Joint Replacement Program at Mount Nittany Ranked Number One in PA

Mount Nittany Medical Center has been ranked in the top five percent of the nation for joint replacement, and is a recipient of the HealthGrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ for orthopedic joint replacement care. Mount Nittany is also ranked number one in the state of Pennsylvania for joint replacement based on a recent study by HealthGrades, the leading independent health care ratings organization. The HealthGrades study evaluates objective patient outcomes in the nation’s 5,000 hospitals.

In addition, Mount Nittany Medical Center’s orthopedic program received the highest five-star ratings from HealthGrades for overall orthopedic services, joint replacement, total knee replacement and total hip replacement.

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Together Strong: Births Breaking Records, Nurses Delivering Personal Care

The Women and Children's Services department at Mount Nittany Medical Center is seeing babies, babies and more babies. On Tuesday, April 27, there were 21 babies in the unit's nursery, adding to the second straight record-breaking month. The Medical Center saw 140 babies born in April and 137 born in March.

One of those special little ones was Bailee Rae Scott, born April 27 at 1:54 a.m., weighing 8 lbs. 7 oz.

"She seems pretty strong. I think she is going to be a volleyball player," said the new dad, Jason Scott of Bellefonte.

"I love her so much. It's really neat to see what you have created and waited for over nine months," said new mom Amanda Scott, brushing her hand over the baby's head. "She has my nose, his eyes and lips, and my hair, of course."

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Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Team Puts Patients First

Mount Nittany Medical Center is streamlining care for those with head and neck cancer by offering a clinic approach to care. Using the radiation oncology department as the staging area, a multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team is focusing on the common goal of helping patients access specialists in radiation oncology, surgery and chemotherapy for better patient outcomes.

"Cancer patients rarely have one treatment, which may mean multiple visits to multiple specialists," said Philip Lowry, MD, medical oncologist. "Our multi-disciplinary clinic approach brings together a team of specialists from different disciplines that are simultaneously assessing the patient, reviewing the results as a team and then quickly putting together an integrated plan.

"To round out our team, we're including support specialists such as a dietitian, clinical nurse specialist, speech pathologist, plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a patient navigator, who helps the patient with insurance considerations and other issues like transportation. The goal is to give patients the best treatment plan possible using all the resources of the Medical Center."

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Background on Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a term used to describe a range of malignant (cancerous) tumors that can appear in or around the throat, larynx (voice box), nose, sinuses and mouth. Head and neck cancer represent about 3 to 5 percent of all cancers in the United States and encompass five areas: Cancer of the Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal; Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer; Nasopharyngeal Cancer; Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer; and Salivary Gland Cancer.

More information on head and neck cancer is available from the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Mount Nittany Celebrates Sweet Success in Patient Satisfaction

Recent scores show Mount Nittany Medical Center is working hard to put patients first. Patients ranked the Emergency Department in the 90th percentile in the American Hospital Association (AHA) Region 2 comparative group and the 95th percentile for 40,000 visits or more this quarter. Outpatient Services, for the second consecutive quarter, achieved its goal when patients ranked it in the 84% percentile in American Hospital Association (AHA) Region 2. American Hospital Association (AHA) Region 2 comparative group is the group of hospitals in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. The Mount Nittany percentile is a comparison to the rest of this group.

"Congratulations to everyone for working together to provide exceptional care, creating a culture where patients come first," said Steve Brown, president and chief executive officer. "At Mount Nittany, we care about our patients, not just for them.

"Our scores tell only part of the story. Our Mount Nittany family works to create an exceptional patient experience. Ultimately, it is our patients and their families' perception of how well we met their healthcare needs that determines our success."

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Rating Outlook Score Moved from Stable to Positive

In 2009, Mount Nittany Medical Center received an A- bond rating from Standard & Poor's and Fitch ratings with a stable outlook. In April 2010, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services upgraded the outlook from stable to positive and affirmed the Medical Center's A- long-term rating on the $70 million series 2009 bonds, issued for Mount Nittany Medical Center.

According to www.standardandpoors.com, credit analyst Charlene Butterfield said, "The outlook revision reflects strong operating profitability and debt service coverage for the rating, coupled with increasing balance-sheet strength."

The A- rating reflects Mount Nittany's strong business position as the sole community provider.

20th Anniversary Mount Nittany Medical Center Golf Classic slated for August 21

The Mount Nittany Medical Center Golf Classic committee is celebrating its 20th anniversary golf tournament this year. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, August 21, at the Penn State Golf Courses.

"We're excited to be celebrating the Golf Classic's 20th year as a major fund raising event for The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center," said Golf Classic co-chair Fred Carlin, OD. "Funds raised will go towards the $500,000 goal established in 2008 to support the Cancer Program at the Medical Center. Last year the event raised $108,000 from the generous support of our sponsors and golfers,"

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ADA Renews Certification of Diabetes Education Program at Mount Nittany Medical Center

The Mount Nittany Medical Center Diabetes Self-Management Program received renewed certification from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), following a voluntary review process conducted by national diabetes experts.

According to the ADA, more than 23 million Americans are affected by diabetes with an estimated 57 million battling pre-diabetes. Every year, 1.6 million new cases are diagnosed. The majority of those living with diabetes will also face complications as a result of the disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, neuropathy and amputation. These complications are significant and sometimes life-threatening.

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My Baby is the Cutest Winner Announced

Eleven-month old Anthony John Damico, Jr., was the winner of the My Baby's the Cutest! Contest sponsored by Mount Nittany Medical Center and wearecentralpa.com by garnering 2,536 votes. The proud parents are Ashley and Anthony Damico of Bellwood.

"When I entered Anthony's photo in the contest, we spread the word fast to both of our large families and I used Facebook to get the word out to vote," said Ashley.

Mount Nittany Medical Center gave the family a large gift basket containing numerous health and safety items such as a CO2 monitor, digital ear thermometer, first aid kit, and swim floatation outfit. The family will also receive a professional photography session at Studio 2 Photography in State College and a $200 US Savings Bond.

Dittmann Honored for Contributions to Education

Jerry Dittmann, SPHR, vice president of human resources at Mount Nittany Medical Center, received an award for Outstanding Contribution in Education from the State College Area High School on May 6.

"Jerry was selected for his dedication, leadership and expertise over several years to programs for the youth of our community, including the development of the healthcare professions curriculum at the Career Technology Center," said State College Area High School Career Technical Center director Barry King. "He was also instrumental in developing the Clinical Observation Course, where high school students have an opportunity to visit medical center departments and learn about the various careers within a medical setting.

“Jerry really takes the time to help young people in our community know about career opportunities locally."

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Skin Cancer: Examine Your Skin Often and Notify Physician of Any Changes

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime, according to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and it comes not a moment too soon as a cool and rainy spring turns to a hot and sunny summer.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than one million Americans diagnosed annually. Moles, spots and blemishes on the skin are usually harmless, but not always, which is why it is important to get to know your body and recognize any changes to your skin.

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Fitness Tip: Lace Up For Your Health

Walking is the cheapest form of exercise you can get. All you need is a good pair of shoes and a well-lit place to lace up. In just a few short minutes each day, you can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and colon cancer, strengthen your heart and bones, boost brain power and alleviate symptoms of depression. No gym membership required.

Even better, Mount Nittany is sponsoring a number of walks in Centre County that will put you on the path to good health while helping a good cause in the process. You can find a full list of walks at www.mountnittany.org.

Swim Safely This Summer: Follow These Tips

• Always supervise children who are in or near the water.
• Completely fence in swimming pools with self-closing and self-latching gates. For additional protection, install alarms on doors leading to the pool area and in-water alarms.
• When children are not in the pool, remove all toys from the area to reduce the chance of them accidently falling into the water.
• Take CPR training and keep a phone and rescue equipment, such as a shepherd’s hook or life preserver, near the pool.

For more health-related information, visit our wellness library.