Healthy Living Newsletter

Union Hospital Newsletter • Spring 2010

Healthy Living

UH

Union Hospital Run for Home

(Above,left) Runners at the starting line of the Half Marathon. (Above,center) While the long distance runners are out on the streets of New Philadelphia and Dover, the more casual types will enjoy their trek through Tuscora Park as part of the one-mile Fun Run/Walk event. (Above,right) The Kids’ Run is open to youngsters of all ages.

The Run for Home attracts runners of all ages and all abilities. While some take their racing quite seriously, many just enjoy the moment knowing they won’t finish among the leaders, but will just have fun along the way.

New Five-Mile Walk Added

With the addition of a five-mile walk to the schedule, the 2010 Union Hospital Run for Home could break the 1,000 participant mark this year.

The five-mile walk will cover a portion of the half-marathon route and include age divisions. The 3rd Annual Run for Home will be Sunday, April 18 at Tuscora Park.

As with previous events, all proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Tuscarawas County. The feature event is the 13.1 mile half-marathon that starts at Tuscora Park and winds through the streets of New Philadelphia and Dover. In addition to individual runners, three-person relay teams also cover the half-marathon course. Other events on race day include a one-mile Fun Run and a Kids’ Run.

Run for Home Events at Tuscora Park

Saturday, April 17 • Tuscora Park Pavilion2:00–6:00pm Health & Fitness Expo Race Packet Pickup

3:00–6:00pm Pasta Dinner for Runners and Families

Sunday, April 18 • Tuscora Park Pavilion10:00am–2:00pm Health & Fitness Expo

10:00am–12:30pm Race Packet Pickup

1:00pm Start of Half-Marathon, Team Relay, and Five-Mile Walk

1:15pm Fun Run

1:45pm Kids’ Run

Post-race recovery area with massage therapy in the New Phila Quaker locker room.

Corporate DivisionThe battle for the Charles Mackey Corporate Award is designed to encourage company employees to begin an exercise program and participate in one of the Run for Home events. This is a great opportunity to encourage participation in company wellness programs or simply promote physical fitness! This award is based entirely on participation.

To register or for more information, visit www.runforhome.org or go to the Union Hospital web site at www.unionhospital.org. Click on the Run for Home logo to register for all events except the Kids’ Run. You can register online or download and mail a registration form.

In This Issue:UH Run for Home

Front Page

A Message from our President and CEO

Page 2

Questions and Answers about Union Hospital

Page 2

TeleHealth Connects Patients with their Nurse

Page 3

What’s in Your Wallet?

Page 3

Wound Healing Center Celebrates Anniversary

Page 4

Immediate Care for Non-Emergency Treatment

Page 5

Calendar of Events

Pages 6–7

Run or Walk, There’s Something for Everybody!

2 Healthy Living • Spring 2010

A Message from the President

More than one-hundred years ago, Union Hospital was founded to meet an obvious need. That need was a modern hospital to care for people locally so they didn’t have to travel far from home. A century later, Union Hospital continues to meet

that need. During that first century, the community experienced the rise and fall of its largest sources of employment. Union Hospital has remained a fixture here, growing to meet the needs of patients and expanding with new medical technologies and services. In my career, I’ve worked at hospitals both large and small. Wherever I’ve lived, the local hospital has always been a major contributor to that community’s quality of life. Along with good schools and safe neighborhoods, a quality hospital makes the difference between a town that can attract people and business, and a town that cannot. As a major employer, the hospital has a huge impact on the local economy.

As it was in 1906, Union Hospital remains a private, not-for-profit hospital. The founders believed this was the best way to promote high quality and hold down costs. It’s important too that Union Hospital remains locally owned and locally managed. This is all good news for our patients, this community, and the 1,000 employees who work here. And it should help to ensure that the hospital will be here one-hundred years from now.

Bruce James President and CEO

Q&A With Union HospitalQ: Who owns Union Hospital?

A: UH is owned by the residents of Tuscarawas County in the form of the Union Hospital Association. Any Tuscarawas County resident over 21 years of age may nominate themselves for Association membership by sending a letter to the UH Board of Trustees.

Q: Who runs Union Hospital?A: The Board of Trustees, selected by the UH Association, are volunteers who

establish the hospital’s policies, provide financial oversight, and ensure the hospital provides safe, high quality care to patients. The Board selects the President/CEO, and the five Vice Presidents who carry out the daily administrative functions of running the hospital.

Q: Does “not-for-profit” mean the hospital is not allowed to make money?A: The term “not-for-profit” might be expanded to say, “not for the personal profit

of investors or stockholders”. All profit generated from running Union Hospital is reinvested to build new facilities, replace old equipment, and improve the quality of care.

Q: How much profit does Union Hospital make?

A: Up until several years ago, UH typically earned a profit margin of 3 to 6 percent. In recent years,the profit margin has shrunk due to the rising expenses of charity care and bad debt.

Q: What about people who do not have insurance and cannot pay for hospital care?

A: The hospital offers free care or gives discounts to those who qualify. In 2007, UH provided $3.6 million in charity care, in 2008, the amount was $5.5 million and in 2009, it was $5.2 million. In terms of dollars provided, UH is the largest charity in the area.

Q: How does Union Hospital compare in quality to other hospitals?

A: Last year, UH was named a “100 Top Hospitals” award winner by Thomson Reuters, placing Union Hospital among the nation’s best hospitals. UH is ranked among the leaders in the region for care of pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and in patient safety. Compare hospital quality at: www odh.ohio.gov or www medicare.gov.

“…health of a community depends heavily on its largest healthcare entity–its hospital.”

Source: My Brother’s Keeper, PricewaterhouseCoopers 2006

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TeleHealthConnecting Patients With Their Nurse

New technology is helping patients to remain in their homes, be healthier, and feel more secure. It’s also helping to reduce emergency room visits, readmission to the hospital, and as a result, is saving patients money.

The system is called TeleHealth and it was first used in the homes of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). TeleHealth has now expanded to include patients who’ve had heart bypass surgery and those with emphysema or chronic bronchitis (COPD).The monitor itself is about the size of a clock radio and can be located anywhere in the home. When the TeleHealth monitor is first installed a Home Health Registered Nurse will make frequent visits to the home o help the patient and family members feel comfortable with the monitor and ensure it is being used correctly. As the patient becomes comfortable with the monitor, the nurse’s visits may be reduced to one or two per month. Each day, the TeleHealth monitor relays the patient’s vital sign readings and other information back to the UH Home Health office where a nurse reviews the data. If a problem is indicated, the nurse may call the patient call the patient’s doctor, or make a home visit.

TeleHealth monitoring requires a doctor’s order to be provided. If you would like to feel more secure in your home, you can call Union Hospital Home Health Care at (330) 343-6909 for more information.

(Above) Home Health nurse Sandy Ickes, RNwith Evelyn Rondinella.

TeleHealth Benefits the PatientHaving TeleHealth in the patient’s home allows for monitoring of the patient without the need for frequent visits by a Home Health nurse. TeleHealth gives the patient greater independence, allows them to feel secure in their home, and saves the patient money.

This technology offers the following benefits:

• Suitable for patients with CHF, COPD, and post-bypass surgery

• Sends vital health information at least daily to the nursing staff

• Patients feel safer and more secure at home

• Helps reduce ER visits and readmission to hospital

• Improves patient compliance

(Above) Winnie Little, RN tracks the vital signs data sent from the patient’s home each day.

What’s in Your Wallet?It Could Just Save Your LifeMost people take a prescription medication. Many take more than one, along with daily vitamins or supplements. If you were to suddenly need emergency care, the attending physician would want to know your medication history to avoid negative drug interactions and potentially harmful side effects.

If asked, could you quickly remember everything you’re taking, the medication’s name, when you take it, and the dosage? Throw in the stress of an emergency situation, and most of us would have a hard time remembering it at all. Giving this important information to the doctor would be easier and more accurate if you had it written down in advance. The best time to do this is at home, when you have all the bottles and containers in front of you.

FREE Medication Record Card

Union Hospital offers a free Medication Record Card designed just for that purpose. Complete the card, fold it, and carry it in your wallet or purse at all times. Show the list to your doctors at each visit and update it as necessary.

Medication Record Cards are available at the Information Desk at Union Hospital’s Main Entrance, at FirstCare in Dover, or at UH Community Health & Wellness events.

To have one mailed to you, call our Community Relations office at (330) 602-0778.


The Wound Healing Center CelebratesFive Years of Helping…Five Years of Healing

Healthcare is all about people, but sometimes numbers

can tell a compelling story. When the Wound Healing Center at Union Hospital celebrates its fifth anniversary in May, it will have reached some remarkable milestones.

1,700 Individuals Treated

This is an amazing number of people in our community whose chronic wounds have been treated at Union Hospital. For many, this medical expertise would not have been possible if required to travel out of the area.

Saved 1 Million Miles of Driving

Healing chronic wounds takes time and multiple

visits to the Wound Healing Center. Our Dover-based center has saved our patients more than a million miles of highway travel.

Healed 90% of All Patient Wounds, 93%of Those in Less than 16 Weeks

Our staff has remarkable success, often healing chronic wounds that have defied other healing treatments for months or even years. On average, we heal a patient’s wound in 43 days. The Union Hospital Wound Healing Center offers a comprehensive approach to healing wounds, including Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy, or HBO for short. The HBO chamber surrounds the patient with oxygen which

Some patient wounds that defy other healing methods benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO). A phone is used to communicate with the patient.

Dr. Joseph Zemis is one of eleven members of the UH Medical Staff who care for patients in the Wound Healing Center. Melissa Price, clinical nursing manager, assists with the care of a patient.

“The staff is very professional. It’s wonderful to have such a good clinic in our area.”

Bruce Ellwood –New Philadelphia

“Of the 100,000 amputations related to diabetes in the US each year, it is estimated that up to 85% of them could have been prevented with proper care and treatment.”

–The American Diabetes Association

“Your staff is of the highest quality and it’s easy to see why the Center is such a success.”

Michael Maurer –Dover

“The doctors and nurses are very caring, courteous and knowledgeable in their field.”

Arlene Sigrist –Sugarcreek

Our Patients Tell the Story Best!

promotes faster healing. HBO is also beneficial for those with side effects from radiation treatment. The most frequently treated wounds are vascular ulcers resulting from poor circulation, chronic wounds on lower extremities caused by diabetes, and pressure ulcers or bed sores.

If you think the Wound Healing Center could be of benefit to you or someone you know, talk to your doctor, or call us at (330) 365-3880.

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FirstCareImmediate Care for Non-Emergency Treatment

Three years and 40,000 patient visits later, Union Hospital FirstCare has become an important asset to the health of our community. FirstCare provides quick

access to a doctor, especially when your family doctor is not available, in the evenings or on weekends.

FirstCare is staffed by Union Hospital Medical Staff physicians who treat everything from sore throats and fevers to minor cuts, burns, and sprains. The convenience of FirstCare appeals to a wide range of people.

SeniorsFirstCare is a great alternative when your doctor is unavailable. It is part of the Union Hospital system and your FirstCare treatment becomes part of your UH medical record.

Working PeopleMany working people may not have a regular family doctor to call when a sudden illness or minor injury occurs. Visit FirstCare when it’s convenient for you in the evenings or weekends.

Parents of KidsFirstCare is there when they come home from school sick, a fever spikes over the weekend or when those little accidents happen. The family physicians who work at FirstCare are experienced in caring for children of all ages.

Facts About FirstCareLocation: Oxford Street in Dover, behind the CVS Pharmacy off South Wooster Avenue

Telephone: (330) 343-0753Hours: Monday–Friday from 9 am–9 pm Weekends from 9 am to 5 pm Closed holidays

Patients: Newborn through AdultFirstCare Treatments:

• Cough, cold, or sore throat• Fever or flu symptoms• Ear infection• Minor cuts, burns, and sprains• Animal or insect bites• Mild asthma• Minor skin rash• Pre-operative testing• High school sports physicals• Student work permits

Call 9-1-1 if you have shortness of breath or are experiencing chest pains.

FirstCare serves the entire family, providing convenient, immediate non-emergency medical services. No appointment is necessary and most insurance is accepted including AultCare.

For more information on FirstCare, visit www.unionhospital.org or call (330) 343-0753.

Some of the professional staff at FirstCare. (from left) Susan Rothacher of Dover, Rimon Daoud, MD of Dover, and Cassandra Shepherd of Dennison.


Calendar of EventsHEALTHCARE CAREERS

Nursing Career Exploration

Interested in a career as a nurse? You are invited to join us and tour the hospital to learn more about the varied roles and responsibilities of a nurse. Class space is limited. Lunch is provided.Class April 14 or May 12 from 9 am–Noon

Union HospitalCost No chargeRegistration Call (330) 602-0778 or register online at www.

unionhospital.org, “Health Events”

UH TECH (Teens Exploring Careers in Healthcare)

This program gives high school students an opportunity to experience a variety of healthcare careers at monthly meetings. Students learn about many areas of patient care and tour departments to see the work settings. Students must be at least 14 years old and have completed 8th grade.Class First Thursday of each month, 6–7:30 pm

Union HospitalCost No chargeRegistration None required

SPECIAL INTEREST CLASSES

AARP Driver Safety Class

This refresher course, designed for drivers 50 and older, includes classroom instruction to review basic driving skills, rules of the road, and age-related changes that affect driving. Some insurance companies offer a premium discount to those completing the course.Class March 23 and July 20, 10 am–3 pm

Union HospitalCost $12 for AARP members, $14 for non-membersRegistration Advance registration is required by calling (330)

602-0778

Babysitting Basics

For students, age 11 to 14 years. Learn skills needed to prepare younger teens for babysitting jobs, give them confidence in knowing what to expect and how to handle problems, and help make the experience a good one for the babysitter and the customer alike.Class June 15 from 8:30 am–3:30 pm

UH Toomey Conference RoomCost $25.00 per student. Includes lunch, materials, and

a Red Cross Babysitter’s First Aid KitRegistration Call (330) 602-0779 or register online at www.


CPR for Family and Friends

Join our Community Health and Wellness staff for an

introduction to life-saving CPR techniques. Class is designed for the individual who does not need certified, but would like to learn the basics of CPR.Class July 8 at 7 pm

Union Hospital Reeves AuditoriumCost $5 per person for class materialsRegistration Call (330) 602-0779 or register online at www.


SUPPORT GROUPS HOSTED BY UNION HOSPITAL

ALS Family Support Group of Ohio, Inc.

The ALS Family Support Group of Ohio, Inc. provides aid and support to victims of ALS and other neuromuscular disorders, their families, and caregivers. Our support group meetings are free and open to the public.Meeting Third Thursday of each month at 7 pm

Union Hospital Conference RoomInformation Phyllis VanHorn at (330) 343-2690

Alzheimer’s Association Support Group

This free group is open to caregivers, family members, and friends of persons with memory loss. The group is discussion-oriented and topics are flexible, depending on the needs of the members.Meeting 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 pm

Union Hospital Conference RoomInformation Dana Ferrell at (330) 966-7343 or (800) 272-3900

Chronic Pain Support Group

Those with chronic pain and their families are welcome to attend this free group, which includes group discussions, guest speakers, and information on pain management, conditions, medications, and treatment options.Meeting 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6 pm

Union Hospital Conference RoomInformation Jayne Mulheman Clantz, RN at (330) 602-0731

Diabetes Support Group

These free monthly meetings, hosted by UH diabetes educators, welcome those with diabetes or friends and family members who care for a person with diabetes. Learn about blood sugar values, exercise, testing meters, diet and nutrition, and other topics.Meeting 1st Thursday of each month at 9 am

Union Hospital Conference RoomInformation Ann Strauss, ext. 2394 or Laura Clark, ext. 2506 at

(330) 343-3311

Empowering You—Inpatient Rehab Patient Support Group

This group, led by the members of the UH Inpatient Rehabilitation staff, offers free support to patients who have suffered a stroke, fractured hip, amputation or other neurological

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Calendar of Eventsdisorder and the family members who support them.Meeting 1st Monday of each month at 6 pm

Union Hospital Conference RoomInformation Yvette McClain, UH Inpatient Rehab Case

Coordinator, at (330) 365-3806

“Look Good, Feel Better” American Cancer Society Program

This is a free program for women with appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Those attending this program receive a complimentary make-up kit.Meeting 1st Tuesday of each month at 6 pm

Union Hospital Conference RoomInformation Sevilla Pankuch at (740) 922-5695. Call ahead for

an appointment

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Support Group

This free group is led by members of the Union Hospital Pain Management Center and provides psychological support for RSD patients and families. The group provides education about RSD and how it affects patients and their families.Meeting 2nd Tuesday of each month at 2 pm

Union Hospital Education Room 3304Information Sandy Cooley, RN, at (330) 602-0731

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EVENTS

Cholesterol Lipid Panel and Blood Pressure Screening

This is a simple finger-stick cholesterol check that takes only five minutes and provides information about HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides. Fasting is recommended.Screening 1st Wednesday of each month at New Phila.

Buehler’s from 7:30 am–Noon. 3rd Wednesday of the month at Dover Buehler’s from 7:30 am–Noon. A UH registered dietitian will be available from 8–10 am at Dover Buehler’s in March and April

Cost $9 per personRegistration Call (330) 602-0778 or register online at www.


Heart Health Screening

UH Wellness nurses will provide free blood pressure checks, blood sugar, and total cholesterol screening. Screening April 5, May 3 and June 7 at Dover Giant Eagle

and April 26 and July 26 at Bolivar Giant Eagle 8am–Noon

Registration None required, just walk in

Women’s Heart Health Screening Day

The most comprehensive self-referred screening program UH has ever offered. It includes a general health risk assessment, and screening for heart and vascular disease. Participants will have the opportunity to schedule a follow-up review of their results with a

wellness nurse. Appointment is required.Screening May 1, appointments available from 7am–Noon

Union Hospital Cardiology CenterCost $30.00Registration Call (330) 602-0778 or register online at www.


Community Health Fairs

The UH Wellness Staff offers free health screenings. An instant lipid panel analysis will be available for $9 (fasting recommended). Screenings include blood pressure, blood sugar, total cholesterol, vision, height, and weight.Dates April 2, Port Washington Mayor’s Office 9–11am.

May 7, Dover Salvation Army 9am–Noon May 17, New Cumberland 9–11am

Cost No charge for screenings – instant lipid panel is $9Registration None required, just walk in

Healthy Ohio Fitness Walk

Join other Tuscarawas County residents in meeting Healthy Ohio’s goal of walking 100,000 miles in one day! Free guided walks are offered every thirty minutes beginning at Noon near the grandstand. After your walk, register your mileage at www.unionhospital.org.Date May 19, guided walks every thirty minutes starting

at Noon at Tuscarawas County FairgroundsRegistration None required

Hemoglobin A1C Diabetic Screening

UH and the Dover Noon Lions offer hemoglobin A1C screenings for diabetics and pre-diabetics. A1C checks how an individual’s blood sugar has been managed over the last few months. UH dietitians will be available on May 25th.Screening March 23, May 25 and July 27 from 8am –Noon

Dover Giant EagleCost $5 per personRegistration Call (330) 602-0778 or register online at www.


Vascular Screening

UH offers low-cost screening tests to uncover the hidden risks of vascular disease. These are offered to people with no symptoms and not under treatment for vascular disease:

• Carotid Artery Disease • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Those with swelling or discomfort in the legs or a family history of varicose veins should consider a screening test for Venous Insufficiency.Cost $35 for each test or $99 for three

(Carotid, AAA, PAD)Registration Call (330) 364-0856 for an appointment

Calendar continued on Page 8

The Union Hospital Association 659 Boulevard Dover, Ohio 44622

(330) 343-3311 www.unionhospital.org

Healthy Living is published bi-annually by the Department of Development and Community Relations.

President and CEO Bruce James

Director, Development and Community Relations Carey C. Gardner

Copyright 2010 Union Hospital. All rights reserved.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH PRESENTATIONSThese free programs are presented throughout the year and feature area physicians and health professionals.April 8 “Shopping for Better Health”

This popular program teaches you how to shop for good nutritional content at a low price. Erika Graziani, UH registered dietician, will explain the meaning of lowfat, reduced calories, and high fiber. Group will visit Buehler’s.7 pm at Dover Buehler’s Supermarket – registration required

May 13 “Skin Deep: Diving into Skin Cancer”Join Karol Lindow, RN, MSN, UH Community Health and Wellness, and the American Cancer Society, to learn about skin cancer and your risk factors.7 pm in the UH Toomey Conference Room – registration required

June 10 “Survive the Summer Sneezin’ Season”ENT specialists, Melanie Pence, DO, and Nicholas Groch, DO, invite you to learn about summer allergies, diagnosis, and treatment options.7 pm in the UH Toomey Conference Room – registration required

July 8 “CPR for Family and Friends”Learn this important lifesaving skill in a fun, relaxed environment. Designed for those who do NOT need professional certification as part of a job requirement.7 pm in the UH Toomey Conference Room – registration requiredClass fee is $5 for materialsRegistration: Call (330) 602-0779 or register online at www.unionhospital.org, “Health Events”

AUXILIARY ACTIVITIESThe Auxiliary works year round to raise money for UH. Anyone interested in membership should call Volunteer Services at (330) 364-0833 or visit www.unionhospital.org, “Departments.”

Tea in the Garden

Enjoy a delightful afterNoon in a spring-like setting of plants and garden décor. Tea in the Garden treats guests to a full course lunch and tea. New this year is guest speaker, Matt Fox, star of the HGTV show Room by Room, who will present “How you can turn your own space into a Tea in the Garden.” A style show and silent auction will be included.Date April 24 from Noon to 3 pm

JIM’s Place, New PhiladelphiaCost $25 per personTickets Call Janet at (330) 364-5202

Rummage Sale

Bring a friend and see what treasures you can find at the Auxiliary Rummage Sale. All proceeds benefiting the UH Auxiliary.Date May 12, 4–8 pm and May 13, 9 am–1:30 pm

Tuscora Park Pavilion

Hanging Basket Sale

A variety of flowering hanging baskets will be on sale at Union Hospital and the Auxiliary Project Center at 105 S. Wooster Avenue in Dover. Pick a plant and surprise someone special for Mother’s Day, which is Sunday, May 9.Date May 7, 9 am–3 pm

Union Hospital Patio Café and Auxiliary Project Center

Calendar continued from Page 7

Prsrt Std US Postage

PAID Permit #xxxx Dover, Ohio

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