THE EXAMINER

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Did you know?...

Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital

“Serving with Pride and Professionalism since 1993”

You have the right toexpress your concernsabout patient safety and

quality of care.There are several avenues opento you:* Through the ICE website.* The Hospital CustomerRelations Officer at 760-830-2475, or any of the CustomerRelations representatives in theHospital clinics, or directly tothe Joint Commission via: E-mail at complaint@jointcommission.orgFax: 630-792-5636

The Joint CommissionOak Renaissance BoulevardOakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

To report Fraud, Waste andAbuse contact one of thebelow offices by calling:

Naval Hospital: 760-830-2344Combat Center: 760-830-7749NavMedWest: 1-877-479-3832Medical IG: 1-800-637-6175DoD IG: 1-800-424-9098

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhtp/pages/default.aspx

An Award Winning Publication

Patients seen in June -- 11,101Appointment No Shows in June -- 1,217In June we had an 9.9 percent no show rate. We need to keep trendingdownward by keeping the appointments we make, or by canceling in enoughtime for someone else to use the slot...To help patients obtain appointments, the Naval Hospital now shows thenumber of open appointment slots each day on the hospital Facebook site,check it out. On Facebook, search: Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms.

To make an appointment call -- 760-830-2752To cancel an appointment call -- 760-830-2369

Keep Kids Safe by Following Useful Tips

Lt. Cdr. Joseph S. Andrade, accompanied by daughter, Olivia, ispiped ashore during his retirement ceremony 14 July. Andrade,originally from Fargo, N.D., was in charge of the NHTPAnaesthesiology Department. He served at NHTP from 1999 to 2001and from 2010 to July 2014. Andre plans to continue to practicemedicine in Southern California. His wife, Michelle, and children,Branden, Isabella, Carl and Ava were also in attendance.

August is Child Safety Monthand while child safety is a 24/7,365-day effort, it can be helpfulto review safety guidelines in anendeavor to raise healthy chil-dren in a safe environment.

Lt. Manju Hurvitz, NHTP StaffPediatrician, offers the follow-ing tips to parents:“Most of the safety issues outhere in the desert, at leastaround this time of year, areheat related so we remind par-ents about the importance ofhydration and sun protection,”Hurvitz said. “Staying cool,staying in the shade and fre-quent hydration, those types ofthings are particularly importantin the desert environment.”

Hurvitz reminds parents to bemindful of basic safety precau-tions such as wearing bike hel-mets when bicycling or skateboarding and having an alertadult present for pool and swim-ming activities. She noted thatmany parents are camping andexploring the outdoors at thistime of year. Parents should beaware of the possibility of blackwidow spiders, scorpions and

venomous snakes sharing thesame environment where chil-dren may be playing. Camp firesafety is another area forparental vigilance.

“When kids come in for theirvisits we do what we call antici-patory guidance,” Hurvitz said.“The safety discussion we havewill depend on the age of thechild. With the adolescent popu-lation, it’s more about goodsleep habits and hydrationbecause they tend to not drinkas much water. And if they havetheir driver’s license we discusscar safety, and seat-belt safety,”Hurvitz noted.

“With younger school-age chil-dren, it’s more about bicyclesafety, being safe outdoors andsports equipment safety.”

Hurvitz reminds parents tonever leave their children in thecar, even for a few minutes.“The car temperature can quick-ly double,” Hurvitz said.“Leaving a child for even a fewminutes could cause severeissues such as heat stroke, dehy-dration and even death if it’s a

long enough duration.”

Child safety also includes moni-toring and supervising activitiesinside the home. Hurvitz notedthat the American Academy ofPediatrics (AAP) recommendsthat children have no more than

two hours a day of screen time.“That’s difficult for a lot of peo-ple to achieve,” Hurvitz noted,“because screen time includesFacebook, the computer, com-puter tablets, smart phones, tex-

Please see, Child Safety, onpage 2.

2 -- The Examiner -- August 2014

Published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the UnitedStates Marine Corps, United States Navy or Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms under exclusive written contract withthe Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the United States MarineCorps, the United States Navy or Hi-Desert Publishing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertisedin this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, thepublisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is pre-pared by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Commanding OfficerCapt. Jay C. Sourbeer, MC, USN

Executive OfficerCapt. Angela S. Nimmo, NC, USN

Command Master Chief HMCM (FMF/AW/SW) Carol Merricks, USN

Public Affairs Officer/EditorDave Marks

Command OmbudsmanBright Opoku (760) 910-2050 email: nhtpombudsman@yahoo.com

The Examiner welcomes your comments and suggestions concerning the publication. Deadline for submission of arti-cles is the 15th of each month for the following month’s edition. Any format is welcome, however, the preferredmethod of submission is by e-mail or by computer disk.

How to reach us...Commanding Officer Naval HospitalPublic Affairs OfficeBox 788250 MAGTFTCTwentynine Palms, CA 92278-8250Com: (760) 830-2362DSN: 230-2362E-mail: david.marks@med.navy.milHi-Desert Publishing Company56445 Twentynine Palms HighwayYucca Valley, CA 92284Com: (760) 365-3315FAX: (760) 365-8686

ting, TV, and movies.” TheAmerican Academy of Ped-iatrics also recommends thatchildren younger than two yearsof age shouldn’t be watchingtelevision at all. “I know it’shard in the summertime becausekids aren’t in school; they’rehome more, and it’s so hot herethat sometimes it’s hard for kidsto just play outside. So we rec-ommend doing more indooractivities. We don’t want to beunreasonable so if someone tellsme that their child is watchingfive or six hours of television aday, we ask them to at least tryto cut it down. But the true rec-ommendation is no more thantwo hours a day,” Hurvitz said.Side effects of too much TV, orscreen time, include obesity,lack of social stimulation,reduced development anddecreased family interaction.

To schedule an appointmentwith an NHTP pediatrician,please call (760) 830-2752.

Child Safety, continued frompage 1

Maj. Gen. David H. Berger (right) congratulates Maj. Gen. Lewis A.Craparotta, Commanding General for the Marine Air GroundCombat Center/Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command,at the Change of Command Ceremony on the LCpl Torrey L. GrayField July 10.

Gaming Addiction Is Self DefeatingCdr. Andrew Doan, MD, PhD, traveled from Naval Medical CenterSan Diego July 24 to present two presentations to NHTP staff on thegrowing problem of gaming addiction. “What do sailors do when theyarrive in port,” he asked. He said sailors used to explore foreigncities, learn about different cultures and make friends. “Now they liein their quarters and are either on the computer or playing videogames.” He said this has serious consequences for force readiness andthe deployment of well-rounded sailors. Doan has first-hand experi-ence with gaming addiction. He estimates he spent 20,000 hours overnine years invested in his obsession and nearly wrecked his marriageand career. A neuroscientist, ophthalmologist, and medical doctor, hetook the credo, “physician heal thyself” to heart and not only came togrips with his illness, but began studying the changes in brain chem-istry and is now treating those at risk. He authored the book (withBrooke Strickland), Hooked on Games: The Lure and Cost of VideoGame and Internet Addiction. Doan said internet gaming is particular-ly seductive because lonely people are interacting and depending oneach other. “It was the online gaming that got me,” he said. Hedescribed a culture where players are dependent on one another. “Ifyou go to the bathroom you get killed,” Doan said. He talked about

the phenomenon of people wearing diapers and urinating into sodapop bottles to avoid taking a break from the computer. Doan notedthat in 2008, China declared internet gaming a disorder and describedit as “electronic heroin.” He suggests that parents limit internet gam-ing to no more than 30 minutes per day and suggests that childrenyounger than 13 shouldn’t be internet gaming at all.

Cdr. Wendy Stone, Department Head for the NHTP PreventiveMedicine Directorate, said her group organized the Andrew Doan lec-ture to educate NHTP staff about this emerging problem. “Cdr. Doanleads the Directorate of Mental Health for Addictions and ResilienceResearch at Naval Medical Center San Diego,” Stone said. “We want-ed to bring him in to collaborate with our mental health staff so theycan gain an awareness of some of the resilience research that’s beingconducted pertaining to active-duty service members who aregamers,” Stone said.

Adrenaline increases, perspiration increases, the body is responding inthe same manner as in someone who is actually accomplishing some-thing, Doan said. “Too much of anything is harmful,” he concluded.

Cdr. Andrew Doan makes a point during his Internet GamingAddiction seminar on July 24.

The Examiner --August 2014 -- 3

2X3Smith’s Family

Properties

Preventive Medicine CornerSubmit Questions/Concerns and Tanya Will Provide Answers

Tanya StuckeyHealthy diet and moderateexercise is not only a great wayto increase energy and lookyour best; it can also lower ourrisk for some diseases. Onereader wrote:

Dear Tanya,

I'm a Marine wife and I'm a lit-tle overweight. Both my parentsare overweight and they bothhave diabetes. I don't want to

face a life of constantly stickingmyself to determine my bloodsugar and taking medications totreat the disease. I'm much moreinterested in prevention.

Could you provide some tips onwhat I can do to avoid a dia-betes diagnosis?

Answer:

First, let’s look at the risk fac-tors that increase the chances ofdeveloping diabetes: Being overweight or obese• Having a parent, brother, orsister with diabetes.• Being African American,American Indian, AsianAmerican, Pacific Islander, orHispanic American/Latino her-itage.• Having a prior history of ges-tational diabetes or birth of atleast one baby weighing morethan 9 pounds.• Having high blood pressuremeasuring 140/90 or higher.• Having abnormal cholesterol,

HDL “good” cholesterol below35, or triglyceride level over250. • Being physically inactive--exercising fewer than threetimes a week.

Being overweight is the leadingrisk factor and can hinder yourbody’s ability to produce anduse insulin properly and maylead to high blood pressure.

According to the Center forDisease Control (CDC), losingjust 5-7 percent of your bodyweight through healthy eatingand just 30 minutes of physicalactivity five days a week candelay and possibly prevent dia-betes. Learn more about dia-betes prevention through theNational Diabetes EducationProgram at http://ndep.nih.gov.This site gives you the opportu-nity to find information basedon your specific needs.

As with all health concerns, andwhen beginning an exercise

program, check with yourhealthcare provider. Customizeddietary plans are availablethrough the Naval Hospitaldietician. Regular physicals thatinclude preventive screeningsare an excellent way to take apro-active role in your healthand wellness.

Increased consumption of fruitsand vegetables are always agood plan and when combinedwith exercise and an overallhealthy lifestyle, you are creat-ing a long-term disease preven-tion plan.

If you want to know more aboutHealth and Wellness programsor would like to see a particularhealth topic featured in theExaminer, give me a call orsend an email and I would beglad to do the research andreport back to you about what Ifound!

For more information on theprograms listed above, call 760830-2173 or email Tanya.stuck-ey@med.navy.mil.

Prevention Is An Investment in Life-Long HealthAugust is Preventive HealthMonth.

So what are you doing toincrease your preventive meas-ures when it comes to yourphysical and mental health? Areyou taking care of yourselffirst? Are you making healthyfood choices? What about yourphysical activity?

You’ve probably heard youmust take care of yourselfbefore you can care for others.It’s true! With all of life’sdemands, how do you maketime for yourself?

There are ways to sneak in exer-cise even for the busiest of peo-ple. Take the stairs, park a littlefarther away from an entrance,get up once an hour and move,make television commercialtime workout time. There areapps, home videos, child-friend-ly fitness classes, workouts thatrequire no equipment--the possi-bilities are endless. Go ahead,take the first step.

Maybe you’re already active.You have a meal plan in place;and you’re opting for supple-

ments to augment your diet andfitness routine.

Those who take dietary supple-ments may have a goal to loseweight, build muscle andimprove performance, increaseenergy or improve generalhealth. As a consumer, you needinformation you can trust tohelp make good decisions abouteating a healthful diet and usingdietary supplements.

If you choose to use supple-ments, be aware of the risk ofserious problems that may stemfrom dehydration, seizures, dis-orientation, and migraineheadaches that have been asso-ciated with dietary supplementuse. Safety is of particular con-cern. Because the Food andDrug Administration does notconsider standards of practice,manufacturers may listunproven claims on packaging.

Do your research and be sureyour health-care provider knowswhat supplements you are tak-ing--they may interact with pre-scription medications or lead toside effects that could mimicother health concerns.

For those with a diagnosisrequiring specific medications,menu selections and/or limits onphysical activity, it’s importantyou speak to your physicianbefore taking supplements orchanging fitness routines.

Proper nutrition and physicalactivity also provide an increasein your mental well-being.Healthy relationships and self-care are other forms of preven-tive health. Being whole meanstaking a holistic approach tohealth. All aspects must beaddressed to achieve desiredresults.

If you would like more informa-tion for increasing physicalactivity, making healthy foodchoices and ensuring your per-sonal path is providing optimalresults, contact the resourcesbelow to obtain information ormake an appointment for a per-sonalized plan.

• NHTP Medical Home TeamPhone: (760) 830-2752

• NHTP Dietician

Phone: (760) 830-2274

• MCCS Semper FitPhone: (760) 830-6451

• Tobacco Cessation, Relax-ation, Sleep HealthPhone: (760) 830-2814

• MCCS Counseling ServicesPhone: (760) 830-7277

• Human Performance ResourceCenter http://humanperfor-manceresourcecenter.org

More than 29 million people inthe United States have diabetes,up from the previous estimate of26 million in 2010, according toa report released by the Centersfor Disease Control andPrevention. One in four peoplewith diabetes doesn’t know heor she has it.

Another 86 million adults--morethan one in three U.S. adults--have prediabetes, where theirblood sugar levels are higherthan normal but not high enoughto be classified as type 2 dia-betes. Without weight loss andmoderate physical activity, 15percent to 30 percent of peoplewith prediabetes will developtype 2 diabetes within fiveyears.

“These new numbers are alarm-ing and underscore the need foran increased focus on reducingthe burden of diabetes in ourcountry,” said Ann Albright,Ph.D., R.D., director of CDC’sDivision of DiabetesTranslation. “Diabetes is costlyin both human and economicterms. It’s urgent that we takeswift action to effectively treatand prevent this serious dis-ease.”

Key findings from the NationalDiabetes Statistics Report, 2014(based on health data from2012), include:• 29 million people in theUnited States (9.3 percent) havediabetes.• 1.7 million people aged 20years or older were newly diag-nosed with diabetes in 2012.• Non-Hispanic black, Hispanic,and American Indian/Alaska

Diabetes isOften Missed

Please see, Diabetes, page 7

4 -- The Examiner -- August 2014

Super Stars...

Cdr. Brennan Autry, NHTP Director for Administration, receives theMilitary Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for outstanding pub-lic service for numerous volunteer programs from December 2009 toJune 2014. As an emergency and civil radio communications opera-tor for the American Relay Radio League, he supported the LakeCounty Emergency Management Agency through continued partici-pation in the Lake County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Serviceand Amateur Radio Emergency Service organization. He continual-ly trained to manage potential emergencies at the Lake CountyEmergencygency Operation Center and provided effective communi-cation during the MC200 Madison to Chicago 200 Relay and theemergency communication exercise in 2010. Cdr. Autry’s emergencyradio service expertise was firmly established with his selection as aField Examiner for the Emergency Communication Course and as aFederal Communication Commission Volunteer Examiner for ama-teur radio.

Additionally, Cdr. Autry was the Outdoor Chairperson forMCAGCC’s Cub Scout Pack 78, achieving the World ConservationAward through his mentorship and informative hikes throughoutthe Joshua Tree National Park. His award reads, “Your Volunteerefforts are most noteworthy and deserving of this award. Youruntiring, conscientious and loyal dedication to duty was critical tothe success of the Reach-Out Morongo Basin Program, and reflect-ed credit upon yourself and was in keeping with the highest tradi-tions of the United States Naval Service.”

Cdr. Autry was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (GoldStar in lieu of Second Award) for outstanding meritorious achieve-ment as Director for Administration, Naval Hospital TwentyninePalms, from June 2011 to August 2014. Commander Autry providedoutstanding leadership in the first full implementation of RadioFrequency Identification inventory in a Navy Medical TreatmentFacility (MTF). This technology improved wall-to-wall inventoryturnaround time from one month to just four hours. This initiativereceived a “Best Business Practice” citation from the Medical

Please see Cdr. Autry, on page 7

Hospitalman Apprentice DavidM. Allen receives a Letter ofAppreciation for his “outstand-ing performance as a firstresponder. On February 7,2014, he performed in anexemplary and highly profes-sional manner after a pedestri-an was struck by a motor vehi-cle. As one of the first respon-ders on scene, he immediatelyrecognized the patient’s poten-tially dire state and actedpromptly in accordance withfirst aid procedures. His abilityto remain calm and executeactions with confidenceensured the patient preventedfurther injury to himself. Withlimited experience in emer-gency procedures, he was ableto obtain an initial assessment,apply cervical spine immobi-lization and perform a cursoryneurological examination. Hismeticulous controlled interven-tions kept the patient calm andstable until further assistancearrived. His actions were note-worthy and contributed to thesuccess in stabilizing thispotentially critical situation.His exemplary professionalismand outstanding performanceof duty reflected credit uponhimself and were in keepingwith the highest tradition of theUnited States Naval Service. Icommend you for a job ‘WellDone’ and wish you continuedsuccess in your future endeav-ors.”

Signed,

J. C. SOURBEERCaptain, Medical CorpsUnited States Navy

Hospitalman Caiden T.Carrington receives a Letter ofCommendation for outstandingperformance of duties whileserving as General DutyCorpsman, Adult Medical CareClinic (AMCC), NHTP, fromJuly 2012 to July 2014.Hospitalman Carrington con-sistently performed his dutiesin a superb manner. His pro-fessionalism, positive attitude,and dedication to duty signifi-cantly contributed to the AdultMedical Care Clinic’s ability toprovide outstanding services toits patients. Specific accom-plishments include [edited to fitspace]:- Performed over 1,100venipunctures, 900 medicalrecord verifications; treated1,300 patients and assisted inmore than 120 minor surgicalprocedures. Additionally hewas operating independentlywith MCAGCC ExplosiveOrdinance Disposal (EOD) forthree months which completed27 range sweeps of unexplodedordinance.

Hospitalman Carrington’s per-formance in a clinical settingdemonstrated the maturity andconfidence of a seasoned pettyofficer that has set himselfapart from his peers. Hissteadfast leadership, sustainedprofessionalism, and unwaver-ing dedication to duty arebeyond reproach. His commit-ment to mission accomplish-ment directly contributed to theAdult Medical Care Clinic andthe Naval Hospital’s reputationfor efficiency and readiness toprovide service.

Lt. Leslie F. Crawford receivesa Navy and Marine CorpsAchievement Medal for profes-sional achievement in the supe-rior performance of her dutieswhile serving as StaffPhysician, EmergencyMedicine Department, NHTP,from July 2012 to July 2014.Lt. Crawford provided criticalmedical feedback in develop-ment of the EmergencyManagement Plan and MassCasualty Drills, enhancingcommand readiness. A talentededucator, she instructed staff inPediatric Advanced LifeSupport and Team STEPPSand provided the inauguralmedical morbidity and mortali-ty presentation, resulting inongoing command perform-ance improvement. Lt.Crawford’s personal initiative,perseverance and unswervingdevotion to duty reflect creditupon herself and were in keep-ing with the highest traditionsof the United States NavalService.

The Examiner -- August 2014 -- 5

LS3 Ian Geiger is frocked tohis current rank during a Jun.27 ceremony. Geiger, originallyfrom Cupertino, Calif., hasbeen at NHTP for just over ayear and has been in the Navyfor 20 months.

HM1 Joaquin M. Barredo, III,receives a Navy and MarineCorps Commendation Medalfor meritorious service whileserving as leading petty officer,Directorate for MedicalServices, NHTP, from May2011 to July 2014. His effec-tive management of $2 millionin equipment during the reloca-tion of two behavioral healthclinics resulted in increasedspace utilization and minimalimpact to patient care. As drugand alcohol program advisor,he facilitated training for 324sailors increasing complianceby 55 percent. He led two med-ical home port teams throughnational commission for qualityassurance with a 96 percentrating. Petty Officer Barredo’sdistinctive accomplishments,unrelenting perseverance, andsteadfast devotion to dutyreflect credit upon him andwere in keeping with the high-est traditions of the UnitedStates Naval Service.

Mrs. Cindy Crockett, MaterialsManagement Department, isselected as Junior Civilian ofthe Quarter, Second Quarter.Her award reads (edited forspace), “As Defense MedicalLogistics Standard Support(DMLSS) Functional SystemAdministrator, you have consis-tently provided outstandingservice to the Command. Asyou continued to train newDMLSS users throughout thecommand, you provided thedaily supply function supportfor Material Management cus-tomers at NHTP and BranchClinics, and executed morethan $18,100 in credit cardorders, you were able to leadthe efforts that propelled NavalHospital Twentynine Palms tothe top 10 commands in all ofthe Military Health System instandardization of medicalmateriel. You contributed toquality health care by reducingvariation, eliminating misuse,avoiding overuse, standardizingpractices, and contributing tocost containment. You havebeen diligent and meticulous intracking and reviewing everysingle purchase order that ismade at Naval HospitalTwentynine Palms and itsbranch clinics. Your exemplaryprofessionalism and outstand-ing performance of duty reflectgreat credit upon yourself andare in keeping with the highesttradition of the United StatesNaval Service. I commend youfor a job “Well Done” and wishyou continued success in yourfuture endeavors. Signed,

J. C. SOURBEERCaptain, Medical CorpsUnited States Navy

HM3 Ryan L. Stehen, receivesa Navy and Marine CorpsAchievement Medal for “pro-fessional achievement in thesuperior performance of hisduties while serving as anadvanced laboratory techni-cian, NHTP, from July 2010 toAugust 2014. Petty OfficerStephen was key in the re-accreditation inspections bytwo national laboratory accred-itation agencies through themanagement of trainingrecords and the meticulousmaintenance of quality controland equipment logs. He creat-ed a phlebotomy certificationprogram via American MedicalTechnologists which allowed 25hospital corpsmen to attainnational phlebotomist certifica-tion. Petty Officer Stephen’spersonal initiative, persever-ance and unswerving devotionto duty reflect credit upon him-self and were in keeping withthe highest traditions of theUnited States Naval Service.”

Hospitalman Luis M. Riveronreceives a Navy and MarineCorps Achievement Medal for “professional achievement inthe superior performance of hisduties while serving as GeneralDuty Corpsman, Medical HomeGold Team, NHTP, from July2012 to August 2014.Hospitalman Riveron assistedfive providers in the completionof 198 medical procedures for3,650 patients. His initiative inupdating patient demographicdata contributed to a 96 per-cent rating from the NationalCommittee for QualityAssurance Survey. He led anaggressive campaign for RelayHealth that increased patientenrollments by 10 percent.Hospitalman Riveron’s person-al initiative, perseverance andunswerving devotion to dutyreflect credit upon himself andwere in keeping with the high-est traditions of the UnitedStates Naval Service.”

Lt. Manju S. Hurvitz receives aNavy and Marine CorpsAchievement Medal (Gold Starin lieu of second award for“professional achievement inthe superior performance ofher duties while serving as staffpediatrician, NHTP from July2013 to July 2014. Lt. Hurvitzenhanced the education provid-ed to new parents by creating anew infant discharge teachinghandout. Skilled in informatics,she created three electronicpediatric admission order setsand a pediatric medical signout template, standardizingcare among provider servicesand upholding the higheststandards of patient safety. Shequalified as a pediatricadvanced life support instruc-tor and certified 27 students.Lt. Hurvitz’s personal initiative,perseverance and unswervingdevotion to duty reflect creditupon herself and were in keep-ing with the highest traditionsof the United States NavalService.

Lt. Dennis R. O’Conner receives a Navy and Marine CorpsAchievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of second award) for “professional achievement in the superior performance of his dutieswhile serving as Staff Physician, Emergency Medicine Department,NHTP, from July 2013 to August 2014. Lt. O’Connor providedexpertise and oversight to 11 staff members as the Code Blue com-mittee chair and meticulously revised the cardiopulmonary resusci-tation instruction and conducted five command code-blue drillsimproving resuscitation capabilities. As Emergency MedicineHEDIS Champion, he instructed 35 staff members on HEDISguidelines to improve compliance with BUMED initiatives. LtO’Connor’s personal initiative, perseverance and unswerving devo-tion to duty reflect credit upon himself and were in keeping with thehighest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

6 -- The Examiner -- August 2014

Sub Offer5X3

Introducing New Staff -- Welcome Aboard!

Larry Grantham Lt. Lance A. LopezLt. Cdr. Darren C. Cherry Lt. Cdr. Kasina J. BlevinsHM3 Morgan Neumeister

Larry Grantham is NHTP’snew Facilities Manager. Hearrives from the MCAGCCPublic Works Departmentwhere he was an EngineeringTechnician for the past sixyears. He’s worked for theNational Park and has a de-gree in BusinessAdministration. In addition tostudying the workings of thehospital, he’s a second year lawstudent at Concord University.Grantham says it’s a naturalprogression going from BaseFacilities to becomingFacilities Manager for the hos-pital. “We put together repair,maintenance and constructionprojects for the entire base,” hesaid. At NHTP, he’ll perform asimilar function, only on asmaller, albeit, more intensive,scale. Grantham is a long-timeTwentynine Palms resident. Hisfather was a Marine and wasalso Security Manager forNHTP. Grantham enjoys play-ing guitar, drums and golf.

Lt. Lance Lopez is NHTP’snewest staff psychiatrist. Hearrived from Naval MedicalCenter Portsmith where he per-formed his residency.Originally from Irving, Texas,Lopez earned his medicaldegree from the University ofTexas, Medical Branch, andearned his undergraduatedegree from Texas A&MUniversity. “I figured for ayoung psychiatrist there would-n’t be a better place to be thanat the largest Marine CorpsBase right after the war hasended,” Lopez said. He’sworked with PTSD and TBIpatients during his residencyand said he’s never seen apatient who wasn’t substantial-ly helped by psychiatric servic-es. Lopez is a self-describedfilm buff and says most of hishobbies are “atrophied” fromhis residency. Lopez’s wife,Nina, is a psychologist. Heenjoys music ranging from BigBand to Bob Dylan.

Lt. Cdr. Darren Cherry arrivedfrom Naval Medical CenterSan Diego where he just com-pleted his three-year residencyin Emergency Medicine.Before that he was a flight sur-geon with the USMC servingwith two different squadrons.In 2006 he deployed to Iraqwhich he describes as “hot.” “It was a good experience,” hesaid. “It’s why we do this job. Itwas a good opportunity tolearn. I was still young in mycareer, a lieutenant, straightout of my internship and flightsurgery school.” Cherry grewup in Lakewood, Colo. Heenjoys golf and triathlons. He’sno stranger to the High Desert.Cherry was stationed here from2006 to 2008 with MarineWing Support Squadron 374.Cherry is accompanied by hiswife, Lisa, and their son, one-year-old, Kyle.

Lt. Cdr. Kasina Blevins arrivedfrom Naval Medical CenterPortsmith where she was aRadiology Resident. At NHTP,she’ll be Radiology DepartmentHead. Blevins is here with herhusband, Jason, who works inthe oil and gas industry, andtwo children, ages three andfive-years-old. Originally fromPeach Tree City, Ga., Blevinsappreciates the High Desert forits outdoor opportunities, butthe hot weather and small chil-dren have put exploring JoshuaTree National Park and envi-rons on temporary hold.Hobbies include taking the kidsto the pool, teaching them toride bikes, Legos, reading andgenerally nurturing the chil-dren. The Blevins are livingoff-base in Twentynine Palms.

HM3 Morgan Neumeister isNHTP’s newest member of thePhysical Therapy Department.She arrives from NavalMedical Center Oak Harborwhere she spent the previous 21/2 years first as a GeneralDuty Corpsman, then as aphysical-therapy specialist. Sheenlisted from Redding Calif.,and August marks her thirdyear in the Navy. Neumeisterplans to make the Navy hercareer and intends to earn bothher Master’s degree and PhD.in Physical Therapy.Neumeister lives with her hus-band in Twentynine Palms.Hobbies include working outand “a lot of hiking and thingslike that.” Neumeister has twolarge dogs. She enjoys all kindsof music and is matter of factin her first impression that it’shot and dry here. But she con-siders NHTP an excellent dutystation and plans to make themost of her new assignment.

The Examiner -- August 2014 -- 7

MBTA2X8

Native adults are about twice aslikely to have diagnosed dia-betes as non-Hispanic whiteadults.• 208,000 people younger than20 years have been diagnosedwith diabetes (type 1 or type 2).• 86 million adults aged 20years and older have predia-betes.• The percentage of U.S. adultswith prediabetes is similar fornon-Hispanic whites (35 per-cent), non-Hispanic blacks (39percent), and Hispanics (38 per-cent).

Diabetes is a serious diseasethat can be managed throughphysical activity, diet, andappropriate use of insulin andoral medications to lower bloodsugar levels. Another importantpart of diabetes management isreducing other cardiovasculardisease risk factors, such ashigh-blood pressure, high cho-lesterol and tobacco use.

People with diabetes are atincreased risk of serious healthcomplications including visionloss, heart disease, stroke, kid-ney failure, amputation of toes,feet or legs, and prematuredeath.

In 2012, diabetes and its relatedcomplications accounted for$245 billion in total medicalcosts and lost work and wages.This figure is up from $174 bil-lion in 2007.

For more information about dia-betes and CDC’s diabetes pre-vention efforts, including evi-dence-based and cost-effectiveinterventions, such as CDC’sNational Diabetes PreventionProgram, visit www.cdc.gov/dia-betes.(Reprinted from CDC website)

Inspector General. Under hisdirection, the EmergencyManagement Program wasrestructured to be the modelprogram for Navy Medicine byimplementing a comprehensivereadiness posture to ensure theChemical, Biological,Radiological, Nuclear,Explosive DecontaminationTeam was identified, equipped,and trained. This proactive ap-proach resulted in theCommand receiving an accel-erated training schedule to cer-tify the facility as a fully capa-

Diabetes, from page 3

Cdr. Autry, from Page 4

ble Tier 2 ContaminatedCasualty Receiving MTF oneyear earlier than planned.

A champion of environmentalawareness, he led command-wide “green” initiatives toreduce water consumption by30 percent through the instal-lation of automatic faucets andtoilets and improved energyconservation by 40 percentthrough the use of light-emit-ting diode bulbs,ta realizing anannual electricity cost avoid-ance of $90,000. The excep-

tional professional ability,steadfast initiative and selflessdedication to duty exhibited byCdr. Autry reflected great creditupon him and were in keepingwith the highest traditions ofthe United States NavalService.

Cdr. Autry PCSed to NavalBranch Clinic, NavalConstruction Battalion Center,Gulfport, Miss., at the end ofJuly, where is Officer inCharge.

HN Jamaal Feagins (left) reenlists for three more years July 2.Feagins, originally from Chicago, works on the GeneralSurgery/Orthopedic Ward. He expects to remain at NHTP for anoth-er year before receiving PCS orders. Also pictured: Reenlisting offi-cer, Lt. Cdr. Amanda Feigel.

HM1 Lila Gardner (center) reenlists for three more years on July25. Gardner is the Leading Petty Officer for NHTP’s PhysicalTherapy Department. Her husband, Staff Sgt. Dorian Gardner(right), MCAGCC Public Affairs, holds his Certificate ofAppreciation from NHTP Commanding Officer, Capt. Jay Sourbeer(left). The Gardners will PCS to Portsmith, Va., in December.

Lt. Samina Wilson (right) is promoted to her current rank on June17. Multi-Service Ward personnel celebrated with breakfast treatsand cake to mark the occasion. Wilson, originally from Natchez,Miss., has been in the Navy 14 years. Husband, Brian (left), alsohelped mark the day.

8 -- The Examiner -- August 2014

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(L-R) Chaplain Ronald Cooley, Donna Chilman, NHTP ExecutiveOfficer, Capt. Angela Nimmo, NHTP Commanding Officer, Capt.Jay Sourbeer, Pastor Norval Chilman, pose on the NHTP Quarter-deck July 2 with a new batch of layettes. The Chilmans, from thePeace Lutheran Church, Palm Desert, have been delivering layettesfor new mothers and their families since 2009 and have deliveredapproximately 300 of these new-mother gifts, each containing ahand-crocheted blanket and outfit as well as diapers.

Left: HN Adam Reshkovsky (seated) demonstrates the Chest DrainageSystem during the Skills Fair July 2.

Top left: HM3 Julian Ortiz takes advantage of the hamburger,hotdog and nacho fixings at the command sponsored picnic cele-brating 270 days without an alcohol-related incident July 18.Top: NHTP Sailors enjoy an afternoon break from the routine.Bottom: HMCM Carol Merricks shows off her birthday cardsigned by NHTP personnel. The Command Picnic was also anopportunity to celebrate our Command Master Chief.