Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Community Healthcare - (Page 4)

Stopping Stroke in Its Tracks the hospitals of Community Healthcare System have many programs to help individuals learn how to prevent strokes, treat those that do occur and help prevent them from happening again. “nearly 800,000 americans suffer stroke each year. that translates to one stroke about every 45 seconds. we have excellent technology to help us fight stroke and heart disease, but it’s up to all of us to know the symptoms, prevent it when we can and use good judgment in seeking treatment,” says arvind Gandhi, m.D., cardiologist on staff at Community Hospital in munster and St. Catherine Hospital in east Chicago. Reduce Your Risk • Don’t smoke or use tobacco. • keep a healthy blood pressure (120/80 is ideal). • manage diabetes and cholesterol levels. • Schedule regular checkups. • Don’t drink alcohol to excess, and don’t abuse drugs. Know the Signs recognizing the signs of a stroke and getting aid right away can save your life. Drugs can help reverse the symptoms, but only in a short window of time. Go to the emergency department right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arms or legs, especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause Treatment Is For Life • Choose a doctor who can help manage your risk for a stroke. For a physician on staff at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System, visit www.comhs.org and click “physician referral,” or call 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477. Kim Sgouroudis, R.N., BSN, stroke care coordinator at St. Mary Medical Center (left), discusses care options with Rita Wineinger, wife of stroke patient Kenneth Wineinger (right). St. Mary Medical Center’s Stroke Center recently received the Gold Seal of Approval™ and was certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. Stroke Can Happen anywHere, anytime Hetzel says he was like most people who think a stroke cannot happen to them. The 57-year-old was in generally good health. The fact is, a stroke can strike anyone regardless of age, gender or race. Those suffering from a stroke can have a great deal of confidence when going to any one of the hospitals of Community Healthcare System. The stroke care programs at Community Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center have earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from the Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. Last year, each hospital was awarded this distinction after the Joint Commission conducted on-site reviews of their stroke care programs, treatment standards and guidelines, and preventive education. “Our dedicated stroke team ensures that stroke patients are diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible, knowing that every minute counts, limiting brain damage and the risk for complications,” says Don Fesko, chief executive officer of Community Hospital. “The Primary Stroke Center Certification from the Joint Commission serves as further confirmation that Community Hospital remains at the forefront of cardiovascular care, stroke treatment and prevention.” “Our Stroke Program’s state-of-the-art acute stroke management focuses on prevention of future strokes with a combination of medications and changes in lifestyle,” says Janice Ryba, chief executive officer of St. Mary Medical Center. “By decreasing the risks for this debilitating condition, we know we can help improve the quality of life for our patients.” Stroke patients at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System benefit from individualized care that aims to optimize recovery and maximize independence. Members of the Stroke Team meet regularly to review care guidelines and treatment regimens and analyze quality measures. CaLL If you’ve already had a stroke, learn how to prevent another one. Acute Rehabilitation Services of Community Healthcare System offers the Moving Forward program. To sign up, call 219-852-6449. Prevent Another Event 4 Vim & Vigor • SUM M ER 2 011 http://www.comhs.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Community Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Community Healthcare
Contents
Community Message
When Stroke Strikes, Seconds Count
Rays of Hope Fight Cancer
Girl Talk
Say What?
Action Plan
Like This? Try That!
Being George Clooney
A Day in the Life of Your Heart
Unexpected Heroes
Get in Gear
A Real Lifesaver
A Real Lifesaver
Spotlight on Community Hospital
Spotlight on St. Catherine Hospital
Spotlight on St. Mary Medical Center
A Safer Hospital Stay

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Community Healthcare