Pocket EKG - Lafayette General Health

WINTER 2013
LGMC to
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Pocket EKG
Take the
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WINT ER 2013
LAFAYETTE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER
HEALTH IN GENERAL
IS PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
551 Jefferson Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
phone 337.988.4607
fax 337.983.0150
MEDIA
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CAROL STUBBS
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CONTENTS
2
News & Announcements
3
A Welcomed Interruption
4
Enchanted Evening
5
First in the World
6
Growing and Expanding
7
Robot Lends Surgeons
a Helping Hand
DRUE KENNERSON
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DOUG DUGAS
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DARYL CETNAR
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PATRICE DOUCET
GUS FONTENOT
CAROLYN HUVAL
KIM MORSE
LESLIE PRIMEAUX
RAYMOND RUPERT
(THEpulse)
Gift of Life
LGMC Earns HHS Bronze Award
Often times, strangers come
together to give the gift of life. Lafayette
General Medical Center (LGMC) is
committed to increasing awareness of
the need for organ and tissue donations
and expediting the procedures in times
of need. LGMC was recently honored
with a Bronze Award from the U.S.
Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) in recognition of its
achievements in organ donation.
"Over the years, countless lives have
been saved thanks to organ donation,”
says LGMC President /CEO David L.
Callecod, FACHE. "I can’t stress how
important being an organ and tissue
donor is and how vital it is to Lafayette
General’s mission to restore, maintain
and improve health.”
HHS announced awards for
hospitals, organ procurement
organizations and transplant
programs across the nation for their
success in increasing the number of
organs available and transplanted.
Organizations receiving awards
2
WINTER 2013
HEALTH IN GENERAL
COVER STORY:
8 Pocket EKG
10
Unique Gift Shop
11
LGMC to Manage UMC
12
Test for Life
13
Weight Loss Program
15
Changes Underway
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
achieved a 75 percent or greater
collaborative conversion rate.
"I applaud these award winners for
bringing the ‘gift of life’ to so many,”
says the HHS Assistant Secretary for
Health, Howard K. Koh, M.D. "Their
tireless efforts to make improvements
in the donation and transplantation
field will continue to help save lives.”
This is not the first recognition LGMC
has received for its work in organ
donation. Last April, during Donate Life
Month, LGMC, in partnership with the
Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency
(LOPA), celebrated being named
"Hospital of the Year” by Southern Eye
Bank for giving the gift of sight through
cornea and tissue donations.
LOPA’s Jerrod Daigle expressed
gratitude for their partnership with LGMC.
"I’m proud to work with such a dedicated
staff at LGMC,” he says. LOPA was also
a Bronze winner under HHS’s Organ
Procurement Organization awards.
The Health Resources and Services
Administration at HHS supports
the Donation and Transplantation
Community of Practice, which brings
together donation and transplantation
professionals, hospital staff and other
professionals involved in the donation
process to identify and share best
practices.
LGMC
Welcomes
New
Physician
Cassandra Pillette, M
M.D.,
D joins
Lafayette General Medical Doctors
at her new location on Ambassador
Caffery Pkwy., providing family medicine
to adult, pediatric and geriatric patients.
Dr. Pillette has been practicing
family medicine in Acadiana for the
last several years. She received her
medical degree from Louisiana State
University in New Orleans and is
board-certified in Family Medicine by
the American Board of Family Medicine
and is a member of the American
Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Pillette's office is located at 4906
Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Suite 1302,
Bldg. M. She is accepting new patients
and Medicare. For an appointment, call
(337) 534-8964.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION
A WELCOMED
Shots for Tots
To help protect children from serious
diseases, Shots for Tots helps educate
parents on the need for immunizations
and provides opportunities to have
children immunized at discounted
costs. Recommended times for
immunizations are ages 2 months,
4 months, 6 months, 12-15 months,
4 years and 11-12 years.
Lafayette General provides
immunization services at specific times
during the year for $10 per child. For
more information on the Shots for Tots
program, visit www.shotsfortots.com
INTERRUPTION
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P
In the years since 9/11 and Hurricane
Katrina, national and state government
officials have pushed through efforts
to help communities better prepare
for disaster situations. In Acadiana,
health care providers are collaborating
in several joint ventures to coordinate
disaster response and readiness
capabilities.
The joint purchase of a Western
Shelter Gatekeeper tent, a mobile
hospital tent commonly called a “surge
tent,” will help hospitals in the case of
a disaster or mass trauma event that
causes an overflow of patients. The
Gatekeeper All Hazards Emergency
arkinson’s Disease (PD) is life
changing. It’s a progressive
Deep Brain Stimulation
disease with symptoms that
teaching device
include tremors, rigidity, stiffness,
slow movements and walking
problems. For Renella Hamilton of
Carencro, the disease progressed
so slowly that she was not aware
of the effect of the changes. It was
her family that finally called her
attention to the problems.
“My family noticed it more than
I did,” Renella says. “I moved in
slow motion, like I had taken too
many drugs. My left hand would
shake.” Looking back, she thinks
her Parkinson’s Disease may have
progressed slowly over 50 years.
During that time, she saw physicians
and was given medications for various ailments and symptoms, but
no one diagnosed her with PD. According to the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke, symptoms from PD often occur
gradually, and the disease is difficult to diagnose until it progresses.
One day, Renella’s sister noticed that she didn’t blink her eyes in
one hour’s time. “I didn’t even realize it,” Renella says. At that time,
her symptoms included shaking in her left hand, rigidity and slowness
in movement. She began looking for help from a neurosurgeon, a
physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders
affecting the nervous system, including brain, spinal cord and nerves.
After a neurological evaluation, she was diagnosed with PD, and her
physician recommended Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to help with the
symptoms. She went to see Alan Appley, M.D., of Acadiana Neurosurgery
and director at Lafayette General’s CyberKnife Center Louisiana.
Deep Brain Stimulation is a surgical procedure sometimes used to
treat symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, essential tremor and Dystonia
Disorder. Most often, it is used for patients whose symptoms cannot
be adequately controlled with medications. The surgeon implants a
neurostimulator, a small battery-operated medical device that is similar
to a pacemaker. The device delivers electrical stimulation to targeted
areas in the brain that control movement, blocking the abnormal nerve
signals that cause tremor and PD symptoms. The surgeon adjusts the
device to the particular needs of the patient. There are three parts to
the neurostimulator: the lead, a thin, insulated wire that is inserted
through a small opening in the skull and implanted in the brain; the
extension, an insulated wire that is placed under the skin of the head,
neck and shoulder and connects the lead to the neurostimulator; and
the neurostimulator that is usually implanted under the skin near the
Emergency continued on pg. 5
DBS continued on pg. 12
LGMC SHOTS FOR TOTS
SCHEDULE
DATES: Feb. 16, April 20, Aug. 3
and Oct. 5
LOCATION: Outpatient Surgery
Area within LGMC
TIME: 8 a.m. to noon
COST: $10 per child
(Bring immunization records for
each child being immunized)
Emergency
Readiness
Hospitals Share Use of Surge Tent
HEALTH IN GENERAL WINTER 2013
3
Zachary Richard
Photo by Buffy Massey
7 šŒ’Šš¤Ž
EVENING
Foundation Gala Rolls Out the Red Carpet
9
uests walked a red carpet as they entered the
second annual Gala and Art Auction hosted by
the Lafayette General Foundation. The elegant
event, held in October, helped raise funds for the
Foundation in support of Lafayette General Medical Center
(LGMC), Acadiana’s only community-owned hospital.
Held at the Heymann Performing Arts and Convention
Center, the event raises funds to improve health care in
Acadiana. As a 501c(3) not-for-profit corporation, LGMC
generates money by billing for medical services, and
then reinvests net revenue into the hospital system. With
the need of charitable care on the rise, and payment
reductions increasing, the Foundation was formed to help
Clay and Linda Allen
4
WINTER 2013
Martha and Stephen Abshire, M.D.
HEALTH IN GENERAL
raise funds and awareness for initiatives that benefit LGMC
and its affiliates as they seek to provide innovative and
cost-effective health care solutions for Acadiana.
The now annual event began in 2011 with the grand
celebration of the 100th anniversary of Lafayette General.
Approximately 400 people attended the 2012 event. Guests
were welcomed by Scott Brazda, master of ceremony, and
LGMC President/CEO David L. Callecod, FACHE.
Some highlights of the event were musical performances
by well-known local entertainers. Rio Luminoso, featuring
photographer/musician Philip Gould, opened the evening,
followed by renowned musician Zachary Richard, who gave
a performance for guests at the Gala before leaving on tour.
Lenny and Christine Lemoine, Jennifer and Jeffrey Joseph, M.D.
First in the World
LGMC Hosts Clinical Trial
L
Seema and Mian Ibrahim, M.D., Judy and Lalith
Wijayasuriya,
M.D.
W
ijayasuriya
ij
i
M
D
La. Sen. Fred Mills, Jr., City-Parish Pres. Joey
Durel
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urell and
and
d former
former State
State
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Rep.
ep Mi
Mik
Mike
ke Mi
Mich
Michot
hott
“We thought it would be great to have
local entertainers come play for us,”
says Carolyn Huval, Vice President of
Marketing and Business Development.
“Everyone enjoyed it.”
At each gala, the most anticipated
event is a live art auction of items
donated by LGMC physicians,
employees and local artists. At the
2012 Gala, La. Senator Fred Mills, Jr.
served as auctioneer, as he has since
its inception. “Many physicians on
our medical staff are artists, and they
donate their art for this event,” says
Huval. This year’s auction included a
variety of art and special gift items,
such as a piece from an employee who
does oil paintings on corrugated tin, a
wood carving from one physician and
an overnight guided duck hunt and
dinner from another.
The Art Auction and Gala was
presented with the help of many
sponsors, including presenting
sponsor, The Lemoine Group. “We’re
so grateful for their support,” says
Huval. "We couldn’t have had such a
successful Gala without our sponsors."
For more information on the
Foundation, call (337) 289-8950.
afayette General Medical Center (LGMC) is on the
cutting edge of advancements in medical technology
Nick Cavros, M.D.
to benefit patients. Nick Cavros, M.D., cardiologist at
Cardiovascular Institute of the South at Lafayette General, is the first physician
worldwide to use the CloSys Hemostatic Device (HD) and serves as the
Principal Investigator in the CloSys™ Closure System IDE Trial at LGMC.
The CloSys Closure System is a quick, safe and natural closure system for
vascular access sites. It provides an improvement in closing arteries after heart
surgery and cardiac catheterization. “It’s important to finish an intervention with
the right closure device,” states Dr. Cavros. “The CloSys HD is easy to use, does
not create complications and does not leave anything behind.” The device uses
the patient’s own blood to help close the artery at the insertion site and does
not require foreign materials for the procedure. Patients benefit from a cleaner
wound closure and faster recovery time. “They can get out of bed earlier, walk
around and leave the hospital sooner,” says Dr. Cavros.
“I am very pleased to be an important part of the CloSys trial,” says
Dr. Cavros. After several uses of the device in heart intervention procedures,
he is finding good results with the system. “We performed the first in the
world implant of this device,” he says. “The trial is ongoing. It’s an honor to
be considered to be first to use the device. It shows that Lafayette General
and CIS are in the forefront in medical advancement and new technology in
health care.”
The CloSys Closure System, manufactured by the CloSys Corp., is designed
to achieve the benefits of rapid closure while using the principles of manual
compression. By combining procedures, the system shortens the time for
closure, therefore facilitating early discharge for patients and improving the
hospital experience. The procedure with the CloSys HD takes minimal time and
Clinical Trial continued on pg. 12
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Emergency continued from pg. 3
Facility is a pre-packaged 19x35foot diameter shelter housed in a
mobile 24-foot trailer that can serve
as an emergency care center and as
a command center for emergency
responders. It can be connected to
other structures or be self-contained
field.
This
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f use outt iin the
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h fi
ld T
hi ttentt
is a pooled resource made possible by an organized response structure
that shares grant funding and decision making and can be deployed
by any hospital in the region. Acadiana, Region 4, has used funding in
joint investments to amass tools, supplies and equipment to serve the
entire area. Other purchases include haz-mat and personal protection
equipment for each hospital, a mobile DECON unit and a mobile
medical pharmacy unit.
“All hospitals are represented in this network,” explains Anjanette Hebert,
director of security at Lafayette General Medical Center and Designated
Regional Coordinator for Region 4. “But the rest of Louisiana is in awe of how
well Region 4 works together. We accomplish a lot in this region.”
Preparing for emergencies before they happen is part of what health
care providers and emergency responders do, but working well together
and sharing resources is a credit to the spirit of Acadiana.
HEALTH IN GENERAL WINTER 2013
5
GROWING AND EXPANDING
¤နŠ¡¥“šœ£“¤Š—¡“š‘£ŽŠ—¤’Š¡Ž—œ£Ž¡¤œœ˜Ž
C
onstruction continues at
St. Martin Hospital (SMH),
a part of Lafayette General
Medical Center. Located in Breaux
Bridge, SMH is expanding the hospital
to provide more services and enhance
the quality of medical care for people
in the immediate area.
“We are adding an outpatient
area which will include outpatient
registration, a new laboratory
department, radiology department,
an infusion area and an upgraded
CT,” says Katie Hebert, CEO/ VP.
“After the addition is complete we will
expand and remodel our Emergency
Department to include a ‘fast track’
area, seven patient rooms and a much
improved floor plan that will enhance
patient flow and the delivery of quality
care.” Construction is projected to be
completed in August.
In the past couple of years, SMH has
Front entrance of St. Martin Hospital
added CT and mammography services
and has implemented an Electronic
Medical Record system. A medical
office building has been remodeled
to now provide space for a cardiology
practice with Gus Ingraldi, M.D.,
Cardiovascular Institute of the
South at Lafayette General, and
a multi-specialty practice with
Jason Durel, M.D., ENT, and
Adam Kennedy, M.D., orthopedic surgeon.
“This allows the communities of St.
Martin Parish to stay close to home
when they need a specialist,” says
Hebert. Providing medical services
in Breaux Bridge can make a big
difference to those who are older and/
or who may not have transportation to
Lafayette.
Since 2009, SMH has been a part of
LGMC. “This relationship has provided
knowledgeable leadership with regards
to federal and state regulations,
trends in health care and support
and guidance that rural hospitals not
involved in a health system struggle to
acquire,” says Hebert.
Parents Don’t Fret!
Doctor’s Blog Helps Parents
A
ny parent knows the worry of trying to decide when a child needs emergency medical care. As
medical advisor in the pediatric treatment area within Lafayette General’s Emergency Department,
Scott Hamilton, M.D., has calmed many anxious parents and seen plenty of false alarms. For several
years, he has been writing an online blog to give parents a resource for what to do in a medical emergency.
“I write in the blog what I say to parents day in and day out,” says Dr. Hamilton. “And
I try to talk to people in language they understand.” Now his blog is available at
ParentsDontFret.net and through a link at LafayetteGeneral.com where it is
accessible to parents anytime, anywhere there is an internet connection.
Dr. Hamilton stresses the importance of finding a good pediatrician and
suggests looking for a doctor with a 24/7 answering service and convenient
office hours. “That way you can call the doctor for advice and maybe avoid a visit
to the Emergency Department,” he says. “Look for a pediatrician who will be
helpful when you need one.”
LGMC has a dedicated pediatric treatment area within the Emergency
Department designed for the comfort of kids and parents. The area is open
during the current renovation and expansion of the Emergency Department.
Scott Hamilton, M.D.
6
WINTER 2013
HEALTH IN GENERAL
ParentsDontFret.net
Robot Lends Surgeons
a Helping Hand
da Vinci Surgical System Offers Faster Recovery
I
n your wildest dreams, would you ever have thought
you’d see robots in the operating room? In fact, the
da Vinci Surgical System® was approved by the FDA
in 2000 and has been used by surgeons at Lafayette
General for several years since then. The minimally
invasive surgical system allows surgeons greater motion
and flexibility when operating. For patients, it can drastically
reduce time in the hospital and in recovery.
The da Vinci Surgical System is named after Leonardo
da Vinci, the 15th-century painter who advanced the study
of anatomy. His detailed drawings led to the design of
the first robot. The surgical system uses the science of
robotics to give surgeons greater precision and control in
operating. With state-of-the-art science and technology,
many complex and delicate surgical procedures that cannot
be performed with laparoscopy can now be done using a
very small incision. “With the da Vinci Surgical System,
this kind of minimally invasive surgery is more available for
complicated and difficult cases,” says Daniel Bourque, M.D.,
obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Bourque has used the da Vinci system at Lafayette
General on a range of gynecologic conditions, including
hysterectomy, cervical and uterine cancer, uterine
fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse and menorrhagia
or excessive bleeding. “We do very few large incision
procedures,” he says. “Our goal is for all surgeries to be
minimally invasive. For any gynecologic procedure, it’s very
advantageous to the patient.”
Intuitive Surgical, Inc., the company that makes the da
Vinci system, confirms it is now the number one surgical
treatment for women facing gynecological cancer and is
also used in four out of five radical prostatectomies in the
U.S. Since 2000, more than 1,600 da Vinci systems have
been placed at more than 1,200 hospitals worldwide, and
Lafayette General
was at the forefrontt
of providing this
new technology
for physicians
and patients in
Acadiana.
“Surgeons
must be trained
to perform
procedures with the da Vinci system,” says Dr. Bourque.
“We’ve been operating with the da Vinci for about five or six
years now. We’ve gotten nothing but accolades from patients
after the surgery. Most of them are able to go home the day
of surgery or the day after with minimal pain.”
Physicians operate while seated at a console with a 3-D
view within the body. There is full vision of the procedure
while the robotic arms translate the surgeon’s hand, wrist
and finger movements to the tiny laparoscopic instruments.
It provides clear vision and access to places hard to reach
and greater range of motion in operating. “For the surgeon,
it reduces the physical stress in performing operations,”
Dr. Bourque says.
Traditional gynecologic surgery requires a large incision
for access to the uterus, which can affect surrounding organs
and nerves. Women experience more pain and a longer
recovery as the incision heals, which prevents them from
returning to normal activities for an extended time. With da
Vinci surgery, advantages may include significantly less pain,
less blood loss, less scarring, shorter recovery time, a faster
return to normal daily activities and, in many cases, better
clinical outcomes.
To hear stories from patients who have had da Vinci
surgery, go to davincistories.com
HEALTH IN GENERAL WINTER 2013
7
C OVER STORY
LAFAYETTE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER
HEALTH IN GENERAL
Pocket EKG —
Don’t Leave Home Without It
LGMC Provides Free Screening for Heart Health
e all carry cards in our pocket or wallet. Lafayette
General’s “pocket EKG” is one card everyone should add
to their collection. The laminated card includes essential
emergency information and cardiac history on one side and the
patient’s baseline EKG graph on the other. In an emergency
situation, having the card can help save time and expense and
may prevent unnecessary testing by providing physicians with a
baseline EKG to compare with a current reading.
W
Monthly heart fairs at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) at Lafayette
General Medical Center (LGMC), and quarterly at LGMC’s Burdin Riehl Center,
provide free EKG screenings for anyone registered.
“The most fundamental test in cardiology is the EKG,” says John Patterson, M.D.,
cardiologist at CIS at Lafayette General. “An EKG reading is best when you
can compare it with a baseline reading.” Dr. Patterson explains that many
EKGs reveal irregular heart rhythms, which may turn out to be normal for
the patient. Having a card with the baseline reading available in the case of a
future medical issue helps the attending physician make better decisions on
health care. “It’s been a surprising number of abnormal EKGs we’re finding in
this process,” he says.
Michael Peebles, M.D., medical director of the LGMC Emergency
Department, has seen how a pocket EKG can help save time. Often, one of
the first things done in the emergency room when a patient complains of
chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack is
to run an EKG. If the test shows an
abnormality, it can often
lead to more invasive
8
WINTER 2013
HEALTH IN GENERAL
testing to determine diagnosis and
treatment. The pocket EKG gives
the physician something to compare
to help determine whether an
abnormality is unusual or normal for
the patient.
“It’s helpful when patients have
as much medical information as
possible,” says Dr. Peebles. “It can
help the attending physician make
decisions more quickly. If the patient
is suffering from any signs of heart
failure, the pocket EKG can provide
an easy way to check the baseline
EKG done at the heart fair against the
current EKG.”
In an emergency, time is critical.
What happens if a patient comes
into the Emergency Department
with no medical information on
them? Dr. Peebles says the staff
will immediately check for medical
history on the patient through the
Lafayette General system. If they are
not on file with LGMC, they will check
with Opelousas General through
a Health Information Exchange
Program tied to LGMC, then with
outside hospitals and/or physicians.
The more information the patient
can provide, the better. This can be
particularly important if health issues
arise when traveling out of state or
out of the country.
Dr. Peebles highly recommends
having a pocket EKG, particularly for
people over 40 and for those who may
have heart problems. The pocket EKG
is offered free at monthly heart fairs.
“The price is right,” he says. “It just
C OVER STORY
LAFAYETTE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER
HEALTH IN GENERAL
takes a little effort on the part of the
patient to get it.”
In its “Guide to Basic
Cardiovascular Testing,” CIS states
that an electrocardiogram is a test
used to record the electrical signals
that control the rhythm of the heart.
An EKG can detect things like current
and past heart attacks, blockages, a
thick heart wall, certain electrolyte
imbalances and even changes that
have been brought on by medications.
The test is painless. While the patient
is sitting, a trained technician places
electrodes on his/her chest and the
machine records the heart rhythm
on graph paper. Afterwards, this
information is recorded and copied
onto a laminated card which is later
mailed to the patient.
The monthly heart fairs at
LGMC began in February 2012 in
conjunction with Heart Month in
America. The Center for Disease
Control states that cardiovascular
disease is the leading cause of
death in the United States, and one
out of four deaths in
Louisiana is due
to heart disease.
The heart fair at
LGMC was initiated
to help promote
cardiovascular health
to the community.
By November 2012,
LGMC performed 679
free screenings at the
monthly fairs, and 146 tests
revealed an abnormal EKG.
At each event, a cardiologist is
on hand to read the EKG on site and
discuss any abnormality with the
patient. In the case of an abnormality,
the cardiologist presents options or
recommendations for follow-up care.
There are about 80 openings for
patients at Saturday heart fairs. People
are encouraged to register ahead to
assure a place. “The efficiency in the
process has been remarkable,” Dr.
Patterson says. At each event, there
are about six EKG machines, each
monitored by a trained technician.
There is a cardiologist present to read
results and several staff members to
help with registration.
The heart fairs have turned out
to be beneficial in several ways.
“The initial idea for the testing was
to promote awareness,” says Dr.
Patterson, “but the testing has proven
it can be life-saving for patients
who have abnormal results. This is
a unique approach to educating the
community on heart health and also
to giving back to the community.”
2013 HEART FAIR SCHEDULE
Monthly heart fairs held at
CIS at Lafayette General office (443 Heymann Blvd.), 3:30-6 p.m.
Jan. 10
Feb. 6
Mar. 14
Apr. 11
May 9
June 13
July 11
Aug. 8
Sept. 12
Oct. 10
Nov. 14
Dec. 12
All dates are the second Thursday of the month with the exception of February.
Saturday heart fairs held at
Lafayette General's Burdin Riehl Center (1211 Coolidge Street), 9 a.m.-noon
Feb. 23
Apr. 27
Call (337) 289-8600 for appointments.
Aug. 24
Oct. 26
FREE EKG exam
FREE pocket
(read by a cardiologist)
EKG card
HEALTH
HEALT
HEA
LTH
H IN GE
GENER
GENERAL
NERAL
AL WIN
WINTER
TER 2013
2013
9
ASK THE NUTRITIONIST
Rosalind Allen, RD, LDN
Confused about how to maintain a healthy diet and a busy lifestyle? Rosalind Allen, RD, LDN, Nutrition
Services Supervisor at Lafayette General, answers questions and gives helpful tips on eating healthier.
Q. What are some tips on cutting salt in your diet, and how
important is this?
A. Too much sodium causes fluid retention which increases
blood volume and requires the heart to pump harder.
Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure, which can
damage the arterial walls and make them vulnerable to
atherosclerosis – thus increasing your risk of a heart attack
or stroke. A small, lasting rise in blood pressure – even within
the healthy range – ups your odds of heart issues.
Current recommendations are to consume less than 2.4
grams (2,400 milligrams) of sodium per day. If you have
high blood pressure, it’s 1,500 milligrams per day. To reduce
sodium in your meal plan, do not salt foods after cooking
and limit your salt in cooking. Limit intake of convenience/
processed type foods, read food labels and aim for fresh
vegetables, fruits and meats. Season with fresh herbs and
spices. Use salt substitutes. Use vinegar, lemon and lime
juice – or try Bragg Nutritional Yeast for a seasoning.
Q. Acadiana loves seafood! What kind of seafood is best to
eat and how often?
A. Fish is widely known as a dietary source of Omega 3
fatty acids, which help decrease the risk of heart attacks
and stroke and may have the benefit of reducing triglyceride
levels.
All fish are a source of Omega 3’s, but some are richer
than others, such as:
Salmon – wild caught
Sardines – Pacific – wild caught
teaching
Mackerel
supermarket
Lake trout
tour, discussing
Oysters – Pacific
healthy food
Perch – freshwater
choices, for
The American Heart Association
the first seven
recommends one to two fish meals
people who call
a week – a 3-4 oz. portion, baked,
(337) 289-8600.
broiled or grilled.
FREE
Unique Gift Shop
National Franchise Comes to Lafayette
T
here’s a new look and style in the
gift shop at Lafayette General
Medical Center (LGMC). Under
new management by Lori’s Gifts, the
updated store offers dynamic new
merchandise, online ordering and
same-day delivery to patient rooms.
Lori’s Gifts is the nation’s leading
operator of hospital gift shops with
over 300 stores
in 36 states. The
company provides
hospitals with a
professionally
operated gift
shop with custom merchandise and
superior customer service. At LGMC,
the gift shop is stocked with unique
items and has an updated appearance.
“The Marc Chantal leather handbags
and jewelry have been a huge hit at
this location,” says Angie Peters, store
manager. “Customers have been
pleased and surprised with the wide
selection of items we carry in addition
to Get Well and baby gifts.” Lori’s Gifts
carries items perfect for brightening
10
WINTER 2013
HEALTH IN GENERAL
the day of a patient in the hospital, from
cancer patients, those recovering from
surgery and new babies, as well as for
personal shopping.
The addition of online shopping is a
convenience that helps those who want
to send a gift to a patient, but may be out
of town or just can’t get to the hospital.
Now it’s easy to shop from home by going
to LafayetteGeneral.com and clicking
the online gift shop button on the
home page. The variety of gifts offered
includes cute and unique balloons, toys
and stuffed animals, flowers, food and
entertainment baskets and more. Orders
are personally delivered to the patient’s
room by hospital volunteers. Most orders
are same day or next day delivery.
Lafayette General’s Ladies Auxiliary,
the “Pink Ladies,” provide volunteer
assistance in the shop. Proceeds from
purchases in the gift shop are reinvested
by the volunteer auxiliary into Lafayette
General and community projects. “We
have 10 gift shop volunteers who assist
us with stocking merchandise, customer
service, ringing up the register and
anything else that needs to be done,”
says Peters. “They are a fantastic group!
We encourage them to focus on the
areas in the gift shop that they enjoy the
most. The whole group is committed to
making sure that our customers have a
great shopping experience.”
The hospital gift shop is located on the
first floor, near the lobby, at Lafayette
General. Hours are Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday,
Sunday and holidays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New volunteers are always welcome.
Whether delivering gifts and cards to
patients or helping gift shop customers
select just the right gift for a loved one,
volunteers are key to the success of the
shopping experience.
For more information, contact
volunteer coordinator services,
(337) 289-7130.
Journey to
Excellence Continues
LGMC to Manage UMC
L
afayette General Medical Center (LGMC) is bringing its
“Journey to Excellence” to University Medical Center
(UMC). An arrangement between the two hospitals
will allow LGMC to lease the facility from the Louisiana
Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and the LSU Health
System and manage health care services for patients there.
Under the signed agreement, LGMC is helping UMC
preserve inpatient, emergency room and outpatient physician
clinic services. Another long-term goal of the agreement is to
strengthen and expand physician training in Lafayette.
The public-private partnership between the two health
systems was announced at a press conference in December
of last year. In the signed agreement with DHH and Louisiana
State University Health Care Services, Lafayette General
will help UMC remain open and avoid additional layoffs that
were planned for January 1st. Through a series of milestone
payments from LGMC to the LSU Health System, UMC will be
able to maintain most services at the current level through
June 30. On July 1st, LGMC will begin management of the
hospital’s services.
LSU approached LGMC about the possibility of a public-
private partnership between the hospitals last year. UMC,
one of seven hospitals under management by the LSU
Health System, was facing severe State budget cuts. LSU
sought help with the charity system after Louisiana’s
Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) was
reduced, leaving UMC without necessary funding to
maintain services. In a series of meetings, representatives
from DHH, LSU and LGMC discussed the health care service
needs at UMC and worked out terms of the agreement.
Representatives at the press conference to announce
the agreement were DHH Secretary Bruce Greenstein,
LSU Executive Vice President Frank Opelka and LGMC
President/CEO David L. Callecod, FACHE, along with
hospital leaders, physicians and Acadiana legislators.
LGMC is recognized by federal and state tax laws as a
501c(3) not-for-profit corporation. Although the hospital
generates money by billing for its health care services, it
does not pay out any revenue to shareholders as for-profits
do. Any net revenue is reinvested into the organization for
new equipment, facilities and technology to better care for
the people served.
Total number of steps it takes
to get from top to bottom of
Lafayette General.
HEALTH IN GENERAL WINTER 2013
11
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION
Test for Life
ю¡£¡ŽŽœ˜ŽŒ¡ŽŽš“š‘“¤£
W
ith March recognized as
Colon Cancer Awareness
Month, Lafayette General
Endoscopy Center (LGEC) encourages
everyone to take the “Test for Life”
with a free home colorectal screening
kit that will be distributed through
18 Acadiana Walgreens stores. The
program has grown from a distribution
of 100 kits in 2008 to 2,500 in 2012. The
home screening tests are easy, discreet
and effective in detecting warning signs
of colon cancer.
Marsha Williamson, RN, nurse
administrator at LGEC, has
spearheaded the home screening kit
program since it began. “The kits are a
great mass-screening tool,” she says.
“It’s a good check for people under 50
who have not had a colonoscopy and
for those who have had a colonoscopy
and are not due for another for 10
years.” Williamson credits Walgreens
and district manager Lee Jones for
helping bring
the campaign
to new levels
by organizing
distribution and
providing ongoing
publicity during the month.
“The biggest problem in colon cancer
awareness is not everybody gets
screened,” says LGEC's Jacque Noel,
M.D. “The easy, hands-free tests check
for unseen blood in the stool, which can
be an indication of other problems. The
kits’ results are mailed back to LGEC.”
As part of the campaign, each physician
at LGEC will also give away a free
colonoscopy in a drawing.
The Test for Life program takes place
in March, but Williamson says, “Every
month is Colon Cancer Awareness
Month for us.” Colon cancer is the
second leading cause of death in the
U.S., and Williamson says it’s the
only cancer that can be prevented
12
WINTER 2013
HEALTH IN GENERAL
through screening. When polyps are
found during a routine colonoscopy,
they are removed by the physician,
preventing the cancer from growing.
She encourages everyone to know the
high risk factors for colon cancer and
to get a colonoscopy, recommended for
those over age 50, age 45 for African
Americans or 40 for those with high
risk factors.
Since 2006, the physicians at
LGEC have been using high definition
endoscopy equipment allowing for
greater field of vision and depth
perception. LGEC physicians can detect
polyps that were not seen on standard
equipment. “When high definition
capability came out, we were the first
in Louisiana to try it,” Williamson says.
During the trial period, LGEC physicians
noticed they were seeing lesions
they had not been able to see before.
Medical Director Stephen Abshire, M.D.,
and Williamson conducted research
to document what they were finding
through high definition and then
published the findings in medical
journals and publications.
“We had a 49 percent increase in
polyp detection with high definition over
the standard,” says Williamson. “Other
medical professionals are now using
our statistics as their benchmark, and
it’s improving the quality of care for
everyone. I feel very fortunate to be
working with our physician owners
and Lafayette General, our corporate
partner. They all share the same belief
in investing in the best technology
available to provide the highest level
of care found anywhere to our patients
here in Acadiana.”
DPS continued from pg. 3
collarbone. Before the procedure,
the neurosurgeon uses an MRI
scan to identify the exact area
within the brain where the electrical
nerves generate the PD symptoms.
Once the system is in place,
electrical impulses are sent from
the neurostimulator up along the
extension wire, to the lead and into
the brain. These impulses interfere
with and block the electrical signals
that cause PD symptoms.
“I had the surgery mainly to stop
the shaking,” recalls Renella, “and
it stopped instantly.” During the
surgical procedure to implant the
stimulator, she was awake and was
able to respond to questions from
Dr. Appley and nurses to help them
make the proper adjustments. “It
was an emotional surgery,” she
says, “but there was no pain. I was
wide awake for the whole thing.
Dr. Appley’s physician assistant was
standing by me and holding my
hand during the surgery, and that
was wonderful.”
Renella was able to go home
the next day following surgery. She
says she feels like she has a little
generator plugged in, and as long
as it keeps going, she’s doing well.
“If I had to do the surgery again, I
would do it again,” she says. “Now
I can do what I want to do, and I can
even go dancing!”
For more information about
DBS surgery, call Acadiana
Neurosurgery at (337) 235-7743.
Clinical Trial continued from pg. 5
is easy for physicians to use, as proven
in trial results.
“CloSys is privileged to be able
to begin this trial at a high profile
institution such as Lafayette General
and to be able to have the device tested
by these highly regarded cardiologists,”
states Gervaise Wilhelm, CEO of
CloSys Corporation. The company is
conducting FDA IDE approved trials
that are ongoing. Once the trials are
completed, the device will be available
for use by all physicians.
Benjamin Doga, M.D.
LGMC BEGINS NEW
WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
L
afayette General’s Bariatric Surgery Center is making
strides in weight loss with strong accreditations
and a Center of Excellence designation. As part of
the mission to help people live healthier lives, LGMC is
now offering a Medically Supervised Weight Loss
Program.
“It’s set up for patients who are overweight
and interested in losing weight but who may
not be candidates for surgery,” says Brooke
Doucet, RN, BSN, Bariatric Program Manager.
“This provides another avenue for people
seeking ways to safely lose weight.” The
program is under the medical supervision
of Benjamin Doga, M.D.
Doucet says the program grew out
of a need to provide something for patients who did not
qualify for surgery, did not have insurance to cover the cost
of surgery, may exceed the weight limit for surgery, or who
are interested in losing 20 to 30 pounds. “We found the need
was great for a program like this,” she says. “We had people
calling and asking about a weight loss program, and hospital
employees were interested.”
The program includes bi-monthly meetings with Dr. Doga,
as well as input from a dietician, behavior modification
educator and exercise physiologist. Meetings are held at
Lafayette General Surgical Hospital. The goal is to help
people make realistic dietary changes in a short amount
of time. Participants will be able to choose a three-month,
six-month or one-year weight loss plan that may include
meal replacement and/or pharmaceuticals to help suppress
appetite. Dr. Doga will evaluate patients to help determine
the best option, and participants will receive support from
staff and professionals throughout the program. “All of our
team members are trained in working with people
who are overweight,” says Doucet.
Statistics show that weight loss programs are
necessary to encourage a healthier lifestyle. The
number of overweight and obese people in the
U.S. increased from 61 percent in 2001 to 68
percent in 2011. In the 2011 obesity report,
12 states, including Louisiana, had obesity
rates above 30 percent. The health
issues caused by obesity include sleep
apnea, diabetes, hypertension and stroke.
With obesity on the rise, health costs are affected both
directly and indirectly. Estimates are that the additional
health care costs associated with obesity average 4 to
9 percent of the total health care expenditures in the
nation. The good news is that weight loss can dramatically
improve health conditions. Current therapy for weight loss
includes lifestyle modifications, pharmacological agents
and behavioral therapy.
“In Louisiana, we celebrate everything with food,” says
Doucet, “and that makes it hard to lose weight and keep
it off.” The Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program at
LGMC is a physician-directed program to help people lose
weight and gain a healthy lifestyle. For more information,
call (337) 289-8484.
'HVVHU W
Chocolate Torte
16 servings
8 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips (11/4 C)
½ C canola oil
1 C granulated sugar + 1 T
½ C whole wheat flour
½ C unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
5 large eggs, beaten (Can use ½ eggs and ½ egg whites)
Powdered sugar
(1) 16 oz. container fresh strawberries sliced
(1) 8 oz. container fresh raspberries
Light whipped topping – optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round springform pan and dust bottom with 1 T granulated sugar.
Place the chocolate chips and oil in a double boiler. Melt chocolate chips on medium heat for about two minutes,
then remove from heat.
Whisk together: sugar, flour and cocoa powder in a large bowl.
Whisk eggs until well blended and add to dry mixture.
Add the melted chocolate slowly to egg and dry mixture.
Pour batter into pan and smooth with spatula.
Bake for 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in center.
Transfer pan to wire rack and cool completely. When cool, remove from pan and dust with
powdered sugar.
Top with strawberries, raspberries and whipped topping.
Per serving: 230 cal, 11 grams fat (3.5 grams saturated,) 28 carbohydrates, 25 mg sodium, 2 grams fiber
HEALTH IN GENERAL WINTER 2013
13
LAFAYETTE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER
HEALTH IN GENERAL
A
A. Shown are participants in the latest Bariatric Fashion Show held at the Hilton Garden Inn on October 27, 2012.
Collectively, these patients lost an amazing 1,514 lbs., for an average loss of 126 lbs. per person.
C
B
B-D. Employees of Lafayette General Health System
enjoy taking part in the Halloween costume contest
and gumbo cook off — a United Way and Lafayette
General Foundation fundraiser by the hospital.
D
E
14
WINTER 2013
HEALTH IN GENERAL
E. The UL Ragin'
Cajun football
team stopped
by LGMC on
December 11
to visit with
patients prior to
leaving town for
the New Orleans
Bowl game.
83'
$7(
'LERKIW9RHIV[E]
Expansion and Renovation Project on Schedule
A
long South College
Rd., motorists will
notice dramatic
changes in the façade of
the hospital facing the
intersection of South
College and Coolidge St.
Construction progress
continues at Lafayette
General Medical Center.
Plans include renovation
and expansion of the
—
Emergency Department, a
trauma elevator from the
helipad to the surgical wing
and Emergency Department, the addition of a new surgical
platform and construction of a six-level parking garage.
The trauma elevator is being built to access the rooftop
helipad and every floor of the 10-story West Tower. “This
trauma elevator will provide the quickest and most direct
access for trauma patients to be transported directly to the
trauma rooms inside the new Emergency Department,”
says Marie Lukaszeski,
project manager. Planning
is critical with construction
that ties into an existing
structure, and care is being
taken not to impact the staff
and patients.
“Most of this project
is new construction, so
there is minimal impact to
existing interior spaces,”
says Lukaszeski. The
parking garage will include
343 parking spaces and
will also house the Central
Plant for the expansion. The garage will be shared by LGMC
and the Heymann Performing Arts and Convention Center.
“We have been fortunate to have engaged a great team
of LGMC staff, physicians, architects, engineers and
contractors to contribute to a really great plan, and we
anticipate all construction will go as scheduled,” she says.
Completion dates are estimated for late summer 2014.
“Most of this project is new
construction, so there is
minimal impact to existing
interior spaces.”
Š¡“Ž¦–Š£¯Ž£–“ထ¡œ”ŽŒ¤˜ŠšŠ‘Ž¡
HEALTH IN GENERAL WINTER 2013
15
I will
always choose
Lafayette General
While jogging in Girard Park one day,
I suddenly collapsed from cardiac
arrest. Deedra Harrington (a nurse
practitioner from Lafayette General)
just happened to be driving by and
stopped to give me CPR while
someone called an ambulance. I had
a stent put into my right coronary
artery at Lafayette General. I don’t
know if people realize how many
lives are saved at a hospital; I didn’t.
My name is Gary Dodson,
and I know what Lafayette
General did for me.
LafayetteGeneral.com
HEALTH IN GENERAL WINTER 2013
16