mattersyourHealTH

petersonrmc.com ■ WINTER 2016

ASTHMA + COPDWhat to do when they

strike together 4

GO RED Flood your plate with

heart-healthy foods 2

NO MORE KNEE PAIN?Surgery can help patients with

rheumatoid arthritis 11

CARE

With a host of comprehensive services,

Peterson Regional Medical Center can help you weather any health

challenge.

fOR

All SEASONS

Things are looking up at Peterson... way up!Read all about it in our next issue,

coming to you in May.

2 YouR HealtH MatteRs Winter 2016

Have you heard of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign? Each

February, women around the country put on red dresses to promote heart disease awareness. At Peterson Regional Medical Center, all employees help raise awareness for heart health by wearing red every Friday in February.

But there’s no reason to stop with your wardrobe. Dress up your plate with red-hued foods every day. Read on to discover the heart disease-fighting effects and other health benefits of many red foods.

TOMATOESA natural pigment called lycopene lends tomatoes their rosy hue. Lycopene gives you potential protection against cancer and heart disease. Don’t think you only need to eat them fresh off the vine: Your body actually more easily absorbs lycopene from processed tomato products, such as paste and sauce.

Go red by: Chopping tomatoes into salsa; stuffing them into omelets; or making your own sauce with low-sodium canned tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, garlic, and spices

The Nutritious, Delicious Way to Go RedHere’s how to flood your plate with heart-healthy foods.

CRANbERRIESCompounds called proanthocyanidins in these tiny, tart fruit clear bacteria from your bladder. Research shows this process may reduce your risk for urinary tract infections. Cranberries also boast another compound, resveratrol, which has been found to reduce blood pressure.

Go red by: Tossing dried cranberries in your salad; spreading cranberry sauce on sandwiches; drinking 100-percent cranberry juice

CHERRIESAll cherries contain compounds called antioxidants that zap stress-inducing free radicals. But tart cherries deliver even more than their sweet counterparts. The result? Some people who eat them feel less pain from arthritis, gout, and after exercising. Cherries consumed before bed may also help improve sleep. That’s thanks to high levels of the drowse-inducing hormone melatonin.

Go red by: Drinking tart cherry juice; baking dried tart cherries into cookies and muffins; stirring frozen cherries into oatmeal as it cooks

RED bEll PEPPERSA single bright pepper contains your entire daily dose of vitamins A and C, nutrients that strengthen your immune system. This means better protection from infection and faster wound healing.

Go red by: Slicing raw peppers and serving in a pita with hummus; roasting and adding to sandwiches; or sautéing them into a stir-fry

CHIlI PEPPERSThese spicy kickers contain capsaicin, a compound that may improve digestion. They also offer a good dose of vitamins A and C.

Go red by: Sprinkling dried chilies and a twist of lime on Mexican dishes; chopping fresh jalapeños into salsa; or cooking peppers in a steaming pot of soup or chili

STRAwbERRIESThese berries pack more than 150 percent of your required immune-boosting vitamin C for the day. At 50 calories per eight medium berries, they serve as a guilt-free dessert.

Go red by: Blending frozen strawberries (make sure there’s no added sugar) into smoothies; serving them on sandwiches with peanut butter; topping a salad with a touch of their sweetness

petersonrmc.com 3

Your heart is racing. It feels like there’s a 20-pound boulder on your chest. You can’t seem to get enough air. What’s going on? Are you having a panic attack—or is it a heart attack?

Women are more likely than men to have panic attacks. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Their symptoms can be similar, but while panic attacks are not dangerous, heart attacks can be deadly.

SHARING SYMPTOMSIt can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack. A panic attack is also known as an anxiety attack. Panic attacks come on suddenly, with no obvious reason for an attack. A panic attack can cause some of the same symptoms as a heart attack, including:• Chest pain• A pounding or racing heart• Chills• Light-headedness or dizziness

Heart Attack or PAnic AttAck? Women, don’t get snowed. Symptoms can be similar, so make sure you know the differences.

• Nausea• Shortness of breath• Sweating

Symptoms of anxiety usually are worst within 10 minutes and then subside—but some symptoms may last for hours. Other symptoms may go away then come back later that day.

SIGNS Of A HEART ATTACKMany women think of the “Hollywood heart attack” where a man clenches his chest and then falls down, but this isn’t how most heart attacks happen. The symptoms of a heart attack can be very different from one person to another. Here’s what women need to understand about heart attacks:• Symptoms of a heart attack can come

on slowly, which differs from a sudden panic attack. But as with anxiety attacks, symptoms can disappear and return several hours later.

• Chestpainisthemostcommonsymptom in both women and men. Chest pain during a heart attack may feel like fullness, heartburn, pressure,

or squeezing. However, a heart attack can also occur without chest pain.

• Women who are having a heart attack are more likely than men to have other signs, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, or pain in the jaw, back, or shoulders.

• Symptoms vary. If you have a heart attack you may experience different symptoms than someone else.

DON’T wAIT TO GET HElPOnly a doctor can determine if you are having a panic attack or a heart attack. If you think there’s even a chance that you might be having a heart attack, call 911. Quick treatment could save your life.

If you are concerned about having panic attacks, talk with your doctor. Frequent panic attacks are a sign of an anxiety disorder called panic disorder. Panic disorder can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, or both.

No matter the season, Peterson’s Outreach Laboratory provides affordable lab testing every third Saturday of the month—including tests to measure your heart health. To learn more, call 830-258-7526.

4 YouR HealtH MatteRs Winter 2016

Double Trouble: Asthma and COPDWhen these conditions strike together, they create a perfect storm.

Having either asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) alone can cause you to struggle for breath. But an estimated 15 to 20 percent—and maybe more—of

adults with one of these lung diseases actually qualify for a dual diagnosis.

Doctors once saw this two-for-one condition primarily in people who smoked. But now, they’ve noticed more cases in people who don’t use cigarettes. It’s called asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS), and doctors are working hard to understand what causes it and how to treat it. Their efforts may help bring you respiratory relief.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIffERENCEWhen it comes to lung conditions, the right diagnosis is key. That way, you can receive treatment that works.

Asthma most often begins in childhood in people with a family history of the disease. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. During asthma attacks, they f lare up. At other times, they fade.

COPD, on the other hand, strikes later in life. Most people who have it smoke, or used to. Some symptoms— for instance, coughing and chest tightness—are similar to asthma. Others, such as large amounts of mucus, are distinct. Unlike asthma, even if symptoms worsen at times, they almost never go away completely.

ACOS means you have some symptoms of asthma and some of COPD. As with COPD, you’ll usually have trouble breathing almost all the time. But like asthma, you may have more frequent f lare-ups or attacks than someone with COPD alone.

If you experience respiratory symptoms, talk with your doctor. He or she will likely recommend a spirometry test, which measures how much air you can breathe out (and how quickly). Or, you might get a chest X-ray. These provide your doctor with more clues to your condition.

lIvING HEAlTHIER, ONE bREATH AT A TIMEIf you have asthma or COPD alone, your primary care provider can begin treatment. But if you have ACOS, you may want to see a specialist called a pulmonologist. People with ACOS often experience more severe symptoms than those with a single lung disease. Working with a specialist can help you feel better.

Treatment for ACOS usually includes medication. In addition, there are other healthy steps you can take to improve your lung health:• If you smoke, quit. It’s not too late.• Make sure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations.

The pneumococcal and f lu vaccines can prevent you from catching viruses that hit people with lung diseases especially hard.

• Ask your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation. In this program, you’ll learn about exercises, proper nutrition, and other ways to manage your symptoms.

No matter which lung condition you have, working closely with your health care team can control its effects on your everyday life.

Think you MighT have asThMa oR CoPD? Your first step should be visiting your physician. Visit www.petersonrmc.com to find a provider.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the November 2015 A Heart for Healing Cooking School and Legacy Gala! The enthusiastic crowds and many kind compliments indicate that both

events were outstanding and memorable. Peterson Regional Medical Center (PRMC) Foundation

is thrilled to announce a record net revenue of $114,158.27, with all proceeds going to Peterson’s Heart and Vascular Center. Your generous support will help fund the completion of a second catheterization lab to keep pace with our community’s heart care needs.

petersonrmc.com 5

Your HeARt foR HeAlinG Creates a Chain Reaction

The PRMC cardiology team has healed 155 hearts since September 2014. Among those healed was a patient whose heart stopped three separate times—at home, in the emergency room, and in the cath lab. The patient was revived each time with CPR and diagnosed with a severe blockage in the coronary artery. As a result, his heart wasn’t receiving oxygen and stopped functioning. The talented cardio team cleared the blockage and a week later, after being fitted with a vest to prevent heart arrhythmia from his weakened heart muscle, the patient was discharged and walked out of PRMC on his own.

This success story was made possible by the excellent care given by Peterson’s Heart and Vascular Center. Thank you again and again! We are able to save lives because of your generosity. Your gifts are creating a chain reaction of help, hope, and healing.

If you’d like to consider or continue supporting Peterson Regional Medical Center, please visit www.petersonpioneers.org.

“Giving is not just about making a donation; it’s about

making a difference.” –Kathy Calvin, CEO,

United Nations Foundation

6 YouR HealtH MatteRs Winter 2016

Mike Padres, Café Momentum student, shares he didn’t own socks or shoes before the internship program and now believes he could open his own restaurant one day.

Houser, pictured left, Mansaray, pictured right, and Padres surprised Jesus Chavez with a birthday candle atop pumpkin griddle bread, the evening’s featured dessert. Chavez’s birthday coincided with the event date and the trio started the “Happy Birthday” song, with the crowd standing to join in.

Serving YOu A SliCe Of lOveOn Thursday, November 12, a sold-out house of 150 guests gathered for the Celebrity Chef Cooking School at CarteWheels Catering. The event featured Chad Houser, executive chef of Café Momentum (recently honored as Dallas’ Restaurant of the Year by Eater), and two of his students, Salifu Mansaray and Mike Padres. They were accompanied by Café Momentum case manager Jesus Chavez, also a champion boxer who once went toe to toe with Floyd Mayweather for nine rounds of a championship bout.

The dishes served consisted of a shaved fall vegetable salad, maple-soy glazed salmon, caramelized brussels sprouts, and corn pudding. Chad’s inspirations for cooking and food stemmed from his family Sunday suppers, his mom selling produce at the Dallas Farmers Market, and his dad, who drove a truck for Mrs. Baird’s bread for 30 years.

You can find more about the 2015 Cooking School, including pictures and featured recipes, at www.legacygala.org.

Hearts in the C ommunity

petersonrmc.com 7

PRMC President and CEO Pat Murray and PRMC Board Member Bob Schmerbeck enjoy the Gala VIP Reception with their wives prior to the program start. L to R: Liz Murray, Bob Schmerbeck, Shirley Schmerbeck, Pat Murray.

KeePing YOur HeArtbeAtS in rHYtHm Transformed into an elegant atmosphere, the Hill Country Youth Event Center set the stage for the 355 guests at the gala on Saturday evening, November 14. The focus of the Legacy Gala was Peterson’s Heart and Vascular Center. The existing catheter-ization lab has exceeded five-year growth projections in just one year. As a result, PRMC is in need of a second cath lab to handle patient volume.

An inviting environment was created with unique table setups, a posh L.A.-inspired VIP lounge, mood lighting, unique modern table décor, a photo booth, and an open bar. Donors dined on chef Chad Houser’s menu selections: baby lettuce sprouting atop a hollowed-out plum tomato vase with pumpernickel on a bed of koji dressing, braised pork osso buco with bacon and hominy hash, and finished with delectable s’mores desserts made of mocha pana cotta, marshmallow f luff, and a graham cracker-Rice Krispie crust. An upbeat seven-piece band called The Grooves played an eclectic variety of music from classic to contemporary which filled the dance f loor.

“we make a living by what

we get, but we make a life

by what we give.”

–Winston Churchill

Hearts in the C ommunity

Your donations will provide immediate cath lab availability to emergency heart-related cases in our local community. Jamie Lemanski, director of cardiac catheterization and interventional radiology, shared a story of such a situation. A patient experienced chest pain and unfortunately had a f lat tire on the drive to the emergency room. Sensing his condition was becoming critical, he continued driving on the f lat tire until he reached PRMC.

The ER staff prepared to transfer the patient to San Antonio. However, the doctor knew he wouldn’t make it in time. The patient experienced a heart attack and f latlined. The cardio team moved into action with CPR and opened the blocked blood vessel in the cath lab, saving the patient’s life.

A few short hours after the procedure, Lemanski went to check on the patient. The patient said he felt much better and asked if he could be discharged to drive to be with his family several states away. Thank you for giving this gift of life!

Please help us fulfill our commitment to provide exceptional, compassionate, patient-centered care for our community with a gift to PRMC Foundation.

8 YouR HealtH MatteRs Winter 2016

AnD tHe HeArtbeAt gOeS On …

Jamie Lemanski, director of cardiac catheterization and interventional radiology

To learn more about giving options, contact Director of Development Tom Martin at 830-258-7420.

FY16YHMWinter

Your gift ensures that we are always here for you and your loved ones, whenever you need us.

p e t e r s o n r e g i o n a l m e d i c a l c e n t e r f o u n d at i o na 501(c)(3) CHaRITabLE ORgaNIzaTION

Designate my gift to the following:

■ Greatest need

■ Peterson Pioneers—annual fund

■ Capital projects and equipment

■ Health education and scholarships

Make checks payable to PRMC Foundation.

Or pay by credit card online at www.petersonpioneers.com.

Detach this form and mail to:

PRMC Foundation

551 Hill Country Drive

Kerrville, TX 78028

Thank you for helping us provide exceptional, compassionate, patient-centered health care in the Texas Hill Country.

Please remember Peterson Regional Medical Center in your will and estate plan.

Please accept my gift of $ _______________________

Name _____________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________

City _________________________ State/ZIP _____________

Phone _________________ Email ______________________

Payment method: ■ Cash ■ Check ■ Credit card

■ Visa ■ MasterCard ■ Discover ■ American Express

Credit card # _______________________________________

Expiration date _________________ V-Code _____________

petersonrmc.com 9

Make the Most of Your Fitness TrackerDid a loved one, or maybe Santa, give you a fitness tracker at the holidays? By

2018, Americans will have shelled out an estimated $50 billion on wearable devices that measure steps, calories, and other factors. Once you’ve geared up,

how can you go about boosting your totals?

Turn a coffee date into a walking date

Do an extra lap around the grocery store before

checking out

Take steps—in place or in circles—during commercial breaks or between binge-watching episodes

Go around the block after dinnertime

Park as far away from work or the mall as you can

Window shop at the mall

Skip the elevator—take the stairs instead

Instead of a movie, go dancing or bowling Get off the bus

a stop early

Work at a desk? Set a phone alarm to stand up and walk around a bit every 30 minutes

Walk a message down the hall to a coworker

instead of emailing

Use a broom or rake instead of a leaf blower

10 YouR HealtH MatteRs Winter 2016

look for the signs!

Wandering, forgetting to turn off the oven, slipping on slick f loors. Living at home poses many challenges for

the people with dementia and their caregivers. A new study brings to light yet one more—managing pain.

About three-fourths of people with dementia live in private residences. Of those, an estimated 64 percent had aches they’d describe as bothersome, and 43 percent said pain limited their lives. That’s according to new findings in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Recognizing pain can be difficult, especially in the later stages of dementia. But caregivers are in the ideal situation to do it. Seeking treatment for pain can make a dramatic difference in your loved one’s life—and your own.

What Every Caregiver Should Know About dementia and Pain Dementia can cloud this debilitating symptom.

Are you a caring for a loved one with dementia?Peterson Regional Medical Center is one of several proud partners of the Dementia Care advocates of the Hill Country. We join other individuals and organizations who care for, and about, people who are affected by the devastating diagnosis of dementia. To learn more about the resources available, or to support this important cause, call the Dietert Center at 830-792-4044.

RIPPlE EffECTS Of PAINUntreated pain brings discomfort and distress for the person with dementia. No one likes to see a loved one in anguish. Caregivers, too, suffer when pain isn’t well-managed.

Pain can also make behavior problems worse. If doctors don’t recognize pain as the underlying cause, they may give the person more antipsychotic medications. These drugs play a crucial role in treating dementia, but have serious side effects. Unnecessarily high doses can lead to stroke, falls, and even death.

SPOT—AND REPORT—ACHESPain in this population frequently goes untreated because doctors are often unaware it’s occurring. After all, not everyone with dementia can clearly express his or her feelings.

As a caregiver, you know your loved one better than anyone. Stay attuned to signs of pain. Early in dementia, people may be able to rate or describe where they hurt. Later on, you may need to interpret expressions and movements. Look for:• Tears,tightlyclosedeyes,orknitted

eyebrows

• Clenchedfists• Grimacing• Stiffeningintheupperorlowerbody• Troublesleeping• Poorappetite• Movinglessfrequently

THE ROAD TO RElIEfMost often, physical discomfort can be relieved with proper treatment. In some cases, home remedies such as heat or cold packs, relaxation, and exercise may relieve pain. In other cases, the doctor may prescribe pain medications or a treatment for underlying health problems, such as ear or bladder infections.

Call the doctor immediately if your loved one can’t walk or do other important daily activities due to pain. Also seek emergency help for new or severe pain that causes extreme distress.

Regardless of the cause, everyone—including those with dementia—deserves proper pain control. Speak up if you think your loved one isn’t getting it. Working with the health care team can bring everyone much-needed relief.

petersonrmc.com 11

If you could travel back in time, where would you go? Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a clear answer. They’d return to the days before

their disease damaged their joints, causing them pain and trouble moving.

Now, a new study suggests a medical procedure can help. Total knee replacement surgery relieves pain, essentially returning people with rheumatoid arthritis to an earlier stage of their disease. The results confirm the surgery works for those with more common age-related arthritis, as well.

TIME-TRAvElING THROUGH THE OPERATING ROOM During a total knee replacement, surgeons remove damaged cartilage and bone and replace them with metal and plastic parts. The study involved 834 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 315 with osteoarthritis who underwent the procedure. Most were in their mid- to late 60s. All had severe, debilitating disease and symptoms that didn’t respond to medication.

When doctors checked in six months after the surgery, patients reported feeling much less pain than they did six months beforehand. The relief lifted limitations, making it easier for them to move freely. The procedure didn’t erase their symptoms. But it took them back to a time earlier in the progress of their disease.

GO UNDER THE KNIfE—OR NOT?Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for your arthritis. You might be a good candidate for knee replacement if you’re otherwise healthy but have:

• Severepainthatmakesitdifficulttowalk, climb stairs, or get in and out of chairs

• Swellingthatdoesn’timproveafterresting

• Kneesthatbowinorout• Symptomsthatpersistaftertryingother

treatment such as medicine, exercises, and weight loss

You’ll need to go into the surgery with realistic expectations. Also, be prepared to stick to a rehabilitation plan afterward. In nine out of 10 cases, people who have knee replacements feel meaningful relief. Asking questions before surgery and following your doctor’s instructions afterward can help ensure you’re among them.

Surgery Turns Back the Clock on knee PainA new study points to a sunny outlook for arthritis sufferers who have knee replacement.

Learn more about joint replacement and meet our version of Father Time! Peterson’s award-winning Center for Orthopedic Health hosts free community workshops and educational seminars throughout the year. Facilitated by our Total Joint Replacement Coordinator, Todd Lovelady, and joined by our experienced team of orthopedic surgeons, these offerings will help you determine whether surgery is the right option for you or a loved one. Let us help you get back to life—the active and pain-free life you loved. Call us at 830-258-7336 for a schedule of presentations or for more information on total knee or total hip replacement, as well as our expanded services on shoulders.

We can help shed some light on joint replacement!

Marissa Hoffman joins Peterson’s Baby Place and Women’s Services as the new director at a very exciting time. Hoffman comes to us from Methodist Healthcare in San Antonio.Peterson is proud to have delivered nearly 500 babies in 2015, averaging 40-plus a month! Peterson salutes the obstetricians, nurse midwives, nurses, and staff for elevating the services to expectant mothers and their families each and every day. Proudly, Peterson serves as the perfect setting for mothers and babies, offering services to pamper patients, including hydrotherapy (water labor), nitrous-oxide, family-centered C-sections, breastfeeding support, parenting/CPR course options, and twice-daily courtesy coffee/snack cards to curb those pre- and post-delivery cravings throughout the day. To learn more about Peterson’s Baby Place or to schedule a tour at any time, call us at 830-258-7444.

PETERSON REgIONaL MEDICaL CENTER IN THE NEWs

2015 Was a baby boom! MaRISSa HOFFMaN

Peterson’s Urgent Care Expands Hours of OperationUrgent Care is now open Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is needed. Stop by 1740 Junction Highway or call 830-258-7669.

PRMC’s Growing Board of DirectorsPeterson is pleased to announce the election of three new board members: Dr. James Young, Sue Steele, and Greg Schrader. The three dedicated volunteers will serve three-year terms and be eligible to serve two additional terms. The new board members join current board Chair Mike Baumann, Vice Chair Sarah Fontenot, Vice Chair Bill Johnston, Vice Chair Robert Schmerbeck, Mark Armstrong, Harold Wilson, Dr. Bill Morris, Debbie Mitchell, and Royce Itschner.

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Non-Profit Org.US Postage

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Medical Center

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We’re Online! Find a doctor, health classes, and more at www.petersonrmc.com.

Your Health Matters is published by Peterson Regional Medical Center. The information is intended to educate people about subjects pertinent to their health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. © 2016 Printed in U.S.A. Developed by StayWell

Would you like to suggest an article for Your Health Matters? Please send it to us via our website. Go to www.petersonrmc.com, click on “Contact Us,” and fill out the form at the top of the page.

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PETERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER551 Hill Country DriveKerrville, TX 78028