Resurrection Physicians Provider Group Welcomes Two New Primary Care Physicians

Resurrection Physicians Provider Group (RPPG) is pleased to announce the addition of two new Primary Care Physicans to our group:

Dean Katsamakis, M.D. - Internal Medicine
Marek Grzeskowiak, M.D. - Family Practice

Dr. Katsamakis' office is located at 240 Waukegan Road in Glenview, IL. For more information on this physician, including office hours and a map to his office, please visit our physician page.

Dr. Grzeskowiak's office is located at 5370 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. For more information on this physician, including office hours and a map to his office, please visit our physician page.

Both physicians are available for PCP selection beginning 8/1/2011. If you are already an RPPG member and would like to select one of these physicians, please contact us at 773.695.4800. If you are not currently an RPPG member, you will need to call the insurance company at the phone number on the back of your insurance card to select one of the physicians.

May is High Blood Pressure Education Month

High Blood Pressure or Hypertension affects roughly 1 in 3 adults according to National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. High Blood Pressure can have negative health effects and is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease.

Blood pressure is measured as systolic over diastolic pressures. Systolic refers to blood pressure as the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic is the blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

Normal blood pressure = less than 120/80 (must be less than 120 AND less than 80)

Prehypertension = 120-139/80-89

High blood pressure = 140 or higher/90 or higher

Your blood pressure will change throughout the day. It will generally slow down when you are at rest and increase with physical activity or stress.

Sodium intake is a major contributor to High Blood Pressure. Many Americans consume way over the recommended daily allowance of salt. Blood Pressure also tends to rise as we get older. It is important to know your numbers.

Have you had your blood pressure tested lately? If not, please contact your physician. It can save your life!

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading killer of all cancers?

The simple fact is Colorectal Cancer Screening saves lives. Beginning at age 50, we all should start getting screened for colorectal cancer. The preferred method of screening is the colonoscopy which should be repeated every 10 years. Only once every 10 years! Below is a list of recommended colorectal cancer screening options:

* Colonoscopy - Every 10 years
* Flexible Sigmoidoscopy - Every 5 years
* Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) - Annually

A positive result on a sigmoidoscopy or FOBT should be followed-up with a colonoscopy. These guidelines are for people of average risk with no symptoms and no history of colorectal cancer. Individuals at higher risk or with a family history of the disease should consult their physician to determine the age to begin screening and to discuss if they should be screened more frequently.

Please talk with your health care provider about getting screened. It can save your life!