By Lauren Matsnev, MD, OB-GYN at at Kramer OB-GYN and Associates, a Redeemer Health practice providing complete obstetrical and gynecological care

Protecting your health and your baby’s well-being during pregnancy is a top priority. This includes going for routine check-ups and getting regular screenings recommended by your doctor. 

One particularly important screening in the third trimester is for Group B Streptococcus (GBS), commonly known as Group B Strep.

What is Group B Strep?
GBS is a type of bacteria often found in the genital or gastrointestinal tracts of healthy women. While generally harmless in adults, GBS can pose significant risks during pregnancy and childbirth. 

Why is GBS screening important? 
During pregnancy, GBS may occasionally lead to UTIs or other infections, which are treatable with antibiotics. For newborns, exposure to GBS during delivery can result in severe infections like pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis. These conditions can be life-threatening, making it critical to know if you have GBS.

When and how are you tested for GBS?
Testing for GBS is typically done between weeks 35-37 of pregnancy. The procedure is quick, painless, and usually performed during a regular prenatal visit. Knowing whether you have GBS enables you and your health care provider to take the necessary precautions to protect your baby during delivery.

What happens if you test positive for GBS: 
If you test positive for GBS, you will receive antibiotics during labor. These antibiotics are safe for both you and your baby and significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the bacteria during childbirth. Should any complications occur from GBS, hospital staff are well-trained to provide immediate antibiotics and closely monitor your baby after birth.

Knowing your GBS status is the first step in safeguarding your baby during childbirth.
By getting tested, discussing antibiotics with your doctor, and taking timely action during delivery, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with Group B Strep. 

Take charge of your pregnancy health today. Talk with your doctor about GBS testing and make informed choices to protect the well-being of your precious new arrival.

To find a Redeemer Health OB-GYN near you, call our Physician Referral Service at 800-818-4747 or visit the Find a Provider directory on Redeemer Health’s website.

Holy Redeemer Hospital’s maternity center is recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association for its history of delivering high-quality maternal care, safely and effectively.

If you are expecting a new baby, be sure to visit RedeemerHealth.org/MaternityCare to register for a tour of our maternity center, access helpful educational resources and videos, and join our Redeemer Baby Online Community, where you can meet and stay connected with other new moms. 

About the Author: Lauren Matsnev, MD, is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN) specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and women's reproductive health. She received her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Matsnev currently sees patients at Kramer OB-GYN and Associates, a Redeemer Health practice providing complete obstetrical and gynecological care.

MEADOWBROOK, PA – JULY 2024 — Holy Redeemer Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke: Gold Plus achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the fifth cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the country. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“Holy Redeemer Hospital is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Cass Egan, Chief Administration Officer at the hospital. “Get With The Guidelines helps our team put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis. The end goal is to ensure more people in our care can experience longer, healthier lives.” 

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home. 

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Holy Redeemer Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Holy Redeemer Hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.  

Additionally, the hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. This helps ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
 

About Get With The Guidelines® - Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

MEADOWBROOK, Pa. – June 27, 2024 Holy Redeemer Hospital was named one of the country’s “100 Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review. Holy Redeemer Hospital is part of Redeemer Health, a community-based integrated health care and social services system in Montgomery and Bucks counties, and Northeast Philadelphia.

The annual list is developed by Becker’s based on nominations and editorial research. 

“Community hospitals are a crucial piece of the overall health care system in the U.S. They provide patients located outside of metropolitan areas with convenient, affordable care,” said Becker’s. “The community hospitals honored in this list are focused on bringing clinical and academic excellence, personalized and holistic care, and overall improved health to their communities.”

Holy Redeemer Hospital’s nomination included the hospital’s services for new mothers with substance abuse challenges, its low rates of health care-associated infections, and success in programs such as stroke care, maternity, and joint replacement. 

According to the American Hospital Association, there are 5,129 community hospitals in the United States, which is about 84% of all U.S. hospitals. The 100 Great Community Hospitals represents less than 2% of all community hospitals in the country. Further, only four hospitals in Pennsylvania earned the status as one of the 100 Great Community Hospitals this year – one in Bucks County, one in Central Pennsylvania, and two in the Philadelphia market, including Holy Redeemer Hospital.

“Truly, this is the result of a team working together and remaining committed to everything that matters most in a hospital,” said Cass Egan, Chief Administrative Officer at Holy Redeemer Hospital. “Every day we reaffirm staunch loyalty to our mission, to our culture of safety, to our patient experience, and to a community that has trusted us for generations.”

This recognition comes immediately after The Leapfrog Group scored Holy Redeemer Hospital its tenth straight A-grade for safety, noting that fewer than 6% of surveyed hospitals nationally accomplished this milestone. The Leapfrog Group informed Holy Redeemer Hospital that it has the highest number of A-grades in a row in both Montgomery County and Philadelphia County.

For more information, and to read the complete list of “100 Great Community Hospitals,” visit Becker’s Hospital Review here. To see The Leapfrog Group’s Hospital Safety Grade for Holy Redeemer Hospital, visit here.

During Men’s Health Month or any time of the year, taking care of yourself is essential. One way to do this is by regularly seeing your doctor. Being proactive can help prevent health issues and catch them early during routine visits, especially as you age. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer and heart disease remain among the top leading causes of death for men – underscoring the critical role early detection plays in managing and preventing these conditions.

Regular Check-ups and Screenings Offer Obvious Benefits

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent voluntary panel of experts in primary care, prevention, and evidence-based practice, recommends a roster of regular screenings for men of any age. Below are just a few:

• Blood Pressure – Regular checks help detect hypertension.  
• Cholesterol – Checking levels can prevent heart-related issues, especially for men aged 35 and older. Consult your primary care physician to discuss the option of undergoing a low dose CT cardiac calcium score test, which can aid in the early detection of any potential issues. 
• Colorectal Cancer – Screening starting at age 45 for average-risk men or earlier based on family history is recommended.
• Type 2 Diabetes – Screening should start at age 35 for men with risk factors such as obesity or family history. Did you know, nutritional counseling services are available through Redeemer Health’s partnership with Simplex Health? To learn more, visit simplexhealth.com or call 1-877-842-2425.
• Prostate Cancer – Discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with a health care professional, especially if you’re 50 or older.
• Lung Cancer – Screening should start at age 50 for current or past smokers. You may be a candidate for a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan, which can detect lung cancer earlier. Click here for more information or call 215-938-LUNG (5864).
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – Start screening at age 65 to 75 if you have ever smoked.

These are only general guidelines and there are others to consider for issues like alcohol use disorder, depression, obesity, tobacco use, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, for example.

Get to Know Your Doctor to Keep Your Health in Check

Consult with your doctor for personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and risk factors. It could help to have additional conversations about diabetes, skin cancer prevention, and a diet designed to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Finally, your doctor can help determine which vaccines may require a booster or re-dose. While vaccines for flu and COVID-19 are top of mind these days, you should also ask about vaccines for pneumonia, Tdap, shingles, meningitis, chicken pox, RSV, and Hepatitis A and B.

To find a doctor who is right for you, visit Redeemer Health’s physician directory or call the Redeemer Health Physician Referral Service at 800-818-4747.

Preventive Screenings Chart

MEADOWBROOK, PA, June 17, 2024 - The Redeemer Health Board of Trustees and the Redeemer Ministries Board announced today that Michael B. Laign will retire from his role as President and CEO, effective July 15, 2024, after a highly successful and distinguished 31-year tenure as Redeemer Health’s CEO. The Boards also announced the selection of Gregory T. Wozniak, an accomplished health care leader with deep expertise in leading integrated health care organizations, as Redeemer Health’s new President and CEO, beginning July 15. Laign will continue to serve in an advisory role during a transition period.

“Without a doubt, Mike is one of the most visionary leaders in our industry,” said William Sasso, Esq., Chairman of the Redeemer Health Board of Trustees. “He has guided Redeemer Health with an unrelenting commitment to its mission and a continuous focus on growth and innovation,” he added.

Laign’s accomplishments are numerous, including leading the partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper to bring access to expert physicians, innovative cancer treatment and clinical research to patients. He is credited with being on the forefront of population health management and establishing one of the premier accountable care organizations in the state. And, along with his world-class leadership team, Laign has established a culture of safety and reliability at Redeemer Health, which has led to recognition for quality in the industry, including Holy Redeemer Hospital earning an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for 10 consecutive scoring seasons, an accomplishment only a few Pennsylvania hospitals can claim.

“Mike has been a faithful and loyal friend and supporter of the Sisters of the Redeemer and our shared mission to care, comfort and heal,” said Sr. Ellen Marvel, CSR, Province Leader, Sisters of the Redeemer. “He has worked collaboratively with the Sisters to establish Redeemer Ministries to ensure that the Sisters maintain an enduring role as Founders of Redeemer Health, and that the System would remain committed to its Catholic teachings and charism,” she said.

Laign has also been an outstanding representative in the community by serving as chair of the Montgomery County Board of Health, a member of the THR Insurance Company, Ltd. board of directors, Vizient Mid-Atlantic CEO Executive board of directors, Gwynedd Mercy University board of directors and the MedicAlert Foundation board of directors.

“As Mike’s accomplished tenure comes to a close, we are confident Greg’s strategic leadership will successfully guide Redeemer Health through the next phase of its journey,” Sasso said.

Wozniak is an established health care innovator with extensive expertise leading and advising health care organizations to consistently achieve top national performance in quality, safety and delivery of care, along with high rates of satisfaction among patients, physicians and employees. An early leader in value-based care initiatives, Wozniak has a strong history of collaborating with academic and community health systems, nontraditional providers, payors and employers through community and private partnerships to improve care outcomes, accessibility and affordability and lower the cost of care. After two decades in executive leadership positions for health care systems, including the role of President and CEO of St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pa., Wozniak has advised health care organizations and emerging technology, product and services companies as Founder and CEO of Denali Health LLC since 2015.

“Greg has the proven expertise, vision, talent and passion to lead our mission-driven organization,” said Daniel Gallagher, President, Redeemer Ministries Board.

A highly trained, experienced nursing professional, Genevieve knew she chose the right place not only to heal, but to thrive: close to home, peaceful surroundings, and a team of oncology nurses who were also close friends.

Genevieve (Gen) Porrecca, was balancing life as a busy clinical nursing professor, devoted wife, and mother to a young son, when she discovered a lump in the lymph node of her armpit. 

She immediately called her gynecologist, who confirmed a lump in her breast upon closer examination. Shortly after, she had a mammogram and ultrasound and was scheduled for an appointment with Dr. Anna Mazor, Breast Surgeon at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. The two had an instant connection, having trained together early in their careers. 

Gen had an ultrasound-guided biopsy that same week and received definitive results just two days later. She quickly met with the breast cancer care team to discuss next steps. This included Dr. Mazor along with the Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, Plastic Surgeon, Nurse Navigator, Nurse Oncologist, Genetics Counselor, and others at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper.

Clinically trained with both an MSN and RN in Nursing along with certifications as a Progressive Care Knowledge Professional (PCCN-K), Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and Certified Nurse Educator, Gen is someone who naturally does her homework. So, it was no surprise when she decided to seek a second opinion. 

In the end, Gen chose compassion, comfort, familiarity, and personal connections – knowing that she would receive advanced, multidisciplinary cancer care from an experienced and knowledgeable team with the leading-edge research, best practices, and protocols – all in her own backyard, close to home and close to family.

Gen Knew She Was in Good Hands

Plus, having completed her maternity rotation in nursing school and given birth to her son at Holy Redeemer Hospital, Gen knew she was in good hands. The decision was easy. 

Almost four months (to the day) on her 45th birthday, she completed an intensive 16-week course of targeted chemotherapy infusions, before undergoing a same-day double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery just one month later. 

With the help of her family, a visiting nurse arranged through Redeemer Health Home Care, and others in her support network, Gen recuperated at home for eight weeks post-surgery. But her path to recovery was far from over. Once her incisions had fully healed, she would need to undergo an additional 25 courses of radiation therapy within a 35-day period followed by an additional 44 weeks of immunotherapy. 

Gen recalls the moments lying still during her radiation treatments as the most mentally taxing part of her journey; giving her quiet time and space to reflect.

A little over a year after her last radiation treatment, Gen was informed of a clinical research trial for patients like her, at risk for recurrence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer.

A clinical professor by trade and excited about contributing to potentially life-saving research, Gen jumped at the opportunity. Her participation in the study is going well, and she anticipates completing the first portion of the trial by late summer followed by a less frequent regimen of five injections and follow-up visits over the next three years until the trial is completely finished.

Gen’s choice not only guided her to the right place to heal and thrive, but it also gave her an incredible opportunity to play a role in the advancement of cancer care and for this, she is deeply grateful.

Learn more about breast cancer services at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.

Stroke is a serious and often life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer from a stroke every year, and every 3.25 minutes, one person dies from a stroke.

Approximately 80% of all strokes are caused by lifestyle choices.

Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs and risk factors for stroke, as well as dietary changes and other steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

Know the Warning Signs

Every second counts when it comes to treating a stroke. Early intervention can prevent permanent brain damage and other complications. If you suspect a stroke is happening to you or someone you love, call 911 immediately.

Look at the time of onset and use the B.E.F.A.S.T. test (below) to help remember the warning signs of stroke:

Know the Risk Factors

Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, obesity, physical inactivity, family history of stroke, and age (those over age 55 have a higher risk).

Other factors that may increase the likelihood of stroke include atrial fibrillation, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), certain medical conditions such as sickle cell disease, and the use of certain medications.*

*The benefits of certain medications may outweigh the potential risks. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding medication changes or adjustments.

A Healthy Diet and Physical Activity Can Lower Your Risk

Eating a healthy diet and making healthy choices, such as choosing fruits and vegetables, limiting processed and high-fat foods, and limiting alcohol consumption, can help lower your risk of stroke.

In addition, being active for a minimum of 30 minutes every day can help control blood pressure, increase good cholesterol, and make your heart stronger. Physical activity also makes your blood vessels more flexible and reduces the chance of having a stroke.

Making Small Changes Now is Worth it for a Lifetime of Better Health Later!

Not only during Stroke Awareness Month, but all year long - make your health a priority. A healthy lifestyle not only promotes overall well-being and improves quality of life, but it can also be life-saving.

Talk to your doctor about lifestyle choices that can help prevent stroke from happening in the future.

To find a family doctor or primary care physician that is right for you, visit our provider directory or call the Redeemer Health Physician Referral Service at 1-800-818-4747.

Every mother's pregnancy journey is different. Casey, a mother of four, recalls the births of each of her children fondly, even amidst the complications she experienced. Yet none of her deliveries was scarier than the birth of her youngest son Jax last November.

Casey remained vigilant throughout her pregnancy with Jax, having experienced preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and complications with Type 1 diabetes while pregnant with her first three children. Despite fluctuating insulin-related challenges, she considers her pregnancy with Jax to have been more "normal."

Casey had a history of giving birth prematurely, almost always at 37 weeks, but with each baby already weighing between eight and ten pounds! Jax made his entrance on November 22, 2023 at 36 weeks and 8.6 pounds. Following his birth, Casey's journey took a turn, leaving her and her family to face a whirlwind of emotions and concerns for her own well-being and that of Jax.

After delivery, Casey experienced an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare but potentially life-threatening complication where material from the womb gets into the mother's bloodstream and can cause serious complications. At the same time, she also experienced several other grave complications, including renal failure and DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation).

Almost immediately, Casey went into cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated and intubated for over 24 hours in the ICU. In the days that followed, Casey was transferred to and from the Maternity Unit and ICU, having received a blood transfusion, a battery of diagnostic tests, and dialysis.

While Casey was facing her own challenges, Jax received care in the NICU. Drawing upon her maternal instinct, she was able to see Jax for a few brief moments, though she barely remembers meeting him, given her state at the time. Thankfully, both Casey and Jax received incredible care - from the nurses in Labor, Delivery, and Recovery to the ICU and the NICU, to her Obstetrician, Dr. Lauren Matsnev, who delivered Jax, and the assistance of Dr. Lev Belder and Dr. Jared Tepper in the operating room, along with a team of other physicians, anesthesiologists, technicians, and others who were involved in this life-saving experience.

Looking back on her journey, Casey recalls "I woke up on Thanksgiving in the ICU. I had absolutely no recollection of being prepped or giving birth. You never think going in to deliver a baby that you're going to experience the worst possible scenario; you go in thinking, this is going to be the best day of my life. Above all, I've learned not to take a single thing for granted because you never know what tomorrow will bring," said Casey.

Coincidentally, just one week before baby Jax entered the world, Casey's aunt passed suddenly. To this day, Casey believes that she and baby Jax were being looked after in many ways, not only with the amazing, life-saving medical care they both received at Holy Redeemer Hospital.

Thankfully, the future has brought much brighter days for Casey and her husband Keith and their four children, namely Jax. At five months, Jax is "the best baby ever," he already has his first tooth and he's rolling over. He wants to be just like his older sister and brothers, Pippa, Bo, and Ace.

As for Casey, she is doing well. Following discharge, she continued to have her blood levels monitored for six weeks to make sure they were moving in the right direction. She continues to see a nephrologist who monitors her kidney function, which has also greatly improved.

In addition to reveling in her role as a loving mother and wife, Casey is committed to raising awareness about AFE. The quick actions taken by the Labor and Delivery, ICU, and NICU nurses and doctors at Holy Redeemer Hospital are a true testament to their skill and expertise, with AFE affecting roughly one in 40,000 women with dire mortality rates for both mom and baby.

"I really do take it in when people tell Jax and I that we are literal miracles," said Casey.

To find an OB/GYN near you, click here. If you're expecting a new baby, be sure to visit RedeemerHealth.org/MaternityCare to take a virtual tour of Holy Redeemer Hospital's Labor and Delivery unit, access helpful educational resources and videos, and join our Redeemer Baby Online Community.