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What's
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@
Highlands-
Cashiers Hospital
Hospital Auxiliary
Annual Luncheon
October 15, 2010
 Members
of the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital Auxiliary and a number of guests
heard an update on the progress being made this year at the hospital
provided by Craig James and also celebrated their contributions to
that success during the group’s annual luncheon last month at Chestnut
Hill.
“Thank you for what you do: for the
hours you give, and for what you do to raise funds for the hospital,”
Craig James, Hospital CEO, told those gathered for the special
luncheon. “The Hospital Auxiliary has been an important asset to the
hospital for many years. Without dedicated members to carry on this
tradition, all of this progress will not be possible in the future”.
It was also an occasion for
Auxiliary members to elect officers for the coming year. Patti
Hutchins will continue as Auxiliary president. Other officers will be
Elaine Reynolds Vice President, Jolene Niblack Treasurer, Sally
Maloney Secretary, and Polly Dean Assistant Secretary.
The HCH
Auxiliary has been instrumental in helping to fund various projects
throughout the Hospital, and Fidelia Eckerd Living Center. The
Auxiliary also raises funds for a “Healthcare Scholarship”, used to
provide financial support for area young people who wish to enter
healthcare in such fields as nursing, medical technologies, or various
kinds of therapy. The funds also help the hospital recruit and train
skilled medical personnel of all types. Anyone wishing to pursue a
career in the health care field, including those already in the field
who wish to further their education, can apply for this scholarship.
Each year the members participate
in a fundraising tradition by raffling a hand embroidered quilt that
is displayed at the Highlands Arts and Craft Show each October. The
members embroider native wildflowers on fabric panels which are then
quilted together. Proceeds from the raffle are then donated to
support the hospital.
The club meets at 10 a.m. on the first
Monday of each month. If you would like further information or if you
would like to join this group of volunteers, please contact Earlene
Bennett at 526-1345 or email
erich@hchospital.org.
Hospital's Cardiac Rehab
Program Wins National Recertification
October 15, 2010
 The
cardiac rehabilitation program at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital has once
again received national recertification by the American Association of
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
One of the few
cardiac rehab programs in the region to meet the association’s
rigorous guidelines, the hospital’s program has been undergoing the
lengthy recertification process for the past several months.
“This
recertification for the next three years shows that our cardiac
rehabilitation program continues to meet the strict criteria and
highest standards required in ordered to be awarded national
certification,” said program director Yvonne Smith, MHS, RD, CDE. “I
am very proud of our department and our staff in achieving this
recertification. It lets the public know that all of us here at the
hospital continue to strive to offer quality health care to our
communities.”
Part of
HealthTracks, the hospital’s wellness and fitness center, the cardiac
rehab program first obtained national certification by the AACVPR nine
years ago. The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
Rehabilitation is a national, multi-disciplinary association dedicated
to the improvement of clinical practice, promotion of scientific
inquiry, and advancement of education for the benefit of
cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and the
patients they serve. Certification recognizes those programs that are
rigorously reviewed by a national board and continually exceeds the
requirements for standards of care.
To be considered
for recertification, the hospital’s program had to undergo an
intensive, detailed survey, said Smith. All areas of the program were
scrutinized, including equipment, staffing, monitoring procedures, and
patient outcomes.
Since the
hospital began its own cardiac rehabilitation program in 1994, it has
helped hundreds of patients recover from heart attacks and cardiac
surgery, and aided others in managing chronic cardiovascular disease.
The goal of the program is to allow patients to recover as much
quality of life as possible and to reduce the risk of reoccurrence of
their illness.
“This national
certification is an indication of the level of commitment and
dedication of the staff at HealthTracks,” said Craig James, HCH
President and CEO. The cardiac rehabilitation program is one of the
best I’ve seen, even when compared to many large hospitals,” he added.
In addition to
cardiac rehabilitation, HealthTracks also offers a variety of fitness
and exercise programs aimed at the general public. Among the offerings
are monitored and independent exercise programs for otherwise healthy
individuals, stretching and balance programs, personal training,
weight loss classes, yoga, Pilates, and nutritional counseling.
HealthTracks is located on the lower level of the Jane Woodruff
Medical Building, on the hospital campus.
Priceless Collectable
Donated to Benefit Highlands-Cashiers Hospital
October 11, 2010
 A
priceless collectable was recently donated to Scudder’s Gallery in
Highlands to be auctioned off October 23 to benefit Highlands-Cashiers
Hospital. Zoe Williams of Cashiers (Right) presented the oriental
ivory figurine of a scholar to Foundation Executive Director Robin
Taylor (Left) along with Frank “Al” Scudder. The figurine is in
perfect condition and of collector’s quality, with an appraised value
of $10,000. Taylor said “Ms. Williams has demonstrated in many ways
her love and concern for this community and the organizations that
make it a special place in which to live, including Highlands-Cashiers
Hospital. We are truly thankful for her continuous support.”
Dr. Richard S. Matthews
on Arthritis
October 11, 2010
 One
of the most common problems treated by physicians today is arthritis.
Arthritis is typically caused by osteoarthritis, which is a slow
degeneration of cartilage in the articular large joints. Most
degenerative arthritis that I hear about from patients has to due with
knee, hip, or shoulder degenerative arthritis. Many patients also
complain of hand arthritis, ankle and foot arthritis, essentially
degeneration of the cartilage surface in the joint.
The most frequent
treatment, which is also the easiest, involves the use of ibuprofen or
naproxen sodium. Ibuprofen is sold over-the-counter as Advil or
Motrin and is a very good antiinflammatory agent and pain reliever.
This should be taken with food. Naprosyn sodium is marketed under the
name, Aleve, another excellent anti-inflammatory agent and pain
reliever. These two drugs work by reducing inflammation and taken for
over 5-7 days will produce an anti-inflammatory effect in the
articular cartilage of every joint.
Other drugs used
commonly that are good nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
are Naprosyn, Mobic, Clinoril, Feldene, as well as the newer drugs
that you have heard of including Celebrex. These work by reducing
inflammation and swelling in the joints which lead to pain and
discomfort. Most people that have chronic hand pain as well elbow,
shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain have degenerative
osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid
arthritis is another affliction that ails patients. This can be
diagnosed by simple lab tests and consideration of a referral to an
orthopedist, then rheumatologist. Some patient's occasionally have
fibromyalgia or polymyalgia rheumatica which typically is caused by
not only arthritic pain, but pain and discomfort in the muscles as
well as the joints. Typically, in these two disorders the pain moves
from one site to another routinely and can be debilitating.
Many times,
physicians will order lab work including a CBC, complete metabolic
profile, as well as antinuclear antibody to rule out system lupus
erythematosus and a rheumatoid factor to evaluate for possible
rheumatoid arthritis. Regularly, physicians give medications such as
Motrin, Naprosyn, Mobic, or Celebrex as well as consideration of a
steroid (cortisone) shot which can help this as well. Please see your
physician to have this evaluated, as this is something that can make a
big difference in your quality of life.
Physician Forum Wrap-Up
October 11, 2010
 Last
Monday, close to 40 community residents and Highlands-Cashiers
Hospital staff members attended a physician forum presented by Dr.
James C. Smallwood, Board Certified Gynecologist, addressing women’s
health issues with the importance of disease prevention and healthy
lifestyles.
Dr. Smallwood began by reviewing a
variety of services and treatments that his practice and the hospital
offer. Dr. Smallwood said “Each patient’s health is our top
priority. I not only screen my patients for gynecological issues, I
also focus my attention on reducing one’s risk of heart disease, and
cancers (breast, ovarian, skin, etc) as well as educating them on how
to live a healthier life. The state-of-the-art technology and
equipment on our hospital’s campus allows patients to undergo all
necessary screenings such a digital mammography’s and colonoscopy’s,
keeping them in good health and disease free.”
“Reducing one’s risk of developing
life threatening cancers is as simple as early detection,” said Dr.
Smallwood. Regular visits to your gynecologists and/or family doctor
discussing both family history and any new symptoms or changes in your
body, having age appropriate screening exams to detect the early
stages of breast, cervical and colorectal cancer, exercising, and
kicking the tobacco habit if a current smoker, can all increase your
chances of beating cancer.”
Many attendees wanted to know the
latest information regarding hormone treatment and therapies. In
answer, Dr. Smallwood said “Hormones are now being individually dosed
to better match each patient’s needs. Before beginning any patient on
hormone treatment, benefits as well as risks are thoroughly
discussed. There is much research concerning the correlation between
hormone therapy and cancer, but not in all cases do the risks
eliminate the good that treatment can bring. Also, recent studies
show that women over the age of 60 are generally not in need of
hormone replacements/supplements.
Dr. Smallwood closed by stressing
that all women age 40 and over have a yearly mammogram. “Breast
cancer is the most common cancer in women aside from skin cancer. 28
percent of all cancers found in women are breast cancers with over
270,000 diagnosed each year. Because of the advances in preventive
screenings, the cancer related deaths decrease 1-2 percent every year.
In
support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM),
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital will
host a special “Pink Power” luncheon for all
individuals who have their annual mammogram schedule between October 1st
and the 29th. Board Certified Physicians
Dr. Billy Noell, General Surgeon, Dr.
James Smallwood, Gynecologist and Dr. Rodney Stinnett, Radiologist
will be available during the event for questions. In addition,
participants will be entered in a raffle drawing for a
“Longaberger
Mammography” basket.
“Preventive screening and early
detection are the best methods of defense fighting this serious
disease,” said President and CEO, Craig James. “We feel it’s our
mission to help educate the community on important issues such as this
and we continuously urge all women to have the life saving screening
each year.”
Please call 526-1437 to schedule
your yearly mammogram. When making your appointment, please arrange
to make previous mammography films available to the radiologist for
comparison. If you have had a mammogram within the past 12 months,
you may not be medically eligible for another mammogram. Please check
with our appointment scheduler or your insurance plan.
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