VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2
WINTER 2013
YOUR GUIDE TO BUILDING A HEALTHY TOMORROW
Central Harnett Hospital
NOW OPEN*
*Friday, January 18, 2013 at 7am 215 Brightwater Drive 路 Lillington
SPECIAL
EDITION: A
FREE
CENTRAL
PUBLICATION
FROM
HARNETT
HARNETT
HEALTH
HOSPITAL
Solarium, Main Entrance
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Margaret Minuth, MBA Director of PR & Marketing
Editor/Contributing Writer Meredith Blalock Public Relations Specialist
Production and Design Jacob Godwin Marketing Designer
My Harnett Health is a free magazine published by Harnett Health for our community. The material in My Harnett Health is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing illnesses or conditions. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment, nutritional program or exercise routine. If you need a physician, please visit us online at www.HarnettHealth.org. For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine or to obtain a free copy, please contact the Public Relations Department at (910) 842-1000 ext. 4960.
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COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Peter Damroth Photography
Welcome from the President Dear Friends, I am deeply appreciative of the community support for Harnett Health and Betsy Johnson Hospital over the years. Our new hospital, Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington, is open and could not have been accomplished without your support. Harnett Health is boosting the Harnett County economy. We brought more than 220 new jobs to the area in 2012, the single largest job growth in one year in the county’s recent history. Nearly 15,000 applications were received allowing Harnett Health to hire many experienced nurses, technologists, and support staff. We are now the second largest employer in the county, second only to the county school system. The $56 million investment in Central Harnett Hospital is the largest capital project in Harnett County’s history, and the opening of the hospital will create an additional economic impact of $700 million over the next decade. What could be a greater way to celebrate our 75-Year deep tradition of caring for our community, as established by Nathan M. Johnson, Sr., than expanding access to care across the county. Under the guidance of our non-profit community board of trustees and the management agreement support from WakeMed, Harnett Health is working to transform healthcare in our local communities. By bringing in more physicians and specialists and continuing to expand our services and locations, we continue to build a premier medical staff so that you have the ability to receive care locally, have a choice in physicians, and have the peace of mind in knowing you will receive the same quality primary and secondary care here at home. Over the next few years, we’ll add physicians in cardiology, orthopedics, surgery, OB/GYN, gastroenterology, ear/nose/throat, urology, primary care, emergency medicine and many other specialties. All of our physicians are here to serve you. Our board is committed to providing you with access to physicians close to home. Last year, Harnett Health added more than 15 physicians to open the new hospital in many specialties. If you need a primary care physician, you should be able to find one at our five physician practices. Harnett Health physician practices have 19 providers in pediatrics, OB/GYN, internal medicine and family practice in Angier, Lillington, and Dunn, and expansion to other communities is underway. In this magazine, you’ll see some of our new physicians we have at Harnett Health to serve you. For a complete list of physicians, visit us online at www.HarnettHealth.org. I personally thank each of our employees and physicians for their work every day to provide quality service and compassionate care to our patients. Our efforts focus on assuring that you receive great care. Harnett Health is here for you, close to home and ready to help take care of you and your family with nearly 1,000 highly trained personnel and 170 board certified physicians and providers. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2013!
Ken Bryan, FACHE President & CEO Harnett Health Harnett Health Executive Team pictured left to right Ken Bryan, FACHE, President & CEO Vicki Allen, RN, MS, Chief Nursing Officer Vice President of Patient Care Services & Service Excellence Sondra Davis, SPHR, MSM Vice President of Human Resources & System Development Wallace J. Horne, MD, MMM Vice President of Medical Affairs Mike Jones, MBA Administrator, Central Harnett Hospital Vice President of Support Services Robin Nichols, CPA, Chief Financial Officer
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Mike Jones Administrator, Central Harnett Hospital Vice President of Support Services
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Central Harnett Hospital is Open! I am so excited that January 18, 2013, opening day of Central Harnett Hospital, is here! The Harnett Health team and its key partners have worked diligently for several years to keep our promise to you and to make the hospital a reality, and I couldn’t be more proud of our new hospital. We have a well-built, conveniently designed, high-tech 50-bed facility with beautiful finishes constructed to provide a safe, healing environment for all who enter. We want the hospital to be part of the community, a place where you feel welcome and experience quality, compassionate care. When you enter the main entrance in the center of the building, our concierge will greet you and answer any questions you may have. You’ll be able to navigate easily around Central Harnett Hospital because we’ve eliminate the hallway “maze” that is so common in older hospitals. The front hallway is for our guests and outpatients who are coming for outpatient services. The back hallway is reserved for our staff and patients so that your care is as private and secure as possible. Located on the left of our building is our Emergency Department with its own entrance for walk-in emergency patients. Our medical imaging, lab, and surgical suite are housed on the first floor as well as our chapel, administrative offices, a full-service cafeteria and an outdoor courtyard. To the right of the main entrance, we offer day surgery patients a separate exit so you can be picked up privately when you’re ready to go home. The entire second floor is dedicated to our inpatients. Each of our 50 rooms is private so you don’t have to share your room with another patient. Also on the second floor is our eight-bed Special Care Unit (SCU) for patients who need a higher level of care. We at Harnett Health want to be your partner in healthcare. Now, with the opening of Central Harnett Hospital, you don’t have to travel outside your hometown for quality healthcare. Come see us – here at home. I am extremely proud to be part of this exciting milestone for Harnett Health and the people of Harnett County and surrounding areas. I encourage you to take advantage of all the services the new hospital has to offer.
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EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT separate entrance at the back of the building for immediate access to emergency personnel.
Dan Minior, MD Harnett Health ER Medical Director Board Certified Emergency Medicine Having an ER close to home is comforting when you need emergency care. Our new hospital is conveniently located to Harnett, Lee, southern Wake, and Cumberland counties with a drive time typically less than thirty minutes (see times below). Having an ER with board-certified physicians on staff offers you extra confidence that you’ll receive quality care. We have 13 treatment bays, two triage rooms, two resuscitation rooms, and one decontamination room and are available to serve you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The floor plan of the new hospital was designed with your utmost care and safety in mind. For Walk-In Emergency patients, you’ll enter on the far left side of the building through a dedicated entrance for triage and ER check-in. Patients arriving by emergency response vehicles have a
We’re closer than you may think! Drive Times* to Central Harnett Hospital From: Mileage: Time: Angier 8.1 11 minutes Broadway 16.5 20 minutes Buffalo Lakes 21.2 30 minutes Fuquay-Varina 12.3 15 minutes Holly Springs 18.0 24 minutes Sanford 23.9 29 minutes Spout Springs 23.0 29 minutes Spring Lake 20.5 27 minutes Willow Spring 17.0 24 minutes *GoogleMaps 12-11-12: from hospital coordinates to town centers.
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Just beside the ER is our Medical Imaging department. At other facilities, you may have been strolled down the hallways in front of the public to get to these areas. For your privacy, we have a separate patient corridor to transport you within the facility so you can concentrate on your recovery. Patient rooms with all glass doors and centrally-located nursing stations allow our staff to see all of our patients while we coordinate your care. Whether we’re at your bedside, getting supplies for your treatment, or at the nursing station, we can safely keep an eye on all of our patients throughout your stay. As privacy is also key, we have privacy curtains in each room when needed. The glass doors are called “breakaway doors” and have a key safety feature: they’re specifically designed to be quickly pushed out to allow for more staff in the room or to easily transport a patient out of the room. Moving quickly in an emergency situation is essential. The breakaway doors are an example of the excellent planning and design of the building. Efficient and quick communication is important for quality care. Central Harnett Hospital is equipped with pneumatic tubes that connect the emergency department, lab, pharmacy, and inpatient units for ease and speed of service.
This reduces the time it takes for our caregivers to walk to and from supporting departments so they can spend more time taking care of you. Our decontamination room is important to the safety of our community members who are exposed to any hazardous substance. The room is equipped with its own drainage system that allows any water used in the decontamination process to be stored in a separate container outside the hospital for the hazardous waste company to remove and dispose of safely.
The hospital also has a helipad for helicopter transport. The ER at Central Harnett Hospital is fully equipped and staffed to handle many types of medical emergencies. We have qualified, well-trained employees with emergency medical experience who are ready to help you, but in a case where a higher-level of care is needed, we can have you air-lifted to another facility. While we hope you never have an emergency, we want you to know that we are here to help in case you need us!
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Berlain Hatfield, Director of Surgical Services Harnett Health Christina Hall, Surgical Services Supervisor Central Harnett Hospital
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SURGICAL SERVICES Quality care starts by having the right technology in experienced hands. With 39 board certified surgeons on staff at Harnett Health, our skilled team of anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, surgical technologists, registered nurses, and sterile processing technicians perform a wide range of surgical procedures at both Betsy Johnson Hospital and our new Central Harnett Hospital.
Anesthesiology Arthroscopy Ear, Nose and Throat Gastroenterology (GI)
Our providers are dedicated to giving each patient a personalized, compassionate experience in a healing, comforting environment that’s close to home. Arthroscopic, laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures can be performed at Central Harnett Hospital, as well as other specialty surgeries in one of the three large, state-ofthe-art surgical suites.
General Surgery Gynecology/Women’s Health Laparoscopic Procedures Minimally Invasive Procedures
Our focus is quality care for you and your family. While you are in surgery, your family can stay updated on your care by privately tracking your status with our digital tracking boards - whether you’re in pre-op, in surgery, post-op, or are ready to be discharged. For day surgery patients, we have a convenient discharge area at the surgical department. The separate exit offers you extra privacy, convenience, and peace of mind you would expect from the team at Harnett Health.
Ophthalmology Orthopedics Podiatry Urology
Harnett Health welcomes a new Orthopedic Surgeon!
Richard M. Slusher, D.O. Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon The 82nd Airborne veteran is a medical staff member with Harnett Health and will perform orthopedic procedures at Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington and Betsy Johnson Hospital in Dunn. With a passion for sports medicine, Dr. Slusher spent a year in a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Cincinnati / Wellington Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. His goal is to help patients maintain mobility and regain mobility after sports and other injuries. He looks forward to providing quality orthopedic care to area residents.
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64-Slice Computed Tomography
MEDICAL IMAGING David Allison, MD, Medical Director, Medical Imaging, Harnett Health
“Newer imaging techniques and digital technologies have enabled radiologists to better study the images with improved speed and accuracy. These advances mean shorter waiting times, greater patient and referring physician satisfaction and improved outcomes. The level of technology in our imaging department further proves the committment of Harnett Health to the community we serve.”
We are very proud to serve our community with state-of-the-art technology. The Medical Imaging Department offers six separate services at Central Harnett Hospital: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), 64-Slice CT Scanning, Nuclear Medicine Imaging, Ultrasound Imaging, Full Field Digital Mammography, and Diagnostic Digital Radiology. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside your body. A painless procedure, it allows your radiologists to read images of organs that were previously difficult to view. MRI has also been used to identify problems that cannot be seen with other imaging methods. Our new hospital has the GE Optima 450w 1.5 Tesla magnet with advanced capabilities for a wide-bore MR system. The wide bore unit delivers both remarkable image quality and high productivity with a spacious field of view.
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Our GE Optima 660 64-Slice COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT SCAN) gives physicians the ability to see more anatomical detail in only a fraction of the time. And when you’re in pain or have difficulty holding still, the speed of a test is even more important. Often, a CT can be used before more invasive or exploratory procedures to diagnose illness. NUCLEAR MEDICINE is also available at Central Harnett Hospital. Our Siemens Symbia S with automatic calibration provides your doctor with information about the structure and function of the area he or she is studying. A very small amount of radio-pharmaceuticals are injected into your body while special cameras and computers work to provide precise pictures of the area of the body being imaged. Don’t let the term “nuclear” concern you as the amount given is typically comparable to that of a diagnostic x-ray. Using sound waves, our GE LOGIC 9 ULTRASOUND unit performs noninvasive, pain-free procedures that captures images in real-time, showing movement of internal tissues and organs. This can be especially helpful for physicians in identifying illness or disease. One of the most recent advancements in the imaging field is DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY. Our GE Essential Full Field Digital Mammography Unit produces clearer images than analog tests because it takes electronic images rather than films. The
Renata Marlowe, RT-R, M, QM, BD, Mammography Technologist, Central Harnett Hospital Paula Yoho, RT-R, N, M, QM, RDMS, CNMT, Medical Imaging Manager, Harnett Health
radiologist can zoom in on your images and improve resolution and contrast for a more accurate diagnosis. The clearer image helps reduce the need for follow-up testing and may improve the physician’s ability to detect smaller areas of concern. And most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early diagnosis. Specific imaging services for women, like digital mammography, will take place in the private women’s area with separate dressing rooms, bathrooms and entrances to the imaging equipment rooms. We’ve planned a private space for women so you can feel more relaxed during your imaging procedures. Our team wants to make your imaging experience as comfortable and as easy as possible. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY (X-Ray) - all of the diagnostic radiology rooms and the portable are GE DR (digital radiography) units with wireless technology.
Our technology expands beyond the tests you receive as a patient. We were the first hospital in the nation to purchase the “GE Healthcare DoseWatch” software for our new hospital. This new radiation dose-tracking and reporting system analyzes your exposure levels over time so that we can balance image quality with your radiation dose. Using a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), our hospital has technology that allows your physicians on our medical staff to immediately access your digital images securely at any Harnett Health location. Our radiology services are provided by Carolina Regional Radiology, a 17-member physician group who has served us with excellent care for several decades.
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Benefits of having a hospitalist as a key member of your healthcare team include: • Shorter Wait Time — Because they work at the hospital 24/7, hospitalists can expedite your admission from the Emergency Department. • More Efficient Communication — As the center point of communication, hospitalists coordinate your care among your primary care physician and all your specialists (radiology, cardiology, oncology, hematology, etc.). • Personalized Care — Since hospitalist are full time and don’t have their own practice, you and your family have faster, more personalized access to discuss your plan of care. • Shorter Hospital Stay — By having a hospitalist on site to coordinate tests and procedures, the amount of time in between tests is reduced, which means you may be able to go home faster.
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When you require additional medical care and monitoring after an emergency or surgery, an inpatient room is assigned for your continued medical treatment. You’ll be cared for by a team of compassionate, experienced physicians, registered nurses, and healthcare professionals in a safe, nurturing, healing environment so you can focus on returning home. Once you’re admitted to the hospital, your care will be overseen by a Hospitalist. As part of our commitment to building a premier medical staff, we are proud that all hospitalists for our two facilities are provided by WakeMed. Hospitalists are board certified internal medicine specialists who work at the hospital seven days a week, 24 hours a day to provide you with ongoing and immediate care. Because they don’t have private practices, they can focus solely on the inpatients in our hospital. They work as partners with you and your referring physician and other physician specialists to provide you with safe, quality, efficient care during your hospital stay. EXPERIENCED NURSING CARE We want you to be confident in the care you receive at our new hospital. As a patient, you are our primary focus, and the way we deliver care reflects that every day. Our nursing staff is experienced, fully-trained and well-prepared to care
Hospitalist Page 2
INPATIENT CARE for you. Dedicated to providing you with compassionate, quality care, our team is known for listening to you and responding to your needs in a timely fashion. Our nursing care model ensures that you have a nurse at your bedside more often and longer to ensure better communication. ALL PRIVATE ROOMS One of the hallmarks of a high-quality patient experience is privacy. We recognize that a private room makes you more comfortable and helps you rest, which is especially important when you are recovering. Our second floor is dedicated entirely to inpatient nursing care with 50 private rooms, including eight special care rooms, and a large, private bathroom making access easy with wheelchairs, walkers, and assistive devices. Each patient room features maple woodtones and comfortable dĂŠcor in warm, natural colors with a dedicated patient information system, telephone, wireless internet access, cable TV with a 32-inch flat panel screen, and a large picture window that can open just enough for a fresh breeze. Room service will be provided by our Food and Nutrition staff, and you can order your meals from our menus.
Christopher W. Stewart, MD Central Harnett Hospitalist Program Director provided by WakeMed Faculty Physicians Board Certified Internal Medicine
Your satisfaction is important to us, and we look forward to providing you with quality care close to home.
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Doug Baer, Chef Manager, Food Service Harnett Health
HEALING THROUGH COOKING
Harnett Health’s Chef Doug Baer is proud to bring healthy meals to our hospitals. A graduate from the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Baer reflects on the changes that have taken place in the hospital culinary industry.
“We’re in the healthcare industry. It makes sense that we provide our patients and everyone who comes in our facility with options that will encourage them to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Chef Baer.
“Twelve years ago, we were serving canned vegetables. Today, we serve fresh vegetables and a variety of heart healthy selections.”
One myth that he’s quick to dispel: “Yes, we serve food at Central Harnett Hospital, and we have a full kitchen.”
An aficionado of Asian Fusion and Italian Rustic cuisines, he’s often introduced new recipes in the cafe at Betsy Johnson Hospital with overwhelming success. At Central Harnett Hospital, Chef Baer is excited to oversee the new “grease-free” cooking menu. Now, our fried chicken and French fries will be cooked with hot air using a TurboChef® — a healthier alternative that won’t leave you disappointed. The hospital is working to offer healthier alternatives not just for patients but staff and guests as well.
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Something new at Central Harnett Hospital which will be carried over to Betsy Johnson Hospital once launched at our new hospital: as an inpatient, you will now have Room Service. You can order your meals anytime between 7am and 7pm according to when you want to eat, and you can have your meals coordinated around your care. Our Registered Dietitians can also help patients select meals that are appropriate for their specific needs. If you need counseling, they can provide that service as well.
CENTRAL HARNETT HOSPITAL Another great reason to call Harnett County home. Congratulations on the opening of Central Harnett Hospital from your friends at WakeMed. We’re proud to be associated with an organization that’s as deeply rooted and committed to the health and well-being of its community as we are.
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Main Hallway towards Emergency Department
THANK YOU! Central Harnett Hospital is an amazing accomplishment and a symbol of the transformation of healthcare in Harnett County. It couldn’t have been made possible without the ongoing support of several key organizations and dedicated people. On behalf of the Harnett Health Board of Trustees, we extend a sincere thanks to everyone who had a hand in making the hospital a reality.
BB&T Capital Markets Beckman Coulter Brasfield & Gorrie Brightwater Board of Trustees Campbell University Central Carolina Community College Citizens of Harnett County and surrounding areas City of Dunn
Harnett Health Employees, Volunteers, Chaplains Harnett Health Foundation Harnett Health Medical Staff HFTC – Brightwater Committee Hill-Rom Kurt Salmon Group Mindray
First Citizens Bank
Office Value
General Electric (GE)
Perkins+Will
Harnett County Commissioners Harnett County Economic Development Harnett County Engineer, Inspections, Manager, & Planner Harnett Emergency Medical Services
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Harnett Forward Together Committee
Siemens Steris Corp USDA Rural Development WakeMed
Alphabetically Listed
HEALTHY PEOPLE HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT Central Harnett Hospital has been designed to be an environmentally sustainable facility. Our architects carefully designed the entire campus in multiple ways so that it can conform as a greener structure than many older facilities. In selecting building materials, we used more items that were locally and regionally sourced, which reduced the consumption of fossil fuels. We used recycled and renewable materials, which significantly decreased the use of virgin materials typically required for a project this size. Architecturally, you will notice a more open feel in the building. Besides the significant amount of glass throughout the facility, each patient room has a connection to the outdoors through a seven-foot square window, not only providing you and our staff with a brighter atmosphere, but also helping reduce the amount of energy used for lighting throughout the year. Located at the core of the building, our Healing Garden
offers natural outdoor tranquility for patients, guests, and staff. The garden was designed to collect and store rainwater to irrigate the Healing Garden and front entry plaza through an underground cistern that collects rainwater from the roof. Capturing rainwater and using native vegetation for landscaping reduces the hospital’s water consumption. We installed solar shading on the faces of the building that have maximum sun exposure. The white roofing system reflects sunlight and provides thermal emittance, reducing heat gain on the facility. The solar shades combined with “cool roofing technology” improve the facility’s ability to remain cool during the summer months and should greatly alleviate the quantity of resources used for cooling. Central Harnett Hospital has been developed with design strategies to reduce the environmental impact it has on the community, so that it can remain sustainable not only today, but for future generations to come.
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Harnett Health is proud to announce that our four primary care practices have earned a Level III Designation as a Patient Centered Medical Home and are currently the only facilities in our county with this designation. Being a Patient Centered Medical Home means we are committed to your total well-being by providing comprehensive, continuous medical care. It means building a lasting partnership with you so that together, we can care for your health today and help prevent illnesses tomorrow.
2011
Is Your Thyroid Making You Sick? The thyroid gland is located on the front part of your neck below the thyroid cartilage, an area also known as your “Adam’s apple.” This gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate your body’s metabolism and body energy and help your body work properly. Diseases of the thyroid gland can produce either too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism). Other thyroid issues may include nodules and/or goiters. A nodule is any abnormal growth that forms a lump in the thyroid gland, while a goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that is normally caused by an iodine deficiency. Some nodules can easily be felt, while others can be hidden deep in the thyroid tissue or located very low in the gland, where they are difficult to feel. Although the majority of thyroid nodules are benign (not cancerous), about 10% of nodules do contain cancer. Thyroid cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow in your thyroid gland, but it is quite uncommon. Most people who have thyroid cancer receive a good outcome because the cancer is usually found early, and the treatments work well. Thyroid problems are more common in women than in men. Symptoms of thyroid problems depend on the age of the person and the exact problem with the thyroid. Many of my adult patients who suffer from hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) experience fatigue and exhaustion, constipation, a low tolerance to cold temperatures, and even pain at the wrists and numbness of the hands. It can also contribute to high cholesterol. On the other hand, my patients who have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) often have insomnia, hand tremors and nervousness. Thyroid problems can also occur in children, and their symptoms are similar to those adults experience. They might also feel excessive fatigue, have slow physical growth, and sometimes do poorly in school.
Jumoke Ladapo, MD Board Certified Family Medicine
Lillington Medical Services 716 N. 10th Street Lillington, NC 27546 (910) 814-1212 18
While there is no known way to prevent hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed through a series of blood tests, body scans and/or ultrasounds. As a family practitioner, I encourage you to have a complete physical each year, and let your doctor know if you are experiencing any of the symptoms I’ve mentioned above. Treatment is available, and your good health is a phone call away.
Living Heart Healthy Many of my patients ask me about heart disease, and they are right to be concerned. It is the leading cause of adult deaths in the United States, affecting nearly 700,000 people each year. What you may not know is that 51 percent of those people are women. In fact, one in every eight women ages 45 to 64 has coronary heart disease, and more than 88,000 women in that age bracket will have a heart attack this year. There are many things you can do to take control of your heart health, but your first priority should be to evaluate your risk for heart disease. When you recognize your risk factors, you can take steps to manage them. Some risk factors, such as age and family history, are out of your control. However, when it comes to your lifestyle choices, you have the ability to improve your heart health and reduce your likelihood of getting heart disease. When evaluating your risk for heart disease, I consider the following factors: Do you smoke? Do you have high cholesterol and/or diabetes? Are you physically inactive, and are you over the age of 45? Do you have high blood pressure, and are you more than 20 pounds overweight? If you’re female, are you post-menopausal? And finally, do you have a family history of heart disease? As the number of “yes” answers increases, so does your risk for heart disease. When it comes to good heart health, I can’t stress enough the importance of eating a lowfat, high-fiber diet. By lowering your fat and salt intake and increasing the number of fruits and vegetables in your diet, you can significantly lower your blood pressure. And by adding more fiber to your diet, which is found in barley, oatmeal, cooked beans, and produce such as carrots and apples, you can help reduce your blood cholesterol levels. Finally, you need to move more! Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity – like walking – five or more days each week. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves the delivery of oxygen throughout your body. But be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Take control of your heart health and discuss your risk factors with your physician. It’s the first step on the road to a long, healthy life.
Asif Zia, MD, MPH, FACP Board Certified Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease
Lillington Medical Services 716 N. 10th Street Lillington, NC 27546 (910) 814-1212 19
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Diabetes If you want to understand diabetes, it’s important to understand the way food is broken down and used by the body for energy. When you eat, a sugar called glucose enters your bloodstream. Glucose fuels your body and gives you energy. Your pancreas makes insulin. Insulin’s job is to move that glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into your muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used as fuel. People with diabetes have high blood sugar because their body can’t move that sugar where it’s supposed to go, either because their pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin, or they are insulin resistant. There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. While Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, it’s usually diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. In this disease, the body makes little or no insulin, so the diabetic has to give himself daily injections of insulin. The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes only pregnant women get, and it can affect the health of both mom and baby. It usually goes away after the mother gives birth.
Vidette Cooper, MD Board Certified Internal Medicine
700 Tilghman Drive Suite 700 Dunn, NC 28334 (910) 892-1091 20
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Historically, it has occurred in adults, but because of increasing obesity rates, teens and young adults are now being diagnosed with it. You may be at risk for Type 2 diabetes if you fall into any of these categories: • People over age 45 • People with a family history of diabetes • People who are overweight • People who do not exercise regularly • People with low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, or high blood pressure • Certain racial and ethnic groups, including African-Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives • Women who had gestational diabetes, or who have had a baby weighing nine pounds or more at birth Common symptoms of diabetes are blurry vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, hunger, frequent urination and weight loss. If you are experiencing any or all of these, I strongly suggest you pay a visit to your family practitioner. If left untreated, diabetes can cause blindness, skin problems that can lead to gangrene, kidney disease and heart disease. Treatments for diabetes include healthy eating, physical activity, and medications (oral and/or insulin injections). While there is no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, you can reduce your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes by keeping a normal body weight and an active lifestyle.
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2011
Keep Your Kids Healthy This Winter As the cooler months arrive, the number of children we see for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) always increases. RSV is a respiratory virus that causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages, and it can be very serious in young babies, especially those who are premature. It can also be dangerous for kids with diseases that affect the lungs, heart, or immune system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children under one year of age in the United States. Typically, young infants who have RSV are irritable, less active, and have breathing difficulties. In most cases, healthy infants infected with RSV do not require hospitalization, but in severe cases, babies may need to be admitted for supplemental oxygen and suctioning of mucus from the airways until they are able to breathe on their own. That’s why it’s important to talk with your physician when your child has symptoms — dry cough, low grade fever, sore throat, and mild headache. Serious symptoms needing immediate medical attention include high fever, severe cough, wheezing, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, and bluish lips or nail beds. RSV can spread rapidly through schools and childcare centers, and babies often get it when older kids carry the virus home from school and pass it to them through coughing or sneezing. Droplets containing the virus can linger briefly in the air, and if someone inhales the particles, or the particles contact their nose, mouth, or eyes, they can become infected. It’s also possible to get RSV by kissing the face of a child with RSV. Indirect contact can occur if the virus gets on surfaces like doorknobs, which are then touched by other people. RSV can survive on hard surfaces such as tables and crib rails for several hours. I can’t stress this enough: WASH YOUR HANDS! This is the best way to prevent the spread of RSV germs. You should also wipe hard surfaces with soap and water or disinfectant to help stop infection, especially in places like your bathrooms and kitchens. Unfortunately, scientists have not yet developed an RSV vaccine, so I encourage you to keep your family healthy by avoiding contact with people who have colds. The Flu Monster Influenza leads to more than 20,000 children under age five being hospitalized each year. The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age or older get a flu vaccine each year. While it won’t prevent you from getting the flu, it will held reduce the effects.
Beverly Yearwood, MD, FAAP Board Certified Pediatrics
802 Tilghman Drive Dunn, NC 28334 (910) 892-4248 21
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Peel Off the Pounds and Live Healthy Obesity has become a common, serious and costly problem in America. More than one-third of all U.S. adults are considered to be obese, weighing 20 percent or more above a healthy weight for their age and height. The results of this nationwide epidemic are staggering. The number of people suffering from conditions associated with obesity - heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer – has skyrocketed. Obesity is a simple condition to understand. It occurs when a person consumes more calories than he or she burns. For many people, this boils down to eating too much and exercising too little. But there are other factors that also play a role in obesity. As you age, your body’s ability to metabolize food slows down, and you do not require as many calories to maintain your weight. Other factors that affect weight gain include: Gender: Women tend to struggle with weight gain more than men because they have a naturally slower metabolic rate. Genetics: Obesity tends to run in families. If your biological mother is heavy as an adult, there is approximately a 75% chance that you will be heavy. Physical Activity: Active individuals require more calories than less active ones to maintain their weight. Psychological factors also influence eating habits and obesity. Many people eat in response to negative emotions such as boredom, sadness, or anger. There are some illnesses that can cause obesity. These include hormone problems such as hypothyroidism and depression. Certain medications, such as steroids and some antidepressants, may cause excessive weight gain.
Brad Butler, MD Board Certified Family Medicine
185 Rawls Road Angier, NC 27501 (919) 331-2477 22
So what can you do to lose weight and keep it off? First, discuss the issue with your doctor, who can offer suggestions about your calorie intake and exercise plans. Second, start writing down everything you eat in a food journal. This will give you a clear view of what you are eating, when you are eating, and why you are eating. If you can, meet with a nutritionist to review your food journaling. She or he can provide information on how to make smarter food choices. And finally, get moving! As I mentioned before, you must burn more calories than you consume if you want to lose weight. Find activities that you enjoy, and have fun! And with a new year, it’s the perfect time to start anew.
Cervical Cancer: Be Proactive According to the National Institute of Health, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women worldwide. It begins when cells on the cervix, which is in the lower part of the uterus, turn into abnormal cells. The American Cancer Society sites several factors that increase a woman’s risk of cervical cancer. Women who smoke are about twice as likely as non-smokers to get cervical cancer. And the most common risk is the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection. HPV is found in nearly all types of cervical cancers. However, HPV infections are quite common and only a small proportion of women infected with high-risk types of HPV will have persistent infection and develop cervical cancer. Fortunately, most HPV infections go away on their own without causing any problems for the infected person and most infected people don’t even know they have had HPV. Therefore, other factors including cigarette smoking and possibly genetic factors, in addition to infection with high-risk types of HPV, are thought to play a role in the development of cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is detected in its earliest stages, treatment is more likely to be successful. However, it is thought to be a slow growing cancer and the abnormal cells could be diagnosed and treated as precancer in women who are in their 20s and 30s. The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to see your doctor annually and get pap testing as recommended. Another way to decrease risk of cervical cancer is to get the HPV vaccine, which protects against two types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. The goal is to give the vaccination to boys and girls prior to the onset of sexual activity; however, it can be given after a person is sexually active as well. It is important to inform our children that having the vaccine does not mean they should become sexually active and that there are many other considerations to be made prior to becoming sexually active. The best health is preventative health. Please encourage all those that you love to get regular Pap tests and exams by healthcare providers, to quit smoking, to exercise regularly, and to eat a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Michelle Langaker, D.O., FACOG Board Certified OB/GYN
608 Tilghman Drive Dunn, NC 28334 (910) 892-4092 *Also seeing patients at Lillington Medical Services
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