Whole-Person Care — Body, Mind and Spirit
Local Mountain Biker Finds Her PainFree Ride FOR COMPETITIVE MOUNTAIN BIKER, BETH HOFFMEISTER, LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN WAS NO LONGER AN OPTION.
| 2021, VOLUME 2
WHAT’S INSIDE
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ADVENTHEALTH APP Makes it easy to access care.
We Do Health Care Differently
Moving health care forward. By revolutionizing care today. At AdventHealth, we’re redefining health care by employing the most innovative medical solutions in pursuit of less-invasive procedures, shorter recovery times and an elevated patient experience. Our leading experts are here to help you stay well ahead for your whole life.
Stay well ahead at AdventHealthNC.com.
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FOCUS ON FARMING Joe Brittain continues the work he loves despite a cancer diagnosis.
New CEO Shares Commitment to AdventHealth’s Culture of Care AdventHealth Hendersonville is coming to the end of the second year in this pandemic. A year filled with new ways to prevent, protect and provide care for people navigating COVID-19. This was also a second year of balancing the ever-changing aspects of the coronavirus with the never-changing focus of our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. That balance is driving AdventHealth to expand its commitment to quality and patient experience under the leadership of our new President and Chief Executive Officer, Brandon Nudd, FACHE.
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Brandon stepped into the CEO role in August, coming to AdventHealth Hendersonville from Castle Rock Adventist Hospital located in Colorado, which is part of Centura Health, AdventHealth’s joint operating company with CommonSpirit Health.
20-DAY STAY FIGHTING COVID-19 Caused Derick Chandler to miss the birth of his baby.
This move brought Brandon back to AdventHealth Hendersonville where he was part of the leadership team serving as administrative director of organizational development and primary care services from 2011 to 2014. Building from that experience, Brandon went on to serve as Chief Operating Officer at AdventHealth Gordon and AdventHealth Murray in Georgia before taking the helm as the CEO of Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. Health care became the calling on Brandon’s life when he served as a management intern for AdventHealth in college. “I quickly realized how rewarding my career was going to be as I supported team members in caring for our neighbors.” With more than 20 years of health care experience, Brandon is keeping AdventHealth Hendersonville moving forward on its path
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to bring whole-person care – body, mind and spirit to even more people, including those who need higher levels of acute care. Earlier this year, AdventHealth wrapped up a 10-year growth plan that incorporated an analysis of the vital care needs that Western North Carolina will face through the next decade. The end result shows how AdventHealth can meet the need for expanded health services, new locations, new technology and medical innovations to fulfill its promise to help people feel whole. “Our team’s success is only achievable when we have great physicians, excellent nurses, outstanding technicians and therapists, and an exceptional support team. In addition, the role of our community leaders as they are our ears and voice of the community is paramount to continue to develop the community’s trust. I am grateful AdventHealth Hendersonville has an extraordinary team, and our mission is achievable when every team member is committed to the work God has called us to do.” Brandon and his wife, Maria have been so excited to return to the beauty of Western North Carolina. They are settling in with their four children ages 5 to 14. But they are quick to share, they already feel at home. Brandon sums up the move to this new role in a familiar place: “I am excited to be part of a team that has accomplished so much in its rich 110-plus-year history. The commitment to quality and experience, the overall growth in services and the ability to expand our mission to more families is energizing. I believe our future is bright and am truly humbled to be able to serve as the President & CEO of AdventHealth Hendersonville.”
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With AdventHealth App, you can: FIND A PHYSICIAN
Searching for a primary care physician or medical specialist is easy with the advanced physician-finder tool. Search by zip code, physician’s name, specialty or location. You’ll find doctor biographies, areas of specialty and educational videos that can help you choose the physician that’s right for you.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Now you can schedule or request an appointment with your primary care doctor, a specialist, a medical imaging facility or laboratory right from your computer or smartphone. This can be a traditional office appointment or a convenient telehealth option. “This makes it so easy to stay on top of my regular health screenings and when I need to see my doctor on short notice,” AdventHealth App user.
ACCESS MEDICAL RECORDS
You’re able to create personalized profiles for your family health history that can be viewed throughout our network. You’ll have direct access to your medical records including lab results, medical images, surgeries, physician notes and more. “Being able to locate my daughter’s vaccination records as she was registering for her first semester living on campus at a university was enough to sell this app for me,” AdventHealth App user.
AdventHealth App Makes it Easy to Access Care Have you ever wished you could have your entire medical history at your fingertips? Needed to get your children’s medical records before camp or the start of the school year? Forgotten a doctor’s instructions, or wished you could remember the dates of your last blood tests? With the AdventHealth App, you can do all of these things — and much more. The AdventHealth App is a centralized app designed to help manage your family’s journey to wholeness. Seamlessly access your medical records, coordinate your care, schedule appointments, see test results and connect with doctors all from the palm of your hand.
Get your hands on the cure for the common app. Scan the QR code to download today.
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CARE TEAM
Have a follow-up question for your doctor or want to send the office staff a message without having to make a call? Connecting with your care team is easier than ever with convenient in-app messaging that lets you filter messages by topic.
PRESCRIPTION REFILL REQUESTS
Are your medications running low? No problem. Just use the app to make a quick and easy refill request and be on your way.
ONLINE BILL PAY
View paper bills and make payments all in one central location. You’ll never have to worry about losing track of a paper bill again.
VIEW UPCOMING APPOINTMENTS
See your upcoming appointments and confirm appointment times online.
LAB RESULTS
Get your results quickly, in a beautifully designed dashboard that’s convenient and easy to understand. “I couldn’t believe how quickly this information was available to me. It brought me so much peace of mind to see my results right there in the app,” AdventHealth App user.
FIND CARE NOW
View ER and urgent care clinic locations near you. A couple of clicks from your app profile can allow you to schedule yourself for an available appointment at the urgent care.
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Don’t Struggle In Silence Years of building fences set Frank “Putt” Borowski up for a health issue he never thought he would face at age 51. Putt suffered arsenic poisoning in 2008. He says the exposure damaged some of his blood vessels and impacted blood flow. Putt began to suffer from erectile dysfunction also known as ED. Over the years, Putt had tried to find a solution that would work for him. “I tried Viagra and Cialis and even went to the one place where they did the shots and none of that stuff worked.” When Putt shared the lack of success with his primary care provider, AdventHealth Physician Assistant, Cassidy Ford, PA-C, she recommended that he see AdventHealth Urologist, Nina Harkhani, MD. ED is a very personal issue that can be difficult to discuss. But Putt quickly discovered that wouldn’t be the case with Dr. Harkhani. “When I was introduced to Dr. Harkhani, she made me feel very comfortable even talking to a woman about this.” Dr. Harkhani thinks a combination of issues lead men to avoid these conversations. “First, there is a lack of education on ED which leads to embarrassment and a reluctance to discuss it openly.” She says, fortunately that is changing as we see more advertisements about ED. In some cases men think it’s just part of aging. Younger men often think it will just resolve on its own. Dr. Harkhani points out ED is a medical condition with effective treatments. “That is why it is important to establish a strong doctor-patient relationship so that the patient feels comfortable talking about these sensitive issues and to see a urology specialist who has experience talking about ED.” Because the pills and injections had not worked, Dr. Harkhani shared the option of penile implant surgery with Putt. “Putt was looking for a solution that was reliable and allowed him to have spontaneity in his sex life. Penile implant offers that so patient satisfaction is quite high.” Putt admits, “I had heard about this procedure from years ago, but it was like a major surgery.” Putt’s wife, Donna,
did some additional research into the surgery, and together they determined it was the right choice for him. “Personally I think that when you have been married for 27 years, your love life is part of it, too. In my opinion you do anything you can do to make your spouse happy. I was able to get 100% of my quality of life back. My wife said I was like a teenager again.” Putt looks back on the experience with Dr. Harkhani and the AdventHealth Surgical Services team, “I was not concerned going into the surgery. It was my trust in the Lord. I really believe He is the one who led me to this place to begin with. Dr. Harkhani is one of the best surgeons I have ever had. And I’ve had quite a few surgeries. Everybody was so wonderful and professional. I would give it a 5-star easy.” For Dr. Harkhani, one of the goals of her practice is to increase education on ED and ED treatment options and help men feel empowered to find the best options for them. That education includes virtual seminars where she talks about signs, symptoms, and related health risks such as ED being a warning sign of cardiovascular disease because the conditions have overlapping risk factors. It is important for men to feel comfortable discussing this topic with their doctors. Treating ED leads to improved mood, improved self-esteem, improved relationships and improved self-confidence. These all contribute to better overall health and help the patient feel whole.
To learn more about Dr. Harkhani’s virtual Men’s Health webinars and ED treatment options, visit AdventHealtNC.com/Urology, call 828-618-5052. Scan the QR code to schedule an appointment.
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That regular appointment was with Joe’s primary care physician, Robert Smith, MD at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Forge Mountain. Joe isn’t one to see the doctor for every ache or sniffle. “So when he does arrive in my office for consultation, I pay particular attention to his concerns. The secret in his case is quite simple. Being available when he needs me and then simply listening.”
Joe gets ready to welcome visitors to Mills River Farm Market.
Dr. Smith listened to Joe when he said he had been more tired lately and didn’t have energy. When Joe shared that he had been having problems swallowing, Dr. Smith knew Joe needed additional care.
KEEPING HIS FOCUS ON FARMING
Joe and Linda agree that if Dr. Smith had not known Joe’s previous history and his lifestyle; he may not have sent Joe to the gastroenterologist. Linda explains, “Because of their good relationship, Dr. Smith paid attention to the fact that Joe was having occasional issues with swallowing.” Dr. Smith sent Joe for an endoscopy to have his esophagus stretched. During the procedure the team noticed a suspicious area and took a biopsy. “If Dr. Smith had not understood what issues I was having and my previous medical history, the cancer would have gone undetected.”
The relationship with a primary care provider that kept Joe Brittain at the work he loves despite a cancer diagnosis. On any given Saturday from May to October you will find Joe Brittain welcoming people to the source for fresh, mountain grown produce at the Mills River Farm Market. A life-long farmer, Joe brings his own harvest to the market every Saturday from spring to fall. He is also an advocate for fellow farmers in his role as the Executive Director of the market. Joe and his wife, Linda, have been focused on expanding the impact of the market for more than 10 years. “We have worked to make the market more than just a group of folks in a parking lot selling food,” says Joe. Linda adds, “The market is a destination, a place where folks have the best fresh food available, kids learn how much fun food can be, and adults learn how to prepare and enjoy new foods.” But this past season at the Mills River Farm Market hit a roadblock for Joe when he found out he had esophageal cancer. “I had not been experiencing any symptoms. My regular appointment is what led to the early detection.”
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Still reeling from the news of a stage 2 esophageal cancer diagnosis, Joe and Linda reached out to Dr. Smith for guidance. He helped them connect with radiological and medical oncologists through the team at AdventHealth Cancer Services. He made time to see Joe and Linda to answer any of the questions or concerns they had. “Dr. Smith has been a real blessing, being available whenever we needed him, always making time to offer moral support, counseling, and exhibiting a genuine concern and desire to help in any way possible,” shares Linda.
This infusion of love and support carries him through to the next week.” — Linda Brittain
Joe also shares that his AdventHealth Cancer Services care team have been a great source of support through his treatments. “I can’t say enough good about them. They bend over backwards to help you. Very informative, I can ask them anything and they will answer my questions or get the answers for me.”
Simple and Joe says the cancer and treatments have impacted about 99% of his ability to fulfill his role in the Mills River Farm Market. However, Joe is finding a source of healing in the market he loves so much. “The vendors have all pitched in to do most of the manual labor on market day. I welcome the shoppers as they arrive.” Linda adds, “He has developed a rapport with many of the customers through the years and they are concerned with his recovery. Knowing Joe has the backing of the community has made a huge difference. This infusion of love and support carries him through to the next week.” Joe is waiting to find out if the treatments have worked to shrink or possibly destroy the tumor. In the meantime, he continues to work toward goals for the Mills River Farm Market to find a permanent location, bring on a market manager and expand popular programs. Those programs include Double SNAP, which doubles the dollars for people receiving food assistance. This allows them to purchase more local and healthy food options when shopping at the market.
Aromatic
Creating New Traditions for Holiday Tables in the AdventHealth Wellness Kitchen The coming weeks bring many opportunities to enjoy the comfort and connection that comes from holiday meals and parties. We have a simple and aromatic take on a classic side dish that is sure to please the crowd without adding a lot of stress to your preparations. Let’s start by clearing up the confusion for those of you who might think of “stuffing” as something that needs a large turkey and a massive family gathering to enjoy. Not so! In fact, a stuffing cooked outside a bird is called dressing, and this dressing is simply delightful. The combination of sweet apricots and dates, deeply savory garlic, and onions and crunchy and silky textures of breads and nuts will have this dish moving into the category of fan favorite. Preparation is easy — get someone to help chop — and the aroma of fresh herbs will attract attention before the first bite.
Ingredients and Instructions Recipe courtesy of Chef Edwin Cabrera
Thyme and Date Stuffing RECIPE INGREDIENTS
PREP INSTRUCTIONS
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Yield: 18 (1/2 cup) servings
Joe and Linda can continue to work on these dreams for the market, thanks to the benefit of the early diagnosis of his cancer. A diagnosis that came about thanks to having a primary care physician. “We cannot stress enough the importance of having a doctor with whom you have an established relationship.”
• 2 1/2 cups celery, diced
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• 2 1/2 cups yellow onion, diced
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• 4 cups mushrooms, sliced
• Total Time: 40 minutes
Dr. Smith shares this advice if you are ready to build that health relationship, “In the current environment, finding the right primary care provider can be challenging but should not be mysterious. Find a provider who is available, offers an authentic relationship and one who makes more eye contact with you than the computer screen!”
• 2 tablespoons walnuts, toasted and chopped
For help finding that right primary care provider for you, visit AdventHealthNC.com/PCP, call 828-547-3501 or scan the QR code.
• 1 tablespoon dried apricot, chopped • 2 tablespoons dates, chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped • 1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/16 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper • 1-1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth • 18 ounces whole wheat bread, cut into cubes
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS 1. Follow the prep technique next to each ingredient. 2. Preheat oven to 350˚F. 3. In a medium saucepan combine olive oil, celery, onions, mushrooms, garlic, fresh herbs and broth. Cover and sauté on medium heat just until soft.
Combine bread, dried fruit, walnuts and spices with the wet ingredients in large mixing bowl. Spray a casserole with nonstick cooking spray and add the stuffing mixture. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes for a crisp crust.
• nonstick cooking spray 6 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com
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Local Mountain Biker Finds Her Pain-free Ride By Emily Lynes
For competitive mountain biker Beth Hoffmeister, living with chronic pain wasn’t an option anymore. The Brevard local, who has won 2 national mountain biking championships, found out the answer was shoulder replacement surgery.
“In Beth’s shoulders, her arthritis had progressed to the point where not only was the joint completely bone on bone, but she had begun to erode away the bone on her socket,” explained Dr. Boykin, “This caused the ball to begin to shift backwards (posterior direction) out of the socket.”
Beth Hoffmeister is a competitive mountain biker who races all across the nation. The Brevard local picked up the sport about 30 years ago, but it wasn’t until the last 10 years that she started competing more seriously. “I love the challenge of it. Being outdoors and the technical terrain. And it’s something that I share with my husband. And that’s awesome to have something that you really enjoy together.”
What makes this particular surgery unique was the ability to use computer navigation during the procedure. This state-of-the-art technology Dr. Boykin uses at AdventHealth works using CT scans of the patient to create a 3-D computer model of the joint. This allows the doctor to perform the surgery specifically to each individual patient and their unique needs.
But in 2015 Beth realized something was wrong. The pain in her shoulders and back was impairing her ability to ride her mountain bike. She talked with her family doctor who ordered scans of her shoulders. The results came back that she was suffering from osteoarthritis in both shoulders.
“This process of deformity correction for shoulder replacement has been made much easier and more accurate with the use of pre-operative templating,” Dr. Boykin explains, “where we can plan the surgery correction and implants on a computerized 3D model prior to surgery - and then execute that plan in surgery with the use of computer navigation and specialized instrumentation.”
Her family doctor referred her to an orthopedic surgeon and the journey of managing her pain began. She regularly received steroid injections in her shoulders to keep her pain level tolerable. But she knew that something would have to be done soon. She researched different orthopedic surgeons in the region and came across Robert Boykin, MD. “I needed to find a surgeon that was going to take care of me through this,” Beth says. She was impressed with Dr. Boykin’s credentials, and his approach to the process. “He had this great philosophy of ‘Let’s get you back to what you like to do.’”
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Dr. Boykin is an orthopedic shoulder surgeon with EmergeOrtho, Blue Ridge Division and Co-Managing Physician of the AdventHealth Hendersonville Orthopedic Surgery Program. After monitoring Beth’s shoulders during 2018, he ultimately decided that she would need shoulder replacement surgery, also called anatomic shoulder arthroplasty, where both the ball and socket of the shoulder are replaced using intraoperative computer navigation.
“Once that final decision was made, I was mentally and physically very ready,” Beth admits, “I was looking forward to getting some new shoulders, to being out of pain, and to moving on past all of that stuff I was dealing with. I had no trepidation at all. I felt so confident in Dr. Boykin and the entire care team. I was ready.”
“He could dial it in specifically to the inth degree to fix my shoulders the way they needed to be fixed. It was amazing,” Beth says.
Beth gears up for a beautiful ride through the mountains. She came in 4th place in her age group. “I didn’t have the concern of ‘can I make it through this whole thing because this is going to hurt?’ ” she explains, “I had the concerns of just doing the race strategies and being the best I could be in terms of the cycling aspect of it.”
Beth adds that it’s a miracle to ride with no pain now. And she credits finding the right doctor and care team for her. After hearing about her two successful shoulder replacement surgeries, she has had several friends ask her who she recommends. And every time she highly recommends Dr. Boykin and AdventHealth Hendersonville. — Beth Hoffmeister
”It was a miracle
to ride with no pain.”
Dr. Boykin performed both surgeries at AdventHealth Hendersonville. The first one was in January 2019 and the second was in May 2019. Beth was impressed with how comfortable and well-cared for she was during and after surgery at AdventHealth. “They were all excellent. Everything worked out perfectly.” Beth says, “Everyone was very attentive, kind and efficient.” “AdventHealth Hendersonville supports me with excellent surgical teams who have performed these procedures with me many times,” Dr. Boykin explains, “All of this allows us to provide the best possible outcome for the patient.” Beth has been able to get back to competitive mountain biking. During the summer of 2021 she competed in the USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike Nationals in Winter Park, CO.
“I have confidence in this doctor and his team. And he, Dr. Boykin, has all the confidence in the world in AdventHealth.” Beth says. “He had all the support he needed to do his work successfully. And that was all related to him being able to work with AdventHealth.” Dr. Boykin adds, “Having surgery is always a stressful process, but having a compassionate team who is experienced and excellent at what they do, makes the entire process much easier.”
To learn more call 828-374-0641 visit myOrthoNC.com, or Scan the QR code.
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Making it easier than ever to answer the call to be part of a Health Care Team.
The Foot Factor Steps to solve foot pain that uncovered a surprising source and successful relief. A move to Asheville about five years ago started Thomas Miller on a path to solving foot pain that had an unusual source. He was unpacking things and excited to set up his woodworking shop in his new home. “There were a number of steps in our basement and it really just kind of beat me up and triggered my problems.”
Ready to Earn While You Learn? AdventHealth Hendersonville CMA Paid Training & Job Placement program • 6-week, On-site, Certified Medical Assistant Course • Guaranteed job placement with completed certification • Instruction provided by Blue Ridge Community College
AdventHealthHendersonvilleCareers.com
Thomas went to his podiatrist who referred him for a neurological exam with AdventHealth Neurologist, Laura Fleck, MD. Dr. Fleck offers specialized care in both general neurology and spine neurology. She provides care for patients experiencing symptoms related to various conditions including migraines, epilepsy, stroke, low back and neck pain, and numbness. Dr. Fleck had her team run a nerve study on Thomas that uncovered a problem with his back. Dr. Fleck prescribed physical therapy for Thomas. “She said it was going to take some time,” he remembers. “It was 6 months to the day when I realized that my foot wasn’t hurting as much anymore.” “Patients tend to underappreciate the importance of nerve-related health until they are in severe pain or are unable to function,” according to Dr. Fleck. “I believe the key to helping Mr. Miller, or any patient, regain his quality-of-life was to help him understand his condition.” Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Velocity (EMG/NCV) testing examine the health of peripheral nerves and muscles. Dr. Fleck explains, you are able to gain unique clinical information. “It’s a means of identifying pinched nerves, whether an issue is
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in an extremity or coming from the spine, and medical conditions impacting nerve health. By more clearly defining nerve function, patients are empowered to understand and manage their symptoms.” That understanding and experience with Dr. Fleck is what has Thomas ready to recommend her to others. “I don’t do that with every doctor I see. I honestly think it’s the compassion, the knowledge, the empathy – she hit every single note. Every single one.” Thomas followed his own recommendation, returning to see Dr. Fleck for a recent problem in his heel. For him, care with Dr. Fleck is “just the way you would like to have with an experience with a medical professional. She’s pretty amazing.”
SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM GENERAL NEUROLOGIST CARE: • Headaches • Dizziness • Black-outs
• Vertigo • Double vision • Balance problems
• Tremor • Forgetfulness
SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM SPINE NEUROLOGIST CARE: • Low back or neck pain
• Arm, leg or foot pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness
To learn more about Dr. Fleck and her expertise in spine and nerve health, visit AdventHealthNC.com or scan the QR code. EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com | 11
A Whole Network of Care for Your Whole-person Care REST
At AdventHealth Hendersonville, we’re much more than just a single facility or hospital. With access to the vast AdventHealth network of care and its many providers, treatments, and technologies, our reach extends across Western North Carolina and the surrounding regions to better serve you and your loved ones. Connecting to these world-class health care professionals helps you build a network of support for your wellness. This relationship helps establish preventive care as a priority and maintain steady care of chronic conditions. The primary and specialty care providers at AdventHealth are ready to help you on your path to wellness in body, mind and spirit.
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We are excited to introduce you to some of the newest members of our network of care who chose AdventHealth because of the way we do health care differently.
Why I Chose AdventHealth... Gwendolyn Smith, DO | Family Medicine AdventHealth Multispecialty at South Asheville 15 Skyland Inn Drive | Arden, NC
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I said yes to AdventHealth because of the welcoming community of like-minded people. It is important to me to work within a team that values caring for all people through quality health care. I approach my role as a family physician first and foremost by building relationships with mutual respect and trust. In my professional role, I communicate health information through a compassionate but honest, transparent lens. It is in this way that I express care for my patients and honor the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship.
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Wes Jones, MD | Internal Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Laurel Park 1881 Pisgah Drive | Hendersonville, NC
The focus on quality patient care was apparent as I spoke to everyone here. How the voices of every person are heard and their needs taken into account (for example the team that focuses on spiritual and mental health). I am excited to join a group of wonderful people with similar goals as mine, to simply do the best I can to serve the community.
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Having practiced medicine exclusively in the hospital over the past 15 years, I’m really excited about the opportunity to build a practice and get to know my patients better over time. I was really impressed by what physicians had to say about how AdventHealth makes it easier to practice medicine.
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AdventHealth Medical Group Rheumatology at Hendersonville 80 Doctors Drive, Suite 4 | Hendersonville, NC
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Francis Luk, MD | Rheumatology
Find Ways to Feel Whole with CREATION Life
R IS FOR REST
Living life to the fullest is possible. We can find ways to do just that thanks to a prescription for wellness known as CREATION Life.
Rest is the restoration of your body, mind and spirit. Your best rest includes a good night’s sleep and making time to relax daily, weekly and yearly.
CREATION Life outlines eight principles to help us shape our daily routines. These are based in biblical truths God gave us regarding our physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
THE EIGHT PRINCIPLES ARE: Choice Rest Environment Activity Trust in God Interpersonal Relationships Outlook
When you’re ready to connect with an AdventHealth provider, we’re here to help meet your needs. Our Patient Resource Team is available to connect you with one of our more than 145 primary and specialty care providers for a lifetime of health. Call 828-677-2867, visit AdventHealthNC.com or scan the QR code. 12 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com
Nutrition
Make an appointment to create space in your life for rest. We tend to associate the word “appointment” with structured and productive events such as meetings, check-ups and interviews. Sleep and relaxation are unstructured, seemingly unproductive events; they seem like the opposite of appointments. That can make it easy to think of rest as unimportant. For a whole and healthy life, rest should be a top priority. Relaxation also needs a set time: daily, weekly and annually. At each level, the key is to choose reasonable and refreshing activities. These could be as simple as finding time to go for a walk at work or taking a day of rest each week. What is considered restful may vary from person to person, so it is important to be genuine in your choice. If you form the habit of regularly planning your rest you will experience better health, more happiness and increased productivity. It is always worth your time to rest. (continued on next page)
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R E ST
Rest vs. Sleep: Know the Difference for Whole Health Feeling mentally foggy and physically sluggish is all too familiar for many of us. Our on-the-go lifestyles may make us feel productive, but when pushed too far, our accomplishments can come at the expense of our health, vitality and even spiritual well-being. Finding that delicate balance of living a fulfilled life, yet prioritizing time to rest, is an important part of our wholeperson care and CREATION Life philosophy at AdventHealth. Discovering opportunities for both mental and physical rest might not be as challenging as you think. For most, feeling tired or worn down might lead you to think you need more sleep. While sleep is critical to feeling whole, rest can be so much more than your nightly hours of shut-eye. “Rest involves your whole being, not just your body,” according to the book CREATION Health by AdventHealth Publishing. It continues, “With complete and regular rest, you will restore your health, enhance your performance and achieve an amazing sense of well-being.” You can incorporate small, but impactful, bouts of rest into your everyday routine in many ways.
Here are some tips to add more rest into your life. TAKE A SILENT GRATITUDE MINUTE Living in the moment is easier said than done. But in doing so, it helps calm your body and mind, allowing them to take a brief break from the daily stressors all around you.
TAKE A TIME OUT Removing yourself from a stressful situation or anxious environment might be all you need to take a mental and physical break. Think of it as your own little “time out” to connect with your thoughts, emotions and body.
TAKE A NAP While napping might not be realistic for you every day, there’s a body of scientific evidence suggesting you might want to sneak a daytime rest when you can.
You can explore more ways to prioritize rest and feel your best, by visiting CREATIONLife, or scan the QR code. 14 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com
COVID-19 Postpones Meeting Baby For Derick Chandler, COVID-19 postponed his chance to meet his baby for the first time. Being diagnosed with COVID-19 on September 1, 2021 was the start of a challenging and scary medical emergency for Derick Chandler and his pregnant wife, Jessie. Derick had been struggling with COVID-19 for several days. He was having problems breathing and experiencing extremely high fevers. Derick went to see his doctor in Mars Hill, NC on September 3, who told him to immediately go to the hospital. Derick and Jessie went to a local hospital close to Mars Hill to be treated. While Derick was inside being cared for, Jessie went into preterm labor in the parking lot of the hospital. It was a month before her due date, so Jessie was transported by ambulance to another hospital to give birth. Because both Derick and Jessie were COVID-19 positive, Derick could not be with Jessie while she was giving birth. Derick had been given oxygen and sent home. While his wife was in labor, Derick was at his home in Mars Hill struggling to breathe and couldn’t get his fever under control. “I just couldn’t breathe,” Derick says, “I was afraid if I didn’t go [to the hospital] it would get worse. My fever wouldn’t break. I did everything I could think of.” Derick’s mother urged him to go to AdventHealth Hendersonville. “My mom said AdventHealth was the best choice,” Derick explained, “All we’ve heard is good stuff about it. That’s where I decided to go.” On September 4, the same day his daughter, Allie Mae, was born, Derick was admitted to AdventHealth Hendersonville. They tried several different options to get his oxygen levels back up, but nothing worked. That’s when they decided to put him on a ventilator. He ended up being on the ventilator for eleven and a half days.
Derick and his family took time to introduce Allie Mae to ICU Nurse Supervisor, Staci Jackson, BSN, BN.
Derick was impressed with the care he received from the team at AdventHealth, especially from ICU Clinical Nurse Supervisor, Staci Jackson, BSN, RN. “She was just super nice,” Derick recalls, “She would go out of her way just to check on me, even when it wasn’t her rounds.” “I’ve always been a huge patient advocate,” Staci shares, “It’s something I pride myself on... speaking up for those who have limited means to do so. Our COVID patients are so limited and isolated. Derick also had the challenge of being separated from his wife and their newborn. Being a mom, that just devastated me.” The team at AdventHealth continued to provide whole-person care to Derick throughout his battle with COVID-19. Derick said the nurses would pray with him and were his connection to the outside world. They went out of their way to make him comfortable and support him during his stay.
“I am also grateful to hear I made a difference in this man’s life,” Staci says, “In the end, I believe that is one of the most important things you can do with your life… make a difference.” Overall, Derick’s stay at AdventHealth lasted 20 days. He was finally able to go home on September 24 and meet his new baby girl. “It was a blessing,” Derick says, “I was tickled to death, and very thankful.” Derick is still recovering at home and waiting to see how much longer he will need to use oxygen. He does know for sure that he will be recommending AdventHealth Hendersonville to anyone who asks. “I would recommend it to anybody over any other hospital,” Derick says, “I don’t think anywhere I’ve ever been you’ll meet nicer staff. They act like it’s not a job to them. That was their purpose for being there. They act like they actually care about you.”
“Everybody there was great,” Derick recalls, “They kept in touch with all my family. They used my phone, and the nurses would text for me. They would show me pictures of my baby. They just went out of their way.”
EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com | 15
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