Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health

This morning a 220-ton cyclotron was lifted and installed in the future Proton Center at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute. Medical Director Dr. Randall Oyer spoke with the media about the new Center that will be the second in Pennsylvania to offer innovative proton radiation therapy, and build on Penn Medicine’s groundbreaking proton therapy expertise led by the Roberts Proton Therapy Center in Philadelphia, which opened in 2010. Proton therapy uses a positively charged proton beam that enters the body at a low dose of radiation. When the beam hits the cancer it’s targeting, the dosage increases. The beam stops, preventing radiation from moving through healthy tissue, while maximizing the chances of attacking cancer cells. http://bit.ly/2LGN3wB

We understand many of your desire to be vaccinated. In the next few weeks, Lancaster General Health will be completing the second vaccine shot for those healthcare personnel in group 1A. We have requested more vaccine doses from the Pennsylvania Department of Health so that we can begin first vaccinations of the public. When shipments of the vaccine and appointments are available, we will provide instructions via the media and our website: lghealth.org/vaccine. We are following guidelines required by the state Department of Health. Thank you for your patience and understanding. http://bit.ly/3nLVEv8

Lead poisoning is a very real public health crisis in communities across the country. Even low levels of lead in the blood have been shown to affect children's IQ, the ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. Learn the facts about lead poisoning and why it’s so important to get your child tested. https://bit.ly/30sTSGO

Construction of the future Proton Center at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute progressed this afternoon with the arrival of a 220-ton cyclotron on a 20-axle, 210-foot-long trailer. The new Center will expand the Institute’s range of treatment services, including closely integrated cancer care from experts at the Cancer Institute and at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Centerone of the nation’s foremost leaders in cancer research, patient care and education. The cyclotron accelerates atoms to near-light speeds to create a healing beam of energy that can then be targeted to kill cancerous/malignant tumors with unprecedented accuracy, without harming nearby healthy tissue or organs. http://bit.ly/2LGN3wB

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to talk about how human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can help prevent cancer, along with new treatment options and clinical trials that continue to look for a cure. Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Erin Medlin shares how these advancements could impact you and your family. https://bit.ly/3oMAEWw

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are messenger RNA vaccines that require two dosesPfizer, 21 days apart; Moderna, 28 days apart. Both vaccines are considered equivalent and have excellent safety records. The vaccine you receive will depend on availability. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines in this blog post from our Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Michael Ripchinski: https://bit.ly/3pNpTDA

Watch a live feed of this weekend’s arrival and installation of a 220-ton cyclotron and related essential components used to deliver advanced radiation therapy at the future Proton Center at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute. The new Center will mark a new chapter in Penn Medicine’s global leadership in proton-therapy clinical care and research, becoming the health system’s second center to offer the treatment. Planned for opening in Summer 2022, it will be the first and only proton therapy center in Central Pennsylvania. http://bit.ly/2XGBwAh

Avoid the wait when you need care for minor injuries and illnesses. Reserve a spot online at any of our seven convenient Urgent Care locations in Lancaster, Lebanon and Chester counties. https://bit.ly/3kpkX5F

There's still time to take part in this excellent virtual event!

Fertility specialists at Penn Fertility Care--Lancaster General Health can help you discover viable treatment options to help you begin or grow your family. https://bit.ly/345B4zz

Although there is no magic bullet to absolutely prevent anybody from getting breast cancer, medical oncologist Dr. Elizabeth Horenkamp says there are simple lifestyle changes you can make now to reduce your risk: https://bit.ly/2HEiZjl

Today is World Stroke Day. Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death. But strokes can be prevented by minimizing risk factors. And if a stroke happens, quick treatment can reduce disability chances and save lives. Lancaster General Hospital is recognized for its exceptional stroke care, consistently earning the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines quality achievement award. Learn more about stroke prevention and treatment at http://www.lghealth.org/lp/stroke/

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Tuc To to LG Health Physicians Internal Medicine. A graduate of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Dr. To completed his residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. As an internist, he specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions in adults. Make an appointment with Dr. To at 717-544-3191. https://bit.ly/3dRSL8K

Information overload can be especially challenging for cancer patients.

Ladies--an important reminder: Mammograms save lives. Don't delay this important screening to detect breast cancer early, when most treatable. Schedule online today: https://bit.ly/3naiHki #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

Our Blood Donor Center is in need of ALL blood types, especially O- and B+. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges in maintaining our blood supply. If you can help, please schedule a donation time online or call us at 717-544-0170. As a thank-you, donors receive a free mask, hand sanitizer, and $5 Sheetz gift card. https://bit.ly/34AWGnB

When you are treated in just about any health-care setting, you likely interact with a talented group of medical professionals known as advanced practice clinicians (APCs)nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. During Advanced Practice Clinician Week, we recognize the approximately 438 APCs who comprise 31% of the medical staff at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. https://bit.ly/2H9WfYt

In Healthgrades’ just-released 2021 Specialty Excellence Awards, Lancaster General Hospital was named a top hospital for neurosurgery and stroke care https://bit.ly/3ooeKcj, and critical care https://bit.ly/37zVUZS. We're honored to provide top-quality care to our community.

When Theresa Timbario and her husband moved to Lancaster County to be near family, they never anticipated that within a year she would be facing breast cancer, much less during a global pandemic. Thanks to the care she received at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, Theresa says, I felt very relaxed and safe." https://bit.ly/2T9YPQD

ICYMI: Alice Yoder, LG Health Director of Community Health, talks to abc27 News about increasing numbers of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Lancaster County, stressing the importance of staying diligent about wearing masks, social distancing, and hand washing. https://bit.ly/35v16M9

If you feel sick, consider using Penn Medicine OnDemand for a virtual evaluation. Our health-care providers are available 24/7 and offer care for flu, cold, viruses and other minor illnesses and injuries. https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/ondemand