YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL  SUMMER 2020
HEALTHCARE HEROES PAGE 4
NEWS BRIEF
A LETTER FROM OUR LEADER These have truly been challenging times. COVID-19 has tested us and our communities. Despite these challenges, I have seen our community rise above, come together and support one another. This is especially true of our healthcare heroes.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
Conquering COVID-19 While Pregnant: Compassionate Care Helps Mom-to-Be Recover in Time for Baby
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Our Healthcare Heroes: Get to Know Team Members on the Front Line
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Living Healthy
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Overcoming Challenges
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Eating Healthy During Uncertain Times
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Staying Healthy at Home
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Kindness Is Not Cancelled
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Angels Among Us
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Time to Start Moving Make Exercise Part of a New Routine
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DARCARS Silver Spring Lends a Helping Hand to Hospital Workers
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SUMMER 2020
Our caregivers have stood together, strong and resilient, for our community during this time when compassionate care is needed the most. Each of our more than 5,000 employees have contributed to our response to COVID-19. Their dedication to our Mission of extending God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing has been inspiring in these uncertain times. Along with the extraordinary work by our caregivers, many people and businesses have extended His care back to us, with well-wishes, nourishing meals, supply donations and more. We are extremely grateful for these blessings. Adventist HealthCare is here for you. As always, we are taking every precaution to ensure your health and safety in our facilities. Some measures we have implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include: • • • •
Telehealth options Safe patient pathways Social distancing Fewer people in waiting rooms
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Visitor restrictions Deep cleaning and disinfection Vigorous infection prevention Required face masks
Today, we are accomplishing our work with renewed focus and heart. Thank you for entrusting us with your care.
TERRY FORDE
President and Chief Executive Officer
Terry Forde, left, discusses temporary field hospitals with leaders and construction teams at Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center in May. The hospital added three temporary care sites and a first-in-the-nation mobile ICU to respond to the surge of COVID-19 patients in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
For more information about Adventist HealthCare’s safety initiatives, visit AHCYou.com/SU20Safety.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
CONQUERING COVID-19 WHILE PREGNANT: Compassionate Care Helps Mom-to-Be Recover in Time for Baby
In April 2020, Sandrine Atemekeng, 34, of Frederick had just hit the 36-week mark in her fourth pregnancy. ANDRINE, a Montgomery County Hospice nurse, had been quarantining at home due to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. “I was just at home with my family, waiting for the baby to come,” she said. But that same week, she started experiencing a stuffy nose, a loss of taste and smell, and random bouts of chills. After another week, her symptoms got worse. She woke up in the middle of the night with a bad cough, abdominal pain and a fever of 102 degrees. That’s when she realized she hadn’t felt her baby move for almost two hours. “Being a nurse and a mom, I knew something wasn’t right,” Sandrine said. “I knew my baby. And something was off.” Sandrine received a test near her home in Frederick County. The next morning, she learned she was positive. “My first thought was, ‘Are you serious?’” Sandrine said. “I had been home, staying away from people. The only place I had been was to the grocery store.”
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MANAGING COVID-19 WHILE PREGNANT Sandrine called both her primary care doctor and her obstetrician to understand how she should manage the virus with her pregnancy. “Because I was pregnant, they weren’t sure if some of the typical treatments were safe for me,” Sandrine said. “After talking with my obstetrician, he recommended that the safest bet for me would be to go to the hospital.” Even though Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center was a drive from her home in Frederick County, she knew it was where she wanted to be. “I had all of my children at Shady Grove, and the care was amazing,” Sandrine said. “I knew that if there was a chance I was
going to go into labor or be induced, I needed to be there.” By the time Sandrine arrived at Shady Grove, the Birth Center nurses were ready and waiting for her. “They actually called me while I was on my way to ask where I was,” Sandrine said. “They were so prepared. As soon as I got to the hospital, they had me in an isolation room with oxygen, IV fluids and anything else I needed.”
looked forward to returning to Shady Grove Medical Center. This time, instead of fighting a brutal virus, she would be meeting her daughter. “I just wanted her to be healthy,” Sandrine said, “and I knew that coming back here to Shady Grove, they would do everything necessary to keep us both safe.” On May 8, Sandrine gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Kimora. She’s now adjusting to life as a mom of four.
COMPASSIONATE CARE ABOVE AND BEYOND
FACING A PANDEMIC HEAD-ON
For the next week, Sandrine was in isolation at the hospital. She says being alone was one of the toughest parts about her stay. “When I first got to the hospital, I was so weak. I didn’t want to watch television or do anything in my room,” she said. “But the nurses really stepped in. They fed me when I was too tired, told me jokes, laughed with me. They really made my stay so much more comfortable.” As the days passed, Sandrine started to improve. She remained concerned about her baby and whether she’d go into early labor. “I had an ultrasound, and they were monitoring her the whole time, but she seemed to be doing fine,” Sandrine said. “The nurses kept telling me, ‘she’s a strong one,’ and they were right.” By the end of the sixth day, Sandrine was fever-free, off of oxygen and cleared to go home. “I was still instructed to quarantine, to be on the safe side,” Sandrine said, “but I couldn’t wait to just get home. I still couldn’t be around my other children, but at least I could hear them playing downstairs.”
LOOKING BEYOND COVID-19 After recovering from COVID-19, Sandrine
After having COVID-19, Sandrine said she was so glad she listened to her body and got medical care when she did. “I’m glad I didn’t let the fear stop me from going to the hospital,” Sandrine said. “If I had, where would I be now?” Her advice to others? Don’t wait. “If you think something is off, it probably is. We have to remember to stay calm and think rationally. We’ll get through this.”
Only a few weeks after recovering from COVID-19, Sandrine rests at home with new baby Kimora.
Adventist HealthCare hospitals are offering online classes, tours and support groups to moms who are registered to deliver at our Birth Centers. For more information, please visit AHCYou.com/SU20Baby. AHCYOU.COM/SU20
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HEALTHCARE HEROES
OUR HEALTHCARE HEROES Get to Know Team Members on the Front Line
Employees from across Adventist HealthCare are serving the community in our response to COVID-19. Here are some of these amazing caregivers and their thoughts about working in healthcare in this unprecedented time.
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TUAN VU, MD, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VICE CHAIRMAN, ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE FORT WASHINGTON MEDICAL CENTER Dr. Vu leads our team providing emergency care to patients in Fort Washington. What has it been like to serve on the front lines of COVID-19? Working in the emergency room (ER) during this crisis has been rewarding and challenging, but also scary. My coworkers and I have seen more death and critical illnesses in the past two months than in the past year. This has been mentally difficult to process. My home life has changed dramatically since the pandemic started. I am concerned that at any time I could be an asymptomatic carrier and could spread it to my family. I bring a change of clothes to work and change out of my contaminated scrubs before going home. Both sets of clothes go into the laundry as soon as I get home. I always try to stay 6 feet away from my wife and kids, and I sleep in the basement bedroom, which right now is for my use only. I am very grateful to my family, who has been very supportive during this difficult time. What do you want the community to know? We will always be here for you, but we want you to stay healthy and out of the hospital. Please continue to practice social distancing so we can stop the spread of this disease. What have you learned about yourself, your teams or your coworkers? I am proud of the team that we have working in the ER at Fort Washington Medical Center. The nurses and techs are brave, strong, resilient and compassionate. There is a renewed camaraderie among the staff. We are dedicated to our jobs caring for the sick.
BEVERLY DESOUZA, RESPIRATORY THERAPIST, ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE WHITE OAK MEDICAL CENTER Beverly is one of the White Oak hospital team members who treat patients who are having trouble breathing, including those with COVID-19. What has it been like to serve on the front lines of COVID-19? My respiratory colleagues and I, including our boss, are exhausted from working long, consecutive shifts. We see patients not only in
the ER but in all areas of the hospital. We are constantly, and literally, running from one end of the hospital to the other all day. How are you feeling? Honestly, overwhelmed! Thankfully, I am blessed with a very supportive family, so the stress load is reduced. What do you want the community to know? We want you to know that we care. We will do everything we can to treat patients to the highest medical standards, while taking precautions to guard against infection to ourselves. We want the community to follow the guidance of our public officials and your doctor or healthcare provider. What have you learned about yourself, your teams or your coworkers? We are determined and resilient. There has been a lot of illness, grief and death in a very short period of time – something my coworkers and I have never experienced. As healthcare providers, we must be there for our community because they are depending on reliable caregivers, especially in this situation. Honestly, COVID-19 has taken its toll on us respiratory therapists and continues to do so. Sometimes I don’t even know what day it is, I just get up and go. Despite the challenges we are facing, I do believe together as a team we will be stronger and better at what we do in the future. Let’s pray it ends soon.
EMERITA LARIOS, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ATTENDANT, ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE WHITE OAK MEDICAL CENTER Emerita and other members of our Environmental Services teams play a crucial role in cleaning and sanitizing our hospitals. What has it been like to serve on the front lines of COVID-19? I’m so blessed to have this opportunity to help out because it makes me feel good. Some people may just see a cleaning lady, but hopefully they understand how important my job is to protect patients and staff in the hospital and work to protect themselves. How are you feeling? I thought I was going to feel more scared than I do. The virus is changing every day with different symptoms, but I inform myself and take every precaution that I can. Being in the hospital there is always a risk, but it’s a very important job that I signed up for. What do you want the community to know? I want the community to protect themselves by wearing masks and not going places that they do not need to go. I don’t want to be quick to ask people “Hey, where is your mask?” but it’s frustrating because
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you want to do more. I try to give people in my community as much information as I can to make sure they protect themselves and don’t come to the hospitals with just a cough or allergies, and instead call their doctor first. What have you learned about yourself, your teams or your coworkers? A lot of our team members have kids at home so they may be afraid, but I’m so proud of my team because we all come every day. We tackle that fear and help each other. We can’t do it alone, so we rely on each other while still giving the time we need. I see amazing things in the emergency room. People are getting so creative with decorating masks and making things that can relieve the pressure on your head and ears. It really helps you keep a good attitude. One teammate even brought me a bottle of multivitamins. The little things we can do for each other make a big difference.
JUDITH METAGUE, RN, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CHARGE NURSE, ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE SHADY GROVE MEDICAL CENTER Judith works weekends, serving as a relief charge nurse for Shady Grove’s ER. What has it been like to serve on the front lines of COVID-19? In many ways, as a team in the ER, we feel like soldiers on the front lines. Each day, we suit up in our personal protective equipment and head into battle. As an ER nurse, you rely on your education and experience to help any type of patient coming in. However, with COVID-19, we are learning as we go. I feel I have a duty to motivate the team in the morning during huddle. After I give my updates, I always try to end with my pump-up song. There’s nothing like “Thunderstruck” or
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“Eye of the Tiger” to get the staff motivated! It allows for a good laugh before we step onto the floor and embrace the seriousness of the situation we are facing. At the end of my shift, I look forward to taking my mask off. After more than 12 hours of being covered, the touch of fresh air on your face feels amazing. How are you feeling? Serving on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, you experience a mix of emotions: anxiety, fear, sadness, pride. You’re anxious because this is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, and the outcome has been devastating. On the other hand, you’re proud because you are leading the charge to flatten the curve and care for those who have been exposed. Of course, at the end of my shift, I’m also met with some anxiety because I am going home to three babies and a husband who I do not want to infect with this virus. Additionally, I’m praying that the patients I have cared for throughout the day have not become sicker. As a nurse in the ER, you put your heart and soul into the care of a patient. However, when the patient moves to the next level of care, it’s often the last time we get to see them. You can’t help but wonder what happened to them and if you did enough. What do you want the community to know? More than anything, I want the Shady Grove community to know that every patient who is treated receives the best possible care. In our ER, we treat your loved ones as if they’re our own. We provide love and extra support while you are unable to be with them. Please continue to stay at home and enjoy the time with your family so that we can end this fight. We cannot thank everyone enough for the love and support you have given us. We read
A SIGN OF SUPPORT Download, print and display this sign at your home or business to show your appreciation to our caregivers. Email us a photo of you with the sign or share it with us on social media to help cheer our staff.
To download and print your sign, visit AHCYou.com/SU20Heroes.
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every card and hang up every sign or poster you have sent in. What have you learned about yourself, your teams or your coworkers? We really have one another’s backs here when we are on the floor. In the ER, we have always worked as a team, and we have always felt like we are one big family. But there is something special about our camaraderie right now. I think it’s because we know that we are only as strong as our weakest link. And lucky for us, there’s no weak link at Shady Grove’s ER!
AMRA NASIR, MD, MEDICAL DIRECTOR, ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE URGENT CARE Dr. Nasir and her Urgent Care colleagues evaluate patients with symptoms of COVID-19 to help them determine their next steps. What has it been like to serve on the front lines of COVID-19? I was a little anxious in the beginning, but I am very impressed with how wellorganized Adventist HealthCare has been. Some days are challenging. It’s difficult to see patients struggling with their illness. Like many of my colleagues, I change my clothes in the garage the moment I get home, putting my clothes in the washing machine and leaving my shoes in the garage.
Adventist HealthCare. We lean on each other for support and are connected like a family.
CECILIA SULLIVAN, ATHLETIC TRAINER, ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE REHABILITATION When stay-at-home orders were issued, Cecilia was redeployed from her normal role of assisting student athletes to answer Adventist HealthCare’s COVID-19 community hotline. What has it been like to serve on the front lines of COVID-19? It has been a humbling experience to see my fellow coworkers and company adapt to such strange and unique circumstances. It has been rewarding to be able to help calm people’s minds and direct them appropriately during this uncertain time. How are you feeling? I feel incredibly grateful for my health, friends and family. I also feel helpless that so many people are hurting and suffering. I wish I could take away their pain, but I am focused on doing my part as a citizen and an employee. What do you want the community to know? You are not alone in this. We are here to help comfort and educate you with current information. What have you learned about yourself, your teams or your coworkers? I have learned I can truly lean on my coworkers. We check in on each other and can talk about our concerns and truly support each other. I have also learned to be grateful for the little things.
How are you feeling? Sometimes taking in too much information can be overwhelming for me, so exercise, prayers and meditation are helpful. I am very proud to be on the front lines helping our community and patients. This is such an honorable time to be a doctor. I have gained more wisdom and knowledge, but at the same time it’s very humbling. It is a privilege to serve patients, and I feel I am in the right place at the right time. What have you learned about yourself, your teams or your coworkers? I am very blessed to have a great team of staff and providers to support me. We are very strong and resilient, and we truly believe in the mission of
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CLASSES NOW BEING OFFERED ONLINE
LIVING healthy Adventist HealthCare offers classes, events and activities to support a healthy body, mind and spirit. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and for the safety of our patients and caregivers, all in-person health classes and community events have been canceled until further notice. Some of our classes are now being offered online. For the most up-to-date information about our classes, visit AHCYou.com/SU20Calendar.
PRENATAL, FAMILY AND WOMEN’S HEALTH Adventist HealthCare offers online pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding classes so that you can prepare for baby in the comfort and safety of your home. Classes include: • Childbirth • Breastfeeding • Newborns Registration: Online classes are available, FREE for a limited time, to all moms who are registered for labor and delivery at an Adventist HealthCare Birth Center. For more information, visit AHCYou.com/SU20Birth.
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Adventist HealthCare offers several support groups for parents. Groups are currently meeting online. To learn more, visit AHCYou. com/SU20Calendar or call 877-684-1511. BEST: Breastfeeding Education, Support and Togetherness When: Wednesdays from 10:30 –11:30 a.m. Preregistration is required. Where: Visit AHCYou.com/SU20Support for more details. Discovering Motherhood: Adjusting to Your New Role Meets every Monday. When: 10:30–11:30 a.m. Where: Visit AHCYou.com/ SU20Motherhood for more details.
ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS Weight-Loss Surgery Informational Seminars Learn about the life-changing weightloss surgery options offered at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. Info: Ongoing series, open to all; call 240-826-5278 for information.
Post-Op Weight-Loss Surgery Support Group This group provides ongoing support for those who have had weight-loss surgery. Registration is not required. Info: Call 240-826-5278 for more information.
LEARN MORE OR REGISTER AT AHCYou.com/SU20Calendar.
MENTAL HEALTH
OVERCOMING Challenges we face potential long-term effects of COVID-19, taking care of our mental health is more important than ever. Social distancing, economic challenges, grief and other changes to our lives can have a lasting impact on our well-being. Marissa Leslie, MD, chief of psychiatry with Adventist HealthCare, encourages everyone to find ways to manage how they are feeling to keep more serious depression and anxiety at bay. Here are some ways you can cope with feelings of stress, anxiety and other emotions: • Eat, sleep and exercise: Make sure you are eating a wellbalanced diet, keeping a consistent sleep schedule and exercising. The recommended amount of exercise is at least 30 minutes, five days a week. This will help you stay physically healthy, but boost your mental health, too. • Limit media intake: It’s important to stay up to date with information. However, over-exposure to stories in the media can trigger traumatic stress symptoms. • Stay connected with people: “Even though we are physically distant, we need social connections now more than ever,” Dr. Leslie says. Technology can be a great tool to keep in touch with friends and family. Try to check in with friends, family and others several times a week to keep lines of communication open. Talk with people about how you are feeling. They may
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be feeling the same way, and you can work through emotions together. • Create a self-care kit: Having a list of activities or items that bring you joy can make all the difference and help you cope during challenging times. • Be kind to yourself: Don’t feel like you must tackle new home projects, be the best homeschool teacher, learn a new language or any of the other things you may be seeing on social media. What’s happening is new for us all. Recognize that you are doing the best you can. Focus on keeping yourself and your family healthy. • Seek help: Reach out to professionals who can connect you with medical, financial or social assistance. If you need to talk to someone, many healthcare professionals are offering telehealth and online counseling services. If you don’t know where to start, ask your primary care doctor for help. Your employer may also offer an Employee Assistance Program to connect you with resources. “As we process this experience that is COVID-19, know that you are not going through this alone,” Dr. Leslie added. “We will heal from this and can do it together.”
Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center’s Outpatient Mental Health is offering telehealth visits to connect people to a therapist for continued care. Call 301-838-4912 to request a consultation.
AHCYOU.COM/SU20
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EATING WELL
EATING HEALTHY
During Uncertain Times E
ATING out and going to the grocery story are normal activities that were easy before COVID-19 impacted our lives. Elizabeth Bilodeau, registered dietitian with Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, offers tips on how you can keep your nutrition on track in chaotic times.
PLAN YOUR MEALS Meal planning can limit the stress of deciding what to eat each day. At the beginning of the week, schedule what you want to make each day. Then, when it’s time to eat, you know what to fix.
EAT FRESH, UNPROCESSED FOODS Make meals at home using unprocessed foods. Fill up on fruits and vegetables, decrease your sugar intake and limit junk food.
PUT FROZEN FOOD LATER IN THE LINEUP To limit your trips to the grocery store, use fresh fruits and vegetables first and save the canned, frozen versions for later. Freeze extra food when you get home from the store.
MAKE EASY FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS If you’re running into empty shelves, there are some food substitutions you can use to make meals at home. Canned or dried beans and lentils can replace the meat in foods like chili or soup. Cashews can be used as the creamy base in alfredo or mac and cheese. You can also cook several large batches of whole grains, store them in your refrigerator or freezer for later and use them in stir-fry, soups, bowls or salads.
INCORPORATE CANNED OR FROZEN VEGETABLES AND FRUIT Frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as healthy as fresh produce. Buy the frozen versions without added sauces, sugars or salt. Frozen fruit can be used in morning oatmeal, smoothies or chia seed pudding.
AVOID STRESS EATING Plan to eat meals at regular intervals so you don’t find yourself hungry and making poor food choices. Aim to keep junk foods out of the house and get outside for a socially distanced walk or another form of exercise.
Need inspiration for another meal at home? Check out Adventist HealthCare’s healthy recipes at AHCYou.com/SU20Recipes.
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YOUR HEALTH
Staying Healthy ANAGING your health in the time of COVID-19 is more important than ever. Uncertainty and stress can cause a chronic condition to worsen. Avni Jain, MD, a family medicine physician with Adventist Medical Group, shares how you can stay on top of your health.
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STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR DOCTOR Your doctor’s office may offer alternative ways to hold appointments, including the use of telehealth. “If you find yourself unwell due to your condition or any other reason, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor,” explained Dr. Jain. “Your doctors are there for you, now more than ever, so please reach out.”
TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS If being out of your normal routine causes you to forget to take your medications, set an alarm on your phone, leave yourself a note or put the medication where you will see it.
KEEP A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Although you may be out of your
regular routine, making healthy lifestyle choices will help you manage your health conditions, stay mentally well and boost your immune system. • Stay hydrated: “Try setting a timer to drink water every 30 minutes, or carry a water bottle around the house that includes the number of ounces so you can ensure you drink enough water each day,” suggests Dr. Jain. “Aim for 64 ounces.” • Exercise: Try going for a walk, bikeriding, running or finding an online workout video. • Eat healthy: While stress might tempt you to indulge in junk food, avoid snack food and instead go for lots of fruit, vegetables and whole grains. • Protect yourself: Wash your hands often, practice social distancing, clean and disinfect frequently handled items and avoid touching your face.
DON’T DELAY EMERGENCY CARE If you need to see a doctor or visit the emergency room, our hospitals are ready to safely treat patients who need care. You should not ignore symptoms of life-threatening medical problems like heart attack or stroke, explains Fayaz Shawl, MD, a cardiologist at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center. Ann Michael, 74, of Gaithersburg, says that she and her family are relieved that she went to the hospital in early April when she was feeling nauseous and abnormally fatigued. After performing an emergency heart catheterization, Dr. Shawl discovered that Ann had two major blockages in her arteries and needed a life-saving stent placement to clear them. “I felt very safe during my entire stay at the hospital,” said Ann. “I only wish I went sooner! By the time I got to the hospital, I was very close to having a heart attack.” Call 911 if you notice these signs of a life-threatening emergency: • Chest pain, upper body discomfort, cold sweats or shortness of breath • Facial drooping, arm weakness or speech difficultly • Difficulty breathing • Head injury • Uncontrolled bleeding
If you need a doctor, we can help. Find an Adventist Medical Group doctor near you at AHCYou.com/SU20Doctor. AHCYOU.COM/SU20
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COMMUNITY CARE
Kindness IS NOT CANCELLED Neighbors Give to Support COVID-19 Care
COVID-19 cases arrived in our area, Adventist HealthCare team members responded with comradery, bravery and a renewed sense of service to our community. In turn, members of our community reached out as never before to support our healthcare heroes. We are truly grateful for the businesses and individuals who have given meals, money and medical supplies to aid our COVID-19 response.
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A STREAK OF FEEDING THE FRONT LINE COVID-19 has given the teams at Adventist HealthCare’s hospitals a lot to think about, but what to eat is rarely one of them. Community members have come out in force to make sure our caregivers are well fed as they take on the coronavirus. Many restaurant owners have delivered meals to our hospitals, but none more than Gopi Swamynathan. His streak of visiting Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center and its Germantown Emergency Center at lunchtime each day spans months. Now, care teams know Gopi and look forward to the Indian-inspired meals and desserts from his restaurants, Dosa & Chaat and Hot Breads Bakery in the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg, Maryland. When the virus began to spread into our community, Gopi felt called to help. His restaurants had been hit hard financially by stayat-home orders, with business down as much as 80 percent. Still, he
kept thinking of his many customers who were first responders. “My wife and I spoke and it was then I decided to commit to preparing and distributing food every day for those working so hard to save lives. I feel like these first responders are my family. Plus, so many doctors, nurses and police officers are good customers of Dosa & Chaat. I felt it was only appropriate to return the favor.” Gopi prepares his meals daily and makes a delivery circuit to several Montgomery County hospitals and organizations focused on feeding those in need. “I really, truly admire every single member of the hospital family. I admire your tenacity, bravery, commitment, selflessness and hard work. So many of you work so many shifts, work without sitting, without taking breaks, without eating. Please know I have this in my heart every time I cook for you.” His giving nature is nothing new. He has trained 22 individuals on the autism spectrum at his restaurants, some of whom work at Hot Breads Bakery. He smiles when he mentions that the Adventist HealthCare campuses are his favorite stops. “My family and I have special connections with Shady Grove and Germantown Emergency because so many of the doctors and nurses took care of my severely disabled brother-in-law. I feel a special kinship and familial feeling with so many Shady Grove team members.”
Gopi Swamynathan, second from left, makes a lunch delivery to nurses at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center.
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Members of Chinese Americans Support Hospitals deliver a generous supply donation to Adventist HealthCare Imaging team members at our Germantown donation drop-off site in April.
Gopi vows to continue feeding the front line as long as he can. “At the end of the day, we are all woven together in this community – we need to be there for one another.”
CARING GROUPS BOOST PPE SUPPLIES COVID-19 has educated the world about the importance of personal protective equipment, or PPE, for our healthcare workers. Masks, gowns, face shields and other infection prevention supplies are essential to the safety of caregivers on the front line. Adventist HealthCare is blessed with an incredible Supply Chain team, who helps make sure our employees have the PPE they need. Many members of our community stepped up to support their efforts and answer a call for donations of PPE, to supplement our supplies. One early group who answered the call was Chinese Americans Support Hospitals, or CASH. “We truly care for our clinical staffs who work in the first line during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said member Angela Men. The volunteer group of scientists from Montgomery County’s Life Sciences Corridor raised money for three weeks to buy medical-grade protective equipment for 12 local hospitals. Adventist HealthCare hospitals received 15,000 surgical masks, 490 N95 masks, 60 face shields and 162 gowns from the group. Another supply donor was the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), the global humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ADRA gave 20 pallets of PPE and other medical supplies valued at nearly $500,000 to support care across our facilities. ADRA is one of several Seventh-day Adventist organizations that has provided equipment and support to our COVID-19 response.
FRIENDS IN FAITH GIVE TO COVID-19 FUND As COVID-19 cases began to increase in our area, Adventist HealthCare established a fund to help cover the cost of supplies,
temporary staff or other needs during its response to the disease. As of press time, Adventist HealthCare has received more than $795,000 from individuals and businesses to support our response to COVID-19. Among those generous donors were our friends from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church was one of the earliest contributors to the fund, giving $10,000 in March to aid our COVID-19 relief efforts in Washington, D.C, and Maryland. “Adventist HealthCare is deeply grateful for the support of our friends, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said Adventist HealthCare President and CEO, Terry Forde. “Their generous gift to our COVID-19 Community Response Fund will help our hospitals rise to whatever challenges may come as we extend God’s care to our community. We are blessed to have their support, especially in these unprecedented times.” The Seventh-day Adventist Church and The Church of Jesus Christ have previously worked together on ways to promote religiously motivated service in communities. Elder Kevin Calderwood, Church of Jesus Christ leader, said: “During this great time of need, we are honored to help our friends from Adventist HealthCare. We are grateful for the dedicated service of the doctors, nurses and technicians who are motivated by their love of their fellow man.”
To make a gift to support the ongoing COVID-19 response at Adventist HealthCare, please visit AHCYou.com/SU20Donate.
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COMMUNITY CARE
From left, Forensic Medical Unit director Jessica Volz, Karen and Dave Westreich, and forensic nurse Vania Baioni gathered at the start of the year to discuss progress on the new unit, which opened in March.
Angels Among Us AREN AND DAVE WESTREICH of Rockville, Maryland, have volunteered 7,300 hours at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. One small moment of that time stands out: Meeting a family whose child received services in the hospital’s Forensic Medical Unit (FMU). “Nothing has touched our hearts like the FMU. The work they do is so difficult and so essential,” Karen said. “I just think they’re angels.” The FMU is the only one of its kind in Montgomery County, with 11 nurses specially trained to care for crime victims and collect medical evidence. Their job is challenging and emotional. They comfort and treat patients impacted by physical or sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse and neglect of the elderly. Sadly, recent demand for their services has grown. Among the many tragedies of COVID-19 is a jump in domestic violence cases. In 2019, the nurses cared for 851 cases. So far this year, their caseload is up 20% and the injuries they are seeing are more severe. In awe of the unit’s work, Karen and Dave donated $100,000 to double the unit’s exam rooms, add nurse workstations and provide a comfortable family waiting room. The new space opened this March, just in time for the spike of patients brought in by COVID-19.
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Karen and Dave were even more motivated to give after getting to know the unit’s director, nurse practitioner Jessica Volz. She leads her nurses to partner with community agencies, advocate for victim rights legislation and educate the community on healthy relationships. Last year, the unit hosted nurses from Brazil and Korea at Shady Grove and taught them how to care for victims of sexual crimes in their countries, where forensic nursing is new. Last year, the Montgomery County Council honored the unit for contributions to its task force on human trafficking, an issue that Jessica opened Dave’s eyes about. “You’d see it on the news, you’d read it in the newspaper, but I didn’t know it was so prevalent in our backyard,” he said. “And then I found out subsequently about all the advocacy that Jessica and her team had done. And it’s blown me away that she’s on Capitol Hill, she’s in Annapolis, she’s in Brazil.” Jessica is emotional sharing what the donation means to her team. “The reason we come to work is because of the work that we do. We’re lucky that everybody in our unit has found that calling. And to have people acknowledge that calling and give us the ability to do our jobs even better is very touching.”
The FMU is accepting appointments to ensure safe, confidential care. Anyone needing their services in Montgomery County is encouraged to call 240-826-6225.
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SUMMER 2020
YOUR HEALTH
TIME TO START MOVING
Make Exercise Part of a New Routine LIP ON YOUR SNEAKERS and take some steps to improve your health. Exercise boosts your immune system, helps relieve stress, and provides a sense of well-being and self-esteem. Moderate, regular exercise also lowers your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease, controls blood sugar and decreases cholesterol. If you are new to exercise, or starting a different exercise routine, choose an activity you enjoy like walking, biking, running or lifting weights. You are more likely to stick with activities that you are excited about. “It’s important to first gradually introduce yourself to the activity by starting with shorter time durations and levels of intensity,” said Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation athletic trainer Gabrielle Haubenstricker. “You want to prepare your body for longer and higher intensity sessions in the future.” If you’re planning to take your exercise routine outside this summer, it’s important to take the heat into consideration and take the necessary precautions.
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“When exercising outdoors, don’t rely solely on the temperature,” Gabrielle explained. “Make sure you’re aware of the heat index – a combination of the temperature and the relative humidity.”
TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR EXERCISE OUTDOORS: • Drink water before you exercise to help lower your body temperature and replace the fluids you lose when you sweat. • Exercise early or later in the day when the temperature and heat index aren’t as high. Remember to wear a mask and keep proper social distance around others when you’re exercising outside. • Look out for signs of heat illness and seek medical attention if you show symptoms like: - Muscle cramps - Nausea or vomiting - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Increased heart rate
NOW OFFERING TELEHEALTH REHABILITATION THERAPY Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation now offers telehealth therapy to help safely and conveniently connect you with a physical, occupational or speech therapist, right from your home. Our expert therapists are offering telehealth therapy for the following services: • Physical therapy • Speech therapy • Hand therapy • Pain management • Occupational therapy • Dizziness and balance care
If you begin experiencing pain or discomfort during or after exercise, call 240-864-6202 or visit AHCYou.com/SU20Telehealth to request a telehealth therapy appointment or schedule a free screening. AHCYOU.COM/SU20
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M AILED
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 93
ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE, INC. 820 W. DIAMOND AVE, SUITE 600 GAITHERSBURG, MD 20878
Adventist HealthCare complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our homepage at AdventistHealthCare.com. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 301-315-3333. 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助 服務。請致電 301-315-3333。
This publication does not serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.
COMMUNITY CARE
White Oak Medical Center employees were treated to fresh cars by a team from DARCARS Silver Spring, who came to the hospital’s garage to clean vehicles for our caregivers.
DARCARS Lends a Hand to Hospital Workers IN head-to-toe protective suits, the DARCARS Automotive Group team spent five days deep cleaning and sanitizing vehicles for several hundred of our healthcare workers in Rockville and Silver Spring to help protect them from COVID-19. “It is a gift that means so much,” said Anthony Stahl, president of White Oak Medical Center. Adventist HealthCare team members remarked that their cars smelled so fresh after the special anti-viral treatment purified the air. The treatments to their cars made them feel safer going home to their families. Nurse Elsie Marino received much more than a car cleaning. The DARCARS team noticed her battery was weak and replaced it for free.
“We’re getting hand written notes and emails of thanks from the staff,” said Jamie Darvish, DARCARS Chief Operating Officer. “We’re just doing a small part. They are the ones we’re thanking.” Thank you DARCARS Silver Spring and Rockville for being an outstanding community partner and for your continued philanthropic support of Adventist HealthCare.
Adventist HealthCare has established a COVID-19 Community Response Fund. To learn how you can give, visit AHCYou.com/SU20Give.
