If you haven’t already heard or have seen the large-scale construction for the past few years on the Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center, we’ve been transforming and building for you. We’re showcasing those transformations with a public open house—And we’re just a few weeks away! The new renovations and expansions will allow Mercy Health System to grow with the community and provide quality care and commitment for many more decades to come.

You’re Invited!

Learn about the continuum of health care services in the neighborhood while enjoying free activities for all ages October 15, from 10 am to 2 pm.

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MercyCare Health Plans, headquartered in Janesville, is happy to announce it now offers Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans for health care coverage starting January 1, 2012.

“MercyCare is pleased to provide Medicare recipients another low-cost option for comprehensive care from Mercy Health System,” says Joseph Nemeth, Chief Operating Officer of MercyCare Health Plans. “The new Medicare Advantage product will also increase employment at MercyCare, adding over 25 new jobs to the local economy.”

MercyCare Health Plans has provided dependable, affordable, quality health care for more than 15 years, growing to serve more than 40,000 members. Mercy Health System has three hospitals, 60 specialty services and over 300 physicians.

Several MercyCare Advantage plans will be available to Medicare-eligible residents in Rock and Walworth County. check back here for more information about the MercyCare Advantage plans October 1, 2011. MercyCare Advantage is a federally qualified Medicare Advantage HMO.

Mercy Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation (CIR) at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, 1000 Mineral Point Ave., Janesville, is hosting a public open house Thursday, September 29, from 3-6 pm. See what’s new and learn what makes Mercy’s CIR a top choice for inpatient rehabilitation for nearly 20 years. Attendees will enjoy tours, meeting the staff, refreshments and a chance to win a Wii bundle.

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Are you interested in learning about how to improve your health and wellness? This Wednesday, join Dr. Jean Ibric, family medicine physician, as she discusses the best ways to handle and manage stress, September 21, 11:30 am at Basics Cooperative, 1711 Lodge Drive in Janesville.

Enjoy a light lunch. To register, call (608) 756-6100. The seminar is educational, and open for anyone to attend.

Tweet, Tweet!

If you can’t make the event in person and would still like to participate, please follow @MercyHealth on Twitter and use the hashtag #Managestress. Use Twitter to follow the seminar, ask questions and get answers in real time from the convenience of your computer!

Many of you reading this blog are busy people who are constantly on the go. You may even sacrifice a good meal or healthy snack. But you don’t have to. There are ways to live our busy lives and eat healthy too. Eating healthy on the go is all about two things: preparation and good choices.

Here’s a healthy munchy snack you can make and take on the go:

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We’re offering community seasonal flu shots at the following locations. Cost of the vaccination is  $25(correct cash or check). Shots can be billed to Medicare for those who carry Medicare Part B insurance. Appointments are required unless otherwise noted. To make an appointment, call a location near you.

The following clinics will be offering the flu vaccination:

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Mercy Health System is offering community seasonal flu shots at the following locations. Cost of the vaccination is  $25(correct cash or check). Shots can be billed to Medicare for those who carry Medicare Part B insurance. Appointments are required unless otherwise noted. To make an appointment, call a location near you.

The following clinics will offer the flu vaccination:

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Did you know each year five to 20% of the U.S. population gets the seasonal flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications? Nearly 36,000 people die from the flu each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also says the best way to prevent the flu, a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, is to get a flu vaccination each year.

We understand the importance of disease prevention and that’s why we offer community seasonal flu shots, at low cost, at several clinics throughout (COUNTY) County. The cost is $25 (exact cash or check). To make an appointment, call a location near you. Appointments are required unless otherwise noted. Shots can be billed to Medicare for those who carry Medicare Part B insurance.

The following clinics will be offering the flu vaccination:

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Mercy Health System is pleased to announce the date and location for the 2011 Jingle Mingle event benefitting Mercy Hospice Care.

The event will be held Wednesday, December 7, at the Armory, 10 S. High St., Janesville. The event will begin at 5:30 pm with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and cocktails followed by raffles, auctions, live entertainment, dancing and more. Cost per person is $45.

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Mark Grzeskowiak, MD
Family Medicine
Mercy Lake Geneva Medical Center
350 Peller Rd., Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 249-0221

Heartburn refers to the symptoms you feel when the acidic contents of your stomach flow backward into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the back of the mouth to the stomach.

Heartburn, also called gastroesophageal reflux, is a common problem. It is not related to the heart at all.

How does it occur?

At the bottom of the esophagus is a ring-like muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter. When you swallow food, this muscular ring opens to let the food pass into the stomach. It then closes to prevent the stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. When this sphincter muscle is not able to do its job, the acidic stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus. Because the esophagus does not have the protective lining that the stomach has, the acid stomach contents cause the symptoms of heartburn.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of heartburn is a burning pain in the lower chest, usually close to the bottom of the breastbone. Often the pain is accompanied by an acid or sour taste in the mouth. You may have belching and the sensation of bloating or fullness of the stomach. These symptoms tend to occur after very large meals and especially with activity such as bending or lifting after meals. The symptoms may be made worse by lying down or by wearing tight clothing.

Heartburn is very common during the last few months of pregnancy. The weight of the baby pushes on the stomach and tends to cause the sphincter to allow back flow.

How is it diagnosed?

Usually heartburn can be diagnosed from your medical history. If there is any question about the diagnosis, your health care provider may order a barium swallow, a complete upper GI (gastrointestinal) x-ray, or an upper endoscopy. In an upper endoscopy, a lighted tube is placed in your mouth and down into your stomach. These tests allow your doctor to look at your esophagus and check for ulcers or other problems that might cause your symptoms.
How is it treated?

The simplest treatment of heartburn is to avoid increasing the intra-abdominal pressure soon after eating. Losing any excess weight will help eliminate pressure on the sphincter muscle. Nonprescription antacids (tablets or liquid) taken after meals and at bedtime may prevent symptoms. Avoiding substances likely to make the symptoms worse will also help. Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, aspirin, acidic food and raising the head of your bed or using more than one pillow, so your head is higher than your stomach, may allow gravity to help alleviate the symptoms.

If the simple measures described above do not relieve the symptoms, your health care provider may prescribe medication. The prescription medicines help reduce stomach acid. They also help stomach emptying.

How long will the effects last?

Heartburn symptoms are usually relieved by treatment in just a few days. However, the symptoms may recur from time to time, especially if you get heavier or increase your use of nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, or spicy foods.

This article has been brought to you by Dr. Mark, family medicine physician at Mercy Lake Geneva Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark please call (262) 249-0221.

Would you like more health information like this? Visit: DoctorMarkLakeGeneva.com