March 2018 PMREMS Newsletter

MARCH 2018

PMREMS newsletter

regionalresource

s’no stopping action A

s the snow should soon be melting; a look back on March brings applause for Pocono Mountain Regional EMS professionals worth mentioning. While we’re at it, let’s throw in a show of appreciation for all emergency response professionals who braved blizzard-like mayhem for the sake of our community.

Read on...as Regional Resource continues to share recommendations, a heads up on this year’s easy signup Subscription Drive, plus informative Preventive Care from Lehigh Valley Health Network so you’ll be all set with a month of resources you won’t soon forget.

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IN THIS EDITION 2 ROAD RECOGNITION

Thank you to Responders

4 TOTALLY CIRCULAR

Communication Saves Lives

5 LVHN: PHYSICIAN POINTS Preventive Care

6 SUBSCRIBE FOR THE DRIVE Now Easier than Ever

Thank you to our fellow Regional Resources whose paths we crossed and those we failed to mention though appreciate all your attention‌

M

iraculously, March's snow mayhem may soon be a distant memory. As glimmers of green peek through our slushy scene, a shout out for emergency responders is in order with many agreeing these professionals continue to prove the value in being prepared.

Though forecasters cautioned against road travel during storms, many tread out to try and function in the norm. With school cancellations and delays keeping a few away; work

and other obligations led to unbearable situations with cars, even trucks along roadsides stuck. As the inevitable bumper-to-bumper lineup lingered EMS and police, plus fire, road crews, and utilities fought the tough task of reaching those in need.

Pausing to applaud all who conquered the confusion clearing the way to get things back on track. The men and women that tirelessly pursued patients in need and those who kept control over commotion

Pocono Mountain Regional EMS extends gratitude for the latitude to serve our community.

Concluding with a reminder long before next winter’s advance. When the weather warns treacherous roadway troubles whether snow, sleet or even rain; refrain from foraging out and give area professionals a chance. While time delays may seem an inconvenience to drivers, a clear pathway to patients can result in a survivor.

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Imagine you are involved in a crash unable to communicate vital information to first responders. Details like medical history, medications, and allergies can help in the “Golden Hour” when critical medical attention is the most important for the survival of a traumatic vehicle injury. Now, imagine a plan developed to help first responders help you—introducing Yellow Dot—the free program sponsored

by PennDOT. Easy to complete in just minutes by answering a few simple questions, Yellow Dot's booklet assists first responders by listing medications, medical history, doctor’s information,

allergies and two emergency contacts.

A Yellow Dot sticker placed on the back driver's side windshield alerts first responders to look in the dashboard glove box of the vehicle for the Yellow Dot booklet.

For immediate identification, Yellow Dot participants place a photo in the booklet. It is advisable to update your information every few months with any changes in medication or medical history.

this information would definitely be invaluable for first responders to know your medical history, medications and any allergies, as well as, for police to reach an emergency contact and let them know you were involved in a crash or some other type of incident," urges Highway Safety Network Traffic Safety Coordinator Tracy Fox.

"Having worked in both EMS and law enforcement,

booklet YellowDot.pa.gov 717-787-6746 tfox@hsnetwork.org

Ask the Doctor:

Preventative care and health assessment every year

Q

Do I really need to have an annual exam by my doctor?

Why is this so important?

A: Victor Catania, MD Often we believe we only need to visit the doctor’s office when we’re not feeling well. However when you visit your health care provider for an annual exam you’re taking care of your health now and in the future by understanding care specific to you and any health risks you may not even be aware of.

Purpose of your annual exam An annual exam is a thorough and comprehensive physical examination which includes skin checks, hernia assessment and other pertinent physical examinations. With this information, your health care provider will establish a baseline level of your health and physical capabilities. This is important should you become ill as it allows your provider a comparison to your health before your illness. Your provider will also offer information and education on how to be the best version of yourself you can be.

This also means making sure you are up-to-date on your health maintenance and taking any medications correctly.

Preventative care An annual exam not only reviews your current health status but also allows you an opportunity to discuss concerns with your health care provider. It also allows your provider an opportunity to educate and counsel you about age and gender specific preventative care measures you should consider and advise you of potential risks to your health.

For instance, your provider may order preventative tests such as mammography and colon cancer screenings, order blood work to determine a variety of things like blood glucose levels which can indicate diabetes, or cholesterol levels which can impact your heart. Your provider also may recommend needed vaccines. There are adult vaccines that take into account not just age, but lifestyle behaviors and past medical history. Your health care provider will assess what your personal medical history means with regard to your vaccination status.

Your history matters You should expect a comprehensive review of your medical, social, family, and surgical medical histories. There will be a review and reconciliation of any medications you might have taken, are currently taking or should consider taking. An annual exam is 90-percent similar for both men and women. There are a handful of screenings and physical examinations that are different with respect to when they are done or if they are done at all. In general, your provider is looking to ensure that your personal health maintenance is current, and if not, to discuss this with you further. For men, this may mean discussing prostate screenings as well as an abdominal aorta aneurysm screening. For women, this may mean discussing mammography, a pelvic examination, and Pap test for cervical cancer. Your provider will discuss any screenings or tests in more detail at the time of your visit.

Your annual exam is an excellent time to discuss your overall health with your provider, so be sure to schedule your next appointment with your health care provider today.

Victor Catania, MD, is the Assistant Medical Director for LVPG–Pocono family medicine and practices at Mountain Healthcare Center at Tobyhanna. He is board-certified in family medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.

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