(image) Adena Health System Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) Kirk Tucker, MD has been on the frontlines of the system’s Coronavirus efforts from Day One, helping to safely build and sustain a COVID-19 care delivery model across south central and southern Ohio. Four months after the region’s first cases, the numbers of people testing positive for COVID-19 is trending up both nationally and locally, and Dr. Tucker advises everyone to keep working to protect themselves and others in our communities. 

“This has been a very long haul,” Tucker said. “It is understandable that people are wearing down from the stress, fatigue and challenges this pandemic has caused in our daily lives. If there is anything I can stress to my patients and people in our communities, it is ‘don’t stop now.’ We need to continue to safely protect ourselves and those around us just as hard, and with the same commitment that we did four months ago.”   

With a close eye on federal, state and local health data, Tucker believes the current increase in positives cases may be the last. Following a 60-day course of events, trends on positive cases should begin to decline. 

“My hope is based on evidence we are watching that indicates by fall we could be on the tail end of this curve; and Coronavirus will become more of a thing in our past than our present,” he added. “That is why it is so important for us to stay focused in our efforts to wear a face mask, wash our hands and follow proper social distancing guidelines. I understand we all want to return to what our lives looked like before this pandemic. But we can’t be in a rush to return where it sets us back in the progress we have made.”

Tucker, an Internal Medicine physician, is encouraged that patients across the region have been returning to seek care at Adena’s hospitals, health centers, and clinics, while helping to limit the spread of the virus.    

“Adena has been extremely safe and thoughtful in its reopening of services; and from the beginning has put the health and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff as the top priority with enhanced safety and cleaning measures,” he said. “Adena has also made testing for COVID-19 more accessible for patients in the region with availability at all Urgent Care locations and a number of walk-in clinics. For us to remain on top of this health crisis, we encourage anyone who believes they have symptoms, or have been exposed to a person confirmed to have COVID-19 to call the COVID-19 Screening Hotline at 740-542-SAFE (7233).”

“Having practiced at Adena for 17 years, one thing I know about this community is we pull together, support one another and overcome any obstacle,” said Tucker. “That is what we need to do now – it is what we have seen to this point and what will get us to the finish.”

Join us for the next edition of Living Well with Adena, where our infection prevention experts will break down the rhetoric around the effectiveness of masks and other face coverings, by offering science-based facts on the topic. They will also provide an update on COVID-19’s resurgence in our communities, and discuss how to protect ourselves and others, as we battle this pandemic together. Participate in the discussion by tuning in on Thursday, July 16 at Noon on Adena’s Facebook Live and YouTube Live feeds. For more information or to access any previous Living Well with Adena, visit adena.org/livingwell.  

Adena Pike Medical Center (APMC) has partnered with Senior Life Solutions on an intensive outpatient group therapy program for seniors. Senior Life Solutions is designed to meet the unique needs of older adults typically ages 65 and over struggling with symptoms of depression and anxiety, stress from age-related health concerns, or difficult life transitions such as the loss of a loved one.

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Senior Life Solutions to bring this service to Adena Pike Medical Center,” said Brandy Strain, APMC Director of Nursing. “This partnership supports the needs and services that critical access hospitals provide to our rural community and we could not be more excited to offer this program to patients.”

Individuals may benefit from the Senior Life Solutions program if they are experiencing any of the following common indicators or triggers of depression and anxiety:  

• Recently experienced a traumatic event
• Lost a spouse or close family member
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Changes in appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

Following an assessment and admission into the program, each patient’s care plan is individualized and Senior Life Solutions staff typically meets with patients up to three times per week. Currently, the program is conducting therapy on-site at the hospital with enhanced safety measures as well as via virtual visits to safety serve patients from the comfort of their homes by video or telephone. Referrals to the program can be made by anyone, including a patient’s physician, family member, the patient themselves, or another health care professional.

For more information, call 740-947-6512 or visit www.adena.org/sls.

dena Pike Medical Center (APMC) now provides services to patients reporting to its Emergency Department following a sexual assault. Beginning this month, Adena Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide care, support and aid to these patients.

“We hope that by delivering this much needed service at Adena Pike Medical Center, we can enhance the care we provide to patients affected by sexual assault, and assure they are receiving the best possible trauma-informed care,” said Julie Fairchild, SANE/Forensic Nursing Coordinator. “By not having to be transferred to see a SANE nurse, or having to tell their story one more time can mean the difference between a patient seeking additional services or not.” 

 Previously, patients arriving at APMC with a report of sexual assault were transferred to Adena Regional Medical Center, located in Chillicothe, for an examination by a specially trained SANE nurse. Trauma-informed services now being provided at APMC can include medical examination; sexual assault evidence collection; prophylactic treatment of sexually transmitted infections; appropriate testing; forensic photography, and documentation of injuries. Additional services to help the patient in her/his recovery includes advocacy; resource linkage; referral to safety services, including safety planning and shelter placement.

 Adena’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners are qualified forensic nurses who have received special training to conduct sexual assault evidentiary exams for sexual assault victims. SANE nurses are specially trained in the medical, psychological, and forensic examination of a sexual assault victim. They collaborate with the health care team, law enforcement and community members to provide the best response to the needs of the community concerning interpersonal violence. 

For more information about SANE and Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Program, visit www.adena.org/sane.

(image) Adena Home Health Care has been named a Top Agency by HomeCare Elite^®, a recognition of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States. For 14 years, HomeCare Elite has annually identified the top 25 percent of Medicare-certified agencies and highlighted the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. This marks the fourth time Adena Home Health Care has earned this distinction.

“Adena Home Health Care plays an important role in helping patients safely continue to meet their care needs - whether through a pandemic or every day,” said Deborah Hanson, director of Adena Home Health Care. “Keeping our patients safe in the comfort of their homes while still receiving the care they need is maybe more important now than ever. Patients and their families cannot delay in seeking care and we are glad we can be there for them when and where they need us. Recognitions such as this help instill trust with our patients and their families that Adena Home Health Care can best meet their needs at the highest levels of safety and quality.”

More than 8,800 agencies were considered in the ranking, with 2,207 being recognized on the HomeCare Elite winners list. HomeCare Elite agencies are determined by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, best practices implementation, patient experience (HHCAHPS), quality improvement and consistency, and financial health.

The ranking is developed by ABILITY^® Network, a leading information technology company helping providers and payers simplify the administrative and clinical complexities of healthcare. It is sponsored by DecisionHealth, part of the H3.Group. 

“We’re pleased to recognize Adena Home Health Care for exemplifying best practice in patient care,” said Christine Lang, senior director for ABILITY Network. “Adena Home Health Care’s home health professionals have demonstrated exceptional commitment to care quality and the patient experience.”

In order to be considered, an agency must be Medicare-certified and have data for at least three outcomes in Home Health Compare.

“Congratulations to Adena Home Health Care from all of the staff at DecisionHealth,” said Marci Geipe, product manager for DecisionHealth. “Your leadership and staff have placed a premium on the patient care your agency provides as showcased by your quality outcome scores. The entire community benefits from the compassion that your staff shows toward your patients, leading to cost savings for the entire healthcare system.”  

Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Adena Home Health Care offers patients and their families a single resource for all in-home medical care needs. Adena Home Health Care serves patients in Fayette, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Pickaway, Pike, Ross and Vinton counties. For more information, call 740-779-4663 or visit adena.org/HomeHealthCare.

Adena Cancer Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology, as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Radiation oncology, or radiation therapy, is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist may use radiation to attack a cancerous mass or to relieve a patient’s pain.

“Practices, like Adena Cancer Center, are awarded this accreditation after careful review, and we are best prepared to deliver quality radiation therapy at a national standard,” said Alex Wilson, MD, Adena Cancer Center medical director and radiation oncologist. ”Patients who choose cancer care at an ACR accredited facility should have peace of mind in knowing their safety is of utmost importance to the hospital and physicians providing their treatments. In the era of COVID-19, Adena Cancer Center is further committed to social distancing, masking, enhanced cleaning and reducing the number of people in our facility at all times, keeping our patients and staff as safe as possible.”

The ACR is the nation’s oldest and most widely accepted radiation oncology accrediting body, with more than 700 accredited sites, and 30 years of accreditation experience. The ACR seal is awarded only after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field to facilities that meet specific Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards set by ACR. Programs awarded the ACR seal of accreditation represent the highest level of quality and patient safety.

The on-site evaluation looks at patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and assessment of quality assurance programs. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Radiation Oncology Accreditation, which decides if the operation meets accreditation standards and identifies areas for continuous practice improvement.

To learn more about Adena Health System’s close-to-home cancer care, visit adena.org/cancer.

As part of its safe and careful reopening efforts, Adena Health System has eased visitor restrictions for inpatient visits effective immediately. Under the new visitor policy, anyone admitted to Adena, with the exception of specialty or high-risk areas may have one visitor per day during visitation hours. That visitor must be the same person for the entire day. Specialty and high-risk areas, such as Behavioral Health and COVID-19 cohorts will determine visitation at the unit and/or provider’s discretion.

“The support of family and other support persons is an important aspect of the healing process,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “While it was important to limit access to patients and staff for the past several weeks, we are pleased to be able to offer patients and families an opportunity for in-person interaction and visitation. To assure a safe environment with appropriate social distancing, and maintenance of our personal protective equipment, such as masks, it is necessary to limit how many people are in Adena facilities at any given time. We will require visitors to participate in the COVID-19 screening process and to register upon entry. Everyone who enters must follow social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines, and must wear a mask or face covering while in the hospital.”

Visitor information includes:

• One visitor per day – same person all day – for most inpatients (Exceptions: COVID-19+ inpatients, Inpatient Rehabilitation, and Behavioral Health – pending permission of the unit);
• Surgery patients are allowed one visitor on the day of surgery;
• No visitors under age 18 (unless they are the parent of a patient);
• One visitor may accompany a patient presenting to an Adena Emergency Department;
• Patients under age 18 may have two parents or guardians visit, who are not required to leave at close of visiting hours; and
• Due to limited space in waiting areas, visitors are not permitted during most physician office visits and/or visits to testing areas (Exceptions: OB/Gyn patients may have one visitor for ultrasound appointments. Both parents may accompany a child under 18 to pediatric clinic visits).

 Hospital visiting hours are 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week. Adena’s Visitor Policy is available to view at adena.org.

Adena Health System has worked diligently to incorporate higher levels of safety in all of its facilities. This includes making physical distancing a priority in waiting areas and spaces where people may need to form a line; universal masking is required of every caregiver, visitor and patient in all public areas; and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting is being performed several times a day, especially for high-touch areas. 

(image) Adena Health System is dedicated to providing its patients, visitors, physicians, caregivers and volunteers with a safe and healthy environment. As a proponent of health and wellness for the communities in its nine-county service region, Adena today announced its refocus toward being 100% smoke- and tobacco-free on all its properties with policy enforcement effective immediately. 

“We know that smoking and the use of tobacco products at any of our hospitals, health centers and clinics is detrimental to the health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “As an organization, Adena supports an environment where everyone who visits us for care or works to take care of our patients is supported in all efforts to live tobacco-free; and is not exposed to the harmful effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke while they are on any of our campuses.”

Adena advocates the U.S. Surgeon General’s findings that tobacco use in any form, active and passive, is a significant health hazard. The Health System further supports the findings of the American Hospital Association that recommends hospitals “serve as a role model of health for the community.” Additionally, based on our recent Community Health Needs Assessment, smoking and tobacco use ranks among the highest in the state, and is a leading contributor of related health conditions and death.

 Graham added, “This is not a new initiative for the health system. In 2008, Adena implemented a smoke- and tobacco-free policy. With the Coronavirus especially, we have been reminded how important it is to protect the safety, health and well-being of our communities when it comes to all respiratory illnesses. The decision to prohibit smoking and tobacco-use at all Adena facilities aligns with many other hospitals, health systems and businesses worldwide in choosing to provide healthier environments for their patients, visitors and employees. This is the ideal time to champion this initiative, and put its renewed focus at the forefront.”

Adena Health System’s Smoke- and Tobacco-Free policy prohibits all smoking and the use of all tobacco:

• In all Adena Health System owned, leased, satellite, and affiliated buildings where Adena employees work; 
• On all Adena Health System owned or leased grounds; 
• In all Adena Health System owned, leased or rented vehicles, on or off Adena grounds;  
• In any personal vehicle parked on Adena Health System owned, leased and affiliated property/parking lots; and  
• At all events hosted or organized by Adena Health System.

Adena has help available for tobacco users who are interested in quitting. Assistance is available through a Smoking Cessation Program, or your primary care physician can develop a treatment option that will work for you. If you do not have a primary care provider, call 740-779-FIND (3463) to make an appointment with one near you. Adena also offers a nationally recognized free lung cancer screening program for some current and former smokers.

For more about Adena Health System’s Smoke and Tobacco-Free policies and programs, visit adena.org/TobaccoFree.

By: Dr. Reggina Yandila, Primary Care, Adena Internal Medicine

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Summer is here. We are at the halfway point of 2020 – and what a year it has already been.

When the year started, many of us had health and fitness goals. The seeds were planted. We were ready. The first few months were fairly normal. Then all of a sudden we found ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic. 

As safety measures and precautions increased across the state, we found ourselves living under “stay at home” orders. It hit us like a ton of bricks. We are used to going where we need or want to go. Then suddenly schools, gyms, retail stores, and even some hospital services were closed or stopped until further notice. All of those goals for better health and trips to the gym stalled for many. Some of us had to think about homeschooling our children while trying to work from home all while trying to read about this new virus that changed our world and our lives. How we do stay safe from this new disease that is seemingly spreading like wild fire?

For many of us, the stress of it all overtook our motivation for making good decisions about food and exercise. We put off taking care of our general health care needs like well visits and check-ups with the doctor to monitor chronic illnesses. Out of fear of contracting COVID-19, many spent weeks managing issues for which they normally would have sought medical care to avoid stepping foot into a hospital, Emergency Room or doctor’s office.

Now as the world reopens, we find ourselves in this “new normal.” We are again learning to adjust. 

We started wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines. Here in Ohio, we did well and helped to “flatten the curve” as best we could, though we cannot ignore to what expense. The financial impact on our local businesses and our hospitals has been difficult, and it will take years to recover from those losses. However, something had to be done to slow the anticipated surge of COVID-19 cases in our state and nation.

Several months of staying at home and physically distancing from others has had a profound effect on the mental and physical health of our communities. As a Primary Care Provider, I am seeing more cases of new and/or uncontrolled anxiety and depression. One thing I always like to stress with my patients is making their own physical and mental health a priority through eating healthy and exercising. This not only helps my patients, but also their families, friends and neighbors as they do the same.

Eating healthy can help ward off illness, make you feel better, detoxify the body, and may help you lose some weight. Many have seen their scales tip in the wrong direction since the onset of COVID-19, and being confined indoors. Carrying extra weight can increase the risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, joint problems, and more.

Exercising is a great compliment to a healthy diet. As the weather warms up and we begin to safely leave our homes more often, we can find more ways to increase our activity levels. Walking helps to lower your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, and it also helps to bring peace of mind by releasing endorphins that make us feel good. While walking is a great form of activity, we must remember to maintain our safe and appropriate distance from others.

Don’t forget to talk to your Primary Care Provider before you begin any type of exercise regimen. This is a perfect conversation to have with your health care provider during your annual well visit, which many times is covered by your insurance at no cost. The well visit is also a time to make sure you are up to date on your screening exams and labs.

As health care services reopen, it is understandable that people may be hesitant to return to their doctor’s offices. I want to assure you that Adena is working hard and taking every precaution to keep you safe. All across the Health System, we have implemented enhanced cleaning and safety measures to ensure your safety.

As soon as you arrive, you will see the changes made to keep patients and staff safe. Screeners greet every person who enters with questions related to possible exposure to COVID-19 and a temperature check. If someone has a fever of more than 100F, and has other symptoms and/or contact with someone that has COVID or suspicious for it, they will be referred to the COVID-19 Screening Clinic for further evaluation and/or testing.

When a person is cleared to enter an Adena facility, they must wear a mask or cloth face covering. If they don’t have a mask, we will give them one. Once inside, directional signage to allow for social distancing will guide them through the facility in the safest way possible; and waiting areas have been redesigned to allow for six feet of spacing between chairs. While always striving to be the best at cleanliness and safety, Adena has escalated the level of cleaning in its buildings and clinics to assure high-touch areas are cleaned often. This is all intended to keep you safe while you get the care you need.

In most cases, patients will receive a call from their provider’s office to pre-register for their appointment. Clinics with limited space may require a patient to call when they arrive at the hospital or doctor’s office and to wait in their car until it is time for their visit. COVID-suspected patients are directed to our COVID Clinic or ER for severe symptoms. Our goal is not to mix those suspected of this disease with routine patient care. There are still other illnesses out there besides COVID, and as a result of this, we have designated “well” and “sick” sides to try to keep you from contracting any other illnesses.

Adena is taking these safety measures so our patients feel safe in coming back to see us. Coronavirus is out there, but don’t let fear keep you from seeking the health care you may need. There are still diseases such as strokes, blood clots, etc. that can be deadly or life changing that are still out there. I have patients that if they did not come in to be treated, they would have had different outcomes. Even my colleagues that are taking care of patients in the hospital are noticing that patients are coming in sicker to the hospital, leading to prolonged stays because of waiting too long at home to seek care. Please don’t let that be you.

Adena is a safe place for you to come for care. If you want to learn more about how Adena is keeping its patients and visitors safe, visit adena.org/TakingEveryPrecaution. Your Primary Care Providers and Specialists miss you.

Stay Safe. We look forward to seeing you soon! 

For nearly three months, our nation and communities have experienced unprecedented change, stress and sadness in managing the global pandemic. Most recently, those same emotions are being felt within our communities as racial tensions have been heightened by unacceptable acts of violence. 

What we see in the media, or experience in our cities and towns, has opened a dialogue in efforts for positive change that highly impacts the African American community. Following is a statement on the Adena Health System’s commitment to every patient from President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Graham, and Chief Human Resources Officer Heather Sprague:

“Adena Health System was created by the women of our community 125 years ago to meet the health care needs of the people who live here. Our founders made no distinction when it came to who we were to care for, and that sentiment remains today.

Whether in 1895 or 2020, Adena is here to provide quality health care to all persons, regardless of race, gender, economic status, sexual preference, identity or religion.

We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is what makes a community. Each of our individual qualities and experiences is necessary in building a culture that keeps us all moving forward.

Adena’s physicians and caregivers represent many of our world’s cultures, beliefs and races. It is what makes us unique as individuals, and it makes us stronger as a team and organization. We are committed to providing the highest quality health care to anyone who needs us. 

At Adena, we are dedicated to living out our organizational values of integrity, quality, excellence and trust, for every patient, every time. We do this with respect for every patient, and we are committed to treating you as you would want to be treated.”

“Patients visiting an Adena Urgent Care for curbside testing, or any care need, can feel confident that they are coming to a safe environment,” added Dr. Black. “Each Adena Urgent Care location has enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures in place, incorporated social distancing, masking requirements and other safety precautions to protect those coming to see us for care and for the safety of our staff.”   

Adena Urgent Care locations offer walk-in service, or patients may skip the wait by reserving their appointment time online. For more information or to reserve time for you visit, go to adena.org/UrgentCare.    

(image) As we all learn to live with COVID-19 in our daily lives, don’t forget about other serious health conditions that require our attention and rapid response. Ignoring the signs and symptoms of a heart attack can be a life threatening decision.

Don’t let a fear of respiratory illness keep you from seeking the care you need.  

At Adena Health System, we are closely monitoring the effects of COVID-19 on our communities, while providing you with quality care in a safe environment. Know that we are taking every precaution to protect you and your family during the COVID-19 outbreak, and every day. The important changes we are making are intended to keep you safe when you visit an Adena health center, clinic or hospital. This is evident by Adena recently earning a national ‘A’ rating for hospital safety by the Leapfrog Group. 

Don’t wait to get help if you experience any of these heart attack warning signs:

• Chest pain or discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center or left side of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint. You may also break out into a cold sweat.
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders. 
• Shortness of breath. This often comes along with chest discomfort, but shortness of breath also can happen before chest discomfort.

Other symptoms of a heart attack could include unusual or unexplained tiredness and nausea or vomiting. 

If you notice the symptoms of a heart attack in yourself or someone else, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

(image) Adena Health System Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) Kirk Tucker, MD is here to tell patients not to delay or put off seeking any type of health care for fear or worry about contracting Coronavirus. Adena, like other hospitals and health systems nationwide, is a safe place to come for care.

“If there is one message I could stress to members of our communities right now, it would be that Adena is a safe place to return for their health care needs,” Tucker said. “I understand as businesses and restaurants begin to open up there is going to be a hesitation to return for many. But when it involves your health care, I want to assure people that our hospitals, health centers and clinics have the right policies and procedures in place, and we have the highest of standards and quality to safely care for those in our region.”  

He added, “Statistically across the country, we are seeing dramatic trends that show the number of emergency department patients presenting with heart attacks and strokes are down by as much as 50 percent. What this tells me is, people are not seeking out the care they need for these serious conditions or others when they are experiencing symptoms like chest pains, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, bleeding or headaches. It concerns me very much.” 

Dr. Tucker said people will be impressed when they come to any Adena location and witness the level of safety measures and guidelines that have been instituted towards patient and visitor safety. He is quick to say that in its return to fuller operations, all of Adena’s decisions have patient safety in mind. 

“I like to compare our approach to a dimmer switch,” Tucker said. “We are not going to just flick a switch and be back to normal. We are taking a slow and thoughtful path to ensure the safety and protection for everyone - patients, visitors and our staff. We follow all recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ohio Department of Health. Anyone entering an Adena facility has their temperature checked and they are asked a series of questions about recent travel history or exposure. They are also handed a mask if they need one. We have redesigned many of our hospital and clinic spaces to allow for proper social distancing, and we have instituted enhanced cleaning procedures throughout the System.”

Dr. Tucker looks at Adena’s new safety protocols as almost having a hospital within a hospital. Patients suffering from any respiratory illness are identified, many times before they enter the doors, and can be safely cared for in areas separate from other patients, maximizing the safety and protection of all patients and visitors.

“Adena is safe, but you don’t have to just take my word for it,” he added. “Adena Regional Medical Center earned a national ‘A’ hospital safety rating from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2020. This grade is reflective of Adena’s safety policies and processes. It compares us with other hospitals and health systems across the U.S., so patients can make the best health care decision for themselves.”

Tucker concluded, “If you have a health care need that has gone unaddressed for the past 90 days, please reach out to your primary care provider or present yourself to one of the ERs in our region. Patients should be confident in seeking health care and in trusting Adena.”

For more about Adena Health System’s enhanced cleaning and facility safety procedures, visit adena.org/TakingEveryPrecaution.

Adena Health System will officially open its newest location to the Circleville community with the addition of an Urgent Care facility on June 1. The 5,000 square-foot facility is located on the city’s south side within Circleville Plaza at 166 Summit Ave., Circleville. Adena Urgent Care – Circleville will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 “We are excited to finally open this location, and expand Adena’s health care services in Circleville,” said Adena Health President and CEO Jeff Graham. “We delayed our original opening date because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now is the right time to open and to safely help our patients in Pickaway County take care of their urgent health care needs.”

Like all Adena Health System locations, Adena Urgent Care – Circleville staff and providers will closely monitor the effects of COVID-19 in the community, while providing quality care in a safe environment. Additional safety measures and enhanced cleaning practices are in place to minimize risk for patients, visitors and staff. Graham added, “Patients can feel secure in knowing that Adena hospitals and outpatient locations are safe.”

Anyone seeking services at Adena Urgent Care – Circleville will have the ability to skip the waiting room experience by using a convenient online service that allows them to sign-in from home or elsewhere. After signing in online, the patient can continue working or resting at home until they are notified that it is time to come in to the clinic to see a provider. Traditional walk-in service will also be available.

Initial services offered at Adena Urgent Care – Circleville include:

• Acute care for illnesses like flu, colds, cough, strep throat and more;
• COVID-19 testing;
• Sports physicals;
• Sprains, strains and minor fractures;
• Outpatient laboratory services; and 
• X-ray and mobile 3D mammograms.

Primary and specialty care services continue to be offered at Adena Health Center – Circleville, located at 140 Morris Road; and Adena Specialty Clinic – Circleville, located at 798 N. Court Street. To make an appointment with a provider serving Circleville and Pickaway County, call 779-FIND (3463).

For more information or to make an appointment at Adena Urgent Care – Circleville, call (740) 420-3151 or visit www.adena.org/UrgentCare.   

Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) has been awarded an ‘A’ in the Spring 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. This national distinction recognizes Adena’s achievements in providing safe health care. ARMC is one of just 43 A-rated hospitals in Ohio. More than 2,600 U.S. hospitals are graded in the survey. 

“Patients who trust Adena with their care can be confident that our safety measures exceed the standard levels for the Healthcare industry,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Earning an ‘A’ grade for safety reinforces that Adena is operating at the highest standards. Safety and quality is a team effort, and our physicians, advanced practice providers and caregivers are dedicated to taking every precaution to protect our patients during the COVID-19 outbreak, and every day. Our communities can feel secure in knowing that Adena hospitals, health centers and clinics are safe places for when they need care.”

Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to hospitals twice per year. Letter grades are assigned to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

“As the nation copes with a challenging pandemic, our gratitude extends to hospital leadership and health care workers everywhere for their tremendous dedication,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We hope this ‘A’ helps to thank the people who work and volunteer for Adena. They are role models in putting patients first, and their service has been extraordinary in our country’s time of need.”

The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions.

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Health Care is Safe and Available 

Adena Health System is participating in a statewide public awareness campaign that focuses on the safety and availability of health care. Led by the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA), Ohio Children’s Hospital Association and Ohio State Medical Association, the campaign assures people that Ohio’s hospitals and physician offices are safe. It also explains the importance of taking care of one’s health care needs by going to a doctor or hospital for routine and urgent medical care.

The statewide hospital campaign encourages people to not delay the care they need, or to doubt the safety of Ohio’s hospitals. The message affirms that health care providers are safe, open and available to deliver high-quality care to Ohioans. The campaign features two videos:

“Your health matters” – It is safe for you to visit your doctor or your hospital. Make an appointment today or seek urgent care when you need it. Your health matters. 

“Health care is safe” - Ohio’s health care providers have always treated people who are sick, and ensured the wellness of those who are not in safe, appropriate care settings. Our hospitals and doctors’ offices are safe, and we are here for you - like we have always been and always will be.

“As we each begin to navigate our new normal, patients can be confident that when they seek care at any Adena Health hospital, health center or clinic, they will find the highest levels of quality, cleanliness and safety,” said Adena Health President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Across the System, we have added screening processes for anyone who enters, created socially distant waiting and common areas, installed safety barriers where needed, and have added enhanced cleaning and disinfecting processes to our nationally-recognized quality and safety practices. Anyone entering an Adena facility should be assured they are in a safe place for close-to-home care delivered by our exceptional team of caregivers.”   

The campaign comes as the result of a trend being seen across Ohio and the nation. Health care providers are seeing a substantial decline in the number of patients coming in for preventative and emergency treatment. Several national studies have found people with serious health conditions or symptoms are avoiding hospitals out of fear of catching COVID-19 or contributing to its spread, risking their health in the process. 

“Ohio hospitals and health systems are a vital source of health care and wellness services for our communities,” said Mike Abrams, president and CEO, Ohio Hospital Association. “Every day, hospitals are committing resources and preparing their facilities to ensure patient safety and health care quality. We encourage Ohioans to get the care they need today.”

Anthony Armstrong, MD, president of the Ohio State Medical Association added, “There is tremendous concern for people who urgently need medical attention for conditions unrelated to COVID-19. The message has to be clear: Your health is your responsibility; and it is safe to seek the care you need from your doctor.” 

As all Ohio providers, Adena is following state and federal guidelines to make sure its facilities and staff are prepared to receive patients in the safest and most efficient ways possible. The OHA warns that delaying or avoiding care can lead to serious complications or long-term health problems.

When you hear the phrase, “in this together,” you may not envision long-time business competitors coming together to share ideas, processes and resources. This is exactly what is happening among a team of south central and southern Ohio health system leaders who are working together through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ohio’s Region 7 Health Care Collaborative includes CEOs from Adena Health, Fayette County Memorial Hospital (FCMH), Holzer Health System, King’s Daughters Medical Center of Ohio (KDMC), and Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC). The collaborative came together to create an incident command center to coordinate regional care of patients suspected of having or testing positive for COVID-19, and for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases in the area. The collaborative has been a model for the state of Ohio throughout the pandemic.

However, these health care systems are no strangers to collaborating. Several members of the collaborative have already been working together to assure patients in our region have access to the care they need, close to home and family. 

“It started more than two years ago, with a phone call between Mike Canady, CEO at Holzer and me talking about our shared vision for each of our organizations - to stay independent,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “We started looking at how we could accomplish that, and how we start working together for the better good of the community. From there the conversations started to grow.”

Dr. Canady was having similar talks with former SOMC CEO Randy Arnett at the time, so with Graham, the three came together to discuss how the organizations might collaborate to achieve their common goals of independence and keeping care close to home. “I’m a firm believer that you can’t do business with someone you don’t have a relationship with,” said Dr. Canady. “The whole thing has been about recognizing that we all have a lot of similar interests and we have crafted some of our business opportunities around that.”

Two more CEOs joined the collaborative in its discussions. The now, five-member group included Jack Janoso, President and CEO of Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster; and Mike Diener, CEO of Fayette County Memorial Hospital, located in Washington Court House. Last spring, the group held a formal work session with key members of their teams, discussing how they could work in partnership for the betterment of each other, and the communities they serve. Thoughts discussed included ideas such as shared purchasing opportunities or clinical services sharing.

“That was really the next phase of our collaboration,” said Graham. “What are the things we can do together to really keep the care close to home?” He added that even though each organization is trying to accomplish the same thing, they also remain competitive in their markets. “That will never change. But by having this collaborative, it really aligns the relationships and how we build off of each other in the services we provide or don’t provide within the region.”

The work group included SOMC’s new President and CEO Ben Gill, while still in his previous role. When named CEO, Gill was immediately onboard with nurturing the collaboration of likeminded competitors. “There is a tendency to think in absolutes when it comes to competition, and I don’t think that’s necessarily the case,” said Gill. “Competition has its place. But if the goal is to take care of the community we serve then there is also an obligation to collaborate.”

CEO Mike Diener of FCMH, which has a formal partnership with Adena for a number of shared specialty services said, “It has been interesting for us, because Fayette Memorial Hospital is located in a region that pulls us into the northern region and Columbus market. But organizationally, operationally, and culturally we have much more in common with the hospitals in the southern Ohio region. They have some of the same challenges and the same opportunities that we have. It is refreshing and encouraging to coordinate our activities with them. I feel FCMH is better prepared because of the relationships we’ve had with our health care partners in southern Ohio.”

To learn from their peers, the CEOs reached out to a group in northern Ohio that had formed a similar relationship. The southern Ohio team hoped to gain an understanding about how the northern Ohio group works together to enhance the availability of care in their respective region. Using what they had learned from their norther partners, the southern Ohio group began exploring how to move toward the next phase of their collaboration. “We started looking at the hospital collaboration that was working for northern Ohio, and then COVID-19 happened,” said Dr. Canady. “That has pulled us together even more -- out of necessity. We all hang together or we all hang separately.”

Over the past six to eight weeks, the group has become formally known at the state level as Ohio’s Region 7 Health Care Collaborative, and is a model for other regions in the state. The relationships that have been built between the health care leaders continue to strengthen, and are benefiting the region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Having this established relationship has really been a huge advantage for us in how quickly we pulled together the Regional COVID-19 Incident Command,” said Graham. “We were a step ahead of most regions in Ohio, because of how we and our teams had been building relationships prior to COVID -19. It was very easy for our teams to align and to assemble the necessary people and resources needed to establish a regional command center.” 

Through the Regional Incident Command, there has been a great deal of teamwork at all levels. The collaborative teams quickly adopted a plan to use similar processes, and treatment area set-ups. This allows each entity to know on a daily basis how everyone in the region is prepared to care for their patients and to monitor volumes should they have to transfer patients in the event of a massive surge.

Along with the Incident Command, the CEOs have maintained at least weekly conversations to discuss high-level issues, including the challenges all health systems are facing because of the COVID-19 crisis.

“Any time there is a crisis you circle the wagons. I know we do here,” said SOMC’s Gill. “Everyone in the world is affected by this pandemic. We all need to work together, at least regionally, because we do share a lot of the same challenges and resources. It stands to reason we should work together to have a regional response to a regional problem. I think those relationships that were built before this began are really starting to bear fruit, and you can see that we are better because of it.”

Joining the collaborative as a direct result of the Coronavirus is King’s Daughters Medical Center Ohio Executive Administrator Curtis Meltzer, who expressed his gratitude for being added to the group as part of the Region 7 Health Care Collaborative’s pandemic response. “The work that has been done by this collaborative has been quite impressive,” he said. “I think the fact that you have leaders from five health care systems from throughout our region, who have been able to come together for our community is amazing in itself. The fact it has been done so fast, thorough, and cohesively is what really stands out to me.”

“The work we’ve done to build these relationships previously; and the closer we have become through the COVID-19 crisis, my expectation is that we come out of this even stronger,” Graham concluded. “I hope we continue to share innovative ways of working to be sure that we all come out of this strong, and we are each here for the long term, providing health care for our local communities.”

Dr. Canady added, “The more we can collaborate, without negatively impacting each other’s markets, the better off we all are."

Unclear how long COVID-19 will be a part of their businesses and everyone’s daily lives, the leaders agree they want to continue the work together for the good of the communities and people they serve long after the crisis.

Much of the world’s health care focus lately has been with the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, but as we move through the month of May, recognized as National Stroke Awareness Month, let us not forget those other serious health conditions that require our attention and rapid response.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. It only takes 12 minutes for a pea-size portion of the brain to die during a stroke. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the risk for permanent disability and death. But, the good news is that more than 80 percent of strokes are preventable. Understanding the causes and warning signs of a stroke could save a life.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is essentially a brain attack that occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off and causes lack of oxygen to brain tissue. 

When brain cells do not get oxygen, they die, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. A delay in treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage or even death.

Strokes can be one of the most devastating emergency conditions that can strike. But they don’t have to be. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke, and getting care quickly gives you the best possibility of restoring full health. 

Stroke Risk Factors 

Anyone can have a stroke, at any age, at any time. Most strokes can be prevented by keeping medical conditions under control and making positive lifestyle changes. 

Once these factors have been identified, it is best to work with your health care provider to establish how you can reduce your risk. 

Medical Risk Factors:

-      High Blood Pressure 

-      High Cholesterol

-       Heart Disease

Lifestyle Risk Factors: 

-   Tobacco Use

-    Physical Activity

-    Diet 

Recognize: What are Symptoms of a Stroke? 

-      Numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, particularly on one side

-    Confusion, trouble speaking

-      Dizziness, trouble walking, loss of coordination 

-      Severe headache with unknown cause 

Respond: What to do if you expect stroke?

Knowing your risk factors is only half the battle. Strokes can happen suddenly, anytime and anywhere. If you think you or someone else may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T.

F- Face 

Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?

A- Arms

Ask the person to raise both arms, Does one arm drift downward?

S- Speech

Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred? 

T-Time 

If you see any of these signs call 9-1-1 right away.

To learn more about stroke care at Adena, visit adena.org/stroke. 

Acting on Gov. Mike DeWine’s guidance, Adena Health System will begin a cautious, thoughtful return to giving patients access to some surgeries and procedures, in a safe, clean environment. On May 6, Adena will begin a slow ramp up of ambulatory surgeries, in-office procedures, diagnostic testing and diagnostic imaging that do not require an overnight hospital stay. 

Since the state’s March 2020 order that restricted all nonessential surgeries and procedures, Adena physicians and providers have only performed these operations to avoid risk of life, permanent dysfunction, progression of disease, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Through the pandemic, some surgeries and procedures that did not meet these criteria were postponed. 

“Our patients have been waiting to take care of non-emergent aspects of their health that may be of concern, or creating discomfort for them,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “We are ready to move forward in restarting some surgeries and procedures to care for the health needs of our patients and communities. Using an abundance of caution to protect patients and caregivers, our work teams have developed plans and processes to allow us to slowly and safely resume these procedures.” 

The restart of ambulatory surgeries and procedure will begin at half of Adena’s normal capacity. This will limit the number of people in our buildings at any given time. System wide allowances are also being made for appropriate social distancing in all facilities, which includes the re-engineering of common and waiting areas, and placing barriers in places where six-foot spacing may not be possible. 

“Aside from home, I can assure everyone in our communities that Adena’s hospitals and facilities are among the safest places anyone could be at this time,” Graham added. “Regardless of the pandemic, it is important for all of us to take care of our general health. While we continue to live with COVID-19, we cannot neglect our health and wellbeing out of fear. Adena is safe and we will continue to incorporate measures to keep our patients, staff and communities safe and healthy.”

Adena has worked to protect patients and staff by implementing the following protective measures implemented throughout the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Opened a COVID-19 screening hotline and COVID-19 testing center to identify those suspected of being infected with Coronavirus;
• Created a COVID cohort unit to isolate infected patients from non-COVID;
• Began Virtual Visits between patients and their provider using at-home technology;
• Started drive-up lab services for blood collection;
• COVID-19 verbal and temperature screenings for anyone entering an Adena facility;
• Visitor restrictions to limit people within hospitals and clinics, with very few exceptions;
• Having some employees work from home to reduce the number of people inside our facilities;
• Closing areas that attract group gatherings to allow for social distancing;
• Enhancing cleaning methods and schedules; and
• Requiring all staff, patients and visitors to wear masks in all facilities. 

Virtual visits will continue for patients who are able to take care of general health care from home using a computer or phone to connect with their provider. When a patient is unable to have a virtual visit, or needs to come in to a clinic or hospital, they will receive instructions on where to park and enter the building to get a temperature screening and mask before proceeding to the clinic or hospital department.

Patients can expect to hear from their provider’s staff, which will be reaching out to reschedule those procedures that were postponed due to the shutdown of procedures in mid-March. Patients may also call their provider to make arrangements to reschedule, or to schedule a new appointment for a health concern or need.

Health System Hopes to Collect 10,000 Homemade Masks

For community safety, and to limit the spread of COVID-19 by those who may carry the disease without knowing, or those who have the virus but are not yet showing symptoms, Adena Health System now requires every employee, patient and visitor to wear a mask while in any of its facilities. This universal masking requirement follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent recommendation that everyone entering a health care facility, regardless of symptoms wear a mask.

“As we all learn to live with the threat of COVID-19 in our daily lives, protecting ourselves and others when we can’t stay at home is essential in maintaining health,” explained Adena’s Chief Clinical Officer Kirk Tucker, M.D. “The use of a facemask – along with physical distancing, covering our cough and good hand hygiene – is one more layer of protection in keeping ourselves and others as safe as possible from the Coronavirus.”

Dr. Tucker added, “Along with screening staff, patients and visitors for fever and symptoms when they arrive at one of Adena’s locations, facemasks are now required and being provided upon entry – while maintaining supply for our clinical caregivers. Adopting this universal masking practice is just one more layer of protection against the spread of respiratory illness, and keeping everyone in our locations and communities as safe as possible.”

Facemasks are available for anyone entering an Adena hospital or clinic location. However, patients and visitors are encouraged to wear their own facemask if they have one. A personal facemask must be in good condition, meaning it should be clean, and should fit well. Each patient or visitor must wear a mask for the duration of their visit when outside of their exam room or in communal settings such as hallways and waiting areas. If a personal mask appears to be in less than good condition, a replacement mask may be required for the visit.

To help in this effort, many more masks are now needed for Adena to maintain the number of medical-grade masks required for its front line and clinical caregivers. To help meet this increased need for facemasks for all patients and visitors, the Health System is looking for community help through donations of homemade masks. Adena has set a goal to receive 10,000 homemade facemasks. Those in our region are being asked to help Adena meet that goal to help keep our communities healthy and safe.

For learn more about how to make a mask, or how to donate, visit adena.org/10000masks. For the most up to date COVID-19 specific information, and updates related to Adena operations and services, please visit adena.org/COVID19.

Adena Health System is successfully managing its inventory of N95 masks for front line caregivers by partnering with Battelle Institute through its new decontamination system. Adena was among some of the first in the nation to collaborate with Battelle in its process to decontaminate N95 or N95-equivalent respirators for reuse by health care personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“The national shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for front line caregivers has kept the health care industry, including Adena, looking for ways to make our inventories last as long as possible,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “While Adena was in good shape for our day-to-day PPE needs, when facing a pandemic, we had to get more in house and have been purchasing what we can when it is available. However, learning that Battelle was working on a process to decontaminate N95s in mass quantities was a game changer. Adena was fortunate to get in on the ground floor of this exciting process. We are grateful to now have extended the longevity of this important equipment that helps to keep our front line heroes safe and healthy.” 

Battelle received emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its process on March 29, 2020. Days later, Adena sent its first batch of 33 N95 masks to Battelle for decontamination and recycling. Thirty-two of Adena’s first N95 respirators came back in like-new condition, and were placed back into the System’s PPE inventory.

“It only takes Battelle 24 hours to turn around for us, and they check each mask before sending it back,” said Adena Sterile Processing Manager Sidney Brintlinger. “As of April 17, we have sent out 361 masks, with nearly all coming back to us, clean and ready for their next use should we run out of new N95s during the pandemic.”

According to Battelle, successful testing on decontaminated N95 respirators demonstrated acceptable performance through 20 decontamination cycles. Prior to submission, Adena’s Sterile Processing staff inspects each respirator, discarding those with visible soiling or damage, and N95s that are cellulose-based, which are incompatible with Battelle’s decontamination process.

When Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the closure of all kindergarten through 12th grade schools in Ohio due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the announcement motivated caregivers with Adena Hospice to pull together for children in our region - extending their caring beyond their normal patient population. 

The team’s concern arose from the fact that many local students would not have a healthy meal during the day without the benefit of a school-provided lunch.

“Sadly, for many children, a school lunch is largely depended upon as their primary meal of the day,” said Jennifer Bandy, Adena Hospice Manager. “Areas such as Pike County are often faced with these very unfortunate concerns, especially in difficult times like what we are facing now. We want to show support for our communities in any way we can, and to support them as much as they support us.”  

Inspired by the efforts of family physician Dr. Ellis Frazier with Adena Family Medicine – Piketon, who for years has acted as a collection point for non-perishable foods for the Pike County Food Pantry, the Hospice team collected items amongst themselves in which to donate, to help fill this community need.

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Adena Health System President and CEO Jeff Graham today praised Adena’s more than 3,000 caregivers for their work in response to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Graham went on to explain the financial challenges associated with providing care during these unprecedented times; along with the difficult decisions having to be made to keep the Health System strong and viable during the current health crisis and moving forward.

“I cannot begin to describe the pride and confidence I feel for every caregiver, and their contributions to the health and well-being of our patients, especially during this time,” said Graham. “The passion each Adena caregiver puts into their work, and the talents displayed – either through direct patient care or in contributions related to System operations – makes difficult decisions like those we are facing that much harder.”

Graham continued, “Adena, like many health systems or hospitals across the country, is managing through the ever-changing circumstances related to COVID-19. As a result, organizations, like Adena, cannot sustain maintaining current spending without suffering serious long-term financial repercussions. Our projections show Adena will face a deficit of more than $50 million through 2020. Therefore difficult decisions are needed, while making reductions to cause the least disruption for our patients and frontline caregivers.”

Factors identified in calculating Adena’s financial projections include the significant impact of lower operating revenues due to drastic reductions associated with the State’s order to stop all elective surgeries and procedures, along with overall volume decline in Emergency Department hospital admissions, Urgent Care visits, and normal, everyday hospital census. Additionally, unplanned expenditures around caring for patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms, and patients who test positive for the virus have also contributed to financial challenges. Similar factors are resulting in reduced income for nearly all U.S. hospitals and health systems, which are also making difficult financial decisions.

To mitigate its financial deficit, Adena is taking steps to reduce expenses. However, this alone is not enough to ensure the Health System can emerge from the pandemic in a financially stable position.

“Adena has a responsibility to provide quality health care to the more than 400,000 people we are privileged to serve, living in our nine-country service region,” Graham said. “Making sure Adena remains a strong and vibrant health care organization is needed to ensure we are here for our communities who depend on us in their time of need. Assuring Adena is here for our caregivers and our patients requires making some difficult decisions.”

To remain a viable health care organization, Adena is planning to implement temporary furloughs of nonclinical employees, and other caregivers who are not providing direct frontline care of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly one-third of Adena’s workforce of more than 3,000 are being impacted by some measure of cost savings; this includes the approximately 500 individuals who will be temporarily furloughed.

“This is a temporary furlough, not a layoff, meaning caregivers will be able to return to their current position, and will keep their health benefits throughout the period in which they are on furlough,” Graham emphasized. “Individuals are also eligible for unemployment compensation benefits through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Any employee impacted by a furlough during this time is not losing their job and they will return to Adena as quickly as we get through this pandemic and we stabilize as an organization. I want to be clear that Adena will maintain full support of our frontline positions, and this will not impact those areas that provide direct patient care.”

Graham closed, “Despite our challenges, I look toward Adena’s future with optimism. I have sincere gratitude for our incredible caregivers, and from the outpouring of support by people in the communities we serve. We are humbled by the response from our communities and thankful for the many prayers and expressions of appreciation for Adena’s health care heroes. Amongst all this uncertainly, we are focused on getting our caregivers, patients, and communities through this crisis, so that all emerge fit and ready to face the future together.”

For the most up to date COVID-19 specific information, and updates related to Adena operations and services, please visit adena.org/COVID19 ; also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

Adena Health System is among many hospitals across the nation to receive relief payments from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to help cover some financial deficits related to COVID-19. Adena Health System has been awarded $7.9 million from the newly-created Provider Relief Fund, and is part of the initial disbursement of the first $30 billion from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“We are extremely thankful for the relief funding being provided by HHS,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Taking care for our patients, communities and caregivers is Adena’s mission and highest priority. These funds will help to fill a portion of the deficit we have experienced over the past month in preparing to battle COVID-19; as well as the financial losses related to the forced cancellation of elective procedures, coupled with a steep reduction in day-to-day patient visits.”

According to HHS, $1 billion in initial funding is being directed to U.S. hospitals and physician practices, in direct proportion to their share of Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) spending. The portion of funds awarded to each hospital or system is related to the amount of Medicare FFS billed by each last year. In 2019, total Medicare FFS billing for U.S. hospitals and physician practices was $484 billion.

“Our current projections over the next several months as we navigate through the current crisis created by COVID-19, projects Adena is facing a deficit of $50 million or more this year,” Graham added. “I am pleased that these funds are coming to us in the form of a grant, versus a non-forgivable loan as originally released, which helps organizations like Adena stay viable and strong for the communities they serve. Even with this much appreciated funding, Adena must continue to make difficult decisions that require us to continue planned expense reductions in order to manage through this pandemic without sacrificing patient care. Adena is and will always be committed to delivering the medical expertise and compassionate care to meet the health care needs of our communities while operating effectively, efficiently and safely – now and long into the future. I want to be clear, we will not make any reductions that will decrease the level of patient care, or minimize support to Adena’s frontline caregivers.”

The Provider Relief Fund is making direct payments to support hospitals and providers with health care-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19, and to ensure uninsured Americans can get testing and treatment for COVID-19.

Graham added, “I want to thank Representatives Steve Stivers and Brad Wenstrup, and U.S. Senator Rob Portman, all of whom have reached out to learn of our needs, and how Adena is managing through the COVID-19 crisis. Each has been a strong advocate for Adena and other rural health systems in the state. I appreciate their compassion, support, and the work they are doing to get the assistance needed to those of us in south central and southern Ohio.”

For more about Adena Health System and its services, visit adena.org.

Most of us have heard the saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” The saying, by ancient Greek philosopher Plato, is used to describe how a need or problem encourages creative efforts to meet that need, or to solve an immediate problem.

While we may have heard this phrase throughout our lifetimes, we can now say we’re living it.

Adena Health System has spent the past month or more preparing for how we can effectively provide patient care during a pandemic. Our teams have been innovative in creating solutions for how we manage those COVID-19 cases, while still meeting the health care needs of people in our region. Projects that might have taken months to research, plan and execute in normal times, have become reality in just days or weeks, due to an intense and immediate need.

Innovation is about solving a problem. Here are just a few of the amazing examples of innovation completed in a short amount of time to meet the needs of our communities related to Coronavirus:

• Created a COVID-19 hotline (740-542-SAFE) to begin the screening process;
• Established the COVID-19 Testing Center on the ARMC campus;
• Converted inpatient units at ARMC into a COVID-19 Cohort Units to care for patients suspected of and confirmed with the virus. The conversion included adapting the HVAC system to create negative air flow to remove contaminated air from each room of the units, and protecting others throughout the hospital; and
• Launched a respiratory triage facility within the PACCAR Medical Education Center, to relieve pressure on our Emergency Department and staff in the days and weeks ahead.

We also recognize that even during a pandemic, people still have regular health care needs. Adena and others are doing what we can to enable people to stay safely at home, while still receiving general and some specialty care. Teams have come together to launch innovative options that are meeting the needs of many of our patients, and physicians and APPs.

A telehealth option has been launched. Using a landline for a voice visit, or a computer or Smartphone for a virtual visit, the patient can speak with their provider from the comfort and safety of home. This option has been quickly adopted; with more than 4,820 telehealth visits completed in the past week (Apr. 1-8).

Those in need of lab work also have a convenient and safe option to have blood drawn outside of a clinic or hospital setting. Drive up lab draw stations have been set up where anyone with a lab order may drive up, register by phone, and have their blood drawn while never leaving their vehicle. Temporary drive up lab stations are set up at Adena Health Center – Western Avenue; Adena Cancer Center; Adena Health Center- Jackson; and Adena Health Center – Waverly. Since opening the first drive up lab draw station on Mar. 27, more than 655 patients have used this convenient service at these four locations.

And to keep patients out of ERs and Urgent Care settings, where they could easily encounter patients with COVID-19 symptoms, Adena Bone and Joint Center has launched four temporary walk-in orthopedic injury clinics across the region. The clinics are giving people an option to have sprains, fractures and other orthopedic injuries assessed and treated as safely as possible. The clinics are located at the Adena Health Pavilion in Chillicothe; Fayette County Memorial Hospital’s Medical Office Building in Washington Court House; Adena Health Center – Jackson; and Adena Health Center – Waverly.

In today’s health care climate and always, when it comes to taking care of our patients, our communities and our people, Adena’s caregivers are leading the way. 

Thank you for trusting Adena Health System with your family’s health care. I have prepared a video message to you - our patients and our communities - sharing how Adena is working to navigate this challenge, with an eye toward the future. 

Please stay safe and healthy. May God bless you and your family.

Adena Health System is offering walk-in injury clinics for patients with orthopedic injuries, and in need of immediate assessment and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. These temporary walk-in clinics are intended to keep otherwise healthy patients from spending time in area Urgent Care facilities and Emergency Departments, and their associated waiting areas. By launching the set of Orthopedic Walk-in Injury Clinics Adena hopes to limit the risk of patient exposure to acute, contagious illnesses, including COVID-19.

“Providing walk-in injury care in our Chillicothe clinic, and other regional ABJC clinic facilities, is a safer option for our healthy patients at this time, and saves the limited resources Adena physicians and caregivers require in our hospitals during this unprecedented time,” said Dr. Brian Cohen, Adena Bone and Joint Center Medical Director. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to be able to offer our patients this option to receive the urgent, orthopedic and sports medicine care they need, in a space that is generally not used to care for seriously ill patients.”

People experiencing orthopedic injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, concussions or other sports medicine related issues are encouraged to seek treatment at one of Adena Bone and Joint Center’s walk-in injury clinics. Clinics within the following locations will be open Monday through Friday from *8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for walk-in orthopedic care during the current pandemic:

Adena Bone and Joint Center

Adena Health Pavilion

4437 State Route 159

Chillicothe OH

Adena Health Center- Jackson

1000 Veterans Dr.

Jackson, OH

Adena Pike Medical Center

Medical Office Building

100 Dawn Drive

Waverly, OH 

Fayette County Memorial Hospital

1450 Columbus Ave, Suite 201

Washington Court House, OH

*9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Adena Bone and Joint Center in Chillicothe will also be open for walk-in visits on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Onsite X-rays are available at each listed location.

Patients visiting Adena’s orthopedic injury walk-in clinics will be treated by a physician specializing in orthopedic injuries. For more information, please call 740-779-4598.

For the most up to date COVID-19 specific information, and updates related to Adena operations and services, please visit adena.org/COVID19; also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

To date, Adena Health System has performed 54 COVID-19 screenings. Currently, 16 of those test specimens are with the Ohio Department of Health and a private laboratory company, as Adena clinicians and patients await the results. Of those tested to date, Adena has received one positive result for COVID-19.

Testing for COVID-19 is ongoing across the Health System, which is following the testing criteria recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The criteria outlines specific instances when a patient or person under investigation (PUI) should be tested for the COVID-19/Coronavirus. Following ODH criteria is important in preserving the very limited number of COVID-19 test kits that are available to each hospital across the state and nation.

“Every time you interact with a patient who wants testing, you are using personal protective equipment (PPE – masks, gloves, gowns, etc.) and precious viral test swabs,” said Adena Chief Clinical Officer Kirk Tucker, MD. “The test kit needed to identify COVID-19 includes very specific testing swabs, and at this point there is a shortage of them because the majority are made in Italy. Adena received a limited number of these viral testing kits, and very early on, we decided to be extremely judicious in our use of them. We need to be sure that when the wave hits, and we are seeing the sickest patients, we are prepared by having those supplies we need (viral test swabs and PPE) to care for our patients, and to protect our caregivers.”

Adena continually works within the recommendations of the Ohio Department of Health, which has been putting out its COVID-19 testing protocol instructions daily. This criteria is intended to prioritize testing based on distinct criteria, including: how sick the patient is – symptoms when they present; any prior contact with confirmed positive COVID-19 individuals over the past 14 days; if they are a health care, safety, public service worker; or a patient in a long-term care facility.

Dr. Tucker added, “We need this guidance to make a clinical decision about whether or not the patient is placed into isolation and/or tested for COVID-19. We look at all of that data and we take it extremely seriously. To go out and screen in public, or screening those not meeting the ODH criteria is not what is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nor the Ohio Department of Health, and frankly it is very wasteful. We have a responsibility to our communities to preserve testing supplies and PPE so that we have them they are most needed.”

Following is information that may help members of our communities understand Adena, CDC and ODH guidance, as we face the COVID-19 pandemic.

What you need to know about COVID-19 Testing Guidance for our community:

If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19

• Step One:  Call the COVID-19 Hotline 740-542-SAFE (7233)
• Step Two:  Answer a series of screening questions
• Step Three:  Follow instructions provided by the screener.

Why was I told that I could not be tested?

Adena follows Ohio Department of Health (ODH) testing criteria for COVID-19. Your symptoms and/or condition did not meet the testing criteria set by the ODH.

What is ODH’s Testing Criteria? Patient has:

1. Fever AND signs of lower respiratory illness (cough or short of breath) AND is either a healthcare worker with direct patient care, or in a public safety occupation (law enforcement, fire fighter, EMS) AND has had close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset.
2. Fever AND signs of lower respiratory illness (cough or short of breath) AND is a resident of a long-term care facility AND is hospitalized.
3. Fever with severe acute lower respiratory illness (pneumonia, ARDS as evidenced by imaging) AND is hospitalized AND the healthcare provider has high clinical suspicion of COVID-19 after thorough evaluation (has no alternative plausible diagnosis).
4. Other special circumstances where there is a requirement for prompt receipt of results, such as patients involved in an illness cluster in a facility or group (i.e. healthcare, corrections).

What if I believe I have some of the symptoms for COVID-19, but not all included in the criteria?

You may be ill, but you may not meet the ODH testing criteria. Some symptoms of Coronavirus can be similar to a cold, flu or other common viral illnesses. As with any illness, if symptoms are not severe you should stay home and treat your illness as you normally would. You may also call Adena’s COVID-19 Hotline at 740-542-SAFE (7233) for a verbal screening. However, if you If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, a severe headache or other potentially life-threatening problems, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. Please notify the 911 dispatcher or the emergency department of your COVID symptoms PRIOR to arrival.

Where can I get more information about COVID-19?

To learn more about COVID-19 and the Ohio Department of Health’s testing criteria, visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

For the most up to date local COVID-19 specific information, and updates related to Adena operations and services, please visit adena.org/COVID19 ; also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

There aren’t many occasions when every person you know is dealing with the same life experience at the same time. This is one of those uncertain times.

Many of us have the same fears, we are making similar sacrifices, and we are dealing with the same unknowns. The Coronavirus has brought on these challenges, but it is also generating innovation and solutions in how we will deal with it.

On behalf of our communities, I made a promise that Adena would work 24/7 to be prepared for COVID-19. Over the past several weeks, Adena has been preparing for what we are now experiencing, as we care for our region’s first patient testing positive and hospitalized with COVID-19.

To prepare, teams of caregivers have set up specialized nursing units, worked through many processes and care scenarios, and have trained or refreshed training on equipment. I can’t speak enough about the dedication our caregivers have when it comes to taking care of our communities.

We are fortunate to have many talented people contributing to Adena’s mission of caring for those in the communities we serve. Each caregiver is critical to our ability to deliver the best possible care for our patients. Physicians, nurses, patient care associates, techs, pharmacists, registrars, environmental services, and so many more people are contributing to these efforts – not only during this pandemic, but every single day.

These caregivers are our everyday heroes. They are your family, friends and neighbors. They come to work at our hospitals and clinics to make sure that you, our patients, our community, have access to the care you need, when you need it the most.

I am confident if everyone in our communities could see how these professionals are approaching this challenge, and the amount of confidence there is among Adena’s workforce, you would be as proud as I am. 

Even during a stressful and ambiguous time, I see excitement, engagement and enthusiasm throughout the health system. I know that Adena is prepared and ready to take care of your families, your friends, and your loved ones throughout this pandemic.

We are truly in this together.

Jeff Graham, President and Chief Executive Officer

Adena Health System

As safety precautions increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, Adena Health System is now offering patients the temporary option of a virtual visit to continue their care, without having to leave their homes. Virtual visits will be available throughout the current pandemic for new, established, or post-procedural patients, and are being performed on a secure platform. Virtual visits connect a physician or advanced practice provider with their patient over the telephone or through video communication via computer web cam or Smartphone.

“Adena’s primary responsibility is to guarantee people living in the communities we serve have access to safe, quality health care - regardless of external forces such as a pandemic,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “To assure we can meet the health care needs of our patients during the current crisis, this virtual option will help our physicians and advanced practice providers stay connected to their patients, from the safety of their homes, and shows the thoughtful innovation that is being executed as Adena continues to successfully battle COVID-19.”

Chief Clinical Officer Kirk Tucker, MD., added, “As a primary care physician for many years, the capability to offer technology that enables our providers the opportunity to continue caring for patients during times like this is an invaluable resource. During this time of crisis, patients will have the option to receive medical treatment in our offices or virtually, with added safety relative to the spread of a respiratory illness.”

By contacting their provider’s office, current Adena patients may schedule a virtual visit, or change an upcoming appointment to a virtual visit. New patients may call 740-779-FIND (3463) to schedule a virtual visit with an Adena Medical Group provider.

Patients are reminded if they have an appointment with a physician or an appointment for a service, they should call ahead to confirm that the clinic or service area is open. For general COVID-19 specific information, visit adena.org/COVID19.

Information about Adena Health System and its services may visit adena.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical. 

For the health and safety of patients, staff and communities, Adena Health System will begin a no visitor policy at all hospital locations beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2020. This policy will remain in effect until the COVID-19 pandemic crisis passes.

While hospital and clinic operations continue, it is necessary to restrict all hospital visitors during this time; for the safety of patients, essential hospital staff and clinicians. Exceptions will be for the following situations/patient populations. The number of persons, over the age of 13, allowed to accompany or visit a patient will be limited and dependent upon the following criteria:

• “End of life” situations with the approval of the patient’s provider;
• Labor and delivery will include mother and one support person;
• Minor patients (under 18) may have two visitors, limited to only parents or guardians; and
• One visitor/support person will be allowed with a patient during an Emergency Department visit; an outpatient surgery, procedure or office visit.

Visitors for patients confirmed or suspected of a COVID-19 infection are not permitted.

Once restrictions are activated at 5 p.m. Sunday, visitors to hospitalized patients will not be permitted, with the exception of:

1. Patients with significant physical disabilities. In these instances, one support person may visit with the approval of the patient’s provider; and
2. Patients having major surgery may have one support person on the day of surgery and one day after surgery.

Visitor exceptions will be approved through the patient’s nursing unit. Visitors will be escorted to and from the unit. Loitering inside the facility will not be permitted. All visitor waiting areas will be closed.

Effective immediately, walkways between Adena Regional Medical Center’s hospital and Medical Office Building are closed to patients and visitors. Any visitor or patient requiring access to either facility must have an Adena caregiver escort.

In addition, as reported on March 19, access to Adena facilities has been limited to specific entrances to assure adherence to the most effective infection prevention recommendations. Persons arriving at each entrance will also be required to complete COVID-19 screening protocols, which includes a temperature check.

Patients and approved visitors should watch for signs directing them to the appropriate entrance at all facilities. If you have an appointment with a physician or for a service, please call ahead to confirm that the clinic or service area is open.

For the most up to date COVID-19 specific information, and updates related to Adena operations and services, please visit adena.org/COVID19 ; also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

For the health and safety of its patients, staff and communities, Adena Health System has expanded visitor restrictions and implemented screening protocols, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, with Ohio’s directive to shut down elective surgeries and procedures, some areas of service are now closed. If you have an appointment with a physician or for a service, please call ahead to confirm your clinic or service area is open.

Visitor Restrictions/Limited Entry

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Patient visiting hours are now limited at all Adena hospitals. 

Entry to Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is now limited to the following entrances during regular, weekday business hours, closing at 5 p.m. unless indicated below:

• North Entrance (24/7 entry)
• Emergency Department patient entrance (24/7 entry)
• West Entrance
• Adena Health Pavilion
• Medical Office Building (also open to patients of Adena Pediatrics during weekend hours)

Similar visitor and entry restrictions are in place at:

• Adena Greenfield Medical Ctr (AGMC)       ER (24/7)/Main entry   M-F  7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Adena Pike Medical Ctr (APMC)                 ER (24/7)/Main entry   M-F  7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Patients and visitors should watch for signs directing them to the appropriate entrance at all facilities. Please note that visitors will not be allowed in clinical care areas unless deemed absolutely necessary by the patient’s care team.

Temperature and Verbal Screenings

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Temperature and verbal screenings are now underway at open entrances to AGMC, APMC, ARMC, all Adena Health Centers, Urgent Cares and the 

Adena Cancer Center. Staff, visitors and patients are being asked a series of COVID-19 screening questions; and everyone must undergo a temperature check before entering the facility.

Those who refuse either form of screening will not be permitted to enter.

If a person’s answer(s) falls within certain criteria, the appropriate next steps will be taken to ensure the safety of that person, visitors, staff and patients. Though quick, the screening process may add time to your visit. Please add sufficient time to get to your appointment.

For more about Adena Health System and its services, visit adena.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical. For COVID-19 specific information, visit adena.org/COVID19

Adena Health System announced today that it will postpone elective surgeries and procedures beginning March 19 due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“Under the Governor’s directive, Adena will postpone all elective surgeries and procedures until further notice,” explained Chief Clinical Officer Kirk Tucker, MD. “We understand the disruption this places on many of our patients and their families. At this time however, we agree it is necessary to take these actions to limit further exposure among our patients andmedical staff. This decision will also limit the use of supplies that are in critical shortage nationwide. Along with state and federal health officials, we will continue to review the situation to determine when we can safely reverse course and re-schedule procedures.”

Surgery and procedure postponements do not apply to emergency cases performed at Adena. Urgent cases such as those time sensitive, risk to life or limb, organ dysfunction or risk of metastasis will also proceed under appropriate medical direction. Patients affected by postponements will be contacted by Adena to work through scheduling and help answer any questions about delays in treatment.

Anyone that has questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 is encouraged to call Adena’s dedicated 24/7 Coronavirus Hotline at 740-542-SAFE (7233). 

For more about Adena Health System and its services, visit adena.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

Dedicated Hotline and COVID-19 Screening Clinic Start Today 

Adena Health System announced today that it is initiating multiple community resources to better meet public need around Coronavirus (COVID-19).

A dedicated Coronavirus Hotline is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for community members to call who have questions, concerns, have traveled internationally during the last two weeks or have been exposed to the virus and are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, which are fever, cough and shortness of breath.

The Adena Coronavirus Hotline is 740-542-SAFE (7233). 

The Health System has also opened a COVID-19 Screening Clinic dedicated for testing those patients who may be symptomatic with this respiratory illness in a safe and controlled environment. The clinic is located in the Adena Health and Wellness Building at 4461 State Route 159 on the campus of Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. The COVID-19 Screening Clinic is open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Patients who have COVID-19 symptoms are strongly recommended to call the Hotline before they visit the hospital, clinic offices, urgent care, emergency department or the COVID-19 Screening Clinic. Hotline calls will be answered by a triage nurse. Callers should be prepared to answer questions, so staff can determine what steps are most appropriate.

“Our Health System has been working extremely hard to create those resources to best care and inform our community members,” said Chief Clinical Officer Kirk Tucker, MD. “It is important for individuals to understand that Adena does not test patients for COVID-19. If a patient meets testing criteria based on symptoms, then our COVID-19 Screening Clinic will take the necessary lab samples and report the case to the Ohio Department of Health. ODH will then review the case and decide if they will proceed with testing. Adena does not have the ability to test patients directly at this time at any of our locations. Only the Ohio Department of Health decides who will be tested, so it is important that individuals call the Hotline before coming directly to the Screening Clinic.”

In addition, Adena has updated its website’s homepage at Adena.org so visitors will experience a dedicated coronavirus resource page at first view, which provides the latest Health System information and answers to frequently asked questions and resources from the Ohio Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more about Adena Health System and its services, visit adena.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

Positions still Available as well as Sign-on Bonuses

Due to current State public health restrictions for mass gatherings, Adena Health System has made the decision to cancel its scheduled Nurse Hiring Blitz events scheduled for March 19 and 20.

Adena is still accepting applications for new and experienced nurses. Sign-on bonuses are still available for inpatient unit nursing positions at Adena Pike Medical Center in Waverly, and for some inpatient unit positions at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. 

Opportunities are waiting for new nursing school graduates, as well as those with experience in a hospital or clinic setting.

Sign-on bonuses of $5,000 for nurses with more than one-year professional nursing experience; and $1,000 for new graduates of an accredited RN nursing program are available. Bonuses will be paid within the first 30 days of employment for nurses hired to work on select inpatient units. Opportunity for the sign-on bonus will be active for those who apply throughout the month of March.

Adena offers competitive pay and benefits for nurses. To learn more about career opportunities at Adena, visit www.adena.org/careers.

Adena Health System announced today that it is implementing visitor restrictions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Adena is taking these additional measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff,” said Chief Clinical Officer Kirk Tucker, MD. “We understand how important the support of loved ones and friends are to patients during the healing process, but as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, we felt the need to take additional steps to help control the spread of illness.” 

Effective immediately at Adena Greenfield Medical Center, Adena Pike Medical Center, Cancer Center and all urgent care locations, no visitors will be allowed in clinical care areas unless deemed absolutely necessary by the patient’s care team.

Adena Regional Medical Center is also limiting visitors and their access to patients as a precaution with specific guidelines: 

- Only one visitor per patient at a time.
- All visitors must be 13 years and older.
- Exceptions may be made for patients visiting the specialty care nursery, pediatric, obstetric, or psychiatric units, and for those    visiting patients receiving end-of-life care.

Tucker added, “Anyone that is experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, we strongly advise them to stay home until they have no fever for at least 48 hours. If you are experiencing respiratory problems, please contact us before visiting the hospital, clinic office, urgent care or emergency department.”  

For more about Adena Health System and its services, visit adena.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. So, why is it still the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States?

With appropriate screening, colon cancer can be detected early or even prevented in many cases. This is why getting a colonoscopy and cancer screening is so important. If polyps are found during a colonoscopy, your doctor can remove them, eliminating the potential for cancer to develop. 

Typically, people are scared, embarrassed or the test prep alone is enough to make them nervous and enough to avoid diagnosis or treatment. New products are now on the market as alternatives to having a colonoscopy. But are these products right for you? Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Wayne Coats helps explain the benefits and disadvantages of the different options. 

In Office: 

A colonoscopy is the most valuable tool in preventing colon cancer. With the patient sedated, the procedure takes about 30 minutes, and involves a lighted tube with a camera that is inserted into the colon. There, the camera enables doctors to look for polyps and other aberrations that may be signs of pre-cancer or cancer.

Advantages:

• The best way to identify colon cancer 
• Typically only needs to be done once every 10 years starting at age 50. Some patients need the test more frequently due to risk factors, such as prior colon polyps or genetic conditions.
• If polyps are identified they can usually be removed during the screening 
• Covered under most insurance plans 

Disadvantages:

• Reputation of being uncomfortable 
• Requires sedation 
• Specific diet restrictions prior to surgery

“The fear of getting a colonoscopy should be nothing compared to the fear of getting cancer,” explained Dr. Coats. “I tell my patients if they aren’t prepared to peruse a colon cancer screening, then they should prepare to die of colon cancer.” 

Home Tests: 

At-home tests can be ordered by the provider and then sent to the patient’s home. These types of screenings require a stool sample. The sample is then mailed to a testing center and screened for abnormalities, such as blood. Once the provider is contacted with the results, they follow up with the patient for recommendations. 

Advantages:

• Non-invasive 
• No preparation 
• Convenient 

Disadvantages:

• Not completely accurate, and cannot guarantee the presence or absence of cancerous cells 
• Not always covered by insurance
• Doesn’t prevent cancer
• False positive and false negative results occur
• Must be completed every three years, versus every 10 years 
• If test is positive, colonoscopy is recommended  

“At home screening tests are viable options, but may not be indicated for all patients,” said Dr. Coats. Colonoscopy is the best test, and is the test recommended for those individuals deemed to be at higher risk than the average population.  

Remember, any screening is better than no screening. 

Individuals over age 50, and those with a personal or family history of cancer or polyps are at greater risk of developing the disease. These people should be talking with their physician and getting scheduled for a colonoscopy. 

To schedule your screening today, talk to your primary care physician or call 740-779-8530. For more information on colon cancer, visit adena.org/coloncancer. 

1-833-4-ASK-ODH Open Seven Days a Week 

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, MD, MPH, today announced the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has opened a call center to answer questions regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). The call center will be open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). 

Call center staff includes licensed nurses and infectious disease experts. They will be available to answer questions and provide accurate information about COVID-19, the risk to the public, and the state’s response. 

There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio. The number of potential cases and the results of testing are regularly updated every weekday at coronavirus.ohio.gov. 

While the general risk to the public in Ohio is still considered low, it is important to continue to follow standard precautions to prevent the spread of infectious disease. To prevent the spread of any virus including novel coronavirus, practice these preventative measures: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

• Stay home when you are sick. 

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 

Additional information and guidance on COVID-19 is available at ODH’s new website, coronavirus.ohio.gov.

(image) Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC), located in Chillicothe, has been named by Healthgrades™ as one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2020. The distinction places ARMC in the top five percent of more than 4,500 U.S. hospitals.

Healthgrades™ is the nation’s leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals; and assesses U.S. hospitals for superior clinical performance.

“Adena Regional Medical Center being named one of the nation’s top 250 hospitals is the result of the robust quality and safety program that we have implemented system wide, guiding Adena’s everyday clinical operations,” said Adena’s President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Our commitment is to offer comprehensive services close to where our patients live in our nine-county region. Being top of mind and our patients’ first choice for health care drives Adena’s commitment to quality and excellence. Having our efforts recognized at this level, by Healthgrades™ for the second consecutive year is a testament to the dedication to service and quality at ARMC and system wide.”

Recipients of Healthgrades™ America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award are recognized for overall clinical excellence across a broad spectrum of care. Over the 2020 study period (2016-2018), Adena and its 250 Best Hospital peers showed superior performance in clinical outcomes for patients across at least 21 of the 32 most common inpatient conditions and procedures, measured by objective performance data (risk-adjusted mortality and in-hospital complications).

“Sustaining a high level of care is challenging, and requires a hospital-wide commitment and a ‘patient-first’ culture. We applaud these elite hospitals on being recognized as the best in the nation,” said Brad Bowman, Chief Medical Officer at Healthgrades™. “With increasing awareness on the importance of hospital quality, this information is a vital resource for consumers when it comes to selecting a hospital for their specific care needs.”

The complete list of 2020 recipients can be viewed at https://www.healthgrades.com/quality/americas-best-hospitals-for-2020

For more about Adena Health System visit us at adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

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It is estimated that between 2.7 million and 6.1 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia. When a patient has AFib, the normal beating within the upper chambers of the heart is irregular, and blood does not flow as it should to the lower chambers. This can cause irregular heartbeats that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. 

Advancing the way it treats this common heart condition, Adena Health System is now offering the minimally invasive WATCHMAN™ procedure to its line of close-to-home heart treatments. According to Adena’s Chief of Cardiology, Dr. Arnold Good, the WATCHMAN™ device is designed to prevent blood clots from forming during episodes of AFib, and keeping clots from migrating from the heart to other parts of the body.

When initially diagnosed with AFib, a patient’s first line of treatment is often the introduction of a blood thinner to lower the risk of stroke. However, some patients are poor candidates for long-term anticoagulation due to problems like bleeding or fall risk. For these patients an alternative to long-term anticoagulation is needed. That is where the next-level treatment with the WATCHMAN™ device can come into play.

“WATCHMAN™ is an extremely well-studied device in medical literature, and it has high safety profiles,” Dr. Good said, noting WATCHMAN™ has “an efficacy rating of more than 99 percent.”

The procedure takes place in the heart catheterization lab, with the WATCHMAN™ device implanted through a vein in the groin. The patient typically goes home the next day. Recovery is usually quick, with patients getting back to their normal routine within a matter of days.

“It’s exciting to provide this level of care for patients in our local community,” explained Dr. Good. “The ability to add WATCHMAN™ technology is important in Adena’s vision to provide our patients with the best medical care possible for the region, in a facility that is close to home and family. It is a powerful thing.”

Another treatment used by Adena Cardiologists to treat AFib is Cryotherapy Ablation. Cryo Ablation is a freezing technique used in patients who have failed medical therapy for AFib. Cryo Ablation scars the inside of the heart, essentially destroying cells in the area of the heart that is causing the patient’s AFib.

Cryo Ablation is minimally invasive and performed with general anesthesia. During the procedure, a cryo balloon is delivered to the heart through a vein in the patient’s groin. Once in the left upper chamber (atria), where AFib starts, the physician inflates the balloon and sends a liquid refrigerant into it. This freezes a portion of the atrial wall and stops the electrical impulses responsible for atrial fibrillation. Despite a part of the heart’s interior being scarred, cryotherapy ablation causes no functional damage to the organ.

However, ablation is not for every patient. To be a candidate for the procedure, that patient must have symptomatic drug-resistant AFib, meaning the symptoms impact the person’s quality of life. The procedure has a 70 to 80 percent effectiveness in controlling AFib, and may require multiple procedures. Dr. John Keller is the lead physician for this position and notes how exciting it is to improve patient’s lives with this technology.

Adena is building its Structural Heart program to serve patients throughout south central and southern Ohio as AFib and other heart conditions become even more common as the U.S. population ages. 

To schedule an appointment with Adena Cardiology, call 740-779-4570. For more information visit www.adena.org/cardiology.

(image) Most wounds, cuts and scratches heal quickly. However, for some people wounds heal slowly due to problems with blood flow, infection, diabetes or poor nutrition.

Adena Wound Care Services is expanding its close-to-home services by now offering Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medical therapy proven to accelerate the healing of wounds and other conditions, such as soft tissue radionecrosis, chronic and refractory osteomyelitis, compromised skin grafts/flaps, diabetic wounds of the lower extremities and more.

“We are excited to elevate the level our wound care services by offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients in our region,” said Dr. Brandon Keys with Adena Wound Care. “This type of treatment requires daily sessions for several weeks. Having HBOT now available at Adena gives our patients an option that is effective for healing; and convenient because it is closer to where they live.”

Oxygen is essential for wound healing. One of the reasons wounds can be slow to heal is due to a lack of oxygen at the wound site. When breathing under normal conditions, a person takes in about 21% oxygen. With HBOT, a patient breathes 100% oxygen while inside a clear, pressurized chamber. The chamber’s high-pressure environment helps to carry the increased amounts of oxygen throughout the body, accelerating wound healing

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.HBOT is covered by most insurance companies for a range of conditions, including: 

• Diabetic wounds/ulcers of the lower extremities;
• Preparation and preservation of compromised skin grafts;
• Chronic and refractory osteomyelitis, unresponsive to conventional treatment;
• Delayed soft tissue injuries due to radiation;
• Osteoradionecrosis (bone injury caused by radiation);
• Gas gangrene;
• Gas embolism;
• Acute traumatic peripheral ischemia;
• Crush injuries and suturing of severed limbs; and
• Progressive necrotizing infections.

To learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Adena, call 740-779-7090 or visit Adena.org/woundcare.

By: Dr. Reggina Yandila, Adena Internal Medicine, Primary Care

Happy belated Valentine’s Day everyone!  

When it comes to the month of February, what should be the first thing that comes to mind? If your answer is chocolate, that’s the wrong answer. It should be the heart and all that comes with it. So put down any leftover chocolates and let’s take a moment to talk about your heart.

Heart disease is listed as the one of the leading causes of death. It can be a silent killer for women and diabetics in general. The number of cases of heart disease are climbing and has been on the rise since 1999. Heart disease has been shown to cause just over 700,000 heart attacks each year in the U.S. The death rate for heart disease can exceed at least 600,000 or more per year in our country alone. Information from the American Heart Association, shows that 7 million Americans have had at least one heart attack in their lifespan.

Whether you are sitting or standing to read this, pay attention because this may apply to you. They are two types of risk factors. One is the uncontrollable risk factors which include males, family history of heart disease, postmenopausal women, increasing age, and race. The incidence of heart disease is higher in African-Americans, Mexican Americans, and American Indians than it is in Caucasians.

The controllable risks factors for heart disease include but are not exclusive to smoking, alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, uncontrolled cholesterol which includes high LDL levels which is the bad cholesterol or low HDL levels which is your good cholesterol, obesity, uncontrolled blood pressure, sedentary or decreased physical activity, and poorly controlled diabetes. Lastly, but not least, your mental status such as depression, high stress levels, and anger may increase the risk of heart disease.

Since we know about the risk factors, what can we do to try to prevent it or decrease the severity of a current disease process? Now while we can’t turn back time on our heart, we can try to improve from where we are now. Are you with me? For smoking and alcohol cessation there are programs available to try to motivate you to stop. Make sure you consult with your Primary Care Provider about these. Now hold on to your seats, I am going to throw some familiar words at you. They are diet and exercise which should be simply put lifestyle changes. Proper diet/nutrition can be beneficial in terms of lowering your blood pressure, lowering blood sugar levels, lowering your stress levels, lowering the number on the scale or maintaining your healthy weight. Add in exercise and you have a winning combination. Before I continue, I must remind you to please make sure you consult your doctor(s) about what nutrition/exercise is best for you. In general, we recommend that you start slow with your exercise routine. Baby steps, ladies and gentlemen, baby steps. Even if you start with exercising five minutes per day for 5-6 days per week, it’s okay. Just keep pushing. Add five minutes each week until you can reach a goal of 30-60 minutes 5-6 days weekly based on your health plans. If you are not sure what activity to do, try different ones and see which one or two stick. If you need a push, maybe look at working with a trainer, ask a friend to go with you and/or pick out your favorite tunes to jam with while you exercise. Many of us keep appointments with others for meetings, kids’ practices, etc. Schedule time on your calendars with yourself for yourself to exercise and keep it! 

We only have one heart, no spares to kick in when and if we beat this one up. Today is your day to make a change or continue a streak. You can do this. There are so many people that you don’t know that are rooting for you. Make 2020 and the years to come your year! Have fun out there and take care!

Adena Health System is proud to be expanding its urgent care and walk-in clinic services to patients with the addition of five new Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP) offering even more options for comprehensive close-to-home care.

Codee Mash, CNP has been with Adena since 2010, advancing her career from Patient Care Associate, Registered Nurse, Patient Care Coordinator to Family Nurse Practitioner. She has earned a master’s in Nursing from Ohio University.   

Ashley Roese, CNP returns to Adena having done her clinical experience at Adena Family Medicine – Circleville while earning her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Chamberlain University. She joins the Health System having served as a CNP, Emergency Department Nurse, Staff Charge Nurse and Staff Nurse with multiple Columbus area health systems and clinics. 

Elizabeth Songer, CNP comes back to Adena having served as a Staff Nurse with several Columbus area hospitals since 2007. While earning her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from The Ohio State University, Songer gained her clinical experience working with Adena Occupational Health.

Letanya Stewart, CNP joins Adena having nursing experience throughout Chillicothe and Columbus since 2008. Stewart earned a Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the Mount Carmel College of Nursing, located in Columbus. 

Tiffani Strange, CNP is now seeing patients at Adena Family Medicine – Circleville’s walk-in clinic. Strange previously worked as a staff nurse with Adena Surgery. She has been with the Health System since 2011, starting her career as a nurse in Labor and Delivery. Strange earned her master’s in Nursing from Ohio University.

For more about these and other Adena providers, visit us at adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

(image) When making a health care decision for yourself or your family, quality of care and peace of mind are important factors. Choosing where to receive that care also plays a big role in the decision that goes into the care you or your loved one will receive. Knowing that your hospital provides patient-centered care, with demonstrated success can give you the confidence you need.

Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) in Chillicothe has recently been recognized as a Center of Excellence by The Joint Commission in the areas of Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement and in the area of Perinatal Care. Having met The Joint Commission’s stringent quality standards for its Gold Seal of Approval® in each area, ARMC is a close-to home option for that peace of mind, and can provide comfort that the health care decisions you are making are the right ones.

Perinatal Care Certification

“Adena is committed to delivering excellent care to those living in our communities,” said Dr. Richard Villarreal, medical director, Adena Women and Children’s division. “As one of just four facilities in Ohio to receive this certification, we continually demonstrate our commitment to quality, and in delivering the best outcomes for our patients.”

Perinatal Care Certification recognizes the efforts of ARMC’s Women and Children’s program to achieve integrated, coordinated, patient-centered care for clinically uncomplicated pregnancies and births. The certification uses standards, guidelines and The Joint Commission’s perinatal care core performance measures to manage and monitor the aspects of perinatal care that are critical to improve and maintain the health of newborns and their mothers. The achievement is the result of ARMC’s continued compliance within its performance standards, and is a symbol of the quality reflected in a health care organization’s commitment to provide safe and quality care for newborns and their mothers.

Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification

Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification, in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, focuses on the entire patient experience, as related to total hip and knee replacement. This includes the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation, intraoperative treatment, post-surgery hospitalization, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visits with the orthopedic surgeon. In each of these areas, ARMC has met the Joint Commission’s compliance standards, including fully integrated multidisciplinary collaborations, streamlined clinical pathways, patient optimization through shared decision-making and accelerated patient care through best practice approaches.

“Achieving this level of certification places Adena Regional Medical Center among only five other hospitals in Ohio, while being the only one in the central and south central region,” said Dr. Brian Cohen, Orthopedic Surgeon and medical director, Adena Bone and Joint Center. “As an advanced certified program, patients can expect the highest level of care and quality, and have an active role in their care. We are producing better outcomes and faster recoveries getting patients on their feet and home faster.”   

For more information about Adena’s Centers of Excellence visit www.adena.org. To schedule an appointment, call Adena Women and Children’s Center at 740-779-7201 and the Adena Bone and Joint Center at 740-779-4598. 

Adena Cancer Center is one of 10 oncology practices in the nation to receive Improving the Delivery of Cancer Care in Medically Underserved Communities Grant Program funds from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The three-year grant, provided by ASCO’s Foundation, will support training and participation.

“This will enable Adena Cancer Center’s operations to significantly enhance clinical outcomes and quality of care over the course of the grant period,” said Alex Wilson, M.D. Adena Cancer Center Medical Director and Radiation Oncologist. “Being part of a select group of oncology programs selected by the ASCO will provide us with opportunities to network with like facilities regarding disparities in care, and how we can work together to create action plans to minimize these disparities. These collaborations will ultimately provide us with the tools and information we need to further standardize cancer care to national benchmarks.”

Adena Cancer Center will benefit from the educational opportunities and guidance of national experts in oncology care in driving improvement projects over the life of the three-year grant, benefiting patients and families in southern and south central Ohio. Grant partners will assist Adena in identifying key issues, and putting together successful action plans to prepare the Cancer Center for its application for Quality Oncology Practice Intuitive (QOPI) accreditation.

Other recipients of the Improving the Delivery of Cancer Care in Medically Underserved Communities grant include:

• Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute (Hartford, Connecticut);
• Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Wisconsin);
• New York Presbyterian Hospital (Flushing, New York);
• Parkland Health and Hospital System (Dallas, Texas);
• Sidney Health Center Cancer Care (Sidney, Montana);
• Sweetwater Regional Cancer Center (Rock Springs, Wyoming);
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (El Paso, Texas);
• West Cancer Center and Research Institute (Memphis, Tennessee); and
• Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (San Francisco, California).

 For more information about Adena Cancer Center, call 740-542-3030 or visit adena.org/cancer.

Adena Health System made great strides in 2019 building upon its vision of making access to medical specialists and high-quality care achievable for every person living in its nine-county service area. Among its 2019 achievements was a commitment by the Adena Board of Trustees and System leadership in making a $70 million dollar investment in a new Orthopedics and Robotic Surgery Center. The five-story addition will house Adena Bone & Joint Center (ABJC) specialties and Adena’s robotic surgery program and is scheduled to open in summer 2021.

“The quality of Adena specialties and services continues to attract the attention of national health care organizations,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Our people are doing great work in achieving quality metrics that put us in competition with some of the best health care organizations in Ohio and the nation. People don’t have to leave our region to get great care and good results.”

Adena continues to enhance how it delivers care to patients throughout the region, achieving numerous industry accolades and announcements of future growth. These include:

• Adena Regional Medical Center becoming one of five Centers of Excellence in Ohio, earning The Joint Commission’s (TJC) Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement;
• ARMC’s Women and Children’s program also received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal in the area of Perinatal Care, one of only three other entities in Ohio;
• Adena Regional Medical Center is named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2019 by Healthgrades®; 
• Adena Pike Medical Center earns a 5-Star Hospital Rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services;
• Being named a Gallup Great Workplace, one of just 36 organizations in the world to receive this distinction in 2019; 
• Introduction of its first-ever mobile 3D mammography unit that is taking mammography services to patients in more areas of the region than ever; 
• Expanding care in Pickaway County, opening its second location in Circleville, a specialty clinic giving hometown care for specialties such as cardiology, OB/GYN, urology and more;
• Announcing plans for an Urgent Care facility in Circleville, opening in March 2020;
• Adena Greenfield and Pike Medical Centers are recognized with 2019 Performance Leadership Awards for Excellence in Rural Health Care;
• Adena Regional Medical Center’s Stroke Program earns the American Heart and American Stroke Associations’ Gold Quality Achievement Award; and
• The addition of Adena Health Center – Woodlands, formerly Pixelle Family Medical Center, to its primary care and pharmacy networks beginning in January 2020.

Partnerships with health care organizations, within and outside the region, has continued and expanded in 2019, with a focus on keeping care close to home for people living in south central and southern Ohio. Hospitals located in the southern Ohio region are an important part of the continuum of care for patients and an economic engine for their communities.

According to Graham, “The success and strength of local hospitals is critical for immediate access to care and it is our vision to support the outlying regions in keeping the access available where people live in our region.” 

Through its partnership efforts, Adena continues to expand access to care and services to people of all ages. “We are excited to grow our successful partnership with Nationwide Children’s to offer families close-to-home access to pediatric specialty care that will help to avoid disruption of family life,” said Graham. “We have also recently added Adena Oncology to the new Cancer Care Clinic located within Fayette County Memorial Hospital, in Washington Court House, giving patients battling cancer the opportunity to receive life-saving treatment in their hometown.”

As Adena continued to grow its partnership strategy in 2019, other successful growth and affiliations achieved include:

• Opening its second Fayette County Memorial Hospital (FCMH) location for specialty services, increasing the list of specialties offered on the FCMH campus to eight;
• Partnering with the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center to offer a fully-accredited Psychiatry Residency Program through Adena’s Graduate Medical Education Program;  
• Collaborating with Hopewell Health Centers and the Chillicothe City School District, Adena and its partners open the Mount Logan Community Clinic, a new primary care clinic to serve people living on Chillicothe’s east side; and
• Adena Family Medicine - Ironmen Clinic opens within Jackson Middle School to meet the health care needs of Jackson City Schools students and staff. This is Adena’s first ever school-based health care clinic.

For more about Adena Health System visit us at adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

(image) “It takes a village.' 

That’s a statement that Ellis Frazier, MD, a family physician at Adena Family Practice – Piketon, truly takes to heart. But he’s not content to sit back and let others do all the hard work.

Frazier has been serving Adena patients in Piketon for 10 years. In addition to his work, he began quietly volunteering at a food pantry in Pike County a couple of years ago. 

“I saw some people on fixed budgets who were coming in every week. It really showed me a need,” he says. “Families are in need of food and also items like diapers, toilet paper, and toothpaste—especially at the end of the month when their resources have started to run out.”

Although Frazier can’t be on-site as much as he would like, he’s been instrumental in  keeping the pantry stocked with non-perishable foods by serving as a collection point and encouraging his co-workers and even his patients at Adena to donate. “I have one patient who is an extreme couponer,” he says. “She got me 50 huge bags of toiletries.”

Frazier’s service mindset is nothing new. He went to medical school at the University of Kentucky as part of the National Health Service Corps, which provides student loans that physicians can “repay” after medical school by working in underserved communities. Frazier fulfilled part of his obligation in Nebraska before moving back to Ohio, where he had completed his family practice residency at Grant Medical Center in Columbus. 

Frazier is also a lifetime board member of the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, and an active member of the Ross County AIDS Task Force to promote HIV education and reduce the stigma associated with the disease.

“I like to help out the underdog,” Frazier says. “I think it’s important to stand up and say, ‘This is what I see on behalf of my patients.’”

(image) Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) welcomed its official New Year’s Baby early this morning.

Kristine Rice, 26 of Amanda, OH arrived at ARMC in spontaneous, active labor at approximately 7 p.m. on New Year’s Day. At 4:01 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, Rice and Austin Ross welcomed their second daughter, Laira Emelia Ross.

With a due date of January 13, Rice never thought it possible to be the parent of a New Year’s baby. “The baby was due on January 13, but I was scheduled to be induced on Monday, January 6,” said Rice. “My mom thought the baby would come between December 27 and 31. She thought she was going to be a 2019 baby; and I kept telling her, ‘No, she’s not coming yet. Give it time. She’s going to be a 2020 baby.’ I just didn’t know when.”

Rice shared that she began going into pre-term labor at 32 weeks. Over the past month and a half, she had three false alarms where she was treated to stop labor, giving the baby time to mature. Each time, Rice was sent home once labor stopped.

“That’s what happened last night,” she added. “I thought I was going to be discharged because I couldn’t feel the contractions anymore. I figured I was going to go home again, and actually thought about eating something. Then they checked and told me I was dilated to a six (centimeters) and still in labor. It worked out. It really did!”

Even arriving almost two weeks early, Laira weighed in at 7 lbs, 6 ounces, and is 20.5 inches long.

As it does each year, the Adena Women’s Board provides a gift basket for the first baby of the New Year, born as the result of spontaneous labor/birth. Included is a collection of garments, infant care supplies, toys and gift cards to mark the occasion. The family expressed its appreciation for the thoughtful gift.

“I think it’s sweet,” said Rice. “I’ve never had a hospital do that before. It was really nice of them.”(image)

Rice also praised the care she’s received from her caregivers on ARMC’s Women and Children’s unit. “I delivered my first daughter at another hospital, and their bedside manner was not very good. But these guys (nurses and labor and delivery team) have been very good to me. Especially the midwife who delivered her (the baby), Molly. She was phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”

ARMC’s Women and Children’s program is now a Center for Excellence in Perinatal Care as certified by The Joint Commission. The achievement is the result of ARMC’s commitment in fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety, and quality of care for newborns and their mothers. For more information about Adena’s Women and Children’s program visit www.adena.org/women.

By: Dr. Reggina Yandila, Adena Internal Medicine, Primary Care

Hello Everyone,

Happy New Year! Each New Year always seems to bring with it resolutions. How many of you so far have kept to your New Year’s Resolutions? Did anyone decide to eat healthier? Well you’re in luck, because I am here to discuss nutrition and help you stick to those healthier habits. 

Also if you want to hear more about nutrition and have the chance to speak with me, I invite you to come to Adena’s next Walk With a Doc event on January 29 at noon at the YMCA of Ross County where you will hear more from me on this topic, get a free healthy lunch and even take a short walk with me so we can have a personal conversation to answer some of your questions.

Before we go any further, let’s define nutrition. Nutrition is taking in the food that is necessary for growth and health. It is also defined as the science of study that looks at nutrients that we consume and how they play a role in the growth, health, and disease prevention in individuals. I find that with most people, those who find a balance between eating healthy and exercising achieve the most success with maintain a healthy body weight. For some it is hard to do both diet and exercises changes at the same time, so start with one and then add the other. 

Well-balanced nutrition is the fuel for your body. Not only does it give you the energy, but it helps with other things. It can decrease your risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and more. It can help promote weight loss, a better outlook on life, and even for some it can help to improve memory.

Now that we have an idea of what nutrition is, how does it translate into what you should be eating?

Remember the Food Pyramid. Yes, it has been modified now, but it is the foundation of what we should consider following. Today we look to myplate.gov for recommendations. The guidelines consist of five food groups. They include vegetables, fruits, grains, protein and dairy. 

Vegetables and fruits are great sources of antioxidants that may help ward off disease by protecting cells from damage that may cause cancer. They also contain fiber that can help you feel full longer and may even reduce the risk of cancers. Fruits and vegetables can also fill in when you start to crave something sweet, at least some vegetables and most fruits that is. Your recommended serving size of fruit is 1 to 1.5 cups of fruit per day. Vegetable consumption should be at least 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day. Whole grains are your breads, cereals, and pastas. They help provide the body with energy. The serving size should be 3 to 4 ounce equivalents per day. Proteins include things like chicken, fish, lean red meat, and eggs. Proteins help with our immune system, and are important for tissue repair, and building muscle. The serving size should be 5 to 6.5 ounces per day. Dairy includes yogurt, cheese, and low fat milk. Dairy helps to promote healthy teeth and bones. The serving size should be 3 cups per day.

With any goal or New Year’s resolution you embark on, start slow and gradually add on. I hope you can make it to my Walk With a Doc on January 29 where I will go a little more in-depth about nutrition. As, always, be sure you consult your primary care provider and/or cardiologists, nephrologist before making any changes to your diet and/or fitness regimen. Make this year a year to remember. Happy 2020 everyone!

(image) Adena Health System today announced it is now offering online check-in at its three Urgent Care, and two Walk-In locations. The addition of a new, online reservation system called Clockwise MD gives patients the opportunity to skip the wait in selected waiting rooms. Adena is the first heath system in the region to introduce this technology to its patients.

The system works similar to “call-ahead seating” at a restaurant. It enables the patient to take their place in line by going to www.adena.org/urgentcare and registering from their Smartphone or computer. Patients may also choose an approximate visit time, which is convenient for them, to hold their place in line for Adena Urgent Care locations in Chillicothe, Hillsboro and Waverly; and the Walk-In clinics in Chillicothe and Jackson. Current wait times for each location will also be displayed on the website.

“Our goal is to improve the overall patient experience by allowing our patients to reserve a spot in line, get real-time status updates about wait times, and to view their position in the queue,” said Jessica Matheny, Adena’s director of Urgent Care Services. “As much as the technology will benefit our patients, there is also value in this for our clinic staff, giving them an improved ability to gauge how many patients to expect, plan better, get patients in faster, and reduce those wait times.”

How it works:

• Visit www.adena.org/urgentcare and click on “Reserve Your Spot.” Select an available time, complete the required fields and hit “submit.”
• Patients will receive text messages confirming their reservation as well as status updates.
• When the patient arrives, they will use a tablet to check-in, confirming their arrival. Front desk staff will assist patients in completing their registration for treatment and billing.
• A monitor will show each patient’s current position in a virtual queue that shows the clinic’s rate of progress in seeing patients.

Patients can still choose to walk in without a reservation at Adena Urgent Care and Walk-In locations. Walk-in patients will be added to the queue grouping upon registration and will also see their place represented on the monitor in the clinic.

For more information, visit www.adena.org/urgentcare

(image) Starting a fitness program can be one of the best things you can do for your health.

Exercising daily can provide a way for you to share an activity with your family and friends. At the same time, it helps you establish healthy habits. 

Daily exercise can help prevent conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor lifestyle habits that lead to heart attack and stroke later in life. It can also can help delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases linked to aging.

However, the difficulty with any exercise program can be where to start. Adena Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Juanito Savaille offers some tips to help get you active this spring.

Where to Start? 

According Dr. Savaille, the first thing you should do before beginning any kind of exercise program is to consult with a doctor to help set up realistic goals and to prevent injury, especially those who have never exercised or engaged in much physical activity.

“Simply walking can increase your heart rate and breathing, which makes it easier for you to perform daily living activities,” he said. “For some patients, 20 minutes of low-moderate exercise is enough. Ideally, you should try to get a minimum of 30 minutes of low-moderate exercise, such as walking, three or more days per week. The exercise can be continuous for 30 minutes or broken into three 10-minute intervals throughout the day.”

Staying Fit the Old Fashioned Way

Certainly, modern devices can make life easier and more convenient, but they also can make you less active. There are a number of ways though to get active besides just walking or jogging.

Maybe it's time to dust off the old push lawnmower or try changing the channels by hand instead of using a remote. Try taking the stairs each day instead of the elevator or park at the farthest corner of the parking lot. Even bursts of activity like this can improve blood pressure and blood sugar control and also put off depression.

Dr. Savaille also recommends gardening, swimming, bicycling, yoga and dancing.

Am I Too Old to Exercise?

One myth is as we get older we should limit our physical activities because it can add wear and tear on the body and possibly cause injury. Not true. A reduction in physical activity can actually be more harmful than not getting any physical exercise. Lack of physical activity or decreased physical activity can lead to worsening of medical conditions. “For older individuals it’s recommended to start with low intensity and go slow,” said Dr. Savaille. “It is important to note that the body’s thirst response diminishes as you get older. Therefore, it is important to ensure you are drinking plenty of water before, during and after you exercise. Drinking four 16-ounce bottles of water per day is what I recommend my patients.”

Should Exercising Hurt?

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can cause muscle soreness and achy joints, especially for beginners. Dr. Savaille recommends always warming up before exercising. “Exercising should never cause severe pain,” he said. “If you do experience severe pain, stop exercising. If any injury does occur or you have any symptoms such as chest pain, feeling faint, dizziness, nausea or palpitations, stop exercising and call your health care provider immediately.”

You can also perform the R.I.C.E. Therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) to help, but if pain does not improve after two days notify your doctor.  

What Should I Wear?

Wearing proper clothing and footwear is important when exercising to prevent injuries. Improper shoes can damage or injure your feet, ankles, knees and hips. Clothes should fit comfortably and let you move freely. 

“Athletic shoes/sneakers are best for exercising,” Dr. Savaille recommends. “It is also important to have shoes that fit well and provide great support for your feet. Diabetic sneakers/shoes should be worn at all times for individuals with diabetes. Wear materials that allow air to circulate and dress appropriately based on the weather for outdoor activities.”

Remember, staying active has many health benefits and can even reduce stress and improve sleep, However, anyone with symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain, lightheadedness/dizziness or anyone who suffers from a medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or lung disease should consult with a doctor before participating in a fitness plan. 

Dr. Savaille is currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call Adena Internal Medicine at 740-779-4700. For more tips on how to start on your fitness journey, visit adena.org/library. 

(image) Also known as a PCP, a primary care provider should be your first point of contact for your medical and health care needs and is one of the most important relationships you can have. PCPs provide preventive health services, diagnose, treat and manage chronic diseases and can help you navigate and coordinate your whole spectrum of care.

Adena’s primary care physicians build a personal relationship with you to educate, diagnose and treat basic health needs, including physicals, immunizations, health screenings and disease prevention.

In a day and age when personal connections with health care providers continue to become more challenging, Adena primary care physicians are taking steps to increase your access to them and in turn for you to receive the most personal care possible. 

Four Reasons You Should Have a Primary Care Provider:

 1.    Faster Appointments

Did you know those already established with a primary care provider have better access to appointments and can possibly even access same day appointments? At Adena, we know your health and time are both important. Our primary care locations offer a wide range of office hours to help accommodate busy schedules. 

 2.    Free Annual Wellness Visits

Most of the time when we see our patients, it’s about illnesses, disease or aches and pains. During a Wellness Visit, we will concentrate on making sure you are up-to-date on your screenings and discuss lifestyle and health habits. And did you know that it’s free with most insurance plans? Contact your insurance provider to determine whether your plan includes a free annual wellness exam.

Whether you’re a new or existing patient, it’s easy to schedule your wellness visit at Adena. Here’s what you can expect at your appointment:

• Review your medical and family history
• Take height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements
• Look for potential cognitive impairment
• Go over your health risk assessment and develop a personalized prevention plan
• Develop a list of risk factors, treatment options and screening schedule

 3.    Preventive Care

Your PCP can help you reduce or eliminate your risk of developing cancer, diabetes and other diseases before they ever surface.As part of monitoring your ongoing wellness, Adena offers an array of screenings and preventive measures to keep you healthy and reduce your chances of developing a chronic disease.

Your primary care physician should perform the following preventive health measures regularly:

• Blood pressure should be checked at every visit to a primary care physician.
• Cholesterol should be checked every five years.
• Body mass index (BMI) should be measured annually for those who are overweight or suffer from eating disorders.
• Sexually transmitted infections should be screened for annually for all individuals who are sexually active (note: screening for sexually transmitted infections can typically be included in a women’s wellness exam). 

 4.    Save Money and Time

Because emergency and urgent care visits are unscheduled, it is almost impossible to predict your wait time. Urgent care visits can also be costly. You could be paying over twice as much for an urgent care visit. By seeing a PCP regularly, patients are more likely to manage issues such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes which can help avoid costly prescriptions. Patients who see a primary care doctor regularly are less likely to be hospitalized or have surgery.

Don’t have a primary care provider? Call 740-779-FIND (3463) or visit adena.org/find to get established with an Adena primary care provider today at a location that is convenient to you. 

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Healthy lifestyle decisions can go a long way toward the best management of your diabetes

Dr. Kirk Tucker, Adena Health System’s Chief Clinical Officer, Head of Clinical Operations and a practicing internist specializing in adults with chronic illness, says there are ways to lower your medication expenses. Tucker has helped many patients reduce their need for insulin, and he has Type 1 diabetes, so he speaks from personal experience.

Although he is a diabetes patient himself, his advice is specific to those with Type 2. That’s because, according to Tucker, they may sound alike but are two completely different diseases. Type 2 is vastly more common representing about 98 percent of his patients.

Type 1 is an autoimmune disease and usually begins in childhood. The immune system attacks the pancreas’ ability to make insulin. Type 2 is currently classified as a metabolic disease and traditionally presents itself in mid to late adulthood although Tucker is seeing it more in obese children. Type 2 is progressive insulin resistance caused by the pancreas needing to make more and more insulin to keep up with the body’s glucose levels, which are often high because of poor diet choices and inactivity. Eventually, the pancreas cannot keep up with the demand.

The Medication Roadmap

Tucker explains that there are three distinct treatment options: 1) injectable medication, 2) oral medication, and 3) diet and lifestyle.

When a new patient comes to Tucker, he needs to know how out of control is the diabetes. To figure that out he measures hemoglobin A1C levels, a type of diabetes control assessment. To avoid complications of high blood sugar, a person needs a reading that’s a minimum of seven. If the initial reading is close to seven, Tucker starts with a long discussion about diet and lifestyle. In contrast, if it’s in the teens, that person requires immediate medication (oral, injectable, or both) to lower the numbers. Ideally, those with the higher readings will eventually get their numbers closer to seven.

Choices

Tucker is adamant that diet and lifestyle should always be the first option for everyone even before they reach an official diabetes diagnosis. Good health practices reduce a person’s chances of ever getting the disease.

When Tucker’s diet and lifestyle discussions are taken seriously, patients whose hemoglobin A1C readings are closer to 7, have the chance to wean themselves off medication entirely.

In regard to diet and exercise, Tucker takes a three-pronged approach: sugar, carbohydrates and exercise.

On Sugar.

“I explain that sugar is now a poison. You must stop eating it. No more donuts, sweet tea, soda, or candy,” says Tucker. “I start with the obvious early on because I don’t want to shock folks.”

This means if you have an M&M habit every afternoon or a mid-morning pastry, it’s time to end those practices and replace it with something that provides nutritional value. Plus, the less you eat sugar, the less you will crave it.

On Carbohydrates.

Most people get their carbohydrates, which your body converts into sugar, from breads (including cakes and muffins), pastas, and starchy vegetables like potatoes. Tucker suggests you don’t have to quit entirely, but portion control is paramount. He points out that bread is a vehicle to carry food to your mouth, so don’t use it.

Tucker advises eating your starchy vegetable last. Always try and fill up on your protein and vegetables. Only then, if you’re still hungry, eat your potato.

On Exercise.

“Exercising 30 minutes each day is as good as getting a shot of insulin,” Tucker saves.

Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise can be anything from riding a stationary bike to walking in the neighborhood. Ultimately, Tucker wants his patients to lose weight, but to do so in a sustainable, healthy manner.

Tucker acknowledges the price of insulin is driven by a complex system of politics and economics. Lifestyle change, he points out, is free.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Emphasis should always be on prevention,” Tucker says.

To schedule an appointment with an internist, call Adena Internal Medicine at 740-779-4700.

(image) A pair of recent Adena Health Foundation events supporting the Health System’s critical access hospitals in Greenfield and Waverly proved to be undeniable successes. Annual events for Adena Greenfield and Pike Medical Centers raised funds that will support the financial needs for continued growth of hospital services at both facilities.

The first annual Adena Greenfield Medical Center Autumn Gala, held in October, saw a near sellout attendance just shy of 200 people pack the Orpheum Theater in Hillsboro. Over $29,000 was generated during this signature event will be allocated toward clinical equipment to support new specialty services at AGMC. Specifically, surgical equipment for expansion of General Surgery, Urology and the addition of Podiatry and OB/GYN services.(image)

(image) The 36th Annual Adena Pike Medical Center Festival of Trees, held at the Twin Lakes Resort in Piketon in November, saw similar milestones reached as a crowd of over 200 attendees raised over $19,000 during the event’s grand auction of fully decorated Christmas trees and other handcrafted items.(image)

“Each year these events continue to grow and showcase just how special and generous our donors and supporters of the communities in Greenfield and Waverly truly are,” said Rebekah Clevenger, Foundation Development Director, Community. “With both events reaching record attendance numbers, we are able to make significant impacts towards the care we deliver for these communities we serve.”

The Adena Health Foundation thanks all its donors, volunteers and sponsors who helped make these events so memorable and successful.    

To learn more about how you can support Adena Greenfield and Pike Medical Centers’ continued growth, visit adena.org/givenow.

(image) Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Perinatal Care. This certification designates ARMC’s Women and Children’s program as a Center for Excellence in Perinatal Care, as it joins only three other entities in Ohio to achieve this level of excellence. The achievement is the result of ARMC’s continuous compliance within its performance standards, and is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality care for newborns and their mothers. 

The certification recognizes ARMC’s efforts to achieve integrated, coordinated, patient-centered care for clinically uncomplicated pregnancies and births. The certification uses standards, guidelines and The Joint Commission’s perinatal care core performance measures for managing and monitoring aspects of perinatal care that are critical to improving and maintaining the health of newborns and their mothers.

“Adena is committed to delivering excellence in the care we provide to those living in our communities,” said Dr. Richard Villarreal, medical director, Adena Women and Children’s division. “Being one of just four facilities in Ohio to receive this certification shows our commitment to quality as we provide the best outcomes to our patients.”

Certification is the result of a rigorous, two-day onsite review by a team of Joint Commission reviewers who evaluated compliance within related certification standards. These include: quality and safety metrics; protocols and procedures; and use of evidence-based practice guidelines. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews with patients and caregivers.

“Perinatal Care Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive for The Joint Commission. “We commend Adena Regional Medical Center for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes, and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for newborns and their mothers.”

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Adena Women and Children’s Center, call 740-779-7201 or visit www.adena.org.

(image) Adena Health System announces today that it has added Pixelle Family Medical Center to its primary care and pharmacy networks. Effective, January 1, 2020, the facility will operate under the name Adena Health Center – Woodlands.

Located at 311 Caldwell Street, Chillicothe, Adena Health Center – Woodlands will offer primary care, laboratory services, and a retail pharmacy to current Pixelle Specialty Solutions employees, plant retirees. For the first time, the clinic will also be open to the public. All current clinic providers and staff are being retained, and each will make the transition to Adena.

“Adena Health Center – Woodlands supports our strategy to make access to health care convenient for people living and working in the communities we serve,” said Jeff Graham, Adena President & CEO. “The clinic will maintain a convenient health care option for plant workers and retirees, as well as those living and working in Chillicothe’s downtown area and east end. Facing closure, and the potential loss of hometown services, the Adena Board of Trustees supported this acquisition as a solution to deliver care for those who dedicate their careers to our local community and economy.”  

Adena Health Center – Woodlands will offer comprehensive care for every member of the family, from newborns to great grandparents. The health center will offer a full array of primary care services including: well-baby/child check-ups; back-to-school and sports physicals; yearly wellness exams; immunizations; chronic disease management for conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular conditions; care for acute conditions, such as sports injuries, flu and strep throat; and screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, hypertension and more.

Patients visiting Adena Health Center – Woodlands will also have direct access to Adena’s ancillary services that are offered at the facility, such as laboratory services and Adena’s mobile mammography unit as well as a retail pharmacy that will open in late Spring 2020. In addition, patients will have the benefit of being more closely aligned with other nearby Adena facilities for coordination of medical records, laboratory and X-ray results. Adena Health Center – Woodlands will accept all forms of insurance currently accepted by the Health System.

Hours of operation for Adena Family Medicine – Woodlands are: Monday and Wednesday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and the second Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

For more about Adena Health System, visit us at adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

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Each year, the need among children in our community grows greater; and each year through its Coats for Kids drive, Adena Health System caregivers step up to meet that need. This year, more than 1,200 local children are receiving brand new coats, thanks to the generosity of Adena caregivers.

Celebrating its 11^th year, Adena’s Coats for Kids program has become well-known throughout the region. This year, coats were purchased for elementary-aged children from 28 schools, located in: Hocking, Jackson, Pike, Ross and Vinton counties. Students supported by the program are identified by teachers, principals, bus drivers and others who may know of a family’s financial situation, or notice that a child who may not have proper clothing to handle the cold.

Having been involved with this program since it began, my heart is always full when I see the response from our caregivers who ensure that no child goes without,” said Adena Health Foundation’s Robin Berno. “Having a warm coat this time of year gives students, their teachers and parents one less thing to worry about.”

Since the Health System began collecting coats in 2007, Adena caregivers have provided nearly 12,200 coats to area children through the program. New coats are collected, sorted and delivered to schools by caregivers, volunteers and their families.

For more about Adena Health System visit us at adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

H.E. Beau Bowman, III has been named new Executive Director for the Adena Health Foundation.

Beau has more than 13 years of experience leading foundation operations for rural health systems in Georgia and Mississippi. His focus on philanthropic growth and relationship building resulted in growing endowments, increasing estate and annual gift planning, caregiver and external giving, capital campaigns and more.

With Beau’s expertise, he will be effective in engaging the Foundation within our communities, to create beneficial partnerships that will help Adena advance the health care needs of patients in its nine county service region.

Beau earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He also has a certificate in Healthcare Philanthropy Management from the University of Wisconsin’s Warton College of Business.

(image) Holidays bring joy — and food anxiety. How to cook, how to serve, and, finally, how much? In an era when we all seem to be on a diet, do you give in and make everything Grandma did?

Today’s goal is not to re-create a Norman Rockwell painting, but to make a festive meal you will be happy to serve on Thanksgiving Day. The biggest change: If you don’t need to present the whole turkey for carving at the table, cook a turkey breast instead.

Cooking times

If you start with a fresh turkey breast, you don’t have to worry about thawing it in time to cook for dinner. It will probably come with directions and a pop-up timer, but here are the basics: A 5-pound to 6-pound turkey breast roasted at 325 °F will cook in about two hours. Basting with butter or oil isn’t necessary. You’ll remove the skin before slicing and serving, because that's where most of the fat is. 

The breast will supply about 3 pounds of solid white meat. A 3-ounce serving — about the size of a deck of cards — contains 115 calories, 26 grams protein, less than a gram of fat, 71 mg cholesterol, no carbohydrate or fiber, and 44 mg sodium.

Here’s the skinny on other holiday favorites:

Gravy. A turkey breast won’t provide a lot of juice, so add some nonfat chicken broth. To thicken, start with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch dissolved in a half cup of cold water. Stir it with a whisk. Add chopped mushrooms for a giblet texture.

Vegetables. Instead of adding things to your vegetables, let them be themselves. Steam the beans and use fresh-cut veggies as an appetizer tray, maybe with a little low-fat dip. Plain sweet potatoes — hold the marshmallows, please — add color to your plate.

Dessert. Skip the big pies and do a tray of mini-tarts or petit fours from a bakery or the freezer. 

Talking turkey

The great plate debate. Consider using 8-inch plates and leaving Grandma’s 10-inch china in the cupboard. Smaller plates will help people choose smaller portions without having to think about it.

Fuss less. Cleanup is easier with throwaway foil roasting pans. Aluminum foil makes a perfect cover to keep your turkey breast from over-browning and your outside-the-bird stuffing from drying out.

Plan your menu. Shoot for quality, not quantity. You don’t need more food than your family and guests will eat or more leftovers than you can enjoy. As you plan the menu, ask what they’d miss if it weren’t there.

(image) Adena Sports Medicine and the Adena Health Foundation are again teaming up to offer Adena’s High School Athlete of the Month. The program recognizes student-athletes who go above and beyond and display leadership, not only on the field or court, but also in the classroom. 

High school seniors who have made a considerable effort to maintain a higher grade point average and perform community service, all while reaching high levels of athletic accomplishment are eligible for nomination.

One female and one male winner will be announced each month based on the number of votes received through Adena’s Facebook page. Adena’s High School Athlete of the Month runs from October through April of the school year.

Each Athlete of the Month winner will receive a special award and a donation of $500 will be made to their respective high school. Winners will also be eligible for the Adena Sports Medicine Athlete of the Year and a $3,000 scholarship.

Program Rules:

• Open to high school senior athletes in the following counties: Adams, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.
• Athletic directors, coaches, school administrators, and parents nominate players each month and the selection committee chooses up to four male and four female finalists. Nominations must be received by the 20th of each month to be eligible for the upcoming month's contest.
• Votes are casted through Adena's Facebook page to determine one male and one female winner from chosen finalists each month. The voting period will be from the 1st to the 7th of each month.
• The Athlete of the Year will receive a scholarship to the university of their choice. In addition, a donation and plaque will be given to their high school athletic program in their honor.

Visit adena.org/athlete-of-the-month to learn more and access the nomination form and application.

(image) Osteoarthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis, affects millions of people in the United States. The loss of protective cartilage around joints can cause severe pain, stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion and other symptoms that affect one's mobility and quality of life.

Dr. Troy Thompson, a non-operative orthopedics and sports medicine doctor at Adena Bone and Joint Center, says the earliest symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the joint with activity. When the pain is persistent or limiting your activity, it's advisable to get it checked out by a physician. With an early diagnosis, the doctor and patient can work together to possibly stave off further complications.

While arthritis is a multifaceted disease with different causes, Thompson explains that like many diseases, osteoarthritis is predominantly affected by lifestyle, occupation, physical activity and exercise, with nutrition being "a major underlying variable." The progression of osteoarthritis is dependent on all these variables, he notes.

When osteoarthritis is suspected or diagnosed, Thompson says there are multiple preventive therapies that can slow the onset of the disease. Nutrition, he stresses, might be the most important preventive therapy.

"We have to realize that what makes food good for us is that it provides us with the macro and micronutrients that we need," he explains. "Our body requires proper nutrition to repair itself from the daily stress of life to slow the wear and tear."

"We have gotten away from how important nutrition is for our body," he says. "We look at food more for stress relief and enjoyment versus really what food was designed for — to help our bodies with the repair processes, rebuild tissues, and lead to better wellness."

Proper sleep is also important. Much of the recovery and repair of muscles and joints aided by nutrition occurs when we sleep by the regeneration of repair hormones such as growth hormone, Thompson says.

Exercise and physical therapy are also key modalities in preventive treatment. The key there, he adds, is finding the right exercises that work the arthritic joint in a healthy manner without causing it further distress.

"Physical therapy and exercise for an arthritic joint is very important so the muscles around the joint function as a natural brace to support the joint," he says. "We refer to this as 'unloading of the joint,' so the muscle is doing more of the work than the joint."

Bracing is another treatment modality that can help to stabilize the joint to improve function, decrease pain, and increase activity.

Thompson incorporates supplements into his patients' treatment, but he cautions that how a supplement is consumed can have a significant impact on their effectiveness. He emphasizes three factors affect how supplements work: the time of day taken, the dosage, and what the supplement is taken with. Regarding dosage, the amounts that are beneficial are typically higher than the recommended dosage on the label, he adds. Also, the type of foods consumed with the supplement can affect their absorption.

"Supplements do work, they're just very complicated in how they work,'' he says. "I encourage patients to look into supplements, do their own research, and always look at the three factors when taking a new supplement."

Common treatments include modification of activities and work; although not always straightforward and commonly underestimated, can help tremendously with treatment and prevention. Prescription ointments and creams can help with flares for arthritic joints. Traditional arthritis medications, typically consisting of oral anti-inflammatory drugs, can be used to establish baseline relief, improve stiffness, and to serve for “breakthrough" pain.

More aggressive treatments may be necessary at times. Thompson explains there are four primary types of injections: Short acting steroid injections; time-release steroid injections; visco-supplementation, to replace the body's natural joint lubricant; and Ortho-biologic injections, including platelet rich plasma and stem cell injections. For last treatment options there are nerve pain block procedures and of course surgery when indicated.

"People do not fit in boxes,'' he says. "We have standards of care guidelines, research and medical literature to help guide us, but every person is an individual and, thus, their treatments need to be adjusted accordingly."

To schedule an appointment, call Adena Bone & Joint at 740-779-4570.

(image) Back Pain is a topic that Kory Lambert knows well. The onset of back pain most frequently occurs between 30 and 60 years old, and can be triggered by a variety of ailments — muscle strains, herniated discs, accidents and degenerative diseases, just to name a few. Smoking and being overweight can also cause back pain, and hormones may play a role.

But can you predict your chances of experiencing back pain? Lambert, a physical therapist with Adena Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, says yes.

Persons among a population with a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the normal range have a 2.8 percent risk of developing back pain at some point in their lives, according to Lambert. That risk increases exponentially with an increased BMI. The classification and risks are as follows:

• Overweight: 5.2 percent
• Obese: 7.7 percent
• Morbid: 11.6 percent

Carrying around extra weight makes you more vulnerable to injury. As your weight increases, it changes the biomechanics and natural alignment of your spinal column. A larger belly increases the curvature of your lower back’s C-curve. Consequently, that changes the lengths of muscles around the spine and puts additional strain on the spine, as well as the hips and knees, making those joints more susceptible to injury. According to Lambert, being overweight is waiting for the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back.

“That phrase is so literal in this topic,” he says. “You might be overweight and not feeling any pain… currently. But it’s likely going to hit you. The question is, when?”

PREVENTION

Beyond the obvious – namely, stopping smoking and losing weight in a sustained, healthy manner – there are other things you can do to lower your risk of developing back pain.

Mind Your Seat. Sitting occupations tend to decrease the spine’s lower C-curve causing flexion-based tissue strain. In addition to a good, supportive chair, get up every 45 minutes and walk around the office. Try performing gentle, hands-on-the-hips backbends to counteract the C-curve slump created while sitting.

Regular Activity. Look for small ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Take the stairs, park further away from the store or office. Work on a program of core strengthening to build a better foundation.

Opposite Day, Every Day. Counter-balance repetitive forces of any regular activity. Golfers should work on flexibility by swinging clubs the opposite direction of their natural swing (this does not mean you should actually play golf this way). If you sit often, stand and move. If you’re bent over, do a backbend stretch. Lambert’s advice is to seek symmetry in movement: right-left, front-back.

Lift Properly. Avoid straining your back by using a wide base of support and keeping the weight as close to your body as possible. Try and maintain your spine’s natural S-curve. “Stick your butt out and maintain abdominal support,” says Lambert.

If you do injure yourself or develop back pain, seek therapy quickly. Ideally, you should take a holistic approach to healing with a therapeutic path to rehabilitation, not just a quick fix.

Adena Health System offers a variety of physical therapy services and specialties across its multiple locations throughout south central Ohio. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.adena.org/services/page.dT/physical-therapy. 

(image) The Holidays can be stressful. Shopping, social events, debt and other pressures can lead to anxiety. Missing loved ones and stewing about past events can also contribute. This change from your everyday routine can cause you to neglect good nutrition. And, you are more likely to skip exercise. Together, these factors can lead to Holiday Blues.

Will your holiday be blue?

During the holidays, you may feel lonely, sad, angry and have poor sleep. Even if you’re not prone to depression, you may have other symptoms, such as headaches, tension, and fatigue. It’s also easy to eat and drink too much.

It’s also common to feel a holiday letdown after the holidays are over. Hectic holidays can leave you feeling physically and emotionally drained. You may feel a sense of loss or frustration. That can turn into the blues.

“Holiday schedules can be very busy, but it is important to take time for self-care and quality time with family,” explained Adena Psychiatrist Allison Dailey, MD.

Don’t confuse holiday blues with clinical depression. Clinical depression is a disorder that may need to be relieved with medicine. The holiday blues could need something as simple as a good listener. Clinical depression, however, can be triggered in a number of ways at or just after the holidays.

There is also a tendency to link the holiday blues with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called depression with seasonal pattern. SAD, however, is a diagnosable problem linked to fewer hours of sunlight during the winter. People with the holiday blues also can also have SAD. But, the two are not directly related. People with SAD have symptoms of major depression throughout the fall and winter.

“The Holliday blues usually occur during the holiday season and often improve after the stress of the holidays has passed,” Dr. Dailey said. “Where Seasonal Affective Disorder usually starts in the late fall and can continue well into February and March.”  

Keeping the blues away

People tend to lose sleep during the holidays and end up shortchanging themselves. Lack of sleep can cause cloudy thinking, and irritability. It can also hamper your ability to deal with everyday stress.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and getting some exercise can ease the blues. Also, make an effort to stay positive.

“Staying active and eating healthy are two ways to maintain mental health during the winter months,” said Dr. Dailey. “Get outside for fresh air regularly, even in the winter months, and maintain healthy and regular sleep/wake cycles.”

Tips to ease the blues

If you have the holiday blues, try these tips:

• Have a heart-to-heart with a friend.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Stick within your normal routine as much as you can.
• Set a realistic budget and then stick to it.
• Set realistic goals and expectations.
• Do not label the season as a time to cure past problems.
• Don’t be afraid to say no. That means don’t go to parties when you don’t really have time. Don’t take on events that will crowd your time. Don’t overextend yourself.
• Find time for yourself.
• Enjoy free holiday activities.
• Try to celebrate the holidays in a different way.

The holiday blues can be quite common, but if you are feeling especially down—for example, your sleep or your appetite is affected—contact Adena at (740) 779-7500 for help and guidance. If you are thinking about suicide, call 911 or your health care provider right away.

Adena Regional Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

The certification, in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, focuses on the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon.

“Achieving this level of certification places Adena Regional Medical Center among only five other hospitals in Ohio, while being the only one in the central and south central region,” said Brian Cohen, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon and Medical Director, Adena Bone and Joint Center. “As an advanced certified program, patients can expect the highest level of care and quality where they have an active role in their care producing better outcomes and faster recoveries getting them on their feet and home faster.”

Adena Regional Medical Center underwent a rigorous onsite review on August 19and 20. During the visit, the Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including fully integrated multidisciplinary collaborations, streamlined clinical pathways, patient optimization through shared decision-making and accelerated patient care through best practice approaches. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews. 

“Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” added Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Adena Regional Medical Center for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for orthopedic patients.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Adena Bone and Joint, call 740-779-4598 or visit www.adena.org.

Never smoking or quitting smoking have been proven to reduce the incidence of lung cancer, but the greatest chance to survive lung cancer is by catching it early. This can be accomplished with a simple lung cancer screening.

Entering its fifth year, Adena Health System’s free lung cancer screening program has become a national model for excellence – and is saving lives. Since it began in November 2014, nearly 3,000 people have been screened for the disease. Of those, 83 have been diagnosed with lung cancer, one was diagnosed with breast cancer, and other patients have been found to have heart aneurysms, tumors and other conditions they may not have known about until it was too late, thanks to the free CT scan.

“For decades, we have known that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, yet people still do it,” said Adena Radiation Oncologist Dr. Greg Thompson. “The goal of the screening is to prevent more people from dying, by catching cancer in the early stages when it is more treatable. Many people will not have any symptoms of lung cancer, especially in the early stages, making it harder to detect and treat. That’s why a lung cancer screening is so important.”

The no-cost lung cancer screening is a simple, painless, low dose, non-invasive CT scan. The test easily identifies tumors or lesions that may need medical attention.

Those eligible for the free screening are:

• Between 55-74 years old;
• Have 30 or more “pack years” of smoking in their past (a pack year = 1 pack a day for 30 years, 2 packs a day for 15 years, 3 packs a day for 10 years, etc.);
• A current smoker or someone who has quit smoking in the past 15 years.

If you or a loved one falls into this recommended group, please consider setting up a lung cancer screening. Like a mammogram, people in the above groups are recommended to have a lung screen each year for the greatest chance of survival in the event of a lung cancer diagnosis. 

Adena’s free lung cancer screenings are available year round. A special Lung Cancer Awareness Month event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Adena Regional Medical Center.

Patients meeting the screening criteria, or those who are due for a follow-up screening, may schedule an appointment for this specific event, or a date and time that works with their schedule. Please register by calling (740) 542-LUNG (5864).

Throughout the growing season, medical providers with Adena Health System have been prescribing fresh fruit and vegetables to patients in Ross County who face barriers when it comes to eating healthy. The program, known as Food Rx, helps to eliminate the cost barriers of healthy eating, and drives patients to fresh food options, while supporting local farmers.

Food Rx was initially adopted by Adena providers in 2017, and traditionally ran through the summer months. However, thanks to community support, the Chillicothe Farmers Market will now be operating during the winter within the former Mount Logan Elementary School building at 841 E. Main St., Chillicothe. With this news, Adena will continue offering its Food Rx program to patients through the winter months.

“The Food Rx program has been extremely popular among Adena’s patient population,” said Kim Jones, director of Adena Community Health Advancement. “The availability of fresh produce in the winter months will enable our patients to continue developing those healthy eating changes they have established through the summer, making it an all year habit.”

Patients who qualify, and are “prescribed” a Food Rx receive a $15 coupon to use at a participating local farmer’s market. These patients include those with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease.

In addition, people who qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are encouraged to bring their Ohio Direction card to the Chillicothe Farmers Market. SNAP recipients are eligible to scan at least $10 in Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) tokens, while also receiving $10 in Fruit and Veggies Perks tokens.

Patients in Ross County who are interested in the Food Rx program should ask their primary care provider for a coupon. Those who do not have a primary care provider, should call 740-779-FIND (3463) to become established with a PCP today.

The Chillicothe Famers Market, located inside the former Mount Logan Elementary School, will be open on Saturdays throughout November – April. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. – Noon. 

For more about Adena Health System, visit us at adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

(image) Adena Health System broke ground today on its new Orthopedic and Robotic Surgery Center. Behind ceremonial shovels, local business, community and Adena leaders gathered on the campus of Adena Regional Medical Center to celebrate the start of the $70-million investment.

Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham expressed the significance of the new center in providing the more than 400,000 people in its nine-county service region with greater nearby access to orthopedic treatment, and minimally-invasive surgical care.

“This building represents another tool in keeping care close to home, and Adena being able to keep people with their families while they are receiving the care they need,” Graham said. “It also prevents people from having to disrupt their lives when seeking a higher level of care. This facility, and what it will provide, will accomplish just that. In their time of need, we want Adena to be top of mind for people living in south central and southern Ohio, and for them to recognize Adena as their first choice for care every time.”(image)

“Studies show that a specialty hospital has better patient outcomes, better patient experiences, fewer complications and better employee engagement,” explained Brian Cohen, M.D., Medical Director, Adena Bone & Joint Center. “This structure will do all that and more. It is the future, and will be what keeps Adena and this region strong. It will change health care in the area.”

General Surgeon W. Bill Sever, M.D. added, “This is a great day for Adena, one that Brian and I have talked about for a long time to help drive not only better patient outcomes, but financial stability for our region. I think after we get this new Center built, this will really become a beacon of patient safety around the state and even the Midwest. I want to thank our community as well, which has entrusted us to take care of them when they need us most. I think our growth is a tribute to how that trust has developed.”

“The success and enthusiasm of Drs. Cohen and Sever, and the success of Adena’s Orthopedic and Surgery Programs has made this the right time for the largest infrastructure investment in Adena’s history,” said Virginia Wetterson, Chair, Adena Board of Trustees. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the extraordinary growth Adena has experienced and the positive differ

Project highlights include:ences it is making in the lives of our patients.”(image)

• 111,000 square feet of space
• At five stories, represents tallest health care structure on Adena Regional Medical Center’s campus;
• 80 clinical exam suites;
• Clinical operations for orthopedics, neurology, podiatry, sports medicine, spine;
• Six operating rooms built to accommodate robotic technology;
• Orthopedic and General Surgery robotic systems;
• 20-bed inpatient recovery unit;
• 22 pre- and post-recovery bays; and
• Multi-level, adjacent parking structure to add 300 parking spaces.  

The Adena Orthopedic and Robotic Surgery Center is slated to open in 2021

(image) Listening with the intent to understand is a valuable life skill. Listening to your body is a developed skill on which your life may depend.

When it comes to cancer, the body tends to initially whisper when something is wrong. That soft voice of alarm comes in many forms – a strange and persistent ache, excessive fatigue, bio-screening numbers that are outside of a normal range, or any change that is different from your body’s normal functionality.

Kelly Bee has honed her ability to heed her body’s warnings. It’s a skill that, for her, came with a steep price.

Delaying. Stalling. Procrastinating.

A person with an average risk for colorectal cancer should start undergoing colonoscopy screenings at age 50. When Bee turned 50, she decided to put it off a year. During that time, she noticed her bowel habits had changed.

Bee was 51 in July 2016 when she had bloodwork done. Her hemoglobin count was low, but not to a level that caused alarm. Normal levels range from 11 to 14, and Bee's was 10.4.

Her physician recommended that in addition to a colonoscopy, she also have an upper endoscopy, known as an EGD, to detect and identify any digestive issues. An endoscopy involves inserting a thin scope down the patient’s throat, and for reasons Bee has difficulty explaining, that made her nervous.

“I got a little scared and ended up talking myself out of both procedures,” says Bee, a manager

at the Adena Regional Medical Center Gift Shop.

More Signs

Six months later, in January 2017, the director of Bee’s department was diagnosed with cancer. The director was a relatively young woman and the diagnosis was unexpected. She died five months later.

“We were emotionally stunned. I worked with her for 20 years. It was devastating,” recalls Bee.

Her co-worker’s death was a wakeup call of sorts for Bee. She had begun to notice she grew easily tired and winded, and would feel dizzy upon standing. She decided to get her bloodwork done again and learned her count had dropped to seven.

With her fatigue, low hemoglobin count and digestive symptoms, Bee thought she had blood issues and believed that taking iron tablets would end her troubles. Meanwhile, her colonoscopy and EGD were scheduled for August. Bee was again considering canceling her appointments. She had broken her ankle falling on her basement steps and was unable to bear weight on it for four weeks.

“I thought, ‘How can I prep for a colonoscopy while not bearing weight?’” Bee asks. “The physician who did my bloodwork was an oncologist at the cancer center. And cancer still never crossed my mind!”

Her sister, Kim Pullins, a nurse practitioner and former Adena employee, recognized there might be a more serious health problem. She pointed out to Bee that weak bones, along with her other symptoms, indicated she could possibly have cancer.

Bee maintained her denial.

Time to Listen

With Pullins’ insistence, Bee finally underwent a colonoscopy and an EGD in late September 2017. Bee acknowledges the EGD was no big deal and that she had no reason to be fearful of it.

The colonoscopy revealed a malignant polyp and her medical team went into immediate action. Bee was wheeled from the colonoscopy to a CT scan, which showed two malignant lymph nodes. Fortunately for her, the malignancies were contained to her bowel.

Bee was, however, terrified. In October, her cancer team removed the entire right side of her colon and 18 lymph nodes. As a precautionary measure she went through six chemotherapy treatments over a three-month period.

Today, Bee is cancer-free, but she wishes she had heeded the early indicators.

Recognizing that her treatment may have been much less invasive if she had an initial colonoscopy, she urges everyone to pay attention to their bodies and not rationalize the warning signs.

“I just attributed my symptoms to bad eating and coffee,” Bee says. “You just take your body for granted. Don’t do that. Your body talks. Listen to it.”

It is that time of year…flu season. Influenza not only makes you feel miserable, it can also be dangerous, especially for children and the elderly. You have the power to protect your children, your family and yourself this flu season with an immunization.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine each year. For the best protection, get a flu vaccine by the end of October. The influenza vaccine can reduce the need for doctor visits, missed work and school due to the flu, and can prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

Adena Health System offers many flu shot clinics, making it easy for you and your family to get this important vaccine. You can get a flu vaccine at your primary care provider, urgent care or walk-in clinics, your local health department, pharmacy, school or workplace.

Simple Ways to Keep the Flu Away

1. Get the shot: You can avoid influenza this season by taking one simple step - get a flu shot.

2. Wash your hands: Protect yourself and others against flu by doing simple things like washing your hands for at least 20 seconds throughout the day, and especially before eating. 

3. Cover your cough: Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing to help prevent the spread the influenza virus. 

Where to Receive a Flu Vaccine

Adena is offering flu clinics, with no appointment needed, at all of its Urgent Care and Walk-In locations in Chillicothe, Circleville, Hillsboro, Jackson and Waverly.

Flu vaccinations are also offered by appointment at any of Adena’s Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Pediatric locations.   

Most of the time, your insurance company will cover the cost of a yearly flu shot. If you wish to schedule a visit for an influenza vaccination, contact your health care provider’s office, or call 740-779-FIND (3463) for help in finding a provider who will see you at an Adena location that is convenient for you. 

For more information on the flu and flu clinic locations and hours, visit adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

(image) Adena Health System will expand its service to the Circleville community with the addition of an Urgent Care facility on the city’s south side. The 5,000 square-foot facility will be located within an existing space in Circleville Plaza at 166 Summit Ave., Circleville. 

“Adena is committed to making care convenient for people living and working in our nine-county service region,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “For more than 10 years, Adena has offered primary and specialty care services to our patients in Circleville, and throughout Pickaway County. The addition of this Urgent Care facility will give people in the community easy access for care, when they need it, at a location that will offer conveniences they have never experienced in an urgent care setting.”

Patients seeking services at Adena Urgent Care – Circleville will have the ability to skip the waiting room experience using a new, convenient service that will enable a person to sign-in from home or elsewhere. After signing in online, the patient can continue working or resting in the comfort of home until they are notified that it is time to come in to be seen by a provider. Traditional walk-in service will also be available.

Initial services to be offered at Adena Urgent Care – Circleville include: (image)

• Acute care for illnesses like flu, colds, cough, strep throat and more;
• Sprains, strains and minor fractures;
• Sports physicals;
• Outpatient laboratory services; and
• X-ray and mobile 3D mammograms.

Adena Urgent Care – Circleville is scheduled to open in February 2020.

Primary and specialty care services will continue to be offered at Adena Health Center – Circleville, located at 140 Morris Road; and Adena Specialty Clinic – Circleville, located at 798 N. Court Street. To make an appointment with a provider serving Circleville and Pickaway County, call 779-FIND (3463).

(image) Here’s a reason to cheer! Did you know being a sports fan can be a slam dunk for your health? According to Adena Sports Medicine Orthopedic Specialist Jason Foster, MD whether you win or lose when you root for your home team your health can come out on top.

“Even if you are not an athlete, there are many reasons you can remain active and healthy, both physically and mentally, from the sidelines,” says Dr. Foster.

For example, sports fans can experience:

• Escape - You get a temporary distraction from problems in your everyday life. Forget about your everyday stressors and focus on the fun of game.
• Stress relief - Watching a game gives you a rush that can actually help you relax.
• Friendship - Watching sports and having similar hobbies with those around you can make you feel more connected.
• Happiness - Even if you’re reeling from your team’s loss, being a fan can bring you pleasure, which may buffer against depression.

“Your favorite players are at the top of their game and there’s no reason you can’t be too,” Dr. Foster explains.

Here are some ways being a sports fan can inspire healthier habits in your life:

• Join a sports league or toss a ball with your kids. Increasing your physical activity can help you lose weight, prevent disease and keep your mind sharp.
• Do exercises, stretch or ride a stationary bike while watching your team play on TV.
• Listen to games while walking, running, cycling, mowing the lawn or doing yard work.
• At your next tailgate party, try offering healthier food options.

Whether you are an athlete or not, Adena Sports Medicine is your first line of treatment when it comes to dealing with orthopedic injuries of the bones, ligaments and tendons. From sprains and strains to fractures and arthritis, Adena Bone & Joint offers a multidisciplinary team of experts to help you feel better. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Adena Sports Medicine, call 740-779-4598 or visit www.adena.org/sportsmedicine.

(image) Earlier this month, members of the Cigar Band of Chillicothe presented a check in the amount of $2,000 to the Adena Health Foundation. This marked the eighth consecutive year the club has made a donation to our Foundation’s Cancer Fund. 

The donation comes from the club’s Annual Bike Night For Mike. The group organizes this event each year in honor of Mike Porter, a former club member and Adena patient who passed away due to cancer. The Cigar Band, which is heavily involved in supporting local charities, non-profit organizations and community events, meets monthly for fellowship and cigar education.

Photo caption (L-R): Adena Health Foundation Development Director for Caregivers and Patients Robin Berno; Cancer Center Medical Oncology Manager Heidi Bell; Cigar Band representative Todd Snider and Adena Health Foundation Development Director for Community Rebekah Clevenger.

(image) Adena Mammography is hitting the road with the introduction of its first-ever mobile 3D mammography unit. The mobile unit brings this important imaging service to the communities where our patients live, allowing women to skip the typical travel and wait times associated with getting a mammogram. 3D mammography services through the new mobile unit began this week.

“We are extremely excited to deliver 3D mammography technology to patients in more areas of our region,” said Jamie Kelley, Adena Radiology Operations Manager. “The mobile aspect offers women in the region greater access to get their screening at a location that is convenient to where they work and live.”

It is estimated that one in every eight women will develop breast cancer within her lifetime. That is why early and accurate detection is critical to survival. 3D Mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, is a clinically proven innovative screening technology that allows for more accurate breast cancer detection. Adena is one of the first in south central Ohio to offer this 3D technology, which is providing women with a higher level of imaging than the traditional equipment of the past.

Conventional mammograms provide doctors with a two-dimensional image of the three-dimensional breast. Overlapping layers of tissue can sometimes create unclear results, unnecessary callbacks, or worse, cancer can be missed. 3D mammography is the only mammogram proven superior for dense breasts compared to conventional mammograms.(image)

Tomosynthesis provides a series of breast images, allowing radiologists to better evaluate breast tissue, layer by layer. The result is improved visualization of abnormalities that are no longer hidden by overlapping tissue. Tomosynthesis is accurate for women of all ages, with both dense and non-dense breasts. It is also covered and paid for by Medicare, and the majority of private insurers.

Adena is a self-requesting mammography facility. You do not need to have a written order from your provider to get a screening mammogram. If you would like to schedule your 3D mammogram at an Adena facility, or with the new mobile unit, please call Central Scheduling at 740-779-7711. The mobile 3D mammography unit is also available to area employers. If you would like to have the unit visit your place of business, call 740-637-7190.

(image) Your guide through a high-risk pregnancy and to a healthy outcome for you and baby

The romantic idea of pregnancy goes a little like this: Get pregnant, bask in the glow of motherhood-to-come for nine months, go into labor and have a baby. Like most romantic ideas, reality is much different.

All pregnancies involve some level of risk, some more than others. A high-risk pregnancy can be diagnosed when any condition is present that threatens the life of the mother or fetus.

The United States has one of the highest rates of pregnancy-related maternal mortality of all industrialized nations, and the rate has doubled over the last two decades, making it the only developed nation in the world whose rate is increasing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 50,000 women each year endure dangerous or life-threatening conditions during pregnancy.

These numbers don’t include women who are not pregnant but may be at risk of developing a high-risk pregnancy.

Experts agree that better health care can prevent or alleviate many pregnancy related complications.

Determining a High-Risk Pregnancy

A high-risk pregnancy can occur at any point during gestation. You don’t need to be initially diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy to be at risk of developing one, but pre-existing conditions or engaging in certain behaviors can increase your likelihood of such a diagnosis.

“A pregnancy can be labeled as high-risk due to pre-existing conditions,” explains Molly Shoemaker, Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) with Adena OB/GYN.

Pre-existing conditions can include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, age – teenagers and women 35 years and older are most susceptible – tobacco use or substance abuse, or a history of preterm delivery. A pregnancy can become high risk as it progresses due to variables such as a mother carrying multiple fetuses; having a genetic disorder, gestational diabetes or preeclampsia; or going into pre-term labor.

“Due to the many different variants with high-risk pregnancies, it’s hard to say that one trimester is higher risk than another,” Shoemaker says. “As the pregnancy progresses, the monitoring and treatments for that pregnancy may be adjusted to better fit its needs and outcomes.”

Navigating a High-Risk Pregnancy

Every pregnancy requires a high level of care and attention, but a high-risk pregnancy raises the level of care needed and the necessity for the mother to take the initiative to be involved in her care.

Shoemaker advises women to ask questions, research their condition and meet with all potential caregivers — genetic counselors, dietitians, social workers, psychologists, pediatric specialists and anyone else who will be part of your health care team for your diagnosis. At your first prenatal appointment, openly discuss your plan of care.

“Patients should always be involved and comfortable with their plan of care,” urges Shoemaker.

After the first appointment, the general breakdown of your trimesters looks something like this:

First trimester: Your provider will obtain your history and physical. Prenatal lab work will be collected and you will get an ultrasound. Genetic screening will be offered.

Second trimester: A second ultrasound (anatomy scan) will be performed, and a glucose tolerance test will be administered to screen for gestational diabetes. RhoGAM will be given to Rh-negative patients and the Tdap vaccine will be offered.

Third trimester: You will become monitored more closely and see your provider every two weeks until 36 weeks of gestation, when you will be seen weekly.

At any time during this period, if your pregnancy is diagnosed as high risk, you may see the provider more frequently to monitor your and your baby's health and development.

Shoemaker emphasizes that not all variables can be controlled. However, if you are diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy or potential for a high-risk pregnancy, there are actions you can take to help yourself. Preconception care helps to promote the healthiest pregnancy outcome possible.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Adena Women's Health OB/GYN at 740-779-7201 (Chillicothe Campus) or 740-642-4400 (Blackwater Road).

(image) Proper self-care and support from Adena will keep your blood pressure in check

When considering health, many people wait for external symptoms or unusual feelings before addressing their concerns. However, when it comesto insidious conditions such as hypertension,one must be aware and proactive with theirlifestyle choices ahead of time.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood pushing against the artery walls is excessively high. This can lead to other health problems including an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and death.

What makes hypertension so dangerous is its frequently complete lack of symptoms — the disease is often dubbed “the silent killer.” So, what is the threshold for blood pressure before having to worry about hypertension?

Dr. Kerry Bellew, a family physician with Adena Chillicothe Family Physicians, says the guidelines that define hypertension differ from year to year, but he specifies that most physicians follow the JNC8 guidelines.

Those state that blood pressure of 140/90 and above is labelled as uncontrolled hypertension (150/90 for people 60 years and older). Severely elevated blood pressure will be considered a hypertensive urgency, and if it goes as far as causing organ damage or failure, it will be classified a hypertensive emergency.

Hypertension can be initiated by several things, but those causes are not always clear. Secondary hypertension indicates that high blood pressure is the consequence of another medical condition, usually one that affects the kidneys, arteries or endocrine system. Primary hypertension, which is most common in adults, has no clear cause but is often attributed to genetics, poor diet, aging, stress and lack of exercise.

Dr. Bellew says high blood pressure has more acute causes, one of them being undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. It is also advisable to pay attention to blood pressure during pregnancy, as inadequate blood flow means less vitamins and nutrients supplied to the fetus.

As made clear by this extensive list, hypertension goes hand in hand with many medical conditions. The circumstances may seem grim, but one can mitigate the risks inherent with hypertension by making some simple lifestyle modifications.

When it comes to keeping blood pressure in check, it should come as no surprise that several health-centric lifestyle decisions can drastically affect your numbers. The first and most notable factor is weight. Blood pressure and body weight are often related, so increasing your weight will increase your blood pressure and vice versa. Being overweight often leads to sleep apnea which can further increase blood pressure. Dr. Bellew points out that losing 10 to 20 pounds can drop your blood pressure as much as 10 to 20 points.

Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet are also great contributors to lowering blood pressure. Dr. Bellew recommends moderate exercise, starting at 30 minutes, four to five times a week.

On top of eating healthy, limiting sodium intake is crucial to maintaining proper blood pressure. Sodium’s effect on blood pressure varies from person to person, but a low-sodium diet is generally recommended. Reading food labels and avoiding processed foods are great ways to start.

Drinking alcohol and smoking also increase blood pressure. Moderating alcohol intake is advised, while quitting smoking altogether is highly recommended.

Limiting caffeine intake will also have positive changes on blood pressure. Aside from external factors, one’s mental state can also influence blood pressure.

Managing stress by establishing moderate expectations, avoiding stressful triggers and taking time each day to relax are just a few ways to reduce stress. The more lifestyle modifications you make, the better you’ll be in the long run.

Making significant lifestyle changes is usually not easy, but getting support can help. Adena Health System provides high quality hypertension treatment at locations across south central Ohio. Adena works with patients to control their blood pressure through lifestyle changes and prescription medications, if necessary.

Adena has several specialists onboard that can cover most needs, but before reaching out, it’s best to know what you can do for yourself. Hypertension is a serious condition that affects millions of lives, and making the adjustments toward healthier living is the first step toward better wellness.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kerry Bellew, call 740-779-4100.

(image) After being closed for more than one year, patients and visitors to Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) will soon be able to utilize the hospital’s West Entrance and parking area. The newly remodeled area will reopen on Monday, Sept. 2, 2019 for public viewing, and operations will begin in the space on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

The entrance and a nearby parking lot closed in August 2018 as the second phase of ARMC’s Emergency Department expansion began. With renovations now complete, patients will arrive (image) to find a central registration/check-in area for services including radiology, cardiopulmonary and more. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of a new café and quiet space in a new waiting area near the Adena Retail Pharmacy. The renovations have also allowed for additional Emergency Department patient care areas.

The three-phase project will continue with additional renovations including: behavioral health rooms; new imaging space (CT and x-ray); break rooms; and other support space to enhance Emergency Department operations. The entire project is expected to be complete by the end of this year.

To learn more about Adena and its services, visit adena.org.

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(image) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has awarded $1 million to health providers and others that are part of the Hope Partnership Project (HPP). The Partnership and its members are dedicated to mitigating the effects of the opioid crisis on individuals and families in southern Ohio.

The Ross Community Opioid Response Program (Ross CORP) is a consortium of HPP members that include: Adena Health System; Friel and Associates; Hope Partnership Project; Ohio University – Chillicothe; and the Ross County Health District. The $1 million award was issued by HRSA to Adena Health System, which will be the fiscal agent and coordinator of the grant funds, and will oversee its execution.

“Past and current efforts to reduce opioid deaths in Ross County are making a positive impact. However, there are still areas of deep need. Especially when it comes to prevention and developing nearby treatment and recovery services to support those who need them,” said Adena Physician Dr. John Gabis, a founding and current member of the Hope Partnership Project. “This award is an asset that will help the consortium create solutions that will make a positive impact on people’s lives and on our communities.”

The funds will enable the consortium to focus existing, collaborative efforts to make a broader and deeper impact in Ross County, which ranks in the top 75^th risk percentile in Ohio for overdose indicators. The funds will cover expenses needed for programming and services over a three-year period of performance.

This HRSA award was among nearly $400 million recently given to various communities and entities across the U.S. to combat the nation’s opioid crisis. The funding supports HHS’s Five-Point Opioid Strategy, which was introduced in 2017. Five Ohio groups were each awarded $1 million from the HRSA for use in battling the opioid crisis. Additionally, Ross CORP was among just 80 rural awards given in the U.S.

“Health centers and behavioral health providers are on the front lines of the fight against the opioid crisis and substance abuse, especially in rural communities,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “With our evidence-based strategy, HHS is working to support local communities in fighting back against substance abuse, and our united efforts are yielding results.”

In 2018, Ross County’s overdose death rate was 44.84 per 100,000 people, higher than each of Ohio’s largest urban counties. The goal of Ross CORP is to strengthen our rural community’s capacity to change the skyrocketing trend in years of potential life lost by targeting more integrated and comprehensive substance use disorder/opioid use disorder (SUD/OUD) prevention, treatment and recovery support.

To meet this goal, Ross CORP identified the following steps in its grant request:

• Victim assessment/treatment referral tracking for rapid response;
• Service navigation outside the traditional health care settings;
• Harm reduction efforts;
• Strategic plan for recovery support;
• Training outside the school setting;
• Primary care physician training;
• Family-centered recovery services;
• Enlisting mental health professionals for integrated substance abuse treatment;
• Increasing workforce capacity with peer recovery supporters and community health workers;
• Identify, implement, and strengthen evidence-based and promising practice models;
• Advocate policy to remove barriers and reduce harm;
• Increase community engagement for active support of those impacted;
• Collect, analyze, and communicate data for informed implementation and measurable outcomes; and
• Launch the Ross County Peer Center.

(image) More than 90 kayakers made their way down the water during the fourth annual Paint Creek Palooza this summer on their way to raising a record amount for the Adena Health Foundation’s Athlete of the Month Scholarship Fund.

Hosted by Adena Sports Medicine and Water's Edge Canoe Livery, the six-mile trip down the scenic Paint Creek allowed participants to float at their own pace, or compete in non-mandatory pit stop challenges for a chance to win prizes. Through support from event donors and participants, this year’s Paint Creek Palooza raised a record-high total of $9,000.(image)

The Foundation’s Athlete of the Month Scholarship Fund awards outstanding high school male and female senior athletes, who excel in athletics as well as exemplify a commitment to academics and their communities.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event a record breaking success! We look forward to even more joining us next year making it even bigger and better.

(image) Fayette County residents who have been diagnosed with cancer or a hematologic disorder will soon be able to receive oncology and hematology services close to home. Fayette County Memorial Hospital (FCMH) and Adena Health System are extending their collaborative relationship for the development of the FCMH Cancer Care Clinic scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2019.

Located in Medical Arts Building 2, 1510 Columbus Avenue, the 3,000 square foot space will be home to four infusion chairs and one bed. Patients will be able to receive chemotherapy and supportive infusions or injections five days a week.

“The relationship will allow us to utilize Adena Cancer Center’s expertise in determining an individualized treatment plan for every patient,” said FCMH CEO Mike Diener. “We will collaborate with their weekly Tumor Board - a team of experts from various fields including pathology and radiology – to discuss the best treatment plan for each patient.” The specialized Tumor Boards focus on breast, lung, head & neck and colorectal cancers.

“According to the Ohio Department of Health, Fayette County can expect around 200 new invasive cancer cases annually – most notably cancer of the breast, lung, colon and prostate. A diagnosis of cancer can be scary. Our goal is to provide local, professional treatments, and to ease the burden of traveling out of town for care. This is just another way of furthering our mission of improving the health of our community by providing high-quality patient care and education,” Diener added. “This venture also aligns with our Adena affiliation goals of keeping care close to home, coordinating resources to provide cost-effective medical care, and developing on-site outpatient clinics to create better and quicker access to care.”

“Cancer care is changing and many treatments require frequent visits for many months or years,” explained Alex Wilson, M.D. Adena Cancer Center Medical Director and Radiation Oncologist. “Having chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusion closer to home will benefit many patients who require these longer treatments. It would also be easier for patients in the FCMH service area to complete recommended follow-ups with an oncologist, as Dr. Mani will be close by and readily available. We are excited about this relationship with FCMH and the Washington Court House community.

FCMH and Adena are also pleased to announce the leadership team for the clinic. Beth Harper, CNP, has been named the Oncology Leader. Harper has nearly 30 years nursing experience, including outpatient services, birthing center and oncology care. She has been a Certified Nurse Practitioner for FCMH Medical & Surgical Associates since 2017.

Adena Health System’s Dr. Shylaja Mani will serve as the clinic’s on-site Medical Oncologist. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and her Hematology and Oncology Fellowship at The Ohio State University. The clinic will be staffed with Harper, Dr. Mani, one registered nurse, one licensed practical nurse and one scheduler. “Beth & Dr. Mani’s passion and experience in oncology will serve our patients and community well as we introduce this new service line,” said Diener.

Diener advised that an open house will be held prior to the official opening of the clinic. The public will be invited to tour the facility and meet the staff. For more information about the new FCMH Cancer Care Clinic, please call Tammie Wilson, FCMH Chief Nursing Officer at 740-333-2715.

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Adena Health System President and CEO Jeff Graham today announced plans to expand Adena’s current partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The expansion of a more than eight-year affiliation between the organizations includes plans to develop a comprehensive, pediatric care model, creating a destination center for health care that will enhance the delivery of Nationwide Children’s pediatric specialty care in Chillicothe. The organizations have been working together since 2011 to care for children in south central and southern Ohio.

“We look forward to working with Adena to expand the quality of pediatric specialty care in the region, and increasing access to pediatric care for families in and around Ross County,” said Darrell Mosby, vice president of regional development at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Expansion of the current partnership comes from Adena and Nationwide Children’s common goal, to give children and families in the south central and southern Ohio region greater access to close-to-home, advanced pediatric care.

“When a child is ill, families often struggle when they must travel far from home for that specialty care,” said Graham. “Over the years, Adena’s partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital has helped area children get the expanded level of care they need, without having to leave our community. By deepening our partnership for pediatric specialty care in Chillicothe, we will create new possibilities for the care of our region’s children.”

The long-time association between Adena and Nationwide Children’s has been beneficial in connecting local patients and providers with collaborating specialists at Nationwide Children’s. Accomplishments resulting from the existing partnership include:

• Education programs for Adena providers and staff;
• Neonatal consulting, ambassador support, and training for Adena’s Level II nursery;
• Partners for Kids, an Accountable Care Organization collaborating with Adena Pediatrics to ensure quality of care for children enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care;
• Onsite pediatric cardiology, hematology, and oncology;
• Direct connect lines for transport of newborn/nursery and Emergency Department services; and
• Pediatric patient education materials.

To learn more about Adena and its services, visit adena.org.

Top Photo caption (L-R): Ty McBee, Adena VP, Business Strategy; Kristyn Wasylik, NCH Regional Development; Darrell Mosby, NCH VP, Regional Development; Jeff Graham, Adena President & CEO and Dr. Sathish Jetty, Adena Pediatrics.

(image) Adena Regional Medical Center’s Stroke Program has earned the American Heart and American Stroke Associations’ Gold Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes a hospital’s 24-month performance in treating stroke, and its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive treatment that is based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines that are supported by the latest scientific evidence.

The hospital, which is nationally recognized as a Primary Stroke Center, is seen as having processes in place to ensure patients arriving at the hospital, with stroke-like symptoms, are evaluated and treated as quickly as possible.

“People can rest assured that when time matters most Adena’s Primary Stroke Center will deliver high-quality stroke care for those living in our communities and region,” said Neurologist Dr. Muhammad Akhtar, who leads Adena’s Stroke Program. “As a recipient of this award, our patients can trust that our team at Adena is committed to ensuring our patients receive the most appropriate stroke treatment available that is based on the latest scientific evidence.”

To earn the award, hospitals must meet specific quality achievement measures, including evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments that are aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines in speeding recovery and reducing death and disability. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, have a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

For more information on stroke care at Adena, visit adena.org/stroke.

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(image) The Adena Health Foundation has awarded scholarships to 77 area students pursuing degrees in the health care field. In total, $111,300 in scholarship funds have been awarded for the 2019-20 academic year.

The Scholarship Fund is made possible in large part by generous annual donations from the Adena Women’s Board and Volunteer Advisory Council. Since the Foundation’s Health Care Scholarship program was established in 2002, $926,300 in scholarship funds have been awarded to local students.

Students from the following counties were awarded scholarships: Athens (2), Fairfield (1), Fayette (4), Highland (7), Jackson (9), Pickaway (5), Pike (11), Ross (36) and Scioto (2). Among those recipients, 44 were new scholars and 21 Adena caregivers received scholarship funds to further their health care careers.

Students working toward health care degrees may apply for Adena Health Care Scholarship funds in the spring of each year. Information and application forms are available to download at www.adena.org/foundation.

For more about Adena Health System, visit us at adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

(image) Spending time outdoors can improve overall health and wellness, but if not careful, it can increase your risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and yet it is one of the most preventable. Anyone can get skin cancer, but those with light skin, freckles and moles are at greater risk.

Londonderry resident Melinda Oney’s battle with melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, began in 2017. That was the last summer she would play outside with her daughter without fearing the sun.

“For years, I had noticed a very dark mole on my lower back, which progressively got worse,” she explained. “Since it was on my back and I couldn’t see it every day, it was out of sight and out of mind.”

During an appointment with her primary care doctor, Melinda randomly thought to have her doctor look at the mole on her back. Upon seeing the mole, her doctor immediately referred her to get a biopsy; which the results came back as malignant.

“At first, I was very scared and ashamed,” she admitted. “I was upset with myself, because I could have taken action and had this removed years ago before it became cancerous. As someone who grew up in the 80’s, I spent a majority of my time in tanning beds. I wish someone would have told me to never set foot in one.”

Three weeks after the diagnosis, Melinda had her malignant melanoma surgically removed. Due to her diagnosis, she is now more prompt to stay up-to-date on all of her health care screenings and appointments; and she is encouraging others to do the same.

Protecting your skin is important all year round, not just during the summer months. Luckily, there are ways you can shield your skin from the suns damaging rays, while still enjoying the great outdoor activities.

Simple things such as staying in the shade, wearing a hat and of course using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or higher will protect your skin and reduce your risk of cancer.

Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin, an irregular shaped mole or a new growth. For more information visit adena.org/library.

(image) Pregnancy is an exciting and busy time in a woman’s life. Mothers can spend every moment of their pregnancy planning and preparing to welcome their newest member of the family, but before that big day arrives, moms need to remember to continue to care for their own health as well in the process. Adena Women’s Health provider Dr. Catherine Neal advises her patients on how to optimize their health before, during and after pregnancy.

Here are five tips Dr. Neal suggests you can do to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.

1.     Take Prenatal Vitamins

The concept behind prenatal vitamins is that some of a women’s nutritional and vitamin needs increase with pregnancy. Though, according to Dr. Neal, the most vital time to take prenatal vitamins is actually three months before you plan on getting pregnant.

“Prenatal vitamins are essentially multivitamins filled with folic acid and iron, which is known to be important in supporting a healthy pregnancy,” she explains.

While there are many types of vitamins on the market, Dr. Neal believes there is not one brand that is superior to another. It is important to remember that prenatal vitamins are a supplement to a healthy diet for expectant moms. Prenatal vitamins are not a replacement for a healthy diet.

2.     Drink Plenty of Water

Hydration is always important, and during pregnancy it is critical. According to Dr. Neal drinking water is essential during the third trimester as dehydration can actually release a special chemical in the brain, causing false contractions. 

3.     Choose Healthy Snacks

The famous saying about pregnancy is that you’re eating for two. And while you might not actually need that many more calories when you’re expecting, your nutritional needs do increase.

“The average woman only needs to consume 300 more calories than she normally would while pregnant and only 500 more if breastfeeding,” said Dr. Neal.

She also recommends expectant mothers to eat fresh veggies, especially greens, nuts and whole grains. While fruits are very healthy and make great snacks, Dr. Neal advises to be mindful of how much fruit is consumed due to the amount of natural sugar they can contain. She says, many varieties of soft cheese are also safe to eat if pasteurized in the United States.

4.     Get Vaccinated

Vaccines help protect you and your baby against diseases. When you get vaccinated, you are not just protecting yourself, but you are protecting your baby too.

According to Dr. Neal, the two most important vaccines to get while expecting are Tdap (to help protect against whopping cough) and the flu shot.

Whooping cough can be serious for anyone, but for your newborn, it can be life-threatening. Catching the flu also increases your chances for serious problems for your developing baby, including premature labor and delivery. It is also safe to get vaccinated while breastfeeding.

5.     Stay Active

Staying active during pregnancy can be challenging, but similar to eating healthy and staying hydrated, remaining physically active while pregnant is just as important to you and your baby’s health. There are many benefits to staying active such as decreased weight gain, improved sleep and increased energy.

“When it comes to physical activity, women should maintain the same routine they had before pregnancy, just not as intense,” suggests Dr. Neal. “A good rule of thumb, is to be able to still carry on a conversation while working out. If you are finding yourself out of breath or not able to speak, you should modify your workouts to lower the intensity.”

Dr. Neal warns women to be extra cautious of falling risks when running or participating in any aerobic type of exercises, as this could be hazardous to mom and baby.

Dr. Neal also cautions new mothers on turning to social media or the Internet for medical advice.

“If you have a question and are seeking medical advice, it is very important to contact your provider,” she said. “Building a close knit relationship with your provider is one of the best things you can do to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy.”

For more information on Women’s Health Services or to schedule an appointment with Adena, contact Adena Women’s Health OB/GYN at 740-779-7201 or Adena Women’s Health OB/GYN – Premier at 740-642-4400.

(image) Most people have gallstones and do not even know it.  That is the most common presentation.  No symptoms.  However, if you know you have gallstones, chances are you are familiar with the abdominal pain and discomfort associated with gallbladder disease. When symptoms of gallstones occur, they are often called an "attack" because they occur suddenly. Some gallstones are small enough to be passed without symptoms or attacks. If there is significant pain or discomfort, surgery may be needed.

As a general surgeon who sees on average at least 10 patients with gallbladder disease or gallstones per week, Adena Health System’s Dr. Brandon Keys advises patients undergoing these types of attacks to seek medical attention sooner rather than later. 

“If you are experiencing gallstone symptoms, it’s best to see a surgeon as soon as possible,” he suggests. “Even if there is no need for surgery in the beginning, it is beneficial to get established with a surgeon should future attacks occur. The physician-patient relationship would be established and any future occurrences would allow us to get right to the heart of the matter – helping the patient feel better.”

Symptoms:

Usually, gallstones can lead to pain in the upper right abdomen and commonly occurs when foods that are high in fat are consumed.

According to Keys, symptoms of gallstones can vary. “For patients that are diabetic, or even women typically over the age of 40, they may believe they are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack,” he explains. “However, if it is confirmed that the patient is not undergoing a heart attack and if there are indeed stones, then I would regard it as a gallbladder attack.”

Other symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dark urine
• Stomach pain
• Burping
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion

Treatment:

The most common treatment for gallstones is gallbladder surgery, also called a cholecystectomy, during which your entire gallbladder is removed. Keys claims the vast majority of gallbladder surgeries performed today are done minimally invasively, which allows surgeons to perform procedures, like your cholecystectomy, using smaller incisions.

Benefits of robotic-assisted surgery include:

• Less pain
• Less blood loss
• Less scarring
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery
• Fewer post-operative complications and infections

Adena offers robot-assisted surgery, which Dr. Keys utilizes in the majority of his gallbladder procedures.

“Typically, gallbladder surgery takes about 45-60 minutes,” says Keys. “Recovery time can vary, but usually the overwhelming majority of my patients tell me they feel back to 100% within a week, without any need for pain medication beyond Tylenol or Ibuprofen.”

If you have questions about gallstones or gallbladder disease, call 740-779-4550 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Keys. For more information on gallbladder surgery and other robotic-assisted surgery options at Adena, visit adena.org/surgery.

(image) Patient/physician relationships make a difference in health care.

“There’s someone for everyone,” touts the old adage. That certainly applies to the patient/physician relationship.

Physicians dedicate their lives to helping others. They hold valuable knowledge about conditions, diseases, medical resources and treatments. But they, just like their patients, are human. And being human means some personalities and relationships click more naturally than others. For patients diagnosed with a potentially terminal disease, like cancer, that relationship often reaches a new level of importance.

Woman to Woman

When Penny Hutchinson describes her experience being diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer, certain words stand out: at first fearful and overwhelmed, then comforted and, ultimately, cared for.

For Hutchinson, having a positive, trusting relationship with her physician played a crucial role in her battle with breast cancer. Her initial feelings upon being diagnosed were eased during her first visit with her general surgeon, Dr. Christin Spahn of Adena Surgical.

Like Hutchinson, Spahn is a woman. This was a welcome situation for a woman about to go through one of the greatest challenges of her life.

“I haven’t seen very many female physicians in my life, but I feel so much more comfortable with a female,” Hutchinson says. “I feel that they are more in tune with what is going on in my mind and body.”

A Missed Mammogram

Hutchinson’s reason for being in Spahn’s office started much earlier. She skipped a mammogram in 2017, then in late spring of 2018 she caught a nasty virus that landed her in the doctor’s office. The physician wanted to do a CT scan of her chest.

“My primary care physician had been bugging me to schedule a mammogram,” Hutchinson recalls. “So I figured, I’ll be there anyways, might as well do the mammogram, too, and get it over with.”

A 3D mammogram discovered a lump in her breast, and on top of the anxiety of suddenly knowing she may have cancer, she was almost immediately burdened with various appointments — a surgeon, oncologist, a radiation oncologist.

“It was all very overwhelming,” she says.

Getting Started

Hutchinson wasn’t familiar with any of the surgeons she had the option of choosing, but Spahn’s compassionate style helped put her at ease during their first appointment.

Spahn acknowledges how overwhelming and scary a cancer diagnosis can be, and she takes it upon herself to be supportive and empathetic.

“For any new patient, I give everyone the time they need, which is often not just the allotted time,” Spahn says. “I sit down and explain the basics. I draw pictures. We talk about all of the potential options, the specific type of treatment for the patient — even if the patient isn't a candidate, so they understand why they weren't a candidate. These are life-altering decisions that can’t be made in the span of 10 minutes.”

It was obvious to Hutchinson she was going to be in good, caring hands.

“Once I met Dr. Spahn, I was so glad that she was going to be my surgeon,” Hutchinson says.

A Difficult Time

Hutchinson’s surgery with Spahn was scheduled to happen within a week of that first visit. Unfortunately, Spahn was unable to perform the surgery on the scheduled date because of a death in the family. Hutchinson's spirits, which had been so lifted by her interaction with Spahn, were no longer high.

“My heart sank,” recalls Hutchinson, who opted to have another surgeon do the initial lumpectomy.

When the pathology report returned, Spahn wanted to do a second surgery as a precautionary measure. Hutchinson thought this was very caring on Spahn's part, and she followed through with undergoing the second procedure.

Follow-Up

Following surgery, breast cancer patients are seen every six months for follow-up exams. The patient does not necessarily meet with her surgeon for these appointments, but Spahn offered Hutchinson the option of seeing her for the exams.

Spahn offers this to all of her patients as a way of providing convenience for routine follow-ups.

“Many times, a patient doesn’t want to see the oncologist and surgeon for the same thing,” Spahn says. “I gave Penny the option. I provide that option for all my patients. Everyone is different. I just care that the follow-up gets done.”

For Hutchinson, this was another example of Spahn’s compassionate and caring approach.

The Word on Cancer

For persons who are facing the challenge of a cancer diagnosis, Hutchinson advises: “Keep a positive attitude and remember there is always someone to talk to — and there is always hope! Don’t give up.”

While Hutchinson’s story has a happy ending, a cancer diagnosis and the events that followed would have ideally been avoided completely. She advocates that every woman get an annual mammogram. Regular mammograms don’t prevent cancer, but they do help with early detection, which increases the probability of a full recovery.

For more information on Adena Surgery, visit adena.org/surgery or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Spahn, call at 740-779-4550.

(image) Ignorance may be bliss, but in the case of penicillin allergies, what you don’t know may be causing you unnecessary health care hassles, risks, and stress. In the case of penicillin being incorrectly listed on people’s lists of allergies — and they are unknowingly not allergic to the antibiotic — this information is contributing to the rise in pharmaceutical prices and the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant microbes. It also increases the likelihood patients will experience undesirable side effects caused by taking penicillin alternatives.

If your medical record says you’re allergic to penicillin, it’s time to get tested. Why? Because there’s a good chance you’re not.

BY THE NUMBERS

Dr. Dana Esham, Adena Allergy and Immunology, says 10 percent of people have penicillin on their allergy list, but nine out of 10 people are not actually allergic.

How does this happen? People are typically diagnosed with penicillin allergies when they are children. A child is prescribed penicillin to treat an infection, and if a rash develops — a common occurrence — penicillin is added to the child’s list of allergies. It is, however, impossible to know with absolute certainty the rash was caused by the penicillin. It could be the infection itself that caused the rash.

“There’s more to consider,” Esham says. “Immune systems change, and with penicillin it’s very likely you will lose that allergy. Up to 50 percent of kids lose a penicillin allergy over five years and 90 percent will lose it over the course of 10 years.”

ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP

Allergy societies have been encouraging as many people as possible to get tested and potentially get penicillin removed from their allergy lists.

Doing so has benefits across the board. Penicillin is more affordable and has fewer side effects than many other antibiotics. Plus, studies have shown that individuals with penicillin allergies have longer hospital stays and don’t do as well in the hospital as their nonallergic counterparts. This translates to better health outcomes, fewer hassles and lower medical bills.

“If penicillin is not on your allergy list, it gives us more options to treat the infection,” Esham says.

If you go to the hospital with an acute infection that can be helped with penicillin, but the antibiotic is on your allergy list, Esham may be called in to conduct a penicillin allergy test. She often gets referrals from hospitals in efforts to help a patient avoid a hospital stay.

BE PROACTIVE

But why wait until you have an acute infection before getting tested? It would be more useful to and convenient for you to get tested as an outpatient. Penicillin allergies are stressful to patients and make medical care more complicated, costly and risky.

Confirming a penicillin allergy requires a test that takes about two hours. It starts with a two-step skin test, then progresses to graded oral challenges of amoxicillin, all while you’re under observation. If there is any level of reaction the test is aborted, and you know you’re truly allergic.

“Of all the challenges and tests we do, this one is very safe and accurate,” Esham says. “I've tested a range from infancy to the elderly. It’s a relief and delight when they discover they are not allergic. It’s fun to give good news.”

Check your health care plan because getting tested for a penicillin allergy may be covered even if you have a high deductible.

“We all need to be more aware and responsible with our health care,” Esham says. “Physicians can help you with understanding. Get tested.”

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dana Esham, call 740-779-4393.

Adena Health System Sports Medicine is proud to announce its 2018-2019 male and female Athlete of the Year scholarship recipients. This year’s winners were Kieran Place of Zane Trace High School and Molly Smith of Wellston High School.

(image) As Adena’s Male Athlete of the Year, Kieran Place completed his high school athletic and academic career with numerous stellar achievements. Place led the Scioto Valley Conference in sacks this past season for the Pioneer football team and was a leader on and off the field. In the classroom, he carried a 3.9 GPA. His future plans include seeking admission into the United States Service Academy.

Adena’s Female Athlete of the Year Molly Smith finished her high school athletic and academic (image) career with an impressive list of accomplishments. She earned five varsity letters competing in volleyball and softball. Over the past two years, Smith received Academic All-Conference honors in both sports as well. Smith graduated with a 3.99 GPA and proved to be a positive role model on the field, court and in the classroom.

As Adena’s Athletes of the Year, Place and Smith will each receive a $3,000 scholarship. In addition, a donation of $500 will be made in their names to each of their respective school’s athletic departments. The Adena Sports Medicine Athlete of the Year Scholarship is funded by the Adena Health Foundation.

Congratulations to Kieran and Molly and to all our 2018-2019 Adena Athletes of the Month winners. For more information about the Adena Athlete of the Month program, visit www.adena.org/athlete

For more about Adena Health System, visit us at adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

(image) Most men are more comfortable talking about their golf game than their health. But is your health up to par? Or does it prevent you from doing the summer activities that you love? June is National Men’s Health Awareness Month, and the perfect time to be the most valuable player in your health care routine. 

Adena Health System wants to remind men about the importance of getting screened for colon, prostate and lung cancers. These are the three most common cancers treated at the Adena Cancer Center, and knowing what you can do to help prevent them could save your life.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. So, why is it still the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States? Typically, people are afraid, embarrassed or anxious about the test prep, and avoid testing, which if found early, can be treated successfully. The number one way to prevent colon cancer is to have a colonoscopy.

During this test, the doctor will examine your colon. He or she is looking for signs of cancer and small growths (polyps) that can become cancerous over time. These polyps can be removed during the test before they turn into cancer. 

Men with a personal or family history of colon cancer, or those with risk factors can be more likely to have this cancer.High-risk factors include: being overweight; eating a diet mostly of high-fat foods; smoking; and being inactive. People with normal risk factors should have their first colonoscopy at age 50. Those with family history or high risk factors are encouraged to work with their primary care provider in deciding when to have their first screening.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading type of cancer in men treated at the Adena Cancer Center. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men.

Men who are older, African American, or have a family history of prostate cancer are at greater risk of developing the disease. If you notice symptoms be sure to talk to your doctor immediately. Symptoms for prostate cancer can include: trouble urinating; erectile dysfunction; pain in the lower back, hips or thighs; and blood in the urine or semen.

Even without symptoms, men between the ages of 40 and 75 should talk with their provider about prostate cancer screening.

Lung Cancer

Compared with men who have never smoked, men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer.Additionally, the rate of death by lung cancer for people in Ross County is higher than the lung cancer death rate for the state of Ohio, and startlingly 44 percent higher than the U.S. rate of death due to lung cancer. 

Never smoking or quitting smoking have been proven to reduce the incidence of lung cancer. But the greatest chance to survive lung cancer is by catching it early. This can be accomplished with a simple lung cancer screening.

Adena Health System offers free lung cancer screening. This program has become a national model for excellence. Since it began in Nov. 2014, more than 55 people have been diagnosed with lung cancer. The no-cost lung cancer screening is a simple, painless, low dose, non-invasive CT scan. The test easily identifies tumors or lesions that may need medical attention. 

Those eligible for the free screening are: between 55-74 years old; have 30 or more “pack years” of smoking in their past (a pack year=1 pack a day for 30 years, 2 packs a day for 15 years, 3 packs a day for 10 years, etc.); a current smoker or someone who has quit smoking in the past 15 years.Men in this group are recommended to have a lung screen each year for the greatest chance of survival in the event of a lung cancer diagnosis. 

To learn more about these or other men’s health screenings, visit adena.org/cancer or call 740-542-3030.

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Whether you are attending a local fireworks celebration, summer concert or you are at the race track, the summer months are filled with outside activities that include loud noises. Did you know these noises could potentially lead to hearing damage, and even permanent hearing loss? Adena Audiologist Rachel Maynard explains how you can protect your ears, and avoid noise-induced hearing loss.

What is noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is exactly what it sounds like. It is hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noises. This can also include prolonged exposure to lower-level loud sounds, such as a factory noise, where a worker is exposed routinely over a period of time; or a single instance of exposure to a very loud noise, such as a firecracker or gunshot. 

“This type of hearing loss generally has a distinctive pattern in the high pitch range of hearing, which helps us to identify noise exposure as the cause,” explained Maynard.  

Maynard has seen multiple patients with permanent hearing loss caused by a single exposure to guns or fireworks. However, hearing loss caused by factory machinery is the most common type of hearing loss she sees in her Chillicothe office. 

“Many of the other causes like concerts, lawn mowers or construction tend to be things that do not cause hearing loss all at once, but more likely occur when someone has had multiple instances - or years worth of this exposure,” she said. 

Signs and Symptoms: 

The main symptom of noise-induced hearing loss is trouble hearing voices or sounds at a normal level. You may suspect noise-induced hearing loss if you have any of the following:

• Trouble hearing soft or faint sounds;
• Normal conversation may sound muffled or unclear; and/or
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Maynard added, “Typically, people will complain that voices are muffled, or it seems as if everyone is mumbling. Patients may also notice that they do not understand speech as well when there are background noises present in the environment, or if the person speaking is not facing them.”

When to seek medical treatment:

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A person should seek medical attention any time he or she has concerns about their hearing, or if they experience ringing in the ears. It is critical for a person who notices a sudden change in hearing to be medically evaluated as soon as possible.

Maynard suggests starting with an evaluation by your primary care provider. They can check for any physical causes, and can then refer you to an Audiology specialist if needed. The audiologist will complete a formal hearing test, will analyze your results, and discuss treatment options that may be necessary. 

Treatment Options:

According to Maynard, hearing aids are the most often recommended option to help patients regain their hearing. Other options may be available depending on the condition of the ear drum or how long ago the incident occurred. This is why it is so important that a patient be evaluated as soon as possible. 

Prevention: 

Remember, it only takes one exposure to a sound to cause permanent damage. 

“Consistency is key,” said Maynard. “A general rule of thumb is that if a noise is loud enough that you have to shout to be heard over it, hearing protection should be used.”  

There are many hearing protection devices available, from small in-the-ear devices to larger earmuff products.  

Maynard recommends wearing hearing protection when: 

• Attending music concerts;
• Riding a motorcycle;
• Operating factory machinery;
• Shooting guns;
• Setting off fireworks;
• Working construction;
• Using a chain saw or other power tools;
• Watching truck pulls at fairs; and 
• Going to the race track.

At Adena, our experienced audiologists are trained to work with adults and children. In addition to focusing on hearing loss, Adena offers services to help patients select and be fitted for hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and/or hearing protective devices, such as swim plugs.To schedule an appointment with an Adena audiologist, call 740-779-HEAR (4327) or visit adena.org/appointment

(image) Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Vice President Karen Jenkins has announced that starting June 17 the hospital has begun free parking lot shuttle services. Two ADA-compliant shuttles are available to the public and employees with designated shuttle stops located throughout the campus’ parking lots and at entrances to the hospital, Medical Office Building and Health Pavilion.  

“As Adena continues to grow we have faced a long-time challenge on our Chillicothe campus with parking,” said Jenkins. “We are continuously monitoring and evaluating our parking situation; looking for the most effective and sensible approaches. Adding shuttle services at this time will not only make finding a parking space easier for our patients, visitors and employees, but it will also get you from your car to our entrances, and back, in the fastest and most convenient way.”

The new shuttle service runs Monday – Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Each vehicle is able to carry up to 14 people; and makes stops at each designated location approximately every 15 minutes. Complimentary valet services are also still available Monday – Friday at many of the hospital’s main entrances.   (image)

As the new shuttle service begins, visitors will also notice a few more parking changes in the coming months around the ARMC campus. The hospital’s new West Entrance, and the adjoining visitor parking lot is scheduled to open in late August/early September. This addition will give patients and visitors an additional 80 parking spaces. 

The opening of these new spaces will be important because later this summer, Adena will break ground on its recently announced Orthopedic and Robotics Center, which will include a parking structure that will add approximately 300 new spaces. Construction of the new Orthopedic and Robotics Center will result in the closure of the parking lot located to the west of the Medical Office Building.

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation during times of construction and growth,” Jenkins added. “Having parking lots that are full is a great sign that people are coming to us for their care.”

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Between carpools, conference calls, cooking dinner, and spending time with the family, personal health often takes a back seat to everyday life. While family always comes first, caring for yourself is one of the best ways you can care for others. 

Don’t let heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions sneak up on you. Instead, prevent them by seeing your doctor for a yearly well-woman checkup.

At your checkup, your doctor will likely suggest health screenings. These tests can help spot potentially deadly conditions before they become life-threatening. Here are six screenings that can help you stay healthy.

1. Blood pressure

Nearly half of all Americans older than age 20 have chronic high blood pressure—130/80 mmHg or greater. Getting your blood pressure checked yearly, and changing your lifestyle or using medication, if necessary, can reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease.

2. Cholesterol

This simple blood test—after an overnight fast—measures levels of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol and LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. These fats in your blood can affect your risk for heart disease and stroke.

3. Pap test

This test, as part of a pelvic exam, takes a sample of cells from the cervix to check for cervical cancer. Women ages 21 to 29 should get a Pap test every three years, or once a year based on their risk factors. From ages 30 to 65, you should get screened every three to five years. Cervical cancer and the beginning stages of the disease are treatable if caught early.

4. Mammogram

This breast X-ray can find breast cancer in its early, most treatable stages. Women should start talking with their doctor about mammogram screenings at the age of 40. It is recommended to get screened once a year until age 49. If you’re between ages 50 and 74, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening every two years.

5. Blood glucose

This simple blood test helps detect type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, which can increase the risk for heart disease and other complications. It’s recommended for adults ages 40 to 70 who are overweight.

6. Colonoscopy

During this test, the doctor will examine your colon, looking for signs of cancer and small growths that can become cancerous over time, which can be removed during the test. Experts recommend getting a colonoscopy starting at age 50.

Throughout the varying life stages, you can count on our experienced physicians to help you prevent illness and disease, keeping you healthy for you and your family. 

Adena offers a wide range of services including wellness and prevention programs, comprehensive breast care, obstetrics, gynecology and gynecological surgery including new robotically-assisted minimally invasive surgery, nutrition counseling, pelvic rehabilitation, urodynamics, oncology and cardiology services, and more. 

For more information, call Adena Women’s Health OB/GYN at 740-779-7201 or Adena Women’s Health OB/GYN- Blackwater Road at 740-642-4400.

 (image) Adena Pike Medical Center (APMC), in partnership with The Recovery Council, is set to begin a medically-assisted inpatient detoxification pilot program. This will be the first program of its kind in the region to help individuals with opioid addiction.

APMC’s inpatient medical-stabilization service will begin later this month, with patients being admitted to the hospital through The Recovery Council, a Waverly-based treatment facility. While at the hospital, patients will have access to medication to ease withdrawal, which often includes intense flu-like symptoms. The average hospital stay is expected to be three to five days, APMC leaders said. Following detox, patients return to The Recovery Council for further treatment.

“Adena and The Recovery Council identified the need for a medical detox program in the community,” said Dave Zanni, APMC Senior Operations Executive Officer. “Currently, patients with opioid use disorder have had to detox in jail, or if being helped by The Recovery Council, have had to travel pretty far away, sometimes across state lines, for medically-assisted detox. With APMC now a resource for The Recovery Council, their clients will be medically monitored appropriately while going through detox.”

In many instances, patients have co-morbid diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure that need to be monitored while they go through the detox process. Through APMC’s inpatient setting, those patients can receive the medical attention they need.

“We want to help people manage their symptoms, so we can set them up for success,” explained Lometa Smith, MSN, RN, APMC director of Nursing. “When someone is going through a substance detox that is one of the things that turns them back to their addiction because of the symptoms they experience when they are not using.”

APMC will not perform substance abuse therapy while patients are in the care of the hospital, only manage the medical symptoms of the patients. Once a patient is medically cleared, the hospital will contact The Recovery Council, which will return the patient back to their facility.

The APMC staff has gone through extensive training to prepare for this new service. In addition to clinical education, two patients in recovery visited the hospital to speak with staff, providing intimate details and understanding of what it is like to go through the detox process.

“We understand that we may have some patients that will need more than one detox admission,” Smith said. “Statistically, most clients are not successful their first time through. This population has a stigma around them and I think in the medical field we can become very jaded to that - especially when you are seeing clients multiple times through the facility. We want to make sure our caregivers understand and have compassion for these individuals; and to help them understand that someone does care for them, and we are here to support them.”

The focus of APMC’s program is narrow during this early pilot phase. The hospital is exclusively working with The Recovery Council. Long-term plans for the program include opening the service up to other referring treatment centers, self-referred patients and expanding the program to Adena’s other critical access hospital in Greenfield. Possibilities for extending the inpatient detox to patients battling substances other than opioids is being considered as well.

The program will begin with one patient its first week, with the goal of expanding up to five over time.

“We’re a little nervous and a little excited,” Smith added. “We want to make sure we are setting the patients up for success, as well as our caregivers.”

For more about Adena Health System, visit us at adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @adenamedical.

 Chillicothe Famers Market

475 Western Avenue

Chillicothe, OH

 Open: Saturdays from 8 a.m. - Noon

May – October

Way Farms Waverly Market

403 E. Emmitt Avenue

Waverly, OH

 Open: Weekdays from 3 - 8 p.m.

Saturdays 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sundays Noon - 6 p.m.

For the second time in a week, Adena Health System has received positive news from a nationwide credit rating agency. S&P Global Ratings has assigned Adena its A- long-term rating for 2019 revenue bonds to be issued; and has also affirmed its A- long-term rating on Adena’s existing debt, with a stable outlook.

 S&P noted its ratings “reflect Adena’s volume and revenue growth over the last few years. This growth reflects the focus of the System’s management team on developing Adena as a regional referral center by strengthening its brand, growing its medical staff, and expanding its local and regional partnerships.”

 “We are pleased with S&P Global’s assessment of Adena’s financial position,” said Chief Financial Officer Lisa Carlson. “It’s affirmation of the System’s strategic and financial journey assures us; and should be a sign to our communities and region that Adena is in a good position to provide close-to-home, safe and quality care for our patients now and in the future.”

The series 2019 revenue bonds total approximately $85 million, and includes approximately a $65 million of new money that will be used to fund construction of a major expansion of the Adena Regional Medical Center’s Chillicothe campus. The new hospital addition will house the orthopedic service line as well as robot-assisted surgery, a 20-bed inpatient unit, clinic offices, rehabilitation services, and six operating rooms. 300 additional parking spaces will be added, adjacent to the building, in a multi-parking deck. Investor discussions are currently underway with potential bond buyers, with the sale of bonds expected to begin in June. Construction on the new facility is expected to begin later this year, with opening set for 2021. 

Last week, Moody’s Investors Service affirmed its A3 rating with a stable outlook for the Health System.

Moody’s Investors Service has affirmed Adena Health System’s A3 rating with a stable outlook. Moody’s Investors Service is a New York-based, nationally-prominent company that ranks the creditworthiness of a business. 

Each year, Health System leaders present the strategies, market trends and financial situation for evaluation, which is followed by the publishing of a rating of credit strength. This year, New York came to Chillicothe with representatives of Moody’s wanting to see Adena’s operations first hand.

“Adena is somewhat of a financial anomaly in today’s health care industry, and the New York-based bond raters wanted to see for themselves what we are doing well to drive our success,” said Chief Financial Officer Lisa Carlson. “They were impressed with our strategic plan, operations and financial performance. Reaffirming an A3 rating with a stable outlook speaks to our strong performance since 2017. It also confirms that we are strategically headed in the right direction for continued success.”

The rating issued is closely watched by investors and potential investors; and is similar to an individual’s credit score. In a news release announcing the rating and outlook, Moody’s states, “The A3 rating reflects Moody’s view that Adena Health will show solid revenue growth as management’s strategy of targeted physician recruitment will continue to capture volumes. We expect Adena will maintain solid operating margins, while newly-recruited physicians ramp up volumes and the system expands its footprint throughout the region.”

The stable outlook reflects Moody’s view that, “Adena will maintain solid operating cash flow margins while sustaining solid revenue growth,” the report said. “The outlook reflects Moody’s expectation that Adena will strengthen its leading market position in the system’s broad nine-county service area.”

“While it’s common for an organization to adopt new strategies each year, we are maintaining our focus on giving our patients the health care services they need, close to home,” said President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Through partnerships with other independent health care providers and businesses in the region, and by recruiting physicians to serve patients across our nine-county service area, we expect to continue to see positive results with a high quality of patient care and satisfaction.”

According to the Moody’s report, Adena’s key strengths are: it’s multi-year trend of strengthened margins; considerable enterprise growth; further growth in liquidity and debt coverage; and the continued trend of management stability and execution of strategies. Moody’s listed Adena’s most pronounced challenge coming from the demographics of the region that includes a large number of governmental payers that could limit improvements in margin.

To learn more about Adena and its services, visit www.adena.org.