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hb contents
WINTER 2016 | VOL. 8, NO. 2
inside...
EDITORIAL
Alicia Wittkopf - Executive Editor Chelbie Birdwell - Design Editor Joe & Emily Shipman - Photography
WHAT’S THE STORY?
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Welcome to the new look of healthbeat! Have you got a story or feedback for the team?
I chose Hunt Regional
REACH US AT contact@huntregional.org
Willard Toole talks about how Hunt Regional helped him heal from a poisonous snake bite
STAFF HMHD Board Chair - Ron Wensel HRH Foundation Chair - Paul Painter HRH CEO - Richard Carter HRH Foundation Director - Alicia Wittkopf
DISTRIBUTION For inquiries or questions regarding distribution please contact: 903.408.1064
ONLINE Follow us at: www.huntregional.org www.facebook.com/huntregional www.twitter.com/hunt_regional
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08 P08 I CHOSE HUNT REGIONAL Local pastor Ben McGraw discusses pushing through his recovery after deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms
PLUS DON’T MISS ALL THIS
12 P12 VEIN HEALTH Hunt Regional’s vein center offers treatment options for painful varicose veins and venous disease
14 P14 I CHOSE HUNT REGIONAL Shauna Treat shares her weight-loss story after undergoing bariatric surgery at Hunt Regional Medical Center
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Cellulitis: Treating infections of the skin
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Spotlight on fitness: Staying healthy in cold weather
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Home care: Hunt Regional receives 5-star rating
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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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nother great calendar year at Hunt Regional is getting ready to come to an end. As we expand the services offered to Hunt County residents, including our new vein and liver centers, our focus on promoting wellness within your entire family remains the same. Our patient satisfaction scores continue to reflect the priority our staff places on making each interaction outstanding. With each patient testimonial, the importance of high quality healthcare becomes more evident. From our physicians
and medical staff, to our food services staff and environmental services team, I am thankful for an entire organization of employees who value the work they do each day. Although the holidays can be a wonderful time spent with family and friends, they can also be very stressful. I encourage you to take time to rest and simply celebrate being together. From all of us at Hunt Regional, we wish you a happy and healthy Christmas season. However, should you need a healing hand, you
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WELCOME
welcome
know just where to find us.
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.
December 4-12 is National Flu Vaccination Week During recent flu seasons, between 80% and 90% of flu related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older. SOURCE: CDC.GOV
/ healthbeat / 3
feature
KATHY AND WILLARD TOOLE (AND GRACIE) SHARE WHY THEY CONTINUE TO TRUST HUNT REGIONAL HEALTHCARE
I chose Hunt Regional TO PLAY A PART IN MY RESCUE BY CHELBIE BIRDWELL
feature Willard Toole has spent most of his life out in the country. Growing up on a farm in Mississippi, he is used to life working with his hands.When a deadly snake bite threatened to take that hand, he knew just where to turn.
The bark and the bite
waiting,’” recalled Kathy. Sure enough, the emergency department staff was ready to take action when the Tooles arrived. “When I walked with him inside the hospital, there were six ladies who took him and triaged him and took care of him. It was just amazing. They were right there ready,” she said.
Aw, shucks
Although they live on a small sheep farm in Campbell, Willard and Kathy Toole don’t consider Before he was ever a patient, Willard had already themselves farmers. Living in the country has made a name for himself on the hospital’s third floor. made them appreciate the beauty and dangers of While his mother was recuperating during a hospital the outdoors. Along with that beauty comes the stay several months back, Willard and Kathy became responsibility of caring for six dogs, each with their very familiar with the Hunt Regional staff. own place on the farm as they help the Tooles to “When we could come visit mom, it was always look after their sheep. a pleasant experience because of the people,” said While moving logs in late July, Willard felt Willard. something pierce his skin and thought he had struck “When we would walk in and come off the a nail. Instead, he found himself face-to-face with two elevator, I would say, ‘we’re back.’ copperhead snakes, one of which I would here a little voice say, ‘aw, had a bite that threatened to take shucks.’ So sure enough, our nurse Willard’s hand and arm. Instead, it became ‘aw, shucks,’” said Willard, was his dog Gracie’s bite that saved “I felt a sharp pierce and remembering the trust that was him. formed thanks to his rapport with thought I’d grabbed a “The first snake went slithering the staff. out and that’s when Gracie grabbed nail. That’s when I saw “She was very sweet, always it and shook it,” said Willard, who the second snake.” smiling, and had a gentle chuckle and started to put the logs back where was just really, really nice,” he said. they came from while the dog held WILLARD TOOLE and killed the first snake. Little did he know just how familiar of a setting Hunt Regional “When I did, I felt a sharp would become some months later. pierce and I thought I’d grabbed a nail. That’s when I saw the second snake,” he said. Willard stepped on the second snake, holding A familiar setting it with a pair of pliers. As it began wiggling, Gracie sensed danger once again and sprang to action. After emergency room triage, Willard was “She thought it was attacking me. She grabbed it admitted for treatment of the cellulitis affecting his and literally pulled it out of the pliers and shook it so arm. As it happened, his mother was also back for hard the skin came apart,” said Willard. another visit. Gracie’s rescue prevented a second bite. But the It isn’t often that two family members are in the damage from the first bite had already been done. same hospital at the same time. However, Willard As his right arm began to swell, the Tooles headed found himself in that exact situation. for the emergency room at Hunt Regional Medical During the four-day treatment for his snakebite, Center in Greenville. his mother Pauline was recovering in the seventh “It was very swollen and tight all the way up my floor rehabilitation unit. Each day after Willard arm. I could not close my hand,” remembers Willard. received his treatment with IV antibiotics, he was Knowing that time wasn’t on their side, Kathy allowed to visit Pauline during her therapy. called the emergency room to let them know they “I’d meet mom when it was time for her therapy were on the way. and I’d say something silly to make her happy and “We were on the way and I wanted to make sure grin, and the therapist would just listen,” said Willard. that we got him in and taken care of so I called ahead “As we’d go into the room and sit down and start to the emergency room and said I have a snake bite the therapy, I would do something else kind of silly and it was a copperhead snake. They said, ‘we’ll be and either do the therapy wrong or do something / healthbeat / 5
feature and mom would giggle and the therapist would giggle too,” he said, who believes that these daily encounters helped both him and his mother to heal. “It was reassuring because when mom got back to her room, she was happy and relaxed because of the way that the therapist had interacted with her,” he said. As for his own treatment, Willard says he made good on his reputation for entertaining the nurses. “When I came back, I wasn’t the ‘aw, shucks’ guy this time. Instead, I’d say, God made flowers beautiful. Do you see any flowers around here? And the nurses would raise their hands,” he said. Knowing her husband well, Kathy praised the staff for accommodating Willard’s antics. “They were so hospitable and so inclined to put up with him,” says Kathy, adding that although the head nurses were very efficient, it is their warmth and friendliness that stood out the most during their stay. “He gave them a run for their money, of course,” she said.
respect for both Kathy and Willard. “I never felt intimidated about going to the desk and asking a question,” said Kathy, who acknowledged how important communication is for caregivers. “Sometimes people feel a little intimidated by those barriers from room to desk,” she said.
Back home on the farm
Now back at home, the Tooles are back to tending their small farm and taking care of their dogs, who are also intent on taking care of them. “Gracie is a pitbull mix. Nobody likes pitbulls, but she was willing to risk her life for me,” says Willard, who says he believes their so-called “drop-off dogs” were brought to their farm for a purpose. “We figure that no matter why they are here, the Lord has a reason for them,” he said. After so many visits in a short time, the Tooles hope they won’t be seeing as much of Hunt Regional. But if they need care they trust, they know where to turn. Stopping the “From that very first interaction, venom that ‘aw, shucks.’ The very fact that “It’s important to be in a she responded gently and genuinely place that we trust.” was very nice,” said Willard. As the cellulitis progressed from “Because she interacted with KATHY TOOLE Willard’s arm into his shoulder, the me, I was willing to let her do what medical team worked to stop the she needed to do,” he said. infection. Of course, the fact that the “One of the things we’re treatment was effective was also thankful for is that they do have the important, Kathy added. antivenom here that isn’t always available in every situation. And they do have a Having lived in the area since 1977, the Tooles protocol as to how far the spreading of the redness have watched the hospital grow to a large facility, and the swelling is before they use the antivenom covering many kinds of healthcare. that they explained to us,” recalled Kathy. “It’s important to be in a place that we trust. We “The doctor was very much on target with feel trust towards this facility. But it’s also important checking to see what the progress had been,” she to be here near family, near staff, in the hospital that said. we know,“ said Kathy. After tracking the redness and swelling, ultimately From the environmental services staff to the food the right mix of two antibiotics allowed Willard to services team, the Tooles recount each part of their quickly recover. stay with glowing enthusiasm. “One of the things we were really surprised “It’s not just a job. The connection that you feel about is that I’ve had experiences with other that these are my people,” she said. hospitalists in other hospitals and none of them “These are friends,” agreed Willard. could ever compare to the kind, affable hospitalists “These are people that love us,” he said. here,” recalls Kathy. “Dr. Okumbor, that is the sweetest man. Willard’s mom has been in the hospital twice here. He remembered us from those encounters. And he was just so concerned and so respectful,” she said, adding that Willard’s other caregivers—including Dr. Khalfe and Dr. Smith—all showed compassion, concern, and 6 / healthbeat /
LEARN MORE ABOUT EMERGENCY CARE: WEB: www.huntregional.org/emergency
CELLULITIS WHEN YOUR SKIN ATTACKS
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ellulitis is a serious bacterial infection of your skin. The skin may be hot, swollen and tender, and you may also have a fever. It can develop anywhere, but skin on the face and lower legs are most often affected. Cellulitis starts when bacteria enters the skin through a crack or cut. From there, the redness and infection will spread. If not treated, the infection can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream. It can cause sepsis and it can be deadly. The potential for cellulitis is just one of the many reasons why it is important to seek treatment after a snake bite or similar injury where your skin is compromised.
It has been estimated that 7,000–8,000 people per year receive venomous bites in the United States, and about five of those people die. The number of deaths would be much higher if people did not seek medical care. Certain types of insect or spider bites also can transmit the bacteria that start the infection. Some people are especially susceptible to cellulitis, including older people, people with weakened immune systems, people with circulatory disease such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, and those with diabetes. Conditions that cause the skin to blister or crack, such as chicken pox or the form of tinea commonly called athlete’s foot can
also increase your risk. If you have a rash that’s swollen, you should see your doctor right away. Antibiotics may be able to clear the infection before it spreads further. Learn more about cellulitis and other conditions in our online health library resource. Visit www. huntregional.org/library to read more.
Learn about iTriage FIND A LOCATION, CHECKYOUR SYMPTOMS, & MORE
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unt Regional Healthcare is partnering with iTriage to help you find emergency help when you need it. The iTriage app and website allows you to find emergency locations close to you, check your symptoms, look up prescription medications, and more. Using iTriage, you can also store your personal health information in a convenient location and learn more about different types of medical procedures. You can even use the app to let us know you are coming in advance so we can anticipate your arrival and better prepare for your care. Download the app at www.itriagehealth.com.
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In the United States, 99% of snakebites are caused by the pitviper family of snakes. This includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins. The chance of dying from a venomous snakebite in the US is nearly zero, because of access to medical care. In fact, you are nine times more likely to die from being struck by lightning. SOURCE: AAFP.ORG
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LOCAL PASTOR AND CYCLIST BEN MCGRAW TALKS ABOUT GETTING BACK ON THE BIKE AFTER A LIFE-THREATENING BLOOD CLOT
I chose Hunt Regional TO KEEP MY WHEELS TURNING BY CHELBIE BIRDWELL
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feature Pastor Ben McGraw loves people. He loves God. And, he loves to ride his bike. But a potentially deadly condition following a cross-country trip threatened to bring his movement to a full stop.
An active lifestyle As the pastor at Crosspoint Fellowship in Greenville, Ben McGraw is used to sharing the details of his life with hundreds of people each week. However, those details usually don’t involve a medical crisis. An avid bicycler, Ben leads a very active lifestyle, which led him to ignore all of the signs pointing to his illness during a week-long trip to South Carolina. “I go out there in the fall and spend a week of study out there. It was the second day that I started developing a real deep pain in my calf. I do a lot of bicycling and that just kind of makes me partial to aches and pains,” he said. After being in the car for a long, achy drive, Ben attributed the calf pain to both his trip and his age. But as the pain continued over the course of the week, he began to suspect that something more serious could be to blame. “I was stretching it, trying to work it out, trying to free it up, thinking it might just be a deep spasm or something like that, but then I started doing a little research,” he said. “I started reading about deep vein thrombosis and thought, okay, maybe I should at least be aware of that,” he said, adding that as he spent the week studying, he also spent a lot of time riding his bike with a long-time friend and training partner. For some people, riding their bike may mean riding
10 / healthbeat /
down the street or through their neighborhood. For Ben, riding his bike means riding a distance equivalent to driving from Greenville to Oklahoma City. “We rode probably 220 miles just over the course of the week. That deep pain in my calf continued, but it didn’t hurt when I was riding,” remembered Ben. Driving home the next weekend, he began to massage his calf using a baseball. All the while knowing that if it was a thrombosis, the worst thing to do would be to invite an embolism by massaging it. By the time he got back to Texas, Ben’s pain had gone away all together. And so, he didn’t think about it anymore. But his body was begging him to pay attention, finding new ways to alert him to the dangerous situation going on. “Over the course of the week, I was riding and training for an event that next Saturday. Every ride I went on, I felt like I just didn’t have it,” said Ben, who thought his lack of energy must have been due to the new diet he was on. “I had my event on Saturday and I had forgotten about the DVT at that point. I hadn’t even thought about the calf pain anymore,” he said. His event proved to be more difficult than he anticipated, which as it turns out, was a blessing in disguise. His unusually poor performance finally put things in perspective. “That Tuesday whenever I was riding with a friend, a light bulb went on. And I thought, wait a minute, if that was a deep vein thrombosis, then it’s mobilized and it’s in my lungs and it’s a breathing issue, it isn’t an energy issue at all,” said Ben, at last deciding to seek medical help two weeks after his calf pain began. An appointment with his primary care physician, Dr. Matt Koger, led to a stop at Hunt Regional Open Imaging in Greenville. Ben had already completed a CT scan of his lungs and was in the process of having
feature an ultrasound done on the vessels in his legs when his exam came to a stop. “The doctor that was on staff came in and said ‘you need to go directly to the ER,’” said Ben. His hunch was right, and time was running out. Ben had multiple embolisms in his lungs.
Slowing down
As Ben received heparin injections to thin out his blood and prevent future embolisms, he experienced what he says was a snapshot of something amazing. “I didn’t have anybody that I didn’t feel like was exceptional. And that even includes something as simple as the folks that were bringing the meals, and A worsening condition even when I was admitted,” he said. “Every single person just seemed to really value A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a what they were doing and had an appreciation for the deep vein, usually in the legs. The bigger the clot, the kind of job they did. It wasn’t just doing a job, but it more dangerous the situation since parts of the clot meant something to them. That’s the impression I got,” can break off and follow the blood stream to another said Ben, who added that he felt a sense of purpose and location. When it breaks free and travels through the meaning from everyone he encountered. vascular system, it can block a blood vessel and cause “You can tell when somebody is just mailing it in problems. and doing a job. I didn’t get that feeling A blood clot lodged in a vessel from anybody. It seemed like they leading to the heart can often cause enjoyed their work. It was clear. It was a heart attack. One lodged in a vessel palpable,” he said. “It seemed like they enjoyed leading to the brain can cause a “They valued the patient, valued the stroke. Another place (that can be process, and valued each other. I know their work. It was clear. It just as deadly but not as well known it’s a snapshot, but it was a neat one,” was palpable.” for a blood clot to lodge) is the lung, he said. resulting in what is called a pulmonary BEN MCGRAW embolism (PE). Sometimes, DVT can cause pain Getting back on the in the leg or swelling in the leg or the bike ankles. But other times, the condition can be silent, meaning there are no symptoms until a potentially deadly PE has arisen. Like it usually goes with riding a bike, it didn’t take Juggling a career, a family, and a passion for riding, Ben long to get back into his regular routine. Although it’s rare that Ben has a chance to slow down. But as he his recent scare may be a regulating factor in how he is found himself in the exact life-threatening situation just breathing for a while, he hasn’t let it limit his activity. described, he had no choice but to come to a complete “I feel like I’m riding my bike in Denver, how your stop. breath feels at elevation. That’s kind of what I feel like,” “I went to the ER and that’s what began the said Ben, who has since followed up with Dr. Koger and process from there to being admitted and spending has been cleared to ride at full speed. three days in the hospital,” recalls Ben, who said that Ben and his family have lived in Greenville for 13 the emergency department staff had already been in years. With his home located about a mile from the contact with Dr. Koger and was waiting on him when church, Ben may travel farther on his bike than in his he arrived. car, but his influence is far-reaching. “The staff was aware that I was coming. I guess, Now back to business, Ben took the opportunity to apparently, a lot of times pulmonary embolism folks share with his congregation about his journey. are pretty debilitated so they were expecting a crisis “I strongly recommend Hunt Regional,” he said. coming in. But I was feeling as fine as I’m feeling right “I think it’s something that we as a church need to now,” said Ben. be attentive to and thankful for that right here in our “I was a little bit short of breath when I was riding community, we have a great healthcare provider,” he my bike, a little bit short of breath when I might be said. talking with somebody, but beyond that I didn’t really feel any different,” he said. WANT TO LEARN MORE? His silent condition had almost fooled him. CALL: 903.408.5000 Estimates suggest that 60,000-100,000 Americans die annually of DVT/PE. Thankfully, his wheels slowed WEB: www.huntregional.org/cardiopulmonary down just in time to beat the odds. / healthbeat / 11
real health
Spotlight on vein health: NEW VEIN CENTER OPENS
Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic problem. If your valves aren’t working properly, blood can begin to flow away from your heart, resulting in pain and other complications, ranging from mild to severe. 12 / healthbeat /
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round 40 million Americans suffer daily with painful, swollen legs as a result of venous disease. This condition is the result of faulty valves in the veins and is referred to as venous insufficiency. In a healthy vein, there are one-way valves that allow the blood to move toward the heart, but not away from it. In a diseased vein, these valves do not work properly, and allow the blood to fall downward in between heartbeats. This back and forth motion of blood leads to an increased venous blood pressure resulting in inflammation of the tissues around the vein. This is what causes varicose and spider veins to form. Left untreated, especially in the case of varicose veins, this inflammation only worsens over time and may lead to complications.
At Hunt Regional Vein Center, our specialists perform two main types of minimally-invasive treatments for patients with persistent or worsening pain. Endovenous thermal ablation is a minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted into the diseased vein by way of a small (1-2 mm) incision. Heat is applied to the vein walls causing it to close.Your body then naturally re-routes the blood through other healthy veins. Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure which can reduce the appearance of spider veins. In addition to relieving symptoms almost immediately, these treatments are performed as outpatient procedures. This means that most patients are able to resume normal activities on the same day of their treatment.
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feature Working in the healthcare field, Greenville resident Shauna Treat always knew the importance of wellness. After years of struggling with being overweight, she finally decided to take action.
Old jeans
In the beginning, Shauna thought she would just learn more about the process. But after meeting Dr. Phuong, Shauna knew she was ready to move forward. “Dr. Phuong is amazing. He guided me, he was very informative, very positive, and reassuring,” said Shauna, who set a weight-loss goal of 100 pounds—a goal she was told might be out of reach. “I was told that with the gastric sleeve, I might only lose 60 or 70 pounds. But I was determined,” she said. After her pre-operative appointments, which included nutritional, physical, and psychological evaluations, Shauna underwent gastric sleeve surgery on June 8, 2015.
It’s hard for Shauna Treat not to tear up as she holds up the size 20 jeans she wore before her weight-loss surgery. “Unless you’ve been overweight, nobody understands that struggle of waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror and not liking what you see,” said Shauna, recalling a lifetime of trying everything from diets to diet pills to working out, only to gain back the More than weight she lost. weight loss “Unless you’ve been At 37 years old overweight, nobody and 246 pounds, Including gastric Shauna found herself understands that struggle bypass, gastric sleeve finally ready to make a of waking up in the and other types of permanent change. weight loss surgery, morning and looking in “For probably bariatric surgery refers about 19 years I’ve the mirror and not liking to an entire family been overweight and of procedures that what you see.” struggled with it. I’ve alter the stomach and done every yo-yo digestive system. By SHAUNA TREAT diet and crash diet limiting the size of there was and would the stomach and the have a little success, absorption level of but nothing that was calories, surgeons are able to control permanent,” said Shauna. the amount of food that can be “About three years ago I started consumed, leading to weight loss. checking into bariatric surgery. I’d “Besides the weight loss itself, the checked into different places and I benefits of the surgery are many. It knew a lot of people that had had improves self-esteem and can help it, but I had a lot of concerns,” said patients live a longer, healthier life,” Shauna, who decided to attend a free says Dr. Phuong. bariatric seminar with Dr. Viet Phuong, In addition to the side effect of a surgeon with Hunt Regional Medical weight loss, bariatric surgery has Partners Surgical Associates. also proven itself as a way to reverse “I thought, what better way to many of the diseases related to find out about bariatric surgery than obesity including type 2 diabetes, from a doctor. And so I actually took high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and my mom and we went and listened to cardiovascular disease. Increased him. He had a lot of great information, self-esteem, independence, and longer was very informative, and so I left my lifespans are also among the benefits contact information with them,” said attributed to losing weight. Shauna, who set up a consultation the For Shauna, that increase in selfnext day. 14 / healthbeat /
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BARIATRIC SURGERY PATIENT SHAUNA TREAT TALKS ABOUT HOW SHE WENT FROM AVOIDING HER REFLECTION TO REFLECTING JOY
I chose Hunt Regional TO CHANGE MY STORY BY CHELBIE BIRDWELL
feature esteem and happiness have changed her entire to permanent lifestyle changes. Shauna’s success may outlook on life. seem extraordinary. But because of her willingness to work hard, she has been able to reach her goals. “I’ve rediscovered things in life that I enjoy. I enjoy being outside, I enjoy running. Running is something “I pushed. A couple of days out I was already I never thought I’d do again. When you weigh 246 walking. Within six weeks of recuperating, I was pounds, that’s the last thing you want to do. Now I working out. I tell everyone, this is to help you, this is enjoy working out,” she said. to guide you, this is your tool. But you have to work for it. How well you use it determines your success “The surgery was a tool. It wasn’t just, oh I had rate,” she said, adding it has been surgery and now I’m going to lose exciting to watch her husband and all this weight. But it was a tool. And “The staff there is fabulous. children join in her celebration. that’s what I liked about Dr. Phuong. They treat you with dignity. He explained those things to me and In the 17 months since her reassured me and was there every surgery, Shauna has lost a total They are caring, loving, and step of the way,” she said. of 120 pounds and perhaps more supportive.” importantly, has maintained her Because she works in a medical weight loss. Although she doesn’t office located inside the hospital’s SHAUNA TREAT plan on ever wearing them again, it professional building, Shauna might come as a surprise that she was already comfortable with has no plans of tossing her old jeans. Hunt Regional. Now, she says her appreciation for the staff—particularly the surgery “I keep them hanging in my closet. They’re a department—has grown even more. reminder of where I came from, how far I’ve come, and a place that I don’t ever want to go back to. And “The day I had my surgery, they knew I was a little they keep me motivated. They inspire me. They are, I nervous. They talked to me. They were wonderful, guess, a piece of who I am,” said Shauna. the whole surgical staff. They were very informative before and explained the process and all of the steps,” By telling her story, Shauna says she hopes to said Shauna. inspire others who may be considering weight-loss surgery. “The staff there is fabulous. They treat you with dignity. They are caring, loving, and supportive,” she “I know the process, I know the journey, I know said. the struggles, but I know how rewarding it is in the end. And I owe it to Dr. Phuong,” said Shauna. “If I had to do it all over again, I would today,” she said. Reaching her goal Although bariatric surgery is now a common procedure, it’s not a quick fix and it isn’t right for everyone. The long-term success of bariatric surgery depends on the patient’s ability to commit
GASTRIC BYPASS 16 / healthbeat /
CASH PRICING, SEMINAR DATES, AND MORE ONLINE: www.huntregionalmedicalpartners.org CALL: 903.408.5770
GASTRIC SLEEVE
BARIATRICS EXPLORING SURGERY
B
ariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is a proven long-term solution for those suffering from obesity and its related diseases. Contrary to what the name suggests, weight-loss surgery’s primary purpose is not to help the patient lose weight, though that is an excellent secondary effect. Rather, the goal of bariatric surgery is to improve or eliminate the diseases associated with obesity, which can include type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and sleep apnea. With more than 30% of the US population suffering from obesity, bariatric surgery is more relevant today than ever. Bariatric procedures work in one or both of two ways: restriction and malabsorption. Restriction shrinks the amount of usable stomach. This is accomplished by a procedure called a gastric sleeve. The new, smaller stomach reduces the amount of food that can be eaten at a sitting. Malabsorption is made
possible by bypassing part of the intestines, which results in fewer calories being absorbed. This is called a gastric bypass. The gastric bypass is the most popular weightloss surgery performed in the nation today. It is considered the pinnacle of bariatric surgery because patients may lose up to 85% of their excess weight. While the gastric bypass does offer the most significant weight-loss potential, it requires a greater degree of diet modification and supplementation than the gastric sleeve. The gastric sleeve, also known as a sleeve gastrectomy, has quickly risen in popularity as a result of its effectiveness and simplicity. While the sleeve has fewer restrictions than the gastric bypass, it doesn’t offer as great a weight-loss potential. At Hunt Regional Medical Partners Surgical Associates, we have highly trained and experienced minimally invasive specialists. Our surgical facilities are state-of-the-art and our staff assists each patient before and long after surgery. We have a dedicated
billing department to help you determine the best method of payment for your particular financial circumstance. Together with you, we take everything into consideration, including your age, body mass index, general health, mental preparedness, as well as other factors. Safety and effectiveness are the cornerstones of our practice, and your well-being will dictate whether weight-loss surgery is right for you. For more information about bariatric surgery, visit www. huntregionalmedicalpartners.org or call 903-408-5770.
How does it work: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q
A
: Is it true that some patients gain the weight back after surgery? : Some patients may regain a small amount of weight (approximately 5 percent of weight lost) two years or more following their surgery. However, long-term studies find that most bariatric surgery patients maintain successful weight-loss permanently. Call 903-408-5770 to schedule a consultation with Hunt Regional Medical Partners Surgical Associates.
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Successful weight-loss after surgery is arbitrarily defined as weight-loss equal to or greater than 50 percent of excess body weight. Often, successful results are determined by the patient. SOURCE: ASMBS.ORG
/ healthbeat / 17
real health
Spotlight on fitness: TIPS FOR EXERCISING DURING WINTER WEATHER
Don’t let winter weather derail your good intentions. Taking precautions can let you enjoy your newfound activity all the more.
I
f you’ve finally decided to get started on a fitness program, you should take precautions according to the type of weather you’ll be in. On cold days, dressing in layers can make you feel more comfortable.You should also remember to protect your hands with mittens or gloves. And watch out for snowy or icy patches that can make you slip and fall. In addition, on days when the weather is less than desirable outside, consider an indoor alternative.You may even find a local program for indoor walking. It is okay to start slowly and be realistic. If you start out trying to do too much, you may get discouraged and quit altogether. Warm up with a few minutes of light activity before you get going on your chosen form of
exercise. Learn to recognize the signals your body sends. Although it may be normal to feel a bit sore after certain exercises, you shouldn’t feel actual pain or serious discomfort. Monitor yourself as you exercise to make sure you’re working out at the level that’s best for you. Finally, pay attention to potentially serious warning signs such as chest pain, dizziness, or breaking out into a cold sweat. You should also take your age and previous level of fitness into consideration. In addition, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting on a new fitness program. To learn more about Hunt Regional’s fitness center, call 903-4081886. / healthbeat / 19
real health
Spotlight on health: HUNT REGIONAL OPENS NEW LIVER CENTER Hunt Regional Healthcare announces the opening of a new liver disease treatment center along with a groundbreaking cure for patients living with Hepatitis C 20 / healthbeat /
H
unt Regional Healthcare and Hunt Regional Medical Partners are pleased to announce the opening of a comprehensive liver disease treatment program, Hunt Regional Liver Center. Common liver diseases include Hepatitis C (Hep C), fatty liver, and nonalcoholic cirrhosis. Baby Boomers are at great risk for Hep C. 75% of people in the U.S. with Hep C were born between 1945 and 1965. Hep C is a virus that infects the liver. If left untreated, Hep C can cause liver damage and even lead to liver cancer. Each year, more Americans die from Hep C than from HIV. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends all Baby Boomers get tested for Hep C. If you have Hep C,
it can be cured. The most common risk factors for Hep C are: being born between 1945 and 1965; receiving blood transfusions, an organ transplant or kidney dialysis before 1992; tattoos or body piercings with unsterilized instruments; sharing needles or straws for recreational drug use (even just one time); accidental needle stick (most common in healthcare professionals);Vietnam-era veteran; born to a mother with Hep C. If even one of these risk factors applies to you, you may be at risk. Talk to your doctor about getting the Hep C test, or visit one of our Hunt Regional Lab Solutions locations to be tested today. Call 903-408-5850 to learn more.
HOME CARE CMS AWARDS 5-STAR RATING
T
he Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Five-Star Quality Rating System recently recognized Hunt Regional Home Care with a 5-star rating in patient satisfaction. According to the ratings data, Hunt Regional’s home health department achieved the highest grade possible in the patient satisfaction category. Last year, only 1.9% of all home health agencies across the country achieved 5-star status. The star rating system is a tool designed by CMS as part of its Home Health Compare website to assist patients in choosing a home health care provider. The system ranks providers by quality of patient care and patient satisfaction. Specific patient satisfaction survey
comments from home health patients that led to Hunt Regional Home Care’s rating included the following: “All of the staff were great. So helpful and patient with me. This illness has really put me through the paces. They made my days so much brighter and were always so upbeat and patient with me. Thank God for them all.” “A very professional organization. Caring and only wanting the best results for me. Other people should use them!” “Outstanding group!” “Thanks for the wonderful care you gave me. God bless you all!” Through advanced technology, Hunt Regional Home Care health professionals can bring quality medical care directly to your home. They not only provide the professional care you
need, they will teach you and your family how to aid in your treatment. Our staff includes registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, experienced home health aides, dietitians and medical social workers. Each professional is trained to help with your health care, right in your own home. For more information about Hunt Regional Home Care, visit www. huntregional.org./homecare or call 903-408-1950.
In memoriam:
HUNT REGIONAL HEALTHCARE REMEMBERS THE FRIENDS WE LOVE AND MISS Geneva Bass Williams - Former Volunteer
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January is Thyroid Awareness Month Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility. Talk to your doctor about testing. To find a physician, visit www.huntregional.org/ ourdoctors. SOURCE: THYROID.ORG
/ healthbeat / 21
events
season events this
CHECK OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HEALTHCARE THE NEXT FEW MONTHS
JANUARY
BIRTH DEFECTS PREVENTION MONTH
help catch precancerous cell changes early and prevent the development of cervical cancer. FIND A PHYSICIAN: www.huntregional.org/ourdoctors
Not all birth defects can be prevented. But a woman can increase her own chance of having a healthy baby by taking a vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day and by seeking pre-natal care. Should your baby need advanced care after birth, the Truett & Margaret Crim Maternity Center at Hunt Regional is home to the area’s only Level III NICU. LEARN MORE: www.huntregional.org/maternitycenter
THURSDAY, MARCH 9TH
FOUNDATION GALA JANUARY 17
FREE VEIN SCREENING If you are living with painful, swollen legs, we can help. Hunt Regional Medical Center Vein Center hosts a free vein screening the third Tuesday of each month from 4-6 p.m. in conference room 2, located on the second floor of Hunt Regional Medical Center. Space is limited so call to reserve your spot.
JANUARY
CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women worldwide, but because it develops over time, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer. Regular screening through Pap and HPV tests can
featured event
MORE INFORMATION: 903-408-4080
It’s time for our twelfth annual gala! Join your friends for a Boots & Bling affair benefiting the Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation. This year’s western music-themed event will feature dinner, dancing, and plenty of musical entertainment, all for a great cause. Tickets will be $100. Call the foundation office for more details and sponsorship opportunities. COMING SOON: www.musicisthebestmedicinegala.com FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 903.408.1068
benefits, types of surgery, and what to expect. The seminar is held at 6 p.m. in the 6th floor boardroom at Hunt Regional Medical Center. Space is limited so call ahead to reserve your spot. MORE INFORMATION: 903-408-5770
JANUARY 17
FREE BARIATRIC SEMINAR Join surgeon Viet Phuong, MD, FACS, of Hunt Regional Medical Partners Surgical Associates for a free seminar about bariatric surgery. Learn more about the
FEBRUARY
AMERICAN HEART MONTH Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are
caused by heart disease.The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. MORE INFORMATION: www.heart.org
BRAS FOR THE CAUSE ORGANIZERS ALICIA WITTKOPF, DANA CASH, AND PUD KEARNS, PRESENTED CAROLYN KEENE WITH A CHAMPION SPONSOR TROPHY ON BEHALF OF BRAS FOR THE CAUSE. DANNY AND CAROLYN KEENE WERE THE 2016 BRAS FOR THE CAUSE TOP SPONSORS. OVER $114,000 WAS RAISED AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT. IN ADDITION TO SUPPORTING ONGOING PROJECTS LIKE JANICE’S CLOSET, THE FUNDS RAISED WILL HELP PURCHASE VEIN-FINDING UNITS FOR THE LOU & JACK FINNEY CANCER CENTER AT HUNT REGIONAL.
Notes
FROM FOUNDATION DIRECTOR ALICIA WITTKOPF In a time where the world we live in seems divided, it is reassuring to see people come together in good spirits for the benefit of others. That’s what Bras for the Cause is all about. It is an event that brings people from all backgrounds, ages, economic status, ethnicities, and even political parties together for a common goal: taking care of cancer patients in Hunt County.
Each year I am grateful to have the opportunity to make new friends because of Bras for the Cause; people I would not know otherwise. Our diverse group has enriched my life in many unexpected ways. As we approach the new year, find reasons to come together in fellowship and make new friends. Your heart and your health will thank you!
Alicia A. Wittkopf, Director Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation / healthbeat / 23
share your story Do you have a story about your patient experience? We want to hear it! Tell us about it at www.huntregional.org/shareyourstory.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION Hunt Regional Healthcare (“HRH”) complies with applicable civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude, or otherwise treat individuals differently on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Notice of Program Accessibility
HRH and all of its programs and activities are accessible to and useable by disabled persons, including persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or blind, or who have other sensory impairments. HRH provides free auxiliary aids and services to people with disabilities to access HRH and to communicate effectively with HRH, such as: • Accessible parking designated specifically for disabled persons. • Accessible offices, meeting rooms, bathrooms, public waiting areas, cafeteria, patient treatment areas, including examining rooms and patient wards. • A full range of assistive and communication aids including, but not limited to: o Qualified sign language interpreters o Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats) HRH provides free language assistance to people with limited English proficiency or whose primary language is not English to access HRH and to communicate effectively with HRH. If you require any of these auxiliary aids or services listed above please let your nurse know or call 903-408-1672.
Questions or Grievance Procedure
In case of additional questions or need for these services or if you believe Hunt Regional Healthcare has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way, you may contact or you may file a grievance with: Contact Person/ Coordinator: Telephone Number: Address: Fax: Email:
Stacey Lane 903-408-1672 4215 Joe Ramsey Blvd. Greenville, TX, 75401 903-408-1679 slane@huntregional.org
Additionally, HRH may provide assistance to you with filing a grievance. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights electronically, or by mail or phone at: Electronically: OCR Portal, https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf Telephone Number: 800-868-1019 800-537-7697 (TDD) Address: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Room 509F, HHH Building Washington, D.C. 20201 Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html Español (Spanish) - ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, su centro HRH ofrece, sin cargo, servicios de asistencia en idiomas a pedido.
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