TEXAS | health S UMMER 2011

Your Guide to

Health Scr�ening� When to Seek the Tests You Need

Outstanding Help

for Joint Pain

Welcome Your Baby

in the Right Hospital

First-Aid Kits 101

Whether you’re at home or in your car, a first-aid kit should be readily available in case of an emergency, and certain items should always be included.

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very house should contain one first-aid kit in the kitchen or bathroom and another in the garage or garden shed. Each family vehicle should also contain a first-aid kit. According to the American Red Cross and Gregory Tichenor, M.D., F.A.C.E.P., medical staff secretary and emergency medicine physician on the medical staff at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HurstEuless-Bedford, every kit should contain: • acetaminophen or ibuprofen • adhesive bandages (including the latex-free variety) in several sizes • antibiotic ointment • antiseptic wipes or lotion • BENADRYL® for allergic reactions

• epinephrine injector kit for individuals with lifethreatening allergies • hydrocortisone cream for insect bites • hydrogen peroxide • soap • sterile wrap • thermometer “Families should perform annual reviews of their first-aid kits — the switch to Daylight Savings Time in the spring is a good time to do so — to ensure no items have expired,” says Dr. Tichenor. “Children should begin learning how to use the contents of a first-aid kit around age 5 or 6.”

What to Know Before You Glow the idea of starting a family is exciting. ensure you know the facts and are well prepared before trying to conceive.

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racticing proper preconception health can decrease your chance of miscarriage and pregnancy complications,” says Stacy Colombo, M.D., OB/GYN on the medical staff at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth. “By the time a woman realizes she is pregnant, she’s typically five to six weeks from her last menstrual period. Critical fetal development occurs early in the first trimester.” Dr. Colombo recommends meeting with an OB/GYN as a woman’s first step in preconception health. “Discussing your desire to conceive with your OB/GYN is fundamental,” says Dr. Colombo. “He or she can help you determine a preconception health plan best suited for you.” Encourage a healthy pregnancy by practicing the following tips at least three months prior to trying to conceive.

Are you prepared for minor emergencies? If not, we can help! For a complimentary mini first-aid kit, visit TexasHealth.org/FirstAidKit.

Are you ready to start a family and in need of some guidance regarding infertility issues? Want to start a discussion with others who may be in a similar situation? TexasHealth.org/Moms is here for you. Not only will you find information about pre-pregnancy and infertility, but there are also wellness tips and resources, healthy recipes, and more. Check out TexasHealth.org/Moms today!

• Eat a healthy diet. • Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days a week. • Limit alcohol consumption. • Stop smoking. • Take a prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid. To learn more about the maternity services provided at Texas Health Presbyterian-WNJ, visit wnj.org or momseveryday.com.

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Excep�ional Nur�in�

texas Health resources goes the extra mile to foster the success of some of our most important care providers: nurses.

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“On a daily basis, nurses are the names and faces of our hospital. The care and services our nurses provide have a lasting impact on patients and their families.”

Committed to Quality To promote their success, Texas Health provides nurses with tuition reimbursement programs and additional education initiatives that encourage staff members to achieve professional goals, such as advanced degrees and national certifications. With each investment Texas Health makes in its nursing staff, the hospital leadership believes patients and communities ultimately reap the benefits. “Texas Health facilities continually focus

on providing an environment where nursing excellence can flourish,” adds Kathy Baker, Ph.D., R.N., nurse researcher and clinical nurse specialist with Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital. “Nurses in the Texas Health system take leadership roles from the bedside to the boardroom. At every step of the care process, nurses across Texas Health take the initiative to enhance their careers as a means to elevate care for residents of Texas.”

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cross the Texas Health system, there is an emphasis on hiring and retaining nursing staffs dedicated to continual growth, excellence and specialization in nursing care. This commitment to excellence has resulted in Texas Health nurses being recognized as some of the best in the nation. “At Texas Health facilities, our nurses are the ultimate patient advocates, making sure that patients’ and families’ physical, spiritual and emotional needs are met and care is properly delivered,” says Elaine Nelson, R.N., M.S.N., C.C.R.C., N.E.A.-B.C., interim chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

For more information about nursing positions at Texas Health Presbyterian-WNJ, visit wnj.org.

The Great 100 Nurses at Texas Health account for more than a quarter of the 2011 Great 100 Nurses, an annual award recognizing the best of the nursing profession in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The following Texas Health Resources nurses received this honor: Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital May Dean, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Janice Richardson, M.S.N., R.N., A.C.N.S.-B.C. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth Laura Craig, R.N., C.M.S.R.N. Melissa Hernandez, R.N.C.-O.B. Cinda Sublette, R.N.C.-N.I.C. Marcia Williams, R.N.C.-O.B., C.-E.F.M. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford Yvonne Collett, R.N. Patricia Davenport, B.S.N., R.N., C.E.N., C.O.H.N.-S. Patty Fjordbak, R.N. Angelle Kolle, R.N. Gail Potter, R.N. Linda Stigler, C.M.S., R.N. Sharon Winn, B.S.N., R.N. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth Gretchen Hunt, M.S.N., R.N., A.C.N.S.-B.C. Nilsy Odicio, B.S.N., R.N.

To view a complete list and photos of Texas Health’s 2011 Great 100 Nurses and for more information about the Great 100 Nurses award, visit TexasHealth.org/Nurses.

Special Delivery Expectant mothers should include selecting a hospital for delivery on their to-do lists. Seeking signs of quality as well as comfort can help ensure newborns come into the world safe and sound.

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“e Hospital Suitcase Checklist Packing for the hospital should be completed at 36 weeks gestation, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Families should remember to pack: ❍ breast pads, whether breastfeeding or not ❍ cameras along with applicable batteries and chargers ❍ change of clothes and pajamas for dad ❍ going home clothes for baby and mom ❍ health insurance card ❍ infant car seat ❍ newborn diapers ❍ sanitary pads ❍ watch with a second hand

The Center for Women & xas Health Children at Te —WNJ has Presbyterian g ve-star ratin received a fi m o y Care fr for Maternit ®. HealthGrades

xploring options before choosing a hospital for delivery can help calm mothers’ anxieties about the big day,” says Lenora Hatch, M.S., I.B.C.L.C., director of the Center for Women & Children and Education Services at Texas Health Presbyterian—WNJ. “Listening to the recommendations of others can help narrow the choices for an obstetrician, but determining personal criteria and touring potential delivery locations can help mothers make an informed choice.” Hatch recommends that expectant mothers ask: • Which obstetricians do friends suggest? • Do they feel they were well treated? • Where does the obstetrician have hospital privileges? • What are the outcomes for mothers and babies at the facility? • Has the hospital won awards or distinctions for the labor and delivery department? • Are there procedures in place to keep babies safe? • Is breastfeeding support provided at birth and afterward as needed?

Family-Centered Care Expanding families can trust the tenured staff and family-centered care provided at the Center for Women & Children. Six labor and delivery rooms provide a smooth transition for laboring mothers with the same nurses attending vaginal delivery or cesarean sections when needed. Anesthesia is available 24 hours a day for mothers who request relief from pain during labor, and two dedicated operating rooms are available for scheduled and emergency cesarean sections. Lactation consultants help moms with breastfeeding after delivery and as needed for issues that arise after going home from the hospital. A nursery is available for sick infants or when new parents need a break. “We have dedicated nurses on staff, some of whom have been here 30 years,” says Hatch. “I had all of my children here and would not consider going anywhere else.”

For more information about the Center for Women & Children at Texas Health Presbyterian—WNJ, visit wnj.org.

Committed

to Quality Maintaining

Advanced technology and innovative rehabilitation available at Texas Health Presbyterian–WNJ provides patients with exceptional orthopedic care.

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rthopedic surgeons at Texas Health Presbyterian—WNJ are available around the clock to administer care to patients who experience joint pain or other musculoskeletal conditions. Board-certified orthopedic surgeons on the medical staff include: • Stephen Sandoval, M.D. • David Osterman, M.D. • Richard Jelsma, M.D. Complete joint care for the knees, hips, shoulders and ankles is available. When possible, the surgeons employ minimally invasive surgical techniques to provide shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries. Rehabilitation and wellness services are also available on site.

Reducing Your Risk With 46 million Americans suffering from arthritis, it is important to empower patients before they experience joint pain. Here are a few steps you can take before your joint pain becomes a problem. • Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Coupled with vitamin D, foods with omega-3 can improve joint health. • Lose weight. According to the Arthritis Foundation, every excess pound that you lose reduces the burden on your knees by four pounds. • Exercise regularly. By sticking to low-impact activities such as swimming or biking, you can strengthen your joints. Make sure to vary your routine to avoid overuse injuries. By implementing small changes in your workout routine and diet, you may be able to better manage your joint pain.

For more information about orthopedic services at Texas Health Presbyterian—WNJ, visit wnj.org.

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stablishing and maintaining a high level of quality health care requires cooperation at all levels of hospital function. From administrators to physicians and other employees, all members must be committed to promoting patient satisfaction and positive clinical outcomes. At Texas Health Presbyterian—WNJ, all employees are grounded firmly in the core values of respect, integrity, compassion and excellence. Through a series of quality enhancement programs, Texas Health Presbyterian—WNJ staff members have the opportunity to focus on and further promote these values. As the facility’s quality initiatives progress, patients are the ultimate benefactors. With a positive patient experience continually at the forefront of each quality enhancement program, Texas Health Presbyterian—WNJ takes an all-inclusive approach to providing a quality healing experience. “Providing quality care requires a twofold approach,” explains Vance Reynolds, F.A.C.H.E., president and CEO of Texas Health Presbyterian—WNJ. “Compassionate patient care is always the primary point of focus for quality control initiatives, however, employee-driven programs are very important as well. Facilities must continue to encourage employees and staff through training and education in order to further patient care quality, and our facility is very effective at accomplishing this goal.”

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Optimal Joint Health

Texas Health Presbyterian–WNJ was founded with the mission of improving the health of its neighbors through compassionate and focused clinical care. In pursuit of that mission, the hospital and its medical staff continue to promote and offer quality health services.

To learn more about quality improvement initiatives at Texas Health Presbyterian—WNJ, visit wnj.org.

Put Good Health on Your Schedule take time on your next birthday to celebrate another year of good health by scheduling your annual physical exam.

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ou exercise and eat healthfully because you know these habits can enhance your overall well-being. Making time for yearly screenings is also essential for optimal health. Keeping this simple appointment could enable your physician to detect health conditions early, while they are still treatable. “Annual physical exams can enhance the wellbeing of patients,” says Ronald L. Chio, M.D., internal medicine physician on the medical staff at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-EulessBedford. “People should take the opportunity to discuss any changes in their physical health as well as other symptoms.”

WHiCH SCreeningS and WHen?

Many tests — such as blood pressure, cholesterol and weight — may be done at your yearly physical exam. If you are confused as to when to start other screenings, below are handy charts to reference.

Screenings for Women

Screenings for Men

• Begin monthly breast self exams and have an annual clinical breast exam by age 20. Age 20

Age 40

• Start cervical cancer screenings by age 21 and Pap smears every one to three years after that, depending on age and results.

Age 50

• Be screened for prostate cancer by age 50. If you have a family history of the disease, discuss being screened by age 45 with your physician. • Undergo a colorectal cancer screening by age 50 or earlier if you have a family history of the disease.

• Have a mammogram by age 40 and annually thereafter, unless you have a family history of breast cancer, which may indicate screenings are needed earlier. Age 65

• Schedule an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening by age 65 if you have a history of smoking.

Age 70

• Osteoporosis screenings should take place by age 70.

• Colorectal cancer screenings start at age 50 or earlier if you have a family history of the disease. Age 50

• Osteoporosis screenings should begin at age 50. • Bone density screenings should begin two years after osteoporosis screenings.

debunking diabetes myths Many myths continue to circulate about insulin and Type 2 diabetes. Read on for some of the most common misconceptions. “There are times during hospital stays or illnesses when insulin is the best fit for that time period. However, it is not necessarily a permanent medication change for all patients.” Myth: I can’t control my diabetes. Truth: While you can’t control having diabetes, you can make the choice to better manage the disease. “Change is not easy, but we offer comprehensive courses to teach patients how to manage the lifestyle that comes with diabetes,” says Nelson. “Our patients experience high success rates.”

For more information about diabetes education, visit TexasHealth.org/Diabetes.

JuSt getting Started? no ProBlem! “Based on the individual needs and family histories of patients, primary care physicians can offer individualized care and perspective to patients,” says Gretchen Hunt, M.S.N., R.N., A.C.N.S.-B.C., nursing director of MedSurg Services at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth. “Scheduling an annual physical can be the stepping stone to better health.” Remember to give yourself the gift of a health screening on your next birthday to help ensure you’ll have many more.

Back-to-School Screenings Summer’s the time for sun, fun and…shots? While most children begin their scheduled immunizations as infants, it’s vital to keep your child on track throughout elementary school and beyond. Consider beating the back-toschool rush by scheduling an appointment with your child’s pediatrician this summer. In addition to administering the vaccinations your child needs, your pediatrician can measure your child’s development and answer any questions you may have.

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Myth: Insulin will make me gain weight. Truth: Insulin therapy may cause weight gain initially because the insulin is helping turn calories into energy, and the calories you were losing before are being absorbed. With a balanced diet and exercise, however, the weight typically comes back off. Myth: If I take insulin now, I will take it the rest of my life. Truth: For those with Type 2 diabetes, insulin doesn’t necessarily have to be used permanently. “When people first hear they have to be on insulin, they often feel like their lives are over,” says Karen Nelson, R.N., C.D.E., manager of the Diabetes Center at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

Use this chart to plan for routine immunizations to ensure your child stays on schedule:

Age

4 to 6 years

Want more information about screenings? Visit TexasHealth.org/ScreeningServices.

Immunizations Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, pneumococcal (under 5 years), poliovirus, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A and chicken pox Note: Children as young as 6 months of age may also begin to receive the influenza vaccine on a yearly basis.

11 to 12 years

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, human papillomavirus vaccine (three doses) and first dose of meningococcal vaccine

16 years

Second dose of meningococcal vaccine

18 years

College-age adolescents may need another meningococcal vaccine if they are living in a dormitory and have not been previously immunized

If your child is at higher risk or has started his or her immunizations later than recommended, consult your pediatrician for the best schedule to follow.

To find a pediatrician to meet your child’s health needs, visit wnj.org.

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500 N. Highland Sherman, TX 75092 wnj.org

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Texas Health is published by Texas Health Resources. This information is intended to educate about subjects pertinent to health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. Most doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. For a source listing on a specific article in this issue, please contact 1-877-THR-WELL. ©2011 Texas Health Resources. “We will provide and maintain a fair and equitable environment for all by valuing and respecting individual differences for our enrichment and that of the communities we serve.”–—Texas Health Resources Diversity Statement

HE DOESN’T CARE HOW

WE FIXED GRANDPA’S HEART.

HE’S JUST GLAD WE DID.

After a heart attack, time is crucial. That’s why Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital-WNJ is so committed to rapid cardiac care. We’re the only accredited chest pain center in the region. Which means our world-class cardio-vascular staff is right here for you. And we’ve implemented a program that beats the national standard for cardiac treatment time by as much as 30 percent. So if you suffer a heart attack, we can help get you back to the things that are really important much faster. And you never have to leave Sherman. 903-870-4611 | www.wnj.org Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. © 2011