YOUYour L Ife . Your HeaLtH. Your cHoIce. Spring 2012

Find the hidden

pair of sunglasses inside

AND wiN!See page 2 for your

chance to win a

Summer fun kit! Closing in on ChroniC Pain

New pain management options

Solution in Sightone Woman’s road to

BariatriC surgery

Monitoring Your Care

Advances in the Epilepsy Center

ScAN thiSqr coDefor quick AcceSS to fAcebook!

follow uS on facebookfacebook.com/murrayhospital

Jerry Penner iii, mha, FaChePresident and CEO

melony BrayDirector of Planning and Marketing

allison sloanMarketing Specialist

Kyser LoughMarketing Specialist

contact information803 Poplar streetmurray, Ky 42071

(800) 342-MccHwww.murrayhospital.org

to SubScribe or unSubScribe, contactHealthy You magazine by emailing

info@murrayhospital.orgor call (270) 762-1381.

on the coverKandaCe naLL and her sister/

Caregiver, Contrina avery

It is hard to believe that my family and I have been blessed to be part of this wonderful community for more than a year now, and although we are already well into 2012, you can’t help but feel a sense

of renewal with the arrival of another spring. Just like our western Kentucky wildflowers, the staff of Murray-Calloway County Hospital are ready to emerge with a re-energized spirit of the season, thanks in large part to our new location for Bariatric Solutions and the inspiring story of one of our patients, Kandace Nall.

A few years ago, physicians and facilities all across the region had given up hope on Kandace and her struggle with lymphedema. Fortunately, one of Murray Hospital’s own surgeons, Brian Swain, MD, learned of her case and saw a person

who was not beyond help. Dr. Swain worked tirelessly with Kandace to help her regain her health. You can read Kandace’s story on page 4 of this issue, as well as find valuable information regarding our new home for Bariatric Solutions on the ground floor of the Medical Arts Building.

Throughout the rest of the issue, you will discover how we’ve expanded outpatient rehabilitation services (page 6) and the new methods we’ve implemented for treating epilepsy (page 3).

From all of us on staff at Murray Hospital, we hope you enjoy the beautiful weather with your family and friends, and as always, we thank you for reading Healthy You and allowing us to serve this wonderful community, because “We Specialize in You!”

Sincerely,Jerry Penner III, MHA, FACHEceo, murray-calloway county hoSpital

Dear friends, From thE CEo

Plea

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Remove Inserts Before Rec

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gfind uS on youtube

Healthy You is published as a service of murray-Calloway County hospital. ©2012. all rights reserved. the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. this publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

YOU

Find the pair of sunglasses hidden within Pages 3 through 7, then email info@murrayhospital.org with the correct page number, your name, and contact information to be entered into a drawing for a free summer fun kit. We welcome your comments and suggestions for Healthy You along with your submission.

2 We Specialize in You

In 2008, Murray-Calloway County HospItal created the Murray-Calloway Endowment for Healthcare to ensure all western Kentucky and northwest Tennessee residents have access to healthcare.

From raising funds for a Residential Hospice House to supplying the latest technology and equipment to the hospital, the Endowment for Healthcare endeavors to meet the needs of people dealing with chronic conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy, as well as provide care to seniors and those battling cancer.

In order for Murray Hospital to continue sustaining these vital services in the community, we urge you to support the Endowment in different ways, such as giving in honor of a loved one, annual giving, or supporting annual fundraisers, including the Murray Half Marathon and Golf Tournament. Together, we can continue to help our community thrive.

want to make a difference in the life of another?

viSit www.mcchendowment.org to learn how.

the Gift of Community Health

W W W. m u r r ay h o s P i ta L . o r g

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week and consume a balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to ward off a variety of health conditions and live longer, more rewarding lives.

Even though swimsuit season is right around the corner, remember that good health is a journey, not a sprint. Consider these guidelines when shaping up for summer.

viSit www.murrayhoSpital.org and click “phySician directory” to find a

phySician who can talk to you about your goalS.

tiPs For BeComing Summer Slimgetting Fit Comes With BeneFits, But Be Wary oF doing more harm than good in Pursuit oF a neW and imProved Figure.

Control yourself. exercise shouldn’t be an excuse to eat as much as you want. Consuming more calories than you burn—no matter where they come from— could be the one thing standing between you and that snug swimsuit or tight trunks in the back of the dresser.

Don’t crash diet. healthy calorie intakes for men and women vary depending on age, weight, size, and physical activity, but dipping below the necessary amount of calories you need to function each day can cause the body’s metabolism to become sluggish—slowing down your weight-loss efforts.

Tell your healthcare provider. your weight-loss plans shouldn’t be a secret from your healthcare provider. he or she might have a few pointers that can help you reach your goals safely and efficiently.

The west Kentucky Epilepsy Center at murray-Calloway County hospital is the only center of its kind in western Kentucky and northwest Tennessee. Offering community education programs, a fun and friendly support group, and nearly every type of epilepsy therapy available, the Epilepsy Center provides a national standard of care in a community setting.

Patients who come to the Epilepsy Center, whether on their own or through a referring physician, can benefit from video EEG monitoring,

3We Specialize in You

a technique that examines brain-wave patterns related to seizures. This allows physicians to tailor treatment based on personal factors such as how the seizure affects consciousness and the location of abnormal brain activity.

Along with EEG monitoring, the Epilepsy Center provides drug therapy, dietary treatments, and vagus nerve stimulation. This last therapy involves implanting a device similar to a pacemaker to help prevent epileptic impulses.

“Epileptologists are specialized in being able to determine which therapy is best for patients with epilepsy,” explains Jimmy Couch, DO, Neurologist and Epileptologist at West Kentucky Epilepsy Center at Murray Hospital. “Patients who receive more specialized care, however, often find they have more options than they knew.”

call (270) 762-1566 to learn more about

the weSt kentucky epilepSy center.

Zeroing in on Epilepsythe numBer oF avaiLaBLe theraPies

For treating ePiLePsy has more than

triPLed in the Past tWo deCades. With

so many oPtions, it’s imPortant For

individuaLs to WorK With a trained

ePiLePtoLogist Who Can determine

the ideaL Course oF treatment.

JIMMY COUCH, DO, NEUROLOGIST AND EPILEPTOLOGIST, PICTURED WITH HIS NURSE, PATRICIA YOKLEY, LPN

W W W. m u r r ay h o s P i ta L . o r g

Today, Kandace—a 39-year-old Hickman, Kentucky, resident—loves to cook, sing, and have her nails done, but her life was once defined by the activities she couldn’t do, rather than those she

could. For more than 10 years, Kandace struggled with lymphedema—swelling that generally occurs in one limb—caused by obesity. A tendency to lean to her left side put pressure on her left leg and restricted the flow of blood and fluid out of the limb, causing areas of enlarged tissue—called pseudotumors—on the leg that periodically drained fluid.

When the pseudotumors on Kandace’s leg began draining more than usual without stopping, she embarked on a journey that took her to hospitals in Tennessee and Kentucky in search of a surgical solution. The quest was in vain, however, as even physicians at an academic medical center in the Bluegrass State hesitated to perform surgery in favor of simply treating her leaking wounds. Eventually, Kandace became bedridden and dependent on a home health service and her dedicated sister, Contrina Avery, for care.

The home health service contacted providers from as far away as Missouri and Illinois about helping Kandace, but to no avail. A representative from a hospital in Kandace’s own backyard— Murray-Calloway County Hospital—learned of her case and spoke with Brian Swain, MD, FACS, board-certified general and bariatric surgeon at Murray Hospital, about seeing her, and he agreed. As it turned out, his decision was the first step to get Kandace on the road to a better life.

Taking a ChanCe on hopeKandaCe naLL is a Woman oF Faith. not

so Long ago, hoWever, her BeLieF that

a soLution to her LiFe-threatening

heaLth ProBLems WouLd Be reveaLed

Was tested. then, she met a surgeon

at murray-CaLLoWay County hosPitaL

Who KneW she Wasn’t Beyond hoPe—

and Who Was WiLLing to heLP her

When others Weren’t.

Kandace nall and her sister, Contrina avery

BRIAN SWAIN, MD, GENERAL

AND BARIATRIC SURGEAON

4 We Specialize in You W W W. m u r r ay h o s P i ta L . o r g

Settling into Our New HomeBariatric solutions at murray-Calloway County hospital

provides LaP-Band® adjustable gastric Banding system and sleeve gastrectomy weight-loss surgeries to morbidly obese residents of western Kentucky and northwest tennessee.

as of march, a new location is making it easier for patients to receive these potentially lifesaving services. Bariatric solutions moved from its old location on the fourth floor of the medical arts Building to a larger space on the ground floor of

the medical arts Building in suite 100 West. Bariatric solutions is continuing to take steps toward the goal of becoming a Bariatric surgery Center of excellence®, the leading designation for bariatric surgery programs in the united states.

at Last, surgery“The decision to help Kandace was easy to make because if nothing

had been done, she probably wouldn’t have survived much longer,” Dr. Swain says. “We removed 60-70 pounds of pseudotumor in May 2009 and another area later that year. Between the surgeries, our staff at Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation at Murray Hospital and additional rehabilitation at Spring Creek Health Care helped her regain the ability to walk.”

During her stay in our Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, Kandace worked with therapists at least three hours per day on improving her strength, endurance, and mobility. At Spring Creek Health Care Nursing & Rehab Center, she continued her therapy program until she was ready to return home.

“When Kandace arrived, she needed help transferring from the bed to a wheelchair,” says Monte Rommelman, MD, FAAPMR, Medical Director of the Rehabilitation Unit at Murray Hospital. “She was able to walk short distances by the time she left the unit. Her story truly illustrates the continuum of care Murray Hospital offers patients.”

Losing Weight, gaining haPPinessOnce Kandace was able to use a walker, Dr. Swain spoke with

her about undergoing bariatric surgery to address her weight. He determined she was an ideal candidate for sleeve gastrectomy. This surgery shapes the stomach into a tube and removes the part of the organ that produces ghrelin, the protein that tells the brain you’re hungry. Kandace has lost 40 pounds since having the surgery in August 2010, and the transformation that’s taken place in her life has been amazing.

“Dr. Swain once called me his ‘miracle patient,’ but he was the answer to my prayers,” Kandace says. “Now, I can do everything by myself. I have my life back.”

What’s the biggest lesson Dr. Swain learned from Kandace’s case?“No one is beyond hope.”

for information about bariatric SolutionS at murray hoSpital,

viSit www.murrayhoSpital.org and Select “medical SpecialtieS.”

Your Metabolism Questions AnsweredWhat can a shoebox-size device with a funny-sounding name tell you

about your efforts to lose weight? Quite a lot, actually.Bariatric solutions at murray-Calloway County hospital offers

indirect calorimetry testing to anyone who wishes to discover his or her metabolic rate. during the 20-minute test, a patient lies on a bed and breathes through his or her mouth into a hose connected to the indirect calorimeter. the device measures the individual’s resting energy expenditure (ree) and oxygen consumption, then uses the information to calculate his or her metabolic rate.

“although the test takes only a few minutes, the results are extrapolated for a 24-hour period,” says Brian swain, md, FaCs, board-certified general and bariatric surgeon at murray hospital. “results are available immediately after the test. Learning how many calories are burned at rest gives a person a better idea of how much energy he or she needs to expend in order to achieve a healthy weight. We use the information generated by the indirect calorimeter to help the patient design a diet that is appropriate for his or her metabolism.”

5We Specialize in YouW W W. m u r r ay h o s P i ta L . o r g

W W W. m u r r ay h o s P i ta L . o r g

at Murray-Calloway County Hospital, we are pleased to expand our outpatient rehabilitation services to include VitalStim® therapy and pediatric therapy to better meet the growing needs of the community.

Every day, millions of Americans suffer from dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Conditions such as stroke, neurological disease, head cancers, or neck cancers—along with aging—can lead to dysphagia.

To improve conditions associated with dysphagia, speech-language pathologists at Murray Hospital place VitalStim Therapy System electrodes on the patient’s neck and face. The electrodes send electrical impulses to the patient,s muscles. When combined with traditional swallowing exercises, VitalStim helps strengthen the patient’s muscles and improve therapy results.

AN INfUSION ofcompassionWhether you’re BattLing CanCer or suFFering From a

deBiLitating disease, murray-CaLLoWay County hosPitaL’s

regionaL CanCer Center is PrePared to treat your mediCaL

Condition eFFiCientLy and eFFeCtiveLy.

The regional Cancer Center offers medical and radiation oncology and hematology, and has expanded its services to care for an array of chronic illnesses.

“In our Infusion Center, we administer chemotherapy and other medications through a needle or catheter, which enables us to provide care for conditions such as cancer and blood diseases that are typically unresponsive to oral treatments,” says Carol Perlow, RN, MSN, Director of Educational Services at Murray Hospital. “Not only are we a comprehensive advanced cancer center, offering medical and radiation oncology and hematology, but we also offer treatments to those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and other serious health complications.”

one-stoP CareHaving recently received accreditation from the Commission on

Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, the Regional Cancer Center continues to prove its commitment to quality care.

“Whether a patient needs to undergo immunoglobulin therapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy, or basic lab work, our Infusion Center is able to perform almost all therapies and infusions on site,” Perlow says. “We understand how emotionally draining a cancer diagnosis can be, which is why we meet with patients within two to three days after receiving a referral. From the moment they walk into our Cancer Center, they are treated with respect and compassion.”

to learn more about murray hoSpital’S regional cancer center,

viSit www.murrayhoSpital.org and Select “regional cancer

center” under “medical SpecialtieS.”

the Next Level oF outreaCh

adelaide houSton and carloS ranSey, pta

INfUSION THERAPY STAff WITH DR. MEHDI AHMADI, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

6 We Specialize in You

Care For KidsMurray Hospital understands that adults aren’t the only ones who

need rehabilitation services, which is why children can now receive outpatient occupational, physical, and speech therapy at our Center for Rehab and Sports Medicine.

“At Murray Hospital, our goal is to provide the community with the best possible healthcare services,a” says Randall Spergin, MOT, OTR/L, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Murray Hospital. “Adding these services allows more people to stay at home for the care they need.”

to learn more about our rehabilitation ServiceS, viSit

www.murrayhoSpital.org.

W W W. m u r r ay h o s P i ta L . o r g

our radiology Department is now fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This accreditation applies to all of our imaging options, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, mammography, and nuclear medicine. For our patients, this recognition guarantees all of the following:· We are delivering the lowest appropriate radiation dosages.· Radiation output readings are completely accurate.· Our staff is highly trained and qualified to perform imaging tests.· We interpret images correctly and provide accurate diagnoses.

“This accreditation marks the highest level of imaging quality possible,” says John Rebuck, Director of Radiology Services at Murray Hospital. “Our patients can be assured they’re receiving that level of quality every time they rely on our services.”

surPassing standardsOur Lab and Blood Bank were also recently accredited by COLA,

a private organization that helps hospital labs comply with Clinical

an acute sense of pain can let you know you are injured or hurt, but chronic pain is different. Signals traveling through the nervous system can persist for weeks, months, and even years.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can mask symptoms and make the underlying conditions harder to treat. People with chronic pain should see a specialist for an accurate diagnosis of the cause of chronic pain and recommendations for treatment to relieve it.

heLP is hereMonte Rommelman, MD, physiatrist and

Medical Director of the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Murray Hospital, specializes in treating chronic pain sufferers

without surgery and is helping patients by using treatment plans tailored to each individual. Conditions treated include arthritis, back pain, central pain systems, disc pain, facet and nerve root pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, joint pain, neck pain, neuropathy, and sciatica.

“Local residents who are in pain do not need to travel to Paducah, Paris, or Nashville for care,” says Jaime Lax, RN, Special Procedure Coordinator at Murray Hospital. “We offer the full spectrum of physiatry and pain management services.”

pain management iS available on thurSdayS

by appointment only. for more information

or to Schedule an appointment, call

(270) 752-2169.

Pain, Pain, GO AWAYthe hosPitaL-Based Pain management Center (non-surgiCaL sPine Care) at

murray-CaLLoWay County hosPitaL oFFers area residents ComPrehensive

treatment PLans For ChroniC Pain CLose to home.

Giving credit Where Credit is duemurray-CaLLoWay County hosPitaL is Proud to announCe the reCent aCCreditations aWarded to our radioLogy

dePartment, LaBoratory, and BLood BanK For outstanding CLiniCaL Care.

Laboratory Improvement Amendments, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Office of Inspector General. These accreditations recognize that our Lab services consistently meet strict federal standards for safety, accuracy, and quality of care.

“All of our staff members perform their jobs with compassion and professionalism,” says Linda Cavitt, Director of Laboratory Services at Murray Hospital. “Receiving this accreditation is evidence that our patients receive accurate results in a timely manner.”

to learn more about our radiology

and laboratory ServiceS, viSit

www.murrayhoSpital.org.

7We Specialize in You

murray-Calloway County hospital and Long term Care

803 Poplar Stmurray, KY 42071

nonProFit organiZation

us Postage

PAIDmadison Wi

Permit no. 428

I specialize in you with Bariatric Solutions.At Murray Calloway County Hospital, I understand that obesity is a serious disease our community faces, and together,

we can start living healthier. I help our patients reach their goals through lifestyle changes, and our team also offers safe

and effective bariatric surgical solutions, when diet and exercise simply aren’t enough. If you’re ready to take action,

I’m here to help. For information about Gastric Sleeve and Lap-Band, call Bariatric Solutions at 270.762.1547

- Rhonda Boone, APRN

“I’m helping our

communitylive longer,healthier

lives.”