Engage Connecting the community to health A Cardiac Rehab Program with Heart Winter 2017
Your Heart Needs Love Too Staying healthy with the cardiac rehab program at HMH 2 Engage
February is American Heart Month, so let s take a moment to recognize how to maintain a healthy heart and what to do in case of a cardiac event. At Howard Memorial Hospital, our cardiopulmonary experts provide high quality care to treat conditions of the respiratory system and the heart. That team consists of Cherie Craig, RN, CCRP, Sarah Reese, RRT, Angie Hanson, RN, and Cardiopulmonary Director, Gayla Beaird, RRT, RN. The cardiac rehab program helps patients who have experienced a cardiac event, like a heart attack or bypass surgery, recover and regain their quality of life. Made up of a registered nurse and respiratory therapist, the cardiac rehab program involves up to 36 sessions for patients. Most program participants attend 1, 2, or 3 sessions per week depending on their schedule. It helped me tremendously, I noticed positive changes within three or four sessions -Kenny Fant Kenny Fant s cardiologist recommended he enter the program when he noticed Kenny was developing some clogged arteries. Although Kenny didn t stay for the full 36 sessions, his condition improved greatly from his time in the program and the diet and exercise advice he received. Heart Healthy Tip Are you moving enough during the week? Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise even more if you re trying to lose weight, but always check with your doctor before starting a new fitness plan. The cardiac rehab program utilizes physical fitness and cardiac monitoring to strengthen and recondition your heart to help get you back to work or back to your daily life. The cardiac rehab team monitors you as you work out on the treadmill, stationary bike, and other equipment. They also provide assistance through a consultation with a dietitian and education regarding a healthy lifestyle. HMH also offers a pulmonary rehab program to help patients recover from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, and other lung issues. The program can last up to 72 sessions. The cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs at HMH offer a benefit that many hospitals don t instead of needing a referral from a specialist to enter the program, you just need a referral from your primary care physician. The community participation has been overwhelming, Gayla says. They are realizing the benefits of the cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs and they don t have to travel an hour to get help. l Can you benefit from the cardiac rehab program? If you have one or more of the following conditions, you might benefit from the HMH cardiac rehab program: Heart attack Coronary artery disease Angina Heart failure Coronary angioplasty Stenting Valve replacement Bypass surgery If you think you might be in need of our cardiac rehab program, contact your primary care physician to get evaluated and take the first step in your heart healthy recovery! HowardMemorial.com 3
The team at Howard Memorial Hospital Clinic (left to right): Shawna Talkington, Office Assistant; Barbara Hopkins, Office Receptionist; Dr. Wilkins; Laci Williams, Office LPN. Variety in Primary Care Dr. Wilkins offers a wide range of capabilities at HMH Diabetes. Colon cancer. Depression. When you or a loved one has a health condition like one of these, you might assume a specialist s expertise is required. At Howard Memorial Hospital, Dr. Ngozi Wilkins, Family Physician, provides evaluation and treatment for these conditions and more. As a family physician, Dr. Wilkins sees patients of all ages. She treats many issues related to men s health including: Hypertension Diabetes Prostate cancer screening High cholesterol Musculoskeletal conditions (back, knee, shoulder) Anxiety/depression Along with her men s health coverage, Dr. Wilkins also treats women s health issues and diabetes. Her women s health capabilities include: General gynecology -Pelvic exams and Pap Smears -Breast exams and education -General exams, procedures and treatments Pregnancy Menstruation Menopause Pelvic floor issues Contraception Gynecologic cancers and screening 4 Engage
Dr. Wilkins is particularly passionate about the prevention of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle or changes in diet and exercise. Diabetes prevention is proven, powerful, and possible, says Dr. Wilkins. Patients at increased risk for diabetes can prevent diabetes by losing 5 7% of their weight (10 14 lbs. for a person that is 200 lbs.). This can be accomplished by: At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week Eating a variety of low-fat foods Reducing the amount of calories consumed each day -Less saturated and trans fats -Smaller portions of high-fat or high-calorie foods Visiting your primary care physician for regular screenings HMH offers a Diabetes and You Program coordinated by Kim Turbeville, Administrative Director. The Diabetes and You Program is a free 7-week course designed for diabetics, prediabetics, and family members of those who have been diagnosed. Diabetes and You teaches patients how to manage diabetes and lifestyle changes that can improve their condition. Patients are given free glucometers, a free 30-day gym membership, and can schedule a meeting with a dietitian to help them with diet modification. Dr. Wilkins knows communication is key to primary care because you need to work together with your doctor to improve your health it isn t a one-sided relationship. She s also a strong advocate of prevention for your best health and wellness, so she recommends healthy habits like regular exercise, plenty of rest, getting your vaccinations, limiting alcohol consumption, having cancer screenings, and getting yearly checkups. Dr. Wilkins loves caring for patients in her community because of the relationships she develops with each person and the positive influence she contributes to their lifestyles. She enjoys caring for a variety of ages and backgrounds, as well as diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions. Even though you may think some of these conditions require specialty care, Dr. Wilkins points out that primary care physicians are ideal because they provide: Increased level of comfort Better management of chronic disease Referral to a specialist if needed Less healthcare costs Routine screening exams Improved doctor-patient communication Medicine is a calling and I am honored to serve the families of Nashville, Howard County, and the surrounding counties. -Dr. Wilkins It s fulfilling to know that each night, when I lay my head on the pillow, I have made a difference, Dr. Wilkins says. Call 870-845-8010 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wilkins to get started on your path to excellent health. l HowardMemorial.com 5
As Close to Home as Possible The swing bed program at Howard Memorial Hospital When a person needs continuing care after an injury, illness, or surgery, Howard Memorial Hospital is pleased to provide the swing bed program. Having this available to patients including those who received their surgery or procedures elsewhere right here in Nashville is a big deal, says Alesha. The program is for any patient who would benefit from at least one hour of therapy a day, explains Alesha Collins, CNO. The patient stays in a unit staffed with RNs who treat patients with the same high quality care that they would receive as an inpatient. Patients stay in their own room in the swing bed unit, typically from seven to twenty-one days, depending on their needs. They receive three meals a day, are continuously monitored, and receive medication assistance from our staff, says Alesha. But aside from the high quality care and peace of mind that being in the swing bed program brings, Alesha says one of the biggest advantages is that patients can be (and feel) closer to home. They will be closer to family, who in turn can visit them more easily, and chances are they will know someone on our staff. -Alesha Collins The swing bed program offers all the benefits of 24/7 nursing care while helping patients feel comfortable and cared for. It s not home, but it s close. 6 Engage
Janet s story What began as a bus trip to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel ended in a much longer-than-anticipated journey for Janet Stevens. On November 30th, Janet was enjoying a free day of the tour when she lost her balance on an escalator and fell. She broke her tibia and fibula in her left leg. I was in Nashville, Tennessee, for about a week, says Janet. Then I was moved to Hot Springs for acute care. Finally, I got to go to the swing bed program at Howard Memorial Hospital. Janet was glad to be closer to home. The other places were wonderful and took great care of me, she says. But Howard s service was just as good if not better, and being only 15 miles away from home made me so much happier. Janet was also pleased that being in her hometown made it easy for well-wishers to visit her. Her two sons no longer live in the area, but were able to visit and help with the transition from Hot Springs to Howard. From there, she had church friends and friends from the community visiting often. Now Janet is receiving home health care, with the expectation that she will graduate to outpatient therapy soon. The whole ordeal, says Janet, has been as positive as possible, thanks to the care she received. The small town feel assisted with the healing, she says. The nurses were always smiling, the cafeteria staff made an honest effort to prepare food that was appetizing to me, and there were so many little touches that showed they cared. They made me feel like the world was still going on and it would be there for me when I got out of the hospital. l Who Qualifies? All insurances are accepted by HMH s swing bed program, and more people qualify than one might think, including the following: Patients who have received treatments or procedures at another hospital Patients who were discharged from the hospital after a 3 day or longer stay who still feel weak Home health patients who might need more concentrated care If you or a loved one may qualify, call Jennifer Wright, RN Case Manager at 870-845-6934, Britni Fannin, RN PCU Director 870-845-6949, or Alesha Collins, CNO 870-845-8909. HowardMemorial.com 7
130 Medical Circle Nashville, AR 71852 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MAIL HAUS This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Please see your physician if you have a health problem. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without permission from the publisher. HowardMemorial.com facebook.com/howardmemorial One Family, One Doctor Male, female, young or old, Dr. Wilkins can treat your whole family Family practice doctor Ngozi Wilkins, M.D., doesn t just treat women, and she doesn t just treat grown ups. In fact, one of the things Dr. Wilkins loves best about her job is seeing a variety of people. From helping your grandfather manage his diabetes, to setting your daughter on the path to her best health, to helping your aunt reduce her symptoms of menopause, Dr. Wilkins is here to treat your whole family. With same day and after work appointments, you don t have to sacrifice hours for the sake of your health. Dr. Wilkins is here for you and your family when you need her. To make an appointment with Dr. Wilkins, call 870-845-8010.