The Proactive Approach to Breast Cancer. PAGE 1 Schedule your next mammogram online! PAGE 2 SSH gets new in-patient surgery unit. PAGE 3 Dr. Shawn Smith becomes new SSH Emergency Department Medical Director. PAGE 3 WHAT’S INSIDE: WINTER 2013 WHAT’S INSIDE: The Proactive Approach to Breast Cancer You already know this: There are more options for treatment and a better chance for survival if cancer is found early. By committing to regular self-exam and a yearly clinical exam and mammogram women empower themselves to battle cancer at treatable stages. American Cancer Society Facts and Figures 2012 show that when breast cancer is found early and confined to the breast, the five- year relative survival rate is 99 percent. “Mammograms are the single best way to detect breast cancer,” says Dr. Lisa Luell, a radiologist at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. A mammogram (an x-ray of the breast) is recommended annually for women over 40. A clinical breast exam is another method of detection,which includes a visual examination and a careful feeling of the breast from collarbone to bra line and from armpit to breastbone. According to ACS, women over 40 should have a clinical exam yearly and those aged 20 to 39 should be examined every three years. A breast self-exam helps you know what is normal for you, which is important because breast cancer signs vary among women. But self-exam should not be the only method used for detection. Dr. Beth Lawson, a practicing surgeon at Sycamore Shoals Hospital explains, “Self breast exam is an excellent practice for women, but once a tumor is palpable/feel-able, it is more advanced, typically will need therapy beyond surgical removal, and more often has positive lymph nodes in the axilla or armpit. Also, mastectomy would be more often necessary rather than the less radical lumpectomy. Women who choose to avoid annual mammography are lowering their chance of a breast cancer cure.” It is important to talk to your doctor about any change in your breasts. Also discuss any other concerns such as family history of breast cancer so your doctor can determine risk factors and recommend when to start getting mammograms or other tests. No one knows your body better than you. So be aware. Ask questions. And be proactive.
Transcript
The Proactive Approach to Breast Cancer.
PAGE 1
Schedule your next mammogram online!
PAGE 2
SSH gets new in-patient surgery unit.
PAGE 3
Dr. Shawn Smith becomes new SSH Emergency Department Medical Director.
PAGE 3
WH
AT
’S IN
SID
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WINTER 2013
WH
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’S IN
SID
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The Proactive Approach to Breast CancerYou already know this: There are more options for treatment and a better chance for survival if cancer is found early.
By committing to regular self-exam and a yearly clinical exam and mammogram women empower themselves to battle cancer at treatable stages. American Cancer Society Facts and Figures 2012 show that when breast cancer is found early and confined to the breast, the five-year relative survival rate is 99 percent.
“Mammograms are the single best way to detect breast cancer,” says Dr. Lisa Luell, a radiologist at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. A mammogram (an x-ray of the breast) is recommended annually for women over 40. A clinical breast exam is another method of detection,which includes a visual examination and a careful feeling of the breast from collarbone to bra line and from armpit to breastbone. According to ACS, women over 40 should have a clinical exam yearly and those aged 20 to 39 should be examined every three years.
A breast self-exam helps you know what is normal for you, which is important because breast cancer signs vary among women. But self-exam should not be the only method used for detection.
Dr. Beth Lawson, a practicing surgeon at Sycamore Shoals Hospital explains, “Self breast exam is an excellent practice for women, but once a tumor is palpable/feel-able, it is more advanced, typically will need therapy beyond surgical removal, and more often has positive lymph nodes in the axilla or armpit. Also, mastectomy would be more often necessary rather than the less radical lumpectomy. Women who choose to avoid annual mammography are lowering their chance of a breast cancer cure.”
It is important to talk to your doctor about any change in your breasts. Also discuss any other concerns such as family history of breast cancer so your doctor can determine risk factors and recommend when to start getting
mammograms or other tests. No one knows your body better than you. So be aware. Ask questions. And be proactive.
HEALTH FOCUS is a publication of Sycamore Shoals Hospital. For more information, contact: Lisa Cole, 423-542-1394, [email protected]
With the Mountain States Health Alliance Consumer Portal, you now have the convenient option of going online to schedule your next mammogram, other health screenings or medical procedures at Sycamore Shoals Hospital.
Here’s how:
1. Go to www.msha.com.
2. Go to “MSHA Portals” in the menu bar at the top right side of the screen and click “Patients/Visitors” in the drop-down menu. Click on the “Consumer Portal” logo, then follow instructions to create a new account or to log in. When creating a new account be sure to record your username and password for future use.
3. After logging in with your username and password, you will be directed to a page that allows you to schedule the screening you need and request your preferred date and time of day. After submitting your request, you can select Sycamore Shoals Hospital as your preferred screening location.
If you are scheduling a routine mammogram at SSH, there is no need for a doctor’s order. However, if you are having a medical problem, you may need to get a doctor’s order to schedule your screening. For questions or concerns about your online appointment, call MSHA Centralized Scheduling at 423-431-1709.
SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT MAMMOGRAM ONLINE!
Have you considered volunteering?
Wondered just how much difference it would make if you did? Team members at Sycamore Shoals Hospital (SSH) fully comprehend and appreciate contributions and gifts of volunteers.Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) retiree Phyllis Eggers, president of the SSH Auxiliary Board, became involved in the volunteer program while working part time. Volunteer contributions make a stark difference, both interpersonally and financially, she says. “Many times I have been able to simply listen to a patient’s mother, father, sister or brother who needed to talk about their loved one and their sickness,” she explains. “Many do not want or need us (the volunteer) to say anything; they just need a listening ear.” “Volunteers are a valuable resource,” says Sharon Sheppard, PHR, Human Resources Manager at SSH. “Currently we have 42 active volunteers and three home volunteers. In 2011 they provided over 7,900 hours of service to the hospital – that’s the equivalent of just under four full-time team members,” exclaims Sheppard. Their contributions have allowed purchases of much needed equipment and helped bring larger projects, such as the ICU renovation, to fruition. Other examples include:• Glucometers for recently diagnosed
diabetic patients who cannot afford their own;
• Eight sets of Bariatric scales for Med/Surg Department to distribute to patients as needed;
• Dual Stow Away scales to allow obese patients to be weighed in the ER;
• New art work for the Women’s Center waiting area;
• Craft supplies for hospital daycare children;
• Clothing for patients who do not have adequate clothing to wear home upon discharge; and
• Monetary donations to the Foundation for needs which arise during the year.
Volunteers come from all walks of life and bring various life experiences to the program. Getting involved is easy: call 542-1281 or 542-1338 to request an application. Or, complete an online application at www.msha.com. Go to the tab About Us then see Volunteer Opportunities listed on the right. “Once selected, volunteers will complete a general orientation to the hospital and to our policies/procedures,” Sheppard says. “They also will be placed with a ‘buddy’ for additional orientation.” Areas where a volunteer may be placed include the information desk, gift shop, clinical areas, materials management and food service. “We try to find an area that they are comfortable in,” Sheppard adds. Some areas, such as the information desk and gift shop, have set schedules while others can be very flexible. “Every volunteer is unique and has something special to offer,” says Eggers. “It is a joy to serve together and feel we have made a difference in someone’s life!”
SSH VOLUNTEERS MAKE IMMEASURABLE DIFFERENCES
HEALTH FOCUS is a publication of Sycamore Shoals Hospital. For more information, contact: Lisa Cole, 423-542-1394, [email protected]
PHYSICIANSYCAMORE SHOALS HOSPITAL GETS NEW IN-PATIENT SURGERY UNIT
Dr. Shawn Smith becomes new SSH Emergency Department Medical Director
Sycamore Shoals Hospital is proud to welcome Dr. Shawn Smith as Emergency Department (ED) Medical Director as of December 2012. Dr. Smith is currently transitioning from his
role as ED Medical Director for both Norton and Dickenson Community Hospitals and will begin full time at SSH in March 2013. According to Dr. Smith, positive feedback about SSH from his colleagues played a major role in his decision to accept the new position.
“Along with his experience and credentials, his dedication to patient-centered care speaks volumes. We are fortunate to have him here,” says Sycamore Shoals Hospital CEO Dwayne Taylor.
Dr. Smith received his medical degree from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at West Virginia University during which he served as both Junior Chief Resident and Chief Resident. He joined Norton Community Hospital as ED Medical Director in 2008 and then later took on the same role at Dickenson Community Hospital, as well. Dr. Smith is board-certified in emergency medicine and a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
He jokes that he hasn’t had much spare time lately, but when he does, he and his wife, Crystal, enjoy traveling and spending time with their chocolate lab, Higgins.
A spotlight on doctors and the services they provide at Sycamore Shoals Hospital.
Surgery can be a stressful experience for patients and for their friends and family members. So it’s important to provide a comfortable atmosphere and make sure things go smoothly. That’s part of the healing process.
Patients who go to Sycamore Shoals Hospital (SSH) for surgery will find just that kind of environment and service, thanks to a relocation and renovation of the SSH in-patient surgery unit.
The unit has been moved from the second floor to a more convenient first-floor location, and offers larger, more private rooms that have been renovated to make the patient and family more comfortable.
“We did this based on an assessment of what the community needed,” said Cherish Stonebraker, nurse manager. “This really focuses on the care of our surgical patients and enables us to provide higher quality outcomes.
“It’s newer, nicer and quieter, there are more amenities and conveniences for the patients and it also provides a better setup for our doctors and nurses as they care for the patients.”
The new surgery unit is now in the Family Birth Center’s previous location. The in-patient surgery unit moved from the second floor to the first floor. Renovations are underway on the second floor for expansion of other services.
Among the upgrades for the new in-patient surgery unit are:
• 12 large, private rooms completely updated with new floors, updated décor and renovated bathrooms
• Wireless Internet access
• Flat-screen televisions
• Closer proximity to the operating room
• More convenient ground-floor access, something that’s especially beneficial for orthopedic patients
• Large waiting room for family and friends
• Covered patient drop-off and pick-up area
• More convenient parking
For more information on new in-patient surgery unit or surgery services offered at SSH, call Lisa Cole at 542-1394.
Nurse Manager, Cherish Stonebreaker, RN and April Shell, RN
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ARE YOU BALANCED?
The Kohl’s Kids on the Move programs are available to schools, after-school programs and any organization that works with children. For more information, call Niswonger Children’s Hospital’s Communications and Outreach Department at 423-431-1014 or e-mail [email protected].
Too much junk food and too little exercise cause your body to get out of balance — which can make you unhealthy. To get in balance, eat and drink the same
amount of calories as you burn during physical activities.
