APRIL 2018
PMREMS newsletter
regionalresource
regional opportunities A
look ahead has Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services optimistic area opportunity partnerships will bring positive things to our nonprofit for the benefit of the community. While we continue our annual Subscription Drive with easy access online plus mail-in sign-ups stirring; a creative way for public behind the wheel participation has arrived!
Turn the page and checkout details we’ll reveal about Ray Price Ford’s Drive 4UR Community event set for Saturday, May 19. Keep looking through and you will see how Lehigh Valley Health Network continues to be a great resource for physician points. While Arrowhead Lake Community Association shares healthy gardening tips. Then conclude with a view at how you can be a part of PMREMS.
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IN THIS EDITION 2 DRIVE 4UR COMMUNITY An Onscene Invitation
3 LVHN: PHYSICIAN POINTS The Healing Process
4 ARROWHEAD TIPS Gardening for Good
5 FOCUS ON A FUTURE Careers with EMS
6 THERE’S STILL TIME Subscribe for the Drive
19 may ONSCENE
2971 ROUTE 940 MOUNT POCONO 9am-3pm
DR
Ford Drive 4UR Community invites licensed and insured drivers to take a test drive with each earning $20 towards our nonprofit. But that’s not all... the day’s intent is to enjoy time spent learning about our life-saving equipment, techniques, plus a peek into our ambulances for a view (or two) of how our medical professionals serve you. Understanding not everyone can take a drive; those clever coordinators came up with other
Experience PMREMS first-hand as we join Ray Price Ford 9a.m. to 3p.m. May 19th with a fundraising opportunity that’s really quite unique.
Photo from left: Walter Price joins PMREMS Business Manager Nick DeWitt
JOIN US
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ways to help out inviting one of the area’s top restaurants, Van Gilder’s Jubilee, on board. Whether familiar with this popular Pocono Pines eatery or not, take our word for it you won’t want to miss taste-bud bliss with a portion of the day’s proceeds from food sales pledged to PMREMS.
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Ask the Doctor
Top things you can do to help the healing process
Q
I’ve been admitted to the hospital and was wondering what types of things I can do to help with the healing process. A: Bryan Burke, MD I’m sorry you’re not feeling well but want you to have confidence that you’re surrounded by a team of physicians and nurses, dedicated to helping you throughout your hospital stay. There are several things you, as the patient, can do to help with the healing process. Get Moving First of all, as long as there are no restrictions and there’s no reason you cannot be out of bed, the best thing you can do to help you get better and out of the hospital sooner is to get up and walk. Walk with your family around the halls. Walk with the nurse. Get out of bed and sit in a chair. Walking helps to prevent blood clots in the legs, it helps prevent pneumonia by opening up your lungs and it helps keep your bowels and bladder working. While you may want to stay in bed, being stationary is not good. Work with your care team to get things done. When physical therapy comes by, get up and move with them. Learn About Your Diet If you’re placed on a certain diet while in the hospital, such as a renal diet, cardiac diet, diabetic diet, etc., don’t be afraid to ask for more information about why and how that diet may help you. Fluids are often helpful, but if you have heart failure or sodium problems, you may have your fluid intake restricted. Nutritionists are available to speak with you as well, and if you feel this may benefit you, don’t hesitate to ask. Understand Your Medications At Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono, we provide you with information on your medications, especially any new ones that have been added. You will be given a medication reconciliation on discharge that lists what you should be taking, how often, etc. It is imperative that you bring a medication and allergy list with you to the hospital. Keep a list in your purse or wallet. Keep this list up to date, and carry it with you
Bryan Burke, MD, is a physician at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
everywhere. Don’t assume the physicians or nurses in the hospital you’re at know your medication history as it could be inaccessible or inaccurate. When patients leave Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono, they are provided a folder to organize medications, details for follow up appointments and care. Get to Know Your Team Ask your doctors for business cards or contact information. I always leave my card at the patient’s bedside or with a family member. If you’re not sure who is seeing you or why, don’t be afraid to ask. It’s not uncommon to see one or more specialists during a hospital stay, they may also have a physician assistant or certified registered nurse practitioner helping them. Other Tips If you’re scheduled for a test, try not to delay getting it done. If you’re not supposed to eat after midnight for a procedure, don’t sneak a snack in the morning. If you’re scheduled for a stress test, make sure you avoid caffeine. Life doesn’t stop while you’re in the hospital, but try to keep outside distractions from impacting your care. Make sure to get some rest, although that can be difficult in the hospital. Don’t be afraid to tell family and friends that you’re not up to having visitors if you really need some quiet time. When You Head Home Prior to being discharged, you should be given follow up instructions or given information on a follow up visit with your primary care provider or specialist. At Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono we will call your provider on discharge and send a copy of your discharge summary to your primary care provider to help with continuity of care. This way your provider can follow up on labs, biopsies, radiology findings such as lung nodules, etc. If you do not have a primary care provider, we will help set you up with one prior to discharge. Often patients will be discharged home with skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, antibiotic infusions, or other homecare referrals. If you have a preferred agency, let your care team know. Often being home is the best place to recover from a hospital stay and we can work with you to get the care you need at home. The case manager and/or social worker is a great resource for your transition home. They can make referrals to home care, the office of aging, and get you in touch with many county and state programs to help you once you’re discharged. If you have many medical issues, often your insurance provider will have case workers available to you free of charge to help manage your care.
How Gardening Can Improve Your Health Gardening can reduce stress and anxiety
Let’s face it, life is stressful! Getting out in the garden at the end of a busy day can reduce stress levels and mental fatigue.
Gardening can decrease your risk of heart disease and diabetes
Gardening keeps you active and reduces your stress levels, and that means it can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other associated lifestyle diseases. Plus, eating the nutritious whole foods that you grow is great for heart health, too!
Gardening can make you happy!
Mounting evidence shows that a number of health and behavior problems, including anxiety and depression, are directly linked to the amount of time you spend outside. For children, especially, this can constitute a “nature-deficit disorder.” Gardening staves off blues, provides an outlet for creativity, and nurtures a sense of pride and accomplishment when you harvest those juicy red tomatoes.
Gardening can keep your mind sharp
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that various physical activities, gardening among them, can cut the risk of Alzheimer’s by 50%. Other research finds that horticulture therapy is very engaging for dementia patients and has a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.
Gardening can help you sleep better
Spending time in the dirt can improve the quality of your. The physical activity tires you out, but more importantly, tending to your garden reduces stress and anxiety levels, meaning you’ll be able to fall asleep easier and experience sweeter dreams.
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job plus more competitive salary paid vacations benefits
training in state-of-the-art equipment a continuous connection to community
Focus Today on Planning Your Tomorrow 570.839.8485
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