your
health today SUMMER 2017
heartfelt Anna Vincent gets lifesaving cardiac care Also in this issue: Healthy lunches for school and work Add mini-workouts to your routine
augustahealth.org/blog
UP FRONT HEALTH SYSTEM NEWS
In This Issue Up Front
Facility and service updates
Powerful Medicine Expert cardiovascular care for a “one-in-a-million girl”
Partners in Care
Going for a knockout punch against Parkinson’s disease
Family Health & Wellness
Advice on straightening teeth and help for ADHD
Healthy Living
Several short fitness breaks can add up to better health
Eating Well
Fitting healthy variety into your bento box lunch
The materials in Advancing Health are not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment. For more information, call 800-736-CARE (2273) or visit our website at augusthealth.org. Copyright © 2017 Augusta University
2 4 6
8 10 11
new lease on
New transplant center brings patients special services The process of receiving
experience, Augusta University Health opened the new
an organ transplant
14,000-square-foot Carlos and Marguerite Mason Solid
can be a complex and
Organ Transplant Center on April 27, 2017.
daunting one. In order
“The center is extremely patient-centered,” said
to provide patients with
Carlos Zayas, MD, assistant program director and
a more streamlined
medical director of the Transplant Program. “It merges
‘‘
and comforting
The center merges into one place the many services that our transplant patients require, instead of having them navigate different appointments in multiple buildings across the Health Sciences Campus.” —Carlos Zayas, MD, Assistant Program Director and Medical Director, Transplant Program
2
life
your health today Summer 2017
into one place the many services that our transplant patients require, instead of having them navigate different appointments in multiple buildings across the campus.” The new center accommodates clinical needs, consultations, lab services, infusions, cardiac echocardiograms, a medication assistance program and an education library. It was also built with patients and their families in mind. “What’s great about the new transplant center is not only the interdisciplinary care provided in one clinical setting but also the totally transformed healing environment,” said Julie Ginn Moretz, assistant vice president of Patient- and Family-Centered Care and
The new statements are more visual, incorporating infographics.
chief experience officer. “I am thrilled that patients and families were partners in co-designing the new transplant center. It features soothing, warm colors, with healing-inspired artwork by a local artist. “Our patients and families are integral in helping us improve the care experience, which contributes to better clinical outcomes—that’s the bottom line,” she said. “It’s all part of or our Patient- and Family-Centered Care philosophy. We recognize that we are not just treating a person—we are caring for families, as well.” The Carlos and Marguerite Mason Solid Organ Transplant Center will double the capacity for transplants and care at Augusta University, which has performed nearly 2,500 lifesaving kidney and pancreas transplants and has twice been named a national Kidney Transplant Center of Excellence by Healthgrades.
be one of just 19 hospitals in the United
new billing form
States taking part in the Collaborative
Augusta University Health will now be sending
Improvement and Innovation Network
out newly designed billing statements to patients.
project, a program that aims to improve
The new statements are more visual, incorporating
kidney transplantation nationwide.
infographics and a larger font. Bills are easier
In addition to opening the new transplant center, AU Medical Center will
to read and show patient balances in a more informative way. For more information about billing,
Space planning Learn more about our transplant services and our new facility. Visit augustahealth.org/transplant.
visit augustahealth.org/billing.
augustahealth.org
3
POWERFUL MEDICINE
heart to heart Anna’s story of healing from heart disease
‘‘
I call myself the ‘one-ina-million girl,’” Vincent said. “I’m an otherwise healthy woman with no family history of heart disease who experienced a heart attack.”
Years after an unexpected heart attack, Anna Vincent turned to Augusta University Health for expert heart and neurological care.
4
your health today Summer 2017
O
Get to the heart of the matter If you suspect you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
To make an appointment and learn about our cardiovascular services and providers, call us at 706-721-2426 or visit augustahealth.org/cardio.
n July 15, 2002,
“At one point during my stay, [my husband,
Anna Vincent put
Shawn,] brought in Connor,” Vincent said. “I’ll never
her newborn and
forget how I felt as I struggled to hold him. The
2-year-old sons down
doctor then told me that I’d need a nanny all my
for a nap and let out a
sigh of relief. Not only did
life and that I’d never walk around Disney World.” But Vincent had other plans.
she have this parenting thing down,
When Patrick, Vincent’s oldest son, who’s now
but she was also getting the hang of
18 years old, was 4 and Connor was 2, the Vincent
being a mother of two, just nine days
family traveled to Disney World and, according
after giving birth to her second child,
to Vincent, did everything they wanted to do.
Connor, who’s now 15. But then she felt a throbbing pain
THE ACADEMIC HEALTH CENTER ADVANTAGE
in her arm and chest—two telltale
Vincent had been feeling well for about 14 years,
signs of a heart attack—except the
until she suddenly began experiencing speech and
pain was in her right arm and not her
memory problems.
left. Vincent’s mind bounced back and
“I was on a maintenance plan but wasn’t seeking
forth between concern and denial
care at an academic health center, which keeps
regarding what she was experiencing.
up with the latest advances in medicine,”
Upon arrival to her then-local hospital’s emergency room, the staff
Vincent said. In addition to seeing Ned Pruitt, MD, with
dismissed her heart-attack symptoms
the Augusta University Neurosciences Center of
for a postpartum panic attack. But
Excellence, Vincent also sought care from Sean
within two minutes of conducting
Javaheri, DO, with Augusta University Heart and
an electrocardiogram, 20 people
Cardiovascular Services in April 2016.
in scrubs surrounded her.
Shawn Vincent has been a great support to his wife, Anna, ever since a heart attack struck her out of the blue 15 years ago. Now the couple is looking ahead to their days as emptynesters, with more time for hobbies and travel.
“He explained things that no one had ever told me before, and now I’m fully educated about what
THE ‘ONE-IN-A-MILLION GIRL’
happened to me. I never realized how empowering
“I call myself the ‘one-in-a-million
that would feel. I finally had answers to the
girl,’” Vincent said. “I’m an otherwise healthy woman with no family history
questions I had been asking for 15 years.” Vincent, who has spent the past 18 years caring
of heart disease who experienced
for her children, is entering the phase in life when
a heart attack.”
she’s preparing to send her kids off to college.
After cardiac catheterization,
She looks forward to doing more of what she
Vincent was admitted to the cardiac
loves: cooking, watercolor painting, genealogy
intensive care unit, where she
and traveling with Shawn—her friend since the
remained for three weeks.
fifth grade, first boyfriend and husband of 18 years.
To read other patient stories like Anna’s, visit augustahealth.org/stories. augustahealth.org
5
PARTNERS IN CARE
grit
and
Kathleen’s story of fighting Parkinson’s disease
K
grace
athleen Reynolds has always
had a fighting spirit.
Fifty years ago, after being
born and raised in Hong Kong, she fought to qualify to come to the United States for college. For the past eight years, her fight has been against
Parkinson’s disease (PD), a movement disorder marked by motor and non-motor symptoms that
can worsen over time. The sweet and gentle
yet strong and resilient woman combats her symptoms with literal fighting—boxing to be exact. Three days each week, Kathleen participates in Rock Steady Boxing, a class designed specifically for PD patients and their caregivers. FIGHT OR FLIGHT? FIGHT. In 2009, Kathleen noticed her eye twitching whenever she was reading, which a neurologist diagnosed as hemifacial spasm, an uncontrollable muscle spasm on one side of the face. She received Botox injections for a year, followed by acupuncture and anti-seizure medication, with no relief—plus, she found herself feeling tired most of the time.
6
your health today Summer 2017
Kathleen Reynolds is taking on her Parkinson’s disease with intelligence, determination and help from Augusta University Health.
Keeping you in the ring To make an appointment and learn about our neurosciences services and providers, call us at 706-721-4581 or visit augustahealth.org/neuro.
This didn’t work for the active woman
that all I’m doing
who enjoys reading, yoga and hiking.
is fighting deterioration.”
After Kathleen tried every
Kathleen isn’t merely
minimally invasive treatment option,
fighting deterioration;
the next step was microvascular
she’s staying strong. She
decompression, a brain surgery
focuses on getting her
designed to treat facial and eye
information from
spasm. She was referred for physical
places that also offer support.
therapy at Augusta University Health.
Each year, she and Dick, Kathleen’s husband of
The physical therapist noticed that the
46 years, attend Augusta University Movement
post-surgical balance problem wasn’t
Disorders Center of Excellence’s annual Brain
improving and, therefore, referred
Health Symposium, which serves to give patients,
her to a movement disorder specialist,
caregivers and physicians a platform for sharing
John Morgan, MD, who diagnosed
knowledge, experiences and support.
her with PD. “Kathleen is facing PD like she has all of the obstacles she has encountered in her life: head-on,” said Morgan, a neurologist and director of the Memory Disorders Program at Augusta University Movement and Memory Disorder Center of Excellence. “She is a wonderful person and exemplary
Kathleen and Dick Reynolds are staying strong, active and informed in the face of her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. They recently journeyed from Beijing to Mongolia and Siberia.
“When I first found out Kathleen had Parkinson’s disease, I held a secret meeting with our daughters,”
‘‘
I read anything I can put my hands on. I try to stay informed without feeling hopeless that all I’m doing is fighting deterioration.”
patient. She gets educated, takes her meds, exercises regularly and is always asking great questions of
Dick said. “I told them that [her condition] may
me and others on her care team.”
change the day-to-day, but it’s not going to stop us from moving ahead with all of the things that
STAYING STRONG WITH KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT “I read anything I can put my hands
we enjoy doing together.” Kathleen and Dick recently joined a tour that traveled from Beijing to Mongolia and Siberia, and
on,” said Kathleen, who graduated
will be celebrating the marriage of their second
from Indiana University with a degree
daughter in October in Chicago.
in English literature. “I try to stay informed without feeling hopeless
“It’s only because of Dick and his strength that I’m able to continue to do what I love to do,” she said.
To read other patient stories like Kathleen’s, visit augustahealth.org/stories. augustahealth.org
7
FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS HELPFUL TIPS AND RESOURCES
W
hen school-aged children start to
Phase-two treatment—definitive orthodontia—usually begins around
lose their baby teeth,
ages 10 to 12. Factors in the child’s
parents begin to wonder
growth patterns at this stage give
when the time is right to consult with
the orthodontist the best window of
an orthodontist. Eladio DeLeon Jr.,
opportunity to correct misaligned
DMD, MS, Marvin C. Goldstein Chair
teeth. First, most permanent teeth,
of Orthodontics and director of the
including the 12-year molars, have
Orthodontic Residency Program at the
come in, providing a clear map to what
Dental College of Georgia at Augusta
needs correction. At the same time, the
University, said children can be seen as
orthodontist can take advantage of a
early as age 6 or 7.
last burst of growth in the facial bones
“At that age, we do screening and eruption checks to see how the
before they mature into their final, adult structure.
permanent teeth are coming in,” DeLeon said. It is easy for parents to see some
“We want to use all their growth potential while the bone is so much
ADULTS AND ORTHODONTIA Many people reach adulthood before they have a chance to improve their smiles. And now that we are in the internet age, people are finding questionable methods online for straightening their teeth. “The problem,” DeLeon said, “is that commercialism is taking over professionalism.” DeLeon points out that some adults are using services or going to dentists who might not be sufficiently trained in orthodontics, and the treatment results may be compromised. Even worse, people have tried some bizarre do-it-yourself methods with strings, rubber bands or paper clips that actually result in permanent tooth loss or serious infections. “My oldest patient is 80 years old,” he said. “We have slight differences in treating adults, and we can achieve great results. But it starts with a good, personalized plan and includes proper follow-up.”
more malleable,” DeLeon said.
problems, such as crowding or
Typically, braces must be worn for 16
misalignment, but a thorough check
to 24 months, with periodic checks and
from the orthodontist will reveal if
adjustments. After braces are removed, The way to a super smile
there are developmental issues, such
it’s important for the patient to use
as a very narrow jaw, that could lead
retainers to keep teeth from moving
to problems in the future.
out of position. And for DeLeon, the
“At this stage, we would do
Learn more about how Augusta University Dental Associates can help your family. Call us at 706-721-2696 or visit us online at augustahealth.org/dental.
relationship doesn’t end there.
some initial or interceptive phase-
“We stand behind our work by
one treatment, but only if it were
maintaining a relationship with
necessary,” DeLeon said. “Most kids
our patients with yearly retention
don’t need this.”
evaluations,” he said.
getting it straight Orthodontia can be the path to a beautiful smile
8
your health today Summer 2017
attention,please! W Q&A on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
e asked Alex Mabe, PhD, director, ADHD Program, Child, Adolescent and Family
Psychiatry Division, to answer some common questions about attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
Q. If parents are concerned that their child might have ADHD, what signs should they look for? A. Three main features can indicate ADHD:
HYPERACTIVITY—child is excessively talkative, fidgety and has difficulty sitting still. INATTENTION—child is easily distracted in classroom
We can help you focus help families get through homework For more information about or chores, for example? the ADHD Program, visit A. Parents must learn ways to help kids augustahealth.org/adhd better regulate their behavior. There needs or call 706-721-6597 to make an appointment. Q. Are there any general tips that can
to be a consistent response to impulsive
situations or when receiving instructions.
actions. As early as possible, kids should
IMPULSIVITY—child tends to blurt out things in class,
learn self-talk to help them manage their
engages in risky behavior, or says inappropriate things
behavior. Parents can do this in a positive
in social or school situations.
way. For example, if the child is going to a
These behaviors are more likely to be seen in the
birthday party, talk through how he should
classroom, where there are more demands and more
behave ahead of time. (e.g., “What will
children against whom to compare a child’s behavior.
you do when the cake comes out?”)
Teachers are frequently the first to notice these behaviors. Teachers and administrators have forms they can complete
Q. How does the ADHD Program
to catalog the behaviors to see if the child is outside
help patients and their families?
of the normative range.
A. Our program is an eight-session series
Of course, the child’s doctor should be consulted as well,
of behavioral training. We meet with
to determine if the behavior is due to a medical condition,
children and parents in separate groups
developmental problem, sensory problem or medication side
to teach them the coping mechanisms.
effect(s). Only then can the child receive a correct diagnosis.
We’re teaching the kids such things as friendship skills or
Q. What are the treatment options for ADHD? A. There has been a lot of research on this topic. Medication
how to react to teasing. Meanwhile, we are teaching
management helps with core symptoms, but behavioral
parents about anger management,
training can help with other aspects of the condition.
how to structure supervision,
For example, some children have difficulty transitioning
how to deal with homework
from one activity to another; so, in addition to medication
stresses and using
for those with medium to severe symptoms, these kids can
contacts at the child’s
benefit from skill training so they can learn new ways to make
school to get support
the transition. Children with mild ADHD can also benefit
that will help the
from this training and might not need medication at all.
child succeed.
augustahealth.org
9
HEALTHY LIVING
work it!
STRATEGIES FOR A GOOD LIFE
Exercise breaks boost fitness and mood
M
ost of us have heard the aerobic fitness guidelines: We should be getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic
activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week in order to keep cardiovascular disease at bay. Between that and the 15,000 steps we should be taking daily, it can be a little overwhelming for those of us who have busy days and evenings to find ways to fit in our fitness activities. The great news is that even if you cannot schedule a 30- or 60-minute workout session into your day, several 10-minute mini-workouts have been proven to be just as effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Doing anything you can to hit that 150-minute total for the week helps with weight loss or maintenance, bone and muscle strength, lowering blood pressure, as well as your risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. The little breaks can boost your mood
A BRISK WALK: Warm up with a moderate pace for 5 minutes then ease into a faster walk for the next 5. Keep your upper body tall, and pump your arms for even more aerobic benefit. KNEE LIFTS: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and your hands lightly touching the back of your head, elbows out. Lift a knee toward the opposite elbow. Alternate left and right knees, keeping your back straight and your breathing regular. Increase the pace to intensify the workout. TAKE THE STAIRS: Have a flight or two handy? Changing elevation is a verified heart-starter. As long as you’re not blocking traffic, start with a warmup on the bottom stair (right foot up onto first stair, left foot up to the same stair, right foot down to base, left foot down—repeat 10 times), then head up the stairs for the remaining 10 minutes. YOU KNOW JACK: The good old jumping jack is a great way to get your heart pumping. Be sure to be good to your knees and ankles—don’t twist joints or land badly. Take full advantage of your motion by keeping arms as straight as possible—the longer arc to clap your hands above your head adds a heart boost. SKATER GLIDE: Stand with feet just outside of your shoulders and crouch slightly. Hop lightly to one foot and cross the opposite foot to the rear behind the other foot, as if you were ice skating. Alternate feet. Swing your arms, bringing your forearm into a vertical line at the middle of your torso. If you’re a beginner or need to keep it low-intensity, eliminate the hop — it’s the dip as you shift your weight that brings the burn. COOL DOWN: Take a minute or two to stretch the muscles you have worked and drink plenty of water.
and might even clear your head enough to deal with the work problem you were trying to solve. Here are a few ways to get your heart pumping and ease that “I-missed-my-workout” guilt!
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your health today Summer 2017
Do this while you rest and recover Trust the experts at Augusta University Health to help you with all of your health and wellness needs. For more fitness tips, visit augustahealth.org/blog.
EATING WELL
fun
PLANNING AND PREPARING HEALTHY MEALS
Use bento box lunches for healthy choices, portion control
fresh, fast and
W
hether it’s for work or school, packing a prepared lunch for yourself or your children offers a multitude of health
benefits, because you can control your options. “When we wait until the last minute to make a food
choice, we tend to make it with our taste buds rather than with our health in mind,” explained Nicole Moore, a registered dietitian at Augusta University Health. “When you pack your lunch, you can have more control over what you eat, whether you choose foods that are lower in calories or fat, add more fruits and vegetables, or just stick to a healthier diet that you’re trying to follow.” If you’re finding it difficult to pack something new each day, Moore suggests using a bento-style lunch box. These boxes have containers that help you correctly portion food and assemble a meal that is not only more nutritionally balanced, but also more fun to eat. “When a lot of people think about packing a lunch, they think of a sandwich, some chips and a drink, and it just feels kind of sad to have to do that every single day,” Moore said. “The bento-style box offers more creativity than the traditional packed lunch, and even though you’re including smaller portions of food, you’re getting quite a bit of variety.” When packing your bento box, Moore suggests choosing at least three different food groups, including fruits, vegetables and a source of protein. “Go with color,” she said. “Choose foods in the rainbow so that you’re getting different nutrients.”
CHICKEN CLUB WRAP BENTO BOX INGREDIENTS For wrap: 1 10-inch flour tortilla or sandwich wrap 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped or sliced 1 small tomato, chopped or sliced 1 cup romaine lettuce or spinach, shredded ¼ cup low- or non-fat salad dressing (optional) For sides: 8–12 baby carrots ¼ cup grapes or berries DIRECTIONS Layer chicken, tomato and lettuce or spinach on the tortilla within one inch of edges. Drizzle with light salad dressing, if desired. Fold opposite sides of tortilla up toward center about one inch over filling (sides will not meet in center); roll up tortilla, beginning at one open end. Cut diagonally in half. Place one half of the wrap in the biggest compartment of your bento box. Fill another compartment with carrots, and the other with grapes or berries.
Want more fresh, fast and fun ideas? Trust the experts at Augusta University Health with all of your health and wellness needs. For recipes and more healthy eating tips, visit augustahealth.org/blog.
To make your bento box lunches even more appealing, use colorful silicone baking cups or dividers to separate wet foods from dry foods, and cookie cutters to cut foods into fun shapes.
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11
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