Story in Hh Summer 2010

hamiltonhealth
summer 2010 | hamiltonhealth.com
Northwest Georgia’s Health Magazine
Take Your Health
to Heart
Brandon Lanham
Nana’s Hero
Hamilton’s New
NICU
The Gable Family Shares Their Story
Take a Break This Summer
with a glass of lemonade and our
crossword puzzle located on page 11.
hamiltonhealth
Jeff Myers
President and CEO
CEO Letter
Gary L. Howard
Senior Vice President and CFO
Karen J. Wisdom
Hamilton Medical Center COO
Dear Friend:
Welcome to the Summer 2010 issue of Hamilton health magazine. I hope you will
enjoy and share these heartwarming and inspirational stories about real people
who live and work in this wonderful place we call home. It is our goal for Hamilton
health to offer interesting reading while also enabling readers to become more
knowledgeable about their health and better consumers of health care.
I also invite you to visit our updated Web site, hamiltonhealth.com. This Web site
not only features information about Hamilton Health Care System and its services;
it also provides a wealth of health information and tools to help you achieve and
maintain good health.
James C. Hazel
Murray Medical Center Administrator
Marcia Casteel
Executive Editor
Dena Buttenhoff
Editor-In-Chief
Ashley Honeycutt
Publisher
Elizabeth Stinchfield-Hixson
Managing Editor
If you call Northwest Georgia home, Hamilton is YOUR health system, and it is our
goal to provide the highest quality health care to the residents of this region. As
always, I welcome your comments and questions.
Brianne Carswell, Thomas Crocker, Gabrielle
Fernandez, Katherine Hall, Adam Haskew,
Sharon Love, Natalie Roy, Laura Jane
Walker, Angelina Cebrián, Laurren Welch
Contributing Writers
Yours in Good Health,
Brian Norman
Designer
Daryl Cole, Curtis Cox, Chattanooga Times Free
Press, David Humber, David Jenkins, Tom Wiley
Photography
True North Custom Publishing, LLC
Developed By
Jeff Myers
summer 2010
Table of
Contents
2  CEO Letter
3  Did You Know
14  Ask the Doc
17  Recipe| Chicken,
Corn, and Tomato Salad
19  Calendar
Features
4  Evaluating Our Services
 New Clinical Trial in Town
5  A Night for Her
6  Take It to Heart
7  Providing a New Level
of Care
10  N
ana’s Hero
11  Summer Break
Crossword Puzzle
 You Are Just a Click Away
12  Lending a Healing Hand
13  Finding Their Voices
15  The Rehabilitation
Connection
16  Clinical Integration:
What You Should Know
Hamilton health is published as a service
of Hamilton Health Care System, Post
Office Box 1900, Dalton, GA 30722-1900.
©2010. All rights reserved. The contents
of this publication may not be reproduced
in whole or in part without written
permission from the publisher.
For more information on topics discussed
in this publication and programs or to
receive future issues of Hamilton health,
call 706.226.INFO (4636). This publication
in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness
or to replace professional medical care.
Please see your physician if you have a
health problem.
17  ThinkFirst Is Here!
18  O
ne Patient’s
Incredible Journey
On The Cover: Adrienne Gable
and her son, Kylor.
Did You Know?
This article is part of an ongoing series about the advanced
capabilities available through Hamilton Health Care System.
Diagnostic Research for a Cancer Cure
In 2009, approximately 15,000 Georgia residents were diagnosed with some form of
cancer. At Hamilton Medical Center, we are dedicated to our support of diagnostic research.
Researchers across the country are diligently working to discover
not only the cause but also the cure for many of the diseases
afflicting our population. Combined efforts in cellular and
molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomics are spearheading
a focused attack on disorders such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and
heart disease. Since the relatively recent mapping of the human
genome, progress has exploded in these areas. Fundamental to
these efforts is our understanding of how different molecules—such
as genes and proteins—are altered in specific disease states. The
identification of these “molecular profiles” of disease holds the
secret to new diagnostic and prognostic strategies and allows for
the implementation of what is now being termed “personalized
medicine.” Personalized medicine has been defined as “the right
treatment for the right patient at the right time” and is based not
only on a pathological diagnosis but also on the actual genetic and
molecular composition of an individual tumor. This allows for a very
particular and “personalized” approach to patient treatment.
In 2006, Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) joined forces with the
Georgia Cancer Coalition and Biorepository Alliance of Georgia
(BRAG-Onc). The goal of BRAG-Onc is to establish a state-wide
process for the banking of tumor tissue and serum samples to
support research. HMC has been designated as Northwest Georgia’s
regional collecting site, with the Medical College of Georgia in
Augusta serving as the Central Biorepository. A biorepository, or
tissue bank, is a facility that collects, catalogs, and stores samples of
biological material such as blood and tissue. Scientists locally and
nationwide then have access to these samples for clinical research.
No identifying information is provided with samples, so donations
are anonymous and patient privacy is protected. The tissue samples
used in this process are not needed for diagnostic purposes and
would otherwise have been discarded.
Hamilton also has recently begun participating with Minerva
Resource, a nonprofit, California-based company. Minerva partners
with community-based hospitals and academic institutions across
the country, serving as a biorepository and providing tissue samples
to scientists involved in cancer research and those with significant
needs for normal tissue as well as tissue from patients affected by
other diseases.
Participation with both of these programs is voluntary and relatively
simple. Donors do not personally benefit from the use of their blood
or tissue. The type of surgery and the patient’s diagnosis determine
whether a patient is a candidate. If you are scheduled for surgery at
Hamilton and are identified as a candidate for these programs, you
will be given the opportunity to meet with an associate from the
Tissue Bank, discuss the program, and then determine whether or
not you desire to participate.
2
|
3
A New Clinical Trial
Evaluating
Our Services
Through conducting surveys of 17,000 health
care organizations across the world, The Joint
Commission works to evaluate health care
organizations like Hamilton Medical Center
to provide the public with the highest quality
and value possible.
“The Joint Commission survey gives patients an external
validation that Hamilton offers the
compassionate and advanced care
residents of Northwest Georgia need
and deserve,” says Steve Pound,
Vice President of Hamilton Health
Care System.
Every three years, The Joint
Commission sends a team of
surveyors, unannounced, to a
facility to follow patients from
admission to discharge. Each
surveyor on The Joint Commission
team specializes in one area and focuses
on the patient experience in that given area.
The goal of The Joint Commission and its accreditation process
is to give assurance to patients, customers, families, and
employers by evaluating the quality, safety, and effectiveness of
the standards implemented at individual hospitals and offices.
The team evaluates every aspect of care at the facility to ensure
it is in compliance with their standards.
Is in Town
Hamilton Comprehensive Weight Management
Program is once again on the forefront of
innovative options for the treatment of obesity.
Hamilton Comprehensive Weight Management is pleased to
be one of three centers in the nation participating in a U.S.
Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study to assess
the efficacy of a nonsurgical, dual-balloon device for weight loss.
“Dual-balloon is a temporary weight-loss device that helps
patients lose weight by giving them a sensation of fullness all
the time,” says Jaime Ponce, MD, FACS, FASMBS, Director for
Bariatric Surgery at Hamilton. “Performed endoscopically,
the nonsurgical procedure takes an average of 15 minutes
and is less invasive than any weight-loss surgery available.
However, this device is only temporary and must be removed
after six months.”
Shape Yourself with ReShape
The device designed by ReShape Medical, Inc., is used on
patients with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 to 40 or who
are approximately 30 to 80 pounds above the normal weight for
their height.
“The clinical trial, which began in February 2010 and is
scheduled to last one year, is coupled with diet and exercise
counseling,” says Leslie Roberts, MSH, RD, LD, CDE, diabetes
and weight-loss clinician at Hamilton. “As a designated
Bariatric Center of Excellence, we’re honored to participate in
the clinical trial and extend this innovative weight-loss option
to our patients.”
For more information, contact Hamilton Comprehensive
Weight Management at 706.272.6668.
Standards The Joint Commission evaluate include:
• environment of care—including compliance to fire codes,
utilities, and back-up systems
• human resources standards—staff competency, training,
and licensing
• leadership standards—governance involvement, strategic
planning, and use of clinical practice guidelines
• national patient safety goal standards—implementing best
in practice processess
• provision of care—including assessing patient needs and
planning, providing, and coordinating care
For more information about The Joint Commission Survey,
visit jointcommission.org.
From left: Registered Dietitian Leslie Roberts; Jaime Ponce, MD,
Medical Director; and Kris Marlowe, Study Coordinator
for Her
A Snapshot of Health
More than 1,300 women from Northwest
Georgia communities came together to
attend the Ladies Night Out event on
Thursday, April 22, for an evening of fun,
fashion, and valuable health information.
Alison Sweeney
Hamiltonhealth for her was a major sponsor of the
event, which provided a variety of health screenings
for women, as well as a fun yet informative break
from their routines. A variety of vendors and
boutiques provided samples, information, fashion,
and the opportunity to shop.
“Women of all ages are so often the people who
care for everyone else in the family,” says Tamara
Neal, Community Outreach Manager at Hamilton
Health Care System. “Women love to be there for
their whole family, but women need to make their
own health a priority and care for themselves first.”
appreciated the screenings for cholesterol,
diabetes, and so on, as well as having nursing
staff available to answer questions. That was
worth the trip.”
Attendees of Ladies Night Out
received postcards that provided
health information about femalespecific concerns, including:
✩ heart health
✩ maternity and pregnancy
✩ menopause
✩ mental health
✩ osteoporosis
✩ prevention tools
To learn more about these
topics and ways you can
maintain a healthy lifestyle, visit
hamiltonhealth.com/forher.
Guest Speaker
Alison Sweeney, celebrity mom, host of The
Biggest Loser, and Days of Our Lives star, made a
guest appearance. She gave an inspirational talk
to women about body image and the importance
of good health.
Sweeney was on stage for the womenempowering fashion show, which highlighted
Health screenings, including blood pressure
women who had lost weight through bariatric
checks, were available, as well as a panel of nurses
surgery at Hamilton Medical Center or through
who answered health questions. “Destination
the Bradley Wellness Center (BWC).
Health” was the theme for Hamiltonhealth for
Later in the evening, women were invited to
her. Women had their photographs taken in a
convertible in front of a “Healthywood” backdrop join an adrenalin-pumping Zumba® fitness
and entered for a chance to win door prizes
demo by BWC.
throughout the evening—as well as a weekend
getaway trip to Brunswick, Georgia.
To see photos from the event and learn more
about women’s health services at Hamilton
“The whole occasion was enjoyable,” says Vicki
Medical Center, visit hamiltonhealth.com/forher.
Stoner, rehabilitation employment specialist with
the Georgia Department of Labor. “I especially
What’s Zumba?
An hour-long cardio-dance cla
ss,
Zumba® Fitness blends Latin
beats and classic moves, suc
h as
salsa, mambo, meringue, and
samba—working every
muscle in your body.
Bradley Wellness Center presents Zumba®
4
|
5
Heart
Take It to
A retired physical education teacher who taught in Whitfield
County for more than 25 years, Ann had no pain or any indication
of heart problems. But because three of her grandparents, both
parents, and her younger brother had a history of heart disease,
Ann knew her heredity made her more likely to experience a heart
condition. When she learned about Hamilton’s “Take It to Heart”
education and screening series, she signed up.
This two-day event consists of an education seminar and a cardiac
risk assessment that measures blood pressure, total cholesterol and
HDL, and calcium score, a test that indicates the amount of plaque
in the heart arteries.
Ann’s Team
of Physicians:
Bryan D. Cheever, MD
(Family Practice Physician)
Ezad N. Ahmad, MD
(Cardiologist)
Steven B. Stubblefield, MD
(Cardiac Interventionalist)
“This combination of tests is
an excellent way to determine
an individual’s risk of future
heart attacks,” explains
Cardiologist Stephen Rohn,
MD, who oversees the “Take It
to Heart” program.
After undergoing the
screening in November, Ann
received her test results from
her primary care physician.
The results were serious—
Ann’s calcium score test was
Ann Clarke did not experience any of the symptoms
typically associated with heart disease—the heartclutching, chest-pounding pain you might think of when
you learn she is a cardiac patient. However, thanks to a
free screening sponsored by Hamilton Medical Center,
Ann learned that she did have significant heart disease
and was at risk for a cardiac event.
more than 500. A normal score would be zero, and anything
above 80 indicates a heightened risk.
“My attitude was ‘let’s get this taken care of,’” Ann says. “My doctor
immediately referred me to a cardiologist with Hamilton Medical
Center, whom I saw within a week.”
In the span of approximately three weeks, Ann had received her
calcium score results, undergone a stress test, and had stents
placed in her heart’s arteries to improve blood flow.
Strengthening Her Heart
After her physicians’ quick work in restoring blood flow to her
heart, Ann didn’t waste any time. On January 15, she began the
Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Bradley Wellness Center (BWC).
Ann wears a monitor that allows staff to observe her heart rate
and blood pressure while she exercises on equipment such as a
treadmill, a recumbent stepper, and a bicycle.
“I was really motivated to work hard while I was there,” Ann says.
“The rehabilitation staff allowed me to go at my own pace and
build intensity and add time as I could.”
After attending three sessions a week for 12 weeks, Ann is a
graduate of the rehabilitation program, but she is continuing her
exercise at BWC to ensure her heart stays as healthy as possible.
“All of this would never have happened were it not for the free
screening I received,” Ann says. “Hamilton offers great programs
for people like me. It’s a wonderful service to the community, and
I’m thankful I was able to take advantage of it.”
Ann praised the Cardiac Rehabilitation staff and the Hospital’s
commitment to community service.
For more information on upcoming “Take It to Heart”
sessions, visit hamiltonhealth.com and click on “HMC
Services” then “Screenings.”
Know Your Risks
Hamilton Health Care System patient Ann Clarke knew her family’s
history of heart disease put her at risk. In addition to family history,
heart disease risk factors include:
• smoking
• high blood cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• physical inactivity
Ann Clarke took advantage of Hamilton’s free “Take It to Heart” program.
• obesity
• diabetes
• response to stress
• drinking too much alcohol
Providing a New Level
Brad and Adrienne Gable
hold their sons, Hudson
(left) and Kylor
When Adrienne Gable of Rocky
Face, Georgia, went into premature
labor with her son Kylor, she and her
husband Brad had no idea how vital
Hamilton Health Care System’s Level
II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
would be in his care.
6
|
7
Hamilton
Health Care System
out
would like to give a big shout
Mathew
to Christine Sager, MD, and
ith
Smith, MD. Drs. Sager and Sm
cared for Adrienne Gable and
successfully delivered Kylor.
Drs. Victor Thomas and Lizbeth Kennedy
Welcome,
Drs. Kennedy and Thomas
Lizbeth Kennedy, MD, and Victor Thomas, MD,
neonatologists who operate Hamilton Medical
Center’s Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU),
have more than 40 years of experience and are
recognized as among the top neonatologists in the
Southeast. This husband-wife team works with Dalton
area obstetricians and pediatricians to provide the
highest level of care to infants in the NICU.
Lizbeth Kennedy, MD, MBA, FAAP, Neonatologist
Dr. Kennedy is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and
the University of Florida College of Medicine. Board
certified in neonatology and a fellow of the American
Academy of Pediatrics, she completed her fellowship
in Neonatology and residency in Pediatrics at the
University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Kennedy
is currently on the faculty at the University of
Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga Unit. She
also has a master’s degree in Business Administration
from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Victor Thomas, MD, FAAP, Neonatologist
Dr. Thomas graduated from the University of the South
and the University of Florida College of Medicine.
Like Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Thomas also completed his
fellowship in Neonatology and his residency in
Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of
Pediatrics. In addition, Dr. Thomas is a faculty member
of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine,
Chattanooga Unit.
ylor Gable wasn’t due to come into this world until April 27, 2010, so
when Adrienne began experiencing contractions on February 17, there
was great cause for concern.
Adrienne started having complications with her pregnancy in her
third trimester.
“I went to see my doctor after waking up with severe contractions,” says Adrienne.
While being monitored, the staff noticed Kylor’s heart rate dropped significantly with
each contraction, so Adrienne’s doctor ordered an emergency C-section.
“I arrived at the hospital at 11:57 a.m., and Kylor was born at 12:02 p.m. with his
umbilical cord wrapped around his neck three times,” recalls Adrienne. “He was
10 weeks premature.”
Benefits of the NICU
Prior to receiving Level II NICU accreditation, premature newborns—such as Kylor—
were transferred to another city with a hospital able to care for special needs babies.
Fortunately, the addition of advanced NICU technologies at Hamilton Medical Center
means that mother and child no longer have to be separated.
“Being a Level II NICU enables us to care for ill or premature babies,” says Melinda
Edgeman, RN, MSN, APRN, BC, Director of Women’s Services at Hamilton. “While we
wish that all babies could be born healthy, if a sick or premature baby is born, we want
to provide the best care possible to our patients when this occurs.”
“We’ve been blessed with great care,” Brad says. “With everything happening so quickly,
having a NICU close to home gives us the ability to come home and receive the rest we
need to get through the next day. We are very thankful for all the doctors, nurses, and
respiratory therapists involved in Kylor’s care.”
Kylor spent two and a half months in the NICU with two surgeries to treat hydrocephalus
(buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling). He was discharged into
the care of his parents and went home on April 29—two days after his original due date.
For more information on Hamilton’s Level II NICU, visit hamiltonhealth.com.
Implementing Change
to Better Serve Patients
Here for You, 24/7
With 24 hours a day, seven days a week
neonatal coverage, neonatologists
(pediatricians with specialized training in
taking care of babies that are sick or have
problems at birth) are available for any
delivery requiring a specialized physician.
In summer 2008, Hamilton Health Care System renovated and
expanded our Turner Maternal and Infant Care Center, adding
15,000 square feet of new space to the existing 31,900-square-foot
facility. These changes allotted space for labor and delivery, postpartum
rooms, nurseries, and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
In February 2010, the NICU was expanded even further when
Hamilton Medical Center began collaborating with Regional
Obstetrical Consultants and Regional Neonatal Specialists to
provide around-the-clock NICU care for pregnant mothers and
babies in the community.
“The 12-bed NICU is located within the nursery and was previously
referred to as the Special Care Nursery,” says Melinda Edgeman,
RN, MSN, APRN, BC, Director of Women’s Services at Hamilton. “We
understand the tremendous benefit in keeping moms and babies in
the same hospital and are thrilled that we have the ability to care for
these special needs babies in the comfort of their own community
rather than transferring them to Atlanta or Chattanooga.”
“Anytime you start a service line like the Level II NICU, it
impacts the entire hospital. Everyone has a role to play. All of
our support departments have had to re-vamp their operations
to accommodate the needs of preterm babies. It’s amazing
what we’ve been able to do in such a short period of time.”
—Lizbeth Kennedy, MD, neonatologist at Hamilton Medical Center
8
|
9
Hero
Nana’s
Brandon Lanham may seem like an
ordinary 7-year-old, but the actions he
took on March 16, 2010, to help save
his grandmother’s life were nothing
short of extraordinary.
The afternoon of March 16 was a typical one for the Dawnville
Elementary School first grader and his “nana,” 50-year-old
Janice Lanham. Though Janice had experienced chest pains
and difficulty breathing all day, she picked up Brandon from
school as usual. Upon returning home, she was overcome by
nausea and collapsed, unconscious, on the bathroom floor.
Brandon immediately jumped to action.
“I heard Nana fall, and when I couldn’t get her to wake up, I
thought I should call 911,” Brandon says. “Before I did that, I
checked her pulse because it didn’t look like she was breathing.
I knew what to do from watching iCarly, one of my favorite TV
shows. I wasn’t really scared at the time, but I would have been
very sad if Nana hadn’t made it.”
When instructing your child
how to dial 911, make sure he
or she is prepared to give the
operator the following information:
• where he or she is
calling from
• type of emergency
• who needs help
• whether the person is
awake and breathing
Local firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS)
personnel quickly responded to Brandon’s call. Brandon’s
quick thinking didn’t stop with calling 911, as he also
phoned everyone in Janice’s cell phone call list, including his
grandfather, mother, and uncle.
“Brandon rode in the ambulance with me to
Hamilton Medical Center,” Janice
says. “What surprised me most
was that he called everyone
listed in my cell phone so they
could be waiting for me at the
hospital when I arrived. Brandon
is my little hero.”
Janice, who had a stroke and
a minor heart attack several years
earlier, learned she had experienced
a heart attack and remained in the
hospital for a week. Currently feeling
much better, she is considering her
treatment options.
“I think Brandon is a superhero,” says
Lynn Lanham, Janice’s husband and
Brandon’s grandfather. “If it hadn’t been for him, my wife and
his nana might not be here today.”
Life in the Limelight
Since his heroic actions, Brandon has basked in the glow of
celebrity. He was honored by firefighters in a special assembly at
his school, profiled by TV news stations from Chattanooga, and
recognized by the Whitfield County School District.
“We always told Brandon that if anything ever happened to
his nana or papaw, he should call 911, then us,” say Beth and
Kenny Smith, Brandon’s mother and stepfather. “We’re so
proud he did just that. “
QUESTIONS
Across
2. Sends a team of surveyors unannounced
to a facility to follow patients’ journeys from
admission to discharge (2 words)
1
Tired of the heat? Take
3. This is a buildup of fluid inside the skull that
leads to brain swelling.
2
5. _____________ is Janice Lanham’s hero.
a cool break with a glass
of lemonade and this
3
6. The ___________ is helping Jimmie Jackson
communicate and allowing him to perform the
wedding ceremony for his daughter.
4
crossword. For help with the
8. Dr. ___________ and Dr. Misner are two of
three physicians who traveled to Haiti to provide
a healing hand.
5
clues, thumb through the
6
pages of Hamilton health.
7
9. ____________ focuses on safety and injury
prevention and awareness.
8
10. Ann Clarke’s __________ scoring testing was
more than 500.
11. To access the medical library, you must click on
the “________ ________” tab. (2 words)
Down
1. ________ Night Out
2. Thanks to Regency Park, Paul E. Williams is able
to return to activities he enjoys, such as working
on _____ ______ tractors. (2 words)
9
10
11
4. J. Mitch Frix, MD, is a board-certified
_________ surgeon.
7. _______ ______ syndrome is usually caused
by traumatic injury. (2 words)
( Answer key at the bottom of the page)
You Are Just a Click Away
Hamilton Health Care System’s Web site, hamiltonhealth.com, offers
quick information and handy features for your health care needs.
Hamilton Health Care System has partnered with A.D.A.M., one of the largest libraries of
proprietary medical content in the world, to create an online medical library with extensive
information on conditions, treatments, diseases, and tests. To access the medical library,
click on the “Health Library” tab located on the main page. This section of the Web site even
provides images and step-by-step demonstrations to help explain various topics.
But That’s Not All
Also available on the Web site is the capability to track family health records, such
as medical visits, conditions, medications, allergies, surgeries, and immunizations.
Accessed by logging on to “My Hamilton Health,” this page can only be viewed with a password that
you create. Once you create a family record list, you can print these off and take them to a doctor’s
visit. Plus, you can set up appointment and screening reminders through the Web site to be sent to your
e-mail or cell phone.
Another user-friendly feature of “My Hamilton Health” is the health log, which allows users to track:
• pain
• cholesterol
• blood pressure
• waist-hip ratio
• diet
• blood sugar
• weight
• exercise
• body mass index (BMI)
Have you or a loved one had
a great experience at Hamilton
Health Care System and want to
share your story? If so, we would
love to hear from you! Please
send your name, address, phone
number, and story via e-mail to
[email protected]
To explore and learn more about these features, check out hamiltonhealth.com.
10
|
11
ACROSS: 2. joint commission, 3. hydrocephalus, 5. Brandon , 6. ultravoice, 8. Preze, 9. ThinkFirst, 10. calcium, 11. Health Library, DOWN: 1. Ladies, 2. John Deere, 4. orthopaedic, 7. cauda equina
Lending a Healing Hand
On January 12, 2010, the small island nation of Haiti was devastated by a powerful earthquake. Within days
four local caregivers were on their way to help. Here are their powerful stories:
Rodovaldo Rodriguez, MD—General Surgeon
Pablo Perez, MD—Internist
Tracy Hooper, MSN, FNP-BC—Family Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Rodriguez’s colleague, Dr. Lesly Dessieux, who is originally from
Haiti, wanted to make the trip but his wife was just days away from
giving birth. However, Dr. Dessieux and his twin brother – also a
physician - connected Dr. Rodriguez, Dr. Perez, and nurse practitioner,
Tracy Hooper with the organization, ‘Project Haiti Heart.’
By packing personal items in their carry-on bags, each of them
managed to bring two suitcases full of medical supplies, but those
soon ran out. Conditions were so primitive that they often had no
access to running water. They also encountered immense suffering,
pervasive infections, such as meningitis, and amputations.
In spite of the desperate conditions, Dr. Rogdriguez says, “Never at
any moment did I feel unsafe. The people were full of grace.”
“Nothing could have prepared me for the suffering that was
occurring,” recalls Dr. Perez. “It has changed the way I view life.”
Despite the grueling hours working in primitive conditions, both
Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Perez made a second trip in May.
“I was amazed that the Haitians, despite atrocious conditions, had
such gratitude for the most basic of care,” says Tracy Hooper. “I was
unable to explain their optimism. This experience reminded me
of why I was called to this profession in the first place. It was the right
thing to do.”
During her time in Haiti, Hooper says she treated patients for colds,
rashes, wound infections, malaria, thyroid fever, HIV, TB, strokes,
hypertension, and more—even the delivery of babies.
“I felt compelled to go,” says Hooper. “I had never met these doctors
before, yet I felt that I had known them my entire life.”
Spencer Misner, DPM—Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Dr. Misner was invited as a member of the University of MiamiWound Trauma Unit to perform amputations and wound care in a
tent hospital near Port-au-Prince, where he lived and worked his
18 hour shifts. Conditions were primitive; food consisted primarily of
energy bars, his shoes had to be shaken our every day for tarantulas,
showers were limited to two minutes once a week, and tales of
personal tragedy were endless.
“It was incredible how our presence impacted the people of that
country,” says Dr. Misner. “The response from the Haitian people for
simply being there was rewarding. You don’t need to speak a common
language in times like those.”
For information about how you can help recovery efforts, visit
redcross.org or contact your local Red Cross branch.
below: A typical day for
Dr. Misner included treating
his patients’ wounds.
above: Pictured with the “Project Haiti Heart” Medical Team
is Tracy Hooper, front row—far left; Dr. Rodriguez, front row—
fourth from left; and Dr. Perez, back row—third from left.
Shannon Bynum with Elizabeth Al-Shafee,
Home Health speech therapist
Finding
Their Voices
Detailing your food order. Answering a question in class.
The ability to tell your family you love them. Few gifts are
more precious than that of the ability to speak. Thanks
to a speech therapist with Hamilton Health Home Health,
two community members were able to find their own
voices using some very exciting new technology.
At 78 years old, Jimmie
Jackson says he has lived
a blessed life. With four
daughters and two sons, a
loving wife, and a more than
30-year career as a preacher,
Jimmie has much to live for.
When he was diagnosed with
cancer that had spread to
his vocal cords and larynx,
surgeons attempted to save
his vocal cords. When they
were unsuccessful, the
removal of his vocal cords
meant Jimmie was unable to
communicate verbally.
Emotions show as Jimmie Jackson
recalls the first days after surgery.
“I told the Lord that I needed
help, and He sent me Elizabeth
Al-Shafee,” Jimmie says.
Al-Shafee, the Home Health speech therapist said that upon
meeting Jimmie, her mission was three-fold: help him learn what
his capabilities are, how to adjust following surgery, and find the
equipment he needed to communicate again.
“I want to be able to call my dog Lucy and be the person who leads
the wedding ceremony for my daughter,” he says.
Thanks to Hamilton Health, Al-Shafee, and the UltraVoice, Jimmie
was able to perform the marriage ceremony for his daughter in his
church, just weeks after receiving his device.
Shannon’s Story
At birth, Shannon Bynum’s mom and dad were told that Shannon would
never leave the hospital. Shannon has normal intelligence, but because
she was born with physical limitations that prevented her from speaking,
all her life she has been treated as if she didn’t have the capacity to learn.
At 35, Shannon is proving experts wrong—in more ways than one. She
is now able to communicate through an amazing device thanks to an
amazing caregiver.
“Shannon learned very quickly because she’s very motivated and truly
a remarkable person,” Al-Shafee says. “She worked on this device 24/7
until she figured it out. To her, it’s priceless to be able to communicate.”
Although Shannon now has the ability to share her thoughts via this
device, Shannon’s mom will never forget the times when she couldn’t.
She says she hopes other children and parents will understand that
normal is just another word.
“Many people misunderstood Shannon and didn’t think she had the
ability to learn,” she says. “Just because she cannot speak, it does
not mean she is mentally disabled. I would like others to know the
importance of not labeling children and giving others a chance.”
With her pink device in tow to match her pink wheelchair, Shannon is
a living miracle. She has taught herself to read and now can share the
message she was not able to before her device:
Her daddy, Bobby, passed away from cancer over 12 years ago, and there
is not a day that goes by that Shannon does not say, “I love you, daddy”
and “I miss you, daddy.”
“I love my mom. My mom and dad have done so much for me,” she says.
“I love you, too, sweetheart,” Shannon’s mom replies.
For more information on Home Health Services at Hamilton
Health, please call (706) 226-2848.
Elizabeth Al-Shafee is seen as a miracle worker by her patients. In addition to the therapy, she was able to obtain funding for both Jimmie
Jackson and Shannon Bynum. For Jimmie, Al-Shafee recommended an UltraVoice. This specialized equipment is actually a set of dentures
equipped with a speaking device on top of the denture. When Jimmie speaks as he normally would, the UltraVoice’s speaker creates a voice
tone that allows him to be understood. For Shannon, Al-Shafee recommended a DynaVox, a device that helps people suffering from various
disabilities—including autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, and stroke—communicate clearly. Upon receiving the device almost a year ago,
Shannon has taught herself how to read and even take advantage of its other capabilities.
12
|
13
Meet the Doc:
J. Mitch Frix
Board-certified by the American
Board of Orthopaedic Surgery,
J. Mitch Frix, MD, orthopaedic
surgeon at Hamilton Medical
Center, completed his medical
degree and residency at the
Medical College of Georgia
where he advanced his training
in various areas of orthopaedics,
including sports medicine and
total joint replacements of the
hip, knee, and shoulder.
While Dr. Frix enjoys working
with athletes and helping them
face different challenges, he
also takes time to watch his
two sons play ball. Ty, Dr. Frix’s
oldest, plays football for the
University of Georgia. Trent, his
youngest, is a 10th grader at
Calhoun High School playing
football and baseball.
“Until the boys started high
school, I spent summers
coaching their baseball teams
and falls coaching their
football teams,” says Dr. Frix.
“I have been married to Tina for
25 years. My favorite restaurant
is anywhere serving good food
with my family and friends.”
Ask the Doc:
Joint Replacement
J. Mitch Frix, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at Hamilton Medical Center,
answers questions about joint replacements.
Q: I’m 55 years old and suffering
from osteoarthritis in my left knee.
Often times, the pain is excruciating
and prevents me from enjoying
activities. How could joint
replacement benefit me?
Dr. Frix: Not all knee pain requires a total
knee replacement. Each patient needs to
have his or her physician take a thorough
history and physical exam, complete with
X-ray imaging. If severe arthritis is present
and all other less invasive treatment options
have failed, a total knee replacement may
be the best option for long-term pain relief.
Pain relief is the primary benefit of knee
replacement, other benefits include increased
range of motion and physical activity with
less pain.
Q: I suffer from osteoarthritis in my
left and right knee. Should I undergo
surgery at the same time for both?
Dr. Frix: Simultaneous total knee
replacements are a controversial topic. Some
studies have shown increased adverse effects
with doing both at the same time, while
other studies found a benefit of decreased
cost and total recovery time from doing both
simultaneously. I would only recommend
synchronized total knee replacement in
patients who are healthy with no significant
medical problems.
Q: How long will post-surgery
rehabilitation and recovery take, and
when will I be able to walk unassisted?
Dr. Frix: Joint replacement is 96 to
98 percent effective in relieving pain.
Rehabilitation times vary depending on
individual patients, but usually range
between six and eight weeks. Most patients
are standing up the night of the surgery
or the next morning, and they’re typically
walking unassisted in just a few weeks.
Q: How long does it take, and where
can I go to learn more about my
hospital visit and the procedure?
Dr. Frix: Total knee replacements usually
take around 60 minutes, while a total hip
replacement takes around 60 to 90 minutes
total. Hamilton Medical Center offers preoperative classes that cover what to expect
before, during, and after the operation.
The class also reviews what patients should
bring to the hospital, what to expect during
their stay, and education on therapy and
follow-up care.
To learn more about total joint replacements
or to attend an osteoarthritis education
class, contact Suzanne Brown, MSN, RN,
Clinical Nurse Leader at Hamilton, at
706.272.6022.
The
Rehabilitation
Connection
When Paul E. Williams, 69, of Dalton, heard he needed a total hip replacement in December 2009, he knew
exactly where he was going for rehabilitation after surgery—Regency Park.
After participating in the rehabilitation program at Regency Park, one of Hamilton Health Care
System’s long-term care centers, in 2008 following a total hip replacement, Paul says that Regency
Park is the only such facility he would go to if he needed that type of care.
“Out of 100, I give the nursing staff and care I received 150,” says Paul. “The way I was spoken to
and supported made a difference in my success after rehabilitation. I am now able to return to the
activities I enjoy, including working on old John Deere tractors and helping my neighbors.”
Team Work for High Results
At Regency Park, the team strives to provide a continuity of care for each patient, carefully
explaining every aspect of their procedure and helping them develop realistic goals.
“Establishing a relationship with your patient is essential,” says Christy Callaway, PTA. “Paul knew
what to anticipate and what was expected in his therapy. Communication is the key in building an
effective patient/therapist relationship needed for a successful outcome.”
Patients also receive 24-hour nursing care in a warm and caring environment when staying at
Regency Park. Family and loved ones are also involved when it comes to a patient’s therapy.
“Our nursing staff at Regency Park communicates closely with the therapy team and families
to ensure that we provide the best care for our patients,” says Rebecca Scruggs, RN, BSN, Unit
Case Manager. “We have care plan conferences with our patients and their families. This routine
involvement helps to ensure that the nursing and therapy services a patient received while at
Regency Park is followed through and continued at home once the patient is discharged. This is very
beneficial for the patients and allows them the potential to achieve their highest functional levels.”
To learn more about the four nursing facilities of Hamilton Long Term Care, visit
hamiltonhealth.com/HLTC.
Hamilton Long Term Care is an Affiliate of
Hamilton Health Care System with each
of the four skilled nursing centers focused
on a specific care niche. By doing so, they
offer a level of specialization unavailable in
most other long-term care centers.
Regency Park specializes in short-term
rehabilitation in addition to offering longterm care. Most residents at Regency Park
come with the intent of returning to the
home environment once their rehabilitation
is complete.
Quinton Memorial specializes in
medically complex patients who often
require extensive post-surgical care, need
rehabilitation or other long-term care.
Ridgewood Manor and Wood Dale both
specialize in dementia-related conditions in
addition to long-term care.
In addition to each facility’s specialties, all
four share common offerings including
physical, occupational, and speech
therapies, social services, and activities
adapted to the individual’s needs.
“Regency Park includes a dedicated
short-stay rehabilitation unit
specifically designed for patients
who were recently hospitalized and
require brief inpatient rehabilitation
services (usually 2-3 weeks or less)
in order to return home safely. The
“short stay” atmosphere on this unit
helps alleviate patients’ anxiety about
being in a Skilled Nursing Facility and
makes them feel more assured that
they will be able to return home soon.
Our knowledgeable rehabilitation staff,
strong communication with patients
and their families, and diversity in
treatment options are just some of
the strengths patients will notice
when they come to Regency Park.”
—Tiera Evans, PT, Director of Rehab
at Regency Park
14
|
15
Clinical Integration: What You Should Know
A patient is referred to a cardiologist. In
the past, on a first visit, the staff would
do a complete medical history and
order a battery of foundational tests.
With Clinical Integration, the cardiologist
reviews the already-complete history
online and the results of tests already
taken. No reinventing the wheel or
duplicating expensive procedures.
The cardiologist orders a prescription
electronically, and it’s ready for the
patient to pick up when he arrives at the
pharmacy. The physician can check to
see that the patient did so.
Health care is a hot topic these days, from Washington, D.C. to small rural towns and from
Wall Street to Main Street. The medical community in Whitfield and Murray County has
taken a major step that will not only lower health care costs, but also improve quality through
something called Clinical Integration (CI).
Simply put, CI is primary care physicians, physician specialists, and hospitals working
together, using proven protocols and measures, to improve patient care with an emphasis
on wellness and preventive care. Under CI, physicians and hospitals will be able to
share information, measure their performance, and hold themselves to evidence-based
medicine guidelines.
Our network of independent physicians from Whitfield and Murray County, along with
Hamilton Health Care System, have already begun to implement more than 35 physiciandirected quality improvement initiatives with the focus on improving patient and clinical
outcomes. These initiatives primarily focus on high-cost/high-incidence diseases and
preventive care to improve outcomes.
Physicians will have certain pre-determined performance goals that relate to both practice
standards and patient outcomes.
The fact that physicians are holding themselves to evidence-based practice
standards and national quality benchmarks is a major factor in keeping the
health care in this area at a consistently high quality. Another factor is the
emphasis on wellness and preventive care. Patients will be encouraged
and expected to actively participate in disease preventive measures
to protect their health.
Measuring Up
Although charges for health services in this area are in line
with regional charges, total health expenditures in this area
are higher than national norms. This is because of higher
utilization of health care, primarily due to conditions directly
related to lifestyle. The incidence for tobacco use, obesity,
high blood pressure and diabetes here are much higher than
the national average. Some of these conditions may be due
to family history, but many of these are directly related to
lifestyle. Our goal is to encourage healthy lifestyles, not in a
punitive way, but through coaching and education. Over time,
the results of CI should lower overall health care costs through
improvement of health and reduction of underuse, overuse, and
misuse of health care services and resources and reduction of lost
productivity costs for employers.
The process of becoming clinically integrated requires a major
commitment of time and resources. One day, it will be commonplace in
every community, but so far it has only been implemented in a handful of major
medical centers nationwide. The fact it has already been implemented locally puts
this region on the forefront of a movement to provide high-quality, cost-effective care.
{
Submitted by Erica Jones, RD, LD
at the Bradley Wellness Center.
}
Chicken, Corn, and Tomato Salad
Ingredients
Directions
Cooking spray
Heat a large nonstick skillet coated
with cooking spray over medium-high
heat. Add corn kernels; sauté 3
minutes or until tender. Remove corn
from heat. Place corn in a large bowl.
1 ½ cups fresh corn kernels (about 3
ears)
2 cups cooked chicken breast
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup sliced green onions
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 ½ Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. thyme leaves or fresh thyme
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. bottled minced garlic
Stir in chicken, tomatoes, and green
onions; set aside.
Combine vinegar and the remaining
ingredients in a small bowl, stirring
mixture with a whisk. Drizzle the
vinegar mixture over the chicken
mixture, tossing gently to coat.
Yield: 4 servings
(serving size: 1 ¼ cups)
½ tsp. Dijon mustard
¼ tsp. salt
Nutrition Information
Calories: 231
Sodium: 497mg
Fat: 7.3g
Fiber: 2.6g
Saturated fat: 0.8g
Iron: 0.6mg
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrate: 14.6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Exchanges: 2 very lean
meats, 1 grain (carbohydrate)
Calcium: 6mg
ThinkFirst Is Here!
Thanks to the ThinkFirst program in Northwest Georgia, children of all ages can participate in a program focused
on the importance of safety awareness and injury prevention.
ThinkFirst is an international organization, which was started by neurosurgeons in
1986 to teach brain and spinal cord injury prevention to children and young adults.
ThinkFirst Hamilton chapter was formed in 2009 and has provided education to the
fifth grade and eighth grade classes at Dalton Public Schools.
ThinkFirst teaches students to make safe choices and use their minds to protect their
body. Topics such as entering the water “feet first, first time,” wearing a seat belt in
vehicles, and wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle/skateboard are covered.
“The overall goal of ThinkFirst is to prevent brain and spinal cord injuries, which are
permanent and cannot be cured,” says Suzanne Brown, MSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Leader
at Hamilton. “By teaching kids to always go feet first the first time in the water or always
wear a seat belt, the free program stresses how split-second decisions like these can
change a person’s life forever. ThinkFirst offers classes for different ages in order to
teach ideas which are relevant to the particular age group.”
Remember, children rarely think before they act. ThinkFirst creates awareness by
educating children and giving them the tools they need to make safe decisions at a
moments notice.
For more information on the ThinkFirst, visit thinkfirst.org.
16
|
17
One Patient’s
Incredible Journey
When Gwyndolin Long woke up on the morning of January 15, 2010, and couldn’t move either leg, she knew
something was terribly wrong. After arriving at Hamilton Medical Center, doctors diagnosed the 63-year-old
Cohutta, Ga., resident with cauda equina syndrome, an extremely rare and potentially dangerous condition.
“Cauda equina syndrome is caused by acute compression of the
nerve roots at the level of the lumbar spine where the spinal cord
ends [the vertebrae that lie between the pelvis and rib cage],” says
Michel Paré, MD, FRCS(C), FACS, neurological surgeon with The
Neurosurgical Group of Chattanooga at Dalton. “When this happens,
patients develop progressive weakness in one or both legs, decreased
sensation in the pelvic region, and if not treated promptly can develop
permanent paralysis and permanent damage to the nerves of the
bladder and bowel. It is a very serious condition.”
Cauda equina syndrome is most commonly caused by a traumatic
injury. However, in Gwyndolin’s case, a spontaneous hemorrhage
occurred in the dura membrane surrounding the spinal cord. This is
an extremely uncommon complication in patients who take Coumadin
(a blood thinning medication).
Collaborative Care for the Best Patient Outcome
Gwyndolin Long and Michel Paré, MD
“The entire staff at Hamilton Medical
Center was incredible. Throughout
my time there, I never lost my faith.
Because of the excellent care and help
I received, I was able to rest assured
during my recovery that I would regain
my quality of life. And I did.”
Once Gwyndolin arrived at Hamilton, a team of highly qualified
emergency medical personnel worked to determine the reason for her
paralysis. After performing magnetic resonance imaging, radiologists
identified the location of the clot. Immediately, the ER doctors and
Dr. Paré began working to thicken her blood so she could proceed with
surgical decompression. Within a few hours, Gwyndolin underwent
emergency spinal decompression surgery, which ultimately saved her
from suffering permanent paralysis.
“Everyone worked together to help me,” says Gwyndolin.
“Throughout my diagnosis, treatment, and hospital stay, the entire
staff was fantastic. Without Hamilton’s team by my side throughout
the process, I would not be where I am today.”
After spending five days in the hospital, Gwyndolin benefited from
both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Today, she is walking on
her own with only minimal residual numbness in her left leg, which is
predicted to lessen over time.
“I want to thank everyone who helped me reach the point I am at
today, where I am once again able to walk on my own,” Gwyndolin
says. “Words cannot express my gratitude for what the staff has done
for me. It was truly remarkable.”
— Gwyndolin Long, cauda equina patient
To learn more about services provided at Hamilton Health Care
System, visit hamiltonhealth.com.
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 1 pm Mon/Wed/Fri and
8 pm Mon/Thurs/Sat at Hamilton Westcott Center. The
Westcott Center is located at Hamilton Medical Center on
Burleyson Road. Call 706.272.6480 for directions.
Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the
month at 10 am–11 am in the Judd Resource Center.
Directions and information on additional support groups can
be obtained from Hamilton Regional Cancer Institute. Call
706.272.6605. Next meeting will be held Aug. 19.
Comprehensive Diabetes Education weekend classes
will meet in the Hamilton Diabetes and Nutrition Center’s
classroom located at 1109 Burleyson Road. For more
information, call 706.272.6079.
Diabetes Survival Skills Support Group classes are held
in the Hamilton diabetes and Nutrition Center’s classroom
located at 1109 Burleyson Road. For more information call
706.272.6079.
Gastric Band Support Group meets at 5:30 pm the first
Tuesday of each month. Hamilton Weight Management is
located at 1109 Burleyson Road. For more information call
706.272.6668. Next meeting will be held Aug. 3.
Health Awareness
July
September
Juvenile Arthritis
Awareness Month
Arthritis Foundation
arthritis.org/ja-information.php
Leukemia & Lymphoma
Awareness Month
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
lls.org
August
Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Month
National Ovarian Cancer
Coalition
ovarian.org
National Immunization
Awareness Month
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
cdc.gov/vaccines
Hamilton Healthier You (six week non-supplement weight
loss program) meets at 5:30 pm–6:30 pm on Mondays in
the Hamilton Diabetes and Nutrition Center’s classroom
located at 1109 Burleyson Road. For more information,
call 706.272.6079.
Hospice Bereavement Support Group meets at 1:30 pm
the first Wednesday of each month in the Winkler Building
located at 1275 Elkwood Drive. For more information, call
706.278.2848. Next meeting will be held Aug. 3.
MMC–Diabetes Self-Management Program meets once
a month for two sessions. Session one is 8 am–2:30 pm.
Classes are held in Murray Medical Center’s Conference
Room. For more information, call 706.272.6079. Next
meeting will be held July 20.
Type 1 Diabetes Support Group meets at 5:30 pm quarterly
in the Hamilton Diabetes and Nutrition Center’s classroom
located at 1109 Burleyson Road. For more information, call
706.272.6079. Next meeting will be held Sept. 7.
Type 2 Diabetes Support Group meets at 2 pm quarterly
in the Hamilton Diabetes and Nutrition Center’s classroom
located at 1109 Burleyson Road. For more information, call
706.272.6079. Next meeting will be held July 20.
Surgical Weight Management–Information Seminar
meets at 6 pm the second Thursday of each month at
Hamilton’s Brown Conference Center. For more information,
call 706.272.6668 or toll free at 1.866.552.SLIM(7546).
Next meeting will be held Aug. 12.
Prostate Cancer Awareness
Month
National Prostate Cancer
Coalition
fightprostatecancer.org
Calendar of Events
August September
Back on Track
TBA
706.272.6022
August TBA
Dare to C.A.R.E.
706.272.6022
August 23 & 24
Health Mind and Body Expo
N GA Trade &
Convention Center
706.272.6114
August 28
Joint Moves
706.272.6022
September TBA
Tennis Tournament September 27
Whitfield Healthcare
Foundation
Lakeshore Park at 8:30 am
706.272.6128
October
Joint Moves
706.272.6022
August TBA
Take it to Heart
706.272.6114
August TBA
Golf Invitational
Whitfield Healthcare
Foundation
706.272.6128
October 18
18
|
19
24 506
Hamilton Health Care System Inc.
O M ZIP CO
DE
M AILED
FR
Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 830
PO Box 1900 • Dalton, GA 30722-1900 • hamiltonhealth.com
Fact: Colonoscopies
save lives
If the thought of a colonoscopy makes you uncomfortable, consider these
statistics: Colon cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer in the U.S.
Each year about 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed and
56,000 Americans will die from the disease.
The good news: Regular screenings can often prevent colorectal cancer
by detecting pre-cancerous polyps or non-malignant growths, which can then
be removed. Screenings can also detect colorectal cancer at an early stage,
when treatment is most effective.
Colorectal cancer screening is usually recommended once every 10 years
for most men and women starting at age 50, but individuals with particular
risk factors, such as a family history of colon polyps, colorectal cancer, or
inflammatory bowel disease, may need to start screening earlier and be tested
more frequently.
If you’ve already turned 50 and haven’t had your colonoscopy don’t put it off.
Call Hamilton at 706.272.6559 for more information.
We hear you.
1200 Memorial Drive, Dalton, Georgia • 706.272.6559
hamiltonhealth.com