In Pulse April/May 2018

IN PULSE Vol. 39 No. 8 | News from Waldo County General Hospital | April/May 2018

Waldo County General Hospital Welcomes OB/GYN to Medical Staff Waldo County General Hospital (WCGH) is pleased to announce the arrival of Bruce Lastra, DO to the Women’s Health practice. Dr. Lastra comes to WCGH from Bridgton OB/GYN, a Central Maine Healthcare practice in Bridgton, Maine. A graduate of the University Of New England College Of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Lastra brings 23 years of OB/GYN experience to the Midcoast.

From annual check-ups to minimally invasive surgical procedures, Dr. Lastra joins a vibrant practice, highly specialized in the diagnosis, care and treatment of women’s health issues, from pre-adolescence into the mature years.

Dr. Lastra is now accepting new patients in his Belfast office.

Please call 505-4332 to schedule an appointment today.

Healthy & Well Women’s Conference 2018

Date: Time: Location: Cost: Register:

Saturday, May 19 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Point Lookout Resort and Conference Center, Northport $25 pre-registration/$35 day-of registration www.journeytohealth.coursestorm.com

Join us for the second annual Healthy & Well Women’s Conference featuring keynote speaker Kate McAleer from Bixby & Co. This year’s conference will focus on empowering women to take charge of all aspects of their wellness, from nutrition to finances. Join us for a full day of education and exploration. You will leave with new connections, confidence and a renewed commitment to your personal growth. Lunch included. Pre-register to secure your conference gift bag!

May is Stroke Awareness Month…

Learn and Know about Stroke!

During Stroke Awareness Month, the Pen Bay Stroke Program is encouraging community members to learn and know about stroke! Learn about conditions that place you at risk of having a stroke and steps you can take to reduce your risk. Know the signs of a stroke and best measures to take if you or someone near you experiences the warning signs.

Did you know that, according to the American Stroke Association, approximately 80% of strokes are preventable? Though some stroke risk factors are uncontrollable, such as age and race, other risk factors are in your control and making small lifestyle changes can reduce your stroke risk. For example, high blood pressure, which is the leading risk factor, can be controlled by eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, and by taking prescribed medications. Other conditions that can place a person at risk for stroke include diabetes, atrial fibrillation, heart disease, obesity, and smoking cigarettes.

If you have any of these conditions, follow up regularly with your healthcare provider. The American Heart Association identifies seven factors to control for ideal heart and brain health. Life’s Simple 7: be active, control cholesterol, eat a healthy diet, manage blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, control blood sugar and don’t smoke.

Now, would you recognize the warning signs of stroke? Stroke is an emergency! There are treatments for the most common type of stroke but it is very important to seek treatment immediately! Call 9-1-1 and get to the Emergency Room as quickly as possible if you or someone near you is experiencing any of these warning signs: • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

During Stroke Awareness Month, please take some time to learn and know more about stroke. For more information, visit the American Heart & Stroke Association at www.strokeassociation.org or the National Stroke Association at www.stroke.org.

National Volunteer Appreciation Week Give a little. Change a lot.

Waldo County General Hospital celebrated National Volunteer Appreciation Week April 15-21. We always look forward to this opportunity to celebrate our wonderful volunteers and their dedication to WCGH. Thank you for your continued support and for seizing the opportunity to thank them for all they do all year long.

Want to join the Aid?

To join the Hospital Aid, our auxiliary group, please call 921-6707 for an application, give your name and address or email us at jegeretz@pbmc.org.

American Red Cross Blood Donation Belfast Public Health Nurse Association and Population Health Department sponsored a community blood drive. For more information about Belfast Public Health Nursing Association and Population Health at Waldo County General Hospital, please visit our website, wcgh.org. For a list of upcoming blood drives in Waldo County, please check our Facebook page.

Sitting: Amanda Richards, Stacey Hall Standing: Letitia Stover, Valerie Curtis, Susan Dupler

Cardiac Rehab 5K is June 2 The Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital Cardiac Rehab Walk will take place on Saturday, June 2 at the Belfast Area High School at 98 Waldo Ave in Belfast. Registration is at 9:30 a.m., the walk is at 10:00 a.m. For more information or to register, please call 930-2545.

Waldo County General Hospital raises awareness for Colorectal Cancer In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in March, Waldo County General Hospital hosted several awareness events. Colleagues across the system celebrated Dress in Blue Day and WCGH offered free colonoscopies to those 50+ living in Waldo County who were either uninsured or had a high deductible. Nine free colonoscopies were completed.

Meet our team of Certified Nurse Midwives.

Stephanie Cole, Katie McCormick, Danielle Pelletier, Clara Buescher and Cindy Dublin-Morin Waldo County General Hospital Women’s Health will host a series of provider meet & greets beginning in April. Learn about the services we offer, including well woman care, perimenopause and menopause care, family planning services, pregnancy and postpartum care.

Tours of the Birthing Unit will be available.

Dates: Time: Location:

July 18 and October 17 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

WCGH Women’s Health Office Cobb Medical Building, Suite 108