Healthy Living

Alternative treatment can help depression

2012-01-23T15:33:00.004-05:00

Major Depressive Disorder is a common disorder affecting about 16 million to 18 million Americans in any one year at a cost of $82 billion. This is a leading cause of disability, and a crippling disease that leads to major disturbances in one’s life — affecting patients in their work, family, and social life.

“Having depression made me feel like I was an awful person. I did not want to leave my house or be with my family or friends. I would not go to work because I could not bring myself to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes I would only sleep a few hours of the night and wake up repeatedly. When I was awake I could not focus on anything. I felt completely empty; I could not enjoy anything. Food was tasteless and I lost a lot of weight. I was continuously fighting to get through another day.”

This was a quote from a depressed, 55-year-old female patient. This married woman was treated by her primary care provider with Zoloft for months without any improvement. She was then referred to me. The antidepressant was switched to another antidepressant (Effexor XR), and she began psychotherapy.

Her mood improved to some degree but she still complained of lack of motivation, poor energy, inability to enjoy hobbies (crossword puzzles, cooking, and her three grandchildren who previously were her pride and joy).

After a year of treatment with minimal improvement, I suggested Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The patient agreed and within three weeks she was back doing crossword puzzles, and cooking. Within four weeks she was spending a lot more time with her grandchildren — she looked forward to going to work, her concentration was much better, she reconnected with her friends, enjoyed going out to dinner with her family, gained back the weight she had lost and felt her life was meaningful again.

TMS is the latest non-pharmaceutical treatment modality for major depressive disorder that does not respond to other treatments. In a large clinical trial done by the National Institute of Mental Health involving over 4,000 patients, it was found that only 30% of patients treated with antidepressants were totally free of any symptoms of depression.

TMS works by stimulating key neurons in the brain that are believed to be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Unlike antidepressants that are swallowed and circulate in the body, TMS delivers high intensity focused magnetic pulses that lead to the formation of electrical currents, which are transmitted to deeper structures in the that are also associated with symptoms of depression.

The electric impulses stimulate the neurons to increase neurotransmitters (much like antidepressants) that are lacking in depressed individuals. Unlike medication, TMS does not lead to side effects (weight gain, sexual dysfunction, sedation, gastrointestinal problems) and unlike Electro Convulsive Therapy it does not require anesthesia or muscle relaxants and does not lead to any memory problems. It is an effective treatment that is safe and non-invasive.

Typically the patient will drive to the office, will receive the treatment while lying in a comfortable reclining chair (similar to a dentist chair) will be awake and alert during the session (40 minutes) and can drive back to work or home. The course of treatment is approximately 20-30 sessions and is given five days a week, Monday through Friday. Some patients may require “booster” session after six months and some may need to continue on an antidepressants, but will definitely require less pharmacological intervention than prior to TMS treatment.

Mahmoud Okasha, MD, is a physician with Comprehensive Psychiatric Care of Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Okasha or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

'Medical homes' keep you healthy

2012-01-17T22:01:00.002-05:00

It might sound odd at first, but hospitals are actually working to keep patients out of the hospital.

Gone are the days when hospitals only took care of you when you are sick. To improve the community health, prevention is the best medicine.

At a time when many people don’t have medical insurance and only seek care when they absolutely have to, many people are seeking their care in hospital emergency departments. This is not healthy, and very costly.

That’s why the concept of “medical homes” is so important.

Think of it as “one-stop shopping” for your healthcare needs. In a patient-centered medical home, your care is coordinated through a real partnership with your doctor — your “personal physician.” Because the doctor knows you and your medical history, you can trust him or her to be responsible for all your healthcare needs. This includes arranging care and sharing health information with other qualified providers — specialists, hospitals, home health agencies, rehab specialists, nursing homes, or hospice.

In the medical home model, your care can be more effective, more efficient — and therefore safer. We have all had experiences where a test needed to be re-done, or a doctor didn’t know the results. Technology — backed by caring personal physicians — can create smoother transitions between the hospital, physicians and specialists. This is naturally linked to better overall health, disease prevention and greater patient satisfaction.

You can learn more about medical homes at our next Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness & Exercise program on Jan. 19 at 6:30-8 p.m. in the Plainfield Recreation Center. To register, call 860-889-8331, ext. 6381.

When people wait to seek healthcare until it is an emergency because they are without insurance or don’t want to pay a deductible, many times it is too late and their illness has progressed to the point where it is serious and possibly untreatable. Having a medical home can help patients lead healthier lifestyles, and prevent more serious illnesses.

Some of the most important healthcare now occurs before you ever get sick. Having a medical home provides a foundation for this.

Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator at the The William W. Backus Hospital Education Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

The best healthcare occurs before you get sick

2012-01-09T12:53:00.004-05:00

Good communication with your primary care doctor or nurse practitioner may be the most important factor in getting good health care.

You want a doctor who will listen carefully to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain things clearly and fully.

Asking questions is key to good communication with your doctor. If you don’t ask questions, he or she may assume you already know the answers or just aren’t interested in getting more information.

But communication goes two ways; It’s very important to feel comfortable discussing your concerns, especially sensitive issues. It is critical not to keep secrets – your primary care provider needs to know your health habits like alcohol or tobacco use, signs of anxiety or depression, incontinence, memory problems, sexual risk factors and behaviors. It’s also in your best interest to be honest if you are adhering to your prescribed medication regimen or treatment.

Our next program in the Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) series is “Getting the Most Out of Your Doctor Visit” on Thursday, Jan. 19, from 6:30-8 p.m., at the Plainfield Recreation Center.

Dr. Ramindra Walia, Medical Director of United Community & Family Services (UCFS) based in Norwich and a member of the Backus Medical Staff, will discuss how to choose a primary care provider, why it’s important to have a “medical home” and how to talk to your doctor.

This program is free, but registration is required by calling 860-889-8331, ext. 6381.

An Access to Care specialist will be available to talk about obtaining health insurance. At a time when many people don’t have medical insurance and only seek care when they absolutely have to, Backus and UCFS have partnered to station these specialists in the hospital’s emergency department to reach to identify uninsured and under-insured patients and link them with government insurance programs and health centers like UCFS that will help them establish “medical homes.”

Full-fledged, patient-centered medical homes provide comprehensive primary care that encourages relationships between patients, physicians and families. This model has been endorsed by many of the nation’s largest primary care physician associations, including the American Academy of Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians and American Osteopathic Association.

In a nutshell, medical homes promote access to coordinated, personal, high quality and less costly care. For example, how many times have you ever been in a situation where you have had a test, but your doctor or the hospital doesn’t have access to it because it was performed somewhere else? Medical homes allow for patient information to be easily shared by providers, many times electronically.

As care becomes more coordinated and information is streamlined, patients have smoother transitions between hospitals, physicians and specialists. Communication increase, preventative health develops and overall health improves.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, this kind of preventative medicine will become increasingly important.

When people wait to seek healthcare until it is an emergency because they are without insurance or don’t want to pay a deductible, many times it is too late and their illness has progressed to the point where it is serious and possibly untreatable. Having a medical home can help patients lead healthier lifestyles, and prevent more serious illnesses.

It also lowers costs. We all lament how expensive healthcare is, and how insurance coverage is becoming increasingly cost prohibitive. One of the reasons is the fragmented nature of healthcare, and also the fact that people with insurance inevitably pay for those without it.

Those without insurance many times only seek emergency care, which hospitals must provide regardless of a person’s ability to pay. But emergency care is more expensive, and many times less effective. Clinicians in emergency room environments are great at what they do – treating emergent issues.

But some of the most important healthcare occurs before you ever get sick. This can only occur when there is a healthy, long-standing relationship between patients and their healthcare providers.

Tragedy illustrates importance of fire safety

2012-01-02T20:49:00.003-05:00

The tragic house fire in Stamford on Christmas Day was a sobering reminder to us all of the fragility of life.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 482,000 structure fires occurred in the United States in 2010, resulting in 3,120 deaths and more than 17,000 injuries. Here is essential fire safety advice we all should heed:

• Formulate and practice a home fire escape plan that everyone, even the children, understands. Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan showing two ways out of each room, including windows. Don't forget to mark the location of each smoke detector. Determine a place to meet outside to make sure everyone in the family is accounted for. Have a practice fire drill at least twice yearly.

• Have smoke detectors installed on every level of your house, including the basement. Test batteries by pushing the button on the alarm, ideally once a month. Change batteries twice a year, each fall and spring when we change the clocks for daylight savings time. A smoke detector is worth so much, possibly a loved one's life, yet is so inexpensive. More than 90 percent of fire deaths occur in residential dwellings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are asleep. Smoke detectors alert occupants when a fire is still small and there is still time to escape.

• Take extra care when burning candles in the home. Never leave burning candles unattended. Make sure the flames are not near anything combustible, including curtains or lampshades.

• Space heaters can be hazardous. Again, never leave unattended or place them near anything that could burn, including shoes or furniture.

• Carbon monoxide detectors are potential life-saving devices. Install carbon monoxide detectors on all levels of your home, especially near sleeping areas, advises Fred Potter, Backus Hospital’s Coordinator of Emergency Medical Services.

• Norwich Deputy Fire Marshal Jake Manke advises every household to have a working fire extinguisher in a readily available and reachable location. Check the battery gauge and be familiar with how to use it. But he stresses the most important thing is to get everyone safely out of the house and call 911, allowing the professionals to fight the fire.

The National Fire Protection Association is the standard for accurate information in the fire safety field. Family fire safety plans and other vital information is offered at its website: www.NFPA.org.

Let’s all work to protect our families as we look forward to a healthy and safe New Year.

Diabetics can take steps to avoid foot problems in the winter

2011-12-26T22:09:00.004-05:00

For people with diabetes, the winter months are a time when more attention than usual should be given to the feet.

Diabetics are at risk for having reduced blood flow to the lower extremities, and the cold weather compounds this problem. The dry weather from being inside also makes the skin more susceptible to drying and cracking. Also, diabetics have decreased sensation to the lower extremities, which makes for a decreased awareness of issues that may be of concern.

Fortunately, there are steps that diabetics can take during the winter to minimize foot problems:

• Many people use heating pads and warming blankets. Because of the decreased sensation or neuropathy of diabetes, these devices can cause significant foot injuries and should be avoided. If they are used, the temperature of such devices should be checked with the elbow as the sensation is not decreased as it is in the fingers and toes.

• Winter shoes should be checked for proper fit to avoid tightness, which can lead to foot injuries. Clean, dry socks made of natural fiber such as cotton should be worn to reduce irritation.

• Moisturizing can help comfort and exfoliate rough skin, and prevent skin cracking.

• Feet should be patted dry and not rubbed after bathing or showering.

• As with any time of year, diabetics need to be cautious when trimming nails to avoid cutting them too short. If you must clip, work on toes that have been soaked in warm water for a few minutes and are softer. Hard dry nails can split, and lead to problems.

• Routine exercise can be difficult during the winter months, but it is important for diabetics because it increases circulation. Lack of exercise and activity can cause havoc with blood glucose levels, and extra weight is not good for your feet.

• It is also important for diabetics to avoid going barefoot in the house – use a good-fitting pair of slippers.

• Diabetics should check their feet daily, especially after being outside and exposed to the cold. Pay particular attention to any changes in color and shape, cuts, swelling and infected toenails. In the event that a sore develops that doesn't heal in a couple of days, or you have tingling in your feet that doesn't stop or have no feeling in your feet, call your doctor for an appointment. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to larger health issues later.

Mark Tramontozzi, MD, is the Medical Director of the Backus Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, which is located in the Backus Outpatient Care Center on Salem Turnpike in Norwich. This column should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Tramontozzi or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

New smoking class to help people kick the habit

2011-12-19T15:07:00.010-05:00

“If people are healthier, they are generally happier. If people are healthier, they are likely to be more productive. If people are both happy and productive, the economy will follow suit.” This is the opinion of Jeffrey Levi in a recent column in the Huffington Post.

I couldn’t agree more. It certainly seems logical — smoking leads to a wide range of complications that can lead to lost time at work.

But how do we begin the fundamental task of getting healthier? Here are some startling statistics:

We all know that smoking contributes to a multitude of health problems.

The state Department of Public Health issued a fact sheet entitled, “A Quick Look at Smoking In Connecticut” revealing some staggering statistics:

• More than 450,000 adults in Connecticut smoke cigarettes, which translates into 17% of adults — 18.9% of men and 15.2% of women, according to the state Department of Public Health.

• Even more startling is what we found in eastern Connecticut. A community health needs assessment telephone survey conducted by a national research firm on behalf of Backus revealed that nearly have of the region’s adults have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.

• Approximately 40% of those who answered the telephone survey are regular smokers.

Since 2012 is almost upon us, it’s the perfect time to make a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking once and for all.

Backus Hospital is sponsoring the highly successful American Lung Association smoking cessation program entitled, “Freedom From Smoking.”

Led by certified facilitator Annette McDonald, a Respiratory Therapist at Backus, the seven-week sessions start Tuesday, Jan. 10 and run until Feb. 24 (Week 4 is Quit Week so there is a second session that week on Thursday, Feb. 2). They are held at the Backus Outpatient Care Center on Salem Turnpike in Norwich from 6-8 p.m.

Participants must pay $50, but they receive the $50 back if they attend all eight sessions. We did this because our past experiences with smoking cessation classes show that if there is a monetary stake, the chances of completing the program are much higher. Any money that is not refunded goes toward the course materials for participants.

For more information, or to register for the program, call 860-889-8331, ext 6381.

Let’s all do our part to improve the economy — and our region’s health — by quitting smoking in 2012.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is costly but treatable

2011-12-13T14:06:00.004-05:00

Millions of people nationwide suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by repetitive movements of the hand and wrist.

In addition to the pain it inflicts, carpal tunnel syndrome is also a leading cause of people missing work. It results in millions of dollars in workers’ compensation costs each year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

It is most common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, especially those who do a lot of typing. Sewing, driving, use of tools, playing musical instruments and some sports can also cause pressure on the median nerve, which ultimately causes the numbness, weakness and tingling of the hands and fingers associated with this syndrome.

There are ways to reduce the chances of acquiring carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, your doctor might recommend an occupational therapist or ergonomic expert who can observe your working conditions and habits and make recommendations on usage and placement of equipment, such as your mouse pad or keyboard.

If you do have carpal tunnel syndrome, treatment can include medications, wearing splints, physical therapy and hot and cold compresses. However, if these treatments do not help, surgery should be considered.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an effective, low-risk procedure. Technology has progressed to the point where it can be completed in 6-10 minutes, with no hospital stay.

Using an endoscope with a camera attached, the surgeon guides the tube through a small incision in the wrist. The surgeon is able to see structures in the wrist and cut the transverse carpal ligament, which releases the pressure on the median nerve.

This minimally invasive technique is just as effective as traditional open surgery. Its benefits include less pain and faster recovery times.

Thomas Cherry, MD, of Backus Physician Services, specializes in cosmetic and hand surgeries. This column should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. To contact Dr. Cherry, call 860-425-5300. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Cherry or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Healthcare can be an alphabet soup

2011-12-06T13:17:00.003-05:00

Healthcare professionals are so accustomed to using acronyms that we forget that not everyone understands us when we explain things. When I was in nursing school and learning what seemed like a million acronyms, we never tired of creating new names for the terms.

We amused ourselves by devising names for that long-anticipated goal of Registered Nurse: RN came to be known as Real Nuts, Really Nosy, Rotten Neighbors, Respectable Nerds, Roasted Nuts, Reacts Negatively, Respects Nobody or Rusty Nails.

Our friends in medical school were striving to be MDs, or Mentally Developing.

Then there are the diseases. That opened up a whole new world of acronyms. For example, COPD, which stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, became Can Order Pizza Delivery. Coronary Artery Disease, CAD, was an easy one: Cats Attack Dogs. Short of Breath already had a great acronym: SOB. So what do you think DJD stands for? Degenerative Joint Disease really means Delicious Jelly Donuts.

If someone tells you that you have CHF, they may mean Congestive Heart Failure, but you know in reality you Can’t Hide Flatus.

Working in the hospital setting brought another set of acronyms and code words to decipher. For example, RRT means Rapid Response Team, but I was so accustomed to re-naming it, I called it Really Rotten Teeth. When “Code 8” was paged overhead, I wondered what happened to Codes 1 through 7.

Then we came into the age of email and texting abbreviations...don’t get me started on that...LOL!

Distracted driving must be taken seriously

2011-11-28T20:32:00.003-05:00

Over the holiday weekend, there was some good news to report on Connecticut roadways: There was a significant decrease in arrests and tickets related to driving under the influence, seat belt violations, speeding and other moving violations.

This might very well have to do with the many efforts aimed at educating the public. For many, the messages have finally sunk in. You just don’t see as many people driving under the influence or not wearing their seat belts.

For the most part, we have seen this trend at The William W. Backus Hospital as well. As Trauma Program Manager, the statistics do seem to show a decrease in car crashes related to these reckless behaviors.

Unfortunately, there is one area where the news isn’t so good. We continue to see many people hospitalized and/or injured due to distracted driving. Whether it is talking on the phone, sending a text or even drinking a cup of coffee, these behaviors continue to cause tragedy on our roads.

Nationally, approximately 40 percent of teens report being in a car at some point with a driver using a cell phone. And as cell phones have moved into the age of smart phones with texting and internet access, the temptations have only increase.

What can we do about this?

First, all of us must continue to do our best to educate young people on the dangers of distracted driving.

In recent years, we have modified our Be Aware program at Backus to include this message. Previously, this program focused only on showing teens the dangers of driving under the influence, speeding and seat belts.

But distracted driving can be just as deadly. Some of the worst crashes – and major tragedies – I have seen in recent years are related to distracted driving.

It all starts with educating our youth, combined with laws banning cell phone use while driving and enforcement. We need distracted driving to be taken as seriously as other moving violations. Lives depend on it.

Gillian Mosier is a registered nurse and manager of the Backus Trauma Program. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Mosier or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Winter months bring more than just cold feet

2011-11-21T13:11:00.002-05:00

Podiatrists deal with many foot conditions -- sports injuries, fractures, bunions, arthritis pain, and lower extremity wound care.

With the weather turning colder, there is an increase in some of these.

That is because in the summer, we allow our feet to stretch out and even slightly widen in open, loose-fitting shoes. As the weather changes, the shoes become more constrictive, which increases many issues from bunion pain to joint pain to numbness and sores and ingrown toenails. Proper shoe-fitting is a simple key to decrease rubbing pressure that can increase the chance of developing a problem.

During the colder weather, there is decreased humidity in the air, which can increase dry, cracked skin throughout the body. Specifically on the feet and legs, these cracks can open, bleed and become infected. Proper skin hydration lotions, a bedside humidifier and limited barefoot time are simple preventative measures that help reduce these issues.

Another concern during the winter months is for people with poor circulation, neuropathy or diabetes. There is already decreased circulation to the legs, and in the colder months, not protecting with appropriate garments can lead not only to increased symptoms, such as pain, color change and burning, but could even lead to sores, infections and amputations.

If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, you should seek medical attention before the problems become worse.

Dr. Eric Levine is a podiatrist who is on staff at the Backus Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center. This column should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Levine or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

You can prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning

2011-11-14T21:23:00.003-05:00

With the recent snowstorm and power outages, carbon monoxide poisoning has made lots of news. And as the cold weather continues to make its way into the region, this public health threat will remain.

It is important to make the community aware of this condition because it is very treatable, and more importantly, preventable.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas, but, being colorless, odorless, tasteless, and initially non-irritating, it is very difficult for people to detect.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common cause of injury and death by poisoning -- both accidental and intentional (suicide). Inhaling even small amounts can be fatal. Serious neurological effects may be delayed days or weeks after acute poisoning. Chronic exposure may cause persistent headaches, dizziness, and nausea, if not permanent neurological damage.

Sources of carbon monoxide include fuel-burning vehicles, heaters, and cooking equipment. It is important to always operate this equipment in a well-ventilated area to avoid the accumulation of carbon monoxide in a closed space.

Since the gas is odorless and non-irritating, people can be fooled into thinking no harm is being done until symptoms come about. Symptoms of mild poisoning include lightheadedness, confusion, and headaches and larger exposures can lead to significant toxicity of the nervous system and heart, and even death. The most important rescue measure is to remove individuals from the source of the carbon monoxide build up.

Red blood cells that provide oxygen to the human body have more affinity for the carbon monoxide molecule and displace the oxygen molecule. This results in much lower levels of oxygen reaching the organs of the body. Since the brain is very sensitive to changes in oxygen levels, it is usually the first organ affected. Hence, the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning tend to be neurologic in nature.

Treatment of poisoning largely consists of administering 100% oxygen or providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. High concentrations of oxygen work as an antidote as it increases the removal of carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, in turn providing the body with normal levels of oxygen. As I mentioned earlier, the hemoglobin has a higher affinity for carbon monoxide than oxygen, so the only way to combat poisoning is to provide very high oxygen concentrations to compete for these binding sites. Hyperbaric oxygen works by utilizing high concentrations and pressure of oxygen to achieve an even higher competitive advantage than can be achieved with even 100% oxygen not delivered this way.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a significant public health issue. Domestic carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by early detection with the use of household carbon monoxide detectors. Avoiding usage of carbon monoxide-producing equipment in a closed space and recognizing the early symptoms are key to avoiding long term health issues with carbon monoxide poisoning.

In the face of adversity, everyday heroes come through

2011-11-07T22:25:00.001-05:00

With Veterans Day approaching, we will be appropriately saluting our military heroes.

But in these increasingly stressful times, we should consider reflecting on our everyday heroes as well.

Christopher Reeve described a hero as “an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

As a community health nurse, I see healthcare heroes every day.

But I have also witnessed the behaviors and actions of numerous people I would classify as behind-the-scenes “heroes.” They have no fame, notoriety or recognition for their tireless efforts on behalf of others.

Look around eastern Connecticut. Perhaps you know ordinary individuals who quietly live their lives in the spirit of a hero described by Reeve.

In our own community, a woman cares for her husband who became paraplegic due to an auto accident. She bathes, feeds, dresses, and toilets him day after day, and manages to work full time to support them. Yet she always has a cheerful smile or a hug for anyone who needs it.

A young newlywed couple canceled their honeymoon plans to become instant foster parents to an infant who was born to a heroin-addicted mother. The foster father completed his military service and they soon became foster parents to another toddler. Both babies had to undergo months of withdrawal symptoms and still have resulting ongoing developmental delays. They are happy, well-adjusted children, due to the tireless efforts of these “ordinary heroes.”

A 24-year-old woman gave up her job to care for her terminally ill father, a Gulf War Veteran. Hospice provided support, but the daughter took on the tremendous responsibility for feeding, repositioning, bathing, and delivering his pain medications as his cancer progressed.

A couple with twins, both of whom are autistic, spend countless hours providing therapy for their children. Yet they manage to find time to work tirelessly for the Autism Speaks organization, advocating and fundraising for other families facing the immense challenges of raising autistic children.

These are just a few examples of “everyday heroes.” They are quietly walking among us, with little awareness of how they are admired as they make the world a better place.

You can have a happy and healthy holiday season

2011-10-31T22:45:00.003-04:00

The days are getting shorter; the first snow has fallen; and many of us have more candy than we know what to do with now that Halloween has passed.

These are sure signs that the holiday season is here (although I must say, it is a bit early for snow).

Now is the time to make crucial nutritional decisions that could make or break our waistlines. Studies show that people tend to put on weight during the holiday season, because lets face it: it’s a time to celebrate, and food and beverages are many times a part of the festivities.

So it is important that we set realistic goals – most of us can’t expect to lose 20 pounds this time of year. A more appropriate aspiration might be to not gain any weight during this time period.

Setting realistic goals is one of the keys to success. For other healthy eating tips during the holiday season, please consider attending our free Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) event on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center at 482 Norwich Road, Plainfield. To register, call 860-889-8331, ext. 2495.

Backus Registered Dietitian Sarah Hospod will present “Eating Healthy Through the Holidays,” where she will discuss healthy, appetizing and fun menu options for holiday cooking, and even hand out some of her favorite recipes.

Trying to avoid holiday festivities altogether is never the way to go. We should all enjoy the season. But with a little moderation and a few nutritional tricks up our sleeves from an expert dietitian, we could be the life of the party - and not pay for it later.

Cancer survivors serve as models – and role models

2011-10-24T15:43:00.003-04:00

When I opened up the mail recently, there was a postcard from one of my patients who was enjoying a trip in Jamaica.

At the end, it said: “Miss you. Not really.”

Those were the best words I could have read. This cancer survivor was enjoying life, appreciating every day of it, and had moved well beyond the fear and anxiety that comes when you are first diagnosed.

This is a common theme. There are more cancer survivors in our midst now than ever before. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number of cancer survivors is on the upswing, with nearly 12 million survivors in the United States as of 2007, up from 9.8 million in 2001 and only 3 million back in 1971.

As Backus Hospital’s latest television commercial says, cancer can now just be a chapter in someone’s life, not the whole story. People can live long and productive lives after being diagnosed with cancer.

This lesson was driven home when I attended Backus Hospital’s Survivors in Fashion on Thursday night at the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

This was much more than just a fund-raising fashion show. An audience of 900 strong was inspired by 19 breast cancer survivors who served as models – and role models.

Ranging from the newly diagnosed to decades of survivorship, they showed firsthand that there is much to live for after diagnosis. As they modeled clothing, tap danced and basked in the applause and loving sentiments from the audience, I could not have been more proud. No matter what issues anyone might have been facing in life before arriving at this show, they were quickly forgotten as we watched this magical performance.

There have been many advances in treatment, technology and programs. We know so much more about cancer now than we did just a few years ago. This all helps increase the number of survivors.

But, as these models showed us — just like my patient in Jamaica — attitude is everything.

Dinesh Kapur, MD, is Medical Director of the Backus Cancer Center and an oncologist with Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology (ECHO) in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Kapur or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Project connects the homeless with basic needs and healthcare

2011-10-17T22:03:00.005-04:00

Many people don’t realize the connection between basic needs and health.

We see this correlation every day.

Improper nutrition leads major health problems. Being cold causes frostbite and hypothermia. Lack of availability of primary care leads to unnecessary emergency room visits.

Homeless people face all of these issues, right here in eastern Connecticut.

One night in January 2011, there was a census taken of homelessness in Connecticut. It was alarming to say the least.

A January 2011 census taking of homelessness in Connecticut showed an alarming number of people experiencing long bouts of homelessness. Families comprised one third of total people counted as “living in places unintended for habitation” such as the woods, on the streets, in abandoned buildings, or emergency shelters each year, according to the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness.

Judi Gaudet, Site Manager of Generations Family Health Center in Norwich and Manager of the Healthcare for the Homeless Program said, “It is astounding how many young kids are counted among the homeless in Norwich alone.”

She attributes this to the economic downturn and unemployment, resulting in an increase in the cost of living, but decreasing median household income. There is a subsequent increase in stress, family strife, abusive behaviors, housing instability, and foreclosures.

Backus Hospital is once again partnering with Generations Family Health Center to participate in Project Homeless Connect.

This program started in 2004 in San Francisco, and was so successful, it is now replicated in hundreds of locations across the country.

The mission is to provide a single location with comprehensive health and human services for the homeless population.

Gaudet, a tireless advocate for the homeless, was instrumental in organizing the local Project Homeless Connect in 2006.

This year’s event will be held on Friday, Oct 21, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at St. Bernard’s School in Uncasville.

Bus transportation will be provided to the event, where over 50 area social service organizations, local businesses, healthcare agencies, and more than 100 volunteers will all be on hand to provide a variety of services to the homeless population.

Generations Family Health Center will be on the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center to provide primary care, including flu shots.

Health care professionals from Backus Home Health Care will provide foot care clinic, which includes a glucose screening, taking blood pressures and nutrition counseling.

Gaudet said that besides medical care and dental outreach, other services offered will be free haircuts, distribution of winter jackets and blankets, assistance with mental health issues, legal issues, substance abuse issues, housing, and employment opportunities.

Recognizing this, Backus Home Health Care staff is donating sleeping bags, toiletries, jackets, blankets and tents.

Although the connection between basic needs and healthcare may not be obvious, it is strong. We need to find ways to reach this population before they end up hospital emergency rooms, which can be very costly and are not always equipped to handle these issues. The good news is Gaudet expects 300-400 individuals to be served at this event.

Sjogren’s Syndrome emerges on national and local levels

2011-10-10T21:56:00.005-04:00

It has been two years since my last column on Sjogren’s Syndrome. Since that time there have been developments that have really highlighted the significance of this diagnosis.

Venus Williams, a two-time U.S. Open women’s tennis champion, is among the approximately 4 million people who may be living with the disorder nationwide, according to the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation.

The national attention may have spurred people to seek help locally. At the Backus Arthritis Center, we have seen more patients with symptoms consistent with Sjogren’s, and we have been able to utilize what we are learning about this condition to properly address some of their issues.

So what is Sjogren’s? It is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and affects many different parts of the body. The areas most commonly affected are the tear and the salivary glands. Other parts of the body can also be impacted, including, joints, skin, lungs, and kidney.

Most of the complications of Sjogren’s occur because of decreased tears and saliva. Patients with dry eyes are at an increased risk for infections around the eye and may have damage to the cornea. Dry mouth increases risk of dental infections, decay, gingivitis and oral yeast infection. Patients may have episodes of painful swelling in the salivary glands around the face.

Pain and stiffness in the joints with swelling can occur in patients, and can cause significant stiffness in the morning. Rashes on the arms and legs can happen in patients. This may be related to the inflammation of the blood vessels or inflammation of the skin. Patients also complain of numbness and tingling in their feet related to neuropathy.

What causes Sjogren's? The underlying cause is not known, but it is an autoimmune disorder. Genetic factors and possibly viral infections may predispose people to developing this condition, which can affect people of any age, but symptoms usually appear between the ages of 45 and 55. Women are affected 10 times more often as men. Some of these patients may also have other underlying autoimmune illnesses like rheumatoid or lupus.

How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis is based on combination of symptoms, physical examination and blood tests. Special tests are available to assess the decreased tear production in these patients. Sometimes a lip biopsy is also used for the diagnosis. Blood tests can determine the presence of antibodies and amount of inflammation.

Who manages Sjogren’s? Patients are usually referred to a rheumatologist either by a primary care physician because of fatigue and stiffness or by the eye doctor when they see significant dry eyes. Patients may also be referred by a dentist or an ear, nose and throat specialist for dry mouth or recurrent parotitis.

There are treatment options for patients with Sjogren’s. Each patient is unique and treatment options are tailored to each patient. We always consider pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options, and work closely with ophthalmologists and dentists to manage the disease.

Sandeep Varma, MD, is a rheumatologist and Medical Director at the Backus Arthritis Center, located at the Backus Outpatient Care Center in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Varma or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Coping with the loss of a baby is important

2011-10-03T16:51:00.007-04:00

On Saturday, Oct. 15, a wave of light will gently brighten our world in remembrance of the babies lost in pregnancy or early infancy. All who have experienced this devastating loss — including parents, grandparents, siblings and caregivers — are invited to light a candle in honor of an angel.

Backus Hospital will host a free Remembrance Day memorial at 3 p.m. in its courtyard. Remembrance Day is a national event.

Approximately 16% of pregnancies — or more than 1 million each year — end in a miscarriage or stillbirth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These statistics illustrate how common this tragedy is. For many, healing can only come by grieving with others. Suffering alone and keeping everything inside can make things worse.

The support we experience when we grieve in community settings — whether it at a Remembrance Day event or our monthly support group at Backus — can facilitate the healing necessary to move forward with life.

Other tips for coping can include:

• Be patient with your spouse or partner
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat right
• Exercise

Don’t try to forget what happened. In fact, activities such as planting a tree, keeping a journal, scrapbooking or donating to a charity to memorialize the baby can have healing effects.

To learn more about the monthly support group or the event Oct. 15, call 860-889-8331, ext. 4239.

Elynor Carey is a social worker in the Backus Hospital Care Management Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Carey or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Prevention is the best medicine for wounds

2011-09-26T22:45:00.005-04:00

The burden that problem wounds place on our society in terms of debilitation and costs is staggering. Obviously the best way to avoid this burden is to never develop a problem wound to begin with.

At the Backus Hospital Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center more than 90% of the wounds we see are related to pressure, lower extremity venous disease, or a complication of diabetes.

Pressure or decubitus ulcers often develop in people who are relatively immobile for one reason or another. These ulcers develop because of prolonged pressure on the skin, which results in compromised circulation and resultant skin breakdown.

These people often have issues with nutrition, which further exacerbates the problem of skin integrity. Understanding the cause of these wounds has led to a three-phase approach to caring for, but most importantly, preventing pressure ulcers.

The three phase approach is:

• mobility
• nutrition
• skin health.

Frequent repositioning to avoid prolonged pressure on one area, as well as the use of support surfaces that redistribute pressure, is essential. Repositioning should be done at least every four, and preferably every two hours.

These patients also will benefit from a nutritional assessment and supplements as needed. The use of skin moisturizers, especially to the sacral area, to avoid dry skin has also been shown to be beneficial.

Lower extremity venous disease results from the inability of the valves of the veins to keep the blood from backing up into the legs. This results in fluid retention in the legs and can manifest as a leg ulcer called a venous stasis ulcer. The skin of the legs in this situation is also very susceptible to injury from minor trauma.

Once again, understanding why these ulcers develop is the key to preventing them. Support stockings are available that act as a kind of replacement valve system to keep the blood from backing up. These can be fitted for proper compression. They should be worn during the day and put on before getting out of bed before swelling occurs.

It is important to avoid any trauma to the susceptible skin including sun exposure. Leg shaving should be done with an electric razor to minimize nicks from shaving. Skin moisturizers should be routinely used to prevent skin breakdown, which can lead to ulcers. Washing of the legs should be done with a mild soap and warm water and dried thoroughly by patting the skin dry and avoiding excess skin friction by rubbing with the towel.

Patients with diabetes have several mechanisms at work making them susceptible to ulcer formation. Diabetics have decreased sensation in their legs, or neuropathy, and hence are unaware of repetitive trauma to the same area of the foot. They also often have decreased blood flow, or arterial insufficiency, which further makes them susceptible to skin breakdown. The glucose imbalance of diabetes also makes even minor injury more susceptible to infection.

Understanding these issues can help with effective preventive measures in diabetic patients, including:

• Meticulous attention to foot care and daily foot inspection by the patient are the cornerstone of proper foot care.

• Gentle cleansing with soap and water with gentle drying of the skin followed by topical moisturizers helps maintain healthy skin that can better resist breakdown and injury.

• Thorough nail care and properly fitting shoes are very important in the diabetic patient.

• Because diabetics have decreased sensation, they should exercise great care with exposure to extremes of temperature.

Any of the above patients should have a thorough skin evaluation at the time of healthcare provider visits to evaluate skin integrity and promote good skin care.

These visits, along with patient vigilance, will go a long way to preventing skin breakdown and the resulting patient morbidity and costs associated with these wounds.

Mark Tramontozzi, MD, is board-certified by the American College of Certified Wound Care Specialists and Medical Director of the Backus Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, which is located in the Backus Outpatient Care Center on Salem Turnpike in Norwich. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Tramontozzi or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

It’s not too early to get a flu shot

2011-09-20T08:18:00.005-04:00

Fall is a great time for a flu shot to protect you and your loved ones before it is too late.

It takes about two weeks for the body to develop immunity after getting vaccinated, so getting a vaccine in October or early November can protect you for the season.

And in addition to the obvious health benefits, flu shots can save you time and money.

The flu can tie you down for 10 days or more, and you end up paying the price through healthcare costs and loss of work. If you are proactive, this can be avoided and you will also protect yourself and loved ones.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, but especially for those with health issues that can make the flu more dangerous for them, such as heart problems, diabetes and compromised immune systems.

Most healthy adults can infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for even longer.

It is especially important for healthcare workers to get the flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, recommend that all healthcare workers get an annual flu vaccine to help protect themselves, their families at home and their patients at work.

Flu outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities have been attributed to low vaccination rates among healthcare professionals. At Backus Hospital, our goal is 100% vaccination and we have multiple flu clinics scheduled for our employees and volunteers, because we know that many of the patients we care for our compromised.

For the public, flu shots are available at Backus Health Centers in Colchester, Montville, Ledyard and Plainfield.

The flu can be fatal in immune-compromised people, such as the elderly, infants and those with medical conditions. The flu can cause serious complications in people with chronic lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions and pregnancy.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three different influenza viruses that research shows will be most common during the upcoming season. The 2011-2012 vaccine will protected against H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B virus.

Parents may want to ask their pediatricians about the nasal-spray flu vaccine, which is an option for healthy people ages 2-49.

The bottom line is this: Get your flu shot now and you can rest easier later.

Christine Orsini is a registered nurse with Concentra and Employee Health Nurse at The William W. Backus Hospital. The information in this column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Orsini or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Proper use of health centers and emergency departments is crucial

2011-09-12T14:16:00.006-04:00

When you are hurt or sick, knowing where to go can be confusing. Making the right decision can save time, money – and lives.

I have seen this confusion firsthand recently at Colchester Backus Health Center. We have had several patients present with serious conditions that required emergency care – drug overdoses, allergic reactions and heart attacks to name a few. These are emergent issues that need to be taken care of in an emergency department.

At the Colchester Backus Health Center and our other health centers in Montville, Plainfield and Ledyard, we do not have the equipment or life-saving drugs required for these situations. We provide “urgent care,” not emergency care.

For minor ailments, health centers are great alternatives, as waits aren’t usually as long (In ERs, more serious cases are treated first) and they can be less costly. We are more like a large doctor’s office than an ER, except we don’t always require an appointment and “walk-in” care, or urgent care, is available.

In addition to scheduled primary care visits, lab tests, diagnostic imaging tests, physicals and flu shots, here are some urgent care examples that health centers can treat:

• Minor broken bones
• Strains and sprains
• Mild asthma attacks
• Infections
• Cuts
• Minor burns and rashes
• Sore throats and flu-like symptoms

While there is a national effort to reduce improper use of emergency rooms, if you have a true emergency you should go to the closest ER. This can mean the difference between life and death.

True emergencies include:

• Abdominal pain
• Allergic reactions
• Drug overdose
• Chest pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Severe troubles breathing
• Serious burns
• Head injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe wounds.

For many medical conditions, your primary care provider or local health center are perfect alternatives for healthcare. But hospital emergency departments, such as The Backus Emergency Care and Trauma Center in Norwich, have specialized equipment and expertly trained staff to take care of you when a true emergency occurs.

Clark Adams is a Physician’s Assistant at the Colchester Backus Health Center. The information in this column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Mr. Adams or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Region’s diversity is something to celebrate

2011-09-05T21:50:00.003-04:00

Ekse ou santi doulè nan pwatrin lan koulye a?

Imagine how frightening it would be to seek medical help for your severe chest pain in the hospital emergency room but you can’t make yourself understood to the doctors and nurses.

Unless you understand Haitian Creole you would not know that the first sentence of this column is “Are you having chest pain right now?”

As The Bulletin has reported recently, 37 different languages are spoken in the homes of students attending NFA. Backus Hospital serves this same community and has dealt with the increasingly frequent challenge of providing healthcare for non-English speaking patients.

So how have we dealt with this challenge? There are three significant initiatives at work towards solving this problem.

The first is language interpretation services. Backus has contracted with a phone language interpreter service, as well as a video interpreter service, both available 24 hours a day to provide immediate interpretation or translation by certified medical interpreters in more than 150 languages.

The second important initiative was to establish a Cultural Diversity Council, made up of 14 staff members from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds. The mission of the Council is to increase cultural competence of our healthcare providers and services through educational programs and to deal with any issues that arise.

The third initiative is the annual fun and exciting “Multicultural Health Fair.”

This year’s fair is entitled, “Discovering Our Diversity” and will be held Thursday, Sept 29, from 3-7 pm in the main lobby conference rooms at Backus.

More than 22 cultures will be represented. There will be music, free food samples from two cultures, dance performances, and informational handouts about the healthcare customs and preferences of each culture.

This is truly an enjoyable event that is free and open to all: hospital staff, patients, visitors, and the community. Come join us and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our diverse community!

For more info, call (860) 889-8331, ext 2495.

Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the The William W. Backus Hospital Education Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

No bones out about it: Reduce your risk for osteoporosis

2011-08-22T13:10:00.003-04:00

No matter how old you are, exercise is important at every age for healthy bones and to prevent osteoporosis. Staying active not only improves bone health, it also increases muscle strength, coordination and balance and leads to better overall health.

This will be the topic of our next Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) program, “No Bones About It,” on Sept. 15 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center.

Dr. Ammar Anbari, an orthopedic surgeon on the Backus Medical Staff and the Norwich Orthopedic Group, will give tips on how to take care of your bones through exercise and other measures.

One of the most important tests you can get to determine your bone health is a bone density scan. This enhanced X-ray can reveal the health of your bones and determine your risk for osteoporosis, bone fractures and other serious conditions.

While age is generally a factor – the older your are the more bone loss you are likely to experience, especially if you are a woman – I have personally seen many younger people whose bone health is not where it should be.

That’s why we will follow-up the Sept. 15 educational event with free bone density scans on the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center on Oct. 20. Our medical center on wheels will travel to the Plainfield Recreation Department and offer free tests – which are simple, quick and non-invasive -- to men and women who want them.

Bone density scans are recommended at least once for all women over 65 years old. Others who should consider getting them include:

• Post menopausal women and men with additional risk factors for osteoporosis. These risk factors include cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol use, low calcium diets, family history, thin frame, age, inactive lifestyles, being female and early menopause.
• Women who sustain a fracture.
• Women who have been on hormone replacement therapy
• Men or women on prolonged steroid therapy.

To register for the Sept. 15 education session or the Oct. 20 bone density screening, call 860-889-8331, ext. 2495.

Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the The William W. Backus Hospital Education Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Wounds that won’t heal can hurt patients’ quality of life

2011-08-16T11:21:00.004-04:00

Woundcare may not be a “sexy” healthcare topic, but it certainly is relevant and important.

There are many causes of problem wounds, but most are either a result of diabetes and arterial disease, venous disease, or pressure due to immobilization.

A few statistics show the magnitude and seriousness these wounds pose in our community.

More than 20 million Americans have diabetes and 15% of diabetics will develop a problem wound at some point. Patients with diabetes have a 15-fold increase in amputation rate compared to non-diabetics.

Venous stasis ulcers affect 2.5 million Americans and there are 500,000 newly diagnosed venous ulcers each year. Pressure ulcers are the primary diagnosis in more than 50,000 hospital admissions a year and about one in 25 of these admissions result in death. Pressure ulcer-related hospitalizations are longer and more expensive than many other hospitalizations. It is estimated that a pressure ulcer-related hospital stay is almost twice as long and the cost more than twice as much compared to the average hospital stay.

These wounds are not only severely debilitating to our patients, but also place a huge strain on the dollars in our healthcare system. Studies have shown that woundcare treatment facilities have reduced amputation rates, increased healing rates, and reduced the length of hospital stays. Obviously the best solution to this problem is prevention and a key component to woundcare at the Backus Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center is providing education and an environment to avoid future wounds after healing has occurred.

If you already have a wound, our staff of certified woundcare specialists assess the wound and the factors that caused the wound, as well as factors that may keep the wound from healing.

After this evaluation, a specific plan is developed and implemented. Treatments can include topical treatments, wound debridement as needed, compression dressings, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy when indicated.

We also have onsite access to other services that can be vital in evaluating and treating wounds including radiology, rheumatology, nutritional, and diabetic care services.

For people who have wounds that won’t heal, sometimes life can lose its enjoyment because of pain, fear and a reduced ability to get around. But there is good news. Effective treatments can help heal wounds, and education and lifestyle changes can stop them from ever coming back again.

Mark Tramontozzi, MD, is board-certified by the American College of Certified Wound Care Specialists. The information in this column should not replace the advice of your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Tramontozzi or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

A healthy dose of humor helps heal

2011-08-08T21:31:00.004-04:00

“Laughter is the best medicine.” We have all heard that phrase, but do we truly believe it? Recent research has shown that humor can indeed have an effect on our physical and mental health. Paul E. McGhee, PhD, has written 13 books on humor, stress and coping. He discusses the many therapeutic benefits of laughter on his website www.LaughterRemedy.com. Among them are:

• Muscle relaxation. Belly laughs result in muscle relaxation. When you laugh, the muscles involved in the belly laugh motion first contract, then relax, increasing circulation through the musculature.

• Increase in pain threshold. During laughter and for a short period of time afterwards, pain is minimized. Part of this effect may be due to “distraction,” a well-known technique used to control pain. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, which may be considered to be one of the body’s natural painkillers.

• Cardiac exercise. A belly laugh is comparable to “jogging internally.” It increases the activity of the heart and stimulates circulation. Additionally, after the laughter subsides, the cardiovascular system goes into a state of relaxation.

• Respiratory system exercise. Repeated belly laughter makes you exhale more than inhale, resulting in a lung-cleansing effect. I remember how difficult it was to have my patients “deep breathe and cough” after surgery. A few good belly laughs is easier, more effective, and certainly more fun!

• Memory enhancement. Recalling funny anecdotes from the past to retell to others is a memory stimulant.

I keep a file of humorous cartoons, jokes, and anecdotes to share with my co-workers, family, and patients. Comedies on DVD are a wonderful resource for assured laughter for 60 to 90 minutes. Everyone appreciates the break from our increasingly stressful lives.

Who couldn’t benefit from some “humor therapy” in our lives? Let’s try to look at the lighter side of life and laugh our way towards better health. What have we got to lose?

From farmers’ markets to logos and websites, nutrition info is available

2011-08-01T20:29:00.004-04:00

Many of us grew up on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid.

But truth be told, the pyramid could get a bit confusing at times, and its logo wasn’t the most inviting icon in the world.

Earlier this summer, that all changed. Together with some new dietary guidelines, the USDA unveiled its new MyPlate logo and website, www.choosemyplate.gov.

As a registered dietitian, I find the new logo very useful and easier to use when educating patients. It makes people think about building a healthy plate during meals, and emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups.

And the website delves deeper into a healthy diet. It focuses on the new dietary guidelines, released earlier this year, which emphasize:

• Enjoy your foods, but eat less.
• Avoid oversized portions.
• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Switch to a fat-free or low-fat milk.
• Make at least half your grains whole grains.
• Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, frozen meals – and choose foods with lower numbers.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

If logos and icons aren’t your thing, there is a real practical way that you can eat healthier and learn and a little something too.

Each Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Farmer’s Market is held at Howard T. Brown Memorial Park in Norwich. Most of these events include a Backus dietitian aboard the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center, offering nutritional advice and handing out healthy recipes.

The bottom line is, whether you want to learn online or firsthand, there are many ways to learn to eat healthier. Statistics show more people need to take advantage of these opportunities.

Whitney Bundy is a registered dietitian and Director of Food and Nutrition at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Bundy or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Dealing with the financial impact of cancer can help with recovery

2011-07-25T11:41:00.004-04:00

The physical impact of cancer is obvious. But what is not so well known, and sometimes goes unnoticed and untreated, is the psychological toll it can take on patients and their loved ones.

And it’s not always the disease itself that is so daunting. Sometimes, navigating the healthcare system, from getting the right tests in a timely fashion to even financial issues, is reason for concern.

Minimizing stress of any kind is one of the most important things we can do to proactively battle cancer.

According to a study funded by the National Cancer Institute, “patients without financial stress had significantly faster improvement rates over time in functional, emotional and physical well-being” as compared with patients who faced economic burdens because of their cancer diagnosis.

Financial stress can come in many forms – you might be out of work for a time, you might not understand your medical bills, you might just be overwhelmed with paperwork.

Backus Hospital offers a free cancer support group open to all persons with a new cancer diagnosis, survivors, family, and friends. This group focuses on the psychological and social issues people diagnosed with cancer face – and in August we will focus on finances. We will discuss strategies for easing financial stress during and after treatment.

Our “Diagnosed With Cancer, What You Need to Know” support group meets the second Tuesday of every month from 5-6 p.m. in the hospital’s entry level conference room 1 in Norwich. To register please call 860.889.8331, ext. 4239.

Other support group topics include how humor can help heal, the role of spirituality, communicating with your healthcare provider and handling fatigue. These are all issues – outside of the physical affects – that cancer patients face.

Elynor Carey is an oncology social worker in the Backus Hospital Care Management Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Carey or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Everyone is responsible for motorcycle safety

2011-07-18T13:29:00.004-04:00

The beautiful stretch of weather we are seeing has led to some ugly scenes in the Backus Hospital Trauma Center.

In the past week alone, we have seen four motorcycle crashes causing serious injuries. None of the motorcyclists were wearing helmets.

Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes, and motorcyclists are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Although the debate continues over whether motorcyclists should be required to wear helmets, in Connecticut they are not. But they should be, and my advice is simple – wear a helmet. The consequences of not doing so impact not just the motorcyclist, but also his or her loved ones.

While wearing a helmet is very important, and is the best way to avoid head injuries, the fact is many of the crashes that we see are caused not by the motorcyclists, but by drivers of other motor vehicles involved.

The fact is that there are many more cars and trucks on the road than motorcycles.

More than half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, and most of the time it is the driver of the car or truck that is at fault.

Here are some things that all car and truck drivers should know, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

• Motorcycles are more likely to be hidden in blind spots are harder to spot because of their small size. Take some extra time to look for them.

• Don’t follow motorcycles too closely. In fact, allow more space than you would for another care because motorcycles sometimes slow down by down shifting, not using brakes, which means the brake light is not activated.

• It isn’t easy to judge a motorcycle’s speed. For example, when turning left at an intersection, assume that a motorcycle is closer than it is

It is very important that we are all aware of the many motorcycles on the road this time of year, and what we can all do to be safe, no matter what kind of vehicle we choose.

Gillian Mosier is a registered nurse and manager of the Backus Trauma Program. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Mosier or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Think FAST when it comes to stroke care

2011-07-11T21:49:00.005-04:00

Time is of the essence in stroke care – and so is the type of care that you receive.

It starts with the patient or family recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke and calling 911 without delay.

Symptoms of a stroke can be remembered through the acronym FAST:

• Face: Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Does one arm drift downward when both arms are held up?
• Speech: Is speech slurred?
• Time: If a person shows any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

Once in the emergency department, initial assessment must be completed in minutes to determine what kind of care a patient needs.

Admission to a designated stroke unit is vital, which is what makes Backus Hospital’s recent recertification as a Primary Stroke Center by the state Department of Public Health so important. The two-year designation is part of a statewide initative to provide consistent, quality care to stroke patients.

Stroke centers have staff specifically trained to care for these types of patients under intense pressure. They are able to recognize medical complications that can arise in someone who has suffered a stroke, which is extremely important as stroke patients can worsen quickly within the first few hours or days after a stroke. In fact, even the mildest of strokes run a 10% risk of converting to larger ones in the first 48 hours.

Having a stroke center in your community is important to both the health and wellbeing of patients. To receive state designation you must submit data on stroke admissions, treatment plans, outcomes as well as stroke-specific staff education.

As part of being a stroke center, Backus offers its patients and staff access to multidisciplinary rounds. These provide a venue for professionals caring for stroke patients to share new information as well as to provide real-time quality review of patients currently receiving care at Backus. These rounds are often held at the patient’s bedside, with the patient playing an active role in the planning of his or her care.

Our goals are to decrease premature deaths and disabilities associated with stroke. We do everything we can to help each patient, but people can also help themselves.

Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Atrial fibrillation
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Lack of exercise
• Alcohol abuse
• Obesity.

The bad news is that 795,000 people suffer from strokes each year in the U.S. The good news is there is room for improvement, because 80 percent of them are preventable.

Cindy Arpin, is a registered nurse and Stroke Coordinator at The William W. Backus Hospital. The information in this column should not replace the advice of your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Arpin or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Scrutinizing your sunscreen

2011-07-04T23:32:00.005-04:00

Now that summer is upon us, it is important that we all play it safe in the sun. Sunscreen is an easy and effective way to protect ourselves from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

The sun’s rays contain both UVA and UVB radiation. While UVB radiation causes sunburns, UVA radiation can increase one’s chances of developing skin cancer, as well as early skin aging. It is important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently made changes regarding the labeling of sunscreen products in an effort to provide consumers with all the information needed to select an appropriate product.

All products must specify the sun protective factor, SPF, which is measure of the sunscreen’s effectiveness. A product may only be labeled as “broad spectrum” if it provides protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, and is SPF 15 or greater. These products have been shown to not only protect against sunburn, but also against skin cancer and early skin aging.

Products that do not have “broad spectrum” labeling, as well as those with SPF values of less than 15, may only claim to protect against sunburn.

Additionally, products may no longer claim to be “waterproof” or “sweatproof.”

A product may claim to be “water resistant” provided the label states how long the sunscreen remains effective while swimming and/or sweating. If a product does not state that it is “water resistant,” it must include instructions to guide the consumer that another product will be needed if swimming or sweating is expected.

For the best protection:

• Sunscreen should be applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure, and should be reapplied 15-30 minutes after sun exposure begins.
• Reapply every 2-3 hours at a minimum, and more often if sweating or swimming.
• For full protection, the average adult should apply approximately two tablespoons of lotion to sun-exposed areas. Applying less can reduce the effectiveness.
• Wear an SPF-certified lip balm, and apply frequently.
• Remember to adhere to all product expiration dates and discard once this date has passed. For sunscreens that do not have an expiration date, discard all unused portions within three years of opening. Additionally, exposure to excessive heat, such as in the car or at the beach, may decrease the effectiveness of the sunscreen.

Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, along with protective clothing, anti-UV sunglasses, and SPF-certified lip balm, is the best way to protect you and your loved ones from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Proper application and reapplication is essential to ensure that full protection is achieved.

Although the new FDA regulations regarding labeling of sunscreen products are not required until the summer of 2012, it is likely that these changes will be seen much sooner. It is important that we all know our sun exposure limits, and take all necessary steps to protect ourselves while in the sun.

Jillian Asselin, PharmD, is a pharmacist at The William W. Backus Hospital. The information in this column should not replace the advice of your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Asselin or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Study outlines foods that lead to weight gain — and loss

2011-06-27T11:38:00.006-04:00

Potato chips come in many shapes and sizes. And for most people, the slogan “you can’t eat just one” is true.

And that’s the problem.

Eating things like potato chips and french fries on a regular basis inevitably leads to weight gain. We’ve always known that, and now a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine quantifies this.

For example, if you eat one more serving per day of french fries than you currently do, that alone would lead to a 3.4-pound gain over four years. One additional serving of potato chips would lead to a 1.69-pound gain. Sugary drinks and processed meats were also high on the list.

The Harvard researchers who conducted the study say that while the results might seem obvious, what it points out is that simply cutting down calories is not enough — it’s the kind of calories that count. Some people are surprised that, according to the study, potato chips and french fries leads to more weight gain than doughnuts or desserts.

It’s no wonder that people in this day and age tend to gain a pound per year as they age. Junk food is more prevalent than ever before, and if your activity declines as you age, you will likely pile on the pounds.

But here is the good news. If you add a serving of some foods, you can actually lose weight. According to the study, they include:

• Yogurt
• Nuts
• Fruits
• Whole grains
• Vegetables.

The reason for this is probably that the more of these foods you eat, the less room you have for the junk food alternatives.

At the Backus Weight Loss Center, we encourage our patients to make lifestyle changes that they can maintain over many years, whether that means exercising or eating the right foods. That advice is good for everyone, because even if you aren’t overweight now, the pounds tend to creep on later in life, and it gets harder to lose them.

Mark Tousignant, MD, is Medical Director of the Backus Weight Loss Center and specializes in minimally invasive weight loss surgery. The information in this column should not replace the advice of your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Tousignant or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Take the bite out of mosquitoes

2011-06-20T09:15:00.006-04:00

We all know that April showers bring May flowers. But when those showers continue in May, and linger through June, what does that bring?

Well, in addition to the frustration of not being able to enjoy the Great Outdoors, it brings mosquitoes. Lots of them.

Early reports from the state suggest that this is going to be a whopper year for mosquitoes. So far, they are finding up to five times more mosquitoes than they normally would at this time of the year. And as the weather heats up, it can only get worse.

For the most part, mosquito bites are mostly nuisances, unsightly, uncomfortable and itchy.

But these pests can transmit more serious diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which for vulnerable populations such as the very young and elderly can result in hospitalization and even death. Symptoms can include fever, headaches and body aches.

The odds of this happening in our neck of the woods are very low, but we should be mindful of these pesky critters. Here are some tips to avoid them:

• They are most active at dawn and dusk, so limiting your time outside at these times help.

• If you are going to be outside at this time, remember this phrase: “Sun down, sleeves down.” Long sleeves and pants are the way to go.

• Use mosquito repellant with DEET.

• Check for standing water on your property. Tarps, birdbaths, pool covers, clogged rain gutters and buckets are idea places for mosquitoes to breed.

• If you have a tire swing, poke holes in it so the water doesn’t collect.

• Bat houses. Bats may not be pretty, but they are an excellent method of mosquito control – they can eat up to 600 mosquitoes per hour!

It was a long, cold, snowy winter. Then came the endless rains this spring. We all deserve to enjoy some sunny weather this summer, so take precautions so that bugs don’t put a damper on the fun. To learn more, watch our video at www.backushospital.org/multimedia.

Robin Heard is a registered nurse and Coordinator of Infectious Disease at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Heard or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Beware of food-borne illnesses this summer

2011-06-15T10:11:00.005-04:00

The E.Coli strain sweeping through Europe, which has killed at least 22 people and sickened more than 1,800, has brought newfound attention to food-borne illnesses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a travel advisory, asking people who visit Germany to avoid raw tomatoes, fresh cucumbers and leafy salads.

The CDC also is encouraging those who visited Germany and now showing symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps, to see a physician immediately.

However, the Food and Drug Administration is reassuring residents that the U.S. food supply remains safe.

That being said, this is a good time of year to think about food-borne illnesses and how to prevent them. Each year, eating contaminated food causes 1 in 6 people in the U.S. to get sick, with 128,000 going to the hospital and 3,000 people dying.

There are two types of food-borne illnesses. One is a virus, which usually occurs by an employee with a virus (such as Hepatitis A or the Norovirus) handling food and transmitting it through food. The second type of food-borne illness is from bacteria, such as listeria or salmonella.

Preventing food-borne illnesses is key to staying safe, and here are some tips you can follow:

• Always throw out products that are past their expiration date. Those products that are consumed beyond that time have supported the growth of bacteria, likely past safe to eat levels.

• Always cook your food to the appropriate internal temperatures. Beef should be cooked to 155 degrees for at least 15 seconds, while chicken or any stuffed meats or fish needs to be cooked to 165 degrees for 15 seconds. Fish that is not stuffed must be cooked to 145 degrees. This ensures that bacteria can be killed during the cooking process.

• Prevent cross-contamination. When grilling your burgers this summer, don’t put your cooked burgers on the same plate that you carried your raw burgers out to the grill with. If you’ve done this, you have just reintroduced your burgers to the same bacteria you thought you killed during the cooking process.

• Wash your hands before preparing any food, even handling vegetables for kabobs or making salads.

• Reheat your leftovers properly, and only reheat once. Food should be reheated to the same recommended original cooking temperature.

• Don’t leave your potato salad out in the sun very long during your summer picnic. Increasing the temperature of foods that should be kept cold makes for a cozy environment for bacteria to grow.

• Don’t use damaged cans. Canned goods that have dents or are bulging may already be contaminated with bacteria.

The impact of food-borne illnesses is wide ranging — from diarrhea to organ failure. The best scenario is to take the appropriate precautions so you can enjoy your summer.

Whitney Bundy is a registered dietitian and Director of Food and Nutrition at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Bundy or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Sleep disorders can cause strokes

2011-06-06T22:18:00.004-04:00

Obesity and its impact on health is a hot topic lately. Study after study, whether it is nationwide or a recent health needs assessment by Backus Hospital, show that it is a growing epidemic that can lead to many other health problems.

But one of the associated problems that isn’t talked about as much is sleep apnea, a disorder that involves shallow or interrupted breathing that can interrupt your sleep.

While on the surface this may not seem as important as diabetes or other health issues related to being overweight, there is more to consider. Sleep apnea increases the risk for stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea are also at higher risk for postoperative complications.

Studies show that sleep apnea is present in 50-70% of stroke patients. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine placed the figure at 68%.

Another study of 5,422 people with untreated sleep apnea showed that 193 of them had strokes within nine years.

This makes it even more important that we treat sleep apnea as the major health issue that it is.

But detecting it can be a problem. Many times it cannot be detected in your physician’s office, and the person suffering from sleep apnea may not know it until a family member notices it when they are sleeping.

Symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Daytime sleepiness
• Insomnia
• Breathing pauses during sleep
• Shortness of breath that wake you up
• Waking up with a headache, dry mouth or sore throat.

If you experience these symptoms, or observe them in others, see your doctor.

Unfortunately, sleep apnea is a chronic condition, but it can be managed with a variety of treatments, including weight loss programs, CPAP breathing machines, dental oral appliances, and surgery.

It’s important to have this sleeping disorder diagnosed and treated before it is too late.

Dr. Setu Vora is Medical Director of Critical Care and Quality at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, and in private practice. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Vora or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Rare blood vessel condition is being seen locally

2011-05-31T21:59:00.004-04:00

At the Backus Arthritis Center, our rheumatologists see other conditions as well. Over the past few weeks I have seen a few patients with a rare condition called vasculitis, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels.

There are multiple types of vasculitis — some affect only the skin and others that also affect internal organs.

The symptoms of vasulitis are based on the organ impacted. For example, when it affects only the skin, we see a rash usually on the lower extremities that does not lighten, or you can get ulcers in the legs. When it affects the lungs it can cause shortness of breath and cough. When it affects the nerves it may lead to numbness and weakness in a hand or foot.

Vasculitis takes on various forms — it can be mild or it can be life-threatening, and can be a single episode ot multiple episodes. Based on the size of blood vessels we can determine the type of vascultits. In some patients a specific cause of vasculitis cannot be determined.

We have a wide variety of tests that can help us determine the cause. One of them is called antineurophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). We also tend to biopsy the area of vasculitis such as the skin, lungs, kidney or the nerves.

Sometimes it is associated with an underlying arthritic disorder like rheumatoid or lupus. Other times it is related to chronic infections like Hepatitis B and C. We have also seen it develop in some patients on certain kinds of medications.

Some types of vasculitis are age-specific. A vasculitis called Kawaski’s disease is seen only in children. Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) develops in people over the age of 50.

Once we have figured the cause of the vasculitis, we then consider treatment options.

If it is medication-induced, we stop the medication. If the underlying problem is infection, the infection needs to be treated and the vasculitis may need to be treated at the same time depending on the severity.

One of the most commonly used medications is prednisone, which is a steroid. We also use other powerful medications to aggressively treat the vasculitis. Recently a new medication called Rituxamab has been approved for the management of Wegners Granulomatosis, which is a severe form of vasculitis.

With aggressive treatment, patients’ life expectancies have increased, but these medications have side effects, most importantly are infections and secondary malignancies. Patient education is an important part of the treatment plan, including disease-specific information and medication side effects.

Sandeep Varma, MD, is a rheumatologist and Medical Director at the Backus Arthritis Center. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Varma or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Salty situations are at the heart of cardiac conditions

2011-05-23T22:03:00.005-04:00

The words “congestive heart failure” sound frightening, as if your heart were on its last legs and there was nothing you could do about it.

Although it is true that this disease can be serious, it is not true that there is nothing you can do to fight it.

But first, let’s talk about the disease itself. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is caused by there being more water in your cardiovascular system — veins, arteries and capillaries — than your heart can pump.

There can be many causes, but the end result is that you have what is called fluid volume overload. This is merely a fancy way of saying there is too much water in your body.

Sometimes this water will build up in the veins to the point where it starts to settle in places it shouldn’t.

It might leak into parts of your body that are typically lower such as your feet, ankles and legs causing them to swell. The water might also leak into your lungs, causing you to feel as if you can’t breathe. This can be very frightening and it is the main reason that people come to the hospital.

How can you prevent it? Just remember where salt goes, water follows. If you eat lots of salt, then you will also keep more water in your body.

Any food that is canned, preserved or processed is likely to have too much salt in it. High salt foods may include canned soups, frozen dinners, fast food and smoked salted meats.

Any meat processed pork product such as ham, bacon or sausage usually has a large amount of salt. Soda and other soft drinks can also be high in sodium. When in doubt, read labels for sodium content. Since a person’s tolerance for salt can vary, you should discuss how much salt you can have with your doctor.

Finally, how do you know if you’re keeping in too much water? Do you have to wait for swelling or shortness of breath to occur? The answer is no — you can keep track by weighing yourself every morning in the same clothes after using the bathroom. If you gain more than 2 pounds in 24 hours then you may have too much water in your system and should contact your doctor.

If you would like to learn more about Congestive Heart Failure you can visit the American Heart Association’s Website at www.heart.org. You are also welcome to join the Backus Hospital’s Cardiac Support Group held in the Backus Medical Office Building Conference Room on the second Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. For more information, call 860-889-8331, ext. 2554.

Matthew Hughes is a registered nurse on Backus Hospital’s E-4 cardiac unit. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Mr. Hughes or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

We can limit stroke’s impact on society

2011-05-17T00:38:00.003-04:00

Weakness on one side of a person’s face, inability to elevate one arm completely and slurred speech are the hallmarks of an evolving stroke. These simple signs can diagnose the onset of stroke with approximately 90% certainty.

The month of May is set aside each year to raise awareness of the devastating impact of stroke on society.

Despite new, effective treatments available for stroke in the form of powerful “clot busting” medications like recombinant thromboplastin activator (rTPA), prevention remains the best “treatment.”

Major risk factors for stroke include diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, cardiac disease and smoking. Many of these conditions are controllable with regularly scheduled medications.

Unfortunately, medications alone are only part of the solution. Lifestyle changes including smoking cessation, diet and regular exercise are crucial. These steps toward better health require self-discipline and a willingness to accept personal responsibility to make good choices.

Another phase in the care and treatment of stroke is rehabilitation. The modalities involved in neurologic rehabilitation have recently become highlighted with Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords' assassination attempt. Early intervention with physical, speech and occupational therapies can mean the difference between a life of dependence and a full, functional return.

Technology in the form of computer programs that repeatedly train and test patients’ abilities are now an important part of any rehabilitation plan. This month, thanks to a donation, The William W. Backus Hospital will be opening a new rehabilitation area. This facility will be located on the hospital wing where most stroke patients are treated, allowing for easy accessibility for patients and staff.

While recognizing the early signs of stroke is crucial to recovery, it is only the beginning of a journey toward recovery.

Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Medical Director of The William W. Backus Hospital Stroke Center and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Alessi at aalessi@wwbh.org

Kick start a lifetime of healthy behaviors

2011-05-09T16:01:00.004-04:00

With all the serious illnesses in the world, you might wonder why The William W. Backus Hospital and Plainfield Recreation Department are organizing a community kickball tournament at the Plainfield Central School on Saturday, May 14.

Believe it or not, this is actually serious business.

One of the goals of our ongoing Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) is to instill lifestyle changes to last a lifetime.

Whether it is taking a walk, going for a bike ride, or, yes, playing the old schoolyard game of kickball, one of the most important things we can do is to encourage families to be active – together.

The fact that there is an obesity problem in eastern Connecticut is well documented. We know that children who are overweight tend to be overweight as adults, and this can lead to many serious health problems.

We also know that children look up to their parents, and tend to emulate their behaviors. So if you spend the weekend sitting around the television set, chances are your children might too.

But if you are active, and make it a routine to exercise together as a family, the odds are better that you will be healthier and your children will be too.

Making it fun is important. Running 20 monotonous laps around a track might not be your children’s idea of fun. But playing a game of “horse” on your driveway basketball court, going to the local roller skating rink, or going bowling might be more up their alley.

Spending quality time with family is so important. Doing it in a healthy way is even better. You might just be able to kickstart a lifetime of comraderie, healthy behaviors and memories by participating in our kickball tournament. It’s worth a try. The games, open to adults and children, begin with registration at 9 a.m. and the games at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call the Plainfield Recreation Department at 860-564-1819.

Lung cancer rates high in eastern Connecticut

2011-05-02T22:21:00.007-04:00

The latest news on cancer rates in Connecticut isn’t good. According to the Centers for Disease Control our state ranks 6th for overall cancer incidence among all 50 states.

In eastern Connecticut, which includes New London and Windham counties, the news doesn’t get much better. We have the highest lung cancer rates in the state: Windham County is first with 80 cases per 100,000 people and New London County is second at 77.8 cases per 100,000 people.

While breast cancer tends to get all the headlines, lung cancer is actually more deadly – it accounts for more cancer deaths than the next four cancer types combined (colon, breast, prostate and pancreas). It is estimated that lung cancer kills nearly 160,000 people a year, and the overall five-year survival rate is only 15%.

Risk factors include:

• Tobacco. Smoking one pack of cigarettes a day for 10 years or more markedly increases your risk for lung cancer. Quitting smoking and being a non smoker decreases your risk.
• Occupational exposures. These included smelting of metals, mining, milling, shipyards and manufacturing of plastics.
• Genetic factors. Having a first degree relative with lung cancer increases your risk, regardless of tobacco use.
• Gender. Female smokers are at a proportionally higher risk than male smokers.
• Chronic lung disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is also a risk factor for lung cancer.

So the question remains, why are lung cancer rates so high in our region? One reason might be that we have some of the highest rates of smoking statewide. Also, there previously was a large number of milling, textile, and manufacturing industries in eastern Connecticut, which may have increased exposure to carcinogens.

Treatment for lung cancer bridges many specialties, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. One or a combination of these modalities can be used.

At Backus Hospital, we offer patients access to the latest treatment options and some clinical trials. This includes specialized surgical treatment, specifically minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Studies show this technique results in less post-operative pain, decreased hospital length of stay and a faster return to work.

Prevention is obviously the best medicine. But if you or a loved one does have lung cancer, it is comforting to know our region has access to excellent oncologists at Eastern Connecticut Hematology & Oncology, oncology-certified nurses at the Backus Cancer Center, a radiation therapy department that is affiliated with Yale-New Haven Hospital, excellent pulmonologists, and cutting-edge surgery.

Juan Escalon, MD, is a board-certified thoracic surgeon with Backus Physician Services. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Escalon or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

When the female body begins to change, watch for common health conditions

2011-04-25T14:18:00.006-04:00

While many women aren’t impacted by major health issues when they are young, once they hit their mid-30s it is time to be aware of some common health conditions.

That’s because women’s bodies begin to change at this time, and it is important to know the signs and symptoms of illnesses and chronic diseases. Some of them are non-life threatening but impair quality of life, while others, like cancer, can be fatal.

Common non-life threatening gynecological issues can include:

• Endometriosis, a painful tissue condition that can cause infertility.

• Uterine fibroids, which are sometimes painful non-cancerous tumors.

• Uterine and pelvic prolapse, a condition sometimes caused by childbirth in which the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region stretch or weaken, causing the uterus, vagina, bladder or rectum to move out of its normal position. This affects one in every three women, according to the National Institute of Health.

• Urinary incontinence, which millions of women suffer from, sometimes as the result of childbirth or menopause.

Treatment options for these conditions can include everything from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive surgery.

Gynecological cancer, which according to the Centers for Disease Control is diagnosed in 80,000 each year, include:

• Cervical cancer,

• Uterine cancer, including endometrial cancer

• Ovarian cancer

Treatment options for these forms of cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

To learn more about women’s health issues, The William W. Backus Hospital, United Community & Family Services, da Vinci Women’s Health and womenshealth.gov are teaming up to offer a free program, “Focus on Women’s Health,” on Wednesday, April 27, from 6:30-8 p.m.

Dr. Reid Gentile, of United Community & Family Services and I will lead a discussion on menopause, hormone replacement therapy and the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which can be used for hysterectomy and other surgical procedures. To register, call 860-889-8331, ext. 2495.

As women age, it is more important than ever to know the signs, symptoms and treatment options available for a variety of common conditions. Please join us to learn more, and to see demonstrations of the da Vinci robot.

Suzelle Hendsch, MD, is an OB-GYN and robotic surgeon on the Backus Hospital Medical Staff and a member of OB/GYN Services of Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Hendsch or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Volunteers are special people

2011-04-18T09:03:00.009-04:00

The numbers are staggering. At The William W. Backus Hospital, our 464 volunteers – ranging in age from 14 to 97 – donated 47,414 hours in the past year.

Some of our loyal, dedicated volunteers put in more than 500 hours in the past year; some have volunteered more than 7,500 hours in their lifetimes; and some have been selflessly been doing it for more than a half century.

But more important than these numbers are words. During National Volunteer Week April 10-16, we asked our hospital volunteers to jot down on paper what volunteering means to them. Here are some excerpts:

• “I volunteer at Backus because I enjoy helping people and it gives me a reason to stay healthy.”

• “I volunteer to give back to Backus for the good experience my family has had in the past.”

• “I volunteer because four years ago, I found myself all alone. I was very lonely, and wanted to do something meaningful with my time. I became a volunteer 3½ years ago, and it is the best thing I could have done. I have met wonderful people that I have learned to love. We have a great time together. I will volunteer as long as the Lord lets me.”

• “I volunteer to get out of the house and into the real world!”

• “Five reasons why I volunteer: 1) I want to help people. 2). I like the social part of it and meeting all the people. 3) I want to do something useful with my spare time. 4) I want to give back to my community. 5) It’s lots of work, but lots of fun, too.”

• “I needed to feel needed. Someone, somewhere, could use my extra time to do something useful. A friend at the Senior Center asked me to come to Backus and see if I liked doing volunteer work. My first assignment: HospiTell (employee newsletter) mailing. Then, discharging. Making charts came next. I’m still doing this, and feeling very proud of the time I give to Backus.”

• “I enjoy being with people who are experiencing difficult times, and hopefully providing them with some degree of consolation.”

• “I volunteer because it makes my hear feel good. Putting a smile on a patient’s face, helping out a hospital employee, or just helping a patient get from one place to another — it lifts my heart, and makes me feel like I made a difference in someone else’s day.”

• “First and foremost, I volunteer to help our community hospital. Second, working for a pleasant and dedicated director, which makes our job that much more pleasant. Third, the self-satisfaction of helping someone.”

Fulfillment. Purpose. Friendship. Making a difference. These words epitomize volunteers, at Backus Hospital and in many organizations.

It takes special kinds of people to volunteer, and we are lucky to have these individuals in our midst.

Our hospital, our community, our state, our nation and our world are better places because of them.

If you would like to support our volunteer program, and enjoy the sounds of Tony Bennett in the process, please consider purchasing tickets to a benefit concert on Friday, June 24, at the Mohegan Sun. Although the show is sold out, the Mohegan Tribe has graciously donated a skybox for this cause. Tickets are $150 and include a pre-concert reception at 6:30 p.m. and refreshments. All proceeds benefit our not-for-profit hospital’s Volunteer Bridge Program, which provides career exploration and hands-on experience for more than 100 young men and women each summer.

Mary Brown is the Director of Volunteer Services at The William W. Backus Hospital. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog atwww.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Brown or any of the Healthy Living columnists athealthyliving@wwbh.org

Connection between hunger and obesity is not as far-fetched as it sounds

2011-04-11T12:27:00.002-04:00

An Eagle Scout created an inner city garden for poverty stricken inner city children to grow and eat fresh vegetables. But the health department halted the well-intentioned effort due to regulations requiring the food to be inspected.

Supermarkets moved out of the inner city to the suburbs, but public transportation never adjusted, leaving urban families without a way to access fresh food, only fast food.

As childhood obesity continued to increase, nutritional education decreased in schools.

These are all true scenarios in Connecticut, issues that Food Policy Councils like the one recently established in New London County can tackle. Coupled with programs like the Backus Weight Loss Center and continued collaboration with other organizations, are positioning ourselves well to handle the number one health threat in eastern Connecticut – obesity.

United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, Backus Hospital, Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, Thames Valley Council for Community Action, FRESH New London and others are among those partnering on the newly formed New London County Food Policy Council, which is attempting to systematically fix food issues in region.

Interestingly, this obesity problem is connected to hunger. While at first glance this seems like an unlikely pairing, further reflection enables us to comprehend why this is not so far-fetched.

The exodus of food markets from urban areas to the suburbs is one of the ways that hunger and obesity connect. As the stores with fresh fruits and vegetables moved, they were replaced by fast food establishments, leaving those without transportation with too many super-sized, unhealthy options.

Couple this with increasing reliance on food pantries – the local Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor Food Center reports distribution of 2,000 pounds of donated food in the past year – and not all of it was healthy.

What can we do to help? An easy first step is when you donate food, don’t just just dust off the old box of macaroni and cheese hiding in the corner of your cupboard. Think about healthier food options, such as canned vegetables.

Our nursing staff will be taking a step in this direction when they conduct a food drive in the Backus cafeteria beginning May 2-6. The food drive, done in conjunction with National Nurses Week, will focus on collecting healthy products. They contacted the food center and obtained a list of healthier food that you can donate, which includes canned tuna, canned vegetables, fruits, rice, instant potatoes, pasta, healthy cereal like oatmeal, peanut butter and baby food.

Please consider donating to this important cause. It’s one of the small but important steps we can take towards better health in our community.

Mark Tousignant, MD, is a minimally invasive general surgeon with Backus Physician Services and Medical Director of the Backus Weight Loss Center. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Tousignant or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Occupational therapy helps patients return to everyday activities

2011-04-04T15:34:00.004-04:00

Occupational Therapy helps people of all ages to live life to its fullest. It promotes health and helps people prevent — or live better with — injury, illness, or disability. It is a practice deeply rooted in science and evidence-based, which means that the plan designed for each person is supported by data, experience, and the most proven treatments that have been developed over time.

April is National Occupational Therapist Month. Occupational Therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on doing whatever occupations or activities are meaningful to the individual. It is occupational therapy’s mission to tackle physical obstacles that prevent a person from living life to its fullest. Solutions to these obstacles may be adaptations for how to do a task of daily living, changes to the person’s surroundings, or helping individuals to alter their own behaviors and expectations.

When working with an occupational therapist practitioner, strategies and modifications are customized for each individual to resolve problems, improve function, and support everyday living activities.

The goal is to maximize a person’s physical potential and instill self confidence and independence. Through these therapeutic approaches, occupational therapy helps individuals design their lives, develop needed skills, adjust their environments (for example home, school, or work) and build health-promoting habits and routines that will allow then to thrive and be successful in all environments.

By taking the full picture into account — peoples’ psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup, as well as their environment — occupational therapy assists clients to:

• Achieve personal goals
• Function at the highest possible level in their environments
• Concentrate on what matters most to them
• Maintain or rebuild their independence
• Participate in daily activities.

Occupational therapists are dedicated healthcare professionals who aren’t always in the spotlight. But Occupational Therapy Month is a time for them to shine.

Kim Tattersall is an occupational therapist with Backus Rehabilitation Services. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Tattersall or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

What to do when your loved one needs critical care

2011-03-28T16:21:00.004-04:00

Having a loved one in critical care can be a stressful and frightening situation.

Critical care units (also known as intensive care units) are specialized units where highly-trained nurses take care of one or two patients at a time. These patients are usually very ill and often require life-support machines or medications that nurses must monitor closely.

Whether a patient is in the critical care unit (CCU) as part of an expected plan of recovery, or from a sudden, traumatic experience, such as a cardiac arrest or motor-vehicle accident, it can be overwhelming for both the patient and the family. Here are a few tips to help make the experience less upsetting:

• Visiting hours. Due to the intensive care that patients receive and the highly sensitive nature of many procedures and assessments, visiting hours are often restricted to certain times of the day. For the protection of the patient and the family, visitation is often limited to family members only and usually only two visitors at a time may be in the room. Occasionally, nurses may ask visitors to wait in the waiting room during report or while they perform assessments or procedures that may be uncomfortable for family members to witness.

• Name a spokesperson. Communication is essential when a patient is critically ill. It is important for the doctors and nurses to receive accurate information from the family, but it is also important for the family to receive consistent communication from the doctors and nurses, while still protecting the patient’s privacy. Having a spokesperson is the best way for both parties to maintain communication. Speaking with the same person throughout the patient’s stay in the CCU ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the patient’s plan of care. This spokesperson would then pass on information to the rest of the family and any close friends. This ensures that nurses are able to spend more time caring for the patient and less time answering questions to multiple family members on the phone.

• Don’t focus on the bells and whistles. Walking into a critical care room can be nerve-wracking with all those alarms beeping and lights blinking. We want family members to be part of the healthcare team and speak up if you think something isn’t right. However, don’t get lost watching the monitors – your most important job is to be there for your loved one. They need your emotional support more than anything and you are the best one to provide that. Listening to alarms beep can be scary, but the nurses are trained and highly skilled to handle that aspect of the care. Do what you do best, which is caring about your loved one.

• Take care of yourself, too. It is perfectly natural to want to be there every waking moment for your loved one. But it is important to protect your own health as well. Make sure you are still eating, drinking, taking your medications and getting plenty of rest. Reach out to support systems, such as friends or clergy members for your own emotional support. You will be of no help to your loved one if you end up admitted to the hospital as well.

As a family member, you are an important part of the healthcare team for your loved one. It is our hope that these tips will help improve your experience as your loved one recovers in the CCU. To learn more about the Backus CCU and view a video on what to expect, visit www.backushospital.org/ccu

Megan Mooney is a registered nurse in the The William W. Backus Hospital Education Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Mooney or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Collaboration the cure to region’s obesity problems

2011-03-21T11:27:00.008-04:00

March is National Nutrition Month. But it is what is happening locally that deserves special attention.

A Backus Hospital health needs assessment of eastern Connecticut has identified obesity as a major health concern in eastern Connecticut. Obesity levels are higher than both the state and national average, and can lead to a wide range of costly — and sometimes deadly — health problems.

This is a health crisis that no one person, or organization, can take on alone. That’s why it is heartening to see a wide range of local organizations collaborating to seek solutions.

These solutions include a Food Policy Council, which across the nation have proved themselves to be one of the best ways to make lasting improvements in a region’s nutrition — and reduce obesity.

The council was formally launched Monday at a press conference held at the Gemma E. Moran Food Center in New London. In addition to Backus and the United Way, partners include Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, Thames Valley Council for Community Action, United Community and Family Services, the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, and FRESH/New London. Other partners will be added as the group selects projects and seeks grant funding.

Food policy councils are strategic partnerships that seek to make sustainable change in the community’s nutrition. Instead of investing in a program that might last a year or some other limited time frame, they focus on long-range solutions that ran range from food labels in stores to healthy school lunches and community gardens. They seek sufficient funding and provide real tools for lasting change.

While specific solutions have not yet been developed, this week’s announcement of the New London County Food Policy Council — which was begun with a grant from Backus Hospital as a direct result of the hospital’s health survey — is a very promising start to what will prove to be a long term endeavor. You can learn more about the food policy council at www.nlcfpc.org.

What else is being done to tackle the region’s obesity problem? We continue to expand our Backus Weight Loss Center. In addition to bariatric surgery, we now offer the Backus Medical Weight Loss and Wellness Program.

The new program is being piloted with employees first, and will be opened to the public later this year. It is designed for people who do not qualify for weight loss surgery but are dedicated to making the lifestyle changes needed to lose weight – and keep it off.

What sets it apart from other programs is the medical expertise and one-on-one time that a team of Backus dietitians, doctors, nurses, physical therapists and counselors can offer.

The 18-week program is the only one of its kind in the region, and includes nutrition and exercise assessments, goal-setting, meal plans, food journals, behavior therapy, yoga, label reading, supermarket tours and more.

To qualify, you must have referral from a doctor and a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 26. You can calculate your BMI at backushospital.org/bariatrics. For more information about the bariatric surgery or weight loss programs, call 860-889-8331, ext. 8740, or visit backushospital.org/weightloss.

Stressful times call for simple pleasures

2011-03-14T23:42:00.004-04:00

We live in stressful times. Everyone is stressed — whether it is from the after-effects of the natural disasters abroad, the political unrest, local violence, sweeping weather changes, or high rates of unemployment and financial hardships.

Dealing with life on a daily basis can be daunting, leaving us depleted and exhausted, with a loss of the precious vitality we all need so much. So what’s the solution? How do we get revitalized? I offer the following tips:

• Humor. If it is true that “laughter is the best medicine,” then we can all benefit by looking at the funny or humorous side of each situation. When I worked for Hospice, even my patients who were well aware they were at the end of life told me that they appreciated humor, and needed to “take a break” from the seriousness of life. I scour the Sunday newspaper to find funny cartoons and stories that I can share with my co-workers, friends, and family. There are numerous listings in the “comedy” section of the movie rental section.

• Seek out the positive. Develop the habit of seeing the positive side of life. We don’t have to be Pollyannas — after all, bad things do happen and it would be foolish to pretend otherwise. But an optimistic outlook can help us cope with stressful situations. And there really is a positive side to every situation. Sometimes it takes a little more effort to find it.••

• Nurture your creativity. Everyone has a creative side, from which something can be produced — a tangible piece of evidence of your contribution to the world. Perhaps it is a flair for gardening, crocheting, or quilting. Musical talent may be your gift. Perhaps you can make wooden furniture, or sketch and draw nature scenes. My mother took a watercolor painting class at age 87 and is still producing lovely paintings that will become treasured family heirlooms.

• Exercise those muscles. Taking a walk is another stress-buster. Brisk walking with a friend is wonderful exercise for the body and soul. Besides the obvious physical benefits, it clears the mind as well. I recently took a walk in an area of town that I had never explored — and was pleasantly surprised to see the winter bird feeders, the melting snowmen children had created in front yards, and the door decorations that made each home unique.

Be grateful for what you have. Several friends and co-workers from Backus recently returned from a medical mission in cholera-stricken Haiti. One of them, Cindy, remarked, “I am so very appreciative of the blessings in my life.”

When frustration mounts, take time to revitalize yourself. Most of these things are free. Laugh, create, support, or walk. Your family and friends will thank you for it!

Patient safety is a year-round endeavor

2011-03-08T11:05:00.004-05:00

We are in the midst of National Patient Safety Awareness Week, but hospitals and patients must focus on safety year round.

At The William W. Backus Hospital and many healthcare organizations nationwide, the number one priority is to enhance quality and safety. It’s part of our mission – to give our patients the best care possible.

From the moment a patient enters the doors of the hospital, safety is a concept that is practiced, taught and reinforced.

And we are more transparent than ever before. The U.S. government tracks patient safety and satisfaction at hospitals, and we make our results publicly available at www.backushospital.org/patientsafety.

This website also offers reports a weekly percentage of patients who, when surveyed, say they would recommend Backus to their friends or family members; patient safety videos; and a patient handbook that offers patients safety information for before, during and after their hospital stay.

We are constantly seeking innovative ways to make care safer for our patients – whether it is simple things like frequently washing our hands, offering pre-surgery education or installing a pharmacy robot to reduce medication errors.

We spend a lot of time researching best practices and implementing these strategies to reduce patient falls, improve surgical safety by initiating timeouts before each procedure, monitor our patients more closely through hourly rounding, bedside reporting so that our clinicians are at the bedside and not in conference rooms and monitoring data and acting on it in real time.

But as a patient or family member, you are also part of the healthcare team. And National Patient Safety Awareness Week March 6-12 is a good time to offer reminders on how you can play a role in your healthcare, including:

• Ask questions about your care.
• Tell us if you don’t understand what we are saying
• Explain to us what you need or want
• Share your medical history
• Tell us about prior medical problems and surgeries
• Make sure we know about any allergies
• Read your discharge instructions and make sure you understand them – and ask questions before you go home.

Working together, we can all improve patient safety – year round.

Bonnie Thompson, an advanced practice nurse, is Administrative Director of Organizational Excellence at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Thompson or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Exposure to cold can cause blood vessel disorder

2011-02-28T15:07:00.004-05:00

It’s been a cold winter, and despite some brief warm ups recently we can be assured that it is not over yet.

While there has been a high number of slips, falls and snowblower injuries, there has also been a much quieter result of the cold — Raynaud’s Phenomenon.

Approximately 3% to 5% of the population suffers from Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which is a condition in which some of the body’s blood vessels — commonly in the fingers and toes — constrict in an exaggerated way in response to cold and emotional stress.

This restricts blood flow to the affected areas and causes the skin to change to a white color, then to blue when there are low levels of oxygen, and then back to pink.

Raynaud’s usually occurs on its own and is most common among women, younger age groups and people with family members who also have it. It is sometimes related to an autoimmune illness like lupus or scleroderma, and in these cases can cause a serious decrease in blood flow.

Most often, Raynaud’s affects the blood vessels in the fingers. In a typical attack the fingers become suddenly cold, color changes markedly and become blue or purple. Usually the attack begins in a single finger and then spreads to fingers of both hands.

Symptoms of Raynaud’s generally subside when the cause is removed. The discoloration resolves after 15-20 minutes.

Diagnosis is based on the patient’s description of the attack following cold exposure, and in some cases, particularly when Raynaud’s is related to another disease, consultation with a rheumatologist is needed.

To limit the chances of Raynaud’s, avoid sudden cold exposure and dress in layers. You can help end an attack by placing your hands in your armpit or rotating your arms in a whirling windmill pattern. Avoid smoking and medications such as decongestants, diet pills and some migraine drugs.

Sometimes treatment involves medication, including those that contain calcium channel blockers. Several other medications have been studied including topical nitroglycerine, trental and sildenafil.

In extreme circumstances, hospitalization and surgery may be required.

Exercise can prevent heart disease

2011-02-21T22:50:00.002-05:00

Last week in this column, as part of American Heart Month, we discussed what to do if you experience heart attack symptoms.

This week is an opportunity to talk about steps to take so you never end up in that situation.

And “steps” is a key word. One of the most important things you can do is exercise.

Exercising daily, even if you don’t start until midlife, can help improve survival rates into your 70s.

There is a strong and positive association between physical activity and living a longer, healthier life.

Moderate physical activity, including brisk walking, reduces risks of chronic disease, reduces the loss of cognitive function, physical function and improves mental health.

It is encouraging that studies show even starting moderate exercise in midlife can improve your life over the long-term.

As life expectancy continues to rise — in 1900 the average life expectancy was 47.3, in 2005 in was 80.4 for women and 75.2 for men — it is important to take steps to improve your health.

By 2030, 1 in 5 people will be 65 or older, and the healthier people are the better off they will be -- and the better off society will be as a whole.

Whether it is full-fledged gym or workouts in your home or outdoors, the key is to establish a consistent exercise routine.

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Exercising daily might just help keep the cardiologist away.

John Foley, MD, is a cardiologist on The William W. Backus Hospital Medical Staff, a member of Cardiology Associates of Norwich and on the faculty at Yale University School of Medicine. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Foley or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack

2011-02-14T22:08:00.004-05:00

February is American Heart Month, a time to bring attention to just how prevalent heart disease is and provide education that could help reverse the grim statistics.

Every year more than 600,000 people die of heart disease – it is the leading cause of death for both men and women. In fact, a little known fact is that half of the deaths from heart disease are women.

Paying attention to your symptoms when you are having a heart attack and seeking immediate treatment can lead to improved survival and better outcomes.

A recent study examines why some people come into the hospital when they are having a heart attack and why others delay seeking treatment. Overall, among men and women, non-whites, those of lower socioeconomic status, and those who have had prior angina, diabetes or hypertension delay in seeking care.

According to the study, women often delay longer than men. They may not realize they are having a heart attack because of atypical symptoms, or they may not want to trouble anyone. Women present older and are more likely to have chronic heart failure, diabetes or other chronic medical issues, which can further complicate treatment.

Women may have nausea, back, neck and jaw pain rather than the traditional arm and chest pain or in addition to those symptoms. They also may experience shortness of breath or break out in a cold sweat.

Women are more worried about breast cancer, but statistics show they are more likely to have heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, coronary heart disease is the single leading cause of death for American women. Nearly twice as many women in the United States die of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases as from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.

Giffords case shows remarkable healing of the brain

2011-02-08T12:36:00.004-05:00

Over the past several weeks, the world has been witnessing a remarkable example of modern trauma care, neurosurgical treatment and rehabilitation.

On Jan. 8, Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was the victim of an assassination attempt. The assailant shot her in the head at close range. This was followed by a succession of medical interventions that continue to unfold.

The gunshot entered the skull and went through the left side of the brain before exiting. The trajectory of the bullet avoided many of the major blood vessels that are more vulnerable when the projectile moves from side-to-side.

Rapid emergency response to the scene allowed for control of blood loss and maintenance of respiratory function. Amazingly, Ms. Giffords was reported to have been in the operating room only 38 minutes after being shot. This short transition time from site of injury to OR is because she was brought to a trauma center where protocols have been designed and rehearsed that allow for rapid care and make the necessary neurosurgical resources immediately available.

Many of the protocols used today have been developed in response to battlefield injuries from various explosive devices.

The two biggest challenges in a penetrating head injury are bleeding and swelling. In response to any trauma, tissue swells. An example would be a sprained ankle. The accumulation of fluid at the site of injury causes the surrounding skin to expand. When swelling occurs in an enclosed space like the skull, pressure builds and forces the brain downward toward an opening in the base. This “herniation” often results in death.

In addition to the use of diuretics, the most immediate way to relieve a potentially life-threatening increase in intracranial pressure is by removing the skull over the area of injury. This allows the brain to expand freely. After the swelling is controlled, the skull can be replaced at a later time.

Despite the remarkable emergent treatment received by Ms. Giffords, the rapid introduction of rehabilitation in the first week after injury and transfer to a rehabilitation facility within three weeks of injury is astonishing.

Recent studies have shown that the early establishment of physical, occupational and speech therapy programs for neurologic injuries is imperative for successful recovery. The brain possesses an incredible ability to redirect nerve fibers and networks. This process, known as neuroplasticity, can help resume function previously performed by nerve cells that were destroyed.

The early institution of rehabilitation is an important first step down a long road to recovery after brain injury. The world will be closely watching as Congresswoman Giffords makes this journey.

To learn more about this topic visit www.backushospital.org/multimedia. Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Medical Director of The William W. Backus Hospital Stroke Center and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Alessi at aalessi@wwbh.org

Snow and snowblower injuries are piling up

2011-01-31T14:52:00.011-05:00

The immense piles of snow this year have made snowblowers more important than ever. We had our snowiest January on record, with well over 50 inches.

That’s a lot of snow in a short period of time. And if weather forecasts are correct, more snow is on the way this week. Hopefully the snowblower injuries that we have been seeing in the Backus Hospital Emergency Department won’t come along with it.

We have seen at least five snowblower-related injuries this year, and over the years I have seen some very serious injuries, usually the result of people putting their hands or feet in the machines.

They tend to get clogged with debris or wet snow, and even if the engine is turned off when the clogging mechanism is dislodged the torque propels the blades.

The best advice I can give is never stick your hand or foot in a clogged snowblower, even if it is off.

Here are some other snowblower safety tips:

• Many models now include a tool for safe clearing — use it.
• Always turn off it off before attempting to clear it.
• Don’t wear loose clothing that can get caught in the moving parts.
• Always warm up the snowblower outside, not in the garage — carbon monoxide poisoning can result.
• Wear ear plugs.
• When using electric snowblowers, be sure to keep the extension cord safety away from the engine while working.
• For gas models, wait until the engine is cool before refueling.

There is no denying that snowblowers are excellent options to help you clear the driveway, the sidewalk, around the mailbox and make paths for oil deliveries — without the back injuries and dangers of heart attack that traditional shoveling brings.

But they can be dangerous if you don’t use them safely.

Together, cancer patients can overcome psychosocial issues they face

2011-01-28T08:57:00.003-05:00

Having access to the best caregivers, modern technology and the latest treatment program is important for cancer patients.

But an often overlooked part of the continuum of cancer care is helping patients deal with the many psychological and social issues that arise, whether it is depression, sexuality, accepting physical changes or fear of recurrence.

It is important for cancer patients to know they are not alone – in fact 41 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetimes. Sometimes just talking with others in a group setting can be extremely therapeutic.

That’s why Backus Hospital has started a new free support group, “Diagnosed with Cancer? What You Need to Know,” which is held the second Tuesday of every month from 5-6 p.m. in front lobby conference room 1.

We will tackle a different topic each month, and also include time for questions and answers and interactive activities.

The support group will also be a good setting to face other common issues cancer patients face, including:

• How humor can help heal
• The role of spirituality and faith
• Communicating with your healthcare provider
• Financial pressures
• Handling fatigue.

Being diagnosed with cancer has more than just physical impacts. It can cause a great deal of stress for patients and their loved ones. Talking about these issues in a group setting can be just what the doctor ordered.

Elynor Carey is a social worker in the Backus Hospital Care Management Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Carey or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Haitian mission changed our lives

2011-01-17T12:40:00.011-05:00

Somehow, despite all we saw while in Haiti Jan. 9-14, I was able to keep my emotions in check. It must be the nurse in me.

We didn’t treat as many children as we expected, but that might be because the very old and very young died before reaching us. We felt like we were in a race against time — and this horrible disease. We would squeeze IV bags as hard as we could to push the fluid in — all while hearing the fluid pour out of them in the form of deadly diarrhea.

But when I was singing at church on Sunday, the dam finally broke — I couldn’t stop the flood of tears. I’m still not sure it has really hit me yet.

Our local team of medical professionals helped a lot of people during our mission. We all did our part to help — and what we saw while there impacted us in various ways.

To communicate to others we set up a Backus Haiti Relief Team Facebook page. It chronicled our journey, and also probably served as an emotional outlet for many of us.

Here are some day-by-day Facebook posts:

• Jan. 9: “So, our first task on arrival yesterday afternoon was to unload a trailer full of supplies…we saw many patients that would be in a Critical Care Unit at home, but are being cared for in tents and portable buildings here.”

— Fred Potter, Backus Hospital Emergency Medical Services Coordinator

• Jan. 10: “We’re all starting our first shifts today. We’ve had some great recoveries in the cholera hospital. This disease is severely debilitating, but we’re working as a team to assist in any way possible. Spirits are high and the work is difficult, but very rewarding. I’m so proud to be a member of this medical mission.”

— Manuela Lescault, registered nurse and Backus Nurse Residency Coordinator

• Jan. 11: Wow…that’s all I can say. We just got off of our first full shift…eight hours felt like 16! In addition to taking to taking care of several patients, including a woman that died, we did aggressive fluid resuscitations for two patients…so far, so good for them.”

— Fred Potter

• Jan. 12: Finished another exhausting shift today at the cholera hospital. We ended the evening with a visit to St. Damien’s children’s hospital to give toys to the beautiful children there. It’s really difficult not to cry, but the children’s smiles are worth the entire effort here!”

— Manuela Lescault

• Jan. 13: “We’re all very pleased with what we’ve been able to do here – we have made a difference in several peoples’ lives. As a great friend of mine told me, ‘this trip will be good for your soul.’ I couldn’t have said it any better.”

— Fred Potter

• Jan. 14: “I am so proud and grateful to have been part of the Backus relief mission to Haiti. I am very fortunate to have shared this experience with such a fantastic team of people. Thank you all for the unforgettable memories and friendships.”

— Cassandra Gryczewski, Backus Hospital registered nurse

Cindy Arpin, is a registered nurse and Stroke Coordinator at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Arpin or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Healthcare extends beyond the walls of a hospital

2011-01-10T07:16:00.004-05:00

I have the best job around. I can say that, because after 30-plus years as a registered nurse, I still enjoy each day.

Together with my colleague Lisa Cook, I am a patient and community educator at Backus Hospital. We get to arrange and coordinate various free educational programs, events and screenings for the community, which is our way of preventing major health problems before people end up in the hospital.

We collect data and surveys to prove that these programs are worthwhile, informative, and health-promoting. But more importantly, health screenings facilitate the identification of problems, make appropriate referrals, and facilitate subsequent treatment — possibly saving lives in the process.

Backus Hospital’s mission is to improve the health of the community. To accomplish this, it takes a team of people. Here are examples of what I mean:

• In April, the monthly “Family Matters” educational series presentation was “Recognizing the Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Our speaker was Dr. Dumont-Mathieu, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician from West Hartford. Sixty-two people attended this program, some from as far away as Old Lyme and Colchester. So many parents commented on how valuable this information was, how much they learned, and how appreciative they were to be informed about available resources for autism diagnosis and treatment.

• In September, we offered a free community prostate cancer screening. Two Backus urologists, Dr. Franklin Friedman and Dr. T. Casey McCullough, volunteered their time to examine 40 men, who also had blood drawn for PSA blood tests. Several men had elevated PSA tests, requiring follow-up, and one young man was identified with a suspicious prostate exam, resulting in the recommendation for a biopsy for prostate cancer.

• In December, Backus participated in the Mohegan Sun Employee Health Day. The health theme was “All About Diabetes.” Chinese and Spanish interpreters were available to talk to the many Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hispanic employees who might otherwise not have access to this vital information. Written information was provided in several languages. More than 50 home glucose meters were distributed, and more than 250 people talked to the healthcare providers and interpreters there. Several referrals were made to bi-lingual physicians to establish primary care medical “homes.”

So, a community hospital’s role definitely extends beyond its walls. We will continue to help improve the health of our community with free community education and screenings, including our second “Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) program in Plainfield. The kick-off for the monthly series is Jan. 20, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Department. Call 860-889-8331, ext. 2495 to register. Let’s work together and support one another to get healthier in 2011.

Survey your home for health hazards

2011-01-04T10:47:00.005-05:00

First responders often describe a “survey of the scene” before they enter a hazardous incident. A survey of your living environment can be equally beneficial.

A hazard assessment provides an opportunity for an individual to develop a plan of correction, prioritizing from most critical to least critical.

While people can identify public health hazards on their own, it can be invaluable to have a third party assist in the assessment. We tend to become very accustomed to our environment. How often have you missed your significant other’s new haircut or glasses? This same principle applies to a home assessment.

So, what can you do? One way to look more critically at your living environment is to use a maintenance checklist. One helpful checklist can be found at www.centerforhealthyhousing.org . While this is a good starting point, the list may need to be modified due to personal and environmental considerations such as the age and construction of a home, or specific health conditions of the tenants.

I would also recommend contacting your local health department. Health departments maintain vital information on the history of your home and community. Public health nurses, environmental sanitarians, and public health educators can help determine the most critical hazards and possible remedies.

There are currently two free programs at the Uncas Health District serving the residents of Bozrah, Griswold, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Sprague, and Voluntown. They include:

• Healthy Homes Program. A home hazard assessment is conducted by a health district inspector and a report is provided to the owner or occupant recommending interventions that may mitigate housing-related hazards.

• Free radon kits. Available on a first-come, first-served basis in recognition of National Radon Action Month in January. To learn more about these programs, contact Devon Thornton at 860-823-1189 or dthornton@uncashd.org.

Remember, prevention is the key when it comes to public health.

Patrick R. McCormack, MPH, is Director of Health for the Uncas Health District, based in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Mr. McCormack or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Avoid tragedy by installing carbon monoxide detectors

2010-12-30T01:17:00.003-05:00

We’ve all seen the deadly impact of carbon monoxide poisoning in the news recently.

Unfortunately, I have also seen the devastation firsthand.

I’ve been a Paramedic since 1983, and one emergency call stands out above all others as being my worst call ever.

It was the morning on Nov. 11, 1993 — Veteran’s Day to be exact.

I was a Fire Captain/Paramedic at the Bradley Int’l Airport Fire Department in Windsor Locks and we routinely provided paramedic service to the surrounding communities.

This morning, we were dispatched to an address in Suffield for a carbon monoxide exposure. When we arrived there were a total of seven people poisoned overnight while they slept by carbon monoxide — a colorless, odorless gas which is one of the reasons that it is so deadly. You don’t know that it’s there.

Three of the victims between the ages of 12-13 years old — including one child that was a friend of the family — were in cardiac arrest.

Despite vigorous attempts to resuscitate them, they did die, as did their family dogs. It’s a scene that I’ll never forget, and one that I can easily visualize 17 years later.

What began as a sleepover in a finished basement resulted in a horrific outcome for two families, as well as a community.

When examined at the hospital after the call, I too had an elevated level of carbon monoxide, but required no medical treatment other than fresh air.

Carbon monoxide has a 200 times higher affinity than oxygen to attach to your red blood cells. Therefore the carbon monoxide saturates the red blood cells leaving no room for oxygen.

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, which are very similar to flu symptoms, are usually caused by heaters, furnaces, gas grills and other devices indoors. They usually involve more than one person and can include:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Weakness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Chest pain

• Confusion.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should get outdoors for fresh air and call 911.

Meters to accurately measure the amount of carbon monoxide inside a home are carried by all fire departments, whose members are also trained how and where to obtain samples.

But many times that is too late, which makes it so important for everyone to install carbon monoxide detectors on all levels of their home, especially near sleeping areas. It could be the best investment you ever make in your life.

Fred Potter, Coordinator of Emergency Medical Services at The William W. Backus Hospital, is a longtime firefighter and paramedic. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Mr. Potter or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Local people can make a difference for those suffering in Haiti

2010-12-21T00:14:00.005-05:00

An outbreak of cholera that began in October is the latest disaster to strike Haiti.

There is a large Haitian-American community here in Norwich. Almost all will know someone who is infected with this potentially deadly bacterium before the outbreak is over.

Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, has been recovering from a major earthquake in January that took the lives of approximately 250,000 people.

Vibrio cholerae is the bacterium responsible for cholera. It produces a toxin that causes diarrhea and vomiting so severe that it can completely dehydrate a young child or elderly person in hours. Unless fluid is rapidly replaced, the infected person will lose enough volume to cause cardiac shock and death.

In a dehydrated patient, venous access for fluid replacement is often difficult, if not impossible. Specially designed needles can be carefully drilled into large bones allowing fluid to be infused directly into the bone. This is an expensive option since the cost of these needles is $100 each.

Once cholera has been introduced into a community, as it is now in Haiti, it doesn’t leave quickly. After reaching an initial peak, the number of cases slowly declines over a period of years. Current projections of 200,000 infected people and 17,000 deaths are being considered. Given the remote villages affected in a country where no adequate census can be carried out, these numbers are estimates at best.

Cholera is transmitted among humans through fecal-oral contact. Typically, this involves tainted food or drinking water. In Haiti, the Arbonite River that provides the only clean drinking water for many villages has been contaminated.

The most effective way to prevent cholera is through improved sanitation and the provision of clean drinking water. Once contracted, rehydration with fluid and electrolytes must begin immediately.

There is currently an urgent need in Haiti for medical professionals who can skillfully start IVs and provide nursing care. Nurses, doctors and other staff from The William W. Backus Hospital, and paramedics from the Norwich area, have volunteered to go to Haiti in January. They are doing this on their own time and at risk of becoming ill themselves. The physician members of the Backus Medical Staff have agreed to provide financial support for transportation.

This effort to help those in need defines the term “community” both locally and internationally.

Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is a neurologist and Medical Director of the Primary Stroke Center at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Alessi or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Tragedy in Griswold impacts us all

2010-12-13T11:28:00.007-05:00

All of us have been affected by the recent tragedy in which four teens were killed in a car crash in Griswold.

This was not a one day news flash, and coping with the grief will be a marathon, not a sprint. As new information emerges — such as photos of the teens involved, updates on the teen that lived, the ongoing funeral services — we are reminded of what happened on a daily basis.

Yet we have different connections to these circumstances, and this will affect both how we relate to the issues and how we need to adjust our coping strategies to them.

There is a quietness in our school hallways, not just in Griswold, but throughout many, many schools in our communities. This is not surprising — and should not concern you.

There are some helpful tips to remember when dealing with emotional trauma and painful emotional issues:

• Pace yourself. I use the expression, “it’s likely to be a marathon, not a sprint.” That means you should try to deal with these issues in little bits at a time. Take a break after talking about these painful things and do something that brings you comfort — watching an old movie you know you love, working out, prayer, calling (not texting!) a friend.

• Rely on your natural supports. This can be a time to freshen up friendships and relationships. Make a point to find someone for a lunch or a dinner visit. Stop by someone’s house for a cup of coffee.

• Stick to a normal routine as much as possible. It sounds simple, but the concrete, simple things make a big difference in times like these — eat right, get an appropriate amount of rest, exercise a bit.

• Talk to people. And I mean talk, face to face, human contact is important. Electronic media, social networking, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, this communication are all good tools, but they are only tools — and they do not offer the solace and comfort that we need during these times. Some say that much of communication is non-verbal, as much as 80%. That is especially true now. Strong, important emotions are not well communicated with smiley faces, and dashes and dots at the end of a text. Use this as a chance to break that habit and talk to someone!

Use faith-based supports. Few resources are as well-equipped to help during these times as our rabbis, ministers, imans, priests, pastors. Reach out to these resources and you will find comfort and much wisdom.

Visit www.backushospital.org to watch a video on coping with tragedy, or for printable coping tips.

Peace to all of you during this season and trying time.

James O’Dea, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Vice President, Business Operation at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. O'Dea or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Free flu clinic offered just in time

2010-12-08T08:23:00.003-05:00

With the holidays and cold weather upon us, now is the time to get a flu shot.

People are crowding indoors — whether in daycares, shopping malls or family gatherings.

It is only a matter of time before the first cases of flu are reported in Connecticut, and you need time after a vaccination to build immunity.

To help those in the community without access to flu shots, Backus Home Health Care and the Uncas Health District are holding a free family flu clinic on Friday, Dec. 10, from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 11 from 1-4 p.m. at the Norwich Fire Department on 10 North Thames St., which is off of West Main Street across from American Ambulance.

We urge the public to take advantage of this free clinic, especially now that new Connecticut law that requires children between the ages 6 months and 59 months to be immunized if they are planning to attend a private licensed daycare facility or nursery school after Jan. 1, 2011. This law was enacted because flu spreads rapidly in these settings, and children are particularly vulnerable.

In addition, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded its recommendations on who should receive an annual flu shot. All people 6 months and older should now get vaccinated.

High risk populations include:

• Children under 5 years old, and especially those under 2.

• Adults over 65 years old.

• People with chronic medical conditions.

• Pregnant women.

• Severely obese people.

The bottom line: the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated — now.

Bonnie Thompson, an advanced practice nurse, is Administrative Director of Organizational Excellence at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Thompson or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Many lessons learned during Enjoy LIFE series

2010-11-29T23:48:00.001-05:00

It seems as though everyone is trying to lose weight these days, myself included.

Since May of this year, my colleagues at Backus Hospital and I have partnered with Myra Ambrogi, director of the Plainfield Recreation Department in creating the Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) program in the Plainfield community.

Our focus was to support each other in our quest towards a healthier lifestyle by improving our diets and increasing our exercise and activity. We kicked off the program with a showcase of the resources offered in the Plainfield area highlighting an active lifestyle. It was so enjoyable to see demonstrations by the Danielson Martial Arts Academy and Marie’s Fitness and Massage Center. The initial weigh-in was not so much fun.

We then began the monthly programs. In June, Backus Registered Dietitian Sarah Hospod introduced “Healthy Eating: It’s easier than you think.” Wow! Most of the prepackaged “healthy” foods I brought to work were anything but healthy for me.

We had to schedule a second presentation on nutrition because of the overwhelming response to her initial talk. We all learned so much. Other monthly programs included presentations by an exercise physiologist, a physical therapist, a cardiologist, and a pulmonologist. Now, I can not use my asthma as a reason not to exercise.

Over the past few months, I have seen many of the community members who joined the Enjoy LIFE program become more and more engaged in this healthy lifestyle effort. . Deep down, we all know what we should be doing, but all of us need a little support and direction to bring about these desired changes. We learned what worked in this program, and what didn’t.

On Dec. 9, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center, we will be having a celebration of our achievements.

Some of us lost a few pounds; some of us are eating healthier meals; some of us are being more active; some of us have joined forces with a new friend to work out together. Everyone has something to celebrate.

There will be a final weigh-in of the Active Challenge teams. A prize will be awarded to the team that lost the largest percentage of weight. All members of the team must be weighed in to qualify for the prize. There will be door prizes and light refreshments will be served. Everyone is invited, regardless of whether you joined a team, dropped out after the first month, attended the monthly presentations or just watched.

On Jan. 20 we will kick off the next phase of Enjoy LIFE, “Active Challenge 2011.” There will be a “variety show” including cooking demonstration and a showcase of the many resources in the Plainfield area.

This round will focus on individual challenges. We are calling it a “New Year, New You: A Personal Challenge.” Everyone is invited to join – whether you are returning or joining for the first-time. You can register for either the Dec. 9 celebration or the Jan. 20 kickoff by calling (860) 889-8331, ext 2495. Hope to see you there!

Lisa Cook is a registered nurse with the Backus Hospital Education Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Cook or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Program to target childhood obesity

2010-11-22T22:56:00.003-05:00

Sitting in the crowd at The William W. Backus Hospital annual meeting Wednesday, I couldn’t have been more proud.

For much of the past year my colleagues and I have had the privilege of working with Myra Ambrogi, Director of the Plainfield Recreation Department, on a pilot program to make residents of southern Windham County healthier.

The Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) program has touched the lives many people in this region, which struggles with obesity at a rate that his higher than the state and nation.

While we provided some of the clinicians that led the community education events, Ms. Ambrogi provided the unrivaled enthusiasm, ideas and ways to communicate with members of the community that made this collaboration such a success.

Because of this great partnership, and because we know that obesity is a major health issue that needs to be dealt with, Backus Hospital presented the Plainfield Recreation Department with its second annual President’s Award at the annual meeting.

The award includes a $10,000 investment to help combat obesity in the Plainfield region — especially for children and their families. We know that 70% of overweight children end up as overweight adults. So this is where we need to start.

The funds will be used to provide a series of educational activities and workshops focusing on healthier lifestyles for elementary school children and their families.

The program, in collaboration with other stakeholders in northeastern Connecticut, will focus on the whole family, addressing behaviors, physical activities and nutrition in schools and at home.

I am thankful to work at an organization that recognizes the value of collaboration, and cares about the community. Backus President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Whitehead sums it all up this way:

“We value partnerships — collaborations that extend and enforce our mission,” he said. “We are so fortunate to have found just such a wonderful partner in the Plainfield Recreation Department, and we look forward to seeing the results that our combined efforts have.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Overcoming behavioral issues key to losing weight

2010-11-15T21:32:00.004-05:00

You hear a lot about diet and exercise when it comes to losing weight, and for good reason.

But make no mistake about it: emotional and behavioral issues are key reasons for gaining and losing weight.

That’s why we at the Backus Weight Loss Center are so passionate about a new program we are developing — a medically-based Weight Management and Wellness Program — which will include a behavioral health component.

Our recent Community Health Needs Assessment survey showed that Windham and New London counties have a major problem with obesity. More than 40% of residents surveyed in Windham and New London counties are overweight, higher than the national average.

Our Weight Management and Wellness program will give us a new tool to help fix this worsening obesity problem that causes so many other chronic and potentially deadly conditions.

In addition to diet and exercise, our experts in the Weight Management and Wellness program will provide education on overcoming the mental aspects that can impact your ability to lose weight. We are currently in the process of developing the program and finalizing topics, which could include goal-setting, perfectionism, self esteem and stress.

Whether you had bariatric surgery or are just trying to lose 20 pounds, changing behavior and overcoming psychological issues can help you succeed in losing weight — and keeping it off.

Now is the time to get a flu shot

2010-11-08T22:41:00.005-05:00

The snow came early this year — and so did flu vaccine.

But the availability of flu shots has not necessarily translated into overwhelming numbers of people getting vaccinated.

Local health officials, from doctors to health districts, are reporting that flu shots are not exactly flying off the shelves.

The reasons for this are not clear. Possibilities include the availability of vaccines at national retail outlets; the lack of an H1N1-like scare; no confirmed flu cases in Connecticut yet and a general false sense of security.

But make no mistake about it. The flu season will hit, the only questions being when and how hard.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has even expanded its recommendations on who should receive an annual flu shot. All people six months and older should now get vaccinated, which is a shift toward broader vaccination to protect as many people as possible.

High risk populations include:

• Children under five years old, and especially those under two.

• Adults over 65 years old.

• People with chronic medical conditions.

• Pregnant women.

• Severely obese people.

There is also a new Connecticut law that requires children between the ages 6-59 months to be immunized if they are planning to attend a private licensed daycare facility or nursery school after Jan. 1, 2011. This law was enacted because flu spreads rapidly in these settings, and children are particularly vulnerable.

The bottom line is now is the time to get vaccinated. They are widely available at Backus health centers in Montville, Colchester and Plainfield -- and in physician offices throughout the region.

With the holidays approaching and cold weather forcing people indoors, it is only a matter of time before flu hits and begins to spread.

The best defense against the flu is to ensure that you and your loved ones are vaccinated.

Asthma doesn’t mean you can't exercise

2010-11-01T22:46:00.004-04:00

Do you struggle with your weight? I have recently lost a significant amount of weight, and it took a lot of hard work.

I realize it is a lifelong commitment to keep the weight off. And I am not alone.

Obesity, asthma, and smoking are among the top healthcare issues in our region, according to the findings of the Community Health Needs Assessment recently released by Backus Hospital.

More than 68% of adults are overweight or obese – that translates into an estimated 175,000 adults in our region. And 18% of adults and 17% of children in the area have been diagnosed with asthma.

The American Heart Association recommends moderate intensity aerobic exercise amounting to about 30 minutes, five days a week.

But what if we have asthma? Or emphysema? Backus Pulmonologist Dr. Donna Romito will be speaking on just that subject — “No excuses: Exercising with Asthma and Other Respiratory Problems.”

This is the next program in the “Enjoy LIFE” (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) community education series at the Plainfield Recreation Center, 482 Norwich Road, Plainfield, on Thursday, Nov. 11, 6:30-8 p.m.

She will address exercising challenges for both children and adults. This is a free program, but pre-registration is requested by calling -860-889-8331, ext 2495.

Backus Registered Dietitian Sarah Hospod will also be available to counsel attendees with any nutrition questions.

The Community Health Needs Assessment can be viewed on line at www.Backushospital.org/healthsurvey. Come join us for this informative program and see why there is “no excuse” not to stay active — for a lifetime.

Healthcare is a complex but rewarding profession

2010-10-25T13:44:00.003-04:00

Celebrations are fun and a great time to reflect on the prior year. At Backus Hospital we spent last week celebrating Healthcare Quality Improvement Week.

Hospitals spend a tremendous amount of time talking about quality improvement, or how we can take the best care of our patients. Time is spent monitoring patient outcomes, reviewing data, looking at how care is delivered, dissecting processes and educating staff. All of these activities are undertaken with one central theme in mind — to make sure that we are keeping our patients safe, while we deliver high quality and efficient care.

Patients see evidence of these activities as soon as they arrive at the hospital. They may see a kiosk with masks and hand sanitizer in the entry to encourage patients, families and visitors to help prevent diseases from spreading. Signs alert staff about patients who are vulnerable for falls and pressure sores. Posters remind us to make sure we know what medications patients are getting, and why. And behind the scenes, real-time improvement initiatives are major parts of our daily routines.

Real improvement requires a team effort. For example, say a hospital decides to start using a new type of wound dressing because research shows it helps wounds heal better and faster. First we must make sure it is available in all of the areas where it is needed, then we have to make sure the nursing staff knows when and how to use it. Physicians may need education so they understand when to order this type of dressing. And, finally, patients’ outcomes (did they heal faster?) need to be measured to make sure the product is working as expected.

Last week we took a moment to celebrate, and now it is time to get back to work. Our commitment to the community is continued improvement. Working together to provide excellent care is a complex process — and a great privilege.

Cold symptoms might instead be allergies

2010-10-19T07:36:00.005-04:00

Ever since the kids went back to school their noses have been runny and the coughs have been persistent.

Sounds like the common cold, right?

Maybe not. It could very well be allergies.

While many people think of spring as the time for allergies, fall can be just as bad, depending on what you are allergic to.

While sometimes it is hard to tell whether it is a cold or allergies, the distinction is important.

Parents need to know which malady their children suffer from, because they are treated differently.

There are some ways to tell the difference between colds and allergies. They include:

• Colds usually get better in two weeks or less, while allergies can last much longer.
• If you notice your child has symptoms until the weather gets cold, that is a sign of allergies.
• Runny noses from colds often turn yellow or green after a few days, while allergy mucus usually stays clear.
• If no one else in the household gets sick, that is a sign of allergies.

The good news is it often possible to identify the triggers that cause allergies by recalling the factors that precede symptoms; noting the time at which symptoms begin; and examining a person's home, work, and school environments. Skin tests may be useful for people whose symptoms are not well controlled with medications and in whom the offending allergen is not obvious.

Treatment includes reducing a person's exposure to known allergens or other triggers.

Several different classes of drugs are available to control symptoms of allergies. The severity of symptoms and personal preferences usually guide the selection of specific drugs. Consult with your doctor about these options.

Immunotherapy (desensitization therapy) refers to injections that are given to desensitize a person to known allergens (also known as allergy shots). This therapy is effective for only certain types of allergens, and is both expensive and time-consuming.

Use of nasal steroids ahead of season changes can also be an effective treatment.

I cannot count how many times I have heard “I have had a cold for a month.” This is usually not the case — it is more likely allergies. But anytime you children have persistent symptoms they should see a doctor.

Ravi Prakash, MD, is a pediatrician on the Backus Medical Staff with a private pediatric office in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Prakash or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

There is help for those who have experienced miscarriage or sudden infant death

2010-10-11T23:48:00.002-04:00

When a miscarriage, stillborn or sudden infant death occurs, the grief can be overwhelming.

It may seem like you are on an island, all alone.

But that is far from the case. In fact, one in three pregnancies ends in this tragic way.

To bring attention to this startling statistic, and highlight the support and resources available to those who find themselves in these heartbreaking situations, Remembrance Day is held each year.

On Friday, Oct. 15, a wave of light will gently brighten our world to remember the babies we have lost in pregnancy or early infancy. All who have experienced this loss around the world are invited to light a candle at 7 p.m. for one hour to ensure that these angels are not forgotten.

Locally, support can be found at the monthly Angels Remembered Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group meeting held at The William W. Backus Hospital. Here, women and men can find a safe place to share their grief as well as their stories of hope and healing surrounding their own experiences of pregnancy or infant loss. Also discussed are various coping strategies and meaningful activities that can facilitate the healing process.

The group is held the second Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Medical Office Building (MOB) conference room located on the first floor. For more information call (860) 889-8331, ext. 4239.

As a Backus social worker, I moderate the group and see firsthand how it helps.

I have also seen the other side, where the grief associated with the loss of a child during pregnancy or in infancy can linger and cause long-term mental health issues.

Remembrance Day is one way to help grieve and heal. So is the support group, where you can learn that you are not alone, or that just because you had one miscarriage doesn’t mean you will have another.

Or, just remembering helps. Please join me this Remembrance Day to support or friends, neighbors and loved ones.

Elynor Carey is a social worker in the Backus Hospital Care Management Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Carey or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Working together we can reduce falls

2010-10-04T21:22:00.003-04:00

Although the issue usually doesn’t make headlines, falls in hospitals and once you go home can cause serious healthcare problems.

In fact, one out of three adults age 65 and older fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Among this age group, falls are the leading cause of injury death and can lead to a loss of independence for many.

Hospitals and organizations like Backus Home Health Care spend a lot of time working to eliminate falls.

Backus has been highly successful in reducing the number of falls in the hospital. And understanding what causes falls can help prevent them.

Falls can occur for a variety of reasons. You trip over something, lose your balance, miss a step, or slide on the ice. New medications can cause dizziness or changes in blood pressure that make you feel light-headed.

The risk of falling increases the older you are, as poor eyesight and unsteady walking can make each step more of a challenge. So, being aware of your fall risk and doing some simple things to prevent a fall are important. Here are a few simple things that we do at the hospital that you can also do at home:

• Wear good shoes with traction

• Keep the floor clear of clutter

• Make sure the area is well lit so you can see where you are going

• Go slowly when starting a new medication until you know how you are going to react

• Get up slowly to give your body a chance to adjust to the change

• Keep items close by so you don't have to reach to get them

• Provide time to get to the bathroom without having to hurry.

These are all simple things, but remembering them will help to keep you safe, no matter where you are.

There is one more I didn't mention -- walk with a friend. Leaning a bit on the people in our lives not only helps navigate the tough spots, but it makes the journey more enjoyable as well.

Don’t let myths sway your organ donation decision

2010-09-27T11:28:00.005-04:00

Losing a loved one is an upsetting event in anyone’s lifetime. Organ and tissue donation is a controversial topic of discussion.

From a young age, I have always been a proponent of organ and tissue donation, and working in a hospital setting has only solidified my feelings. In June of 2001, the issue took on even more importance for my husband and I.

My mother-in-law was in need of a kidney transplant due to uncontrolled high blood pressure. The call came late at night. A kidney became available and she was on her way to the hospital.

I was uncertain if I should be happy or sad. In order for my mother-in-law to receive a kidney, someone had to die.

I admit I was happy that she would see her first grandchild, but what was that other family going through? Who was this family that decided to be so selfless?

Many of us do not understand organ and tissue donation and there are many myths that surround this issue. Hare are some facts according to Donate Life Connecticut:

• When receiving or renewing a Connecticut state driver’s license, you will be asked if you wish to become an organ and/or tissue donor. The information you provide goes into a donor registry database accessible by the organ procurement organization (OPO) in the event you become a potential donor. If you answer, “YES” to the question, this is considered legal consent for donation.

• Anyone age 18 or over can also sign a uniform donor card. If you are under the age of 18, at least one parent or legal guardian must be a co-signer. A signed donor card is also legal consent for donation. You should also make your wishes known to your family.

• Organs that may be donated following death include: heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. Corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, connective tissue and blood vessels are all examples of tissues that can be donated after cardiac death.

• Total body donation for medical research and education is also an option.

• There is no age limit for organ donation. Patients’ medical histories are more important than their age.

• Efforts to save a person’s life are not lessened if hospital staff knows you have a signed donor card or are on the donor registry. The goal of emergency medical personnel and hospital staff is to save your life. The organ and tissue donation team does not become involved until after it has been determined that all efforts to save a patient’s life have failed.

• There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ and tissue donation.

• Qualified doctors perform removal of organs and tissues and open-casket viewing can still take place.

I thank this family for the gift of life given to my mother-in-law. We all have the power to donate life.

For more information on organ and tissue donation, go to Donate Life Connecticut. http://www.ctorganandtissuedonation.org/home.html

Holiday season means frequent food temptations

2010-09-20T22:50:00.006-04:00

A new photo may be needed to accompany this column after I lost 33 pounds through the always-healthy combination of diet and exercise.

I am proud of this accomplishment and feel good about myself.

But I am also wary — the holiday season is coming and temptations will be lurking beginning with the leftover Halloween candy and not ending until the Super Bowl.

That’s why I am so looking forward to the upcoming Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness & Exercise) program. On Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Plainfield Recreation Department, Registered Backus Hospital Registered Dietitian Sarah Hospod will give us the tricks to avoid the treats this holiday season.

Sarah knows it would be nearly impossible to avoid all the foods and drinks available at parties and get-togethers during the holidays. But there are ways to mitigate the damage to your caloric consumption in the next few months.

Here are some of the tips Sarah will offer:

• Use smaller plates – the less you put on your plate the less you will eat.

• When arriving at the buffet table, pause. Scan the entire food spread, and decide what you would really like to try instead of a sampling of everything. Portion control can make all the difference in these situations.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before having seconds, and ask yourself if you are really still hungry. Sarah refers to this process as “allowing your stomach to catch up to your head.”

If you want to attend the free program on Oct 14, call 860-889-8331, ext. 2495 to register.

I am a firm believer in limiting dietary damage ahead of time rather than playing catch up later. I will be paying close attention to Sarah’s presentation, and wish everyone luck keeping the pounds off this holiday season.

Internet health information: Reliable or bogus?

2010-09-13T22:39:00.005-04:00

Health information is abundant and literally at your fingertips on the internet.

But is it reliable?

Following bad health advice can have disastrous results. Anybody can establish a “health” website.

So who do you trust? How can you distinguish between good and bad information? You want current, unbiased information based on research. Be skeptical.

Here are several questions to ask when evaluating web site health information.

Who runs the site? Is it a university (.edu) or the government (.gov)? Is it a health organization (.org) or a business that wants to sell you something (.com)?

Is the information written by experts? Check the “About Us” link — it should list the credentials of the professionals and experts writing the advice.

Is the information reviewed by experts? Is there an editorial board?

This info would also be found in the “About Us” section.

Is there a way to contact the writers of the health information? Is there a phone number, email, street address?

Are there unbelievable claims or testimonials? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Are there privacy policies? Do they ask for personal information? Will this information be shared? Are you comfortable with that?

Are there references on research studies reported? Do they identify sources of information?

Is the information current and up to date?

Internet health information is not a substitute for your own personal health care provider’s advice. Before following any advice from the internet, discuss it first with your personal physician or healthcare professional.

Pack a healthy punch with your kids’ lunch

2010-09-07T23:20:00.004-04:00

After you’ve tossed the last empty sun block bottle and shaken all the sand out of the beach bag your mind turns to thoughts of school, soccer practice and packing lunches.

School began last week and if your child does not eat hot lunch you began asking the nearly inevitable daily question: “What do you want for lunch?”

We all want our children to eat a nutritious lunch and nibble on carrot sticks for snack, but it’s never that simple.

As a dietitian and mother, I can be particularly obsessive on this topic.

One child loves fruit, but avoids vegetables and most forms of protein. While my older daughter will gobble down broccoli, she avoids most fruits.

Shopping for lunch and snack items has become a less than ideal chore. The following suggestions include things I have tried to expand my daughters’ palates and still provide them a balanced diet.

Have your children help plan and make meals. Take them grocery shopping, have them pick out snacks in the produce department and dairy. When your child plays a role in choosing and preparing a meal they are more inclined to actually eat it.

Keep a checklist for each child listing what they enjoy from each food group. Have them help you create the list.

Make the lunches as appealing as possible. Fun shapes with cookie cutters, meat and cheese roll ups, small thermoses for soup or left over pasta and sauce are a few ideas to keep lunch enticing.

Build in a small treat. Foods such as popcorn, a small bag of trail mix, a low fat pudding cup or jello, or chocolate chip granola bar will appeal to your child’s taste buds yet still as a qualify healthy choice.

If too many calories is a concern, avoid juice boxes, and put in a water bottle or money to buy low-fat milk at school. Whole milk is no longer offered at most schools.

A great choice for flavored water is the Capri Sun Roaring Waters. The packaging appeals to the kids – and is calorie-free.

Here is a list of meal and snack ideas I’ve accumulated over time to keep my daughters’ lunches healthy and appealing. Try to incorporate at least one item from each category when planning lunch and snacks, and mix it up -- kids get bored easily.

• Fruit: Fresh berries, sliced apples with peanut butter or caramel to dip, applesauce, pitted cherries, watermelon cubes, raisins, plums, peaches, etc…

• Vegetables: Carrot sticks, sliced peppers, raw broccoli, or even lightly salted soy beans found in the frozen food section (believe it or not my kids love these). Serve the raw veggies with a low fat dressing or better yet, take plain low fat Greek yogurt and add a dry ranch dressing mix to create a dip. You’ll gain the protein and calcium from the yogurt and your kids won’t notice the difference.

• Protein: Peanut butter, almond butter, low fat cheese sticks, Chobani kids Greek yogurt, GoGurts, trail mix with an assortment of nuts, low sodium deli meats, leftover chili or pasta and meat sauce in a thermos. Try adding shredded light cheddar to your next box of macaroni and cheese. This will boost calcium and protein and stays warm in the thermos.

• Grains: Whole grain crackers, whole wheat mini bagels with peanut butter, wraps, popcorn, goldfish, pretzels, 100% whole wheat bread or whole grain white, Barilla Plus pasta.

Rarely are we blessed with perfect eaters, myself included. But there are things we can do as parents to make school food and snacks healthier – and fun.

Wendy Kane is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator in the Backus Hospital Diabetes Management Center. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Kane or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Enjoy life with a healthy heart

2010-08-30T12:25:00.004-04:00

Knowing your cholesterol levels and if they are too high doing something about them can limit the risk for developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

Cardiovascular disease and stroke are America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, and along with all other cardiovascular diseases they claim nearly 870,000 lives a year.

Cholesterol is a well known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. There are different types of cholesterol that can be measured by a blood test, and if needed treatment can include diet, exercise and medications.

Learn more about controlling your cholesterol at the Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) program this month.

Cardiologist Dr. Michael Fucci of Cardiology Associates in Norwich and at the Plainfield Backus Health Center will present “Healthy Hearts and Cholesterol: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center.

The event is part of the ongoing Enjoy LIFE series, a partnership between Backus Hospital and the Plainfield Recreation Department to improve the health of eastern Connecticut residents.

Another upcoming event related to heart disease is the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk on Oct. 3 at 9 a.m. at Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic. People can get exercise while also raising awareness and money for research.

In addition to the walk, the event includes a health fair, free screenings from the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center, free lunch and entertainment. Participants can choose between a 2-mile or a 5-kilometer walking route.

To sign up to walk on the Backus Hospital team, call Shawn Mawhiney, Director of Communications at Backus, at 889-8331, ext. 2312 or e-mail him at smawhiney@wwbh.org.

By participating in either one of these events, you can help in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

School's in — and so are the germs

2010-08-24T11:01:00.005-04:00

With school back in session soon, children will be bringing home more than their homework – they will be carrying germs as well.

With students in close quarters, the odds of spreading germs are high. Droplets from sneezing or coughing can spread germs in a 3-foot radius.

To prevent the spread of colds and flu, parents should encourage children to use hand hygiene by covering their nose and mouth with the crook of their arm while coughing or sneezing, and to wash their hands if needed.

There are other ways to combat the spread of colds and flu as well. Parents may want to provide a hand sanitizer for children to keep with them to use after coughing or blowing their nose, or touching surfaces at school.

But even the best hygiene practices might not stop your children from getting sick. To prevent the spread of illness, parents should keep their kids home if they have a fever, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea.

Due to safety concerns with inappropriate dosing with over-the-counter cold medicines, parents should speak to their pediatricians before administering cold medicine. Rest and fluids are great for colds and flu, and fever reducers may be used.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending the flu vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older this year. The 2010-11 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N1 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season. Most people will only need one shot this year, except for children who may not have been vaccinated last year.

Most adults can infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body.

Flu vaccinations will be available at the Backus health centers and pediatricians’ offices, usually starting in October. Parents should check with their pediatrician to make sure all their children’s vaccinations are up to date.

It’s hard to tell how severe the flu season will be this year, and some of it is out of our control. But taking the necessary precautions can limit the chances of a severe outbreak.

Pam Harazim is a nurse epidemiologist at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Harazim or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Diverse community means bridging the communication gap in healthcare

2010-08-16T23:36:00.004-04:00

Eastern Connecticut has become an increasingly more diverse community in recent years. Norwich Public Schools report more than 30 different languages are spoken in the homes of students. There are more than 2,000 people that hail from Haiti and Cape Verde living in the Norwich area.

So how does that impact the care of patients at Backus Hospital? Language barriers and cultural differences present a significant challenge to the delivery of healthcare.

Not understanding the language can cause significant harm if a patient does not understand the discharge medications instructions. To illustrate this point, my family loves to travel. If we were vacationing in Russia and I became ill and hospitalized, how would I understand my discharge instructions for care or read the medicine bottle labels if they were written in Russian? How frightening it would be to be sick or injured and not understand what the healthcare providers are saying and doing!

So what is Backus Hospital doing to meet the challenge of providing culturally competent care to this increasingly diverse patient population?

First, we have two certified medical translation services in place: Cyracom phone interpreter service, where a dual handset phone device is brought to the bedside, and there is a three-way conversation – the healthcare provider, the patient, and the certified medical interpreter.

The other service is MARTTI (My Access to Real-Time Trusted Interpreter) a two-way visual interpreter service. Both are immediately accessible 24 hours a day, and interpreters of over 100 languages are available. These two services have literally become life-savers and help avoid serious miscommunications.

Second, we have established a Cultural Diversity Council, comprised of 13 hospital staff members. The mission of the Council is to be a resource to address issues that arise and to provide education to the staff and community about customs, health beliefs, and practices of the different cultural groups we serve. Adapting to different beliefs and practices requires flexibility, a willingness to learn, and a respect for other viewpoints.

Third, we are hosting a Multicultural Health Fair called “Connecting with Cultures” that will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the entry level conference rooms at the hospital.

This promises to be a fun and fascinating event, open to everyone in the community. There will be representatives from more than 20 cultures, with informational handouts on healthcare customs and recipes, and interesting displays at each table.

We are seeking volunteer representatives to sit at the tables for 2-hour shifts during the fair. For information or to volunteer to represent your culture, please call (860) 889-8331, ext 2495.

Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the Backus Education Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

What you need to know before leaving the hospital

2010-08-09T09:38:00.006-04:00

Good news: You are ready to go home from the hospital. The doctor talks to you about how you are doing, the medications you will be taking and who to make follow-up appointments with.

Next the nurse comes in. She gives more instructions, including a list of medications. You get dressed and go home, probably tired and still not feeling 100 percent, and you think “What now?”

Now you have to remember all of the information you were provided before you left the hospital. What was my diagnosis? How often do I take the new medication? Do I take it with food, or before I eat?

Discharge instructions are vitally important when you leave the hospital. They are the moment of transition, when your healthcare provider places your health back into your hands.

The goal is to make sure that you have all of the information needed to make a successful transition.

This may seem like an easy task. Can’t it all just be written down? Writing it down does help. But, the information has to be written so it makes sense to you, is legible and not too long.

Another thing that helps is to use the buddy system. A friend or family member who also hears the information can help fill in details later.

At Backus Hospital, we have been working as a team to improve our discharge instructions. Research shows that patients who take medications as prescribed, have follow-up appointments, and know how to manage their illnesses are less likely to return to the hospital.

That’s why patients should play an active role in their healthcare. Here are some things to make sure you have before leaving the hospital:

• Legible discharge instructions.

• A list of medications, and how often to take them.

• A list of symptoms that mean you should return to the hospital or call a healthcare provider.

• Contact information for follow-up visits and questions.

It’s hard to design a process that works well for everyone. I like bullet points, others like detailed paragraphs, some people do better with pictures. The most important thing is to make sure to understand the instructions, and if not, know who to call with questions.

Bonnie Thompson, an advanced practice nurse, is Administrative Director of Organizational Excellence at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Thompson or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Safe food handling a must at summer barbecues

2010-08-02T10:54:00.005-04:00

There’s nothing better than mom’s home cooking, but there is usually room to improve on her food safety practices.

As I dig my teeth into her juicy steak, I can’t help but visualize it thawing out on a plate on the floor next to her wood stove. Part of me remembers how I grew up with habits such as these, while the other part of me knows better.

The reality is, we go on thinking that we’ve never been harmed by mom’s unsafe food handling—but how do we really know we weren’t sickened by those traditions on occasion?

Here are some summer food safety tips that will help keep you healthy during the remainder of your summer barbeques:

• Never thaw your meats out on the counter. The proper methods for thawing are to keep them in the refrigerator until no longer frozen, or let the meat run under cool running water until ready for cooking.

• You should designate separate cutting boards at home for raw fruits and vegetables versus raw meats. It’s very easy to cross-contaminate – for example bacteria growing on raw meat touches raw fruits or vegetables, increasing the likelihood that you could get sick.

• Always use separate plates for raw and cooked meats when grilling.

• Never let hot or cold foods sit out at room temperature for extended periods of time. If food has sat out at room temperature, be sure to discard it after four hours. If the weather is hot, don’t let food sit out longer than one hour.

• Be aware of what foods are potentially hazardous. Potato salad, or any salad made with mayonnaise, can go bad quickly. Another food to be careful with is melon. Often times, bacteria lives on the outer rind of the melon, and when you cut it, pushes the bacteria from the knife into the melon, contaminating it. Always wash melon prior to cutting before you use it for that summer fruit salad.

Another basic tip is to practice good hand-washing techniques prior to cooking or handling food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands for at least 15 seconds under warm running water. Summer cook-outs and gatherings are meant to be fun, but making sure that everyone walks away free of food-borne illness is just as important as having good tasting food.

Whitney Bundy is a registered dietitian and Director of Food and Nutrition Department at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Bundy or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Getting the community involved in healthy behaviors

2010-07-26T08:10:00.005-04:00

We’re halfway through the year and for many of us our New Year’s resolutions are distant memories.

And so is the lofty goal of strutting down the beach in our swimsuits or whatever it was we envisioned when we pledged to eat better and exercise more.

A free program on Monday (July 26) offered many of us hope.

A Backus Hospital exercise expert presented “Starting an Exercise Program: Getting Organized, Staying Motivated,” part of the ongoing Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) series, a partnership between Backus Hospital and the Plainfield Recreation Department. To learn more about the series and upcoming events, visit backushospital.org/enjoylife.

Here are a few tips I can offer that might help keep you get on the right track. They include:

• Set realistic goals. You can’t expect to become Arnold Schwarzenegger overnight, or expect to lose 10 pounds in a week. Those perfectly shaped people you see walking around with towels draped over their shoulders in local gyms are the exception, not the rule.

• Have fun. Running on a treadmill while staring at a wall might not do it for you. For some, adding a television or music to the equation helps. For others, they are better off finding a friend to play tennis with or doing other activities. Find what’s right for you.

• Make it easy. If you don’t like to exercise in the morning, do it at night. If you don’t like the cold, buy a treadmill. If you don’t like to run alone, find a partner. Removing barriers will increase your chances of success.

For some, time is the problem. If you simply can’t find the time to exercise, there are still some things you can do to increase your activity levels. Take the stairs instead of the elevator; park the car farther away from the grocery store; spend your lunch break walking instead of eating a cheeseburger.

Remember, when it comes to exercise, every bit counts. And we’re not just talking about adults. Childhood obesity is also an issue.

The next event in the Enjoy LIFE series will be geared towards children, teaching everything from exercise safety to backpack techniques and proper sports equipment for our youth.

“Backpack Safety and Keeping Exercise Fun and Safe,” led by Backus Rehabilitation Services physical therapist Kristin Hilliard, will be held Aug. 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center. Hope to see you there.

Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the Backus Education Department. The information in this column should not replace the advice of your personal physician. To communicate with Ms. Thompson or any of the Healthy Living columnists, email healthyliving@wwbh.org

Used properly, public data can improve hospital safety

2010-07-19T11:03:00.005-04:00

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recently released the newest data on the Hospital Compare website . The site allows you to compare hospitals, view charts and graphs, get directions and follow a number of links to information about Medicare.

As you review the data you may realize that it is at least six months old. So, how does a bunch of numbers help keep you safe if you find yourself in a hospital in the near future? What if the hospital the ambulance takes you to doesn’t score as high as the one 10 miles away? Does this information help you receive safer care?

Like any information, the power comes in how it is used and your understanding of what it means.

Hospital Compare uses a few different types of data. One type is “Process of Care Measures.” These are the things that evidence has shown increase the chance that a patient will have good results.

Say you are going to have elective surgery on your knee. Research has shown that patients who get the right type of antibiotics within an hour prior to surgery have less chance of developing a surgical site infection. So, as you work with your doctor and hospital one question you might ask is “what medication will I receive prior to surgery?”

You also might notice that some hospitals do better at preventing blood clots than others. This is another conversation that you might want to consider having with your surgeon. “What is my risk of developing a blood clot as a result of this type of surgery? What can we do to lessen that risk?”

Using the “Process of Care Measures” discussed on the website can provide you with a list of items to discuss with your provider prior to or at the time of your hospitalization. This will help assure that you are receiving the best evidence-based care appropriate to your individual situation.

But remember, not all of these measures are appropriate for all patients, so talk with your healthcare provider about how to optimize your care.

No matter what hospital you end up in, you want to make sure you are one of the people counted as having received the best possible care appropriate for your situation.

Using the information on the Hospital Compare site is a wonderful starting place for ongoing conversations with your healthcare provider.

Receiving safe, effective healthcare requires continuous teamwork. You as a patient or family member are an integral part of that team.

Bonnie Thompson, an advanced practice nurse, is Administrative Director of Organizational Excellence at The William W. Backus Hospital. The information in this column should not replace the advice of your personal physician. To communicate with Ms. Thompson or any of the Healthy Living columnists, email healthyliving@wwbh.org

Obesity is a growing epidemic

2010-07-12T11:36:00.003-04:00

No matter how you weigh the statistics, obesity levels are on the rise. Local, state and national statistics all lead to one conclusion – as a society we are getting heavier, which can lead to long term health problems.

According to a recent Backus health assessment to determine the health needs in the community, more than 40 percent of residents surveyed in Windham and New London Counties are overweight, higher than the national average of 36.3 percent. Recent state and national studies draw the same conclusions.

Why is this important? Because being overweight leads to serious and expensive health issues – from diabetes to heart disease. Much to the surprise of many, obesity is responsible for more deaths every year than breast cancer and colon cancer combined. It is a health epidemic that is grossly under-rated.

How did we get to where we are today? It’s a long story, but can be summed up this way: We have gone from a society of hunter-gatherers to farmers to consumers.

Food, and lots of it, is easier than ever to get, with thousands of new food products introduced each year – much of it unhealthy. And unlike thousands of years ago, we don’t have to work very hard to get it.

Portions are getting larger, food labels are difficult to decipher, and many of us do not have the time to be as active as we should be.

We all need to be proactive to reverse this trend. Many of our children are overweight, and studies how 75 percent of overweight children remain that way as adults.

Backus Hospital has had a long-standing commitment to improving the eating and exercising habits of the community. From websites dedicated to nutrition to our recent Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) community education program, we want to improve the health of the community.

Now we are offering another option – the Backus Weight Loss Center. It combines nutritional counseling, psychiatric screenings, support groups and weight loss surgery when appropriate. The surgery is only offered to patients who are considered severely obese and have tried other options to lose weight.

To learn more about the new weight loss center, the only one of its kind in eastern Connecticut, we are offering community education events beginning July 20 from 6-7 p.m. at the Backus Outpatient Care Center at 111 Salem Turnpike. Other sessions are scheduled for August and September, and registration is required by calling 860-425-8740.Or, visit www.backushospital.org/bariatrics.

Whether you are a candidate for surgery or would be better off with a diet and exercise program, I urge you to take advantage of the free advice that will be offered. Our community’s health is at stake.

Mark Tousignant, MD, is a minimally invasive general surgeon with Backus Physician Services and Medical Director of the Backus Weight Loss Center. The information in this column should not replace the advice of your personal physician. To communicate with Dr. Tousignant or any of the Healthy Living columnists, email healthyliving@wwbh.org

Avoid the “silent killer” with a heart-healthy lifestyle

2010-07-06T08:36:00.003-04:00

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it causes damage without creating symptoms. Many people may have high blood pressure for years without knowing it, and during this time damage to the organs, such as the blood vessels, the heart, and kidneys can occur, which could ultimately lead to heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure.

Screening for hypertension is quick, easy, and painless, and is performed right in your doctor’s office. The American Heart Association recommends adults maintain a blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). This means systolic readings of less than 120 mm Hg AND diastolic readings of less than 80 mm Hg.

Although there is no cure for hypertension (in most cases), it is a disease that is usually manageable.

If your resting blood pressure falls in the pre-hypertension range (systolic between 120 and 139 mm Hg OR diastolic between 80 and 89 mm Hg, your doctor will often recommend lifestyle modifications, such as:

1) Eating a healthy diet. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends the following Heart Healthy Diet Guidelines. You should eat:
• 8-10% of the day's total calories from saturated fat.
• 30 percent or less of the day’s total calories from fat.
• Less than 300 milligrams of dietary cholesterol a day.
• Limit sodium intake to 2400 milligrams a day.
• Just enough calories to achieve or maintain a healthy weight and reduce your blood cholesterol level (Ask your doctor or registered dietitian what is a reasonable calorie level for you).

2) Increasing physical activity. In general you should gradually work up to an aerobic session lasting 20 to 30 minutes, at least three to four times a week. Exercising every day or every other day will help you keep a regular aerobic exercise schedule.

3) Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. In fact, your blood pressure rises as your body weight increases. Losing even 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure—and losing weight has the biggest effect on those who are overweight and already have hypertension.
If your doctor recommends that you lose weight, there are a variety of healthcare professionals who can help get you on the right track. People who are slowly gaining weight can either gradually increase physical activity to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or reduce caloric intake, or both, until their weight is stable.

4) Managing stress. After you've identified the cause of stress in your life, the next step is to learn techniques to help you cope. There are many techniques you can use to manage stress. Some of which you can learn yourself, while other techniques may require the guidance of a trained therapist.

5) Limiting alcohol intake. Numerous studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption helps protect against heart disease by raising HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing plaque accumulations in your arteries. Alcohol also has a mild anti-coagulating effect, keeping platelets from clumping together to form clots. Both actions can reduce risk of heart attack but exactly how alcohol influences either one still remains unclear.
On the other hand, drinking more than three drinks a day has a direct toxic effect on the heart. Heavy drinking, particularly over time, can damage the heart and lead to high blood pressure, alcoholic cardiomyopathy (weakened heart), congestive heart failure, and stroke.

6) Avoiding tobacco smoke. The negative effects of smoking are well documented, and it can lead to a wide range of health problems from cancer to heart disease to death. One of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease is to avoid tobacco smoke.

If your resting blood pressure falls in the hypertensive range (systolic over 140 mm Hg and diastolic over 90 mm Hg), then your doctor will likely prescribe antihypertensive medications in addition to lifestyle modifications.

Managing hypertension requires a lifelong commitment to working with your doctor to achieve adequate blood pressure control. Remember that doing so will help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and serious kidney diseases, as well as reducing your risk of premature death.

Dr. Michael J. Fucci is a cardiologist on the Backus Medical Staff with an office at the Plainfield Backus Health Center and member of Cardiology Associates of Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Fucci or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Bike helmet safety important for children

2010-06-28T09:59:00.004-04:00

Waiting in line at the hospital isn’t usually something we applaud. But watching hundreds of people line up for free bicycle helmets at Backus Hospital’s Safety Camp recently made me proud.

As manager of our trauma program, I have seen firsthand the damage that can be done to children who don’t wear helmets while biking or skateboarding.

According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, children ages 5-14 account for about one-quarter of all bicycle-related deaths and more than half of all bicycle-related injuries.

More often than not these injuries are to the head, and while children are typically resilient when it comes to broken bones or even internal injuries, the healing capacity of the brain is limited. The skull protects the brain, but it can only do so much and sometimes people with traumatic brain injuries never recover.

That’s why wearing a bicycle helmet is so important, and why we hold Safety Camp each year and give out free helmets. Thank you to everyone who donated items and helped organize the event. I want to especially thank those who took the time to make sure helmets were properly fitted, as we don’t just hand the helmets out -- we make sure that they are properly fastened.

Having a helmet that is too small, too large or not properly fitted is the equivalent of having no helmet and could even add to the damage.

And no matter how tempted you might be, never let a child ride without a helmet.

According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, children are more likely to be injured on residential streets, close to home. That’s probably because when we are involved in casual activities in familiar places we are more likely to let our guard down.

My advice? Don’t ever don’t ever let your guard down. The one time you do could be the last.

Gillian Mosier is a registered nurse and manager of the Trauma Program at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Mosier or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Eating habits and exercise are keys to healthy weight

2010-06-21T09:04:00.004-04:00

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be a daunting task. The first question is where do you begin?

Start with determining whether you are overweight or not.

For women, it’s 100 pounds for the first five feet of height, and five pounds per inch above that. For example, 125 pounds would be healthy for a five-foot, five-inch female.

For men, it’s 106 pounds for the first five feet of height, and six pounds per inch above that. For a male who is six feet tall, a healthy weight would be 178 pounds.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) provides a healthy weight range, determines if your weight is considered overweight or if your weight is considered obese.

Losing weight safely is always a balancing act, and keeping it off can be even harder. The bottom line is to lose weight, you must eat fewer calories than you expend.

Crash diets aren’t going to work in the long run. You need to be in it for the long haul, so if you eat 250 calories less per day you could lose a 1⁄2 pound per week, or 500 calories less per day would equal 1 pound of weight loss per week. If you do this, and are physically active for 30-60 minutes per day, you should be in good shape.

Losing weight isn’t just about the calories and exercise – eating healthy is a must. That’s why I recommend that you become familiar with the Food Guide Pyramid at www.mypyramid.gov.

It offers information on grains, portion control, vegetables, fruits, meats/beans, milk and fats.

Speaking of fats, they aren’t off limits. You actually need fats in your diet. But if you can, try to get most of your fats from fish, nuts and vegetable oils. Limit solid fats, such as butter and margarine.

Reading nutrition labels is also important. Check them closely to avoid saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and food with lots of added sugar.

If you would like to learn more about healthy eating, please attend Backus Hospital’s “Ask the Dietitian” session on June 23 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Department. Part of the hospital’s ongoing Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) series, you can register by calling 860-889-8331, ext. 2495. See you there!

Sarah Hospod is a registered dietitian in the Food and Nutrition Department at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Hospod or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Technology can be bad for your health

2010-06-14T16:36:00.003-04:00

Are your eyes getting tired looking at the computer? Having trouble sleeping? Here is some information to help avoid problems that can occur due technology overload.

• Hearing. Cell phones and other similar devices can be used to play music that if louder than 85 decibels can damage hearing. The sounds heard through the earphones used with these devices can reach 100 decibels or more. That’s loud enough to start damaging your hearing after only 15 minutes. If you can’t hear someone next to you talking in a normal tone of voice, turn it down. The volume is too loud.

• Computer vision syndrome. Computer use may cause dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches and nearsightedness. Try to minimize glare, and after 20 minutes of use rest your eyes for a minute by looking away from the screen. The display on a computer screen is only 72 dpi and a printed copy is easier to read.

• Insomnia. Cell phones, computers, etc. should not be used within 1 to 2 hours of bedtime as they can keep you from sleeping. These devices emit a form of light that mimics daylight. If you use them too close to bedtime it tricks your brain into thinking it’s time to be awake.

• Concentration. Carnegie Mellon University scientists found that merely listening to a conversation on a cell phone reduced the amount of brain activity devoted to driving by 37%. This is most likely due to the extra attention needed to comprehend spoken words. British researcher Nick Reed found texting while driving slows reaction time more than alcohol.

• Texting tendonitis. This repetitive motion can trigger pain and swelling in your hands and wrists. To avoid this, limit texting and switch hands and fingers often.

Dr. Paul H. Deutsch is board-certified in Internal Medicine, a member of The William W. Backus Hospital Medical Staff and in private practice in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Deutsch or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

Junior volunteers play key role in healthcare

2010-06-07T09:21:00.003-04:00

The Great Invasion is upon us. Soon, 105 Junior Volunteers will arrive at The William W. Backus Hospital, as they do every year at this time.

Their energy permeates our hospital hallways, their habit of traveling in pairs draws smiles from staff, and we are preparing for a very busy — and very rewarding — summer. We strive to make the Junior Volunteer Program a positive experience. We have a simple goal in mind: that they will help us in our mission of improving the health of the community, and consider Backus Hospital as a future employer.

Our summer Junior Volunteer Program has evolved to include career exploration. In addition to their regular duties (admitting, discharging, transporting specimens, helping on nursing floors) Junior Volunteers are encouraged to network with staff, find advocates and mentors. Helping high school students explore careers in healthcare and finding people who will help them through this process has become a major focus.

Whether a Junior Volunteer wishes to be a nurse or a surgeon; an accountant or information technology specialist; an engineer or a communicator, we make sure they know that Backus has a need for their expertise. Junior Volunteers can return to our community, live a full life and have a rewarding career as a Backus employee.

Many Connecticut youths leave our region and our state after college to pursue careers elsewhere. This “brain drain” is a vexing situation. Why are they leaving Connecticut? Do they think they cannot find jobs here, that it is too expensive to live here, or that we are not “happening” enough? Community hospitals are as dependent on the community for employees, volunteers and vendors as the community is dependent on us for excellent healthcare. Our futures are intertwined — and volunteer programs can serve as a vital link to creating the workforce of the future.

Our goal is to show high school students they can find a rewarding career at Backus Hospital, one that will be challenging and rewarding financially as well as professionally. And what do you mean, “We are in the middle of nowhere?” We’re within reasonable driving distance to New York and Boston — a short six-hour flight from San Francisco and Paris! We are the center of it all!

Please join me in welcoming this year’s crop of junior volunteers. We should all welcome them, and embrace them, because, after all, one day, they may be taking are of us!

Mary Rahaim is the Director of Volunteer Services at The William W. Backus Hospital.
Email Ms. Rahaim and all the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org. To comment on this or other Healthy Living columns, click below or go to the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs.

Backus, Plainfield team up to improve health of the community

2010-06-01T09:44:00.002-04:00

We are all well aware of the obesity problem in the U.S. Here is a startling statistic: sixty-eight percent of us are overweight, and 33.8% are obese, according to the CDC.

The recommendation to “eat less and exercise more” is easily said, but not as easily accomplished. Anyone who has embarked on a program to eat healthier and increase their exercise discovers very quickly that doing it alone is extremely difficult.

To sustain a healthier lifestyle, it inevitably helps to join forces with friends, family members, or co-workers. It’s like a built-in support group; one team member doesn’t want to disappoint the others. This is why weight loss programs like “Thin’s In” or Weight Watchers are so successful.
Based on this premise, The William W. Backus Hospital and the Plainfield Recreation Department are organizing an “Active Challenge” as part of a year-long community initiative, “Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise).”

Residents are invited to form either a family team or an adult team:
• Family teams can be one or two adults, and children under age 18.
• Adult teams will consist of at least four people, with a maximum of 8.
• Every team will choose a captain, as well as a name for the team.
• Family teams will receive a “passport to the Active Challenge” delineating many activities designed to improve nutrition and increase activity.
• Family teams will receive disposable cameras to record activities in their passport.
• Every team that completes or fills out a passport will receive a prize.
• Adult team members will each receive a pedometer and a journal to record daily milestones such as number of steps recorded, a food log, weekly weight, etc…

Team registration will be held June 9 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center, with a private weigh-in of each member of the adult teams.

Also on June 9, the first in a monthly series of community education events will feature Backus Registered Dietitian Sarah Hospod, who will present “Healthy Eating: It’s Easier than You Think!” She will discuss healthy snacks, calories, how to read nutrition labels, and more. This presentation is open to all and joining a team is not necessary.

Registration is requested for this free presentation by calling 860-889-8331, ext 2495.
For more information on the teams or the nutrition presentation, email enjoylife@wwbh.org or call Backus Education Department registered nurse Lisa Cook at 860-889-8331, ext. 7404 or Plainfield Recreation Department Director Myra Ambrogi at 860-564-1819.

Let’s focus on the positive, team up for a healthier lifestyle, and enjoy life in the process.

Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the Education Department at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Ms. Facente and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org. To comment on this or other Healthy Living columns, click below or go to the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs.

Computers help reduce medication errors, but so can patients

2010-05-24T18:24:00.003-04:00

Doctors’ handwriting has been the butt of jokes since the invention of the prescription pad, but it is no laughing matter. Poor handwriting is the culprit in a significant number of medication and other healthcare related errors. Thankfully, protecting yourself from this type of mistake is easier then deciphering hieroglyphics.

Computers dominate most professional fields today and healthcare is no different.

Every hospital, doctor’s office, and pharmacy uses computers in nearly all aspects of patient care. Yet even today, the handwritten medical chart and prescription pad is the most common way a physician communicates orders to nurses, pharmacists and even fellow doctors.

And it is not that doctors handwriting is really any worse then the average Joe, it’s just that what they are writing about is much more important and carries a higher risk of harm when misinterpreted. The Institute of Medicine’s report on medication errors stated that 7,000 patient deaths occur each year because of medication errors, and poor handwriting is a leading cause of those errors.

Taking the pen away is one solution that many experts advocate. E-prescribing, using a computer device to write prescriptions, is growing every day and is currently available to many physicians right in their office and links directly with local pharmacies. Using their computer or a hand-held device, doctors can electronically write a prescription and instantly send it to the pharmacy of your choice without ever needing to put pen to paper.

Besides just eliminating poor penmanship from the prescription writing process, E-prescribing software can also warn the physician of potential drug interactions and dosage errors as well. In hospitals E-prescribing is known as Computerized-Physician Order Entry (CPOE), and it is changing the way medications are prescribed there as well. Backus Hospital has a successful pilot program running now and plans to launch it throughout the institution.

Although E-prescribing is gaining popularity and cures the problem of poor handwriting, it also creates a few new problems as well; the most common one being termed “selection error.” The prescriber may accidently push a wrong button, or choose a medication name that looks just like the one they intended. How can you protect yourself from any of these errors? Do you need your own E-prescribing device? The answer is no, a simple pad and pen will do.

If your doctor is writing you a prescription, either on paper or electronically, make sure they tell you exactly what the medication is, what it is for, how you should take it, and how many times a day to take it.

Write this information down yourself (hopefully you can read your own handwriting, something I have trouble with that). Then when you are at the pharmacy picking up your prescription and going over the directions with the pharmacist, you can refer to what you have written and make sure what the doctor told you the prescription was going to be for, is exactly what the pharmacist is dispensing. If something is different, have the pharmacist call your physician to clear up any discrepancies.

Michael Smith is a pharmacist and Clinical Coordinator in the Department of Pharmacy Services at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Mr. Smith and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org. To comment on this or other Healthy Living columns, click below or go to the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs.

How to ‘lick’ those extra calories

2010-05-17T16:55:00.002-04:00

Americans live for ice cream especially when it is warm. Summer and ice cream go together. Should you treat yourself?

As we already know, how much and how often is the key according to the Food Guide Pyramid: All foods can potentially fit into a healthy, balanced diet. So where does ice cream fit?

Disappointingly for some folks, the pyramid does not count ice cream as a serving from the milk group. Yes, it does contain calcium although it contains more calories and potentially a high fat content depending on what kind you choose as compared to a glass of milk or a serving of leafy greens.

Ice cream is an example of those daily discretionary calories that the pyramid allows. Use your discretionary allowance with some thought because it is fairly small and it depends on your calorie or energy needs to support a healthy weight as well.

Portions sizes in the U.S. have increased in size over the past 30-40 years as this correlates with the increase in obesity rate. Food is available anywhere and everywhere we go, not to mention the aisle-long frozen treat section at the market.

What’s more, food establishments are often judged on the quantity and not necessarily the quality of a product.

For example, a trip to Dairy Queen is planned for an ice cream treat and when you get there, you find that you only have to spend a few dollars for dinner and ice cream. One can order off the Sweet Deals Menu, their version of a value menu, and for only $3 you can pick any two items, including cheeseburger, hot dog, French fries, onion rings, small sundae, etc. Pick any three items for $4; any four items for $5 -- that’s $5 for 1,300 calories (not including the choice of side salad) for a meal, what a deal! This is the total energy needs for some of us or a large percentage of energy needs for others.

Here’s the smart scoop: It can be tough to leave an ice cream shop with a right size treat. A few easy modifications can help you indulge without the bulge:

• Order the kid’s size or a single scoop or even try skipping the cone.
• Hold the toppings, because a tablespoon or two of chopped candy bars or crushed cookies can add up 150 calories more to your treat.
• Scattered among most ice cream shops’ regular offerings are lighter options such as low-fat and low sugar ice cream, sorbet, sherbet and frozen yogurt. These varieties trim calories by limiting fat. Request a sample of the lighter options to make sure you would enjoy a regular serving size.

So have a healthy summer and no doubt enjoy your favorite frozen treat by perhaps modifying your portion or your frequency of indulgence. Try a local made ice cream; go for quality, not quantity. What’s more, take a closer look at your overall diet and evaluate how you can take advantage of all the fresh, local fruits and vegetables available to meet the pyramid’s suggestion of nine servings per day. Now that’s the true summer treat.

Sarah Hospod is a registered dietitian in the Food and Nutrition Department at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Ms. Hospod and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org. To comment on this or other Healthy Living columns, click below or go to the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs.

Stroke awareness can be a lifesaver

2010-05-10T14:22:00.002-04:00

Over the years we’ve made many advances in stroke care, but one thing remains the same: the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.

And I’m not just talking about life or death. In fact, most people don’t die directly from strokes, but they must live with the disabling after effects for the rest of their lives. The long-term impact can be devastating to patients and their loved ones.

That’s why it is so important to educate the public on the risk factors and warning signs of stroke, especially because May is National Stroke Awareness Month.

Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke, with 795,000 strokes annually. It is the No. 1 cause of disability and the No. 3 cause of death. The good news is 80 percent of strokes are preventable.

Risk factors include:

High blood pressure
Atrial fibrillation
Diabetes
Smoking
High cholesterol
Lack of exercise
Alcohol abuse
Obesity

The bottom line with strokes is time is of the essence. If you believe you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Symptoms of a stroke can be remembered through the acronym FAST:
Face: Does one side of the face droop?
Arms: Does one arm drift downward when both arms are held up?
Speech: Is speech slurred?
Time: If a person shows any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

The William W. Backus Hospital is a state-designated Primary Stroke Center, meaning it offers rapid, comprehensive, evidence-based stroke care. But even the best program in the world doesn’t have a chance if too much time is lost.

Cindy Arpin, is a registered nurse and Stroke Coordinator at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your physician. E-mail Ms. Arpin or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org. To comment on this or other Healthy Living columns, click below or go to the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs.

Why men don’t listen

2010-05-04T09:33:00.003-04:00

Ladies, have you ever wondered why a man sometimes doesn’t seem to hear or understand what you said?

A study at the University of Sheffield and published in the journal NeuroImage may provide the answer.

These researchers found differences in the way male and female brains process voice sounds. The results of this study demonstrate that, in the male brain, the perception of male and female voices activates different brain regions.

The guys could easily hear and understand other men’s voices. However, women have a greater natural melody in their voices and possess a more complex range of sound frequencies than a male voice.

The men in the study had a harder time deciphering them and really hearing what a woman was saying. When they heard the female voices, they had to decipher them using the part of the brain that processes music — a more complex process than is used in the part of the brain that analyzes a male voice.

This process may worsen as we age, or lose some of our hearing for other reasons.

Also, Dr Michael Hunter, co-author of the study noted that voices allow the brain to determine various factors about a person´s appearance, including their sex, size and age.

It is much more complex than most people think and is an extremely important tool for determining someone’s identity without having to see them.

So, in summary, when listening to a woman’s voice, a man must make an extra effort subconsciously or consciously, to concentrate on what he is hearing. If he can’t (or won’t), then I guess he has an excuse for selective hearing.

Dr. Paul H. Deutsch is board-certified in Internal Medicine, a member of The William W. Backus Hospital Medical Staff and in private practice in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your physician. E-mail Dr. Deutsch or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org. To comment on this or other Healthy Living columns, click below or go to the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs.

Why you can’t eat just one

2010-04-26T16:13:00.004-04:00

In a recent study published in Nature Neuroscience, researchers found that junk food can be as addictive as cocaine or heroin.

As part of a 40-day experiment, one group of rats were fed a nutritionally balanced diet while another group of rats were given a diet consisting of bacon, sausage, cheesecake, pound cake, frosting and chocolate.

As would be expected, this group of rats eating junk food gained more weight. They also became less active than the other rats.

In addition, they would eat this food even if given a mild electric shock, and refused to eat when their diet was replaced with a nutritionally balanced diet.

The researchers attributed this behavior to the release of dopamine by the brain, which occurs naturally in varying amounts, giving us the feeling of satisfaction or pleasure as a response to different enjoyable experiences, such as eating desserts.

Dopamine is the same chemical that is released in large amounts in cocaine and heroin addicts.

When dopamine is released in excess amounts, an alteration in brain chemistry occurs such that more stimulus is needed to produce the same results. Thus, the compulsive eating of junk food in order to obtain the same pleasure.

While, experiments in rats may not be directly applicable to humans, it may help explain a contributing factor to human obesity.

Junk food is addicting and can lead to weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle. This may be why you “can’t eat just one.”

Dr. Paul H. Deutsch is board-certified in Internal Medicine, a member of The William W. Backus Hospital Medical Staff and in private practice in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your physician. E-mail Dr. Deutsch or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org. To comment on this or other Healthy Living columns, click below or go to the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs.

Autism is common and often misunderstood

2010-04-19T12:08:00.013-04:00

The likelihood that a child has autism is much higher than many people realize.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 1 in every 110 American children has been diagnosed with autism, including 1 in 70 boys. It is more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.

According to autismspeaks.org, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a variety of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by difficulties in communication, social impairments, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.

Autism spectrum disorders can range from mild forms to severe forms. However, although autism spectrum disorders vary significantly in presentation and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic class and affects every age group.

As a registered nurse with two nephews diagnosed with ASD, I can assure you that ASD can affect any family. It is difficult to come to terms that your beloved child may have a problem but I can reassure you that being properly informed and obtaining early intervention is crucial.

This is why The William W. Backus Hospital Education Department has organized a community education program, “Could My Child have Autism?” as part of its ongoing Family Matters series. The free program will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm May 13 in the Backus Hospital entry-level conference rooms. To register, call (860) 889-8331 Ext 2495. Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician Dr. Dumont-Mathieu will discuss recognizing the signs, getting a diagnosis and accessing resources, and a Backus Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services Department will be on hand to talk about the pediatric services it offers, including speech therapy.

A child’s parents or primary caregivers usually are the first to notice signs of ASD. One of the most common signs of autism is impaired social interaction. This can be noticed as early as infancy.

Children with ASD also tend to start speaking later than other children, may not respond to their name and often avoid eye contact. They may refer to themselves by their name instead of “I” or “me.” They have difficulty interpreting what other people are feeling or thinking because they do not understand social cues, such as tone of voice, or facial expressions. These children also do not know how to interact and play with other children. Many children with ASD engage in repetitive movements such as rocking or twirling, or in self-abuse behaviors such as biting or head banging.

Scientists are not certain about what causes ASD, but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role. There is no cure for autism but early therapies and intervention can make extraordinary differences in a child's development. How a child is functioning now may be very different from how he or she will function later on in life.

Lisa Cook is a registered nurse with the Backus Hospital Education Department. This advice should not replace the advice of your personal physician. E-mail Ms. Cook or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org. To comment on this or other Healthy Living columns, click below or go to the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs.