Robert Zaltsberg
Editor, Bloomington Herald Times
Bloomington, Indiana
 

As editor of the Bloomington Herald Times, Bob Zaltsberg works with words. He has become particularly fond of two words, EARLY and DETECTION. As a patient, he knows firsthand the benefits of discovering illness in its initial stages and when he describes his personal road to better health, he does so, "in chapters," a fitting way for the editor to depict his journey.

Chapter One: "My boss, Scott Schurz, said one day that he had a benefit for me and was sending me to the Executive Health Program," Zaltsberg says. An avid runner, non-smoker, and member of the Bloomington YMCA, Zaltsberg still wasn't sure whether he felt enthusiastic or apprehensive about this opportunity. He made an appointment the following summer and underwent a treadmill stress test. To his surprise, results showed coronary blockage, so an ultrasound of the heart was performed. Good news: the initial results were a "false positive" and he appeared in good shape. To be safe, Dr. Busk suggested an every-other-year ultrasound of the heart. It's a good thing he did.

Two years later Zaltsberg's ultrasound raised some concerns and Dr. Busk sent him directly to a cardiologist. After undergoing an angiogram, physicians found two blocked arteries: one 80 percent blocked, the other 70 percent. Zaltsberg was surprised. "I hadn't had any symptoms, no family history of heart problems, I even ate a healthy diet," he notes. Later he learned from Dr. Busk that 450,000 people die suddenly from heart attacks each year. Many don't have symptoms. He is one of the lucky ones.

Chapter Two: During his physical in 2005, Dr. Busk noted that Zaltsberg's PSA level was elevated. While it still was considered to be in a safe range, it had doubled from the previous reading. This change, combined with the fact that Zaltsberg's brother had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, caused Dr. Busk to refer him to a prostate cancer specialist. A biopsy showed cancerous cells and soon a prostatectomy was arranged. For the past year, Zaltsberg has seen his specialist every six months and tests have been good.

Chapter Three: "It's the kidney disease to have if you're going to have one," Zaltsberg notes, describing Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome. He was diagnosed with it in 2006 and experienced its effects: 55 pounds of water weight gain in three months caused by the kidneys' inability to function properly. "Thanks to Dr. Busk, I was able to see a nephrologist right away," Zaltsberg says. "The value of his knowledge of the IU Medical Group helped me get a quick diagnosis and put me on the way to treatment very efficiently." Fortunately the non-progressive kidney disease is treated with medication and diet. Zaltsberg is back to normal once again.

Chapter Four: Things look promising. Zaltsberg is faithful about scheduling routine exams and follow-up care. "I see the absolute benefit of prevention," he says. "The whole purpose of Executive Health is to create a game plan to keep you from needing medical care. I can't imagine a better health benefit than a program like this." Does he appreciate his boss' initial urging to make his appointment? "I told him he saved my life."