CONTENTACHE of North TexasStudent Council 4Developing future healthcare leaders

Mentors Needed 4In need of healthcare professionals to be matched with graduates.

H1N1: Swine Flu and You 5Questions and answers to keep youprotected during the fl u season

Regent Message 5

ACHE of North Texas 7New Members and Fellows

Acetaminophen SafetyInformation 8Help patients use Acetaminophen safely

Social Media 9

Preventative Care 9Good for the mind and body

Calendar 10

ofACHE

North TexasACHE

North Texas

The ACHE of North Texas e-magazine, The Executive Connection, is published quarterly (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter) and includes information on the latest regulatory and legislative developments, as well as the quality improvement and leadership trends that are shaping and infl uencing the hospital and health system fi eld. Readers get indepth reporting on the issues and challenges facing hospital and health system leaders today. We make it our job to tell you about the great things the organization and Chapter are doing every day to ensure the health of our community. If you have any news and updates that you want to share with other members, please e-mail your items to info@northtexas.ache.org. Microsoft Word or compatible format is preferable. If you have a graphic or picture that you’d like to include, please send it as a separate fi le. The following are the types of information that our members shared in our past ACHE of North Texas magazine: Advocacy Issues, Legislative Issues, Educational Opportunities, Awards / Achievements, Promotions (Members On the Move), Committee Updates, Journal submissions, conference submissions, and workshop participations, Sharing mentoring experiences, etc.

Dear Members,On behalf of the Communications Committee, I am pleased to present The Executive Connection of North Texas, our freshly redesigned newsletter! The new name and look are just the start of improvements we felt were important in order to better refl ect the needs and interest of our members. You can look forward to future editions of the Executive Connection to live up to its name by providing enhanced content including more stories and profi les with a lo-cal connection, and national content that is both timely and relevant. As we continue to pursue this new direction, we need to hear what is important to you; industry trends, local executives on the move, or what is your competi-tion doing....to name a few. Just send us an email to: Michael.Ojeda@va.gov or jvillarroel@metroanesthesia.com. Let’s stay connected!

With warm regards,

Michael Ojeda, MHA, FACHECo-Chair, Communications CommitteeManaging Director, The Executive Connection of North Texas

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | FALL 2009 3

Editor-In-Chief Janet D. Henderson, MHA, FACHE

Managing Director Michael Ojeda, MHA, FACHE

Contributing Editors J. Eric Evans John G. Self Brad Simmons, FACHE Gail Maxwell, FACHE Britt R. Berrett, FACHE Ron Coulter, MHSM, FACHE Beverly Dawson, RN Forney Fleming Jonni Johnson, CPSM Sandy Lutz Elizabeth McGrady, FACHE Caleb F. O’Rear, FACHE George L. Pearson, JD, FACHE Scott Schmidly, FACHE Rick L. Stevens Jania Villarroel Demetria Wilhite Bethany Williams Susan Edwards

ACHE NOTES PUBLISHING Publishers ACHE of North Texas info@northtexas.ache.org

Production/Creative Director ACHE of North Texas

Director of Editorial Research Janet D. Henderson, MHA, FACHE

Advertising/ Subscriptions info@northtexas.ache.org

Questions and Comments: ACHE of North Texas Editorial Offi ce, c/o Executive Connection 3001 Skyway Circle, Suite 100, Irving, Texas 75038 p: 972.256.2291 f: 972.570.8037 e: info@northtexas.ache.org w: northtexas.ache.org

2009 Chapter Offi cers

President Janet D. Henderson, MHA, FACHE, Parkland Health & Hospital System jhende@parknet.pmh.org

President-Elect J. Eric Evans, Chair, Education Committee, Tenet Healthcare Corporation Eric.evans@tenethealth.com

Immediate Past-President John G. Self, JohnMarch Partners, Inc. jgself@johnmarch.com

Secretary Brad Simmons, FACHE, Parkland Health & Hospital System bwsimm@parknet.pmh.org

Treasurer Gail Maxwell, FACHE, Baylor Health Care System gailm@baylorhealth.edu

2009 Board Members at Large

Britt R. Berrett, FACHE, Ex-Offi cioMedical City Dallas HospitalMedical City Dallas Children’s Hospitalbritt.berrett@lonestarhealth.com

Ron Coulter, MHSM, FACHECo-Chair, Membership CommitteeTexas Health Harris Methodist Hospital-Cleburneroncoulter@texashealth.org

Beverly Dawson, RNChair, Networking CommitteeElder Care LPbdawson@eldercarelp.com

Forney Fleming, Ex-Offi cioCo-Chair, Advancement CommitteeThe University of Texas at Dallasfwfl eming@gmail.com

Jonni Johnson, CPSMCo-Chair, Sponsorship CommitteeRTKL Associates Inc.jwjohnson@rtkl.com

Sandy LutzPricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institutesandy.lutz@us.pwc.com

Elizabeth McGrady, FACHEChair, Advancement CommitteeUniversity of Dallaselizabethmcgrady@sbcglobal.net

Michael Ojeda, MHA, FACHECo-Chair, Communications CommitteeVA North Texas Health Care SystemMichael.ojeda@va.gov

Caleb F. O’Rear, FACHECo-Chair, Sponsorship CommitteeDenton Regional Medical Centercaleb.orear@hcahealthcare.com

George L. Pearson, JD, FACHECo-Chair, Education CommitteeCo-Chair, Networking CommitteeTexas Health Resourcesgeorgepearson@texashealth.org

Scott Schmidly, FACHECo-Chair, Mentorship CommitteeMedical City Dallas HospitalMedical City Dallas Children’s Hospitalscott.schmidly@hcahealthcare.com

Rick L. StevensChair, Mentorship CommitteeJPS Health Networkrsteve01@jpshealth.org

Jania VillarroelCo-Chair, Communications CommitteeMetropolitan Anesthesia Consultants, LLPjvillarroel@metroanesthesia.com

Demetria Wilhite, Ex-Offi cioCo-Chair, Advancement CommitteeThe University of Texas at Arlingtondemetria@uta.edu

Bethany WilliamsCo-Chair, Membership CommitteePerot Systemsbethany.williams@ps.net

ACHE of North Texas Student CouncilThe American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) is committed to supporting healthcare management programs that nurture and teach the future leaders of our profession. ACHE of North Texas supports the College’s commitment by working closely with local representatives from our Higher Education Network. To further demonstrate our commitment to the development of future healthcare leaders, the Board of Directors recently approved the formation of a Chapter Student Council. The Council will consist of student leaders at participating HCAD graduate programs in the North Texas Region.

Brian Evans, ACHE of North Texas member and Student Council Leader, has been working closely with our Higher Education Network Chairpersons to identify student leaders in each MHA cohort program. Janet Henderson, President, stated that “Brian has done an exceptional job of working with the HCAD Program Directors to identify student leaders that will serve as offi cial representatives of their graduate programs.” The student leaders will serve as offi cial representatives of their graduate programs and will go back and disseminate information about ACHE of their fellow students. Both Mr. Evans and Ms. Henderson believe that the council will provide great opportunities for graduate students to learn more about ACHE and how affi liation with the College can benefi t their career development. Additionally, it will provide continuous learning opportunities for students and expose them to the chapter Board of Directors, various committees, senior executives, and the community at large.

Thus far, the following institutions are participating programs in the Council:

Dallas Baptist UniversityUniversity of DallasUniversity of Texas at DallasUniversity of Texas at Arlington

The planning team expects the Student Council to be operational by the end of September. Please continue to consult our website to get updates on the Student Council. Special thanks to the student leaders taking the leadership initiative to represent their respective healthcare administration programs.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | FALL 2009 4

The ACHE-NT Mentorship Program in Need of MentorsACHE of North Texas Mentorship Program is now accepting applications for Mentors. This is a 5 month program starting September 2009 and ending January 2010. In this program, experienced healthcare professionals will be matched in a mentoring relationship with early careerists who have graduated from a Master’s program within the last 5 years or graduate students who will graduate within 1 year from a Master’s program. Mentors will discuss career opportunities and healthcare in general. The Mentor responsibilities will be to provide a 16 hour experience that could be broken into multiple sessions, and a portion of this time may be with other co-workers or leaders who would assist the Mentee. You must be available for monthly contact by the Mentee in person, by phone or e-mail and you must attend graduation.

Please call Rick Stevens at 817-927-1622 or email him at rick.stevens.jpshealth.org. Matches will be confi rmed by September 30, 2009. For more information about the ACHE of North Texas Mentorship Program, and to download the Mentor Application, visit our website: http://northtexas.ache.org/x16.xml.

Mr. Brian Evans, ACHE of North Texas memberand Student Council Leader

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | FALL 2009 5

H1N1: Swine Flu and You

What is H1N1 (swine flu)?H1N1 virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009, and is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of H1N1 flu was underway.

Why is H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?Laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very dif-ferent, and has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.

Is H1N1 virus contagious?CDC has determined that H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human, and occuring in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza, sometimes people may become infected by touch-ing something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Regent MessageA recent meeting by several senior healthcare executives from the Dallas/Fort Worth area reconfirmed an on-going dilemma faced by our industry – healthcare is rarely seen as an economic development issue. At current estimates healthcare spending represents over 16% of the GNP and will be reaching $3 trillion in spending annually. One executive so aptly points out that healthcare is the largest segment of the economy that can not be outsourced or relocated to a third world country. Despite the economic engine that healthcare represents, we are still seen as a social services industry that lacks the discipline and structure of the business sector. As a result, we are dismissed from the dialogue on economic development and shuffled into the closet with other “non-businesses”.

While many of us embrace the unique nature of our profession and willingly reject many of the “business-behaviors” that have led to economic disasters and ethical dilemmas, we must assert our role as a pillar in the economic dialogue. A couple of thoughts bear repeating . . . .Access to affordable healthcare means that new businesses can be assured that their work force will be safeguarded against healthcare challenges. Creating a “healthy-work” environment is a collaboration between industry and the healthcare pro-fessionals to provide services, education, screenings, and care that allows for an effective work force. Healthcare professionals are those highly educated, service-oriented individuals that personally invest into the social fabric of any community.

One need only speak with public and community leaders that have experienced the closure of a hospital or the impact when healthcare services are withdrawn from a community. We play an important role in recognizing that a strong and thriving healthcare sector supports and fuels any economic development effort. So, what can we as members of the American College of Healthcare Executives do? Engage in the dialogue with the local and regional Chamber of Commerce. Reach out to public officials and civic leaders. Establish our seat at the table in the dialogue on economic development and ensure that our voice is heard.

By so doing, we expand the role that healthcare plays in the communities we serve and in light of on-going healthcare reform, we emerge as participants in the economic development dialogue.

Britt R. Berrett, PhD, FACHEPresident & Chief Executive Officer, Medical City Dallas Hospital

continued on next page

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, head-ache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. While most people who have been sick have recovered without need-ing medical treatment, hospitalizations have occurred.

In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious com-plications, including people 65 and older, children younger than five, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes preg-nancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease. One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of H1N1 related complications thus far.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?People infected with seasonal and H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?There is no vaccine available right now, however, a H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. As always, a vaccine will be available to protect against sea-sonal influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. • Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Wash your hands often with soap and water. • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medi-cal care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) • Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Other important actions that you can take are:• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. • Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items could help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and con-tagious.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid get-ting the flu?CDC recommends that when you wash your hands, use soap and warm water, for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 infection?CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with H1N1 flu virus. An-tiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from re-producing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current pandemic, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat hospital-ized patients and people who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications.

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environ-mental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after be-ing deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In ad-dition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antisep-tics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bath-room, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

Article reprinted with permission from www.cdc.gov

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | FALL 2009 6

Swine Flu and You continued

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | FALL 2009 7

Fellows

William E. Holmes, FACHE, Dallas Geraldine A. Lambert, FACHE, Azle Michael B. Miller, FACHE, Colleyville Linda C. Nall, FACHE, Fort Worth Amanda S. O’Neal, FACHE, Coppell Deborah A. Paganelli, FACHE, Keller Sandra G. Reeves, FACHE, Arlington Ann Siden, RN, FACHE, Grand Prairie Paula S. Turicchi, FACHE, Dallas Spencer W. Turner, FACHE, Frisco Mary R. Wylie, FACHE, Dallas

Members who recently passed theBoard of Governors Exam

Joan Shinkus Clark, RN, Arlington Susan Edwards, Arlington John M. Hayes, Fort Worth Dale G. Hutchins, RN, Dallas

New Members

Tabetha Adams, Dallas John A. Allen, Dallas Aimee Bacarella, Dallas Victoria S. Barney, Ennis Krista R. Baty, RN, Scurry Kim Bell, Rockwall Michelle T. Berigan, Mckinney Riya Bhattacharjee, Dallas John Boaz, Allen Andrea Bohannon, CPA, Coppell Kimberly R. Booker, Fort Worth Matthew Bray, Dallas Joseph C. Brown, Plano Shannon C. Cain, Sherman Chrystina Cambere, Flower Mound LTC Richard S. Carey, Allen Alexander Carter, McKinney Sara Casey, Addison Richard Y. Cheng, JD, Dallas Demetria L. Chester, Rowlett Angela A. CJVincent, Irving Shelley L. Colon, Dallas Charles B. Conklin, Plano Jason A. Creutzmann, Richardson Roger Davis, Plano Stanley E. Davis, Fort Worth Neal DiBello, Grapevine Edward T. Dold Jr., Fort Worth Jason D. Earp, Lake Dallas

ACHE of North TexasBelow is a list of Affi liates who have joined ACHE, the Members who have passed the Board of Governors exam and the Fellows who have advanced or recertifi ed since January 1 in this Chapter territory. Please take a moment to congratulate your colleagues for their commitment to advancing their healthcare careers. Use the online Affi liate Directory to obtain their contact information.

Brian R. Evans, Irving Clay A. Farell, Dallas Aldo J. Ferrer, Lantana Veronica Garcia, Dallas James Girards, Dallas Edward Golub, Dallas Betsy Gross, Westlake Amit Gupta, Grand Prairie Michele L. Hamilton, Plano Shawn R. Harkey, Dallas Gabe Haro, Arlington Phillip N. Hays, McKinney Alex J. Herbison, Irving Bob Hicks, Argyle Mark D. Hueter, Dallas Sheryl M. Jackson, Copper Canyon Jason D. James, Lewisville Deborah Jean-Gilles, Fort Worth Elizabeth Jesudas, Mesquite Sarah L. Johnson, Arlington Mounir Kamal, CPA, Plano Joseph R. Kapenas, The Colony Ron Kelley, Flower Mound Greg Kennedy, Plano Christopher D. Kerski, Roanoke Ruth C. Kirkland, Dallas Lary Knight, Aledo Maegan E. Kuykendall, Grand Prairie Eleanor W. Latimer, Dallas Cynthia Lawson, RN, Flower Mound Marc Leediker, Dallas Chad Leopard, Dallas Gaylea Lunday, Plano Suzy Lundquist, Arlington David Mapes, Mansfi eld Michael P. Martin, Fort Worth Carol B. Maxwell, Dallas Felicia Z. McLaren, Addison Kimberly A. McNary, Plano Rodney G. Melton, RN, Aubrey Mark Meyer, Dallas Amy Miller, Dallas Jeff ery L. Miller, Pembroke Piens Jesus S. Miranda, Mansfi eld Christopher J. Moline, Fort Worth Christine E. Mulshine, Dallas Don Munoz, Frisco Jeremy J. Neurohr, Fort Worth Hien T. Nguyen, Arlington Deborah D. Norton, Dallas John P. Nyhart, Irving Julian Palacios, Lewisville Nimesh Parikh, Plano

Jason E. Pate, Plano Paul H. Payberah, Weatherford Jason Pesterfi eld, Flower Mound Joe Price, Keller Paul E. Qualls III, Fort Worth Rick L. Rambo, Addison Melissa L. Reichardt, Fort Worth Rick Rhine, Dallas Francisco J. Rodriguez, Mansfi eld Ashley M. Sadlon, Dallas Nicole M. Santiago, Dallas John L. Schinske, Argyle Neeraj R. Sharma, MD, Allen Mary Sirois, Dallas Ronald Skillens, CPA, Dallas Sherpri G. Small, Dallas Scott D. Spencer, Fort Worth Brad J. Sullivan, Dallas Kelli Terpstra, Dallas Seena Thomas, Mesquite Matthew Tugman, Grapevine Mike Turner, Dallas Brenda Urbanczyk, RN, Plano Amanda Van Cleave, Framingham Matthew Van Leeuwe, Dallas Melena J. VanArsdall, *No Mail Sue Vanek, Murphy Nishu Wadhawan, Dallas Gulam Waheed, DO, Wylie Misty D. Wallis, Godley J. R. Walther, Dallas Janice L. Whitmire, Burleson Glenn Wiebe, Dallas Amn Kip Williams, Irving Jennifer Wohlferd, Burleson Judy Wolfe, Dallas Ginny Wyatt, Irving

Recertifi ed Fellows

Joel T. Allison, FACHE, Dallas John W. Carver Jr., FACHE, Dallas Susan H. Cronin, FACHE, Dallas Robert V. Deen, FACHE, Plano Mark Doskocil, FACHE, Arlington Wendy P. Hill, FACHE, Seguin Mark C. Hood, FACHE, Grapevine Kyle W. Kirkpatrick, FACHE, Flower Mound Brett S. McClung, FACHE, Fort Worth MAJ Dennis W. Walker, FACHE, Forney Wilson J. Weber III, FACHE, Plano Phillip D. Weinman, FACHE, Fort Worth

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | FALL 2009 8

Acetaminophen SafetyInformationThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a public advisory committee meeting on June 29 and June 30, 2009 regarding acetaminophen use in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) products, the potential for liver injury, and potential interventions to reduce the incidence of liver injury.

The FDA will keep the docket for this meeting open until September 30th 2009 to receive comments. Electronic comments should be submitted to www.regulations.gov. Enter “FDA-2009-N-0138 Liver Injury Related to the Use of Acetaminophen’’ and look for the Joint Meeting of the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee, Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee: Notice of Meeting. Click on “Send a Comment or Submission.” Written comments should be submitted to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. If you have any questions or problems with your submission to the docket, please call the Division of Dockets Management at (301) 827-6860.

Help Patients Use Acetaminophen Safely

Acetaminophen toxicity is a leading cause of acute liver failure, resulting in an estimated 400 deaths in this country each year. Many of these events are happening because patients are unknowingly taking too much of the drug.

Several factors contribute to these unintentional acetaminophen overdoses. First, people may not

be aware that they are in danger of liver damage

if they exceed the maximum

recommended dose, or that alcohol exacerbates the risk. Also, they may not realize how much acetaminophen they are consuming if they take more than one product containing this drug. Taking too much can be easy to do, because acetaminophen is widely found in both OTC and prescription drug products, in as many as 600 of them, including analgesics, antipyretics, cough/cold remedies and sleep aids. In this situation, people may not even recognize that some of the drugs they are taking contain acetaminophen.

One study, published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association in 2007, surveyed 104 adult patients presenting to an internal medicine clinic. 79% reported using a product that contained acetaminophen within the previous six months, but only 43% could identify problems that could arise from high doses of acetaminophen. And while 71% of patients recognized that Tylenol contains acetaminophen, fewer than 15% knew that Vicodin (hydrocodone/ acetaminophen), Darvocet (propoxyphene napsylate/) and Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) contain acetaminophen.

Children are also at risk of acetaminophen overdose if they are given the adult formulation or the wrong pediatric formulation, if the dose is not calculated correctly for the child’s weight, or if the wrong dosing device is used.

FDA is encouraging health care providers to educate patients and caregivers about how to use pain medicines safely. Instruct them about the correct dosing frequency for products that contain acetaminophen, and be sure they understand that having three or more alcoholic drinks per day can raise the risk of acetaminophen toxicity. Warn them about taking multiple products containing the same active ingredient. And instruct parents on the correct weight-based dose for their child and remind them to use the proper measuring device for liquid formulations.

Acetaminophen is a safe and eff ective analgesic and antipyretic when it is used properly. But careless or uninformed use can lead to serious liver damage and death. Healthcare providers can play an important role in protecting their patients from acetaminophen toxicity.

Additional Information:FDA Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers/Fever Reducers: Using Acetaminophen and NSAID Medicine Safely. Stumpf, J. et al. Knowledge of appropriate acetaminophen doses and potential toxicities in an adult clinic population. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. Jan/Feb. 2007. Volume 47, Number 1. pp 35-41Article reprinted with permission from www.fda.gov

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | FALL 2009 9

Social media is coming soon to a hospital near you ...if it hasn’t already

Learn how you can best incorporate social media into your organization with our upcoming day-long workshop, Best Practices for Applying Social Media in Healthcare, to be held on Wednesday, November 4 in conjunction with our San Antonio Cluster, from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm.

Healthcare organizations are using social media outlets like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and blogs to increase patient satisfaction, devise new recruitment models and build new communities.

Find out how you can use these social media tools to enhance the patient-care experience and broaden the reach of your healthcare services. Also, gain crucial advice from Keynote Speaker Matthew Holt, Co-Founder of the Health 2.0 Conference and Founder/Author of The Health Care Blog.

For those already participating in a Cluster program, consider adding this important session. Or, participate solely in this program and learn how using social media can benefit your organization.

Tuition: $495 - ACHE Affiliates, $595—Nonaffiliates Includes: breakfast, lunch and materials Credits: Participation in this workshop qualifies for 6 hours of Category I (ACHE education) credit.

You can register online or call the ACHE Customer Service Center at (312) 424-9400. Funded in part by ACHE’s Fund for Innovation in Healthcare Leadership

Preventive Care Is Good for the Body and MindBy Patricia Pooladi (reprinted from www.national-academies.org)

Last week experts on the obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) attended an annual conference to share information and give support to those who suffer from the mental disorder that affects 2.2 million people in U.S. One-third of adults who have OCD developed their symptoms in childhood, but often the disorder goes untreated or misdiagnosed for years before being recognized. OCD is often accompanied by depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disorders, which further confounds diagnostic efforts.

The roadblocks to diagnosis and treatment of OCD are common with many mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, including antisocial or aggressive behavior, depression, anxiety, OCD, and drug and alcohol abuse, and more than half of adults with such disorders have suffered since childhood.

Several decades of research have demonstrated interventions that can be effective in delaying or preventing the onset of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. First symptoms typically occur two to four years before the full onset of a disorder – creating a window of opportunity when preventive programs might make a difference, according to Preventing Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People: Progress and Possibilities, a report from the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council. The report suggests that the federal government make preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders -- which cost the U.S. an estimated $247 billion annually -- and promoting mental health in young people a national priority.

CALENDAR

October 2 Fundamentals of HealthcareManagement Seminar

Board of Governors Exam - Advancement Seminar If you are thinking of taking the ACHE Board of Governor’s Exam before it changes in 2020, this advancement seminar is for you. It will be a day long session here in Dallas/Ft Worth sponsored by ACHE of North Texas. Questions about the program, contact Elizabeth McGrady, PhD, Graduate School of Management, University of Dallas, at emcgrady@gsm.udallas.edu.

Speaker: Paula Zalucki, FACHE President, Salus Strategy Group, LLCTime: 7:45 am Registration 8:00 am-4:00 pm Program Location: The Health Industry Council 3001 Skyway Circle N, Ste. 100 Irving, TX 75038 972-256-2291 Cateogry II Credits: 8 hours Cost: $75 Members $100 Nonmembersand Non-North Texas AffiliatesRegistration: Space is limited. Deadline to register is Sept. 25th

To register by credit card, go to the website at http://northtexas.ache.org/x13.xml and click on the PayPal button. To pay by check, send it to ACHE of North Texas, 3001 Skyway Circle N, Ste. 100, Irving, TX 75038.

October 5 Job Fair & General Membership Meeting

ATTENTION JOB SEEKERS and FACILITIES SEEKING GREAT EMPLOYEES We are having a resume review and job fair for all those ACHE members that are looking for work. Plan to come and meet recruiters, healthcare human resources staff, and executives that can review your resume, and talk about current openings. Meet executives and people in the know that can give you ideas to kick start your job search and land you in a great career. This is one way you can get ‘LinkedIn’ to your ACHE team. We hope to see you there. Time: 3:00 - 6:00 pm Where: Medical City Dallas Hospital, Classroom 1&2, Bldg. ECost: Free

For Details, contact Bethany Williams atbethany.williams@ps.net

Immediately following:General Membership Meeting #1Presentation: “Developing a Personal Brand”Speaker: John G. Self, Chairman & Founder, JohnMarch PartnersTime: 5:30 – 8 pmLocation: Medical City Dallas Hospital, City HallCost: Free. Refreshments/food will be providedTo RSVP: email info@northtexas.ache.org.Please indicate your choice:1. Job Fair only2. General Membership Meeting Only3. Job Fair and General Membership Meeting

Questions: call Gerri Wessling 972-256-2291

October 15 Category 1 Education Session presented by the ACHE of North Texas, Dallas Local Program Council, Co-Champions: Chakilla Robinson White and Mikhail Gorbatenko

Course Title: Sustaining a Financially Vibrant Healthcare OrganizationSpeakers: John Dragovits, EVP & CFO, Parkland Health & Hospital System David Gaydosh, Sr Exec Accenture Health & Life Sciences Organization W. Steven Love, President & CEO Dallas Ft Worth Hospital CouncilModerator: Michael Mayo, FACHE, President, Methodist Dallas Medical CenterTime: 5:30 – 6 pm Registration, Dinner provided 6 – 7:30 pm Session VIILocation: Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Hitt Auditorium 1441 N. Beckley Ave., Dallas, TX 75265Cost: $20 Members $25 Nonmembers$10 Students Category 1 credits: 1.5 hours

November 4

ACHE and the San Antonio Chapter is offering a program sponsored by ACHE’s Fund for Innovation in Healthcare Leadership.

Best Practices for Applying Social Media in Healthcare

Time: 7am-3 pm Cost: $495 - ACHE Affiliates $595 Nonaffiliates.

ACHE of North Texas thanks the following Corporate Sponsors for assisting the organization’s mission. By sponsoring various events throughout the year, these sponsors are provided local and national exposure with an opportunity to showcase their organization, brand, career opportunities, products and services to the ACHE membership and its affiliates.