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hb contents
SPRING 2016 | VOL. 8, NO. 1
inside...
EDITORIAL
Alicia Wittkopf - Executive Editor Chelbie Birdwell - Design Editor Kim Cartier - Photographer
WHAT’S THE STORY?
04
Have you got a story or feedback for the team?
We chose Hunt Regional
REACH US AT contact@huntregional.org
Kay and Dale Allen talk about their decision to give back to the community they love
STAFF HMHD Board Chair - Ron Wensel HRH Foundation Chair - Julia Wensel HRH CEO - Richard Carter HRH Foundation Director - Alicia Wittkopf
DISTRIBUTION For inquiries or questions regarding distribution please contact: 903.408.1068
ONLINE Follow us at: www.huntregional.org www.facebook.com/huntregional www.twitter.com/hunt_regional
2 / healthbeat /
08 P10 I AM HUNT REGIONAL Kim Saenz discusses her role at Hunt Regional’s two new emergency medical centers in Commerce and Quinlan
PLUS DON’T MISS ALL THIS
16 P07 I AM HUNT REGIONAL An inside look at cardiac and pulmonary rehab through the eyes of director Desi Tapp
21 P21 MANAGING CHRONIC PAIN A new dry needling service offered through Hunt Regional’s rehab department offers patients a different choice in pain management
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Spotlight on spring: Dealing with pollen allergies
P19
AACVPR: Mary Rich-Lynch rehab receives certification
P20
Spotlight on healing: Transitional care clinic opens
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Upcoming Events: What not to miss this season
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Director’s Notes: Foundation updates from
Alicia Wittkopf
MESSAGE FROMTHE CEO
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mployees of every organization spend a lot of time together. Whether you work a traditional 9-5 job in an office, teach children in a classroom, are employed by one of our county’s many technology companies, serve our community as a first responder, or work in another profession, chances are that you spend almost as much time with your co-workers as you do at home. That’s why so many of us refer to our colleagues as our “work family.” In healthcare, that bond is even stronger
due to the life and death decisions made as a team every day. At Hunt Regional, we are fortunate to have employees that not only have to spend time together as co-workers, they choose to do so as friends. Our Hunt Regional family continues to grow not only in size, but also in strength. Hunt Regional Healthcare is our brand, but we are all Hunt Regional. I am Hunt Regional because every day I am priviledged to see innovation happening and miracles performed. What’s your “I am”
19%
WELCOME
welcome
story?
Richard Carter Chief Executive Officer
healthbeat: the pulse of health in northeast texas
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ublished by Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation in partnership with Hunt Regional Healthcare, healthbeat is a publication for friends and supporters of the Foundation. The goal of the publication is to increase awareness of healthcare advances, opportunities and challenges in the area. Staff members of the strategic marketing & communications department are responsible for the production of healthbeat. All material in this publication is the property of the publisher and is not intended for purposes of medical diagnosis or prescription. Please discuss your health with your doctor if you are considering a medical treatment, therapy or procedure. Stories may not be reprinted or copied without written permission from the publisher. Some photos may include models and may not represent actual patients or situations. Unless otherwise noted, the physicians featured in healthbeat have been granted staff privileges at one or both Hunt Regional Healthcare hospitals but may not be employees or agents of the hospitals or the hospital district. Reader letters, suggestions and questions are welcome. Please call 903.408.1066 or write Editor, Office of Strategic Marketing & Communications, Hunt Regional Medical Center, P.O. Drawer 1059, Greenville, Texas 75403-1059. If you receive multiple copies of healthbeat, need to change your mailing address, or wish to be removed from our mailing list, please write to the address above and enclose a copy of the mailing label from your publication. This publication is neither printed nor distributed at taxpayer expense.
April 4-10 is National Public Health Week Employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow by 19 percent from 2014 to 2024. SOURCE: NPHW.ORG
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feature
KAY AND DALE ALLEN DISCUSS THEIR DECISION TO GIVE BACK TO HUNT REGIONAL HEALTHCARE
We chose Hunt Regional TO PLAN FOR OUR FUTURE BY CHELBIE BIRDWELL
feature Kay and Dale Allen are far from ordinary. Dale has a penchant for restoring antique radios; Kay is a beautifully gifted quilter. Both are two of the most interesting and warm people you may ever meet. If you ask them, they are just average people, living average lives. However, one decision has ensured that their lives will mean so much more to future generations. Even after death.
An unexpected journey
make. “It was right before Christmas,” said Dale, who was also shaken up by the scare. “They originally weren’t going to do the followup scan immediately. But because it is such an intimate relationship you have with your caregiver, I was able to call and talk to Dr. Shreedhara. They got me in two days later,” she said. Thankfully, the area of concern turned out to just be scar tissue. “I don’t think I would have gotten that kind of treatment anywhere else. I would have had to wait that two weeks and go through the holidays wondering,” she said.
It has been six years since Kay Allen was diagnosed with breast cancer. But she and her husband Dale still vividly remember the healing that A new place to call home took place in the Lou & Jack Finney Cancer Center following her diagnosis in 2009 and the subsequent When the Allens moved double mastectomy, chemo, and to Greenville from Virginia in radiation treatments. November of 2008, they were “We’ve been very “That is where our relationship excited about having quality with the hospital really began,” said fortunate in our lives healthcare facilities so close to Kay, recalling the many interactions and we continue to be. their home, unaware of exactly how she had with the Hunt Regional much they would need them during Now we feel like we team after her initial referral from the next leg of their journey. Dr. Cantrell. need to return the favor With all of Texas to choose “We got through it together. I and that’s the reason from, the Allens knew exactly had all my chemo there. I had my what they were looking for out why we’re doing what radiation there. I had my surgery of retirement. Close proximity to there. All of my procedures were we’re doing.” a university, trees, and convenient done at the hospital. I didn’t have shopping were among the mustto go to Dallas until they needed KAY ALLEN haves, and—as they planned to me to have some tests done that make it their last stop—quick I couldn’t have here. Which now access to modern healthcare we can do,” she said, adding that services. the calm, family-like atmosphere was conducive to As the daughter of a father in the oil business, healing. Kay lived in several parts of the country before Each day for 35 days, Kay visited the hospital work brought both her and Dale to Virginia where for her radiation treatments. She would wake up, they married 22 years ago. When retirement drew get ready, drive to town, receive her treatment, and near, they were ready to head back south but knew return home within the same hour. they didn’t want to settle in Dale’s home state of “If I had to do the Dallas thing, it would have Indiana. been all morning. Really, it was a blessing,” she said. With one child in DFW and additional family in “You’re not on the factory line. I’m on a firstTexas and Oklahoma, the Allens decided to make name basis with the nurses,” she said, a fact that their home in Texas. They knew they wanted to came in handy when one nurse diagnosed an allergic be outside the Metroplex, but within a reasonable reaction simply by noticing a change in Kay’s color driving distance to Dallas. and appearance. “Dale turned the responsibility of finding where “I don’t know if that response would have to live over to me,” said Kay, who did extensive happened in Dallas,” she said. online research and considered Sulphur Springs, After being labeled a survivor for so many years, Paris, and other area cities before choosing an abnormal mammogram in November reminded Greenville. the Allens of the difference local healthcare can
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feature “One of the conclusive things was the medical facility. That was one of our criteria which was really high on our list,” she said While employed by Harris, Dale had visited Greenville several decades earlier and was initially surprised by Kay’s decision. He wasn’t expecting to see the growth that Hunt County has experienced in the last 30 years. “We subscribed to the Herald-Banner so that he could see it was a real town,” joked Kay, who remembers driving around the city while looking for properties. It was then that their decision was made. “I stopped and took pictures of the hospital as they were building the West Wing and the new cancer center,” she said. “We saw there was this big, growing hospital. Little did we know that less than a year after we got here I would need that cancer center and that it would be a life-saver for me,” she said.
Nobody likes to think about death. Human nature prevents us from embracing the reality that just as life begins, it will also end. But for the Allens, the ability to predetermine what they leave behind was an important step in enjoying what lies ahead. “As we thought about the next phase of our lives, we knew that we needed to update our will to Texas standards. We took care of the retirement part, now we have to think about the next phase of our lives and that is the end of our life,” said Kay. After careful consideration, the Allens decided to make Hunt Regional part of their philanthropic efforts through the avenue of planned giving. Planned giving can include several types of gifts that individuals may choose to leave when they die, including a portion of one’s estate, monetary donations, equity, and even property. Because the gift happens after death, many donors are able to leave a much larger gift than they would be able to give through their income. A small world “We have a nice home, but we’re not wealthy. The reason why we are as comfortable In the 1970s while in Florida “Anybody can do it. And as we are is because we were with Harris, Dale found himself they should.” very careful in planning for our working with a gentleman retirement,” said Kay. named Brian Cullen. DALE ALLEN What the Allens hope to Decades later, Dale and encourage others to realize is Brian would meet again as that ordinary people can make neighbors in Greenville, proving a great impact by thinking of the smallness and strangeness giving as a puzzle where each of the world. person’s gift, no matter how “I was standing out in the street. We had small or large, is equally as important. gathered a couple of the neighbors together and “We’re not millionaires. Not even close to it. one guy had an E-Systems shirt on,” said Dale, But we’ve been very fortunate in our lives and who began talking about his work history and we continue to be. Now we feel like we need to asked his neighbor if he knew Brian Cullen. return the favor and that’s the reason why we’re As it turns out, Brian lived right down the road doing what we’re doing,” said Kay. from the Allens’ home. “Anybody can do it. And they should,” added That winter, Kay and Dale attended their Dale, stating that while it might take more people first foundation gala as guests of the Cullens, contributing, together the gift builds up. strengthening their involvement with Hunt As an engineer, Dale says he takes comfort in Regional Healthcare and the Hunt Regional knowing that their wishes will be executed as they Healthcare Foundation. planned, without any guesswork from their loved And so, as the Allens planned for future, they ones. reached an important decision: the decision to Alicia Wittkopf, executive director of the give back to the organization which has been such Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation, says that a big part of their story. the Allens’ generosity is a wonderful example for those who wish to give back but think that it is beyond their reach. Planning for the future “These are average people that are going to
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feature be able to do something extraordinary with their lives upon their passing,” said Wittkopf. “They are very sincere about leaving their mark in the world and we are grateful to be a part of that legacy,” she said. As part of their decision, the Allens say they want the people of Hunt County to understand that even those who live a modest lifestyle can make a difference. “It’s no different than tithing at church,” said Kay. “If it’s important to you, you’ll do it.”
Giving back For all of their generosity, the Allens are distinctly humble and enjoy staying busy by helping others. “I’ve been very fortunate to have a husband that walks the walk but doesn’t talk the talk,” said Kay. Volunteering their time at multiple organizations including FISH and DrugFree Greenville, the Allens say they are at a time
in their lives when they feel it is important to give back. And in a community marked by its humanitarian outreach, Greenville is a very easy town to give back to. “As part of giving, you think about who do you want to give back to? You want to give back to those places that had an impact for you and those places that you feel like have the potential to impact the rest of the community,” she said. While they include Hunt Regional as one of the places that made a difference in their lives, it is future patients in need who will feel the effects of the Allens’ gift, bringing their journey full circle. “We’ve been very fortunate and Greenville has been very good to us,” Kay and Dale agreed. “It proved to be the best choice we could have made.”
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GIVING? CALL: 903.408.1060 WEB: www.huntregional.org/foundation
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KIM SAENZ TALKS EMERGENCY CARE AT HUNT REGIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL CENTERS AT COMMERCE AND QUINLAN
I am Hunt Regional WHEREVER AN EMERGENCY HAPPENS BY CHELBIE BIRDWELL
feature Who cares for you in an emergency matters. Kim Saenz, facility manager for Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center at Commerce and Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center at Quinlan, makes sure that no matter which Hunt Regional facility you choose in a crisis, you’ll be in calm, well-trained hands.
responsibilites have changed, but her enthusiasm for trauma care has not. As the facility manager for Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center at Commerce and Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center at Quinlan, Kim wears many hats, overseeing the day-to-day operations of both emergency facilities including quality measures, making financial decisions, and employee management. Emergency departments are busy by nature. However the emergency department at Hunt When every second counts Regional Medical Center in Greenville exceeds that expectation, treating around 53,000 patients Emergency room nurses are trained to save each year. In 2013, the citizens of Hunt County lives. Their fight or flight instinct is always turned voted to expand the emergency services on. For Hunt Regional’s assistant emergency offered throughout the county by adding two department director Kim Saenz, BSN, RN, CEN, freestanding emergency medical centers in that means making sure that patients at the new Commerce and Quinlan. emergency centers in Commerce and Quinlan “We wanted to provide emergent care in receive the care they need by these locations that are both professionals who understand about 20 miles from our main that every choice matters and campus,” said Kim, who went every second counts. on to say that the new facilities “Once it gets in your serve a two-fold goal. “Every day that I’ve ever system, there’s nothing that “Because they are both beats the feeling you get when worked, I’ve never left without rural areas, we are able to you’re taking care of someone serve the community in that feeling like I’ve helped in an emergency,” said Kim, capacity, but we also have an adding that being able to meet someone.” opportunity to look at taking new people every day is just some of the workload off the KIM SAENZ, BSN, RN, CEN one of the reasons she is main ER. Having an ER at each drawn to emergency care. end of the county will give For almost 26 years, Kim people the chance to seek care has called the long halls of near their home rather than at Hunt Regional home. Having the main facility,” she said. worked in surgery, the Since the opening of intensive care unit, and even case management, HREMC-Commerce, the Greenville emergency she has seen almost every side of patient care. department has already experienced a 10% For many, even one day in the emergency reduction in the number of people treated department can seem intimidating. But for Kim, on a daily basis. Hunt Regional expects that the fast-paced trenches of the emergency room number to climb even higher with the opening of have always been where she belonged. Quinlan, which in turn will help with wait times “It’s the calling that I have. This is just what I (not to mention the potentially life-saving impact have always loved,” said Kim. of immediate emergency care to the residents in the Quinlan and Lake Tawakoni areas). “Every day that I’ve ever worked, I’ve never left without feeling like I’ve helped someone,” she said.
Rural challenges
Expanding emergent care Now in a management position, Kim’s daily
Originally from Bonham, Kim settled in her husband’s hometown of Greenville over two decades ago. Having lived in different areas of North Texas, Kim understands the geographical
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feature challenges of rural emergency care, making her be for you,” she said. uniquely qualified for such an important position. Having recently celebrated their grand opening Although she loves the daily challenges on Feb. 28, Kim says the staff of HREMC-Quinlan associated with emergencies, Kim says her favorite is ready for any challenges that may come their thing about her job is way and is looking forward mentoring younger nurses to becoming a trusted and helping established healthcare partner for nurses grow in their Quinlan and the surrounding “If I can pass on things that I’ve leadership roles. area. learned in that role to others to help “I was a shift manager for “Above all, we are here to 18 years so if I can pass on fill a need in the community,” them be more effective to people that things that I’ve learned in that said Kim. they supervise it makes me feel like I role to others to help them “While we always hope be more effective to people have given something back.” our citizens stay well, we that they supervise, it makes will be ready and willing to me feel like I have given take care of you if the need KIM SAENZ, BSN, RN, CEN something back,” said Kim, arises,” said Kim. who thinks it is important that anyone considering a future in nursing makes sure WANT TO LEARN MORE? they are in it for the right reasons. CALL: 903.408.5000 “There are a lot of technical things that you do WEB: www.huntregional.org as a nurse but the main thing you do is deal with people. So if you don’t like people, nursing may not
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WE’RE OPEN SERVING THE QUINLAN AREA
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othing about an emergency is convenient. But access to healthcare should be. Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center at Quinlan opened Mar. 1, seeking to provide faster emergency care for residents of of Quinlan and the surrounding Lake Tawakoni area. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the new location is a fullservice medical facility. The 15,700 square foot building is designed to house every component of emergency care including a full laboratory, respiratory therapy services and an imaging center.
Among the imaging services available in Quinlan are CT scans, x-ray, and ultrasound. HREMC-Quinlan is equipped with a fullservice laboratory and an outpatient blood draw station for easy access when your physician orders lab tests. Our ER physicians are trained to treat cardiac and other medical emergencies and trauma from accidents or violent crimes. A multidisciplinary trauma team is accessible in the emergency department at all times. In addition, the RNs on the emergency department nursing staff have completed advanced cardiac life support
training. The staff also includes nurses trained in pediatric advanced life support and the trauma nurse core course. If an injury or illness requires inpatient treatment, a rapid admission process to our main campus is in place. Learn more about HREMC-Quinlan at www. huntregional.org/quinlanER.
How does it work: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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: How is a freestanding emergency department similar to an emergency department at a hospital? : Both of our freestanding emergency departments in Commerce and Quinlan are full-service emergency rooms. During a visit to any of our emergency departments, you will be seen and treated by a multidisciplinary trauma team including physicians, nurses, and other specially-trained medical staff.
Only 11.9% of emergency room visits require admission to the hospital. SOURCE: CDC.GOV
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real health
Spotlight on spring:
WHATYOU CAN DO TO EASE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Seasonal allergies can be frustrating. Though pollen is one of the most widespread allergens, there are several things you can do to avoid it.
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ollen allergies affect an estimated 35 million people, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Of all the things that cause an allergy, pollen is one of the most widespread. The most telling sign of pollen allergy is that it is seasonal; people only have symptoms when the pollen they are allergic to is in the air. Symptoms can include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, coughing, itchy eyes, and hives. If your symptoms are caused by pollen, they will tend to recur at the same time each year. That’s because most plants have generally the same pollinating season each year. We often talk about “hay fever” or “rose fever,” but it isn’t hay or roses
that cause the problem. The pollen that causes most pollen allergies tend to come from plain-looking plants (trees, grasses and weeds) rather than those with showy flowers. It can be helpful to pay attention to pollen counts given in local weather reports and stay indoors when counts are high. Counts tend to be higher in the morning and on dry, windy days. Other tips include: showering after being outside, keeping doors and windows closed, wearing a mask when working outdoors, and using the air conditioner in your home and car. The next step in allergy control is medication. In some cases, immunotherapy or allergy shots may be needed. Talk to your physician to learn more about your options. / healthbeat / 15
feature A heart attack is a major life event. Some patients feel like surviving a cardiac emergency may be their biggest hurdle. But as cardiac and pulmonary rehab director Desi Tapp knows, after a patient leaves the hospital, the real work has only just begun.
“Any time the patient has a stent, or a heart attack, or surgery, the muscle that makes up the heart can weaken,” said Desi. During a rehab session, patients work out using targeted exercise regimens and specialized equipment to increase their heart rate, which strengthens the heart. “The heart gets stronger over time so it pumps better. In turn, that is going to make a patient feel better and stronger and also feel like they have more The most important muscles energy and stamina,” said Desi. In addition to carefully monitored therapy, Just like physical rehabilitation for other parts of patients also receive important education about their the body, cardiac rehabilitation strengthens some of condition including how to manage medications, how the most important muscles in the body: the ones the heart is supposed to be working, and signs to surrounding the heart. watch for, including symptoms of a heart attack and Desi Tapp, RN, CI-CP, director of the Mary high blood pressure. Rich-Lynch Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Although both the cardiac and pulmonary Hunt Regional Medical Center programs are housed in the same in Greenville, helps patients unit, their goals are different. overcome their physical During pulmonary rehab, patients limitations and regain their “The heart gets stronger over time receive treatment with the goal strength through cardiac and of gaining overall strength and pulmonary rehab programs. so it pumps better. In turn, that increasing their ability to move. Desi’s history with Hunt is going to make a patient feel “Many of our pulmonary Regional has included many patients experience weakness better and stronger and also feel other roles, including working because they don’t exercise due in the maternity center where like they have more energy and to problems with shortness of she started as an extern in 2004. breath. If we can build up their stamina.” Her employment with Hunt muscles so they can move and Regional—which spans an entire function better on a day-to-day DESI TAPP, RN, CI-CPT decade—has included stints basis, that’s ultimately what we are in telemetry and ICU. It was shooting for,” said Desi. during those periods when Desi’s During the program, interest in cardiac care developed. pulmonary rehab patients also “When I got my RN license, I started in telemetry learn helpful breathing techniques. Patients attend and worked there for three years and also did relief pulmonary rehab for help with a variety of conditions charge,” recalls Desi. including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder “I’ve always like the cardiac aspect, first working (COPD), asthma, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, in tele and then ICU. When the rehab opportunity lung cancer, lung transplants, and many others. became available, it was one of those lucky breaks,” she said. Having served as director of the outpatient program for two years, Desi’s role covers everything Part of a team from administrator to caregiver, including admissions, discharges, checking patient levels, and care plans. In healthcare, it’s not uncommon to see the same “I handle a lot of referrals, see if the person’s staff member in multiple areas of the hospital. But condition is appropriate for cardiac and pulmonary unlike other service lines, the cardiac and pulmonary rehab, determine if they are able to do it and find rehab department staff work exclusively within their out if they qualify for it by talking to their doctor,” unit. she said, adding that there are requirements a patient “We have a really, really good team. The five of must meet in order to qualify for treatment. us work very well together and enjoy what we do The goal of cardiac rehab is to strengthen the every day,” said Desi, who lists working with her heart muscle after a cardiac event. department staff as one of the best parts of her job.
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CARDIAC AND PULMONARY REHAB DIRECTOR DESI TAPP EXPLAINS THE BENEFITS AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VARYING REHABILITATION UNITS
I am Hunt Regional BECAUSE OF MY TEAM BY CHELBIE BIRDWELL
feature But more than just having a great support system, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Hunt Desi says her favorite moments happen when she Regional’s program is one of the few cardiac rehab sees her patients making progress. programs available to Northeast Texans. “I get to see the patients sometimes make a 180,” “We are larger than some of the other cardiac said Desi, adding that many patients who first arrive in rehabs and while some rehabs are located outside the program are suffering from depression due to the of the hospital on a different campus, ours is on the trauma of a major heart event. hospital campus, making it more convenient,” said Desi. “Some of them have actually died and have been able to be The program continues resuscitated. They can be very to draw new patients, almost “By the time they graduate the timid and very pulled back, doubling in size in the last withdrawn. By the time they program it’s like a totally different two years. With multiple class graduate the program it’s like options throughout the week, person has blossomed.” a totally different person has the department sees an average blossomed,” she said. of 90-100 cardiac patients a DESI TAPP, RN, CI-CPT week and around 30 pulmonary Because patients are literally patients each week. But more transforming their bodies, the than just its size, what truly sets depression they have been it apart is the staff’s commitment experiencing often disappears to providing quality care. as they begin exercising in a way that they never have “No matter what brought our patients here, our before. goal is for them to leave as the healthiest version of As part of a staff that doesn’t float in and out, themselves,” said Desi. Desi gets to witness the entire process.
Part of a team Recently certified by the American Association of
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? ONLINE: www.huntregional.org/cardiacrehab CALL: 903.408.5050
AACVPR
REHAB PROGRAM NOW CERTIFIED
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unt Regional Healthcare recently announced the certification of the Mary Rich-Lynch Cardiac Rehabilitation Center by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Hunt Regional’s cardiac rehab program was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care. Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms,) recover faster and improve their health. Programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.
Program director Desi Tapp, RN CI-CPT, says the certification recognizes Hunt Regional for its dedication to helping individuals with heart disease. “Receiving this certification means that our program has been evaluated by the AACVPR and that we have met their strict standards of practice in relation to patient care, safety and patient evaluation,” said Tapp. The Mary Rich-Lynch Cardiac Rehabilitation Center participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR program certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies.
AACVPRcertified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. The certification is valid for three years.
The Mary Rich-Lynch Cardiac Rehabilitation Center offers morning, lunch, and afternoon cardiac rehab options. Click here for more information on Hunt Regional’s cardiac rehab program, or call 903-4085050.
Trouble breathing CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
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n estimated 12 million Americans are diagnosed with COPD. Many more are unaware they have COPD. It usually develops in older people, and is more common in men than women. Survival of patients with COPD is closely related to the level of their lung function when they are diagnosed and the rate at which they lose this function. If caught and treated early on, a patient can reduce the amount of damage that occurs. If you think you may have COPD, talk to your doctor about your treatment options soon.
Clinical research has shown that cardiac rehabilitation reduces mortality by over 50% compared with those patients who do not participate. SOURCE: HEART.ORG
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real health
Spotlight on healing: NEW TRANSITIONAL CARE CLINIC OPENS
The Hunt Regional Transitional Care Clinic is designed to improve the transition for patients from a hospital setting to the care of outpatient providers. 20 / healthbeat /
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exas currently ranks second in the nation for hospital readmission rates. While not all of readmissions are preventable, many are. Hospital readmissions increase when patients do not understand how to manage their condition at home or fail to follow-up with a primary care physician. Another challenge is communication with patients after they go home. The new discharge clinic at Hunt Regional will help patients navigate the next health care steps once they have been discharged from the hospital and help bridge the communication gap. Patients who are scheduled to be seen at the clinic will have the opportunity to discuss prescription medications and side effects, follow up on outstanding diagnostic testing, schedule appointments with a community primary care provider, and receive their discharge summary as well
as test results. “Our goal with all new initiatives is to improve the quality of care our patients receive. We want to make sure that our patients are improving when they leave the hospital,” said clinic provider Emily Sundeen, FNP. The clinic will be led by Syed Hamid, M.D. with Sundeen and Brandi Isham, FNP also serving as providers. “The Hunt Regional Transitional Care Clinic is designed to make it easier for patients to continue recovering at home and prevent the need for readmission,” said Isham. Patients who understand their posthospital care instructions are 30% less likely to be readmitted to the hospital. The clinic will operate Mon.-Fri. from 8-12 p.m. Patients who are assessed at a moderate to high risk of readmission will automatically be scheduled with the transitional care clinic prior to hospital discharge.
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DRY NEEDLING
A NEW HOPE FOR MANAGING CHRONIC PAIN
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ou can’t see pain but its are felt by millions of Americans every day, leading to missed work, depression, and increased medical costs. Melanie Book, a certified dry needling therapist, is helping patients at Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville manage chronic pain through the use of a new technique known as dry needling. When living with chronic pain, your brain eventually starts to ignore pain signals which can slow down the healing process. Dry needling is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points (painful knots in muscles), tendons, and ligaments or nerves in order to stimulate a healing response. Although dry needling may sound similar to acupuncture, the two treatments are very different. While acupuncture is based in eastern medicine, dry needling is a modern, science-based intervention. According to Book, the difference between acupuncture and dry needling is the theory behind each treatment. “Both techniques use many of the same pressure points, but the goals and techniques are very different. During a dry needling session, needles are applied to just the affected area rather than other parts of the body,” says Book. The dry needling method causes a slight injury to the targeted area. When stuck with the needle, the tiny pricks
stimulate the region and remind the body to heal the surrounding tissue. The process is very safe and certified dry needling therapists receive extensive training to know which areas of the body should not be treated, such as those containing arteries or sensitive vessels. Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of chronic pain-causing conditions including TMJ, osteoarthritis, neck pain, back pain, carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, headaches, tennis elbow, shin splints, shoulder impingement, and other painful musculoskeletal conditions. Almost any area of the body can be treated. Although the process isn’t completely pain free, the pain is mild for most sessions. According to Book, the sites usually don’t even bleed unless a deep technique is used. “You can feel the needle, but it doesn’t hurt like a shot,” she says. There are also several variations a therapist can use to achieve different results including alternating depth, movement, twisting, and even electrically stimulating the needles to reach deeper muscles. Success rates depend greatly on the condition being treated and the goal of treatment. Book says the positive effects of the first treatment may not happen immediately. “Especially after the first session, it make take several days to get the cascade of healing,” she says.
For chronic conditions such as arthritis, the treatment won’t be able to reverse earlier damage, but it can alleviate many of the symptoms, which in turn can take away a patient’s pain and prolong how long they are able to manage their condition. Dry needling isn’t a one-time treatment and is designed to work with other techniques. In order to see results, treatment must be continued and is most often used in combination with other therapies. To receive treatment, a patient must receive a therapy referral from their physician. For questions, contact Hunt Regional Medical Center therapy services at 903408-1886.
In memoriam:
HUNT REGIONAL HEALTHCARE REMEMBERS THE FRIENDS WE LOVE AND MISS Sue Morgan - Volunteer
Luther Smith - Volunteer / healthbeat / 21
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CHECK OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HEALTHCARE THE NEXT FEW MONTHS
MARCH 30
DOCTOR’S DAY Each year on March 30, National Doctor’s Day honors physicians who have devoted their professional lives to caring for others. Hunt Regional’s annual Doctor’s Day celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication that our physicians demonstrate in our hospital and in our community each day.
People of every age give and receive organ donations. Learn more about becoming an organ donor by visiting the website below. MORE INFORMATION: www.organdonor.org
APRIL 9TH
FIND A PHYSICIAN: www.huntregional.org/ourdoctors
FOUNDATION GALA
APRIL 1-31
DONATE LIFE MONTH Every day, more people are added to the national organ transplant waiting list which already exceeds 120,000. And each week, more than 100 individuals die because there are simply not enough organs
available to meet the need. Thousands of others whose lives would benefit from the gift of organ, eye, and tissue donations continue to wait and hope.
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MAY
SKIN CANCER DETECTION & PREVENTION MONTH Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also come from tanning booths or sunlamps. The most dangerous kind of skin cancer is called melanoma. The good news is that skin cancer can almost always be cured when it’s found and treated early. Ask your doctor about scheduling a screening today. MORE INFORMATION: www.huntregional.org
It’s time for our eleventh annual gala! Join your friends for a swinging good time benefiting the Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation. This year’s music-themed event will feature dinner, dancing, and plenty of musical entertainment, all for a great cause. It’s not too late to buy your tickets.Visit our website or call the foundation office for more details. VOTE ONLINE: www.musicisthebestmedicinegala.com FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 903.408.1068
HEALTH MONTH Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. At Hunt Regional Healthcare’s we offer outpatient and inpatient services in Greenville and Commerce for individuals and families. Visit our website to learn more about our behavioral health programs. MORE INFORMATION: www.huntregional.org
MAY 20 MAY
MENTAL
RELAY FOR LIFE
Join Hunt Regional’s One for All Relay for Life team at the 2016 Hunt County Relay for Life. The event will be held at the Greenville High School indoor football facility. MORE INFORMATION: 214-819-1200
LAST MONTH, THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT THE TRUETT AND MARGARET CRIM MATERNITY CENTER HOSTED A CHAIR DEDICATION IN MEMORY OF RYKER SWEENEY. DENA AND LOREN SWEENEY DONATED THE CHAIR IN HOPES OF PROVIDING COMFORT TO OTHER PARENTS AND BABIES DURING THEIR STAY AT HUNT REGIONAL .
Notes
FROM FOUNDATION DIRECTOR ALICIA WITTKOPF Generosity comes in many forms. Of course, there is the rapturous example of Kay & Dale Allen. Kay’s determined spirit and Dale’s supportive demeanor helped Kay claim a victory in her fight against cancer, and together they have chosen to provide support of healthcare services to future generations through a bequest. There is also the resolute example of Dena & Loren Sweeney, parents of Ryker Sweeney. Ryker Austin Sweeney was delivered three months ahead of schedule and lived in the NICU at Hunt Regional Medical Center for almost twelve weeks before he earned his angel wings. When I met Dena, she said that she wanted to provide comfort to other parents. She is
one of the most sincerely thoughtful people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Entrenched in grief, all Dena could think about was how to create a rainbow in spite of the intense storm she and Loren were just beginning to weather. The Sweeneys requested donations in lieu of flowers for Ryker’s service and those gestures of sympathy, as well as gifts from family and friends, helped purchase a new rocker and recliner for the NICU. At the dedication ceremony, Dena and Loren thanked Ryker’s care team for giving them time with Ryker that science said shouldn’t have been possible. I continue to marvel at their grace with those who cannot imagine the pain they will live with for the rest of their lives. Not
only in times of joy, but also in times of sorrow, may we all be blessed with a generous heart that seeks rainbows.
Alicia A. Wittkopf, Director Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation / healthbeat / 23
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