Ross H. Cunningham, MBA, of Lisbon Falls, has been named Practice Manager of Mid Coast Medical Group – Women’s Health Care.

As Practice Manager, Cunningham will oversee the daily operations of the Women’s Health Care practice, which consists of a team of board-certified OB/GYN physicians, certified nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. He began his new role onFeb. 6.

“Ross brings a great deal of leadership and experience to this role,” said Practice Administrator Jana Purrell in making the announcement. “He demonstrates the highest standards of customer service, a vital quality in this important role.”

Cunningham retired from the U.S. Navy after serving as Lieutenant Commander and as a Naval Flight Officer an in the P-3 Orion aircraft. He received a degree in Business Administration from the University of Maine, and obtained his MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. He is Chairman of the Lisbon Promotions Committee, a volunteer position, running community events throughout the Town of Lisbon. Cunningham lives in Lisbon Falls with his family.

“I am very excited to join the amazing doctors and staff at Women’s Health,” Cunningham said. “I look forward to ensuring that every patient receives the finest medical care and warm, friendly customer service.”

For more information on Women’s Health Care please call (207) 721-8700 or visit www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/womens-health-care.htm

Mid Coast Medical Group – Women’s Health Care, a department of Mid Coast Hospital, is located at 121 Medical Center Drive, Suite 2700, Brunswick, adjacent to the Hospital.

Antidepressant medications prescribed for depression fall into four different classes of drugs:

• serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• atypical antidepressants
• tricyclic antidepressants
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

The SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. They act on a chemical in the brain called serotonin. The SSRIs include drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil.

The SSRIs are preferred over older classes of antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs because their adverse effects are less severe.

Like all antidepressants, SSRIs can cause an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. They also carry a risk for increased hostility, agitation, and anxiety. In adults 65 and older, SSRIs increase the risk for falls, fractures, and bone loss.

The SSRIs can also cause serious withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly.

Common side effects of SSRIs include:

Atypical antidepressants

There are a variety of newer atypical antidepressants which target other neurotransmitters either alone or in addition to serotonin.

For example, Wellbutrin blocks the reabsorption of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. On the other hand, trazodone, Cymbalta, Effexor, and Remeron affect both norepinephrine and serotonin (which is why they are sometimes called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs).

The side effects vary according to the specific drug. However, many of the atypical antidepressants can cause nausea, fatigue, weight gain, sleepiness, nervousness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.

Wellbutrin is less likely to cause sexual side effects than other antidepressants

The atypical medication buproprion, also known by the brand name Wellbutrin, is less likely than the SSRIs to cause sexual dysfunction. It is often prescribed either alone or in addition to an SSRI medication when sexual side effects occur.

Wellbutrin may also be a good choice if fatigue or sleepiness is a major concern, as it tends to be more energizing than other types of antidepressants.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Tricyclics are among the oldest antidepressants. They work by inhibiting the brain’s reuptake or serotonin and norepinephrine. They also partially inhibit the reabsorption of dopamine.

Because the tricyclics have such a broad mechanism of action, they tend to cause more side effects than the other classes of antidepressants. For this reason, the SSRIs and the atypical antidepressants are usually prescribed first.

Tricyclic antidepressants typically take around two weeks to provide symptom relief. Drowsiness is a highly common side effect, particularly in the first few weeks after starting the medication.

The tricyclics cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinued abruptly. Tricyclic antidepressants can also cause an abnormal heart rhythm, so they are not recommended if you have heart problems or seizures.

Common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants include:

MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)

MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are the oldest class of antidepressants. MAOIs have severe interactions with certain foods, drinks, and medications. Combining MAO inhibitors with foods or drinks containing tyramine can result in dangerously high blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Because of this danger, MAOIs are not typically chosen as a first-line depression treatment.

If your doctor prescribes an MAOI, you will have to carefully monitor what you eat and what drugs you take. Items that are restricted include many cheeses, chocolate, wine, and beer.

Common side effects of MAOIs include:

Reprinted with permission for personal or non-profit use. Visit www.helpguide.org to see the article with links to related articles.  This material is for information and support; not a substitute for professional advice.

By Neal R. Davis, SeniorExecutive Director, Bay Square at Yarmouth, Benchmark Assisted Living

What’s it like in Assisted Living? Imagine it’s spring, the trees are starting to bud, the peepers are celebrating the warming of the water, and you join a group of neighbors on the community van to take in the local flower show.  The Activities Director parks the van near the entrance and assists you in getting out of the van. Sharing the experience of the flower show, the scents, the colors and the sounds of fountains splashing with your fellow residents make the day that much more enjoyable.  Knowing that parking, driving, and getting lunch is taken care of makes the time much more relaxing and fun.

Fast forward to summertime, with the flowerbeds in bloom, the umbrella-covered patio tables are providing shade, and the smell of freshly cut grass scenting the air.  A cookout is being served both inside and outside your home by the dining room staff. Your family has joined you today to share this time, and your grandkids are enjoying the lawn and the other children who are visiting. After lunch, you retire to your air-conditioned apartment to relax before taking the community van to your afternoon doctor’s appointment. An aide reminds you that the appointment is at 3:30 so you need to be ready to go by 3:00.

The leaves are starting to turn, the morning air is crisp, and the coffee in the dining room smells hot and inviting. The hostess seats you at a table with three other friends, brings you a cup of coffee and takes your order. You discuss the results of the card game the evening before and make plans to take part in an exercise class after breakfast. On the way out of the dining room you check the day’s schedule of activities and note that a doctor will be speaking in the community room at 2:20 about allergies and means of treating them. The Director of Resident Services checks with you to see if you need any assistance with your shower and reminds you that the blood pressure clinic will be open at 1:30pm. Your daughter calls to see how you are doing and reminds you that your granddaughter will be joining your for lunch. It’s going to be a busy day!

Imagine coming home on a winter’s day, the parking lot and walks are sanded and salted, you are chilled and you can’t wait to go inside.  A welcoming living room with a blazing fire in the fireplace, a pot of coffee in the country kitchen, and people greeting you with smiles and cheerful comments, lets you know that everything is alright with your world. After going to your apartment, which has been cleaned by housekeeping that morning, freshening up, you join your neighbors for a social hour and piano music. 

You talk about your day, share stories about grandchildren, and look forward to sitting down for dinner with friends and relaxing over dessert.

And you ask why assisted living is so popular? Living in an assisted living community, being involved as much as you want and sharing experiences with family members and new-found friends can go a long way toward improving your quality of life. Knowing the activities of daily living, such as cooking and cleaning, are taken care of lessens any worries you may have about taking care of yourself. Finally, peace of mind that comes when you know that if you need help, no matter what time of day or night, someone will be there to help is priceless. Experiencing this peace of mind is just one of the many reasons assisted living is so popular.

By Neal R. Davis, Senior Executive Director, Benchmark Assisted Living

Making the decision to live in an Assisted Living community is a big step to take with many questions to be asked and concerns to be addressed. How will I fit in? Why is the apartment so small, can I afford it, can I bring my cat? Am I going to like the staff, is the food good? Will I have any friends? The answers to these questions may require some adjustments in your lifestyle, but for most people who become residents, the friendly faces, understanding and caring staff, as well as many new friends, quickly replace the unease caused by the unknown.

Many Assisted Living communities are like large homes with living rooms, a community kitchen, a library, exercise space, a dining room, community meeting rooms, outside patios and walks. Apartments provide private space, but most socializing is done in the public areas.  Group and individual activities give residents a chance to mingle, learn new things, listen to music, perhaps share a glass of wine, or take a road trip to a local attraction or movie.

The dining experience is usually one of the highlights of the day. In a number of communities residents come together for three meals per day, other communities offer a choice of meal plans. Whatever the arrangement, seeing familiar faces, catching up on news, and discussing the day’s activities all provide a feeling of camaraderie and support.

The people who work in an Assisted Living community are there to provide a level of hospitality services that will meet your needs, provide a sense of security and give you peace of mind.  Knowing that you can depend on the friendly, well-trained staff goes a long way towards making your quality of life better and more fulfilling.

Assisted Living communities provide an opportunity for people to maintain their independence longer and enjoy the process of maturing more fully in a stimulating and supportive environment.

“Long term care insurance is too expensive.” Is it, really? How much does it cost? You don’t really know, do you, until you sit down with an LTC Specialist to discuss what sort of plan makes sense for you. LTC insurance is an extremely flexible product, and before a good agent starts throwing numbers out, he or she will sit with you and find out what you need for coverage. This is done by talking with you about your needs, your family, your finances, and your expectations. When you’ve talked through all of that, then the agent can recommend a plan, and that plan will drive the price.

Most clients are simply looking for an affordable safety net plan – something that will supplement their other assets, and help them stay out of the nursing home, while taking the burden off of their family. A safety net plan, if properly designed, will be quite affordable – especially when you consider the alternative – a very costly long term care bill. One major insurance carrier recently announced that they’re paying $1,500,000 per day in long term care insurance benefits. I’m guessing that the people getting those checks aren’t complaining that they paid too much for their insurance.

Now, this doesn’t mean you may not have heard some horror stories about ridiculously expensive policies. I can show you one of those policies, but chances are you don’t need it, you don’t want it, and won’t buy it. You’ll be unprotected because I tried to sell you an inappropriate plan. Or, we can design a good, solid, safety net plan that would be very reasonable in cost, and it would provide you with a lot of protection and the peace of mind you’re looking for.  

Be smart, and do your homework. Don’t “assume” yourself into a tight spot. Good luck! Kerry Peabody, Clark Insurance

I’m excited about being part of Maine Senior Guide. As an expert in LTC (long term care) insurance, any opportunity to help educate you about this topic is valuable, because there’s so much inaccurate and misleading stuff floating around out there. Since about 70% of us will need long term care services at some point, you need to know the facts. I’m going to provide you with clear, concise information on the risks you face and what your options are to protect yourself.  A single long term care event can quickly wipe out a lifetime of savings, and tear up a family. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way, but you need to take steps now to get ready for it.

Most of us have a story about long term care. We’ve seen it in both my family and my wife’s. My grandmother, Eileen, spent the last two years of her life in a Medicaid bed in Downeast Maine. Although the staff was professional and attentive, she wanted to be at home, but she couldn’t. We visited her frequently, but I confess – there were times I put it off, just because I felt so helpless to do anything for her. (If I had been in the LTC business ten years earlier, this wouldn’t have happened.) She didn’t have the money to pay for the services she needed, and ended up on MaineCare, in a nursing home.

My wife’s grandmother, Elizabeth, on the other hand, received daily home care services for several years before she finally had to go into the nursing home, where she spent a few months before she passed. The difference was that she had the resources to pay for basic care services in her own home for as long as they were sufficient, and the private money to get into the nursing home of her choice. This made her final years much more tolerable. It’s unfortunate, but it boils down to this – if you have money to pay for care, you’re in control. If not, you’re at the mercy of someone else – your family, your friends, or “the system.”

I want to help you avoid that. Do you have a stable income? Do you own your home, or have other assets? Do you want to make sure that your family doesn’t bear the burden of care? Do you want to be calling the shots when you need care? If you answered “yes” to these, then you need to at least explore your options. For some families, long term care insurance isn’t the answer, but for many others, it can be.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good long term care insurance safety net. Most of my clients are surprised by how affordable it can be, if properly designed. And the best part – it’s free to learn about it. All it costs you is a couple of hours of your time, and that’s a small price to pay for knowing what you’re up against, and how you can avoid it.

Talk to you soon!

Kerry Peabody, CSA (certified Senior Advisor) CLTC (certified Long Term Care insurance advisor) Clark Insurance

Parkview is Leading the Way with its Electronic Medical Records (EMR)Program

President Barack Obama has a clear vision of what he foresees as the future of health care in the United States.  And, in 2009, with the creation of the U.S. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the President set the bar high setting in motion a lofty goal:  every hospital and doctor’s office in America must computerize its medical information, creating a nationwide electronic medical record system (EMR).  Every patient’s records, files, data must be transferred from paper to integrated technology (IT) via an electronic database. The goal is to save billions of dollars and thousands of lives that are lost each year to waste and mistakes.  And the President backed his verbal pledge with a $787 billion federal stimulus package promise.

The money is aimed at stimulating interest and action.  Hospitals and doctors that adhere to the President’s goal using IT to fix system problems will be rewarded with stimulus money.  They will be given access to the $50 billion kitty over the next five years, starting with $19 billion which will be available to cooperating entities in 2011.  What’s more, medical groups and hospitals that lag behind and don’t install effective IT will face stiff punishment:  starting in 2015, they will see a 1 percent cut in Medicare payouts and the punishment grows to 3 percent come 2017.

Leading the way toward achieving the President’s vision here in Maine?  Parkview Adventist Medical Center.  The 55-bed acute care facility in Brunswick, which didn’t even have e-mail a decade ago, is grabbing national and global headlines with its IT division.  The department’s forward thinking, no-nonsense approach has garnered major awards and attention and has put the Maine Street hospital in line for receiving $700,000 in stimulus funds for implementing an EMR in the practices of its affiliated physicians.  “The hospital is pretty much paperless”, says Bill McQuaid, CIO and Assistant VP at Parkview.  Nurses are communicating and documenting patient information electronically, doctors are using computerized physician order entry, and pharmacy, radiology and labs are all electronic.

“Through advanced clinical committees, Parkview updates and improves clinical applications to provide better functionality for users and enhanced care for patients,” McQuaid proffers. “This evidence-based medicine wouldn’t be possible without integrating its computerized systems to analyze the data, which in the end, could wind up saving Parkview (and its patients) millions.”

“One of the biggest challenges I had was trying to get all these different things to talk together,” McQuaid said.    So, Parkview turned its attention to finding a vendor that could bring the whole system together electronically.  They found their match in the company Meditech.  “We picked them because they were truly one of the few vendors out there that had a solution for every aspect of the hospital.” 

McQuaid appreciated Meditech’s approach: they offered the same product to hospitals of all sizes. “The product they offered me as a 55-bed hospital is the same as a 1,000-bed hospital.  I don’t want reduced functionality.  What you have to build is no different if you’re two beds or a thousand beds.”  And McQuaid and his team, a six-person IT department, are now achieving even greater success:  sharing data with other facilities, including physician practices in the Brunswick area, larger hospitals and Maine’s Regional Information Exchange for EMR’s.   “We are leading the way and couldn’t be happier with how smoothly our system is working,” McQuaid admits.  “Yes, we are ahead of the pack.  And, yes, we plan to continue to be in the lead.”