The WellStar Kennestone Volunteer Voice

 WellStar Kennestone Hospital Volunteers Northwest District SUMMER EDITION 2012 The WellStar Kennestone Volunteer Voice
From Reynold Jennings… In August, I completed my first year as WellStar President & CEO. Given the uncertainties in healthcare and the continued depressed economic environment, WellStar had a good year. WellStar had many great accomplishments this past year that you – our volunteers – can be proud of. All of these accomplishments are done with the mission of WellStar at the forefront: to create and deliver high quality hospital, physician and other healthcare related services that improve the health and well-­‐being of the individuals and communities we serve. WellStar President & CEO Reynold Jennings In This Issue: •
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SALES, SALES, SALES!!! WELLSTAR ACWORTH HEALTH PARK ACWORTH HEALTH PARK FAMILY FUN DAY! PPACA DISCOUNTS! BIRTHDAYS & MORE! WellStar Kennestone Hospital Volunteers Northwest District 677 Church Street Marietta, GA 30060 Phone: 770.793.7120 Date of Publication: 8/10/12 Editor: Wayne Schlegel WayneSch53@yahoo.com www.wellstar.org Looking into the future, WellStar, like every other healthcare system in the country, has challenges ahead with potential cuts in Medicare reimbursements and rising bad debt related to uninsured and underinsured patients. However, I am optimistic that WellStar will fare much better than other health systems because we have foreseen these challenges and have planned for them. Additionally, WellStar has undertaken a very ambitious capital program that includes new facilities, equipment and technology that will enable us to provide greater access to our healthcare services. WellStar has a highly engaged team who are committed and passionate about creating the world-­‐class health system that you deserve. We are also fortunate to have volunteers like you to help WellStar deliver on its vision to deliver world-­‐class healthcare. Thank you for your support of WellStar Health System. Strengthen Body and Spirit with Volunteer Work Americans volunteer their time in a multitude of ways. They may organize fund-­‐
raisers, coach Little League or help someone learn to read – to name just a few. Their work certainly helps others. But did you know it also can improve the volunteers’ quality of life – and even affect their health? Experts say that volunteering is good for people of all ages, though most research has focused on older adults. Benefits include higher self-­‐esteem and a greater sense of well being. Volunteering may boost physical health too. Research has found that people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who don’t. Research also indicates that adults 60 and older who volunteer report higher levels of physical functioning and lower levels of depression. Several factors may explain these findings. For example, experts say that meaningful relationships, being productive and keeping active are vital to healthy aging. Volunteering makes these possible. -­‐ article from Health Essentials Save These Dates! Atherton Place Ceramics Sale Thursday -­‐ October 18th 9AM to 3:30PM GREAT price cuts on Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items! Many Items 50% OFF! Fall Volunteer Luncheon Thursday -­‐ November 8th -­‐ 11:30 AM Marietta Country Club 1400 Marietta Country Club Drive Kennesaw, GA 30152 SUMMER 2012 THE WELLSTAR KENNESTONE VOLUNTEER VOICE VOLUNTEER PROFILE -­‐ YOU HAVE TO GET TO KNOW BILL -­‐ A SHORT NOTE OF INTRODUCTION… My name is Bill Prudner. This is a new task for me as a Kennestone Hospital Volunteer; I am serving as the Vice-­‐President of our organization for the coming year. My current assignment is in The Lipson Center entrance as an ambassador/greeter on Monday and Friday mornings. I have been a volunteer since early 2008. I am originally from Youngstown, Ohio, but moved to Marietta in 1983. I am a graduate of Hanover College (Hanover, IN). I am also a Vietnam veteran. I spent over 30 years in the photography business. The last 26 were with Fujifilm U.S.A.; the majority of that career working with professional photographers. I retired in 2007. I am married to Mary Ann. She is a Registered Nurse and a retired WellStar employee having worked on the IV Therapy team and in the GI Lab. We have two daughters, a granddaughter, and a grandson. I look forward to working with us for the upcoming year. Please come by and introduce yourself or stop me in the corridor to say "Hello". You may also reach me by e-­‐mail at crayons8@bellsouth.net. YOU WANT DISCOUNTS -­‐ WE HAVE DISCOUNTS!!! FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS & EMPLOYEES AMC Theatre Tickets $6.25 Tickets may be used 7 days a week at any AMC Theatre; certain restrictions may apply. Contact theater for more information. Regal Theater Tickets $6.75 Tickets may be used 7 days a week at any Regal Theater; certain restrictions may apply. Contact theater for more information. Honey Baked Ham Store Gift Certificates, perfect gift ideas for the holidays. $25.00 gift certificate for $20.25 $35.00 gift certificate for $29.00 $50.00 gift certificate for $41.00 Purchase all Tickets & Gift Certificates in Human Resources NO CASH -­‐ ONLY CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED! YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR BADGE AT TIME OF PURCHASE 2 SUMMER 2012 THE WELLSTAR KENNESTONE VOLUNTEER VOICE WELLSTAR ACWORTH HEALTH PARK – NOW OPEN! WellStar recently opened its brand new health park in Acworth in summer 2012. Services and physician practices are still moving in, but the building is filling up. The health park is located on Cobb Parkway and Cedarcrest Road in Acworth. For more information on the services offered, please contact (770) 956-­‐STAR (7827) for details or by visiting www.wellstar.org. Acworth Health Park, 4550 Cobb Parkway NW, Acworth, GA 30101 FAMILY FUN DAY – Sunday September 16th from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM At the NEW WellStar Acworth Health Park! Tour the WellStar outpatient service and WellStar Medical Group practices inside the Acworth Health Park for a chance to win a set of four mountain bikes, a home gym or a trip for four to Disney World! * Rock wall * Giant Slide * Inflatable obstacle course * Police/Fire and EMS vehicles on-­‐site * SafeKids Cobb County * Flu Shots $25 (cash, check or credit card) * Blood pressure checks * Popcorn * Frozen Yogurt * Olympian Christian Taylor – triple long jump * Atlanta Braves BAT Team and appearances from former players *…and more! The Acworth Health Park is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of August when all the doctors’ offices will be set up. In the meantime, some services are available now. If you should need Imaging (mammogram, x-­‐ray, sonogram, CT, open MRI, etc.) or labs for blood, that is fully functional Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM. The Urgent Care section is now open 9 AM – 9 PM seven days a week. There will also be a full retail pharmacy, which is rumored to be the least expensive in the area. Stop by to tour the first floor now or at the end of August when all floors will be open. –Ed Gunther Acworth Health Park – Building Fun Facts: 2 Elevators 2.5 Miles of Plumbing 5 Miles of Underground Piping 12 Months to Construct the Building 21 Tons of Steel Bar Joists 30 Acres of Land 44 Toilets 135 Miles of Electrical Wiring 335 Tons of Structural Steel 750 Sprinkler Heads 1,500 Gallons of Paint 7,000 Trowel Motions per Day 70,000 Square Feet 74,000 Square Feet of Metal Deck 90,000 Population in the Service Area 125,000 Bricks 3 720,000 Pounds of Construction Debris -­‐ Recycled 800,000 Pounds of Construction Debris -­‐ Total 8,000,000 Pounds of Concrete SUMMER 2012 THE WELLSTAR KENNESTONE VOLUNTEER VOICE Dear Volunteers Acworth Health Park is finally in full swing with Pinnacle Orthopaedics opening next Tuesday. There has been a dramatic increase in the volume of guests. The volunteer position available here is basically like the Ambassador role at Kennestone. Greeting guests in the lobby and directing them to the correct practice and occasionally using the wheelchair for transport. The volunteer role is very flexible and sometimes you work filing or collating forms. We are still training doctors’ offices in how to use volunteers. The volunteer role here is more laid-­‐back than Support Service but it is something that can be expanded, if you want it to be. If you think you would like to take a look and short tour, stop by and ask for Rickie or any volunteer who is on duty. Then if you think it might suit your needs, we can check with Yvonne. Regards, Ed Gunther Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) On Thursday, June 28, the U.S. Supreme Court rendered a monumental decision by letting stand the vast majority of President Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the nearly 3,000-­‐page law commonly referred to as the health care reform act. Key provisions of this legislation began in 2010 and will continue through 2014. Some of which have already taken place; some of which will come about during the upcoming years. Some examples are: Beginning in 2010 hospital cuts began; no co-­‐pays or deductibles for annual wellness visits; no co-­‐pays or deductibles for screening test (colonoscopies and mammograms), less cost for RX's once reaching the "doughnut hole". In addition: Accountable Care Organizations can begin cost sharing, Hospital readmission cuts begin, Value Based Purchasing begins, and Bundled Payments pilot begins. "WellStar has also spent a significant amount of time preparing for payment changes in the area of hospital readmissions, value based purchasing, and health IT, and become an Accountable Care Organization." As the provisions are completed during 2014, the legislation also requires all U.S. citizens to have health coverage. Cuts to hospitals continue ($156.6 Billion over 10 years). These cuts were originally forecast at $228 billion. " From a WellStar perspective, foresight and planning have allowed us to take a number of pro-­‐active steps that have been reaffirmed as part of the new requirements. From a provider of care perspective, we have developed clinical service lines throughout our System, led by highly talented and respected physicians and administrators, who have been focusing on achieving the highest quality care at the lowest possible price. WellStar has contracted with Epic organization, to provide a single, clinical electronic health record for all WellStar locations of care, which we are implementing over the course of the next two years." Please feel free to contact Mr. Brandon Reese, Executive Director, Government and Community Relations, at brandon.reese@wellstar.org or by telephone at 678-­‐337-­‐7102 to discuss legislative issues of interest. 4 SUMMER 2012 THE WELLSTAR KENNESTONE VOLUNTEER VOICE THANKS TO ALL VOLUNTEERS – YOU MADE IT HAPPEN! TEXT OF LETTER SENT TO JOHN MADDOX FROM TRACEY B. ATWATER, PRESIDENT OF WELLSTAR FOUNDATION June 26, 2012 Mr. John Maddox Volunteer Board President WellStar Kennestone Hospital Volunteers 677 Church Street Marietta, GA 30060 Dear Friends: As we end our fiscal year here at WellStar, I want to emphasize how appreciative we continue to be of your support. Your recent gift to the WellStar Foundation in the amount of $325,000 will be restricted as you requested. Our not-­‐for-­‐profit health care system relies on philanthropic support to keep up with health care’s rapid changes and continues to provide world-­‐class health care to our community. Your gift will accomplish much in achieving those goals. From our patients, staff, and community, I also want to thank you for the time that you graciously give. WellStar would not be earning the accolades for quality and services without the generosity of faithful volunteers like you. Please feel free to contact me if I can ever be of assistance. Sincerely, Tracey B. Atwater President The Cost of Health Care -­‐ How Does It Compare? If other prices had grown as quickly as health care costs since 1945…. A DOZEN EGGS WOULD COST $55 A GALLON OF MILK WOULD COST $48 A DOZEN ORANGES WOULD COST $134 5 SUMMER 2012 THE WELLSTAR KENNESTONE VOLUNTEER VOICE High Blood Pressure Solutions: The High Blood Pressure Remedies! Apple Cider Vinegar (organic)* The Remedy: -­‐ Mix 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in 8oz. (ounces) of water. -­‐ Drink 2-­‐3 times a day – slowly. *Alternative Option – Best for individuals with an unbalanced pH The Remedy: -­‐ Mix 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar + ¼ teaspoon baking soda in 8oz of water. -­‐ Drink 2-­‐3 times a day – slowly. Potassium The Remedy: -­‐ Eat fruits & Vegetables with at least 350mg per serving at each meal. -­‐ The recommended daily potassium is 4,700mg. -­‐ Some foods that are high in potassium: Apricots, Avocado, Bananas, Cantaloupe, Melons, Kiwi, Lima beans, Milk, Oranges and juice, Potatoes, Prunes, Spinach, Tomatoes, Meat, Fish & Poultry. Magnesium The Remedy: -­‐ 500-­‐1000 mg, twice daily. -­‐ 250-­‐500 mg magnesium taken in the morning and evening. -­‐ Foods that are high in magnesium include: Whole-­‐grain bread, Dark leafy green vegetables, Halibut, Most kinds of nuts, especially almonds & cashews, Soybeans, Oatmeal, Potatoes, Peanut butter, Black-­‐eyed peas, Yogurt. Omega-­‐3 The Remedy: -­‐ Eat fish 2-­‐3 times a week OR -­‐ 1-­‐tablespoon flaxseed oil daily. -­‐ 1 to 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (add to cereal, yogurt, smoothie, or flax bread) daily. Calcium The Remedy: -­‐ 1,250mg is recommended daily. -­‐ Foods that are good natural Calcium sources: Broccoli, Dairy products (preferably low-­‐fat), Salmon, Spinach, Tofu, Orange Juice, Cereal and other foods fortified with Calcium. Garlic The Remedy: -­‐ Take one clove of raw garlic each morning. CoQ10 The Remedy -­‐ 100mg per day. Vitamin C The Remedy: -­‐ 500mg per day of Vitamin C (L-­‐ascorbate acid, not L-­‐ascrobic acid). Cayenne Pepper The Remedy: -­‐ 1 teaspoon per day. -­‐ Add to your morning tea, soups or other foods. It can even be added to your ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) for an extra kick. -­‐from BloodPressureNormalized.com 6 SUMMER 2012 THE WELLSTAR KENNESTONE VOLUNTEER VOICE 2012 ORIENTATION SCHEDULE NOTE: We are asking that all volunteers do their GAMES (also known as “Orientation”) and TB test update on the month of or month after their birth date. Please register for desired class at Volunteer office. NOTE: TB TESTS ARE DONE AT THE GAMES Aug. 13, 2012 Aug. 29, 2012 Sept. 10, 2010 Sept. 25, 2012 Oct. 8, 2012 Oct. 23,2012 Nov. 12, 2012 Nov. 28, 2012 Dec. 3, 2012 Dec. 19, 2012 4 PM to 6 PM 9 AM to 11 AM 4 PM to 6 PM 9 AM to 11 AM 4 PM to 6 PM 9 AM to 11 AM 4 PM to 6 PM 9 AM to 11 AM 4 PM to 6 PM 9 AM to 11 AM Monday Wednesday Monday Tuesday Monday Tuesday Monday Wednesday Monday Wednesday A Quick Note from Pat Newton… Thank you for keeping me informed about any volunteer who needed a Thinking of You, Get Well, or Sympathy card. In the last two years I have sent out approximately 200 cards. This would not have been been possible without your help. Let me know who might need some extra special “puppy love!” Again, thank you! – Pat Newton -­‐ Customer Service/Sunshine Committee Autumn Has Already Arrived in The Kennestone Gift Shop and The Women’s Shoppe With the imminent arrival of fall, the shops are well stocked with items to make your home lovelier and to complete your wardrobe with that latest fashion statement. If you need a gift for a friend or relative, the volunteers in either shop will help you make that perfect selection. The Kennestone Gift Shop offers an array of items such as flowers, cards, balloons, baby items, newspapers, books and magazines. Also, check out items to celebrate your favorite football team. The main gift shop is open each weekday from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM. It is also open on Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM until 5 PM. The Women’s Shoppe is all decked out with the latest fall fashions along with beautiful accessories. The boutique has the latest in handbags, accessories, candles, and breast cancer merchandise. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. 2012 VENDOR SALE DATES & EVENTS September 10th & 11th (Monday & Tues.) Uniforms & Scrubs October 9th & 10th (Tuesday & Wed.) “Masquerade” $5. th
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November 5 & 6 (Monday & Tues.) $6.00 Jewelry December 11th & 12th (Tuesday & Wed.) Ultimate Linens All Sales Times are 7AM until 4PM All sale events are located in the Azalea/Camellia Room 7 THE WELLSTAR KENNESTONE VOLUNTEER VOICE SUMMER 2012 OUR VOLUNTEERS DOING WHAT THEY DO BEST! Joe Ed Smith Bill Prudner Brenda Castile & Pat Newton At May-­‐Retta Daze May 5th & 6th Spring luncheon 2012
John Maddox (Past President, Kennestone Hospital Volunteers), Bill Thompson
(President, Cobb Hospital Volunteers),Brenda Castile (President, Kennestone Hospital
Volunteers), Richard Castile (Husband) and Pete Bagley (Past President, Kennestone
Hospital Volunteers). 8 THE WELLSTAR KENNESTONE VOLUNTEER VOICE AUGUST BIRTHDAYS SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 8/1 8/2 8/3 8/5 8/6 8/7 8/8 8/8 8/9 8/10 8/11 8/11 8/12 8/12 8/12 8/13 8/15 8/16 8/16 8/17 8/17 8/19 8/20 8/20 8/23 8/28 8/28 8/31 CONGRATULATIONS & HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Denise Labra Robert Pippin Sue Moseley Jean Kropa Theodore Baende Jerry Peyton Monique Hauss Jack Tubb Alexis Rudell Helen Crowder Richard Reader Sandie Shreiner Dorinda Benson Christina Migles-­‐Schmitt Benjamin Gherman Charlotte Murray Leslie Matheny Holly Miller Donald F. Evans Helen B. Williams Katherine Harmon Shirley Ulmer Ken Bedelle Donna Lynch Catherine Defrancesco Betty McPhail Evelyn Hart Kenley Wilger Joanne Watson William Kelly Frances Hilbig Harold Noll Vernon Oleson Dana Smith Tate Anderson Margie Davis James Douglas Dorothy Magner Robert (Rob) Wellston Patricia Burditt Michele Mlebauskas Marylou Erickson Vicki Hagan Ruth Hanson Rita Neal 9 SUMMER 2012 OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS Mary Rakestraw Diane Pearson John Regitz Sarah Crummer Lauren Earnest Joseph Roberts Sharon Gruber Judy Pritchett Diane-­‐Romia Cotter Charles (Chuck) Wiggins Max Moroz Willie Robinson Elva (Mimi) Ingram Samuel Knight John Maciejewski Donnis Baumann Albert Williams Herman (Lou) Lewis Barry Cole Kay Adams Connie Bond Fionna Cody Stan Frost Ifeoma Asiji Sarah/Beth Tuszynski Martha Bright Elizabeth Suarez John Strother 9/1 9/1 9/2 9/3 9/4 9/4 9/5 9/5 9/6 9/7 9/7 9/7 9/8 9/8 9/10 9/10 9/11 9/11 9/12 9/13 9/14 9/15 9/15 9/17 9/17 9/18 9/18 9/20 9/20 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/22 9/24 9/26 9/26 9/26 9/26 9/27 9/27 9/28 9/29 9/29 9/30 9/30 Amy Patterson 10/2 Jo Ann Comerford 10/5 Noemi Garcia 10/5 Robert Reese 10/5 Tim Buchanan 10/5 Irwin Weiner 10/6 Kelly Barnes 10/6 Kathryn (Kay) Lipscomb 10/7 Marian Sasscer 10/7 Caroline Bell 10/8 Chantuea Parris 10/8 Stephanie Fudge 10/8 B.J. Cappelli 10/10 Kelly Dotson 10/10 J.R. Harrison 10/11 Mary Inman 10/13 Robin Gilbert 10/13 Donald Politte 10/14 Patricia Gherman 10/15 Wenkai Lee 10/15 Cathy O’Brien Hood 10/16 Charles Tatter, Jr. 10/18 Mary Hagan 10/19 Charles Fye 10/21 Steven McCullough 10/22 Evan Norsworthy 10/23 Gail Harrison 10/23 Lawrence Garner 10/24 David Jones 10/24 Gurmett Singh 10/24 David Fox 10/24 Evelyn Wellston 10/25 Chelsea Moodie 10/25 Anna Kingmen 10/27 Margaret Eaton 10/28 Dorothy (Roni) Pastore 10/28 Patty Winter 10/28 Anthony Valdez 10/29 Mary Ann Haeger 10/31 YOU NEVER LOOKED BETTER!