Heartbeat JCF
Winter 2010
A message from our CEO
Dear friends, Welcome to John C. Fremont (JCF) Healthcare District’s new community health newsletter, JCF Heartbeat. In this quarterly publication, we’ll share valuable information, including wellness hints, highlights of JCF’s services, education about specific diseases, introductions to our staff and physicians, a calendar of events and inforChuck Bill, CEO mation about and from the JCF Hospital Foundation and the Hospital Volunteers. More Than a 24-hour Emergency Department
Some of you are acquainted with our facility, physicians, staff and services, and know the strong commitment of our staff to provide high-quality medical care to the people in our community. For those of you who aren’t aware, we offer acute hospital care; skilled nursing; three medical clinics with three primary care physicians; five physician assistants; more than 15 specialist physicians; laboratory, digital imaging and cardiopulmonary services; home health; hospice; private duty care; and outpatient surgery—all in addition to 24-hour emergency care.
John C. Fremont Healthcare District
New senate bill boosts hospital stability ∆ senator cogdill honored for his support
O
n October 28, Senator Dave Cogdill was recognized by the John C. Fremont (JCF) Healthcare District chief executive officer and the board of directors for his role in introducing and pursuing the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 198. Joining in this recognition were several representatives from healthcare districts throughout California, our county board of supervisors and other dignitaries who gathered at the Best Western conference room for the reception in his honor. “Senator Cogdill is an advocate for the needs of rural areas of California. He works with local leaders on many issues concerning rural residents, including access to healthcare and quality education. We thank him for the support he’s shown for our hospital and Mariposa,” says Chuck Bill, CEO. SB 198 was initially conceived
“Senator Cogdill is an advocate for the needs of rural areas of California.” —Chuck Bill, CEO specifically for JCF. While moving through senate committees, it was realized that other district hospitals could also benefit by the change the bill proposed, so it was revised to include all healthcare districts. SB 198 changed a section of state law to provide healthcare districts with a onetime option to borrow up to $2 million to retire operating obligations and finance that over a time period of up to 20 years. Before this, districts could only finance funds for operations for up to five years. This change will reduce JCF’s organization expenses by up to $300,000 a year for the first five years of the loan. u
You’re what we value most
In Mariposa, we treasure the rural lifestyle and the amazing way the community comes together and takes care of each other during times of need. This is the atmosphere at JCF. Our staff is like family. When you’re in our care, you’re part of our family. We wish you a happy and safe holiday season.
(from left) Samuel M. McCreary, board chair; Chuck Bill, CEO; and Senator Dave Cogdill celebrate the passage of Senate Bill 198.
Chuck Bill John C. Fremont CEO
Caring for our community since 1951
Uncovering hidden heart risks
Breast cancer myths, debunked
∆ How headaches, leg pain and depression affect your ticker
∆ Don’t get tripped up by these 5 falsehoods
∆ Restless legs syndrome. In one study, people who had
restless legs syndrome—a condition that causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs and urges to move them, especially at night—had increased heart disease and stroke rates. How does this syndrome lead to heart troubles? The researchers say it may be due to the repeated leg movements, which increase blood pressure and heart rate. ∆ Menopause. As women age, their risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke increases, perhaps because of natural estrogen loss after menopause. Doctors used to give women menopausal hormone therapy to reduce heart disease and stroke risk, but it may actually increase the risk. That’s why eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise are especially crucial at this time. ∆ Depression. It’s long been known that depression is common after a heart attack, but new research suggests that people who suffer from depression—particularly those with appetite loss, sleep problems and fatigue—are at increased risk of developing heart disease. One study linked depression’s
W
Try these steps to lower your risk of heart disease and other conditions: ∆ exercise daily
∆ stop smoking
∆ reduce stress
∆ lower your blood
∆ reach a healthy weight
Number of breast cancer survivors in this country:
1
MYTH: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer. FACT: Eight out of 10 breast lumps are benign or not cancerous. If you find a lump or notice any other changes in your breasts, see your healthcare provider. Don’t avoid seeing your doctor because you’re afraid of what he or she may find. Take charge of your health by doing routine breast self-exams and having regular mammograms.
pressure and cholesterol
physical signs to the thickening of arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the heart. ∆ Psoriasis. Several studies have linked the skin condition, an autoimmune disorder, with an increased risk of heart disease and heart attack, and inflammation is likely to blame. Why? People with psoriasis have an overactive immune system, which causes inflammation throughout the rest of the body. Inflammation, in turn, can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the arteries to narrow from plaque buildup. Other autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, have also been linked to heart disease.
2
MYTH: Men don’t get breast cancer. FACT: Each year, approximately 1,900 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Men should give themselves regular breast self-exams and mention any changes, such as skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, to their doctors, too.
∆ Migraines. Men and women who deal with these debilitating headaches are at greater heart disease risk, especially if they have migraines with aura (visual problems and other neurological symptoms.) In two separate studies, researchers found that both men and women were more likely to have a heart attack or stroke if they had a history of migraines. They don’t know why migraines lead to heart disease, but it could be that the headaches are a warning sign that your arteries are suffering from reduced blood flow. Doctors recommend that migraine sufferers with aura take steps to reduce their risk, such as losing weight, avoiding smoking and keeping their blood pressure in check. ∆ Erectile dysfunction (ED). In recent years, there’s been a lot of attention on ED and its link to heart disease. While not a risk factor, ED can be a warning sign that arteries are having trouble getting the blood where it needs to go. ED and heart disease also share many of the same risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. So, if you’re suffering from ED or know someone who is, make sure to discuss it with your doctor. u
2
omen are bombarded with information about breast cancer—and much of it is wrong. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions:
Multi-tasking tips
2.5
million
3
MYTH: Pregnancy increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence. FACT: There’s been a concern that if you were treated for breast cancer in the past, high hormone levels during pregnancy might increase the chance of the cancer coming back. But pregnancy doesn’t increase this risk—as long as the cancer didn’t spread beyond the breast and your treatment was successful. Doctors often counsel women to wait at least two years after breast cancer treatment before
becoming pregnant, as most recurrences happen during that time.
4
MYTH: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you’re destined to get diagnosed, too. FACT: Women who have a family history of breast cancer are at higher risk, but a family history isn’t a death sentence. If any of the women in your family have had breast cancer, get a yearly mammogram and MRI starting at age 30. And even if you have a greater risk, your doctor may recommend preventive medications or surgery to lower your likelihood of developing the disease.
5
MYTH: Using antiperspirants and deodorants causes breast cancer. FACT: According to the American Cancer Society, there’s no proof that using antiperspirants or deodorants causes breast cancer. Some people claim that these products contain harmful ingredients that could be absorbed through small nicks caused by shaving, but there’s no evidence to support this. u
EAT TO BEAT BREAST CANCER
Y © istockphoto.com/Karen Roach; illustration© istockphoto.com/Nishan Sothilingam
W
e all know that high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes raise the risk of developing heart disease. But skin problems, migraines and other seemingly unrelated conditions have also been linked to the deadly disease. Many are still being investigated in clinical studies—and it’s unclear whether treating these conditions will help lower heart disease risk—but if you have any of the following conditions, it’s worth talking with your healthcare provider about what they mean for your heart.
ou already know that you should eat fruits and veggies and stay away from junk food, but here’s another reason to eat well: Some of the foods that make up a healthy diet may also help prevent and fight breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that one-third of cancer deaths may be diet-related. There isn’t a single element in a certain food that’s a surefire way to prevent cancer, so the best thing to do is eat a variety of healthy foods. Much more research is needed to confirm the findings, but these good-for-you foods may play an important cancerfighting role:
Plums
Beans
Blueberries
Broccoli
With extremely high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients, lab studies show that these super-fruits may prevent cancer and even stop breast cancer growth.
In a Harvard School of Public Health study of 90,630 women, those who ate beans or lentils at least twice a week were 24 percent less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women who ate beans less than once a month.
Another fruit with very high levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, blueberries may help reduce your breast cancer risk.
A chemical compound in this crunchy veggie may slow or prevent the progress of breast cancer.
Winter 2010
3
Uncovering hidden heart risks
Breast cancer myths, debunked
∆ How headaches, leg pain and depression affect your ticker
∆ Don’t get tripped up by these 5 falsehoods
∆ Restless legs syndrome. In one study, people who had
restless legs syndrome—a condition that causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs and urges to move them, especially at night—had increased heart disease and stroke rates. How does this syndrome lead to heart troubles? The researchers say it may be due to the repeated leg movements, which increase blood pressure and heart rate. ∆ Menopause. As women age, their risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke increases, perhaps because of natural estrogen loss after menopause. Doctors used to give women menopausal hormone therapy to reduce heart disease and stroke risk, but it may actually increase the risk. That’s why eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise are especially crucial at this time. ∆ Depression. It’s long been known that depression is common after a heart attack, but new research suggests that people who suffer from depression—particularly those with appetite loss, sleep problems and fatigue—are at increased risk of developing heart disease. One study linked depression’s
W
Try these steps to lower your risk of heart disease and other conditions: ∆ exercise daily
∆ stop smoking
∆ reduce stress
∆ lower your blood
∆ reach a healthy weight
Number of breast cancer survivors in this country:
1
MYTH: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer. FACT: Eight out of 10 breast lumps are benign or not cancerous. If you find a lump or notice any other changes in your breasts, see your healthcare provider. Don’t avoid seeing your doctor because you’re afraid of what he or she may find. Take charge of your health by doing routine breast self-exams and having regular mammograms.
pressure and cholesterol
physical signs to the thickening of arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the heart. ∆ Psoriasis. Several studies have linked the skin condition, an autoimmune disorder, with an increased risk of heart disease and heart attack, and inflammation is likely to blame. Why? People with psoriasis have an overactive immune system, which causes inflammation throughout the rest of the body. Inflammation, in turn, can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the arteries to narrow from plaque buildup. Other autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, have also been linked to heart disease.
2
MYTH: Men don’t get breast cancer. FACT: Each year, approximately 1,900 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Men should give themselves regular breast self-exams and mention any changes, such as skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, to their doctors, too.
∆ Migraines. Men and women who deal with these debilitating headaches are at greater heart disease risk, especially if they have migraines with aura (visual problems and other neurological symptoms.) In two separate studies, researchers found that both men and women were more likely to have a heart attack or stroke if they had a history of migraines. They don’t know why migraines lead to heart disease, but it could be that the headaches are a warning sign that your arteries are suffering from reduced blood flow. Doctors recommend that migraine sufferers with aura take steps to reduce their risk, such as losing weight, avoiding smoking and keeping their blood pressure in check. ∆ Erectile dysfunction (ED). In recent years, there’s been a lot of attention on ED and its link to heart disease. While not a risk factor, ED can be a warning sign that arteries are having trouble getting the blood where it needs to go. ED and heart disease also share many of the same risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. So, if you’re suffering from ED or know someone who is, make sure to discuss it with your doctor. u
2
omen are bombarded with information about breast cancer—and much of it is wrong. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions:
Multi-tasking tips
2.5
million
3
MYTH: Pregnancy increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence. FACT: There’s been a concern that if you were treated for breast cancer in the past, high hormone levels during pregnancy might increase the chance of the cancer coming back. But pregnancy doesn’t increase this risk—as long as the cancer didn’t spread beyond the breast and your treatment was successful. Doctors often counsel women to wait at least two years after breast cancer treatment before
becoming pregnant, as most recurrences happen during that time.
4
MYTH: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you’re destined to get diagnosed, too. FACT: Women who have a family history of breast cancer are at higher risk, but a family history isn’t a death sentence. If any of the women in your family have had breast cancer, get a yearly mammogram and MRI starting at age 30. And even if you have a greater risk, your doctor may recommend preventive medications or surgery to lower your likelihood of developing the disease.
5
MYTH: Using antiperspirants and deodorants causes breast cancer. FACT: According to the American Cancer Society, there’s no proof that using antiperspirants or deodorants causes breast cancer. Some people claim that these products contain harmful ingredients that could be absorbed through small nicks caused by shaving, but there’s no evidence to support this. u
EAT TO BEAT BREAST CANCER
Y © istockphoto.com/Karen Roach; illustration© istockphoto.com/Nishan Sothilingam
W
e all know that high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes raise the risk of developing heart disease. But skin problems, migraines and other seemingly unrelated conditions have also been linked to the deadly disease. Many are still being investigated in clinical studies—and it’s unclear whether treating these conditions will help lower heart disease risk—but if you have any of the following conditions, it’s worth talking with your healthcare provider about what they mean for your heart.
ou already know that you should eat fruits and veggies and stay away from junk food, but here’s another reason to eat well: Some of the foods that make up a healthy diet may also help prevent and fight breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that one-third of cancer deaths may be diet-related. There isn’t a single element in a certain food that’s a surefire way to prevent cancer, so the best thing to do is eat a variety of healthy foods. Much more research is needed to confirm the findings, but these good-for-you foods may play an important cancerfighting role:
Plums
Beans
Blueberries
Broccoli
With extremely high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients, lab studies show that these super-fruits may prevent cancer and even stop breast cancer growth.
In a Harvard School of Public Health study of 90,630 women, those who ate beans or lentils at least twice a week were 24 percent less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women who ate beans less than once a month.
Another fruit with very high levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, blueberries may help reduce your breast cancer risk.
A chemical compound in this crunchy veggie may slow or prevent the progress of breast cancer.
Winter 2010
3
John C. Fremont Healthcare District 5189 Hospital Rd. Mariposa, CA 95338
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The PA will see you now
M
any rural communities, including Mariposa, are designated as physician underserved—there aren’t enough family practice physicians to care for the number of people in the community. That’s where physician assistants (PAs) come in. John C. Fremont is fortunate to have five PAs on staff. Each PA has additional training and experience in a specific area or areas, including emergency, hospitalist, women’s, pediatric and geriatric medicine. Our PAs are all graduates of UC Davis’ School of Medicine, Family Nurse Practitioner/ Physician Assistant program. In addition to seeing patients in our three rural health clinics, our PAs treat the hospital’s acute care, emergency department and skilled nursing unit patients. u
∆ JCF
Hospital Volunteers
F
ormed in 1958, the John C. Fremont (JCF) Volunteers have donated funds each year to purchase new equipment for the hospital. Besides participating in fundraising activities, they also help with hospital patients and with residents in the skilled nursing unit. This year, the Volunteers provided financial support for several items at the hospital, including: • two cyrotherapy guns (dermatology) for Clinic I and Clinic II • a Resusci Baby Manikin for CPR training • cement refinishing of Clinic II’s entrance • a blanket warmer unit for the emergency department • a wheelchair access automatic door in the Ewing Wing The group is always looking for new members. Perhaps now is the time you’d like to join them and make a difference. For more information, call Phyllis Linnebur at (209) 966-7728. u
∆ Hospital
Foundation expands fundraising goals
I
n the past, the John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation has placed emphasis on two major fundraising events per year—the ‘Blazin’ Hog’ and the ‘Black and White Ball.’ While both are successful events, the Foundation recognizes the need to do more to develop and maintain a local healthcare delivery system that serves our community’s needs. In expanding our goals, the Foundation has employed a grant writer to seek grant funding for: • implementing a community needs health assessment • improving hospital facilities • implementing electronic medical records • expanding the telemedicine project • providing scholarships for local students who are pursuing a medical career Visit www.jcfhospital.com to learn more about the Foundation and how you can be a part of what we do. u
Numbers you need to know ... Keep these numbers handy for quick reference: PAs are essential members of our quality healthcare team. (from left) Nanette Riedeman, P.A.-C., Clinic II; Rudy Mensinger, P.A.-C., Clinic I; Vivienne Bruniges, F.N.P./P.A.-C., Northside Clinic in Greeley Hill; Gina Wood, P.A.-C., Clinic I; and Marie deMasi, P.A.-C., Clinic I.
✚ JCF healthcare district: (209) 966-3631 ✚ emergencies: 911 ✚ JCF medical clinic I: (209) 966-0850 ✚ JCF medical clinic II (Specialists): (209) 966-2154 ✚ Northside clinic (Greeley Hill): (209) 878-0155