the healthy advantage - community health...

The Healthy

w w w. Ke n t u c k y R i v e r M C . c o m • W i n t e r 2 0 1 3

Advantagefrom your friends at KentucKy river medical center

chad French Chief Executive Officer

Dear frienDs,It’s natural to form a lasting impres-

sion about your local hospital and

caregivers during a hospital stay.

At Kentucky River Medical Center (KRMC),

every employee works hard to make each

patient feel comfortable during his or her

time away from home. A significant part

of this effort is a practice called hourly

rounding.

During these rounds, a patient’s care

team establishes a schedule for each

patient to be visited by a nurse. The nature

of the visit may be to administer medi-

cation, make sure the patient is resting

comfortably or simply check in to see if a

patient or family member has questions,

concerns or special requests. When a care-

giver comes to a patient room for clinical

hourly rounding, he or she will ask the

patient about his or her comfort and pain

level, help the patient move or change posi-

tions and assist with any trips to the bath-

room. They’ll also make sure the patient

has easy access to necessities, such as the

phone, bedside table, water or other bever-

ages, personal items, the call light, the uri-

nal or bedpan and the wastebasket.

Through hourly rounding, KRMC

nurses proactively meet the needs of our

patients. In theory, a patient shouldn’t feel

the need to use the call button because

our care team has already anticipated and

Our promise to you met any needs or requests.

This hourly assessment means that

during a stay at KRMC, a patient can

expect to be visited by a nurse at scheduled

times—approximately every hour during

the day, and every two hours during the

night. We’re dedicated to anticipating the

individual patient’s personal needs and

actively monitoring his or her well-being so

that family and friends can help their loved

one focus on recovery. Rounding is an extra

touch point with the patient to improve

communication, assess the patient’s needs

and strive to provide quality care.

Everyone from hospital leaders to non-

clinical staff participates in daily rounds

to attend to patient needs and to get

patient feedback on how we can continue

to improve the care and services we offer.

Our experience has shown that clinical

hourly rounding decreases patients’ anxi-

ety and promotes confidence and trust

in their caregivers. Most importantly, it

promotes better continuity in patient care,

fewer health complications and better

recovery for our patients.

Best wishes,

Chad FrenchChief Executive OfficerKentucky River Medical Center

so many services

to learn more about health care services available at KrmC,

visit www.Kentucky rivermc.com and

choose “our services.”

Page 4

Women and heart disease

Page 2

Tired of not sleeping?

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enhanced imaging

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Heartburn relief

70krm2 Winter 2013 • www.KentuckyRiverMC.com

Kentucky River Sleep Center provides

our patients effective care and treat-

ment for sleep difficulties. What we

say, what we do and how we do it con-

tribute to the care and satisfaction of our

patients, their families and their doctors.

We strive to be recognized by our

market as an industry leader, providing

patient care in our service area. Our goal

is to provide excellent service to each

patient in accordance with our mission

to provide unsurpassed quality care. We

strive to exceed expectations and improve

patients’ quality of life.

Team commitment and integrity are

the forces driving our services. Therefore,

we strive to support, as sleep profes-

sionals, the standards of practice as

defined by the American Academy of Sleep

Medicine and The Joint Commission.

Common sleep disorders Sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially

life-threatening breathing disorder

characterized by brief interruptions of

breathing during sleep. Most patients with

sleep apnea snore loudly and are very

sleepy during the day.

Narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a chronic

sleep disorder characterized by exces-

sive or overwhelming daytime tiredness,

even after an adequate amount of sleep.

Other symptoms include the sudden loss

of strength in the muscles, sleep paralysis

and hallucinations occurring while falling

asleep or upon waking up.

Restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syn-

drome is a sleep disorder in which a per-

son experiences unpleasant sensations in

the legs described as creeping, crawling,

tingling, pulling or pain. These sensations

usually occur in the calf area but may be

felt anywhere from the thigh to the ankle.

Restless legs can make it very difficult to

fall asleep.

Periodic limb movement. Periodic limb

movement is a disorder that is character-

ized by repetitive movements, typically in

the lower limbs, that occur about every 20

to 40 seconds. The limb movements can

disrupt sleep and cause severe daytime

sleepiness.

Catch some zzzsKentucky River Sleep Center

sleep soundly tonight

to schedule an appointment, call Linda anderson, sleep Center

Coordinator, at (606) 205-9027 or fax a Kentucky river sleep Center physician order

form to (606) 666-6102.

Krmc Sleep center north Jackson Plaza

12 Howell LaneJackson, Ky 41339(Located behind the

first national Bank of Jackson and the Jackson

Post office)(606) 205-9027www.Kentucky rivermc.com

During a sleep study, patients stay overnight in a private, hotel-like room.

70krm 3Winter 2013 • www.KentuckyRiverMC.com

a beautiful and comfortable

environment specially designed to diagnose sleep disorders awaits patients at Kentucky river sleep Center.

The dangers of sleep apneaSleep apnea is a medical disorder that

causes a person to stop breathing for

periods of time during sleep. Breathing

usually stops repeatedly, dozens to hun-

dreds of times a night. Each time, the

patient stops breathing for 10 seconds

or more, then suddenly gasps for air.

Between each gasp and the next time

breathing stops, the patient usually

snores loudly.

Sleep apnea is a serious health and

safety risk. Being tired can affect every

part of a patient’s life. Sleep apnea can be

linked to other serious health problems,

such as:

• high blood pressure

• heart disease

• stroke

Catch some zzzsKentucky River Sleep Center

Sleep studiesKentucky River Sleep Center performs

sleep studies to aid in the identifica-

tion and treatment of sleep apnea and

other sleep disorders. During a study, the

patient stays all night in a modern, com-

fortable room similar to your bedroom

at home. Advanced equipment moni-

tors and records the person’s reac-

tion to sleep, including:

• brain waves

• breathing

• eye movement

• heart rate

• muscle activity

• oxygen level

The right treatment can help patients

sleep better, have more energy, enjoy

better health and get more out of life.


Women are 15 percent more

likely than men to die of a heart attack.—american HearT

associaTion

When most of us think of a heart

attack victim, chances are, we pic-

ture a man. However, a woman’s risk

of having a heart attack is actually higher

than a man’s, and heart attacks are the

leading cause of death among women.

Cardiovascular disease is the

No. 1 killer of women over age 40,

and the risk rises with age. Despite

this evidence, just 34 percent of

women in a 2000 national American

Heart Association survey correctly

named heart disease as a leading

cause of death—and only 8 percent could

identify it as their No. 1 health threat.

Traditionally, men have gotten a bad

rap for their reluctance to visit the doctor,

and the stereotype of the negligent male

patient and the more health-conscious

wife, daughter or girlfriend endures.

However, the rate of heart disease and

related risk factors is actually increasing

in women. There are many reasons for this

disparity.

Atypical symptomsHeart attack symptoms for women can be

different than those that typically occur in

Caring for her heartHeart disease prevalent among women

By ariF Omar, m.d., cardiOlOgiSt


each year, more than 400,000 women in the united states die

of heart disease— approximately one

death every minute.—american HearT

associaTion

men, and women often

dismiss these symp-

toms as being a sign

of stress, a panic

attack or fatigue.

(See sidebar, “Heart

attack symptoms for

women.”)

Biological factorsCertain biological factors

that only affect women carry a

certain degree of heart disease risk.

Health occurrences during a woman’s pregnancy—once thought to have no

significant bearing on a woman’s long-

term health—now have been determined

to be contributing risk factors for heart

problems. A woman who develops

preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced

hypertension), gestational diabetes or

high blood pressure during pregnancy

increases her risk for glucose intolerance,

obesity, diabetes and hypertension later

in life—all risk factors for heart disease.

In fact, according to the National Heart,

Lung and Blood Institute, 80 percent of

women ages 40 to 60 have at least one risk

factor for heart disease.

Menopause is also thought to contribute

to elevated heart disease risk, because in

addition to the drop in estrogen produc-

tion, post-menopausal women also expe-

rience changes in the walls of the blood

vessels (making it easier for plaque and

blood clots to form), a drop in HDL (good)

cholesterol and an increase in LDL (bad)

cholesterol and an increase in the level of

fibrinogen in the blood, a substance that

makes it easier for the blood to clot.

The structure of a woman’s heart makes

women more susceptible to certain heart

conditions, and women often have a more

difficult recovery, post-heart attack. Dr. Omar is a member of the medical staff at Kentucky River Medical Center.

Be heart smart

Visit www.Kentucky rivermc.com to learn more about

heart disease, assess your risk and gain valuable preventive tips including some

heart-healthy recipes. Choose the “Health

resources” link, “interactive tools” and

“Quizzes” to access nearly 100 health quizzes pertaining

to heart health, including a Heart

Quiz for Women only. for healthy recipes,

choose “Health resources,” “Healthy

Living,” “nutrition” and “Healthy recipes,” for a searchable database

of recipes.

meet with Dr. omar

dr. omar practices at Kentucky river Heart

Center, which is located in Lakeview medical

Clinic beside Kentucky river medical Center.

Kentucky river heart center424 Jett drive

Jackson, Ky 41339 (606) 693-4830

Recent studies have

shown that a type of

heart disease known

as coronary micro-

vascular disease

(MVD), which affects

the heart’s smallest

arteries, is more com-

mon in women. And,

standard tests for coro-

nary heart disease don’t

always detect MVD in women,

according to the National Heart,

Lung and Blood Institute. This means

women once thought to be at lower risk

for heart disease may have actually gone

undiagnosed.

Finally, women are more likely than men to suffer depression following a heart

attack and are less successful at adopt-

ing new—and healthier—lifestyle habits.

Therefore, their risk of a repeat heart

attack is higher.

Heart attack symptoms for womenTraditional symptoms chest pain pain down the left arm

Atypical symptoms fatigue nausea or vomiting stomachache unexplained sweating unusual shortness of breath

don’t ignore any of these symptoms. Call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest er immediately.


Advanced imaging tests help your

doctor examine the inside of your

body, in a noninvasive way, to

provide more detailed information about

your health. Most imaging tests are

simple, painless procedures that help with

an accurate diagnosis and treatment of

illnesses, injuries and chronic diseases.

Most tests can be conducted on an out-

patient basis and take less than 30 min-

utes to perform, depending on the exam.

Common imaging tests include:

X-ray An X-ray uses radiation to produce

pictures of the body that can help

diagnose conditions ranging from broken

bones to pneumonia, heart conditions,

intestinal blockages, kidney stones and

digestive tract problems. X-rays can also

detect fractures and infections, arthritis,

osteoporosis and bone cancer, as well as

diagnose lung infections and detect breast

tissue abnormalities (i.e., mammogram).

UltrasoundAn ultrasound doesn’t use radiation, but

rather high-frequency sound waves to pro-

duce echoes which, in turn, create pictures

that show the size, shape and distance

between organs and tissues. Ultrasound

waves easily pass through fluids and

soft tissues, and are good for examining

fluid-filled spaces in the body (the joints,

gallbladder, blood vessels or the uterus

during pregnancy) as well as soft organs

like the heart and liver.

Computed tomography (CT) scanA CT scan combines X-ray and computer

technology to produce very detailed cross-

sectional pictures of the body. Unlike

the single beam of radiation as used in

an X-ray, a CT scan uses multiple X-ray

beams to produce multiple pictures

of the body from different angles. A

computer reassembles the image slices,

or cross sections, which are displayed

on a monitor. CT scans are valuable

because they can produce pictures of

bone, soft tissue and blood vessels. A CT

scan can quickly identify injury to vital

organs in trauma situations, as well as

diagnose cancers, cardiovascular disease,

abdominal problems such as appendicitis

and musculoskeletal disorders. It can also

measure bone mineral density to help

detect osteoporosis. Because it provides

real-time images, it’s also frequently used

to guide minimally invasive surgeries and

biopsies.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)An MRI uses a magnetic field, radio fre-

quency pulse and a computer to create

pictures of soft tissue, bone, joints, tendons

and ligaments. An MRI can yield more

detailed information about body parts than

other imaging methods, such as the flow

of blood in blood vessels, bleeding in the

brain or stroke-related damage. An MRI is

also used to examine the chest and abdom-

inal organs (the heart, liver or kidneys),

diagnose pelvic pain by detecting cysts or

other abnormalities in reproductive organs,

pinpoint blood vessel blockages and locate

internal bleeding, infection and tumors.

An MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool

for bone and joint issues, such as arthritis,

torn ligaments or tendons and cartilage

damage. It can detect nerve problems from

disk bulges in the spine (herniated disk) to

nervous system disorders.

Nuclear medicineNuclear medicine uses small bits of radio-

active material—swallowed, inhaled or

injected—to create images. The technique

is used to diagnose, determine the severity

of and treat various diseases and condi-

Here’s looking at youImaging tests are an important part of your health

Get a clearer diagnosis

for more informa-tion on how diag-

nostic imaging tests are used for your health, visit www.

Kentuckyrivermc.com, click on “Health

resources” and “interactive tools,”

and take the Coronary artery disease and

angioplasty Quiz, or the mammogram Quiz.


Here’s looking at youImaging tests are an important part of your health

Preparing for your test each exam and its accompanying instructions are a bit different, but these preparation tips will help ensure your exam goes smoothly. Follow your doctor’s instructions for eating and drinking before your exam. you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, especially if a contrast material will be used in your exam.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. you may be provided a medical gown to wear during your exam. if not, two-piece clothing that’s easy to remove is preferable.

Bring a copy of your medical history, including a medication list. you’ll be asked to fill out a screening form before your exam to provide information about conditions that may create a health risk (heart dis-ease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems), as well as any implanted medical devices that may interfere with the imaging process (cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, medication pump or inner ear implant).

Leave metal objects at home or in a safe place. Certain metal objects may affect Ct or mri images and should be left at home or removed before your test. these include: eyeglasses, jewelry, hairpins, money clips, credit cards with magnetic strips, beepers or cell phones, hearing aids, watches, paper clips, keys, coins and clothing with metal zippers, belt buckles, buttons or hooks.

Inform your doctor of any allergies or medications you are taking. if you have a known allergy to contrast material or dye, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.

tions, including cancer, heart disease and

gastrointestinal, endocrine or neurologi-

cal disorders. Nuclear medicine exams

are safe and painless, and the amount of

radiation used is often less than that of a

typical X-ray. The exam is unique because

it not only shows the structure, but also

the function of the organ or area being

studied. It’s typically used for bone and

lung scans, cardiac stress tests and liver

and gallbladder procedures. Primarily a

diagnostic tool, nuclear medicine can also

treat disease and provide pain relief from

certain cancers.

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLebanon Junction, KY

Permit 19

Kentucky River Medical Center540 Jett DriveJackson, KY 41339

www.Kentuckyrivermc.com 70KRM

The Healthy Advantage is published as a community service of Kentucky river medical Center. there is no fee to subscribe.

the information contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. if you have medical concerns, please consult your health care provider.

Copyright © 2013 Kentucky River Medical Center

Winter 2013Printed With Soy Ink

the foods they want or have to sleep sit-

ting up to reduce nighttime reflux. After

the TIF procedure, clinical trials show that

most patients can eat and drink foods they

avoided for many years. Reflux no longer

impacts their life like it previously did.”

The advantages of TIF The TIF procedure is based on established

principles of surgical repair of the anti-

reflux barrier, except that it’s “surgery

from within,” i.e., performed through the

mouth. The procedure reduces hiatal her-

nia and creates a valve between the stom-

ach and esophagus, restoring the natural,

physiological anatomy to prevent GERD.

Because the procedure is incisionless,

there’s less pain, a faster recovery time

and no visible scar.

The TIF procedure represents the next

step in the evolution of surgery. While

minimally invasive laparoscopy reduces

the skin incision typical of open surgery

to just three to five portholes, it still

requires the same internal incisions and

organ dissection.

“We’re excited to offer our patients the

same benefits as more invasive procedures

but without incisions,” says Dr. Ernspiker.

Severe heartburn, also known as

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux dis-

ease), can limit your quality of life.

But you may not have to resign yourself to

taking pills or having invasive surgery.

Kentucky River Medical Center now

offers a non-invasive surgical treatment

known as transoral incisionless fundoplica-

tion (TIF) that may be a quick and effective

solution. This incisionless procedure can

offer no scarring, less pain, less risk and a

faster recovery than other surgical options.

Most patients are back to work and normal

activities within a couple of days.

The TIF procedure is performed by

Erich Ernspiker, M.D., a board-certified

general surgeon. Dr. Ernspiker is a mem-

ber of the medical staff at Kentucky River

Medical Center.

“The TIF procedure can significantly

improve quality of life for our patients,”

says Dr. Ernspiker. “GERD is an anatomi-

cal problem that needs an anatomical solu-

tion. Reflux medications like proton pump

inhibitors (PPIs) can help relieve heartburn

symptoms and, in some patients, prevent

further disease progression, but they don’t

solve the underlying problems. Even on

PPIs, many patients are still unable to eat

Heartburn relief The TIF procedureBy eRiCh eRnsPiKeR, M.D., BoaRD-CeRtifieD geneRal suRgeon

stop the sufferingschedule an

appointment with dr. ernspiker by

calling (606) 666-8771 at Hometown surgical

Clinic, 1151 east main st., Jackson, Ky

41339.

reflux symptoms breathing difficulties or choking episodes

coughing after you eat or after lying down

difficulty swallowing food, liquids or pills

excess throat mucus or postnasal drip

feeling that you need to clear your throat, sensation of a lump in your throat or some-thing sticking in your throat

heartburn, chest pain, indigestion or taste of sour liquid in your mouth

hoarseness/a problem with your voice

recurrent cough

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