OurHealth lynchburg & Southside Apr/May 2016 Edition

table of contents | april • may 2016

22

Pollen Allergy Sufferers

Seek Treatment Instead of Suffering

While many welcome spring’s sunny return with open arms and outdoor activities, pollen-allergy sufferers are left to simply try and survive the pollen onslaught that occurs every year for months beginning in Spring.

MEDI•CABU•LARY.....................10 Local experts define health-related terms

JUST ASK!.......................................12 Healthcare questions answered by local professionals

NEW & NOTEWORTHY.............14 A listing of new physicians, providers, locations and upcoming events in the Lynchburg and Southside communities

HEALTH POINTS.........................18 Interesting facts and tidbits about health

THE ANATOMY CHALLENGE..................................21 Are you up for the challenge? In this issue, test your knowledge when it comes to the PATHWAY OF AN ALLERGEN.

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A year-long series focusing on hot to prepare your child for a career in healthcare. this issue: The High School Years.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

43

New Kitchen, New Nutrition, New You! Part two of the OurHealth series that highlights small changes you can make in your food prep and shopping habits that can add up to a major positive impact on your nutrition and health.

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hello, HEALTH!.............................. 40 Capturing the spirit of those working in healthcare and of people leading healthy lives through photos

FIT BITS!........................................ 53 WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH KETTLEBELLS? This article, the second in a yearlong OurHealth series about primary care, will focus on just that — doing your care. We’ll delve into your part of the patient-physician partnership.

Deidre Wilkes, OurHealth's resident fitness specialist, shares the many training benefits of using Kettlebells.

CLOSER LOOK.............................. 74 Images reflecting the landscape of healthcare in Lynchburg and Southside * PLUS * a chance to win a free year's subscription to OurHealth!

65 To help you keep track of the various healthcare and healthcare-related recognition days throughout the year, OurHealth has organized a handy calendar of all 2016 observances.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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april • may 2016 PUBLISHER PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION PROJECT COORDINATOR ACCOUNTING MANAGER CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER PROJECT MANAGER | HR METRICS COPY EDITOR DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGY WEBSITE

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CONTRIBUTING MEDICAL EXPERTS William A. Carvajal, DDS, MD, FACS Kim Combs,MD Anna Faroug, OD Robert O’Brien, MD Andrew Pieleck, DO Delisa Rogers, M.Ed, CCC-SLP CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONAL Geri Aston EXPERTS & WRITERS Cynthia BeMent Rich Ellis Tricia Foley, RD Deidre Wilkes

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Cynthia Trujillo | Senior Media Consultant P: 434.907.5255 | cindy@ourhealthvirginia.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS To receive OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside via U.S. Mail, please contact Deidre Wilkes at deidre@ourhealthvirginia.com or at 540.387.6482

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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: 303 S. Colorado Street • Salem, VA 24153. | Email: steve@ourhealthvirginia.com | Phone: 540.387.6482 Ext. 1 Information in all print editions of OurHealth and on all OurHealth websites (websites listed below) and 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 © 2016 by McClintic Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. OurHealth Lynchburg/Southside is published bi-monthly • Special editions are also published • McClintic Media, Inc. • 303 S. Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153, P: 540.387.6482 F: 540.387.6483.

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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 is cardiac rehabilitation?

“ ”

Cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial in that it provides regular physical activity that helps the heart to get stronger and work better.

- Delisa Rogers, M.Ed, CCC-SLP

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Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a professionally supervised program that helps patients recover from heart attacks, heart surgery and coronary intervention procedures.

Cardiac rehabilitation programs provide services to help heart patients increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems, including heart attack. Many programs last only three months, but some can continue for years.

CR exercises are provided in an individualized manner, depending on the patient’s needs. Exercise guidelines include physical activity sessions that include low impact aerobic activities consisting of a warm up, training and a cool down.

CR is beneficial in that it provides regular physical activity that helps the heart to get stronger and work better. Under the advice and close supervision of healthcare professionals, CR can help improve health and lower the risk of future problems.

Delisa Rogers, M.Ed, CCC-SLP Director of Rehabilitation HCR ManorCare Lynchburg | 434.846.4626 www.manorcare.com/lynchburg

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

What is apophysitis?

What is asthenopia?

An apophysitis is an overuse injury that results in inflammation where a tendon is being pulled away from a bone. This can occur in children whose growth plates have not yet fused. One of the most common places for this to happen is at the bottom of the knee, where the tendon below the kneecap inserts on the shinbone. The repetitive pull of that tendon from activities like jumping or playing sports can pull the bone away from the shin and make it produce more bone. The result of this action can produce a large knot, which is called Osgood-Schlatter disease. It shouldn’t cause long term problems once those growth plates close.

Asthenopia is the medical term for eyestrain or eye fatigue which can sometimes cause headaches located above the brow. This can arise from prolonged and/or tedious near visual tasks. A common source of asthenopia is glare from electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets, and computers.

Diagnosis is usually made by a good history and physical exam.

X-rays may be needed for atypical complaints, like pain at night while resting. An apophysitis should be treated initially with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatories. If pain and inflammation persist, you should seek out a sports medicine provider for further evaluation and treatment.

Andrew Pieleck, DO

Sports Medicine & Family Medicine Centra Medical Group – Bedford Bedford | 540.586.7273 www.centrahealth.com

Asthenopia can be a symptom of hyperopia, which is farsightedness, presbyopia, which is difficulty focusing up close due to physiological changes caused by aging, or focusing disorders.

Anna Faroug, OD

St. Clair Eye Care Timberlake | 434.239.2800 Langhorne | 434.845.6086 www.stclair-eye.com

H E A LT H C A R E QUESTIONS ANSWERED

BY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

“

For some people, having an annual physical exam is a sense of reassurance that they are as healthy as they feel.

Others see it as an alarm system, to catch health problems before they become serious. The exam is a chance to mention any complaints or concerns about your health. Your doctor will quiz you about lifestyle behaviors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, sexual health, diet and exercise.

”

- Kim Combs, MD

How often should healthy adults get a physical?

When is removal of wisdom teeth required?

There are mixed feelings on how often one should get a physical. The relationship which develops between patient and physician is more than the technical aspects of checking blood pressure or cholesterol levels or managing diabetes, flu shots or immunization records.

Studies have documented a high incidence of problems associated with third molars (wisdom teeth) even when they are without symptoms. All patients should be evaluated by a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, expert in third molar management.

For some people, having an annual physical exam is a sense of reassurance that they are as healthy as they feel. Others see it as an alarm system, to catch health problems before they become serious. The exam is a chance to mention any complaints or concerns about your health. Your doctor will quiz you about lifestyle behaviors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, sexual health, diet and exercise.

It also provides an opportunity to update your personal and family medical history.

Third molar teeth that are associated with pathology, or are at high risk of developing pathology, should be surgically managed or removed. Imaging (radiographs, and sometimes CT scans) allows determination of the presence or absence of the tooth, presence or absence of disease, anatomy of the tooth and its root system, as well as the tooth’s relationship to important structures. These radiographs can detect associated and non-associated pathology, such as cysts or tumors.

Time is a special gift that people have to listen and understand each other. Knowing the patient allows the doctor to broach topics that are uncomfortable such as end-of-life decisions.

The value of the routine annual exam has been debated recently, but it remains a cherished tradition among many doctors and patients.

Kim Combs, MD

Central Virginia Family Physicians Lynchburg | 434.846.7374 www.cvfp.net

Removal of wisdom teeth can be more difficult as a patient ages; therefore early evaluation, imaging and management are advised.

William A. Carvajal, DDS, MD, FACS Central Virginia Oral and Facial Surgery Lynchburg | 434.832.8040 www.cvofs.net

Am I exposed to any radiation during an MRI scan?

We are exposed to radiation every day. There are many different types of radiation including sunlight, radio waves, x-rays and gamma rays, which means we are exposed to radiation in our homes, outside and at the beach. However, only a few types of radiation are considered dangerous to humans if the dose is high enough (x-rays and gamma rays). The electromagnetic radiation produced in MRI scans is not harmful to humans.

Robert O’Brien, MD

Insight Imaging Roanoke | 540.581.0881 www.mycdi.com

NEW

NOTEWORTHY Make Sure You Don't Miss This!

NEW PHYSICIANS, P R O V I D E R S , L O C AT I O N S AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Centra Marks Autism Awareness Month Centra Autism & Development Services is celebrating Autism Awareness Month in April. On Saturday, April 2, in observance of World Autism Day, Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital will shine blue lights along with thousands of schools, skyscrapers, landmarks, businesses and homes worldwide. Just a few of the almost 20,000 buildings and landmarks that will "light it up blue" are the Freedom Tower and Madison Square Garden in New York City, Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, The Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza and The Suez Canal in Egypt, and Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

Autism Speaks started this international campaign after World Autism Awareness Day was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 in an effort to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health priority. Some of the goals of World Autism Day are to spread awareness and understanding of autism, celebrate and honor the unique talents and skills of people with autism, and to bring attention to the needs of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism. Individuals across the world will also be wearing blue to mark the day.

Centra Autism & Developmental Services to host a Sensory Friendly Post Easter Egg Hunt Date:

Saturday, April 9 *RAIN DATE is April 16.

Time:

1-3 p.m.

Location:

Centra Autism & Development Center

693 Leesville Road Lynchburg This event is free and open to the public. Egg hunts will start every 20 minutes beginning at 1 p.m. There will also be stations for children and their families to make snacks, crafts and other fun activities.

Overflow parking and shuttles are available at Heritage United Methodist Church.

For additional information, call 434.200.5750.

Rakesh Jain, MD

Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Farmville | 434.392.4370 www.centrahealth.com

Pulmonary Care now offered in Farmville Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates, an independent medical practice offering specialized care for all aspects of lung disorders and sleep disorders in Lynchburg, is now offering care in Farmville.

Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates (LPA) staff is seeing patients at LPA Riverside Chest Clinic located 1100 West Third Street in Farmville. Appointments will be available between 9am and 4pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 434.947.3963 or visit www.lynchburgpulmonary.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

Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics of Lynchburg Celebrates Dental Health Month The staff of Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics of Lynchburg, along with their mascot, Captain Smiles, spent some time visiting area schools and preschools during Dental Health Month. Observed in February each year, Dental Health Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of practicing and maintaining good dental hygiene. As part of their efforts, the team gave presentations on oral health and hygiene, and passed out over 900 toothbrushes to area students.

For more information visit www.smilelynchburg.com.

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Local Physician Wins National Award

Trying to Eat Healthier?

For her substantial work in geriatrics, including her dedication and work in the Centra PACE program, Verna Sellers, MD has been selected as the 2016 James Pattee Award for Excellence recipient.

The James Pattee Award for Excellence in Education, a highly prestigious national award, acknowledges those who have made significant contributions to the educational goals of American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) including enhancing the educational structure and framework of AMDA, advancing education specific to long term care physician practice, and promoting AMDA leadership via educational endeavors within the long term care continuum.

PACE (A Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a comprehensive program for adults 55 years of age and older who meet the criteria for nursing facility placement, prefer to stay at home and have an assessment indicating that living at home with the support of the PACE program is a safe alternative.

Dr. Sellers became the medical director of Centra PACE in 2009.

For more information about Centra PACE, visit www.centrahealth.com/pace-program.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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T I P S , T I D B I T S A ND MO R E TO I NF O R M A ND ENT ERTA I N YO U

April is Stress Awareness Month

What is stress?

Stress is a physical, mental, or emotional response to events that cause bodily or mental tension.

Looking for a unique way to combat stress?

Try COLORING!

Here are just a few reasons why you should pick up those colored pencils:

• Focusing your energy on a single task temporarily takes your mind off worries or concerns.

• Release creative energy

without having to create something from scratch. Coloring books provide guidance while also allowing for creativity to flow.

• Coloring is a quiet, calming activity

that can be done alone in

a relaxed environment.

• Coloring is FUN! It may bring back nostalgic childhood memories and a simpler, less hectic life.

Scan the QR code for a FREE downloadable coloring sheet!

Feeling blue? Get active!

You usually feel happier after playing or exercising because of special chemicals called endorphins that your brain releases while you’re moving. Endorphins (pronounced en-DOOR-fins) are a natural mood-booster! Another great reason to incorporate exercise into your daily routine!

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Dive in!

During your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill TWO swimming pools!

Share your LOVE of RUNNING with the kids!

Help encourage your kids to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle, help increase their self-esteem, and make new friends!

The Healthy Kids Running Series is a five week running program

NAP TIME It isn't just for kids!

in the spring and fall for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade. Each race series takes place once a week and offers age appropriate running events including the 50 yard dash, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the one mile run. Kids compete each week of the series for a chance to earn points and at the end of the series the top boy and girl with the most points in their respective age division receive a trophy. All participants receive a medal and gift bag for their achievements courtesy of the program sponsors!

Date:

Sundays in April and May

Time:

3:00 - 4:00 pm

Location:

Linkhorne Middle School 2525 Linkhorne Drive Lynchburg, VA

According to the National Sleep Foundation,

people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to eat more because sleep loss affects the hormones associated with hunger. However, a mid-afternoon nap can reverse the negative metabolic effects of sleep loss.

For more information, contact Jean Neal, Community Coordinator at 434.401.3270 | jean_drinkard@hotmail.com or scan the QR above to visit www.healthykidsrunningseries.org.

Lighten-Up Lynchburg!

Lighten-Up Lynchburg is a timed 5K Run/Walk to encourage activity

Did you know?

Your brain depends on your stomach to signal that it’s full, but that message takes

20 minutes to be delivered.

So slow down during meals, and you’ll be less likely to eat too much.

and increase awareness about the obesity epidemic. This race is hosted by the Lynchburg Mayor’s Youth Council, and a portion of the money earned will go towards raising obesity awareness.

Date:

Saturday, May 21

Time:

8:00 am

Location:

Peaks View Park 1147 Ardmore Drive Lynchburg, VA

To register, scan the QR above or visit www.runsignup.com.

For more information, contact race the race director at dana.wright@lynchburgva.gov. www.OurHealthlbss.com

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Anatomy CHALLENGE

the

How much do you know about the

pathway of an airborne

allergen into your body? Complete the word search below. Next, match the correct word with the part of the body in the illustration.

[ the pathway of an allergen ]

WORD SEARCH nose

bronchi

nasal cavity

alveoli

epiglottis

left main bronchus

larynx

right main bronchus

trachea right lung left lung

____________________

____________________

____________________

____________________

____________________

____________________

____________________

For answers, visit OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside’s Facebook page at

____________________

____________________ ____________________ ____________________ www.OurHealthlbss.com

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POLLEN

ALLERGY

SUFFERERS 22

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

TREATMENT words | RICH ELLIS

SEEK INSTEAD OF SUFFERING Even after a long winter and the promise of brighter days and warmer temperatures, a small segment of the population quietly dreads spring’s return.

They’re not crazy or snow-loving, winter-sports fanatics. They’re allergy sufferers.

While many welcome spring’s sunny debut with open arms and outdoor activities, pollen-allergy sufferers are left to simply try and survive the annual pollen onslaught that occurs every year for months beginning in spring. They live in misery or in a heavily medicated state or both, with allergic rhinitis — swollen, itchy eyes; stuffy and running noses; and in some cases, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Forced indoors to seek relief — however minor it might be — they wait until the tree pollen’s spring bloom has subsided, and along with it, their allergy symptoms.

Their relief is short-lived, however, as spring inevitably returns each year. Some don’t even have to wait for the following spring because their misery reappears every fall too, when ragweed pollinates and pollen proliferates once again. Pollen allergy sufferers can often tell the changing of the seasons based on their allergy flare-ups because tree pollen generally peaks during spring, grass pollen in the summer and weed pollen in the fall. www.OurHealthlbss.com

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The life of an allergy sufferer doesn’t have to be one of misery, however.

Luis Matos, MD, is the director of research for the Asthma and Allergy Centers of Roanoke, Lynchburg and Salem. He says that there is hope for allergy sufferers — beyond just over-the-counter or prescription medications — through two forms of allergy immunotherapy. A new method using oral pollen tablets, recently approved by the FDA, and traditional allergy immunotherapy referred to by many as “allergy shots.” These proven methods help the body become desensitized to and tolerant of pollen’s effects on allergic patients.

What pollen is, how it invades, and the body’s reaction Luis Matos, MD is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Matos treats patients at Asthma and Allergy Center in Lynchburg.

"If you’re allergic to the pollen, as soon as it touches your body it binds to the allergy antibody, and that signals the body to sweep it away and then drainage begins in an attempt to flush it out. The reaction is a defense mechanism to keep it from invading.

Some people have more severe reactions, such as the closing of the bronchial tubes, which can lead to allergic asthma, but usually the first steps in the reaction are itchy, watery eyes and sneezing fits."

- Luis Matos, MD

Pollen is supposed to go to flowers and trees to fertilize them, Dr. Matos says, but when it falls on moist surfaces — such as the eyes and nose — people who are susceptible to developing allergies will experience an allergic reaction. This reaction and its subsequent symptoms represent the body’s defense mechanisms attempting to keep the pollen from entering the body because the immune system is mistakenly identifying the pollen as an infectious agent, when it isn’t.

“Pollen has different proteins that the body identifies in some people as a worthy opponent and that triggers an allergic immune reaction, becoming an allergen. If you’re allergic to the pollen, as soon as it touches your body it binds to the allergy antibody, and that signals the body to sweep it away and then drainage begins in an attempt to flush it out,” Dr. Matos explains. “The reaction is a defense mechanism to keep it from invading. Some people have more severe reactions, such as the closing of the bronchial tubes, which can lead to allergic asthma, but usually the first steps in the reaction are itchy, watery eyes and sneezing fits. The pollen isn’t like an infection; it’s just triggering the symptoms.”

Specifically, histamine triggers the reactions, Dr. Matos says. The body releases histamine as part of the immune system’s response to the threat it perceives. When the histamine reaches nerve cells, it causes itching. When it reaches the mucous glands, it causes mucous development, and when it encounters the blood vessels, it causes them to dilate and swelling results.

Histamine isn’t the only chemical that causes the reactions either, according to Dr. Matos. Leucotrienes also are responsible for some delayed symptoms associated with allergic reactions.

As for why some people develop an allergic reaction to pollen while others do not, Dr. Matos says that genetically, some people just have the ability to become allergic.

“Let’s say you move to an area with a tree pollen you’ve never been exposed to before,” Dr. Matos says. “It’ll bother your nose and your eyes — just like breathing in pepper. It’s an irritant. If you have the ability to become allergic, you can start to see the buildup of the allergy process. Then next season, the pollen comes back around and the body says, ‘Oh. This is important,’ and generates a response and reaction. Then, by the third season of exposure, you’re having allergy symptoms when you encounter this pollen.”

Seeking relief from the havoc pollen wreaks Patients can find temporary relief with over-the-counter antihistamine medications that are designed to block histamine, Dr. Matos says. There are also nasal steroid sprays that block the swelling and inflammation, as well as antileucotriene medications that help block the leucotrienes causing the allergic reaction. These medications essentially are trying to stop and then “clean up” the reaction and

symptoms caused by the cells’ release of histamine and leucotrienes.

Unfortunately, the body usually doesn’t develop immunity to pollen’s effects without treatment, Dr. Matos adds. Once an allergy is turned on, each pollen season will boost the allergic effects. For patients suffering from chronic allergies, allergy immunotherapy is the only long-term solution.

"In order to work, allergy immunotherapy has to deliver the allergen to the internal immune system and help the body develop immunity or an alternate defense, ultimately reducing the allergic reaction."

- Luis Matos, MD

Allergy immunotherapy can be delivered via an injection or new oral pollen tablets placed under the tongue daily to treat grass and ragweed pollen allergy. In order to work, allergy immunotherapy has to deliver the allergen to the internal immune system and help the body develop immunity or an alternate defense, ultimately reducing the allergic reaction, Dr. Matos explains.

An allergist can develop the best form of allergy immunotherapy for a patient only after identifying exactly which allergens are causing the patient’s symptoms.

Based on those findings, a weakened dose of the allergen will be formulated specifically for that patient as part of the injected allergy immunotherapy. Because the dose contains such a small amount of the allergen, the chances of a patient experiencing an allergic reaction are reduced.

Through a series of injections, the dosage strength is slowly increased until an “immunizing dose” is reached, indicating the body has developed an immunity to the allergen and now tolerates exposure to it with no reaction.

It takes approximately six months of receiving shots weekly or twice a week to reach the immunizing dose level, at which point the shots are spaced out to occur every other week or every three to four weeks, with the success rate approaching 90 percent. www.OurHealthlbss.com

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"An immediate coping strategy is try and avoid whatever is causing the allergic reaction. If you know you’re going out and the wind is blowing, wear goggles or a mask to help reduce pollen exposure.”

- Luis Matos, MD

An immediate coping strategy, Dr. Matos says, “is try and avoid whatever is causing the allergic reaction. If you know you’re going out and the wind is blowing, wear goggles or a mask to help reduce pollen exposure.”

Other suggestions include remaining indoors with the windows closed and the air conditioning on to filter out the pollen and taking a shower to help remove pollen after being outdoors.

With the help of a skilled team of allergists, allergy sufferers can improve both their quality of life and their health by first reducing exposure to pollen and using medications that alleviate the immune system’s reaction and accompanying symptoms following pollen exposure, while pursuing the permanent solution that only allergy immunotherapy provides.

Sources American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology – www.aaaai.org

Expert Contributors Luis Matos, MD with Asthma and Allergy Centers of Roanoke, Lynchburg and Salem

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the

2016

OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside

HOW TO IN HEALTHCARE SERIES: words | CYNTHIA BEMENT

an issue-by-issue overview

PART ONE

Preparing for a Career in Healthcare as early as high school.

April | May

OurHealth’s four-part series entitled:

HOW TO IN HEALTHCARE,

is a step-by-step guide for those interested in pursuing a CAREER IN MEDICINE.

Compassion for others. Grace under pressure. A thirst for knowledge and a commitment to excellence in the classroom and beyond. You recognize these qualities in your child, and as he or she grows and develops throughout high school and your conversations turn to possible career paths, one or both of you might wonder if a career in healthcare might be a great fit. The ability to save someone's life or to make a difference in the well-being of others — preventing disease, fighting illness and improving their everyday lives — by helping them see, walk, breathe, move and speak better (just to name a few) can be the rewards of a healthcare career.

But getting into that “life and death” career space requires a deep commitment on many levels. A diligent approach to studying, the potential for many years in school, dedication to accuracy on the job and, most of all, an unwavering desire to help others is what it takes to achieve and sustain a successful career in this exacting field.

What if your child might not be a good fit for the rigors of med school or doesn't want to spend that much time in school but still shows passion for impacting the lives of others? Take heart: Healthcare is a booming field, and the commonly imagined paths of doctor or nurse are but two points of entry

PART TWO

Choosing the right undergraduate school for your healthcare specialty.

June | July

PART THREE

Entering graduate school and residency/fellowship/ clinical training.

August | September

PART FOUR

Insight on how to find the right job in your field of specialty.

October | November

HOW TO BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR

SUCCESS

1

Help your child develop SOLID STUDY SKILLS

2

Teach your child SELF-SUFFICIENCY

3

Exercise CRITICAL THINKING

4

Encourage your child to ASK QUESTIONS

“Starting in ninth grade when most students enter high school, their transcripts become the official record of their school success — one that’s scrutinized for acceptance to colleges and universities. So it’s important to start strong out of the gate, both to produce a competitive high school record and to build the skills needed to prepare for and perform in a healthcare career.”

into the 21st century world of healthcare, one whose enormity now offers a wide variety of steady jobs that don't require a medical license (which means less time spent in school and less financial investment).

In December 2015, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that healthcare will be the fastest growing industry in the U.S. and will add more jobs than any other field to the employment sector from 2014 to 2024. Together with the social assistance sector, healthcare is poised to add another 3.8 million jobs to our economy during this period.

How do you figure out if healthcare is right for your child? And if they are already interested, what needs to be done in high school to get on the path toward a healthcare career?

With this four-part series, OurHealth aims to guide you so that you can guide your child on the journey to a career in healthcare. In our first four installments, we will cover high school, undergraduate, graduate curricula/clinical studies and finding a job in your chosen healthcare career, respectively (see our sidebar at the beginning of the article).

Following the fourth installment, we will begin a series that focuses on one position in healthcare and describes the specific steps that students interested in the field must take from the beginning of their education through their first day on the job.

BUILD A FOUNDATION

FOR SUCCESS

While a career in healthcare is more accessible than ever before it still requires planning along with a strong high school transcript, participation in extracurricular activities, high SAT and/or ACT scores and a spotless personal conduct record to gain entry onto its path. After all, the reason for all the demanding preparation and practice for healthcare careers is their focus on the health and lives of people — an area with no room for error.

Starting in ninth grade when most students enter high school, their transcripts become the official record of their school success — one that’s scrutinized for acceptance to colleges and universities. So it’s important to start strong out of the gate, both to produce a competitive high school record and to build the skills needed to prepare for and perform in a healthcare career.

Ann Fabrikiewicz is the chemistry department chair and health professions advisor at Randolph College in Lynchburg.

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

First, set your child up for success. That means creating solid study skills that will serve them well in high school and college. At the foundational level of learning, it could prove beneficial for students to discover and work with their natural learning style before focusing on study skills. Visit www.vark-learn.com and www.educationplanner.org for learning style self-assessment questionnaires students can

HEALTHCARE

use to determine if they are visual (learning by seeing), aural (learning by hearing), read/write (learning by reading and taking notes) or kinesthetic (learning by simulation/ demonstration) learners. Strategies to help students learn better using their preferred learning style are provided.

Test taking, of course, is a big part of the study skillset and one to actively develop, even if your child already gets good grades. Though school and good grades might come easily for your child, it’s not necessarily an indicator that his or her study habits and test-taking skills are well-developed. Investing time now in building studying and test-taking skills will help your child perform at a high level through what could potentially be more than four years of college plus any board certifications or licenses associated with specific careers.

One way to become a better test taker, according to researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, is to incorporate what they call “retrieval practice” into a student’s study habit skillset. Retrieval practice is as it sounds – the practice of calling up information from memory. Once a student is asked to recall or produce a piece of information (who was the fourth president of the United States? for example), he or she is much more likely to remember it in the future. While retrieval is often used as a method for assessing how much a student has learned (test taking), being tested multiple times on facts a student needs to know for a test is more effective than simply reviewing those facts, according to Washington University researchers. The takeaway is that practice tests help students retrieve information. Encourage your child to ask teachers for any available practice tests on course material rather than simply reviewing books and notes, and offer to test him or her periodically prior to exam time. (For more on retrieval practice, visit Washington University’s www.retrievalpractice.org.)

DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON HEALTHCARE CAREERS

With the foundation in place, do some exploring. Healthcare career options don’t always require an advanced degree and licensure — some administrative and support staff positions can require a four-year degree or a two-year associate degree along with additional training and certification in some cases.

Medical health services managers, for instance, are responsible for the day-to-day administrative management of physician’s offices, hospitals and clinics; the position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in health administration (offered by Liberty University). A respiratory therapist treats patients with breathing problems, including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and sleep apnea, as well as those who suffer heart attacks and strokes, and consults with doctors on patients’ course of care.

Becoming a respiratory therapist requires a two-year associate degree (offered by Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg) along with additional fieldwork in a healthcare

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Central Virginia Governor’s School The Central Virginia Governor’s School for Science and Technology (CVGS) was first opened in 1985 as one of the five original academic-year Governor’s Schools.

The mission of the Central Virginia Governor’s School for Science and Technology, a dynamic educational community exploring the connections among mathematics, science and technology, is to develop leaders who possess the research and technical skills, the global perspective, and the vision needed to address the challenges of a rapidly changing society.

ELIGIBILITY

Qualified high school students, accepted into the program that serves the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell and the city of Lynchburg.

APPLICATION

Students apply in the spring of sophomore year. Students should discuss the opportunity with their high school guidance counselor. Application can be found at www.cvgs.k12.va.us Three teacher recommendations are required – one science, one math and one other teacher.

CONTACT

Kim McMillan, Program Coordinator kmcmillan@cvgs.k12.va.us

setting such as a hospital or doctors office, and a certification as either a certified respiratory therapist (an entry level certification), or registered respiratory therapist (an advanced certification). U.S. News and World Report ranked respiratory therapist as one of its top healthcare jobs and No. 65 on its Top 100 Jobs list for 2016.

Consult online resources for healthcare career information with your child as well. Websites such as www. explorehealthcareers.org, www.alliedhealthschools.com and www.healthcareerpathway.com offer specific information on a vast number of healthcare careers, including individual career educational requirements, schools that offer those required degrees, the cost of education and job market predictions for specific positions.

Sharon Walters-Bower is the director of admissions at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg.

Ralph Linstra is the dean of Liberty University’s School of Health Sciences.

Research colleges online and ask questions of admissions representatives to find out what their graduate placement rates are in your child's healthcare area of interest. Consider making appointments with colleges as early as ninth or 10th grade. In addition to taking a campus tour, make appointments with admissions representatives to ask about specific degree options and find out what their corresponding course maps are (Continue on page 34...)

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HEALTHCARE CAMPS

CentraHealth Career Camp Centra’s summer Health Career Camp provides a week of mentored experience for 24 rising high school juniors interested in exploring the exciting world of healthcare careers. Students have an opportunity to explore the various facets of healthcare at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital, Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, and the PACE Center.

Over the course of a week they may visit and observe in various departments and careers of interest.

Centra Southside Community Hospital Medical Careers Camp Centra Southside Community Hospital’s summer Medical Careers Camp provides a week of mentored experience for 15 middle school students interested in exploring the exciting world of Health Care Careers. Students have an opportunity to explore the various facets of healthcare at Centra Southside Community Hospital. Over the course of a week they may visit and do hands-on activities in various departments.

DATES

Orientation June 17 June 20-24 COST

$30 registration fee CRITERIA

Must be a current sophomore for 2015-2016 school year, with a minimum GPA of 2.5/C average and a rising high school junior for fall 2016 with a true interest in a career in healthcare.

APPLICATION

Application and information can be found at www.accessfuture. centrahealth.com/career-camps/ health-career-camp.

Application must include two academic reference and two essays.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

April 18, 2016

CONTACT

Lisa Stewart Internship/School Program Coordinator 434.200.6511 lisa.stewart@centrahealth.com

DATES

July 18-22, 2016 COST

$30 registration fee CRITERIA

For rising sixth, seventh or eighth graders with a true interest in a career in healthcare. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

APPLICATION

Application and information can be found at www.sch.centrahealth. com/csch-medical-careers-campapplication. Application must include two academic references – one from a science teacher and one from a math teacher.

Virginia Baptist Hospital Medical Career Camp Centra’s summer Medical Careers Camp at Virginia Baptist Hospital provides a week of mentored experience for 24 middle school students interested in exploring the exciting world of healthcare careers.

Students have an opportunity to explore the various facets of healthcare and the connection with math and science skills and knowledge. Over the course of a week they will experience hands on activities developed by various departments both from Virginia Baptist Hospital and Lynchburg General Hospital.

DATES

Orientation July 22 July 25-29 COST

$30 registration fee CRITERIA

Must be a rising seventh or eighth grader with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (C average) or greater.

APPLICATION Application and information can be found at www.accessfuture. centrahealth.com/career-camps/ medical-career-camp.

Application must include one academic reference.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

APPLICATION DEADLINE

CONTACT

CONTACT

April 25, 2016

Anne-Latane Schwabe at anne-latane.schwabe @centrahealth.com

April 25, 2016

Lisa Stewart Internship/School Program Coordinator 434.200.6511 lisa.stewart@centrahealth.com

VIRGINIA

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

(Continued from page 32...)

to get an idea of what the actual classwork might look like at that institution.

Also ask about opportunities for your child to sit in on classes in his or her interest areas.

SCAN HERE FOR A FULL LIST

"While researching careers, it’s smart to also check out scholarship and financial aid options.

Together with AP and dual-enrollment classes offered by high schools, considerable savings on tuition await."

“Explore as much as possible so that you know what's out there and what's available,” says Ann Fabrikiewicz, chemistry department chair and health professions advisor at Randolph College in Lynchburg. “Come to a college visit day and make an appointment with someone like me. I sit down with students all the time and show them what it takes to get where they want to go in four years.”

While researching careers, it’s smart to also check out scholarship and financial aid options. Together with AP and dual-enrollment classes offered by high schools, considerable savings on tuition await. In fact, according the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of first-time, full-time, four-year, degree-seeking students receiving some kind of financial aid increased from 80 percent in the 200708 academic year to 85 percent in 2012-13. Research a wide variety of scholarships online via the College Board’s Big Future (www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org) and the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student aid site (www.studentaid.ed.gov).

Students can also explore career options through their schools.

Many high schools offer an introduction to health occupations course or an EMT (emergency medical technician) course, which can give students a taste of what it’s like to work in healthcare on a daily basis. Colleges also might offer exploration opportunities for high schoolers. For example, Liberty University in Lynchburg offers “College for a Weekend” twice a semester for high school juniors and seniors (sophomores are also eligible to attend during their spring semesters), during which students attend college classes, stay in a residence hall with current Liberty University students and tour its campus.

Centra College of Nursing in Lynchburg offers a Healthcare Career Camp for rising high school juniors (24 program spots are available for 2016) that features a weeklong program of exposure to a variety of healthcare careers at Centra Lynchburg Hospital, Centra Allen B. Pearson Hospital and the PACE Center. Students who attend the camp observe the daily work environments of healthcare positions including, but not limited to, hospice care, nursing, cardiovascular and cardiology services and IV therapy.

MAKE HIGH SCHOOL

CURRICULUM COUNT Strength of schedule should be a top high school priority in addition to making good grades. In short: make friends with math. And science.

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

“Biology and chemistry are musts in high school,” says Sharon Walters-Bower, director of admissions at Lynchburg College. For a student interested in a healthcare career, taking as much healthcare science as a student can is important – that includes chemistry, biology, biology 2, anatomy and physiology.”

Most high schools require three years of math for a standard diploma and four for an advanced diploma, and many college health career education programs require four years of both math and science, which includes biology, chemistry and algebra 1 and 2, for acceptance.

Science and math classes encourage critical thinking, and because they are covered on the SAT and ACT, taking these classes all four years of high school keeps skills sharp come exam time.

Students should also focus on developing their command of English, both spoken and written, says Ralph Linstra, dean of Liberty University’s School of Health Sciences.

“These have become dying skills with the advancement of technology but are very important for students in the college application process,” he says.

“The student needs to be prepared for the one-on-one and group interviews with admission counselors and faculty members. A 300-500 word narrative is often required as to why the student wants to be a physician, registered nurse, physical therapist, etc., and he or she may be required to compose this document on site as part of the formal interview day.”

HEALTH

FAIRS & SEMINARS

OTHER HEALTH TRAINING

Centra Health Career Days

American Red Cross

Centra offers Health Careers Day school programs at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital. The program offers an opportunity for middle school students to explore the exciting world of health and medical careers through age appropriate dynamic learning experiences and activities for students, designed in conjunction with the various medical specialties and departments at Centra. Class size is limited to 30 students per group.

Opportunities for training through the American Red Cross are available for teens. They offer a wide range of health and safety classes, such as CPR/ AED and First Aid Training. The Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) is designed to train healthcare professionals, public safety personnel and other professional-level rescuers to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants. This program has a particular focus on healthcare emergency response. Successful completion of the BLS training course includes a twoyear certificate, and can be used for those interested in joining their local volunteer rescue squad.

Check with your local rescue squad for age requirements, and visit www.redcross.org for information about BLS and other training courses in your area. Age requirements vary by course, but most are suitable for teens 15 and older.

•

Availability for programs through the year is limited to one group per month.

•

All requests must be received by Centra 30 days or more in advance of requested date.

•

Class size is limited to 30 students per group.

•

If the activity is cancelled due to weather or transportation issues, due to the nature of healthcare Centra is unable to reschedule the event.

CONTACT

Lisa Stewart Internship Coordinator 434.200.6511 lisa.stewart@centrahealth.com

Red Cross Youth Join the Red Cross Youth – join or start a Red Cross Club in your high school.

There are many volunteer opportunities for teens within the Red Cross, from blood drive services to health & safety preparedness and disaster recovery.

Speak to your guidance counselor to find out if your high school has a Red Cross Club, or visit www.redcrossyouth.org for more information on starting a club in your school.

The great news regarding these subjects is that dual-credit and AP options are plentiful and can not only give students a leg up by strengthening www.OurHealthlbss.com

35

their transcripts, they can also provide valuable experience in college course work. And students earn college credit for these courses, which saves money for tuition later on.

When it comes to entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT, the more high school students take them, the better, says WaltersBower. “Students need to start taking the SAT and the ACT their junior year in high school. They need to take them three times or at least twice, because when a college or university looks at SAT and ACT scores, they calculate something called super score. They take the highest of the sub-scores and create the highest score for a student when considering his or her application.�

WIDEN YOUR SCOPE Ruth Maragni is the director of student affairs at Centra College of Nursing in Lynchburg.

36

Cheryl Cunningham is the radiologic technology program director at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

TO STAND OUT

Becoming an attractive prospect to colleges, especially those on a career path to a healthcare career, is about more than a 4.0 GPA. Colleges seek applicants who can distinguish themselves from the pack by demonstrating their ability to get good

grades while also contributing to the world around them — both from a social consciousness and a time management perspective. Extracurricular activities through school and in the community help to show colleges that a student is thinking about and contributing to more than his or her grade point average but the world at large. The idea is to be well-rounded.

"By broadening his or her scope, your child can become better-rounded while getting some realworld exposure to caregiving situations to help him or her decide if the environment might be a good fit for a future career. There are things high school students should be doing in the community that will help them get a sense of what healthcare is like,” says Ruth Maragni, director of student affairs at Centra College of Nursing.

“They should donate their time — in a soup kitchen, helping hand out meals to the homeless at Thanksgiving, volunteering at a local hospital, going on mission trips to help people in other countries — these things expose them to a lot that they're not going to get through school. It will give them a broader picture of the way people out in the world live. These are the people they're going to be caring for if they go into healthcare.”

REPUTATION

MANAGEMENT MATTERS Finally, on the social side of the equation, students seeking a healthcare career need to be cognizant of their conduct and reputations outside of the classroom. In today’s lightning-fast information age, it’s more important than ever to be aware of what’s circulating on social media and the Internet and how their personal conduct could affect them for years to come.

“Social media, if used inappropriately for any reason, will negatively affect their acceptance into college,” says Cheryl Cunningham, radiologic technology program director at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg. “We look at applicants' past use of social media in high school.”

Because healthcare careers revolve around the handling of people's private health information and the prescription of medications to people in vulnerable states, there are few that don’t require some type of background check and/or drug screening. Therefore, what might seem like a minor or one-time "learning experience" from a developmental point of view (DUI, alcohol or drug-related charges, poor driving record, academic cheating, for example) will come back to haunt them when it comes time to apply to colleges.

HEALTHCARE

VOLUNTEER & MENTORING PROGRAMS Virginia Baptist Hospital Teen Summer Volunteer Program Teens have the opportunity to work in various positions throughout the hospital such as– information desks, discharge, gift shops, nursing units, nutrition services, administration aides, material management and environmental services.

Responsibilities include welcoming and escorting patients and visitors, answering and transferring calls, transporting patients in wheelchairs, delivering patient mail and flowers, aiding VBH administration staff, helping with special projects and answering patient calls bells. Responsibilities are determined by staff needs within the volunteer departments.

Teens will be assigned a specific day, time and unit in which they will volunteer. Those volunteering for more than one shift will be trained in different areas of the hospital.

Placements are done according to the volunteer’s availability and the unit’s needs.

DATES

Orientation June 14, program runs June 15–August 12 CRITERIA

Ages 14 and older. Must commit to 50 hours during the summer. Teens volunteer from 6 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., seven days a week – most shifts are four hours, and teens can volunteer for one to four shifts per week. Volunteers are encouraged to continue volunteering at VBH through the student year round volunteer program.

APPLICATION

Contact Sonia McFarland at Sonia.mcfarland@centrahealth.com Onboarding process includes an interview, school reference, skin tests and picture.

Though the process of discovering and navigating an educational career path into a healthcare field can seem overwhelming www.OurHealthlbss.com

37

HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY STATISTICS

Healthcare occupations and industries are expected to have the fastest employment growth and to add the most jobs between 2014 and 2024, according to a report issued in December, 2015 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to the study, healthcare support occupations and healthcare practitioners and technical occupations are projected to be the two fastest growing occupational groups during this period. These groups are projected to contribute the most new jobs, with a combined increase of 2.3 million in employment representing about one in four new jobs.

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT TOP 10 HEALTHCARE JOBS FOR 2016 These rankings are based on greatest hiring demand, or, in other words, those with the highest projected number of openings from 2014 to 2024, as categorized by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1

ORTHODONTIST

at first, if parents focus on creating a partnership with their children that fosters exploration, research and a drive to do their best right from the start, young people's passions will begin to emerge and click into place along the road to the to a career in healthcare.

WHAT’S NEXT? We hope the information and resources available in this article will help you start your journey to your career in healthcare. Throughout this series, we will provide additional information on each series’ section on our website, www.ourhealthlbss.com.

Look for Part II of the How to in Healthcare series where we will focus on your students plan for undergraduate school.

If you have additional questions that you would like to see highlighted in our series, please reach out to us anytime by email at steve@ourhealthvirginia.com. We are proud to be a resource in your plan for an education in healthcare.

SOURCES American Association of Colleges of Nursing – www.aacn.nche.eud National Center for Education Statistics – www.nces.ed.gov

2

DENTIST

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – www.bls.gov

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NURSE ANESTHETIST

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

4

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

5

NURSE PRACTITIONER

6

PSYCHIATRIST

7

PEDIATRICIAN

8

ANESTHESIOLOGIST

9

OBSTETRICIAN AND GYNECOLOGIST

10

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ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Cheryl Cunningham, radiologic technology program director at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg Ann Fabrikiewicz, chemistry department chair and health professions advisor at Randolph College in Lynchburg Ralph Linstra, dean of Liberty University’s School of Health Sciences Ruth Maragni, director of student affairs at Centra College of Nursing Sharon Walters-Bower, director of admissions at Lynchburg College

ON THE WEB

More at ourhealthlbss.com

Photos courtesy of Randolph College.

2016 Randolph College Science Festival What better way to stimulate healthy minds than through a day exploring and celebrating science! The Eighth Annual Randolph College Science Festival, hosted by the Randolph College Society of Physics students provided something for all ‘scientists’ young and old! What started as a science day for kids in 2005, the event has grown over the years, bringing together presenters and staff from science, humanities and arts departments across the campus. Funded by sponsorships from local companies and individual donations, the festival is an event that the Lynchburg community supports and looks forward to each year! Check out the fun captured at this year's festival!

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

ON THE WEB

More at ourhealthlbss.com

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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New Kitchen New Nutrition New You! words | CYNTHIA BEMENT and TRICIA FOLEY, MS, RD

Part II

of our year long series!

In 2016, our New Kitchen, New Nutrition, New You series puts the focus on helping you get healthier in the kitchen — one ingredient at a time. Each edition of OurHealth will highlight small changes you can make in your food prep and shopping habits that can add up to a major positive impact on your nutrition and health. Our goal is to present you with suggestions you can use and build on that will help you create a healthier kitchen — and life — by year's end.

Spring. It’s that wonderful time of year when blooms burst, the landscape turns green and life seems to offer a fresh, new start. This sense of renewal carries over to our tables — salads and fresh produce are the stuff of al fresco dining dreams. But alas, not all salads have your best nutritional interest at heart. Here, we show you how to take your spring fling with salads to the healthiest level possible by building them right, from the plate up, with healthy swaps from our resident nutritionist that will please your taste buds without foiling your nutrition goals. www.OurHealthlbss.com

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Keep it green A truly healthy green salad starts with lots of — you guessed it — greens. Start by searching out a better salad base by deepening the color of your greens, as we’ve done in our Cobb salad.

Darker Greens: A truly healthy salad starts with lots of greens. Try deepening the color of your greens such as romaine or arugula. The deeper the green, the more nutritional value.

Veggie Love: Look at your vegetable content. Colorful, nonstartchy veggies like peppers and tomatoes add crunch, flavor, and juiciness to your salad. They are also both rich in vitamins C and A.

Watch Toppings: Avoid downgrading the nutritional value of your salad with fatty toppings.

Avoid dried fruits, which can add high concentrations of sugar and calories, and pay attention to the quantity of seeds, nuts and croutons.

“Swapping out the iceberg lettuce for a blend of arugula and romaine lettuce increases the nutrient value of the salad without adding a lot of calories,” says Tricia Foley, OurHealth’s resident nutritionist and a member of the Southwest Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Arugula contains about eight times the calcium; five times the vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K; and four times the iron as the same amount of iceberg lettuce,” Foley says. And substituting romaine for iceberg lettuce brings 10 times more vitamin A to the salad and contains vitamin K that supports bone health and blood clotting.

Capitalize on the crunch After upgrading your base, look to the vegetable content in your salad and add some smart extras for crunch, flavor, texture and juiciness. Colorful, nonstarchy veggies like peppers and tomatoes are great options; according to Foley, both are rich in vitamins C and A and potassium.

For many, the crispy allure of croutons is tough to avoid, but they can load on calories without providing any nutritional value. In our Cobb salad, we’ve swapped these nutritional saboteurs for almonds. “Almonds have polyunsaturated fat that can help raise good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol levels,” says Foley. “Using a small amount will provide a nice crunch without bombarding the salad with calories."

Skip salad sabotage Let’s face it: salad toppings are fun. Along with the aforementioned croutons, most salad bars offer nuts, seeds, dried fruits and cheeses that can spice up a potentially boring salad. Choose these additions wisely, however, to avoid downgrading the nutritional value of your salad. Skip dried fruits, which can add high concentrations of sugar and calories, and pay careful attention to the quantity of seeds and nuts you’re adding so as not to drive up the calorie and fat content, as in our unhealthy version of the Cobb. You don’t have to skip these entirely though.

“Using a garnish is a great way to incorporate color, taste and interest into a salad without overdoing the calorie content. Using a light coating of cheese, for example, does the trick,” says Foley.

One salad garnish that should be managed carefully, says Foley, is avocado. Though they are nutritional all-stars (they’re high in folate, as well as B, C and E vitamins and potassium), avocados are high in monounsaturated fat, which — while great for lowering LDL or bad cholesterol — still comes with a high calorie and fat price tag. “Although avocados are very heart healthy, a small amount can go a long way,” says Foley, noting that one-fifth of an avocado is considered a serving, so use them sparingly in your salad.

WATCH FOR IT IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

Balance it out with (the right) protein While protein is always an important nutrient, when it comes to your salad, the inclusion of protein can often introduce unwelcome fat and calories. Getting the protein right in your salad, both in type and quantity, requires some scrutiny. In our Cobb salad recipe, we substituted grilled chicken for fried chicken. “By simply switching out the fried chicken for grilled, we save on calories from unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates used to coat the chicken,” says Foley.

Healthy Summer Barbeque Tips

When creating your salad, consider all the protein sources you’re using in addition to meat — eggs, seeds, nuts and cheeses all contain protein and will contribute to the total amount you’re getting.

How much is enough protein?

“On average, women should aim for about three to four ounces of protein per portion (21-28 grams) and men four to five ounces (28-35 grams),” Foley says. One egg, one-quarter cup of cheese and 20 almonds each equal one ounce of protein.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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Dress it up right

Protein Punch: It is important to pick the right proteins for your salads. While protein is a very important nutrient, the inclusion of protein can introduce unwelcome fat and calories. Make sure you consider all your protein sources including meat, eggs, seeds, nuts and cheeses.

Dress it Right: Too much fatty dressing can potentially negate the nutritional benefit of a salad.

Try to pour one serving of bottled dressing (as defined on the nutrition label) into a small bowl and use only that much.

In doing this you will become adept at eyeballing a serving size so that when eating out you can use the same amount.

The dressing might be the icing on the cake, but it’s another salad saboteur if you choose the wrong one. Most people know that full-fat and -calorie salad dressings poured on in pool-like quantities will essentially negate the nutritional benefit of a salad, but the kind of dressing you choose (or make) can also play a significant role in the salad’s healthfulness. “This healthy dressing swap has a Greek yogurt base, which is low in fat and rich in protein,” says Foley. “This allows the creamy texture to be enjoyed without all the saturated fat and calories that mayonnaise and sour cream tend to add in traditional cream-based dressings.”

An oil-based dressing is also a wise choice, and Foley’s personal choice is to make her own (use our simple recipe and try it yourself). If you’d like to add spices to your dressing, Foley suggests experimenting with your own blend of dried or fresh herbs instead of buying packet dressing mixes, which can contain hidden sugars and maltodextrin — a common food additive made by partial hydrolysis of starch. Check the labels of low-fat and nonfat versions of your favorite bottled dressings as well because they are often high in sugar. Choose versions that contain no more than four grams of sugar per serving, Foley advises.

Lastly, some vinaigrettes can also lead your salad into the danger zone.

“Vinaigrettes should be used with caution because many of the fruited vinaigrettes are high in sugar and use high fructose corn syrup as an additive,” says Foley. “Look for Greek or Italian vinaigrettes instead.”

The amount of dressing you use, of course, is also a factor. One way to ensure a light hand while still maximizing flavor is to pour some dressing into a small bowl and dip your fork into it before the salad. Another is to pour one serving of bottled dressing (as defined on the nutrition label) into a small bowl and use only that much. You will become adept at eyeballing a serving size so that when eating out — after ordering the dressing on the side — you can use the same amount.

Get restaurant-ready Are salads a sure bet when you eat out? There are no guarantees, and in fact some restaurant salads, by nature of their large portion sizes and ingredients, can equal or surpass the fat and calorie content of a burger and fries meal — and that’s before the dressing is factored in. The key: Plan ahead when possible by checking out the restaurant’s menu and the nutrition information for its salads. At fast food chains, check to see if ingredients like dried cranberries, croutons, seeds and cheeses come in their own packages instead of being premixed into the salad. Foley notes that cheeses like feta, cheddar and blue can add 80-100 calories and 10-plus grams of fat per serving. And while dried fruits hardly seem like salad disaster, they can be. “After reviewing a popular fast food salad, we found that omitting the Craisins saved about 100 calories and 18 grams of sugar,” says Foley.

Armed with our healthy swaps, nutrition-savvy tips and a little planning, you can uphold salad’s good name as a fresh and healthy mealtime option in your new kitchen, new nutrition arsenal — one that you can serve to your family with confidence this spring and year-round.

Check out the Healthy SWAP recipe on the page 49!

Tricia Foley’s

COBB SALAD Tricia Foley is OurHealth Magazine’s resident nutritionist.

Looking for more?

Formore morehealthy healthyrecipes recipeswith with For similaringredients, ingredients,scan scanhere here similar visitour ourwebsite websiteatat ororvisit www.OurHealthlbss.com! www.OurHealthswva.com!

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Healthy Regular Ingredients serves 4

12

ounces fried chicken

16

cups iceberg lettuce

SWAP

Healthier Ingredients serves 4

8

ounces grilled chicken

60 croutons

8

cups romaine lettuce or 8 cups arugula lettuce

20

black olives

¼

cup of slivered almonds

4

boiled eggs, diced

4 boiled farm fresh eggs, diced

½

yellow onion, chopped

16

black olives

1

cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1

red bell pepper, sliced

½

cup bacon bits

1

green bell pepper, sliced

½

cup sunflower seeds

½

yellow onion, chopped

12

cherry tomatoes

¼

cup bacon bits

¼

cup cheddar cheese, grated

¼

avocado-for garnish

Dressing Ingredients 1 avocado 1

tablespoon chives

½

garlic clove

2

tablespoon parsley

Dressing Ingredients

¼

lime, juiced

⅔

cup plain Greek yogurt

2

tablespoon mayonnaise

1

tablespoon olive oil

¼

teaspoon pepper

2

garlic cloves, crushed

1

teaspoon salt

1

tablespoons capers, finely chopped

2

tablespoons white wine vinegar

3

tablespoons freshly grated

½

cup butter milk

Parmesan cheese

1½

tablespoons sour cream

½

lemon, juiced

salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions: Instructions:

Rinse lettuce and chop, then add to a large bowl, add cooked chicken, olives, diced eggs, onion, cheese, bacon bits, seeds and croutons to bowl, toss and set aside.

Rinse lettuce, chop, then add to a large bowl. Add cooked chicken, all vegetables, cheese, bacon bits and almonds, toss

To make the salad dressing first peel avocado and remove seed.

and divide into 4 portions. Garnish each portion with sliver of

Then combine all ingredients into a blender or food processor.

avocado and cheddar cheese, set aside.

Blend until smooth and add to salad. Makes 4 servings.

To make the salad dressing first combine yogurt, oil, garlic,

Nutrients in salad without dressing (per serving):

capers, lemon juice and Parmesan. Then whisk until well

634.5 calories, 39.75 grams fat, 33.75 grams protein

combined; add salt and pepper to your tastes, and whisk again.

Nutrients without dressing (per serving): 313.7 calories, 25.75 grams protein, 12 grams fat

Total nutrients with dressing (per serving):

783.5 calories, 50.15 grams fat and 33.75 grams protein

Total nutrients with dressing (per serving):

VS

388.45 calories, 16.7 grams fat and 32 grams protein www.OurHealthlbss.com

49

S T I B T I F words | DEIDRE

WILKE

WHAT

S

ND TH A HEAL N SS O FITNE O THE G

’S THE

Deidre Wilkes, AFAA, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Deidre is the resident fitness specialist for OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside.

DEAL W

ITH KE

You may have walked by them in the gym, and wondered ‘what the…?’ They look like ‘cannonballs with handles’, and often come in bright colors and different sizes. You ignore them, and continue on to the more familiar looking dumbbells in shapes and sizes you are familiar with.

TTLEBE

LLS?

Those crazy-looking things are kettlebells, and they can add a whole new dimension to your workout!

Believe it or not, the kettlebell was developed in Russia in the 1700s, and was used to measure grains and in downtime, show off strength among men, which started the very early development of kettlebell exercises.

While there is a competitive component to the kettlebell sport (Girevoy Sport), it has more recently become popular in health and fitness centers – in weight rooms as well as group exercise classes.

WHAT MAKES TRAINING WITH KETTLEBELLS UNIQUE? •

The asymmetrical design of the weight makes it uneven and harder to handle. The core muscles (abdominals and lower back) are engaged during the exercises.

•

The idea is to complete total body, functional movements useful for everyday activities. These movements teach the body to work as one unit, improving balance and coordination, along with strength and endurance.

•

Kettlebell exercises burn more calories in less time, since multiple muscle groups are working at the same time.

Ready to give it a try?

Check out these local facilities that offer kettlebell classes and training:

Iron and Grace | 3831 Old Forest Road | Lynchburg | 434.944.8633 | www.ironandgraceva.com The P.E.A.K. at OCCV | 2405 Atherholt Road | Lynchburg | 434.485.8517 | www.occva.com YMCA of Central Virginia | Jamerson and Downtown | Lynchburg| www.ymcacva.org www.OurHealthlbss.com

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54

the 2016 OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside Primary Care Series: an issue-by-issue overview

+++ february

| march

KNOW YOUR CARE: understanding your health and how to maintain it

+++ april

| may

DO YOUR CARE: taking action with your health

PART II

DO YOUR

care words | GERI ASTON

Your health is as unique as you are.

+++ june

setting good examples for others to learn and live by

+++ august

Taking action with your health

It’s shaped by a combination of many factors — age, weight, gender, genetics, environment and lifestyle choices. In your first visit with your primary care provider, the doctor assesses each of these components and develops a care plan specific to you.

| july

SHARE YOUR CARE:

| september

INSPIRE YOUR CARE: keeping creative with fresh care ideas

+++ october

| november

MEASURE YOUR CARE:

You are the person who has to act on that plan. You have to “do your care.”

tracking your efforts to ensure you’re on the right path

This article, the second in a yearlong OurHealth series about primary care, will focus on your part of the patient-physician partnership.

+++

Eating healthy Although you can’t change your age, gender or genetics, you can change the lifestyle choices that affect your health. Diet has an important role in the treatment of many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, kidney failure, hypertension and heart disease.

december

| january

CELEBRATE YOUR CARE:

rejoicing the rewards realized from taking good care of yourself

www.OurHealthlbss.com

When it comes to diet, Verna Guanzon, MD, a primary care physician at Central Virginia Family Physicians Monelison in Madison Heights, Va., looks at the patient as a whole and tailors suggestions to the individual. Her recommendations depend on the patient’s lifestyle, work schedule, body mass index, family history and current health status.

Preventing portion distortion The type of food on your plate is important, but so is the amount. Did you know that portion sizes in America have increased over time? Many restaurants serve oversized portions, sometimes big enough for two people, and food makers package food and drinks in large sizes to sell more of their product. For example, 20 years ago, the typical bagel was 3 inches in diameter and 140 calories. Today’s bagels are often 6 inches and 350 calories.

Dr. Guanzon stresses the importance of staying away from sugary drinks, concentrated sweets and saturated fats. Alcohol should be limited, she adds.

As portions have grown, so have Americans’ waistlines. If you’re trying not to overeat when you’re at a restaurant, how can you tell how much is the right amount when you don’t carry measuring spoons or cups?

“I have patients watch their grocery list and make sure that they do not buy things because ‘the grandkids come over’ or ‘I buy it for my kids,’” Dr. Guanzon says. “I find that it is too easy to give into temptation when it is on the shelf at home.”

It helps to plan healthy meals before going to the grocery store and to shop often enough to have nutritious options on hand.

Dr. Guanzon refers patients to a dietician if they need help in certain areas, or she recommends that they join Weight Watchers, which helps them stick to their diet. Most of the time, she has patients follow up with her in three to six months, so she can monitor their progress.

It turns out you have a portable measuring tool at hand, literally. People can use their hands to estimate serving sizes to avoid overeating at home and at restaurants.

The recommended serving size of meat is roughly the size of your palm.

Limit the butter on toast to a teaspoon, or the size of your fingertip.

A clenched fist is roughly one cup, or a double-serving of ice cream.

Using your hands to estimate serving sizes helps avoid overeating at home and at restaurants.

Get up and go Diet alone isn’t enough to achieve a healthy weight. The other half of the equation is exercise. Many people think of going to the gym when they think exercise. For people who can afford it and are motivated, joining a gym and working with a personal trainer can be a good option.

But for others, a membership is nothing more than a donation to the gym. Going to a health club isn’t for everyone. If that’s the case with you, the most important thing is to find an activity you like to do because you’re more likely to stick with it.

It’s okay to start out small and add time when it gets too easy. In fact sometimes, starting out small is the most healthy approach. Taking up running or an organized sport you haven’t played for years could result in an injury because your muscles aren’t conditioned for it.

Walking is a great alternative. It doesn’t stress the joints and it’s free. A commonly heard goal is 10,000 steps a day, but (Continued on page 59...)

56

HEALTHY OILS

WATER

Use healthy oils such as olive or canola oil. Limit butter and try to avoid trans fat.

Drink water, tea, or coffee with little to no sugar. Avoid sugary drinks.

VEGETABLES

FRUITS

Pile on the veggies, but remember to try to mix it up. The more variety, the better.

Eat plenty of fruit of all different colors.

HEALTHY PROTEIN

WHOLE GRAINS Eat a variety of whole grains such as whole wheat bread and pasta.

Limit refined grains such as white bread and rice.

Choose more fish, poultry, beans and nuts.

Try to limit red meat and cheese. Avoid processed meat such as bacon and lunch meat.

WHAT A HEALTHY MEAL LOOKS LIKE The Healthy Eating Plate, developed by Harvard University, shows people what a healthy meal looks like (illustrated above). The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a similar tool, called MyPlate. To learn more, visit their website at www.choosemyplate.gov.

The American Diabetes Association offers Create Your Plate to help people control their blood sugar. To learn more visit their website at www.diabetes.org.

You can ask your primary care provider whether one of these meal plans or a different one is right for you.

SCAN HERE to view the American Diabetes Association's Create Your Plate.

HONESTY AND ACTION An individualized eating and exercise plan can keep chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol in check without medication or with a lower dose.

Douglas Farrago, MD is a primary care physician with Forest Direct Primary Care in Forest. Dr. Farrago is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Your plan will only be successful if you’re honest with your physician at the outset and as you work toward your goals. Be frank about how much exercise you get, what you eat and what your weaknesses are. If your only exercise is to walk to the mailbox and back, that’s what you should tell your doctor. Truthful information will help your physician determine what your first activity goals should be.

Some patients are very motivated to change their habits, while others find it a struggle. Some patients falter, don’t let their doctor know and give up.

If you have a hard time meeting your goals, your primary care provider would much rather you reach out to them for help than give up. They can offer tips to keep up your momentum when you hit a roadblock.

If you really are unable to change your behavior, you have to be honest about that, too. If you have high cholesterol but keep eating at McDonalds, a cholesterol-lowering statin drug might be your best choice.

Verna Guanzon, MD is a primary care physician with Central Virginia Family Physicians - Monelison in Madison Heights. Dr. Guanzon is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

58

When you’re exercising and changing your eating habits because of a chronic illness, your doctor will make plans for follow-up visits. It’s important to keep those appointments so your physician can make sure your plan is working and make needed changes if it’s not.

If it’s possible, make your next appointment before you leave your primary care provider's office. That way, your follow-up slip visit won't fall through the cracks.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

(Continued from page 56...)

that’s not an official government health recommendation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says typical adults should get two hours and 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity — such as brisk walking — every week, and they should perform muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.

A fitness tool — be it a FitBit, a smart phone app or a pedometer — can help you to measure how far you’re walking and to gauge your progress as you work toward reaching your goal over time.

Obese people have to take special care when starting their physicianrecommended exercise routine because the extra weight puts pressure on their joints. Exercising in a pool is often the best option because it’s easier on the joints.

People who don’t like water or are shy about putting on a bathing suit can still safely add to their activities. Even getting up and moving about during TV breaks helps. You can gradually add more activity as time goes on.

Mental health Almost everyone experiences times in their life when they’re anxious or depressed. It’s important to let your primary care provider know when it happens to you. Your physician can help you determine whether your feelings are normal or a sign of a mental health problem.

If you are having a mental health problem, your doctor will likely refer you to a counselor who can help you work through it. Counselors also teach coping skills that you can use through your life.

Overweight patients who are unable to change their eating habits often can benefit from counseling that helps them figure out what is blocking them from healthy eating.

Vaccines aren’t just for kids Most people remember getting vaccine shots when they were kids. You might even have your old vaccine booklet from when you were a child. But the need for immunization doesn’t end with childhood.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get an annual flu vaccine, periodic booster shots for some diseases and a pneumonia vaccination at age 65. Most adults who are 49 and younger can get the flu vaccine in a nasal mist instead of a shot.

It’s important to find a counselor who isright for you.

Ask you doctor for a referral list and then call a few counselors on list, explain the basics of your issue, and decide whether that person will be a good fit for you based on your conversation.

In many communities there aren’t enough counselors to meet demand, so you might experience a wait for an appointment. That’s why it’s important to call counselors without delay.

Exercise also helps to relieve mental health problems.

Sunshine and exercise boost the level of serotonin — a chemical produced by your body that is important for brain function.

Yoga can be a particularly good exercise option. The typical yoga studio has lessons for beginners, and staff members can help you decide what type of yoga is best for you. For adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, to meditative yoga can give them a tool besides medication that they can use to cope with stress.

Sometimes counseling and exercise aren’t enough, and medication is needed. Primary care doctors handle prescribing for common mental health problems. For serious mental health disorders, the doctor will usually refer the patient to a psychiatrist.

Most mental health medications take up to six weeks to take full effect. The doctor will typically schedule a follow-up appointment a month or two after prescribing the medication to make sure it’s working.

Take your meds By some estimates, more than half of all prescription drugs either aren’t taken at all or aren’t taken according to the doctor’s instructions. The result is that a lot of people are in poorer health than they should be, and some even die.

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OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside on Social Media!

There are lots of reasons why people don’t take medicine. People don’t understand what it does to treat their condition or they don’t understand the doctor’s instructions. Sometimes people can’t afford their prescription medication or the drug causes an unpleasant side effect.

Regardless of the reason, your primary care doctor wants to know if you’re not taking your medication, why you're not taking it and if you’re confused about how to take it.

Tell them right away. They don’t want you to wait until your condition gets worse to find out there is a problem with your medication.

(Continued on page 62...)

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

MENTAL HEALTH: KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS Trying to tell the difference between normal feelings, especially in times of stress or loss, and what might be signs of a mental illness can be hard. Tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of these common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents.

•

Excessive worrying or fear.

•

Feeling excessively sad or low.

•

Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning.

•

Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria.

•

Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger.

•

Avoiding friends and social activities.

•

Difficulties understanding or relating to other people.

•

Changes in sleep habits or feeling tired and low energy.

•

Changes in eating habits, such as increased hunger or lack of appetite.

•

Changes in sex drive.

•

Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don't exist in objective reality).

•

Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality.

•

Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs.

•

Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing aches and pains).

•

Thinking about suicide.

•

Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress.

•

An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance (mostly in adolescents).

Credit: National Alliance on Mental Illness

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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(Continued from page 60...)

If a medication is too expensive, your doctor often might be able to prescribe a less-expensive option.

Some pharmaceutical makers offer free or discounted drug programs.

How to be "Medicine Smart" Patient who understand their medications are more likely to take them. Here are 10 questions you can ask your doctor or nurse to get the information you need to use medicines appropriately.

If you’re experiencing side effects, your doctor can find a different drug that will work better for you. If you hear a troubling rumor about the medication, your doctor or nurse can talk it over with you.

Physicians can’t help if they don’t know there is a problem.

Sources

1. What is the name of the medicine and what is it for? Is this the brand name or the generic name?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov National Alliance on Mental Health – www.nami.org

2. Is a generic version of this medicine available?

National Council on Patient Information and Education www.talkaboutrx.org

3. How and when do I take it — and for how long?

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute www.nhlbi.nih.gov

4. What foods, drinks, other medicines, dietary supplements or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Expert Contributors Douglas Farrago, MD, with Forest Direct Primary Care in Forest Verna Guanzon, MD, with Central Virginia Family Physicians - Monelison in Madison Heights

5. When should I expect the medicine to begin to work, and how will I know if it is working? Are there any laboratory tests required with this medicine?

ON THE WEB

More at ourhealthlbss.com

6. Are there any side effects, what are they, and what do I do if they occur?

7. Will this medicine work safely with the other prescription and nonprescription medicines I am taking? Will it work safely with any dietary or herbal supplements I am taking?

8. Do I need to get a refill? When?

9. How should I store this medicine?

read this edition of

10. Is there any written information available about the medicine?

on your tablet or smartphone

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63

RECOGNIZING ALL

HEALTHCARE WORKERS THIS MONTH AND ALL YEAR LONG words | RICH ELLIS

Caring for people is a never-ending commitment. Illness and accidents never take a day off, they don’t recognize national holidays or weekends, they occur around the clock, and they affect everyone at some time or another. And even as these individual healthcare crises unfold and are managed, attention and work elsewhere is focused simultaneously on promoting and protecting patients’ good health through education and prevention, and on medical research.

Simply put, healthcare never stops, because it can’t. Delivering it is a heavy responsibility, and one that falls squarely on the shoulders of a select group of people healthcare professionals.

These committed individuals knowing full well the challenges, risks, hours, sacrifices, highs and lows inherent in caring for others still choose to perform this work so that others have a chance to live a better life through improved health.

To try and begin to thank and recognize these professionals for their dedication, sacrifices and commitment, many national recognition days have been established over the years to honor specific healthcare professions from National IV Nurse Day to National Dental Assistants Recognition Week to National Doctors’ Day. While one day isn’t enough to say “thank you,” it’s a start. So to help you keep track of all the various healthcare related recognition days and weeks that occur throughout the year so you can recognize the professionals in your life, OurHealth put together this healthcare appreciation calendar listing all the various observances.

USE IT WELL, AND THANK A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL EVERY DAY.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

65

APRIL Month of

APRIL

Humor Month

Throughout the month of April, we honor those who make us laugh. Therapeutic humor promotes health and wellness by stimulating a playful discovery, expression or appreciation of the absurdity or incongruity of life’s situations.

For more information, visit Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor at www.aath.org or National Humor Month at www.humormonth.com.

APR 10-16

Volunteer Week

Established by President Richard Nixon, National Volunteer Week recognizes and celebrates the efforts of volunteers. Every April, charities, hospitals, and communities recognize volunteers and foster a culture of service.

APR

20

The International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS) is committed to creating opportunities to celebrate the thoughtful and compassionate care of transplant nurses and the ways they impact patients’ lives.

For more information, visit ITNS at www.itns.org.

APR 24-30

11–15

For more information, visit the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science at www.ascls.org.

National Cancer Registrars Week was established as an annual celebration to promote the work of cancer registry professionals. Founded by the (NCRA), it is celebrated the second week in April.

For more information, visit the National Cancer Registrars Association at www.ncra-usa.org.

APR

12

Radiologic and Imaging Nurses Day

This day recognizes the work of those working in the specialty practice of radiologic and imaging nursing.

For more information, visit the Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nursing at www.arinursing.org.

APR 17-23

Neurodiagnostic Week

Neurodiagnostic Week, honors and celebrates the contributions of neurodiagnostic professionals throughout the country.

MAY MAY

Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month

The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), along with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), honors critical care professionals this month for their speedy and dedicated work.

For more information, visit the Society of Critical Care Medicine at www.sccm.org.

Month of

MAY

Oncology Nursing Month

Oncology nurses throughout the country are honored this month for not only their clinical and technical expertise, but for helping people through some of the most trying times of their lives.

For more information, visit the Oncology Nursing Society at www.ons.org.

For more information, visit ASET – The Neurodiagnostic Society at www.aset.org.

66

MAY 6-12

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Nurses Week

Held annually since 1820, National Nurses Week celebrates the role nurses play in delivering high quality care to patients around the world.

For more information, visit the American Nurses Association at www.nursingworld.org/nationalnursesweek.

MAY 8-14

Hospital Week

National Hospital Week, the nation’s largest healthcare event, celebrates hospitals and health systems and the men and women who support the health of their communities.

For more information, visit the American Hospital Association at www.aha.org/hospitalweek.

MAY 8-14

Month of Cancer Registrars Week

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week

National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week celebrates medical laboratory professionals and pathologists working behind the scenes. This week we honor these medical laboratory professionals around the country who perform and interpret more than 10 billion laboratory tests in the United States each year.

For more information, visit the Association for Healthcare Volunteer Resources Professionals at www.ahvrp.org.

APR

Transplant Nurses Day

Nursing Home Week

Skilled nursing, post-acute, and other care settings use National Nursing Home Week as a time to recognize staff for their dedication to caring for seniors and persons with disabilities.

For more information, visit the American Health Care Association at www.nnhw.org.

MAY

11

School Nurse Day

On National School Nurse Day we celebrate our local school nurses! The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) applauds the contributions school nurses make every day to improve the safety, health, and academic success of our students.

For more information, visit NASN at www.nasn.org.

MAY 15-21

Medical Transcriptionist Week

National Medical Transcriptionist Week is a week-long event to recognize the contributions healthcare documentation specialists make in helping to ensure complete and accurate patient health records.

For more information, visit the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity at www.ahdionline.org.

MAY 15-21

Neuroscience Nurses Week

Neuroscience Nurses Week celebrates the work of neuroscience nurses everywhere.

For more information, visit the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) at www.aann.org.

JUNE JUN

7

Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day

National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day, which always falls on the first Tuesday in June celebrates the contribution healthcare recruiters make to their organizations every day.

For more information visit the National Associations for Health Care Recruitment at www.nahcr.com.

JUN 9-16

Nursing Assistants Week

Nursing Assistants Week begins on Career Nursing Assistants Day, June 9, to recognize nursing assistants and other direct-care workers who provide daily care in nursing homes, home care, and other long-term care settings.

For more information visit the Career Nursing Assistants website at www.cna-network.org

JULY Month of

JULY

UV Safety Awareness Month

In support of UV Safety Month this July, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds the public of the importance of shielding eyes from the sun's harmful rays with 100 percent UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats. Make a point to recognize your eye care provider this month.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology at www.aao.org.

AUGUST AUG 14-20

Health Center Week

This week in August, we recognize the service and contributions of community, migrant, homeless, and public housing health centers in providing access to affordable, high-quality, cost effective healthcare to medically vulnerable and underserved people.

For more information, visit the National Association of Community Health Centers at www.healthcenterweek.org.

APR

23

Health Unit Coordinator Day

August 23 we celebrate health unit coordinators who serve as the hub of activity in critical care units, emergency departments, inpatient units and outpatient services.

For more information, visit the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators (NAHUC) at www.nahuc.org.

SEPTEMBER SEP 11-17

Healthcare Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week

This week is designed to recognize and elevate healthcare environmental services staff for the critical and often unrecognized role of environmental services in quality outcomes.

For more information, visit the Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE) at www.ahe.org.

SEP 11-17

Nephrology Nurses Week

Nephrology Nurses Week honors the dedicated nephrology nurses who care for patients with kidney disease.

For more information, visit the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association at www.annanurse.org.

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

11-17

Vascular Nurses Week

Vascular Nursing Week celebrates vascular nurses who focus on the care of persons living with vascular disease.

For more information, visit the Society for Vascular Nursing at www.svnnet.org.

SEP

15

Neonatal Nurses Day

National Neonatal Nurses Day is celebrated every September 15 by honoring the members of the neonatal community and their care for the littlest of patients.

For more information, visit the National Association of Neonatal Nurses at www.nann.org.

SEP 18-24

Nursing Professional Development Week

Nursing Professional Development Week celebrates nursing professional development specialists and their profession of engaging nurses in the lifelong learning and development of their healthcare career goals.

For more information, the Association for Nursing Professional Development at www.anpd.org.

SEP 18-24

Surgical Technologist Week

The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) offers national recognition through National Surgical Technologist Week, a week that has been designated to celebrate and honor the professions.

For more information, visit AST at www.ast.org.

OCTOBER Month of

OCTOBER

Medical Librarians Month

The Medical Library Association (MLA) created the National Medical Librarians Month observance to raise awareness of the important role of the health sciences information professional.

For more information, visit the MLA at www.mlanet.org. www.OurHealthlbss.com

69

Month of

OCTOBER

Pharmacists Month

OCT 2-8

Midwifery Week

American Pharmacists Month is a time to recognize pharmacists for the vital contributions they make as medication experts and as an integral part of the healthcare team.

National Midwifery Week is a time to celebrate midwives’ contributions to women’s healthcare, including pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health.

For more information, visit the American Pharmacists Association at www.pharmacist.com.

For more information, visit the American College of Nurse-Midwives at www.midwife.com.

Month of

OCTOBER

Physical Therapy Month

National Physical Therapy Month is hosted by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) each October to recognize how physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can transform people’s lives by restoring and improving motion.

For more information, visit APTA at www.moveforwardpt.com.

OCT 2-8

Gerontological Nursing Week

This week honors the specialty practice of gerontological nursing dedicated to the clinical care of older adults across diverse care settings.

For more information, visit the National Gerontological Nursing Association at www.ngna.org.

OCT 2-8

Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week

This week, we recognize the integral role of foodservice staff in helping employees and patients of healthcare facilities stay well-nourished and healthy. This week is an excellent opportunity to recognize and thank the dedicated individuals who provide food and nutrition services in healthcare.

For more information, visit the Association for Healthcare Foodservice at www.healthcarefoodservice.org.

OCT 2-8

Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Week

For more information, visit the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging at www.snmmi.org.

6-12

Physician Assistants Week

National Physician Assistants Week is intended to celebrate and recognize over 100,000 certified physician assistants in the United States.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Physician Assistants at www.aapa.org.

OCT 9-15

Case Management Week

National Case Management Week, held annually during the second full week of October, is an opportunity to recognize the contributions and value of case management within the healthcare delivery system.

For more information, visit the American Case Management Association at www.acmaweb.org.

OCT 9-15

9-15

Central Service Week

With the dedication of central service professionals, healthcare customers can count on clean and sterile instruments being delivered consistently and on time.

For more information, visit the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management at www.iahcsmm.org.

Emergency Nurses Week

Emergency Nurses Week is a national celebration of the dedicated nursing professionals who stand ready to care for those people most in need.

For more information, visit the Emergency Nurses Association at www.ena.org.

OCT

Celebrated during the first full week of October, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Week encourages recognition of those members of the nuclear medicine specialty for their hard work.

OCT

OCT

9-15

Healthcare Security and Safety Week

In conjunction with Healthcare Security and Safety Officer Appreciation Day on October 12, this week celebrate the role of security and safety professionals that provide healthcare facilities, personnel, patients, and visitors a secure environment.

For more information, visit the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety at www.iahss.org.

OCT 10-15

Dialysis Technician Recognition Week

This week-long event is celebrated to increase awareness of nephrology professionals involved in patient care, dialyzer reuse, equipment maintenance, kidney transplantation, and administrative areas. The celebration recognizes the contributions dialysis professionals make to the healthcare field and to their patients’ quality of life.

For more information, visit the National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists at www.dialysistech.net.

OCT 17-21

Medical Assistants Recognition Week

Medical Assistants Recognition Day falls on October 19, but celebrate these professionals and their vital role, contributions, and efforts in healthcare all week long.

For more information, visit the American Association of Medical Assistants at www.aama-ntl.org.

OCT

23-29

Healthcare Facility and Engineering Week

This week recognize the important role that the healthcare facility team plays in ensuring safe and functional environments for patients, visitors, and staff.

For more information, visit the American Society for Healthcare Engineering at www.ashe.org.

OCT

23-29

Pastoral Care Week

Pastoral Care Week gives us the opportunity to recognize the pastoral and spiritual care given through professional chaplaincy and pastoral counseling.

Regardless of spiritual, religious, or cultural background, Pastoral Care Week celebrates those who provide spiritual support to others.

For more information, visit Pastoral Care Week at www.pastoralcareweek.org.

NOVEMBER Month of

NOVEMBER

Family Caregivers Month

Caregiver Action Network (CAN) formerly known as National Family Caregivers Association, set aside a week of the year to promote appreciation for family caregivers.

Because of the massive interest in family caregivers, National Family Caregivers Week turned into a month-long event celebrated every November.

For more information, visit the Caregiver Action Network at www.caregiveraction.org.

Month of

NOVEMBER

Home Care and Hospice Month

During November the home care and hospice community honor the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who make a difference for the patients and families they serve.

For more information, visit the National Association for Home Care &Hospice at www.nahc.org.

NOV 1-7

Medical-Surgical Nurses Week

This week honors the medical-surgical nurses who make a difference in the lives of patients every day. Take time during this week to recognize the amazing nurses who practice in this specialty.

For more information, visit the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses at www.amsn.org.

NOV 1-7

Patient Transportation Week

The National Association of Healthcare Transportation Management (NAHTM) members recognize that the key to timely and caring patient transportation is the staff that provides patient transportation.

For more information, visit NAHTM at www.nahtm.org.

NOV 1-7

Urology Nurses and Associates Week

Urology Nurses and Associates Week celebrates urologic healthcare professionals and their care for patients through guidance and treatment for a variety of urologic diseases and concerns.

For more information, visit the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates at www.suna.org.

NOV 6-12

Allied Health Professions Week

Allied Health Professions Week honors the three million healthcare providers working in more than 80 allied health professions.

Allied health practitioners greatly influence healthcare delivery by supporting, facilitating, and complementing the roles of physicians and other healthcare specialists.

NOV 6-12

National Radiologic Technology Week is celebrated annually to recognize the vital work of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals across the nation. The celebration takes place each November to commemorate the anniversary of Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen’s discovery of the x-ray on November 8, 1895.

6-12

Medical Staff Services Awareness Week

12-18

DECEMBER DEC 4-10

Flu Vaccination Week

This week we recognize all of our flu vaccination partners and highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond.

For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

2017

JANUARY JAN

25

IV Nurse Day

Every year since 1981, National IV Nurse Day has honored the commitment shown and the outstanding patient care practiced by infusion nurse professionals.

For more information, visit the Infusion Nurses Society at www.ins1.org.

2017

FEBRUARY FEB 6-12

PeriAnesthesia Nurse Awareness Week

This week recognizes and celebrates our nation’s 60,000+ perianesthesia nurses who work in preanesthesia and postanesthesia care, outpatient surgery, and pain management settings, and care for patients before and after surgery.

For more information, visit the NAMSS at www.namss.org.

For more information, visit the American Society for PeriAnesthesia Nurses at www.aspan.org.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Cardiovascular Professionals Week

This week celebrates the work of cardiovascular professionals and the support they provide to improve patient care.

For more information, visit the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals at www.acp-online.org.

2017

MARCH Month of

The National Association of Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) has partnered with hospitals, managed care organizations, doctors’ offices, university health systems, and government agencies to honor medical services professionals.

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FEB

For more information, visit the American Society of Radiologic Technologists at www.asrt.org.

For more information, visit the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions at www.asahp.org.

NOV

Radiologic Technology Week

MARCH

Athletic Training Month

Recognizing all athletic trainers— healthcare professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses.

For more information, visit the National Athletic Trainers’ Association at www.nata.org.

Month of

MARCH

Professional Social Work Month

This month celebrates medical and public health social workers who provide psychosocial support.They also advise caregivers and help plan for patients’ needs after discharge from hospitals.

Social workers may work for hospitals, nursing and personal care facilities, individual and family services agencies, or local governments.

For more information, visit the National Association of Social Workers at www.socialworkers.org.

MAR 5-11

Dental Assistants Recognition Week

Dental Assistants Recognition Week recognizes this versatile, multitalented member of the dental team, who contributes to quality dental care.

For more information, visit the American Dental Assistants Association at www.adaausa.org.

MAR

8

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day recognizes registered dietitian nutritionists as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

For more information, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

MAR 11-18

Health Care HR Week

Health Care HR Week recognizes human resources professionals in hospitals and other organizations across the nation for their efforts in workforce compensation and benefits, employee relations, healthcare reform, and wellness.

For more information, visit the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration at www.ashhra.org.

MAR

19

Certified Nurses Day

Certified Nurses Day honors nurses who contribute to better patient outcomes through national board certification.

Today we recognize nurses who earn and maintain the highest credentials in their specialty.

For more information, visit the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.certifiednursesday.org.

MAR

30

Doctors' Day

On this national day of celebration, we recognize the essential role that physicians serve in all of our daily lives and thank them for their contribution to our public health.

For more information, visit the American Board of Physician Specialties at www.abpsus.org.

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