Only a few years ago, the statistics weren't favorable for infertile couples using cryopreservation (freezing) of human embryos. A ten percent success rate was the national norm.

The Sharp HealthCare Fertility Center has changed those statistics. Led by William P. Hummel, M.D., Sharp Healthcare Fertility Center medical director, they now achieve survival rates for frozen embryo between 80 to 90 percent. And pregnancy occurs over 50 percent of the time.

This is especially true for an Escondido couple, Tamara and James Singler, who were unsuccessful for 5 years in their pregnancy attempts; until meeting Dr. Hummel and utilizing the frozen embryo program at Sharp Fertility Center.

"I want to tell other couples with infertility concerns that you need to give yourself the opportunity to try this method," Tamara said. James III, carries his father's namesake and is now two weeks old.

"With new developments in technology, such as computerized laboratory equipment, a substantial increase in successful pregnancies has occurred," said Dr. Hummel.

Cryopreservation is the technical name for a freezing method that provides couples with the means of preserving embryos.

"The refined freezing methods we utilize provide for safekeeping of embryos until they can be surgically implanted at a later time," said Dr. Hummel. "The tremendous success rates we've had with cryopreservation offers additional opportunities for conception without having to undergo more complicated or expensive fertility procedures."

Dr. Hummel cites the clinical expertise of William Venier, manager of the Embryology and Andrology Lab at Sharp HealthCare, as an integral component in contributing to the success of the program. Dr. Hummel has garnered much national recognition, his most recently being elected to the prestigious Society of Reproductive Surgeons.

Dr. Hummel has assembled a specialized team of fertility experts to provide the highest quality of fertility care in San Diego. Tamara Singler recommends working with a committed and caring staff for support throughout the process. "Trust and a high degree of comfort is very important. The service and support we received at Sharp Fertility Center was incredible".

Please Note: The Singlers, Dr. Hummel and other staff of the Sharp HealthCare Fertility Center are available for interviews. Phone (619) 541-4949

The new Sharp Senior Health Center, located on Genesee Avenue in the Clairemont area of San Diego, that opened in December, 1995, is providing seniors a new level of comprehensive and personal out-patient care -- operating under the philosophy that paying attention to the "little things" does indeed make a difference.

That fresh approach is apparent on the first visit, where a personal primary care physician sits down with the patient for a relaxed conversation that typically lasts 90 minutes. The discussion covers the patient's immediate health care needs plus what is occurring in his or her life, from diet and lifestyle to family and social structure, including logistical concerns such as finance or transportation.

A nurse practitioner also meets with a patient during that first visit, discussing prescriptions, exercise and any specific follow-up as directed by the doctor, which may include physical therapy and other treatments. The personalized attention for center patients continues even after they have left the office. Center staff routinely call patients at home to see how they are feeling their visit. The staff also can arrange for home health care and special needs, such as meal delivery and cleaning services.

"This really is a new model of health care for seniors that is being introduced by Sharp HealthCare," said Dennis Ehrlich, M.D., medical director of the new senior center. "A simple appointment will enable the patient to receive treatment for virtually any condition requiring care including nutrition, medication management, or psyho-social issues. But we also provide counseling toward well-being, health education, financial assistance, transportation and social activities." Sharp Senior Health Center/2-2-2

As special health care problems arise, patients usually can see a specialist at Sharp Senior Health Center rather than being referred to another medical office. The list of specialist services includes geriatric psychology, orthopedics, hematology/oncology, surgery, nephrology, ophthalmology, endocrinology, pulmonology, gynecology, podiatry, dermatology, ear/nose/throat, gastrointestinal, rheumatology, neurology, and physical and massage therapy. And in the event of a problem, patients can call 24 hours a day.

With a medical reference library, books, brochures and literature on issues of interest to seniors, and future plans for a social club, health lectures, "ask a specialist" sessions and regular lunches with the staff, professionals at Sharp Senior Health Center go beyond just meeting the basic medical needs of seniors.

Sharp Senior Health Center accepts Medicare assignment, Medicare Part B and Medicare with supplemental insurance plans or Medi-Cal. Insurance billing is free, as is counseling.

Overseeing this effort is Dennis Ehrlich, M.D., board-certified in internal medicine and a practicing geriatric specialist for more than 11 years. Dr. Ehrlich is assisted by a staff of medical professionals specially trained to understand the health care needs of older adults. The center's staff includes--unlike any doctor's office--a full-time clinical coordinator, a registered nurse practitioner who personally keeps tabs on patients after visiting their health practitioners, a medical assistant, podiatrist, audiologist, social worker, dietitian and others.

An outpatient service of Sharp Memorial Hospital, the center is located at 4320 Genesee Avenue, Suite 104, on the first floor of the Liberty Park Plaza Medical and Dental Building, one block north of Balboa and a half block west of Genesee. Seniors are invited to tour the Center at a special open house and celebration from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 24. For information about Sharp Senior Health Center call (619) 569-5850.

Gaining or losing too much weight is one more concern people have as they grow older. For some, settling into a routine of less activity becomes the problem and for many others, poor nutrition or loss of interest in their diet leads to excessive weight loss. Seniors carrying too much weight have the added concern of its effect on their heart, lungs and joints. For those losing too much weight, there's the concern of its effect on their medication dosages that are often calculated according to body mass. Key to maintaining a healthy weight and fitness level is starting and maintaining a regular exercise program and having a balanced, low-fat eating plan.

To offer seniors the opportunity and means to remain healthy and viable, Sharp HealthCare's Senior Resource Centers offer numerous enjoyable activities to promote health and wellness in seniors, plus offer a social benefit that may be lacking in their lives. Mall Walkers, a program for seniors that meets in north and east counties, offers walking programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Plaza Camino Real Shopping Center, and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. at Grossmont Center in La Mesa. In addition to its walking program, Mall Walkers offers free health screenings and lectures on topics of interest to seniors.

"In addition to maintaining their weight at a healthy level, seniors need to work to keep their muscle tone," says Shelly Buono, MS, exercise physiologist with Sharp Senior Resource Centers. Senior Fitness, a low impact aerobics class for seniors that meets three days each week, also incorporates gentle stretching and light strength training to help seniors maintain their muscle tone. For seniors suffering from arthritis, arthro-swim classes are offered in Grossmont Hospital Rehabilitation large, indoor heated swimming pool.

Sharp Cardiac Rehabilitation's "Adult Fit for Life" program offers seniors a medically-supervised exercise program to help them regain fitness while managing stress, diabetes and hypertension, overcoming obesity, and smoking cessation. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation exercise program educates seniors with emphysema, asthma, and airway or lung disease on how to control their breathing problems while getting the exercise so important to their overall health.

"An added benefit to exercising is the strengthening of skeletal muscles and physical improvement, which in turn help the heart and lungs to handle the body's workload," states Colleen Austel, BSN, RN, manager of Sharp Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs.

Nutrition is a critical factor in helping seniors maintain a healthy weight. Planning and eating a nutritious, low-fat diet is an essential partner to exercise. It's important for seniors to eat five to eight portions of fruit and vegetables per day -- either fresh, canned or frozen -- to keep their fiber intake at a level to prevent constipation. Also ensure the diet contains at least some high quality protein each day -- chicken, fish, or beans and lentils. A good lentil soup is much healthier than some low-fat, high calorie diet foods, such as Entemann's or Snack Wells fat-free goodies.

A key factor to seniors' health is drinking plenty of fluids, says Candy Cumming, MS, RD, nutritional counselor for Sharp's Weight Management Program.

"Many seniors' thirst mechanisms become diminished, so they must develop a routine to ensure they get enough water every day," states Cumming. One way to do this is to drink two glasses of water before breakfast each morning, then three more pint bottles of water during the day. The water bottles can be carried along in a purse or backpack throughout the day. Cumming suggests that if frequent urination at night is a problem, seniors can drink most of their fluids early in the day.

Additional programs to enhance seniors' fitness levels include line dancing, chair dancing, simple weight training and yoga. All will benefit muscle tone and work to increase muscle mass which, in turn, will increase metabolic rate. At least four to six hours of exercise per week is best for weight management and is particularly important for seniors so they don't have to restrict calories too much. Any exercise program undertaken by seniors should have the approval of their personal physician -- especially if they have a particular health risk or are not used to exercising.

Cumming notes that seniors who begin a physical fitness program are more steady on their feet, fall less often, and actually improve their strength, flexibility and aerobic capacity. Additionally, they are happier and have more opportunities to socialize.

For information on these and other healthy lifestyle programs offered for seniors, call Sharp HealthCare at 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277).

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