Supporting your body, mind and spirit

spring 2011

ExpEriEncE

Breath of Fresh Air Don’t let allergies keep you from enjoying springpAgE 4

WHAT INSPIRES GROWTHThe same motivation that leads us to grow can inspire you, too2

GARDENING 101raised beds are an easy way to grow produce and herbs3 SINuS RElIEF NOW

Donna Hastie finds a sinus solution after years of pain6

The Growing Season

VoicE of ExpEriEncE

Share Your

Experience with

a Friend

Know someone else who would

enjoy receiving the valuable healthy

living information in Experience?

Visit parkridgehealth.org/

experience-magazine to

sign them up for their own frEE

subscription!

What has always amazed me about spring is the fact that I can smell it before it arrives. Those first scents of new life and freshness are always worth the winter wait. Visually, the rich shades of green and brilliant budding colors help to celebrate this time of renewal and new growth.

Our Park Ridge family has been very blessed to experience incredible growth this past year, both within our organization as well as in our community. We have added many exceptional physicians, established two new Centers of Excellence (The Park Ridge Center for Pelvic Health and the Park Ridge Sinus Center), and we continue to expand our community outreach programs. We are excited to continue this expansion, which has a positive impact on the health of our community.

And it is the health of our community that continues to inspire us to grow. In this issue of Experience, we share how you can take advantage of this season of renewal to continue to find enjoyment in wellness. You’ll learn how to make gardening an important

part of your family’s activity and diet, and how best to enjoy the outdoors without the aggravation of sinus and allergy challenges.

I hope you will enjoy this spring season as much as I always do, and will find the time to put health and wellness at the top of your family’s goals for this year. Remember that to experience growth we must often first dig deep within ourselves to find that seed of inspiration.

Together in health, Jimm Bunch President & CEO Park Ridge Health

Adding to our exceptional physician staff and establishing two Centers of Excellence were among Park Ridge Health’s new developments this year.

2 park ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

Measure Our Growth Park Ridge Health has experienced a period of tremendous growth as we’ve moved into our second century of service to the community of Western North Carolina. Here’s a sampling:

In the past five years, Park Ridge Health has invested more than $55 million in capital improvements toward the health of our community, by expanding to provide a larger ER, advanced imaging and lab departments, and a modern 20-bed outpatient surgery center.

55

Get Out and GrowFruits and veggies and herbs, oh my! Yes, you can easily garden at home, with a little creativity. Read on to learn more

Share Your Garden Photospost a photo by May 13 of your spring garden on our facebook page at facebook.com/parkridgehealth and one lucky person will win a $25 gift certificate to Home Depot to ensure a bountiful growing season.

3park ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

It’s that time of year again. The sun is shining and the flowers are beginning to bloom—spring has arrived. Now is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and embrace the beauty of the outdoors during springtime.So get out and garden!There are many advantages to gardening. It’s an activity

that the whole family can enjoy, offers great exercise and nutritional benefits, and even helps save money on trips to the grocery store.

“Gardening is a perfect family activity that everyone can enjoy, while watching the fruits of their labor grow into something to be proud of,” says Adam Sutton, R.N., with Park Ridge Wellness.

If traditional gardening is too strenuous for you and your family, Adam recommends an easier approach to growing delicious fruits, vegetables or herbs.

“Raised bed gardening consists of a box plot with your choice of soil, seed and structure. It offers the same benefits of traditional gardening, plus a longer growing season and less stress on your knees and back,” he says. “This contemporary way of gardening is ideal for families and seniors with minimal access to gardening space. You can even use your front porch.”

This spring, no matter if you choose to plant a raised bed garden or take over your entire backyard, your family will enjoy delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables—while planting the seed of wellness.

The Park Ridge Health team has grown to include more than 1,100 members, caring for more than 250,000 people in Western North Carolina in 2010.

1,100 In 2010, 551 babies were welcomed into the world at The Baby Place at Park Ridge.

551 Park Ridge Health’s Kid Power program taught 564 kids about the building blocks for a healthy lifestyle in 2010.

5644 park ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

s spring approaches, nearly every plant will begin to flower, sending

pollen into the air and your sinuses on a path to irritability. Although many of us look

forward to the joy of getting outside after a long winter and enjoying the sunshine, we dread the itchy, running nose and sinus issues that such activity provokes.

“More than 30 million people regularly suffer from sinusitis, or sinus infections, each year,” says Michael Stalford, M.D., an ear, nose and throat physician with the Park Ridge Sinus Center, “but a large number of them just deal with it, rather than seeking treatment.” Consequently, during the spring season, those of us who do suffer from sinus issues expect problems beginning with the very first budding tree.

A Successful ProcedureNo one knows that better than Terry Morris of Horse Shoe, N.C. “Anytime allergy season rolled around, my left eye would water, tear up, and itch horribly,” he says. “I tried nose sprays, eyedrops, medications, allergy shots.

Nothing seemed to work. Finally, I went to see Dr. Stalford, where I was diagnosed

with a deviated septum.” The result of a bone spur,

Terry’s sinus cavity was blocked, preventing drainage and causing

substantial discomfort. After

BreatheEven if you have allergies, you can enjoy the outdoors by knowing your options

AEasy

sinus surgery with Dr. Stalford, the blockage was completely cleared up and the sinus could drain again.

Terry reflects on how his life has changed since visiting Park Ridge: “My quality of life has definitely improved. I don’t have to dread allergy season anymore!”

Know Your OptionsBut, what steps can be taken to help prevent a few of the unwanted side effects of a Western North Carolina spring? Here are some suggestions:

Keep the outdoors out. “When you go outdoors to hike, play a game of golf or even just step out to grab the mail, all of those airborne allergy triggers are all around you and settling on your hair and clothes,” says Michael Neuenschwander, M.D., of the Park Ridge Sinus Center. “When you return back indoors, be sure to shower, at least before bed, and put on a fresh shirt. This way the

allergen particles that have collected on your hair and clothing won’t be a factor when you’re indoors.”

See a specialist. Symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis, or sinus infection, can be rather unpleasant. They may include headaches or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheeks, or on one side of the head, cough, fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion. When symptoms become too overwhelming, despite the use of generally prescribed medications, your primary doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. The specialist will determine the best course of treatment, which may include prolonged medication therapy or surgery to open the sinus passageways.

Learn the benefits of new technology. For those who have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and may not be responding to medication therapy, an innovative procedure called Balloon Sinuplasty may be your best option. Approved by the FDA, the procedure is both minimally invasive and designed to open blocked sinus passages, restoring normal sinus drainage. See sidebar for more information.

For those who are considering such options, its important to know that while surgery will not cure allergies or eliminate the need for allergy medication, it can help select patients get better control of nasal and sinus symptoms such as congestion, chronic or recurring infections and obstruction. 

More than 20,000 people chose our conveniently located ER for fast, exceptional care. Guests received care from our board-certified physicians in an average of less than 30 minutes!

1,012 preschool kids in a tri-county area were provided with free developmental screenings through Park Ridge Health’s PREP program.

1,012

Discover Your Treatment Options

Join us for a frEE presentation

on Balloon sinuplasty and

other treatments, Thursday,

April 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at

the Hilton in Biltmore park.

call 855.prH.LiFE to make a

reservation today!

20,000

StEp 1: To gain initial sinus access, the sinus guide catheter is introduced into the nasal cavity to target the sinus passage under endoscopic visualization. Then, the sinus guide wire is introduced through the catheter and is gently advanced into the target sinus.

StEp 2: The sinus balloon catheter is introduced over the sinus guide wire and positioned across the blocked passage. The position of the balloon catheter is confirmed, then it is gradually inflated to open and refashion the narrowed passage.

StEp 3: The catheter balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the nasal passage open, allowing the return of sinus drainage with little to no disruption to mucosal lining.

Should You Consider Balloon Sinuplasty?This innovative procedure is a minimally invasive option that’s designed to open blocked sinus passages, restoring normal sinus drainage.

the BenefitsSafe and effective. Clinical research and testing have indicated Balloon Sinuplasty to be safe and effective in improving symptoms of sinusitis.

Minimally invasive. Small, soft, flexible devices enter entirely through the nostrils and gently open blocked sinus openings, and in many cases without tissue or bone removal.

An improved experience. Because in many cases no tissue or bone is removed, there is little bleeding associated with the procedure.

Quick recovery time. While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can quickly return to normal activities.

Does not limit treatment options. The procedure may be used with other medical therapies or sinus surgery techniques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have a progressive disease.

illustra

tion

s: Ac

cla

ren

t

5park ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

A three-Step process

in My ExpEriEncE

For Donna Hastie, the annual return of spring was not her most eagerly anticipated time of year. During the past 30 years, Donna, a retired physicist and professor at Harvard

University, experienced what is most commonly known as chronic sinusitis.

Years in Discomfort“On average, I would experience three to four sinus infections a year,” Donna says. Her discomfort growing with each year, she tried everything from antibiotics to steroidal nasal sprays, which ceased to resolve the problem and only added to her discomfort. Desperate to overcome her chronic sinusitis, Donna underwent multiple procedures from 1999 to 2004 in hopes that something might help. But her symptoms returned, leaving Donna to struggle yet again with her chronic sinusitis.

A Glimmer of HopeUpon referral to Michael Neuenschwander, M.D.,

a board-certified ear, nose and throat surgeon with Park Ridge Health, a CT scan showed extensive congestion within one of Donna’s sinus passages. To alleviate this congestion, Dr. Neuenschwander suggested she undergo a Balloon Sinuplasty—a groundbreaking,

minimally invasive procedure that remodels the nasal passage and promotes healthy drainage.

Initially, Donna was skeptical. “In the past, I was threatened by more radical procedures that

didn’t necessarily provide any permanent solution to my problem,” she says. Unnerved by her previous experiences with surgery, Donna wanted more information.

“I was concerned initially because it was a new procedure,” she says. “However, I was given a lot of literature, and Dr. Neuenschwander walked me through the process, step by step. This was so much better than the past, more invasive, options I had faced.”

A New DayWith the aid of Dr. Neuenschwander and the team at Park Ridge Health, Donna is now enjoying a congestion-free life after receiving the procedure last spring. “Life is much more pleasant right now,” she says.

It’s easy to hear the relief in her voice, as she continues to breathe freely for the first time in 30 years. “I have not had a sinus infection since I had the procedure.”

The comfort Donna felt during her stay at Park Ridge also helped to ease her concerns. “Everyone at Park Ridge delivered a great experience. From the warm greeting I received at the door to the much-appreciated chaplain’s visit, my husband and I both knew I was in good hands.”

An accomplished academic, Donna now has sinus health that parallels her vibrant professional career, and she is finally able to enjoy the quality of life she truly deserves. 

An innovative new procedure provides solace for a reflective mind

Clearing Her Head

Get The Relief

You Deserve

Discover more about the ear, nose

and throat services and procedures

available at park ridge Health. Visit

parkridgehealth.org,

click “physicians and services,”

and then “Ear, nose

and Throat.”

For five years, retired physicist Donna Hastie had tried various sinusitis treatments. She finally found relief with a procedure called Balloon Sinuplasty.

I was given a lot of literature. My doctor walked me through the process, step by step.

6 park ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

Wellness ClassesPark Ridge Health Wellness Classes are free and open to the public and take place in the Duke Conference Room at Park Ridge Health. No reservations are required.

Engaging Kids in Healthy EatingHave you asked yourself, “How do I get my kids to make healthy changes with me?” It isn’t easy to make

changes, but Jodi Grabowski, MACP, wellness coordinator, is here to help. Join her for a moti-vational presentation bound to help you help your kids!

High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Weight Gain Through DeafnessJeremy Pettit, PA-C, wellness department director, will reveal how

the body communicates when it’s hungry and when it’s full. It is through this complex system of chemical communication that high-fructose corn syrup essentially makes the body deaf to critical signals, resulting in weight gain. He’ll discuss the effects of high-fructose corn syrup and help you learn how to consume less of it.

Mythbuster: Eating Healthy Doesn’t Have to Be ExpensiveJulie Palmer, Park Ridge wellness educator, will bust the myth that eating healthfully is expensive. She

will share reasons why this isn’t true, and show you how anyone can eat healthfully on a budget with some simple guidelines.

Park Ridge Baby Place ClassesFor more information or to register, please call 828.681.BABY or visit parkridgebabies.com.

Childbirth Class—One-Day OptionApril 11, May 9 or June 39 a.m.–4 p.m.$90 per coupleEager to learn but juggling a frantic schedule? We offer a one-day childbirth class, with the same interactive format and comprehensive topics as our four-week series. Moms and dads

will also receive a special tour of The Baby Place, where they will welcome their baby into the world. Please bring three pillows and a baby doll or stuffed animal to class.

Celebrate Pregnancy— Weekend Option April 16 or May 218 a.m.–noon$99 per couple (with massage)*/$65 per couple (class only)Pregnancy is a time to relax, reflect and prepare mentally, physically and spiritually for the transition to motherhood. A shortened version of our regular childbirth class, with an exciting twist covering important events leading up to birth to labor techniques and labor support. Lots of laughter and fun as you learn what you need to know for the big day. Please bring three pillows and a blanket to class. *This class also includes a ($65 value) massage voucher with the $99 fee.

Wellness on Wheels (W.O.W.) ScreeningsThe W.O.W. bus travels throughout Buncombe and Henderson counties to provide free and low-cost health screenings. No appointment required. For a complete calendar of upcoming locations, please visit the Events Calendar on parkridgehealth.org.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Noon

Suffering from Sinus Issues?Join Michael Stalford, M.D., and Michael Neuenschwander, M.D., for a free pre-sentation discussing the causes of sinus discomfort and possible treatment options—including the innovative Balloon Sinuplasty procedure. Refreshments will be served.

Please call 855.prH.LiFE to reserve your space for this exciting opportunity.

thursday, April 146–8 p.m.Hilton—Biltmore park

FREE!

Register Nowfor a complete park ridge Health event calendar and detailed event information, visit parkridgehealth.org or call 855.prH.LiFE.

7park ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

cALEnDAr oF EvEntS spring 2011

non-profit org.U.s. posTAgE

pAiDpermit no. 62columbus Wi

park ridge Health100 Hospital Drive Hendersonville, nc 28792

HO

WARD GAP ROAD

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

HENDERSONCOUNTY

BUNCOMBECOUNTY

HENDERSONVILLE

HENDERSONCOUNTY

BUNCOMBECOUNTY

ASHEVILLE

ASHEVILLEREGIONALAIRPORT

MILLS RIVER

FLETCHER

BILTMORE FOREST

LONGSHOALS RD.

EXIT40

EXIT37

WAYNESVILLE

EXIT44EXIT44

SOUTHEASTERNSPORTS MEDICINE

SOUTHEASTERNSPORTS MEDICINE

LAUREL PARK

SOUTHEASTERNSPORTS MEDICINE

PARK RIDGESERVICES

SOUTHEASTERN SPORTS MEDICINE

AIR

MILLLS RIVER EXITEXITEXIT444444

EXIT44 Naples Road

Gas station

Auto sales

Emergency Department

visit us: off interstate 26, exit 44on the Web:parkridgehealth.orgcall us:828.684.8501

park ridge Health100 Hospital Drive Hendersonville, nc 28792

Experience editor Jennifer D. perez

Connect with Us! Do you have a question about Experience magazine? Is there something you’d like to see in future issues? Share your thoughts by contacting editor@parkridgehealth.org.

facebook.com/parkridgehealth

twitter.com/parkridgehealth