Health for Life - Sept/Oct 2010 - Henry Medical Center

A PUBLICATION OF HENRY MEDICAL CENTER September/October 2010 www.henrymedical.com

REAL MEN WEAR PINK THE

P覺nk Radiation Oncology Center Opens

9 Months to NEW LIFE CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY

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ON THE COVER: Mike Hall and Dr. Peto Fallas are happy to serve as Real Men Wear Pink campaign takes off.

Health for Life is intended to provide general health information only. It should not be used to self-diagnose or as a substitute for advice by a physician or other healthcare professional.

For questions or comments about Health for Life, please call or write the Henry Medical Center Marketing Department, 1133 Eagle’s Landing Parkway, Stockbridge, GA 30281, 678-604-1026.

Radiation Oncology Center Opens Real Men Wear Pink

HENRY MEDICAL CENTER Charles Scott

Jeff Cooper

President and C.E.O.

Vice President and C.O.O.

Donna M. Braddy

Michelle A. Nunnally

Director of Marketing, Public Relations, Community Education and Volunteer Services

Public Relations Specialist

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contents Health For Life is Gold award winner at the 2010 Georgia Hospital Association's Healthcare Marketing & Public Relations Society annual Target Awards.

Visit us at www.henrymedical.com Published by do! design Doug Oakes

Leigh Delozier

Creative Director

Writer

Michie Turpin Photographer Health for Life, September/October 2010. Published bi-monthly by do! design. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of the publisher’s ability. No responsibility is accepted for deletions, omissions, errors and/or inaccuracies.

No materials contained herein may be reproduced without the exclusive written permission of the publisher. ©2010 by do! design. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. For information visit www.dodesigninc.com

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Real Men Wear Pink

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Radiation Oncology Center Opens

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9 Months to New Life

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HMC News

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HMC Foundation News

New Life Carl Knowlton

Fully accredited by the Joint Commission of National Quality Approval

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B REAST CANCER AWARENESS

Real men wear It takes a special cause to get a man to wear pink. Fortunately, 10 Henry County men have stepped forward this year to don this famously feminine color to spread the word about breast cancer, early detection and treatment.

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Pictured from L-R:

B REAST CANCER AWARENESS

Mike Vigil – Allan Vigil Ford Lincoln Mercury Major Stoney Mathis - Henry County Police Department Reid Bowman – Henry County Board of Commissioners Dr. Peto Fallas – Fallas Family Vision Taylor Rice – chairman of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Mike Hall – JCPenney Carl Knowlton – Tussahaw Elementary School Sheriff Keith McBrayer - Henry County Sheriff’s Office Greg Cannon – Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors Pastor André Landers – Higher Living Christian Church

Take the next step Whether you’re interested in breast cancer prevention or simply want to help educate others, you can help fight the disease. Here are a few ways: Schedule a mammogram: Call Henry Medical Center at 678-604-1055.

Run for the cause: Participate in Tanger Outlet Center’s Fit for Families 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 9 benefiting Henry Medical Center.

Registration fee is $25 per person.

Packet pick-up and race day registration will be at 7 a.m.

he Real Men Wear Pink campaign, in its second year, features the faces of 10 new men who are just as eager as their predecessors to spread the message that last year influenced more women to schedule mammograms for themselves or loved ones.

These Henry County men will spend the month of October in the community talking with local groups, distributing information postcards and educating people about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of early detection.

But it’s not just the men that are donning pink to increase awareness about breast cancer. Businesses, schools and other organizations have joined this campaign with their own “wear pink” days.

Personal Connections The 10 “Real Men Wear Pink” men, who will be seen on billboards and signs, and HEALTH FOR LIFE

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throughout the community, say breast cancer doesn’t just impact women.

“Having recently lost a family member to cancer at the age of 30 and being in the healthcare profession myself, I’ve seen too many cancer deaths that could have been prevented with proper screening,” says Taylor Rice, chairman of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and a Moye’s Pharmacy pharmacist. “I decided to participate in the hospital’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign to raise awareness about the importance of the screening process.”

“I think people usually associate this disease with women,” says Mike Vigil, vice president of Allan Vigil Ford Lincoln Mercury. “I hope more people will take notice when they see men supporting not only a search for a cure or prevention, but also early detection. After all, men are just as affected by this disease whether they are diagnosed themselves or whether someone they love has it.”

Close to Home Breast cancer statistics are staggering. Nearly 40,000 American women are expected to die from breast cancer in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society. Many cases, however, can be treated and cured when found early.

Breast examination and mammography are crucial to early detection of breast cancer.

Women can learn to perform monthly breast self exams (BSE) and notice differences in their breasts sooner rather than later. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of a regular exam by a health expert at least every 3 years. Women 40 and older should have a clinical breast exam and a screening mammogram every year.

When it’s time for a mammogram, Henry Medical Center offers the latest in digital mammography onsite at the hospital and at its Diagnostic Imaging Center at the

McDonough Medical Pavilion. Digital mammography can help physicians notice subtle differences between normal and abnormal tissues more easily. Physicians can enhance and manipulate digital images, which can reduce the need for repeat images.

Campaign participant and County Commissioner Reid Bowman knows firsthand how breast cancer impacts a family.

His wife, Janice, has two aunts and two cousins who have fought the disease. “All four are breast cancer survivors because of early detection,” Bowman says. “That’s extremely important to me because I have three daughters and six granddaughters, and my wife’s family has a history of breast cancer. Early detection is the key to the fight.”

Visit www.tangeroutlet.com/race for directions and more details. in places such as: • City Council and County Commissioner meetings • Women’s conferences • Church services • Chamber of Commerce or other community events • Radio broadcasts and newspaper articles.

“I would love to see all cancer cured and think it’s possible with everyone supporting this idea and doing something about it,” says Henry County Sheriff Keith McBrayer. All Sheriff’s patrol vehicles will display pink ribbons during October in an effort to spread awareness.

Spreading the Word The Real Men plan to encourage breast cancer education and mammography in a variety of ways. Watch for their messages

E-mail photos of you and your friends, co-workers and family wearing pink to mnunnally@hmc-ga.org or dbraddy@hmc-ga.org. Visit www.henrymedical.com in October to learn about "pink" events taking place in Henry County.

Be informed: Join Henry Medical Center’s Breast Health Connection program on Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to learn more about early detection and which type of screening mammogram is best for you.

Call 678-604-1040 for information.

Connect with a speaker: Ask one of the Real Men Wear Pink representatives to visit your business, school, church, or other group by calling 678-604-1026. They’re looking for ways to spread the word about early detection.

Plan ahead: Form a team and get involved with the Henry County Relay for Life that benefits the American Cancer Society.

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ADIATION ONCOLOGY

What began as a dream for some Henry Countians years ago finally became reality on July 12, 2010 – with the opening of Henry Radiation Oncology Center (HROC) – a joint venture between Henry Medical Center and Radiation Oncology Services.

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ADIATION ONCOLOGY

RADIATION TREATMENT FOR CANCER FALLS UNDER TWO AREAS: EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION THERAPY AND BRACHYTHERAPY. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) delivers a dose of radiation that is strong enough to kill the cancer while technological advances in the delivery of external beam radiation allow the HROC doctors to spare normal tissue and prevent significant side effects.

Brachytherapy (sometimes known as internal radiation) places a radioactive source directly into or next to a cancer. Once placed, the radiation travels only millimeters from the source to kill the cancer. The physician can plan for either low dose or high dose rate brachytherapy, depending on the patient’s situation.

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Henry Medical Center built HROC in partnership with Radiation Oncology Services (ROS), a physician group that has provided radiation therapy across metro Atlanta since 1983. “Our motivation for wanting to develop a Radiation Oncology Center was fairly simple – we wanted to provide more comprehensive cancer care,” says Charlie Scott, president and CEO of Henry Medical Center.

Scott went on to state that HMC has had plans to develop a Radiation Oncology Center and further expand its overall cancer services for years. “We recognized that oncology was one major service area that’s important to any community. And, although Henry Medical Center has offered certain comprehensive oncology services for years, we knew we didn’t offer the full spectrum.”

Now Henry Medical Center offers oncology care comparable to any radiation oncology center in the region.

HROC has the very latest in technology, including the capability to customize a special treatment plan for each patient. The radiation therapy techniques treat cancer with precision and accuracy, while sparing the organs and tissues around the cancer. The quicker, more precise beams lead to less tissue damage and a greater chance for a cure, with fewer treatment-related side effects.

ROS physicians have special interest and expertise in treating prostate, breast, lung, colorectal, gynecological, neurological, and head/neck cancers. They are able to provide care, however, to all patients needing radiation therapy.

Previously, patients in the area traveled to Riverdale, Conyers, Decatur or other centers in metropolitan Atlanta for radiation oncology services. Keeping the service close to home was a deciding factor for opening HROC. “Location and proximity to where people live is important for any type of healthcare,” Scott says. “It’s more important for cancer treatment than many other services because the nature of radiation therapy involves multiple trips – sometimes even several trips within a week.”

Current statistics estimate that around 600 Henry Countians will develop cancer each year. “About 60 percent of new cancer patients will need radiation therapy during their course of treatment,” says J. Warner Ray, M.D., founder and director of ROS. “Typical treatment courses of radiation therapy include 25 to 30 visits to a

radiation treatment center. All patients requiring treatment are better served receiving their radiation treatments close to home, making the location of HROC on the campus of HMC very convenient for Henry County residents as well as residents of surrounding counties.”

Visitors to Henry Radiation Oncology Center will find spacious and comfortable waiting rooms, private dressing rooms, a treatment room with a “virtual skylight” and a patient and family conference room for meeting with physicians and staff.

“Having this type of freestanding center on a hospital campus is really unique,” says Kim Vu, M.D., the lead physician at HROC. “Patients have the best of both worlds because of our experience and the hospital’s involvement.”

Dr. Vu has been part of ROS for more than six years, and especially loves the team-focused care. The physicians of Radiation Oncology Services discuss in details all new patients referred to HROC on a weekly basis. “Each patient has the benefit of peer review of specific treatment programs developed for an individual patient,” she says.

Scott says the response to HROC is encouraging. “People are very excited about this and see it as a sign that healthcare in Henry County is advancing even more.

It’s a source of pride for everyone because it shows we’re serving our community the best we can.”

Though the prospect of tackling cancer can be daunting and frustrating, the staff at Henry Radiation Oncology Center helps patients and their families remember that hope is bigger than cancer.

Henry Radiation Oncology Center 678-251-1099 960 Hospital Drive Stockbridge, Georgia 30281 www.henryradonc.com

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S URVIVOR When McDonough resident Amy Steele turned 35, her gynecologist recommended something every woman expects at some point: that she have a baseline mammogram.

No one expected the results she got.

new life 9 MONTHS TO

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S

teele’s story began in October 2007 when she scheduled her initial mammogram. She discovered a lump before her appointment and called to ask if she could have the test sooner. “They told me I needed to go somewhere different for a diagnostic mammogram,” Steele says. She did, and the tests showed something questionable.

Steele went directly for an ultrasound and was concerned, but not extremely worried.

“I had some fibrocystic things removed when I was younger,” she says, “so I thought this might be the same sort of thing.”

Steele had another mammogram and ultrasound in mid-November. She didn’t have to wait long for the results.

“I was teaching at Union Grove Middle School, so I was at home with the kids for Thanksgiving break,” she says.

“The doctor called on Tuesday and said, ‘I’m as shocked as you are to be saying this, but you have breast cancer.’”

Tests had shown three lumps in Steele’s breast, the largest of which was 3 cm. Cancer was also in her lymph nodes.

“I still can’t believe how fast it all happened,” she says. “The doctor called on November 19 and I had my first chemotherapy treatment on November 30.”

“No one in my family had had cancer before – I’d never walked into a chemotherapy office. I had no idea what I was really getting into.”

Steele vividly remembers what one of the nurses shared at her first chemotherapy visit. “She said, ‘You have a very long journey ahead of you, and this is just the first stop.’ She sure was right.”

Initial treatment involved four rounds of chemotherapy – once a week, every three weeks. Steele did her best to keep other parts of life normal despite the treatments.

“I had to take some time off from work right after a treatment, but basically taught throughout the chemotherapy,” she says. “I thought, what else am I going to do? Lay in bed? I didn’t want to do that.”

Steele credits the school staff, family friends, and church members with rallying around her family and helping them through the next nine months. “You realize quickly how much those people mean to you. We didn’t have to worry about anything because they handled it for us.”

“Most of us are normally so independent that we tend to not want people to help,” she adds. “Then a friend said that if I didn’t let them help when they could, they were missing the blessing of helping me. You have to learn to let people help you.”

A PET scan after three months showed that the cancer was more than halfway gone. Steele switched doctors to be closer to home and began a new regimen – chemotherapy every Friday for 12 weeks.

“The treatment wasn’t as strong since I was having it every week,” she says. “I would work on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, then have chemotherapy on Friday.

I would rest over the weekend, take Monday off, and be back at work Tuesday.”

Steele’s physician planned to destroy as much cancer as possible with chemotherapy, then complete treatment with surgery. “She needed to remove 40% of my breast to be sure she got everything,” Steele says. “I decided to have a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery because of my age.”

On June 28, 2008, Steele’s physician announced she was cancer free.

“It amazes me how fast everything happened,” Steele says. “All my hair was gone less than a month after my diagnosis.

I started treatments the end of November and was finished with surgery by the end of June. It was over in about the same amount of time as a school year.”

Today, Steele’s follow-up tests continue to be clear. She’s an integral part of the Henry County Relay for Life team and helps support other women dealing with cancer.

“It kind of becomes your mission,” she says. “I had someone like that for me – someone to answer questions and let me know what to expect. I’m glad I can do the same thing for other people.”

Like any other cancer survivor, Steele hopes to never walk that road again. “You realize at the end that the Lord gives you strength to get through anything,” she says.

“I pray it never comes back. But if it does, I know I can do it again because I’ve been through it.”

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NEWS September/October 2010 Henry Medical Center Receives Approval to Perform Coronary Angioplasty HMC is currently developing its coronary angioplasty program after recently earning approval from the state of Georgia to offer this lifesaving service to its community.

Henry Medical Center will develop the angioplasty program as required by the State in collaboration with Piedmont Heart Institute which will include training staff, implementing policies and protocols and conducting simulated angioplasty procedures.

The first coronary angioplasty at Henry Medical Center is expected to take place in January 2011.

FOUNDATION NEWS Diabetes Education Program at Henry Medical Center Merits ADA Recognition Henry Medical Center recently earned the prestigious American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for its diabetes self-management education program.

The Association’s Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.

For information about the Diabetes Education program at Henry Medical Center, please call 678-604-1040.

Henry Anesthesia Associates, LLC is proud to be the exclusive anesthesia providers for Henry Medical Center.

Our anesthesia team includes six anesthesiologists and 12 certified registered nurse anesthetists and physician assistant anesthetists. This experienced team has training and expertise in adult anesthesia care as well as advanced training and excellence in pediatric, cardiac and obstetrical anesthesia.

Henry Anesthesia Associates, LLC values excellence, integrity, compassion and caring.

New Program Director Oversees Henry Medical Center’s Wound Healing Center

Auxiliary Purchases New BiliBeds for the Nursery at Henry Medical Center Henry Medical Center’s Auxiliary recently purchased two portable Medela BiliBeds for the hospital’s Nursery.

The portable beds offer new mothers the opportunity to keep their newborn with them even as the baby receives treatment for jaundice.

HMCF Corporate Honor Roll Member of the Month – Henry Anesthesia Associates, LLC

Kymberly Knowles Dula

Kymberly Knowles Dula was recently named Program Director of Henry Medical Center’s Wound Healing Center.

Knowles Dula has more than 18 years of experience in the healthcare industry including seven years of private practice and hospital administration experience.

As Program Director for HMC’s Wound Healing Clinic, Knowles Dula said she is looking forward to working along side “a great team of physicians, nurses and staff to improve health outcomes for patients with wound care needs.”

Call 678-604-1061 for more information about the Wound Healing Center at HMC.

Walmart Provides $1,000 Grant to Henry Medical Center Foundation On August 8, 2010, Jerry Parret, store manager of the McDonough Walmart presented the Henry Medical Center Foundation a grant in the amount of $1,000. “We are a proud supporter of Henry Medical Center and Walmart’s presentation to the Foundation represents our continued commitment to bettering our local community,” said Parrett.

2010 Pacemaker 5000 5K Run/1 Mile Walk Hundreds of people turned out for the 2010 Pacemaker 5000 helping to raise money for Henry Medical Center. Thank to all our runners and walkers, volunteers and supporters.

Henry Medical Center Foundation Donates Car Seats To First Steps Program The Henry Medical Center Foundation recently donated four infant car seats to the First Steps program operating at Henry Medical Center.

Robin Jones, director of Prevent Child Abuse Henry County, was elated, “Our program has so many needs and this satisfies a critical aspect of what we do in helping our new parents.”

Frances Puerto, Ann Messina, Fran Jones, Betty Brown, Shirley Wilkerson, and Joel Brown HEALTH FOR LIFE

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NON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEBANON JUNCTION, KY PERMIT #622

SupportGroups

For more information about support groups, please call 678-604-1040.

Al-Anon Meets in the Foundation Education Center.

Every Wed and Sat, 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Ala Teen Meets in the Foundation Education Center.

Every Wed from 7:00–8:00 pm.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meets in the Foundation Education Center.

Every Wed and Sat, 7:00–9:00 pm.

Cancer Education/Support Call 678-604-1040 for more information.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) Call 678-604-1040 for more information.

Crohn’s & Colitis Meets in the Foundation Education Center.

Third Tues at 7:00 pm.

Diabetes Support Group Meets in the Foundation Education Center. Pre-registration required.Third Tues at 6:00 pm. Call 678-6045106 for more information.

Fibromyalgia Support Group Meets in the Foundation Education Center. Last Thurs of every month from 7:00–8:30 pm.

Georgia Losing for Life Weight Loss Surgery Meets the second Sat of each month, 11 am - Noon in the Foundation Education Center.

Grief Recovery Call 678-604-1054 for registration, dates and times.

Lupus Support Meets second Sat each month, 11:00 am–1:00 pm.

Narcotics Anonymous Meets every Fri from 8:00–9:00 pm in the Foundation Education Center and every Sun from 5:30–6:30 pm in the Executive Dining Room.

Overeaters Anonymous Meets in the Foundation Education Center. Every Thurs, 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Post-Partum Support Meets in the 4th floor classroom of the North Tower. Every Wed, at 8:30 am. Call 678-209-4739 for more information

Sisters By Choice For women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Meets in the Foundation Education Center. First Tues at 7:30 pm.

Southern Crescent Parents of Multiples Meets in the Foundation Education Center. Fourth Thurs from 7:30–9:00 pm.

Southside Weight Loss Surgery Group Meets Fourth Tues, 6:30–7:30 pm.

Stroke Resources Call 678-604-1040 for more information.

Classes

For more information about classes, please call 678-604-1040.

Arthritis Foundation Self Help Program The six-week course is designed to offer support and education to those affected by arthritis.

CPR and First Aid Rescue techniques are taught by the American Heart Association guidelines. Call 678-604-1040 to register.

Diabetes Self-Management Two-day classes are held each month.

Evening Seminar Series Offers classes on lung and heart disease, cancer and healthy cooking.

Look Good Feel Better This program is designed to help women undergoing cancer treatment to regain self-confidence and control over their lives. Meets in the Foundation Education

Center monthly from 10:00 am–12:00 pm.

Call 770-631-0625 for dates and to register.

On-Site Health Related classes Henry Medical Center offers customized on-site health related classes that can be conducted at your business, school, or organization.

Planning for your Final Healthcare Learn how you and your family can discuss and plan in advance for health care at the end of life. Call 678-604-1054.

Get Moving Again For hip and knee surgery patients. Meets the last Saturday of the month.

Health Fairs Free screenings are offered for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, bone density, prostate and many other services.

Breast Health Connection Program Tuesday, October 26, 2010 6:00 - 8:00 pm Learn about early detection and which type of screening mammogram is best for you.

Call 678-604-1040 for more information.