The Healthy
w w w. Ke n t u c k y R i v e r M C . c o m • W i n t e r 2 0 1 3
Advantagefrom your friends at KentucKy river medical center
chad French Chief Executive Officer
Dear frienDs,It’s natural to form a lasting impres-
sion about your local hospital and
caregivers during a hospital stay.
At Kentucky River Medical Center (KRMC),
every employee works hard to make each
patient feel comfortable during his or her
time away from home. A significant part
of this effort is a practice called hourly
rounding.
During these rounds, a patient’s care
team establishes a schedule for each
patient to be visited by a nurse. The nature
of the visit may be to administer medi-
cation, make sure the patient is resting
comfortably or simply check in to see if a
patient or family member has questions,
concerns or special requests. When a care-
giver comes to a patient room for clinical
hourly rounding, he or she will ask the
patient about his or her comfort and pain
level, help the patient move or change posi-
tions and assist with any trips to the bath-
room. They’ll also make sure the patient
has easy access to necessities, such as the
phone, bedside table, water or other bever-
ages, personal items, the call light, the uri-
nal or bedpan and the wastebasket.
Through hourly rounding, KRMC
nurses proactively meet the needs of our
patients. In theory, a patient shouldn’t feel
the need to use the call button because
our care team has already anticipated and
Our promise to you met any needs or requests.
This hourly assessment means that
during a stay at KRMC, a patient can
expect to be visited by a nurse at scheduled
times—approximately every hour during
the day, and every two hours during the
night. We’re dedicated to anticipating the
individual patient’s personal needs and
actively monitoring his or her well-being so
that family and friends can help their loved
one focus on recovery. Rounding is an extra
touch point with the patient to improve
communication, assess the patient’s needs
and strive to provide quality care.
Everyone from hospital leaders to non-
clinical staff participates in daily rounds
to attend to patient needs and to get
patient feedback on how we can continue
to improve the care and services we offer.
Our experience has shown that clinical
hourly rounding decreases patients’ anxi-
ety and promotes confidence and trust
in their caregivers. Most importantly, it
promotes better continuity in patient care,
fewer health complications and better
recovery for our patients.
Best wishes,
Chad FrenchChief Executive OfficerKentucky River Medical Center
so many services
to learn more about health care services available at KrmC,
visit www.Kentucky rivermc.com and
choose “our services.”
Page 4
Women and heart disease
Page 2
Tired of not sleeping?
Page 6
enhanced imaging
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Heartburn relief
70krm2 Winter 2013 • www.KentuckyRiverMC.com
Kentucky River Sleep Center provides
our patients effective care and treat-
ment for sleep difficulties. What we
say, what we do and how we do it con-
tribute to the care and satisfaction of our
patients, their families and their doctors.
We strive to be recognized by our
market as an industry leader, providing
patient care in our service area. Our goal
is to provide excellent service to each
patient in accordance with our mission
to provide unsurpassed quality care. We
strive to exceed expectations and improve
patients’ quality of life.
Team commitment and integrity are
the forces driving our services. Therefore,
we strive to support, as sleep profes-
sionals, the standards of practice as
defined by the American Academy of Sleep
Medicine and The Joint Commission.
Common sleep disorders Sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially
life-threatening breathing disorder
characterized by brief interruptions of
breathing during sleep. Most patients with
sleep apnea snore loudly and are very
sleepy during the day.
Narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a chronic
sleep disorder characterized by exces-
sive or overwhelming daytime tiredness,
even after an adequate amount of sleep.
Other symptoms include the sudden loss
of strength in the muscles, sleep paralysis
and hallucinations occurring while falling
asleep or upon waking up.
Restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syn-
drome is a sleep disorder in which a per-
son experiences unpleasant sensations in
the legs described as creeping, crawling,
tingling, pulling or pain. These sensations
usually occur in the calf area but may be
felt anywhere from the thigh to the ankle.
Restless legs can make it very difficult to
fall asleep.
Periodic limb movement. Periodic limb
movement is a disorder that is character-
ized by repetitive movements, typically in
the lower limbs, that occur about every 20
to 40 seconds. The limb movements can
disrupt sleep and cause severe daytime
sleepiness.
Catch some zzzsKentucky River Sleep Center
sleep soundly tonight
to schedule an appointment, call Linda anderson, sleep Center
Coordinator, at (606) 205-9027 or fax a Kentucky river sleep Center physician order
form to (606) 666-6102.
Krmc Sleep center north Jackson Plaza
12 Howell LaneJackson, Ky 41339(Located behind the
first national Bank of Jackson and the Jackson
Post office)(606) 205-9027www.Kentucky rivermc.com
During a sleep study, patients stay overnight in a private, hotel-like room.
70krm 3Winter 2013 • www.KentuckyRiverMC.com
a beautiful and comfortable
environment specially designed to diagnose sleep disorders awaits patients at Kentucky river sleep Center.
The dangers of sleep apneaSleep apnea is a medical disorder that
causes a person to stop breathing for
periods of time during sleep. Breathing
usually stops repeatedly, dozens to hun-
dreds of times a night. Each time, the
patient stops breathing for 10 seconds
or more, then suddenly gasps for air.
Between each gasp and the next time
breathing stops, the patient usually
snores loudly.
Sleep apnea is a serious health and
safety risk. Being tired can affect every
part of a patient’s life. Sleep apnea can be
linked to other serious health problems,
such as:
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• stroke
Catch some zzzsKentucky River Sleep Center
Sleep studiesKentucky River Sleep Center performs
sleep studies to aid in the identifica-
tion and treatment of sleep apnea and
other sleep disorders. During a study, the
patient stays all night in a modern, com-
fortable room similar to your bedroom
at home. Advanced equipment moni-
tors and records the person’s reac-
tion to sleep, including:
• brain waves
• breathing
• eye movement
• heart rate
• muscle activity
• oxygen level
The right treatment can help patients
sleep better, have more energy, enjoy
better health and get more out of life.
70krm4 Winter 2013 • www.KentuckyRiverMC.com
Women are 15 percent more
likely than men to die of a heart attack.—american HearT
associaTion
When most of us think of a heart
attack victim, chances are, we pic-
ture a man. However, a woman’s risk
of having a heart attack is actually higher
than a man’s, and heart attacks are the
leading cause of death among women.
Cardiovascular disease is the
No. 1 killer of women over age 40,
and the risk rises with age. Despite
this evidence, just 34 percent of
women in a 2000 national American
Heart Association survey correctly
named heart disease as a leading
cause of death—and only 8 percent could
identify it as their No. 1 health threat.
Traditionally, men have gotten a bad
rap for their reluctance to visit the doctor,
and the stereotype of the negligent male
patient and the more health-conscious
wife, daughter or girlfriend endures.
However, the rate of heart disease and
related risk factors is actually increasing
in women. There are many reasons for this
disparity.
Atypical symptomsHeart attack symptoms for women can be
different than those that typically occur in
Caring for her heartHeart disease prevalent among women
By ariF Omar, m.d., cardiOlOgiSt
70krm 5Winter 2013 • www.KentuckyRiverMC.com
each year, more than 400,000 women in the united states die
of heart disease— approximately one
death every minute.—american HearT
associaTion
men, and women often
dismiss these symp-
toms as being a sign
of stress, a panic
attack or fatigue.
(See sidebar, “Heart
attack symptoms for
women.”)
Biological factorsCertain biological factors
that only affect women carry a
certain degree of heart disease risk.
Health occurrences during a woman’s pregnancy—once thought to have no
significant bearing on a woman’s long-
term health—now have been determined
to be contributing risk factors for heart
problems. A woman who develops
preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced
hypertension), gestational diabetes or
high blood pressure during pregnancy
increases her risk for glucose intolerance,
obesity, diabetes and hypertension later
in life—all risk factors for heart disease.
In fact, according to the National Heart,
Lung and Blood Institute, 80 percent of
women ages 40 to 60 have at least one risk
factor for heart disease.
Menopause is also thought to contribute
to elevated heart disease risk, because in
addition to the drop in estrogen produc-
tion, post-menopausal women also expe-
rience changes in the walls of the blood
vessels (making it easier for plaque and
blood clots to form), a drop in HDL (good)
cholesterol and an increase in LDL (bad)
cholesterol and an increase in the level of
fibrinogen in the blood, a substance that
makes it easier for the blood to clot.
The structure of a woman’s heart makes
women more susceptible to certain heart
conditions, and women often have a more
difficult recovery, post-heart attack. Dr. Omar is a member of the medical staff at Kentucky River Medical Center.
Be heart smart
Visit www.Kentucky rivermc.com to learn more about
heart disease, assess your risk and gain valuable preventive tips including some
heart-healthy recipes. Choose the “Health
resources” link, “interactive tools” and
“Quizzes” to access nearly 100 health quizzes pertaining
to heart health, including a Heart
Quiz for Women only. for healthy recipes,
choose “Health resources,” “Healthy
Living,” “nutrition” and “Healthy recipes,” for a searchable database
of recipes.
meet with Dr. omar
dr. omar practices at Kentucky river Heart
Center, which is located in Lakeview medical
Clinic beside Kentucky river medical Center.
Kentucky river heart center424 Jett drive
Jackson, Ky 41339 (606) 693-4830
Recent studies have
shown that a type of
heart disease known
as coronary micro-
vascular disease
(MVD), which affects
the heart’s smallest
arteries, is more com-
mon in women. And,
standard tests for coro-
nary heart disease don’t
always detect MVD in women,
according to the National Heart,
Lung and Blood Institute. This means
women once thought to be at lower risk
for heart disease may have actually gone
undiagnosed.
Finally, women are more likely than men to suffer depression following a heart
attack and are less successful at adopt-
ing new—and healthier—lifestyle habits.
Therefore, their risk of a repeat heart
attack is higher.
Heart attack symptoms for womenTraditional symptoms chest pain pain down the left arm
Atypical symptoms fatigue nausea or vomiting stomachache unexplained sweating unusual shortness of breath
don’t ignore any of these symptoms. Call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest er immediately.
70krm6 Winter 2013 • www.KentuckyRiverMC.com
Advanced imaging tests help your
doctor examine the inside of your
body, in a noninvasive way, to
provide more detailed information about
your health. Most imaging tests are
simple, painless procedures that help with
an accurate diagnosis and treatment of
illnesses, injuries and chronic diseases.
Most tests can be conducted on an out-
patient basis and take less than 30 min-
utes to perform, depending on the exam.
Common imaging tests include:
X-ray An X-ray uses radiation to produce
pictures of the body that can help
diagnose conditions ranging from broken
bones to pneumonia, heart conditions,
intestinal blockages, kidney stones and
digestive tract problems. X-rays can also
detect fractures and infections, arthritis,
osteoporosis and bone cancer, as well as
diagnose lung infections and detect breast
tissue abnormalities (i.e., mammogram).
UltrasoundAn ultrasound doesn’t use radiation, but
rather high-frequency sound waves to pro-
duce echoes which, in turn, create pictures
that show the size, shape and distance
between organs and tissues. Ultrasound
waves easily pass through fluids and
soft tissues, and are good for examining
fluid-filled spaces in the body (the joints,
gallbladder, blood vessels or the uterus
during pregnancy) as well as soft organs
like the heart and liver.
Computed tomography (CT) scanA CT scan combines X-ray and computer
technology to produce very detailed cross-
sectional pictures of the body. Unlike
the single beam of radiation as used in
an X-ray, a CT scan uses multiple X-ray
beams to produce multiple pictures
of the body from different angles. A
computer reassembles the image slices,
or cross sections, which are displayed
on a monitor. CT scans are valuable
because they can produce pictures of
bone, soft tissue and blood vessels. A CT
scan can quickly identify injury to vital
organs in trauma situations, as well as
diagnose cancers, cardiovascular disease,
abdominal problems such as appendicitis
and musculoskeletal disorders. It can also
measure bone mineral density to help
detect osteoporosis. Because it provides
real-time images, it’s also frequently used
to guide minimally invasive surgeries and
biopsies.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)An MRI uses a magnetic field, radio fre-
quency pulse and a computer to create
pictures of soft tissue, bone, joints, tendons
and ligaments. An MRI can yield more
detailed information about body parts than
other imaging methods, such as the flow
of blood in blood vessels, bleeding in the
brain or stroke-related damage. An MRI is
also used to examine the chest and abdom-
inal organs (the heart, liver or kidneys),
diagnose pelvic pain by detecting cysts or
other abnormalities in reproductive organs,
pinpoint blood vessel blockages and locate
internal bleeding, infection and tumors.
An MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool
for bone and joint issues, such as arthritis,
torn ligaments or tendons and cartilage
damage. It can detect nerve problems from
disk bulges in the spine (herniated disk) to
nervous system disorders.
Nuclear medicineNuclear medicine uses small bits of radio-
active material—swallowed, inhaled or
injected—to create images. The technique
is used to diagnose, determine the severity
of and treat various diseases and condi-
Here’s looking at youImaging tests are an important part of your health
Get a clearer diagnosis
for more informa-tion on how diag-
nostic imaging tests are used for your health, visit www.
Kentuckyrivermc.com, click on “Health
resources” and “interactive tools,”
and take the Coronary artery disease and
angioplasty Quiz, or the mammogram Quiz.
70krm 7Winter 2013 • www.KentuckyRiverMC.com
Here’s looking at youImaging tests are an important part of your health
Preparing for your test each exam and its accompanying instructions are a bit different, but these preparation tips will help ensure your exam goes smoothly. Follow your doctor’s instructions for eating and drinking before your exam. you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, especially if a contrast material will be used in your exam.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. you may be provided a medical gown to wear during your exam. if not, two-piece clothing that’s easy to remove is preferable.
Bring a copy of your medical history, including a medication list. you’ll be asked to fill out a screening form before your exam to provide information about conditions that may create a health risk (heart dis-ease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems), as well as any implanted medical devices that may interfere with the imaging process (cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, medication pump or inner ear implant).
Leave metal objects at home or in a safe place. Certain metal objects may affect Ct or mri images and should be left at home or removed before your test. these include: eyeglasses, jewelry, hairpins, money clips, credit cards with magnetic strips, beepers or cell phones, hearing aids, watches, paper clips, keys, coins and clothing with metal zippers, belt buckles, buttons or hooks.
Inform your doctor of any allergies or medications you are taking. if you have a known allergy to contrast material or dye, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
tions, including cancer, heart disease and
gastrointestinal, endocrine or neurologi-
cal disorders. Nuclear medicine exams
are safe and painless, and the amount of
radiation used is often less than that of a
typical X-ray. The exam is unique because
it not only shows the structure, but also
the function of the organ or area being
studied. It’s typically used for bone and
lung scans, cardiac stress tests and liver
and gallbladder procedures. Primarily a
diagnostic tool, nuclear medicine can also
treat disease and provide pain relief from
certain cancers.
PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDLebanon Junction, KY
Permit 19
Kentucky River Medical Center540 Jett DriveJackson, KY 41339
www.Kentuckyrivermc.com 70KRM
The Healthy Advantage is published as a community service of Kentucky river medical Center. there is no fee to subscribe.
the information contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. if you have medical concerns, please consult your health care provider.
Copyright © 2013 Kentucky River Medical Center
Winter 2013Printed With Soy Ink
the foods they want or have to sleep sit-
ting up to reduce nighttime reflux. After
the TIF procedure, clinical trials show that
most patients can eat and drink foods they
avoided for many years. Reflux no longer
impacts their life like it previously did.”
The advantages of TIF The TIF procedure is based on established
principles of surgical repair of the anti-
reflux barrier, except that it’s “surgery
from within,” i.e., performed through the
mouth. The procedure reduces hiatal her-
nia and creates a valve between the stom-
ach and esophagus, restoring the natural,
physiological anatomy to prevent GERD.
Because the procedure is incisionless,
there’s less pain, a faster recovery time
and no visible scar.
The TIF procedure represents the next
step in the evolution of surgery. While
minimally invasive laparoscopy reduces
the skin incision typical of open surgery
to just three to five portholes, it still
requires the same internal incisions and
organ dissection.
“We’re excited to offer our patients the
same benefits as more invasive procedures
but without incisions,” says Dr. Ernspiker.
Severe heartburn, also known as
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux dis-
ease), can limit your quality of life.
But you may not have to resign yourself to
taking pills or having invasive surgery.
Kentucky River Medical Center now
offers a non-invasive surgical treatment
known as transoral incisionless fundoplica-
tion (TIF) that may be a quick and effective
solution. This incisionless procedure can
offer no scarring, less pain, less risk and a
faster recovery than other surgical options.
Most patients are back to work and normal
activities within a couple of days.
The TIF procedure is performed by
Erich Ernspiker, M.D., a board-certified
general surgeon. Dr. Ernspiker is a mem-
ber of the medical staff at Kentucky River
Medical Center.
“The TIF procedure can significantly
improve quality of life for our patients,”
says Dr. Ernspiker. “GERD is an anatomi-
cal problem that needs an anatomical solu-
tion. Reflux medications like proton pump
inhibitors (PPIs) can help relieve heartburn
symptoms and, in some patients, prevent
further disease progression, but they don’t
solve the underlying problems. Even on
PPIs, many patients are still unable to eat
Heartburn relief The TIF procedureBy eRiCh eRnsPiKeR, M.D., BoaRD-CeRtifieD geneRal suRgeon
stop the sufferingschedule an
appointment with dr. ernspiker by
calling (606) 666-8771 at Hometown surgical
Clinic, 1151 east main st., Jackson, Ky
41339.
reflux symptoms breathing difficulties or choking episodes
coughing after you eat or after lying down
difficulty swallowing food, liquids or pills
excess throat mucus or postnasal drip
feeling that you need to clear your throat, sensation of a lump in your throat or some-thing sticking in your throat
heartburn, chest pain, indigestion or taste of sour liquid in your mouth
hoarseness/a problem with your voice
recurrent cough