Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver - (Page 49)

little kids, when in doubt, big decisions • STAY INVOLVED. “The adolescent and teen years can be tough. We see a lot of kids in the ED who are doing just ﬁne and then they develop behavioral or substance abuse issues. It’s easy for parents to be blindsided.” taking a child to the ED is always the right choice by carla carwile he Emergency Department (ED) at Avista Adventist Hospital is a busy place. This year, some 15,000 people will arrive in need of emergent care for an injury or illness. Approximately one of every three will be a child. “Ours is a bedroom community, so we see lots of pediatrics,” says Debra Gradick, M.D., ED medical director. “A portion of the private rooms in our ED is dedicated to children’s emergency care.” ask a nurse Unsure if your child’s illness or injury warrants a trip to the ED? Call ASK-A-NURSE at 303-777-6877. T call ❋ err on the side of caution While the reasons kids are brought to the ED vary widely, one of the ﬁrst questions their parents ask is often the same: Should I have brought my child in? “It can be really frightening for parents,” Gradick says, “and I assure them we’re happy to see all kids. My personal feeling is that I’d rather a parent bring a child in unnecessarily than risk their not being seen for something serious.” Being the mother of two boys, ages 12 and 14, has made Gradick even more empathetic. “It’s hard to be objective with your own kids,” she says, “particularly when they’re very young and can’t talk to you … when they can’t tell you where they’re hurting.” Nearly 5,000 children are treated in the Emergency Department of Avista Adventist Hospital each year. the angel factor Kids making an emergency visit to Avista Adventist Hospital can count on comfort from some very earthly angels. And whatever these specially trained volunteers lack in wings, they more than make up for in diversions—stickers, Popsicles, books to read and tapes to share. “I cannot say enough good things If you’re good with kids and about the Avista Angels,” says want to make a difference, Emergency Department Medical consider becoming an Avista Director Debra Gradick, M.D. Angels volunteer. Contact “These people are so kid-focused Yolanda Cole at they really step up to the plate. It 303-673-1189 to learn more. can be a huge relief for parents.” got wings? ❋ keeping kids safe So how can you keep your kids out of the ED? Gradick offers the following tips: • MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY. “Most parents are very conscientious, but accidents are accidents. The big thing is wearing the proper gear.” • KEEP UP WITH IMMUNIZATIONS. “I’m a big proponent of ﬂu shots for children. In my mind, it’s an absolute must.” call Avista Angels is part of the hospital’s pastoral care program and is directed by volunteer chaplain Yolanda Cole. vim & vigor · fall 2008 49

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver Contents A Mission in Motion For Your Health Goal! Seeing Beyond Time Equals Muscle The Fiber Solution Prize Fighters On the Cover: Spreading the News I'm Glad I Had a... Tailor-Made Beyond the Bedside On Track Living the Good Life Little Kids, Big Decisions Zeroing In Right At Home Beating the Clock Community Connections Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver

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