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Get Involved With Power of Pink!  Angela Marcotte modeling the 1st Place Art Bra at the 2009 Power of Pink!
By: Yana Ogletree
Memorial Health System of East Texas invites the community to get involved with one of the largest public events for breast cancer awareness in East Texas, the Power of Pink! Community members can participate before the luncheon, scheduled for October 21, by donating baubles for a custom piece of art work or by participating in the 2nd Annual Art Bra Contest.
This year Memorial Health System of East Texas is pleased to present Heidi Marble. Heidi is a 10 year survivor of inflammatory breast cancer. Her presentation blends humor and her own real life experiences to touch and inspire audiences.
As a unique part of her presentation, Ms. Marble uses a special form of artwork to draw attention and raise money for cancer patients. She takes broken and unused jewelry from
Cancer survivors and those interested in the cause to create life forms that tell a story. “Ms. Marble is eager to do a special piece of artwork for Angelina County to go along with her presentation,” said Lindsey Mott, Power of Pink! Coordinator. “Memorial Health System of East Texas will be collecting old jewelry, broken jewelry, buttons and other baubles to send Ms. Marble for the creation of a custom art form. If you would like to donate an item for this art work you can drop off items at the Arthur Temple Sr. Regional Cancer Center or the Marketing Department at Memorial Health System of East Texas.”
Another way to become involved with the Power of Pink! before the event is by participating in the 2nd Annual Art Bra Contest, presented by Memorial Health System of East Texas, Abeldt’s Pharmacy and Neches House Assisted Living. Community members are invited to decorate bras that will be judged and displayed at Power of Pink! Winning bras also will be modeled during the event. Individuals or groups can submit Art Bra entries.
For more information on the Power of Pink! and how you can become involved contact Lindsey Mott at 936-639-7613 or lmott@memorialhealth.org. Information also can be found at www.memorialhealth.org or on Facebook group Power of Pink!
Sexual Assault Avoiding Sexual Assault Crimes, Treating Sexual Assault Victims
By: Yana Ogletree
As more sexual assault convictions occur, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) at Memorial Health System of East Texas are providing information to protect community members and prevent these crimes. According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey, a person is sexually assaulted every 2 minutes in the United States.
“Most times we think of a sexual predator as someone we don’t know. We even focus on teaching our kids stranger danger,” said Valerie Murphy, RN and SANE Coordinator at Memorial. “In fact, eighty percent of perpetrators in sexual assault cases are by a close family friend or relative of the victim.”
Sexual assault in children may go undetected until the child makes an outcry. An outcry is when a child shares their victimization story with another person. Many victims do not have physical trauma because the perpetrator doesn’t want anyone to know. While building trust with the victim, SANE nurses accumulate any physical evidence along with the child’s history recollection.
During an examination, a SANE will formulate diagnoses, plan of care and treatment specifically for that individual patient. The collection of information is shared with local law enforcement, District Attorney, Family Crisis Center, Child Protective Services and Angelina Alliance for Children. Adults on the other hand can come to the hospital emergency department, receive treatment and the victim is not required to report the assault if so chooses.
“SANE nurses receive extensive, specialized training through the Office of the Attorney General. Many hours of class, clinical and courtroom training certify nurses on sexual assault. Memorial has 2 SANE nurses that see anywhere from 3 to 16 sexual assault victims per month,” stated Murphy.
“Memorial Health System of East Texas wants to make a difference in the lives of the women and children in Angelina County and surrounding areas who may be experiencing or who will in the future experience sexual abuse.”
Ways to protect yourself and your children from sexual predators include: | • | Talk to your children about abuse | | • | Listen to children and ask questions | | • | Trust your instincts | | • | Have a code word with friends to help you leave an uncomfortable situation | | • | Be aware of your surroundings | | • | Never leave beverages unattended | | • | Have a buddy system | Memorial Health System of East Texas encourages you to be safe. If you are a victim of a sexual assault crime, please seek medical attention.
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Laboratory Professionals Recognized at Memorial Health System of East Texas
By: Yana Ogletree
Lufkin, TX - More than 10 billion laboratory tests are performed in the United States each year, according to the American Society for Clinical Pathology. These laboratory tests make up a significant portion of a patient’s medical record and can be a vital part of diagnosing and treating illnesses. Memorial Health System of East Texas is recognizing laboratory professionals on staff during National Laboratory Professionals Week, April 18-24. Medical laboratory professionals are an essential part of the health care team. They perform tests on body fluids, interpret the results, and help provide a complete picture of a patient’s health. Among those being recognized at Memorial are (Back, l to r) Larry Hinsley, Amanda Smart, Lesa Lanier, Sharon Shaw (middle, l to r) Austin Pisko, Christy Westbrook, Teresa Sant, Marie Fridell, Stephanie Bell, Rita Mayshaw (front, l to r) Jo Teer, Mary Winthrop, Judith Few, Carla Williams
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Best of Texas Women’s Power Lunch Recognized as Best of Texas
By: Yana Ogletree
Lufkin, TX - The Texas Public Relations Association (TPRA) has named its best public relations and marketing programs in the state of Texas and again Memorial Health System of East Texas is among the top performers. The Women’s Power Lunch, an information-sharing forum that is designed to educate women on a variety of health-related topics in a fun and relaxing atmosphere, is the winner of the 2010 Best of Texas Award.
According to the TPRA, the Best of Texas Award recognizes the finest work produced each year by public relations professionals throughout the state of Texas . TPRA judges say, “The Women’s Power Lunch is an impressive and creative event. Demonstrated by excellent results, the program successfully educates women on disease and treatment. Solid research and good use of resources makes the Women’s Power Lunch the best series in Texas .”
This is the third consecutive TPRA award Memorial has captured for excellence in public relations. The hospital system has received Best of Texas awards for its web site, www.memorialhealth.org and Memorial Cooking Innovations.
“I am very honored and privileged to work with such a talented and innovative group of marketing professionals,” said Yana Ogletree, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Memorial Health System of East Texas. “Community Relations Specialist Melissa Wheeler has done a phenomenal job building this community service program into an award winning event that continues to gain momentum each month.”
Recognizing women face many demands on their time and health, Memorial Health System of East Texas created this information-sharing forum that gives women the power to take control of their health. Since its inception more than a year ago, approximately 1,000 women have taken advantage of the monthly luncheons in Lufkin and Livingston .
“Ladies in the Lufkin and Livingston areas attend the Women’s Power Lunch events to learn more about their own personal health. They leave with a sense that they are not alone,” said Melissa Wheeler, Community Relations Specialist and Women’s Power Lunch Coordinator at Memorial. “With many resources to positively affect their lives, women have assurance they can approach and conquer any health or personal issue.”
Unaware of certain signs, symptoms or health risks, women are sharing personal stories of triumph after attending luncheon presentations. “The Women’s Power Lunches have been so beneficial. Because of attending the “Rested & Refreshed” seminar, I scheduled a sleep study and now am aware that I have a sleep disorder. The many luncheon events throughout the year have given local women a sense of the medical community and informed us of potential health risks,” stated Donna Clifton.
“The Women’s Power Lunch subjects are very interesting and it is amazing how advanced our medical technology has become. Thank you for constantly finding interesting subjects. Keep up the good work,” commented Dianne Lott.
Memorial continues providing beneficial topics during 2010. Upcoming events include: Community Organizations, Home Improvements, Protecting Your Skin and Hair, “Not Tonight” Decreased Libido, Foot Traffic, Event Planning, Power of Pink!, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, and Financial Health.
The next Women’s Power Lunch is scheduled in Livingston Tuesday, May 18 and Lufkin Wednesday, April 28 both from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Melissa Wheeler at 936-631-3099 or 936-329-8290 or by email melissa.wheeler@memorialhealth.org.
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Temple Imaging Center Scheduling Mammograms on Saturdays
By: Yana Ogletree
LUFKIN, TEXAS - In an effort to bring disease prevention and screening to more women, Memorial Health System of East Texas is scheduling mammograms on Saturdays during the month of April. The Temple Imaging Center will be offering Saturday breast cancer screenings from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.
“With work commitments and family priorities during the week, many women have requested the Saturday openings,” stated Bill Malnar, Director of Imaging Services at Memorial. “The busier society becomes the harder it is for women to schedule time for their needs. Memorial wants to do its part in giving women another option when it comes to taking care of their health.”
The Saturday openings are part of a pilot program. At the end of April, personnel will reassess the utilization and effectiveness of weekend appointments. As the program succeeds more Saturdays will be opened for future months.
According to www.cdc.gov, breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of death. Each year, about 210,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and around 40,000 die from breast cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. The best way to find breast cancer early is with a mammogram. If you are a woman age 40 years or older, be sure to have a screening mammogram every one to two years.
Memorial Health System of East Texas and Temple Imaging Center utilizes advanced digital mammography technology. Digital technology enables physicians to see suspicious lesions in greater detail, allows physicians to manipulate images reducing the need for repeat mammograms, stores data on computerized files instead of traditional films, reduces radiation exposure and paddle design reduces discomfort.
Please consult your physician when making health-related decisions or testing. For more information or to schedule a mammogram, please call Memorial Health System of East Texas’ scheduling department at 936-639-7374.
About Memorial Health System of East Texas
As the largest health care system in the deep East Texas area, Memorial Health System of East Texas is a private, not-for-profit hospital that provides care to almost a quarter of a million patients each year. Since its inception in 1949, Memorial Health System has paved the way for quality, innovative health care in East Texas. In fact, Memorial consistently ranks among the nation's best for exceptional health care and patient satisfaction.
Memorial Health System of East Texas is comprised of four hospitals-Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin, Memorial Medical Center-Livingston, Memorial Medical Center-San Augustine, and Memorial Specialty Hospital, the only rural long-term acute care facility within the area. Memorial offers a wide array of services, including the newly renovated Arthur Temple Sr. Regional Cancer Center, which consistently earns a three-year accreditation with commendation from the Commission on Cancer. In 2009 the System opened the doors to the area's first dedicated heart and stroke care center-the Cardiovascular & Stroke Center of East Texas. With a partnership with The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Memorial provides an advance level of stroke care, while offering the latest in heart care from a highly trained team of heart surgeons and cardiologists. Memorial was the first health care facility in Texas to acquire the DaVinci High Definition Robot for robotic assisted procedures in heart, lungs, kidneys and gynecology. The hospital also is known for providing the area's only comprehensive diabetes center-The Horace C. Polk Regional Diabetes Center. Other centers of excellence include the Temple Imaging Center that offers some of the most advanced procedures in the area, including PET/CT scanning for cancer and Alzheimer's, 64 Slice CT scanning, Open Bore MRI, 4D Ultrasound, and digital mammography. Other specialty areas include Orthopedic care, Women's Services, Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation, Homecare, Wound and Hyperbaric Therapy, Kidney & Diabetes Treatment, Sleep Disorders Treatment, Occupational Health and Express Lab. Memorial Health System of East Texas-founded and funded by the people it serves. | Featured Sponsor of LufkinConnects.com
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Life Saving Donation Made to Lufkin EMS & community By Woodland Heights Medical Center
By: Dan Jacobs
On Thursday, May 20, 2010, Woodland Heights Medical Center presented Lufkin EMS with a donation of four 12-Lead EKG machines. This donation will enable Lufkin EMS to implement a pre-hospital EKG program, which will allow for the diagnosis and more timely treatment of severe cardiac issues in the field as well as facilitate faster treatment once the patient arrives at the hospital emergency room.
“Woodland Heights is happy to make this contribution to the health and wellness of our community,” said Casey Robertson, CEO of Woodland Heights Medical Center. “We are already the area’s leader in treating AMI [heart attack] according to the latest data released by CMS. The addition of a pre-hospital 12-Lead EKG will allow both EMS and Woodland Heights to provide even better quality and faster care for residents who are experiencing a heart attack.”
Severe cardiac issues, such as acute myocardial ischemia (AMI), are the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in the United States . Experts believe that a pre-hospital EKG may facilitate early identification and faster treatment of patients with chest pain and possible AMI. Traditionally, 12-lead EKG has been used in the hospital setting to help physicians identify, diagnose and treat patient with cardiac disorders. Now, advancements in technology make obtaining and transmitting EKGs by paramedics both feasible and beneficial. In fact, pre-hospital EKG and transmission is recommended by the American Heart Association.
“This donation will save lives,” said Danny Kistner, Lufkin Fire Chief. “During a heart attack, time is tissue. The new EKG machines will allow Lufkin EMS to wirelessly transmit vital diagnostic data directly to the emergency room, cardiologist and cath lab, which will help to reduce the diagnosis to treatment time for the patient.”
The cost of the EKG equipment will be $120,000. In addition, Woodland Heights will purchase equipment for receiving the data transmissions from the Lufkin ambulances.
“Pre-hospital EKG with transmission has already been established as the standard of care in more urban markets,” continued Kistner. “This system will allow Lufkin EMS to deliver the same high-quality and life-saving care to our residents as in Dallas and Houston. We are grateful to Woodland Heights for this donation, which will benefit the entire community.”
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Casey Robertson Promoted to CEO Announced by Woodland Heights Medical Center
By: Dan Jacobs
Lufkin, TX - Woodland Heights Medical Center is pleased to announce the promotion of Casey Robertson to CEO. Robertson joined Woodland Heights as the Assistant CEO last March and has served very effectively as the interim CEO for the past four months.
“I’m very excited to be chosen as CEO of Woodland Heights Medical Center, a hospital with a reputation for delivering high-quality care and service,” said Robertson. “I look forward to serving the employees, physicians and community in my new role.”
During the past year, Woodland Heights Medical Center received numerous awards and recognition for quality and safety. The most recent was from Forbes, which recognized Woodland Heights as being among the top five percent of hospitals nationally for preventing mortality and complications. In the article, Forbes lists hospitals that were identified as having a 29% lower rate of death and 9% lower complication rate. Woodland Heights was the only hospital in Lufkin , Nacogdoches , Livingston and surrounding areas to receive this national recognition.
A native of Longview , Texas , Robertson received his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M and a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Trinity University . He has many years of experience working in hospital operations for various hospitals throughout the country. Prior to arriving in Lufkin , Robertson was ACEO for North Okaloosa Medical Center , a 110-bed acute care hospital in Crestview , Florida . He currently resides in Lufkin with his wife and daughter.
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Celebrates its Volunteers
By: Dan Jacobs
Lufkin , TX - Volunteers play a critical role in hospitals across the country, compassionately supplementing the services that staff provides to patients, their families and guests. At Woodland Heights Medical Center , volunteers donate their time in various departments and perform a variety of jobs and services. Last week, Woodland Heights recognized these dedicated men and women by hosting a Volunteer Appreciation & Awards Luncheon, during which volunteers were celebrated for their time, service and dedication.
“Volunteers do more than just help, they inspire us by example,” said Casey Robertson, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Woodland Heights Medical Center. “Our volunteers add a special dimension of personal service and care; they provide comfort to patients and family members, as well as provide service and support to hospital staff.”
Currently, Woodland Heights Medical Center has over 40 adult volunteers who donate thousands of hours annually. Tasks include everything from greeting visitors and office work, to working in the hospital Gift Shop, or helping check-in patients in outpatient surgery.
“I have been volunteering in the Woodland Heights Gift Shop for over 29 years,” said Nancy DeVore, Woodland Heights Volunteer. “Volunteering gives me a sense of accomplishment and I have met many wonderful individuals over the years who have enhanced my life. Also, it feels good knowing the proceeds for the Gift Shop directly benefit our community.”
All proceeds from sales in the Woodland Heights ’ Gift Shop directly benefit our community through funding an Angelina College health careers scholarship. The endowment was initially established about 2-years ago with a gift of $15,750 and continues to be funded biannually. Angelina College awards the scholarship to students based upon established criteria.
If you are interested in meeting new friends, impacting others and helping our community, volunteering might be right for you. For more information on becoming a Volunteer at Woodland Heights Medical Center , contact Christie Maddux at (936) 637-8687.
Get Rid Patients of Varicose Veins Advance Procedure Now offered
By: Dan Jacobs
Lufkin , TX, March 18, 2010 - There’s renewed hope for those suffering painful, unsightly varicose veins. The Woodland Heights Vein Care Center and Julio Williams, MD., Cardiovascular Surgeon, have teamed up to offer patients a state-of-the-art procedure called Vein Ablation for treating varicose veins without the need for a hospital stay, general anesthesia, or even stitches.
In Vein Ablation, a small injection is made into the varicose vein, which has been numbed with a local anesthetic. A very thin laser fiber is then inserted into the vein and directed to the desired treatment location. When the laser is activated, thermal energy is delivered, causing the vein to close. The laser fiber is gradually withdrawn until the entire diseased vessel is treated. The whole procedure lasts less than one hour. Immediately after treatment patients can walk and return to normal activities.
“Vein Ablation is a great advancement for patients. We are pleased to bring this medical advancement to the community,” says Dr Williams, emphasizing the convenience of a treatment in which all procedures, from initial workup to the actual therapy, are conducted in-office. “Many insurance companies now cover Vein Ablation because it has become so well-established as a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins. More astounding than the outpatient nature of Vein Ablation is that patients can literally walk home after the procedure.”
To counteract the forces of gravity, veins have valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards as it is pumped back toward the heart. Over time, these valves can weaken, allowing the blood to pool inside the vein. This can cause the vein to distend, resulting in the "rope-like" appearance commonly associated with varicose veins. This condition can lead to a range of serious circulatory problems, including blood clots, leg ulcers and poor circulation.
“Varicose veins are a very common problem -- approximately 25% of women and 15% of men in the United States suffer from this condition,” said Dr Williams. “Women are more prone to suffer from varicose veins because of pregnancy, and heredity has been shown to be a contributory factor as well. We are pleased to offer this new treatment that helps men and women improve their condition and overall health.”
The Woodland Heights Vein Care Center is hosting a FREE Varicose Vein Screening on Thursday, April 1, 2010, from 4 pm to 7 pm. This screening is free to the public, but you DO need an appointment. To reserve your spot, call 699-CARE.
About Woodland Heights Medical Center
Established in 1918, Woodland Heights Medical Center was Lufkin's first hospital. Now, nine decades later, Woodland Heights is recognized throughout Deep East Texas as the leading provider of high quality, innovative health care services. Accommodating a wide range of clinical specialties, Woodland Heights has achieved excellence in key medical and surgical areas including cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, orthopedic surgery, physical medicine/rehabilitation, vascular surgery and obstetrics and gynecology. Woodland Heights also offers a full range of outpatient diagnostic services including advanced imaging, laboratory, outpatient surgery and emergency services. Through its Rehabilitation Center, Woodland Heights offers cardiac rehabilitation, stroke recovery and physical and occupational rehabilitation. Combining modern facilities, leading technology, an exceptional staff and a commitment to the communities it serves, Woodland Heights Medical Center remains at the forefront of quality health care in Deep East Texas
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