Karen Bouwman, RN – Cancer Wellness Navigator

Health for Life is a publication of Piedmont HenrySpring 2013 piedmonthenry.org

Staying the Course

In this issue it's all about

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Health for Life, Spring 2013. Published quarterly by

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for accuracy to the best of the publisher’s ability.

No responsibility is accepted for deletions, omissions,

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Urgent Care or ER?

Piedmont Henry FoundationBuilding on a Firm Foundation Page 12

Piedmont Henry NEWS Page 15

Special thanks to the staff of the Piedmont Henry Emergency Department and Urgent Care Center for allowing us to take time from your busy day to take pictures and share your story. Page 4

Spring 2013

In this issue it's all about

Urgent Care or ER?

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Karen Bouwman, RN Piedmont Henry Cancer Wellness Navigator Page 8

Piedmont Henry FoundationBuilding on a Firm Foundation Page 12

Piedmont Henry NEWS Page 15

avigating Your Healthcare

It’s 4:00 p.m.on a Saturday, and your son is complaining that his shoulder hurts after a rough soccer game. You know he’s in pain and are unsure of the severity, but can’t schedule an appointment with his pediatrician until Monday. So what’s your best option?

You could always choose to take him to the Emergency Department – or you could try Piedmont Henry’s Urgent Care Center in McDonough.

“Sometimes your doctor’s office is closed when you need to see someone, or you can’t get an appointment soon enough,” says Jay Connelly, RN, BSN, director of Emergency Services at Piedmont Henry Hospital. “If you’re dealing with something you would normally see your primary

URGENT CARE or ERcare physician (or pediatrician) for and you aren’t able to see him, urgent care could be a good option.”

Problems such as colds, sinus infections, sore throats, sprains or strains, minor lacerations and earaches are ideal for treating in an urgent care setting.

“We try to help patients learn how to get to the most appropriate setting for their care,” Connelly says. “You can certainly come to the ER if you feel like you need

emergent care because that’s what we’re here for. Just understand that if you come to the ER with a sinus infection or sprain, other patients who are in more critical condition will be the priority.” Certain symptoms or illnesses should point you to the ER instead of urgent care, says James Barlow, M.D., medical director of Piedmont Henry’s Emergency Department.

“Life threatening or unstable conditions such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, changes in vision, or significant bleeding should always be treated in the ER,” he says.

“Loss of consciousness, head trauma, or severe abdominal pain with bleeding also need immediate attention.”

Choosing Your Best Care

“If you ever feel like you need emergent care, come to the hospital. That’s what we’re here for.” ~ Jay Connelly, RN, BSN

ER

UC

UC

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Health for Life Spring 2013 | page 5

Piedmont Henry Hospital treats approximately 240 patients each day in the ER, for a total of 80-85,000 patients per year.

“That’s an exponential increase over the last five years,” Connelly says.

“We’re setting records every month.”

The hospital has implemented several changes to accommodate the higher number of patients. One improvement is the addition of a “fast track” area.

“We set aside 10 beds in the ER for minor care patients when the Urgent Care Center is closed,” Connelly explains. “Physician assistants (PAs) and non-physician practitioners (NPPs) staff the area. It’s one of our highlight units because it gives us the ability to care for these patients quicker than we might have in a typical ER setting.”

Another improvement focuses on patients who need to be admitted to the hospital.

“Sometimes we had delays in getting patients transferred from the ER to a room,” Connelly says. “Now we have an admissions area just for that situation. Patients can be admitted more quickly, which creates more space for patients waiting to be seen in the ER. It’s a win/win.”

“There are so many other ways we can improve things to better serve our patients,” Dr. Barlow adds. Another example includes having a dedicated

Choosing Your Best Care

“We’ve had such a dramatic increase in volume that we really needed to address some things. We’re not just a little county hospital anymore.” ~ James Barlow, M.D.

ER

ERER

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hospitalist helping cover the ER during peak hours to expedite treatment.

Even with the improvements in place, Connelly and Dr. Barlow stress that some ER processes will remain the same.

“Every patient who comes to the ER is evaluated, and we treat patients based on the level of care 100 percent of the time,” Connelly says. “The patients who are more seriously ill or injured will be seen first, even if a less ill patient has been waiting longer.”

“Having to wait can be frustrating for patients, and it’s frustrating for us, too,” Connelly adds. “We want people to get the care they need as quickly as they can. They can help us – and help themselves – by knowing when they need emergency care and when they could possibly get treated just as well, but sooner, through urgent care.” •

ER

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Life threatening or unstable conditions such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, changes in vision, or significant bleeding should always be treated in the ER. ~ James Barlow, M.D.

“ “

URGENT CARE or ER

UC

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Health for Life Spring 2013 | page 7

Piedmont Henry Hospital’s Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Piedmont Urgent Care Center is located at 101 Regency Park Drive, Suite 100, in McDonough. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 8 p.m. Phone 678-604-4000 for information.

If you’ve ever wondered whether an illness merits a trip to the Emergency Department or

could be handled in an Urgent Care Center, keep this for future reference. Urgent Care or ER:

Which Do You Choose?

Go to the Emergency Room: Staff in an ER can treat any illness, but is especially equipped to deal with serious or life-threatening conditions.

Examples include: • Chest pain (especially with shortness of breath or sweating) • Neurological symptoms (weakness on one side of the body, confusion, numbness or tingling) • Blurred vision or an inability to see • Severe abdominal pain in conjunction with fever or vomiting • Head trauma• Loss of consciousness • Significant bleeding of any type

Try the Urgent Care Center: Urgent care is designed to treat illnesses or injuries that aren’t life-threatening, but do need medical attention.

Examples include: • Sprains or strains• Earaches • Sore throats • Fever • Colds or sinus infections • Minor burns or lacerations (cuts)

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When Karen Bouwman, RN, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2005, she found that all her years of medical experience didn’t give her the one thing she wanted most: someone to personally help her walk through the journey.

“I understood medical terms and other things, but dealing with cancer is such an involved process,” she says. “Wanting someone who could help me through that time was a big thing for me.”

After completing her treatments, Bouwman took it upon herself to fill that void for other cancer patients. She offered advice, support, and a listening ear to family members or friends during their journeys.

Navigating to WELLNESS

“ Everyone needs a cancer navigator so they don’t have to go through this alone.” ~ Karen Bouwman, RN

CANCER WELLNESS

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Now she serves as that resource and support person at Piedmont Henry Hospital. Patients have access to free programs and services – and an understanding liaison in Bouwman – through Cancer Wellness at Piedmont. These programs are possible because of a million-dollar personal donation by former Equifax chairman and CEO Thomas F. Chapman and his wife Karen.

Chapman, who lost his first wife to cancer in 2003, supported the initial development of Cancer Wellness

at Piedmont in memory of his wife and the challenges she experienced as a patient.

“Our family knows the benefits of navigation and cancer

wellness programming, and want to ensure that

patients and families battling cancer have access to these vital services,” Chapman said in a statement announcing his donation. “To have our gift touch all the

communities that Piedmont Healthcare

serves is very gratifying.”

The Chapman donation allowed Piedmont Henry to

hire Bouwman in 2012 as a cancer navigator. Her goal is to build on the

cancer support programs that were already in place, making the situation more bearable for patients and their loved ones.

“Basically, I’m an advocate for patients as they go through treatment and recovery,” she says. “I meet with patients and share information to help them understand their diagnosis. I follow up with them after surgery and check in with them every two weeks during their radiation treatments.”

Health for Life Spring 2013 | page 9

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“I try to visit patients when they come to our radiation center.I’ll just stop in to

say ‘hi,’ to let them know that we care how they’re doing.”

A patient’s connection with Bouwman doesn’t end with their treatments, however. She stays in contact with them every few weeks through their recovery.

“Education leads to less fear, which helps you feel more in control of things,” Bouwman explains. “I do whatever I can to relieve stress for our patients throughout their journey because that helps them deal with things better.”

Piedmont Henry’s program currently includes cooking demonstrations and monthly support group meetings.

“People who are going through chemotherapy or radiation can’t eat like ‘regular’ people,” Bouwman says. “There are certain foods they should be eating, and others they should stay away from to avoid mouth sores. We bring in chefs to teach patients and their families all about those kinds of things.”

Patients can meet with one of Piedmont Henry’s dietitians to discuss concerns or map out personal eating plans.

Patients also have the opportunity to help shape Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Henry. Bouwman asks what they’d like to include, so she can tailor the program to our local residents. Future additions could include relaxation and stress reduction classes, exercise groups, social events, or more. Other Piedmont Healthcare hospitals offer a wide range of programs that patients from any area can attend.

“Just because you’re going through treatment at Henry doesn’t mean you can only come to Henry for help,” Bouwman says. “If you want to join an exercise group at Fayette or an art class in Atlanta, that’s fine.”

That partnership between Piedmont Healthcare hospitals is what makes programs such as Cancer Wellness possible.

“I really hope that as many people as possible take advantage of Cancer Wellness,” Bouwman says. “When you eat the right foods and feel better, it makes a difference in how well you do with treatments. I know, because I’ve been in that position myself.”

Karen with breast cancer survivor, Dora Castro.

“Being a breast cancer survivor really helps the patients relate to me. They feel safe letting their guard down with me.” ~ Karen Bouwman, RN

CANCER WELLNESS N

Health for Life Spring 2013 | page 11

“Everything is provided free, so patients have

all the resources they need,” she adds.

“They just need to get involved and let us

help them, because no one needs to go

through a journey of cancer alone.” •Cancer Wellness Facts & Resources Cancer Wellness at Piedmont is

the region’s leader in providing

comprehensive cancer services and

programs. All programs are free and

are open to anyone affected by any

type of cancer, during any phase of

his or her journey.

Patients can join Cancer Wellness

classes or activities at any Piedmont

Healthcare facility.

To register for cooking demonstration

classes or to learn more about the

Cancer Wellness Program at Piedmont

Henry Hospital, call the Education

Department at 678-604-1040.

To learn about Cancer Wellness at other

Piedmont Healthcare facilities, visit

piedmont.org/cancerwellness.

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Building on a Firm Foundation

The people of Henry County have watched their hospital go through many changes since Henry General Hospital first

opened its doors on July 9, 1979.

One thing has remained constant, however: the hospital Foundation was in place to raise money

before the first patient even was admitted, and continues its supportive work today.

“Even though we’re part of the Piedmont Healthcare family now, we’re not forgetting

our roots and our past,” says Vickie Loper, chair of the Piedmont Henry Foundation

Council and a representative for Piedmont Henry on the Piedmont Healthcare Foundation Board. “We’re still a not-for-profit community hospital, and still need fundraising and philanthropy. That’s why the Foundation is here.”

“The Foundation helps raise money for projects that wouldn’t necessarily be funded other ways,” explains Mendal Bouknight, president of the Piedmont Healthcare Foundation. “Individuals and businesses work with the Foundation to raise money in the community where they live and work – and that money stays in the community.”

One example of the Foundation’s work is Piedmont Henry’s Education Center. “It was made possible because of donations through the Foundation,” Loper says. “It’s a wonderful place for classes, support groups, and other community activities.”

“People get a sense of pride when they see their contributions going to something like that,” Bouknight adds. “This is their hospital in their community, it is a pillar in the community and they want to see it do well.”

Families continue to be invited to participate in a memorial service when the Foundation receives donations in a loved one’s memory. Plans for the annual Garden Party – the Foundation’s premier event – also are underway. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 4 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“The Foundation staff does the beginning legwork, but the committee volunteers keep it going,” Loper says. “AMS Club One really is the showcase venue for Henry County. We’ve had the Garden Party there twice in the past, and are glad to have the opportunity to go back.”

FOUNDATION

The Giving Tree Health for Life Spring 2013 | page 13

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Did you know?Being part of the Piedmont Healthcare family offers benefits that an individual hospital might never see. The Thomas F. Chapman family donation to Cancer Wellness at Piedmont (through the Piedmont Healthcare Foundation) has now reached Henry County and expanded the hospital’s services to cancer patients. Mr. Chapman, an Atlanta native, is the retired president and CEO of EQUIFAX. See “Navigating to Wellness” at piedmont.org/cancerwellness to learn more.

Employees of Piedmont Henry Hospital have given generously to the Foundation over the years. Because of their strong belief in supporting their hospital, Piedmont Henry employees have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for new equipment purchases including an AngioJet device used to treat blood clots, training mannequins which simulate “real” health conditions and treatment reactions as well as lift equipment that makes moving a patient easier for hospital staff and more comfortable for the patient.

Funds raised through the Garden Party will be directed to the priorities for cancer programs at Piedmont Henry.

“It’s great to have the connection with Piedmont Healthcare because it opens up resources and helps us attain things we might not have otherwise,” Loper says. “But we still want to stay a community hospital with a small-town feel. Many of the same people who have been involved with the Foundation in years past are still here. And everything we do is still for Henry County.”

“The citizens of Henry County have a vested interest in their community hospital. Through the Foundation, everyone has the opportunity to give back and make a difference,” Bouknight says. “The real impact of philanthropy comes when an individual or family commits its own resources to something they believe in. When people step up and make that commitment, their community thrives.”

“Find something you’re passionate about with the hospital,” Bouknight says.

“Contribute to it, get involved, make it yours. We’ll all benefit.” •

Vickie Loper

Mendal Bouknight

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“No gift to the Foundation is too small. There are many levels for donations, and every dollar is much appreciated.” ~Vickie Loper

FOUNDATION

PIEDMONT HENRY HOSPITAL News

Health for Life Spring 2013 | page 15

The 2013 Garden PartyFor more than three decades, the Henry County community has supported and given generously to the Foundation at Piedmont Henry Hospital through its annual Garden Party. In the beginning the parties were held on the lawns of people’s homes around Henry County, hence the name Garden Party. Quickly earning the reputation as the “premiere” event in Henry County, the Garden Party grew in size to what it is today – an evening event with hundreds attending. Proceeds from each Garden Party are used to support the needs of Piedmont Henry Hospital through its Foundation.

This year’s Garden Party is Saturday, May 4 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Tickets are $125 and are limited. They can be purchased at donate.piedmont.org/gardenparty.

Sustaining Excellence in Care Prevention and early detection are critical components to beating heart disease and stroke, both leading causes of death in the United States. Recently, Piedmont Henry Hospital earned another three-year accreditation in two screening capabilities from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC): nuclear medicine and vascular testing.

IAC accreditation means Piedmont Henry has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The IAC grants accreditation only to facilities found to be providing high quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review.

Tobacco-free campusBecause we care about our community’s health and providing a safe, healing environment for our patients, Piedmont Henry Hospital is a Tobacco-free campus.

DONATE LIFE Become an organ and tissue donorApril 18 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Piedmont Henry Hospital

LUNG DISEASE SEMINARLearn about chronic lung diseases & treatment options April 23 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Piedmont Henry Hospital

FRESH START4-week course on smoking cessationMay 7, 14, 21 and 285:30 p.m. at Piedmont Henry Hospital

BLOOD PRESSURE & STROKE RISK ASSESSMENT Know your numbers May 9 and 23 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Wal-mart on Hudson Bridge Road in Stockbridge

HEARTSAVER CPR & FIRST AIDLearn CPR, use of an AED, and first aid for adults and children June 7 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Piedmont Henry Hospital

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To learn more about, or register for, these and other classes & events at Piedmont Henry Hospital, visit piedmonthenry.org.

Continuing theTradition

Upcoming Events

Honorary Chair of the 2013 Garden Party STEVE BARTKOWSKI

Former Falcons Quarterback

1133 Eagle's Landing Parkway • Stockbridge, Georgia 30281

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT # 7

STOCKBRIDGE, GA

Support Groups

Classes and Services For more information about classes, please call 678.604.1040.

Al-AnonMeets every Wednesday and Saturday in the Foundation Education Center, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ala TeenMeets every Wednesday in the Foundation Education Center, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Alcoholics AnonymousMeets every Wednesday and Saturday in the Foundation Education Center, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Henry Offers support to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Meets in the Foundation Education Center. Dates and times vary. Please call 678-604-1040 for information.

Cancer Wellness Cooking DemonstrationDesigned to help patients battling cancer Eat Smart, Feel Better, Cook Less.The cooking demonstrations are held in the hospital’s Foundation Education Center.They are intended for cancer patients and one guest. Call Piedmont Henry’s Community Education department at 678-604-1040 for more information.

Diabetes Support Group Meets third Tuesday of each month in the Foundation Education Center at 6 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 678-604-5106 for more information.

Fibromyalgia Support Group Meets Last Thursday of each month in the Foundation Education Center, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Georgia Losing for Life Weight Loss SupportMeets second Saturday of each month in the Foundation Education Center, 11 a.m. to noon.

Grief RecoveryCall 678-604-1054 forregistration, dates and times.

Hearts of HenryA support group for anyone with Heart Disease. Meets first Thursday of each month in the Foundation Education Center, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 678-575-7746 for more information.

LaLeche League Provides education, information, support and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. Meets second Thursday each month, 6:30 p.m. in the 4th Floor North Tower Conference Room.

Lupus SupportMeets second Saturday of each month in the Foundation Education Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Narcotics AnonymousMeets every Friday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Foundation Education Center, and every Sunday in the Executive Dining Room, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Overeaters AnonymousMeets every Saturday in the Foundation Education Center, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Post-Partum SupportTelephone support provided to new mothers and family members. Call 678-209-4739.

Rachel’s GiftInfant BereavementSupport GroupFor Parents, Families and Friends who have experienced a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.Meets second Thursday of each month in the Foundation Education Center, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.Call 770-320-7059 for more information.

Sisters By ChoiceFor women diagnosed with breast cancer. Meets second Tuesday of each month in the Foundation Education Center at 7:30 p.m.

CPR and First AidRescue techniques are taught by the American Heart Association guidelines. Call 678-604-1040 to register.

Diabetes Self-ManagementTwo-day classes are held each month.

Evening Seminar SeriesLung Disease Seminar is an annual program that provides patients and families with the most current information on prevention and treatment.

First StepsOffers emotional support, current parenting information, community resources and follow up contacts to parents of newborns. The program also offers telephone follow up for the baby’s first three to six months. Call 770-507-9900 for more information or to volunteer.

Get Moving AgainFor hip and knee surgery patients. Meets the last Saturday of the month.

Southern Crescent Parents of MultiplesMeets fourth Thursday of each month in the Foundation Education Center, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Southside Weight Loss Surgery GroupMeets fourth Tuesday of each month in the Foundation Education Center, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Stroke ResourcesCall 678-604-1040 for more information.

WomenHeartMeets first Tuesday of each month in the Foundation Education Center, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Call 678-575-7746 for more information. This group is open to men and women.

Health FairsFree screenings are offered for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, bone density, prostate and many other services.

Look Good Feel Better This program is designed to help women undergoing cancer treatment to regain self-confidence and control over their lives. Meets at Henry Radiation Oncology Center monthly from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 770-631-0625 for dates and to register.

Planning for your Final HealthcareLearn how you and your family can discuss and plan in advance for health care at the end of life. Call 678-604-1054 for more information.

Pregnancy and Infant Care Class for Teen MomsClasses offered twice a year to pregnant teenagers age 12 to 19 years old. Call 678-604-4896 for more information.

Tours for New Parents & Siblings Tours of Piedmont Henry Hospital’s Women’s Center are offered to new parents and siblings throughout the year. Visit piedmonthenry.org/classes/prevention for more information on dates, timesand to register.

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