+ All Categories
Home > Documents > Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest...

Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest...

Date post: 25-May-2018
Category:
Upload: vonhu
View: 218 times
Download: 1 times
Share this document with a friend
16
ways to save your own life 7 SPRING 2017 Diabetes Class Focuses on Healthy Lifestyle New Support Group Helps Stroke Survivors Prayers answered Mountain Spine Care Changes Lives
Transcript
Page 1: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

ways tosave yourown life7

SPRING2017

Diabetes Class Focuses on Healthy Lifestyle

New SupportGroup Helps

Stroke Survivors

Prayers answeredMountain Spine Care Changes Lives

Page 2: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

2 HAYWOOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Ask a DocQ: Is my child at risk for HPV? A: Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) is a very commonsexually transmitted virus –nearly 80 million people orabout 1 in 4 – are currentlyinfected in the U.S. HPV cancause certain cancers inwomen and men. HPVvaccination can prevent mostof the cancers and isrecommended by the CDC at

ages 11 or 12 for girls AND boys. For more info:cdc.gov/HPV

Dr. James Guerriere, Pediatrician, Mountain Pediatric Group

Q: What are therecommendations for pelvicexams now? A: An annual well-womanexam including annual pelvicexamination should begin atage 21. Routine pap smear,by new guidelines, shouldstart at age 21. The AmericanCongress of OB/GYNrecommends annual visitswithout pelvic examination in

adolescents starting between age 13-15. For moreinfo: http://bit.do/acog

Dr. David Kirk, OB-GYN, Haywood Women’s Medical Center

Q: I am 51 years old and acurrent smoker, should I bescreened for lung cancer?A: At this time, lung cancerscreening is recommended(and covered by mostinsurance plans andMedicare) for peoplebetween the age of 55 and80, who have at least a 30-year history of smoking (1pack per day for 30 years, 2

packs per day for 15 years, etc.) and are eithercurrent smokers or have quit in the last 15 years.This is the highest risk group and was found toreceive the most benefit from screening. There iscurrently ongoing research to determine if othergroups may benefit as well — but at this time lungcancer screening is not recommended unless youare in this highest risk group. For more info visitMyHaywoodRegional.com/LungScreening

Dr. Scott Skibo, Pulmonologist, Pulmonary Specialists of WNC

Submit your general health questions at MyHaywoodRegional.com/askthedoc and yourquestion may be answered in an upcoming issue.

Page 3: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

3HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

262 Leroy George DriveClyde · North Carolina 28721

828.456.7311MyHaywoodRegional.com

HEALTHYHAPPENINGS

Volume 1 · Issue 2

On the Cover: Glenn Trent, MD, and William Miller, MD

of Mountain Spine Care.

Contributing Writers: Julie Keiper, Shelby Cannon,

Jon Ostendorff

Creative & Photography: Travis Bumgardner, Micah McClure,

Jon Ostendorff

Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved.

From the CEO

Inside:

4On the Cover:Mountain

Spine CareChanges Lives

6 Haywood Regional Aims to Lower the Amount of Cardiovascular Disease in WNC

7 New Providers on Staff

8 90 Years of Making Our Community Healthier

10 A Stroke Can Strike Anyone

12 Osteoporosis Center Leads in Region

14 Diabetes Class Teaches Healthy Lifestyle

7 Ways to Save Your Own Life 13Early Heart Attack

Care (EHAC) 7

A s we say goodbye to the winter months and usher in the first glimmers of spring, manyare reminded of new beginnings and growth, and I can see that happening directly in ourhospital. I am excited to share with our community a glimpse of

our hospital’s accomplishments.I am proud to say that our hospital continues to grow – in terms of

the number of patients we serve to the scope of service we provide. I ampleased to share that amidst our growth, we have continued to improvethe overall patient experience. In fact, right now, our hospital is rankedin the 92 percentile for patient satisfaction when it comes to emergencycare! This is a testament to the high-quality, safe and compassionate carethat is being delivered daily at Haywood Regional.

This edition of Healthy Happenings offers an overview of our hospi-tal’s long legacy of care with a sneak peek at some of the excitingdevelopments in the works. This year, we will introduce a brand new GICenter and Breast Care Center, expand our behavioral health unit, reno-vate our Emergency Department, introduce hyperbaric wound care and3D mammography, and complete some overall hospital renovations that are designed to betterserve you.

The spring season also offers us all a chance to start anew — start new routines and get moreactive. Haywood Regional wants to help you stay healthy and happy with seven ways to save yourlife this year. In this issue of Healthy Happenings, you’ll learn about small lifestyle changes can havea big impact on your everyday and long term health. Also, you’ll learn about a number of upcom-ing events such as our monthly Talk with a Doc series, Walk with a Doc on Saturdays and SeniorsEat Free nights at the Tourists baseball games. You will also find patient stories about stroke, osteo-porosis, and diabetes in this edition.

On behalf of our team of providers and employees, thank you for choosing our hospital. Welook forward to continually building a legacy of exceptional health care for you and your familyin the years to come. Enjoy spring!

Healthy wishes, Rod Harkleroad, RN, MMHC — Chief Executive Officer

Haywood Regional Medical Center

Rod Harkleroad, CEO

Page 4: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

4 HAYWOOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Mountain Spine Care Changes Lives

T reating patients as if they are fam-ily is a hallmark of the servicethat has made Mountain SpineCare a top practice in Western

North Carolina that cares for patients infive area counties. More than 60 percent ofpatients travel one to two hours to betreated by Glenn Trent, MD and BillMiller, MD – spine surgeons dedicated toproviding a non-operative and operativeapproach in treating acute and chronicspinal conditions.

One patient, Vickie Hoxit, got her startin healthcare as a candy striper volunteer

and has worked as a nurse all over thecountry. She was diagnosed with multiplesclerosis in 2004. But, that didn’t slow herdown until last year, when muscle weak-ness in her spine caused scoliosis to curveher back and led to pain and severe defor-mity. “The more I worked, the worse thecurves got in my spine,” she says. “I wasalmost to the point that I couldn’t walk. Tomyself, I was just horrid looking.” When itbecame so severe that she quit working,she was referred to Mountain Spine Careand Trent took her case.

“He just made me feel so at ease,” she

says. “He told me ‘I don’t know that you’llbe perfectly straight, but I think I can getyou better than what you are.’”

Trent performed a thoracic and lumbarfusion procedure, which took more thansix hours, but had her upright and walkingthe next day. On the fourth day after sur-gery, Hoxit grabbed a walker and startedpacing the halls. Today, her spine isstraight, and she has the energy to enjoylife with her family. “Dr. Trent, he was myprayer answered,” she says.

William “Bill” Blizzard is another patientwith a new lease on life thanks to Mountain

“The more I worked, the worse the curves got in my spine. I was almost tothe point that I couldn’t walk. To myself, I was just horrid looking.

— Vickie Hoxit

Bill Miller, MD and Glenn Trent, MD of Mountain Spine Care.

Page 5: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

5HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

Spine Care. He was working in his green-house near Andrews, NC, when he fell onhis hip. The fall resulted in ongoing pain,but he continually shook it off. Eventhough an X-ray did not show any injury,his orthopedic physician in Murphy, NC,referred him to Miller at Mountain SpineCare. Miller realized it wasn’t a hip prob-lem and identified nerve damage as thecause of the pain in his spine. Dr. Millerperformed a microdiscectomy (surgery toremove portion of a herniated disc) whicheffectively resolved his pain.

Today, Blizzard is back growing elder-berry plants at his greenhouse. He creditsMiller’s skill and the care at HaywoodRegional Medical Center. “I have neverbeen in a hospital as clean and profession-ally staffed as Haywood Regional,” he says.

Miller built Mountain Spine Carefrom the ground up in 2002 after com-pleting his fellowship in spine surgery atOrthoIndy in Indianapolis, Indiana.Trent joined the practice about a year agoafter Miller’s former partner retired. But,the two go way back. Trent was one ofMiller’s mentors during his residency inGreenville, SC. Trent has been a spinesurgeon since 1983. The longstandingrelationship creates a common vision atthe practice. Both doctors believe in treat-ing patients like family. “The team thatwe have, from our fellowship-trained,board-certified physicians to the ORteam, as well as physical therapy and radi-ologists offer top quality orthopaediccare, which is the key to successful treat-ment outcomes,” Miller says.

Miller explains that most spine injuriesand conditions can be effectively treatedthough conservative techniques. However,if surgery is absolutely necessary to ensurea complete recovery, our spine surgeonsare able to offer the latest advancements instate-of-the-art spine surgery to offer areturn back to active living.

Spine ServicesMountain Spine Care provides

total care service, from diagnosisthrough treatment, surgery and re-covery for conditions including:• Stenosis• Scoliosis• Degenerative conditions of the

spine• Spine deformities• Fractures

A complimentary dinner program that features a variety of healthcare providers speaking on health topics of interest to

you. Held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 pm at the Haywood Regional Café. RSVP required: 800.424.DOCS (3627)

Spine Health, June 20; Better Sleep - Better Health, July 18;Sports Medicine for the Weekend Warrior, Aug. 15;

Healthy Aging Panel, Sept. 19; Breast Cancer Panel, Oct. 17;Winning the War on Lung Cancer, Nov. 21

Talk with a Doc

Haywood Regional Medical Center is the proud sponsor of

Seniors Eat FreeEvery Tuesday home game for the Asheville Tourists

Stop by and see us on the concourse before the game!

Page 6: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

6 HAYWOOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Community InvolvementHaywood Regional Aims to Lower the Amount of Cardiovascular Disease in WNC

H aywood Regional Medical Centerrecently became an accreditedChest Pain Center by the Society of

Cardiovascular Patient Care, whichinvolved a rigorous and lengthy evaluationin the ability to assess, diagnose and treatpatients who may be experiencing a heartattack. A part of the top-notch recognitionincludes Haywood Regional engaging inongoing community outreach and educa-tion on heart health.

One outreach program took place duringthe month of February 2017, which is des-ignated as American Heart Month. Thepop-up events “Know Your Numbers —Heart Month Screening”, promoted aware-ness of signs and symptoms of a heartattack, heart health, “Survive – Don’t

Drive” education, and hands-on CPR train-ing. Clinical staff also offered free bodymass index and blood pressure screenings.

“We really enjoyed being able to con-nect with our community outside of thehospital walls,” said Jennifer Robinson,RN, PCCN.

More than 100 people in the commu-nity were screened and provided witheducation during the first wave of events.Those with higher than normal readingsreceived education about risks associatedwith hypertension and were urged to fol-low up with their primary care provider.Information was also given to those with-out a primary care provider to connectthem with one of the many physicians inHaywood County who are accepting new

Accreditation standards Hospitals that have received

SCPC accreditation have achieved ahigher level of expertise in dealingwith patients who arrive with symp-toms of a heart attack. To WesternNorth Carolina, this means thatprocesses are in place that meetstrict criteria aimed at:• Reducing the time from onset of

symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.

• Treating patients more quickly dur-ing the critical window of timewhen the integrity of the heartmuscle can be preserved.

• Monitoring patients when it is notcertain that they are having a heartattack to ensure that they are notsent home too quickly or need-lessly admitted to the hospital.

Page 7: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

7HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

New Providers on Staff

Jody Schmit Certified Nurse Midwife

Scott Skibo MD Pulmonologist

April Whitaker MDPathology

Catherine Li MDPathology

Kristina Spivey Family Nurse Practitioner

These providers are employed by an affiliate ofHaywood Regional Medical Center.

patients. At a screening, one attendee wasshocked to find she had a critically highblood pressure reading. She had no symp-toms, which is very common.

“We want to make a difference by edu-cating people on how to recognize signsand symptoms of a heart attack, and whatto do to get help while also helping themunderstand their own risk factors andwhat they can do to prevent heartdisease,” said Denise Ebert, director,intensive care and progressive care at Hay-wood Regional.

According to the American Heart Asso-ciation, cardiovascular disease is the leadingglobal cause of death, accounting for morethan 17.3 million deaths per year, a numberthat is expected to increase to 23.6 millionby 2030. The Centers of Disease Controland Prevention notes that every 43 secondssomeone in the United Sates has a heart

attack. “Those frightening numbers are why

education in our community is so vital,”said Steven Gore, MD, cardiologist. “Wehope to lower the amount of heart traumasand disease we see in Western North Car-olina.”

Members of the community are screened forheart health by Haywood Regional.

Page 8: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

8 HAYWOOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Page 9: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

9HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

Page 10: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

10 HAYWOOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

A Stroke Can Strike Anyone

I t can happen to anyone. PatrickJohnson’s experience illustrates thatanyone at any age can have a stroke,and that quick treatment prevents

further damage. As a Colonel in the AirForce Reserve, Johnson had just receivedan excellent score on the fitness exam, yetthree days later, he suffered a stroke.Johnson’s wife, Kathie, who is a nurse,called 911 immediately.

He arrived at the emergency room withcomplete left-sided paralysis, facial droop,and slurred speech due to an ischemic

FACE DROOPING

ARM WEAKNESS

SPEECH DIFFICULTY

TIME TO CALL 911

Signs of a StrokeF.A.S.T. is the best way to remember the signs of a stroke!

Page 11: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

11HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

stroke. Ischemic strokes account for the majority of all strokesand occur when a clot blocks a vessel supplying blood to thebrain. Emergency room staff delivered a tissue plasminogenactivator medication, which dissolves blood clots. Many peoplemiss this key brain-saving treatment because they don’t arrive atthe hospital within hours, which is why it’s so important toidentify a stroke and seek treatment immediately for the bestrecovery. Johnson’s stroke recovery began days later with reha-bilitation program.

Speech language pathologists, physical therapists, and occu-pational therapists take a patient-centered approach toindividualized treatment to minimize the damage of stroke.

Rehabilitation may include:• Self-care skills such as feeding, grooming, bathing, toileting

and dressing.• Mobility skills such as transferring, walking or self-propelling

a wheelchair. • Communication skills in speech and language. • Cognitive skills such as memory or problem solving. • Social skills for interacting with other people.

Rehabilitation doesn’t reverse the effects of a stroke. The goalis to build strength, capability, and confidence to continue dailyactivities despite the effects of stroke.

Within months of his successful rehabilitation, Johnsonresumed his lifelong passion of running. He also joined a strokesurvivor group for the social support and connection with oth-ers who have had a stroke and access to additional resources. “Itis a challenge for every survivor and caregiver. We all need somehelp to improve our health and stretch our limits after astroke,” he says. “Now, I’d like to do the same in our commu-nity.” In his role as public health services director for theHaywood County Health & Human Services Agency, he willbe launching a new stroke recovery support group for fellowsurvivors and caregivers in collaboration with the rehab team atHaywood Regional Medical Center.

“As a stroke survivor and a public health professional, I talkabout stroke whenever the opportunity presents because aware-ness saves lives,” he says. “I can’t say I love my stroke residual,but I take every opportunity to speak about it.”

Stroke Support Group• Starts May 16• Meets monthly on the third Tuesday 11 am – 12 pm• Location: Haywood County Health Department

training room• Light refreshments provided• 828.356.2244

May is Stroke Month• Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke• Nearly two million brain cells die each minute a stroke

goes untreated• Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability

Learn more at strokeassociation.org

Every walk is FREE and pre-registration is not required.

For more information, walk locations, and schedule visit:MyHaywoodRegional.com/walkwithadoc

or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/walkwithadochaywood

Join UsSaturdays at 10am

Lake Junaluska Kern Center and Canton Rec Park

Location Varies

Walk with a Doc is a unique, physician-led walkingprogram focused on encouraging physical activity among

patients. Each walk is hosted by a physician speakingabout a health topic of interest.

Page 12: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

12 HAYWOOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Osteoporosis CenterLeads in Region

W hen Christa McMullen wasdiagnosed with osteoporo-sis, she talked to her doctorabout the best ways to man-

age the condition. She connected withservices available through HaywoodRegional Health & Fitness Center, andtoday she credits the support and guidanceof the osteoporosis team with her success.

“It has helped,” she said. “I haveavoided medication so far.”

McMullen now exercises three times aweek. She takes the Bones and Balanceclass, the Zumba class, a spin class, liftsweights, and eats well. “I feel super,” shesaid. “I feel terrific.”

McMullen is one of the many partici-pants who have benefited from the servicesat the Haywood Regional OsteoporosisCenter, a leader in the region for morethan two decades. Since 1992, the centerhas been an advocate for quality bone den-sity testing, and a resource for medical and

community education. Before that time,patients traveled to Atlanta, GA or Char-lotte, NC, for bone density testing.

The center is the only facility in theregion that has added a new technologycalled Trabecular Bone Score (TBS). Itallows caregivers to evaluate the amount ofbone and the structure or “architecture” ofthe bone, which is a key component ofbone strength. TBS is calculated at thetime of bone density testing.

Bone Connections is one of the uniqueprograms offered by the team at the osteo-porosis center. Beginning with a doctorreferral and a physical therapy evaluation,the course is an interactive program in twosessions offered on Monday afternoons.The course focuses on general osteoporosisknowledge, dietary guidance, the role ofmedications, and the critical importance ofphysical activity and safe movement.

Balance skills are critical to fall and frac-ture prevention. Matter of Balance, an

evidence based program, helps individualswith poor balance gain confidence andmake wise decisions to reduce the risk offalling. Back by popular demand, this pro-gram also begins with a doctor referral andphysical therapy evaluation, followed by an8-week free course taught by certifiedinstructors.

Learn more:• Talk to your doctor about

screening for osteoporosis and osteopenia, and your risk for developing the disease.

• If you already have a diagnosis,ask your doctor to refer you to theosteoporosis center programs atHaywood Regional.

• Schedule an appointment with aphysical therapist to evaluate yourbalance and strength.

Haywood Regional Health & Fit-ness Center also offers and encour-ages participation in the manyongoing fitness classes for osteo-porosis patients or patients whohave a high risk of falling, including:• Tai Chi: improves balance and pre-

vents falls.• Bones and Balance: combination

of low-impact weight-bearing ex-ercises, balance and gentle full-body strengthening exercises.

• Yoga for Osteoporosis: yoga pos-tures adapted specifically forthose seeking to prevent or man-age osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Participant, Christa McMullen, center, uses exercise to control osteoporosis.

Page 13: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

13HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

7 Ways to Save Your Own Life By Emily Watson, PA-C

Get screened – Be proactiveand invest in your health. Havean annual exam with your pri-mary doctor and have those

regular screening tests done like colono-scopies, mammograms, bone densityscans, blood pressure and cholesterolchecks, etc. These can help prevent dis-eases before they have a chance to begin.

Maintain a healthy weight –If you are overweight orobese, you are at higher riskof developing serious health

problems including heart disease, highblood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, breath-ing problems, and certain cancers. Mak-ing small lifestyle changes such ascutting out soft drinks, increasing yoursteps by parking farther away, and stay-ing hydrated can make a big differencein your overall health. Plus, a healthyweight helps you feel good about your-self and gives you more energy to enjoylife.

Eat a healthy diet and stayactive – It’s crucial to fuel ourbody with the proper nutri-ents to stay healthy. A few tips

to keep in mind: eat in color, read labels,eat smaller portion sizes, order lunch sizeswhile dining out, and find healthier alter-natives such as low-fat yogurt instead ofsour cream. And, with spring time finallyhere, it is a perfect time to embrace get-ting outside to be active — try going hik-ing, biking, or swimming to stay active.The American Heart Association suggestsbeing active at least 30 minutes a day,five times a week.

Get your recommended vac-cinations – Protect yourselfagainst preventable diseases.Adults need immunizations

too! While some, like the flu vaccine, areannual, others are one-time only or mayrequire boosters. Ask your doctor what isrecommended for you.

Get the recommendedamount of sleep – Over halfof all American adults do notget the recommended

amount of sleep, which is at least sevenhours for adults between the ages of 18-60, according to the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention. Insufficient sleephas been shown to lead to serious healthissues such as high blood pressure, car-

diovascular disease, depression, andweight gain.

Wash up – Sounds so simple,but maybe that’s why it’s nottaken as seriously. Washingyour hands regularly, espe-

cially for children, can help prevent infec-tious diseases. Since so many infectionsare transmitted by touch, simply washingthose ten fingers can be vital in protect-ing yourself.

Invest in “me time” –Whether it’s a day of fishing, ayoga class, or reading a newbook, investing in those mo-

ments of pleasure can help you be morepositive, happy, and healthy overall.

1

2

34

5

6

7

Emily Watson, PA-C

Page 14: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

14 HAYWOOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Haywood Regional Diabetes Class Teaches Healthy Lifestyle

G ary Lepak’s book of numberstells the story. His blood sugaris detailed in handwrittennotes: 204, 257, 280. He flips

through to recent days and proudly rattlesoff the new numbers: 85, 83, 75. Lepaklost 29 pounds in a little more than amonth after starting a diabetes coursethrough Haywood Regional Medical Cen-ter. He cut his insulin intake in half. Hiswife, Lynn Lepak, has lost enough weightthat she’s going to avoid a total kneereplacement. Her blood sugar has beennormal since she started the class the first

of February.“I feel great,” she says. “I’ve lost weight,

and my knees feel better.” The Lepaks are among the many success

stories coming out of the Diabetes Self-Management Education course at HaywoodRegional Medical Center. The program iscovered by most private insurance andMedicare, and classes are held at HaywoodRegional Health & Fitness Center.

“The program teaches participants howto manage diabetes through lifestylechanges,” says Lauren Teague, diabeteseducator and registered dietitian. Many

patients are worried the program will meandrastic changes. But, like the Lepaks, theysoon learn Teague is on their side andready to meet them where they are in life.

“They always think I’m going to taketheir food away from them,” she says witha laugh. “I’m not going to take their foodaway from them. It’s all about moderationand how we can make it work in theirlives.”

Teague says diabetes is an extremelydangerous disease, which destroys the bodyif left untreated. Eye complications canresult in lost vision. Neuropathy in the feet

Page 15: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

15HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

and hands can result in amputations. Thekidneys can also suffer damage resulting in

dialysis treatment.Diabetes increasesthe risk of heart dis-ease and even gumdisease. Widespreadnerve damage cancause problems withother parts of thebody like the diges-tive system.Lifestyle and dietare the top causes ofType 2 diabetes.Diabetes is a forever

diagnosis, but proper treatment can lead toremission of the disease.

Haywood Regional’s program is a certi-fied American Diabetes Association course,which means it follows rigorous guidelines.It includes an initial assessment and basicmeal planning. Participants then get eight

hours of a group class on monitoring thedisease, short-term and long-term compli-cations, medication management,nutrition, stress management, and exercise.

“They get a full overview,” Teague says.“It’s not just food. We are going to come atit from every angle.”

At the end, participants get an hour-long follow up with Teague to review theirindividualized meal plan.

“I try to meet them where they are,” shesays. “I tend to barter a little bit. I’ll giveyou a little bit of potatoes if you’ll give mea little bit of broccoli.”

Some find the change difficult but oth-ers, like those who have been to theemergency room, are usually committedwhen they walk in the door. The Lepakssay they don’t miss fast food. They lovecutting down on medications and avoidingsurgery.

“You get used to it,” Gary Lepak says.“If you put your mind to it, it’s fine.”

Diabetes Signs and Symptoms

Some people don’t realize theyare diabetic until they end up in theemergency room. If you experienceany of these warning signs andsymptoms, talk to your physicianabout getting tested:• Urinating often • Feeling very thirsty • Feeling very hungry - even though

you are eating • Extreme fatigue • Blurry vision • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal • Weight loss - even though you are

eating more (Type 1) • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the

hands/feet (Type 2) See more at: diabetes.org

Lauren Teague, diabetes educator and dietitian

“I feel great. I’ve lost weight, and my knees feel better.” — Lynn Lepak

Gary Lepak stands with his wife, Lynn Lepak, while showing his blood sugar log book at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center.

Page 16: Prayers answered - Haywood Regional Medical Centermyhaywoodregional.com/Content/Uploads/MedWest Haywood...HEALTHY HAPPENINGS 3 262 Leroy George Drive Clyde · North Carolina 28721

262 Leroy George Drive · Clyde, NC 28721828.456.7311 · MyHaywoodRegional.com

Residential Customer

This facility and its affiliates comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.ATENCIÓN: si habla español tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-828-456-7311.

注意:如果您使用繁體中文,您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-828-456-7311。

We have outstanding career opportunities available:

• staff nurses• certified nursing assistants• medical office assistants• ed techs• coders/abstractors• evs-housekeeping• food and nutrition• massage therapists• radiologic techs• physician assistants/family

practitionersTo apply online and for additional employment opportunities, please visit our website: BENEFITS INCLUDE: Medical | Dental | Vision | Life Insurance (one year salary at no cost) | 401K (25% matching up to 6%) | Discountson Health and Fitness Center (Employee & family) | Paid Time Off(accruals effective immediately)

WE’RE HIRING

MyHaywoodRegional.com262 Leroy George Dr. | Clyde, NC

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDWaynesville, NC

Permit #19ECRWSS


Recommended