Healthy Happenings Winter 2018/19

Healthy

HAPPENINGS THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF

The Right Steps

Choosing an orthopedic surgeon

Slipping into Winter

Staying safe as temperatures drop

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

NPs provide excellent care to a variety of patients WINTER 2018/19

The Right Steps How to choose the best orthopedic surgeon for you If you need a major surgical procedure on your musculoskeletal system, it’s essential to find the best medical professional for the job.

Orthopedic surgeons perform surgery to correct problems with the joints and bones. They can help heal shoulder, hand, joint or knee injuries caused by a variety of injuries or accidents.

The stakes of surgery can be high, and an orthopedic surgeon’s job requires a lot of skill and specialized training. It’s vital that you select a surgeon who’s experienced in

performing the type of surgery you need.

Recovering from any surgery takes time and patience. But before you start, do some research and learn all you can about the orthopedic surgeons in your region.

Follow these tips to help you find the right surgeon:

Recommendations

Your doctor is the best resource for finding a medical professional who can handle your case effectively.

Your primary care physician can

refer you to orthopedic surgeons; ask your physician for the names of some that specialize in the type of surgery you will need. Other medical professionals in the practice might also be able to refer you. It is important that you find a surgeon who specializes in what you need.

Request information about the surgeon’s background, where they attended medical school and where they did their residency.

Many orthopedic specialists become experts at performing one or two types of procedures. Keep in mind that the more experience they have with cases like yours, the more likely you will have a good outcome after the procedure.

Philosophy

Qualified doctors don’t often share the same philosophy when it comes to medical treatment.

Some surgeons prefer having patients try other options - such as physical therapy, dietary or lifestyle changes - before performing surgery.

Others think it is wiser to do surgery before a problem gets worse.

At your initial consultation with an orthopedic surgeon, try to understand their medical philosophy. Think about whether it matches your expectations.

The surgeon should make you feel comfortable and confident.

A good bedside manner, with excellent knowledge, experience and communication, will make you feel more relaxed about your health care decisions.

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HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

Comprehensive Care

The best surgeons help you with preparation and recovery from your medical treatment. They do more than just perform an actual procedure.

They will take the time to answer all your questions patiently and offer practical suggestions to help you hasten your recovery. As well, the doctor will look at your lifestyle to help you become healthier. They will not simply fix your broken or painful body part. Changing your lifestyle and taking better care of yourself may lessen the need for surgery in the future.

For more information on joint replacement, orthopedic surgery, physical therapy and more, visit FauquierHealth.org

Looking for a surgeon, specialist or primary care provider?

Check out the ‘Find a Provider’ feature on FauquierHealth.org

New Technique for Multimodal Pain Management Reduces Pain Orthopedic surgeon James Ramser, MD, explains that a new protocol he has implemented “has been a game changer.

Total knee replacement patients rarely report pain greater than three out of 10, and total hip patients have less pain than that. Total hip patients can generally go home the day after surgery and total knee patients generally go home after two days.”

Dr. Ramser explains that during surgery, several perioperative medications are James Ramser, MD given to block the pain at multiple points Orthopedic Surgeon along the nerve/pain pathway in the body. This requires meticulous injection of the surgical wound and surrounding nerves with a mixture of numbing agents, in addition to the use of preoperative medications.

Dr. Ramser adds, “This greatly reduces the amount of narcotics required, and results in much better pain control with markedly decreased side effects (drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation).

Patients generally feel very well the morning after surgery.”

Fauquier Hospital is an accredited Center of Excellence for Joint Replacement

by The Joint Commission

There is also emphasis on walking as soon as possible, which prevents pain due to spasm. “In my opinion, better pain control has been the greatest advance in joint replacement in the last five years.”

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Taking Winter in Stride Staying safe as the temperature drops

Our area has already had some snow and frozen precipitation this year, and as winter progresses we’ll likely get more.

It’s time to start thinking about cold weather safety. Winter means frozen ground and slippery ice, and slips and falls can be dangerous and costly. Be careful out there!

Some tips to avoid slipping and falling this winter: • Walk slowly and deliberately and wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear.

• Walk as flat footed as possible with slow, short steps on slick ground.

• Avoid uneven surfaces. Walk only on cleared, maintained paths.

• Watch for black ice after melting has occurred and the temperature drops again.

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HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

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Be careful when getting in and out of vehicles. Hold on to the vehicle for support.

Avoid carrying items. Keep hands empty so arms are free to move for stabilization. Do not walk with your hands in your pockets.

Avoid using your cell phone while walking so you don’t become distracted and to keep your hands free.

Tap your foot on potentially slippery surfaces before stepping on them to ascertain if they are slick or not.

Shovel and salt your walkways/ driveways properly and carefully to maintain good traction for pedestrians.

Exercise caution even indoors.

Caked snow and ice on shoe

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soles can be very slippery.

Similarly, slush and melted ice in entryways can also be slick.

In addition to slippery conditions, snowfall means shoveling - and an increased risk of injury.

The National Safety Council suggests the following tips to shovel safely: • Do not shovel immediately after eating.

• Take it slow and stretch out before you begin.

• Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter.

• Push the snow rather than lifting it.

• If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel.

• Lift with your legs, not your back.

• Do not work to the point of exhaustion.

Fight the Flu in 3 Steps 1. Take time to get a flu vaccine 2. Take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs 3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common.

To prevent the spread of germs, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcoholbased hand rub. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines and are not available over-the-counter. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. For people with high risk factors, treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.

Visit the CDC website (www.cdc.gov) for more information.

WHAT IS A Nurse Practitioner?

The nurse practitioner (NP) career field is booming.

NPs are clinicians who treat various health issues while focusing on disease prevention, health management and patient education.

Patients report a high level of satisfaction with the treatment they receive from NPs - in fact, patients who regularly see NPs have fewer emergency room visits and shorter hospital stays, which means lower out-of-pocket costs. It’s only after a master’s or doctoral degree program that a registered nurse can become a NP. Following that, there’s advanced clinical training, along with national certification, periodic peer review and evaluations.

All told, at least six years of academic and clinical preparation are required. Many NPs also do research or participate in health care forums to keep their knowledge up-to-date.

This year, Americans will make more than 916 million visits to nurse practitioners. Like physicians, they: • Evaluate patients • Order tests • Diagnose conditions • Create and manage treatment plans • Write prescriptions

Kelsey Cooper, NP

Allison Wescott, NP

Piedmont Internal Medicine

Family Practice at Bealeton

By emphasizing the well-being of the whole person and offering counseling on making good choices - NPs and their holistic approach are a critical component of keeping Americans as healthy as possible. As baby boomers age and the need for health professionals grows, that focus on health education and disease prevention will only increase in importance.

More than 80 percent of NPs are in primary care programs, so you’re more likely to see an NP in a general family practice setting than in a specialty, such as oncology or dermatology - although you’ll find them there, too. In 21 states, NPs can practice independently, while they work under the general supervision of physicians in other states. In either case, they are qualified to prescribe medications and perform the same routine tasks a doctor would.

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Preventative Care Guide A List of Recommended Screenings

Ages 40-49

Ages 50-64

Every 1-3 years after 25

Yearly

Yearly

Yearly

* Pap Smear

Every three years

Every three years

Every three years

Based on history

* Pelvic Exam

Yearly after 21

Yearly

Yearly

Yearly

* Mammogram

Based on family history

Yearly at age 40

Yearly

Yearly

* Osteoporosis

-

-

-

Follow-up based on baseline testing.

** Testicular Exam

Yearly

Yearly

Yearly

Yearly

** Prostate Exam

-

Based on risk factors and family history.

Based on recommendation

Based on recommendation

**** Colon cancer

-

Based on family history

Every 10 years

Every 10 years

Every five years

Every five years

Every five years

Every five years

-

Beginning at 40, depending on risk

Based on risk

Based on risk

**** HIV Infection

Offered yearly based on risk

Offered yearly based on risk

Offered yearly based on risk

-

**** Hepatitis C

Based on risk

Based on risk

Based on risk

Based on risk

***** Skin Cancer

Based on risk

Offered yearly based on risk

Offered yearly based on risk

Offered yearly based on risk

Yearly (for high risk)

Yearly (for high risk)

SCREENING

MEN

WOMEN

* Clinical Breast Exam

EVERYONE

*** Cholesterol **** Diabetes

Ages 18-39

**** Lung Cancer * American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists **American Cancer Society ***American Heart Association

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6 HEALTHY HAPPENINGS HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

**** US Preventative Services Task Force ***** American Academy of Dermatologists

Ages 65+

Classes & EVENTS Most classes and lectures are free of cost but still require registration; please visit the Events & Education page at FauquierHealth.org to register, unless otherwise indicated.

Healthy Lifestyles American Red Cross Blood Drive January 21, February 8, March 5, April 26 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sycamore Room Visit redcross.org to register

Junior Chef Program $45 equipment and ingredients fee For ages 10 to 18 Fauquier Hospital Bistro on the Hill

Visit FauquierHealth.org/events-education for information/ registration

Support Groups Addiction Recovery Support Group Tuesdays 7 p.m.

Chestnut Room Call 540-935-8148 to register Alzheimer’s and Dementia-Related Illnesses Support Group Fourth Wednesday of the month 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Villa at Suffield Meadows Call 540-316-3800 to register Bereavement Support Group First and third Mondays of the month 1 p.m.

Chestnut Room Call 703-957-1800 to register Beyond Addicition Support Group Third Friday of the month 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Chestnut Room Call 540-364-0065 to register BLUE CREW Prostate Support Group Second Wednesday of the month 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Chestnut Room Call 540-316-2273 to register Breastfeeding Support Group Mondays 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Family Birthing Center

Families Overcoming Drug Addiction (F.O.D.A.) First and Third Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m.

Chestnut Room Call 540-316-9221 to register Lyme Disease Support Group Third Thursday of the month 7 p.m.

Call 540-341-8245 to register NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Connections- Individuals Living with Mental Challenges Third Monday of the month 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sycamore Room Call 540-347-9104 to register NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Piedmont Family Support Meeting Third Monday of the month 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sycamore Room Call 540-347-9104 to register Stroke Support Group First Wednesday of the month Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Chestnut Room

For Parents Baby Care Essentials Family Birthing Center

Visit FauquierHealth.org/events-education for information/ registration

Breastfeeding Made Simple Family Birthing Center

Visit FauquierHealth.org/events-education for information/ registration

Your Childbirth Experience Family Birthing Center

Visit FauquierHealth.org/events-education for information/ registration

CREW (Cancer Resources, Education and Wellness) Second Monday of the month 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Chestnut Room Call 540-316-2273 to register

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PPCO

Published quarterly by

500 Hospital Drive Warrenton, VA 20186 Will Thomas Director of Marketing Chad Melton President/CEO For more information on Fauquier Health services, call (540) 316-DOCS

Stay

IN TOUCH Fauquier Hospital 540-316-5000

Patient Scheduling 540-316-5800 or 866-341-0845 Physician Referral 540-316-DOCS (3627) or 800-322-7500 Program Registration 540-316-3588 Family Birthing Center 540-316-4000 Home Care Shop 540-316-4437

Medical Imaging 540-316-2670 (Warrenton Professional Bldg.)

540-316-4500 (Fauquier Hospital) Outpatient Registration 540-316-5819 Patient Accounts 540-316-2970 Patient Information 540-316-INFO (4636) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 540-316-2680 Fauquier Health Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (FHRNC) 540-316-5500

Sleep Center 540-316-2660 The Villa at Suffield Meadows 540-316-3800 Volunteer Services 540-316-2910 Wellness Center 540-316-2640 Wound Healing Center 540-316-HEAL (4325)