H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S M AG A Z I N E
Team Healthy Horizons is proud to be able to bring you our newest edition of Muscle Shoals. You will notice many changes including innovative graphic design and editorial content dedicated to supporting our mission of health and wellness. Our publication is continually being refined to reflect current issues and trends relevant to society. Owners Mark and Kimberly Helms are excited about the refinements to our publication and are equally excited to share these changes with your community. We want to remain a vital resource for your healthcare needs and recognize our duty to consciously maintain relevant content and health education to better serve our communities. Our magazine is freely distributed throughout the Southeast. Healthy Horizons was founded 15 years ago by Mark and Kimberly. With their passion for God, community and family, this publication is a natural extension of their core beliefs and values. Wishing you success as you strive for Healthy Horizons! -The Helms Mark Helms, Publisher
mhelms@cableone.net (256) 235-1955
Kimberly Helms, Publisher & Events Coordinator khelms@jsu.edu (256) 235-1955
Amy Askew, Art Director
healthyhorizonsart@gmail.com
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ABOUT US
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S M AG A Z I N E
MUSCLE SHOALS 4 ||| HEALTH
Tips and Knowlege: Asthma
8 ||| HEALTH AND WELL BEING
Getting Into Shape
14 ||| LOCAL
NACOLG: Area Agency on Aging
18 ||| HEALTH INNOVATIONS
Keller Infusion Center
www.HealthyHorizons.com |||| 3
HEALTH
TIPS AND KNOWLEGE
ASTHMA Respiratory illnesses like asthma are the number one reason why patients come to Children’s of Alabama. Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease that is very common in children and adults.
HAVING ASTHMA CAUSES:
• airway muscles to tighten • inflammation to increase • swelling in the airways • mucus to build up Airways become swollen, tight and narrow making it hard to breathe. Common symptoms include: • coughing which is often worse at night • chest tightness • wheezing • coughing or difficulty breathing with exercise
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There are two main types of asthma: persistent and intermittent. In persistent asthma, children have more frequent symptoms and flare-ups. This is caused by increased airway inflammation, swelling and narrowing that is present every day. Children with intermittent asthma have few symptoms because they only have rare times of airway swelling and narrowing. Janet Johnston, CRNP, is a nurse practitioner and asthma educator at Children’s of Alabama. She said even though there’s no cure for asthma, in most cases families can learn how to make sure their child’s asthma is well controlled.
Got Dust? Got Dust? It's virtually impossible to avoid—and it can trigger virtually impossible to is avoid —and it canby trigger anIt's asthma attack. Asthma characterized
an asthma attack. Asthma is characterized excessive sensitivity of the lungs to various by stimuli. excessive sensitivity of the lungs to infections various stimuli. Certain triggers—ranging from viral to Certainto triggers—ranging fromparticles viral infections allergies irritating gases and in the to allergies to irritating gases and particles in the air—can make asthma worse. Each child reacts air—can make asthma worse. Each child reacts differently to the factors that may trigger asthma. differently to the factors that may trigger asthma.
We can help you recognize what makes We can help you recognize what makes your child's asthma worse and find simple your child's asthma worse and find simple solutions to reduce and avoid asthma attacks. solutions to reduce and avoid asthma attacks.
ChildrensAL.org/asthma ChildrensAL.org/asthma
Asthma Clinic Clinic Asthma Specializedasthma asthmacare carefor: for: Specialized l Children with severe asthma or asthma refractory to standard therapies l Children with severe asthma or asthma refractory to standard therapies l
Children with recurrent hospitalization and/or urgent care visits Children with recurrent hospitalization and/or urgent care visits l Children and families with unique asthma self-management education needs l Children and families with unique asthma self-management education needs l Children with co-morbid conditions that contribute to difficult disease control l Children with co-morbid conditions that contribute to difficult disease control l
Appointments made by physician referral only. For appointments, call: 205.638.9583 ChildrensAL.org/asthma Appointments made by physician referral only. For appointments, call: 205.638.9583 ChildrensAL.org/asthma
For Children’s Financial Assistance information contact 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance For Children’s Financial Assistance information contact 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance
www.readhealthyhorizons.com www.readhealthyhorizons.com
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HEALTH
TIPS AND KNOWLEGE
One of the most important ways to do that is to know the triggers of asthma.
Johnston encourages families to have an action plan to help keep their child’s asthma well controlled.
COMMON TRIGGERS ARE:
The plan should include: • seeing the child’s health care provider regularly for asthma • having clear instructions about using the inhaler and any other medicine • know what to do when symptoms increase • know when to call the doctor • know when to seek care
• respiratory infection • allergies • irritants such as smoke • exercise
Oftentimes, just avoiding the triggers can help reduce the occurrence of symptoms. The exception is exercise. “One trigger you don’t want to avoid is exercise,” she said. “If the child’s asthma is well controlled, they shouldn’t have to avoid exercise.” Johnston said another concern is making sure the child gets the full dose of medicine through an inhaler alone. She recommends always using a spacer with the inhaler. “Using a spacer ensures the proper dose of medicine is going deeply in the child’s lungs,” she said. “It’s important to get the full dose of medicine. Otherwise, it’s like pouring half of it on the floor.”
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Well-controlled asthma means a child is: • symptom-free most of the time and not needing frequent quick relief medicine • able to play and exercise like other children • sleeping through the night • not missing school or work due to frequent asthma flare ups More information about managing asthma is available at www.childrensal.org/asthma. •
H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S M AG A Z I N E
PUZZLE
HEALTH
AND WELL BEING
Exercise is the magic pill, but how do we balance it all out? First ask your doctor, then check out health. gov Physical Activity Guidelines for more information. Here are a few initial considerations:
AEROBIC ACTIVITY People doing aerobic activities move large muscles in a rhythmic manner for a sustained period. Brisk walking, jogging, biking, dancing, and swimming are all examples of aerobic activities. This type of activity is also called endurance activity. Aerobic activity makes a person's heart beat more rapidly to meet the demands of the body's movement. Over time, regular aerobic activity makes the heart and cardiovascular system stronger and fitter. Adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity physical activity 8 |||| HEALTHY HORIZONS
a week, or an equivalent amount (75 minutes or 1 hour and 15 minutes) of vigorous-intensity activity. Older adults can also do an equivalent amount of activity by combining moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. As is true for younger people, greater amounts of physical activity provide additional and more extensive health benefits to people aged 65 years and older. Adults who are already active and meet the guidelines can gain additional and more extensive health benefits by moving beyond the 150 minutes a week minimum to 300 or more minutes a week of relatively moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Aerobic physical activity should be spread throughout the week. Research studies consistently show that activity performed on at least 3 days a week produces health benefits. Spreading physical activity across at least 3 days a week may help to reduce the risk of injury and
HEALTH
AND WELL BEING avoid excessive fatigue.
Episodes of aerobic activity count if they last at least 10 minutes and are performed at moderate or vigorous intensity. These episodes can be divided throughout the day or week. For example, a person who takes a brisk 15-minute walk twice a day on every day of the week would easily meet the minimum guideline for aerobic activity. Aerobic Exercise: • Walking • Dancing • Swimming • Water aerobics • Jogging • Aerobic exercise classes • Bicycle riding (stationary or on a path) • Some activities of gardening, such as raking and pushing a lawn mower • Tennis • Golf (without a cart) Muscle-Strengthening Exercise: • Exercises using exercise bands, weight machines, hand-held weights • Callisthenic exercises (body weight provides resistance to movement) • Digging, lifting, and carrying as part of gardening • Carrying groceries •Some yoga exercises •Some Tai Chi exercises
activities make muscles do more work than they are accustomed to during activities of daily life. Examples of muscle-strengthening activities include lifting weights, working with resistance bands, doing calisthenics using body weight for resistance (such as push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups), climbing stairs, carrying heavy loads, and heavy gardening. No specific amount of time is recommended for muscle strengthening, but muscle-strengthening exercises should be performed to the point at which it would be difficult to do another repetition without help. When resistance training is used to enhance muscle strength, one set of 8 to 12 repetitions of each exercise is effective, although two or three sets may be more effective. Development of muscle strength and endurance is progressive over time. This means that gradual increases in the amount of weight or the days per week of exercise will result in stronger muscles.
WHY EXERCISE? • Improved cardio-respiratory fitness • Improved muscular fitness • Lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke • Lower risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes • Lower risk of high cholesterol and triglycerides • Lower risk of colon and breast cancer, and possibly lung and endometrial cancer • Increased bone density or a slower loss of density Reduced depression and better quality sleep • Lower risk of early death • Weight control Compiled by Cathy Turner Health and Wellness Director YMCA of the Shoals
MUSCLE-STRENGTHENING ACTIVITY At least 2 days a week, adults should do muscle–strengthening activities that involve all the major muscle groups. These are the muscles of the legs, hips, chest, back, abdomen, shoulders, and arms. Muscle-strengthening 12 |||| HEALTHY HORIZONS
H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S M AG A Z I N E
ANSWER
LOCAL
AREA AGENCY ON AGING
NACOLG
NORTHWEST ALABAMA COUNCIL OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Q RESOURCE CENTERS
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) are part of a national initiative put in place by the Administration for Community Living to provide access to information and assistance for older adults, individuals with
Aging and Disability Resource Center Specialist, Ashley Counts works with ADRC Specialist Amy Vanderpool.
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disabilities and their caregivers. The ADRC acts as a no wrong door for those seeking assistance for themselves, a family member, neighbor, friend or clients. All callers are screened for assistance utilizing a universal screening tool that prevents the caller from having to give the information numerous times. Referrals are made on behalf of the individual needing assistance and follow-up is provided for quality assurance. To reach the NACOLG ADRC Specialists call (256)389-0530 or 1-800-838-5845 for NACOLG’s Service Area of Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Marion and Winston Counties in Alabama. NACOLG’S Area Agency on Aging has 25 senior centers in the five county area which offer daily activities, nutritious meals, free health screenings and special planned events and outings. For seniors unable to leave their homes the senior centers offer a homebound meal program.
LOCAL
AREA AGENCY ON AGING MEDICAID WAIVER CASE MANGERS
Alabama’s Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program provides home-based services needed to keep senior citizens or disabled individuals living independently in the community as an alternative to long term care placement. NACOLG’s case managers assess clients’ need for assistance, verify Medicaid eligibility and coordinate services required to keep home conditions safe & sanitary for 620 persons residing in the NACOLG Region.
NACOLG’s Area Agency Director Jeff Thompson and Nutrition Program Director Cindy Roberts reviewing nutrition reports.
ACT WAVIER AND TRANSITION WAIVER
Transition Coordinator, Melanie Crittenden and ACT Waiver Case Manager, Emily Gunter
Medicaid Initiated last year the ACT Waiver Program which is designed to assist long-term care recipients in transitioning back into the community. A Transition Coordinator, along with the ACT case manager, assists the Long-term care client in determining eligibility, securing housing, setting up a household and obtaining assistance with activities of daily living. This year, a new waiver program is being established which will provide consumer-driven options for in-home services. Medicaid Waiver Case Managers
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LOCAL
AREA AGENCY ON AGING For residents of long term care facilities and their families NACOLG has the LongTerm Care Ombudsman Program. The Ombudsman is an advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities and works to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of resiNACOLG’s Long-Term Care dents. To contact the OmOmbudsman, Trenelia budsman call (256)389-0533.
any age who have a chronic medical condition and have no prescription drug insurance and meet the income requirements.
The Alabama Cares Program provides support for caregivers through providing information, assistance, as well as temporary respite and supplemental services on a limited basis.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Senior Rx Coordinator, Paula Pardue working on RX application.
Hamm.
For those in the NACOLG region age 60 and older, legal assistance is available which includes counsel, advice and representation in civil, non-fee generating The State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) provides cases such as: access to public benefits, advance dieducation, counseling and information for Medicare rectives for financial, routine medical and end of life Beneficiaries to allow them to make informed choices decision making and simple wills. regarding their insurance benefits. SHIP, along with Senior Medicare Patrol Program (SMP) works to keep beneficiaries from becoming victims of health care fraud. ADRC/Alabama Cares Director, Kathy Spears with family caregiver, doing reassessment.
Working hand in hand with SHIP is the Senior RX Program which is a prescription drug assistance program for Alabamians age 55+. This program also provides assistance for persons with disabilities of SHIP/Senior RX Program Director, Linda Newkirk.
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Program Coordinator, Amber Isbell with former Sr. Aide Participant, Diane McBrayer who was hired from the program by a host agency.
NACOLG’s Senior Employment Program is for low income seniors who are 55 and older and want to get back into the work force. This program allows them to work with host agencies within the community to refresh their job skills in order to find permanent employment. For any of these and other programs not listed here call (256)389-0530 or 1-800-838-5845. •
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HEALTH
KELLER INFUSION CENTER
The Infusion Center at Helen Keller Hospital is focused on providing a safe and comfortable treatment experience. This new, state-of-the-art center is located in a completely renovated space in the 1100 Professional Building on the Helen Keller Hospital campus. For added patient convenience, registration is on-site at the center, totally eliminating the need to enter the main hospital. The 1100 Professional Building features a covered patient drop off and pick up area only steps away from the center’s entrance. The center features eight treatment suites, including private suites for those who prefer to nap or read while receiving treatments, and a multi-patient social suite for those who wish to chat and interact with other patients. Each suite is equipped with a television, comfortable infusion chairs, and seating for patient companions. 18 |||| HEALTHY HORIZONS
Comprehensive, Patient-Focused Care At Keller Infusion Center, our goal is to make your visit with us as comfortable as possible while providing you with the best of care. The Keller Infusion Center offers a wide array of treatments for osteoporosis, anemia, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, cancer, infections (antibiotics), and other conditions requiring infusion therapy. Orders from your physician, based on your diagnosis, will determine what type of infusion you receive. The center cares for adults, adolescents, and children over the age of six.
OUR STAFF
The Keller Infusion Center is staffed by highly qualified nurses and support personnel, including a nationally
HEALTH
KELLER INFUSION CENTER certified oncology nurse. All of the center’s nurses are trained in chemotherapy administration and all have certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). The Keller Infusion Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. by appointment and physician referral. For more information, call 256-386-4759. •
SEPSIS: CHANGING CULTURE AND SAVING LIVES
According to the National Institute of Health, every year, severe sepsis strikes more than a million Americans. Between 28-50% of these people die each year – more than the number of U.S. deaths from prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer combined. It is a global healthcare problem, striking 30 million people worldwide each year. Helen Keller Hospital was chosen as one of only five hospitals nationally to participate with the Joint Commission in a reducing sepsis mortality pilot project. This project began in June 2014. Dr. Bill Meckes and the Quality Council have worked over the past two years to develop a sepsis screening tool and patient care protocols. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection injures its own tissues and organs. Common signs and symptoms include fever, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, and confusion. Severe sepsis causes poor organ function or insufficient blood flow. The project was developed to increase the awareness of sepsis and to see it treated as an emergency, much like chest pain, a heart attack, or a stroke. This initiative is aimed at promoting early diagnosis and reducing sepsis mortality through the delivery of evidence-based care. The participating hospitals have educated their staff, implemented screening tools, and sepsis care “bundles” that include timely screening for signs and symptoms of sepsis, performance of sepsis sensitive diagnostic tests, and urgent delivery of fluids and antibiotics. Helen Keller Hospital has recognized a reduction in sepsis mortality through implementation of these initiatives. This project has become a model for hospitals throughout the country. • www.HealthyHorizons.com |||| 19
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