Read Now - Sentara

Transcription

Read Now - Sentara

healthQuest
A PUBLICATION OF SENTARA
RMH MEDICAL CENTER
S U M M E R 2 0 15
Sentara + RMH
Better Together
president’s message
There’s Much to Celebrate
M
ay and June mark the four-year anniversary
of our
merger with Sentara and the five-year anniversary of our move to our new
hospital, respectively. Time really does fly when you’re having fun! I thought
it only appropriate to mark these milestones by reflecting on a few significant
accomplishments we’ve experienced, as there certainly is much of which we
can be proud.
Back in 2011 our board of directors decided to affiliate with a larger,
integrated delivery system, Sentara, in order to position our local community hospital for long-term success in a dynamically changing healthcare
environment. As we near the completion of our integration process with Sentara, I am
confident we made the right decision. You can read some of the reasons for that confidence starting on page 12.
Sentara is now an organization that includes 12 community hospitals—all nonprofit,
Jim Krauss
community-based organizations. All 12 currently are facing similar challenges, and our
President,
common Sentara affiliation helps us to more effectively deal with those challenges together.
Sentara RMH Medical Center
Corporate Vice President,
Whether it’s through utilizing the knowledge of others in the system, the high-performance
Sentara Healthcare
design teams intimately focused on improving care in specific areas across the organization,
or the lower cost of strategic capital Sentara brings to the table, there is no doubt in my
mind that we are better together, as a network of community hospitals.
In addition, the breadth of services we are able to provide now is significantly different from what it was in 2011, in part
due to the resources that have come along with being part of a system. We have introduced minimally invasive heart services, a wound care center, and a voice and swallowing clinic, and we are seeing continued growth in our orthopedic services.
This month we will also break ground on a new clinic in Timberville that will provide primary care, medical imaging and
physical therapy. We’re excited to expand our services to meet the healthcare needs of those in the communities we serve.
Even with all the growth and additions, we have not strayed from our number-one focus of keeping our patients safe
and providing the highest quality of care possible. We have achieved Magnet® status—the highest recognition a nursing
team can receive—and also have been able to reduce the number of serious safety events occurring at the hospital by 83
percent over seven years (see the article beginning on page 17). These two achievements are commendable, and I thank
all the members of the Sentara RMH team for helping to make them possible. We simply couldn’t have done so without
everyone’s help.
Through all of the changes and enhancements, I have been struck most by the unwavering support of our community.
Yes, some things, such as our name, are different these days, but we are still the community hospital you have known and
supported. Just like in a marriage, we are finding ourselves better off as a result of that coming together with Sentara.
Over the past five years, we have continued to benefit from the gracious philanthropic support from within our community. For instance, after merging with Sentara we conducted a successful campaign for the new Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s Center, with a majority of the funding for the project coming from generous donors in the community, and
the remainder of the funds coming from Sentara. That campaign is the perfect example of how working together makes us
better, and all RMH Foundation contributions continue to stay here locally for the benefit of our community!
Our recent past has been a time of growth, a time of learning, a time for firsts, and a time to be thankful for how
modern medicine allows us to better care for our community. Thank you for your ongoing support and consistent trust
in us to meet your healthcare needs. We are honored to take care of you and look forward to what the next five years,
and beyond, will bring.
Sincerely,
Jim Krauss
President, Sentara RMH Medical Center
contents
S U M M E R 20 1 5
12
6
features
17
3
17
34
6
Building a Hospital Culture
of Safety
Neurofeedback
Medical Mission
to Haiti
Back on the Tractor
Knee Replacement Surgery
12
Sentara + RMH
Better Together
ALWAYS Keep
You Safe
22
3-D Technology
A New Option for Annual
Mammograms
26
Persistence
Pays Off
One Man’s Journey to
Life-Saving Heart Surgery
Fighting Cancer
Treatment’s
Effects
40
Think It’s
a Stroke?
Act Fast!
40
healthQuest
A health lifestyle publication by Sentara RMH Medical Center
2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Sentara.com
A D M I N I S T R AT I O N
President | Jim Krauss
Senior Vice President, Sentara RMH Medical Center;
President, Sentara RMH Medical Group | John A. McGowan, MD
Senior Vice President, Clinical Effectiveness | Dale Carroll, MD, MPH
Chief Financial Officer, Sentara Blue Ridge Region | J. Michael Burris
Senior Vice President, Operations | Richard Haushalter
30
Vice President, Acute Care Services;
Chief Nurse Executive | Donna Hahn
Vice President, Business Development,
Sentara Blue Ridge Region | Ronald J. Cottrell
departments
IFC President’s Letter
4 Physician’s Perspective
Where Did the Past 15 Years Go?
20 For Your Health
Have a Healthy Summer!
21 Sobre Su Salud
¡Tenga un verano saludable!
30 Nutrition
Vice President, Human Resources,
Sentara Blue Ridge Region | Mark Zimmerman
45 RMH Foundation
Sentara RMH Employees
Give Back
47 Friends of the RMH
Foundation
Gifts Received Nov. 24, 2014–
March 22, 2015
52 Jim Bishop
The Wearing of the Grin
Executive Editor | Michael J. Cordell
Managing Editor | Neil Mowbray
Contributing Designer | Marc Borzelleca
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
44 Medical Staff Update
Luanne Austin | Jim Bishop | Karen Doss Bowman |
Dale Carroll, MD | Jenn Downs | Christina Kunkle |
Neil Mowbray | Emily Shaber | Kelsey Wakeman
Welcome, New Healthcare
Professionals!
Dr. Susan McDonald, New VP,
Medical Affairs
Classes, Support Groups,
“Mammo Van”
Schedule and More!
Ann E. C. Homan, Chair | Howard P. Kern, President and COO,
Sentara, Vice Chair | Alden L. Hostetter, MD, Secretary |
Devon C. Anders | A. Jerry Benson, PhD |
David L. Bernd, CEO, Sentara | Joseph D. Funkhouser II |
Terry M. Gilliland, MD, Senior Vice President and CMO, Sentara |
James E. Hartman
Photographers | Luca E. DiCecco, Allen Litten,
Eric Taylor, Tommy Thompson
38 Living with Synergy
Make Playtime a Priority
Calendar
of Events
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Design and Production | Picante Creative
Moving Away From Meat
53
Vice President, Information Services | Michael J. Rozmus
20
© Copyright 2015 by Sentara RMH Medical Center. No part of this publication
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written
permission from Sentara RMH Medical Center. Articles in this publication are
written by professional journalists who strive to present reliable, up-to-date
health information. However, personal decisions regarding health, finance,
exercise and other matters should be made only after consultation with the
reader’s physician or professional adviser. All editorial rights reserved. Opinions
expressed herein are not necessarily those of Sentara RMH Medical Center.
Models are used for illustrative purposes only.
Please email comments or questions to
rmh_rmhhealthquest@sentara.com or call 540-564-7205.
Medical Mission to Haiti
In late February 2015, emergency physician Eric Kramer, MD, led a team of Sentara RMH Emergency Department (ED) caregivers to Haiti to provide basic medical care at an orphanage in Pignon, a city about 80 miles north of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.
Housed by a local pastor and his wife, who operate the orphanage, the team evaluated patients, provided vaccinations and antibiotics, and fitted some with eyeglasses.
“They were all pretty basic services that we tend to take for granted in the United States,” says Anna White, RN, one of the
nurses on the medical team. “The trip was truly eye-opening. Patients would walk for miles to receive care and would line up outside the door before the clinic opened each morning.”
This was the fifth year Dr. Kramer has traveled to Haiti to provide medical care. The annual trip is a concerted effort among
ED staff; Sentara RMH Medical Center; and community physicians who donate supplies, medications and their time to the cause.
“It’s a pleasure and a blessing to provide care for these people,” says Dr. Kramer. “Our perennial support has allowed many of
them to develop into healthy, mature young men and women who, in turn, are giving back to their communities. We have a few
nursing students and a medical student who began life with very little. They can now pay it forward with hope for their community.”
(photo) Posing with some of the children at the orphanage in Pignon are Sentara RMH Emergency Department nurses, from left, Rhian Pulliam,
Tiffany Smith, Anna White and Rebecca Foltz. They and Dr. John Lindbergh accompanied Dr. Eric Kramer on the trip. The hand-stitched map of
Haiti was presented to them as a token of appreciation.
Sentara.com
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physician’s perspective
Where Did the Past
W
15 YEARS Go?
By Dale Carroll, MD, MPH
hile I was assigned to the Army surgeon general’s office in the D.C. area in the mid-’90s,
I discovered “the Valley.” As I traveled the
Shenandoah Valley exploring Civil War sites,
fishing, backpacking and canoeing, I would say, “Oh God, if
there is ever a chance after I retire from the Army to get a
‘real job’ in the Valley, please let me know!”
Well, He did, and I did.
My wife, Merrily, and I have never regretted choosing
Sentara RMH and Harrisonburg. Having lived all over the
world, we now call this place our home. When old Army
friends ask me why I like the Valley, I respond: “The people.
It feels like we’re all family!” When they ask what I like best
about Sentara RMH, I have the same answer: “The people. It
feels like we’re all family.”
What will I miss most about Sentara RMH after I retire
in June? Again, the people—specifically, my Sentara RMH
family. It’s you, the people—the hospital staff, the medical
staff and the volunteers who live our culture of safety and
quality every day—and your passion for our patients that I
will miss most.
The medical staff has always been committed to providing high-quality care for our patients, but I have watched
as they have also become passionate advocates for patient
safety and for ensuring that patients have the best experience possible.
I marvel at our nurses! A year or so after I arrived at
Sentara RMH, Alice Stecker, then director of nursing, challenged me to spend a couple of days shadowing nurses on
the units. I was awestruck at how our nurses could juggle
so many different responsibilities and yet ensure that their
patients received the best of care.
Our nurses perform miracles every day, bringing care
and compassion out of the whirlwind of their daily activities. One significant testimony to the high level of patient
care our nurses and other clinicians provide is the Magnet®
recognition Sentara RMH received last December. Magnet
designation is granted to only about 7 percent of hospitals
nationwide, and receiving this recognition was the result
of incredible teamwork and a sustained focus on providing
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healthQuest | Summer 2015
Until his retirement in June, Dr. Dale Carroll was senior vice
president of clinical effectiveness and chief medical officer
for Sentara RMH Medical Center.
patient-centered care. Our Magnet status provides additional
assurance to our patients that Sentara RMH nurses, physicians and other caregivers have their patients’ best interests
and personal safety uppermost in their minds.
Our hospital staff members have many and varied job
descriptions, but regardless of the department or service in
which they may work, they have only one role: that of being
patient advocates—advocates for quality and safety.
Some of my favorite stories are about staff members
who have stepped outside of their job descriptions and into
the role of patient advocate. I recall the housekeeper who noticed
an elderly patient trying to climb out of bed; she helped the patient
back to bed and informed the patient’s nurse. Or take the nutrition
care aide who noted one day, while delivering patient meals, that
a patient was not as talkative as usual; she took it upon herself to
inform the nurse on duty. Or the staff member who proudly told
me in the elevator one morning, pending a coming snowstorm, that
he had brought his sleeping bag to work with him, so he could be
sure he would be “present for duty” the following morning. Or the
finance and accounting staff member who each month spends extra
time running reports on our observation data because she believes
we can improve our observation care.
Nor can I omit our volunteers! They are, in military terms,
“force multipliers.” We could not provide the care we do if, for some
reason, our volunteers were to disappear suddenly.
We’ve made significant changes since I joined Sentara RMH in
July 2000. One major milestone was our move to the new hospital
in June 2010. As we began planning for the new hospital, we made a
commitment to the goal that no patient would be harmed as a result
of the move to the new hospital, and I am pleased to say that we
achieved that goal. The planning and move were challenging experiences, but the Sentara RMH family rose to the occasion!
Our affiliation with Sentara Healthcare in May 2011 was another major milestone. Sentara’s national reputation for quality and
safety were major factors in my support of the merger. The depth
and breadth of Sentara’s quality and safety team are truly remarkable,
and the ability to benchmark against our sister hospitals and share
best practices adds significant value to our affiliation.
Another factor that led us to affiliate with Sentara pertains to
the changes we saw coming in the healthcare industry. We realized
that in the new healthcare environment, the ability of an independent hospital to compete effectively—while continuing to improve
safety and quality—would be difficult, if not impossible. Joining
Sentara has enabled us not only to weather these changes, but to
proactively prepare for and meet them.
Through all the changes—our move, our affiliation with Sentara
and the ever-changing healthcare environment—the most critical
factor of our success has been our Sentara RMH family.
The heart of a high-performing organization is its people. Although we have new buildings with new signage, we’re still the same
Sentara RMH family that has cared for our community for more
than 100 years. Our traditions continue—traditions of compassion,
community focus, quality and safety, and always striving to exceed
patient expectations.
You, the staff and physicians of Sentara RMH, are my heroes!
Thank you, and I will miss each of you! n
Dale Carroll, MD, MPH, served in the U.S. Army in the areas of
family medicine, preventive medicine and quality improvement.
Dr. Carroll: A Champion
for Patient Safety
In 2008, Sentara RMH Senior Vice President of
Clinical Effectiveness and Chief Medical Officer
Dale Carroll, MD, had a vision to make Sentara
RMH one of the safest hospitals in the country.
Understanding what it would take to make this a
highly reliable organization, Dr. Carroll in August
2008 arranged to have HPI, a leading company
in helping organizations achieve high levels of
safety, along with the Sentara safety directors,
meet with the Sentara RMH board of directors.
“That meeting was the start of the hospital’s
‘safety journey,’” says Rebecca Jessie, director
of the Sentara RMH Quality Improvement and
Patient Safety Department. By spring 2009,
Sentara RMH President Jim Krauss had given Dr.
Carroll the directive to move forward by signing
a contract with HPI.
“It was Dale’s vision, leadership and tenacity that began our journey to become a highly
reliable organization,” Jessie continues. “It didn’t
stop there, though, because he understood that
this journey would be long and needed the support of both our senior leadership and physicians. He worked tirelessly to ensure they were
well informed, and that we had the support we
needed to achieve one of the most important
changes this organization could make.”
Rebecca Jessie presents Dr. Carroll with a special
“safety champion award” in early March for his
leadership in the Sentara RMH safety journey.
Sentara.com
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6
BACK
ON THE
TRACTOR
Knee Replacement Helps West Virginia Man
Get Back to an Active Life on the Farm
A retired construction worker for the
state of West Virginia, Terry Sherman
enjoys being outdoors, riding his
tractor and working on his farm in
Mathias, W.Va. For the past several
years, however, arthritis and the effects
of Lyme disease, contracted decades
ago, had begun to cause Sherman
significant pain and stiffness in his
knees, making everyday activities
difficult. Last fall, when he saw in
his local newspaper an ad for a joint
replacement seminar at Sentara RMH,
Sherman decided to attend to gather
more information. »
BY KAREN DOSS BOWMAN
Sentara.com
7
When you can’t walk without
experiencing pain, it’s obvious
you’ve got to do something.”
“When you can’t walk without experiencing pain, it’s obvious you’ve got to do
something,” says Sherman, 68. “Sentara
RMH is reasonably close to me, and the
joint replacement program was explained
very well during the seminar. That made me
feel comfortable choosing Sentara RMH for
my procedure.”
Sherman sought treatment from one of
the physicians who had spoken at the seminar, orthopedic surgeon Frank Cucé, DO,
of Sentara RMH Orthopedics and Sports
Medicine.
Becoming a Joint
Replacement Patient
X-rays showed that a loss of cartilage in
Sherman’s knees was resulting in painful
bone-on-bone contact, and he also had
bone spurs and a loss of normal alignment
in the knees. The findings clearly revealed
that Sherman was a good candidate for knee
replacement, and the procedure on his left
knee was scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Knee replacement is a resurfacing technique in which the surgeon cuts away all of
the damaged bone tissue and covers the remaining bone with metal, Dr. Cucé explains.
A plastic insert is placed between the upper
and lower leg bones and the undersurface
of the kneecap to provide a cushion. An
implant with a rotating platform optimizes
the patient’s range of motion.
Sherman’s surgery went smoothly, and
he went home just three days after his procedure. About a week after surgery, he put
aside his walker and began using a cane. He
did his exercises faithfully and kept moving,
taking care of himself as his wife, Janice,
recovered in a rehabilitation facility following a hip replacement procedure. When he
went for a follow-up visit with Dr. Cucé
(continued on page 12)
8
Sherman with
orthopedic surgeon
Dr. Frank Cucé
A SPECIALIZED PROGRAM FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT
T
he Joint Replacement Program at Sentara RMH
focuses on educating patients before surgery through
evening seminars and, once patients are scheduled
for their procedure, a two-hour joint class that provides
valuable information about what to expect before, during
and after surgery. Patients also must undergo a presurgical
medical clearance exam provided by the Sentara RMH Hospitalist Service. The presurgical exam helps doctors identify
and treat any health conditions that could cause problems
during surgery or the recovery period.
Located in a dedicated unit at the hospital, the Sentara RMH Joint Replacement Program offers a comfortable
environment with spacious, private rooms. Patients are
encouraged to wear their own clothes during their stay to
help promote a sense of comfort and wellness. The program
features physical therapy sessions twice a day in a group setting, and the same physical therapist is dedicated to the unit
for the entire length of a patient’s stay to provide continuity
of care, measuring each patient’s progress on an individual,
day-by-day basis.
All joint replacement surgeries are performed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and patients are discharged
two to three days after surgery. The unit offers a group luncheon once a week for patients during their inpatient stay,
and patients are invited back for a reunion luncheon about
six weeks following surgery.
Since the launch of the Joint Replacement
Program in December 2010, the number of patient
complications and readmissions to the hospital has
decreased, the average length of a patient’s stay has
shortened, and patient rehabilitation results have
improved significantly. These improvements are all
due to the implementation of nationally recognized,
evidence-based best practices for joint replacement
surgery, according to Gina Lambert, joint and spine
program coordinator for Sentara RMH Orthopedics
and Sports Medicine.
“Last year, because of our dramatic improvements, our joint replacement team received the Sentara CEO Award,” says Lambert. “The award recognizes
teams that have achieved dramatic improvements in
quality of care, customer service and cost savings.”
Orthopedic surgeon Frank Cucé, DO, attributes
much of the program’s success to the team approach
he and his colleagues use.
“The team approach means patients are likely to
experience fewer problems,” Dr. Cucé says. “Because
we have a dedicated hospital unit for joint replacement patients, our nurses, physical therapists and
other staff members are accustomed to taking care of
joint replacement patients. We offer good continuity
of care before, during and after surgery.”
Sentara.com
9
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Cucé, and the
other doctors, nurses, therapists and staff were super good.
Even the hospital food was excellent. Everything
about my experience was great.”
about 13 days after surgery, Sherman
walked into the office without a walker
or cane.
“I’m hardheaded and tenacious,
and all kinds of things like that,” Sherman says with a laugh. “Everything
went well for me. I can’t say enough
good things about Dr. Cucé, and
the other doctors, nurses, therapists
and staff were super good. Even the
hospital food was excellent. Everything
about my experience was great.”
Summing up his patient’s experience, Dr. Cucé notes, “Mr. Sherman
went from restricted range of motion
and pain in his left knee to a full range
of motion and no pain. His outcome
has been very good thus far.”
Back for More
In fact, Sherman was so pleased with
the result of his first knee replacement
procedure that he returned to Sentara
RMH on March 24 to have his right
knee replaced. The second surgery
went equally well. Ten days later he
was repairing a bulldozer and feeding
his cattle, and just 13 days after surgery
he returned to Dr. Cucé’s office, again
without a walker or cane.
“He’s been able to get back to his
normal activities pretty quickly, and
that will only enhance his quality of
life,” observes Dr. Cucé.
“I’m really pleased with the results
of both of my surgeries,” Sherman
says. “I’m glad I chose Sentara RMH,
and my progress has been excellent.
Dr. Cucé did a great job—I had two
surgeries eight weeks apart, and I’m
up and going. Either he’s really good,
or I’m really lucky. It’s hard to believe
how great my results have been.” n
10
How do I Know if a Joint Replacement
is Right
for Me?
Joint replacement surgery is a common treatment for arthritis and injuries, with nearly one
million procedures performed in the United States
in 2011, according to the American Academy
of Orthopaedic Surgeons. While the majority of
these surgeries were hip and knee replacements,
replacement procedures also may be performed
on other joints, including ankles and shoulders.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain and
limited mobility, it may be time to consider joint
replacement surgery, according to orthopedic
surgeon William Lennen, MD, of Sentara RMH
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Here are some
factors to consider:
•
What are my symptoms? If you’re experiencing
chronic pain, loss of motion and stiffness, an X-ray
and physical examination will reveal whether those
symptoms are coming from rheumatoid arthritis or
osteoarthritis.
•
Can nonsurgical therapies be effective? If your
symptoms are severe, it’s likely that over-the-counter pain relievers are no longer working for you. Your
doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory or non-narcotic pain medications. Other nonsurgical therapies
include cortisone injections, the use of braces and
physical therapy.
•
Does my pain affect my quality of life? If you’re
not able to do normal, everyday tasks, and you’re
giving up activities you love to do, it may be time to
talk to a surgeon about the risks and benefits of joint
replacement surgery.
“Patients get to the point of wanting to consider
surgery when all those conservative measures
are not working and their quality of life is severely
and adversely affected,” says Dr. Lennen. “I can tell
patients if they’re a candidate for joint replacement,
but they have to come to the psychological and
emotional conclusion that they are ready to go
through the process.”
•
How long do the implants last? The implants surgeons use today typically last 15-30 years, depend-
ing on factors such as the patient’s activity level
and weight. “I use the analogy of driving a car,”
explains Dr. Lennen. “The harder you stop, start
and rev the engine, the quicker it’s going to wear
out. So if the patient is going to do a lot of highimpact activities, the implants will wear out a lot
quicker than if they’re just walking around at a
slower pace.”
•
What are my responsibilities? Rehabilitation
is a critical part of the recovery process, and at
Sentara RMH, patients begin physical therapy
the day of or the day following surgery. Patients must be prepared for and willing to work
hard in physical therapy to regain full range of
motion and to enjoy the full benefit of a joint
replacement. “A joint replacement gets rid of the
arthritis,” Dr. Lennen says, “but in order to have
a good, successful outcome, the patient has to
be dedicated and prepared to do the physical
therapy. That will help them get back their range
of motion and strengthen the joint. If they don’t
do that, they could end up with a knee that is
stiff and doesn’t move well, and they’re probably
not going to be happy with their results.”
To learn more about joint replacement surgery at
Sentara RMH Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, visit
Sentara.com or call 540-689-5763.
Sentara.com
11
Sentara + RMH:
BETTER TOGETHER
12
In the summer of 2010, just weeks after RMH
moved to its new location, the RMH Board
of Directors announced its intention to have
RMH merge with Sentara Healthcare, an
innovative, not-for-profit healthcare system
based in Norfolk, Va.
Hospital staff and community members alike questioned, privately
and in conversations with one another, what the proposed merger would
mean. In the months following the announcement, the words “We’re
better together” were sometimes heard as RMH leaders explained why
the board was moving in this direction.
The two organizations merged in May 2011. Four years later, are
the board’s objectives being met? What are the benefits of joining a
large, integrated health system like Sentara? Is the Sentara RMH of
today the same community hospital that RMH always prided itself on
being? And, perhaps most important, are we, in fact, better together?
Original Intent
“When I joined the board, there were many conversations about hospitals
merging nationwide,” recalls Ann Homan, board chair, who joined in
2002. “As we went through our strategic planning over the next few years,
we saw that these mergers were becoming a trend, but it was a trend of
necessity. The financial impact of healthcare reform alone was going to be
monumental. The board determined that it might be better if we picked
On May 26, 2011, Sentara
and RMH leaders—from
left, Marc Sharp, chair,
Sentara Board of Directors;
David Bernd, CEO, Sentara;
Jim Krauss, president, RMH
Healthcare; and Barbara
Stoltzfus, immediate past
chair, RMH Board of
Directors—signed the
documents that officially
established the partnership and merger of the two
healthcare organizations.
By Neil
Mowbray
Sentara.com
13
Once we sent some of our doctors to talk with their doctors, before
any decisions were actually made, we saw that Sentara had the
same culture and philosophy as ours.” —Ann Homan
our partner instead of being in a position where we had to
go to the dance with whomever was left over.”
The board began looking throughout Virginia, and
even outside the commonwealth, for partners whose corporate culture and dedication to providing quality health
care matched those of RMH. All the board members
agreed that any decision to join had to be unanimous.
“The understanding when we started looking was
that if we didn’t find that match, then we didn’t have to go
forward,” Homan says.
Homan notes that Sentara’s proven track record of
providing safe, quality health care, and its astute financial
management, set the system apart from all others.
“Once we sent some of our doctors to talk with their
doctors, before any decisions were actually made, we saw
that Sentara had the same culture and philosophy as
ours,” she says. “It was a great match.”
Better Clinically
One of the most important ways in which RMH and
Sentara are better together is the impact the partnership
has on the clinical quality of the health care provided. Being a part of Sentara means that RMH has a much larger
network in which to explore what works clinically, and
what doesn’t work, Homan points out.
“With things constantly changing in the healthcare
industry, it helps to have different viewpoints and different attitudes,” she says.
The 12 hospitals currently within the Sentara system
continually share best practices for improved clinical outcomes, notes Sentara RMH President Jim Krauss.
“We can convene a team on a certain issue and study
the outcomes achieved by each of the 12 hospitals, to
identify which one is getting the best results,” he says.
“From that, we can analyze why that one hospital is getting the best results, blueprint what that hospital is doing
and spread those practices to the rest of the system.”
Partnership benefits don’t flow exclusively from Sentara to RMH; there is mutual sharing and learning. One of
the best clinical practices in the system, Krauss points out,
is the way RMH manages central lines for access to the
venous system. A central line is a catheter, or tube, inserted
into the vena cava, the largest vein in the body that returns
blood to the heart, or into the right atrium (upper chamber) of the heart. The insertion of a central line can serve
many purposes, from introducing medications directly into
the venous system to monitoring blood pressures and the
heart’s output.
The problem with inserting any catheter into the
body, however, is the risk of infection, according to the
14
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And central
line-associated bloodstream infection, or CLABSI, is a
serious complication that can prolong a patient’s hospital
stay and significantly increase that patient’s risk of dying.
But Sentara RMH has one of the lowest CLABSI rates
in the entire Sentara system.
“Sentara has therefore blueprinted the RMH process
for maintaining central lines and is using that process
throughout all 12 of their hospitals,” Krauss says.
Better Management Effectiveness
The partnership between the 12 Sentara hospitals also
means that the effectiveness of management has improved,
Krauss says, largely due to the wide variety of backgrounds
the various hospital presidents bring to the table.
“The presidents of some Sentara hospitals are physicians,” Krauss says. “We have a president who is a physical
therapist by training, and another who is a pharmacist. So
if I, as president of Sentara RMH, have a question about
how a physician might perceive something, I can turn to
my physician-executive colleagues for input. There are
various types of expertise in the management team that I,
and the other presidents, can tap into.”
Objectives can also be accomplished more quickly
within a system, he adds, because the system’s management team can work together to set priorities and define
organizational goals.
“We’re all on the same management team, so we can
jump on something and make significant improvements
quickly,” Krauss says. “We’re learning from each other
how to become better.”
Homan notes that independent hospitals typically
have to work very hard to “recreate the wheel” every time
there’s a change in the industry.
“You have to adapt to that change, you have to finetune your adaptation,” she says. “With a system, you have
a lot more people fixing that wheel, and that’s a tremendous asset.”
Better Financially
Sentara RMH is better off financially than it would be as
a standalone hospital, says Krauss, in large part due to the
reduced costs made possible through economies of scale.
Sentara RMH can purchase supplies and equipment at
lower cost because, through Sentara, the hospital is buying
in larger volumes. And that helps Sentara RMH manage
its financial situation better, particularly in light of reduced
payments in recent years from Medicare and Medicaid.
“We’re able to lower our costs so we can still keep a
margin to reinvest in new services,” he adds.
Money Raised
Here …
Stays Here
We are now a part of a superb healthcare system,
but our services are still for this community.” —Jim Krauss
Sentara also has a better credit rating than
does RMH alone, which allows RMH to get better
rates on bonds when the hospital wants to borrow
money for major projects. That access to low-cost
capital has enabled Sentara RMH to construct the
Funkhouser Women’s Center on the main campus—as well as the new orthopedics and imaging
center currently under construction—much more
quickly than would have been possible had RMH
remained independent.
“We put a lot of our financial resources into
our new hospital,” Krauss says, “so we didn’t have
much borrowing capacity beyond that. But with
Sentara we do, and as a result we could do these
other building projects that are strategically important to us.”
Krauss notes also that the bonds taken out to
pay for the new hospital have been refinanced at a
much lower rate since RMH joined Sentara, resulting in significant cost savings.
A Better Hospital Today Than
We Would Be Alone
The partnership with Sentara has enabled
RMH to bring services to the Shenandoah
Valley that otherwise likely would not have
existed, or would have been a long time arriving. One such example involves structural heart
procedures, a new level of heart care that can
correct structural and anatomical defects in the
heart’s valves and chambers. Sentara RMH
interventional cardiologist Nadim Geloo, MD,
completed a structural heart fellowship recently
at Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk, and the
program is poised to launch at Sentara RMH
in the near future.
“It would have been much more difficult
for us to enter into this new realm of cardiac
care if we weren’t a part of Sentara,” Krauss says.
Also because of the partnership, Sentara
RMH is able to afford to purchase and imple-
Since its beginnings
in 1975, the RMH
Foundation has
existed solely to
help fund equipment, program
and educational
needs at the local
hospital, and that
remains true today.
Even though RMH
and Sentara have
merged, the foundation’s role has
not changed.
“All gifts given in
our community stay
in our community,”
says Cory Davies,
the foundation’s
executive director. “Those who
give to the RMH
Foundation can rest
assured that their
donations go solely
to enhance local
healthcare needs.”
Sentara.com
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Who is Sentara?
Founded in 1888 as the 25-bed Retreat for
the Sick in Norfolk, Va., Sentara has grown
into an integrated, not-for-profit network
of 12 acute care hospitals and more than
100 sites of care throughout Virginia and
northeastern North Carolina.
Over the decades, Sentara has been a
leader in healthcare innovation. In 1967,
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital performed the region’s first open-heart surgery, and in 1976 the hospital launched
Virginia’s first cardiac rehabilitation program. In 1989, Norfolk General performed
one of the nation’s first heart transplants.
During the 1970s, Sentara Healthcare was at the forefront of leading-edge
surgical technologies and techniques,
performing innovative procedures
such as Norfolk’s first gender reassignment surgery, reconstructive surgery to
repair birth defects and reconstruction
for breast cancer patients undergoing
mastectomies.
In February 1976, Norfolk General
opened the Tidewater region’s first radiation oncology center, and in the 1990s
established the area’s only autologous
bone marrow transplant program. Sentara was first in the nation to pioneer and
develop the eICU®, a remote monitoring system that enables intensive care
specialists to monitor and treat patients
without actually being in the hospital.
The eICU system proved its effectiveness
by enhancing clinical quality and dramatically lowering mortality rates.
In 2004, Sentara was recognized
nationally for its patient safety efforts by
the American Hospital Association and
also was honored with the Quest for Quality Award. And in 2014, U.S. News & World
Report ranked Sentara Norfolk General
the No. 1 hospital in the Commonwealth
of Virginia.
16
ment Epic, widely regarded as one of the best information systems in
health care. Epic is used for tracking all patient information both within
the hospital and in outpatient settings.
“We wouldn’t be able to do that on our own,” Krauss says. “Epic
doesn’t go to small, independent hospitals—that’s not their business
plan. They work solely with large, integrated healthcare systems.”
Epic is currently in place in eight Sentara hospitals, and its rollout at
Sentara RMH is scheduled for April 2016.
Still a Community Hospital?
To those who ask if Sentara RMH is still this local community’s hospital, both Krauss and Homan emphatically answer, “Yes!”
Krauss points out that Sentara Healthcare is actually a system of
community hospitals that have joined together for mutual benefit. The
culture of each hospital is very similar to that of RMH—they’re all
not-for-profit institutions, firmly rooted in their respective communities and firmly committed to providing quality health care to the people
they serve.
“We are now a part of a superb healthcare system,” he says, “but our
services are still for this community.”
Homan adds that she sometimes hears people in the community
say, “It’s not RMH anymore. Just look at the signs; they say ‘Sentara.’”
Her answer to them, she says, is, “Just walk through the doors.
We’ve got the same people delivering the same services. We’ve got the
same physicians, the same clinical commitment, and the same dedication
to providing safe, high-quality care.”
On May 26, 2011, Sentara CEO David L. Bernd was at RMH
along with other Sentara leaders for the ceremonial signing to finalize
the merger of the two healthcare organizations. Bernd addressed the
assembled RMH employees and guests as follows: “Our partnership
with RMH will help to enable you to do what you do best: care for your
friends and neighbors in this community. From bringing new babies into
the world in a nurturing environment, to providing compassionate care
for hospice patients at the end of life, and everything in between, we
stand committed to serve everyone in this community with exceptional
health care.”
It’s in the daily pursuit of that commitment, based on their shared
vision of what constitutes safe, quality health care, that Sentara and
RMH can truthfully claim, “We’re better together.” n
Nurses Kelli Zahn, left,
and Katherine Knicely
use MobiLab®
technology to ensure
that a patient’s
blood sample is
correctly labeled.
“We commit
to ALWAYS
keep you
By Neil Mowbray
safe.”
Sentara RMH: Building a Culture of Patient Safety
his June marks five years since Sentara RMH moved
to its current location. What visitors see today—
a modern, well-designed building sitting in the middle
of a 254-acre campus—is vastly different from the landlocked hospital of six years ago.
Sentara.com
17
18
Scanning a patient’s identification badge …
… and the patient’s medication to ensure safe, accurate administration.
Not as evident, however, are the important cultural
changes that have taken place at Sentara RMH over roughly
the same time—changes that have profoundly affected how
health care is delivered in the hospital. In early 2009, the year
before the hospital’s move, Sentara RMH began a “safety
journey” to create a “culture of safety” to benefit patients and
staff alike. The results have been outstanding.
“Since 2009, we’ve been able to reduce our serious safety
events by 83 percent,” says Rebecca Jessie, director of the hospital’s Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Department.
“I want our community to understand that Sentara RMH is
one of the safest hospitals in the nation.”
Jessie explains that a serious safety event refers to any
incident in which a patient is harmed or dies because of an
accident or mistake that occurs in the
hospital. Examples of serious safety
events include patient falls; administering the wrong type of blood or the
wrong medication; performing surgery
on the wrong patient, or on the wrong
body part of the right patient; pressure
ulcers; and hospital-acquired infections.
Jessie attributes the 83 percent
reduction in serious safety events to the
MobiLab®
vision of Sentara RMH leaders who
initially set a goal of creating a safety
culture and who allocated the resources to make it happen,
and to the hospital staff who have enthusiastically embraced
that vision and made it a reality.
“A culture of safety means that everyone in the organization sees the importance of safety, that they’re actively engaged
in improving safety in any way possible—by using the various
safety tools we have in place, by learning and applying new
safety techniques and practices, and by holding themselves
and their co-workers accountable for safety,” says Sentara
RMH President Jim Krauss, who decided in late 2008 that
the hospital should embark on its safety journey (see sidebar).
Safety Tools, Technologies and Behaviors
Creating a safety culture takes a sustained, organization-wide
effort, says Jessie—one in which the leadership must set clear
expectations, provide tools to improve safety, and expect certain behaviors of staff.
The new safety journey began with the rollout of two
safety tools several months before the hospital relocated.
The first, Validate and Verify, encourages staff to take time
to double-check and confirm information or orders before
proceeding with a task or procedure. The second, Speak Up for
Safety, empowers any staff member to voice a safety concern,
regardless of his or her place in the “hierarchy” of hospital
personnel. All employees were trained in the importance and
use of these tools.
To help reinforce this training, the hospital also launched
its safety coach program. Safety
coaches are staff members who receive
ongoing safety training and then help
to train other employees, explains Erik
Shifflett, Sentara RMH patient safety
coordinator. The safety coaches serve as
role models and resources for safety.
“We average from 100 to 110
safety coaches throughout the hospital
at any one time, and we encourage
every department to have at least one
safety coach,” Shifflett says.
The Sentara RMH safety coach program has been so
successful, he adds, that it has been recognized as a best
practice by the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association.
In the past five years, additional safety tools, technologies
and behaviors have been implemented to move Sentara RMH
farther down the path of its safety journey. Patients are now
routinely asked multiple times to state their name and birthdate, and patient identification wristbands are checked multiple times before any procedure is begun or any medication is
given. To help prevent medication errors, patients’ “meds” are
now scanned at the bedside using barcode technology, and the
scan is verified against the patient’s electronic medical record
on a bedside computer.
MobiLab®, a new wireless technology consisting of a
portable, hand-held scanner and printer, allows for positive patient identification, positive specimen identification and label
printing right at the patient’s bedside. The implementation of
MobiLab at Sentara RMH in 2014 has drastically diminished
the chance that one patient’s blood or lab specimen will be
confused with that of another patient. Sentara RMH is currently the only hospital in the Sentara system using MobiLab,
Jessie says, but other Sentara hospitals are working to implement the technology.
“Timeouts”—referring to the practice of taking the time
to double-check that staff have the right patient for the right
procedure—are now a routine practice before surgeries and
other medical procedures.
Additional safety tools include ARCC (Ask a Question,
Make a Request, Express Concern, Use Chain of Command)
and STAR (Stop, Think, Act, Review).
“If there’s one thing I encourage our staff to do,” says
Jessie, “it’s to slow down, stop and think before they act. Bad
things can happen when people are in a hurry.”
These tools, technologies and behaviors are just a
few examples of the many ways in which Sentara RMH
is improving patient safety by working diligently to drive
down the number of serious safety events.
Patient Safety First
Safety awareness infuses nearly every aspect of the daily work
at Sentara RMH. All hospital meetings begin with a “safety
moment,” a brief time to focus on a safety success story or
review a safety practice or tool. Every weekday morning,
department directors and managers meet with senior leaders
for a 15-minute “safety huddle,” which provides a daily snapshot of the hospital and its operations.
“The huddles increase situational awareness,” Jessie says.
“We cover what happened in the last 24 hours, what we
anticipate in the next 24 hours, and what’s going on right now.
It’s focused and concise, and one of the most important safety
practices we’ve implemented.”
The hospital’s full integration with Sentara Healthcare
also impacts the culture of safety at Sentara RMH. Whenever
a safety event occurs at any one of the 11 Sentara hospitals,
executive leaders in each hospital review the event at a
monthly safety and performance improvement meeting.
“We call this agenda item ‘Lessons Learned,’” says Jessie.
“We hear stories from all over the system, and we’re expected
to look at that information and determine if the same thing
could happen at Sentara RMH, what we can do to keep it
from happening, and what safety lessons we can learn from
the incident.”
The recent designation of Sentara RMH Medical Center
as a Magnet® facility by the American Nurses Credentialing
Center, as well as the hospital’s certification by Det Norske
Veritas, are “testimonies to the high level of safe, quality care
patients receive here,” Shifflett notes.
Everybody on Board
Shifflett puts all new Sentara RMH employees through the
same safety training the entire staff went through in early
2010, one goal of which is to have all staff looking out for opportunities to improve safety.
“We want our community to know that 100 percent of
our employees are trained to put patients and their safety first,”
Jessie says. “We truly have a culture of safety. I want people to
understand that the staff working here, managing their care,
are all trained to think about safety; they all own it, and they
will always speak up if they have a safety concern.” n
Starting the
Safety Journey
When Jim Krauss became RMH CEO and president in 2008,
one of his responsibilities included serving on the board
of directors for the VHA Central Atlantic Division, part of a
national network of not-for-profit healthcare organizations
seeking to improve efficiency and performance. A primary
topic of discussion among VHA board members was how to
prevent harm to hospital patients.
“I learned a lot about the level of medical errors that occur
in the healthcare industry nationwide,” Krauss says, “and I
decided this was something I really needed to focus on.”
In late 2008 and early 2009, a team of RMH staff, led by
Rebecca Jessie, director of patient safety and quality improvement, and Dale Carroll, MD, MPH, senior vice president for
clinical effectiveness and chief medical officer, gathered
safety data to examine the hospital’s safety record.
To assist in its efforts, the team engaged the expertise of
Healthcare Performance Improvement (HPI), a company with
roots in the nuclear power industry that helps other companies become “high-reliability organizations.” HPI’s methods
focus on eliminating human error and finding weaknesses
and opportunities for failure in systems and processes. The
HPI analysis of RMH safety data revealed there was ample
opportunity for improvement.
HPI then helped RMH begin its safety journey. Hospital
employees were trained in the use of two HPI “safety tools,”
Validate and Verify and Speak Up for Safety, which were
implemented several months before the hospital moved to its
new location.
“We were determined that no patients would be harmed
as a result of our move,” says Krauss. “Our staff rose to the
challenge, and on June 22, 2010, we moved 95 patients
without a single injury or problem. That success revealed to
everyone that these safety tools and practices work. Since
that day, we’ve continued to work on improving the safety of
the health care we provide.”
Sentara.com
19
for your health
*
Have a Healthy Summer!
Summertime seems like it’s made for fun. The longer days and warm weather beckon
us outdoors to work and to play. Kids and their parents get a reprieve from the school
year, and many of us take off on vacation excursions, or just relax at home.
No matter what summer means to you, following these tips can help ensure that
your summer is as healthy as can be.
• Avoid burnout. Don’t let the longer days
and shorter nights of summer deprive you
of getting proper sleep and rest. Try to
get up and retire at the same time each
day, and allow yourself to get at least
7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Eat fresh. Take advantage of fresh,
locally grown fruits and vegetables to
provide the essential nutrients your
body needs. Try to eat at least a cup of
fresh berries—blueberries, raspberries,
strawberries and blackberries—daily to
boost your immune system.
• Drink plenty of water. Stay
hydrated, particularly when working or
playing outdoors, or whenever the temperature soars above 90 degrees. Choose water instead
of alcoholic beverages or sugary drinks that boost your
calorie intake.
• Stay active, but avoid heat stroke. Dress in
lightweight, light-colored fabrics that allow your skin to
“breathe.” In severely hot weather, avoid working
outdoors, and consider exercising at the gym.
Additional Summer Safety Tips
you enjoy boating, make sure everyone in your
* Ifboating
party is wearing a life preserver.
the Fourth of July fireworks to the
* Leave
professionals.
how to swim, but never swim alone.
* Learn
And enroll your children in swim classes.
a safety helmet when motorcycling,
* Wear
biking, skating or engaging in contact sports.
allow passengers on riding mowers or
* Don’t
garden tractors
20
• Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor
(SPF) of at least 15. Sun protection is important
year-round, but especially in the summer, when most of us spend more
time outdoors. Try to avoid
being in direct sunlight
for extended periods
of time between 10
a.m. and 4 p.m., when
the sun’s rays are most
intense. When you are outdoors, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Reapply sunscreen periodically according to the directions on the container.
• Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses that block at
least 99 percent of the ultraviolet A and B rays from the
sun. Following this advice can help you avoid developing
cataracts. When you’re mowing or doing other outdoor
work, wear goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes
from flying debris.
• Avoid insect bites. If possible, stay away from areas
where mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent, but if you have
to go into those areas, wear long pants and long sleeves,
and apply insect repellent liberally. When coming inside
from bushy areas, check yourself for ticks. Check your
pets, too!
• Allow yourself some downtime. You don’t
always have to be on the go. Take time to travel, engage
in a hobby or sport, or just relax around the house or in
nature to refresh and reinvigorate your spirit.
*
sobre su salud
¡Tenga un verano saludable!
El verano parece estar hecho para la diversión. Los días más largos y el clima
cálido nos atraen al aire libre para trabajar y jugar. Los niños y sus padres obtienen
un respiro del año escolar, y muchos de nosotros hacemos excursiones de vacaciones,
o simplemente nos relajamos en el hogar.
Sin importar qué significa el verano para usted, seguir estos consejos puede ayudar a asegurar que su verano sea lo más saludable posible.
• Evite el agotamiento. No permita que los días más
y más largos y las noches más cortas de verano le impidan
de descansar y dormir adecuada. Trate de levantarse y
acostarse a la misma hora cada día y permitirse obtener por
lo menos de 7 a 8 horas de sueño cada noche.
• Coma alimentos frescos. Aproveche las
frutas y verduras frescas, cultivadas localmente, para proporcionar los nutrientes
esenciales que su cuerpo necesita. Trate
de comer por lo menos una taza de frutos
rojos frescos: arándanos, frambuesas, fresas
y moras, diariamente, para estimular su
sistema inmunitario.
• Beba mucha agua. Manténgase
hidratado, especialmente cuando esté
trabajando o jugando al aire libre, o cuando la temperatura
se eleve por encima de 90 grados. Elija agua en lugar de
bebidas alcohólicas o bebidas con azúcar que aumentan la
ingesta de calorías.
• Manténgase activo, pero evite golpes de calor.
Vista ropa de tela ligera y colores claros, que permiten que
Consejos de seguridad adicionales
para el verano
*Si disfruta navegar, asegúrese de que todos los
miembros usen un salvavidas.
* Deje los fuegos artificiales del Cuatro de Julio a
los profesionales.
* Aprende a nadar, pero nunca nade solo. Inscriba
a sus hijos en clases de natación.
* Use un casco de seguridad cuando maneje una
motocicleta, una bicicleta, patine o participe en
deportes de contacto.
* No permita pasajeros en podadoras o tractores
de jardín.
su piel “respire”. En un clima muy caliente, evite trabajar al
aire libre y considere hacer ejercicio en el gimnasio.
• Use filtro solar con un factor de protección
solar (FPS) de por lo menos 15. La protección
solar es importante durante todo el año, pero especialmente
en el verano, cuando la mayoría de nosotros pasa más
tiempo al aire libre. Trate de evitar la exposición
directa a la luz solar por largos períodos de
tiempo, entre las 10:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m.,
cuando los rayos del sol son más intensos.
Cuando se encuentre al aire libre, use ropa
protectora y un sombrero de ala ancha. Vuelva
a aplicarse filtro solar periódicamente según las
instrucciones del envase.
• Proteja sus ojos. Use lentes de sol que
bloqueen por lo menos 99% de los rayos de sol ultravioletas A y B. Seguir esta recomendación puede ayudarle
a evitar el desarrollo de cataratas. Cuando esté cortando
el pasto o haciendo otro trabajo al aire libre, use gafas
protectoras o anteojos de seguridad para proteger sus ojos
de residuos en el aire.
• Evite las picaduras de insectos. Si es posible,
manténgase alejado de las áreas donde los mosquitos y las
garrapatas son frecuentes, pero si tiene que ir a esas áreas,
use pantalones largos y camisas de manga larga, y aplique
repelente de insectos de forma abundante. Cuando vuelva
de áreas frondosas, revise que no tenga garrapatas. ¡Revise
también a sus mascotas!
• Permítase un tiempo de
inactividad. No siempre
tiene por qué estar sobre la
marcha. Tómese tiempo para
viajar, realice un pasatiempo o
un deporte, o simplemente
relájese alrededor de la casa o
en la naturaleza para refrescar
y para renovar su espíritu.
Sentara.com
21
3-D
Technology
Gives Doctors
a New View
B Y J E N N D OW N S
22
espite the fact that yearly screening
mammograms are so essential in
helping physicians detect any early
breast health issues that may be
present, some women still approach
the exams with a certain amount
of trepidation.
Recent technological developments, however, should help alleviate some
of those worries and make mammograms a
smoother experience in general. A new 3-D
imaging process, known as tomosynthesis,
now enables doctors to examine breast
tissue in three dimensions, with greater
accuracy and in more detail than ever
before, providing impressive benefits
to patients.
A More Complete Picture
Tomosynthesis
Provides Additional
Option for Annual
Mammograms
The process of acquiring breast images using tomosynthesis isn’t much different from that of traditional
mammography, except that an additional set of images, using a lower dose of radiation, is taken with each
view of the breast. According to Emily Ritchie, MD,
a Sentara RMH radiologist who is fellowship-trained
in women’s imaging, most women will not notice any
significant changes between 3-D imaging and what
they are accustomed to as part of their regular screening mammograms.
“The breast will be compressed in the same way
and for the same duration as with a traditional screening
mammogram; however, additional images are quickly obtained in an arc around the patient,” says Dr. Ritchie. “The
images are then reconstructed by a computer, enabling the
physician to better evaluate tissue that normally overlaps.”
The new technology is particularly beneficial to certain
groups of women, including those with dense breast tissue, which
Sentara.com
23
Emily Ritchie, MD
typically has been more challenging
for radiologists to read. The additional
images captured in tomosynthesis,
however, provide physicians with a
more complete and accurate picture, Dr.
Ritchie notes. And since dense breast
tissue tends to be more prevalent in
younger women, who more frequently
receive baseline mammograms,
tomosynthesis is well suited for those
baseline exams. Women at high risk
for breast cancer should also consider
3-D mammography for their annual
mammograms.
Fewer Callbacks,
Less Anxiety
Apart from the enhanced capabilities
of 3-D mammography to detect breast
cancer, radiologists believe one of the
technology’s greatest benefits is in helping to reduce the number of patients
who need to come back in for follow-up
diagnostic testing.
“One of the largest benefits of breast
tomosynthesis is the decreased chance
that a patient will be called back in for a
finding on her screening mammogram
that ultimately turns out to be normal,”
says Dr. Ritchie. “While that may not
seem significant, the uncertainty of having an abnormal screening mammogram
is extremely stressful for patients and
their families—even if the result turns
out to be normal.”
24
Is 3-D
Mammography
for You?
If you are interested in 3-D
mammography, talk with your
physician about whether the
technology is right for you. Your
doctor can help you decide the
best course of action to take.
If you need a physician, our
physician referral service can help.
Call 1-800-SENTARA (800-736-8272).
The time and expense associated with follow-up
testing also are important benefits to consider with 3-D
mammography. “Tomosynthesis can help decrease the
impact of an abnormal screening study on the patient’s
life, while improving the sensitivity of the exam,” adds
Dr. Ritchie.
The Next Chapter
in Mammography
Tomosynthesis is becoming a widely accepted—and
even expected—technology in mammography departments, according to Dr. Ritchie.
“Research has shown over and over again that tomosynthesis significantly improves our ability to detect
early breast cancer, which is my main goal as a radiologist who specializes in women’s imaging,” she says.
Although 3-D mammography may not provide
added benefit for some women, Dr. Ritchie notes that
there really is no downside to the test. The radiation
to the breast during a tomosynthesis exam is very
low, and so far studies have found no risk from such a
small dose. Even when considering the potential for
any such risks, Dr. Ritchie believes the benefits far
outweigh any drawbacks.
“Mammography technology is constantly advancing as we strive to improve our ability to detect breast
abnormalities at an early and treatable stage,” she says.
“One day tomosynthesis may be the accepted standard
for screening mammography.” n
Sentara.com
25
PER
“
It was all about
what I needed
to do going
forward.
I learned that
exercise is
medicine.
“
26
Jim and Katie
McConnel
ERSISTENCE
Pays Off
BY LUANNE AUSTIN |
While on vacation in Jackson Hole,
Wyo., during the summer of 2012, Jim
McConnel went on a long bicycle ride.
Overcome with exhaustion during an
uphill climb, however, he had to dismount from the bike to catch his breath.
“At the time, I had no other health conditions and wasn’t taking any medications,”
says McConnel, 60, dean of students and
an associate vice president of student affairs
at James Madison University. “I had pretty
regular checkups and felt fine.”
McConnel’s brother-in-law, Dyer Rodes,
an anesthesiologist, was concerned. Rodes,
who happened to be on vacation with McConnel, thought the time difference and
elevation change could have been factors contributing to McConnel’s exhaustion. He also
thought, however, McConnel possibly could
be dealing with a dangerous condition known
as “the widow maker,” caused by blockage in
the left anterior descending artery (LAD),
which supplies large amounts of blood to the
heart. Blockage in the LAD can lead to a
massive heart attack.
Ultimately, two years would pass before
McConnel learned that Rodes’ frightening
suspicion was correct—a long journey that
would eventually lead him to Sentara RMH’s
Heart Check program and to life-saving
heart surgery.
One Man’s Journey
to Life-Saving
Heart Surgery
Meeting with
Sentara RMH
Heart Health
Navigator Maria
Hostetter, RN
Sentara.com
27
DIAGNOSIS: UNCERTAIN
“
I didn’t want
to have heart
disease, but
I did want to
make sure.
Back home in Mount Crawford, Va., McConnel scheduled an appointment with his
primary care physician. An electrocardiogram
(ECG) showed an abnormal reading, so the
physician recommended an exercise ECG,
also called a stress test, which checks for heart
abnormalities during exercise.
When McConnel completed the stress
test, he then underwent an echocardiogram, an
ultrasound test of the heart in which highenergy sound waves are sent through a device
that picks up echoes of the sound waves as
they bounce off the different parts of the heart.
The results of the three diagnostic tests
were somewhat conflicting. The stress test
showed the same abnormal reading as the resting ECG, but this result was deemed a “false
positive” since the echocardiogram showed no
problems. McConnel’s cholesterol and blood
pressure were slightly elevated, so his physician
prescribed him medications for those conditions.
“Meanwhile, I wasn’t having any lightheadedness, unusual fatigue or chest tightness—none of the classic signs associated with
heart problems,” recalls McConnel. “But I
thought, ‘I’ve had two corroborating ECGs,’ so
I was uneasy.”
With his blood pressure and cholesterol
under control, and no chest tightness, McConnel was not considered a candidate for cardiac
catheterization, a more involved procedure
to check the heart. He continued to feel fine,
despite the uncertainty resulting from the
initial tests.
“I noticed, though, that after the experience in Wyoming, Jim tended to cut back on
strenuous activity and wouldn’t push himself as
hard,” says Jim’s wife, Katie.
RUDE AWAKENING
Then, more than a year later in December
2013, McConnel’s younger brother had a serious heart attack. At the time, McConnel was
attending a conference in Orlando, Fla., and
had planned to visit his brother in Bradenton,
about two hours away. To his surprise, his
brother called him and said, “Come visit me in
the hospital.”
At the hospital, McConnel’s father told
the brothers about their maternal grandfather, who had died of a massive heart attack
at age 48.
“So now I’m thinking about my abnormal ECGs, my brother’s heart attack and my
grandfather’s early death,” McConnel says. “I
decided to try another test.”
Katie, who was familiar with the Sentara
RMH Heart Check program, suggested that
Jim schedule a visit for a coronary calcium
scan. McConnel quickly agreed.
“I didn’t want to have heart disease, but I
did want to be sure,” says McConnel.
What McConnel didn’t know was that
his condition was progressing slowly toward a
heart attack.
HEART CHECK
“It was very astute of Jim and Katie to investigate further,” says Maria Hostetter, RN,
BSN, heart health navigator for the Heart
Check program.
Hostetter explains that a coronary calcium
scan is a computed tomography (CT) scan that
checks for the buildup of calcium, a component
of plaque, the sticky substance that adheres
to the inner walls of arteries, including the
coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Normally the coronary arteries don’t contain
calcium, and the presence of calcium is a sign
of coronary artery disease, a risk factor for heart
attack. The calcium scoring scan is a method for
screening patients with intermediate risk who
show no symptoms, in order for physicians to
decide how aggressive they should be with a
patient’s preventive medical therapy.
“The test is sometimes used as a tie-breaker,” Hostetter says.
McConnel’s scan, in February 2014, revealed a moderate buildup of calcium, prompting him to consult with cardiologist Stewart
Pollock, MD.
When Dr. Pollock saw McConnel’s
history—a stress test with a false positive, a
moderate calcium scan result and two family members who had suffered massive heart
attacks—he scheduled McConnel for a cardiac
catheterization on June 19, 2014, at the Sentara RMH Heart and Vascular Center.
A cardiac catheterization is an invasive
imaging procedure that tests for heart disease
by allowing doctors to see how well the heart
is functioning. During the test, a long, narrow
tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood
vessel in the arm or leg and guided to the
heart. Contrast dye is injected through the
catheter so that X-ray images can be created of
the heart’s valves, arteries and chambers. The
patient is generally awake but under mild sedation throughout the procedure.
“
cardiothoracic surgeon Jerome McDonald, MD, about
having bypass surgery.
But Katie had concerns: Shouldn’t her husband get
the surgery at a larger hospital? Then the couple spoke
with Dr. McDonald.
“We were impressed with his experience,” remembers
Katie. “He told us, ‘For you this surgery is a big deal, but
for a surgeon this procedure is fairly routine.’ His confidence gave us confidence.”
Dr. McDonald notes that in McConnel’s case, he
was facing very low risk: “I assured him that his surgery, a
quadruple bypass, was straightforward.”
McConnel had the surgery on July 8 and went home
just three days later.
DOING WELL
Often, if the diagnostic part of the “cath” shows significant blockage in an artery, the cardiologist can treat the
blocked area by inserting a stent, a small, expandable tube that
keeps the narrowed artery open.
“Dr. Pollock thought he would go in and, at the most,
put in a stent or two, then be done with it,” says McConnel.
“But when he and his team saw the X-ray images, the room
got quiet.”
EXTENSIVE BLOCKAGE
The McConnels had planned a vacation hiking in the Rockies
with their two grown children in July, just a few weeks after
the catheterization. Instead, McConnel would be undergoing
bypass surgery.
“You have multiple blockages that can best be treated
with surgery,” Dr. Pollock told McConnel.
The catheterization revealed six blockages ranging from
“minor” to “very blocked,” and the LAD was narrow and
twisted. McConnel’s heart output was normal, indicating that
no damage had yet occurred, but the heart itself wasn’t getting
much oxygen. They had caught the disease just in time.
Dr. Pollock didn’t put in any stents. Instead, he recommended that McConnel immediately see Sentara RMH
McConnel took six weeks off from work for his surgery and recovery. He then began six weeks of cardiac
rehabilitation at the Heart and Vascular Center, which
consisted of light workouts on a treadmill, bicycle and
step machine. The therapists also talked to him about
lifestyle improvements he could make in terms of diet,
mental health, spirituality, work and handling stress.
“It was all about what I needed to do going
forward,” McConnel says. “I learned that exercise
is medicine.”
Once he started working out, McConnel quickly felt
the results of the surgery—he had much more energy.
When the rehab program ended, he joined the Sentara
RMH Wellness Center, where he participated in Pro-Ex,
a medically based progressive exercise program designed
specifically to help people recovering from prolonged illness or surgery.
“I had a red card, which showed I was a cardiac patient,” McConnel says. “They took good care of me.”
Katie had been exercising at the Wellness Center
for years, she says, but Jim was never interested in going.
These days they go together, but the problem is that when
she’s ready to leave, her husband is still exercising.
“Now,” she says, “I can’t get him off the treadmill.”
Today, nearly a year after the surgery, Jim and Katie
say they’re thankful that at every stage of his heart care
journey—from his initial Heart Check appointment,
through diagnostic catheterization, to life-saving heart surgery and beyond—Jim was able to receive the high-quality,
safe care he needed within several miles of their home.
“Having friends and neighbors involved in everything from critical care nursing to rehab to working out
independently at the Wellness Center made a huge difference for my recovery,” says McConnel. “And I know now
how important it is to listen to yourself when it comes to
your own health and to work with the medical community to pursue answers. Now, the surgery has given me a
new lease on life and a healthy heart, and I plan on doing
everything I can to keep it that way.” n
Sentara.com
29
nutrition
Moving
Away
From
Meat
Easing Into a Vegetarian
Diet Can Make for a
Smoother Transition
BY EMILY SHABER, RD
30
Multiple studies show that a meatless
diet can help reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease, lower blood
pressure and cholesterol levels, and
support weight-loss efforts. A vegetarian
diet may even help keep cancer cell
production at bay.
Getting your family to go completely vegetarian may be a
hard sell, at least at first, but start slowly. Inching in that
direction at a leisurely pace could be an excellent game
plan for achieving better health for you and your family.
Vegan or Vegetarian?
The Importance of Protein
“Going vegetarian” can refer to a shift toward different
types of diet plans. One type, the vegan diet, involves
eating no animal products at all—no eggs, cheese, honey,
meat, seafood or dairy products. Other types of vegetarian
diets might include dairy products and eggs, but no fish,
poultry, beef, pork, lamb, veal or game.
If you do decide to forgo most or all animal protein
by moving toward a vegetarian lifestyle, you still need to
make sure each meal provides a balance of protein, starch,
and vegetables or fruit.
Getting Started
Here are a few tips that can help you alter your diet.
It all starts by simply eating fewer animal proteins
than is typical for your diet.
BREAKFAST
Tip: Have eggs and breakfast meats such as bacon
and sausage less frequently.
Step 1: Have them just on the weekends.
Step 2: Replace with soy bacon or sausage.
Menu Ideas:
Whole-grain cereal with soy milk or almond milk
and seasonal fruit
Peanut butter and banana slices on whole-grain toast
Veggie sausage patty on a toasted English muffin and
half a grapefruit
LUNCH
Tip: Begin to alternate meat-filled sandwiches with
vegetarian fillings such as nut butters, hummus or
veggie burgers. Add layers of raw vegetables such as
spinach or lettuce leaves, tomato slices, mushrooms,
and roasted bell pepper strips.
Vegetarian P
rotein
Shopping List
Dried bea
ns and peas:
black, cann
chick, Great
ellini,
Northern, ki
dney, lentil,
navy, pinto
and white b
eans
Dairy produ
cts (prefera
bly low-fat):
(1% or fat-fr
milk
ee
yogurt, cott ), cheese, regular or Gre
age cheese
ek
Soy product
s:
tempeh and cheeses, milk, yogurt,
tofu
Veggie or so
yb
and “ground acon, burgers, sausag
e
beef” crumb
les
Nuts and nu
tb
peanuts, pec utters: almonds, cashew
an
s,
and walnuts s, pistachios, soy, sun
flower
Green edam
ame soybea
ns
Quinoa
Olive oil
Tip: Replace meat in hearty soups, stews and salads
with kidney and white beans, chick peas, nuts, and
low-fat or soy-milk cheeses.
Menu Ideas:
Hummus and chopped raw veggies in a
tortilla wrap
Navy bean soup and a side salad
Large veggie salad with pecans, chick peas
and dressing
Grilled cheese sandwich on whole-grain bread and
a cup of vegetable soup (try soy cheese, if you’re
following a vegan diet)
DINNER
Tip: Begin by having one vegetarian meal per
week, then increase the frequency.
Tip: Reduce the amount of animal protein in stews,
chili, spaghetti sauce and stir-frys, but add more
beans and vegetables.
Menu Ideas:
Multigrain pasta with marinara sauce and soy
veggie crumbles, and a side salad
Sentara.com
31
nutrition
If you do decide to forgo
most or all animal
protein by moving toward
a vegetarian lifestyle, you
still need to make sure each
meal provides a balance
of protein, starch, and
vegetables or fruit.
Marinated, stir-fried tofu cubes
with assorted vegetables over
wild rice
Stuffed baked potato with broccoli
and grated low-fat cheese (or
soy cheese)
Vegetarian meatloaf made with
cooked lentils
Two-Bean Soup
With Kale
3 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
½ cup carrot, chopped
½ cup celery, chopped
½ teaspoon salt, divided (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups salt-free vegetable broth,
divided
7 cups kale, stemmed and chopped
(about 1 bunch)
2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added
cannellini beans, rinsed, drained and
divided
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black
beans, rinsed and drained
½ teaspoon freshly ground black
pepper
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
32
Veggie burger on a whole-grain
bun with seasonal vegetables
Heat a large Dutch oven over
medium-high heat. Add oil to pan;
swirl to coat. Add onion, carrot and
celery and sauté 6 minutes or until
tender. Stir in ¼ teaspoon salt and
garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in 3 cups
vegetable broth and kale. Bring to a
boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 3
minutes or until kale is crisp-tender.
Place half of cannellini beans
and remaining 1 cup vegetable
broth in a blender or food processor; process until smooth.
Add puréed bean mixture,
remaining cannellini beans, black
beans and pepper to soup. Bring to
a boil; reduce heat and simmer 5
minutes. Stir in remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, vinegar and rosemary.
Burritos filled with brown rice,
black beans, corn, cheese (or soy
cheese), and salsa
If you go vegetarian, remember
to monitor the other types of foods
you eat to make sure you’re getting
a healthy balance of protein, fats
and carbohydrates. And watch your
calorie intake! Meat is a primary
source of calories, but giving up
meat, entirely or partially, should
not become an excuse for eating
a lot of sugar and other refined
carbohydrates.
Tex-Mex
Bean Salad
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans,
drained and rinsed
1 green bell pepper, chopped fine
1 red bell pepper, chopped fine
1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn
kernels, thawed
½ cup olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ tablespoon ground black
pepper
½ tablespoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 dash hot pepper sauce
In a large bowl, combine
beans, bell peppers, corn and
red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk
together the olive oil, red wine
vinegar, lime juice, lemon juice,
sugar, salt, garlic, cilantro,
cumin and black pepper. Add
hot sauce and chili powder
to taste.
Pour the olive oil dressing
over the vegetables and mix
well. Chill and serve cold.
Vegetarian
Chili
2 (12-ounce) bags frozen tofu crumbles
2 medium onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
3 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
4 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
¼ cup chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 can light kidney beans, drained
and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Cook ground vegetarian crumbles
in batches in a large pot or skillet over
medium heat until soft. You may add
a little water to help speed cooking
time and to prevent burning. Stir in
onions and peppers, and add remaining
ingredients. Cook, covered, for 2 hours.
Recipe makes about 15-18 cups.
To reduce sodium, use half no-saltadded diced tomatoes and tomato sauce,
and reduced-sodium beans. You may
also omit the sugar and salt, if desired.
Sentara.com
33
Fighting CANCER Treatment’s
EFFECTS ON
34
THE BRAIN
>> How Neurofeedback Works
N
Oncology Counsellor
Elaine Dunaway
instructs patients
in the use of
neurofeedback.
By Karen Doss Bowman
When Krista Hogan, 59, was diagnosed with breast
cancer in February 2013, it wasn’t the thought
of unpleasant side effects—nausea, vomiting,
hair loss—from chemotherapy treatments that
worried her most. Hogan was concerned about the
potentially debilitating toll that “chemo brain,” a
common side effect of chemotherapy that causes
forgetfulness and an inability to concentrate, would
take on her professional life.
eurofeedback involves attaching sensors to the patient’s scalp that read
brain activity. During each session, the
patient watches a kaleidoscope of images
on a computer screen. When the computer
senses that the patient’s brain is drifting out
of focus or working inefficiently, a crackling
sound is emitted that snaps the brain back
to attention.
Oncology counselor Elaine Dunaway
compares the auditory component of neurofeedback to rumble strips on the shoulder
of an interstate.
“If you get a little sleepy and veer too
close to the edge of the road, you’ll hit the
rumble strips,” she says, “The vibration and
noise jerk you back to the present and get
you back on track. In a similar way, neurofeedback detects when the brain begins to
lose focus—to drift out of concentration.
When that happens, the computer sends a
sound signal to the brain to bring it back to
the present.”
This continual refocusing can help the
brain reorganize or “reset” itself to have improved focus and concentration, Dunaway
explains. Over time, the brain adjusts to the
training and patients experience a shift in
their ability to cope. Neurofeedback also
helps repair the damage that can result from
chemotherapy and improves the brain’s
relaxation response.
“People report that they feel less
stressed and anxious and have improved
sleep and word recall,” says Dunaway. “It’s
a cognitive-behavioral approach to life’s
problems.”
Sentara.com
35
>> Neurofeedback or
Biofeedback?
t the time, Hogan was a special education administrator for Harrisonburg City Schools. Her colleagues
depended on her to interpret state and federal regulations regarding special education to ensure the school
system’s compliance. They looked to her to as a mentor, problem-solver and decision-maker.
During months of chemotherapy, Hogan
struggled at times to remember basic words
during conversations. She had difficulty concentrating and multitasking, and she became easily
confused if too much information came at
her at once. She was easily overwhelmed
and fatigued.
“Losing my hair was no fun, but losing
my mind was devastating,” says Hogan, who
moved to Nashville last summer and holds
a similar position with a school system there. “The
people who looked to me needed to feel confident the
information they were getting from me was accurate.
I thought this was a real threat to my professional life,
and I was feeling helpless to address it.”
A Workout for the Brain
In her distress, Hogan reached out to Elaine Dunaway,
MSW, LCSW, an oncology counselor at the Sentara
RMH Hahn Cancer Center. Dunaway introduced
Hogan to neurofeedback, a technique used to “retrain”
the brain to focus and function more efficiently. Research conducted by the Cleveland Clinic has shown
that neurofeedback can reduce, and possibly reverse,
the effects of chemo brain.
“It’s like a gym workout for the brain,” Dunaway
says. “The brain is very malleable, and neurofeedback
can help a person’s brain rebound from the trauma and
B
oth neurofeedback and biofeedback
measure physiological responses in the
body, and they’re two of the most utilized mindbody services at the Sentara RMH Hahn Cancer
Center—but for different purposes, according to
oncology counselor Elaine Dunaway.
“Neurofeedback is very helpful in dealing with
chemo brain,” says Dunaway. “Biofeedback is helpful with teaching about the breath and anxiety
management, helping patients improve the quality and quantity of their heart rate variability—the
time that elapses between individual heartbeats.
A good heart rate variability is an indicator of
health, fitness and adaptability.”
Using computer software, patients employ
biofeedback to deal with anxiety, depression and
changes in their diagnosis status. The technique
also helps patients prepare for cancer treatment.
stress of cancer treatment.
It can help relieve anxiety,
help people sleep better and
improve memory.”
According to Hogan,
the neurofeedback treatment she received was
“like magic.”
“I was really excited about my results,”
says Hogan. “Before I did
neurofeedback, my ability
to function was at two on a
Krista Hogan
scale of 10. I couldn’t handle
a lot of new things, and I had to take breaks to get my
thoughts together. But now my word-recall ability is
100 percent better. I was able to handle end-of-theyear meetings with families to develop educational
plans for the next school year. No one seemed to detect
that I had been through chemo.
“I also went through a high-stress job interview,
where I was able to come up with examples of things
I’d done professionally, speak without stumbling over
words and remember the names of everyone sitting
around the table,” she continues. “After finishing
neurofeedback, I notice a difference in how my brain
functions. The quality of my thinking is much sharper.”
Caring for the Whole Person
Monitoring
biofeedback
36
Many cancer patients and their families feel traumatized by a cancer diagnosis, Dunaway says. They may
have a wide range of emotional and spiritual needs
as they face not only the usual worry and depression
the disease can cause, but also feelings of isolation,
financial worries and job-related concerns. Like Hogan,
many patients who undergo chemotherapy experience
the effects of chemo brain, and many cancer survivors
struggle with fear that their cancer will return.
Although the physicians and nurses at the Hahn
Cancer Center strive to address patient concerns with
a great deal of compassion, managing the complexities
of medical treatment often leaves these caregivers little
time to dedicate to patients’ psychological concerns.
“Having a dedicated counselor on-site helps us
treat the whole person,” says Janet Macarthur, director of oncology and palliative care services at Sentara
RMH Medical Center. “Elaine offers an integrated approach to treating both patients and their families. She
plays a key role in the care we provide, and the Hahn
Cancer Center is fortunate to have her.”
Dunaway can be brought into a patient’s journey
at any stage. “I’m available for patients and their families throughout the duration of their cancer experience,” she says.
Dunaway learns much from sharing her patients’
experiences.
“I’m amazed by the resiliency of the human spirit,”
she says. “It’s very rewarding to help people rebound
from this kind of trauma.”
Thanks to Dunaway’s help, Hogan has become
an enthusiastic advocate of neurofeedback and readily
recommends it to other chemotherapy patients.
“When you have cancer, you feel like you lose
control of everything—you’re getting poked and prodded all the time,” Hogan says. “But neurofeedback is
different. It’s very user friendly; you can even stay in
your street clothes—no hospital gown! You don’t have
to fear chemo brain. Neurofeedback really works.” n
>> Mind-Body Services for
Cancer Patients and Families
N
eurofeedback is one of a range of services that Elaine
Dunaway, oncology counselor, offers to patients and
their family members and caregivers at the Sentara RMH
Hahn Cancer Center. Other services include:
•
Individual or family counseling for patients, family
members or caregivers.
•
Biofeedback/heart rate variability—to help patients
recognize and control the effects of stress on their bodies.
•
“Prepare for Treatment, Heal Faster”—a one-hour class
to help patients prepare mentally for surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, and to help them recover faster.
•
“Facing Forward”—a class for cancer survivors who have
completed treatments; covers fear of recurrence, anxiety,
nutrition and future cancer surveillance.
•
Integrative Health Coaching—uses evidence-based
techniques to help participants make healthy lifestyle
changes, improve relationships, learn mindfulness and
combat depression.
•
Yoga—free classes for cancer patients and caregivers
at all fitness levels; open to men and women. Those
undergoing treatment should get their doctor’s permission to participate.
•
Support Groups
For more information about these mind-body services, contact
Elaine Dunaway at 540-689-7065 or ekdunawa@sentara.com.
Sentara.com
37
living with synergy
Are You Serious Enough About Having Fun?
7 Easy Ways to
Make Playtime
a Priority
Remember how you felt as a kid on the last day
of school—the excitement of being “out for the
summer”? This meant no studying, fewer responsibilities, beach vacations and relaxed time to
do a whole lot of nothing. By the time fall rolled
around, we were rested and ready to begin a new
school year.
T
he speed of life is faster now than when we were kids,
and for most purpose-driven professionals, the dog days
of summer don’t automatically have precious downtime
built in anymore. In fact, many of us are busier than ever
keeping the bases covered at work and at home, and active
kids happily occupied.
38
How sad is it that the average preschooler laughs or
smiles 400 times a day, but then the number drops to only 15
times a day by the time people reach age 35! Seems like once
we’re grown-ups, with adult roles to play, tasks to juggle and
hats to wear, we forget about making playtime a priority.
One thing we cannot create
more of is time.
Each of us gets only 525,600 minutes per year, and as new
tragedies unfold daily, we’re not always guaranteed all of them.
It’s been five years since my biggest defining moment, where a
brush with death reminded me that life is short and meant to
be played all out.
That’s why I’ve NEVER been more serious about having
fun, or more passionate about helping others live a restorative
lifestyle for balanced success—one that creates a clear mind,
healthy body and loving spirit through small steps and daily
deposits of intention, playfulness and rest.
While constant hard work and focus are great assets for
high achievers, at times you must stop pushing and take a
break to maintain a healthy, well-balanced you. Snippets of
time for fun and games aren’t just a luxury; they’re one of the
main ways we prevent burnout. The joy of letting your inner child lollygag should never be
underestimated.
Right now, check your calendar. When
is your next vacation? Are blocks of playtime
Celebration
Starters
scheduled into your calendar each week, like other important appointments? You’d be surprised at the various
answers I get when I ask my clients that question. Do
any of these sound familiar to you?
• “The price I have to pay for taking time off is just
not worth it. That’s why I haven’t had a vacation
for the last three years.”
• “No one runs my business the way I do, and
things only pile up or fall apart if I’m gone.”
• “When I take time off I feel guilty because everyone else’s needs aren’t met.”
• “Fun? Playtime? I’ve forgotten what that is!”
• “I can’t afford it.” (How much would a nervous
breakdown cost you?)
• “I can’t relax long enough to unwind.”
• “I haven’t earned it yet. My to-do list is still
too long.”
• “I’m a primary caregiver 24/7 and have no one to
cover for me.”
• “I don’t have anyone to do things with.”
If you can relate to one or more of these statements, it could mean you’re letting worry, stress and the
daily grind rob your life of pleasure. As entrepreneur
Seth Godin recently blogged, “Instead of wondering
when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a
life you don’t need to escape from.”
Ready to crank up the fun and
replenish your reserves?
Here are seven easy ways to make playtime a priority:
1 Goof off—it’s good medicine! Smiling and laughing boost the immune system and reduce levels of
stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. In a
recent study, American psychologists discovered
that positive thinkers live 7.5 years longer than
pessimists on average. As George Bernard Shaw
wisely stated, “We don’t stop playing because we
grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
2 Whistle while you work. Fun and work don’t
have to be an “either/or” proposition. Studies show
employees experience increased productivity, job
satisfaction, innovation, creativity and morale
when lighthearted collaboration and playfulness
are present in the workplace. And when play is
not valued, the result is increased absenteeism,
turnover, stress and illness.
3 Reward productivity with pleasure. Provide
yourself with a fun motivation for meeting deadlines and accomplishing tasks. Since it’s not always
possible to take weeks off at a time, treat yourself
regularly to a ”free day” to unplug from
work, technology and responsibilities—
to simply do what brings a smile to
your face and joy to your heart. It could
do wonders.
4 Reframe fun. Do you file exercise
under the category of “work”? If so, I
invite you to reconsider. Perhaps you
haven’t found the right fit yet, so experiment until you find an activity you
love. If you’re up for a challenge, make
a list of 10 new things you’d like to do
for fun, play or adventure. Remember:
what you consider fun is
as unique to you as your fingerprints.
Host a game night.
Be a barrel of laughs.
Engage in a great book.
Go fly-fishing.
Spoil someone silly.
Get a massage.
Go wine tasting at local vineyards.
Watch a funny movie.
Play a harmless prank.
Plan an office party.
Picnic with friends.
Catch an outdoor concert.
Try zip lining.
Hike in nature.
Have a happy-hour pool party.
5 Bring it on! Don’t wait for someone else to bring
the fun; be a leader! Create a group of like-minded
others who share your zest for life. There’s a ripple
effect when someone has a playful presence—
friends, family and co-workers are all impacted
positively. Think of people you find uplifting and
fun to be around. What’s the common denominator? They know how to laugh and have fun.
6 Get sneaky. Everyone needs a little sunshine now
and then, so anonymously make someone’s day with
a random act of generosity: Leave an unexpectedly
large tip for a tired waitress, hold the door open for
the person behind you or give someone your undivided attention. Promoting a playful spirit will create
an environment of having fun wherever you are.
7 Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Make an
effort to recognize even the smallest blessings, like
the sunrise, a friend’s email, or the giggle of a child
catching fireflies. It’s the little moments that create
big, beautiful memories. When you give gratitude
more space in your life, you’ll be delighted at how
it spills over into your working life, parenting,
decision-making and more.
Whether you’re a parent, manager, business owner
or teacher, remember that play brings out the best in all
of us. Some say if you’re not having fun, you must not be
working hard enough.
So what do you say we get serious about staying amused? n
n Christina Kunkle, RN, is a CTA-certified life and
wellness coach. To learn more, visit her website at
www.synergylifeandwellnesscoaching.com
or call 540-746-5206.
Sentara.com
39
Think It’s
A STROKE?
Act Fast!
In May 2014, while working as a veterinary technician at an
animal hospital in a neighboring county, David Kane began
feeling that “something wasn’t right.” He was experiencing
problems with his visual acuity, balance issues and weakness
on his right side. It didn’t occur to him that he could be
having a stroke.
“All the normal symptoms of stroke that you hear about on TV ads—I had none of them,” says
Kane, 48, of Mount Crawford.
He underwent several tests at a medical facility near his workplace, including a computed
tomography (CT) scan, a special imaging process that renders cross-sectional images of the body.
The CT revealed no abnormalities in his brain and no sign of a bleeding stroke, but Kane’s blood
pressure was very high, so doctors treated that problem and sent him home within a few hours.
Getting the Diagnosis
The next day, Kane still didn’t feel well, so he went to the Sentara RMH Emergency Department. He
was quickly admitted to the intensive care unit for dangerously elevated blood pressure.
“An extremely high blood pressure puts excessive strain on the heart and other organs,” says neurologist Daniel Chehebar, DO, of the Sentara RMH Medical Group. As the first neurohospitalist at
Sentara RMH, Dr. Chehebar provides care for hospitalized patients who have suffered stroke.
Dr. Chehebar gave Kane a thorough physical examination and ordered a magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) test. The MRI showed that Kane had, in fact, experienced a stroke.
“Mr. Kane went to the first medical facility with a ‘weird feeling’ and sensory problems—not typical stroke symptoms—and that made it harder for doctors to recognize what was going on, especially in
light of his relatively young age,” says Dr. Chehebar. “But an acute stroke can’t be diagnosed with a CT
scan alone; most strokes don’t show up on CT for 24-72 hours. An MRI, however, will show an acute
stroke, so even if a patient has a normal CT scan, you have to dig deeper.”
Though the clot-busting drug known as tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, is the gold standard
of treatment for most strokes, Kane had missed the three-hour window of opportunity to receive this
40
David Kane plays “Wii Bowling”
as occupational therapist Oscar
Larson watches. Kane uses his
interest in video games
to increase his awareness
of his visual field.
Is it a Stroke?
Know the Signs and Act Fast!
Know the Signs of Stroke
treatment. Instead, Dr. Chehebar and the Sentara RMH team
worked to identify and control his risk factors, which included
high blood pressure and diabetes.
In June, Kane suffered a second stroke, again with atypical
symptoms. Dr. Chehebar suspects that the cause of this second
stroke may have been abnormally narrowed blood vessels, including one completely blocked vessel, which were discovered on
further brain scans.
“Unfortunately, because this second stroke occurred so
soon after the first stroke, Mr. Kane was not eligible to receive
tPA, since he was at increased risk for bleeding,” Dr. Chehebar
explains. “But we were able to treat him by other means.”
In spite of the challenges Kane has faced since suffering the
two strokes, he says he’s pleased with the care he has received.
• Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of the face, arm
or leg—especially on one side of the body
• Sudden CONFUSION, or trouble speaking or
understanding speech
• Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
• Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, or loss of
balance or coordination
• Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known
cause
Act Fast
If you or someone you know experiences any of
these signs, call 911 immediately—even if the signs
go away. Note and record the time when the signs
began or when you first noticed them. Knowing
this time will help healthcare providers determine
whether tPA can be administered to the patient.
Sentara.com
41
Understanding Stroke:
Why It’s Important to Seek
Prompt Medical Attention
There are two main types of stroke.
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a
weakened blood vessel in the brain
ruptures. The most common type,
however, and the type David Kane
experienced, is ischemic stroke, which
occurs when a blood clot lodges in
an artery and blocks blood flow to
the brain. Anyone can have a stroke,
regardless of age, race or gender.
Regardless of the type, a stroke,
also known as a “brain attack,” is an
urgent medical emergency, says
Daniel Chehebar, DO, Sentara RMH
neurohospitalist. When brain cells
are deprived of oxygen-rich blood
during a stroke, they die. The result is
permanent damage that may leave a
patient disabled or result in death. In
fact, according to the American Stroke
Association, stroke is the fifth-leading
cause of death in the United States
and a leading cause of disability.
When a stroke occurs, every
second counts, Dr. Chehebar emphasizes. The countdown begins at the
onset of the first symptoms, which
typically include sudden weakness
or numbness on one side of the face
or body, slurred speech, dizziness,
vision problems, or headache. The
first three to four-and-a-half hours are
the critical time period during which
a patient suffering an ischemic stroke
may receive tPA, a drug that dissolves
the blood clot and restores blood
flow to the brain. The drug cannot be
used with hemorrhagic strokes, but
Sentara RMH provides other proven
treatments for those patients.
As an advanced primary stroke
center, Sentara RMH must meet a
number of quality measures, including delivery of personalized treatment for stroke and coordination of
care among providers. The majority
of Sentara RMH stroke patients who
qualify for tPA receive the drug within
60 minutes of the time they come
into the Emergency Department.
Without his
side-vision
glasses, Kane
doesn’t notice
objects until
they are directly
in front of him.
“My care at Sentara RMH has been outstanding, and I’m so
glad they were able to determine what happened to me,” Kane says.
“I had a team of good people who took care of me, paid attention to
me and listened to me.”
Living With Disability
As a result of the first stroke, Kane has suffered permanent brain
damage and now is unable to work or drive. The right side of his
visual field in both eyes has been affected, as has his ability to comprehend written language. But his speech, balance and mobility have
not been impaired.
He is currently working with Sentara RMH speech therapist
Denis Finnigan, PhD, to improve his visual-verbal comprehension,
and an optometrist who specializes in care for low-vision patients
has assessed Kane for side-vision glasses. Occupational therapist
Oscar Larson, OTR/L, MA, of Sentara RMH Rehabilitation
Services, is working with Kane to help him adapt to his limitations,
strengthen his muscles and develop new skills.
“Therapy cannot repair the brain cells that die during a stroke,”
Larson says. “But therapy can help build new connections between
healthy cells, allowing David to regain some movement, sensation,
and cognitive and communication skills.”
Larson points out that 100 percent recovery after a stroke is
rare, so the focus of therapy typically becomes helping stroke patients develop skills that are within their ability.
“Our objective with David’s therapy is to find other tasks that
can help him continue to develop his skills, and provide the meaning
and structure he enjoyed during his professional career,” says Larson.
Taking Stroke Seriously
Sentara RMH is dedicated to educating the community about
stroke symptoms and emphasizing the importance of seeking medi-
42
cal help quickly to allow for the best chance of recovery,
offering stroke education throughout the community and
partnering with local rescue squads to provide quality care
for stroke patients. If a local emergency medical services
(EMS) team suspects that a patient is having a stroke, they
will call ahead to activate the hospital’s stroke team, alerting
caregivers so they can be on standby to treat stroke patients
as soon as they arrive in the Emergency Department.
“When the rescue squad calls ahead, the neurologist
can get to the emergency room before the patient arrives,
allowing the evaluation process to go very quickly,” says
Dr. Chehebar. “That collaboration between EMS and our
Emergency Department has shortened the time it takes for
us to give a patient tPA by about 15-20 minutes, which can
make a big difference in terms of recovery. And if a patient
isn’t able to receive tPA, we can quickly take other measures
to care for them.”
Kane, who had none of the traditional symptoms of
stroke, advises people to call 911 immediately if they think
there’s even a slight chance they or someone else may be
having a stroke.
“The sooner the treatment starts, the better,” Kane says.
“If you think something is wrong, it probably is. I’d strongly
advise getting checked as soon as possible.” n
Playing card games, a task
he can perform at home,
helps reinforce skills he
is learning in the clinic.
Kane practices
using letters
to form words,
to increase his
recognition
of letters and
words.
Expanding the Frontiers
of Stroke Care
Currently, Sentara RMH neurohospitalist
Daniel Chehebar, DO, and members of
the Sentara Healthcare Neurosciences
high-performance design team are working to design protocols that could allow
patients experiencing large strokes to
receive endovascular stroke treatment at
specialized medical centers.
The term “endovascular” refers to
the insertion of catheters (thin, flexible
tubes) into arteries within the body to
perform certain medical procedures, Dr.
Chehebar explains. These new stroke
protocols involve using mechanical
catheter-based devices capable of physically removing or extracting a blood clot
from a blocked artery to restore blood
flow to the brain.
“These methods could double a
patient’s chances of a good recovery from
a serious stroke, and could significantly reduce stroke mortality,” Dr. Chehebar says.
Sentara.com
43
medical staff update
The following professionals have recently joined the Sentara RMH
medical staff. We welcome them to Sentara RMH and the community.
Do you need a physician referral or need to contact a physician? Call our free
contact center, Sentara RMH Healthsource, at 1-800-SENTARA.
Carol A. Lee-Collins, MD
Gastroenterology
Harrisonburg Medical Associates
Medical School: University of Illinois–
Chicago College of Medicine
Residency: Los Angeles County/University
of Southern California Medical Center
Fellowship: King-Drew Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif. (gastroenterology)
Clinical Interests: GERD, inflammatory
bowel disease, liver disease
Jessica P. Liskey, PA-C
Allied Health
Harrisonburg Emergency Physicians
Graduate School: James Madison
University, Harrisonburg
Clinical Interests: Pediatrics, geriatrics
Monvasi Pachinburavan, MD
Pulmonology, Critical Care
Sentara RMH Pulmonary Associates
Medical School: Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok, Thailand
Residency: Albert Einstein Medical Center,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Fellowship: Thomas Jefferson University
Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. (pulmonary and
critical care medicine); Stanford University
(lung and heart-lung transplantation)
Clinical Interests: Advanced lung disease,
interstitial lung disease
Julie L. Patterson, PA-C
Allied Health
Sentara RMH Orthopedics and
Sports Medicine
Graduate School: University of Texas
Medical Branch, Galveston
Clinical Interests: Knee and hip pain
Edward T. Pomicter, MD
Anesthesiology
Harrisonburg Physicians for
Anesthesiology
Medical School: University of Vermont
College of Medicine, Burlington, Vt.
Residency: Fletcher Allen Health Care/
University of Vermont
Clinical Interests: Pediatric anesthesia,
regional anesthesia, ambulatory
anesthesia
44
Mark T. Zreliak, PA-C
Allied Health
Sentara RMH Cardiothoracic Surgery
Graduate School: Gannon University,
Erie, Pa.
Clinical Interests: Critical care medicine,
cardiac surgery
Dr. Susan McDonald Selected as
New Vice President, Medical Affairs
Susan McDonald, MD, has been
selected as the new vice president of
medical affairs (VPMA) for Sentara RMH
Medical Center, effective June 26.
Since January 2014, Dr. McDonald
has served as director of Sentara RMH
Organizational Excellence, the hospital
department that works to improve
workplace safety, promote quality care,
and enhance patient and employee satisfaction using Lean
Six Sigma principles.
“I am very excited that Dr. McDonald will be joining
the senior leadership team at Sentara RMH,” says Jim Krauss,
president, Sentara RMH Medical Center. “She has experience, skill sets and a persona that make her an excellent
match for the leadership role. Her efforts in organizational
excellence have made a very positive impact on the quality
of care here in our community medical center.”
Before coming to Sentara RMH, Dr. McDonald served
as vice president of medical affairs for St. Joseph’s Medical
Center in Stockton, Calif. Her involvement with process
improvement projects goes back to her time as a faculty
anesthesiologist at Virginia Mason Medical Center in
Seattle, Wash.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to join the outstanding group of leaders at Sentara RMH as we continue
our efforts to provide the highest-quality care and safest
environment for our patients,” Dr. McDonald says.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa., Dr. McDonald
completed an internship and anesthesiology residency
at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, as well as a
fellowship in cardiothoracic anesthesiology at Washington
University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo.
She is married to Sentara RMH cardiothoracic surgeon
Jerome (Jerry) McDonald, MD.
RMH foundation
Gifts Campaign
Allows Sentara RMH Employees to
Give Back to the Jobs They Love
By Kelsey Wakeman,
Sentara RMH Marketing and
Communications intern
C
hasity Wilson, RN, who serves as
a unit coordinator and teaches
birthing classes in the Sentara
RMH Family Birthplace, loves being a
nurse. She says she particularly enjoys
the educational aspects of her job.
“For me, it doesn’t get much better than taking
care of newborns and their moms,” she says.
Actively engaged with her career, Wilson is always
looking for ways to improve the patient care she provides. Currently she is working toward her bachelor of
science in nursing degree at James Madison University,
fully aware of the importance of expanding her nursing
skills in today’s complex healthcare environment.
Another way Wilson demonstrates her dedication
to her nursing career is through her generous support of
the Employee Gifts Campaign conducted by the RMH
Foundation from late May through late June each year.
The campaign appeals to Sentara RMH employees
to give back to their workplace by supporting various
equipment and program needs at the hospital through
monetary donations.
“We ask our employees to go above and beyond
their day-to-day service at Sentara RMH, and many of
them are happy to give back,” says Cory Davies, executive director of the RMH Foundation.
According to Davies, last year employees donated
$100,000 through the Employee Gifts Campaign, and
employees have contributed more than $500,000 since
the hospital moved to its new health campus in 2010.
Those who give to the campaign may elect to have
their donations go to support specific departments or
programs, or to fund general equipment needs for
the hospital.
Since Wilson began working at Sentara RMH
in 2004, she has donated the equivalent of one week’s
pay annually through the Employee Gifts Campaign,
each year requesting that her gift support the Family
Birthplace.
“I give because it helps my patients,” Wilson says.
“When I give back to my unit, I know that my money
is somehow going to benefit the people who are in my
care on a daily basis.”
In past years, Davies notes, the Employee Gifts
Campaign has enabled the RMH Foundation to
provide funds to help the Family Birthplace purchase
lifesaving equipment such as dopplers for listening
to infant heartbeats, monitoring equipment for the
newborn nursery and other fetal monitors.
“If we have top-of-the-line equipment, that helps
Sentara.com
45
A Gift That Pays
Income for Life?
A charitable gift annuity, in addition to helping
improve and enhance the care our patients receive,
can also provide income back to you. For example,
a 78-year-old individual would receive the following
benefits for a $10,000 gift annuity:
• A 6.4 percent* return ($640 annually) for the rest
of his or her life, partly tax free
• An income tax deduction
• An effective rate of return up to 9.2 percent* after
tax benefits
• Advancing our mission to improve health and
promote well-being
*Rates depend on age and whether the annuity is for
one or two lives
Many of our friends have found this option to be one
of the more satisfying ways to make a gift. To receive
the “Giving Through Gift Annuities” pamphlet without
cost or obligation, please complete and return the
form below:
Name: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Address:_ ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________________________
State: ______________________________Zip: _________________
Mail to: Cory Davies, Executive Director,
RMH Foundation
2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-564-7225
my patients get the best care possible,” Wilson adds. “I get to
see every day how my gifts, and those of the other employees
who give to the campaign, really benefit patients.”
Wilson says she appreciates how hard the RMH Foundation staff works each year to make the Employee Gifts Campaign a fun, celebratory event for hospital employees, with an
upbeat theme centered on music and dance. Last year’s theme
was “Giving Makes You Happy,” and the theme song was
Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.” The 2015 campaign theme is “Be
the Spark,” based on the Katy Perry song “Firework.”
“We want to ‘light up the night’ and ‘ignite the light,’ and
want everyone to ‘be the spark’ for our campaign,” says Janet
Wendelken, senior development consultant for the RMH
Foundation. “I love it when we celebrate raising these funds
by dancing together at our annual celebration on the patio
outside the hospital. We teach the dance moves to everyone
who attends, and our team here is very willing to get up and
dance together. Even those who can’t dance get involved. We
have a lot of fun together with this campaign each year—but
more important, it’s a way we can all make a real difference
for our patients.”
Wilson believes the significance of the annual campaign
goes beyond helping to fund equipment and program needs
at the hospital, also serving to instill a real sense of community among staff members throughout the organization. And,
she says, that cohesion, that sense of belonging and togetherness among staff members, helps to reinforce the commitment of all Sentara RMH employees to providing the best
care they possibly can.
“I truly, passionately love the job I do, helping moms
have babies,” says Wilson. “It provides me with a paycheck,
and that’s helpful, of course—but I also feel like it’s important to support the Employee Gifts Campaign because it
helps my patients. It’s my way of giving back to the job I love
so much.” n
friends
OF THE RMH FOUNDATION
Gifts received Nov. 24, 2014-March 22, 2015
Sentara RMH Medical Center is grateful to have the support of generous community members. We express this gratitude and recognize the contributions our donors make through the
President’s Forum, the William Leake Society and the 1910 Cornerstone Club. These exclusive
giving circles are our way to honor our most generous partners who show they care about
having the best medical services available in our community. Thank you for your support!
Totals represent cumulative amounts given in 2014 and 2015.
President’s
Forum
$100,000 and above
William G. and Hope Shank Stoner
Judith S. Strickler
The Merck Foundation
N. Paige and Ann C. Will
2015
2014
Harrisonburg Emergency Physicians,
PLC
John H. and Faye T. Sellers
2015
William Leake
Society
Harrisonburg Emergency Physicians,
PLC
Carolyn Henry Joseph Charitable Trust
RMH Volunteer Auxiliary
$25,000–$99,999
2014
Everence
Select Aerospace Industries Inc.
Karl D. and Barbara B. Stoltzfus
$5,000–$24,999
2014
Donna Amenta
John T. and Gina Bauer
Mary Ann Clark
Ralph W. Cline
Cline Energy Incorporated
Diane C. Davis
Dynamic Aviation Group Inc.
Kermit and Jean Early
Joseph K. II and Sallie Funkhouser
Elizabeth Harnsberger Trust
Harrisonburg Electric Commission
Jim and Vicki Krauss
Dr. William I. and Lynda D. Lee
MillerCoors Shenandoah Brewery
Kathy Moran and Marcie Harris
Tami Hibarger Stein
$1,000–$4,999
2014
Dr. Santhosh Ambika
Devon C. and Teresa B. Anders
Gerald W. and Carolyn L. Beam
Blue Ridge Bank
Auburn and Ruth Boyers
Bridgewater Village Association
Dr. and Mrs. Douglas T. Brown
Ruby J. Callahan
Eleanor F. Canter
Dr. Henry H. Chang
Classic Kitchen & Bath
Mike, Mary, Cana and Peyton Davis
Eddie Edwards Signs Inc.
Dr. C. Wayne and Donna Gates
Dr. Terry Gilliland
Dr. Joseph M. Jr. and Sandra Greene
Josh P. and Chassidy S. Hale
Dr. David C. and Amelia M. Hall
Dr. Eugene J. Harper
Martin F. and Elizabeth L. Hayduk
Ollie Heatwole Trust
Cary and George Hevener
Glenn M. and Sandra K. Hodge
Robert L. and Martha L. Holden
George W. II and Ann E. C. Homan
IDM Trucking Inc.
Lantz Construction Company
Travis F. and Kara A. Marshall
Chad and Jill McGlaughlin
Dr. and Mrs. John A. McGowan
T. Carter Jr. and Connie G. Melton
Ann and Neal Menefee
Dr. Marcus N. and Jodi G. Morra
Edward A. Morris
Nielsen Builders Inc.
Panera Bread—Blue Ridge Bread Inc.
Carolyn B. Pence
Janice L. Pence
Dr. R. Steven and Stephanie M. Pence
Drs. Zack T. and Judith S. Perdue
Heidi D. Rafferty, MD
Reba S. Rawley
Robert and Sarah Rees
Rockingham Group
Janice F. and Rick Scaglione
Schwab Charitable Fund
John H. and Faye T. Sellers
Gary and Rebecca W. Shickel
Shickel Corporation
Marvin T. and Sarah A. Slabaugh
Audrey L. Smith
Doris S. Trumbo
Union First Market Bank
Wharton, Aldhizer & Weaver, PLC
Wayne and Joyce Wright
Dwight and Sheryl Wyse
2015
Jerry R. and Kathleen L. Andes
Beam Bros. Trucking Inc.
Cross Keys Mill Creek Ruritan Club
Dr. Christopher D. and Sandra S.
DiPasquale
Robert T. and Margaret E. Jerome
Frances Plecker and Plecker Family
Fund of The Community Foundation
of Harrisonburg and Rockingham
County
RMH School of Nursing Alumni
Association
1910
Cornerstone
Club
$100–$999
2014
Mazin Baker Adil Al Alawi
Donald V. Allen
Marguerite Allen
Eddy R. Anderson
George W. and Mary Anderson
Anonymous Fund of The Community
Foundation of Harrisonburg and
Rockingham County
Keith S. and Denise R. Atkins
James H. Barnhart
Charles and Janet Batten
Russell M. and Lydia M. Baylor
Beck Company
George W. Bell
Charles H. Boggs Jr.
Sentara.com
47
friends
Clifford L. Bowman
Chester L. and Nancy B. Bradfield
Steve and Chris Bradshaw
Addison D. Brainard
Matthew Page and Marianne C.
Branigan
Lanny L. and Phyllis B. Branner
John J. and Mary T. Broaddus
Robert E., Sr. and Susan R. Brown
Patricia A. Brunk
Richard C. and Kathryn C. Bump
Mary E. Bunch
Martin J. and Elizabeth J. Bundrick
Bruce B. and Jean S. Burkholder
Owen and Judy Burkholder
Louise R. Burtner
Charles C. and Frances Ann Byers
Franklin R. and Shirley D. Campbell
A. Fontaine and Martha J. Canada
Larry A. and Angela M. Caplinger
Paul R. and Becky A. Christophel
Barbara Fielding Colson
Thomas F. Constable Jr.
Dr. Diane Cowger and Dr. Marc A.
Hudson
J. E. G. Craig Jr.
Albert L. and Nevia T. Crow
Children of Pauline R. Day—Perry Jr.,
Sandra, Larry and Janice
J. Brisco and Janet Dellinger
Raymond C. Diehl
Lynn and Dave Diveley
Norman R. Downey Jr.
Elisabeth T. Eggleston
James F. and Elissa Gail Enterline
Joseph J. and Rose Marie Estock
Leighton D. and Kathryn R. Evans
L. Kathryn Evans
Daniel and Cyndi Everard
Anne G. Farmer
Anna Lee Fega
Earl S. and Sharon M. Fink
First Clearing, LLC
Maryjean Baker Fleming
Dr. William P. and Nancy R. Fletcher
Larry A. and Linda J. Fogle
Foilz Hair Studio, LLC
Marie K. Frey
Charles J. Frye
Cathy Fulk
Dr. Linford K. and Rebecca L. Gehman
Tommy and Betsy Heatwole Glendye
Steve Gordon Charitable Fund of The
Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County
Bob and Marsha Gordon
Grand Home Furnishings
Peter M. and Mary M. Green
Mae B. Guthrie
Herman W. and Rosemary G. Hale
Jean S. Hamill
Robert H. Hammond
Eston B. Harmon
Carole and Heidi Hartman
48
James E. and Carolyn K. Hartman
Robert A. and Marlene A. Hazzard
Kathryn S. Heatwole
Judith N. Henneberger
Robert E. and Gail L. Hess
Judge Marvin C. Jr. and Grace W.
Hillsman
Ronald Lee and Della Irene Hinkle
Shelvy K. Hinkle
William R. and Barbara H. Hite
James F. and Delores H. Hoak
Ann Ewing Homan
Linda S. Hoover, CFP
Dr. Jerome J. Hotchkiss Jr. and Kimberly
Haines
David M. Hughes
Billy M. Hulvey II
Delores D. Hulvey
Marian C. Jameson
Tedd H. and Lora W. Jett
Horace E. Jr. and Sara G. Jones
William R. and Evelyn F. Keller
Dr. Charles E. and Dawn F. Kern
Carson L. and Sharon L. Kiracofe
Leroy and Juanita Kiser
Rick V. and Elizabeth Ann Kiser
David J. and Olivia P. Kistler
Curtis and Margery Kite
Alan L. and Patricia W. Knicely
Betty M. Kniss
Paul G. and Mary N. Kniss
John E. and Madeline Koehler
H. Nelson Koiner
Ron and Mary P. Kolb
Joseph C. and Carol A. Kudless
Anna S. Labrousse
C. Stephen and Cynthia H. Lamb
Maurice E. and Delores R. Le Pera
Nettie S. Lee
Edwin M. and Dianna R. Lehman
Robert J. and Carolyn J. Leiston
Carl G. and Arnesa F. Lind
Jean G. Link
C. W. Sr. and Frances M. Long
Terry D. and Linda M. Looney
David M. and E. Grace Lynch
William R. Madren
H. L. Jr. and Mildred R. Maiden
Peter A. and Susan D. Massaro
Philip H. Maxwell
Paul A. McEnderfer
John J. Jr. and Marcia Blay McGrath
Dwight E. Miller
Mabel V. Miller
Margaret (Peggy) M. Miller
Pauline G. Miller
Sara G. Miller
Virginia (Ginny) B. Miller
Sean and Jessica M. Milligan
Ivy A. Mitchell
Sheila A. Moorman and Helen B.
Moore
Ann M. Morabito
Richard R. J. Morin
Michael L. and Patricia A. Morris
Pricilla D Mowbray
David D. and Joanne E. Moyer Diener
Darryl W. and Diane Nash
G. Keith Nash and Darryl and Diane
Nash
Robert E. and Delores M. Nash
John N. and Linda E. Neff Charitable
Fund of The Community Foundation
of Harrisonburg and Rockingham
County
Joseph T. O’Byrne
Loretta G. Orebaugh
Charles V. and Lois M. Oster
Austin F. Pacher Sr.
Page County High School
Sentara RMH Patient Scheduling
Bonnie L. Paul
Robert O. Peer
Clarence E. and Rhoda W. Peifer
Owen C. Pence
Porter Wellons & Pierce Hospitality
Management LLC.
Mary E. Reitz
Philip F. and Sheila F. Riley
Maurice F. and Frances E. Ritchie
Rockingham Rotary Foundation
Harold W. and Carolyn M. Roller
Amy L. Rush
Dorothy W. Saum
Joyce M. Schumacher
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2015
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49
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and Karen S. Dellinger
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50
Warren S. Garrett
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Frank, Julie Fitzpatrick, Pat Tierney,
Pat Jeremiah, Liz O’Brien, Kathy
Courtney and Nancy Lundgren
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Tusing and Janet Wendelken
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Services Inc.
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Huntley Family
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Arnold Jenkins
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Strickler
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Hahn Cancer Center
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Services
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Savannah and Brady
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Sentara.com
51
Jim Bishop
THE WEARING OF
H
the Grin
ow easy it is to complain, to criticize and cast
aspersions, to wallow in self-pity and, in the
process, help make life miserable for those
around us.
Why is it so “natural” to accentuate the negative in
moving from what seems like one rut to another? Life is so
unfair, I mutter. Why can’t I be among that 1 percent that
has it all? After all, I deserve it.
As I grow older, I’m finding that if I don’t recognize
and consciously deal with these recurring emotions, I
can quickly become the very type of person I don’t enjoy
being around—a critical, caustic, self-righteous, crusty
curmudgeon.
So what steps can we take to avoid falling down the
slippery stairs of melancholy and despair? Glad you asked.
Here are some energizing activities that are proving helpful
to me, and I commend these modest injunctions to you,
even if retirement is but a hazy image on the horizon:
• Resolve to give up one bad habit—smoking, gossip-
ing, overeating, texting while driving, watching reality
TV, brushing your teeth (good) with the water running
(bad). You get the idea.
• Don’t make promises you can’t keep; meet deadlines; go
to bed a half-hour earlier and get up at least 10 minutes
earlier to better cope with the morning rush.
• Engage in physical exercise for 30 minutes at least
three times a week (I swim four days a week at Virginia
Mennonite Retirement Community’s indoor pool); take
brisk walks (go with a spouse or neighbor); take dance
lessons (a great way to unclog those neural pathways).
• Cut out a half-hour of TV watching in favor of a book
or news magazine. Gradually increase the time allotment, and soon dust might collect on the flat-screen
while you get on a first-name basis with your librarian.
• Volunteer with a local community service program.
Donate blood regularly if you’re physically able. Take
advantage of speakers, seminars and other public affairs
programs at our area schools and universities.
• Live within your means, even if that means doing with-
out some things you’d like to have or postponing certain
purchases. Ask yourself: “What credit cards (the sweet
buy and buy) can I do without?”
• Offer words of encouragement or affirmation to a family
member, a colleague at work or someone in your larger
social sphere. Regular deposits in the neighborhood bank
of friendship will pay sizable dividends.
• Attend the church or synagogue of your choice regularly; offer your talents, great or small, for the enrichment
of congregational life.
• Perhaps most important, cultivate a regimen of daily
inspirational reading and prayer.
Attitude is everything, so remember to be grateful. To
this end, upon awakening each morning, I give thanks for
the opportunities each new dawn affords.
Psalm 92:2 (TLB) echoes this sentiment: “Every morning tell him, ‘Thank you
for your kindness,’ and every evening rejoice
in all his faithfulness.” n
Jim Bishop is retired after 40 years as public
information officer at Eastern Mennonite
University. He can be contacted at jimanna.
bishop@gmail.com.
l
52
events for women
To register, call Sentara RMH Healthsource at 1-800-SENTARA
unless otherwise noted. Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s
Center is located at 2275 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg.
AR = advance registration required.
Healthy Me: Women’s Seminar. Meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the dates indicated, Funkhouser Women’s Center.
AR FREE
•
•
“Endocrinology for Women: It’s All About Hormones.” Endocrinologist Nabeel Babar, MD, discusses
how hormones—and particularly thyroid hormone—impact women’s health. Tuesday, Sept. 15.
“Integrative Health Coaching.” Learn how to set and achieve your goals for health and well-being.
Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Women’s Well-Being. Includes one-on-one health education sessions with four healthcare professionals,
a nutrition seminar and a healthy lunch. Friday, Oct. 9, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Funkhouser Women’s Center. $100.
Register by Sept. 30.
Mammography Van Schedule
Call the Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s Center at 540-689-6800 or 800-277-1021 to schedule
your mammogram at the following locations:
July 1, Oct. 20 • New Market Community Center
July 2 • Perdue
July 6, Aug. 27 • Sentara RMH Springbrook
Family Medicine
Aug. 19, Oct. 13 • Virginia Mennonite
Retirement Center
Aug. 20 • Sentara RMH Mt. Jackson Health Center
Aug. 26 • Waynesboro City Employees
July 10, Sept. 18 • Carilion Family Medicine
Aug. 31 • RR Donnelley
July 16, Oct. 7 • Elkton Area Community Center
Sept. 10 • Page County Administration
July 17 • Luray Walmart
Sept. 24 • Highland Medical Center
July 21, Sept. 30 • Plains District Community Center
Sept. 29 • Whitewave
July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23 • Sentara RMH
East Rockingham Health Center
Oct. 1 • Rockingham County Administration
July 27, Aug. 3, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 12, Oct. 27 •
Sentara RMH Timberville Imaging Services
July 30, Aug. 25 • Pilgrim’s Pride
Aug. 4, Oct. 6 • Bridgewater Retirement
Aug. 8 • Briery Branch Church of the Brethren
Aug. 13, Oct. 8 • Grottoes Food Lion
Aug. 18, Oct. 14 • Shenandoah Grocery
events
Breast Cancer Support Group. For women dealing with diagnosis and treatment, and for women who have
completed treatments and desire ongoing support and education. Meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each
month, 4-5:30 p.m., Funkhouser Women’s Center. AR FREE
Oct. 9 • Perdue
Oct. 15 • Ed Good Memorial Park
Oct. 16, Oct. 30 • EMCO
Oct. 21 • Turner Ashby High School
Oct. 22, Oct. 29 • Miller Coors
Oct. 26 • Dick Myers Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram
Oct. 28 • Merck
C a l l S e n t a r a R M H H e a l t h s o u r c e a t 1 - 8 0 0 - S E N TA R A
SUMMER
2015
calendar of
events
To register, call Sentara RMH Healthsource
at 1-800-SENTARA unless otherwise
noted. Upcoming classes are also listed
on Sentara.com. For your convenience,
we have coded our classes and activities
as follows:
AR
NR
FREE
Advance registration required
No advance registration required
No fee
The following locations are in Harrisonburg:
Sentara RMH
2010 Health Campus Drive
Sentara RMH Atrium
2000 Beery Road
Sentara RMH Behavioral Health
644 University Boulevard
Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s Center
Sentara RMH Hahn Cancer Center
Sentara RMH Hahn Medical Building (HB)
Sentara RMH Rehab Services and
Sentara RMH Wellness Center
2500 Wellness Drive
l
Behavioral Health
To participate in a Sentara RMH Behavioral
Health group, call 540-564-5960 or 877294-5731 to schedule an assessment to
determine the best service for your needs.
Major insurance plans often cover these
services.
Adolescent Substance Abuse Group. Ages
13-18. For those whose drug or alcohol use is
interfering with personal safety, achievement and
communication.
Adult Doing Better Today. Ages 18 and
older. Learn how to replace problem behaviors
with more adaptive ways of coping with distress.
Meets once a week.
Phase Two. Ages 18 and older. For those who
self-identify as dependent on substances, are
committed to abstinence and wish to work on
their recovery. Meets mornings and evenings.
Square One. Adults explore how to make
changes that support health and reduce concerns
about their alcohol or drug use. All levels of
change are supported; quitting is not required
to join.
54
l
Cancer Center
Breast Cancer Support Group. Meets the
second and fourth Thursdays of each month,
4-5:30 p.m., Funkhouser Women’s Center.
AR FREE
Caregivers Group. For those caring for a
loved one dealing with cancer. Meets the third
Friday of each month, 2-3 p.m., Hahn Cancer
Center educational room. NR FREE
Chair Yoga. Meets Wednesdays, 11:45 a.m.12:30 p.m., HB conference rooms. AR FREE
Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment. Topics covered: What’s Normal After
Treatment, Nutrition, Managing Symptoms,
Emotional Wellness. Meets the second
Wednesday of each month, 9-11 a.m., HB
conference room (park in Lot B). For more
information and to register, call 540-689-7065.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Support
Group. For persons with blood-related cancers
and their families. Thursday, Sept. 3, 4-5 p.m.,
HB conference rooms (park in Lot B).
AR FREE
Call 540-236-6638 for more information.
Childcare and dinner provided. AR FREE
La Leche League of Harrisonburg. Breastfeeding education support group. Nursing babies
are welcome. First Wednesday of each month,
10 a.m., Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church,
corner of Main and Wolfe Streets, Harrisonburg.
NR FREE
Mothers of Multiples Support Group.
Second Wednesday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m.,
March of Dimes Office, 1356 South Main St.,
Harrisonburg. For more information, call 540434-7789. NR FREE
New Moms Ask a Nurse. Meets every
Wednesday, 1:30-3 p.m., Sentara RMH Atrium.
For more information, call 540-689-3390.
NR FREE
Parenting Education and Support (PEAS).
Childcare and dinner are provided for all
classes. Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m., Lucy F. Simms
Continuing Education Center, 620 Simms Ave.,
Harrisonburg. Class series starts Sept. 8.
• All About Baby. For parents expecting their
first child or with a child under age 2. Topics
include Baby and Mommy, Baby and Daddy,
Using Signs to Talk to Your Baby, Happiest
Baby on the Block. Nursery provided. Call
Sentara RMH Healthsource for more information. AR FREE
Prepare for Surgery or Treatment: Heal
Faster. A one-hour class to help persons pre-
pare mentally for surgery or cancer treatment.
Calm pretreatment anxiety. Includes a book and
CD. $35. Call 540-689-7065 to schedule.
Yoga for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers. Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m., HB conference rooms
(park in Lot B). Call 540-689-7065 for information. NR FREE
l
• Milestones Programming for Kids. Early
literacy class for ages 3-5. AR FREE
• Nursery. Available for children under age 2.
AR FREE
• SMART Moves Programming for Kids.
Skills, mastery and resistance training for
children ages 6-11 while their parents are in
one of the classes listed here. AR FREE
Caring for Children/Parenting
Family Birthplace Classes. The following
are offered regularly: Birth Preparation Class,
Family Care Class, Spanish Birth and Family
Care Class, Refresher Birth Class, Cesarean
Birth Class, Breastfeeding Class, Sibling Class,
and Infant/Child CPR. For more information
or to register, call 540-689-3390 or visit Sentara.
com. AR
Family Birthplace Tours. For prospective
parents. Tour labor and delivery, postpartum
rooms and the newborn nursery. First Sunday
of each month, 1 p.m. Call Healthsource to
register. AR FREE
Grandparenting Education and Support
(GrandPEAS). Grandparents and other relatives in the role of primary parent face many
legal, financial and emotional difficulties. Ongoing groups meet at two locations during the
school year:
• Lacey Springs Elementary School—
First Tuesday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m.
• South River Elementary School, Grottoes—Second Wednesday of each month,
6-7:30 p.m.
• Staying Connected With Your Teen. For
parents of children 12-17 years old. Children
attend with parents. AR FREE
• The Incredible Years. Education and support for parents of children ages 3-11.
AR FREE
• The Incredible Years (in Spanish).
Education and support for parents of children
ages 3-11. Call 540-236-6601 to register.
AR FREE
Pregnant and Parenting Teen Support
Group. Share with peers and receive education
on pregnancy and parenting. Fourth Monday of
each month (except July and December), 6:30-8
p.m., Sentara RMH Atrium. NR FREE
l
Diabetes
Caring for Your Diabetes Class Series.
Topics include introduction to diabetes, medications, monitoring, reducing risks, staying active,
problem solving, healthy coping and healthy eating. Medicare and most insurance plans cover a
JOIN the Sentara
portion of the cost. Series starts on July 18. For
more information, including cost, or to register,
call Sentara RMH Healthsource. AR
Diabetes Support Group (Adult). For persons with diabetes and their families and friends.
Second Monday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m.,
Hahn Building. NR FREE
Diabetes Support Group (Pediatric). For
children with Type 1 diabetes and their families. Second Sunday of each month, 2:30-4:30
p.m., Sentara RMH, lower level conference
rooms. Call 540-383-3432 for more information. NR FREE
l
Grief and Loss
Grief: 1 to 1. Grief can follow death, mar-
riage breakup, chronic illness, job change or
retirement. Talk with someone trained to help
you understand how your grief can affect you.
For an appointment, call Sentara Bereavement
Services, 540-433-4427 or 877-294-5731, ext.
4427. No charge for the first two sessions.
Grieving Friends—Spousal Loss Support
Group. For adults who have lost a spouse or
partner. Share stories and experience support,
care and strength. Meets the third Thursday
of each month, 6-7:30 p.m., Sentara RMH,
HB conference room A. Call Sentara RMH
Healthsource for more information. NR FREE
Hospice Peer Support Groups. For hospice
participants who have experienced the death of
a loved one and would like to share and work
on their grief with others. Meets at the Sentara
RMH Atrium. For meeting dates and times,
and to register, call 540-433-4430. AR FREE
• Grief Works: Loss of a Spouse—for
widows and widowers
• Grief Works: Loss of a Parent—for
adults who have lost a parent
Life Seekers. For those who have worked
through initial grief experiences and wish to
connect socially with others who have experienced a loss. Meets the first Thursday of each
month for dinner at Thomas House Restaurant,
Dayton, 6 p.m. Cost of meal. NR
l
Ongoing Groups
ADHD Advocacy Group. For relatives and
caregivers of children with ADHD/ADD. Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8 p.m., Blue
Ridge Hall at JMU, room 326 (location may
vary due to special events). Call Sentara RMH
Healthsource for more information. NR FREE
A.W.A.K.E. Sleep Disorders Support
Group. Thursday, July 17, 7-8 p.m., Sentara
RMH Medical Center, lower level conference
room 1. To register, call Sentara RMH Healthsource. AR FREE
Bariatric Support Group. For those who
RMH Wellness Center
This Summer!
“The Beat Goes On.” See “Cardiac Device
We offer something
for everyone.
have had or are interested in having bariatric
surgery. Mondays, Aug. 3 or Nov. 2, 6-7 p.m.,
HB conference room A/B. For more information, call 540-689-5646. NR FREE
Support Group: The Beat Goes On.”
Branching Out on a New Limb. For those
who have had an amputation. Families are welcome. Call 540-689-4296 for more information.
NR FREE
For more information about Wellness
Center membership, parties and programs,
go to www.rmhwellnesscenter.com.
Program and party information is also
available in the calendar of events in
this magazine.
Cardiac Device Support Group: The Beat
Goes On. Receive education, ask questions and
share concerns and experiences. Saturday, Aug.
22, Sentara RMH Medical Center, lower level
conference rooms. Call Sentara RMH Healthsource to register. AR FREE
Stop in for a visit and check us out.
To join the Wellness Center, stop
by the membership office or call
540-564-5685.
Caregiver Chat. Discuss the joys and chal-
lenges of caregiving. Education provided. First
Wednesday of each month, 9-10 a.m., Generations Crossing Adult Day Care Center, 3765
Taylor Spring Lane, Harrisonburg. NR FREE
Present this coupon when making
payment and receive 80% off your
enrollment fee.
CMT Disease Support Group. For people
with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and their
families. Meets every other month SeptemberMay, on the second Saturday of the month, 1-3
p.m., Sunnyside Room, Sunnyside Retirement
Community, Harrisonburg. For more information, call 540-568-8328.
Cannot be combined with
any other offer.
This coupon expires Aug. 1, 2015.
Greater Shenandoah Valley Brain Injury
Support Group. For survivors of brain injury
and their families and caregivers. Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Harrisonburg
Rescue Squad, 1700 Reservoir St. Call 540-4215610 or 800-336-6012 for more information.
NR FREE
Mended Hearts. Support for heart patients
and their families. Meets the third Wednesday of
each month, 6-7 p.m., Sentara RMH. For more
information, call 540-689-1839.
Parkinson’s Support Group. All are wel-
come. Third Saturday of each month, 1 p.m.,
Sentara RMH, lower level conference room 2.
For more information, call 540-810-5210.
NR FREE
Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the United
Ostomy Associations of America. For
people with ostomies and their support persons.
NR FREE
l
Personal Health and Wellness
Heart Check. A heart disease screening for
women and men. Includes lab work, one-on-one
consultation, education and goal setting. Call
540-689-6000 for more information and to
schedule an appointment. $50. AR
Sentara RMH Volunteer Services. Contact
us to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Email rmhvol@rhcc.com or call 540-689-6400.
Vascular Screenings. Detect artery blockages
that can lead to debilitating leg pain with walking, stroke or death. For ages 50 and older with
risk factors for, or a history of, heart and vascular
disease. Sentara RMH Medical Center. Call
Sentara RMH Healthsource for more information. $50. AR
l
Seniors
Sentara RMH Senior Advantage. Offers
members health education, social events, free
health screenings and more! Call the hotline
at 540-437-7970 or visit Sentara.com to learn
more about our upcoming events and how to
become a member.
In the Loop. Walk the loop around the hospital
with others for your health. Join anytime. Meets
Thursdays from May through October, 9 a.m.,
Sentara RMH Medical Center (meet in Lot B).
Call Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Hotline at
540-437-7970 for more information. NR FREE
Sentara.com
55
Sentara RMH
Wellness Center
The Sentara RMH Wellness Center offers
state-of-the-art fitness equipment, 70 land
and water group fitness classes each week,
fitness and warm-water pools, whirlpool
and sauna, nutrition classes, Pilates, and
child care programs. From infants to seniors,
we offer something for everyone. Call
540-564-5685 for more details.
GroupX Pass. Community members who
want to participate only in land or water group
fitness classes can purchase a GroupX Pass,
in eight-class or 12-class packages. $64 for
eight-class pass, $90 for 12-class pass. Call
540-564-5685 for more information.
Metabolic Meltdown. FREE weekly
workouts for all fitness levels. Progress safely
over 8-12 weeks. Work out on your own or join
the instructor-led group sessions MondaysThursdays, 5:30 a.m., noon and 5:30 p.m., and
Fridays, 5:30 a.m. and noon.
ACTIVE ADULT PROGRAMS
CPR, AED and First Aid. BLS for Healthcare
Providers and Recertifications; Heart Saver
CPR for adult, child and infant; and HeartSaver
First Aid classes are available. For schedule, cost
and registration, call 540-564-7200.
Metacheck Metabolic Analysis. A 10-minute
breath test gives you your resting metabolic
rate (the number of calories you burn at rest).
Learn exactly how many calories you can
eat and still lose weight. $48 members, $58
nonmembers. To learn more and to register,
call 540-564-5682.
Progressive Exercise Plus (ProEx Plus).
Customized exercise program to help hip and
knee replacement patients prepare for and
recover after surgery. Includes a floating 90-day
Wellness Center membership, physical therapy
assessment, two 30-minute group sessions
weekly with a fitness specialist, and postfitness
assessment. $119. Call 540-564-5694 for more
information.
Progressive Exercise Program (ProEx).
Twice-weekly 30-minute group meetings with
a fitness specialist for eight weeks. Includes
customized exercise to meet your medical needs
and fitness goals and your doctor’s recommendations. Enjoy full use of the Wellness
Center during the program. $60 for a 60-day
membership. Ask your healthcare provider if
you’re a ProEx candidate; if so, call 540-5645694 for more information.
Right Weigh Challenge. Compete to win
prizes, including a $500 top prize! Information
session: Saturday, June 28, 9:30-10:30 a.m.;
challenge dates: June 30-Sept. 19; award
ceremony: Saturday, Sept. 20, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$50 members, $199 nonmembers (includes
the registration fee and a temporary Wellness
Center membership during the program dates).
ACTIVE KIDS’ PROGRAMS
Fall Soccer League. Ages 4-6. Soccer basics
with no score/no win records. Parents, coach
your child’s team and receive one FREE child’s
registration. Saturdays for one hour, 9 a.m.noon. Aug. 29-Oct. 17. For more information,
call 540-564-7200.
Kids’ Parties. No age limit. Themes include
creative arts party, pool party, sports and
activities party, and pampering spa party. Other
themes are considered—not limited to birthday
parties. Offered Fridays, 3-8:30 p.m., and
Saturdays and Sundays, 1-6:30 p.m. Reserve
at least two weeks in advance. For pricing and
information, call 540-564-5684.
Summer Camp. Keep your child active this
summer with sports, recreation, arts, crafts,
swimming for older kids and lots of fun!
Monday-Friday, June 15-Aug. 21. (No camp
held June 29-July 3.) Call 540-564-7200 for
more information and to register.
AQUATIC PROGRAMS
Unless otherwise noted, call Sentara RMH
Healthsource at 1-800-SENTARA for dates and
times and to register. All group swim lessons
are $80.
School-Age Swim Lessons. Ages 6-12 years.
Water safety and skills. Learn the crawl, breaststroke, backstroke, sidestroke and butterfly.
Private Swim Lessons. Ages 3 years and older,
all skill levels. Half-hour lessons: $20 members,
$30 nonmembers. Package of five half-hour
lessons: $85 members, $130 nonmembers. To
register, call 540-433-4347.
Semiprivate Swim Lessons. Ages 3 years
and older, all skill levels. Half-hour lessons for
two people: $25 members, $40 nonmembers.
Package of five half-hour lessons: $110
members, $150 nonmembers. To register, call
540-433-4347.
Wellness Center Masters. Ages 18 and older.
No competitive swimming experience necessary. Gain speed, develop technique. Come
when you can; cards will be punched only when
you participate. Practices are held Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays, 5:30-7 a.m., and
every other Saturday, 7-9 a.m. 15-session punch
cards: $75 members, $110 nonmembers. Try
your first session for FREE! To register, call
540-564-5682.
Lifeguard Certification. A 25.5-hour
American Red Cross lifeguarding course.
Participants must be 15 years old by the end
of the course. All classes and eligibility swim
held at the Sentara RMH Wellness Center.
All eligibility swims are mandatory. $175. Oct.
16-18; eligibility swim: Thursday, Oct. 8, 5 p.m.
Call 1-800-SENTARA to register.
Lifeguard Recertification Course. A six- to
eight-hour recertification course offered
through the American Red Cross. This twoyear certification teaches rescue and surveillance
skills, first aid, CPR/AED and other skills
needed to work as a professional lifeguard.
Emergency oxygen certification is available
upon request. Wednesday, Sept. 20. $85. Call
1-800-SENTARA to register.
Baby & Me. Ages 6 months-18 months, with
a parent. Orient yourself and your child to the
water. Follows American Red Cross guidelines.
Toddler & Me. Ages 18 months-3 years, with
a parent. Introduce basic water skills to your
child. Follows American Red Cross guidelines.
Preschool Swim Lessons. Ages 3-5 years,
with instructor. Basic water safety and skills for
beginners; improves water comfort and agility.
C a l l S e n t a r a R M H H e a l t h s o u r c e a t 1 - 8 0 0 - S E N TA R A
NEW TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT
3-D Mammography:
A more complete picture
What if there was a technology that allowed for the
increased ability to detect breast cancer? What
if that technology was as simple as the traditional
mammogram, but meant fewer callbacks for patients,
and fewer follow-up diagnostic tests?
At Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s Center, the
future is here. Tomosynthesis, or 3-D mammography,
is the latest and most advanced mammographic breast
imaging technology.
To schedule either a 2-D or 3-D mammogram, call the
Women’s Center at 540-689-6800. There may be an
additional $75 charge if your insurance does not cover
the cost of a 3-D mammogram.
540-689-6800
sentara.com
Your community not-for-profit health partner
Sentara RMH Medical Center
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 19
BURLINGTON, VT
Sentara.com
Change service requested
Joint Replacement Surgery:
When is the right time?
An Orthopedics 101 seminar presented by
orthopedic surgeon William Lennen, MD
Are you suffering with knee, hip or shoulder joint pain?
Is pain keeping you from the activities you love?
At Sentara RMH Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our comprehensive joint
replacement surgery program is designed to get our patients back to the
life they love as quickly and efficiently as possible. Join Dr. Lennen as he
explores joint pain, how to know when it’s time to consider surgery, and the
technology available at Sentara RMH.
William Lennen, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
Medical School: Georgetown University
Medical School
Internship and Residency: Georgetown
University Medical Center
Fellowship: Total Joint and Adult
Reconstruction, Johns Hopkins University
Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m.
Sentara RMH Medical Center, conference rooms 2-3
Registration is required by calling 1-800-SENTARA. This event is free.
sentara.com
Your community not-for-profit health partner

Read Now - Sentara

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