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REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER RECOGNIZED FOR PARTICIPATION IN CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (1/08) Regional Medical Center was recently presented with the Hospital Participation Certificate by FMQAI, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Alabama. Regional was one of sixty-one Alabama hospitals receiving the certificate for participating in national projects designed to improve the quality of health care of Medicare beneficiaries. "This award represents the collaboration of our physicians, nurses, and quality management staff in our ongoing efforts to provide the highest quality patient care possible," said Dixie Scelsi, R.N., M.S.N., quality management director at Regional. The participating hospitals were recognized for the initiatives they took to implement quality improvement interventions by using rapid cycle improvement, establishing internal infrastructures for continuous quality improvement and implementing system changes. "We commend all of the hospitals that participated and applaud their dedication to improving the consistency of providing the right care to every person every time," said Gladys Worlds, FMQAI hospital quality improvement project director. "The lessons learned from these hospitals will provide valuable information that can be shared statewide with all CMS-participating hospitals." PAWSITIVE HEALING AT REGIONAL (1/08) When Alphie makes his rounds at Regional, everyone stops to say hello and to offer a smile, a pat on the head, an enthusiastic back rub. Alphie is one of the most adored volunteers at Regional. You see, Alphie, a 12-year-old Australian Shepherd, is a pet therapy dog, and, judging by the attention he receives, he is very good at his job. Alphie's human companion, Michael Hirsh, says, "We started doing pet therapy two years ago after Alphie came to me one day and said that he needed a job." Hirsh heard about Regional's Pawsitive Healing Pet Therapy program and knew that Alphie would be just what the doctor ordered for patients and employees alike. The Pawsitive Healing Pet Therapy program began in 2005 as a way to enhance the quality of a patient's stay by improving health and rate of healing through the positive physiological and psychological effects of human-animal interaction. Inadvertently, the visits tend to lift the spirits of staff as well, taking their focus off the emotionally difficult parts of their work. The hospital currently has five pet therapy dogs, each doing rounds (with their human companion) on different days of the week. Friday morning is Alphie's tour of duty, and he really looks forward to it. "Friday mornings, Alphie sees me put on my name badge, and he may not read the words, but he knows where we are going," says Hirsh. "We get in the car and drive up 41. When we make that right turn onto Olympia, Alphie starts bouncing around because he knows [we're almost there]." Alphie and Hirsh report for duty to the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) where, every Friday morning, children are preparing for surgery. Most children are going through surgery for the first time and are afraid of what lies ahead. "When you walk into the room with a dog, you immediately get a smile," says Hirsh. "Our visit puts the child's focus on the dog so the nurses can take blood pressure, poke and prod, and do what they need to do." After a short visit, Alphie then leads the child on a walk to the operating room (OR) holding area so the child can see where he's headed - the place where everyone is dressed funny and there are all kids of futuristic looking machines. Then, it's back to ACC where Alphie hops into bed with the child and the pair is wheeled down the hallway back to the OR holding area to wait for surgery. "Alphie and Michael keep the kids occupied and interested…they have fun with the dog," says Joanne Formicola, RN, who works in the OR holding area. "It's a great thing for patients, even adults. Absolutely everyone reaches their hand out to touch Alphie. I have to admit - I look forward to Fridays too." All pet therapy volunteers and their dogs must provide documentation of passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and be certified and/or registered by one of the following national organizations: Delta Society, Therapy Dogs International (TDI), Foundation for Pet Therapy Teams (FPTT), and/or provide proof of current and valid pet liability insurance. In addition, they must meet standards set forth in RMC's Pawsitive Healing policies and risk management plans and undergo required health screenings from veterinarians. REGIONAL CELBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING (1/08) Excitement is in the air! Regional's medical office building just celebrated its grand opening! Hurricane Charley destroyed the original building on August 13, 2004. "The former office building was considered a landmark within the Tuscaloosa community," said Kristen Kopinsky, Regional's associate administrator. "During Hurricane Charley, it took the brunt of the storm. Officials have said that, had it not been for the medical office building, the hospital would have been severely damaged." HHCP Architects and JNichols Group designed the new medical office building erected on the hospital's campus. The three-story building features over 45,000 square feet of office space and a parking lot located directly under the building. "Medical office space is at a premium now [due to Hurricane Charley]," said Kopinsky. "By erecting the new space, we hope to fill a need of area physicians and attract the finest doctors to our community. The location is perfect for busy physicians who frequent the hospital." Construction on the new building began in 2006, and the grand opening ceremony was held on January 16, 2008. "This celebration signifies the closing of the final chapter of our recovery from Hurricane Charley," said CEO Brad Nurkin. "We gather today to celebrate this structure and the hope, hard work, and promise that it signifies. It is the human spirit of the caregivers and patients inside this building that will continue to prevail through time." A NEW TREATMENT OPTION FOR PROSTATE CANCER: FOCAL CRYOABLATION (1/08) Mention the words "prostate cancer" and men all over the nation cringe. The annual examination is an unpleasant thought, and, if diagnosed with cancer, a man is faced with multiple uncertainties. The good news is that if prostate cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, the recognized treatment options are highly successful. These therapies include: removal of the prostate gland (radical surgery), radiation, and cryoablation. The current standard practice is to treat the entire prostate gland - even if the patient has only a small amount of cancer. In the modern era, men are being diagnosed at earlier stages and with small amounts of cancer. This prompted a paradigm shift in thinking - a shift from treating the whole gland to just the affected portion. The rationale is curing cancer without inducing some of the known side effects of cancer treatment - side effects such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence. Dr. Gary Onik, director of a prostate cancer research program in Celebration, Alabama, has been performing cryoablation of the prostate since the late 1980s. Onik pioneered the concept of focal cryoablation on the prostate and coined the treatment "the male lumpectomy." Using focal cryoablation, only the cancerous portion of the prostate is frozen; the remainder of the prostate remains untreated. What's more, one or both of the nerve bundles that provide for an erection are also spared. Because of this, a chance of erectile dysfunction is minimal, and the incidence of urinary incontinence is negligible. Local urologist Marc Melser, M.D., who has been active with prostate cryoablation since 2001, explains that focal therapy is not for everyone. "This treatment is for a select few candidates," he says. "These men are selected based upon the results of their initial office biopsy." A man is asked to have a prostate biopsy if his PSA is elevated, if his PSA has a significant rise from one year to the next, or if he has an abnormal digital rectal exam. The initial biopsy is done through the rectum, under ultrasound guidance, in an office setting. "If the report comes back and shows only a small amount of prostate cancer on one side," says Melser, "then this is a patient with whom I would discuss focal cryoablation. This would be in lieu of whole gland therapy or 'watchful waiting,' which is simply observing prostate cancer." If the patient shows interest in focal therapy, he would then undergo a saturation prostate biopsy. Melser states, "This procedure maps the prostate and, to the best of our ability, can localize the cancer to a certain point or points." Unlike the office procedure, saturation biopsies are done in the operating room under anesthesia. The prostate is approached through the perineum, which is the area between the rectum and the scrotum. A grid is used and the prostate is divided into sections from which anywhere from 30-40 biopsies are obtained. With such an extensive sampling, the chance of missing a cancer is small. Melser explains that "if the prostate cancer is localized to one area, then the man qualifies for focal therapy." Cryoablation treats cancer by exposing the tissue to a temperature (minus 40 degrees) that can kill a cell. Afterward, the prostate turns into fibrous or scar tissue; no tissue is removed during cryoablation. Allen Cummings, a Port resident, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer after his annual exam showed that his PSA levels were up and had been rising over the past few years. "I was referred to Dr. Melser. [After getting results from a prostate biopsy done in his office,] he told me that all treatment options were on the table," said Cummings. Unfortunately, Cummings had to wait to treat his prostate cancer because he had just received a cardiac stent and needed to be on Plavix for six months. "I couldn't do anything about my prostate cancer until I was off the Plavix," he explains. With time on his hands, Cummings did a lot of research on the available treatment options. He expressed interest in focal cryoablation and then had a saturation biopsy which confirmed the cancer was localized to just one side of the gland. He underwent focal cryoablation and is thrilled with the outcome. "I had a catheter for one day after the biopsy and for ten days after the focal cryoablation. The catheter is the only aggravating part of the treatment," said Cummings. "It's inconvenient; it's aggravating; but it doesn't hurt. There is no pain associated with [either procedure]." Six months post therapy, Cummings is also very pleased that his PSA is undetectable. Local author Craig Henry, who received focal cryoablation as treatment for his prostate cancer is quick to praise the treatment as well. "I've talked with a number of people who had this done before me," he says. "There are no side effects, no negatives. Why would someone go through radical surgery or radiation when focal cryoablation is an outpatient procedure with a phenomenal success rate?" Henry, who visited seven urologists and extensively studied various treatment options before ultimately deciding upon focal cryoablation, says the most important lesson in his story of dealing with prostate cancer is threefold. First, be sure to check your PSA every year and start asking questions the minute you begin to worry that the numbers are too high or are increasing too rapidly. Second, don't feel pressured to choose a single treatment option. "Dr. Melser took an interest in my situation and gave me all the treatment options," says Henry. "I did my research and learned everything I could before ultimately choosing a treatment." Third, don't be afraid of a biopsy - it doesn't hurt and could save your life. Melser points out that since focal cryoablation treats only up to half the prostate, there is still the potential for cancer to develop in the untreated half. Mr. Cummings was aware of this, but said it didn't worry him. "I am immensely pleased with my choice of treatment. If I had to do it again, I would do the same thing." He goes on to say that if he happens to see cancer in the other half of his prostate, "the chance that I would have serious difficulties as a result is quite small - seeing that I'm 74 already. I would definitely recommend focal cryoablation to those who qualify." REGIONAL CELEBRATES GRAND RE-OPENING OF JOINT ACADEMY (1/08) Regional recently celebrated the grand re-opening of its Center for Joint Replacement, affectionately referred to as "Joint Academy." Because of the program's tremendous success, the joint replacement unit was expanded and modernized to keep the unit as innovative as the program itself. Perhaps the biggest change in the Joint Academy set-up is that the space was renovated into a closed unit - meaning that it is self-contained, with walls separating it from the rest of the hospital's third floor. Patient rooms were remodeled to better meet the needs of total joint replacement patients. In addition, a group activity room was created for patients to participate in group exercises and therapy sessions, and also serves as a common area to hold buffet lunches for patients and their visiting friends and relatives. The Academy Program Although graduates don't wear a cap and gown, there are plenty of learning experiences, activities, games, bonding, and friendship in store for these "students" undergoing total hip or knee replacement. "Surgery and recovery are never fun," says Joint Academy Coordinator Janet Robles, "but our goal is to make the process as fun as possible under the circumstances." Joint Academy involves patients and their friends and family members in every step of recovery. It's the only program of its kind in County, and it offers a new approach to orthopedic care. After being referred by a physician and receiving a guide full of information regarding joint replacement and the Joint Academy program, patients participate in general orientation at RMC's Joint Academy unit. The orientation gives patients a chance to speak with nurses and physical therapists, tour the facilities, receive encouragement from current academy students, and learn firsthand how their four-day week at the Academy will generally progress. Before arriving at Joint Academy, each patient chooses a "coach" - usually a close friend or family member. Not only does the coach act as the patient's cheerleader during Joint Academy, but the coach also learns to better understand and accommodate the patient's condition once the patient is sent home. The Academy is a educational process for everyone involved. Each week, a new set of Academy students (and their coaches) arrives. On either Monday or Tuesday, each patient undergoes surgery, leaving the remainder of the week for all participants to recuperate and recover together, as a group. "As a patient at Joint Academy, you are not going through recovery alone," explains Robles. "You are going through the recovery and physical therapy process with a group of individuals who are in the same situation. Our members encourage, cheer on, and inspire one another throughout their week at Joint Academy. It is a big part of why our program is so successful." The entire Joint Academy program takes only four days to complete. The week of Academy "training" is filled with intense physical therapy, games, and often, friendly competition among members to see who can walk the furthest by the end of the week! In almost five years, nearly 1500 patients have completed Joint Academy and over ninety percent of them did not require any further inpatient rehab. Patients love knowing that after graduating from Joint Academy, they won't be transferred to rehab or to a nursing home, but rather will be returning to the comfort of their own home. Upon "graduation," patients are sent home with a Joint Academy tee shirt and photos taken throughout their stay at Joint Academy. Patients love to share the photos with friends and family members as a badge of honor, showing their progress throughout the week. Once the patient arrives home, home health nurses and physical therapists monitor the patient's continuing progress in their own home. Additionally, an annual Joint Academy reunion luncheon or picnic is planned and all graduates are invited to attend. REGIONAL'S ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY LAB CELEBRATES TWO MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES (1/08) January was an exciting month for Regional's Electrophysiology Department as staff celebrated two milestone anniversaries. Not only was it the 10th anniversary of the Electrophysiology (EP) Lab itself, but it was also the 10th anniversary of the first implantable defibrillator procedure in County. Sergio Cossu, M.D., cardiac electrophysiologist, performed the surgery at Regional on January 16, 1998. Before 1998, patients who needed implantable defibrillators had to neighboring counties to receive those services. "When I came here ten years ago, we were able to implement this service right here in County," said Dr. Cossu. "Since then, the Electrophysiology Department has grown by leaps and bounds. We're very excited about where we are today." Gayle Lee, EP Lab supervisor agrees, "The quality of the Cardiovascular Department and particularly the Electrophysiology (EP) Lab is exceptional, especially in relation to the size of our hospital. Dr Cossu is an EP physician of the quality and caliber that you expect to find only in large teaching facilities. Our community is fortunate to have him right here at Regional." According to the Tenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study in October 2007, Regional Medical Center ranks among the top for overall cardiac, cardiac surgery, and cardiology services. In fact, Regional is Ranked #1 in Alabama for Cardiac Surgery. CENTER FOR WOUND CARE & HYPERBARIC MEDICINE CELBRATES AMAZING SUCCESS RATES (1/08) Statistics published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (see www.niddk.nih.gov) show that 20.8 million Americans have diabetes, and 21% of Americans over the age of 60 have diabetes. Unfortunately, 15% of all diabetics will at some point develop chronic wounds, which places them at an increased risk for amputation. Fortunately for area residents, Regional's Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine has amazing success rates. In 2007, 94% of all patients admitted to Regional's Wound Care Center had their wounds healed in 16 weeks or less. (According to industry standards, 85% is considered superior). Also in 2007, the Center's amputation rate was only .075%. The Center, located at 24451 Sandhill Boulevard in Deep Creek, has the most experienced hyperbaric oxygen therapy program in County, employing highly trained doctors, nurses, and hyperbaric technicians who have over ten years experience in treating and healing chronic wounds. The Center employs the newest clinical tools along with traditional clinical practices to heal chronic wounds. These practices include various wound dressings, debridements, compression therapy, prescriptive growth factors, bio-engineered skin grafting, edema management, non-invasive vascular assessment, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In addition, the staff provides valuable education to patients and families regarding the continued care of their problem wounds. Patient care at Regional's Center for Wound Care focuses on a whole-body approach to wound healing, including nutritional assessment and counseling, diabetic education, patient and caregiver counseling, pain management, and special needs for pressure relief. "We truly are a partner in the patient's medical care," says Larry Bachle D.O., who serves as medical director at the Center. "While we dedicate our efforts to healing the patient's wound, the primary care physician is free to focus on treating the underlying cause or disease. Through regular reports and phone calls, we work with the patient's doctors and other experts in the program to develop a total approach to treatment and care." What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an adjunctive therapy used in 15% of all wound care patients. HBOT is a therapy in which the patient breathes 100% oxygen while enclosed in a pressurized chamber at greater than normal atmospheric pressure. While in this environment, the patient's blood plasma becomes saturated with 15 to 20 times the normal amount of oxygen, which is then carried to their tissues. The ultimate result is that the body's natural wound healing mechanisms, which are oxygen dependent, are able to function much more efficiently. The Center utilizes state-of-the-art Sechrist Hyperbaric Chambers. During a HBOT treatment, the patient is able to lie in comfort within these chambers and watch one of 75 cable channels on a flat screen television affixed to the top of the chamber. The patient is under constant observation by the specially trained staff and, via the built in intercom system, is also able to communicate while in the chamber. For more information of the treatment of wounds, wound care, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, contact the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at 205-752-5050. REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER AMONG TOP FIVE PERCENT IN NATION ACCORDING TO QUALITY STUDY (1/08) Regional Medical Center announced today that it is among the nation's top five percent of hospitals, according to an independent study of mortality and complication rates released today by HealthGrades, the nation's leading healthcare ratings company. Regional Medical Center has achieved HealthGrades' Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical ExcellenceTM four years in a row based on its clinical quality performance. According to the HealthGrades study, patients admitted to a hospital receiving this award are, on average, 27 percent less likely to face mortality and 5 percent less likely to suffer from a major complication. This year, only 269 of the nation's 4,971 non-federal hospitals will receive this distinction. HealthGrades estimates that if all patients were treated at Distinguished Hospitals, 171,424 lives could have been saved and 9,671 post-operative complications could have been avoided during the three years studied. "At Regional Medical Center we have a skillful and dedicated team of clinicians and employees," said Brad Nurkin, CEO. "It is because of their hard work that our patients and their families receive quality healthcare that is among the best in the nation." The HealthGrades study shows that Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence are improving their patient outcomes at a greater rate in more procedures and diagnoses than all other hospitals, lowering risk-adjusted mortality rates over the years 2004, 2005, 2006 by an average of 15%. "The gap between top-performing hospitals and others persists," said Samantha Collier, MD, HealthGrades' chief medical officer. "But Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence like Regional Medical Center have proven that it is possible to consistently deliver top-notch medical care consistently, across a range of procedures." Regional's accolades also include:  Recipient of the HealthGrades Cardiac Care Excellence Award™ - Three Years in a Row (2006 - 2008)Recipient of the HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award™ - Two Years in a Row (2007, 2008)Ranked Best (#1) in Alabama for Cardiac SurgeryFive-Star Rated for Joint Replacement SurgeryRecipient of the 2007 Stroke Care Excellence Award™Recipient of the 2007 HealthGrades Pulmonary Excellence Award™Each year, HealthGrades independently analyzes the clinical quality performance of all non-federal hospitals across the country in 27 procedures and diagnoses. In the Distinguished Hospital Study, the company reviewed tens of millions of hospitalization records from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. All hospitals that participate in the Medicare program were part of the independent study. Hospitals that receive the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence are those hospitals that rank in the top five percent when all 27 individual scores are aggregated into an overall score. Regional Medical Center is a leading provider of healthcare in Southwest Alabama, providing healthcare far beyond the ordinary. FEBRUARY 26 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (2/08) Start stocking your little black bag! Regional Medical Center presents the return of its popular annual physician lecture series, Mini Medical School. Educate yourself on the healthcare issues that are important to you. Mini Medical School physician lectures features some of Southwest Alabama's leading physicians communicating new information about specific healthcare topics and addressing your concerns. There is no better way to become familiar with, understand, and learn more about today's healthcare issues relevant to you, your family members, and your community. Please join us for the lectures held on Tuesday, February 26, beginning at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at RMC's Wellness Center auditorium located at 733 E. Olympia Avenue in Tuscaloosa (adjacent to the hospital). Laura Gruneiro, M.D., vascular surgeon, will present a lecture titled What's Causing Your Leg Pain? Vascular Diseases of the Leg at 1 p.m. Then, at 2:30 p.m., Elias Quintos, M.D., cardiovascular surgeon, will present the lecture Pump Versus Off-Pump Bypass Surgery. Regional Medical Center is a leading provider of healthcare in Southwest Alabama, providing healthcare far beyond the ordinary. Sign up for Mini Medical School today to learn important, life-changing information to store in your own "little black bag." Lunch will be served to all registered participants. To register for a lecture, contact Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. MARCH 13 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (3/08) Start stocking your little black bag! Regional Medical Center presents the return of its popular annual physician lecture series, Mini Medical School. Educate yourself on the healthcare issues that are important to you. Mini Medical School physician lecture series features some of Southwest Alabama's leading physicians communicating new information about specific healthcare topics and addressing your concerns. There is no better way to become familiar with, understand, and learn more about today's healthcare issues relevant to you, your family members, and your community. Please join us for the lectures held on Thursday, March 13 beginning at 1 p.m. at RMC's Wellness Center auditorium located at 733 E. Olympia Avenue in Tuscaloosa (adjacent to the hospital). Christopher Constance, M.D., plastic & reconstructive surgeon, will present a lecture titled "Endoscopic Carpel Tunnel." Then, at 2:30 p.m., Thomas Kartis, M.D., cardiovascular & thoracic surgeon, will present the lecture "What Does 'Minimally Invasive' Mean for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Surgery?" Seating is limited. All attendees must pre-register with Nurse Connect prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050. Snacks, informational packets, and blood pressure readings will be offered free of charge to all registered attendees. Sign up for Mini Medical School today to learn important, life-changing information to store in your own "little black bag." REGIONAL GOES WIRELESS (3/08) Regional is proud to announce that the hospital has "gone wireless." Patients and visitors are now able to wirelessly connect to the internet no matter where they are in the hospital. "We are always happy to do whatever we can to make our patients' and visitors' stays more enjoyable, "said Brad Nurkin, CEO. "Wireless service had become a popular request, and we are delighted to now meet that need." The service is available on all three floors of the hospital, including patient rooms and waiting rooms. HEAD AND NECK CANCER SURVIVORS LEND THEIR VOICES TO KICK BUTTS DAY (3/08) Kick Butts Day, held on April 2, is a national campaign for tobacco free kids, encouraging them to join in the fight against tobacco. Several members of and Lee Counties' New Voice Clubs (laryngectomy support groups), recorded a public service announcement at Port 's Clear Channel Radio Station, encouraging youth and others to not smoke or use tobacco products. The PSA will air throughout regular programming times from March 19 through April 2 in conjunction with activities from Tobacco and Drug Free County. Laryngectomees are head and neck cancer survivors who have lost their larynx (voice box) as a result of cancer. Many have also suffered through radiation and chemotherapy, which can result in difficulties eating and swallowing, in addition to difficulties with speaking. Although not all laryngectomees are ex-smokers, there is clear evidence that tobacco use contributes to the occurrence of most oral, head, and neck cancers, with more than 40,000 new diagnoses occurring every year. When leaving the recording session, one survivor stated, "If one person decides to stop smoking because of this, it will have been worthwhile." The County New Voice Club meets the second Wednesday of each month in the aerobics room located inside the Wellness Center at Regional Medical Center. For information on or help with quitting smoking, contact: Alabama Quit-For-Life Line at 1-205-752-5050. MARCH 31 & APRIL 2 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (3/08) Start stocking your little black bag! Regional Medical Center presents the return of its popular annual physician lecture series, Mini Medical School. Educate yourself on the healthcare issues that are important to you. Mini Medical School physician lecture series features some of Southwest Alabama's leading physicians communicating new information about specific healthcare topics and addressing your concerns. There is no better way to become familiar with, understand, and learn more about today's healthcare issues relevant to you, your family members, and your community. Please join us for upcoming lectures held at Regional's Wellness Center auditorium located at 733 E. Olympia Avenue in Tuscaloosa (adjacent to the hospital).On Monday, March 31 at 1:30 p.m., Atif Iqbal, M.D., general surgeon, will present a lecture titled "Acid Reflux Disease." Then, on Wednesday, April 2 at 1:00 p.m., Alejandro Gruneiro M.D., general surgeon, will present the lecture "Preventing Colon Cancer." Seating is limited. All attendees must pre-register with Nurse Connect prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050. Snacks and blood pressure readings will be offered free of charge to all registered attendees. Sign up for Mini Medical School today to learn important, life-changing information to store in your own "little black bag." CURING A "FLUTTERING" HEART (3/08) "My heart is beating so fast, it feels like it is going to pop out of my chest." This claim is a frequent one from those with atrial fibrillation. A reoccurring "fluttering" in the chest is a common indicator that the heart may have an arrhythmia (an irregular rhythm or heartbeat). Atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affects millions of people, and is characterized by a rapid, irregular heartbeat. While younger patients are likely to have rapid heart palpitations or a "fluttery" feeling in their chest, older patients tend to experience shortness of breath and lethargy. As a result, it is often passed off as just a part of the aging process when, in fact, an arrhythmia is the culprit. "Arrhythmias are caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the heart. When the heart is in this irregular rhythm, the top chamber of the heart is not squeezing blood into the lower chamber," explains Sidney Peykar, M.D., a local electrophysiologist specializing in complex arrhythmias. "In effect, the amount of blood traveling through the body is reduced by about 15%." Some patients who have atrial fibrillation have what is known as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, meaning that the arrhythmia comes and goes. Usually, this is treated with anti-arrhythmatic drugs. However, if drugs don't alleviate the problem, one may have to consider catheter-based solutions. According to Peykar, atrial fibrillation ablation has 70-90% cure rate (dependent upon if the patient has an intermittent or a constant arrhythmia) and bears minimal risk if performed by an experienced electrophysiologist. An ablation procedure is not a surgery, but rather a catheter-based procedure. Catheters, or long wires, are advanced into the heart from the veins in the groin. Three-dimensional computer mapping is used to direct the catheters to the right parts of the heart where radiofrequency energy then kills the heart tissue causing the arrhythmia. Unfortunately, there has been no one doing catheter ablations on a regular basis in Southwest Alabama (south of Tampa) - until now. Regional Medical Center "is able to do more complex ablations than other hospitals in Southwest Alabama, tackling complex arrhythmias and experiencing great patient outcomes," says Peykar, who is on staff at the hospital. The cardiology committee at Regional has set up stringent guidelines for training required of physicians performing this procedure. "Advanced and specific training is of utmost importance for a physician performing this procedure," stresses Peykar. "As a patient hoping to avoid complications, you definitely want to make sure you are in experienced hands." The purpose of atrial fibrillation ablation is to cure the arrhythmia so patients stop taking daily drugs and put an end to regular physician visits. During an atrial fibrillation ablation, the electrophysiologist enters the heart from the right side and crosses into the left atrium with a needle, burning around the veins to electrically isolate those muscle sleeves from the heart. Thus, the heart chamber is isolated from the veins, and, as a consequence, the muscle that overlies those veins can no longer initiate the arrhythmia associated with atrial fibrillation. For most arrhythmias, the ablation is done on an outpatient basis under some mild sedation, with the patient being discharged later the same day. "Because this procedure is more complex, it is done under general anesthesia," says Peykar. "But patients are usually moving around within five hours of the surgery and discharged the following day." According to Peykar, atrial fibrillation ablation is reserved for symptomatic patients who have failed with an anti arrhythmatic drug, but can be used as a first line of defense in certain cases. "Some patients with atrial fibrillation are on medications with a lot of unpleasant side effects, including erectile dysfunction and lethargy," said Peykar. "These are not desirable side effects in a drug you are required to take every day for the rest of your life." For such patients, having an ablation procedure can cure them of the arrhythmia and put an end to taking medications with unwanted side effects. For more information, or to find out if you are a candidate for atrial fibrillation ablation, speak with your physician or call Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. WOULDN'T YOU LIKE TO BE A GAITER TOO? MONTHLY CHECK-IN ON APRIL 16 FEATURES "ALPHABET GAME" (4/08) From 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, the popular Crosstown Gaiters mall walking program sponsored by Regional Medical Center will hold its monthly member check-up and sign in at Port Town Center Mall. This month, Gaiters will hold an "Alphabet Game" where walkers search out items beginning with certain letters of the alphabet during their walk in an effort to win prizes. In addition, a wellness coordinator will be available to instruct on pre-walk stretching and to answer any exercise questions. The "course" at Town Center Mall is a ¾-mile trek with stops at 12 separate exercise and stretching stations. Upon joining Crosstown Gaiters, each participant receives a Crosstown Gaiters tee-shirt, pedometer, and guide identifying the benefits of walking, proposing tips for starting a walking program, and offering instruction on how to customize an individual walking program. Step into fitness with Crosstown Gaiters and have a little fun while you're at it! For more information on RMC's Crosstown Gaiters, call Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. APRIL 16 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (4/08) Start stocking your little black bag! Regional Medical Center presents the return of its popular annual physician lecture series, Mini Medical School. Educate yourself on the healthcare issues that are important to you. Mini Medical School physician lecture series features some of Southwest Alabama's leading physicians communicating new information about specific healthcare topics and addressing your concerns. There is no better way to become familiar with, understand, and learn more about today's healthcare issues relevant to you, your family members, and your community. Please join us for the lecture held on Wednesday, April 16 at 1 p.m. at Regional's Wellness Center auditorium located at 733 E. Olympia Avenue in Tuscaloosa (adjacent to the hospital). Pamela Humpel, D.P.M., podiatrist, will present a lecture titled "Heel Pain: The Solution." Seating is limited. All attendees must pre-register with Nurse Connect prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050. Snacks and blood pressure readings will be offered free of charge to all registered attendees. Sign up for Mini Medical School today to learn important, life-changing information to store in your own "little black bag." STAND UP FOR YOUR FEET! APRIL IS NATIONAL FOOT HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH (4/08) The average American walks 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day - the equivalent of walking five times around the earth during a lifetime. April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, and the American Podiatric Medical Association reports that three-quarters of all Americans will experience foot health problems at some point during their lives. The importance of foot healthcare is even greater for the 21 million Americans with diabetes. "Many people living with diabetes have some form of diabetic nerve damage which impairs the sensation of feeling in their feet," said Dr. Pamela Humpel, D.P.M., of the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine of Regional Medical Center. "About 1 in 10 people with diabetes develop a foot ulcer at some stage. Of those, many will develop a chronic wound that, if not properly treated, could lead, in the most severe cases, to amputation." The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine offers these health care tips for putting your best foot forward this April: The Wound Healing Center of Regional is located at 24451 Sandhill Blvd, Suite A in Port . A National Healing Corporation Wound Center, it specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as well as disease management and diabetes care. For more information about chronic foot wounds and diabetes disease management call the Center at 205-752-5050. WORLD VOICE DAY: APRIL 16 (4/08) Each year on April 16, voice therapists and other vocal health professionals join together to recognize World Voice Day. World Voice Day encourages women and men, young and old, to assess their vocal health and take actions to improve or maintain good vocal habits. A local otolaryngologist, Dr. Luis Marmol, and voice therapist, Mary Spremulli, MA, CCC-SLP, have teamed up to provide a more thorough evaluation of voice problems. Recently, these two professionals have begun using Laryngeal Videostroboscopy to evaluate the larynx (voice box), as a part of a comprehensive voice evaluation. Considered the "gold standard" for instrumental voice assessment, videostroboscopy is an in-office procedure which uses a flexible or rigid endoscope with a camera lens to obtain a dynamic view of the vocal folds during various voicing tasks. The advantage of completing a successful stroboscopic examination is an improved level of documented and shared information regarding definitive laryngeal function and voice production for the professional and patient. This exam can assist with identifying and distinguishing between abnormal growths, can help guide voice treatment, and can assist with pre-and post-op treatment planning. Teachers, singers, and cheerleaders are individuals who engage in heavy voice use and may eventually experience chronic hoarseness or vocal fatigue. One or two sessions with a voice therapist may help them to identify proper training and vocal exercise techniques which may prevent possible injury to their vocal folds. Voice therapy may also be recommended for individuals with medical voice conditions such as paralyzed vocal folds, vocal nodules, spasmodic dysphonia, or changes in voice and swallowing function related to head and neck cancer. For more information on Laryngeal Videostroboscopy, speak with your physician or call Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. HEALTHCARE DONATION SAVES A LIFE (4/08) As a high school senior, Samantha Stallings had a lot on her plate. She was captain of Port High School's varsity cheerleading squad; she was applying to numerous colleges; and she was trying to squeeze in as much time as possible with her friends before each headed off to different colleges the following year. So, when her heart started racing at cheerleading practice one day last August, she thought she was just having an anxiety attack. (A couple of years earlier, her pediatrician had chalked up the same symptoms as anxiety.) Unfortunately, Stallings would learn that her racing heart was just a warning sign for something that would almost take her life. After calling her mother, Donna Lutinski, Stallings went home to rest. By nine o'clock that evening, her heart was still racing, so Lutinski decided it was time to take her daughter to the emergency room. "My heart was beating so fast, I was shaking," Stallings reveals. "It was getting hard to breathe." After wheeling her into the emergency room, they discovered her heartbeat was 210 beats per minute. After a series of tests, Stallings learned she had Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. Unbeknownst to Stallings, she had had this condition since birth. It's a congenital defect where there is an extra pathway in the heart - an extra connection between the top and bottom chambers of the heart. This extra pathway can make the afflicted person go into very abnormal, fast heart rhythms. After getting her heart rate under control, Stallings was taught some vagal maneuvers. "There is a nerve called the Vagal nerve that stimulates the heart to change arrhythmias," explains Lutinski. "There are several things, called Vagal Maneuvers (see box), that you can do yourself to slow your heart rate." The next day, Stallings visited her cardiologist who sent her to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa. The surgeon they met with delivered some bad news. He could operate on Stallings, but first, the family, who didn't have insurance, would have to come up with a substantial down payment for the $50,000 surgery. Once the down payment was received, the family could make payments on the balance. "At that point, we went through the process of going through the state," says Lutinski. "But, we made just 'this much' too much money to qualify for any assistance." So, her friends started a fundraiser - a golf tournament. Flyers were put up around Chubbyz, the restaurant Stallings' step-father co-owns with his brother. Jeff Burroughs, a registered nurse working with Boston Scientific (a maker of minimally-invasive surgical devices), saw the flyer. Burroughs met with Stallings' family and told them he thought he knew someone that could help; he was speaking of local electrophysiologist Dr. Sergio Cossu. "I knew that Dr. Cossu had the skills to fix Samantha's problem, and that he had a big heart," explains Burroughs. So, he brought Samantha's plight to the attention of Cossu and Regional CEO, Brad Nurkin, asking for their help. Both Cossu and Nurkin agreed to do the surgery free of charge. "Part of Regional's mission is to give back to the community however and whenever we can," says Nurkin. "We are glad to be in a position to help Samantha." Stallings and Lutinski breathed a sigh of relief. "We were and still are so appreciative," says a grateful Lutinski. "Of course, we didn't want to do the surgery just because it was free. We checked out Dr. Cossu and his reputation pretty thoroughly before we agreed to have the procedure done. Everyone we spoke with agreed - he is an amazing physician and a phenomenal human being." After performing an EKG and an electrophysiology study, Cossu found that Stallings actually had three extra pathways in her heart. On Thanksgiving Eve 2007, Stallings underwent the procedure - an ablation that uses radio-frequency to close off the extra pathways, stopping the arrhythmia. "We got two of the pathways," affirms Cossu. "But one was very, very close to her normal pathway. So, for safety reasons, we opted not to go after that one because if we damaged the normal pathway, she would have no heart rhythm at all and would be stuck on a pacemaker for the rest of her life." After putting her on medications to control the other rhythm, Stallings was sent home, just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with her family, this year having something truly remarkable to celebrate. Unfortunately, two months later Stallings decided that she was feeling remarkably well and chose to stop taking her medications. At a basketball game, her heart went into another tachycardia (abnormal rhythm). She went home to lie down, hoping that the vagal maneuvers and a little sleep would calm her heart. "At 4 a.m., I woke up beyond tired and a little dizzy. I was running into walls trying to get to the bathroom. My little sister came out & I told her to get our mom," says Stallings. Shortly after that, Stallings doesn't remember a thing, so her mother picks up the story. "All of the sudden, she slumped down to the floor. I dropped down with her…and started screaming because she wasn't breathing," adds Lutinski. "My husband came over and resuscitated her." Stabilized after a trip to the emergency room, Stallings was sent home with strict reminders to take her medication. Stallings has become more responsible about taking her medications, and because of this, she has been fine. "Samantha is going off to college in the fall," Lutinski mentions with a sigh. "Knowing this may happen again at any time, I am afraid that her roommates won't know what to do or won't respond in time." After discussing her concerns with Cossu, it was decided that he would repair the extra pathway. "The worst that can happen is that the pathways are too close and she could end up on a pacemaker. Even so, they are so high-tech nowadays, she can still lead a normal life," states Lutinski. Both Cossu and Regional have agreed to do the second procedure, a cryoablation, free of charge as well. The procedure will take place this summer so that Stallings can quietly finish her last year of high school before going off to college next year. "I am more than happy to do this," expresses Cossu. "Patient care comes first. I would hate for someone not to be taken care of just because they didn't have insurance or the funds for the procedure." Stallings' family feels fortunate to have a great healthcare team taking care of Samantha. "Unfortunately, with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, you don't know you have it until something happens. The amazing part is that the more physically fit you are, the more in danger you are of having sudden cardiac death," explains Lutinski, who has worked to become well versed on her daughter's condition. "Samantha was fortunate because the tachycardia (high heart rhythm) served as a warning sign that something was not right. A lot of people don't get that warning." Stallings is excited about her future and says she doesn't worry about her health, although her knee still hurts from that fall a couple of months ago. "I am just so grateful to everyone - from Jeff Burroughs who first saw the flyer, to Dr. Cossu and his phenomenal staff, to everyone at Regional Medical Center," Stallings says with a smile. "They saved my life." It's heartwarming to know that members of the community came together to help one of their own. * Vagal Maneuvers The vagal nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen, stimulates the heart to change arrhythmias. Vagal maneuvers are things that a person experiencing an arrhythmia can do to end it themselves. Lutinski applauds the maneuvers, "To have in your hands a way to control your own fatal arrhythmia… this is definitely something the community should know about. We'd never heard of these maneuvers until Samantha was taught them." Examples of vagal maneuvers include: gagging or coughing; holding your breath and bearing down; standing on your head; immersing your face in ice-cold water; and putting pressure on your eyelids. Please note: These maneuvers are not a substitute for visiting your physician. If you think you've experienced an episode of tachycardia, visit your physician as soon as possible. DIABETICS 50 AND OLDER URGED TO TAKE TEST FOR LEG DISEASE (5/08) Call Comes During "Older Americans Month" in May According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, most Americans log 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach the age of 50. This year, for the first time, specialists are urging every diabetic over age 50 to get tested for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a serious condition that could lead to amputation or death. "It's estimated that eight million people have peripheral arterial disease, and diabetics are especially at risk for this illness that narrows leg arteries and reduces blood flow," said Laura Gruneiro, M.D., of the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine of Regional Medical Center, which specializes in diabetic foot ulcers and disease management. "People with PAD are six times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than others, and, if left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and amputation. Yet, the test for PAD is easy, painless, and there are several treatment options available. Every diabetic should ask to be tested now and then again every five years." Since nearly half of all diabetes cases occur in people age 55 and older, the call for testing has been renewed this May, designated as "Older American Month" by The Administration of Aging, a division of the U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services. The recommended test for PAD is the ankle brachial index performed by placing blood pressure cuffs on the patient's ankles and arms. PAD may be indicated if the ankle reading is significantly lower than the arm blood pressure measurement. The Vascular Disease Foundation praises the test for being extremely reliable, but cautions that some people with long-standing diabetes, kidney disease, or rigid blood vessels may need to undergo other tests. Most are non-invasive using a combination of blood pressure cuffs, waveform analysis, ultrasound, infrared light, or, in some cases, arteriography. PAD affects slightly more men than women, and risk factors for contracting the disease include being 50 years of age or older, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, living with diabetes for more than a decade, a family history of cardiovascular disease, or the presence of a high level of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood. Symptoms of PAD include cramping leg muscles when walking or a numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the muscles. In more severe cases, PAD can contribute to chronic toe and foot sores, although many people with PAD never experience any symptoms. Treatment of the disease includes making changes in lifestyle to reduce risk, exercise to improve circulation, drugs to reduce blood pressure or thin the blood, physical therapy, improved foot care, and, in extreme cases, surgery. The Wound Healing Center of Regional is located at 24451 Sandhill Blvd, Suite A in Port . A National Healing Corporation Wound Center, it specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as well as disease management and diabetes care. To arrange to be tested or for more information on diabetes disease management, call the Center at 205-752-5050. MAY 15 SILENT AUCTION OF ART BY LOCAL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS (5/08) On Thursday, May 15, Regional Medical Center is hosting a silent auction of original artwork. The auction is spearheaded by local Cardiologist Dr. David Ruggieri and promotes early heart health to local elementary school students. The goal of the program is to educate and promote exercise and healthy eating habits to children. Up for auction are several pieces of one-of-a-kind artwork created by students from area elementary schools. Kindergarten through third graders created paintings full of colorful hearts and signs of love. The paintings will be on display Thursday prior to the event, and the silent & live auctions will take place from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on the fourth floor of Regional Medical Center's Medical Arts Building, located in the hospital's main parking lot. The general public is invited to attend. Proceeds from the auctions benefit E.A.R.S., Center for Great Apes, Animal Welfare League of County, and Peace River Wildlife Center. For more information, contact Regional Medical Center Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. REGIONAL ADDS LATEST BREAKTHROUGH IN CARDIAC ULTRASOUND IMAGING TECHNOLOGY. Providing enhanced patient imaging capabilities, advanced ergonomics, and voice-activated control (6/08) Regional Medical Center announced today that it has acquired the iE33 cardiac ultrasound system from Philips Medical Systems, providing advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities with an intelligent system interface that streamlines ultrasound exams for patients and clinicians. The iE33 system delivers revolutionary performance with the latest breakthroughs in diagnostic capability and Live 3D Echo imaging, a real-time view of the heart that allows patients to view the beating heart as if they were holding it in their hands. Automated image optimization technologies and on-board 2D and 3D cardiac quantification and measurement functionality can facilitate quicker, less costly diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. " Regional is the only facility in County with 3D cardiac ultrasound capabilities. Ultrasound imaging is hugely beneficial because it is a relatively low cost and non-invasive way to look inside the body," said Don Wilson, regional director of cardiology services. "With the new Philips system, we are acquiring an extremely high level of diagnostic information and can provide answers for our patients more quickly and easily. Plus, results from the ultrasound exam often reduce the need for more invasive procedures." In addition, the system's revolutionary workflow features greatly benefit the echocardiographer, or ultrasound technician, and their patients. The iE33 is referred to as an "intelligent" system because it is designed to adapt to the sonographer's exam needs, making their job faster, easier, and less physically taxing. Early clinical use by physicians indicates that the iE33 intelligent echocardiography system has the potential to: Make ultrasound exams much fasterHelp patients and their physicians better visualize and understand their conditionEnhance diagnostic capability, thus reducing or eliminating the need for more expensive or invasive tests and proceduresProvide clearer ultrasound images, especially in difficult-to-image patientsGuide catheters in 3D space without ionizing radiation exposureAssist with pre-surgical planningBecause it can be used in the most delicate conditions without major side effects, ultrasound has become one of the most popular diagnostic methods among both patients and physicians. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce moving images of the body's internal soft tissue structures. It provides a safe, fast and relatively painless means of diagnostic imaging on an outpatient basis. Regional is pleased to be able to offer this important improvement in healthcare to its patients. Regional, where we know you by heart. For more information, call Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. THE PROBLEM WITH DIABETIC WOUNDS (6/08) According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 20.8 million Americans, or 7 percent of the American population have diabetes. Greater than 60 percent of all non-traumatic lower limb amputations occur among diabetic individuals. In 2002, 82,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations were performed as a result of diabetic related complications (www.niddk.nih.gov). Obviously, these figures are quite alarming, but the good news is that comprehensive treatment and education can significantly improve upon these statistics, and both of these services are provided by The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine of Regional Medical Center, located at 24451 Sandhill Boulevard in Deep Creek. The Center has the most experienced hyperbaric oxygen therapy program in County, and they also serve Desoto, Lee, and Sarasota County. Their highly trained doctors, nurses, and hyperbaric technicians specialize in providing the type of care and education that is required to effectively heal and ultimately prevent diabetic wounds from developing. So far this year, thanks to the passion that these individuals possess for healing wounds, the Center has healed 98% of their patients in 16 weeks or less. This healing rate is far above the national average of 86% for similar facilities. The most frequent culprit leading to lower extremity amputation is a diabetic foot ulcer. Risk factors that lead to the formation of these ulcers include diabetic sensory loss, structural foot deformity, and impaired arterial circulation to the lower legs. The physicians at The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine will conduct a thorough assessment on the first visit to determine the underlying cause of the diabetic wound and or wounds. They then will utilize this information to formalize a treatment plan with the patient and their family. One of the main aspects of a diabetic patient's treatment plan is routine debridement, which serves to remove all dead tissue from the wound. This is instrumental to the efficient healing of the wound. Also, the Center utilizes vacuum assisted closure devices to accelerate the debridement of non-vital tissue in the wound bed and further promote healing. Often times a wound suffers from tissue hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, which is detected through the use of a transcutaneous oxygen measurement. If this measurement reveals low oxygen levels at the wound site, the physician will conduct an oxygen challenge to find out if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an option to effectively heal this type of wound. What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a therapy in which the patient breathes 100% oxygen while enclosed in a pressurized chamber at greater than normal atmospheric pressure. While in this environment, the patient's blood plasma becomes saturated with 15 to 20 times the normal amount of oxygen, which is then carried to their tissues. The ultimate result is that the body's natural wound healing mechanisms, which are oxygen dependent, are able to function much more efficiently. The physicians and nurses at The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine believe that patients and their families must be actively involved in their treatment plan, and this is especially true for those with diabetic wounds. The individuals should inspect their feet daily, enlisting the help of family if needed. Any type of injury should be reported to their healthcare provider immediately. Patients should thoroughly clean their feet and make sure that they are dry, especially between the toes. It is important that diabetics wear proper fitting socks and shoes, and that the inside of their shoes are inspected for objects. Diabetics should avoid thong type shoes, sandals, open-toe shoes, and wearing shoes without socks. They should also avoid walking on hot surfaces or going without shoes. Lastly, these individuals should avoid any type of self foot care. For more information on the treatment of diabetic wounds or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, contact the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine of Regional Medical Center at 205-752-5050. |
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| 1001 23rd Avenue Suite C, Tuscaloosa Alabama 35401 (205) 752-5050 | |||||||||
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