Dr. Chintan Sampat  diagnosed Janet with severe spinal stenosis and kyphosis.  “Her lower spine was stuck in a kyphotic position, meaning that it was stuck in a “forward-bent” position making her unable to walk with a straight posture and forcing her to use a cane or walker,” shares Dr. Sampat. Janet’s stenosis and kyphosis along with spinal instability was caused by two main factors – instability after a previous surgery as well as continued degeneration due to her daily strenuous activity. “I was able to safely relieve the pressure off the spinal nerves and “re-shape” the spine by performing a spinal osteotomy.  Once the spine was cut and re-shaped, it was able to be fused using screws and rods to re-create the natural curvature of the spine, providing Mrs. Mundel-Walker with immediate relief,” states Dr. Sampat.

Janet Mundell-Walker of Mokena stands confidently with Dr. Chintan Sampat. Dr. Sampat performed a life-changing spine surgery that has allowed her to now live pain-free.

Mundell-Walker was in surgery on a Thursday, and returned home the following Tuesday. Instantly, she felt relief in her back and was able to walk for longer periods of time without any assistive devices. She even felt taller after surgery because she no longer was stuck in a forward-bent position. “I trust Dr. Sampat with my life, he is just a phenomenal and compassionate doctor, and so knowledgeable about what he is doing. I owe him so much and am forever grateful for his expertise and care,” exclaims a now rejuvenated Mundell-Walker. “I am going up and down stairs now, I can dance, but most importantly, I can spend time with my family pain-free. It’s great!”

“If you have to choose a hospital, Silver Cross Hospital is the best choice, hands down. This place has the best staff and care I have ever seen,” says Gary Walker, husband to Janet Mundell-Walker for 26 years. “It was the little things- from the nurses calling me every hour and half to update me on how Janet was doing, to Dr. Sampat taking time to explain the procedure and make sure we were both comfortable.”

Dr. Sampat agrees, “Advancements at Silver Cross Hospital, such as state-of-the-art technology, compassionate medical care, dedicated spine-trained nurses, knowledgeable physical and occupational therapists, and a highly-specialized rehabilitation program-allow patients to heal quickly and safely.”

Dr. Chintan Sampat is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spinal reconstructive surgery. To schedule an appointment, call (815) 727-3030 or visit www.chintansampat.com.

In 2003, Marlene Carroll endured a lifechanging year. The highs and lows happened all quite quickly, but the biggest miracle was an opportunity to live again.  Marlene underwent a life saving gastric bypass surgery with the help of  bmisurgery, and has since found a new found love for life. “As you start feeling better, and you stop taking 30 pills a day, then you start walking and then running, and playing with your kids, every bit is worth it.”

Watch Marlene’s testimony below!

Register today to attend a FREE seminar on Weightloss Surgery. Seminars are held every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in the Brown Cardiovascular Institute Lobby, which is located inside the Specialty Care Pavilion on the Silver Cross Hospital campus, 1300 Copperfield Ave., Joliet, IL 60432. Click here to sign up.

Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook for more videos on how weightloss surgery can transform your life!

Ladies relaxed by the soothing waterfall art and spa-like surroundings inside the Center for Women's Health

Between meetings, playgroups, and daily errands, Christine Celovsky of Lockport put aside her own needs. As a full-time working mother, she knew she needed to get her annual mammogram, but she just did not know when she could make time for one. As fate would have it, she stumbled across the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health blog, and learned they were hosting a Ladies Night Mammogram party.    

The Ladies Night allowed women with a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram an opportunity to mingle and manage their health simultaneously. Women were invited into the spa-like facility after hours for an opportunity to network with other women over decadent treats, get their screening mammogram, a bone density screening, a consultation with the pelvic rehabilitation therapist, and finally, a mini-massage. 

  “It was wonderful to come in after work and not feel rushed. The staff were all so courteous and friendly and having an opportunity to relax with a mini massage felt amazing,” says 45 year-old Celovsky. 

 An estimated 211,240 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. this year, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.  Women have a responsibility to gain control of their own health simply by asking their doctor to prescribe an annual screening mammogram. 

“By having a night to highlight women’s heath, as well as help ease any anxiety attached to mammograms, we were able to reach women who may otherwise never find the time to get screened. It gave our patients an opportunity to get a digital mammogram which is the best technology available for the screening of breast cancer,” said Marci Vasiliades, Manager of the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health. “It’s important that women know their family history, talk to their doctor, and together decide on the best course of screening based on their individual needs.” 

Sad you missed it? Schedule your own Mammogram Party! The Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health offers Mammogram Parties for groups of 20 or more.  For more information, call the Silver Cross Community Relations Department at (815) 300-7563.

Patricia Heeg uses the Lite Gait machine during a physical therapy session with physical therapist assistant Jaime Holzouser at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital.

After suffering from two small strokes in the last year and undergoing months of extensive therapy at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) at Silver Cross Hospital, Patricia  Heeg refuses to let her illness stop her from collecting toys for the children of Will County. For the past three years, Heeg has been President of the Reindeer Toy Run, which is hosted by the American Legion Post #13 in Plainfield, where she organizes a 100-mile motorcycle run. All proceeds for the event go to the children in Will County whose parents can’t afford to buy Christmas gifts.

“To give back to these kids is such a worthwhile cause,” said Lockport resident Heeg. “Every child should have a happy holiday season and I’m not allowing my illness to slow me down from collecting donations for the Reindeer Toy Run. I’m still fully committed to helping the kids.”

Even though Heeg does therapy three times a week for three hours each day, she still manages to find the energy and motivation to visit area businesses asking them for their support in providing monetary or toy donations for the Reindeer Toy Run.

According to the National Stroke Association, a stroke or “brain attack” occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain.  When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost.  These abilities include speech, movement and memory.  How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged.

Heeg’s husband Leonard of 51 years is also a motivation. “Since Pat’s strokes the therapists have taught me how to be a better caregiver by really listening to my wife so I can fully understand what she needs and can help her. This tip has greatly helped Pat and I as we have worked through her recovery,” shares Leonard Heeg.

 Thanks to her treatment plan at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital during the past several months, Heeg has gained body strength by using the Lite Gait machine during body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT). “This new therapy equipment has allowed Pat to regain strength in her legs and core,” says Jaime Holzhauser, Physical Therapist Assistant for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital. “The machine helps Pat build strength by using faster speeds and increasing amounts of body weight while walking in a safe environment. This allows her to improve her gait speed and balance.”

 Heeg’s husband Leonard of 51 years is also a motivation. “Since Pat’s strokes the therapists have taught me how to be a better caregiver by really listening to my wife so I can fully understand what she needs and can help her. This tip has greatly helped Pat and I as we have worked through her recovery.”

Heeg, like many other patients at RIC at Silver Cross, prefer to have therapy sessions on the Lite Gait. “I like it because it’s a combination of a treadmill and parachute.  It’s actually fun to do,” says 70-year-old Heeg.

In order to have a successful recovery, Heeg strongly encourages other stroke patients to begin their speech and physical therapy sessions as soon as possible and do exercises at home. “My motivation to get well was to be with my husband, three children and grandchildren, and be able to honor my commitment to the kids for the Reindeer Toy Run,” said Heeg.

For more information about the services at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital or to schedule an appointment with a physician’s order, contact a Silver Cross location close to you. Find them here. 

Learn more about the Reindeer Toy Run and see how you can help, fan them on facebook or visit here.

There’s no denying breast cancer is scary. But statistics prove there are realistic expectations for survival – with early detection being a key factor. In fact, over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today. Afraid a mammogram may hurt? Don’t be. The Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health uses state of the art digital technology for all mammography services providing patients with a more comfortable experience.

We met with Linda Cohen, Women’s Healthcare Specialist for GE Healthcare, and she showed us why the digital mammography we use is so beneficial for our patients.  As Linda says, “Knowledge is Power”, it is better to know your health then to avoid it.

Take charge of your health. Schedule a mammogram today. Have a family member who may need a mammogram? Request an appointment for her as well. Don’t let fear stop you from protecting your life!

We hit the streets to ask our community how they felt to be home to a Thomson Reuter 100 Top Hospital National Award winner for the 7th year in a row.  Check out what people had to say about Silver Cross Hospital.

Meet Linda Gatson-Rowe who was out with her children running errands. She was excited to hear our good news, and was not the least surpised. Thanks Linda for your kind words!

 Every week from January through April, Silver Cross hosts Lincon-Way East Medical Interns. Hear why they would want to work for a 100 Top Hospital.

Dr. Kamran Ayub did not hesitate to share how proud he was to work with a 100 Top Hospital. Hear his thoughts here.

And of course, our staff here at Silver Cross  and the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health are so excited to be recognized as well.

Be sure to “like” our Facebook page & watch out for more videos!

Dr. Sandra Culbertson is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of urogynecologic conditions, including: urinary incontinence; prolapse of the vagina, bladder and/or uterus; and other disorders of the pelvic floor. She specializes in vaginal and minimally invasive surgical treatment of urinary incontinence and prolapse. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Culbertson, click here.

Urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control, is a frustrating problem for more than 13 million Americans. Never knowing when and where you might have an accident can impact everything from work to exercise to your social calendar.

While Urinary Incontinence can affect everyone, this condition is twice as common in women. We caught up with Dr. Sandra Culbertson to discuss how you can find a solution to this pesky problem. Below you’ll find our video interview with her, which is also transcribed below.

Read further

At the end of March, Marybeth Antone spoke at NAMA’s Excellence in Women’s Healthcare Symposium in San Diego. Marybeth is the Administrative Director for Imaging and Cardiology Services at Silver Cross Hospital. We recently caught up with her and talked to her about her work here and her SoCal experience.

Q: What does a typical work day entail for you at Silver Cross?

A: Well, my “typical” day may not sound all that exciting, but I do get to do a little bit of a lot of different things throughout the course of the day, and my favorite activity is spending time with people.  Not unlike other management folks, I spend a considerable amount of my day in various meetings as the administrative representative for my areas of responsibility- Cardiology and Diagnostic Imaging.  This includes discussions related to clinical care, customer service and multidisciplinary operational issues.  When not in meetings I round in my areas to be visible to front line staff.  We engage in conversations so I can get a feel for what their issues are and how I can positively influence their work environment so they are satisfied and proud to be employees of Silver Cross Hospital.  I most definitely eat lunch (most often at my desk) and do computer work, getting meeting agendas ready and analyzing data that helps me and my department managers to effectively manage our book of business.  I do try to take a brisk walk after lunch when the weather is warmer and catch some fresh air and sunshine, and I do take an “outside” path as often as possible to my meetings in other departments on campus!!  I generally stay late a couple nights a week to catch up, usually when my day was packed with meetings.

Q: How long have you been on staff?

A: I’ve been with Silver Cross for 6 and a half years already- seems like just yesterday I started!!

Q: You spoke at NAMA’s Excellence in Healthcare symposium on March 30. Why were you and the Center for Women’s Health approached to do this?

A: Apparently the conference organizers read about our facility in the local press and found our story a compelling one!  Our marketing and communications folks did a great job of informing the general public about how our center would be a different environment than they have experienced coming to the hospital for mammo services and how having a dedicated outpatient facility would enhance our ability to provide care efficiently and with the level of care and compassion one can expect from Silver Cross.

Q: Your speech centered around the new Center for Women’s Health, digital mammography, and how to get word out about the Center. What were some of your key talking points that you used to illuminate these topics?

A: It was so much fun to share our story with professional colleagues from all around the country!  I must say they were impressed with our planning process and how we centered the delivery of our services around the lifestyle of the contemporary woman- that is, to provide convenience and access in a comfortable environment with highly competent clinical staff.  I shared with them how we planned for the Center, the teamwork we engaged in to make it happen and some of the fun things we’ve done to “get the word out” about it.  Interestingly, our I Matter program was very intriguing to the group.  Because we were there to learn about how to make women’s services relevant, the fact that Silver Cross has been able to “link” personal health to shopping was very impressive.  I’ve received numerous follow up emails from attendees who’ve asked for more details on how we made it happen and even if we’d be willing to allow them to duplicate the program at their facilities.  It’s nice to know we have a unique idea, and it’s even better to realize it’s enticed some women in our community to receive their health screening who might not otherwise.

Q: What did you take away from the symposium? 

A: The keynote speaker said it very well- women make the healthcare decisions for the most part and if satisfied with service will likely influence a great number of people through referrals.  She called them the “Chief Purchasing Officer”- I loved it!!  In any case, everyone has choices today about where to receive their care.  If we place value on people’s time, and provide efficient, quality care we all come out ahead.  Focusing on doing it “right” means respecting what women say they want- ask for feedback and really listen to your customer.  Women’s health is a growing “market” and those of us who are in the business of delivering care to women need to constantly be thinking about how to truly “wow” these potential patients and gain their trust and loyalty.

Q: How’s the weather in San Diego? I’ve heard it’s better than Chicago. This can’t possibly be true. 

A: Believe it or not, the week of the symposium it was warmer in Chicago than San Diego!  I also missed the earthquake by 2 days- thank goodness, that would have freaked me out J!!

We recently sat down with Dr. David Cohen, an expert in reproductive endocrinology and infertility on staff at the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health. His primary focus is on fertility preservation for cancer patients—including fertility preservation for children and adolescents with cancer.

[Read Dr. Cohen's Full Bio]

Q: When should a woman come to see you? Is there a certain age?

A: There is no specific age when someone “should” come. If you have been trying unsuccessfully for one year to get pregnant, or if you have any other concerns you should come see me. I also am able to help men with infertility.

Q: Is infertility common? Is there a way to prevent this? Read further