Fall 2015 - Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Be treated well
A message to the community from the hospital CEO
Dear Friends:
It seems like this year has just begun and already fall
is upon us. Things are also moving quickly here at
Methodist North as we work to grow our programs and
increase our services within our community.
As part of that growth, I am very proud to share with
you our $3 million lobby and entrance renovation is on
schedule to be completed in early November. This investment will give
our facility a more open, modern design and will provide more convenient
and easier access for our patients and families. I hope you’ll join us at the
official ribbon-cutting ceremony November 4th to help us officially open this
exciting investment in our community.
I’d also like to share a wonderful recognition. Methodist Healthcare was
once again recognized as the best hospital in Memphis by U.S. News
& World Report. Of all 25 hospitals in the Memphis metropolitan area,
Methodist is the top ranking. This accomplishment is truly a testament
to our staff’s commitment to being the best community hospital for
our patients and physicians. It is a great honor for us to receive this
recognition for five straight years, and we are very proud.
Since fall is a busy health fair season, you’ll find our dedicated staff at
many of the local health fairs within the community as they volunteer
their time to help educate and improve health. We focus a good deal
of effort on improving your health before a hospital admission is needed.
In the upcoming events section of this newsletter, you can find many
of the outreach programs offered by Methodist North and others in
our community.
I hope you will take advantage of one of our outreach programs and
will find the articles in this newsletter helpful. At Methodist North, we
consider ourselves not only your community hospital, but a resource for
living. We encourage you to join with us in improving your health and that
of our community.
6
Fall 2015
ways to outsmart
the flu this season
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get
vaccinated every year, as soon as the flu vaccine
is available in your area. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends six ways
you can prevent germ spread:
Avoid close contact. Keeping your distance from
friends and family who are sick can keep you from
getting sick, as well.
1
Stay home when you’re sick. If you do get sick,
staying home is your best bet. Not only will proper
rest help you get better, but it also cuts down the number
of people who come in contact with the virus.
2
Cover your mouth and nose. When coughing
or sneezing, you can cut down on germ spread
by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or even
your sleeve.
3
Clean your hands. Cleaning your hands often
is key to preventing the flu. Wash your hands
with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer to kill germs.
4
5
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
This is one of the most common ways flu is spread.
Practice other good health habits. Keeping
physically active, getting plenty of sleep, managing
stress, eating well and drinking plenty of fluids are just a few
ways that you can stay healthy this flu season.
6
Another way to help avoid the flu is with the CDC’s free
FluView app at www.cdc.gov/flu/apps/fluview-mobileapp.html. Through this app, you can see how severe flu
outbreaks are in your area during the flu season.
Yours in service,
Gyasi C. Chisley, MHA, MBA, PMP, FACHE
CEO, Methodist North Hospital
Sr. Vice President, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
Ward off the flu with help from Methodist North Hospital.
Call 888.777.5959 to schedule an appointment with a
healthcare provider or visit www.methodisthealth.org for
more information.
3960 New Covington Pike Memphis, TN 38128 • Phone: 901.516.5200 • www.methodisthealth.org
Clear the air: Avoid secondhand smoke
If you’re a nonsmoker, you’re probably
aware of the health risks that come along
with smoking. But you don’t have to be a
smoker to experience negative health effects
from smoking: The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and U.S. Surgeon
General have classified secondhand
smoke as a carcinogen, a substance
that causes cancer.
What is secondhand smoke?
Secondhand smoke — which includes
mainstream smoke (the smoke a smoker
exhales) and sidestream smoke (the smoke
from a burning tobacco product) —
contains hundreds of toxic chemicals,
many of which have been proven to cause
cancer. Secondhand smoke also increases
the risk for other conditions, like respiratory
tract infections and heart disease. What’s
more, dangerous particles in smoke can
linger in the air for hours or even longer,
and residue that clings to hair, clothing,
furniture and carpeting, sometimes called
thirdhand smoke, also can increase the risk
for health problems.
Take action!
Short of pulling a cigarette out of a smoker’s
mouth (which isn’t recommended!), it may
seem like there isn’t much you can do to
avoid secondhand smoke. With planning,
however, you can reduce your exposure.
Try these strategies:
Ask smokers to smoke outside. One
of the most important steps you can take
for your family’s health is to make your
home smoke-free. Don’t allow smoking in
your home, and avoid riding with someone
who smokes in the car. If you’re the driver,
ask passengers to smoke at rest stops if
they must.
Support antismoking legislation.
Federal law now bans smoking on domestic
and most foreign-bound airline flights,
as well as on interstate buses and most
trains. Smoking is also banned in most
federally owned buildings. Many states
have laws against smoking in public places
like restaurants and beaches, and more
than half of all states have banned smoking
in the workplace.
Be a quitter!
If you’re a smoker, the
single best way to protect
your loved ones from secondhand
smoke is to quit. You can do it! Join
others in becoming nonsmokers on
Nov. 19 — the Great American
Smokeout. The American Cancer
Society is encouraging smokers to use
the date to either stop smoking or make
a plan to quit. Quitting, even for one
day, is a step toward living a healthier
life and lowering your cancer risk. Talk
to your doctor about ways to help stop
smoking for good.
Choose smoke-free facilities. Choose
childcare providers and healthcare facilities
that have adopted tobacco-free policies.
When you travel, request nonsmoking
hotel rooms.
Teach children to avoid secondhand
smoke. Because their bodies are still
developing, children are especially sensitive
to secondhand smoke. Asthma and lung
and ear infections are more common in
children who are around smokers than
those who aren’t.
15 tips for living healthy with diabetes
Whether diabetes affects you or someone
in your family, the following tips can be
healthy habits to help everyone live smarter,
healthier lives. In some cases, they may
even help reverse prediabetes (higher than
normal blood sugar levels, but not high
enough to be diabetes).
Talk with your doctor to learn more ways
to stay on top of your health and make
changes that can help you live stronger
and longer.
1. Eat on a regular schedule.
Your blood sugar is highest an
hour or two after you eat, and
then it starts to fall. You can
help lessen the amount of
change in blood sugar levels
by eating at the same time
each day, or eating
several small meals a day.
2. Make meals well-balanced.
Be mindful of portion sizes and plan meals
that have a mixtures of fruits, vegetables,
starches and proteins. Choose whole grains
over processed grain products. Focus on
foods that are high in nutrition and fiber and
low in fat and calories. Cut down on animal
products and sweets.
3. Read food labels. When grocery
shopping, compare similar foods and
choose ones with lower amounts of
saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.
4. Go for H2O. Choose water over juice and
soda to stay better hydrated and sugar-free.
5. Exercise regularly. Exercise can help
improve your body’s response to insulin
and maintain control over your blood sugar
levels. Try to get at least 30 minutes of
aerobic activity, such as walking,
most days of the week. Ask your
doctor about an exercise plan
that is best for your interests
and lifestyle, and if you should
test your blood sugar before,
during and after exercise.
6. Take care of your feet. Wash and
inspect your feet daily, and seek help if a
cut, blister, sore or bruise does not start to
heal on its own.
7. Brush and floss your
teeth. You may be more
at risk of developing
gum infections with
diabetes. Brush and
floss at least twice
a day, and see your
dentist at least once a
year for a dental exam.
8. Don’t smoke. Smoking can increase
your risk for diabetes complications,
including heart attack and stroke.
Talk to your doctor about ways
to help you quit.
9. Reduce stress. When
you’re stressed, it can be
tougher to exercise, eat right
and test your blood sugar.
Prolonged stress can also
Food myths that need to be scrapped
MYTH: Eggs are bad for you.
Long vilified for containing cholesterol, eggs have been wrongly assumed
✔ Truth:
to contribute to high cholesterol in people. Studies have shown this is not the
case, leading to a recent change in the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s
recommendations. One or two eggs per day can be a healthy part of a balanced diet.
MYTH: Low-fat foods are healthier.
Low-fat varieties of dairy products and meats are a good choice, but for some
✔ Truth:
other foods, low-fat may not be healthier. For instance, low-fat versions of salad
dressings may contain fewer healthy fats and more added sugars to make up for the
loss of flavor.
MYTH: You should always choose fresh over frozen.
Produce that is frozen or canned closer to the moment it is picked may actually
✔ Truth:
have more nutrients than fresh produce that traveled miles and days from where it was
originally picked. That means both fresh and frozen produce can be a healthy part of
your family’s diet.
MYTH: Nuts have too much fat and should be avoided.
Nuts are indeed high in fat; however, most of the fat found in nuts is the heart✔ Truth:
healthy monounsaturated kind. That means that nuts can, in moderation, be a part of
a healthy diet. Plus, they are an excellent source of protein and other nutrients.
prevent insulin from working properly. Learn
to identify stressors and have solutions for
dealing with them. Find ways to relax and
get plenty of sleep.
10. Identify your condition.
Wear identification, such as a
medical alert bracelet, that
explains you have diabetes. If
your child has diabetes, make
sure teachers, babysitters and
friends know and are aware of
steps to take in an emergency.
11. Travel smart. Carry diabetes
supplies in your carry-on luggage, and take
more medication and supplies than you will
need in case of travel delays. Plan for time
zone changes so you know when to take
medication and stay on a meal schedule.
Keep your medical insurance card and
emergency phone numbers with you.
12. Know your numbers. Have your A1C,
blood pressure and cholesterol tested as
recommended by your doctor. Know the
target numbers that are right for you, as well
as aim for a healthy weight.
13. Have regular checkups. In addition to
the diabetes checkups recommended
by your doctor, be sure to schedule
yearly physical and eye exams.
14. Stay up-to-date with
immunizations. Because high
blood sugar can weaken your
immune system, it’s important
to stay current on immunizations,
such as an annual flu shot and a
tetanus booster shot every 10 years. Talk
to your doctor about the immunizations that
you need to help
you stay healthy.
15. Seek support if needed. Living with
diabetes can be overwhelming at times. It
may help to talk with a health professional
or join a support group to share challenges
and successes.
Chicken vegetable
soup with kale
This hearty soup has it all! Nutritious
vegetables, grains and protein come
together in a high-fiber, low-fat, lowsodium soup.
Number of servings: 3
INGREDIENTS
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
½ cup onion (chopped)
½ cup carrot (chopped)
1 teaspoon thyme (ground)
2 garlic clove (minced)
2 cups water (or chicken broth)
¾ cup tomatoes (diced)
1 cup chicken, cooked, skinned
and cubed
½ cup brown rice, cooked
1 cup kale (chopped, about one
large leaf)
DIRECTIONS
1. H
eat oil in a medium sauce pan.
Add onion and carrot. Saute until
vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8
minutes.
2. A
dd thyme and garlic. Saute for
1 more minute.
3. A
dd water or broth, tomatoes,
chicken, cooked rice and kale.
4. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
Per serving: 180 calories, 5 g total fat, 1 g saturated
fat, 17 g protein, 16 g carbohydrates, 3 g dietary fiber,
85 mg sodium.
Recipe courtesy of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, recipefinder.nal.usda.gov.
3960 New Covington Pike
Memphis, TN 38128
901.516.5200
In This Issue
6 ways to outsmart
the flu this season
Clear the air: Avoid
secondhand smoke
15 tips for living
healthy with diabetes
3
Food myths that need
to be scrapped
3
Chicken vegetable
soup with kale
This publication is for general information only and does not replace the advice of your doctor or other healthcare provider. If you have medical questions,
please consult your medical professional. Websites not belonging to this hospital are provided for information only. No endorsement is implied.
Images may be from ©iStock and/or ©Fotolia. ©2015 Bluespire Marketing | bluespiremarketing.com
Methodist Healthcare is proud to offer community health information. However, if you do not wish to receive future information from Methodist,
please contact us at 888.777.5959.
Upcoming events
Hip and Knee Replacement
Classes
The Methodist North Total Joint Center
offers free Hip and Knee Replacement
classes every Wednesday at 11 am, the
second and fourth Wednesdays of each
month at 4 pm and the second Saturday
of each month at 9 am. Learn about
joint replacement surgery and how it
can help you return to an active life. Call
901.516.5639.
Stroke Support Group
We invite stroke survivors and caregivers
to join us as we provide free education and
support. Our stroke support group meets
the second Tuesday of each month at
2 pm, and discusses a new stroke-related
topic each month. Meetings are held at
HealthSouth Rehabilitation, Day Room 1,
located at 4100 Austin Peay Hwy, and
light refreshments are served. For more
information or to register, please call
Connie Holland, Stroke Support
Coordinator, at 901.516.5947.
Diabetes Self-Managing
Community Class
This free class offers tips on nutrition,
medication, monitoring, exercise, and
healthy coping for anyone with diabetes.
The class meets the third Tuesday of
each month at 3 pm at HealthSouth
Rehabilitation Hospital, Day Room 1,
located at 4100 Austin Peay Hwy. For
more information, call 901.213.5400.
Social Skills Group
Methodist North offers Social Skills
Group meetings for those with Pervasive
Developmental Disorders, Autism Spectrum
Disorders, or those who experience
difficulties in the areas of expressive
communication and social interaction.
Meetings are one hour per week for ten
weeks. The cost is $25 per session, which
is covered by insurance in some cases. To
learn more or enroll, contact Sara Jordan at
sara.jordan@mlh.org or call 901.516.5320.
What people are
saying about
Methodist North
Here is a note we received from a patient:
I was recently hospitalized in the Total
Joint Center at Methodist North. Because
it had been a very long time since I’d
been in the hospital, I approached this
with some apprehension. I live in the
Raleigh-Bartlett area, so I selected
Methodist North for its convenience
for my family and myself.
Please know that I had the best
experience EVER there! Every person
on your medical team was absolutely
wonderful, no matter what role they
played. My nurses, CNAs, dietary aid,
physical and occupational therapists were
all excellent examples of their professions.
They were caring, compassionate, patient
and genuinely devoted to making sure
that my stay at the hospital was the best
experience. I would recommend this
hospital to anyone.