The Medical Center Health & Wellness Expo: Free health screenings and various demonstrations will be offered Saturday at Sloan Convention Center

by Alyssa Harvey, The Daily News, originally published on 1/6/2011

The Medical Center and WBKO-TV want to make this year a healthier one with the 14th annual Health & Wellness Expo this weekend.

The event – which will feature more than 65 vendors – will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Sloan Convention Center. Screenings will include blood glucose, blood pressure, body fat analysis, depression, fall risk and balance, foot, glaucoma, pulmonary function, skin cancer, spinal, video ear inspection and vision. There will be door prizes, and demonstrations will be given throughout the day. Admission is free.

“We want to make people as healthy as they can be. The first of the year is a good time to focus on it and take advantage of the screenings to make changes,” said Linda Rush, community wellness director. “It’s open for people of all ages. There’s truly something for everyone.”

From its first year, the expo received a tremendous response and has become the largest health fair in southcentral Kentucky, Rush said.

“We had 2,500 last year. It’s not just (people from) Warren County. We also get people from surrounding counties,” she said. “When we first started, it was with the same concept as now. The same mission carries on with (The Medical Center) Health and Wellness Center where people can take advantage of it year-round.”

This year’s expo will include a demonstration by The Medical Center Emergency Medical Services on “When to Call 911,” Rush said.

“(It will start) with an opportunity for participants to learn the new guidelines for CPR, what life-saving steps EMS provides when they arrive on the scene and in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and what happens in the emergency room,” she said. “There will also be booths focused on heart attack and stroke in this section.”

Betsy Ann Tracy, Warren County Cooperative Extension Service agent for family and consumer sciences, is excited about participating in the expo for the first time. She said she plans to show healthier snack options, such as the “Wholey Great Grains Mix.”

“It’s really easy. It’s something so easy that kids can make it, and adults can eat it,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be baked or cooked. You can throw it in a bag, shake it up and separate it into portion sizes.”

Tracy also wants people to pay more attention to the nutritional content of what they’re eating.

“I’ll have some different ideas of some healthy snacks and some ideas of bad snacks. The difference is that candy bars are empty calories. You’re not getting nutrition from that,” she said. “I hope that people will look at snacks differently and see what they’re really consuming.”

Elizabeth Westbrook, Kentucky Cancer Program cancer control specialist, said her group will distribute information about cancer prevention, early detection and color cancer screenings, as well as packages of dried fruit, which may help fight cancer.

“Studies are finding that fruits are high in antioxidants,” she said.

The Kentucky Cancer Program has participated in the expo since it started, Westbrook said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to reach people in our communities with information. We’re excited to participate,” she said. “The setup is great. People can come and visit the booths they are interested in and hopefully incorporate practices to improve their health.”

The schedule of presentations will be as follows:

8:30 a.m. — “BG Backyard Bootcamp” by Allison Millet

9 a.m — “Dance for Good Health” by BG Rockerz

9:30 a.m. — “Healthy Snacks” by the Warren County Extension Office

10 a.m. — “Tai Chi” by the Sifu Sam Smith

10:30 a.m. — “When to Call 911” by The Medical Center Emergency Medical Services

11 a.m. — “Jumping Jaguars” by Keith Stokes

— For more information, visit www.themedicalcenter.org.

Copyright 2011 News Publishing LLC (Bowling Green, KY)

New Year’s baby: Bowling Green woman gives birth to boy at 5:24 a.m. Saturday

by Jenna Mink, The Daily News, originally published on 1/2/2011

A 5-pound, 11-ounce boy with no name was probably the most popular person at a Bowling Green hospital on Saturday.

Nancy Miller of Bowling Green gave birth to the first baby of 2011 at 5:24 a.m. Saturday at The Medical Center at Bowling Green.

Miller has not chosen a name for her son, but when she went into labor around 8:30 p.m. Friday, she knew he would be special.

“We kind of knew (he would be the first baby born) because we were in a race with two other people. So we knew we had ours before they had theirs,” Miller said. “It was pretty funny because there was a couple of people who scheduled C-sections for last night, and they missed it by a couple of minutes.”

Three women, including Miller, were in labor around the same time Saturday. By 3 p.m. Saturday, two of the babies had been born, said Doris Thomas, vice president of marketing and development for Commonwealth Health Corp., the parent company of The Medical Center.

As Miller recovered, her room buzzed with attention. Several media representatives dropped by to ask questions and take photographs, and she started getting gifts.

“I guess I kind of expected it with him being the first baby born,” she said, “but I’m just exhausted.”

Each year, The Medical Center gives the family of the first baby a gift basket stuffed with baby essentials.

“That’s our way of saying the new year is special, and we want to celebrate with you,” Thomas said.

Miller moved to Bowling Green from Tennessee about six years ago. Her parents, Carissa White and Hal Miller, both live in Morgantown. The boy’s father, Adam England, and his father, Kenny England, live in Glasgow.

The baby is joined by an older sister, 2-year-old Madison Kinser. Madison celebrated her own birthday Dec. 18, but could not visit her little brother Saturday because she was sick, Miller said.

Miller was waiting to find out whether her son was the first baby born in Kentucky, and she spent the rest of the afternoon contemplating baby names and visiting with relatives.

She expects to take her son home by Monday.

“He’s as cute as he can be,” she said. “We’re excited for him to meet his big sister.”

Copyright 2011 News Publishing LLC (Bowling Green, KY)

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)