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Take our quiz at
www.summahealth.org/heartburn.

Could Your Heartburn Be
More Than Just Heartburn?

You know that feeling you get, where there’s a burning sensation in the back of your
throat, or a really uncomfortable feeling behind your breastbone? Most people at one
time or another suffer from heartburn, indigestion and/or bloating. Many times, these
problems can be alleviated with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes.

However, occasionally they may require medical attention. Chronic heartburn could
be the sign of something more serious—gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

GERD is characterized by unrelenting acid reflux that can result in not only heartburn,
but other symptoms as well, such as chronic cough. We can help you sort through
your symptoms to see if they warrant a trip to the doctor’s office.

If you are suffering from GERD, talk to your doctor about the right
treatment option for you. If you do not have a doctor, please call
800.237.8662 for further medical evaluation and plan of care.

Summa Health System Recognized Summa Health System – Akron
for Nursing Excellence Again and St. Thomas Campuses

Summa Health System – Akron and St. Thomas Campuses once again received the highest
honor for nursing excellence. The healthcare teams were awarded Magnet® recognition for
excellence in nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Long known
for its high quality and compassionate nursing care, Summa shares Magnet® status with just
seven percent of hospitals in the country.

The Magnet® Recognition Program is the gold standard of patient care and provides
healthcare consumers with a benchmark to measure quality of nursing. To receive
redesignation, Summa Health System – Akron and St. Thomas Campuses underwent an
extensive review and systematic evaluation of its nursing practice by the ANCC, including
the review of thousands of pages of documentation and a four-day site visit by
ANCC professionals.

Hospitals with the Magnet® designation meet a specific set of quality metrics that include:
excellent patient outcomes, nursing involvement in making decisions regarding the delivery
of patient care, shaping nursing practices, supportive leadership and pursuing best practices
within the healthcare industry. There are currently less than 430 hospitals across the country
with this accreditation.

12 Thrive - Summer 2016