Fall 2009
Healthy
www.mhbh.org
Premiere Issue!
Helping our kids stay healthy
Stroke smarts: Where to go for help A tradition of community caring
Lifesaving breast cancer care
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
A mission of caring
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hroughout the history of the Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, one cord running through all aspects of our hospitals is the common mission to provide quality, Christ-centered healthcare. This mission continues today through the determination and caring of our physicians, staff, volunteers and strong leaders who work tirelessly for the benefit of both the hospitals and our patients. Recently, we celebrated 60 years of our commitment to Southeast Texas — this is an excellent opportunity to highlight our successes, growth, innovations and achievements. Our commitment to Sacred Work and to providing quality healthcare continues to bring us national and state recognition. We have received Magnet Recognition for nursing excellence in patient care; Nurse-Friendly certification for an environment that allows nurses to offer excellent patient care; the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for stroke care; Chest Pain Center accreditation; and the Texas Health Care Quality Improvement Award of Excellence in cardiac care. These prove that it is not the bricks and mortar that have gained us recognition, but rather the dedication and compassionate caring of our physicians, nurses and employees along with God’s strength, blessings and continuous mercy. In most newspapers and magazines today, you can read something about healthcare change. No matter how much we read or how much we experience, change can still surprise us. At Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, we know that staying ahead will eliminate the surprise element and that the best way to capitalize on change is to lead the way. To properly lead the way, we need caring, compassionate men and women in our hospitals — our Partners In Caring. If you have ever doubted the power of a team with a focused goal, read about what such
“All of us feel extremely proud to serve such a great community.” a team can accomplish in this premiere edition of Healthy Dose. All of us feel extremely proud to serve such a great community and pledge that we will make every effort to continue our commitment to being faithful stewards with what we have been entrusted: the health of Southeast Texas. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to continue building a healthier Southeast Texas as our tradition of Sacred Work continues. Sincerely,
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David N. Parmer Chief Executive Officer Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas
Giving kids a
Pediatric patie nt Drew Boullion (left), Betsy Jenkins, Child Life Specialist, an d Pet Partner Lucy
healthy
head start
N Crayon image © istockphoto/Anna Yu; icons © istockphoto/Nishan Sothilingam
o doubt you have heard about the declining fitness of our kids. Our fast-food, no-move lifestyle has created a culture where one in six kids is overweight, 16 percent of teens have high cholesterol and kids spend more than three hours a day watching television. In 2005, the United States government released guidelines to steer families toward a healthier lifestyle and help kids grow and develop normally. These guidelines include recommended daily amounts of calories, nutrients and exercise for kids ages 2 and older.
Eat well Because children are still growing, their energy (calorie) needs continue to increase, depending on their activity level. For example, a moderately active 3-year-old may need between 1,000 and 1,400 calories a day; by age 15, the same child may need between 2,000 and 2,800 calories a day. Select foods that pack more nutritional punch, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Limit foods that are high in sugar, sodium, fat and trans fats.
Get busy
Right-sized care for your kids! We all strive to raise healthy kids, but sometimes they just get sick. Baptist Beaumont Hospital Children’s Unit is the only pediatric program in Southeast Texas to offer patients and their families:
Make physical activity a part of your family’s lifestyle. Encourage your kids to get at least one hour of moderate-tovigorous physical activity on most days of the week. Exercise burns calories, promotes a healthy weight, boosts mental wellness and helps build stronger bones. It also helps kids achieve cardiovascular conditioning, build strong muscles and maintain flexibility and coordination. ≠ w w w. m h b h . o r g
Ñ Child Life services, including individualized, age-appropriate activities and patient support to make tests and procedures less scary Ñ A dedicated team of staff members who receive specialized training in caring for children Ñ A Pediatric Specialty Clinic with services in hematology/oncology, rheumatology, genetics, nephrology and infectious disease Ñ Pet Partners for our pampered pediatric patients
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Compassionate cancer care is closer to home than you think
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f you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, chances are you not only want the best treatments available — you also want them close by. Patients in Southeast Texas have the best of both worlds at the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute, located at Baptist Beaumont Hospital. The institute, which opened in 1990, has a reputation for its commitment to excellence in cancer care. Our team of dedicated and highly skilled physicians and healthcare professionals work together to design individualized treatment plans based on the type, stage and progression of the disease.
Comprehensive, leading-edge care The Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute offers the latest treatments and technologies in the fight against cancer, such as: Ñ Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT uses computer-controlled X-ray technology to deliver precise radiation doses to tumors with minimal complications for surrounding healthy tissue. Ñ Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). IGRT provides an image just before the delivery of radiation, which enables radiation oncologists to verify the exact location of the tumor. Ñ Multileaf collimator (MLC). This device is made up of “leaves” to block radiation beams. MLCs are used during the treatment planning process to accurately design the size and
shape of the radiation beam needed to target the tumor. Ñ Wide bore computed tomography (CT) scanner. This CT scanner allows radiologists to customize patient treatment positions and provides advanced imaging access for obese or claustrophobic patients. Ñ Brachytherapy. In this type of internal radiation therapy, physicians place a thin tube called a catheter into the patient’s body to implant radioactive seeds, ribbons or wires in or near the area requiring treatment. Ñ Chemotherapy. This treatment uses special medications to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. Ñ Hematology/Oncology. Physicians in this medical field treat individuals with non-cancerous blood disorders or non-solid types of cancer, such as sickle cell anemia, Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Just for women In Southeast Texas, the Charline & Sidney “Chief” Dauphin
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Meet our team of cancer specialists
Mark Bonnen, MD
Gloria Castro-Zappia, MD
Rama Chandran, MD
Daniel Garlitos, MD
Gwendolyn Lavalais, MD
Radiation Oncology
Hematology/ Medical Oncology
Medical Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Medical Oncology
Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Medical Oncology
Board certified by the American Board of Radiology UTMB Galvestontrained
Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine
Board certified by the American Board of Radiology M. D. Anderson Cancer Center-trained and former faculty member
Member of M. D. Anderson alumni and faculty associate
Breast Institute & Cancer Screening Center leads the way in women’s healthcare. A department of the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute, the center was established through the generous philanthropic efforts of Charline Dauphin. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. However, 98 percent of women with localized, or stage I, breast cancer are still alive five years after their diagnosis. This high survival rate emphasizes the importance of detecting breast cancer early, before it spreads. The Dauphin Center was the first facility in the region to offer women digital mammography. The results of digital mammograms are viewed on a computer, offering radiologists more detailed images of breast tissue.
It is also important to know if you are at a higher risk for developing cancer due to family history. Our genetic testing and counseling includes an assessment of a woman’s cancer risk as well as genetic testing for those who are at a higher risk for breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers and melanoma.
Personalized care From diagnosis to treatment, a patient nurse navigator is the link to a patient’s cancer care team. Patient nurse navigators are expert oncology clinicians and patient advocates who will serve as your liaison throughout the continuum of care. Our patient nurse navigator has redefined cancer care. She combines her knowledge and skills with support and compassion to ensure a positive experience for every cancer patient who is cared for at the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute. ≠
Are you at risk for breast cancer? These factors may increase a woman’s risk of developing the condition.
” Age. Most breast cancers occur in women ages 50 and older.
” Physical activity. Researchers suspect that being physically active may help reduce risk by preventing weight gain and obesity.
” Alcohol consumption. Studies suggest that consuming two or more alcoholic drinks a day may increase a woman’s breast cancer risk.
” Obesity. Being overweight, particularly after menopause, appears to increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer.
Enjoy a night out! At the Dauphin Center, staying healthy can also be fun! Our innovative Ladies Night Out: Music, Munchies Manicures & Mammograms parties provide women with a pampered, fun atmosphere while receiving lifesaving screenings. For more information, call the Dauphin Center at (409) 212-7950.
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When
seconds count Head to the region’s only certified Stroke and Chest Pain Center
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hen it comes to diagnosing and treating someone who is experiencing chest pain or symptoms of stroke, every second counts. Lost minutes can make the difference between life, death or disability. There is good news, though, for residents of Southeast Texas: Baptist Beaumont Hospital has the expertise and technology to provide better outcomes for heart attack and stroke patients.
Credentials that matter The highly trained healthcare providers at Baptist Beaumont Hospital’s Emergency Department have earned several important credentials that distinguish the level of stroke and heart-attack care we provide. • Stroke: Our stroke program has received the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission, which accredits healthcare organizations. The Gold Seal recognizes facilities that specialize in a more in-depth, higher level of care for stroke patients. We are the only hospital in Southeast Texas to be certified as an advanced Primary Stroke Care Center by The Joint Commission for Disease-Specific Care. When the Emergency Department is notified about the arrival of a possible stroke patient, it quickly assembles a specialized stroke team. Our stroke team is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing rapid evaluation and treatment of patients, including the latest in clot-dissolving drugs. Having an expert team available ensures that every
Support for stroke survivors Baptist Beaumont Hospital has established a StrokeWise support group, which offers stroke patients and their families a way to meet. The group provides strategies to cope with stroke and education about the stages of recovery and offers a sympathetic ear. StrokeWise meets monthly at the Olga Wiess Auditorium at Baptist Beaumont Hospital, located at 3555 Stagg Drive. Call (409) 212-6145 for more information.
patient will receive the best treatment available in the shortest amount of time. • Heart attack: The Society of Chest Pain Centers has recently recognized Baptist Beaumont Hospital as an accredited Chest Pain Center (CPC). This means that our Emergency Department meets or exceeds stringent national standards in acute cardiac medicine. As a CPC, Baptist Beaumont Hospital works closely with local paramedics to care for patients who are having chest pain. Most paramedics now have the ability to transmit electrocardiograms directly from the ambulance to emergency room physicians. So, if a patient is having a heart attack, the cardiac catheterization team can be ready for action even before the ambulance arrives! The patient can then be immediately transported to the cardiovascular catheterization lab, where an interventional cardiologist opens the blocked coronary artery, restoring blood flow to the heart.
Innovative technology Baptist Beaumont Hospital is also proud to offer patients innovative technology that can make a big difference in their treatment and recovery. • Therapeutic hypothermia is used to help improve the survival of and reduce disability for cardiac arrest patients. Hypothermia equipment reduces a patient’s core body
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Heart attack warning signs: ” chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back (it can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain)
” pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
” shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Stroke warning signs: ” sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body)
Powerful tools: The RP-6 mobile robot (above) and the Arctic Sun (right) help physicians offer exceptional patient care.
” sudden confusion, trouble temperature to between 89.6˚ F and 93.2˚ F for at least 12 to 24 hours. The American Heart Association recommends hypothermia as a standard of care for cardiac arrest patients. We use the Arctic Sun®, a non-invasive cooling device that is also used at more than 70 percent of the best hospitals and 80 percent of the best heart programs in the United States. Baptist Beaumont Hospital has the only Arctic Sun device in Southeast Texas. • Telemedicine technology allows members of the Baptist Beaumont Hospital stroke team to consult in real time with the stroke team at the University of Texas in Houston via the RP-6 mobile robot. The RP-6 has live audio and video feeds, so physicians are able to see and hear the patient as well as each other. It also allows neurologists in both hospitals to share their expertise in diagnosing and treating stroke patients within the critical three-hour window of treatment. ≠
speaking or understanding speech
” blurred vision in one or both eyes
” dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
” sudden severe headache with no known cause
We made the list! USA Today has the full list of Joint Commissionapproved advanced primary stroke centers. To check out the list, visit www.usatoday.com/news/health/ 2008-08-10-stroke-list_N.htm.
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Baptist Beaumont Hospital P.O. Box 1591 Beaumont, Texas 77704-9941 Questions and comments may be directed to: Mary Poole Director of Public Affairs & Marketing (409) 212-6145 mary.poole@mhbh.org
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We’re here to give you the care you need, when and where you need it. At the Baptist Convenient Care Clinic, we’re here to provide the care you and your family need. Our healthcare team is always happy to help. We can diagnose and treat all sorts of everyday illnesses. We can also write prescriptions for appropriate medications. The Baptist Convenient Care Clinic offers a variety of services to cover some of life’s minor emergencies, unexpected illnesses, immunizations, and health screenings. Our services include: � Preventative Health Screenings � Allergies � Colds and Flu � Camp Physicals � Asthma � Upper Respiratory Infections � Immunizations � Sore Throat/Strep Throat � Bladder Infections � Pregnancy Tests � Mono � Sinus Infections � Pediatric Care � Ear Infections � Sprains and Strains � Ear Wax Removal � Ear Ache � Cuts and Lacerations � Suture Removal � Pink Eye � Skin, Hair, Nail Conditions � Conjunctivitis We offer care that is convenient and affordable. We provide the quality of care you need in a timely manner. We are here because you want to start feeling better now. We treat adults and children two years of age and older. We are here 7 days a week with extended hours and no appointments are necessary.
Please visit our website at www.mhbh.org. Feel free to call us anytime during business hours at (409) 347-8277 or email us at convenientcare@mhbh.org. Baptist Beaumont Hospital is part of a not-for-profit health system that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or disability.
3025 North Dowlen Road � Inside HEB
Monday-Friday 8am-7pm � Saturday-Sunday 9:30am-6pm (409) 347-8277 Office � (409) 347-7551 Fax convenientcare@mhbh.org