APRIL • MAY 2014 | OURHEALTHVIRGINIA.COM
We are
cancer
The accolades speak for themselves. The Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center is nationally recognized and accredited for the highest quality patient care, exceptional performance in complicated surgeries, our comprehensive breast center and imaging services and compassionate palliative care. Add to these services targeted drug therapies, genetic testing and clinical trials designed to provide the latest treatment options to our patients. Centra’s continued dedication to cancer care is led by a nationally renowned team of experts that work exceptionally hard to provide the most advanced care, education and
For more information about cancer care services please call 1.877.MDLINK1
personalized treatment in the fight against cancer. And all of this ground-breaking work is available right here in your region.
1701 Thomson Drive / Lynchburg, vA 24501 / cAncer.cenTrAheALTh.com
table of contents | april • may 2014
20 MEDI•CABU•LARY.....................10 Local experts define health related terms
JUST ASK!.......................................12 Healthcare questions answered by local professionals
Spring Allergies: Causes AND Cures
As spring gears up, two questions will be on the mind of many people in the Lynchburg community and beyond: How long will spring allergies last? And what can be done to treat them? OurHealth turned to Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery for the answers.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY.............14 A listing of new physicians, providers, locations and upcoming events in Lynchburg & Southside
HEALTH POINTS.........................16 Interesting facts and tidbits about health
THE ANATOMY CHALLENGE..................................19 How much do you about our anatomy? In this issue, test your knowledge when it comes to our respiratory system!
vote for your favorite senior services in the annual
Blue Ridge Best of:
Retirement Living Awards
to vote, visit w w w.ourhealthvirginia .com
POLLS ARE NOW OPEN
v o t e s a c c e p t e d t h ro u g h M ay 3 1 s t 2 0 1 4 | w i n n e r s w i l l b e a n n o u n c e d i n t h e A u g u s t • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 e d i t i o n
The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
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Second Chances
Seven years ago, Tommy Harris, of Lynchburg, was in a horrific bicycle accident. According to the statistics, he should have never survived it.
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The Rewards of Working in Healthcare
Healthcare workers trade places for a day. You can’t really appreciate another person’s life until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.
hello, HEALTH!.............................. 40 Capturing the spirit of those working in healthcare and of people leading healthy lives through photos
NUTRITION.................................. 43 FEATURING HEALTHY, FRESH, LOCAL INGREDIENTS: Roasted Pork Loin with Green Beans, Kale & Quinoa Salad with Dates, Almonds & Citrus Dressing, Spinach & Apple Smoothie
LOOKING BACK........................... 58 Images reflecting the history of healthcare in Lynchburg and Southside * PLUS * a chance to win prizes!
The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
april • may 2014
read this edition of
OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside
on your tablet or smartphone
OURHEALTH’S EXCLUSIVE MEDIA PARTNER PUBLISHER McClintic Media, Inc. PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Steve McClintic, Jr. | steve@ourhealthvirginia.com VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION Susan Sheppard PROJECT COORDINATOR Deidre Wilkes CHIEF DESIGNER Karrie Pridemore ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHY Ed Ip Photography Sarah Mattozzi WEBMASTER Andrew Beedle
CONTRIBUTING MEDICAL EXPERTS Gavin Aaron, MD Anna Farouq, OD Trisha Foley, MS, RD Andrew Pieleck, DO Heather Pippen Shannon Sawyer, DMD Matthew J. Tompkins CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONAL WRITERS Becky Blanton Tina Joyce Laura Neff-Henderson, APR Rick Piester Edwin Schwartz
ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Cynthia Trujillo | P: 434.907.5255 F: 540.387.6483 | cindy@ourhealthvirginia.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS To receive Our Health Lynchburg and Southside via U.S. Mail, please contact Jennifer Hungate at jenny@ourhealthvirginia.com or at 540.387.6482
scan the code below to visit
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@ourhealthmag
click on the magazine cover to view the digital edition! COMMENTS/FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS We welcome your feedback. Please send all comments and/or questions to the following: U.S. Mail: McClintic Media, Inc., ATTN: Steve McClintic, Jr., President/ Publisher/Editor: 305 Colorado Street • Salem, VA 24153. | Email: steve@ourhealthvirginia.com | Phone: 540.387.6482 Information in all print editions of Our Health and on all Our Health’s websites (www.ourhealthvirginia.com and www.ourhealthrichmond.com) social media updates and emails is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace medical or health advice of an individual’s physician or healthcare provider as it relates to individual situations. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER ANY MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF YOUR DOCTOR. All matters concerning physical and mental health should be supervised by a health practitioner knowledgeable in treating that particular condition. The publisher does not directly or indirectly dispense medical advice and does not assume any responsibility for those who choose to treat themselves. The publisher has taken reasonable precaution in preparing this publication, however, the publisher does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright © 2014 by McClintic Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The Our Health Lynchburg/Southside edition is published bi-monthly by McClintic Media, Inc. 305 Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153, P: 540.387.6482 F: 540.387.6483. www.ourhealthvirginia.com | www.ourhealthrichmond.com | Advertising rates upon request.
LOCAL EXPERTS D E F I N E H E A LT H R E L AT E D T E R M S
What are dental sealants? When you look at the biting surface of the back teeth, you’ll notice many grooves and points, called fissures and pits. It is in these areas that bacteria, acid, and food tend to settle in and can be difficult to clean. Sealants are a resin type plastic and are painted over the biting surfaces into the fissures and pits of the back teeth. This effectively “seals” the grooves, keeping food debris and bacteria out. Typically, children should receive sealants as soon as their back teeth have come in, starting around 6 years old. Then again when their 12 year molars finish erupting. Sometimes, really groovy baby teeth can be sealed. The best defense against decay is a whole natural tooth. Dental sealants are just one more way to keep your child’s smile healthy and happy. Shannon Sawyer, DMD
Children’s Dental Health of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.239.6948 www.cdhlynchburg.com
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
What is reactive arthritis?
What is Blepharitis?
Reactive arthritis is an arthritis that happens after an infection. It typically affects people who had food poisoning, another kind of infection of the intestines, or an infection through sex. This is very uncommon and typically occurs in young adults. It can show up with pain and swelling in one or many joints, anywhere from a few days to several weeks after the infection. Reactive arthritis can also cause inflammation and pain of muscles and tendons, irritation of the eye, as well as pain with urinating. There is no test to diagnose reactive arthritis. But if your physician can figure out what germ caused the infection, he can tell if you have reactive arthritis. Initially, it is treated with anti-inflammatories but sometimes requires other types of medications, like a steroid shot. Most people get better quickly but sometimes they continue to notice symptoms, either constant or once in a while.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause redness, itching and irritation. It is often associated with dandruff-like scales around the eyelash hair follicles. With contact lens wear, Blepharitis can cause contact lenses to feel uncomfortable and can sometimes adversely affect vision through them.
Andrew Pieleck, DO
Centra Medical Group - Village Bedford Memorial Hospital Bedford | 540.297.7738 www.centrahealth.com
This common ocular condition is easily treated with warm lid scrubs (which also helps prevent sties) and sometimes antibiotic ointment. Less often oral antibiotics are needed or required for treatment. Anna Farouq, OD
St. Clair Eye Care Lynchburg | 434.239.2800 434.845.6086 | www.stclair-eye.com
H E A LT H C A R E QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS
Can periodontal disease cause health problems beyond the mouth? Your periodontal health can contribute to problems beyond your mouth. There are a multitude of studies that have shown the connection between one’s periodontal health and medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, pre-term low birth weight babies, and immune system disorders. Gavin Aaron, MD
Aaron Periodontics Lynchburg | 434.316.0080 www.lynchburgdentalimplants.net
What is the best way to help a parent adjust to a new Assisted Living facility? People adjust to change differently, so adult children should take into account their parent’s current medical / mental status and individual nature when helping with the adjustment process. It is often helpful to communicate with your parents about the transition and focus on the positive aspects of the move. These could include being able to pursue a hobby or interest they’ve been missing and having someone to help with a care need that has been challenging to them. It’s good to make plans by setting dates to look forward to, such as a day you can come out and join your mom for lunch or looking at the facility’s activity calendar for a time to join your parents in an activity they enjoy. Making their room look like home is very important as well. It helps to talk about what personal belongs they would like to bring and take a day or two to set the new room up prior to mom or dad’s arrival. When your parents move into the facility, they are greeted by their room being furnished with items from home, which is a warm and inviting feeling to walk into. Heather Pippen, Executive Director Heritage Green Assisted Living Lynchburg | 434.385.5102 www.heritagegreeenal.com
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Is there anything that can be done for my heavy periods? Today there are many options for heavy bleeding. The first step however, is to see your doctor to determine why you are bleeding. About one half of women with heavy cycles have fibroid tumors or other uterine abnormalities. The other half have dysfunctional uterine bleeding, which is caused by your uterus’ response to hormone fluctuations. Your physician may want to perform an ultrasound to determine this. The options for heavy menses include hormones, such as the birth control pills or birth control shots. Non-hormonal options include the Mirena IUD and an endometrial ablation. An ablation is a 10 minute outpatient procedure that can often be performed in the office, during which the lining of the uterus is cauterized or removed. Most women either stop having cycles, or have very light cycles after the procedure and recovery is typically just a day or two. Matthew J. Tompkins
Centra Medical Group Lynchburg Gynecology Lynchburg | 434.385.7818 www.centrahealth.com
NEW
NOTEWORTHY
NEW PHYSICIANS, P R O V I D E R S , L O C AT I O N S AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Major Partnership Between UVA Health System, Centra To Improve Kidney Care Partners Will Open Dialysis Centers This Summer in Farmville, Appomattox In a significant step to enhance access and quality of care for Southside Virginia patients, University of Virginia Health System and Centra are teaming up to open new dialysis centers in Farmville and Appomattox. Patients needing dialysis require three treatments a week to sustain their health. Access close to home is invaluable. The Centra and UVA partnership ensures individuals living with kidney disease will now benefit from the full continuum of care from diagnosis, treatment, transplant and ongoing management. “This collaboration with UVA gives us a unique opportunity to meet the needs of our community with the expertise and care of two successful and innovative systems like Centra and UVA,” said E.W. Tibbs, Jr. President and CEO of Centra. “Creating this partnership ensures patients have the best possible outcomes for their kidney disease and can receive care right here in their hometowns.” The Farmville dialysis center is expected to open in late June at 900 S. Main Street and is slated to have 20 dialysis stations.
The Appomattox center is planned to open in late summer and will be located at 7757 Richmond Highway in the Shoppes of Appomattox and will have 16 dialysis stations. Both facilities will provide incenter dialysis treatment as well as training for home dialysis. Initial plans call for each location to employ the equivalent of 15 full-time employees. Interested in Dialysis Care in Farmville? Patients interested in receiving care at the Farmville dialysis center are asked to call Felissa Burford, MSN, RN, CDN at 434.390.1592.
Prosthetic Concepts, LLC is now open in Lynchburg Prosthetic Concepts, LLC, a new prosthetic and orthotic provider, is now open in Lynchburg. President, Terry Loveless, CPO, and his staff of professionals have over 40 years of experience in prosthetics and orthotics. Prosthetic Concepts, LLC offers a free patient evaluation that includes information for those that use prosthetic limbs, their family and friends.
Kimberly DeVolld, MD Namita Dhiman, MD
Centra Medical Group - Altavista Centra Medical Group Piedmont Altavista | 434.309.1165 Psychiatric Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5999
Prosthetic Concepts, LLC | 2201 Langhorne Road | Suite A Lynchburg, VA 24501 | 434.528.1000
Indi Hewavita, CP
Virginia Prosthetics & Orthotics Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Fishersville | 888.366.8287
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Lora Nissen, NP
Centra Medical Group - Village Moneta | 434.297.7181
April Penick, NP
Centra Medical Group - Altavista Altavista | 434.309.1165
New Name, New Channel and New Time—
But Still the Same Joy Sutton! The Joy Sutton Show to premiere on WDBJ7. Joy Sutton and her team of lifestyle specialists are proud to announce Season Three of the hit talk show “The Joy Sutton Show.” Formerly “The Hour of Joy”, Joy and her team are proud to announce their new name, new channel and new time slot. “The Joy Sutton Show” will premiere on the CBS affiliate station WDBJ7 on Sunday, April 6th at 11:30 a.m. This 30 minute show will not only provide women with the weekly inspiration they need to live fulfilling lives, but will allow Joy to return to her hometown station where she worked for over 11 years as an anchor and a reporter. Following suit with the previous seasons, Season Three will feature life-changing stories and the signature “Real Talk” and “You” segments. Expert panelists will participate in shows to discuss topics from all aspects of audience members’ personal and professional life. From beauty, fashion, fitness, career, family, and love—the show is designed with the modern woman in mind. Avid fans have three ways to watch her talk show: Sundays on WDBJ7 at 11:30 am, live streaming on the web at w w w. w d b j 7 . c o m / J o y, or Sundays on MY19 at 6:30 p.m. For more information about “The Joy Sutton Show” please visit online at www.wdbj7.com/joy.
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both
T I P S , T I D B I T S A ND MO R E TO IN F O R M A ND ENT ERTA I N YO U
If parents have allergies, their children have
60-80%
a likelihood of developing allergies. People who
do these
neither
4 things
live an average of 14 additional years, compared to
If parent has allergic tendencies, a child’s chances of developing them drop to
about 10%
those who do not. 1. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day 2. Drink alcohol in moderation 3. Don’t smoke 4. Exercise
Source: thehealthyeatingguide.com Source: National Institutes of Health
April is Limb Loss Awareness Month.
Each day more than 500 Americans lose a limb. There are nearly 2 million people living with limb loss in the United States. Approximately 185,000 amputations occur in the United States each year. African-Americans are up to four times more likely to have an amputation than white Americans. Source: Prosthetic Concepts
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
Truths about
Trauma
• Trauma kills more people beneath the age of 44 than cancer, heart disease, AIDS, and other diseases. • Each year, trauma accounts for 37 million emergency room visits and 2.6 million hospital admissions. • Annual trauma costs in the U.S. are estimated at more than $700 billion. Source: American Trauma Society, National Trauma Institute
Drink Up!
Fun Facts About Water: By the time a person feels thirsty, his or her body has lost over 1 percent of its total water amount. The weight a person loses directly after intense physical activity is weight from water, not fat. Source: AllAboutWater.org
EARTH DAY 2014
6 Super Snacks Packing 100 Calories*
OR LESS
6 cups of light microwave popcorn • 100 calories
½ cup of low fat cottage cheese with a small wedge of cantaloupe • 100 calories 14 almonds • 98 calories 12 rice crackers • 91 calories 8 baby carrots with two tablespoons of hummus • 90 calories ¾ cup of apple slices with thin layer of unsalted peanut butter • 90 calories * Calorie content may vary among different brands
• The Official Theme for Earth Day 2014 (April 22) is Green Cities • Below are some steps you can take to help your city accelerate its transition to a cleaner, healthier, and more economically viable future!
• Walk, Hike, Ride a Bike • Keep that car in park and put your body in drive instead! Not only will you help save fuel, you will also get to enjoy the great outdoors while getting in some exercise! • Plant a Tree • Trees generate oxygen, control air pollution and soil erosion and provide shade to keep homes and cities cooler! • Give Weeds a Hand • Pull weeds by hand instead of using herbicides! • Lighten Your Energy Bill • Choose Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) – they last ten times longer than regular bulbs, use one-fourth the energy and produce 90 percent less heat while producing more light per watt! • Reduce, Reuse and Recycle • Return hangers to the cleaners, donate clothing and computers to charity and pack lunches in reusable containers! Sources: worldpress.com; rustletheleaf.com
ON THE WEB
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the
The Anatomy Challenge is proudly sponsored by
Anatomy CHALLENGE Here’s your chance to see how much you know about the respiratory system! First, find all the hidden words in the word search below. Next, match up the correct word with the part of the body in the illustration.
[ the respiratory system ]
WORD SEARCH
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________
nasal cavity
oral cavity
nostril
pharynx
larynx
left main bronchus
trachea
bronchi
right main bronchus
alveoli
left lung
right lung
ribs
diaphragm
______________
______________ ______________
______________ ______________
______________ ______________
______________
______________
______________
Lynchburg College | www.lynchburg.edu 1501 Lakeside Drive | Lynchburg, VA 24501 | 434.544.8100 facebook.com/lynchburgcollege
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words | EDWIN SCHWARTZ STEVE MCCLINTIC, JR.
As spring gears up, two questions will be on the mind of many people in the Lynchburg community and beyond: How long will spring allergies last? And what can be done to treat them? OurHealth turned to Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery for the answers.
It’s all about pollen “Spring allergy season depends on location,” explains Sam Meshkinfam, DO, of Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery. “In Lynchburg, spring allergies can start as early as mid-March and extend into late May.” Spring allergies come in two main components, tree and grass pollen. And because there are so many kinds of both, it is very difficult to pinpoint which types cause the most number of allergic reactions. Tree pollen counts run much higher than grass counts, whose symptoms are not as severe. “According to a recent study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, pollen counts slowly rise annually and are expected to double by the year 2040,” Dr. Meshkinfam says. 20
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What are some common signs of infection? Fever, sore throat, swollen glands, muscle aches and colored mucus do not occur with allergies and generally indicate an infection.
Can we self-diagnose our allergies?
should work in a couple of hours. The most common are ZYRTEC®, Claritin® and Allegra®.
“First we have to make a clear distinction between inhalant allergies and food allergies,” says Dr. Meshkinfam. “Most people with allergies have changed their lifestyle to avoid things that trigger their allergic symptoms. For example, those with grass allergies experience severe nasal congestion, runny nose and watery eyes even when someone else is mowing the lawn. Or they can tell when they walk into a house with pets, especially cats.”
Diagnostic and Treatment Option Steps*
“For inhalant allergies, the most accurate way to diagnose is via skin prick or intradermal testing,” continues Dr. Meshkinfam, “which can be done easily in the office setting.” “Food allergies, however are best diagnosed by the patient,” adds Dr. Meshkinfam. “If patients state every time they eat strawberries their lips or tongue swells up, there is no testing required.” Symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing, fatigue and congestion often overlap with pollen allergies. A significant indicator that separates colds from allergies is fever, which indicates an infection. Itching in the nose, ears and eyes can point toward allergies. Also, symptoms that last more than two weeks are most likely allergyrelated. Many people find allergy relief in over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines that
“There are systemic treatments, or topical treatments. Any medication taken by mouth will be absorbed systemically,” says Dr. Meshkinfam. “These are mostly antihistamines such as Benadryl®, ZYRTEC®, Claritin®, Allegra®, etc. Topical nasal sprays (steroids and antihistamines) are an excellent category of treatment since their systemic absorption is minimal and they provide significant relief of symptoms for most patients.” “Immunotherapy is another treatment option,” adds Dr. Meshkinfam. “This is done via allergens being injected into the body on a personalized schedule. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is also a safe and effective treatment option which started in Europe and has gained favor in U.S. over the past few years.”
The Skin Test “The most accurate tests are skin prick and intradermal tests,” says Dr. Meshkinfam. “There are blood tests that can be done, especially for people in whom skin testing is contraindicated (specific situations where a drug or procedure should not be used because it may harm the patient). But the skin test is superior to the blood test.”
Trees pollinate in late winter and spring. Ash, beech, birch, cedar, cottonwood, box, elder, elm, hickory, maple and oak pollen can trigger allergies. Grasses pollinate in late spring and summer. Those that cause allergic reactions include Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy grass, Johnson grass, Bermuda grass, redtop grass, orchard grass, ryegrass and sweet vernal grass.
What is the pollen count? The pollen count tells us how many grains of plant pollen are in a certain amount of air (often one cubic meter) during a set period of time (usually 24 hours). Pollen is a very fine powder released by trees, weeds and grasses. Weather affects how much pollen is carried in the air each year. Much pollen is released early in the morning, shortly after dawn. This results in high counts near the source plants. Pollen travels best on warm, dry, breezy days and peaks in urban areas midday. Pollen counts are lowest during chilly, wet periods.
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What to do when your OTC medication stops working In some cases, people with allergies discover their medication has stopped working.
What are Antihistamines? Antihistamines are drugs used to treat the symptoms of allergies and allergic rhinitis (allergic inflammation of the nasal airways) by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system in allergic reactions.
“OTC medication is a great starting point,” says Dr. Meshkinfam. “However, by the time they visit the ENT office patient have already tried OTC and even prescription medications. Typically the medications that ‘stop working’ are those that are labeled ‘decongestants’ like Allegra-D®, Claritin-D® or ZYRTEC-D®.” “In these cases the ‘D’ or decongestant is what is providing the symptomatic relief, not so much the antihistamine,” continues Dr. Meshkinfam. “Therefore it is best to see a physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.” The best treatment is immunotherapy, or allergy shots, as they actually treat the underlying disease. The medications only address the symptoms.
The most effective form of treatment “Immunotherapy, where a small amount of allergen is introduced into the body in increasing doses is the best treatment,” says Dr. Meshkinfam. “Because it changes the way the body reacts to the allergens. It does require a time commitment from the patient.” The actual allergen (such as dust mites, animal dander or mold) is sterilized, and the amount given to the patient is slowly increased. As the therapy progresses, the body builds up a natural immunity to the allergen.
Spring Asthma? Many people wonder if there is such a thing as “spring asthma.” With asthma, there are multiple triggers such as exercise, smoke, infection and allergies. Tree and grass pollen, or a year-round allergen like dander could trigger asthmatic symptoms. www.OurHealthVirginia.com
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In February 2014, a new resource was introduced to the OTC market. Nasacort®, formerly a prescription medication nasal spray, is now available on the shelves. Nasacort® treats differently in that it is a topical steroid and can take up to five to seven days to reach maximum effectiveness.
“The lungs and the nose are part of the same continuum,” says Dr. Meshkinfam. “Asthma and allergies fall under ‘reactive airway disease.’ In any season, when allergens are introduced in our body, the nose is exposed first. In some patients with underlying reactive lung disease, spring allergies can trigger an asthma attack. The same can occur in the summer, fall or winter depending on the patient’s allergies.”
Blue Ridge ENT Resources “Since providers treat patients with complications of allergies every day,” says Dr. Meshkinfam, “we tend to be more aggressive in getting the patient to treatment goals on a faster timeline.” Dr. Meshkinfam continues, “Furthermore, the head of our allergy department has over 30 years of experience and keeps up to date on all the new treatment options.”
When Should You See an Allergist? “Seeing an allergist would be best if one is considering getting allergy tested,” says Dr. Meshkinfam. “And allergy testing should be done with the intent to treat with immunotherapy should the patient qualify for it.” “When OTC medications alone don’t control the symptoms,” adds Dr. Meshkinfam, “I will often have patients use a prescription medication in addition to an OTC allergy pill.” Dr. Meshkinfam continues, “When allergies are so poorly controlled they cause sinusitis, it is definitely worth seeing a physician for prescription medications such as topical nasal steroids, antibiotics, etc.” “Patients with allergies often find when they travel to different climates, their allergy symptoms magically disappear,” concludes Dr. Meshkinfam. “Therefore, one would assume if they only moved to a different climate, they would feel better. The truth is – people who develop allergies will eventually react to the allergens in another climate.” Footnote *Always consult your physician or provider before taking any OTC medications. This is especially important if taking other medications, prescription or OTC, to avoid adverse drug reactions.
Sam Meshkinfam, DO, specializes in sinus and allergy care in children and adults at Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery
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CHANCE second CHANCES A traumatic injury starts with a series of harrowing sounds. The screech of impact. The screams for help. The shrill of sirens. Then eventually comes the silence, the worst sound of all.
words | STEVE McCLINTIC, JR. BECKY BLANTON
After nearly two weeks in the hospital, he opened his eyes. He felt the tubes he was tied to, but didn’t know why. He heard sounds of machines, thumping and pumping, but didn’t know why. He saw people surrounding him, all of who were overcome with emotion. But he didn’t know why. Or who they were.
The Accident Seven years ago, Tommy Harris of Lynchburg was in a horrific bicycle accident. According to the statistics, he should have never survived it. It was the day after competing in the Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon that Tommy, then 67, decided to take a bike ride around Lynchburg to loosen up muscles fatigued from the competition. As he began coasting down a steep hill, he arched his torso up and lowered his head over the handlebars so he could extend his legs and stretch them out. While in this position, blood rushed to his head causing him to black out. At a likely speed of more than 40 miles per hour, the bike began losing control and crashed furiously into a telephone poll, thrusting Tommy’s body into it.
Reprints To order reprints of the original artwork featured on this issue’s cover, contact Jenny Hungate at 540.387.6482 or via email at jenny@ourhealthvirginia.com. To view additional work by our artist, Joe Palotas, visit www.salemartcenter.com
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“It was a sound I will never forget,” says Stan Snell, a witness to the accident. “I thought he was instantly killed.” Stan immediately called 9-1-1. A minute later, a passerby, who happened to be a nurse, stopped to help out. “I never learned who that wonderful lady was,” Tommy says today. “I wish I could meet her and tell her how much I appreciated her help. I am sure she was a part of the reason I am alive today.” When the paramedics arrived, Tommy was unconscious. His bloodied and beaten body lay on the side of the road. Pieces of his crushed helmet were scattered around him, near and far. Concerned about the potential of brain injury, the Emergency Medicine Services (EMS) providers alerted staff at the hospital where Tommy was being transported, Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. “Even before Tommy would have been loaded into the ambulance, physicians and emergency room personnel at Centra had been told by EMS they had a potential traumatic brain injury coming in,” explains Dr. Thomson. “Our staff wouldn’t know the severity until he arrived, but they would have been prepared for the worst.” 28
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According to Chris Thomson, MD, an emergency medicine physician at Centra Health, the first few minutes of care after an accident can determine how likely a head trauma patient will do in the days and weeks to come.
The communication between EMS professionals and the hospital is just one example of how those in healthcare work together to provide the most effective treatment to those in need.
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Upon arrival at the hospital, Tommy was still unconscious. He underwent a battery of tests, including a CT scan, to determine if he had in fact suffered brain injury. Fortunately, the CT scan showed no damage to Tommy’s brain. But he was far from being out of the woods. Tommy was transferred from the emergency room to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Throughout the next two weeks, he remained in a coma. Physicians and staff continually communicated with his family and friends to keep them abreast of Tommy’s advances and, of course, regressions. But there was not much to say. He was stable, but he also was silent.
A Break of Silence It was a Tuesday when Tommy woke up. “I was so sore,” Tommy recalls. “I felt physical pain, and it was terrible. But I didn’t know where I was, who I was.”
OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
What is a CT scan? Computerized tomography (CT scan) combines a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside your body. The resulting images can be compared to looking down at single slices of bread from a loaf. Your doctor will be able to look at each of these slices individually or perform additional visualization to view your body from different angles. In some cases, CT images can be combined to create 3-D images. CT scan images can provide much more information than do plain X-rays. A CT scan has many uses, but is particularly well suited to quickly examine people who may have internal injuries from car accidents or other types of trauma. A CT scan can be used to visualize nearly all parts of the body.
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What’s the difference between an ICU and other hospital units? Care in the ICU differs from other hospital units. Seriously ill or injured patients require close observation and monitoring. Specially trained nurses care for one or two patients at a time, each shift. ICU physicians are specially trained in critical care. Patients may have special equipment in their room, depending on their unique situation and condition. The equipment in the ICU may seem overwhelming. Patients are connected to machines to monitor their heart, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Ventilators (breathing machines) assist some patients with breathing until they are able to breathe on their own.
Tommy’s wife, Ruth Ann, remembers her feelings of joy when she first saw his eyes open. “I couldn’t contain my emotion,” Ruth Ann explains. “I was so happy. I thought we were through the woods.” Ruth Ann’s joy was quickly jolted when she realized her husband didn’t recognize her. Tommy’s son, Tommy III, was next to feel his excitement extinguish. Karen, Tommy’s daughter, crumbled into tears when she thought her father had forgotten her. What is often most frightening for family and friends of a loved one who has just woke up from a coma — continued on page 34
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— continued from page 32
as a result of head trauma is that he or she doesn’t recognize them. Being awake and responsive doesn’t mean the person is their “old self” again. Confusion and a long period of disorientation often follow a traumatic brain injury. It takes time for swelling of the brain to decrease so blood flow and brain chemistry can improve. These improvements may help heal the parts of the brain responsible for mobility and memory. Most of us have heard the saying: “Time heals all wounds.” While it’s a securing sentiment, it’s not always the easiest to believe when waiting, especially when it comes to situations that time cannot heal. Fortunately for Tommy, his time did come. Less than a week after coming out of his coma, his mind began mending. He knew his wife and children. He knew his other family and friends. He was on the road to recovery. But it was going to be a rocky one for the next year.
The Next Stage A triathlon is all about pacing oneself. There are three stages: swimming, running and cycling. If you don’t keep a mindset that it’s not a sprint, you won’t go the distance. Because it’s that last stage that takes everything you have to push to the finish line. Tommy knew this. Remember, he had completed a triathlon the day before his accident. He knew the importance of pacing. Physical therapy was Tommy’s third stage of recovery. He had survived the crash. That was stage one. He had came out of his coma. That was stage two. Stage three was going to be his biggest fight yet. For the next year, Tommy spent his days in therapy recovering his balance, muscle tone and skills he had lost with his injury. “It was tough,” he says, “But I had all I needed to heal: experience with training through pain, discipline, prayers, great doctors and the support of my friends and family.” — continued on page 38
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Bicycles and Brain Injuries While football and other organized sports may capture media attention for the number of head traumas resulting from them, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states bicycle accidents are the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries. In 2010, 800 bicyclists were killed and an estimated 515,000 sustained bicycle-related injuries that required emergency department care. Roughly half of these cyclists were children and adolescents under the age of 20. Annually, 26,000 of these bicycle-related injuries to children and adolescents are traumatic brain injuries treated in emergency departments.
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— continued from page 34
When it comes to accepting a challenge, you can’t count out a person like Tommy. After all, he has competed in some type of race every year since 1975, including the Richmond Marathon (1999 and 2000) and the Boston Marathon (2002 and 2003). Tommy never won the Richmond Marathon. He never won the Boston Marathon. That Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon? No, he didn’t win that one either. Tommy’s most important win didn’t come in the form of a race against others. His most important win was against himself. And he did it with the help of his family and friends. A man named Stan who called EMS. An anonymous nurse that attended to him in his darkest moment. Countless physicians, nurses, physical therapists and other medical professionals. Today, Tommy is staying active. The former owner of Harris Tire Company, he now owns Snap Fitness in Lynchburg. You can see him working out there regularly. He says his job now is to help others train and work towards their own fitness goals. He still competes in the occasional ten-mile race and marathon. Even at 74, he still finishes higher than most others in his age division. When asked if he has a “bucket list” of things he would like to do, Tommy chuckles. “I don’t think there’s a bucket big enough,” he concludes.
Chris Thomson, MD of Centra Emergency Services Group
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OurHealth captures Lynchburg and Southside residents at their healthy, happy best
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getting fit at
Snap Fitness.
Getting fit at Snap Fitness. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Cleo Boll Katie Moon Rick Coffee Morning workout at Snap Fitness! Sherwood Harris
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Participants in this year’s YMCA Y Tri Challenge at the Jamerson Family YMCA. 6. YMCA Volunteers, Cindy and Abbey Capps 7. Michelle Nichols 8. Thandizo Sibande 9. Y-Tri Challenge 10. Fun faces at the Y-Tri Challenge 11. Liberty University students
12. Brayden Turner 13. Lee Beaumont, Carrie Beaumont and Ellen Sarantos 14. YMCA Volunteer, Kathy Thomas 15. Liberty University ladies 16. Mackenzie Allen, Sara Lynn Loucks, Brayden Turner, JC Gordon, Chris Richardson
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9 Lynchburg residents participate in this year’s
YMCA Y TriChallenge at Jamerson Family YMCA.
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Healthy Eats Roasted Pork Loin with Green Beans Makes 8 servings
Ingredients for Roasted Pork Loin: 1 3-4 pound boneless, center-cut pork loin 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbsp sea salt 1 Tbsp fresh sage, minced 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp olive oil
Ingredients for Green Beans: 2 lbs green beans, ends trimmed 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp red pepper flakes 1 tbsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Pork Directions:
Green Bean Directions:
1. Prior to roasting, take the pork out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature (30 minutes).
11. In a large stock pot of boiling water, add green beans until bright green.
2. Preheat oven to 450°F.
13. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
3. In a small bowl, combine the oil, garlic, salt, pepper and herbs; then mix until a paste forms. 4. Pat the pork dry with a paper towel, and coat with the seasoning paste. 5. Set on a rack in a shallow roasting pan 6. Roast for 15 minutes, and then turn the oven temperature down to 300°F. 7. Let the loin continue roasting for another 30-40 minutes. 8. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135°F. 9. Remove the roast from the oven and cover with foil. 10. Allow ten to fifteen minutes of resting time. Then slice and serve.
12. Drain and shock beans in ice water.
14. Add oil, garlic and red pepper flakes. 15. Sauté for about thirty seconds, and then add beans and continue to sauté until beans are coated and heated throughout. 16. Add lemon zest and salt and pepper, as desired.
Local Pork Loin from:
Spring Mill Farm | 6660 Spring Mill Road Concord, VA 24538 | Phone: 434.332.1254 Located in South Central Virginia, Spring Mill Farm offers the Lynchburg area fresh goat milk cheeses in a variety of flavors. In 2010, pastured pork was also made available for purchase. Their products can be purchased at the Lynchburg Community Market, the Forest Farmers Market, and Bedford Avenue Meat Shop.
Tricia Foley says
USE LOCAL INGREDIENTS Tricia Foley is OurHealth Magazine’s resident nutritionist.
[ www.ourhealthlbss.com ]
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HealthyEats
12. Wash thoroughly and spread on a towel to dry. 13. Dice the figs and chop the almonds.
Directions for Dressing: 14. Whisk the juices together (you should have about 1/4 cup total of juice).
Kale & Quinoa Salad with Dates, Almonds & Citrus Dressing Makes 6 servings
Salad Ingredients: 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 large white onion, diced
Salt to taste
1/2 cup white quinoa
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes; or until the onion has a toasty brown appearance and smells caramelized. 4. Remove from the heat and set aside. 5. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. 6. In a pan, add garlic and quinoa and sauté over medium-high heat for about a minute. 7. Add 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. 8. Cover and turn the heat to low; cook for 15 minutes.
1 bunch kale (3/4-1 pound, with stems)
9. Remove from heat, but leave the lid on for an additional 5 minutes.
1/2 cup dried fig, diced
10. After 5 minutes, remove the lid & stir.
1/2 cup roasted salted whole almonds
11. Meanwhile, slice off the bottoms of the kale stems, and slice the leaves into fine strips.
1 small clove garlic, minced
Dressing Ingredients: 1 Clementine, juiced 1/2 lime, juiced 2
teaspoons local honey
15. Whisk in the honey and olive oil. The dressing will be thin. 16. Stir about 2 tablespoons of the dressing into the quinoa after it finishes cooking.
Making the Salad: 17. Mix the kale with the quinoa and caramelized onions. 18. Toss with about half the dressing and taste. 19. If desired, add the remaining dressing, and then toss in the figs and almonds.
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions: 1. Heat the coconut oil in a wide sauté pan over medium heat. 2. Add the onion and sprinkle lightly with salt.
Tricia Foley says
GREENS ARE POWERFUL Tricia Foley is OurHealth Magazine’s resident nutritionist.
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HealthyEats Kale, Apples, Spinach and Green Beans from: Lynchburg Community Market 1219 Main Street | Lynchburg, VA 24504 Contact: Jennifer Kennedy | 434.455.4485 lynchburgcommunitymarket.com About Lynchburg Community Market: The Market is open year round on Tuesdays – Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. If you are looking for produce, farmers sell their products during full farm markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. During the warmer months, Green Market Wednesdays showcase vendors who pledge they will only sell what they grow. Several farmers also attend on Fridays.
Spinach & Apple Smoothie Makes 1 serving
½ apple, chopped 2-3 mint leaves
Ingredients Step One:
Truvia to taste
2 Cup organic spinach
Directions:
1/2 apple, chopped
For step one: mix spinach, milk, ice cubes,
1/2 Cup milk (or milk substitute: almond, coconut, rice, etc)
½ apple and the lime juice together,
4 ice cubes
Rinse blender and then combine all
1 lime, juice only
of the ingredients from step two and blend.
Ingredients Step Two:
Add this to your glass and enjoy!
and blend. Pour in a glass and set aside.
Lynchburg Grows 1339 Englewood St. | Lynchburg, VA 24501 Phone: 434.846.5665 | lynchburggrows.org About Lynchburg Grows: Lynchburg Grows offers fresh, organic, locally-grown produce. They carry a wide range of produce changing daily. Produce can be purchased on the first Saturday of the month at the farm (from 9am1pm). All other Saturdays, they can be found in downtown Lynchburg, at the Community Market from 7:00 a.m. to close.
¼ Cup milk (or substitute) ½ C plain Greek yogurt
Tricia Foley says
DRINK YOUR SPINACH! Tricia Foley is OurHealth Magazine’s resident nutritionist.
words | BECKY BLANTON
the rewards of
Hea LTHcare You can’t really appreciate another person’s life until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes, or so the saying goes. May is traditionally the month when healthcare organizations recognize their employees; both clinical and nonclinical. They recognize them for the work they do to improve the health of our communities, and for the contributions they make to their own organizations as well. This year, OurHealth decided to let healthcare organizations discover for themselves just how valuable their employees are by encouraging them to swap places and see what their coworkers really do during their shift. So, we created a “role reversal for a day” of sorts. Healthcare organizations were asked to select two employees in different areas within their organization. Each employee would either “work” or shadow the other employee during their job to see exactly what they did during the day. The overlying theme of the resulting articles is this:
it takes eVeRY person in the health organization working together to deliver quality care.
We expected each employee to learn something new, but even we were surprised at what came out of this short and simple swap. So were the employees themselves. The best thing about the swaps is that almost every participant learned something new that they say will help them do their own jobs better.
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Jim Dalton, Volunteer & Zach Viohi, Nutrition Aide Centra Lynchburg General Hospital
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Jim Dalton Zach Viohi Volunteer Nutrition Aide
Centra Lynchburg General Hospital Hospitals do more than heal the body. For Zach Viohi, a Centra Nutrition Aide, and Jim Dalton, a Centra Hospital Volunteer, swapping jobs meant appreciating the jobs that few people ever think about—feeding the mind and spirit and yes, even the stomach. As Zach follows Jim around the halls and down the corridors of the hospital, he sees parts of the building he has never been in during his six and a half years of working there; and meets people he has only seen in passing, if at all. “I saw parts of the hospital I didn’t know were there,” he says. “And Jim knew the names of people in every office we went into. He knew people in places I didn’t even know existed.” The lessons Zach gained from his job swap will not only enhance his service in the hospital kitchen, but his life. His job may be feeding people food, but Jim feeds their spirits with his caring, attention and relationships with the staff. “I think what I learned from shadowing Jim is that getting to know people, to learn their first names and interact with them before you have to interact with them, makes things easier. “I’m going to start getting to know people here. I want to be more personable. That’s the big lesson I learned from seeing Jim interact with so many people. I think if problems ever came up, if you have a background with that person, it would make problem solving so much easier” says Jim. Jim’s customer service skills may feed people’s heart and spirit, but he was impressed about how well Zach fed the families and staff in the hospital cafeteria and grill. “He’s an amazing cook,” Jim says. “I watched him with that knife cutting vegetables and wraps, and I was surprised he didn’t cut any fingers off. He was so fast! Everything moves fast in those kitchens. I couldn’t keep up with it. It’s all very organized, efficient and very, very clean.” 50
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Depending on what shift he works, Zach moves from the grill to the kitchen and throughout the food services areas at Centra. He loves food and serving people healthy meals. “I love what I do,” he says. And it shows, at least to Jim. Jim says he’s never been behind the scenes in the kitchen, and what he learned from watching Zach was a deeper appreciation for the passion and work that goes into making a meal or preparing food for customers. “I had no idea what all went into preparing all the food they do, or how much time and work it takes. I’ll really appreciate every bite I take from now on,” says Jim. That will be a lot of appreciation because he plans on staying and volunteering until he literally can’t anymore. His only regret is that he didn’t start sooner. “I waited a few years after retiring from the power company to volunteer, but I wish I’d started right away. You just meet so many wonderful people.” Jim works at Centra two days a week. One day he escorts people to appointments and procedures. On the second day he helps people being discharged. Both jobs require a lot of walking. “I had no idea how much walking he does in a day,” Zach says. “You know you just see volunteers sitting behind the information desk and you think that’s just all they do, inform the public about where to go and answer questions. But they do so much more. They transport patients, they walk the halls, deliver supplies and whatever the nurses need them to do, they do. They have great customer service skills, and are really adept at talking to a variety of people. I was impressed.”
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Myra Booker Joe Spagholo
Patient Care Coordinator Physical Therapist Rehab Associates of Central Virginia After 17 years, Joe Spagholo still loves the thing that originally attracted him to physical therapy—the opportunity to help people. “I loved helping people when I started doing this 17 years ago, and I still love it,” says Joe. “That’s what it’s all about for me.” Joe, a physical therapist with Rehab Associates of Central Virginia, traded places with the practice’s patient care coordinator, Myra Booker. He wasn’t surprised by what he saw. He’s always been impressed with how much her job makes his job easier. 52
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“She is the person who makes this operation work,” he says. “It’s kind of overwhelming how much she is in charge of. She schedules patients, answers any questions they may have, and really sets the tone for patients before they come back here.” Joe says he is absolutely a one-on-one, interact-with-the-patient kind of physical therapist. “I couldn’t do a desk job,” he says. “I have to be on my feet, moving around, working with my hands and interacting with patients.”
If anything, Myra’s ability to hold down the desk, multi-task, offer great customer service, and stay positive helps him do his job better. “She takes care of all the behind-the-scenes things that need to be done. She handles every aspect of what needs to be done to get people in. Her time management skills are incredible,” he says. He is most impressed by her ability to multi-task—to sit at a desk as long as she does, but still function on her feet doing hands-on tasks as well. “She’s just amazing,” he says. “She does so many different things, and keeps everyone on track. She’s the one who ensures every patient gets to the right physical therapist and that’s critical.” Customer service, patient care coordinator and scheduling are things that Myra has done for a long time. Prior to being a patient care coordinator for Rehab Associates, Myra worked in a healthcare practice in Charlottesville. “Taking care of people in a medical office is all I’ve ever done,” she says. The kind of medical setting may change, but not the core concept— making sure patients come first. “I know how to take care of people,” she says. Joe agrees with that. “She’s the glue that holds this place together.” The office is small enough to allow all the physical therapists and Myra to appreciate what each one does, and who does what kind of work. “I see the patients, interact with the physical therapists when they come in and leave, and I see them when they’re in the back working out as well,” she says. There’s not much she hadn’t already seen or done before her swap, except the evaluations Joe and the other physical therapists do. She’s been with the clinic for almost five years now, and is still learning. She most appreciates the amount of time Joe spends with patients, and the amount of detail involved in working with each patient. “I’m impressed with how much detail he goes into when he’s talking with a patient, and how much detail he pays attention to when working with them,” she says. Overall, what matters most is teamwork, Joe points out. “When the whole team is working together, patients benefit.”
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Richard Ruble Seth Walters
Prosthetist Healthcare Relations Manager Excel Prosthetics The only thing that surprised healthcare relations manager, Seth Walters, about Richard Ruble’s job was the extent of gratification Richard gets to experience. Because Richard spends the greatest part of his time working with patients, he also earns their trust and shares in their hard won successes. “You not only have to be a practitioner to do what he does,” Seth says. “You have to be a confidant. You have to earn that patient’s trust. The patient has to believe that you can help them meet their life goals. You have to be more than an engineer and prosthetist. You have to be a good person because you have to relate to them.” “Rich has the more rewarding part. He has patients that come in that can’t walk, and then they leave walking. Those of us on the back end of that process don’t get to see that too much. I help patients with insurance and talk to them, but that’s not the same as talking about a person’s life goals, and helping them get their life back.” Seth may not get to celebrate every patient win in physical therapy, but he does get to help make the wins possible. His official title is “Healthcare Relations.” That, he says, is more of a catchall term for all he really does by ensuring the company is in compliance, that operations run smoothly, that administrative tasks are completed and that even the occasional human relations (HR) challenge is met. It makes it easier for him because he, too, is a prosthetist and he understands both the practice and the administrative aspects of the business.
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“A lot of what I do overlaps,” he says. “We have our certifying board, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), every individual insurance company has their own rules and regulations, and then there’s HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act), Medicare, Medicaid,” he says. Richard is a board certified prosthetist/orthotist. He designs and builds braces, shoes, and prosthetic limbs among other things. He admits the amount of detail Seth tends to each day staggers his mind. “We have seven offices, so he makes sure all seven offices are compliant. Policies and regulations change annually. He keeps up with all that.” “It’s not a few, simple changes either”, Richard says. “Seeing how much knowledge is required to do his job is amazing. I’ve been doing this for 14 years. I’m not surprised about his job. I’m surprised at how complicated things have become since I started doing this.” Seth agrees that the paperwork practitioners must submit to be compliant with all the rules and regulations for orthotics and prosthetics is getting increasingly complex. “Getting approval for a pair of shoes for a diabetic means you have to get a detailed prescription, a certified letter signed off by the doctor, and six months’ worth of doctor’s notes. Then you have to match that up to the search statement, and the search statement has to be within three months, the notice within six. The doctor has to do an evaluation, and has to have a correct diagnosis on top of that,” Seth says. Seth makes that happen, but it’s Rich who gets to see the gratitude and appreciation on the patient’s face. Seth says he’d like to be closer to that aspect of Richard’s job. Richard and Seth both say they enjoyed the job swap. Both acknowledged what all the swap participants said, that teamwork is what makes the best patient care possible. “I couldn’t get patient’s the prosthetics they need without him,” says Richard. Appreciatively, Seth responds, “Seeing what Richard can do to change lives, being part of making that happen, and sharing in it is what I love doing.”
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Katie Campbell Carol Martin Office Administrator Billing and Coding Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia Detail makes the medical world go round—or it makes it much easier to ensure patients get the care they need.
was surprised by the amount of multi-tasking that Katie must do and still get all the numbers and information correct.
“I knew Carol worked with a lot of numbers, but once I saw everything she had to do, it seemed a lot more tedious than I thought. I also saw that just one small mistake upstairs, where I work, could make so much more work downstairs for her just to correct it,” says Katie.
“She’s checking in patients, verifying all their demographics, insurance information, contact numbers and medical information. On top of that, the phone is ringing and she’s answering that. People are walking in off the street to make a payment, to schedule an appointment or just to ask a question. All this is happening at the same time, plus she’s completing patient forms to send downstairs. I think she’s more detail oriented than she realizes, just in a different way,” says Carol.
“What I learned was that it’s important to be on-point and focused on everything, making sure all the numbers are correct, making sure that everything is accounted for. I’d be a nervous wreck if I had to do her job.” Katie was surprised by the amount of focus needed, but Carol 56
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Every practice, every hospital is dependent on numbers— patient’s date of birth, insurance, phone, age, social security, address, billing address, bill payment. In the world of medical
finance, payment, co-pay and business, numbers make the world go-round. But Katie and Carol, who both deal with numbers daily, say seeing how the other deals with details was enlightening. “If I had to do her job every day, I’d be crazy by the end of the day,” says Carol.
“The biggest tip we’d give any other office is to have everyone swap positions or jobs for a day. It would make everyone appreciate what other people in their office do, and help them see how to make each other’s jobs better,” Katie concludes.
The front desk may be a three-ring circus at times, but even during her “down” times, Katie is still working on forms and data-entry. “I think everyone should do a job swap,” both women agree. “Everyone should sit with someone else to see exactly what they do for a day. Even if you don’t quite understand what they do, they should do it just to get an appreciation for the others work.” The people most interested in their swap were the other women in billing and administration. “Everyone in other departments, like records, scheduling and billing seem up for doing a job swap. We were picked to do it, but I think everyone would like to do it. I was nervous, but excited to see what Carol would do,” says Katie. What started out as a simple experiment helped both women realize what they could do to make their workflow smoother. “There’s a lot of interaction throughout the day on a regular basis between the front office and billing anyway,” says Carol. “They might be dealing with a new insurance they haven’t seen before. They need to call and check with us about what they can or can’t do.” The women say they do totally separate things, but are interdependent on each other to ensure patients are served well. “I was surprised by how interconnected our jobs are. Starting in the front office, just what Katie and the others do, how they input the data affects billing on the tail end. I was surprised by how much they do that affects what we can do. A date, even an initial, can affect the insurance,” says Carol.
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where is this? Post the correct answer on our Facebook page by May 7, 2014.
You could win some great food from The Fresh Market! Cool, right? The winner will be announced on our Facebook page May 14, 2014.
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