Dignity Health | hello Healthy| Winter 2018

We hope you enjoy this issue of HelloHealthy. Comments about the publication can be directed to the Marketing and Communications Department: DIGNITY HEALTH – Mercy & Memorial Hospitals P.O. Box 119, Bakersfield, CA 93302 | 661.327.4647, Ext. 4434 HelloHealthy is published by Dignity Health–Mercy & Memorial Hospitals to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a health care provider. Marketing and Communications Department Robin Mangarin-Scott–Vice President Strategic Marketing and Communications– Central California Michelle Willow–Director of External Communications–Central California Cody Brutlag–Marketing Manager–Central California Jessica Neeley–Communications Specialist–Central California Fabiana Rienzo–Communications Specialist–Central California Michelle Oliver–Marketing Manager–Central California Ask a sports doc If you’re sidelined by a sports injury, Berkay Unal, MD, would like to help you get back to what you love to do. He’s the newest orthopedic surgeon at the Orthopedic, Spine & Hand Center at Mercy Hospital Southwest. We asked him recently about his work: fun facts about Dr. Unal 1 As a boy, he loved books about dogs and anatomy. 2 He moved to Orange County from Turkey at age 13. 3 He’s the first doctor in his family. His parents are engineers. 4 He backpacked through Europe with a college buddy. 5 He’s a weight lifter, snowboarder, and hiker. Make an appointment Dr. Unal treats kids 12 and up and adults of all ages. To schedule an appointment, call 661.664.2300 . 5 Berkay Unal, MD, trained in orthopedic surgery at University of SouthernCalifornia. He received additional fellowship training in sports medicine at the University of Kentucky, where he helped cover four college teams and the local high school teams. Q What sports injuries do you see most? Sports injuries can range from common tendinitis to broken bones. I treat a lot of athletes and weekend warriors. Knee injuries, including meniscus and ligament tears, are most common in my clinic. I also treat a lot of shoulder instability and rotator cuff tears. Contact athletes are at increased risk for these. Q What is your approach to treatment? I try to offer nonsurgical options first, like physical therapy or injections. In younger patients who want to remain active and quickly return to their lifestyle, the best option may be surgical. I do minimally invasive surgery on knees and shoulders. I repair and reconstruct ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. I also do shoulder and knee replacements in older patients with arthritis. Q What’s the best way to prevent an injury? Conditioning is key. And when starting or returning to sports, don’t do too much too soon. Remember to stretch, warm up, and wear the proper protective equipment for your sport.