The Adena Health Foundation is now accepting applications for scholarships for the 2019-2020 school year. Since 2002, the Foundation has awarded more than $804,000 in scholarships to students from Adena’s service region.

Students who apply must be working towards a degree in a health care field. Scholarships are available by field of study, which include: physical therapy, speech therapy, audiology, licensed physical/occupational therapy assistant, radiology technologist, nursing, medical technologist or medical laboratory technologist, medicine and pharmacy. 

Current or past scholarship recipients must re-apply in order to be considered for the 2019-2020 school year.

Applicants must have a high school GPA of at least 3.3 and diploma or a GED score of at least 550. They must also be a permanent resident of one of the counties in Adena’s service area, which includes Adams, Athens, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. Applicants must provide proof of admission to their academic program of choice. Proof of college admission does not always constitute admission to a specific program. If your program admission is pending please mark “Pending” on your application and provide proof as soon as possible.

For more details on the scholarship requirements, the special criteria listed for each field of study, and to download an application, go to www.adena.org/scholarships

 All applications must be received at the Adena Health Foundation, 9 Paint Street, Chillicothe, or postmarked no later than 4 p.m., Monday, May 20, 2019.

The Adena Health Foundation Scholarship Program is made possible by the fundraising efforts of the Volunteer Advisory Council, Women’s Board and several generous endowments and funds.

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

(image) As the health care industry continues to evolve, and the baby boomer population gets older, the demand for medical professionals has steadily increased. The result in many areas is a national shortage of trained medical personnel. One area where workers are in demand is the Medical Assistant(MA) field, where thousands of trained workers are needed.

Medical Assistants are often the first caregiver a patient encounters on their way from the waiting room to an examination room. These health care professionals are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties, such as assisting physicians during a patient examination, taking patient vital signs, entering and updating patient records, scheduling appointments and much more.

Adena, like many health care operations, has been challenged to find a substantial number of qualified MAs to fill openings in many of its outpatient clinics. To help address the shortage of MAs in the region,Adena Health System and Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center’s Ohio Technical Center (PRCTC) partnered to offer a six-month program to Adena employees who wished advance their careers by earning an MA certification.

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Mary Richards, 39, and Starr Patrick, 42, were each working at Adena as Patient Access Representatives (Registrars) when they heard about the MA education program. 

“I’ve always had an interest in Medicine, but never thought I could do it - especially at this age,” Mary said. “Between raising kids, working, and life in general, I thought I would never have the time to go back to school. With some encouragement from my family, co-workers and my boss, I decided to go for it.”

“I’ve always wanted to take care of people,” added Starr, whose background already included nursing school. “When this program opened up, I told myself I was going to give school one last try. This class was better for me than others I have taken because it allowed me to not only learn, but I got a high-quality, hands-on experience in a small classroom setting, which made it easy to ask questions and get answers.”

The MA Program was customized by PRCTC and offered free of charge through Learning and Organizational Development Department to help employees who are looking to further their education and expand their skills. Both Mary and Starr agreed that not having to pay a penny out of pocket was a great motivator in registering; and was a huge benefit of being an Adena employee. Classes were offered in the evenings on the campus of Adena Regional Medical Center, making it easy and convenient to balance the women’s daily job duties and classes.

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“I always put my education on the backburner because I wanted to have the finances to support my children’s education first,” explained Mary. “This gave me the opportunity to do something for myself, and do what I wanted to do.” 

Mary and Starr are now both working at Adena as full-time MAs. They each say they are more financially successful than they had been in their previous roles. The pair is also enjoying every minute of their new jobs, and seeing a positive change in their personal lives as well. 

“I feel so rewarded,” said Starr. “It is so nice to be on a consistent schedule, and for once in my life, I thoroughly enjoy what I am doing. Working with the providers has been a great experience so far, and I’m excited to continue this journey.”

Mary added, “I am proud to show my children that no matter your age you can achieve your dreams. I am a prime example that you are never too old to reach for the stars. If you apply yourself and work hard, you can do anything.” 

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Adena and PRCTC have been selected by Ohio’s Talent Development Network as a 2019 Innovative Project Award Winner. This award was introduced in 2012 to recognize partners for unique and innovative ways they address customer needs and for identifying business challenges, solutions and outcomes in their workforce communities that positively impact talent development. 

For more about Adena and PRCTC’s MA Program or other course offerings, visit www.pickawayross.com. To learn more about career options at Adena Health System visit www.adena.org/careers. 

(image) Adena Health announced today it will be a Platinum sponsor of the 2019 Buck Fifty Race to be held in Chillicothe, April 12-13, 2019. Adena becomes the event’s first-ever sponsor at this level in the race’s three-year history.     

“We are excited to expand our partnership with The Buck Fifty, and to be a proud supporter of an event that is making our region a destination for people from across the country,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “We have seen the growth of The Buck Fifty every year; and fully support its efforts toward health and wellness, and its work in fighting the opioid epidemic and drug abuse in our communities through the Drug Free Clubs of America Program.”

The Buck Fifty is a 150-mile overnight relay race through scenic southern Ohio. The race is designed for five and 10-person teams to challenge themselves running through four state and national parks, country roads and historic Chillicothe. One hundred percent of the profits from the race stay local, going directly to sponsor every high school student in Ross County who would like to participate in the Drug Free Clubs of America Program.

In addition to Adena Health’s Platinum sponsorship, it will be providing health care providers at several checkpoints throughout the race to ensure the health and safety of participants.

“We are humbly grateful for Adena’s support for The Buck Fifty,” said Race Director Dave Huggins. “With Adena as our flagship Platinum sponsor, this will not only help us grow our race, but will help to support more than 2,000 members of Drug Free Clubs of America. We are changing the future of our region together, as a team. We are closing in on year three of The Buck Fifty, and I truly believe we are just getting started in what we can accomplish.”

For more information on The Buck Fifty, and to register for the race, visit www.thebuckfifty.com.   

To learn more about services offered at Adena Health Center-Waverly or to schedule an appointment call 740-941-5150 or visit adena.org. 

Colonoscopy among reasons cited for decline in colorectal cancer deaths

(image) The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimated more than 140,000 people in the United States would be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2018, and that more than 50,000 people would die from the disease.

While those figures may be scary to some people, increased awareness of colorectal cancer, and an emphasis on preventive screenings are credited with reducing colorectal cancer deaths by 35 percent between 1991 and 2009, according to Dr. Vamsi Koduri, MD, a hematology and oncology specialist at the Adena Cancer Center.

Advancements in screening technology and providers being more adept at performing screening colonoscopies have also helped lower the mortality rate of the nation’s second leading cause of cancer death, Koduri says. Colorectal cancer represents, on average, 8.1 percent of new cancer cases and 8.3 percent of deaths by cancer each year, according to NCI.

The screening colonoscopy is among the most valuable tools in preventing colorectal cancer. With the patient sedated, the procedure takes about an hour and involves a lighted tube with a camera 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.

Any polyps found are removed and sent for testing to determine if they are cancerous.

The invasive nature of a colonoscopy might make the procedure less-than ideal for some patients, but endoscopic surveillance has been a breakthrough in the early detection of colon cancer. The survival rate for persons diagnosed with Stage 1 colorectal cancer is 80 to 95 percent, Koduri says. That rate drops to 55 to 80 percent for Stage 2, 40 percent for Stage 3, and 10 percent for Stage 4, he adds.

“Early detection significantly increases the chances of survival,” Koduri says. “Screening via colonoscopy is a tool for early detection of possible malignancies and leads to higher cure rates and better overall outcomes.”

Koduri notes a 54-year-old patient of his was recently diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer during a screening colonoscopy. The patient is doing well after undergoing surgery to remove a 3.5 centimeter mass from his ascending colon.

“He had no evidence of lymph node disease, a CT test showed no evidence, he had no symptoms,” Koduri says. “He underwent screening colonoscopy and the mass was incidentally found.”

Masses that are non-obstructing and cause no abdominal pain, constipation or gastrointestinal bleeding are among the most threatening of tumors because they cause few or no symptoms. Without a colonoscopy to detect it, the tumor can grow and cancer can spread.

For persons with no family history of colorectal cancer, and have no symptoms related to the disease, screening colonoscopy should begin at age 50. If no malignancies, polyps or other abnormalities are found, the procedure should be performed every 10 years thereafter, Koduri says.

If polyps are found, patients are usually advised to undergo a colonoscopy every three to five years, even if the growths are not cancerous.

Twenty-five percent of people with colorectal cancer have a family history of the disease, so the recommended age screenings should begin is markedly different for these individuals. In this case, screening colonoscopy should begin 10 years prior to the youngest age at which an immediate family member – a mother or father, for example – was diagnosed with the disease. If your father was diagnosed with cancer at 50 years old, you should undergo your first colonoscopy at 40 and every 10 years thereafter.

Persons with a family history of the disease should also undergo a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years. A sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy but does not travel beyond the lower part of the colon.

If you have yet to undergo a colonoscopy, be aware of changes in bowel movements and stool composition that may be warning signs. A sudden onset of unexplained abdominal pain or constipation, or stools that are darker than normal in color, can also be indicative of colorectal cancer, Koduri says.

Additionally, craving ice or clay can be the result of an iron deficiency, which can be caused by a GI bleed, he adds.

Koduri emphasizes that other possible causes of rectal bleeding, such as hemorrhoids, be eliminated before undergoing a colonoscopy.

“People might think the bleeding from the rectum is evidence of a lower GI bleed, and this can lead to unnecessary screening or unnecessary procedures. It’s very important to rule this out as a possible cause,” he says.

To schedule your screening today, talk to your primary care physician or call Adena Surgical at 740-779-4550 or Adena Gastro at 740-779-8530. For more information on colon cancer visit adena.org/coloncancer. 

(image) Having surgery at any age can bring with it lots of emotions. For younger patients at Adena Regional Medical Center, those anxieties and fears are being driven away, literally. 

Adena Surgery now offers remote control cars to pediatric patients for a special ride as they head into surgery. The bright red cars can be operated by both the young driver as well as by a hand-held remote controlled by an Adena employee.

Adena currently has two surgery transport cars, one for the hospital’s Main Operating Room and a second in the Adena Pavilion Surgery Center. The cars are used to take kids to procedures such as tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, the insertion of ear tubes and dental cases.

The idea to bring this concept to Adena came from Anesthesia Manager Deb Park. Park had seen a video on YouTube, where this was being done at a hospital in Oklahoma, to make the hospital less intimidating to children. Similar programs are also being done at hospitals in Buffalo and San Diego. 

“I saw the video and thought ‘we could do this’,” Park explained. “We had a staff meeting and everyone was on board with the idea. The Anesthesia Department even donated the money to purchase the cars. I got to see the first case go back using them and I had tears in my eyes. The young girl was so excited. I’ve even seen some kids jump right out of their bed and get in the car.”

For the mother of four-year-old patient Katelin Davis seeing her daughter in good spirits ahead of her dental surgery helped her as well. “It was a lot easier on us knowing she wasn't upset heading to surgery,” Amanda Davis said. “I was nervous because she gets upset easy about things like this. Seeing her smiling and laughing was a huge relief. She has told everyone that she got to drive a Mercedes to the dentist room, and she got her picture taken while she did it. It really helped her cope with it all.”

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Since Adena has introduced the surgery transport cars, doctors have been noticing the positive effects it is having on their young patients.

"The red car has been a wonderful addition for our pediatric patients,” said Dr. Eileen Martinez, who performed Katelin’s surgery. “It makes them excited to come back to the operating room when they generally have separation fear and anxiety coming back. I'm thankful for the purchase, and always enjoy watching the kiddos enter riding in style!"

(image) Adena CRNA David Kohn agrees, “When it’s time for a child to be taken back for their procedure, it’s often difficult for the child to separate from their parents. As nurse anesthetists, we always do our best to make that transition easier; and the offer to ride in a ‘Mercedes’ to the operating room can really go a long way in putting a smile on the child’s face at a challenging moment.”

Missy Brenner, Adena Manager for Medical Staff Services and Provider Enrollment can attest to the impact the surgery transport car had with her family, including grandson, Cooper. “This is absolutely wonderful from the perspective of a patient’s family. This group provided an extra touch to make the transition for a three-year-old boy having a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. Not only did he love driving the car, it made that separation and anxiety of the transfer easier for my daughter and son-in-law. I’m so, so proud of my Adena family.”

“The pediatric patients I've seen have really enjoyed the little red car,” commented Anesthesiologist Dr. Jacqueline Graham. “It seems to be an interesting and fun way to head to the operating room on a day that can sometimes be fraught with uncertainty and apprehension for the kiddos (and their parents). I've witnessed more giggles and laughter rolling down the hallways with the little red car, and it is a joy to see.”

With any surgery, it is often the road to recovery that is discussed. But for these young Adena patients, the road to the operating room is the one they’ll remember.

(image) Adena Health System has partnered with the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center to offer a fully-accredited Psychiatry Residency Program through its Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program. This is the only behavioral health residency program in the region. 

“The overall objective of the partnership and training program is to develop highly-skilled psychiatrists, and to supply talented providers who have been specially trained in the region,” said Dr. Nathan Shiflett, Adena’s GME Psychiatry Residency Program Director. “Our end goal is to retain these providers to continue practicing psychiatry services locally, helping to meet the region’s demand for behavioral health services.”  

According to the Ross County 2016 Health Needs Assessment, top health issues for people in the county include: obesity, lung cancer, addiction, depression, and anxiety. Each of these conditions can be supported through psychiatry and behavioral health services. The necessity for behavioral health and psychiatry resources is not just a local need, but is a state and national area of need. In 2017, 2.5 million Ohioans accessed mental health or substance abuse prevention, treatment or support services through the Ohio Department of Mental Health Services. 

“The partnership between Adena and the VA for a Psychiatry Residency Program is an opportunity to better serve the mental health needs of our community,” said Dr. Allison Dailey, Director of Adena Psychiatric Services. “This will allow for increased access to high quality care for our patients, in addition to the opportunity to recruit and retain psychiatrists who understand our community and our patients.”

The four-year program begins in July 2019. The 12 residents will then complete rotations at the Chillicothe VA, the Adena Counseling Center and Adena Regional Medical Center. 

“The new partnership between the Chillicothe VA and Adena Health System will give psychiatry residents a new, diverse and integrative experience that will open our education to richer more complex clinical experiences,” said Chillicothe VA’s Chief Resident Dr. Heather Theibert. “The partnership will better prepare us for the new, comprehensive world of Medicine.”

For more information about Adena’s Graduate Medical Education Program, visit www.adena.org/GME.

(image) Adena Pike Medical Center (APMC) has earned a 5-Star Hospital Rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS released its Overall Hospital Quality Star ratings to the consumer-oriented website Hospital Compare. According to Hospital Compare, APMC is one of just three critical access hospitals in Ohio and one of 27 critical access hospitals in the nation to receive a 5-star rating.

Hospital Compare provides information on how well hospitals provide recommended care to their patients. This information can help consumers make informed decisions about where to go for health care. Hospital Compare allows consumers to select multiple hospitals, and directly compare their performance measures. 

CMS looks at 64 measures that fall into seven groups: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, effectiveness of care, timeliness of care and efficient use of medical imaging. A hospital's rating is calculated using only as many measures for which data is available.

“Adena Pike Medical Center’s acknowledgment as a 5-star hospital has substantial impact when we talk about Adena being top-of-mind and the first choice for health care for patients and their families,” said Jeff Graham, Adena President and CEO. “This rating sets us apart from other health systems and hospitals in the region, and is a testament to the quality of services our physicians and caregivers provide.”

“We are proud to be among the nation’s top hospitals,” said Dave Zanni, APMC Senior Operations Executive Officer. “This has been a joint effort of our frontline staff, leadership, and the community. This 5-star rating is evidence that patients and families can come here and be treated effectively, timely and receive superior care and excellent service.” 

Hospital Compare was created through the efforts of Medicare and the Hospital Quality Alliance (HQA). The HQA was a public-private collaboration established in December 2002 to promote reporting on hospital quality of care. HQA consists of organizations that represent consumers, hospitals, providers, employers, accrediting organizations and federal agencies. The HQA effort was intended to make it easier for consumers to make informed health care decisions and to support efforts to improve quality in U.S. hospitals.

To access the Hospital Compare website, visit www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare.

(image) Adena Health System is proud to welcome Dr. Arnold Good as its new Chief of Cardiology. Dr. Good brings with him, more than 30 years of experience in Interventional Cardiology, most recently at OhioHealth’s Grant Medical Center.

“I was at a point in my career, and my personal life, where I was looking for the opportunity to make an impact,” said Dr. Good. “I hope to bring some of my knowledge, skill and experience to this community; as well as delivering new services and technology to Adena, so patients in south central Ohio will not need to travel outside the region for the high-quality care they deserve.”

In his new role, Dr. Good will provide leadership and expertise for Adena’s Cardiology service line, with a focus toward new initiatives. He will also work with caregivers, leaders and other disciplines across the Health System to identify and implement evidenced-based practices, facilitate mentoring and provider development strategies.

“This is a great next step for me,” Dr. Good added. “I believe Adena is also ready to take the next step in its medical story, and I am very thankful and excited to be a part of that.”

Eager to begin his new role, Dr. Good looks forward to building relationships within the community, Adena Health System, and forming bonds with his patients.

For more information about Adena’s Heart and Vascular Services visit adena.org/heart.

(image) Adena Regional Medical Center, located in Chillicothe, has been named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2019 by Healthgrades™.

The distinction places the hospital in the top five percent of more than 4,500 U.S. hospitals that are assessed for superior clinical performance by Healthgrades™, the nation’s leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.

“We understand patients have a choice when it comes to where they go for health care,” said Adena’s President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Adena’s staff and providers are committed to delivering outstanding, quality health care for our friends and neighbors living in south central Ohio, and helping our patients stay close to their homes and families. This level of recognition from Healthgrades™ should give people even more confidence that the services being provided at Adena are among the best found any place in the U.S.”

Adena Health System has a strong quality and safety program that continues to improve and evolve. The results are making a positive impact for patients, and have led to several national-level recognitions over the past few years. Adena was the only rural hospital in Ohio to be named among Healthgrades™ America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2019. 

“The Healthgrades America’s 250 Best Hospital Award is a tool that consumers can use to identify the best hospitals for their care needs,” said Brad Bowman, Chief Medical Officer at Healthgrades™. “We commend recipient hospitals for showing their dedication to patients by delivering exceptional clinical outcomes.” 

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Recipients of the Healthgrades™ America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award are recognized for overall clinical excellence across a broad spectrum of care. Over the 2019 study period (2015 through 2017), Adena and other recognized hospitals showed superior performance in clinical outcomes for patients across at least 21 of the 32 most common inpatient conditions and procedures — as measured by objective performance data (risk-adjusted mortality and in-hospital complications).

The complete list of 2019 recipients can be viewed at https://www.healthgrades.com/quality/americas-best-hospitals-for-2019

(image) The partnership between Adena Health System and Fayette County Memorial Hospital (FCMH) continues to grow, with the opening of a second Adena clinic within FCMH.

Even before executing an October 2018 affiliation agreement, Adena and FCMH have collaborated to increase access to specialty care for patients in the region. The partnership started with Orthopedics and Sports Medicine providers seeing patients at FCMH in August 2017; and the addition of Adena Pulmonology in November 2017.

Adena has now opened a second clinic inside FCMH, broadening the list of Adena providers who will be practicing there, delivering close-to-home care for patients living in the Fayette County area.

“Our common goal with the Adena/FCMH affiliation is to expand the availability of health care services in our region, and to keep quality care in or near the patient’s hometown,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Adena’s partnership vision includes working with our region’s health care partners to enable patients to be cared for locally while aligning and reducing the cost for care. The Adena/FCMH partnership continues to be a win-win for everyone.”

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The new Adena specialty clinic is now open inside Suite 310 of FCMH’s Medical Arts Building #2. Specialty care being provided in the new clinic include: Cardiology, Dermatology, Nephrology, Neurology, Ob/Gyn, and Urology. Adena providers will see patients and will perform some office procedures in the new space. The new Adena Specialty Clinic is located at 1510 Columbus Avenue, Washington Court House.

Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Pulmonology will continue to operate from its current FCMH location, which is inside Suite 106 of Medical Arts Building #1, located at 1450 Columbus Avenue, Washington Court House.

Patients wishing to be cared for by an Adena specialist, at an FCMH facility, may schedule an appointment by calling 740-333-4970, or by visiting adena.org.

Adena heart health programs aim to stop problems before they start

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In the United States, about one in every four deaths is related to heart disease, which annually claims about 610,000 lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the state of Ohio, approximately 27,000 people died from heart disease in 2014, the most recent year for which CDC stats are available. Ohio ranked 12th in the nation for heart disease-related deaths that year.

According to a 2015 study conducted by the Ohio Department of Health, approximately 835,000 adults in the state have been diagnosed with a form of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, coronary heart disease or stroke.

It’s because of these statistics that heart health is taken so seriously at Adena Health System. There are numerous preventive measures that individuals can take to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease, and Adena offers assistance to get you on the right path to heart health.

Beverly Tolle, a nurse practitioner with Adena Internal Medicine, says many of the preventive measures people can take are simple processes that provide significant benefits to the body. These steps are behavioral changes that can prevent cardiovascular disease, and help increase individual measures of health and wellness.

One of the best ways to improve heart health is through weight loss and exercise, Tolle says. Losing weight reduces the strain placed on the heart, which can cause complications such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. (image)

“High blood pressure and cholesterol, those are the big things,” Tolle says. 

To keep on top of those levels, Tolle says it’s a good idea for people to have regular wellness checkups to ensure their numbers are in a safe zone. If there is an issue, it’s important for people to see their physician as soon as possible to address the concerns.

When blood pressure is high, it narrows the blood vessels, making it harder for the heart to pump blood through them. High levels of cholesterol also cause the heart to work harder and often lead to the blood vessel blockages that can cause heart attacks and strokes.

“There are many things that can weaken the heart,” she says. “It’s like any other muscle… trying to pump against high blood pressure is not good for the heart.”

When it comes to food choices, it’s important to pay attention to sodium levels. Too much sodium can raise blood pressure. Tolle also warns foods that are often listed as low-fat typically have higher sodium levels.

“When fat is taken out, it’s often replaced with sodium for flavor,” she says. “That’s bad for your blood pressure and heart.”

Other simple practices that can help people reduce the risk of developing heart disease include smoking cessation, getting the proper amount of sleep, staying hydrated and getting plenty of cardio-related exercise.

“Walking is a terrific exercise,” she says. “It’s such a good thing for you. It doesn’t require a gym and can be done by practically everyone. The act of moving is beneficial, but you want to keep up a pace that you’re a little winded. Walking the dog is not always helpful if that dog is stopping every few feet.”

Tolle says it’s important for people to regularly check on their heart health to ensure any concerns do not become problems that can lead to heart attack or cardiovascular disease.

“For many people, it’s not a problem until it’s a problem,” she says. “Once you have a problem, it’s too late for many people.”

Because heart health is so important, Tolle says Adena offers a number of programs to help people get on the right track. Nutritionists can work with you to develop sensible diet plans that contribute to weight loss and help you meet your health and wellness goals.

There’s also a smoking cessation program few people seem to know about. The program provides several guidelines to help successfully quit the addictive habit. According to information on Adena's website, the benefits of quitting smoking can be seen as soon as 20 minutes after quitting.

Additionally, Adena provides a rehab program to benefit people who have cardiac concerns. The cardiac rehab program is aimed at those who have already experienced a heart attack, providing guidance in preventing a second heart attack. Individuals who participate in the rehab program are assigned nurses who assist them with questions and tailor the programs to meet their individual needs.

For more information on these or any of Adena’s heart health and cardiovascular services, visit www.adena.org/heart

Doctors break down Emergency Room and Urgent Care visit guidelines

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The name “emergency room” should be self-explanatory. However, in many cases, people use the ER when they should go to a clinic or urgent care facility.

Dr. Jeremy Parsons and Sally Lawton, certified nurse practitioner, offer their thoughts on Adena Health System urgent care providers, and where to go and when.

Why do so many people use the ER for non-emergencies when they can simply visit an urgent care center or a clinic and get checked out?

PARSONS: Convenience is the main factor. The ER is open 24/7. Urgent care (or a clinic) is open limited hours, so they go to the ER. Either they do not have a primary care provider, they cannot get in to see their PCP, or they do not want to wait for an appointment.

Can you compare the services received in an ER or an urgent care facility?

P:Urgent care is intended to care for and manage lower acuity/ severity health concerns. Our urgent care facilities are staffed by a physician or mid-level provider, or a combination of both at the Western Avenue branch. We handle smaller injuries and illnesses, such as ear infections, sinus infections, colds and sprains/strains, rashes, minor abdominal pain, urinary tract infections, pregnancy testing, mild headaches and minor lacerations.

Our urgent care facilities provide basic ancillaries including X-ray, urine dipstick testing, rapid strep, rapid flu, RSV and urine pregnancy testing. However, unlike the ER we do not offer CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound or serum labs. We do, unfortunately, receive patients on a regular basis who present with complex complaints such as severe abdominal pain or chest pain, hoping to have labs or additional testing performed. If a patient feels ill enough that they believe they need serum labs or additional ancillaries beyond what we can offer, an ER visit is recommended.

The ER is structured to handle more severe medical conditions/ situations, such as trauma, difficulty breathing, chest pain, abdominal pain, stroke, head injuries, eye injuries, high blood sugar/blood pressure with headaches or dizziness, complicated lacerations and potentially fatal illnesses, such as pneumonia, shortness of breath in children that may not be best managed on an outpatient/home basis.

What are the strong points and the weakness of each?

P:The ER has more resources to evaluate and treat a patient, such as lab, imaging and specialty consults if needed. The weakness of the ER directly correlates to their higher acuity of patients received, in that the wait may be longer. In urgent care, only basic testing is performed if necessary. I see this as a strong point. This structure is what should allow for quick visits in an hour or less.

Is it more of a convenience factor, the thinking that “It’s an ER, they have to see me?"

LAWTON:At urgent care, even if they present with an issue that cannot be handled there, they will be evaluated and advised to go to the ER if needed.

Do the people who do not really need to see an ER doctor clog up the system and make it difficult for those who really need an ER doctor?

P:I do believe this. Some patients will be okay to wait and be seen in urgent care or by their PCP in the next 24 to 48 hours, but they go to the ER to be seen.

L:Most of the time this occurs for three reasons: 1) They did not believe their issue was that serious. 2) They did not want to wait at the ER regardless of how mild/serious the problem. 3) They believe they can get into the ER quicker by coming to urgent care and being transferred.

What are your thoughts on urgent care centers?

P:There are multiple benefits to urgent cares over ERs. One such benefit is private insurance co-pays are generally less for UC than ER, as well as the overall cost. Most urgent cares have a “turn-around time” goal, which is usually to complete a patient visit in under one hour.

How do we get the word out about these urgent care centers? Are people afraid to use them or not sure they are “as good” as an ER?

P:Urgent cares are staffed with licensed physicians and midlevel providers, same as the ER. All patients will receive great care at either facility.

Can you get prescriptions from doctors in urgent care and/or ER?

P:Yes. However, it is the provider’s discretion if and what medications are prescribed.

What do you do if you get sick on a weekend?

L:If it is a simple cold or stomach bug, urgent care or a clinic are great places to go. Check online for hours of operation. If your condition feels more serious or it is after hours for urgent care, please go to the emergency room.

URGENT CARE FACILITIES

ADENA URGENT CARE - WESTERN AVENUE

740-779-4000

Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

55 Centennial Boulevard

Chillicothe, OH 45601

ADENA URGENT CARE - HILLSBORO

937-393-7630

Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

160 Roberts Lane

Hillsboro, OH 45133

ADENA URGENT CARE - WAVERLY

740-941-5100

Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

12340 State Route 104

Waverly, OH 45690

CLINICS

THE CLINIC AT WALMART - CHILLICOTHE

740-779-8979

Monday through Saturday - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday - 12-5 p.m.

85 River Trace Lane

Chillicothe, OH 45601

ADENA FAMILY MEDICINE - CIRCLEVILLE WALK-IN CLINIC

740-420-3000

Monday through Friday - 2 to 8 p.m.

Saturday - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday - Closed

140 Morris Road

Circleville, OH 43113

ADENA HEALTH CENTER - JACKSON

740-395-8080

Monday through Saturday - 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

1000 Veterans Drive

Jackson, OH 45640

New Adena thoracic surgeon saves patients a long trip away from home

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The diagnosis was not what worried Karen Grow, 67. It was the treatment that was the cause of her concern.

Grow, who lived in Chillicothe for 40 years before moving to Waverly, had been diagnosed at Adena Cancer Center with thymoma, a type of cancer that grows in the chest. Her tumor was small but located under the chest bone. To remove it, her physician told her a surgery would be required. That is crack open the chest, followed by three months of recovery.  

Thankfully, Grow had a local option that was minimally invasive and would significantly reduce her recovery time. Kevin Radecki, MD,a thoracic surgeon who specializes in cancers of the lung and chest, had just joined Adena medical staff. Using the da Vinci XI robot, Radecki could perform the surgery through three small incisions next to Grow’s pectoral muscle. The procedure could be performed in less than an hour, and would require only 10 days of recovery. 

“The very next morning after coming home, I swept, did laundry, and made my bed,” says Grow, who just a week after surgery was busy crocheting scarves for local cancer patients and nursing home residents. 

Robotic Precision 

Radecki joined Adena’s team in December 2018. It’s addition has made a huge difference for patients. No longer do they need to travel to Columbus for state-of-the-art cancer surgery. Specializing in surgeries using the da Vinci robotic system, Dr. Radecki performs most procedures through just a few small incisions. This type of surgery, known as minimally invasive, has huge advantages to patients. Typically, patients lose less blood, have shorter hospital stays, and recover faster, Radecki says. 

“It’s still an operation, but a lot less invasive,” he adds. “The pain is less, mobility comes back quicker, recovery is a lot faster for even a lung cancer resection. Basically, getting back to your baseline is quicker.”

Adena now has five robotic surgical systems, including the most sophisticated model of the da Vinci—the da Vinci XI. This surgical system not only benefits the patient, it allows the surgeon to be much more precise. 

Sitting at a console beside the patient, the surgeon can view the surgical site in three-dimensions with magnification 10 times greater than the human eye. The surgical robot is also more flexible. Unlike the human wrist, the da Vinci surgical arms can rotate 360 degrees, giving the surgeon access to parts of the body unreachable with traditional surgery. The da Vinci also has built-in tremor control to neutralize any extraneous movements that might be made by the surgeon. Combined, these features mean surgeons can perform procedures within 1 millimeter of accuracy; standard surgery has an acceptable margin of error of 3-5 mm. 

Big-City Care

Prior to joining Adena, Radecki was treating patients in Columbus. He hadn’t thought a rural area could provide the level of services available in a larger city. But when colleagues recommended he look south, he was pleasantly surprised. 

“I was impressed with the resources Adena provides for the nine counties surrounding it,” Radecki says. “Adena has its own cancer center, and is part of huge network of clinical trials that occur anywhere in the world, so patients can stay here to receive the most advanced treatments. It surprised me, and has been very rewarding to be able to help patients stay close to home for treatment."

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Mary Alice Cisco began her career at Pike Community Hospital (since named Adena Pike Medical Center) more than 60 years ago and has been a part of the facility’s heart and soul ever since. After all that time caring for the well-being of others, one would think a person couldn’t possibly do more, but for anyone that knows Mary Alice, her latest act of generosity and devotion to the hospital was not surprising at all.

The Adena Pike Medical Center Foundation Board has been working to raise funds to support the renovation of an inpatient room to one specifically for Hospice patients and their families. The room will include a pull out couch, microwave, refrigerator, table and chairs and overall more space than the average patient room giving family members a place to gather and visit with their loved ones during their stay at the hospital.

“At our last Board meeting we were discussing our fundraising goals and brainstorming ways to raise money, so this project could continue and be everything we hoped for,” explained Rebekah Clevenger, Adena Health Foundation Development Director. “We really didn’t know how we were going to come up with the needed funds at this time, but with construction continuing we knew it had to be done.”

According to Clevenger, it was at that moment when Mary Alice, who sits on the Board at age 92, spoke up and said “I’ll do it.” And like that, as she has done for so many years, Mary Alice was there to support the hospital she loves in whatever it needed.      

Mary Alice recently presented a check in the amount of $15,000 to the APMC Board of Trustees and Foundation Board for the completion of the new Hospice Room.

“I never dreamed that when I started here, I would still be here 60 years later,” said Mary Alice. “While I am planning on working as long as I can, I’m not sure how much time that really is. I wanted to give back to the community in another way that let my legacy live on. I want families to be comfortable while their loved ones are staying here and have the best experience possible. This is my second home and I’ve always wanted to give back to this hospital as it has given so much to me.”

Once completed, APMC’s new Hospice Room will be adorned with signage honoring Mary Alice’s donation and her many years of devotion and service to the hospital.

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

Dietitians get honest about the necessary steps to create lasting lifestyle changes

(image) Jill Hopkins doesn’t like to use the D-word.

“We don’t like to call it a diet because a diet is temporary,” says Hopkins, a registered dietitian with Adena Health System. “We prefer to call it a lifestyle change.”

Whatever term you use to describe the foods you cut out in an effort to lose weight, Hopkins and fellow Adena dietitian Paulina Giba are eager to offer tips for healthy living.

“It all starts with avoiding temptation,” Giba says. “Don’t overindulge.”

TAKING THE STEP

Avoiding overindulgence can be particularly challenging in the winter months, especially during the holidays, but Hopkins has a solution that should leave most satisfied.

“We’re not going to tell you to skip the mashed potatoes and gravy at Christmas dinner, but instead of taking two or three scoops just take one scoop of potatoes and then fill your plate with vegetables,”

Hopkins says. “It’s important to get into the habit of smaller portion sizes.”

“All things in moderation,” Giba adds.

 Those ready to dive into a lifestyle change will want to start by reducing the amount of foods high in animal fat. Bacon,sausage, bologna and other processedmeats, as well as red meats such as beefand lamb, should be limited.

Plant-based foods, as well as animal-based foods containing healthy fats — salmon and trout, for example — are all healthy additions. Gobbling up these plant-based foods and healthy fats not only improves your chances of dropping a few pounds, you’ll also likely see your cholesterol levels decline.

Of course, not everyone has the luxury of preparing a salmon dinner with a side of broccoli and a few slices of avocado every day. There may be times when fast food is unavoidable. When that does happen, Giba and Hopkins remind you to eat smart and pay close attention to the menu.

“If you can avoid fast food, then more power to you,” Hopkins says. “When we’re working with our clients and the (fast food) topic comes up, we encourage them to look at the menu and see if there is an option with grilled chicken. That is a much better choice than a bacon double cheeseburger.

“It seems like many more people today grew up on fast food than they did 35 years ago. There are many people who have never even tasted Brussels sprouts. We need to get people to eat more fruits and vegetables like they did two generations ago.”

WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Habitual unhealthy eating is universally bad and can lead to heart disease, cancer and diabetes. But coming up with a healthy lifestyle change that works for you can be more complex than it may seem.

“What works for one person may not work for another,” Hopkins says. “What we really like to do is have a 60-minute, one-on-one session with our clients to get into the specifics of what they are trying to achieve, and their current eating habits. Everyone is different, so that’s why there isn’t just one answer.”

While everyone is unique, anyone can benefit from putting down the burger and fries and picking up carrots, celery, apples, oranges and bananas.

“It is really important to eat more fruits and vegetables,” Giba says. “Reducing the foods that are high in sodium and replacing them with plant-based foods will make you feel better and give you more energy.”

HOW TO GET STARTED

So you’re ready to begin your new lifestyle and want the assistance and guidance of an Adena dietitian — good decision.

To get started you’ll need a referral from your physician. Once the referral has been obtained, fax it to Adena’s Scheduling Office at (740) 779-4462. 

There are eight dietitians in the Chillicothe region, serving Chillicothe, Greenfield and Waverly. Hopkins says the initial 60-minute, one-on-one visit will be used to discuss eating habits and health history and to devise a plan for the client to reach their desired goals. Follow-up visits will be used to track progress. Click here for more informartion. 

(image) Discomfort, minor pain and fatigue could be symptoms of almost any illness, but what about cancer?

After years of not going to the doctor, Angela McKibben of Zaleski, OH, decided to finally schedule an appointment after experiencing what she thought were only symptoms of constipation. Angela’s health care provider suggested an abdominal CT scan to get a better idea of what might be going on. 

Going into her appointment without any worries, she was of the mindset a CT scan was just normal protocol resulting in some medication to help relieve her problems. It wasn’t until a nurse suggested she bring a loved one with her to review her CT results that she began to worry. “When they asked me to bring someone with me to my follow-up appointment, I didn’t know what to expect. But I knew the results could not be good,” she said. 

Angela’s results showed a tumor in her cervix and she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer. Shocked, scared and uncertain of what he future looked like, she turned to the Adena Cancer Center for help. 

After discussing her treatment plan and options with her physicians and nurse navigator, Angela decided to undergo a debulking surgery, in which the affected lymph nodes, left ovary and fallopian tube were removed. Providers then took a biopsy of the bladder, which tested positive. Due to the cancer being so advanced and spreading to the lymph nodes in the pelvic area and the tumor attaching to her bladder, a hysterectomy was not suggested. 

After recovering from surgery, Angela completed six weeks of treatment which consisted of 30 treatments of external beam radiation, six treatments of chemo, and 5 treatments of internal radiation. “Being able to complete chemo and radiation so close to home has been so convenient and Dr. Wilson, Dr. Rose and the rest of the staff have been so caring and good to me,” said Angela. 

If there is anything Angela wants women to gain from her experience, it is to get your Pap smear. “Women are always taking care of others, but sometimes we need to stop and remember to take care of ourselves,” she stated. “Life happens and everyone gets busy, but slow down, know and listen to your body. Seeing your gynecologist before your health gets out of hand could save your life.”

Angela is now in her second round of chemo at Adena and focusing on living life, raising her grandson and staying healthy. 

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year. Cervical cancer is caused by a virus known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Through proper screenings, it can be detected early and even prevented. 

Adena Women’s Health provider Dr. Kristen Colwell recommends women over 21, who are sexually active should get tested every three years, depending on your risk factors.

“Up to eighty percent of abnormal Pap smears that are positive for high-risk HPV maybe high-grade precancerous changes,” explained Dr. Colwell. “Through proper screenings, it can be detected early and even prevented.” 

She added, “Cervical cancer is asymptomatic meaning just like in Angela’s case, there are usually no symptoms. Symptoms such as constipation, minor lower pelvic pain are very vague and not too specific. This is why getting your yearly pelvic exam is so important.”

If you have questions about cervical cancer, HPV or to schedule a screening, contact Adena Women’s Health OB/GYN at 740-779-7201 or Adena Women’s Health OB/GYN- Premier at 740-642-4400. 

What is norovirus? 

Norovirus is a serious gastrointestinal illness that causes inflammation of the stomach and/or intestines. This inflammation leads to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Norovirus is extremely contagious (easy to spread) from one person to another. Norovirus is not related to the flu (influenza), even though it is sometimes called the stomach flu. Anyone can get norovirus, and they can have the illness multiple times during their lifetime. 

Norovirus causes approximately 21 million illnesses each year. It is the leading cause of illness and outbreaks related to food in the United States. Symptoms start between 12 to 48 hours after being exposed and can last anywhere from one to three days. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and/or stomach pain. Dehydration is a big concern for people with norovirus, especially in the elderly and the very young, and a major reason for people being hospitalized. People are most contagious when they are actively sick and for the first few days after getting over the illness. 

How serious is norovirus? 

Norovirus is a serious illness that makes people feel extremely ill and vomit or have diarrhea. Most people get better within one to two days. Norovirus can be very serious among young children, the elderly, and people with other illnesses, and can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization, and even death. 

How does norovirus spread? 

It generally spreads when infected food service workers touch food without washing their hands well or at all. Norovirus spreads from: 

• Person-to-person (e.g., shaking hands, sharing food or eating from the same utensils, or caring for someone who is ill with norovirus). 
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects, and then touching your mouth, nose, and eyes. 
• Eating contaminated food or water. 
• Not washing hands before preparing food or eating, or after using the bathroom or changing diapers. 

 Why is norovirus so contagious? 

Norovirus spreads so easily because it can be in your feces (poop) before you start feeling sick, and it can stay for two weeks or longer after you’re feeling better. Combine that with people not doing a great job of washing their hands and you have big potential for spreading this virus. Norovirus can spread quickly in closed places such as daycares, nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships.

How can you protect yourself from norovirus? 

• Wash your hands often and well. Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially before preparing or eating food, using the restroom or changing diapers. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not a substitute for washing with soap and water. 
• Use precautions in the kitchen. Always wash fruits and vegetables and cook food thoroughly before eating. 
• Do not prepare food if you are sick. People who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for three days after they recover from their illness. 
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces thoroughly. After an episode of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label or a 1:10 solution by mixing 1/4 cup of bleach to 2 1/4 cups of water. Bleach is very caustic and emits potentially lethal fumes, so it should never be used full strength; mix in a well-ventilated area and use caution to prevent splashing. 
• Wash laundry thoroughly. Immediately remove and wash clothing or items that may be contaminated with vomit or fecal matter. Handle soiled items carefully. Wash laundry with detergent for the longest cycle time available and then machine dry. 

 Is there treatment for norovirus? 

There is no vaccine to prevent infection with norovirus. There is no specific drug available to treat people with norovirus illness. Antibiotics will not help you if you are sick from the virus. This is because antibiotics fight against bacteria, not viruses. 

Hydration is key for infected individuals. They must drink plenty of fluids to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, hospitalization is required for intravenous fluids (fluids given in your vein). The best thing to do is contact your doctor, treat symptoms (especially dehydration), and stay home. If you suspect you have norovirus, contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

 Provided by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology 

(image) Adena Health System, in collaboration with Hopewell Health Centers and the Chillicothe City School District (CCSD), revealed plans today for a new primary care clinic to serve people living on Chillicothe’s east side. The new clinic will be housed within the Mount Logan Elementary School / Early Childhood Center, located at 841 E. Main Street, Chillicothe.

The clinic, a collaboration between the three entities, will offer care for minor acute and long-term primary care needs. It will serve the school-based population, as well as people of all ages living in the surrounding neighborhoods.

“One agency cannot take care of everything, and what you’re seeing today is a combination of education and health care coming together,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Adena’s strategy around partnerships is all about keeping care close to home. This partnership will give access to primary care for people living in this community. In our research, we looked at the needs of the community, and the data showed a lack of access to health care in the area. This clinic will be a start in meeting the health care needs of the children and adults of the neighborhood.”

The collaboration between Adena, Hopewell Health and CCSD is expected to meet the growing health care needs of people in the area east of Bridge Street and west of Route 35, giving them a new option for close-to-home primary care services. The availability of space within the property will enable the clinic and health care services to grow to meet future needs if necessary.

Determined to keep the school as a neighborhood hub, CCSD came up with the concept to lease space within the school building to house a clinic; coming to Adena to help develop a plan.

“We came to realize as board members and as a district that by keeping the building open, we could not only have an impact on kids, we could have an impact on the community,” School Board President Steve Mullins said. “The first group we knew we wanted to partner with was Adena Health System. They have been a great partner of ours through the years, and they provide so many services for our kids. You can ride through town on any given day and see the impact Adena has on our community.”

Soon after Adena and CCSD began working on a plan, Hopewell Health Centers was brought to the table for its expertise in providing high quality, community-based health care. Hopewell Health with operate the clinic, serving as its primary clinic service provider. Adena will support the project by renovating the old band room into a running health clinic, which will also serve as an education venue for Adena’s Graduate Medical Education residents. The experiences they will be involved with at the clinic will give them valuable hands-on training in administering community-based health care. Additionally, advocates with Adena’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Advocacy Services will be housed within the facility.

The value of the three-way partnership, and what each partner brings to the table was clearly recognized during the Thursday morning event.

“What this project is about is partnerships,” said Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney. “This is a project that doesn’t happen if there are egos involved. Working together is the only way this type of thing happens. It’s such a neat thing to see this partnership grow. What’s coming together in this building is to benefit the education and health of our children, and it is our future.”

CCS Superintendent Debbie Swinehart also noted the importance of partnerships in doing what is needed for our community’s children and families. Now more than ever, schools are taking on more responsibility for more than just the education of the children it serves. This project is coming at just the right time for the district. 

“This partnership comes at a time when our kids come to school every day with really intense needs that are way beyond our area of expertise as teachers,” said Swinehart. “Over the last couple of years we’ve been fortunate to partner with some agencies to address our kids emotional, social and mental health needs; and the medical area is the piece we needed to close-in on for our students. This partnership helps us to meet a need that we’re not currently able to meet. I think our kids are really going to benefit from this, and it’s really going to help our teachers who worry a lot about our kids.”

Construction to remodel the space will begin soon, with the clinic set to open later this summer.

(image) Adena Health System welcomes its first baby of the New Year. The infant, a girl, arrived on Jan. 1, 2019 at 4:52 a.m. Brynlee Shepherd is the daughter of David Shepherd and Tracy Schoolcraft of Waverly, OH. The newborn weighed-in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and she is 20.25 inches long. 

“We rang in 2019 watching the ball drop in the Adena’s Women’s & Children Center, and patiently awaiting Brynlee’s arrival,” said Schoolcraft. “We are excited for Brynlee to meet her one-year old big brother, who was also born here on Thanksgiving in 2017.” 

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Per tradition, the New Year’s Baby was presented with a basket of baby items, gift cards and toys, donated by the Adena Women’s Board. 

Congratulations to the family.

Created by members of the community to meet the health care needs of its people, Adena Health System successfully continues that mission throughout south-central Ohio. In 2018, Adena launched a successful strategy to expand the availability of close-to-home care through enhancing its services and providing more specialty care throughout the region; as well as through partnerships with independent physicians, hospitals and businesses located within its nine-county service region. 

In addition to its partnership strategy, Adena continued to enhance the experiences of its patients and staff, with numerous stand-out achievements throughout the year. These include:

Business Achievements:

• Adena Medical Group celebrated its 20th anniversary, and has grown from the integration of a couple of practices under the Adena umbrella to a robust group of more than 250 employed physicians and advanced practice providers. In 2018, Adena retained more than 97 percent of its providers and hired 58 new providers to create greater access to care across the region;  
• Adena Health System was one of just 39 organizations worldwide to receive the 2018 Gallup Great Workplace Award, showing the commitment you have for the work you do in serving our patients across the region;
• Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) opened a brand new, $36 million, 59,000-square foot Emergency Department that enhances emergency care for those living in the region. Since opening in August, patients are seeing a provider 14% faster; 
• Within its first month, ARMC’s new ED was the scene of a Code Yellow on Aug. 29 when 24 prisoners and guards from the Ross Correctional Institute were exposed to an unknown substance. The incident, which garnered national attention, brought caregivers and the community together to get through the large-scale emergency without a single life lost;
• Moody’s Investors Service affirmed the System’s A3 rating with a stable outlook, citing Adena’s strong 2017 performance, and the organization’s positive momentum;
• Continued work to streamline and improve the billing process, making progress by providing charge estimates at the time of service to eliminate billing surprises. Patients are also receiving statements for service appropriately 20 days faster than historically, and with greater accuracy; and 
• Leadership Rounding has enabled leaders from across the Health System to meet with frontline caregivers to learn what’s working in their areas, and opportunities that the leaders can help them overcome. These rounds are making a difference in the work experience of our caregivers and the patient experience;

Clinical Achievements:

• Adena Regional Medical Center named by IBM Watson Health as one of the Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals in the U.S.;
• In February, after just four months of implementation, more than 100 Orthopedic robot-assisted surgeries for total hip and total and partial knee replacements were performed;
• Adena Regional Medical Center earned a 4-Star rating for quality by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid. ARMC was the only 4-Star hospital in the region, and ahead of some of the biggest hospitals in Columbus and Cincinnati;  
• Adena Home Health was named to the Top 100 by HomeCare Elite, a recognition of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States;
• ARMC achieved the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR ACTION Registry Gold Performance Achievement Award for 2018. Previously a Silver performer, ARMC became one of only 37 hospitals in the U.S. to achieve Gold Performance status for the year;
• ARMC, a Primary Stroke Center, also earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With the Guidelines® Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award, which recognizes the hospital’s commitment to provide stroke patients with treatment that is based on nationally-recognized, research-based guidelines that are based on the latest scientific evidence;
• Adena Health Center – Jackson was named the “2018 Readers’ Choice for Best Medical Facility” by the readers of the Jackson County Times-Journal;
• Adena Greenfield and Adena Regional Medical Centers’ Laboratories each received two-year accreditation from the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for the high quality of work being done;

Partnerships:

• Adena expanded our Women’s Health Services program, welcoming the physicians, APPs and staff of Premier Women’s Health Ob/Gyn, giving patients the care they need near family and loved ones;
• Dr. Stephen Owen joined the Family Medicine team at Adena Health Center – Jackson;
• Adena opened its second clinic on the grounds of an area employer. YUSA, located in Washington Court House, is a Japanese-owned company that makes auto parts, and has a workforce of 451 company employees and 83 contracted employees. Adena opened its first onsite workplace clinic in Piketon at Fluor BWXT in 2011;
• Adena Health and Fayette County Memorial Hospital (FCMH) signed an affiliation agreement, accenting our commitment to partnerships with other health care providers in the region to enhance access to quality care and treatment. The partnership has gotten off to a great start, and is giving patients a close-to-home options for their care. Patients can now schedule an appointment with an Adena specialist on the FCMH campus in Washington Court House

The Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Emergency Department (ED) has always been a symbol of healing and care for our community members in their time of need. Now, thanks to the special talents of Bernie Evans and Ed Wolfe, and with thanks to Adena’s Corporate Church members, the ARMC ED Family Prayer Room is adorned with two beautifully handcrafted pieces offering emotional and spiritual support.

The Family Prayer Room was officially dedicated on Dec. 19 during a ceremony planned by Adena Chaplains Paul Ray and Bruce Hines. While this space has been in use since the new ED opened in July, the room now includes a stained glass cross art piece made by Evans, and a kneeling prayer alter, crafted by Wolfe. Both pieces are one-of-a-kind works, specifically made for Adena’s ED Family Prayer Room.

“When we were designing this new Emergency Department, there were of course, a lot of things we needed to include to take care of patients. But one thing that was missing in our old ED was an appropriate place to take care of the family members of those most injured or ill and the dying,” said President and CEO Jeff Graham. “The serenity of this space is evident as soon as you walk in the door. It’s important for families to have a place to gather and support one another; now this is possible because of the care and compassion of those people within the churches that formed Adena more than 120 years ago.”

Adena’s nine Corporate Churches raised more than $46 thousand dollars to support the Adena Health Foundation’s ED Capital Campaign “Give to Growth,” which included naming sponsorship of the Family Prayer Room.

“So many times before this room we would be locked in to nothing more than a broom closet, trying to serve entire families,” explained Hines. “This new space gives our staff another tool to work with families, and we are just so appreciative. This is one of those rooms you hate to use, but are sure glad it is here when you do.”

Wolfe, who estimates spending close to 50 hours crafting the kneeling prayer alter added, “I was up at the Cleveland Clinic a while ago, and I was walking around trying to find a chapel where I could kneel down. I walked around forever and couldn’t find a space. I finally ended up just finding a corner of the lobby and praying on a chair. When Bruce approached me about doing a kneeling alter for the Family Prayer Room, I thought about that time I was looking for a place to pray, so how could I say ‘no?’”

(image) The holiday season is here, and the best time for you to give the perfect gift that doesn’t even cost a thing – your time. The gift of volunteering not only helps give back to your community, but also is its own reward for you.

While volunteering may be top of mind for some this time of year, it is a priority every day for Adena Regional Medical Center volunteer Bob Imboden. Bob has been a volunteer at Adena for almost 15 years. After losing his wife to a terminal illness, he wanted to give back to Adena for the care and support his family received during his wife’s time in and out of the hospital.

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“The caregivers and doctors at Adena were so good to my wife that I felt I needed to give back to the hospital and somehow give to them what they had given to her,” he said. “I enjoy volunteering very much. Every day is a new experience and I go home feeling like I have accomplished something.”

Adena Volunteers play an essential role in the success of the health system. They are often the first caregivers people see when they arrive and the last they see when they leave. But volunteer opportunities at Adena are not limited to those just at the front desks, but include a wide variety open to anyone from age 14 and older. 

“More people should volunteer,” said Bob. “Especially those who are retired. It gets you off the couch, out of the house and you get to meet so many wonderful people.”

Whether a student wanting to earn valuable experience or gain new job skills or someone who may be retired and wanting to make new friends, Adena Volunteer Services has a place for you. 

How to Volunteer at Adena? 

• Be able to give four hours a month
• Be at least 14 years old
• Be willing to work in a medical environment
• Are dependable, friendly and outgoing

To learn more about Adena volunteer opportunities, call 740-779-7526 or visit adena.org/volunteer 

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Parents don’t vibrate like a bouncy seat or rock back and forth like a swing. How they naturally move with an infant does offer a level of comfort to a newborn that only a parent can provide. That is until now.  

4moms, a rapidly growing company that uses robotics and other technology to design and transform baby gear. The company recently donated five mamaRoos to the Adena Women and Children’s Center. A mamaRoo is the only infant seat with five unique motions that mimic the natural movements parents make to comfort their baby.

“Having the mamaRoos will give us additional resources for soothing a baby that is more irritable,” said Tasha Turner, nurse manager Women and Children’s Pediatrics/Nursery. “This not only helps our babies be more comfortable, but will also give our moms and families peace of mind knowing their baby is more relaxed in the Nursey.”

The donation of the five mamaRoos was the result of a program the company held last month where former patients, staff and the public were encouraged to nominate their favorite nursey, explaining why that particular nursery was deserving of the gift. From nearly 7,000 nominations, Adena was selected to receive the unique, baby-comforting seats.

Nearly 60 passionate stories about the Adena Women and Children’s Center and Level II nursery were shared. Some of the nominations read as follows:(image)  

Nearly 60 passionate stories about the Adena Women and Children’s Center and Level II nursery were shared. Some of the nominations read as follows: 

“I have had both my baby deliveries at this hospital, and I wouldn’t pick another place to go. I have been touched by all the amazing staff, nurses, and doctors. You couldn’t pick a better place to welcome a little one.”

“I feel that Adena has the best Labor and Delivery department. I have had four babies there and have had wonderful experiences every time. With my last baby, I ended up hemorrhaging and they took matters into their own hands, and knew just what to do to save me. I couldn’t thank them enough for their wonderful staff and how hard they work and the dedication put into their job.”

“I have personally seen the blood, sweat, and tears that the Adena labor and delivery nurses put into their work. They are a Level II nursery that cares for a very large number of drug-addicted babies. These babies are fussier than most non-addicted babies. A donation would help to soothe and comfort these babies. Those nurses see many babies in some very sad situations and they give those babies the love, care, and attention that they deserve.”

“Very compassionate nurses taking care of babies born preterm or addicted from mother on drugs. Our area has been hit hard with addiction, and these nurses continue to work hard to get the mother help and to care for babies during the withdrawal phase. This is a blessing to have this Level II Nursey in our area. They deserve to be recognized for a job well done.”

“The nursery staff works very hard each and every day and hold each other accountable for all of their success. They always do what is best for our patients and are so compassionate and caring for the mothers of our patients. Working beside these girls has been the best pleasure.”

(image) Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) Medication Management and Opioid (MMO) Support Team as a “best practice” site for the hospital’s innovative Baby Centered Recovery Program. ARMC is one of just 27 hospitals in the nation to earn this distinction, and the only one in Ohio.

“To be nationally recognized is a great honor, as displaying best practices is what every group strives for,” saidDonna Collier-Stepp, Program Coordinator. We are proud to be instrumental in helping others develop similar programs in the U.S. that will also make a difference in the lives of mothers and babies.”

Adena’s Baby Centered Recovery Program, under the medical direction of Dr. Ronald Lopez and Dr. Leroy Parks, works to help women move beyond their opiate dependence by encouraging social support, linking participants to community services and providing education about pregnancy and addiction. Medically-assisted treatment is offered, as well as a plan for the participant’s detox after her infant’s birth.

Program coordinators, Collier-Stepp and Peggie Marcum participated in interviews with CMS, which led to the Baby Centered Recovery Program being selected for inclusion in CMS’s MMO Change Package. These packages share proven strategies and interventions to improve the management of pain and opioid use in patients nationwide.

Since Adena’s Baby Centered Recovery program began in 2012, Adena Women and Children’s Center has helped more than 200 opioid-addicted mothers. The program has earned other national distinctions, being named a “Program of Excellence” by the Hospital Charitable Services Awards, and was recognized on Capitol Hill, identified as a model that other communities should replicate.

(image) Adena Pike Medical Center (APMC), specifically its Nutrition Services Department, was recently recognized by the Pioneer Center for being an Outstanding Partner for its work with the organization’s Employment Connections Program. As a part of the Ross County Board of Development Disabilities, the Pioneer Center works to improve the quality of life for individuals who have a developmental disability.

Through the Employment Connections Program, Adena hired Pioneer Center student Kaitlyn Brown in January 2018 as a Service Attendant in APMC’s cafeteria. Adena is among twenty area businesses that work closely in the program with the Pioneer Center.

“We assist our individuals with life goals,” said Art Nickels, Pioneer Center Employment Connections Coordinator. “One of those may be to find a job. To help with this we utilize agencies and coordinate with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. These agencies and service providers help students, like Kaitlyn, with applications, resumes, interviews, interest inventories and career discoveries.”

Nickels added, “Beyond that we also work with these agencies to provide job coaching, ongoing supports such as transportation and job save services. After all this we continue to provide ongoing suppoport for the rest of their life working with employers, like Adena, to help facilitate new trainings and ongoing support as needed.”

As a Service Attendant, Kaitlyn assists with prepping and serving meals for patients, visitors and employees as well as stocking inventory and cleaning. She is also currently being trained to run the cash register.

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“Kaitlyn is our department sunshine and has been a breath of fresh air for all of us,” said Heather Dalton, APMC Nutrition and Safety Manager. “She is always happy, cheerful and always smiling. She is constantly telling jokes and is a great asset to our team. Since adding Kaitlyn, we have seen an increase in the morale of our department. We are thankful for this award and recognition, but are even more appreciative of the experiences we have had since working with Kaitlyn. While this program gives us the opportunity to teach her, she is actually the one teaching us and we learn from her every day.”

 Pictured L-R: Heather Dalton, Kaitlyn Brown, Dusti Thompson, April Freeland and Andrew Bauer

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Each year, the need for warm coats among children in our community grows greater; and each year, Adena Health System caregivers step up to meet that need. This year, more than 1,000 local children were presented as being in need of a winter coat to Adena’s annual Coats for Kids drive. Thanks to the generosity of Adena caregivers every child on the list received a brand-new coat to keep them warm this winter, including one very appreciative Tiffin Elementary 5th grade student. 

“The student came into my office and thanked me about half a dozen times for the coat,” said Heather Schaeffer, the school’s secretary. “He asked me where it came from and I explained to him that a very nice person from Adena bought it for him. He then hugged me and asked that I pass the hug on and thank the person who bought it.”

Wrapping up its 10th year, Adena’s Coats for Kids program has become well-known throughout the region. This year, coats were purchased for elementary children at 21 schools in Highland, Jackson, Pickaway, Pike, Ross and Vinton counties. Students recieving coats are identified by teachers, principals, bus drivers and others who may know of a family’s financial situation, or might notice a child not having proper clothing to handle the cold. 

“I do not know what we would do without the generosity of Adena,” said Schaeffer. “So many students are impacted by this cause. We see a lot of students in coats from prior years that are now too small, coats that aren’t warm enough, or there are some who simply do not have a coat at all. Not only does this help the child, this helps the entire family. The money saved on a new coat could be used for a family meal or the child’s Christmas.”

“Being my first year organizing this program, it has opened my eyes to the needs of our children in our local and surrounding areas,” said Stephanie Draise, Adena Revenue Cycle Team Lead. “Our caregivers have the most compassionate and loving hearts I have ever seen, and are always willing to go above and beyond-not just for their patients,-but for their communities as well.”

Since the Health System began collecting coats in 2007, Adena caregivers have provided nearly 11,000 coats to children through the program. Coats are collected, sorted and delivered by caregivers, volunteers and their families. 

Adena Health System initiates action plan to address drug addiction and overdose

(image) Adena Health System’s Dr. John Gabis has a unique perspective of the opioid and addition crisis running wildly throughout the UnitedStates. As a family doctor, Gabis hastreated patients for addiction and substanceabuse disorder. His aim is to helppatients live a full and enjoyable life, freefrom chemical dependence.

But Gabis also has another view of addiction and abuse — an end view, so to speak. As the Ross County Coroner, Gabis sees the final results of what happens when treatment doesn’t result in lasting sobriety. Across the south central Ohio areas that Chillicothe-based Adena serves, addiction to alcohol and opioids has been a critical issue for Gabis and the community. 

In Ohio, there has been a significant number of overdose-related deaths. According to a 2016 report from the Ohio Department of Health (the most recent year for which data was compiled) there were 4,050 overdose–related deaths in Ohio, a 32.8 percent increase from 2015. In the past several years Ross County saw an increase in the number of overdose-related deaths, although Gabis says those numbers have somewhat declined.

Despite the statistical dip, Gabis says the concern is still very high as he and many others attempt to battle multiple forms of addiction.

Ohio, along with West Virginia and Pennsylvania, have been among the states hardest hit by the opioid epidemic.

“There’s a lot of substance abuse in this region,” says Gabis, who notes that people have attempted to self-medicate physical, emotional and mental pain that stems from various traumas. If people are unable to address those traumas in healthy ways, Gabis says they “figure out a way to make that trauma go away or be less.”

Gabis describes addiction as akin to a form of demonic possession. Addicts lose their will while in the grips of their addiction.

“Once you have a dependency, your brain changes and you become like a person possessed with an evil spirit or a demon,” he says. “Whenever your brain is hijacked by these substances, you look like who you are, but your brain is not who you are.”

When the opioid epidemic began to raise its head about a decade ago in the Chillicothe area, Gabis says community stakeholders banded together to have the resources available to fight the scourge of addiction. He says they wanted to focus on the prevention of drug abuse, as well as prevention education.

Gabis points to a number of initiatives that have been undertaken by Adena and other stakeholders in this battle. In the emergency department at Adena Health System, an Emergency Department PORT (Post Overdose Response Team) was established. That team works to save the life of the person who has overdosed on an opioid or other substance. When that person is released from Adena, there is a community port that follows up with the patient.

The community team also visits addresses where overdoses have occurred, and provides resources to the residents of those homes to help those suffering from addiction, he says.

Another key initiative is the use of Narcan, an FDA-approved medication used in the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. Gabis says patients treated for opioid abuse disorder and patients who have previously overdosed on opioids are provided two doses of Narcan as an emergency precaution. Gabis says giving those doses is “about harm reduction.” The hope is a family member or friend will be available to administer the lifesaving treatment in time.

With the increased abuse of opioid prescription medications, Gabis says Adena and the State of Ohio have changed guidelines for prescribing painkillers. Doctors are prescribing the lowest dose necessary to alleviate the pain, and are also prescribing shorter dosing rounds.

As both a doctor and county coroner, Gabis says working with addiction and patients who have overdosed can be distressing.

“These are preventable deaths and it can be heartbreaking to work with,” he says. That being said, he believes there is always hope for recovery.

“When we help someone stay alive, there’s hope for tomorrow,” he says. “They can step up to be the parent, son or daughter and citizen that they were meant to be.”

with Dr. Wael Haidar, Adena Infectious Disease Specialist

What is 'the flu?'

The flu is a virus composed of two different influenza viruses, Influenza A and Influenza B. Influenza A is further separated into multiple different variants including avian flu (H7N9), swine flu (H3N2) and H1N2. The flu has proteins on its surface that change frequently and mutate into new strains. That happens frequently in Influenza A and less frequently in Influenza B, hence the different types of flu that appear every year.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of flu vary significantly from one patient to the other. Most likely, symptoms include upper respiratory infection including runny nose, sinus pressure, sore throat and generalized aches and pains with fatigue and sometimes low-grade fever. Other cases can vary widely, from meningitis (infection of the brain lining) to pneumonia and even gastroenteritis or diarrhea.

How is the flu spread?

The flu gets spread from one person to the other through respiratory secretions of infected persons. In other words, coughing and sneezing will transmit the flu virus to the environment. Droplets are typically airborne for about three to six feet. Beyond that the virus is too heavy and falls to the ground. The flu can live outside the body for several hours on hard surfaces, which essentially means that if somebody coughs or sneezes the flu virus droplets on a hard surface and few hours later somebody else touches that surface, they would be prone to contracting the virus.

When are you contagious?

Usually the person is contagious when they are still shedding the virus through their respiratory secretions. We likely shed the virus for about 24 to 48 hours before we feel ill, and this shedding continues for about three days while we feel ill. Studies show that the average duration of shedding of the virus is about five days. During that time the person is contagious.

Who should be immunized?

Immunization is recommended for every person older than six months. There are very specific circumstances where immunization is not recommended and sometimes it is actually contraindicated. Previously, patients with severe egg allergies could not receive the flu vaccine due to a component in the way we grow the virus. But most newly developed vaccines are well-tolerated, even in patients with egg allergies.

Can you get the flu from a vaccination?

No. The vaccine by itself is a modified and dead virus. That means the virus cannot replicate and spread in your body and give you the actual infection. Keep in mind that how the vaccine works is by stimulating your immune system to recognize the flu virus and be ready to fight it. So that immune response sometimes can make us feel tired, weak, achy and even a little sick.

Sometimes patients also confuse the flu with the common cold. Patients get the flu vaccine and get the common cold during the same season, thinking “the vaccine didn’t help,” which is not true since it was a totally different virus that gave them the common cold.

Who is at high risk or low risk for the flu?

The flu can affect everybody and anybody. Those more prone to severe infections are very young children with weak immune systems, older patients who are more prone to infections, and patients who have an immunosuppressant status. Immunosuppressed patients include patients who are taking immunosuppressive therapy for illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease or lupus. Patients who are HIV positive are also more vulnerable to severe infections.

Why does flu seem to be a bigger problem in the winter?

Influenza A is usually more seasonal then Influenza B. The virus thrives during cold and dry weather. What we have seen is that during hot and humid weather, the virus is less affecting and does not get transmitted easily. Keep in mind that in the winter season, kids are back to school and they have more contact with each other in closer surroundings, making them even more prone.

What are the best ways to treat the flu?

The best way is not to treat the flu. The best way is to prevent the flu. Over 200,000 people are admitted to hospitals in the U.S. every year because of the flu virus. Prevention can save lives and can save hospital admissions. Preventing the flu can save the health care industry billions of dollars per year. That is not including wages lost due to time off of work when someone is sick. But even under the best circumstances, people still get infected with the flu virus, and we have ways to treat it. Usually, we reserve treatment to patients with severe complications, or patients at high risk for complications. We have multiple medications to choose from, but the most commonly used one is oseltamivir (Tamiflu). This medication is most effective when given early during the onset of symptoms, preferably within the first 48 hours.

If you have never had a flu shot should you get one?

Yes. Everybody should get the flu vaccine even if they have never had it before. There is something called herd immunity. If everybody receives the flu vaccine the whole society, the whole community and the whole population become more immune. I strongly recommend for everyone to get the flu shot.

Healthy diet and understanding your A1C level are steps toward managing diabetes

(image) A diagnosis of diabetes can be frightening, but it’s not the end of the world. Especially if you regularly test your A1C level.

Dr. Gianina Usera specializes in endocrinology at Adena Health System.

“Diabetes awareness is very important,” Usera says. “Here in Ohio, there are 1.3 million people diagnosed with diabetes. Every year, 70,000 more are diagnosed. One of the most dangerous things is ignorance.”

MONITOR THE SITUATION

Usera notes that Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and involves insulin resistance. With that in mind, she focused on the importance of testing Type 2 patients for their A1C levels — the measurement of glycated hemoglobin — every three months. In layman’s terms, it’s a blood test that indicates a person's blood glucose concentration over the roughly three-month lifespan of a red blood cell.

This reading gives doctors a better idea how a patient is managing his or her glucose, or blood sugar levels. The lower the A1C number, the lower the blood sugar and the better for the patient.

The range varies, depending on weight and other health issues. According to the American Diabetes Association, an A1C level of 5.6 and lower is considered normal. Between 5.7 and 6.4 signals prediabetes. Over 6.5 is considered Type 2 diabetes.

Exercising 20 to 30 minutes a day, “something that makes you sweat,” does help lower that number, Usera says. Diet helps, as well.

“A well-balanced, healthy diet and daily exercise are still two of the main ways we recommend to help manage a patient’s diabetes,” Usera says.

PREVENTION IS KEY

By keeping A1C lower, patients can realize health benefits, including preventing the progression of diabetes-related complications. These may include blindness caused by retinal hemorrhages, kidney disease, damage to nerves in extremities (neuropathy), and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.

Eating habits play a key role, she says.

“If a patient’s diet is mostly carbohydrates like pasta, rice and bread, plus sugary drinks, regular soda or juice, this would be considered a poor diet,” she says.

Such a diet would increase one’s risk of developing diabetes or result in poor glycemic control for someone with diabetes, she says. She recommends whole grains, lean meats, fruits and vegetables along with daily exercise.

TAKING ACTION

It is possible for those who are diagnosed with diabetes to lower their A1C through diet and exercise. Some may not need to go on diabetes medication, some may need to test their blood sugars daily and some may not. It varies.

“Keeping a sugar log can help the patients and their medical providers identify patterns and areas where adjustment or attention is needed,” Usera says.

Some people can successfully lower their A1C from Type 2 to pre-diabetes numbers.

“This means their sugar range is no longer in the diabetes range, and they have been able to reverse their disease to a certain degree by making lifestyle modifications and being compliant with their medications,” Usera says.

While carbohydrates can increase blood sugar levels, they should not be avoided entirely.

“Carbohydrates are not evil, and are actually a big part of where we get our energy,” Usera says. “Healthy carbs include fruits, some vegetables and whole grains. An important factor to eating carbs is the amount and portions eaten throughout a day.

“Again, maintaining a balance is key. It is possible to live a normal and healthy life with diabetes.”

For more information, visit adena.org/diabetes.

Antibiotics can save lives, but they aren’t always the answer when you are sick. 

Did you know Antibiotic resistance harmfully impacts the health of millions of hospitalized patients every year? 

As flu and cold season is in full swing, Adena Heath System Pharmacist Ken Knipp is encouraging patients to be antibiotics aware. 

“Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria such as strep throat or urinary tract infections.” Knipp said. “Viral illnesses such as the common cold or the flu cannot be treated with antibiotics.”

During U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week and throughout the year, Adena promotes Be Antibiotics Aware, an educational effort lead by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to raise awareness about the importance of safe antibiotic use.

The Be Antibiotics Aware initiative educates the public about when antibiotics are needed, when they are not, how to take antibiotics appropriately, and potential side effects of antibiotics.

Common viral infections that don't benefit from antibiotic treatment include:

• Cold
• Flu (influenza)
• Bronchitis
• Most coughs
• Some ear infections
• Some sinus infections
• Stomach flu

 Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection:

• Won't cure the infection
• Won't keep other people from getting sick
• Won't help you or your child feel better
• May cause unnecessary and harmful side effects
• Promotes antibiotic resistance

 Patients are encouraged to:

• Know the facts about antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and the side effects could still hurt you.
• If you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. It's tempting to stop taking an antibiotic as soon as you feel better. But the full treatment is necessary to kill the disease causing bacteria. Failure to take an antibiotic as prescribed can result in the need to resume treatment later and may promote the spread of the bacteria. 
• Do your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy by cleaning hands, covering coughs, staying home when sick, and getting recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.

When you are feeling sick, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the best way to feel better.

Click here for more information on Be Antibiotics Aware call the Adena Regional Medical Center Pharmacy at 740-779-8760.

(image) Nina French remembers smoking her first cigarette at the young age of only 16. “I would sneak around and steal cigarettes from my mother’s purse because back then it was the cool thing to do,” she said. 

Today, she has a different outlook on smoking. The 68-year-old Chillicothe resident was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer in June of 2018.“I was going to have surgery and I was diagnosed with anemia,” she explained. “To help get my levels up to where I could undergo surgery, my doctor advised me to see a Hematologist at the Adena Cancer Center. During my first visit the doctor asked me if I was a smoker and suggested I get a lung cancer screening.” 

The no cost lung cancer screening provides a simple, painless, low dose, non-invasive CT scan for people at high risk for lung cancer and identifies tumors or lesions, which may need medical attention.

Nina’s lung cancer screening results came back showing Stage 3 cancer. “The results were not a shock to me, as I knew the risks of smoking. However, I never wanted to know or face the reality that I could possibly have cancer. I am very grateful for the lung cancer screening program and all the Adena Cancer Center staff,” she said. “It was a godsend and didn’t cost me a penny.”

Nina is not only grateful for finding out she had cancer when she did, but also for the time Adena has given her to spend with her 15 grandchildren. “If it weren’t for the screening, I would still be smoking and could even be dead.”  

Entering its fifth year, Adena Health System’s free lung cancer screening program has become a national model for excellence. Since it began in Nov. 2014, 55 people have been diagnosed with lung cancer. 

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“A lot of my friends who smoke, say they rather not know because finding out results can be scary,” explained Nina. “I want my story to be an example to others and encourage my friends and family to stop smoking and get screened.”

According to Adena Radiation Oncologist Dr. Greg Thompson quitting smoking helps decrease you risk of lung cancer, but it is better to not start smoking at all.  

“We have known for decades now that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and yet people still do it,” said Dr. 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. In most cases people will not have any symptoms of lung cancer, especially in the early stages, therefore making it harder to detect and treat.”

Candidates for Adena’s free lung cancer screening include: 

• Between the ages of 55-74
• Quit smoking fewer than 15 years ago and 
• Have 30 “pack years” of smoking in their recent or distant past. A “pack year” is calculated by taking the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day and multiplying it by the number of years the person smoked. Therefore, a two-pack a day smoker, who smoked for 15 years is considered a 30-pack year smoker and should be tested.

 According to Dr. Thompson, Nina is now in “surveillance mode”, where her last CT scan showed her lymph nodes were no longer affected by cancer and her tumor was shrinking. She will continue to take a maintenance drug for a year in hopes to soon be cancer free. 

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

To schedule a free lung cancer screening with Adena, call 740-542-LUNG (5864). 

To find out if you are at risk, visit adena.org/findout. 

Adena Health System is excited to have five of its caregivers up for the 2018 Ohio Nurse of the Year Awards in their respective areas. The March of Dimes’ Nurse of the Year Awards is a state-wide event that brings together the health care community to recognize nursing excellence and achievements in research, education, quality patient care, innovation and leadership. Eighteen awards will be presented at a ceremony on Nov. 2 to the most outstanding nurse within each category.

Nurses are nominated by peers, nurse managers, supervisors or even the families they have impacted, then each application is carefully reviewed and scored by a committee of Chief Nursing Officers and other nurse leaders from the health care community.

Adena’s Ohio Nurse of the Year Finalists

• Lee Holdren: Nursing Student of the Year Graduate Level

• Jennifer Mace: Rising Star Award

• Kayleigh Roberts: Critical Care Nurse of the Year

• Cynthia Roe: Hospice Nurse of the Year

• Ashley Swiger: Case Management/Managed Care Nurse of the Year

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

While this month may be the time when breast cancer is at the forefront, it is a reality every day for our patients, providers, staff and volunteers at the Adena Cancer Center. Five breast cancer survivors shared this reality and gave praise to the Adena Cancer Center for the quality of care they received throughout the stages of their treatment

(image) Rebecca Crabtree, South Salem 

“When I walk in the doors of the Adena Cancer Center I feel like I belong here. Even when I come to just get blood work done I am greeted with hugs. The team is wonderful and made me have a comfortable and wonderful experience. In the twelve weeks I was here, I never felt like a number. The staff truly made me feel brave.” 

  (image) Sherry Howard, Chillicothe 

“The whole team at Adena is wonderful. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else for treatment. My Nurse Navigator was there every step of the way. The providers are excellent at explaining everything and helping me understand. My friends and family wanted me to choose other hospitals for my care. I chose Adena because it is close to home and more convenient for my family and me. Of course, I want the best treatment possible and I get that at Adena every step of the way.” 

 (image) Charla Mathuews, Chillicothe 

“I actually was the one who told my doctor I wanted to go to the Adena Cancer Center for treatment. The care and education I received there put my mind at ease and they made me feel like I was going to be okay.” 

 (image) Samantha Mullins, Waverly 

“As crazy as it sounds, getting radiation treatment at Adena was fun. The staff and I would sing and dance during treatments and they were always telling me jokes to make me laugh. Dr. Thompson was amazing. He was very insightful and intuitive. Even when I would tell him I was fine, he knew I wasn’t. He made me feel comfortable and helped me open up.” 

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Barbara Needham, Lancaster 

“Since I am a Pharmacist, I was very scared when I was first diagnosed because I knew how all the medications could affect me. I’m used to counseling cancer patients, but it’s so different when you become the patient yourself. The providers at the Adena Cancer Center taught me to take it day by day and helped put my clinical mind at ease. I never felt alone. I would recommend the Adena Cancer Center to anyone.”

The American Cancer Society recommends that women with normal risk for breast cancer start getting annual mammograms at age 40. Talk to your primary care physician to schedule yours today or call 740-779-7711. 

(image) As school sports activities increase for area students during the fall, so do sports-related injuries that result in visits to urgent cares, emergency departments and provider offices. Among the many injures athletes suffer, perhaps none has earned as much national attention as concussions. 

According to Adena Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Bradley Strauch, football and soccer are the two fall sports with the highest risk for concussion. One local athlete has already experience two concussions himself, Zane Trace High School football player Etheridge Games understands the importance of proper assessment and treatment when dealing with brain health, and the healing needed to return to action. 

Games’ first concussion, ironically didn’t actually occur on the field. The high school senior experienced his first head injury as the driver in a serious car accident. “Even though my concussion wasn’t sports related, my coaches and athletic trainer followed the basic concussion protocol,” explained Games. “Once I passed that, I was allowed to return to action.” 

Having played football for many years, Games is well educated on concussion prevention and the seriousness of head injuries. However, the tailback says his second concussion wasn’t preventable. “Coaches can teach you how to use proper hitting techniques to help prevent injuries, but when you’re the one getting hit, it’s kind of unavoidable, as football is such a physical sport,” he said. 

“The concussion protocol is a lot different now than it was when I had my first incident,” stated Games. “Before, I just had to take a series of tests and drills; and if I passed I could play. Now they make you do a lot more before releasing you, and they make you see a doctor.” 

After Games’ on-field collision, he was observed by the school’s athletic trainer who recommended he go to Adena’s Saturday Morning Injury Clinic, where he could be seen by a specialist. 

“I was very pleased with the care I received at Adena’s injury clinic; and Dr. Strauch, my athletic trainer and the rest of their team did a very good job assessing me and helping me get back in the game,” he said. “I was able to get in and out and seen by the doctor in a lot less time than if I would have gone somewhere else. No high school kid wants to spend their Saturday in a waiting room.”

“The Ohio High School Athletic Association recommends athletes progress through a return to play program (RTP) before being released to full game play,” explained Dr. Strauch. “The RTP process is a five-step technique spread out over five days. It is usually overseen by the school’s athletic trainer, or in a situation where there is no athletic trainer, a coach or parent. Each step should take 24 hours to ensure no return of symptoms. Sometimes athletes will feel fine after they have rested but adding back exertional activity can cause their symptoms to return.”

Strauch explains there are many risks of returning to play too soon, or while still symptomatic, including: 

• A greater risk for a second concussion; 
• Second impact syndrome that can result in abnormal brain blood flow, which can result in permanent disability or death if another head injury is sustained while still recovering from a current concussion;
• Increase in the severity of current symptoms, which could prolong total healing time; and
• Greater risk of additional injury, such as an ACL tear, due to alteration in balance.

Along with the RTP process, Adena providers monitor head injuries on athletes like Games with the brain health toolkit known as ClearEdge. ClearEdge provides clinicians a suite of tests and assessments to establish baselines and track brain health and wellness over time. The toolkit is comprised of separate tests for cognitive efficiency, balance assessment and symptoms tracking.

“This testing lets us continue to measure, assess and compare brain damage over the course of the student’s athletic career, allowing us to know exactly when the player is ready to get back in the game,” stated Dr. Strauch. 

After being seen and observed by physicians and his athletic trainer, Games was able to get back on the field in just two weeks. 

The Adena Bone and Joint Center’s Saturday Morning Injury Clinic is available during the fall to all student athleteswho may encounter an injury. ClearEdge testing is available to all athletes at any time, and is highly recommended prior to any sustained head injury to establish a baseline reading.  

                           Where: Adena Bone and Joint Center

                           Adena Health Pavilion 

                            4437 State Route 159                                                                                                 

                            Suite G15 Chillicothe, OH                                                           

                           When:   Every Saturday                                                                                                 

                           August 25 - October 27                                                                                                       

                           9 - 11 a.m.

For more information about Adena Sports Medicine’s Saturday Morning Injury Clinic, call 740-779-4598. 

 If you have any questions about an injury, call the Adena Sports Medicine hotline at 740-779-8943 or email adenasportsmed@adena.org. 

It’s that time of year again…flu season. The flu makes you feel miserable but did you know the flu can also be dangerous, especially for children.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that since 2010, 26,000 children younger than the age of five have been hospitalized each year in the United States because of the flu. You have the power to protect your children, your family and yourself this flu season by getting vaccinated and making sure everyone in your family six months and older gets their vaccine too.

Simple Ways to Keep the Flu Away 

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

2. Wash your hands:You can also protect yourself and others against the flu by doing simple things like washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before eating. 

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

What’s True About the Flu 

Unfortunately, some people think that getting a flu vaccine is too much trouble, costs too much, or they are sure that a flu shot will make them sick or make them more likely to catch the flu.

Don't believe the rumors you hear. The flu shot cannot give you even a mild case of influenza. The vaccine does not contain a form of the flu virus that can give you the flu. The injected form of the vaccine is made from pieces of dead flu virus cells. After receiving the vaccine, some people have mild flu-like symptoms. This is not the same thing as having the flu. When you get the flu vaccine, your body reacts and makes antibodies that provide immunity against the virus.

It is completely normal for some people to feel a little crummy a day or two after having the shot. This is actually good news, because it means the shot is working. What is happening is your body is creating immunoglobulins, which protect your body against diseases and your immune system will remember the flu virus and be prepared to attack it if it does enter your body in another way.

Cold vs. Flu 

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. 

The viruses are spread the same way and with both, fever, coughing, runny nose and sore throat are all common. However, with the flu people tend to have more body aches, fatigue and overall just feel worse than one would who has the common cold.  

It is important to note that neither the flu nor the common cold can be treated with an antibiotic. It is always a good idea for those who are experiencing these symptoms to still contact their primary care provider because if caught early enough the symptoms can be mild through supportive care such as taking Tylenol and drinking plenty of fluids.

 When, Where and How Can I Get Vaccinated? 

Adena Health System offers many flu shot clinics, making it easy for you and your family to get vaccinated. Most of the time, your insurance company will cover the cost of a yearly flu shot. If you wish to schedule a visit for a flu vaccination, please contact your doctor’s office, or call 740-779-FIND to get established with a doctor at a time and location that is convenient for you. 

 At this time, Adena is offering walk-in flu clinics at the following locations:

• The Clinic at Walmart, 85 River Trace Lane, Chillicothe

            Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 12-5 p.m.

• Adena Regional Medical Center Pharmacy, 272 Hospital Road, Chillicothe 

            Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

• Adena Urgent Care – Western Ave, 55 Centennial Blvd, Chillicothe

            Sunday – Saturday 8:00am – 9:00pm

• Adena Health Center Circleville, 140 Morris Rd, Circleville

           Mon.-Fri. 2-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Adena Urgent Care – Hillsboro, 160 Roberts Lane, Hillsboro

            Sunday – Saturday 8:00am – 8:00pm

• Adena Urgent Care – Waverly, 12340 St Rt 104, Waverly

           Sunday – Saturday 8:00am – 8:00pm

 No appointment is needed.

Trick or treat, give me something good to eat,” goes the childhood chant. But the trick for many parents is finding treats children will eat that don’t compromise their health.

A small amount of Halloween candy isn’t going to make or break a child’s weight or a parent’s dental bill. The problem is that for many families, it’s not just one night of candy but months’ worth of candy.

Excess calories play a role in children’s obesity and other health issues. While sugar and candy are only part of the problem, doing what you can to limit or avoid overload is worth the effort.

The suggestions that follow can help you make this holiday a bit healthier and safer. 

Keep Them Safe

• Feed your children a meal or snack before they head out. That will help keep them from munching on the treats they collect as they go door-to-door. Tell your children it’s important that you inspect their goodies at home before they pop anything into their mouths.
• Discard all homemade candy or baked goods when your kids get home. Parents of toddlers should remove choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, and the like.
• Inspect commercially wrapped treats for indications of tampering. Look for an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers.
• Read ingredient labels with extra care if your child has food allergies.

Keep Them Healthy

Some treats are healthier than others. To focus on those:

• Read labels with an eye toward lower fat, calories, sugar, sodium, and trans fat totals.
• Consider alternatives to candy. Choices to consider include single servings of:

                 -Breakfast cereal
                 -Fruit rolls
                 -Mini boxes of raisins
                 -Microwave popcorn
                 -Pretzels
                 -Peanuts
                 -Trail mix
                - Juice boxes
                 -Ginger snaps
                 -Graham crackers
                 -Vanilla wafers or animal crackers

Tricks for Treats

Assuming you’re going to let your children keep some of the candy they collect these suggestions can help moderate their intake:

• Set a portion size for each child. Encourage them to take one piece of candy at each house and limit the size of their candy bag. Let them know how much they’re allowed to eat each day and when they can eat it.
• Implement a “buy back” program. Let your children choose several of their favorite candies to enjoy. Then “buy” the rest of the candy in exchange for a special sleepover, toy, book, or other treat. This allows your children to enjoy some of their candy without going overboard.
• When your child asks for some candy, pair it with something healthy like a banana, apple, or nuts.

Children love the excitement of dressing up and trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Helping them do so without overindulging on handfuls of unhealthy candy doesn’t have to get in the way of their fun.

The 35th Annual Festival of Trees brings the community together for an evening of fun and fellowship while raising money for Adena Health Foundation’s Pike Fund, which supports the health care and equipment needs of Adena Pike Medical Center and its patients. The theme for this year’s Festival of Trees is Christmas Through Your Eyes. 

Proceeds from this year’s event will assist in the purchase of a LUCAS device for the Adena Pike Medical Center Emergency Department. LUCAS is a portable device that delivers automated chest compressions to victims of cardiac arrest, thereby reducing the need for manual compressions which can be energy consuming and operator intensive.

This year’s event is Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Glenn Center at Bristol Village. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the Grand Auction.

Tickets for the event are $40 per person. To purchase tickets, contact Ruth Ross, Adena Executive Event Coordinator at 740-779-8664 or rross@adena.org. Cash, credit card and check accepted.

We hope you will be able to join us for this exciting holiday event.

Avoiding your regular mammogram can have serious, life-changing consequences

Who would know better than a mammographer about the importance of getting regular checkups for breast cancer? Marsha Baisden worked as a mammographer for eight years, and during that time encouraged women to get their regular screenings. She also heard too often the common reasons many women find to avoid them: being too busy, not having high risk factors, or putting family members’ needs before their own.

These are the reasons Baisden, who is today the regional site director at Adena Health Center in Jackson, Ohio, lists as the reasons she avoided mammograms. She has been with Adena since 1994 and worked as a mammographer until 2001, when she was promoted to a management position. The clinic at which she works offers mammogram services twice each week, so it could not have been easier for her to get the recommended annual checkup.

“I just wasn’t compliant,” Baisden says. “Every once in a while I’d do the right thing, but everything else in my life was a priority. As for risk factors, I wasn’t as fit as I should have been and had taken birth control. But I wasn’t worried. Life was good.”

PLAYING ROULETTE

Baisden’s rather indifferent approach to mammograms continued even after one of her screenings revealed a questionable area that required a biopsy. When the biopsy revealed nothing of any concern she went right back to her non-compliant ways.

Then, in 2016, she found a lump in her left breast. The initially dime-sized cyst grew to the width of a quarter within one month. Her nipple inverted, and she had dimpling on the skin. Without having been to the doctor, Baisden knew exactly what was going on. 

“I was scared, really scared,” she says. “But instead of facing it I waited four more months before seeking medical treatment. I had a family vacation planned and paid for. I put off reality until I got back from our trip.”

THE WAITING GAME

After returning from vacation, Baisden went in for a mammogram and was biopsied the next day. They were, as Baisden puts it, 99.9 percent sure it was breast cancer. They just weren’t sure what kind.

It turned out to be invasive ductal carcinoma, a very common form of breast cancer. Baisden’s hormone receptors — estrogen, progesterone and HER2 — were all positive, indicating the cancer was being nurtured by hormones; and hormone-fed invasive ductal carcinoma grows and spreads quickly.

“The hormone is a fertilizer,” Baisden says. The good news was that half of women with a positive HER2 are cancer-free after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The question was how would she respond to the treatment?

Baisden was facing 30 rounds of radiation, more than four months of chemotherapy and a year of chemo with Herceptin. She also opted for a complete mastectomy of both breasts because the lump in her left one had grown so massive.

BRIGHT FUTURE

Baisden doesn’t hide her self-recrimination.

“I really screwed up,” she says. “If I had gone sooner, I could have had a lumpectomy instead of a bilateral mastectomy. No one in the health system would know better to get a mammogram than me. I played with fire and have no excuses. I felt guilty and horrible.”

The members of the medical team that treated Baisden did their best to fill her with a positive attitude during a trying time in her life. They pointed out the important thing was she was coming for treatment. And, precancerous cells of a completely different type were found in her right breast after the mastectomy.

Had she not opted to remove both breasts she could have at the very least faced treatments all over again in about four or five years.

Still, removing both breasts was a difficult and emotional process for Baisden, who decided against reconstruction.

Ultimately, the treatments eliminated the cancer from Baisden's body, and her prognosis is good with a mere five percent chance of reoccurrence.

“I’m okay with how I am now,” she says. “It’s taken me a lot to get to this point. I’m changed personally. I’m thankful every day for the little things.”

Life is precious, and yours is worth an annual or biannual screening. This gives doctors the ability to assess changes in breast tissue, which is critical for detecting cancer early. You are never too busy to protect what you cherish, both for yourself and for your loved ones.

Baisden’s journey is a message to all women who are 40 years and older. “Quit making excuses. Go, take care of yourself. Get your mammogram.”

The AdenaRegional Medical Center (ARMC) Laboratoryhas received a two-year accreditation from the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The accreditation isbased on results of a recent on-site inspection. 

“It is a great honor to retain this accreditation for ARMC,” said Bill Pierce, Laboratory Director. “CAP represents the gold standard for laboratory accreditation. By meeting its standards, our laboratory has demonstrated its commitment to our patients by providing the highest quality services.”

With this recognition, ARMC’s Lab remains among 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.

The CAP accreditation process is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients. During an inspection, laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years are inspected. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.

Since the early 1960s, the federal government has recognized the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program as being equal-to or more-stringent-than the government’s own inspection program.

As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide.

The latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) shows that Pike County ranks #87 among Ohio’s 88 counties when it comes to the overall health of its residents. Data in the CHNA shows that people in the area need more nutritional information, and greater access to healthier food. To combat unhealthy habits and improve the region’s overall health ranking, Adena Health System and the Ohio State University Pike County Extension Office are partnering to offer Cooking Matters. The six-week program that empowers people with the skills they need to stretch their food budgets, while cooking healthy meals.

Cooking Matters was created for individuals and families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. However, thanks to support from Adena’s Community Health Advancement Program, any Adena patient has the opportunity to participate in the program. Over the course of six weeks, classes will be held every Monday, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 1 through Nov. 5. Classes are held at the First Baptist Church, located at 303 E. 3rd Street in Waverly.  

“This is a great program that allows patients to make healthier lifestyle choices,” said Adena primary care provider Dr. Reggina Yandila. “My patients are so thrilled to have access to the tools and materials they need to learn about developing healthy eating habits, in a fun and enjoyable way.”

Cooking Matters teaches participants how to shop smarter, how to use nutrition information to make healthier choices, and how to cook delicious, affordable meals. Founded in 1993, Cooking Matters and its volunteer instructors have helped more than 265,000 families in communities across the U.S. learn to eat better for less.

After each class, participants are given recipes for the meals they have made and are given some grocery items to take home to prepare the meals on their own. 

“Cooking has turned into a hobby for me, something I used to never do,” explained former participant Garnet Snyder. “I am making meals and trying recipes that I never would have in the past. I have also made some friends along the way.” 

To register for these upcoming Cooking Matters classes, contact Tammy Jones at 740-289-4837 or jones.5640@osu.edu. 

 Each day, hospitals across the country have hundreds of patients and visitors enter their facilities. Most unknowingly bring in germs and other contaminants, including microorganisms, which cause infections. These germs are becoming more hardy and antibiotic-resistant. To help battle these germs and lower infection rates for our patients, Adena Regional Medical Center has purchased two new Xenex LightStrike germ zapping robots. 

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The equipment has been proven to quickly destroy the germs and bacteria that can cause infections using intense ultraviolet (UV) light, and the Xenex robots essentially destroy potential harmful organisms before they pose a threat to patients and employees.

“Xenex light disinfection is proven to decrease infection risk,” explained Director of Quality Amy Robertson. “As we know, environmental cleaning is a vital component to infection prevention improvement activities. It does not change our manual patient room cleaning process, but provides an added layer of protection for all exposed surfaces in the room. Adding this technology only enhances our process and improves patient safety by decreasing the risk of infection.”

Currently, the two robots are being used in the C-section rooms of Labor and Delivery, and in inpatient rooms following a discharge or transfer. The devices are also being used to clean operating rooms in the evening hours.   

“Our goal is to keep the robots running continuously,” said Robertson. “As we work through implementation, we will review usage patterns to strategically place the robots in other high risk areas in the future.”

Hundreds of hospitals across the country are using LightStrike robots to disinfect their facilities, and several hospitals have published peer-reviewed studies showing 50%-100% reductions in the spread of infections including: Cdiff/MRSA and SSI. 

The LightStrike system enhances the hospital’s already thorough processes for cleaning rooms and killing the pathogens that cause infections. The process of adding the LightStrike system to Adena’s cleaning procedures should not affect patient care in anyway.

Adena Health System President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff Graham and Fayette County Memorial Hospital (FCMH) CEO Mike Diener have signed an affiliation agreement between the two organizations. The agreement becomes effective October 1.

Over the past year, Adena and FCMH have collaborated to increase medical services for patients in the region with the addition of specialty services being performed at FCMH by Adena providers. The partnership began with Orthopedics in August 2017, adding Pulmonology in November 2017.

“Adena and FCMH, partnering together to expand the availability of services in Fayette County meets each organization’s shared goal -- to keep quality care in or near the patient’s home,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Adena’s partnership vision includes working with our region’s health care partners to enable patients to be cared for locally, while aligning and reducing the cost for care. This partnership is a win-win for everyone involved.”

With the affiliation agreement, access to even more of Adena’s specialty services will now be available to patients on the FCMH campus. These specialties include: Cardiology, Dermatology, Nephrology, Neurology, Ob/Gyn, and Urology. Adena specialty providers will see patients and perform a number of procedures within FCMH facilities.

“Our partnership with Adena Health System has gotten off to a great start, and we are excited to enter into this affiliation to give patients close-to-home options for their care,” explained FCMH CEO Mike Diener. “Patients are grateful for the opportunity to receive excellent specialty care, right here in their hometown.”

Patients can easily schedule an appointment with an Adena specialist on the FCMH campus.

Adena Pulmonology and Orthopedic specialists are located in FCMH’s Medical Arts Building #1, Suites 106 and 201, located at 1450 Columbus Avenue, Washington Court House. The newly-added Adena specialists will be housed in Suite 340 of FCMH Medical Arts Building #2, located at 1510 Columbus Avenue, Washington Court House.

Adena, and most of the hospitals in the U.S. have not had an event the magnitude of the one we recently faced with the large-scale emergency incident at Ross Correctional Institution (RCI). While our caregivers participate in mass casualty response training on a regular basis with local EMS, fire and law enforcement, that training doesn’t compare to the experience of having the real thing come through your doors. 

Thankfully, we were ready.

The morning hours on Aug. 29 were tense, and countless people did what comes naturally -- we took care of our own – family, friends and neighbors. First responders at RCI, along with local EMS, immediately prepared patients for further care. When they arrived at Adena, our caregivers were ready for them and provided the care each patient needed in order to get home safely to their families.  

While Adena was handling the health care aspect of the emergency, many of our community partners selflessly jumped in to help in any way they could. Because in this region, that’s what we do. Whether a local or state health organization supplying Narcan; law enforcement officers to help manage traffic flow; nearby businesses sending their Emergency Response teams to help decontaminate our staff; or local businesses donating food to our Command Center and ED staff – this community came together in a time of crisis.

The level of care and collaboration among so many individuals and entities is humbling and encouraging. Together, we worked to make sure people in our community were safe, had everything they needed to assure safety and comfort, and the community bond was strengthened among all of us. 

This region is made up of people who take care of our own – in good times and bad. Adena is proud to be part of this community and here to deliver the care our community needs, under any circumstance.

I want to express my deep appreciation to all of those individuals, organizations and groups who came to our assistance during this crisis; and commit that our bonds of community and partnership will continue and flourish well into the future.

Sincerely,

Jeff Graham, President and CEO

Adena Health System

• Ross County Health Department
• Ohio Department of Health
• Hopewell Health Partners
• Paint Valley ADAMH
• Ohio Highway Patrol
• Ross Correctional Institution
• Ross County Sheriff’s Office
• Ross County EMS and local EMS teams
• Kenworth Emergency Response Team
• Glatfelter Emergency Response Team
• MedFlight
• MedCare
• Portsmouth Ambulance
• Berger Health
• Christy’s Pizza
• McDonald’s

Adena Health System has opened its second workplace clinic on the grounds of an area employer, celebrating the grand opening of the Adena clinic at YUSA Corporation, located in Washington Court House, Ohio.

Investing in the health of its workforce, and to manage their overall health care costs, a growing number of employers, like YUSA, are joining forces with hospitals and health systems to provide onsite care for ill or injured workers. YUSA is a Japanese-owned company that makes auto parts, and has a workforce of 451 company employees and 83 contracted employees.

“We’re really excited about working with YUSA to offer primary care services and being onsite for the initial care of injured workers,” said Adena’s Vice President of System Network Development Steve Keating. “Larger employers want onsite clinics with quick, walk-in access to primary care for their workforce at a lower cost. It helps them control their costs related to primary care, and gives us the opportunity to provide services like wellness coaching and chronic disease management.”

Adena’s clinic at YUSA will be open and staffed weekdays during regular business hours. In addition to providing primary care services to YUSA workers, their dependents - including children eight years old and up - will also be seen at the clinic. The clinic staff will offer initial visit care when a worker becomes injured on the job, referring the patient to Adena’s Occupational Health Department for further care and rehabilitation.

 Adena’s first onsite workplace clinic opened about seven years ago at Fluor BWXT in Piketon (Pike County). That facility has served as a model of success in Adena’s venture into workplace health care. Adena’s Outreach and Occupational Health team plans to continue to expand onsite care services in the future.

The Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Emergency Department has opened the last of its five rooms and one trauma bay returning to full operating status, following the events of yesterday’s incident at the Ross County Correctional Institute.

All patients related to the incident have also been discharged from the hospital.

Adena Health System would again like to thank local EMS and law enforcement, business partners, vendors, community members and its caregivers for their support and teamwork, which were essential in assuring safe outcomes for everyone involved.

Today at approximately 0930, Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) began receiving patients from the Ross County Correctional Institute (RCI) who had been exposed to an unknown substance. Over the course of approximately two hours, 24 patients from RCI were treated for suspected opioid exposure.

“The vast majority of those who were exposed were presenting with symptoms including nausea, a sensation of numbness and heaviness in their hands and feet, and they felt very sleepy or tired,” said Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Kirk Tucker. “Several folks experienced nausea, requiring medication. The ones who looked like they were on the verge of falling asleep were aggressively given doses of Narcan, which is the reversal agent for opioid toxicity and what we believed this to be.” 

The majority of the patients treated within ARMC’s Emergency Department were treated and released following decontamination, assessment and treatment. Those showing symptoms were treated according to the symptoms with which they presented, including being treated with doses of Narcan.

Dr. Tucker added, “The danger here, and the need to be extremely aggressive in using Narcan, is because of the extreme high potency of what we could potentially be dealing with. You don’t get a lot of warning from the time someone is sitting in front of you conscious and talking to becoming unconscious and not breathing well. Because of that, and the fact that we even had second-off responders feeling the effects of this, it was a safe assumption that we were dealing with a strong opioid and you don’t delay (administering Narcan).”

One patient of the 24 was admitted for treatment and is in stable condition. A second patient is undergoing observation through the evening.

Prior to the arrival of the first patient, ARMC issued a Code Yellow for all available clinical staff to respond to the Emergency Department to assist with incoming patients. ARMC staff routinely participates in crisis training, including large-scale crisis scenarios with local EMS, fire and law enforcement.

“The team was well-prepared today, not only here at Adena Regional Medical Center, but also our community’s first responders,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “The process worked the way it’s supposed to and why we train and practice for these type of scenarios. Today, we walked away with one admission and everyone going home safe to their families, and that’s a huge win. I want to credit all of those who were involved for their hard work and training that prepared us for this incident.”

The Emergency Department was closed to additional patients until approximately 6 p.m. A professional decontamination firm will arrive to clean and decontaminate the five rooms and one trauma bay where the affected patients had been treated.

In addition to the outstanding work by Adena staff, local EMS and law enforcement, Adena wants to thank our community partners at Kenworth and Glatfelter who were extremely supportive in sending their Hazmat teams and equipment to assist with staff decontamination.

State and local law enforcement, health and EPA officials are working to determine the cause of the incident, and to identify the chemical involved.

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Adena Health System is excited to have five of its caregivers up for the 2018 Ohio Nurse of the Year Awards in their respective areas. 

The March of Dimes’ Nurse of the Year Awards is a state-wide event that brings together the health care community to recognize nursing excellence and achievements in research, education, quality patient care, innovation and leadership. Eighteen awards will be presented to the most outstanding nurse within each category.

Our nominated finalists are: 

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Case Management/Managed Care

Ashley Swiger, Nurse Case Manager  

Nurses actively engaged in the professional practice of case management in any health care setting. Nurses who perform clinical assessments and/or advocates for appropriate patient admissions to specialty units/programs. 

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Critical Care

Kayleigh Roberts, 2 NE Staff RN

Includes all nurses working in adult, pediatric and neonatal critical care and intermediate care units whose care and engagement consistently demonstrates excellence in critical care nursing

(image) Hospice Palliative Care

Cynthia Roe, Hospice Charge Nurse

Nursing in inpatient/outpatient hospice settings and palliative care

(image) Nursing Student of the Year Graduate Level

Lee Holdren, 3B Staff RN

Licensed nursing students that are participating in a graduate level program.

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Rising Star

Jennifer Mace, 3A Staff RN

Nurses who at the time of the nomination have no more than three years of practice, and exemplify outstanding patient care, leadership and professionalism.

Nurses are first nominated by peers, nurse managers, supervisors or even the families they have impacted. Each nurse is then asked to submit an application to be considered. Each application is carefully reviewed and scored by a committee of Chief Nursing Officers and other nurse leaders from the health care community.

Finalists are invited to the awards ceremony, Friday, November 2, where the winners will be announced. 

Congratulations to our finalists and look for special AdenaNet profiles coming soon on each of our finalists highlighting their exception care which led to their nominations.  

Did you know that every Friday, Adena Pike Medical Center (APMC) offers seniors a full meal for only $5? 

Open to all seniors, no RSVP or registration required, APMC has been hosting its Senior Socials now for seven years. This is an opportunity for seniors to enjoy a fun evening with their peers to mix and mingle and enjoy each other’s company over a meal provided by APMC Nutritional Services. 

“The Senior Social has been going on since before the merge between Pike Community Hospital and Adena,” explained Heather Dalton, Nutrition Manager. 

The socials run from 5-6 p.m. and are in the APMC Cafeteria, located at 100 Dawn Lane in Waverly. Each $5 dinner includes an entree, a side salad, muffin, drink and dessert. Meal entrees vary weekly.

“The Social has been more directed to seniors in the community or surrounding areas, however we will support and serve anyone of any age,” added Dalton. 

The monthly menu can be sent via email or picked up in the APMC Cafeteria. Contact Heather Dalton if you would like a copy or if you have any questions. She can be reached at 740-947-6338 or hdalton@adena.org. 

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, the perfect time to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages, especially  children returning to school. 

Adena Pediatrics’ Dr. Amy Maggard has a desire to educate parents on the topic of vaccinations, to dispel some of the myths surrounding certain vaccines.

“I feel very passionate about vaccinations for children,” said Dr. Maggard. “It is a preventative medicine that can help save lives. There can be a lot of misinformation out there, and I think it’s very important to educate patients – and their parents – on the facts.”

She added, “I have a lot of parents say they aren’t going to vaccinate their children due to claims that vaccines cause autism or other diseases. These studies have been carefully researched and disproven.”

Without vaccines, children are at increased risk to acquire and spread disease to others. “Immunization is key to preventing disease,” Dr. Maggard said. “Immunizations reduce the number of deaths and disability from infections, such as: measles, whooping cough and chickenpox.”

“While children get the majority of the vaccinations, adults also need to be sure they are immune to specific infections, and stay up-to-date on certain vaccinations,” she said. “Adults should have the TDaP vaccine once every 10 years. Those over 60 should get the Shingles vaccine and those over 65 should get the Pneumococcal vaccine. I also recommend all children and adults get their yearly flu shot. Adults should also look into whether or not they have received the Hep A or HPV shot.”

Parents should check with their child’s doctor, school or the local health department to learn about required vaccines in their state or county.

New to Adena Health System, Dr. Maggard is not new to our region, having spent the majority of her life in Athens County. She is excited about joining the team at Adena Pediatrics. “I am very eager to not only be working at Adena, but to be back in southern Ohio,” she said. “I am very excited to be home and I look forward to taking care of the community that has helped me so much along the way.”

Dr. Maggard is currently accepting new patients from newborn to 18 years old. Visits can be for well-child exams, sick visits, adolescent visits and ADHD. To schedule an appointment for your child, visit adena.org/FIND or call 740-779-4300.

Every athlete, coach and parent knows that sprains, strains and other injuries are all part of the game.

To help injured athletes return to action and be at their best, the Adena Bone and Joint Center is once again offering its Saturday Morning Injury Clinics, throughout the fall sports season for anyone who may encounter an injury on the field, court or course.

Where: Adena Bone and Joint Center

              Adena Health Pavilion 

              4437 State Route 159                                                                          

              Suite G15 Chillicothe, OH                                                                                     

When:   Every Saturday                                                                                                 

              August 25 - October 27

              9 - 11 a.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

The clinic is open to any high school fall sports athlete living within Adena’s 10-county service area (Adams, Fayette, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton). 

Athletes and their parents are welcome to come in for treatment of any sports injury, including concussions, checked out for treatment, with no appointment needed. 

For more information about Adena Sports Medicine’s Saturday Morning Injury Clinic, call 740-779-4598. 

If you have any questions about an injury, call the Adena Sports Medicine hotline at 740-779-8943 or email adenasportsmed@adena.org. 

Phase II construction on the west side of Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) will begin as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018. The multi-phased project now moves from the construction of ARMC’s new Emergency Department, to construction and renovation of the area that includes the current west entrance and former Emergency Department space.

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As a result, ARMC’s west entrance and its adjacent parking area will be closed beginning Monday, Aug. 13, 2018.

The closure of the entrance and parking lots will continue through the duration of the project, which is expected to last for at least one year.

Patients and visitors needing to access the new Emergency Department should continue to enter via Hospital Road. Public access to the new Emergency Department through main hospital is not available.

All non-emergency patients and visitors to Adena Regional Medical Center are advised to enter the facility through the hospital’s North entrance. Ample parking and free valet service is available.

Patients having appointments with providers/clinics in Adena’s Medical Office Building or the Adena Health Pavilion should not be impacted by this closure. Entrances and parking for people arriving at these buildings is unchanged.

To easily reach the North entrance, please enter ARMC grounds using the main entry from Rt. 159 (directly across from the entrance to Kenworth). Signage on Adena’s campus will be posted to direct patients and visitors to the North entrance.

We apologize for any inconvenience. Be assured Adena is working to improve its facility to better accommodate our patients and community.

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Adena Health System leaders, staff, community, state and federal representatives were on hand for a ceremony and ribbon cutting, celebrating the official opening of Adena Regional Medical Center’s (ARMC) newly-constructed Emergency Department.

The new Emergency Department features three times more clinical space than the former facility, which opened in 1974. The year the hospital was built. The new, state-of-the-art addition includes 59,000 square feet of space, compared to the former 16,500 square-foot Emergency Department.

“We heard you when you said ‘fix the ER,’” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “We have made a significant investment to give you – our family, 

friends and neighbors – a state-of-the-art Emergency Department that includes features never before seen in our community.” Graham added, “Not only is the building new and more appealing; for the past year, our teams have been working to develop our processes to get patients with a provider sooner and taken care of in the most efficient and effective way possible.” 

(image) Adena’s new Emergency Department includes more than double the previous number of patient care areas, increasing from 31 to 63. It is the only ED in the region to include patient care rooms specifically designed to care for behavioral access patients, as well as those who have been victims of abuse. The facility includes dedicated trauma bays that are expandable to treat individuals, or to accommodate families when one or more member is being treated for traumatic injuries. 

This project represents the first phase of a more than $36 million investment in Adena’s commitment to regional emergency care for the community. Phase II of the multi-phased project involves renovating the hospital’s West Entrance Area, and renovating the old Emergency Department space to include: a centralized registration area; a dine-in café; construction of 16 additional patient rooms; and updated waiting areas. Phase II construction is scheduled to begin in mid-August, with completion set for late 2019. Click here for updated west entrance closure and parking information. 

Members of the community had an opportunity get their first look inside the new ARMC Emergency Department during a Community Celebration on July 28.Even close to an hour before the event officially began, parents, children, grandparents, Adena employees, friends and neighbors all started descending upon the new Emergency Department and by the end of the three-hour event, more than 1,000 people were estimated to have attended.

Under perfect sunny weather conditions, the family-oriented event had fun for all ages, which included: teddy bear building & bear check-ups; the chance to meet Doc McStuffins, autographs with Chief Crazy Horse and a player from the Chillicothe Paints; the opportunity to explore a MedFlight helicopter, ambulances and police cruisers; and free hot dogs, hamburgers and snacks along with Hirsch’s famous apple cider slushies.

But what left everyone in attendance wide-eyed with amazement was touring the new Emergency Department. The behind-the-scenes tours, led by Adena’s ED caregivers, left everyone with the assurance that Adena truly offers the best in close-to-home regional health care when they need it most.

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“This has been a long time in the making and the crowd here today is great and we are excited to have them come out because this is their Emergency Department and their hospital,” said Graham during an interview with WKKJ Radio at the event. “We are very proud of what we built here.”  Graham added. “One of the biggest differences that anyone coming in will notice is the decor and design is beautiful, but they will notice the difference in patient rooms. In our old Emergency Department, we had curtains and open bays; very small and very tight. These new patient rooms are very spacious for families because we want them to be there with the patient because they are the ones that will be helping to take care of their family member when they go home. But what is really nice is the pri(image) vacy.”

Graham would also explain how the beauty of the new Emergency Department and what people will notice most is not just in the physical building, but how internal processes within the ED are now leading to patients seeing a provider faster than national averages.

The new ARMC Emergency Department is schedule to open for patient care on Sunday, Aug. 12.

The Adena Health Foundation is continuing its capital campaign to raise funding for the entire project. Information is available at givetogrowth.adena.org.

For a third consecutive year, Adena Health System will continue its partnership with the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) to showcase the importance of traffic and motorcycle safety, and how it relates to the overall health of our region. 

The ODPS’s Ross County Safe Communities uses local partnerships, like the one with Adena, to deliver traffic safety messages and programs throughout the year.

As Labor Day approaches and families hit the road, this festive time is also a dangerous time on America’s roadways, as many drunk drivers get behind the wheel after celebrating. 

Because accidental death is one of our region’s top health threats, Ross County Safe Communities and Adenaare reminding motorists to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. 

Adena and Ross County Safe Communities will host the 2018 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Overkick-off event during the Ross County Fair.

         When: Friday, August 10, 2018

                     6:45 pm

          Where:Ross County Fair Grounds 

                       Grand Stands 

The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs August –September. During this period, local and state law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of driving drunk, coupled with sobriety checkpoints and increased officers on the road, aim to reduce drunk driving in Ohio, and on our nation’s roads.

For more information on Ross County Safe Communities, contact Paige Holdren at 740-779-8594 or pholdren@adena.org.

For more about Adena Health System and Ross County Safe Communities visit adena.orgor follow us on Facebook, Instagram,or Twitter @adenamedicaland @RossSafeCommunities

“Heroin’s Children”, a documentary produced by Al Jazeera USA set in Chillicothe, garnered three nominations as announced recently by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences ahead of the 39th annual news and documentary Emmy Awards. The nominations included Best Story in a Newsmagazine, Outstanding Medical report and Outstanding Editing.

With “Heroin’s Children” Al Jazeera USA’s weekly program Fault Lines looked at the "invisible victims" of the country's opioid crisis - a generation of children who are being neglected, abandoned or orphaned by parents addicted to heroin.

The program’s staff traveled to Chillicothe multiple times throughout the past year to meet a teenager who lost both her parents to drugs; a mother whose heroin addiction led her to overdose in front of her young son; a grandmother unexpectedly raising four granddaughters; pregnant women struggling with addiction; and police and firefighters responding to harrowing overdose scenes.

Adena Health System played an instrumental role in helping Al Jazeera USA tell its story, with unparalleled access to Adena’s nationally-acclaimed Centering Pregnancy and Baby-Centered Recovery programs. The series included interviews with leading voices in this battle, including: Dr. John Gabis, primary care provider with Adena Family Medicine, chair of the Heroin Partnership Project (HPP) and Ross County Coroner; as well as Donna Collier-Stepp, Adena Women and Children’s Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor.

“We are grateful that this important story could get more attention,” said Laila Al-Arian, Senior Producer, Fault Lines. “The film could not have been done without the help and permission to film at Adena. I believe the scene featuring the pregnant women was extremely powerful and memorable. I hope it leads to more awareness.”

Click here to view the Emmy nominated program.  

The 39th annual news and documentary Emmy Awards will be presented on Monday, Oct. 1 at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City.

Adena Health System leaders, staff, community, state and federal representatives were on hand for a ceremony and ribbon cutting, celebrating the official opening of Adena Regional Medical Center’s (ARMC) newly-constructed Emergency Department.

The new Emergency Department features three times more clinical space than the former facility, which opened in 1974. The year the hospital was built. The new, state-of-the-art addition includes 59,000 square feet of space, compared to the former 16,500 square-foot Emergency Department.

“We heard you when you said ‘fix the ER,’” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “We have made a significant investment to give you – our family, friends and neighbors – a state-of-the-art Emergency Department that includes features never before seen in our community.” Graham added, “Not only is the building new and more appealing; for the past year, our teams have been working to develop our processes to get patients with a provider sooner and taken care of in the most efficient and effective way possible.”

Adena’s new Emergency Department includes more than double the previous number of patient care areas, increasing from 31 to 63. It is the only ED in the region to include patient care rooms specifically designed to care for behavioral access patients, as well as those who have been victims of abuse. The facility includes dedicated trauma bays that are expandable to treat individuals, or to accommodate families when one or more member is being treated for traumatic injuries.

This project represents the first phase of a more than $36 million investment in Adena’s commitment to regional emergency care for the community. Phase II of the multi-phased project involves renovating the hospital’s West Entrance Area, and renovating the old Emergency Department space to include: a centralized registration area; a dine-in café; construction of 16 additional patient rooms; and updated waiting areas. Phase II construction is scheduled to begin in mid-August, with completion set for late 2019. 

Over the next two weeks, medical supplies and equipment will be added to the new Emergency Department. During this time, staff will also be training to learn the flow of the unit and where supplies will be located, to ensure a smooth transition. The new ARMC Emergency Department is scheduled to open for patient care on Sunday, Aug. 12.

The Adena Health Foundation is continuing its capital campaign to raise funding for the entire project. Information is available at givetogrowth.adena.org.

The Adena Health Foundation has awarded scholarships to 57 area students, pursuing degrees in the health care field. In total, $99,605 in scholarship funds have been awarded for the 2018-19 academic year.

“Adena is thrilled to have the opportunity to support the development of these future health care professionals," said President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Our community is growing, and the need for quality health care is always expanding. Making sure Adena has the health care options people who live in our region need is one of Adena’s top priorities. Supporting students from this region with scholarship funds from our Foundation is just one way we can help support their dreams, while meeting the future health care needs of our community.”

The Scholarship Fund is made possible in large part by generous annual donations from the Adena Women’s Board and Adena’s Volunteer Advisory Council. Since Adena’s Health Care Scholarship program was established in 2002, $815,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to local students.

Students from the following counties were awarded scholarships: Ross County (32 students); Highland County (6); Jackson County (5); Pickaway County (4); Pike County (4); Fayette County (3); Scioto County (2) and Athens County (1). Among those awarded, 11 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.

We love summer, but we hate the bugs that come with it. As the weather heats up, it is likely you will encounter these pesky creatures. If you’ve ever been bitten by a mosquito, tick, or flea, you probably have experienced the itching and irritation they cause. We may call them “pests,” but these vectors can spread germs and diseases with their bites. The term “vector-borne diseases” refers to the illnesses these bugs spread from person-to-person and animal-to-person. Vectors include organisms like mosquitos, ticks, fleas, flies, etc.

The following information can help you decrease your risk of getting bitten, and thus, avoid the potential for getting an infection.

The Mosquito

The primary culprit that comes to mind during the summer is the mosquito. Mosquito bites can cause illnesses including Zika, malaria, West Nile virus (WNV), chikungunya, and others. Most people bitten by the mosquito carrying Zika or WNV won’t show symptoms and the people who do show symptoms tend to show them mildly. There are no vaccines or medicine for Zika or WNV, but you can decrease your risk of infection by preventing mosquito bites.

Although Malaria is usually found outside of the United States, cases are still identified from those who have traveled to other countries where malaria is common, such as Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Symptoms of malaria include chills, fever, nausea and vomiting, and body aches. Malaria can be treated, but can become serious and life-threatening if the illness advances. Travelers should always take precautions when traveling to countries where malaria is a risk.

How to prevent mosquito bites:

Mosquitoes can bite both indoors and outdoors, mostly during the daytime; therefore, it is important to ensure protection from mosquitoes throughout the entire day. 

• Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. 
  • Follow product directions and reapply as directed.
  • If using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
  • Using an insect repellent is safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers. 
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Regularly empty containers outside your home that trap standing water such as planters, bird baths, and toys.
  • Contact your local health department to report high numbers of mosquitoes or standing water in your neighborhood. 

The Tick

Tickborne diseases are on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ticks account for nearly 60 percent of all vector-borne diseases in the U.S. Ticks are most active in the spring and summer months and live in areas where we live, work, and play. Ticks can be found in every state throughout the continental U.S. The types of tick-borne diseases vary based on where you are in the U.S. Two of the most well-known tick-borne diseases are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). Symptoms of these illnesses include fever, headache, fatigue, and skin rash. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as you notice a tick bite.

How to protect yourself against tick bites:

Prevention and early recognition of tick bites is key. The risk of exposure to ticks is greatest in the woods and in the space between lawns and the edge of the woods. Ticks can also hitchhike to your lawn and into your house via your pet. Decrease your risk of being bitten by a tick:

• Avoid tick-infested areas, especially during the months of May, June, and July 
• When in a tick-infested area, walk in the center of trails and avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush, and leaf litter at trail edges.
• Always check for ticks after being outdoors, even after being in your own yard. Ticks can hide under the armpits, behind the knees, in the hair, and in the groin areas.
• Use EPA-approved insect repellent that contains a 20 percent concentration of DEET on clothes and on exposed skin.
• Bathe or shower soon after coming indoors to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on your body.
• Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and can bring ticks into your home. Your veterinarian can provide you the best advice on how to protect your pets from tick bites.

The Flea

People and animals can get plague from a bite from an infected rodent flea (or by handling an animal infected with plague). Plague can also be transmitted from inhaling droplets from a cough of an infected person or animal (especially sick cats). In the U.S., plague is not a common illness, but infections do occur. Plague infections are most commonly seen in the western states of Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico. Many more cases occur in foreign countries; primarily Africa and Asia.

How to prevent the spread of plague:

• You can protect your family, yourself, and your pets by following these steps:
• Eliminate nesting places for rodents around your home, sheds, garages, woodpiles, etc.
• Do not pick up or touch dead animals. If you must, wear protective gloves and wash your hands.
• Avoid sleeping in the bed with pets.
• Use EPA-approved insect repellent that contains a 20 percent concentration of DEET on clothes and on exposed skin.
• Treat dogs and cats regularly for fleas.
• Keep pet food in rodent-proof containers.
• Take sick pets to the veterinarian promptly.

For additional resources, visit Adena Health System’s Health Content Libraryand search these and many more helpful topics. 

* Information in this article was provided by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)

Adena Regional Medical Center’s Primary Stroke Center recently added to its list of accolades earning the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With the Guidelines^®-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award. The Award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive treatment that is based on nationally-recognized, research-based guidelines, which are based on the latest scientific evidence.

 “We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelinesstroke initiative,” said Dr. Muhammad Akhtar, Adena Neurologist. “The tools and resources provided in the guidelines help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines that are intended to improve patient outcomes.”

 To earn the award, hospitals must meet specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments 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.

Additionally, Adena has received the Association’s Stroke Elite Award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific quality measures intended to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and administration of the clot-buster, tissue Plasminogen Activator, ortPA. This is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke, which is an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. 

 “We are pleased to recognize Adena Regional Medical Center for its commitment to stroke care,” said Eric E. Smith, M.D., National Chairman of the Get with the Guidelinessteering committee. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get with the Guidelines quality improvement initiative often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

For more information on Adena’s stroke program, visit adena.org/stroke.  

STRIKE OUT STROKE

 Join the Adena Stroke Team for Strike Out Stroke with the Chillicothe Paints on Saturday, July 21 at 7 p.m. at the VA Memorial Stadium; 17273 St. Rt. 104, Chillicothe. 

 fFamilies are invited for this fun and special evening benefiting the Adena Health Foundation Stroke Fund. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for only $6. 

Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is just a few weeks away from opening its new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department. Plans are underway for the official ribbon-cutting celebration on Friday, July 27 at Noon; and a Community Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, July 28 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 The new Emergency Department represents the first phase of a more than $36 million investment in Adena’s commitment to regional emergency care for the community. The project is being conducted in two phases.

“People in our region deserve a first-class Emergency Department, and now it’s here,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Adena Regional Medical Center’s new Emergency Department will offer a whole new care environment with larger patients rooms, greater privacy and faster access to care. People will also see more efficient processes in use that are getting patients treated faster and sent home, or admitted to the hospital, sooner than ever before.” Graham added, “With three-times more space, and amenities never before seen in our area, we expect ARMC’s Emergency Department to become a referral destination for other hospitals in the region, while also being the first choice for emergency care for our families, friends and neighbors.”

Adena’s new 59,000 square-foot Emergency Center will feature 43,707 square feet of clinical space; increased from 16,500 total square feet in the current Emergency Department. Unique to Adena, the addition will be the only emergency department in the region to include patient care rooms specifically for behavioral access patients; those being treated for sexual assault; and with expandable trauma bays to treat individuals, or to accommodate families when one or more member is being treated for traumatic injuries.

General treatment room sizes will increase from 100 square feet to 140 square feet. These patient rooms will be self-contained with sliding glass doors for privacy and noise reduction, yet enabling nearby nurses to keep eyes on the patient. The number of patient care areas has also more than doubled, from 31 to 63. ARMC’s former Emergency Department was built in 1974, and most recently renovated in the 1990s.

“We are excited to show the community this next-level of emergency care, with a facility specifically designed and built with the patient in mind,” said Graham. “Opening festivities are being planned for our community and families, and will show how Adena has changed the face of emergency care in our region. Everyone is welcome, and encouraged to stop by to celebrate this exciting community milestone.”

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Adena Regional Emergency Center, located at 272 Hospital Rd., Chillicothe, is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 27, 2018 from Noon to 2 p.m. A Community Celebration is planned for Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. This family-oriented event will have fun for all ages, including: teddy bear building & bear check-up; meet Doc McStuffins, Chief Crazy Horse and players from the Chillicothe Paints; explore a MedFlight helicopter, ambulances, fire trucks and police cruisers; enjoy refreshments, music, tours and more. The community celebration is free and open to all.

Phase II of the expansion and renovation project involves renovating the hospital’s West Entrance Area, and will include: a centralized registration area; a dine-in café; construction of 16 additional patient rooms; and updated waiting areas. Phase II construction will begin immediately after Phase I work ends, and is expected to be complete in late 2019.

For more information about Adena’s Emergency Department expansion and upcoming Phase II renovations, or how you can support this endeavor through the Adena Health Foundation, click here.

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Patients battling Glioblastoma (CBM), the most common and deadliest form of primary brain cancer, have a new FDA-approved option for therapy that is now being offered at The Adena Cancer Center.

 Optune® is a portable medical device that enables the patient to go about their daily activities while receiving treatment for GBM. It is the first FDA-approved therapy in more than a decade for newly diagnosed GBM.

 “Our goal is to treat cancer patients with the latest, approved therapies available, so we are pleased to add Optune® as part of a combination treatment for those fighting GBM,” said Adena Cancer Center Medical Director Dr. Alex Wilson. “We also know how important quality of life is for our patients, and Optune® is a therapy that allows patients to go about their daily activities with minimal disruption to their day-to-day lives.”

 For newly-diagnosed patients, Optune® is used in combination with their chemotherapy. In 

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clinical trials, adding Optune® as a form of treatment has proven to delay GBM tumor growth, and extend survival in newly-diagnosed patients compared with chemotherapy alone. Other benefits for patients include lessening the effects of chemotherapy, which can include: fewer infections, less nausea, decreased incidences of diarrhea and lowered blood counts. 

The lightweight Optune® device is worn on the patient’s head and creates low-intensity electric fields to slow or stop GBM cancer cells from dividing, and may also cause some of the cancerous cells to die. Patients are free to wear loose-knit wigs, hats and head coverings over the device, allowing them to conduct their daily activities with confidence.    

For more information on Optune and the Adena Cancer Center, visit adena.org/optune or call  740-542-3030. 

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Dr. Joshua Bowers, a recent graduate of Adena’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program, will begin his professional career at Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC), as a physician with the Schumacher Group. Dr. Bowers becomes the program’s third Emergency Medicine resident to commit to stay at Adena following their residency. He joins Dr. Benjamin Trotter (2016) and Dr. Nisha Haque Budi (2017).  

Dr. Bowers’ decision to practice at Adena is the culmination of what the Health System envisioned when beginning the GME Program began in 2012. The intent is tokeep talented providers who have trained in our region to continue practicing locally. 

Major contributors in Dr. Bowers’ decision to stay with Adena came from the opportunities he had while participating in Adena’s Residency Program, and while working in the Emergency Department. 

“I have enjoyed my experience working in the Emergency Department; and working with leadership, Administration and residency faculty,” he said. “The providers at Adena made it a priority that I received the best hands-on learning experience. They truly wanted me to succeed. Adena has the benefit of being a small, close-knit community, while also offering high quality education and research opportunities that you typically find in larger learning institutions. I have loved my time here, and that’s why I have chosen to stay.”

Dr. Bowers served as Junior Chief Resident during his residency, allowing him to build relationships with medical students. He also helped facilitate some educational programing and looks forward to being a mentor to future residents. 

“I was eager to come to Adena to do my residency, because at that time, the program was still new,” he said. “I wanted to have the opportunity to take on more of a leadership role and to be involved in building the program. This is another reason why I have chosen to practice here.” 

“Dr. Bowers has been a superstar, both academically and clinically,” said Emergency Medicine Residency Program Coordinator Dr. Michael Pallaci. “He is a phenomenal resident who is ready to become a phenomenal doctor. We are proud and excited to be able to keep as part of our family of caregivers. Our residents, students and most importantly our patients will be blessed to have him as an attending emergency physician at Adena.”

For more information on Adena’s Graduate Medical Education Program visit adena.org/graduate-med-ed. 

As the health care industry continues to evolve and the baby boomer population gets older, the demand for nurses has steadily increased, resulting in a national nursing shortage. 

To meet the nursing staff needs of our region, Adena Health System is offering a $5,000 sign on bonus to eligible nurses who join our team July 9-27, 2018. 

To be eligible to receive this bonus, the candidate must meet the following criteria:  

• Have one year of inpatient hospital experience
• Be hired for .9 Full-Time Employment or greater 
• Not be a rehire within the health system for the past six months 
• The sign on bonus does not apply to specialty nursing areas i.e. Intensive Care Unit, Women & Children’s Center, Behavioral Health, Emergency Department or Surgery. 

A Nursing Social will be held at each of Adena’s three hospitals to help illustrate Adena’s nursing culture and work environment. 

• Adena Pike Medical Center: Tuesday, July 10, 6-8 p.m. 
• Adena Greenfield Medical Center: Thursday, July 12, 6-8 p.m.
• PACCAR Medical Education Center: Tuesday, July, 17 6-8 p.m.

These nights will include tours, open interviews, refreshments and ice cream. Attendees will also have the chance to meet nursing leadership, ask questions related to benefits, tuition reimbursement and other Human Resources related inquires. Children are welcome to attend, as there will be a kid’s corner activity. 

If you have questions, contact Adena Human Recourses at 740-779-8970 or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/AdenaHealthSystem. 

Dear Neighbor,

I was excited to return to Adena and the region in late 2017. Since then, I have heard from many of you. The two items mentioned every time were the need to fix billing, and to do something about the time people spend waiting in the Emergency Department.

I’m pleased to say, we will soon open a first-class Emergency Department (ED) in Chillicothe that will be three times larger than the old one. It will also feature more than 60 patient care areas, double our previous number. A larger facility, with a more efficient design, will get patients into a room, treated, and on their way faster. Beyond the actual facility, we have also been changing processes behind the scenes to keep patients moving; and to eliminate much of the waiting room back log.  

In summer 2017, we began holding daily ED Focus Huddles. I, and other leaders attend these meetings each day with Emergency Department staff and representatives of the departments that interact with the ED throughout the day. These huddles are focused on processes within the ED that are working well, and any barriers that are impacting a patient’s treatment time. This daily interaction, between all parties involved, is resulting in more efficient processes, better service to our patients and faster cycle times.

The request to fix billing was also one that I took to heart. After years of trying to patch-up the problem piece by piece, we have delved in to fix the entire revenue cycle process at once. This includes making improvements at every step of the process - beginning at registration and all the way to when we send a statement. This large-scale project will take some time to complete – but once it is done, I am confident patients will see a dramatic, positive difference.

Finally, I am a strong proponent of every patient having close-to-home access to the highest quality care. Unless absolutely necessary, no person in our region should have to travel more than a few miles to receive quality health care and treatment. In late 2017, Adena became the first in the region to offer robot-assisted orthopedic surgery, and we upgraded and added the newest technology to our daVinci® surgery robot-assisted system.

Adena Health System reached many new milestones in 2017. Just a few include: performing our 1,000^thopen heart surgery and 2,000^throbot-assisted surgery; being recognized as a Top 50 Cardiovascular Heart Hospital; becoming the only four-star rated hospital in the region; along with our caregivers providing a record number of hours volunteering and mentoring our community’s youth. Please take some time on adena.org where you will learn about these achievements and much more. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Adena and its positive impact on the health of our community.

Sincerely,

Jeff Graham, President & CEO

Adena Health System

Ensemble Health Partners announced today that Adena Health System has selected Ensemble Health Partners as its revenue cycle management solution. As the management partner for Adena, Ensemble will be responsible for the end-to-end revenue cycle management services.

Since 1895, Adena has remained focused in its commitment to serve the health care needs of people living in 10 counties of south-central Ohio, by providing access to the best close-to-home care. Adena includes three hospitals (Chillicothe, Greenfield and Waverly), six regional clinics and multiple primary care and specialty clinics, and has annual net revenues of $500M. Employing approximately 3,000 people, Adena is one of the region’s largest employers and an economic catalyst for the area.   

 “We are pleased to share the news of our partnership with Adena,” says Judson Ivy, CEO, Ensemble Health Partners. “At Ensemble, we are truly passionate about partnering with our clients, and that our collaborative approach makes all the difference in delivering results for our client hospitals like Adena.” 

 “We have listened to Adena’s patients, hearing their requests to ‘fix billing,’” says Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Through our partnership with Ensemble, I am confident this will be achieved.” 

“In my previous experience with Ensemble and their experienced hospital leadership personnel, they continually demonstrate their expertise in making real improvements and sharing revenue cycle best practices that will help us reach the results we want and need.”

“As former hospital and physician revenue cycle leaders in the detailed operations, we know that it can be frustrating and costly when the same issues keep arising,” says Shannon White, President and COO, Ensemble Health Partners. “At Ensemble, we take pride in the fact that we don’t just identify issues within your revenue cycle and provide a scripted playbook – we partner with our clients to ensure the root cause is identified and fix it for our client’s future success.”

About Ensemble Health Partners

Ensemble Health Partners specializes in revenue cycle outsource solutions, accounts receivable acceleration and run down, denials and underpayments, complex claims, invoice and vendor analytics. Ensemble Health Partners provides revenue cycle solutions, creating real value for our clients, by building relationships, reducing revenue cycle spend and delivering exceptional results. We partner with hospitals across the United States to make real and lasting improvements utilizing our experienced hospital operations expertise.

Robotic surgery, also referred to as robot-assisted surgery, lets surgeons perform all kinds of complex procedures with more flexibility, precision and control than is typically possible with traditional surgical techniques. Robotic surgery is minimally invasive and uses special equipment, including a small video camera that provides magnified, 3-D images of the surgical field through keyhole incisions.

Surgeons have been using robot-assisted surgery for a variety of different procedures, such as:

• Cardiac procedures like mitral valve repair and coronary artery bypass grafting

• Laparoscopic procedures like removal of the appendix, kidney, uterus and gallbladder

• Urological procedures like prostatectomy, cystectomy and ureteral reimplantation

• Orthopaedic procedures like treatment for carpal tunnel

Beyond precision, robotic surgery comes with a few major benefits, including the following:

1. Shorter stays in the hospital

Because robotic surgery is minimally invasive, there is usually less of a need to keep people in the hospital for very long. Patients can go home and be with their loved ones sooner, which is usually the preferred recovery venue. Shorter hospital stays also translate to faster recovery times, which means you can get back on your feet and return to work and your routine sooner. Spending fewer days in the hospital also leads to cost savings, which is always a good thing in an already costly health system.

2. Reduced pain and discomfort

For many patients, recovering from surgery is tougher than undergoing the surgery itself. The smaller incisions needed by robotic surgery generally means patients feel less pain and discomfort following their procedure. For example, using undergoing robotic surgery instead of traditional open surgery for a chest procedure can mean you’ll need an uncomfortable chest tube for a shorter period of time.

3. Fewer complications

One of the most dire complications associated with traditional surgery is the risk for infection, and smaller incisions usually means the likelihood for infection is less. Instead of having the entire abdominal cavity opened for a procedure, the wound size associated with the robotic surgery is much smaller and easier to monitor and control.

Robotic surgery helps to reduce the amount of human error that occur during a procedure - making complications less likely. These complications can include damaging tissue unnecessarily or causing too much blood loss. 

4. Lower levels of blood loss and transfusions

Maintaining normal blood levels during a surgical procedure is a top concern. Robotic surgery involves less blood loss because the three-dimensional view allows the surgeon to see blood vessels more easily than they can during traditional open surgery. This enhanced view, combined with the precise movements of the robotic instruments, means surgeons can better avoid blood vessels adjacent to the surgical field.

5. Minimal scarring

The potential for scarring is less due to the smaller size of the incisions. The incisions are referred to as “keyhole” incisions because they are generally small enough for the camera and robotic arms to be guided through. Procedures like appendix or gallbladder removal, which may have once required the surgeon to open the entire abdominal cavity, only need a few small incisions when robotic surgery is employed. Minimal scarring is definitely a reasonable cosmetic consideration for many people.

It’s important to know that robotic surgery, though beneficial, is not an option for all patients. Additionally, not all hospitals and doctors feel totally comfortable using the technology just yet. Make sure to speak with your doctor about the benefits as well as the potential risks associated with this technique to learn more about how it may work for you.

Find a Doctor

For over a decade, the Italian restaurant chain Olive Garden boasted the slogan “When You’re Here, You’re Family”. Those words are now becoming synonymous with the Adena Family Medicine – Main Campus Clinic.

Since opening the doors on their new location inside the Adena Health & Wellness Center on the Adena Regional Medical Center campus in December 2017, the providers, residents and caregivers working in the clinic have created an environment of caring that is exceeding patient and visitor expectations. Just ask Heather Oates of South Bloomingville following a recent visit with her seven-year old daughter. 

“I could not have picked a better doctor’s office. I love it,” she exclaimed. “All my experiences with them have been amazing. Right from the very beginning, they made us feel like we were family.” 

Heather was particularly won over by the way in which the staff took special care of her daughter, Madelyn, who has been in-and-out of hospitals since she was nine months old. Madelyn was in need of a blood draw and having had the procedure done many times before, she was none too thrilled about being stuck with a needle yet again. That was before Medical Assistant Richelle Johnson was able to ease Madelyn’s concerns thus creating a special bond that has since gone beyond that visit.

“Madelyn needed to leave the clinic and have her blood drawn in the Lab in another building, but she didn’t want to go unless Richelle could go with her,” Heather explained. “Sure enough, Richelle met us there and sat with us the entire time and even held her hand. Richelle walked her through the entire process and Madelyn never cried. Now she loves coming here and can’t wait to come back knowing she’ll see Richelle and everyone.”

She added, “I have worked in health care myself for 15 years and I have never seen another Emergency Room, Urgent Care or doctor’s office that has treated my children the way this office has. They cared about Madelyn and her feelings as well as my concerns. The fact that they made my child comfortable is what means a lot to me.”

Since that visit, the Oates family has returned to the Adena Family Medicine – Main Campus Clinic, this last time just so Madelyn could share lunch with Richelle and the staff.

As the region’s primary health care provider, Adena iscommitted to meeting the needs of the communities we serve by providing high quality, compassionate, close-to-home care. Our more than 3,000 caregivers take care of our friends, relatives and neighbors; building and strengthening trust with our patients with every encounter.

The Adena Family Medicine – Main Campus clinic provides a full spectrum of primary care for patients of all ages – from newborns to seniors. Located at 4461 State Route 159, Suite A, the clinic is openMonday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  They accept Medicaid and most forms of insurance and offer financial assistance for patients without health insurance. For more information or to schedule you or your family’s next appointment, click here or call 740-779-4900.

Adena Health System is expanding its Women’s Health Services program. As part of the Health System’s strategy to expand the availability of close-to-home health care for people throughout Adena’s service region, Premier Women’s Health Ob/Gyn, located in Chillicothe, has joined Adena Health System.

 On June 1, 2018, Dr. Jennifer Regan; Dr. Richard Villarreal; and Amy Barrows, DNP, CNP, became members of the Adena Medical Group of providers. Additionally, Dr. Rebecca Pareja will begin practicing at Premier Women’s Health Ob/Gyn later this summer.

 “I’m excited to have the team from Premier Women’s Health Ob/Gyn join us in expanding Adena’s Women’s Health services,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Patients throughout our region expect and deserve to have their health care needs met, without having to travel long distances for care. Drs. Regan and Villarreal have been taking care of patients in our region for many years, along with being very active community partners.”

 Graham added, “The addition of Premier Women’s Health is an exciting demonstration of Adena’s partnership commitment to build strong relationships with health care providers in its seven-county service region. Whether the entity wants to join the Adena network, or remain independent, the overall goal is to be sure patients in south central Ohio have the best possible access to the care they need, without having to leave their communities.”

 “This management team, under the direction of Adena’s new CEO Jeff Graham, has proven to be very patient oriented,” said Dr. Richard Villarreal. “This has long been Dr. Regan's and my philosophy. With this new way of thinking at Adena, it made sense for us to come home. I truly believe our patients and our community will benefit from all of the changes we will have for them.”

 Adena’s Women’s Health Services program offers a wide range of services including: wellness and prevention programs; comprehensive breast care; obstetrics; gynecology; gynecological surgery, including robot-assisted, minimally-invasive gynecologic surgery; and more. Adena Ob/Gyn also has a robust midwifery program; accredited ultrasound technicians; and a women’s centering program that offers a support system for mothers-to-be and new moms facing social difficulties.

 “Adena Ob/Gyn, with its seven physicians and five certified nurse midwives, welcomes Dr. Regan, Dr. Villarreal, and Amy Barrows, DNP, CNP,” said Dr. Emiley Blake, lead physician with Adena Ob/Gyn and Adena Health System’s Women’s Health Services program. “Adena’s established Ob/Gyn service line has a great depth of experience in providing health care access to the women of our region. Joining together will further enhance Adena’s women’s health services for our patients.”

Current patients of Premier Women’s Health Ob/Gyn should not notice any change in the care they receive. Drs. Regan, Villarreal and staff will continue to see patients at Premier’s current Blackwater Road office location. However, patients will enjoy a more convenient experience when delivering their babies and when having gynecologic surgeries, each being performed at Adena Regional Medical Center, in Chillicothe. Previously, Premier Women’s Health Ob/Gyn patients had to travel to Columbus to deliver their babies, and to Circleville for surgeries.

For some kids, reading during the summer can feel a lot like homework. However, Adena Community Health and the public library systems across Highland, Pike and Ross counties are working to make reading fun for children this summer. 

The Healthy Kids Summer Fun Challenge is a reading program that rewards kids for not only reading, but also staying active. Each child is asked to read a certain number of books, while also completing various physical challenges that encourage kids to put down their devices, unplug video games and get moving. These physical challenges are then documented in an exercise log provided by Adena. 

Upon completion of their reading assignments and exercise log, participants will be entered into a drawing for a new bike or IPod. Special gifts and goodies will also be provided throughout the course of the program. 

“The goal is to engage all participants in at least eight healthy activities over the course of the summer, including reduced use of cell phones and IPads and more time being outside and active,” explained Kim Jones, Adena Director of Community Health Advancement.

Now in its fifth year, Adena is proud to continue this partnership with the local libraries. The program reached 2,100 kids last year and organizers are hoping to engage 2,500 children this time around. “The libraries are a fantastic partner during the summer months and a great outlet to reach the kids in our service areas,” said Jones. 

For more information and registration dates on the Healthy Kids Summer Fun Challenge, contact any participating library: Highland County District Library,Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike County, Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library

Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) has achieved the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR ACTION Registry Gold Performance Achievement Award for 2018. ARMC, previously a Silver performer, is now one of only 37 hospitals in the U.S. to achieve Gold Performance status this year.

Award recipients must demonstrate sustained achievement in the ACTION Registry for eight consecutive quarters. ARMC and other recipients have performed at the top level of standards for specific performance measures.

“As a Gold Performance Award recipient, Adena has shown it is a leader in implementing top-level standards of care and protocols for its patients,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, Chair of the ACTION Registry and Executive Director of Interventional Cardiovascular Programs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Heart and Vascular Center. “By meeting the requirements set forth in the Registry, and establishing a culture of providing guideline-recommended therapy, Adena is saving lives and improving outcomes for heart attack patients.”

The Award recognizes Adena’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients. It also signifies that ARMC has reached an aggressive goal in assuring patients being treated for heart attack receive a standard of care that is outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

Earlier this year, ARMC was named a Watson Health national Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital for superior heart care. Full participation in the Registry engages hospitals in a robust continuing quality improvement process. This is accomplished using data to drive improvements, adhering to the latest fast changing cardiology guideline recommendations, and achieving a top-level quality of care for heart attack patients.

“Adena Regional Medical Center continues to add to its growing list of achievements, demonstrating the high standard of heart care available in our region for the people who live here,” said Jeff Graham, Adena President and CEO. “This recognition reflects the commitment of our cardiovascular providers and staff, toward quality, safety and top-rated heart health care for patients living in south central Ohio.”

The Center for Disease Control estimates more than 700,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include: administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge; rapid timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked heart artery; smoking cessation counseling; cardiac rehabilitation; and more.

Adena Pike Medical Center (APMC) will soon begin offering support advocacy services to patients reporting to its Emergency Department after suffering any form of assault, trauma or violence. Beginning in June, Adena advocates will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide care, support and aid to these patients.  

 “Advocacy is about motivating change within a community,” said Nicole Bullock, Adena Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Program Coordinator. “Drawing attention to such an important need within our community is at times hard to face, but it is very much needed. By expanding our victim advocate services to Pike County, we can better serve the region by providing all avenues of support and resources.”

Since 2016, Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor Advocates have provided services to women, children and men who have experienced interpersonal violence as the result of sexual and domestic violence, child and elder abuse, and hate crimes.

 Within the last year, the program has served more than 230 victims at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe (Ross County). This includes 12 human trafficking victims and 160 sexual assault patients, of which more than 100 were children. More than 40 percent of patients seen for advocacy services at Adena in 2017 arrived from a surrounding county. 

“Our goal is to provide survivors of interpersonal violence a safe place to seek the medical treatment they need, while being emotionally supported,” said Heather Welshimer, Adena Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Program Coordinator. “We hope to support survivors who come to the hospital and educate them on the local resources that are available to them in Pike County.” 

 Trauma-informed services provided include: hospital and medical advocacy; resource linkage; referral to safety services, including safety planning and shelter placement. In addition, the program offers free peer-to-peer support groups, community education and an after-care advocate who is available to help individuals during any point of their healing process.

“We hope that by being available at APMC, it enable our advocates to serve the community and to allow those who are victimized to feel empowered; along with letting them know that their voice is being heard,” stated Bullock. 

For more information on Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Program or to learn more about volunteer opportunities call 740-779-8207 or email survivoradvocates@adena.org. 

The school year has wrapped up across our region, and many students will spend the summer working, playing, or contemplating career goals. Those who have participated in the United Way of Ross County’s Map Your Future program have a head start on career exploration, many getting that experience from Adena Health System caregivers.

“I learned that even if we’re just middle schoolers, thinking about our future is important,” said one Unioto Middle School participant.

Map Your Future is a program intended to help youth in grades seven through 12 explore potential career choices. This is accomplished by visiting local businesses, and getting a taste of jobs that may interest them. Adena Health System is among several businesses in the community that host the students throughout the academic year.

“Adena and its caregivers are committed to nurturing the development of our community’s children, as we work to create healthy and thriving communities,” said Adena’s Director of Community Health Advancement Kim Jones. “We have many caregivers who are excited to share their passion for caring for others, and the career possibilities it offers young people who want to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Map Your Future is funded by donations from participating organizations, and primarily through a Community Connectors grant, awarded to the United Way of Ross County from the Ohio Department of Education.

An Adena High School junior who job-shadowed an Adena Radiology staff member had this to say about the experience. “My experience was very helpful. I got to see some really cool X-rays and get a feel for what the job is like. I also got to ask questions, and talk about colleges with some of the workers. It was a great experience and I’m glad that I could go.”

The United Way’s most recent In-kind Hours Report shows since January 2017:

·   920 students in grades six through nine have toured Adena locations as part of their career exploration;

·   488 students at various levels of middle and high school have participated in presentations by caregivers, who introduced the students to health care careers in a classroom setting; and 

·   Six students shadowed Adena caregivers in the areas of Nursing, Physical Therapy, Radiology, and Construction/Engineering/Architecture to learn more about specific jobs.

In the report, which covers the 13 months between Jan. 1, 2017 and Feb. 28, 2018, the United Way estimates Adena caregivers provided 2,124 mentoring hours, which it values at $105,152.

“It’s pretty amazing when we stop and look at these figures,” said Gina Benson, United Way of Ross County’s Map Your Future Coordinator. “We become so involved in the tasks, it is good to stop and reflect on these numbers and the impact Adena Health System has had on our community and our youth through career exploration. Adena Health System is always reported as one of our success stories each time I do our grant reporting.”

In addition to Adena Health System, other Ross County partners for Map Your Future include: Kenworth; Ohio University-Chillicothe; Pickaway-Ross Career Technology Center; Chillicothe-Ross County Public Library; Chillicothe-Ross Chamber of Commerce; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Lifting Up Jesus Church; Ross County Heroin Partnership Project; NAACP-Ross County Unit; Chillicothe City School; Union Scioto Schools; Huntington Schools; and Adena Schools.

 To learn more about the Map Your Future program, go to www.unitedwayross.org. To learn more about Adena and its services, visit www.adena.org.

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 businesses creditworthiness.

 Each year, the Health System presents its strategies, market trends and financial situation for evaluation and rating of Adena’s credit strength. The rating issued is closely watched by investors and potential investors; and is similar to an individual’s credit score.

 “We are extremely pleased with Moody’s evaluation and affirmation of Adena’s strategy and financial position,” said Chief Financial Officer Lisa Carlson. “Adena’s strong 2017 performance, and the organization’s positive momentum has given Moody’s credit analysts confidence in our financial position and leadership. The rating also indicates we can support future growth and expand our place in the service area.”

 Moody’s Investors Service currently has an overall negative outlook on the health care industry. Adena’s growth and positive performance is unusual in the current climate. The raters were complimentary of the System’s new leadership, identifying how strategies under our new team will support volume growth and sustain a leading market position. It said, “New management team members are quickly executing improvement strategies, and will provide stability and direction.”

 “Adena’s strategy of building its physician base of medical expertise, to provide care throughout our seven-county primary region is key to Adena’s growth, and keeping care close to home for our patients,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “This affirmation tells us we are not only doing what’s best for our patients and the communities we serve, but we are on the right track for continued success.”

 According to the Moody’s report, Adena’s key strengths are: its market share; 2017 performance and momentum; and a strong balance sheet, with adequate cash and reasonable levels of debt. Weaknesses identified include the economic fundamentals of Adena’s service area, which includes a high exposure to the Ohio Medicaid program; low population growth; and relatively high levels of unemployment.

At the forefront of their field, Adena Interventional Pain Management physicians Mark Malinowski, DO and Andrew Porter, DO are now the first in central and southern Ohio to offer their patients the latest solution in treating chronic pain, and restoring people’s lives.

The StimRouter ®, by Bioness, is the first FDA-cleared minimally-invasive neuromodulation device designed to treat chronic pain of a peripheral nerve origin. The StimRouter can be used to treat pain throughout the body, including but not limited to:

• Post-surgery pain (knee, back, etc.)
• Post-stroke shoulder pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Amputation pain
• Neuromas
• Neuralgia (excluding cranial facial)
• Carpal Tunnel

“This is the modern way to treat pain,” explained Dr. Porter. “The StimRouter gives us the ability to care for a patient who before was untreatable. Up until now, patients suffering from chronic pain would be put on pills and their pain would linger. Now those patients can have a treatment that works for them.”

A StimRouter implant requires no hospital stay, no need to go under general anesthesia, and is usually completed in approximately 30 minutes. The treatment is designed to reduce pain by specifically targeting the affected peripheral nerve by delivering gentle stimulating pulses that disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. StimRouter is intended to be a cost-effective and long-term alternative to prescription opioids. The StimRouter implant procedure requires use of only local anesthesia and is performed with only 1-2 small incisions. Following surgery, the patient wears a small, externally-worn patch that generates power to the implanted lead. Patients control the system using a wireless, handheld programming device.

"The opioid epidemic continues to impact people across the world in high numbers,” said Todd Cushman, President and CEO of Bioness. "As clinicians and patients continue to look for effective and sustainable ways to treat and manage pain (without the use of opioid medication), it is rewarding to see patients thrive with our StimRouter technology."

Unlike oral pain medications that circulate throughout a patient’s entire body, the StimRouter targets the precise area where a patient feels pain, without the common prescription drug side effects. Therapies like opioids have a reduced effect over time and are not sustainable long-term.

The StimRouter also does not have to be a permanent therapy. The small lead can be easily removed if the patient decides to pursue a different treatment.

“It’s a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure,” said Dr. Malinowski. “The StimRouter can help patients with their recovery when they may not be symptom-free after months of physical therapy. It is a viable alternative to opiates and other treatments.”

He added, “The StimRouter can be used for chronic joint pain. Previously, pain therapies around joints were always challenging because the joint moves in different directions, which would cause the therapy to lose its effectiveness over time. With this device, we can capture chronicle pain in and around joints whether or not the joints have been replaced.”

“We’re happy to be able to provide this safe and effective alternative to get our patients back to the activities they enjoy,” said Dr. Porter. “The StimRouter is a durable and elegantly placed device that meets a need for chronic pain patients, who to this point have been underserved.”

 Adena’s Interventional Pain Management Department was founded with the goal of helping people return to normal, productive living. Its pain medicine doctors are experts at diagnosing the cause of pain and helping to eliminate it. For more information, visit adena.org/painmanagement or call 740-779-4598.

After this long winter, spring is finally here. However, springtime can also mean seasonal allergies start to flare.

While typically not life-threatening, environmental allergies can make you feel miserable, interrupt your daily activities and can even lead to secondary respiratory infections.

Adena Health System is here to help you stop suffering. According to Dr. Dana Esham, Allergist/Immunologist with Adena ENT & Allergy, it’s best to not let your allergies get out of control before you do something about them. “So often I have people tell me they have allergies, but they ‘just live with it,’” she said. “There’s no need to live with it!”

It’s not necessary to suffer with itchy eyes, nasal congestion and those other symptoms that come with allergies. Dr. Esham recommends early treatment. “It’s much easier to control allergy symptoms if you get them before your nasal passages are aggravated and swollen,” she said.

As with all allergies, avoidance of the allergen is the most effective. But because that’s not always realist, medication and allergy shots can help control your symptoms.

Patients often self-treat allergy symptoms with over-the-counter medications that may help with some of the symptoms, but they generally don’t make much of an impact in helping the person feel completely better.

Skin testing is necessary to find out if there is something the patient can avoid to keep from having an allergic reaction, especially if the patient is asthmatic. Gone are the days of multiple shot skin tests to determine what the patient is allergic to. Today, allergy testing is mainly done with bristle-like instruments that expose the patient’s skin to various allergens.

That’s right, no needles! “We’re basically lightly scratching the skin, and if you’re allergic to it, you’re going to get a hive,” said Dr. Esham.

 Adena ENT & Allergy also offers allergy shots. “Allergy shots are a great alternative for those who wish to avoid medications or medications are not helping,” noted Dr. Esham.

 Don’t let allergies stop you from enjoying all the wonderful outdoor experiences this spring has to offer.

 Schedule your appointment by calling 740-779-4393 or visit adena.org/appointment.

How Much Do You Know About Seasonal Allergies? Click here to take our simple 9-question quiz to learn more.  

May is recognized National Stroke Month. 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.

However, did you know that more than 80 percent of strokes are preventable?

What is a stroke?

A stroke is essentially a brain attack that occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off, causing a 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.

Stroke 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.

Just ask 89-year old Wendell Schaller, an Adena stroke patient.

“I was getting up to use the restroom when I felt my right side go limp,” explained Schaller. “I was able to reach for my cellphone and call my daughter for help. She called 9-1-1 and within minutes an ambulance was here to take me to the emergency room.”

Upon arriving to Adena’s Emergency Department, which is recognized as a Primary Stroke Center, Schaller was given a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), or more commonly known as a “clot buster.”

According to the American Stroke Association, tPA is a medication that dissolves blood clots and restores blood flow to the brain tissue. tPA has been approved to treat brain attacks and ischemic strokes, like Schaller’s, within the first three hours of stroke onset. If given promptly, symptoms resolve or show major improvement in stroke symptoms for one-in-three patients who receive tPA in time. 

Because of his stroke, Schaller lost mobility in his right arm and leg, and experienced symptoms of facial droop and speech impairment. By acting fast, Schaller qualified for the clot buster treatment. He says it “saved his life.”

“The clot buster saved my life in more ways than one,” he said. “Not only am I alive today, I’m able to do all the things I was doing before the stroke.”

In just three short months, with minor home-based therapy and rehab, Schaller now has all feeling back in his right side. He is able to walk, cook and even drive again. Schaller is also able to continue to care for his wife Ruth, and play Bridge with his friends every Sunday night.

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. Mr. Schaller is a great example of this.

For the majority of his life, Schaller served time as a U.S. Marine and worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. “I have always had a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “Throughout my career, I was always active and ate healthy. However, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are both risk factors for a stroke. You can look healthy, feel healthy, but still have some underlining issues and not even know it.”

Medical Risk Factors:

-       High Blood Pressure

-       High Cholesterol

-       Heart Disease

 Life Style Risk Factors:

-   Tobacco Use

-    Physical Activity

-    Diet

Recognizing and Responding to Stroke

“My advice to everyone is to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and get help as soon as possible,” explained Schaller. “I knew when my right side was going numb, that I was indeed having a stroke.”

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

-       Sever 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.

Stroke Treatment at Adena Health System

Adena understands that like our patients, every stroke is different. Adena offers many therapy and recovery options for those who have survived a stroke.

Adena Regional Medical Center is certified as a Primary Stroke Center. As a Primary Stroke Center, Adena has an established protocol to provide the best results for patients arriving during or shortly after the onset of a stroke, greatly reducing their chance of disability. As a Primary Stroke Center, hospitals must demonstrate compliance with stroke-related standards and meet additional requirements. These include: advanced imaging capabilities; 24/7 availability of specialized treatments; and providing staff with the unique education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients. 

Led by Adena Neurologist Dr. Muhammad Akhtar, Adena’s Stroke Team has seen its tPA treatments triple since first being named a Primary Stroke Center in 2014.

When a stroke patient arrives in the Emergency Department, Adena’s goal is to ensure a provider sees the patient within 10 minutes. Tests and scans will be completed, with results read within 45 minutes.

Adena’s Stroke Team includes: neurologists, emergency physicians, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation experts, hospitalists and radiology and lab technicians. Whether you or a loved one is in need of physical, occupational or speech therapy, Adena’s dedicated team of providers is here for you.

Thanks to telemedicine, Adena’s neurologists can also videoconference with physicians at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center when a second opinion is needed. To learn more about Adena’s Neurology and Stroke Services, visit adena.org/stroke or call 740-779-4589. 

Adena Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department is distributing a take-home kit that includes naloxone, commonly referred to as Narcan, to patients being treated for an opioid overdose.

This new naloxone distribution program is made possible through a supplemental grant that was awarded to the Ross County Health District from the Ohio Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The funds are intended to establish a Narcan ER Program. Adena’s ER is now distributing the free naloxone kits to consenting patients prior to discharge.

“This is another step forward by Adena to reduce the drug overdose death rates in our region,” said Dr. John Gabis, a primary care provider with Adena Family Medicine and chair of the Heroin Partnership Project (HPP). Gabis also serves as Ross County Coroner. “This program demonstrates Adena’s continued commitment to fight the epidemic of opioid overdose deaths. Naloxone distribution and the work of our Emergency Department’s Post Overdose Response Team are examples of Adena’s collaboration with our community and the HPP.”

 In 2017, Adena’s Emergency Department treated 251 people who overdosed. Today’s patients will now have greater access to this life-saving tool.

Each Narcan kit includes two nasal dosage containers that can be administered to those experiencing an unintentional or intentional overdose. In many cases, Narcan will reverse the life-threatening effects of opioids. Educational materials are also included in the kit and include information related to the signs of an opioid overdose, how to respond to a suspected overdose, and community resources that are available to addicts and their loved ones.

 “Evidence-based research shows that patients who overdose are more likely to overdose again,” Dr. Gabis added. “Saving a life affected by opioid use disorder starts with naloxone after an overdose. We want to be proactive in eliminating barriers that would normally prevent drug overdose patients and their family and friends from quick access to naloxone.”

 Dr. Gabis noted, Narcan does not take the place of emergency medical care, and 911 should be called when it is used. “Current efforts throughout Ross County have already reduced the overdose death rate by 25 percent. By instituting a program such as this in our Emergency Department, we can help to further save those needing help until treatment.”

 Adena’s Narcan distribution program comes on the heels of U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams’ recommendation that more Americans know how to use naloxone, and keep it within reach to save lives.   

Think back to your senior year of high school. Were you excited about what the future held? Or were you lost wondering what would come next? For six Chillicothe High School seniors, a look into their own future is happening now.

Concluding its second year, the AIM Program, a unique partnership between Adena Health System and Chillicothe High School, graduated its Class of 2018 this week.

AIM Program Class of 2018: Andrew Benson; Chelsea Crabtree; Kyelle Corcoran; Brittany Harper; Calvin King and Rylee Putnam.

The AIM Program started as a way to engage students with an interest in medicine and to encourage them to one day practice medicine in their hometown.

Each month, students in the program visited one of six Adena clinics and specialty services including: Palliative Care, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Internal Medicine and Oncology. Students spent their mornings working alongside providers at the hospital or in a clinic setting, while in the afternoons they would come together for hands-on lessons in Adena’s PACCAR Medical Education Center’s Simulation Lab.

“I always tell the students I am envious of them for the opportunity they have been given,” said Dustin Weaver, Chillicothe High School Principal. “I am very thankful for Adena Health System in making this partnership possible and successful.” 

The program’s 2018 graduates are grateful for the chance to learn about something that interests them in an environment that gives them greater learning opportunities.

“The AIM Program has proven that I want to pursue something in the medical field,” said Benson. “It has given me invaluable experiences that will give me an advantage in my future endeavors. By going through the rotations, I have gained knowledge of medicine that I previously did not have. I have now found specific areas that spark my interest. The AIM Program has helped guide my career and passions.”

Adena Health System had a new arrival in its Women & Children’s Center today, but it wasn’t the Unit’s typical delivery. Hospital leaders and guests cut the ribbon, officially opening its new Adena Baby Centered (ABC) Closet.

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The ABC Closet will serve as a motivational incentive for mothers involved in Adena’s nationally-acclaimed Centering Pregnancy and Baby-Centered Recovery programs. Participants can earn rewards that can be redeemed for needed or wanted items for their children and themselves. The moms-to-be will earn rewards by: attending weekly group meetings, having negative drug screens, completing program assessments, and staying on-track with their scheduled doctor appointments.

“We have had the idea to offer an incentive-based baby item program for the women in our programs for a while, and we are so excited it has finally become a reality,” said Donna Collier-Stepp, Adena Women and Children’s Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor. “Sometimes meeting the need for just the bare essentials can make such a meaningful impact in these women and babies’ lives.”

Construction of the ABC Closet was made possible by a grant from Molina Healthcare of Ohio. The grant helped remodel an existing space and provided all of the needed shelving and storage. Molina also generously donated 1,000 diapers as a gift from its Diaper Bank.

“At Molina, we know that new moms face many challenges, and getting access to quality health care or enough diapers should never be one of them,” said TaKeysha Cheney, director of community engagement for Molina Healthcare. “We are grateful to have partners like Adena Health System to make it easier for women to get the care and support they need.”

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Adena’s ABC Closet has been gracious filled by donations from employees, grants and other gifts. However, the need to continuously replenish items is always there. If area businesses, churches, organizations or individuals would like to help fill the ABC Closet, Adena’s Women & Children’s Center accepts items such as diapers (newborn-size 2), new or gently used baby clothing (newborn-12 months), wipes and other baby essentials.

Started in 2104, Adena’s Centering Pregnancy Program is open to all pregnant women to share experiences, learn about their pregnancy and newborn ca

re, and to interact with providers, enabling the health care providers to be more involved in their care plan.

Adena’s Baby-Centered Recovery program was founded in 2012, and helps women move beyond opiate dependence by encouraging social supports, linking clients to community services and providing education about pregnancy and addiction. Medically-assisted treatment is offered, including a plan for the participant’s detox following the birth of her infant. Since it began, Adena’s Baby-Centered Recovery program has served more than 100 opiate-addicted women, who have given birth to healthy babies with minimal opiate exposure.

If you are, or know a pregnant mom-to-be in need of assistance, and would like more information about Adena’s Centering Pregnancy Program or Baby-Centered Recovery Program, call (740) 703-71038(image)

Adena Family Medicine-Greenfield is offering free, walk-in, sports physicals for middle school athletes.

Adena providers and expert clinicians will evaluate the student athlete’s general health, current fitness level and discuss any existing injuries or conditions that might increase the risk of injury.

When:         Saturday, May 12

                    7:45-9 a.m.

Where:        1075 North Washington Street

                    Greenfield, OH 45123

Sport physicals are available to students going into the 7^th and 8^th grades next school year who live in the Greenfield, Bainbridge, Leesburg and Washington Court House areas.

No registration is required. Students will be seen on a first come, first serve basis.

This free service is provided by Adena’s Certified Athletic Trainers as part of their continued support and care of area student athletes.

For more information, call 937-981-9444. 

When you need to see a health care provider quickly, you shouldn’t have to travel far or wait long. Now, you don’t have to.

Adena Health Center–Jackson is proud to offer walk-in appointments. That’s right, no appointment is needed. The walk-in clinic is conveniently located and offers extended hours and shorter wait times.

Walk-in Clinic Hours:          Monday–Thursday

                                           8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where:                               1000 Veterans Drive

                                           Jackson, OH 45640

Conditions treated include common cold, flu, strep throat, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, ear infections pink eye, sprains & strains, immunizations, minor cuts and physicals.

For more information, visit adena.org/walkin or call 740-395-8050.

Future improvements scheduled for 2018 and 2019 include upgrading hot water boilers and HVAC air compressor to higher efficiency units as they come due for replacement.

Over the past week, we have heard a lot about former First Lady Barbara Bush making the decision to pass away on her own terms. She wanted to be surrounded by her loved ones and as she did in life, ended her days in a peaceful, love-filled environment.

 You may recall, just days before her death, at the age of 92, Mrs. Bush made the decision with her doctors to no longer seek life-saving medical treatment, and instead preferred to receive “comfort care.”

 While there are many viewpoints on what it means to stop fighting or continue to treat terminal illness, the conversation has sparked interest in the concept of comfort care.

 Commonly thought of in cases where people are suffering through long battles with cancer and other diseases, comfort care usually refers to Palliative Care. This is a medical specialty that focuses on managing a patients’ symptoms vs. managing the disease or illness; and keeping the patient comfortable in their last stages of life.

 According to reports, Mrs. Bush was hospitalized multiple times in the past year, battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure.

 Comfort care is not just for those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. According to Palliative Care Specialist at Adena Regional Medical Center, Dr. Richard Greeno, “Providers engage in comfort care with all patients from the moment they see them – as the ultimate goal in treatment is to make patients more comfortable.”

 In a situation like Mrs. Bush experienced, comfort care is when a patient decides it is time to stop treating the disease, and time to start focusing on treating the symptoms and being more comfortable.

 When treatments are no longer working, and the patient is ready, physicians often suggest comfort care. If the patient and their family is ready, the provider will focus on keeping them comfortable on the final leg of life’s journey.

 “We work with the patient and their family to determine what option is right for them before making any decisions,” added Dr. Greeno.

 It is common that patients will choose this option when they are experiencing side effects that cause them more issues and discomfort than the disease itself.

 “I would rather have two weeks of being myself, reminiscing on the good times with family and friends, than six months of vomiting in the bathroom and sleeping away my final days,” explained Dr. Greeno. “At this point in life, there are medicines that can do things to you, but not necessarily for you. That is when comfort care can become the best option.”

 Mrs. Bush’s death has inspired a national discussion among families and health care providers to discuss, define and document end of life wishes, and to consider and honor all alternatives.

 The Palliative Care team at Adena recognizes this can be a challenging decision for patients and families.

 “The first thing I do as a physician is sit down with the patient and family members to explain from a medical stand point, that we cannot stop death,” said Dr. Greeno. “Patients who choose comfort care, like Mrs. Bush, are not giving up. However, modern medicine is not always going to win the fight over certain diseases, especially when the human body is too tired.”

 Sometimes, continuing to fight can cause more damage to the human body then helping it. “I explain to families that we are most definitely not giving up. We are just redirecting the fight to the symptoms, and not the disease,” he said.

 A spokeswoman said former President George H.W. Bush held his wife’s hand all day, and was by her side when she passed.

 “This is an example of how death should be,” said Dr. Greeno. “No one should ever die in pain or in fear. If I can help eliminate pain and fear in my patients, I consider that a victory.”

 Even though we all ultimately face death, this topic is one that many people avoid talking about.

 What if you were involved in an accident, or had a serious health condition where you could no longer speak for yourself? Who would make your health care choices? Would they even know what you would want?

 To get these often difficult conversations started, and to help families plan for those end-of-life decisions, Adena’s Palliative Care Team and Chaplain Rev. Paul Ray will host “The Talk,” a free program to help families initiate end-of-life health care decisions. The Talk will be held on from 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, April 28 at Walnut St. United Methodist Church, located at 16 S. Walnut Street in Chillicothe.

Adena Health System’s Sexual Assault Survivor Advocates and Nurse Examiners are building on the powerful #MeToo and #Time’sUp movements to recognize National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and to continue to empower women, children and men, who have experienced sexual violence to speak up.

Over the last year, Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor program has served more than 230 victims at Adena Regional Medical Center. This includes 12 human trafficking victims and 160 sexual assault patients, of which more than 100 were children.

Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor caregivers and community members will once again be coming together for the 2018 Sexual Assault Awareness Month Walk and Vigil.

When:              Saturday, April 28 at 10 a.m.

Where:             Ross County Court House

                        2 N. Paint Street, Chillicothe

Attendees will meet outside the Ross County Court House for the reading of the annual proclamation, written by Mayor Luke Feeney and delivered by first lady Stacy M. Brooks, declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the city of Chillicothe, with special messages from Adena Sexual Assault Advocates and Nurse Examiners, County Prosecutor Matthew Schmidt and the Child Protection Center regarding sexual assault in Ross County and the importance of community support.

The group will then march to Yoctangee Park, where 160 flowers will be released into the pond each representing a different sexual assault survivor Adena treated in 2017.

For more information on the event, visit Adena’s official Facebook page. 

Connection is the Opposite of Addiction. There are many local resources available to addicts and families wishing to connect; and people and organizations that are ready to help.

Join us for Addiction: Understanding Local Support and Resources, a free, community-focused discussion on the health crisis of opioid addiction; and the help that is available in our region. 

Hear from representatives from Adena Health System who will share how it is fast becoming a catalyst in saving lives, while fighting addiction. Also hear from experts about medication-assisted treatment; ambulatory detox options; and how the City of Chillicothe and Ross County are taking a proactive approach in reaching addicts and families following an overdose. 

When: Thursday, April 26, 2018 

             6 - 8 p.m. 

Where: PACCAR Medical Education Center 

            446 Hospital Road 

             Chillicothe, OH 45601

The event is free, but participants are asked to register at adena.org/events or call (740) 779-8664. Light refreshments will be available.

This month, Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor Advocates and Nurse Examiners  are building on the powerful #MeToo and #Time’sUp movements to recognize National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and to continue to empower women, children and men, who have experienced sexual violence to speak up.

The group offers survivors comprehensive advocacy services starting in the Emergency Department, while also providing trauma informed services, medical advocacy, resource linkage and referral and safety services, and shelter placement.

Starting April 19^th the group will be offering Helping Other Women (HOW), a peer-to-peer support group for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The group will be meet the 3^rd Thursday of each month at the Carver Community Center from 6-8 p.m.

“Advocacy is about motivating change within a community,” said Nicole Bullock, Adena Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Program Coordinator. “Drawing attention to such an important need within our community is at times hard to face, but it is very much needed.

Advocates Now Serving Highland County

Within the last year, Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate and Nurse Examiner programs have served more than 230 victims at Adena Regional Medical Center. This includes 12 human trafficking victims and 160 sexual assault patients, of which more than 100 were children.

More than 40 percent of patients seen for advocacy services at Adena in 2017 arrived from a surrounding county.

Beginning in April, Adena Greenfield Medical Center (AGMC) offers support advocacy services to patients reporting to its Emergency Department after suffering any form of assault, trauma or violence. Adena advocates will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide care, support and aid to these patients. 

“We hope that by being available at AGMC, it enable our advocates to serve the community and to allow those who are victimized to feel empowered; along with letting them know that their voice is being heard,” stated Bullock.

“Our goal is to provide survivors of interpersonal violence a safe place to seek the medical treatment they need, while being emotionally supported,” said Heather Welshimer, Adena Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Program Coordinator. “We hope to support survivors who come to the hospital and educate them on the local resources that are available to them in Highland County.”

To kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the advocates hosted a meet-and-greet in the AGMC ED to begin building relationships with staff, leadership and other caregivers they will be working with on a daily basis.

Get Involved at the 2018 Walk and Vigil

Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor caregivers and the community will come together on April 28 at 10 a.m. in downtown Chillicothe to host the 2018 Sexual Assault Awareness Month Walk and Vigil.

Attendees will meet outside the Ross County Court House for the reading of the annual proclamation, written by Mayor Luke Feeny and delivered by first lady Stacy M.Brooks,  declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the city of Chillicothe,  with special messages from Adena Sexual Assault Advocates and Nurse Examiners, County Porsucre Matt Schmidts, and guest from the Chid Protection Center regarding sexual assault in Ross County and the importance of community support. 

The group will then march to Yoctangee Park, where 160 flowers will be released into the pond each representing a different sexual assault survivor Adena treated in 2017.

For more event details visit our Facebook page.

How You Can Help

Did you know you do not have to be an advocate or nurse to help victims?

You can make a difference and assist survivors by becoming a volunteer survivor advocate or donating to the Adena Health Foundation’s Survivor Support Fund.

By taking action and being a voice for these victims when they feel they have no voice has a huge impact. By lending a helping hand, while it may be just in listening to their story or providing resources you become an asset in their recovery.

Your monetary gift or in-kind donation to the Survivor Support Fund will help us provide much needed services to our patients. To make a donation, visit ADENA.ORG/FOUNDATION or make checks payable to Adena Health Foundation Survivor Support Fund and mail to 9 S. Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH, 45601.

For more information on Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Program or to learn more about volunteer opportunities call 740-779-8207 or email survivoradvocates@adena.org

We understand patients have choices when it comes to their health care needs, especially when those needs include surgery. At Adena, our goal is to help make those decisions easier for you and your family by offering the latest in surgical advancements, and care that is close to where you live.

But you don’t have to take just our word.

Since Adena Health System began its Robotic Surgery Program in October 2012, it has transformed from an upstart to becoming nationally recognized as an “Epicenter of Excellence.” Adena is just only one of five hospitals in Ohio to receive this distinction.

Adena is capable of performing 26 types of robotic surgeries. We also recently became the first in the region to offer robot-assisted orthopedic surgery for total knee, partial knee and total hip replacements.

Meet Paul

Paul Blankenship loves to play guitar. But it was another instrument that helped him get back on stage fast. The state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical system allowed his doctor to perform complex prostate surgery through just three tiny incisions. As Paul can confirm, the results were incredible. “There was very little scarring. And there was so little pain; I didn’t even have to use my medication.” Most importantly, Paul was back at work and playing his gigs in just a few weeks. “Why should you have to go to Columbus, Cleveland or anywhere else to get this kind of technology when it is available right here,” Paul said. “This is local, this is home. I would definitely recommend robotic surgery for anyone considering it.”  

Meet Nicole

When Nicole Alexander found out she needed gallbladder surgery, she wanted a solution that would get her back to her family and active lifestyle quickly. The surgeons at Adena offered her minimally-invasive surgery using the da Vinci surgical robot, and Nicole was back on her feet fast.  “I went in for my procedure at 1 p.m. and I was home walking around by 8,” Nicole recalled. In a matter of days, she was ready to resume her busy life with her family and workouts at the gym. “Instead of five incisions with a traditional laparoscopy there was only one, and the scar wasn’t even an inch long,” Nicole added. “And now, I can hardly see it at all.”

Here are the top six reasons to choose Adena and its surgeons for your robot-assisted surgery:

1. Care close to home. While you used to have to travel to other parts of the state to get this procedure, you can now benefit from the most advanced surgical techniques right here at home.

2. Familiar faces. Many of the surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other caregivers at Adena grew up as your neighbors and friends here in south central Ohio. They are community members caring for their community.

3. Patient satisfaction. Patients rank Adena among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationally for satisfaction- and that score is climbing. In addition to your surgeon, you will be cared for by our hospitalists, physicians who devote all of their time to caring for our hospital patients. They ensure your needs are met, your questions are answered and your care is coordinated at all times.

4. Experience and expertise. Our surgeons performed more than 10,000 inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures last year. This type of experience, combined with the intensive training Adena surgeons receive, specifically on the da Vinci and Mako Surgical Systems means you can have peace of mind.

5. A full spectrum of care. From office visits to the OR to your hospital room, Adena can offer you and your family all the health care services you will need to stay healthy. Our doctors, nurses and other caregivers pride themselves on treating you like a person, not just a patient. You and your best health are their highest priority.

6. Latest Technology. Our robot-assisted general surgery or orthopedic surgery options provide unparalleled precision, dexterity and control that enable a minimally-invasive approach to many complex surgical procedures.

For more information on Adena’s minimally-invasive surgical options, call 877-779-7585 or visit adena.org/robot.

Adena Greenfield Medical Center (AGMC) will soon begin offering support advocacy services to patients reporting to its Emergency Department after suffering any form of assault, trauma or violence. Beginning in April, Adena advocates will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide care, support and aid to these patients.  

 “Advocacy is about motivating change within a community,” said Nicole Bullock, Adena Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Program Coordinator. “Drawing attention to such an important need within our community is at times hard to face, but it is very much needed. By expanding our victim advocate services to Highland County, we can better serve the region by providing all avenues of support and resources.”

Since 2016, Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor Advocates have provided services to women, children and men who have experienced interpersonal violence as the result of sexual and domestic violence, child and elder abuse, and hate crimes.

 Within the last year, the program has served more than 230 victims at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe (Ross County). This includes 12 human trafficking victims and 160 sexual assault patients, of which more than 100 were children. More than 40 percent of patients seen for advocacy services at Adena in 2017 arrived from a surrounding county.

“Our goal is to provide survivors of interpersonal violence a safe place to seek the medical treatment they need, while being emotionally supported,” said Heather Welshimer, Adena Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Program Coordinator. “We hope to support survivors who come to the hospital and educate them on the local resources that are available to them in Highland County.”

 Trauma-informed services provided include: hospital and medical advocacy; resource linkage; referral to safety services, including safety planning and shelter placement. In addition, the program offers free peer-to-peer support groups, community education and an after-care advocate who is available to help individuals during any point of their healing process.

“We hope that by being available at AGMC, it enable our advocates to serve the community and to allow those who are victimized to feel empowered; along with letting them know that their voice is being heard,” stated Bullock.

For more information on Adena’s Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Program or to learn more about volunteer opportunities call 740-779-8207 or email survivoradvocates@adena.org. 

Adena Health System is proud to announce that Adena Home Health has again been named to the Top 100 of the 2017 HomeCare Elite, a recognition of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States. For 12 years, HomeCare Elite has identified the top 25 percent of agencies; and highlighted the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. This marks the second consecutive year in which Adena Home Health has earned this distinction.

“Every day, Adena Home Health caregivers bring the highest quality of care and compassion into the homes of patients in the areas we serve,” said Deborah Hanson, director of Adena Home Care. “This distinction confirms the commitment our exceptional clinicians, support staff and leadership have towards helping the people of our community live healthier lives.”

More than 9,000 agencies were considered in the ranking, with 2,268 being recognized on the 2017 HomeCare Elite winners list. The top agencies are selected based on 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; and sponsored by DecisionHealth, publisher of: Home Health Line, The Complete Home Health ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding Manual.

“The team at Adena Home Health has demonstrated an impressive ability to deliver great patient care,” said Christine Lang, senior director for ABILITY Network. “This is due to the skill and dedication of their clinical professionals, as well as the proficiency and efforts of their quality team tracking, measuring and interpreting the data that supports the delivery of care. Together, they have earned this recognition as one of the top 100 home care agencies in the country.”

To be considered as a HomeCare Elite agency, the entity must be Medicare-certified, and have data for at least three outcomes in Home Health Compare.

“Congratulations to Adena and those leading agencies that earned a spot on the list of the top 100 HomeCare Elite,” said Marci Heydt, senior content manager for DecisionHealth. “Adena Home Health and its peers have worked hard to improve quality outcomes, which is increasingly difficult as home health agencies faced increased regulatory burdens each year.”

The entire list of 2017 HomeCare Elite agencies can be downloaded by visiting the ABILITY Network website atabilitynetwork.com/homecare-elite.

Accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Health Care, Adena Home Health offers patients and their families a single resource for all in-home medical care needs. Adena Home Health serves patients in Fayette, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Pickaway, Pike, Ross and Vinton counties. For more information, call 740-779-4692 or visit adena.org/homecare.

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

Typically people are scared, embarrassed or the test prep alone is enough to make them nervous and avoid diagnosis or treatment. The number one way to prevent colon cancer is to have a colonoscopy.The fear of getting a colonoscopy should be nothing compared to the fear of getting cancer. 

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and the perfect chance to not let fear get in your way. 

“No one is ever eager to undergo a colonoscopy,” said Adena General Surgeon Dr. Christin Spahn. “In fact, colonoscopies should not hurt. They can at times be uncomfortable, but if you are exhibiting signs that you are uncomfortable during your procedure, the physician will stop and administer medication to make you more comfortable and usually due to medication side effects, many people do not remember any of it.”

In most cases, it's not clear what causes colon cancer. “Most colon and rectal cancers are thought to arise from genetic mutations in polyps and time,” she said. “Certain factors are associated with an increased risk of developing polyps such as obesity, increased fat/red meat intake, alcohol and tobacco use.” 

Colon cancer typically begins as a non-cancerous polyp that over time develops into cancer. Often times, symptoms do not appear and therefore polyps often go undetected. 

“Polyps are abnormal growths that can occur in the colon and rectum,” explained Dr. Spahn. “There are different types of polyps which have different risks of turning into cancer over time. During colonoscopies polyps are found and removed, which can remove the risk of the polyps turning into cancer with time.” 

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

Adena’s Endoscopy team would like to remind everyone that individuals who are over the age of 50 and have a personal or family history of cancer or polyps are at greater risk of developing the disease and should be talking with your physician with getting scheduled for a colonoscopy. 

If you are not due for a colonoscopy, don’t forget to remind your friends, family and co-workers about the importance of early screening. 

“Screening is a necessary part of having the privilege of having birthdays,” said Dr. Spahn. “Colonoscopies are the only screening tool we have that can actually help prevent cancer. If you could do something that would potentially help diagnose a cancer, hopefully at an early stage and better yet, help prevent you from potentially developing cancer, I do not know why anyone would not do it.” 

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/colon. 

It is estimated that one in every eight women will develop breast cancer within herlifetime. 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 better, more accurate breast cancer detection and now Adena Regional Medical Center is the first in the region to offer this option to patients.

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.

“With tomosynthesis there are severalbenefits to the patient,” said Adena Radiologist Bang Huynh, MD. “Because of its clinically proven increase in accuracy, tomosynthesis can help reduce false positive recalls for additional imaging, decreasing the patient’s stress and worry of the unknown, while increasing cancer detection rates.” Tomosynthesisis proven to reduce unnecessary callbacks by 20-40% and increase breast cancer detection rate by 30-40% compared to conventional mammography.

What to Expect?

The process of a 3D mammogram is the same as a conventional 2D exam. The technologist will position the patient, compress the breast, and take images from different angles. There is no additional compression required with the 3D mammogram, and it only takes a few extra seconds. The appointment itself only takes around 15 minutes.

Is a 3D Mammography Exam Right for Me?

Breast density varies among women. Today, 40-50% of women aged 40-74 have dense breast 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 a growing number of private insurers.

Mammograms require an order from a provider. If you have an order from your provider, contact Adena Central Scheduling at 740-779-7711 to schedule your mammogram. If you do not have a primary care provider, call 740-779-FIND (3463) or visit adena.org/find to get established with one today.

Back and neck pain are among today’s most common health problems. In fact, most people experience back and/or neck pain at some point in their lives. Normal aging and some physically demanding occupations often cause discs to wear out. Bad posture and poor movement can also speed up this process.

As the discs in our backs and necks age, they can bulge and compress spinal nerves. As a result, approximately 1.1 million patients a year, in the United States, seek relief from symptomatic cervical disc disease. This condition can significantly affect a person’s ability to sleep, work, drive, exercise and perform many other critical functions of daily life.

 Relief for many of these patients has come from neck fusion surgery that has been around since the 1960s. Now surgeons, like Adena Spine Center’s James Fleming Jr., MD are offering patients a new option for a pain-free life.

 Patients who have tired nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy and steroid injections, but are still having back or neck pain due to herniated or bulging discs may benefit from Adena’s Mobi-C artificial disc replacement procedure.

“I would definitely recommend this procedure to anyone; and looking back on my experience, I would have done it sooner,” said Jennifer Swain, an Adena Surgical Technician who suffered from a bulging disc in her neck. “Here I am almost a year out and I have no problems. To be pain free when you wake up from surgery, back to work with no limitations, and to have full range of motion still in my neck - it is awesome.”

Swain’s path towards artificial disc replacement began when she woke up one morning with what she thought was just a stiff neck. Days later, the pain increased to where she was losing function in her right arm, limiting even simple tasks like brushing her hair and teeth and driving. X-ray results showed the bulging disc. As an operating room scrub tech, Jennifer’s first assumption was this meant fusion surgery.

“I’m thinking, ‘I am 35. I don’t want to have my neck fused. I’m way too young for this,’” she said. “I didn’t want to opt for fusion surgery and have to be turning like a mannequin.”

That’s when Dr. Fleming presented the Mobi-C Cervical Disc as an alternative to spine fusion and told Swain she was the perfect candidate.

 “It is the right thing to do for our patients,” explained Dr. Fleming. “Artificial disc replacement shows promise with alleviating pain and lessening the chances of future problems at adjacent levels of the spine. With disc fusion, patients lose range of motion because two bones are being fused together. With artificial disc replacement, patients retain their range of motion and that natural space between vertebrae by replacing the diseased disc with an artificial one. Mobi-C is the first cervical disc prosthesis the FDA has approved for both one and two-level indications.”

 “I have been in the operating room with Dr. Fleming on many occasions and I have confidence in him,” Jennifer added. “I trusted what he was telling me.

Jennifer has been so pleased with her results she has since assisted on two more of Dr. Fleming’s Mobi-C procedures. She even speaks with patients prior to their surgeries to ease any of their fears.

Adena is only Health System in the region to offer the Mobi-C Cervical Disc procedure as a treatment option for patients.  If you or a loved one has had back or neck pain for more than a few weeks, a spine assessment can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan. To learn what you expect with an assessment, go to www.adena.org/spineassessment. If you are ready to schedule an assessment, call the Adena Spine Center at 740-779-7100. 

As National Heart Health Month comes to a close, Adena Health System wants to encourage you to continue to care for your heart all year long.

“Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in Ross County due to the general lifestyle of our region,” explained Adena Cardiologist Bruce Chen, MD. “What may be accepted as ‘normal’ such as an unhealthy weight and sedentary lifestyle is actually very unhealthy. It is up to us as a community to work together to change that.”

When it comes to heart health, small changes can go a long way. Here are five small steps Dr. Chen recommends taking to prevent heart disease.

1. 1.     Quit Smoking

 “Smoking is the greatest risk factor when it comes to your heart’s health,” Dr. Chen said. “While quitting is very difficult, it is possible. The first step is deciding to quit. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about nicotine replacement and medications.”

1. Routine Wellness Visits  

“Seeing your doctor regularly and modifying your lifestyle and risk factors can make a huge positive impact on your health,” he explained. “During regular checkups, patients are screened for blood pressure, cholesterol levels and illnesses such as diabetes, all serious problems that can have a great impact on the heart if untreated.”

1. Healthy Diet

 “Balanced diets can decrease your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol and help you maintain a healthy weight. All of these factors decrease your risk for heart disease, heart attack and other diseases.” said Dr. Chen.  

A well balanced diet includes eating several servings of the following:

• Fruits (berries)
• Vegetables (dark greens)
• Lean meats (poultry and fish)
• Beans
• Low fat dairy
• Nuts (almonds and walnuts)
• Unsaturated fats high in omega 3s such as extra virgin olive oil and avocados. 

“Don’t forget to be careful with your portion sizes and practice mindful eating,” he added. “Remember to chew slowly and not to rush through your meal or mindlessly eat while watching TV.

Avoid processed foods such as:

• Cookies
• Cakes
• Fried foods
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Lunch meats
• Hot dogs
• Chips

 “Gradual changes in your diet are important to long-term success and making these changes with your family or friends can be helpful.”  

1. Stay Active 

“Any physical activity improves your heart health through decreasing inflammatory factors in your body and improving conditioning of your heart and body,” he said. “Depending on your age and medical condition, you should discuss types and intensity of exercise with your PCP. Try to find a physical activity that you like and do it with your co-workers, friends and family. You can start with simply walking 30 minutes a day. If you have difficulty walking, consider swimming, a stationary bike or arm exercises. “

1. 5.     Eliminate Stressors

“Stress negatively affects health in multiple ways including increasing inflammatory components in your body that can lead to heart disease,” explained Dr. Chen. “Routine exercise and healthy diet can reduce stress. Yoga, mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises can also help with reducing stress. Identifying the stressors in your life and discussing it with friends and family can also help.”

Those who have a premature family history of coronary artery disease (males younger than 55 or females younger than 65 in their family), smokers and diabetics are at higher risk for heart dieses.

To find out if you are at risk, take Adena’s Health Risk Assessment at adena.org/findout

When Chillicothe Papa John’s pizza owner Kamran Zarbakhsh was traveling home from visiting family overseas, the emergency room was the last place he expected his journey to end.

The night of his homecoming, Kamran was in a deep sleep when a strange feeling suddenly awaked him. “It felt as if I had a water balloon stuck in my throat,” he explained. “I started spitting up blood and mucus and knew I needed to get to the emergency room as soon as possible.”

Luckily for Kamran and his wife, Dawn, the Adena Regional Medical Center Emergency Department was the answer for the close-to-home care they need, “Since Adena is so close for us, I was able to drive Kamran to the emergency room rather than waiting on an ambulance,” said Dawn. “It is amazing being able to receive expert care so close to home. If we had to go to Columbus, my husband probably would have not made it and for that I am so thankful.”

Kamran was seen by a provider within minutes of arriving to the Emergency Department. “They got him registered and in a private room before I was even able to park the car,” explained Dawn. “Having a private room made everything a lot less stressful.”

After doing multiple tests and a chest x-ray, Kamran was diagnosed with Epiglottis.

This potentially life-threatening condition occurs when the epiglottis, a small cartilage "lid" that covers your windpipe, swells and blocks the flow of air into your lungs.

While on his trip, Kamran forgot to take his C-PAP machine, which caused the swelling. Doctors also said his immune system was weakened from traveling and the combination of dry air and pressure from the plane ride had a played a factor in his condition too.

“While at Adena I had two amazing doctors,” explained Kamran.

“The doctors who cared for my husband had different bedside manners,” said Dawn. “One was very funny and personable, while the other was very intelligent and business-like. The combination of both was very satisfying and I made me feel 100% confident in their care.” 

As business owners, Kamran and Dawn know how important customer service and teamwork are to the success of a business. “Every time we have visited Adena, there always seems to be a great sense of teamwork,” said Dawn. “The staff is always engaging in pleasant conversation with us and one another, and continuously creating a positive atmosphere. That is something we always look for when choosing a business, whether it be deciding where to have dinner or choosing our doctor’s office. We are so grateful to have such a great health system, so close to home. ” 

When Steve Deffenbaugh went in for what he thought would be a simple cardiac stress test leading up to an anticipated surgery, his life suddenly changed.

Steve had been experiencing hip and knee pain for quite some time and was seeking clearance from his doctor to have hip surgery. “Along with taking care of my diabetes, my hip and my knee, I thought that it wouldn’t hurt to get my heart looked at too,” he said.  

“After completing the stress test, the nurse asked me to lie on the table so she could get some final images of my heart,” he explained. “Once she got what she needed, I sat up and underwent cardiac arrest, or what most people refer to as a heart attack. Immediately an entire team of nurses came in and began assessing me. It wasn’t too long until they had to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on me. For a short period of time I was dead.”

Steve was taken to Adena’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) right away, where he was first stabilized and then diagnosed with Triple Vessel Coronary Disease. According to Cardiologist Dr. Bruce Chen, this is when all three different coronary arteries are blocked. The coronary arteries are essential because they supply blood to the heart.

Adena Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Randall Miller immediately took Steve into surgery having just finishing another operation.

At the time, Steve’s wife, Leah, was working when she received a call from Adena Cardiopulmonary. “When they told me what was happening I instantly went into shock.”

As soon as Leah arrived at the hospital, a cardiac nurse was waiting for her to escort her to the clinic so that doctors could explain what was going on. “To me, this was going above and beyond the expectations of any caregiver and it meant so much to me.”

Dr. Chen met with Leah and carefully explained in detail what the next steps were and what her husband’s care plan was. “I can not say enough good things about Dr. Chen,” she said. “Not only did the care team take great care of Steve, but they cared about me as family member as well.”

After Steve was out of triple by-pass surgery, he was sent back to ICU, where he spent a few days recovering before being transferred to another inpatient unit. “The outpour of care from everyone while we were on the inpatient unit was overwhelming,” said Leah.

“To thank one person wouldn’t be enough,” said Steve. “From the doctors, to the kitchen staff and housekeepers, every staff member had an impact on my care and our experience. Adena came together as a team and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and taken care of.”

After giving him plenty of time to heal, Steve was directed to complete 12 weeks of cardiac rehab. “Adena’s Cardiac Rehab staff were wonderful,” he explained. “They built up my confidence and built me up in more ways than one, making me feel comfortable working and walking again.”

He added, “I am a so thankful and lucky that Adena offers the heart services they do right here close to home. If I had to be stabilized and transferred to Columbus, I probably would not have survived. I knew I was in the hands of very skilled and competent professionals.”

As a cardiac rehab graduate, Steve has now lost 35 pounds and is able to function as he did before. He and Leah now cook heart healthy recipes together and are excited for spring to begin walking together outside. Leah has even scheduled a heart test herself to ensure her heart is healthy. “We are now so grateful for each and every day and we have Adena to thank for that,” she said.

Adena Health System is nationally ranked as top 50 cardiovascular hospital by IBM Watson Health, the only hospital in central Ohio with this designation.

Adena offers a full-line of top-rated cardiovascular services for a variety of heart health needs. Services range from managing a chronic heart condition; testing for heart disease; minimally-invasive services, such as catheterization; cardiac rehabilitation; and a highly-successful open heart surgery program. To learn more, visit adena.org/heart.

Adena Health System is pleased to announce the expansion of its surgical robotics program at Adena Regional Medical Center. Recently, Adena completed the purchase and installation of the new da Vinci X and da Vinci Xi Surgical Systems. Adena’s Robotic Surgery Program began in Oct. 2012 with a single da Vinci Si Surgical System. The introduction of robot-assisted surgery has transformed Adena’s program from an upstart to a nationally-recognized “Epicenter of Excellence.” Adena is only one of five hospitals in Ohio to receive this distinction.

“It has always been Adena Health System’s focus to offer the latest surgical advances to patients in our region, enabling them to stay close to home and family while receiving the best care,” said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “Adena’s robotic surgery program has been a huge success, with our patients experiencing good outcomes. By upgrading our original surgical robot and adding a second, we are making sure our surgeons have the latest technology and are able to meet our communities’ need for minimally-invasive surgery that will get them back on their feet sooner than traditional methods.”

Today, Adena surgeons perform 25 types of robot-assisted surgeries, compared to only seven just five years ago. Adena’s Robotic Surgery Program is now supported by 10 surgeons who have performed more than 2,000 robot-assisted surgeries since the program began in late 2012.

“The da Vinci X and Xi Systems are the latest generation of robots, and allow us to perform more complex procedures, such as: anti-reflux, small bowel and colon, and hernia surgeries, all in a minimally-invasive fashion,” said Adena General Surgeon Dr. Bill Sever. “More than 90-percent of the operations I do are performed robotically, drastically decreasing a patient’s need for a hospital stay.”

The da Vinci Surgical Systems enable a surgeon to perform extremely precise procedures, using small incisions, in areas of the body that are difficult for the human hand to reach. Robotic instruments can rotate 360 degrees and provide greater mobility than a surgeon's own hands. However, the surgeon is in complete control of the instruments throughout the procedure.

The newer da Vinci X and Xi Systems are designed with the goal of further advancing the technology being used in minimally-invasive surgery. Today’s systems offer versatile access to the anatomy, better visual definition for the surgeon to see inside the body, due to an advanced endoscope and thinner, longer arms that extend operative reach. These new features can be used for a wide spectrum of minimally-invasive procedures including: hepatobiliary (liver plus the gallbladder, bile ducts, or bile), colorectal (colon and bowels), thoracic (chest cavity/heart and lungs), gynecology (female reproductive anatomy), urology (male reproductive anatomy, male/female bladder treatment) and general surgery.

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 better, more accurate breast cancer detection and now Adena Regional Medical Center is the first in the region to offer this option to patients.

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.

“With tomosynthesis there are several benefits to the patient,” said Adena Radiologist Bang Huynh, MD. “Because of its clinically proven increase in accuracy, tomosynthesis can help reduce false positive recalls for additional imaging, decreasing the patient’s stress and worry of the unknown, while increasing cancer detection rates.” Tomosynthesis is proven to reduce unnecessary callbacks by 20-40% and increase breast cancer detection rate by 30-40% compared to conventional mammography.

What to Expect?

The process of a 3D mammogram is the same as a conventional 2D exam. The technologist will position the patient, compress the breast, and take images from different angles. There is no additional compression required with the 3D mammogram, and it only takes a few extra seconds. The appointment itself only takes around 15 minutes.

Is a 3D Mammography Exam Right for Me?

Breast density varies among women. Today, 40-50% of women aged 40-74 have dense breast 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 a growing number of private insurers.

Mammograms require an order from a provider. If you have an order from your provider, contact Adena Central Scheduling at 740-779-7711 to schedule your mammogram. If you do not have a primary care provider, call 740-779-FIND (3463) or visit adena.org/find to get established with one today.

Adena Family Medicine – Washington Court House is proud to welcome Primary Care providers Xequiel (Zeke) Hernandez, MD and Christina Walsh, CNP to their care team.

Dr. Hernandez has been a practicing family medicine physician for five years coming to Adena following his family medicine residency at Hunterdon Family Medicine Residency Program in Flemington, NJ.

“I chose this career path because family medicine allows you to practice medicine at all aspects a patient’s life,” said Dr. Hernandez, a medical graduate of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Camden, NJ.

Certified Nurse Practitioner Christina Walsh began her career in medicine eight years ago as a pharmacy tech and nursing assistant before earning her nursing degree and furthering her education to be a family nurse practitioner.

“Family practice allows me to get to know not only my specific patient, but build a relationship with their family as well,” she explained. “I really enjoy working with all age groups and getting to know my patients. It is rewarding to build a relationship with them and educate them about how to live a healthier lifestyle."

Both providers are now accepting new patients at Adena Health Center - Washington Court House, located at 308 Highland Avenue. To schedule an appointment, call 740-333-4950.

Ddena Regional Medical Center has earned a 4-Star Hospital Rating according to the consumer-oriented website Hospital Compare.

Hospital Compare provides information on how well hospitals provide recommended care to their patients. This information can help consumers make informed decisions about where to go for health care. Hospital Compare allows consumers to select multiple hospitals and directly compare performance measure information related to heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgery and other conditions. These results are organized by: General Information, Survey of Patient’s Experiences, Timely & Effective Care, Complications, Readmissions & Deaths, Use of Medical Imaging and Payment & Value of Care.

“Adena Regional Medical Center’s recognition as a 4-Star hospital by Hospital Compare has significant impact when we talk about Adena being top-of-mind and the first choice for health care for patients and their families,” said Jeff Graham, President and CEO. “This distinction sets us apart from other health systems and hospitals in the region and is a testament to the quality of services our physicians and caregivers provide.”

Hospital Compare was created through the efforts of Medicare and the Hospital Quality Alliance (HQA). The HQA was a public-private collaboration established in December 2002 to promote reporting on hospital quality of care. HQA consists of organizations that represent consumers, hospitals, providers, employers, accrediting organizations and federal agencies. The HQA effort was intended to make it easier for consumers to make informed health care decisions and to support efforts to improve quality in U.S. hospitals.

To access the Hospital Compare website, visit www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare.

Breastfeeding Matters: Expectant mothers should attend this class approximately two months prior to the baby’s due date. Classes are led by a Certified Lactation Consultant.

Teen Class - "Baby Bumps": This class will educate, encourage and guide teens through a healthy pregnancy. They will have information to help them through their birthing process and recovery. Classes are one-on-one, times are flexible and set-up to meet the teen's needs. Class is recommended for ages 13 and up.

For more information on any of Adena’s upcoming classes and to register, visit www.adena.org/events. 

Click here to sign up.