Adena News and Press Releases

Adena Health System, along with other statewide partners, will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations to the public this week as part of the state’s Phase 1B vaccination program. At this time, Ohioans age 80 and older are the first group eligible.

The Health System is set to receive 300 doses of the Pfizer vaccine early this week in preparation to begin administration on Wednesday, January 20 at the PACCAR Medical Education Center located on the campus of Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe.

Adena’s vaccination administration will be by appointment only. The Health System has begun contacting its patients that meet the eligibility requirements to set appointments. Vaccination appointments can also be made by eligible non-Adena patients by calling Adena’s COVID-19 Hotline at (740) 542-SAFE (7233). Those who cannot get an appointment can be placed on a wait list by visiting www.adena.org/COVIDvaccine. At this time, Adena is offering the vaccine at no cost.    

WHERE:             

PACCAR Medical Education Center

446 Hospital Rd

Chillicothe, OH  45601

WHEN:            

Wednesday, Jan 20, 12–5 p.m. 

Thursday, Jan. 21, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Friday, Jan. 22, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Individuals with appointments to receive their vaccination through Adena are asked to bring photo identification and be prepared to wait approximately 15-30 minutes following their shot for monitoring. All vaccination recipients will be asked to schedule and receive their second of the two doses required from the same location at the appropriate time. 

In the early stages of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, doses will be available in limited supply for specific critical populations as a part of phased approach. As supply increases, COVID-19 vaccines will be available to all Ohioans who choose to be vaccinated.

The Ohio Department of Health has launched a tool on coronavirus.ohio.gov where Ohioans can select their county or ZIP code to see a list of providers that received the vaccine. Community members are encouraged to check the state’s website for additional vaccine administration locations. In most counties, vaccines are being made available through area health systems, hospitals, county health districts, local pharmacies and other locations. Each provider manages its own schedules and appointments. Due to the limited supply of vaccines at this time, please do not make appointments at multiple locations.

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

Happy belated Valentine’s Day everyone!  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple Ways to Keep the Flu Away

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

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

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

Where to Receive a Flu Vaccine

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

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

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

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

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 

Sign-up today for the next session of Family Fit, a fun-filled, family-oriented program that helps families with children, between the ages of six and 14. Family Fit is sponsored by Adena Health System and the YMCA of Ross County.

The next Family Fit session begins Wednesday, September 9 and runs through Wednesday, October 14. Classes are held at the YMCA, located at 100 Mill St., Chillicothe. Each session of Family Fit brings families together for two hours, one day a week, for six weeks. Classes include: cooking demonstrations, meal planning, exercise, and behavior counseling taught by Adena dietitians.

The goal is to enhance family health and activity through fun, games and hands on learning. As a family lifestyle program, Family Fit works when children take part with their parents to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

The cost to join Family Fit is just $50 per family. This includes all materials and a three-month family membership to the YMCA of Ross Co. for families that attend each of the six sessions. For more information about Family Fit, or to register call (740) 779-7520.

A caregiver at Adena Pike Medical Center, located in Waverly, has been diagnosed with Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough. As a precaution, people who were inpatients in the facility on days when the caregiver was working over the past two weeks, have been notified by phone and offered antibiotics at no cost to them. In addition, staff working closely with the caregiver have also been started on an antibiotic regimen.

“The majority of people in the U.S. have been immunized for pertussis, but as we get older, the effectiveness can wear off,” said Julie McCray, Adena’s Manager of Infection Prevention. “Adults who do come down with the illness tend to have symptoms that are less severe than those of a child or someone who may not have been immunized.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Pertussis is considered a highly-contagious respiratory disease. It is caused when an infected person coughs or sneezes on someone or in close proximity, and the person breathes in the pertussis bacteria. Symptoms can develop within five to 10 days after exposure. However, it can take up to three weeks before a person shows symptoms.

Whooping cough starts with cold-like symptoms that may include: a mild cough, runny nose, low-grade fever, and a pause in breathing in infants. After one to two weeks, those symptoms will develop into a severe cough. Because the symptoms first present like the common cold, whooping cough is usually not suspected until it reaches the severe coughing stage. According to the CDC, infected people are most contagious up to about two weeks after the severe cough starts.

Whooping cough is generally treated with antibiotics, which treat the symptoms and help control the spread of the disease. Parents of infants should be sure their babies are immunized on schedule to prevent them from contracting the disease, which can have severe effects for very young children.

For more information about Pertussis, visit www.cdc.gov.

Start the New Year off right by helping your family adopt healthy eating and exercise habits. Sign-up today for the next session of Family Fit, a fun-filled, family-oriented program that helps families with children, between the ages of six and 14. Family Fit is sponsored by Adena Health System and the YMCA of Ross County.

The next Family Fit session begins Wednesday, Feb. 25 and runs through Wednesday, April 1. Classes are held at the YMCA, located at 100 Mill St., Chillicothe. Each session of Family Fit brings families together for two hours, one day a week, for six weeks. Classes include: cooking demonstrations, meal planning, exercise, and behavior counseling taught by Adena dietitians.

The goal is to enhance family health and activity through fun, games and hands on learning. As a family lifestyle program, Family Fit works when children take part with their parents to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

The cost to join Family Fit is just $50 per family. This includes all materials and a three-month family membership to the YMCA of Ross Co. for families that attend each of the six sessions. For more information about Family Fit, or to register call (740) 779-7520.

Adena Pharmacy is leading the community in the fight against prescription drug abuse. Experts held a free webinar earlier this month sharing ways parents can educate their children of the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

The educational program is part of Adena’s partnership with the Cardinal Health Foundation, which awarded the Adena Pharmacy grant funding to promote drug abuse education in our region.

Adena Pharmacist Richard Ash developed the idea for adult outreach after recently presenting his prescription drug abuse education program to local middle school students.

“I was surprised by the number of students who have been involved or witness to someone who abuses medications or illicit drugs,” said Ash. “I knew there was more we could do to try and educate the public to help fight this epidemic in southern Ohio.”

The webinar is primarily focused on educating parents, and topics included prescription drug abuse, misuse and drug safety.

Adena Health System, first responders and area health leaders recently gathered to discuss plans and procedures that are in place for treating patients with highly communicable diseases, such as Ebola. Including many Adena experts, others in attendance for the discussion were representatives of: the Ross County Health Department; the Ross County Sheriff’s Department; EMS; Ohio State Highway Patrol; VA Medical Center; and funeral directors. The group discussed recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in managing patients showing symptoms of Ebola, isolation and quarantine requirements, transportation to other facilities, and care for deceased patients with the disease.

The Ebola outbreak is centered in western Africa, but a Liberian man recently returned to Dallas, Texas from Liberia carrying the disease, and died.  Those mainly at risk for Ebola are people who have traveled to western Africa within the past several weeks, and those who have been in close contact with them. Ebola is spread through close contact with blood or other bodily fluids. The virus is not spread through the air or indirect contact (such as a door knob).  Symptoms of Ebola include: fever, muscle pain, vomiting and sometimes bleeding.

While it is highly unlikely that a case of Ebola would present in southern Ohio, the healthcare community, law enforcement and first responders are confident the protocols that are in place would be effective in identifying a patient with the disease, isolating that patient, and protecting healthcare workers and the community as a whole

For more information about Ebola and CDC recommendations, visit www.cdc.gov.