Supporting your body, mind and spirit

fall 2010

ExpEriEncE

Be WellPark Ridge educates the community on healthy living2

Stay ConneCtedTransform your visit into an interactive experience3 ‘you did What?’

Bizarre accident leads teacher to a trusted doc6

So healthy together

learn how you can make wellness a priority

for your familyPaGE 4

Total Well-being

VoicE of ExpEriEncE

Above: Florence Ready, a vivacious WNC centenarian, joins author Dan Buettner onstage at the Park Ridge Health Blue Zone event. Ms. Ready shared her secrets for lifelong health with an audience that included individuals from all walks of life.Far right: Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones, describes his travels to the world’s Blue Zones and the important principles for total health that he found there.

Blue Zone

inspiredVisit parkridgehealth.org

to view our Events calendar

and join us for many special

events and educational

opportunities inspired by

“living blue.”

2 Park Ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

In our last issue of Experience, we touched on the fundamental principles of living longer, more vital lives—as practiced in the world’s Blue Zones. On May 25, we saw firsthand how inspiring these principles can be for our community when our Park Ridge family and 1,100 community members embarked on a Blue Zone journey with Dan Buettner, author of The Blue

Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From Those Who’ve Lived the Longest.Dan spoke of his life-changing interactions with hundreds of Blue Zone resi-

dents, many of whom had achieved a healthy and vibrant 100 years. The audience’s astonishment at the lives led by these centenarians could not have been more apparent than when a local centenarian took to the stage.

Florence Ready, a resident of Fletcher, easily climbed the stage stairs in her fashionable red heels and hugged Dan with the strength of a person half her age. The sparkle in Ms. Ready’s smile was a testament to years of laughter, joy in well-ness—and complete health.

We hope that you and your family can experience the benefit of this type of total well-being. Working together to implement the principles of healthy eating, movement and creating a family support system are essential to “living blue.” This issue of Experience is from our Park Ridge family to yours as we work together to support one another and our community in this adventure of lifelong wellness.

Thank you for joining us as we Experience health together.

Jimm BunchPresident & CEO

not too long ago, guests were left to watch grainy television on four channels or flip through a well-worn issue of the local newspaper for entertainment. The most control guests had over their healthcare

was the ability to push the up and down buttons on the sides of their hospital beds.

But for Park Ridge Health, this wasn’t acceptable.“By bringing the GetWellNetwork to our guests

and visitors, they literally have the world at their fingertips,” says Lisa Parris, GetWellNetwork representative for Park Ridge Health.

An interactive software program complete with a flat-screen television, remote and wireless keyboard, the GetWellNetwork can be found throughout the guest rooms on the Park Ridge Health campus. Guests and their visitors can surf the Web, select from a free menu of 30 first-run movies, play video games, order prescriptions and even watch educational videos prescribed by their physician. More importantly, guests have the ability to send feedback about their stay and directly contact Park Ridge departments to assist with their experience.

“Our guests can order room service directly from our Nutritional Services Department, ask Engineering Services to adjust the thermostat in their room and let our Patient Experience team know if they have any comments or concerns regarding their stay with us,” Parris says. “The Park Ridge Experience for our guests and visitors is incredibly important to us, and we want to engage guests in their healthcare experience and give them a voice to be heard.” 

the GetWellnetworkPutting guests in control of their health experience

Ryan and Cassie Casto welcomed the birth of their daughter, Sawyer, in a very special way—by Tweeting about it.

Family and friends from all over the world received real-time reports and provided words of encouragement and excitement for the first-time parents.

real Feedback from patientsThe comments running along the bottom of this issue are real messages sent using the GetWellNetwork. Thank you for sharing your experiences!

Make your Voice heardThe GetWellNetwork allows guests and visitors to provide invaluable feedback regarding their experiences with us. To share your story or to read other comments (in real time), visit parkridgehealth.org/all-voices.

Our nurse, Shannon, did everything she could to make sure my wife was comfortable.

—Aug. 18, 2:30 p.m.

3Park Ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

Life for families today is impossibly hectic, when you take into account work, grocery shopping, school, homework and

PTA meetings. How can a family possibly add wellness to the mix? Experience recently sat down with the Park Ridge Health Wellness team, all of whom have families themselves, to learn the simple steps any family can take to make health a priority while still having fun together.

Support each other“The most important thing you can do is to make a point of implementing healthy changes together,” says Jeremy Pettit,

Motivate your kids by making healthy choices together

John has such a wonderful personality. He joked with me and lifted my spirits. It felt so good to laugh.

—June 5, 6:54 p.m.

Our nurse, Laura, treated me with such care that I felt like I was at home instead of a hospital. It was very comforting.

—Aug. 22, 2:32 p.m.

Park Ridge Wellness director. “By working together as a family and forming a support system to make wellness a priority, you will have a strong foundation from which to grow.”

Whether simply taking a walk around the neighborhood, riding bikes, planting flowers in a family garden or playing catch in the backyard, there are an endless number of fun, family-friendly

activities that don’t require any special preparation.

Jeremy also emphasizes that small efforts are still worthwhile. “Even adding a little activity each day as a family is beneficial. Implementing even small changes to your family’s activity level can make a huge difference,” he says.

Make it Fun“Everyone always seems to have the misconception that in order to be active you have go to the gym seven days a week for hours each day,” says Julie Palmer, Park Ridge Wellness community educator. “But that’s not the case at all. In fact, you can get an even better workout outside just having fun playing together as a family.”

Healthfor theWhole

family

4 Park Ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

For the birth of our first child, we were very nervous. Tamara set us at ease with her kindness and stayed with us the entire birth. Thank you so much!

—Nov. 5, 2:31 p.m.

Teresa comforted our fears by being very confident in her skills and informing us of everything she was doing. She was a calming presence in an anxious time.

—Sept. 28, 2:30 p.m.

Find a favorite activity that kids and parents can look forward to doing together after a stressful week. Hiking, a picnic at the park, or a family game of volleyball are all great options for making wellness fun and family-focused.

“Encourage your kids to find a sport or activity that they can really enjoy and that you can even play as a family,” Julie says. “Not everyone is going to be an amazing athlete, but that’s OK. Enjoying what you’re doing is more important, and encouraging each other as a family will help make the sport or activity that much more special.”

experiment with healthy FoodMost people can think of a “healthy” food that they would rather not have on their plate. But, according to Jodi Grabowski, Park Ridge Wellness coach and coordinator, you shouldn’t always assume that kids won’t enjoy healthier options.

“You might be very surprised to find out that your kids actually prefer eating apple slices rather than foods such as french fries,” she says.

And letting kids determine the menu can also get you off track.

“Try to get away from the idea of ‘kid cuisine,’ ” Jodi says. “It’s OK to let chicken nuggets be their favorite food, but experiment with different fruits, vegetables and whole grains for your meals. Also, kids can be involved in food preparation. It can be a fun and rewarding process for them.”

Stay away from Sodas“Sodas are laden with unnecessary sugars that can be harmful for both kids and adults,” says Heather Critchett, Park Ridge Wellness fitness trainer. “Even most fruit juices, unless freshly squeezed, are basically all just sugar or high fructose corn syrup.”

According to Heather, the best option is always water. “Water is essential to our body’s health, and even sports drinks that are meant for high-intensity activities don’t provide the same benefit and can also hide large quantities of sugar.”

She adds, “If your children really want to drink juice, make sure to mix it half-and-half with water first to help dilute the sugar content.”

Get outside and GardenThere isn’t really anything quite like fresh vegetables grown from a garden, and gardening together

can provide a fun outdoor activity for the entire family.

“Kids who grow their own vegetables are more likely to actually eat them,” says Adam Sutton, Park Ridge Wellness R.N. “A garden doesn’t have to be a huge affair—even a container garden is a great choice.”

The experience of growing their own food can also be beneficial in other ways.

“By seeing the process of the food growing from a seed into a vegetable and then onto their plate as part of their dinner, kids will have a sense of pride in knowing they helped it grow. It’s a great way to try new foods as a family,” Adam says.

Learning to live healthfully can be a great experience for your family and one that can become a regular and enjoyable habit. Starting slow and learning together will make it an even more meaningful process—and one that will enhance your lives for years to come. 

a healthier you The Park Ridge Health Wellness team has a passion for helping people lead healthy lifestyles. Visit parkridgehealth.org for upcoming classes and events!

5Park Ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

iN My ExpEriEncE

A nne Ellison certainly understands how important a good relationship with a physician can be. Beginning in 2000, she sought care from Southeastern Sports Medicine after receiving a

recommendation from a friend and fellow educator. Anne had been suffering from knee problems for quite some time—so much so that she needed the help of a cane—and she decided it was time to seek professional help.

Greg Motley, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Southeastern Sports Medicine, performed a total knee replacement for Anne. After diligently attending physical therapy for the next several months, she was able to return to teaching with a new spring in her step.

What she didn’t know, however, was that in a short time she would be back to see Dr. Motley—this

time under more serious circumstances.

accidents happen“When I tell people what happened, they look at me in disbelief and say, ‘Now, how did that happen?’ ” says Anne with a laugh.

What happened is certainly not what she expected as she joined her husband, Jack, for a football game at his alma mater, Furman

University in Greenville, S.C.“Jack and I were walking up this grassy hill

to the football stadium, and I was trying to be so careful with my knee and walk very carefully; but,

lo and behold, I stepped down and slipped in horse

manure. Yes, horse manure. I went straight down with all my weight landing on my shoulder.”

Anne’s bizarre accident had literally crushed her humerus, the bone connecting shoulder to elbow, in numerous places and torn her rotator cuff.

“When Dr. Motley saw me after my fall, he told me he had seen injured football players and truck drivers who had been in accidents that didn’t have as much damage as I did,” Anne says.

“Even though my injury was so terrible, I wasn’t worried about recovering. I knew I was in good hands.”

Making a Full RecoveryAnne’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Her surgery required Dr. Motley to carefully piece her humerus back together and repair her torn rotator cuff. After eight months of physical therapy, Anne returned to teaching her fourth-grade class—“the best grade in the world,” she says.

So when it came time to receive a knee replacement on the opposite knee, Anne knew exactly who to see.

“It has truly been a blessing to have Dr. Motley as my physician through all of this,” says Anne. “His positive attitude and caring demeanor made all the difference for me. He even called my daughter personally in Chicago to tell her that I was doing fine after my surgery.”

She adds with a smile, “I always make sure now that when I call to schedule my routine follow-up appointments, Dr. Motley is the physician that I see.” 

after three surgeries, this schoolteacher knows the value of a great doctor

Teacher Anne Ellison found support and compassion from her orthopedic surgeon, Greg Motley, M.D.

Even though my injury was so terrible, I wasn’t worried about recovering. I knew I was in good hands.

Lesson Learned

need a

Great doctor?

find a physician for you and

everyone in your family by visiting

our online Physicians Directory on

parkridgehealth.org.

Read bios, watch videos and

use our interactive map to

find one near you!

6 Park Ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

lunch/dinner & learn SeriesThe Park Ridge Health Lunch/Dinner & Learn Series is free and open to the public, with lunch served during the lunchtime events and light snacks served at the evening events. Space is limited. Please call 828.687.3947 to make a reservation.

“Managing Stress for Better health”FREE, Laurel Park Medical CenterDr. Lane Godsey, certified

psychologist with Park Ridge Psychiatry, will discuss stress, the effect it has on health, and the best methods for handling it.

“Breast Cancer”FREE, Laurel Park Medical CenterDr. Michelle LeBlanc, board-certified surgeon and breast

specialist with Park Ridge Breast Health Center, will discuss screening, diagnosis and treatment options.

Park Ridge health at hands on! ClassesSpecial classes held in conjunction with Hands On! A Child’s Gallery in downtown Hendersonville. To register or for more information, please call Hands On! at 828.697.8333.

“Women’s heart health”FREEJulie Palmer, wellness educator with Park Ridge Wellness, will discuss cardiovascular disease risk

factors, prevention, and differences in signs and symptoms of heart attack between men and women.

Wellness ClassesPark Ridge Health Wellness classes are free and open to the public. They take place in the Duke Conference Room at Park Ridge Health. No reservations required.

“Surviving the onslaught of holiday Food”FREEJulie Palmer, wellness educator for Park Ridge Wellness, will teach ways

to prevent overeating and weight gain during the holidays.

“Vitamin d: Who Cares?”FREEJeremy Pettit, P.A.-C, Park Ridge Wellness director, will offer comprehensive information on the

importance of vitamin D to overall health and options for improving your vitamin D intake.

Park Ridge Baby Place ClassesPlease call 828.681.BABY or visit parkridgebabies.com for more information or to register.

Childbirth Classes $90Choose from the weekly class on Wednesday evenings for six weeks (sessions begin on Oct. 27) or a one-day class (Nov. 8) from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Breastfeeding Class $25Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months is best for baby. Our class addresses the benefits

for mom and baby and also teaches new moms how to overcome common breast-feeding challenges ranging from latching on to proper positioning for baby. This class is offered as part of the childbirth series but also can be taken separately.

infant CPR Class FREEBe prepared to handle a life-threatening emergency such as choking, near-drowning or a serious

fall. You’ll work with a baby-sized mannequin to master the proper techniques for saving a tiny life.

Community Benefit eventsthe Flat Rock Playhouse Presents A Christmas Carol to benefit the Park Ridge health FoundationFlat Rock Playhouse

The world of Scrooge, Fezziwig and Tiny Tim comes alive in Charles Dickens’ classic tale, complete with traditional carols and English folk tunes. Begin your family’s holiday season with this performance to benefit the community outreach programs of Park Ridge Health. For tickets, please call the Flat Rock Playhouse box office at 828.693.0731.

Wellness on Wheels (WoW) ScreeningsThe Wellness on Wheels (WOW) bus travels throughout Buncombe and Henderson counties to provide free and low-cost health screenings. For a complete listing of upcoming locations, please check the Events Calendar at parkridgehealth.org.

calEndar oF EvEnts fall 2010

Register nowfor a complete calendar of events and detailed registration information, visit parkridgehealth.org.

7Park Ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

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PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDColumbus WIPermit No. 62

Park Ridge Health100 Hospital Drive Hendersonville, Nc 28792

the Park Ridge health website has been recently redesigned to give you an incredible experience. Come see what’s new at parkridgehealth.org.

Park Ridge Health100 Hospital Drive Hendersonville, Nc 28792

Experience editor Jennifer D. Perez H

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Blue Ridge Parkway

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HENDERSONCOUNTY

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PARK RIDGESERVICES

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EXIT44 Naples Road

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visit us: off interstate 26, exit 44on the Web:parkridgehealth.orgcall us:828.684.8501

Connect with Us! Do you have a question about Experience magazine? Is there something you’d like to see in future issues? Share your thoughts by contacting editor@parkridgehealth.org.

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