Air Evac team moves location to The Medical Center: Director says move should benefit crew members, patients

by Justin Story, The Daily News, originally published on 12/31/2010

Air Evac Lifeteam’s Bowling Green base has relocated its operations from the Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport to The Medical Center.

Thursday was the first day at the new location for Air Evac, which provides on-scene medical care at emergencies, helicopter transport to medical facilities and critical care inter-facility transfers.

Tim Booher, program director for the air ambulance company’s Bowling Green base, said the move should benefit Air Evac crew members and patients by allowing closer access to professionals in the medical industry.

“This move enabled us to be there in the center of the health care industry,” Booher said. “It puts us closer to the medical professionals there, puts us working hand-in-hand.”

The Bowling Green base employs a crew that includes a registered nurse, a paramedic and a pilot, who are on call at all times.

Crew members are trained in advanced pre-hospital care and the helicopters feature state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Booher said the new aircraft and crew quarters are based in a renovated building at 347 U.S. 31-W By-Pass, Suite B, in a part of the facility that also houses The Medical Center’s ambulance service and is adjacent to the Emergency Medical Services facility.

Booher said that in addition to the renovations that were conducted in preparation for the relocation, an alternate helipad was constructed on site.

Air Evac established a Bowling Green base in March 2006, where it was originally housed at 2325 Airway Court at the airport.

The base serves Warren and six other counties in Kentucky, along with a portion of Tennessee, Booher said, and is one of nine such bases in the state.

While the aircraft and crew quarters are now based at The Medical Center, the base’s regional maintenance department will remain at the airport, Booher said.

Airport director Rob Barnett was unavailable for comment.

Copyright 2010 News Publishing LLC (Bowling Green, KY)

Hospitality House great gift, blessing

The Daily News, originally published on 12/27/2010

Commonwealth Health Corp.’s longtime dream of providing a place to stay for families who have critically ill patients at The Medical Center is more than a dream for families – it is a remarkable gift.

The Hospitality House provides “a home away from home,” according to Connie Smith, The Medical Center chief executive officer and CHC chief operating officer.

At High Street and Fifth Avenue, the 13,564-square-foot Hospitality House will open in January. It will have 12 private guest rooms and baths, a large kitchen and dining room for multiple families, a prayer room, a community room, laundry facilities and a business room with Internet access. Each room is for up to three people, with one room available per family for each patient.

And it’s free. However, donations are accepted and are encouraged from those who can afford to help with costs.

Families who are in difficult situations with critically ill family members face numerous emotional and financial struggles. Times like these call for caring, and this move by Commonwealth Health Corp. and The Medical Center demonstrates caring and provides a wonderful arrangement for those families.

The Hospitality House will need donations, volunteers and community support to maintain the facility. It is our hope that our community will see the major benefits of The Hospitality House and lend a hand and provide donations to keep this gift open for those in need.

The facility will be staffed 24-7 with two full-time and three part-time employees. Guests will be referred to the facility. No reservations will be taken by phone.

This is another reflection of the great community spirit Bowling Green and Warren County possess, and we commend Commonwealth Health and The Medical Center for their foresight and commitment to families who face travel costs to visit critically ill family members or face nights of sleep in hospital rooms with their loved ones.

This facility gives them a chance to get much-needed rest and saves them money in a time of difficulty, times that can lead to loss of life.

Copyright 2010 News Publishing LLC (Bowling Green, KY)

The Medical Center’s new Hospitality House opens: Facility will provide a home away from home to families of patients

by Alyssa Harvey, The Daily News, originally published on 12/22/2010

Commonwealth Health Corp. representatives set out the welcome mat Tuesday at an open house for The Hospitality House.

“It has been a dream for a long time,” said Connie Smith, The Medical Center chief executive officer and CHC chief operating officer. “It will provide a home away from home for families of critically ill patients at The Medical Center and Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital.”

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce chairman Joe Natcher agreed.

“Commonwealth Health Corp. had a vision. They saw a need for the families (who have patients) at The Medical Center,” he said. “With the help of the community, it became a reality.”

Located at High Street and Fifth Avenue, the 13,564-square-foot Hospitality House will open to families, caregivers and qualified outpatients in January. It features 12 private guest rooms and baths, a large kitchen and dining room to accommodate multiple families, a prayer room, a community room, laundry facilities and a business center with computers and Internet access. Each guest room will accommodate up to three people with one room per hospital patient.

“Today is a big day for us. The Hospitality House provides a place for guests to relax and recharge,” said Carla Reagan, executive director of The Hospitality House and Commonwealth Health Free Clinic. “We have the distinct benefit of knowing why people are staying with us, so we can provide support ... and a unique brand of hospitality.”

The Hospitality House will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with two full-time and three part-time employees. Guests will be referred to the facility, so there will be no reservations by phone. There will be no charge to stay there, but guests who are able to make a donation for each night they stay will be encouraged to do so.

“If they can’t donate, we hope to have other people to donate on their behalf,” Reagan said.

In January, the Commonwealth Health Foundation, CHC’s philanthropic division, began taking pledges and donations with the Extending Home Capital Campaign. The goal was to raise $3 million to help build, furnish and staff The Hospitality House and establish an endowment to ensure ongoing operation. So far, the foundation has raised more than $2.9 million.

“Look what Santa Claus has brought to the Bowling Green community. The response to fund this much-needed project has been overwhelming,” said Mike Murphy, chairman of the Extending Home Capital Campaign steering committee. “It has shown what can happen when community members can come together for such a worthy cause. We’ve all known people in this situation and your heart breaks for them. What a place to take a break or spend the night. It’s such a great thing.”

The work is not over, though, Murphy said. The Hospitality House will still need donations as well as volunteers and community help to keep things running smoothly.

“We’ve got to have everybody’s continued support,” he said.

Reagan agreed.

“We urge people to be a part of the ongoing operation,” she said.

— For more information about The Hospitality House or how to support the Extending Home Capital Campaign, call 796-5543 or visit www.hospitalityhousebg.org.

Copyright 2010 News Publishing LLC (Bowling Green, KY)

Winter weather safety: Frigid temperatures can increase hypothermia risk

by Alyssa Harvey, The Daily News, originally published on 12/18/2010

When the weather outside is frightful, people turn to various sources to try to keep their homes warm.

Sometimes those sources can be just as frightful as the weather. According to the Kentucky Outreach and Information Network, the drop in temperatures can raise the likelihood of people incorrectly using alternative heating sources – such as generators or kerosene heaters – in their homes. It can also raise the risk of people developing hypothermia when they go outside.

Local experts say people can survive cold weather by following a few safety tips. For instance, before using any type of heating source, read the directions, said Chip Kraus, public health services coordinator at the Barren River District Health Department.

“Your (heating source) may not be like your neighbor’s,” he said.

Those who use alternative heating devices in their homes should install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors and monitor them to make sure the batteries work, Kraus said.

“Test them twice a year when the time changes,” he said. “That way you’ll know the battery is working.”

Those who use kerosene heaters should use the appropriate type of kerosene for the heater, Kraus said. Kerosene should be stored in a container intended for kerosene.

“Gasoline can gum up a wick, and that can cause problems,” he said. “Kerosene comes in a blue container. Gasoline comes in a red container.”

Kerosene heaters should be used in well-ventilated areas and should be several feet away from combustible materials. They should never be refueled indoors, Kraus said.

“Take it outside to fill it up,” he said. “It could spill.”

Generators should be used outside, Kraus said.

“They should be at least 25 feet from the house or any other structure,” he said. “This is so you don’t have gas fumes and carbon monoxide coming into the house.”

Fireplaces are a good way to keep warm, but they should also be used with caution, Kraus said.

“Make sure the vent is open,” he said.

When people are dressed improperly and go outside to do things, such as chop firewood, they run the risk of developing hypothermia.

“It’s basically decreased body temperature,” said Jim Williams, The Medical Center’s Emergency Medical Service field operations manager. “People try to maintain a normal body temperature to carry on normal body function.”

Hypothermia usually happens over time and can result in death, Williams said.

“Once it gets started, a person may start shivering. Shivering is one way the body tries to keep its temperature from sudden heat loss,” he said. “If the heat loss continues, the shivering can’t keep up with the loss, so you will stop shivering even if you’re still cold.”

Other symptoms range from confusion to becoming completely unconscious. The person may feel cool to the touch and complain of feeling sleepy, Williams said.

“They may have trouble walking or doing anything coordinated,” he said. “When in doubt, seek medical assistance. Call 911 or come to the emergency room.”

To prevent hypothermia, people should stay as dry as possible and dress in layers – an underlayer to wick moisture away from the body, a fleece or wool layer to hold the heat close to the body and an outer layer that is wind and water resistant, Williams said.

“This keeps you from overheating,” he said. “The heat loss can keep up with the heat generation.”

Avoid drinking alcohol to keep warm because it can speed the loss of heat from the body, Williams said.

“You think the warm feeling is warming you up, but you’re really losing heat,” he said. “Drink hot drinks.”

People should take care of each other when the temperatures drop, Williams said.

“Even if you’re a healthy adult and think you’re OK, it’s important to check on other people as well,” he said. “Older people and very young people are more susceptible (to hypothermia). People who are on a fixed income may try to decrease the heating bill by keeping the heat too low.”

— For more information about cold weather preparedness, visit www.healthalerts.ky.gov.

Guidelines for carbon monoxide safety:

•Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, garage or near a window.

•Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.

•Don’t burn items in a stove or fireplace that isn’t properly vented. Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.

•Don’t place a portable heater within reach of children or pets and don’t use a power strip or extension cord. Look for the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label and carefully read instructions before use.

•Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and replace batteries as required. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and dial 911.

•Seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Carbon monoxide poisoning is treatable.

•If you are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or if you have questions, call the Kentucky Poison Control hot line at 800-222-1222.

Source: Kentucky Department of Health

Copyright 2010 News Publishing LLC (Bowling Green, KY)

Medical Center respiratory therapist named Ambassador of the Month

by Alyssa Harvey, The Daily News, originally published on 12/11/2010

Ask a patient at The Medical Center about Warren Casada and you might get a blank look.

But ask for “Doogie Howser” and there may be a glimmer of recognition.

“A guy I went to respiratory school with started calling me that,” said Casada, who bears a resemblance to the show’s star, Neil Patrick Harris, and wears a stethoscope with a small tag that reads “Doogie.”

Casada has worked at the hospital as a registered respiratory therapist for nearly 20 years. He helps people who have problems related to the respiratory system. The number of patients he sees can vary from 15 to 20 when he’s working on the floor to one-on-one when he’s running tests.

“Anyone we see here has a breathing problem, but other things can come into play, like automobile accidents or cancer,” he said.

Casada was recently named Ambassador of the Month, which is nominated by the hospital staff.

“This is the second time I’ve received it,” he said. “The first time was in 1993.”

His desire to study something related to medicine started in high school.

“I wanted to do something to take care of everybody,” he said. “I started at (Western Kentucky University) for the pre-physical therapy program.”

A conversation with a friend who was working at The Medical Center changed his mind.

“(Respiratory therapy) seemed like an interesting thing to do,” Casada said.

Casada graduated from Bowling Green Technical College in 1991 and got certification. He worked part time at T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow and The Medical Center before landing a full-time job at The Medical Center. There was also a period of time where he worked in home health.

“I went to people and took care of their medical equipment,” he said. “I got to see patients at home. I did it for eight years.”

Over the years, there have been various changes, especially in technology, Casada said. Now, many types of information can be sent with the push of a button.

“Everything was on paper. You had to walk everything over,” he said. “Now the hospital has gone to mostly computers.”

His favorite aspects of his career are the patients and his co-workers.

“I enjoy the patients. Everybody has a story. I really enjoy taking care of people. I have a great bunch of people to work with. You’ve always got people to call on.”

Copyright 2010 News Publishing LLC (Bowling Green, KY)

Starting young: Local health experts working to tackle childhood obesity problem in Kentucky

by Alyssa Harvey, The Daily News, originally published on 12/11/2010

When David Nuckols says he wants to see people exercising, he isn’t talking only about adults.

It isn’t unusual to see children go into his studio, Get Toned Fitness, to do high intensity interval training three or four days a week for about 50 minutes at a time.

“I change it to where I can accommodate any type of kids, any age and size. We have eight who come pretty regularly,” he said. “I usually have ages 10 and above. We focus on nutrition and exercise and body awareness. The kids bring their parents off and on. It’s fun when kids can do the same stuff as mom or dad.”

The need for this type of information is especially important for children in the Bluegrass State. According to the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children, a unified policy agenda for child advocates across the state, self-reported surveys show that Kentucky has the third highest rate of childhood obesity in the nation. One of three children is considered overweight or obese in the state.

“We’re automatically set back because we’re poor, uneducated and dying of obesity, heart attacks, strokes and cancer,” Nuckols said. “I want to make sure kids have the opportunity to work out with their friends and family. If you give a child an activity or ball, they will play.”

Nuckols isn’t the only person concerned about the future of Kentucky’s children. The Medical Center’s Health and Wellness Center is working with local physicians on a new program called the Healthy Weight Program for Kids. The program is modeled after a program that has been successful in other parts of Kentucky.

“We can refer anyone who has an issue with their weight and/or cholesterol issues. We’re seeing a lot more high blood pressure, in teens in particular, and Type 2 diabetes. We have children who are being referred for lap-band surgery,” said Graves-Gilbert Clinic pediatrician Dr. Debra Sowell. “Obesity is a nationwide problem. Schools have cut back on play time and P.E. to cram in academic things they need to get in. We’re trying to do something locally so kids will have something easy to access at their own pace.”

The patients can get referred to the Health and Wellness Center for one-on-one nutritional counseling, the Walking Program and The Medical Center Healthy Kids Club. In the Walking Program, children log in their miles and get monthly incentives and, annually, are entered in a drawing for a bike. The Healthy Kids Club promotes physical activity, healthy eating, safety and wellness.

“The children have to be referred by a doctor so that we can bill their insurance,” said Andrea Norris, registered dietitian at The Medical Center.

So far there hasn’t been a big response to the Healthy Weight Program for Kids, Sowell said. More than 40 families have been referred, but that doesn’t mean everyone follows through. Still, she hopes more children will get on board.

“We hope to offer quarterly prizes once we get more kids involved. We want them to get the benefit of being healthy and have a chance at health-conscious prizes,” she said. “We also want to offer quarterly classes for kids, such as a cooking class on how to make healthy snacks and healthy meals.”

Norris hopes that the program’s support group will also begin to gain more momentum.

“We’re trying to start up a support group that would be free for the kids and the families,” she said. “It has started, but it’s slow. We’re meeting quarterly.”

Norris said when she counsels the children, it’s not necessarily about losing weight.

“It’s more about a healthy lifestyle. I teach the kids and the parents about healthy kids and snacks,” she said. “I talk to the kids about going to the grocery store with the family and picking out things that are healthy.”

Many issues with food come because of food choices, Norris said.

“A lot of kids and parents don’t know what’s healthy. What we see on TV is what we think is good,” she said. “Fast food plays a huge part. It’s so easily accessible and inexpensive. A lot of fast-food restaurants are offering healthier food choices for kids, though.”

It’s OK to have treats, but it should be in moderation, Norris said. For instance, it’s better to offer healthy foods before offering anything else when it comes to the holiday season.

“I wouldn’t deprive your child of something, but allowing the child to have access all the time is not healthy,” she said. “That way, the child can have self-control.”

Nuckols agreed.

“It boils down to the parents. (Children) are products of what their parents are giving to them, and it’s not fair to the children,” he said. “We are responsible for our children, and our children will be responsible for our future.”

— For more information about the Healthy Weight Program for Kids, call 745-0942. For more information about Get Toned Fitness, call 791-3154.

Copyright 2010 News Publishing LLC (Bowling Green, KY)

A warm and fuzzy operation: Students donate stuffed animals to EMS

by Jenna Mink, The Daily News, originally published on 12/9/2010

Many of a school’s tiniest students spend the holidays keeping an eye out for Santa Claus. But preschoolers at Cumberland Trace Elementary School are filling Santa’s shoes.

Each year, students bring stuffed animals from home and teachers donate them to organizations that work with less fortunate children. This year, 23 preschool students donated about 40 stuffed animals to The Medical Center’s Emergency Medical Services.

“They go into calls sometimes, even if their grandmother had a stroke and a child there is scared, they give them stuffed animals,” said Beth Schaeffer, preschool consultant for Warren County Public Schools. “They have these toys to share, and it’s a great time for them to learn about other people needing things.”

The program goes back 10 years, when Schaeffer was trying to develop a new type of Christmas tradition for students. At that time, she asked students whether they had toys at home they no longer played with and would be willing to donate. The response was overwhelming.

“Because we’ve become such a diverse population, we don’t have Christmas parties anymore,” she said. “We decided it was a good time to start children with community service.”

The recipients have differed over the years. Students have donated animals to the Bowling Green Police Department, which gives stuffed animals to children who are taken from bad homes.

This year, emergency medical technicians have toys on hand when they’re called to a scene. They give them to children who are sick or injured, who have been involved in a fire or car accident or whose parents need medical attention.

“Anything that we can do to get on the level of the child to make them feel more comfortable, it helps us handle the situation better,” said Randy Fathbruckner, director of The Medical Center EMS. “And it makes it less stressful.”

Other volunteers also have donated stuffed animals to EMS for the past 10 years. It’s not just a Christmas event for the medical team, but it’s a year-round project.

“We work with fire departments, and sometimes people have lost everything and we can give them a stuffed animal,” Fathbruckner said. “They might have lost all of their toys, and they have this one thing they can latch on to.”

Schaeffer decided to work with Fathbruckner’s team after a parent, who works for EMS, suggested the preschoolers donate their stuffed animals to EMS.

“They decided to give stuffed animals so that emergency workers can give them out to children in need,” Fathbruckner said. “That really has a nice touch to it. It’s a real human interest story right there.”

Most children are enthusiastic about the project and are more than willing to give up their toys. Several former students still donate stuffed animals, Schaeffer said.

“Sometimes, they come in with price tags on them,” she said, “which lets me know they’ve gone out and done this just for this occasion.”

One year, a girl who had been in and out of foster care wanted to donate her one, favorite possession: a tattered, purple purse.

“She said, ‘Ms. Schaeffer, I want to give this to somebody who needs this and is sad,’ ” Schaeffer said. “I knew she had nothing at home. She was willing to give up this one little, tiny purse to somebody else, not realizing that she herself could be a recipient.”

Copyright 2010 News Publishing LLC (Bowling Green, KY)