAGE10 11NewYear. NewYou!Lower waist size, Lower blood pressure, Lower glucose levels, andLower cholesterol are just the beginning. Start lowering yours today!Feel Confident WithLifetime Care and SupportRegister to attendone of these freeinformative seminars:The Cooper Center for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeryis an Accredited Center as designated by theAmerican Society for Metabolic andBariatric Surgery (ASMBS),which means you’ll receivemultidisciplinary, lifelongcare and support. TheCenter is also recognizedas a Program of Distinctionand Quality by othermajor associations.VOORHEES Tuesday, January 16, 2018 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 Thursday, March 22, 2018 Wednesday, April 25, 2018Cooper Metabolic andBariatric Surgery Center6017 Main Street, Voorhees, NJ 08043BLACKWOOD Thursday, January 25, 2018 Wednesday, April 4, 2018Camden County Community College200 College Drive, Polk HallBlackwood, NJ 08012BRITTANY, 2016 bariatricpatient, is down 147 0.8.COOPER(1.800.826.6737)

Cooper Heart Rhythm Center –Treating Patients with Atrial FibrillationAtrial Fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of heart rhythmdisorder, also known as a heart arrhythmia. The pumping ofthe heart is controlled by the heart’s electrical system. DuringAFib, the electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heartbecome disorganized, causing a rapid and irregular heartbeat.This can worsen the overall function of the heart, increase therisk of blood clots and stroke, and can ultimately lead to heartfailure (or fluid buildup in the lungs). In fact, the average personwith AFib is five times more likely to suffer from a stroke.According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than2.7 million people in the United States have been diagnosedwith AFib, and only 33 percent consider the condition to beserious. The AHA also estimates as many as 6.1 millionAmericans are living with AFib and have gone undiagnosedsince the symptoms are not always obvious.Treating a heart rhythm disorder requires absolute precision.At the Cooper Heart Rhythm Center, a program of the CooperHeart Institute, patients have access to the most advancedtechnology and experienced electrophysiologists (a doctorwho specializes in the diagnosis andtreatment of abnormal heart rhythms) insouthern New Jersey. “We deliver stateof-the-art arrhythmia treatment andpatient-centered care through a teambased approach,” says Andrea M. Russo, MD, Director, Electrophysiology andArrhythmia Services. “Our involvement inAndrea M. Russo, MD clinical research at Cooper provides accessDirector, Cardiacto the latest technology for care of ourElectrophysiology andArrhythmia Servicespatients with arrhythmia disorders.”The goal of treating AFib is to restore a normal heart rhythmand prevent blood clots from forming to reduce future risk of astroke. The treatment that is chosen depends on the frequencyand severity of the patient’s symptoms and risk factors forstroke, in addition to whether or not the patient was alreadybeen diagnosed with heart disease.Risk Factors for AFib Age (higher risk with increased Excessive alcohol useage, but can also occur F amily historyin younger people) Sleep apnea Obesity Other chronic conditionssuch as thyroid problems, High blood pressurediabetes, and asthma Underlying heart disease –coronary artery disease, priorheart attack, and heart failureSymptoms of AFibIf you experience any of the following symptoms, besure to discuss them with your primary care physician: H eart palpitations (sudden pounding,fluttering or racing feeling in the chest) General fatigue and lack of energy Shortness of breath Dizziness, faintness Chest pain, pressure, or tightnessTreatment Options for AFib at CooperZ Blood-thinning Medication to Prevent Blood Clots –Warfarin and other FDA approved anticoagulants such asdabigitran, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, and apixaban.Z Medication to Control Heart Rate or Reset Rhythm –Anti-arrhythmic agents, calcium channel blockers,and beta blockers.Z Electrical Cardioversion – An electrical shock on the outsideof the chest using either paddles or patches while undershort-acting anesthesia.Z Catheter Ablation – A minimally invasive procedure in whichheat energy is delivered to small areas of heart tissue thatare responsible for creating abnormal electrical impulses thatcause AFib, rendering them unable to send abnormal signals.Z Open-Heart Maze Procedure – Performed by a cardiothoracicsurgeon, who creates small cuts in the upper part of theheart, the cuts are stitched together and scar tissue forms,interfering with electrical signals that cause AFib.Z Watchman FLX – Left Atrial Appendage occlusion device –a new, non-surgical stroke risk reduction option for patientswith non-valvular AFib who want an alternative tolong-term warfarin therapy.Z Pacemaker – A small electrical device implanted in the bodyunder the skin near the collarbone that sends out anelectrical signal to the heart to keep a steady rhythm;“leadless” pacemakers are also now available and areinserted through a vein in the groin to the heart to regulatethe heart. For more information or to schedule an appointmentwith a Cooper Heart Institute cardiologist, call1.800.8.COOPER (1.800.826.6737), or visitCooperHealth.org/Heart.3

From Trauma to TriumphSouth Jersey Woman Turns Injuries Into InspirationOn July 20, 2013, after a day of crabbingwith friends, Emilee Ballinghoff of MaysLanding, New Jersey, then just 19 yearsold, was involved in a one-car accident inMonroe Township that ejected her fromthe vehicle.“I don’t remember the accident, but Ido remember waking up to the doctor,”Emilee recalls. “He said, ‘Emilee, you werein a car accident and you lost your leg.’I thought it was a nightmare, so I endedup closing my eyes and then I was in asedated coma for about a week. When Iwoke up, it was the reality.”4Emilee’s list of injuries was extensive.She lost her right leg below the knee atthe scene, suffered a compound fractureof her left tibia, fractured her spine andseveral ribs, and sustained a traumaticbrain injury. Emilee was airlifted toCooper, where the team at the Level 1Trauma Center saved her life.“Emilee came in with catastrophicinjuries,” says Kenneth W. Graf, MD,Director, Orthopaedic Trauma andFracture Program. “In a regularcommunity hospital, an injury likeEmilee’s wouldn’t be dealt with. Itwould be sent here, because this iswhat we do.”“It starts with the first person to see atrauma patient. They will then call inconsultations to any number of specialtiesbecause we are on call 24 hours a day,seven days a week. There’s a surgeonright at the door,” says Dr. Graf.Situated within the only Level 1 TraumaCenter in southern New Jersey, the CooperOrthopaedic Trauma team is uniquelyequipped to care for patients who sufferfrom traumatic orthopaedic injuries.At Cooper, a team of experts – such assurgeons, traumatologists, and othertrauma professionals – follow protocolsto ensure that patients receive state-ofthe-art surgical care as quickly as possible.

Cooper is the only area regional trauma center with fellowshiptrained orthopaedic traumatologists. Although all orthopaedicsurgeons are trained to treat muscle, bone, and joint injuries,the traumatologist brings a new level of expertise to thehandling of complex and multiple injuries.Once Emilee’s vital signs were stabilized, the Orthopaedic Traumasurgeons and team had to work quickly. The main goal with atraumatic amputation is to save the knee joint. Dr. Graf explainswhy: “There is a prosthesis now that can be attached to even thesmallest piece of tibia that is still attached to the knee. So ournumber one goal was to save as much tibia as we could.”Emilee spent five months recovering as an inpatient atCooper. She feels that the nurses and doctors were there forher each step of the way, providing their medical expertise, encouragement, and moral support. “The nurses impacted mylife in those months,” recalls Emilee. “They really helped me.”During her recovery,Emilee had dozens ofsurgeries, a numberof which Dr. Grafperformed. “Emilee’sattitude remainedspotless during thewhole process,” saysDr. Graf. “If you wantedto hold up someoneas a beacon of hope, I think Emilee is your patient. When yousee her, you can’t help but smile.”In addition to the surgeries, Emilee was undergoing physicaland occupational therapy daily while at Cooper. She had to relearn how to walk, stretch her arms above her head, and talk.The therapy team worked directly with Emilee’s surgeonsand physicians to ensure seamless care. Every day, Emileeworked on getting stronger. Recalling the therapy, Emilee says,“I’m not going to sugarcoat it; every day was a struggle. But youcannot change the past – you can only control your future.”Emilee’s injuries were so devastating that at one point immediately following the accident, her family was initially told thatshe might not make it. “But I made it,” says Emilee, “and thatcan give hope to others.”Emilee continues to recover from her accident and is movingon with her life. She recently graduated from a rehabilitationprogram in Mays Landing and is living independently for thefirst time since the accident. In 2014, she received her highschool diploma, an important goal in her healing process. Thisgoal is one step in the process to her ultimate career goal – tobe a physical therapist herself.Emilee thrives on being an inspiration to others. Talk show hostEllen DeGeneres heard about Emilee’s story and invited herto be on the “Ellen” show in the fall of 2015. As a longtime fanof Ellen, Emilee jumped at the chance to tell her story tomillions, hoping she would be able to reach those who mightbe having a tough time.Kenneth W. Graf, MDDirector, Orthopaedic Traumaand Fracture Program“Every day is a struggle, but it’s worth it when I know mystruggle can inspire others,” Emilee recalls. “This has changed mefor the better. I know my story can help someone struggling tolook at things differently, in a more positive light.” In July 2016,Emilee gave birth to a baby girl, Abigail, at Cooper.The experience ofhaving her daughterat the same hospitalwhere she recoveredis very inspiring toEmilee. “When I walkinto Cooper, I feelvery emotional,” saysEmilee. “It’s wherethey saved me and where I gave life.”Emilee acknowledges that chasing after her daughter isvery eventful. But she believes that even if she had twolegs, it would be hard. Emilee is proud to be an inspirationto her daughter and continues to work on her recoveryfor Abigail.“Early in my recovery, I decided to stop using the word‘handicap’,” says Emilee. “Instead, I chose every day to livemy life as someone who is handicapable.”“Emilee came from a really devastating injury to a spot in herlife where she’s going to function pretty well for the rest ofher life. That’s huge for us,” says Dr. Graf. “There’s nothing thatgives us more satisfaction – in this job – than that.”Emilee is working hard each day to live her life to the fullest.“The accident made me a better Emilee,” she says. “And Cooperwas right there beside me, making it all possible.”F or more information about the Cooper Bone and JointInstitute, visit CooperHealth.org/Ortho, or to makean appointment with Dr. Graf, call 1.800.8.COOPER(1.800.826.6737).See the video about Emille’sexperience by visitingCooperHealth.org/EmileeSurvivorStory5