KnoxWise Spring 2016

Spring 2016

KCH adds lifesaving technology for

stroke patients YOUR FAMILY. YOUR HEALTH. YOUR HOSPITAL. EXCEEDS 2015 GOAL

CARDIAC REHAB HELPS HEART PATIENTS RESTORE QUALITY OF LIFE

2 knoxwise | spring 2016

welcome!

Welcome to spring! We lucked out this year and weren’t subjected to the harsh winter temperatures we’ve experienced the last two years; nonetheless, April showers and May flowers are right around the corner. As the flowers start to peek through the ground and the trees begin to bud, spring reminds me of new beginnings. Whether it’s a recommitment to exercise, eating better, or spending more time with your family, make the time to put your health and happiness first.

4 6 7 2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Joan Jones PRESIDENT Ian Watson VICE PRESIDENT Joe Street SECRETARY Thomas R. Fosnaught TREASURER Jeffrey L. Boucher Charles R. Brenneman Juan De Pascuale Christopher Hetrick, DO Korey M. Kidwell Inge Krajenski Thom McKinley, MD Patrick McLarnan Amy D. Murnen, MD Ann Schnormeier Gordon E. Yance

Bruce D. White, CEO

We, at Knox Community Hospital, are also committing ourselves to putting our patients first by investing in modern telemedicine technology that will improve the stroke care we can offer to residents of Knox County. According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, killing nearly 129,000 people a year. To put that into perspective, stroke kills someone in the U.S. about once every four minutes. I’m excited to announce we have partnered with The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center to offer our patients access to time-sensitive stroke care. In conjunction with neurologists in Columbus, our physicians will be able to diagnose and treat strokes quickly, with the goal of reducing long-term deficits and optimizing quality of life. To learn more about this exciting program, see pages 4-5.

Our Foundation continues its important work of helping the hospital fulfill its mission of providing outstanding medical care and technology to our patients. Through the support of friends, families, local organizations, foundations and businesses, they are making a crucial difference in the quality of our patients’ lives. See page 6 for an update on their latest initiatives.

Cardiac rehabilitation is an important component of getting patients who have experienced a coronary event, surgery, or illness back on their feet and back to the activities they enjoy.

Our 12-week program is closely monitored by medical personnel to ensure our patients remain safe while starting or restarting an exercise routine. Patients also are exposed to weekly education sessions about making healthy lifestyle changes. Graduates of cardiac rehab can enroll in our Heart Fit Maintenance Program, an extension of the cardiac rehabilitation program, which is open to people who are interested in a supervised program. KCH participates in Silver Sneakers so check with your health plan to see if they offer this benefit. For more on this, see page 7.

Happy Spring!

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Bruce D. White CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Bruce Behner CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Mike Ambrosiani

Bruce D. White, CEO

CHIEF NURSING OFFICER

James Middleton, RN, MSN, MBA CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Jeffrey C. Northup, DO

A publication of the Community Relations Department at Knox Community Hospital.

When it comes to your heart, every moment matters.

And nothing but the best will do.

Wouldn’t it be nice if the best care was also the closest?

Actually, it is.

One of Central Ohio’s most advanced cardiac catheterization labs A nationally-accredited Chest Pain Center Annual Mission Lifeline recognition from the American Heart Association Innovative and accredited echocardiographic and non-invasive vascular imaging Accredited cardiac rehabilitation, wellness, and prevention Limb loss prevention programs Outpatient pacemaker and device clinic Door-to-intervention times lower than the national average

In the Community.

For the Community.

1.800.393.2922 CardioAd.indd 1

2/17/2016 12:17:48 PM

4 knoxwise | spring 2016

KCH adds lifesaving technology for

stroke patients According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year in the United States approximately 795,000 people suffer a stroke. While it’s the fifth leading cause of death, for those who survive it’s also a leading cause of disability. Statistics like these have triggered hospitals to take a closer look at how they recognize and stabilize stroke patients. It’s a well-known fact when it comes to stroke care — the quicker the treatment, the better the outcome. The phrase ‘time is brain’ accurately stresses the rapid loss of brain tissue if intervention doesn’t take place in a timely manner.

Dr. Jeffrey Northup, Chief Medical Officer

One of the ways Knox Community Hospital is addressing our approach to stroke care is a new telestroke partnership with The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center.

“We have access to vascular neurologists who are specially trained in stroke care available to us via a video cart (generously donated by OSU) which links us to OSU’s specialists around-the-clock,” said Dr. Jeffrey Northup, Chief Medical Officer at KCH. “They can be face-to-face with our patients any time of day or night. They can talk to them, ask questions, and direct our staff to perform any testing.”

The goal of the program, which is expected to go live in April, is to allow a larger percentage of stroke patients to remain at KCH for treatment.

“Currently we have to transfer about 90 percent of our patients to Columbus,” said Dr. Northup.

“Once we go through all the training and receive our certification as a Stroke Center we hope to keep at least half of those patients closer to home for care.”

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“

Currently we have to transfer about 90 percent of our patients to Columbus.

Once we go through all the training and receive our certification as a Stroke Center we hope to keep at least half of those patients closer to home for care.”

– Dr. Jeffrey Northup, Chief Medical Officer

Part of that training will include education sessions with hospital staff and physicians, trial runs with mock patients, and the activation of a ‘stroke alert’ in the field.

“One of the places time is saved is taking patients directly to CT when they come off the ambulance and bypassing the ER unless the patient has a medical condition that needs to be stabilized,” said Dr. Northup.

The CT, which is available to the neurologist to see via video link, can help determine whether tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), a clot-busting drug known to minimize the effects of ischemic strokes – if given within three hours of onset – is necessary.

Accredited by the Joint Commission, OSU’s stroke program provides the highest level of quality care to its partner hospitals by filling the void for rural community hospitals that don’t have ready access to specialty physicians.

“We want our patients to know that it’s not a one-shot deal,” said Dr. Northup. “We can reconnect with the telestroke physicians for follow-up care and consultations for patients who remain at KCH for treatment.”

RISK FACTORS OF STROKE The good news is many risk factors for stroke are preventable, although some like family history and genetic disorders are not. Other characteristics that are out of your control and can affect your risk for stroke include: n Your gender: Stroke is more common in males,

but birth control and pregnancy can pose a risk for some females. n Your age: Your risk of having a stroke increases as you age. n Your race or ethnicity: blacks, Hispanics, American Indians and Alaska Natives are at higher risk.

Other factors that you can control include: n High blood pressure n High cholesterol n Smoking n Heart disease n Diabetes n Unhealthy diet n Lack of exercise n Obesity n Excessive alcohol consumption

6 knoxwise | spring 2016

Your Family. Your Health. Your Hospital.

Well On Way to $1,000,000 Goal!

The Foundation for Knox Community Hospital is pleased to announce that we exceeded our goal for 2015 and are well on our way toward the 2-year goal of raising $1,000,000 by the end of 2016. With this campaign, The Foundation will underwrite the purchase of two new pieces of breast imaging equipment for KCH’s Center for Cancer Care and solidify its position as a regional leader in detecting, diagnosing and

treating breast cancer. The first piece of equipment, a digital 3D mammography unit, was purchased with funds raised in 2015 and was installed earlier this year. Thank you to the more than 400 individuals and corporations who donated to The Foundation in 2015!

Additionally, we want to recognize those who have made significant early pledges for 2016.

CORPORATE SPONSORS:

THANK YOU!

Platinum:

Gold:

Silver: The Energy Cooperative

INDIVIDUAL BENEFACTORS:

Ariel Corporation

First Knox National Bank

Heritage Society: Ted and Ann Schnormeier Bruce and Kathy White

Ariel Foundation

Modern Builders Inc.

Brenneman Lumber Company

Small’s Sand and Gravel Inc.

Trustee’s Club: Ian and Charlotte Watson William Burgett Family Foundation Gordon and Fran Yance

serves 4

ingredients •1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded

with broccolini

•1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil •1 bunch broccolini, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, minced •1 /4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) • 2 tablespoons water •1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided •1 /4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided •3 /4 teaspoon Italian seasoning • 1/2 teaspoon salt •1 /4 teaspoon ground pepper

preparation steps 1 Preheat to 450°F. 2 Place squash cut-side down in a microwavesafe dish; add 2 tablespoons water.

Microwave, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

3 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add broccolini, garlic and red pepper, cook, stirring frequently for 2 minutes. Add water and cook, stirring until the broccolini is tender, 3 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a large bowl.

4 Use a fork to scrape the squash from the shells into the bowl. Place the shells in a broiler-safe baking pan or on a baking sheet. Stir 3/4 cup mozzarella, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper into the squash mixture. Divide it between the shells; top with the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.

5 Bake on the lower rack for 10 minutes. Move to the upper rack, turn the broiler to high and broil, watching carefully until the cheese starts to brown, about 2 minutes.

nutritional analysis per serving 194 calories; 11g fat (5g sat, 5g mono); 20mg cholesterol; 13g carbohydrates; 0g added sugars; 4g total sugars; 12g protein; 2g fiber; 587mg sodium; 334mg potassium.

nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (79% daily value), Calcium (33% dv), Vitamin A (23% dv) Carbohydrate Servings: 1

knoxwise | spring 2016

7

quality

Cardiac Rehabilitation helps heart patients restore

life

of

If you have ever experienced a cardiac event — whether it was a heart attack, stent placement, angioplasty, bypass or transplant surgery — you may be feeling a little gun shy about starting an exercise program for fear of any strain it could place on your heart. That’s why Knox Community Hospital offers a 12-week monitored cardiac rehabilitation program to help patients get back on their feet and enjoying life again.

“Our program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, which means we meet the highest standards of care,” said Molly Baer, a certified cardiac rehabilitation professional and KCH’s program coordinator.

“Patients wear cardiac monitors while doing supervised exercises and we are able to watch their heart rate and blood pressure for any signs of distress while exercising. We do an exercise assessment on each patient so we know the best level of intensity to start them off.”

The three-phase program, with the cardiac rehab portion covered by most insurance plans, allows patients to meet three times a week for monitored exercise and educational classes on risk factor modification.

“We are a multidisciplinary team of nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, diabetic educators and exercise physiologists who cover a range of topics that impact weight loss, blood pressure, blood sugars, and cholesterol,” said Baer. “We teach patients about making healthy lifestyle changes that include better food choices, an exercise routine and smoking cessation.”

Classes meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and are offered at five different times of day to make it as convenient as possible for the patient.

“Once patients graduate from the 12-week monitored portion of the program they are eligible for the Heart Fit Maintenance Program, a private-pay program,” said Baer.

“Although it is not medically monitored, it is supervised by our staff who will check a person’s blood pressure and heart rate both before and after exercise. A physician’s order is required to enroll in the program.”

Knox Community Hospital participates in the Silver Sneakers Program, an insurance benefit in many Medicare and group retirement health plans.

For more information, please call 740.393.9686.

NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

AKRON, OH PERMIT NO. 286

1330 Coshocton Rd. Mt. Vernon, Ohio 43050 KCH.org

Diabetes Education Events Kroger Grocery Store Tour Thursday, April 14, 1:30-2:30 pm Kroger Grocery Store Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon

calendar of events Please note— some changes to support group schedules!

Breast Cancer Support Group

Pre-Diabetes Event Tuesday, May 10, 5:30-6:30 pm KCH Third Floor Meeting Room Please pre-register by calling 740.393.9970.

Living with Diabetes Thursdays, June 9, 16, and 23nd, 5-8 pm KCH Third Floor Meeting Room All aspects of diabetes selfmanagement are covered during this three session class. Class requires registration and a physician’s order and is covered by most insurance plans/Medicare. Call 740.393.9970 to register or for questions.

For more information or any questions, please call Jenny Parker, RN, CDE, at 740.393.9970 or Rosemary Farren, RD, LD, Diabetes Coordinator at 740.393.9797.

First Monday each month, 7 p.m.

Knox Medical Pavilion Please call Becky Dangelo, WHNP, CNOR, RN, patient navigator, 740.393.5579

Young Survivors Breast Cancer Support Group 2016 Meetings April 16, August 15, December 19 7 pm Knox Medical Pavilion Please call Becky Dangelo, WHNP, CNOR, RN, patient navigator, 740.393.5579

Cancer Support Group April 21, 6:30 pm (next meeting in August) Knox Medical Pavilion Please call Bobbi Mickley, RN, patient navigator, 740.504.9355.

Free Monthly Screenings 1st Wednesday of the month, 8-10 am Urgent Care Classroom Screenings are available for blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol. 12-hour fasting is recommended for best results.

Look good…Feel Better Please call 740.393.5579 for information.

Please visit our website at KCH.org for additional details about our programs and services.

Act FAST!

A great way to remember the warning signs is to act FAST:

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of stroke, you should call 9-1-1 immediately. Symptoms include:

Face: Ask the person to smile.

Does one side of the face droop?

n Numbness or weakness of

Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

face, arm or leg, especially on one side n Confusion or trouble

understanding other people n Dizziness

n Trouble speaking n T rouble seeing

(one or both eyes) n Trouble walking, lack of

balance or coordination n Severe headache without

known cause

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his/her speech slurred or strange?

Time: If your answer is “yes” to any of the above, call 9-1-1 immediately.