Hospital News - 1st Quarter 2008

Prevent Colon Cancer
by Joseph E. Ronaghan, MD, FACS

March 7, 2008 - March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and this is a good time to review some facts about colon cancer, and alert you to some measures you take to possibly decrease your risk of developing this disease.

Approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States annually. Of these cases, approximately 100,000 will be colon cancer, and 50,000 will be rectal cancers.

Approximately 60,000 cancer deaths annually are due to colorectal cancer, and this represents 10 percent of all cancer deaths annually in the U.S.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the U.S.

It is the second most common cancer among African-American women, and the third most common among African-American men.

It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic/Latino men and women combined.

African-Americans have the highest death rate from colon cancer of any ethnic/racial group in the U.S.

What are the risk factors for development of colon cancer?

The first risk factor is AGE. The colon cancer risk increases with age and more than 90 percent of cases are diagnosed in patients over age 50.

The next risk factor is FAMILY HISTORY. A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or genetic predisposition to familial polyposis, Gardner’s Syndrome and other genetic conditions increases the risk of development of colorectal cancer.

Another risk is RACE. African-Americans have the highest colon cancer rates and the highest rate of death from the disease.

Other additional risk factors include SMOKING, EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL, OBESITY, PHYSICAL INACTIVITY, DIET HIGH IN FAT/RED MEAT, AND A DIET LOW IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

Early colon cancer is often asymptomatic, but can be detected by currently available screening tests. As the disease progresses, however, symptoms will develop. Those who develop any of the following symptoms should seek medical advice should be sought immediately by those who develop ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:

1. Change in bowel habits
2. Feeling the need for a bowel movement despite having completed one
3. Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool
4. Cramping or aching discomfort in the abdomen
5. Decreased appetite
6. Weakness and fatigue
7. Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)

How is colon cancer best detected?

Most commonly, this is accomplished utilizing colonoscopy, which uses a flexible lighted camera to internally examine the colon. This is recommended to first be done at age 50, and if negative, be repeated every five years (more frequently if polyps or other disorders are identified.

Surgeons, gastroenterologists and some family practitioners perform this test. If colonoscopy is not possible or available, an x-ray called an air contrast barium enema can be performed.

Treatment of colon cancer most commonly utilizes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy. More and more surgeons are using minimally invasive techniques to speed recovery. When detected early, these treatments can obtain 5-year survival rates of 90 percent.

In order to minimize your risk of colon cancer, one should eat a high fiber diet, minimize red meat and alcohol, minimize high fat intake and maintain moderate exercize and limit weight gain. Obtain colon cancer screening exams when appropriate and see you physician sooner rather than later should you have questions.

Your family doctor can arrange for a colon screening at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. You can also find more information from the American Cancer Society or by going to the Hunt Memorial Hospital District online Health Library.

Information for this article was provided by Joseph E. Ronaghan, MD, FACS, a general surgeon at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Be sure to watch for the opening date of HMHD’s new cancer treatment center at PHG.

 

Thinking Pink

February 28, 2008 - It was "Think Pink" time at the Texas A&M-Commerce Field House on February 16 as Hunt Memorial Hospital District joined the University in a fund-raising effort to help find a cure for cancer.

The hospitals of Greenville and Commerce provided 100 T-shirts to be sold and worn during the women's and men's basketball games.

A total of $1,000 was raised for the effort. Pictured are both cheerleaders and players wearing the shirts.

        

West Wing nears completion
by Richard Carter

February 25, 2008 - When we first started construction on the West Wing, one of the early visible signs of work was the huge concrete “box” rising out of the ground that would become the vault in the cancer treatment center.

The walls ranged from three to eight feet in thickness, and it seemed it was forever before it was completed. It was almost as if construction began booming after that “centerpiece” was finished.

Now that seems like only yesterday, but it was, in fact, a year ago. It’s hard to believe, but earlier this week the linear accelerator that will be placed in the middle of the vault arrived – a total of 38,000 pounds of it. The equipment came in many pieces and is now in the process of being installed inside that vault which was designed to contain the radiation that will be used to treat cancer patients.

There are miles of cables coming up through the thick concrete floor that will ultimately be hooked up to the accelerator. Two technicians are now on the job putting all the pieces together. That includes an entire computer system with server that will be used to operate the accelerator and produce results.

We’ve talked about the accelerator in the past. It is state-of-the-art technology, offering some of the most advanced clinical capabilities in the industry. Its speed, accuracy and therefore improved comfort level are not to be matched, according to the accelerator’s maker, Varian Medical Systems.

While we insist on offering our patients only the best in treatment, we also have seriously considered the “softer” side of treatment, committed to making them as comfortable as can possibly be expected. To this end, our HMHD Foundation raised funds for an overhead illuminated photo muray of Texas Hill County bluebonnets. Instead of staring at a blank wall or ceiling, the patient will be enjoying some of the loveliest scenery Texas has to offer. And, those in what we call the chemotherapy infusion room, will also be able to enjoy, through the same photography, a rural scene from the Texas hills.

I can’t tell you how many thousands of miles people have had to drive between here and the Metroplex or other treatment centers for their radiation therapy. But, in just a few months they will be able to stay here in Greenville, avoiding the long, costly and often uncomfortable commute.

In May, will be holding a grand opening for the new West Wing, when we will unveil the Lou and Jack Finney Cancer Center, the new Intensive Care Unit on the second floor and the two new patient floors, as well as the expansions and improvements to the existing building. First, we will introduce our employees to the structure, and then a public open house will be planned.

We are really getting excited as the time nears. I’m sure if you have visited us in the last couple of weeks you are aware of all the noisy work going on in the lobby. For the inconveniences, we do apologize, but only with great anticipation that we will be able to offer our Hunt County and area citizens the best health care available.

Carter is chief executive officer of the Hunt Memorial Hospital District.

Dr. Usman named VistaCare head

February 19, 2008 – VistaCare of Greenville welcomed Dr. Asim Usman as its new medical director with a reception at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Dr. Usman is a hospitalist at PHG and was recently named Physician of the Year.

Pictured with Dr. Usman are Darlene Jeschke, executive director of VistaCare, and Michael Delany, Greenville director.

Healthy Heart Fair

February 19, 2008 – To highlight Heart Health Month, celebrated in February, PHG held a public health fair. Residents could get their blood pressure, glucose, body fat and cholesterol checked by PHG volunteers.

At left, Ron Wensel, chairman of the Hunt Memorial Hospital District board of directors, gets his cholesterol checked by Lisa Hill.

 

 

At right, Sharon Fain explains to a family how body fat is measured. Some 100 people came through the health fair that was sponsored by the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.

 

It's a ZOO out there!

February 19, 2008 - Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville has been gearing up for inspections by the Joint Commission on Healthcare Standards with a clever review of clinical knowledge of its employees.

For two days IT WAS A ZOO on the mezzanine of the second floor as department directors dressed as wild animals to test the employees as to policies and procedures.

Included in the fun was Administrator Mike Klepin dressed as a lion (above).

At right Andrew Hardin, a registrar in the Emergency Department, signs in as he prepares to take over as the kangaroo. Bambi Pish, director of Nursing Administration, looks on.

Dr. Hamid named Physician of the Quarter

January 23, 2008 - Dr. Syed Hamid, who joined the Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville family in 2005 as a hospitalist, has been selected Physician of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2007.

In his nominations, Dr. Hamid was cited not only for his medical skills and bedside manner, but also for his work with both professional and support staff on the medical floors.

“His very compassionate with families and spends a lot of time with them addressing their questions and needs ... He is open to discussing any needs with the staff as well … He has a positive attitude with the nurses and other staff … He is always willing to answer questions and teach when needed … He is enjoyable to work with….” the nominations read.

Dr. Hamid completed his medical education and internship at Aga Khan University in Pakistan, which is where he met his wife, Dr. Erum Akhtar, who is also a hospitalist at PHG. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. He is board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Most recently, he has served as chairman of the Utilization Management/Medical Records Committee at PHG.

He had his own practice in Fort Smith, Ark., when his medical school classmate Dr. Asim Usman convinced him to “come to Texas” and join the hospitalist group at PHG.

As a hospitalist, Dr. Hamid is one of six hospital-based acute care specialists who focuses on a patient’s care from the time of admission to the time of discharge. He works with the patient’s primary care physician in regards to treatment protocol. The hospitalists work in shifts covering around-the-clock hours at the hospital and do not have their own practices and do not see patients outside the hospital.

Dr. Hamid and his wife make their home in Heath and are the parents of a 10-year-old son, Ramis, who is described by his obviously proud father as quite talented in both academics and athletics.

The family enjoys camping and Dr. Hamid sings and plays the keyboard.

Dr. Hamid and Dr. Akhtar came to America 16 years ago from Karachi, Pakistan, where his parents still live. As far as he is concerned, however, “There is no country like the U.S.A.”

HMHD's online Health Library offers cold weather tips

January 23, 2008 - It's the dead of winter and that means people are spending a lot of time just trying to stay warm. That brings many dangers as we recently saw during the many storms across the country.

The HMHD website's health library has valuable information on topics such as hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other cold weather topics.

There is also specific information on issues such as how to be prepared for cold weather emergencies and how you can help protect your family both before and after a storm.

These topics can all be found by using the A-Z Topics list in your health library.

Computer charting is no game for nurses
by Amber Pompa

January 23, 2008 - For Gina Winters and the rest of the nursing staff at Presbyterian Hospitals of Greenville and Commerce, using computers is no game.

“I guess their (the patients’) perception is that so many of us are sitting in the same place -- each at a different terminal -- so we must be playing on the computer,” Winters said. “I don’t think they understand how much goes into updating a chart. You have order entry, we use the computer to track lab values, to read notes from other disciplines like from pharmacy and physical therapy.

Often, say some hospital officials and the public, the growing use of the computer seems colder and a bit detached from patient care.

Winters, a registered nurse at the Hunt Memorial Hospital District, is anything but cold. In fact, her face, hair, and smile all seem to reflect the sun’s light, which is a welcome treat amid all the overhead lighting.

“It’s not a new system to me. It’s been in place since I’ve been here, so to me it’s not a new system,” said Winters as she was finishing a busy Friday shift at PHG. “I’ve done paper charting as a student, but I think that computer charting is far superior to paper charting, because as soon as you put it in and file it, it is immediately available to the staff and physicians who care for the patients -- and it’s legible.”

The computer screens are turned in such a way so that unauthorized viewers cannot see the information displayed on screen. This is done because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, better known as HIPAA passed by Congress in 1996, which has provisions that protect patient privacy.

“The doctors can use them from home, so as we’re updating the patient’s chart, the physician can be reviewing it. As you file things they can be monitoring patients from their home or office, and if they need to address a situation they can call and give the orders.”

“We just don’t do much paper charting anymore,” she said. “You can’t stop progression. It is to the public’s benefit to have things that are typed into a computer system that is more readily available.”

Winters was born and reared in Greenville, and has been with the HMHD for five years. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Tech. Upon receipt of her degree she joined the licensed vocational nurses and registered nurses on the fourth floor of Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville.

“I started out as an LVN. I worked for Dr. (Peter) Gray for two years -- he’s a local doctor here in Family Practice and Geriatric Medicine -- and I really enjoyed working there,” Winters said. “I learned a whole lot and I wanted to further my education, so I went back to nursing school and got my bachelor’s.”

After working at HMHD for only 12 months, she says she was pleasantly surprised at the communication, both verbal and what wasn’t said, between co-workers.

“We function so well as a team that we almost don’t have to give directions to each other,” Winters said of her fellow nurses. “That has been the best thing about this job; working with people who function so well as a team.”

Pompa is a Texas A&M Commerce intern in the Development and Communications Department of Hunt Memorial Hospital District.

Being prepared

January 23, 2008 - Representatives from the Hunt Memorial Hospital District were on hand recently for a county-wide meeting on pandemic preparedness by county, city, emergency rescue, first responders and other agencies who would be involved in emergency and disaster situations that might hit the county.

Seated at back are David Denman, facilities manager of Presbyterian Hospital of Commerce, and Stuart Pritchard, Laboratory Director of Presbyterian Hospitals of Greenville and Commerce, and in the front, Kim Mulder, PHG Emergency Department director, and Bret Freeman, Trauma director and interim Emergency Medical Service director at PHG.

New Horizons Health Fair

January 18, 2008 - New Horizons, the Greenville ISD's alternative school, hosted an HMHD health fair for students today. Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville staff were also on hand for blood pressure and body fat tests, to explain infection control measures and to check cholesterol and glucose.

 

At left, Kim Mulder, Emergency Department director at PHG, offers some personal safety tips to New Horizons students.

 

 

 

At right, Bret Freeman, Trauma Center director at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville, talks to students at New Horizon School about infant seat safety during a health fair Friday at the Houston campus of GISD.

 

Up in smoke

January 18, 2008 - Josh Pennington of Greenville tosses what he has pledged will be his last package of cigarettes into a bin at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville Friday as part of the smoking cessation program of the American Cancer Society campaign.

Pennington said he was quitting in order to be a better role model for his son, Matthew, who is eight months old.

The Hunt County Chapter of the ACS, Hunt Memorial Hospital District and McGaughey’s Medicine Chest teamed up for the event. Pennington also picked up one of some 300 available patch kits full of help to wean people away from tobacco products.

Dozens of cigarette packs were collected during the four-hour stretch, making ACS volunteers Vickie Ward, Renea Decker and Karen Chitwood very pleased.

A team effort

January 2, 2008 - Members of the Greenville High School varsity volleyball team on Wednesday, delivered dozens of stuffed animals to the Emergency Room at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville to give to youngsters seen in the ER.

Pictured with the team at back right are Emergency Department Director Kim Mulder and ER staff member Patrick Harrison.

The coach is JoAnna Vaden.

Board tours new west wing

January 2, 2008 - Zach Wilson, left, and Ron Wensel, right, listen to Jim Conway, project manager for Beck Construction as he explains details of construction on the
cancer center in the new west wing of Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville.

Members of the board of directors toured the first three floors of the expansion project. Wilson is PHG project manager and Wensel is president of the board of directors of HMHD.

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