Fall 2011 - Willis-Knighton Health System
Transcription
Fall 2011 - Willis-Knighton Health System
vim& FALL 2011 Recover quicker after heart surgery THE EPITOME OF TOWER HOSPITALITY Keeping blood pressure in check A Healthy Tune THE OAKS’ MANY UNIQUE FEATURES page 4 Country megastar CARRIE UNDERWOOD shares her top diet and exercise tips FdVVFA1193_00_Cover.indd 1 6/15/11 6:50 PM CONTENTS SPECIAL The Kindest SPECIAL Cut of All Clyde Thomas Special Titlecan continue Copy thattoiswatch his grandchildren specifi c to the grow thanks articleup, content to a minimally from a client will invasive approach go here in this to heart surgery. location. 50 DEPARTMENTS 2 First Things First Exciting times continue at our campus. 3 News You Can Use The latest buzz about Willis-Knighton and The Oaks of Louisiana. 52 Food for Thought Two orange-colored desserts are perfect for fall. 53 Life at The Oaks Meet the alwayssmiling Tower at The Oaks concierge, Danna Jacobs. COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIFF WATTS, ICON INTERNATIONAL 54 Focus on Fitness Get your heart in shape with cardiac rehabilitation. 55 Accolades Employees make a difference at WK and around the community. 56 Parting Thoughts Check out some health and wellness events available this summer. 4 6 8 10 14 20 FEATURES A Vision Comes to Life Discover how The Oaks of Louisiana came to be a template for active, healthy and maintenance-free living in the Southeast. High-Pressure Problem Find out why hypertension is cause for concern, plus what you can do about it. Never Too Old to Learn At 86 years young, one Tower resident is a familiar face at activities planned for The Oaks of Louisiana. Healthy Hues Feeling blue? Or green with envy? Here’s how to improve your life through the deliberate use of color. The New Survivors Meet three inspiring survivors who share their hard-won words of wisdom on how to beat cancer. 24 36 40 42 46 Find Your Groove Turn your exercise routine into a three-member band for maximum results. We show you how. Stay in Circulation Protect yourself from these six common vascular diseases. ‘X’ Marks the Spot If your body veers off course, your doctor may need this high-tech road map to discover what ails you. Pregnancy Predictors Beyond the baby bump, pregnancy has some surprising things to say about an expectant mom’s health. Play It Safe Don’t let these five misconceptions about hospital safety prevent you from getting the care you need. First (Aid) Things First If you’ve ever wanted to be a lifesaving action hero, follow this advice of a veteran firefighter and EMT. 30 ON THE COVER Nearly six years after becoming a country megastar, Carrie Underwood has never abandoned her small-town roots—or four health practices that keep her going. Vim & Vigor · FAL L 2011 FdVVFA1193_01_TOC.indd 1 1 6/15/11 6:54 PM FIRST THINGS FIRST Live Your Best Life Join a vibrant community that you can’t find anywhere else in town L James K. Elrod ife at The Oaks continues to be exciting. New residents have moved in at the Tower and at Live Oak this summer. We are welcoming new people who want to remain active and engaged in the community but just don’t want the hassles of home ownership anymore. They’re getting the best of life at The Oaks. We also had such great response to Savannah at The Oaks, our assisted living option, that we are beginning designs for Phase II. Because we are a neighborhood that allows people to age gracefully, our health center has also needed expansion. We look forward to the completion of the North Pavilion this fall. You can read about the vision for The Oaks in the feature on page 4. Our goal has been to offer something unlike anything else in town—all in one location. As August begins, we look forward to the end of the 100-degree days that keep us cooped up in air-conditioned comfort. The hot temperatures have not affected residents at The Oaks of Louisiana, where the indoor pool allows them to enjoy a nice swim without worrying about the heat or sunburns. Actually, residents at the Tower at The Oaks don’t worry about much, thanks to the concierge who serves there. You’ll learn more about that in Life at The Oaks on page 53. On the Willis-Knighton front, we are extremely excited about the many minimally invasive surgical procedures offered throughout our campuses. Who would have ever believed cardiac surgery would be available as minimally invasive? In “The Kindest Cut of All” (page 50) you’ll learn more about this amazing procedure. One of the most common health problems is high blood pressure. Thanks to great pharmaceuticals, we are not likely to consider just how serious it can be. You’ll become more knowledgeable about blood pressure when you read “HighPressure Problem” on page 6. We are also pleased to have launched Spirit of Women this summer. When you join WK Spirit of Women, you position yourself to be more knowledgeable about healthcare through entertaining and engaging educational activities. Best wishes to you and your family for a fall filled with fun and good health. President and CEO, Willis-Knighton Health System James K. Elrod Facility Administrators Jaf Fielder, Willis-Knighton Medical Center Keri Elrod, Willis-Knighton South Cliff Broussard, WK Bossier Health Center Sonny Moss, WK Pierremont Health Center Margaret Elrod, The Oaks of Louisiana Regional Editor Marilyn S. Joiner Contributors Mary Acree, Charlie Cavell, Kim Foulk, Denise Hiller, Sharla Inman, Rhonda MacIsaac, Karen Peters, Darrell Rebouche, Terrie M. Roberts PRODUCTION Editorial V.P./Strategic Content: Beth Tomkiw Editor-in-Chief: Shelley Flannery Editors: Sam Mittelsteadt, Matt Morgan, Amanda Myers, Tom Weede Copy Editor: C.J. Hutchinson Design Managing Art Director: Adele Mulford Art Directors: Lisa Altomare, Rod Karmenzind, Monya Mollohan, Kay Morrow, Tami Rodgers Production Senior Production Manager: Laura Marlowe Ancillary Production Manager: Angela Liedtke Imaging Specialist: Dane Nordine Production Technology Specialists: Julie Chan, Sonia Washington Circulation V.P./Business Intelligence Group: Patrick Kehoe Postal Affairs & Logistics Director: Joseph Abeyta CLIENT SERVICES V.P./Sales & Product Development: Chad Rose, 888-626-8779 V.P./Client Services & Strategy: Heather Burgett Account Managers: Barbara Mohr, Andrea Parsons, Paul Peterson, Todd Speranzo ADMINISTRATION Vim & Vigor Founder: J. Barry Johnson Chairman: Preston V. McMurry Jr. President/Chief Executive Officer: Christopher McMurry Chief Operating Officer/Financial Officer: Audra L. Taylor President/Content Marketing: Fred Petrovsky Sincerely, 2600 Greenwood Road Shreveport, LA 71103 318-212-4000 wkhs.com James K. Elrod President and CEO 2 Vim & Vigor,TM Fall 2011, Volume 27, Number 3, is published quarterly by McMurry, McMurry Campus Center, 1010 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85014, 602-395-5850. Vim & VigorTM is published for the purpose of disseminating health-related information for the well-being of the general public and its subscribers. The information contained in Vim & VigorTM is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Vim & VigorTM does not accept advertising promoting the consumption of alcohol or tobacco. Copyright © 2011 by McMurry. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S.: $4 for one year (4 issues). Single copies: $2.95. For subscriptions and address changes, write: Circulation Manager, Vim & Vigor,TM McMurry Campus Center, 1010 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85014. Vim & Vigor · FALL 2 0 1 1 FdVVFA1193_02_FirstThings.indd 2 6/15/11 6:50 PM NEWS YOU CAN USE WILLIS-KNIGHTON THE OAKS OF LOUISIANA WK Named Among the NATION’S BEST HOSPITALS Willis-Knighton Health System has once again been distinguished among the nation’s best hospitals. Earlier this year USNews & World Report listed Willis-Knighton among the top 50 hospitals in the field of diabetes and endocrinology. In addition, Willis-Knighton was designated as “high performing” in cancer, gastroenterology, geriatrics, heart and heart surgery, kidney disorders, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and urology. More than 4,800 facilities in the U.S. were reviewed for the ranking process, but just 152 were ranked in any of the 16 specialties. GREAT PERFORMANCES by WK Physician Network The Medical Group Management Association has identified the WillisKnighton Physician Network as a “better performer” when compared with similar medical group practices across the country. Groups are reviewed and evaluated on cost management, productivity, capacity and staffing, accounts receivable and collections, managed care operations and the all-important patient satisfaction. The Physician Network includes more than 340 providers at 114 individual locations. Two Robots Are Better Than One With the enhanced response to robotic surgery from Willis-Knighton surgeons, the health system has added a second da Vinci robotic surgery unit, at WK Pierremont Health Center. Minimally invasive robotic surgery is performed at WillisKnighton by 18 surgeons in the following specialties: gynecology, urology, general surgery, bariatric surgery and cardiovascular surgery. NORTH PAVILION Nearing Completion The North Pavilion of the Health Center in Live Oak is scheduled to open later this year. The pavilion is an elegantly designed 30-bed addition that will offer total care and skilled nursing. The Health Center in Live Oak is an important part of the campus, allowing residents who need additional services as they age to secure them right here in The Oaks of Louisiana, a master-planned community for older adults. Savannah OK’d for Expansion Savannah at The Oaks, assisted living, has met with immediate success, spurring officials at The Oaks of Louisiana and WillisKnighton Health System to begin design of Phase II. Savannah at The Oaks is a residential option for adults who need help with one or more activities of daily living. Vim & Vigor · FAL L 2011 FdVVFA1193_03_News.indd 3 3 6/15/11 6:50 PM A Vision Co m How The Oaks of Louisiana is creating a whole new world in Shreveport Margaret elrod, executive director, the oaks of Louisiana By Terrie M. roBerTs 4 As legions of baby boomers continue their march on retirement, a new reality has evolved. Active adult communities are springing up all over the country. And what they offer is uniquely designed for people who refuse to enter the retirement phase of their lives in the traditional sense. In Shreveport, the new reality is very real at The Oaks of Louisiana. Live Oak, once a small multifaith retirement community, has evolved into a 312-acre development that breaks the traditional “old folks home” mold by dispelling the myth that one’s golden years have to be spent rocking and watching TV. This master-planned, gated community is the 21st century’s template for active, healthy and maintenance-free living, thanks to visionary thinking from WillisKnighton executives. WK’s CEO, Jim Elrod, and his wife, Margaret, both lost their mothers in 2006. As they contemplated the importance of the continuum of care offered by Willis-Knighton Health System, they realized that it should be enhanced to prepare for a rapidly aging population. At that time, the property adjacent to Live Oak, known as the Sawyer Farm, was offered for sale, and the price made it impossible to pass up, Margaret Elrod says. “My husband, being the visionary and real-life Monopoly player he is, came to me and told me what we might do. Something with boomers.” She recalls that he said, “We have the healthcare side of the continuum. Now let’s expand the well-being side of the Willis-Knighton mission.” Thinking Big And thus the vision began to take shape at this scenic location in Southeast Shreveport. As a good-neighbor gesture, Jim Elrod invited the Live Oak board to lunch to let members know about the health system’s plans. Before the meeting was over, the board members asked about joining forces, an idea that was worth investigating. In 2007, after 25 years as a multifaith retirement community, Live Oak joined WillisKnighton as the foundation of Willis-Knighton’s active-adult retirement initiative. And the vision and master plan began to grow. Margaret Elrod and her husband visited activeadult communities in the South and Southeast, often with key players on their team, carefully developing their vision for The Oaks of Louisiana. As they visited, they found that several architectural firms specialized in these luxury retirement communities and invited them to Shreveport to present their ideas. Ultimately, they chose a firm based in Atlanta that had translated the comfortable elegance of Southern living into retirement communities. Their instructions were clear: Think big. Think outside the box. With the evolution of the property, Margaret Elrod assumed the position of executive director, being on-site daily to ensure a successful transition. As the team researched the best properties across the South, it learned about the importance of active living, with a feeling of confluence throughout the property. Drive through the gates of The Oaks today and you see a master-planned community unlike any in this region. Taking the “best of the best” from many projects, it has become a picture-postcard, worry-free destination for residents while still retaining its roots as a multifaith community. Continued on Page 49 Vim & Vigor • Fall 2 0 1 1 FdVVFA1193_04-5_49_Vision.indd 4 6/15/11 6:50 PM o mes to Life St. Giles, the chapel at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community in Asheville, N.C., above, clearly shows the inspiration for the Chapel at The Oaks, left, where the warm Louisiana sun beams through arched windows in a bright room punctuated by rich wood tones. Above: Many senior communities offer pools, but none had exactly what WK officials wanted. This saltwater pool in the Spa & Wellness Center in the Tower is special, thanks to WK’s background in fitness and wellness. Right: The Oak Room at the Tower at The Oaks offers fine dining. As the WK management team visited residential communities for older adults, it recognized the importance of offering a variety of dining venues, from casual to elegant. Vim & Vigor · FAL L 2011 FdVVFA1193_04-5_49_Vision.indd 5 5 6/15/11 6:50 PM Michael Sewell, MD, reviews a patient’s chart before a consultation. Keep your blood pumping as it should by keeping tabs on hypertension BY CHARLIE CAVELL High-Pressure Problem H ow many car commercials have you seen where some beautiful person is driving a sleek new hot rod down some scenic highway? Now, imagine that car having a clogged fuel line and the driver being completely unaware. At any moment that engine could fail and leave the driver stranded in the middle of nowhere. This scenario is how Michael Sewell, MD, of North Bossier Internal Medicine describes what could happen to your body if you fail to treat your hypertension, or high blood pressure. “It’s like a fuel line being partially clogged in your car,” 6 Dr. Sewell says. “The car will still go for a while, but that engine isn’t getting fuel through at the right pressure and eventually it’s going to fail.” Dr. Sewell explains that this is what happens to your internal organs. “All of the organs in your body are used to receiving blood at a certain pressure,” he says. “They extract oxygen and nutrients out of that blood based on blood flowing through at a certain rate and pressure. If that pressure is changed, your organs cannot extract oxygen and nutrients out properly and so they fail over a period of time.” Vim & Vigor · FALL 2 0 1 1 FdVVFA1193_06-7_HighPressureB.indd 6 6/15/11 6:50 PM m High blood pressure killed 56,561 people in the United States in 2006, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). The group estimates that 74.5 million people in the U.S. ages 20 and older—about one in three adults—have high blood pressure. What’s disconcerting is that of all those people with high blood pressure, 77.6 percent were aware of their condition but nearly 56 percent failed to have it treated. How does one get high blood pressure? “Most high blood pressure is what we call essential hypertension, which basically means there is nothing else causing it,” Dr. Sewell says. “There isn’t a kidney or vascular problem; your blood pressure just gets high.” AHA statistics show that the cause of 90 to 95 percent of the cases of high blood pressure isn’t known. “A little-bitty change in the diameter of a blood vessel equals a huge change in the pressure inside the vessel,” Dr. Sewell says. “It doesn’t take very much to cause an increase in blood pressure. The arteries, which are high-pressure vessels that take blood away from the heart, are very muscular. When those vessels get thick, they lose their elasticity.” He explains that it’s similar to a body builder who develops big, bulky muscles but sacrifices flexibility. When muscles in the arteries get thick, they don’t stretch or expand, so the pressure goes up. KEEPING BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHECK High blood pressure is easy to detect and is usually controllable, the AHA says. Hundreds of drugs are used to treat hypertension, Dr. Sewell says, but the driving forces are effectiveness, cost and minimal side effects. The Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure suggests treatment with a diuretic or a beta blocker. All the other types of drugs are usually add-ons, because most people with hypertension will have another underlying condition. Blood pressure is measured with an inflatable arm cuff and a pressure-measuring gauge. A blood-pressure reading has two numbers: the upper number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, otherwise known as systolic pressure; the lower number measures the pressure in your arteries between beats, also called diastolic pressure. Your blood pressure is normal if it’s below 120 over 80, or 120/80. Dr. Sewell recommends you see your physician if your blood pressure is 140/90 or above. Dr. Sewell also suggests purchasing a blood-pressure cuff and charting your levels at different times of the day. “Then, periodically, bring those and the cuff to your physician’s office and check its accuracy,” he says. That way you’ll know if your fuel line may be clogged. Are You at High Risk? Without knowing the exact cause of high blood pressure, physicians have data to suggest who is most at risk. Most experts agree that nonHispanic blacks are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure than non-Hispanic whites. Others who are at risk include people who are obese and who don’t exercise regularly, as well as those who eat high levels of salt and who smoke. And, of course, genetics play a part. Family history of hypertension puts you at high risk, says Michael Sewell, MD, of North Bossier Internal Medicine. “It seems there is a genetic component, although it’s not an easy or definite pattern to follow,” he says. “Some people in certain families will get it; some people won’t. However, it seems that if more people in your family have it, you are more likely to get it.” Margaret Dowden has her blood pressure checked in the office of Michael Sewell, MD. ONLINE ld CAUSE FOR CONCERN Get to Know Hypertension Discover more about the dangers of hypertension, as well as its warnings signs, by reading “Hypertension” on the Willis-Knighton website. Visit wkhs.com/vigor/hypertension. Vim & Vigor · FAL L 2011 FdVVFA1193_06-7_HighPressureB.indd 7 7 6/15/11 6:50 PM NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN Tower resident Betty Ramey is still checking items off life’s to-do list BY TERRIE M. ROBERTS 8 B etty Ramey, resident of the Tower at The Oaks, is 86 years young. The tall, slender, always-on-the-go Shreveporter lives life to the fullest and is a familiar face at activities planned for The Oaks of Louisiana. Ramey is a devoted participant in the Wednesday morning Bible study led by the Rev. Larry Williams, a local Baptist minister. On Thursday afternoons, she can be found around a table at Grumpy’s pub playing bunco with the ladies. When a guest speaker presents a program on topics such as investing, Ramey is front and center. “I do a lot of investing online,” she says. She admits she’s not crazy about history, but did not hesitate to enroll in a six-week University at The Oaks series on the Crusades. “I didn’t know anything about them,” she says. A lover of books, Ramey is a member of a book club and a fan of local book reviewer Joy Dunkelman, whose frequent reviews always draw a large crowd. A voracious reader who frequents the Tower’s At 86, Betty Ramey, a resident at the Tower at The Oaks, continues to maintain a fast pace when it comes to learning and living life. library, she and fellow Tower resident Betsy Bailey were inspired to volunteer to organize the library’s shelves, alphabetizing books by author and category. Learning new things and participating keeps life interesting, Ramey says. “I’m never lonely and I’m never depressed.” That zest for life has fueled what some may think are unusual pursuits for someone her age, primarily becoming a registered nurse at age 58 and beginning piano lessons at 84. “I’ve wanted to play piano since childhood,” she says. “It was my one regret in life. We couldn’t afford it when I was young.” Now piano has become a passion. She practices most days but admits she’s not as good as she’d like to be. In fact, she decided to return one piece of difficult music to her teacher. “You can do that when you’re my age!” she says. While age allows Ramey to say “no” to music she doesn’t want to play, she continues to say “yes” to a myriad of lifelong learning activities at The Oaks of Louisiana, where her quest for knowledge continues. Vim & Vigor · FALL 2 0 1 1 FdVVFA1193_08_NeverTooOld.indd 8 6/15/11 6:51 PM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 UNIQUE FEATURES The most visible evidence is the Chapel at The Oaks. As Live Oak underwent a complete renovation, the Chapel at The Oaks became the first new construction on the property. “It is one of the things that sets us apart,” Margaret Elrod says. True to the community’s longstanding tradition of multifaith worship, it is a unique feature and one that was inspired by St. Giles, the chapel at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community in Asheville, N.C., Margaret Elrod says. Live Oak’s “chapel” had actually been an open space adjacent to its dining room, and the Elrods believed it was important to offer a space that was permanently devoted to worship. “We loved the interior,” Margaret Elrod says. “It was mostly white, very serene and peaceful, thus the interior of our chapel.” Also unique to The Oaks is its clubhouse, a place that encourages connectedness throughout the property. Adjacent to the club room is the MarketPlace at The Oaks, a shopping boutique that carries not only gift items and necessities but also the ever-popular ice cream treats residents often enjoy on the expansive clubhouse porches. FITNESS AND FOOD With Willis-Knighton’s background in healthcare and wellness, fitness was a must. The WK team members researched pools and fitness facilities in the communities they visited and knew they could do better. Because Margaret Elrod is an avid proponent of healthy living, she recognized that good health enables people to enjoy fuller, longer lives. The construction of the Tower at The Oaks, designed for active adults, brought the Spa & Wellness Center, which includes an indoor saltwater pool, exercise area, and massage and salon space, all senior-friendly. They are complemented by the LifeTrail system along The Oaks’ walking trails, where residents can stop and work on strength and flexibility. Dining, too, played a big part in the development of the community, where life is all about The billiards room at Somerby of West Mobile, left, with its arched window, reveals the inspiration for the billiards room at the Tower at The Oaks, above, where players enjoy not only games, but also views of the chapel. options. The renovation of Live Oak included upgrades in the dining room and food service. And the new Tower incorporated multiple dining options and locations, even a fine-dining restaurant available to all residents on the campus. NOW AND IN THE FUTURE Today, residents at The Oaks choose lifestyles that best meet their needs. It’s just what the Elrods envisioned. As this neighborhood of The Oaks expands, their vision could include even more options for residents: retail shops, dry cleaning, a pharmacy, restaurants. Perhaps office buildings for attorneys, architects and accountants, among others. A performing arts center. There even could be a short-stay area for campus residents, like an infirmary, with adjacent physician offices. What will the finished Oaks look like? “I don’t know if we will ever finish,” Margaret Elrod says. After all, a vision has no limits. Vim & Vigor · FAL L 2011 FdVVFA1193_04-5_49_Vision.indd 49 49 6/15/11 6:50 PM Kindest The CLYDE THOMAS HOLDS HIS GRANDDAUGHTER, Kayla, as if there’s no tomorrow. “I want to watch my grandkids grow up,” says Thomas, 55, while relaxing at his home in Vivian, La. Thomas considers himself fortunate. Just two weeks after coronary artery bypass surgery, he can comfortably carry Kayla around the yard, feeling reinvigorated and reassured that there will be countless tomorrows for him and his family, which includes four more grandchildren. The ease with which he can bear the baby’s weight so soon after surgery is directly attributable to a preoperative choice Thomas made in consultation with his surgeon. Curtis Prejean, MD, of Red River Cardiovascular Surgeons, performed a minimally invasive procedure at Willis-Knighton Medical Center to reroute blood flow around a blocked artery near Thomas’ heart. What does this mean? “Instead of doing a midline incision and dividing the breast bone,” Dr. Prejean explains, “we can do the operation through a smaller incision, often between the ribs.” When offered this option, Thomas weighed the risks and was drawn to the idea of a 2- or 3-inch scar as opposed to a 12-inch incision and an eight-week healing process for his sternum. With two weeks’ retrospect, he says, “I have less pain. If they had cut my chest, I would have had a lot more pain. This is a lot better.” ‘A LEAP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION’ Lou Trosclair, RN, BSN, is cardiovascular surgery coordinator at Willis-Knighton’s Heart & Vascular Institute. She notes a growing trend toward minimally invasive heart surgery, for bypasses as well as heart valve repairs. She gives much of the credit to Dr. Prejean and his partners. “He is extremely energetic and enthusiastic about 50 CALL of All om as Gr an dfathe r Clyde Th ate tun for f sel him rs de consi a to urn ret that he co uld withi n more act ive life sty le tha nk s ry, ge we ek s after sur ve asi inv ally nim mi to a pro cedure . Consider Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery If you think you might be a candidate for heart surgery and would like to explore minimally invasive options, call Willis-Knighton’s cardiovascular surgery coordinator, Lou Trosclair, at 318-212-8969. Vim & Vigor · FALL 2 0 1 1 FdVVFA1193_50-1_KindestCut.indd 50 6/15/11 6:51 PM Cut advanced technology and the opportunity to offer these proven benefits to patients in our community,” she says. The benefits are obvious. Hospital stays are shorter, recovery is easier, and smaller scars mean better cosmetic results. Dr. Prejean says there’s less blood loss involved than with traditional heart surgery. All of this adds up to what Dr. Prejean calls “a quicker return to normal post-op life.” While the availability of this kind of heart surgery is exciting, it is not for everyone. “For bypass, we are generally limited to patients with one- or two-vessel disease,” Dr. Prejean says. Cases involving heart valves are evaluated as they occur, but typically, Dr. Prejean adds, those who need one valve repaired are fairly sure to be candidates for minimally invasive surgery. Trosclair foresees a day when the majority of cases are performed using minimally invasive techniques, calling this “a leap in the right direction for the patients, the surgeons and for Willis-Knighton.” Dr. Prejean touts another significant advantage to employing these advanced techniques. During heart surgery, a heart-lung machine is often used to support a patient’s circulation and breathing. For some minimally invasive operations, the use of this machine (commonly referred to as a “pump”) is not necessary. “When we can do the surgery off-pump, we take away one of the invasive aspects of heart surgery,” Dr. Prejean explains. Trosclair adds that this benefit is among those that promote a quicker return to daily living following heart surgery. Advanced heart surgery option offers patients less pain, quicker recovery BY DARRELL REBOUCHE A week later, the pain returned, more severe. “I fell to my knees,” he recalls. “I had to almost crawl back to bed.” Even so, he waited four more days following a third episode before visiting an emergency room. “The doctors told me I could have died,” he says with a sigh of resignation and relief. His recommendation: When you feel chest pain, get to a doctor right away. Thomas will show you his scar if you ask him, but there is not much to see. Instead, attention turns to the light in his eyes as he contemplates his path to a complete recovery. It is less treacherous than it might have been, thanks to modern advances and a progressive cardiovascular surgeon. “I can breathe good now,” Thomas says, beaming. “I don’t feel that old pain anymore.” Trosclair says that one of the goals of these minimally invasive techniques is simply “happier patients.” With this happy grandfather in Vivian, it’s easy to say the goal has been achieved. Left: Lou Trosclair, RN, is cardiovascular surgery coordinator for the WillisKnighton Heart & Vascular Institute. Below: Curtis Prejean, MD, uses a minimally invasive surgical technique to offer patients smaller scars and shorter recovery times. GOAL: HAPPIER PATIENTS Thomas knows something about that. Typically, after conventional heart surgery, patients are advised to wait a couple of months before they lift anything heavier than eight to 10 pounds. Dr. Prejean says Thomas and others like him can go back to using their arms much more quickly, and Thomas is taking that news to heart, cradling a grandbaby whenever the opportunity arises. He’s also eager to dispense advice based on his own recent experiences. “I felt weak,” he says of his quality of life before surgery, “with pain coming down my chest and arms, but I started to feel better and didn’t think much about it.” Vim & Vigor · FAL L 2011 FdVVFA1193_50-1_KindestCut.indd 51 51 6/15/11 6:51 PM FOOD FOR THOUGHT Orange Crush The perfect food fashion color for fall As we look forward to the cooler days of fall, we also look forward to heartwarming flavors that transport our meals into the season. This issue’s recipes are packed not with the flavor orange, but with the orange beta carotene of pumpkin and carrots. The cake recipe has been adapted to retain the flavor but make it more diet-friendly. And the soufflé? Let’s just say it’s delicious! Carrot Soufflé 6 cans sliced carrots (drained) 1 stick butter 2 tablespoons nutmeg 2 tablespoons vanilla 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups flour 4 eggs Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. Beat with mixer until smooth. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Recipe from culinary staff at The Oaks of Louisiana. 52 Pumpkin Cake /3 cup all-purpose flour /2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 /3 cup raisins 1 /4 cup chopped walnuts 1 /2 cup firmly packed dark-brown sugar 1 cup mashed, cooked pumpkin 1 /4 cup sugar 1 /3 cup unsweetened apple juice 1 /4 cup vegetable oil 1 /2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 /4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons sifted powdered sugar 2 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat Bundt pan with nonstick spray and set aside. Combine first five ingredients; set aside. Combine brown sugar and next eight ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until well-blended. Gradually add flour mixture. Beat 2 minutes at high speed. Stir in vanilla. Pour batter into Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Invert on wire rack and cool completely. Place cake on plate/platter. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cake may be wrapped in heavy-duty plastic wrap and stored in the freezer up to three weeks. To serve, let stand at room temperature until thawed. Sprinkle powdered sugar over top of cake when thawed. Yields: 16 servings. Calories: About 153. Recipe modified by Anne Weldon, RD, LDN, Willis-Knighton Diabetes & Nutrition Center. Vim & Vigor · FALL 2 0 1 1 FdVVFA1193_52_Food.indd 52 6/15/11 6:52 PM LIFE AT THE OAKS Your Wish Is Her Command For concierge Danna Jacobs, service is a way of life A s a resident of the Tower at The Oaks, you walk into the well-appointed lobby and you immediately feel as if you are the most important person in the world. You are confident that, whatever your needs, they will be taken care of. And they are. The extraordinary attention given to residents by the Tower’s concierge, Danna Jacobs, is akin to what they would expect from a five-star hotel but is offered in their own home. That’s just the way Jacobs wants it. The always-smiling, soft-spoken Jacobs, the epitome of Tower hospitality, recalls a stay in a luxury hotel in Naples, Fla., last summer where she described the hospitality and services “unlike anything I’d ever experienced.” Her every need was met almost before she realized it herself. It was then she knew the type of concierge she wanted to be. Jacobs recognizes that residents of the Tower are well-educated, well-traveled and well-versed in the art of hospitality. They also enjoy their maintenance-free lifestyles, preferring not to worry about the mundane tasks that can clutter everyday life. “Our residents live a very active lifestyle,” she says. “They are up and roaring every day.” While they are on the grounds using the LifeTrail outdoor fitness system, hosting an intimate party in the Clubhouse, or attending a performance by a string quartet, Jacobs, as concierge, “handles everything they need.” Order flowers. Arrange local transportation. Make travel arrangements. Ship and receive packages. Shop online. Schedule car maintenance and repairs. “I’ve even stayed on hold for an hour to upgrade their cable,” she says. “The only thing I can’t do is breathe for them!” “Most don’t know the extent of the services we provide until they move in,” Jacobs says. Gone are the days when a concierge was someone in uniform who took packages and messages while someone was out. The concierge of today, like Jacobs, provides peace of mind. “Service is a way of life for me,” Jacobs says. “This is not a job. I’m constantly looking out for residents here at the Tower. I want them to be worry-free. I want to give them peace of mind.” By Terrie M. Roberts Danna Jacobs , concierge of the Tower at The Oaks, strives to give residents peace of mind. Vim & Vigor · FAL L 2011 FdVVFA1193_53_LifeAtOaks.indd 53 53 6/15/11 6:52 PM Focus on Fitness Get Ready ... Get Set ... Go! Three steps to a healthier heart through cardiac rehab E Beverly Byrd, RN Cardiac rehabilitation, which includes supervised exercise and education, helps prevent future health problems. 54 veryone knows to exercise, eat right and avoid tobacco, but doing it is another thing. Chances are, you want to be healthy, and you may be having trouble admitting that you need help getting there. If you have had a heart attack or cardiovascular procedure, your doctor is likely to recommend cardiac rehabilitation, because cardiac rehab has been shown to prevent future health problems and cardiac death. A safe, supervised exercise and education program may be best if you have cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and you want to prevent heart attack. Physician referral is required, so speak up and ask your doctor if you are ready for cardiac rehab. Get ready In cardiac rehab, learning takes place throughout the program. You are encouraged to attend group education classes even prior to clearance from your physician to begin exercise. You will review what to do in an emergency and get to know your specific medications. For smokers, cardiac rehab facilitators offer help to make this most important adjustment—to quit! Group classes offered by a dietitian stimulate discussion and help you make small changes, some of which may make a big difference. Participants may learn to practice stress management and improve emotional health as well. Get set Before you begin exercise, a set of measurements and tests help pinpoint your risks and goals. The program usually runs for three months as you exercise three times a week. A physician, an exercise specialist and a registered nurse work with you daily, stepping you through your individual plan, progressing over time. They become your coaches. During exercise sessions, staff members monitor your EKG (electrocardiogram, a heart test) as well as blood pressure, oxygen and glucose according to your prescription. Having common goals and sharing concerns with other patients also helps build motivation and support to stick with your program. Go! Go to cardiac rehab as soon as possible to get the benefits, and go for the long term. Whether you need to quit smoking, improve cholesterol or reduce your waistline, your health status will improve and you may live longer. Sure, a program such as cardiac rehab takes time, but you may find that the added endurance you achieve buys more time and a longer life with energy to do the things you want to do. By Beverly Byrd, RN Vim & Vigor • Fall 2 0 1 1 FdVVFA1193_54_Fitness.indd 54 6/15/11 6:52 PM AccolAdes ManageMent Profile FinAnciAl, QuAlity AssurAnce Agent A 25-year healthcare industry veteran, Ramona Fryer is vice president of revenue and quality at Willis-Knighton Health System. “Ramona is an incredibly dedicated professional,” says Chuck Daigle, chief operating officer. “She is one of the most proficient revenue cycle experts within the industry today.” Fryer’s responsibilities include admitting/access, business office, health information management, case management, social services and revenue management, all facets of the revenue cycle, as well as quality improvement department, performance improvement and infection prevention. “Since she monitors both the financial and quality aspects of WK’s healthcare, she makes financial decisions without losing sight of the importance of excellent patient care,” says Claire Rebouche, patient safety officer. Fryer has worked with the Louisiana Hospital Association on development and adoption of managed care legislation in the state. She also has served as a speaker for the numerous regional and local financial and health information organizations. As former director of finance and network development for a national insurance company, Fryer was introduced to the healthcare field. Prior to moving to Shreveport, she handled revenue issues at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. In her spare time, Fryer enjoys gardening and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including exercising at one of the WK Fitness & Wellness Centers. WK Athletic Trainer Named Best in Central Hockey League george Bullock Jr., certified athletic trainer with Willis-Knighton Sports Medicine and the BossierShreveport Mudbugs, received the 2011 athletic trainer of the Year award from the Central Hockey league (CHl). the award was voted on by all CHl athletic trainers and is the first of Bullock’s 16-year professional hockey career. “it’s a tremendous honor to receive an award like this, especially when it’s voted on by your peers,” Bullock says. “even though we work in a competitive atmosphere, it’s good to know that the hard work that you put in is respected and acknowledged by others who are doing the same job.” Bullock has kept Mudbugs players healthy, tending to their medical needs since the 2002–03 season. over those nine seasons, Bullock has helped the ’Bugs during eight playoff appearances and two trips to the ray Miron President’s Cup finals. the veteran hockey trainer is a native of upstate new York and a graduate of guilford College in greensboro, n.Y. Bullock has also worked in pro roller hockey, minor-league baseball, arena football and various high school- and college-level athletics during his career. George Bullock Jr., left, receives the CHL Athletic Trainer of the Year Award from Mudbugs Vice President/ General Manager Jason Campbell. Vim & Vigor • Fal l 2011 FdVVFA1193_55_Accolades.indd 55 55 6/15/11 6:52 PM Parting ThoughTs Live & Learn WK and The Oaks host a variety of informative programs each month Make reservations online by visiting classes.wkhs.com or by calling the WK call center at 318-212-8225. Gary Joiner, PhD Cheryl White, PhD The Oaks Of LOuisiana WiLLis-knighTOn Tower UniversiTy: HomefronT: LoUisiana in THe CiviL war This six-week seminar led by LSUS history professors Gary Joiner, PhD, and Cheryl White, PhD, will give you a closer look at our home state’s involvement in the Civil War. During the sesquicentennial commemoration of the War Between the States, learn more about the local impact of the war in our state and our region. When: Mondays, Sept. 12–Oct. 17, 6:30–8 p.m. Where: Tower at The Oaks Ballroom Cost: $25 for nonmembers KeepinG fiT aT any aGe As part of Women’s Health and Fitness Day, please join us as Holly Winterrowd, exercise specialist, focuses on the importance of keeping fit at any age. This is a Spirit of Women event. When: Wednesday, Sept. 28, at noon Where: WK Pierremont Health Center Auditorium Cost: $6, includes lunch sCHooL’s in session: Don’T Be TarDy Move to the head of the class in health education every Wednesday in September in a series designed to motivate and inform. A light, healthy breakfast will be included. Sept. 7, Reading the Labels (grocery shopping); Sept. 14, Getting the Most Out of Your Doctor’s Visit; Sept. 21, Know Your Numbers (blood pressure and cholesterol); Sept. 28, Making Fitness Fun. Register for one or for all. When: Wednesdays in September, at 9 a.m. Where: Tower at The Oaks Ballroom Cost: $6 per session GLoBaL GoUrmeT: inTernaTionaL CUisine Celebrate Oktoberfest with this cooking class hosted by Tower at The Oaks. Sample traditional German fare and pick up a few cooking tips while you discover the history behind this time-honored festival that celebrates beer. When: Thursday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m. Where: Tower at The Oaks Lakeview Dining Room Cost: $10 56 GUiDeLines for “THe GirLs” Please join us for a presentation by Michael Schwalke, MD, who is committed to increasing awareness of breast cancer issues, including early detection and treatment of breast cancer. He will share his extensive knowledge of breast health and breast disease as well as information on diagnostic and treatment options. This is a Spirit of Women event. Willis-Knighton is providing a complimentary lunch as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When: Thursday, Oct. 20, at noon Where: WK Pierremont Health Center Auditorium Cost: Free Michael Schwalke, MD Vim & Vigor • Fall 2 0 1 1 FdVVFA1193_56_Parting.indd 56 6/15/11 6:52 PM Willis-Knighton Health System 2600 Greenwood Road Shreveport, LA 71103 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Vim & Vigor North Pavilion Lake Herman Garden Apartments at The Oaks Health Center at Live Oak Community Centre Clubhouse & MarketPlace at The Oaks Live Oak at The Oaks Community Building Apartments Savannah at The Oaks Assisted Living Chapel at The Oaks Spa & Wellness Center Lake Eleanor Tower at The Oaks The Oaks of Louisiana Entrance Gate Establish New Roots Grow a New Life Live Oak at The Oaks – Comfortable Southern-style living in one-story apartments, many facing water features or gardens. For adults 55+. Savannah at The Oaks – Elegant assisted living in two-story building with plenty of amenities. For adults who require some assistance. Health Center in Live Oak – Rehabilitation and skilled nursing 24/7. For adults who require either short- or long-term care. The Oaks of Louisiana offers you a neighborhood full of choices where you can grow a new life. Come grow with us. As you contemplate the next chapter of your life, you want to simplify, yet retain control of what’s important to you – the way you live your life and where. The Oaks of Louisiana allows you to do just that, satisfy your desire for community without having to be uprooted at any stage of life. Tower at The Oaks – Resort-style living in a four-story tower with concierge services. For adults 55+, whether working, semi-retired or retired. 600 East Flournoy Lucas Road FdVVFA1193_C4.indd 57 Shreveport oaksofla.com (318) 212-OAKS (6257) 6/15/11 6:53 PM
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