Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/708432
Dear Friends, As many of you know, this is a momentous year for CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System: It's our 100th anniversary. Over a century ago, Texarkana leaders invited the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word to start a hospital to minister to the health care needs of the community. We're still answering that call today, as this issue of LiveWell demonstrates. The future of surgery is trending toward minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that reduce postoperative pain, scarring, hospital stays and recovery times. Our hybrid operating room (OR) allows us to stay in step with the pace of surgical advancement. Go inside this cutting-edge space and learn about its capabilities on page 6. Few medical events can turn a patient's world upside down quite like a stroke. As a Primary Stroke Center, we have the resources and expertise to care for stroke patients from initial treatment in our emergency department to rebuilding functionality and independence with rehabilitation. To learn more about our continuum of care for stroke, turn to page 8. And finally, don't forget to join us on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 5 p.m. for a special Mass and other events celebrating our centenary. This anniversary doesn't belong only to us; it also belongs to the generations of community members who've trusted us with their care. The celebration wouldn't be complete without you. Best in health, Chris Karam, FACHE President and CEO CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System christusstmichael.org | Summer 2016 2016 6 LiveWell is produced by the CHRISTUS St. Michael Marketing/Communications Department. President and CEO: Chris Karam CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System Publisher: Francine Francis Director of Marketing/Communications/ Physician Relations Editor: Stacye Magness Marketing/Communications Coordinator Contributing Photographer: Jeff White Media Services Specialist CHRISTUS St. Michael Foundation: Susan Landreaux Cristy Lummus (903) 614-2024 Visit christusstmichael.org/ourfacilities for our locations. Summer 4 Be Prepared on the Go 8 Mobilizing for Stroke Care 10 Go With Your Gut 11 Allergy or Intolerance? ON THE COVER: From left, front row, Marney K. Sorenson, M.D., thoracic and vascular surgeon, and Jeffrey D. DeCaprio, M.D., vascular/ endovascular surgeon, are shown with members of the CHRISTUS St. Michael surgery team prior to a procedure being performed in the hybrid operating room. 11 WELCOME 2 christusstmichael.org | Summer 2016 Allergic to grass or ragweed? Eating watermelon may cause symptoms, too. 8