Blog

 

EMS Appreciation Week

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Health Management Associates

Every day, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers care for heart attack victims, people in car crashes and those who have suffered injuries at home. EMS personnel are special people who can handle medical emergencies, both big and small. At Lancaster Regional Medical Center, we appreciate the efforts of the EMS workers we encounter every day. Our Emergency Department relies on these professionals to treat our emergency patients in the field and get them to us quickly and safely. National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week is May 20 – 26, so this is the perfect time to recognize their incredible work.

Back in 1974, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) played a role in convincing Congress and President Gerald Ford to call for the first week to honor emergency medical service personnel. ACEP continues to oversee the week, which  acknowledges the key role of first responders, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians in keeping patients alive. The National Associate of Emergency Medical Technicians and its members also help promote National EMS Week.

ACEP’s facts and figures show just how important the nation’s emergency rooms are in keeping Americans healthy:

  • Between 1995 and 2009, the number of ER visits grew by almost 50 percent, from 96.5 million to 136 million.
  • Close to 300,000 people seek care in ERs each day—an average of more than 200 per minute.
  • An estimated 60 million Americans have medical conditions that EMS personnel need to know about when they begin treating a medical emergency.

Along with honoring our local EMS workers during National EMS Week, we’d like to remind you of some warning signs of a possible medical emergency:

  • sudden or severe pain
  • fainting or dizziness
  • uncontrolled bleeding
  • vomiting or diarrhea that is particularly severe or long lasting
  • coughing or vomiting blood
  • changes in vision
  • difficulty speaking
  • chest pain or pressure that lasts for at least two minutes
  • unusual behavior or changes in mental awareness
  • suicidal thoughts

Remember, if you're concerned about a medical situation that you think might require immediate attention, call 911. And know that at Lancaster Regional, our team is ready to take care of your emergency promptly, through our ER Extra program. You can also use your cell phone to get ER waiting times; click here to find out more about a text feature and here for information on smartphone apps. To contact our Emergency Department, call 717-291-8111.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

We’re Celebrating National Hospital Week!

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Health Management Associates

Making Miracles Happen.

We’d like to think we do that every day here at Lancaster Regional Medical Center. Small medical miracles, perhaps, but miracles that add up to faster recovery times for our patients, or seeing a  loved one beat seemingly impossible odds and go home happy and healthy.

May 6 through 12 is National Hospital Week, and this year’s theme is “Making Miracles Happen.” Of course, what may seem like miracles are actually the result of the hard work and training of our staff, along with the latest in medical technology.

According to the National Hospital Association (AHA), National Hospital Week was founded in 1921 to help remove some of the mystery often linked to hospitals. In an era before TV medical dramas, the daily workings of hospitals were largely unknown to folks who hadn’t been treated in one. And in those days, many Americans still received much of their health care at home. The National Association of Public Hospitals details some of this early history, noting the rise in the use of public hospitals with the coming of the Great Depression.

Today, the AHA notes that the United States has almost 6,000 hospitals, admitting almost 37 million patients each year. Hospitals can be found in rural areas as well as in cities of all sizes, such as Lancaster. And along with dispensing crucial medical care, hospitals play a huge role in the U.S. economy, employing more than 5 million people.

Our employees at Lancaster Regional are dedicated, compassionate men and women. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, they have one goal—giving our patients the best care available. Everyone of them takes seriously our motto: “To serve, to care, to heal, to learn.” And they know the values that underlie everything we do.

Exceptional Care: Patients expect that level of care, and we give it on all levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Attentiveness: We pay attention to all our patients needs to make sure all their needs are met—stated and unstated.

Respect: All healthy relationships are based on respect and a practical application of the “Golden Rule.” Respecting our patients means giving them the same treatment we would want for ourselves.

Trust: Patients and their families trust us to do what’s right. We know we have a huge responsibility to always acts in ways that reaffirm that trust.

You have many choices when it comes to your health care. We’re glad you choose Lancaster Regional, where we will keep on making miracles happen.

Related Post:
National Doctors' Day

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Get Ready for National Hospital & Nurses Week!

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Health Management Associates

Do you know a hospital associate who works tirelessly to help patients—and who maybe made your own trip to a hospital more comfortable? A medical technician ready with a quick smile and the latest facts on treatments in his or her field? Or maybe it’s a school nurse who knows how to put your sick child at ease.

At Lancaster Regional Medical Center, we think those positive images describe our nurses and hospital associates; from Tami Lee, our Chief Nursing Officer (with more than 13 years of experience), to our clerical and Spiritual Services staff. From giving medicine and recording patients' vital statistics to aiding in the operating room and educating the public on health issues, our associates perform a wide range of duties.

Dedicated, highly trained, compassionate hospital associates deserve our thanks every day of the year. But each May, they are singled out for special appreciation during National Hospital & Nurses Week. The week starts on May 6 and ends on May 12, the birthday of modern nursing's founder, Florence Nightingale. The theme for this year's week for nurses is: Advocating, Leading, Caring.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) traces the history of this week set aside to honor nurses. The first National Nurse Week was observed in October 1954, but it took another 20 years before a U.S. president issued a proclamation officially designating a week to honor nurses. More years passed before Congress declared a National Recognition Day for nurses—May 6. In 1990, the ANA once again called for week-long recognition, and National Nurses Week began the next May. Since then, the ANA has also set aside days during that week to honor student nurses and school nurses.

Who are the country’s registered nurses? According to the ANA:

  • about 62 percent of them work full-time in hospitals
  • half have at least a bachelor’s degree
  • just under 7 percent are men
  • 250,000 of them hold the title of advanced practice registered nurses, which reflect extra medical training

More impressive than mere statistics is the level of trust that nurses create in their patients. According to an annual Gallup poll, Americans trust nurses more than any other group of professionals.

Lancaster Regional, and hospitals across the country, will take time this May to honor their nurses and all other associates. You can show your appreciation by taking part, or perhaps by giving a small gift to a nurse who has made an impact on your life. You can find some ideas here. But more important than a gift is telling the hospital associates you know, “Thank you for all you do.”

Related post:
National Doctors' Day

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Health Management Associates

They’ll be doing it here in Lancaster, and across the state. All over the United States, they’ll be doing it, in some 5,000 communities large and small. Even in 20 countries around the world, they’ll do it, knowing their efforts support a good cause.

What is this “it” that has become so popular since its founding almost three decades ago? Running or walking to raise money for cancer research as part of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. And we here at Lancaster Regional Medical Center are proud to once again do our part, sponsoring the event itself and also a Relay team that will be proudly walking.

According to the ACS, an estimated 577,190 Americans will die of cancer in 2012—and almost 29,000 will be from Pennsylvania. The goods news is, through fundraising events such as the Relay for Life, advances in cancer treatment over the last several decades have increased the survival rate of almost all cancers. The donations raised by the Relay for Life teams go to fund research and such ACS efforts as Reach to Recovery, a support program for breast-cancer patients, and college scholarships for young cancer survivors.

Relay for Life sprung out of the efforts one of person, Dr. Gordy Klatt, to raise money for his local ACS chapter. Klatt ran and walked for 24 hours around a local track, with friends and family cheering him on—and donating money for his efforts. Today, some 3.5 million people take in the annual Relay for Life events.

These events take place at various sites, from high schools to fairgrounds. Participants walk or run around a track for up to 24 hours. No one is expected to be on the move the whole time, but each team is asked to have at least one member on the track for the entire period. Special features of the relay include:

  • the Survivor Lap, in which cancer survivors walk to celebrate beating their disease
  • the Caregiver Lap, for those who have given their time, energy, and love to care for someone battling cancer
  • the Luminaria Ceremony, in which lit candles, placed inside of paper bags weighed down with sand, honor someone who died from cancer or is currently fighting it
  • the Fight Back Ceremony, for all participants, who take one last lap and reaffirm their commitment to help fight cancer

If you’d like to join and/or donate money on behalf of the LRMC Relay Team, go here. You can also find information about starting your own team. Whatever you can do will help in the fight against this often-deadly disease that has marked the lives of so many of us.

Related posts:
The Cancer Care Network at Lancaster Regional
What You Should Know About Colon Cancer

Posted in Cancer Care | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Go Red for Women and Fight Heart Disease

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Health Management Associates

Did you know heart disease is the number one killer of American women—more deadly than all forms of cancer combined? In fact, 64% of women who die suddenly from heart disease had no previous symptoms. And Hispanic and African-American women are more likely to develop heart disease than other women.

Education about women and heart disease is one of the goals of the American Heart Association's (AHA) annual  Go Red for Women campaign, started in 2004. Go Red for Women wants all women take the preventive steps necessary to reduce their own risk of developing heart disease.

Each year, in cities and towns across America, the AHA organizes Go Red for Women events to raise awareness and funding for this important campaign. One such event in Lancaster is the Go Red for Women Luncheon being held on May 11, of which Lancaster Regional Medical Center (LRMC) is once again a proud sponsor. Check out the AHA's Facebook page for the event here. Participants dress in red, enjoy a heart-healthy lunch, listen to speakers, enjoy a fashion show put on by survivors and take part in a silent auction.

The luncheon promises to be a fun social event, but one with an important message: Women need to do more to fight heart disease. During its short history, Go Red for Women has already had an important impact on that effort:

  • More than 2 million women have used the Go Red Heart Checkup, an online tool for assessing the risk of developing heart disease.
  • Several hundred thousand healthcare providers have received Go Red for Women educational materials to share with their patients.
  • Almost one million women have joined Go Red for Women, giving them access to the information they need to lead healthier lives. These women tend to eat better than women not involved with the program. Go Red supporters are also more likely to take preventive medical steps, such as having their blood pressure and cholesterol checked. And more Go Red women take time to follow an exercise program and talk to other women about heart health.

LRMC offers the best cardiac care available, through our Cardiac Care Network. In fact, we are the only accredited interventional chest pain Center in Lancaster County. What that means to you is that LRMC has been recognized to have the most efficient and comprehensive cardiac care when you need it most.  

But when it comes to heart disease, prevention is truly the best medicine. Supporting Go Red for Women is a great way to help yourself or the women in your life from becoming another victim of a deadly stroke or heart attack.

Related posts: 
10 Tips for a Healthy Heart
Helping You Care for Your Heart: The Cardiac Care Network

Posted in Cardiac Health | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

National Doctors’ Day

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Health Management Associates

You know about Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and the host of other days set aside to honor people in various professions. But what about doctors, those skilled practitioners who gave so much time to learn medicine and put in long hours keeping you and your loved ones well?

You might not know it, but doctors in the United States do have their own day. Since 1991, March 30 has been National Doctors’ Day. The National Doctors’ Day Organization gives a history of the tribute, which has its roots in Windsor, Georgia, in 1933. A doctor’s wife wanted to recognize the hard work of her husband, his fellow practitioners, and deceased physicians in the area. Today, the National Doctors’ Day Organization seeks “to raise awareness of the growing needs in the medical community and to provide a resource for those who wish to give thanks to those medical professionals who care for the needs of our citizens."

Here at Lancaster Regional Medical Center, the number of people who have benefited from our doctors’ care—and been touched by their personal concern—is almost endless. LRMC makes a point to work with only the best doctors in their fields. We can’t repay our physicians for the years of study they invest, or give back the long hours they devote to their patients every day (and night), but we can take this day to say thanks for their hard work and commitment.

When you see a doctor today, give him or her a great big grin to show your appreciation!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What You Should Know about Colon Cancer

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Health Management Associates

First the bad news: Colon cancer, known more broadly as colorectal cancer, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths for Americans. But the good news: When caught early, colon cancer is quite treatable and many patients can be completely cured.

Colon cancer can originate in the large intestine or in the rectum, and nearly all cases of colon cancer begin with polyps that eventually develop into cancer. Since March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, this is a good time to learn about risk factors, symptoms and prevention.

Who is at risk?
Most cases of colon cancer affect men and women over the age or 50, but there are other factors that can increase your chances of developing this disease. They include:

  • Having an Eastern European or African American background
  • Consuming a diet that is high in fatty foods, processed meat and red meat
  • Not consuming enough fiber
  • Having cancer in other parts of your body
  • Being affected by Crohn's disease or other inflammatory digestive conditions
  • Having a family history of colon cancer or polyps
  • Smoking
  • Being overweight
  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • Having a heavy drinking habit

What are the symptoms?
People experience the early signs of colon cancer in different ways, but here are some common symptoms to look out for:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Tenderness or chronic pain in the abdomen
  • Stools that are bloody or narrow
  • Changes in bowel habits, including constipation and diarrhea

How can colon cancer be prevented?
There are no sure-fire ways to prevent colon cancer, but there are ways you can lower your risk. Be sure to eat a diet that is high in fiber–including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains–and limit your intake of high-fat foods, including red meat and processed meat. Get regular exercise and practice moderation with alcohol. Also, if you smoke, make every effort to stop.

In addition, it is important to be screened for colon cancer. When noncancerous polyps are found, they can be removed before they become cancerous. Further, the earlier that colon cancer is detected, the more effective the treatment will be.

Talk to your doctor about being screened for colon cancer. Most physicians suggest that screening begin at age 50, but if you are at high risk, your doctor may suggest an earlier age. Screening tests include colonoscopy, blood tests, and physical exams. Ask your doctor about what is right for you.

Have questions? The team at Lancaster Regional Medical Center is ready to help. Visit us online or use our Physician Directory to schedule an appointment to discuss your colon cancer risk factors.

Posted in Cancer Care | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Helping You Care for Your Heart: The Cardiac Care Network

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Health Management Associates

Anyone who has experienced a heart attack—or watched a loved one suffer from one—knows the pain and fear it can bring. Even if you’ve never faced that frightening moment, you or someone you know might be grappling with some form of cardiovascular disease. Where can you go for expert treatment, answers to your questions, and personal care? The Cardiac Care Network at Lancaster Regional Medical Center (LRMC.)

LRMC has the first and only interventional Chest Pain Center in Lancaster County, accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, an international organization dedicated to eliminating heart disease as the number-one cause of death worldwide. What does that mean for you? Here are just some of the benefits our accreditation brings the people of Lancaster County and beyond:

  • Timely, accurate diagnosis of patients who show the signs and symptoms of heart disease
  • Faster treatment during the critical early stages of a heart attack
  • Integration of all the best practices for cardiac care
  • Better public understanding of the symptoms of a heart attack and how to deal with heart emergencies

What are some of the specific services you’ll find at the Cardiac Care Network?

  • Diagnostics, from simple blood and stress tests to the latest technological advancements, including computer imaging and the electronic monitoring of heart beats over time
  • Treatments and interventions, ranging from angioplasty and open-heart surgery to the implanting of pacemakers and defibrillators
  • Rehabilitation, with exercise, education, and emotional support at the core of the network's efforts to help those who have suffered from heart attacks and other cardiac issues

And performing those services is a dedicated staff, including specialized cardiac physicians, a committed, highly trained group of nurses, technologists, dieticians and physical therapists, as well as a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory.

With exercise, a proper diet, and other healthy lifestyle choices, you can lower your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular disease. But if you ever need cardiac care, Lancaster Regional’s Cardiac Care Network is an experienced resource for restoring your health.

 

Related posts:

10 Tips for a Healthy Heart

 

Posted in Cardiac Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10 Tips for a Healthy Heart

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Health Management Associates

If you feel a twinge in your arm or a pain in your chest, your first thought might be, “Am I having a heart attack?” Don’t let the internal debate go on too long; contact your doctor or call 911 immediately if you have any concerns! You should also familiarize yourself with the warning signs of a heart attack, provided by LRMC's Cardiac Care Network. And remember: LRMC is the only Accredited Interventional Chest Pain Center in Lancaster County. That means you will get the very best in cardiac care when you need it the most!   

LRMC is a major sponsor of the Lancaster Chapter of the Americian Heart Association. Remember: February is Heart Month! So it’s the perfect time to explore how you and your loved ones can lower the risk of developing heart disease and the possibility of a heart attack. Here are ten tips from the American Heart Association:

  • If you smoke, quit – Cigarette smoke increases the risk of heart disease in several ways, including elevating blood pressure and robbing your body of HDL, its good cholesterol.
  • Exercise – Just 30 minutes of physical activity each day can lower your risk of heart disease. Walking, jogging, swimming, and biking are all good aerobic options.
  • Stay active on the job – Increasing your physical activity can be as easy as standing while talking on the phone or using the stairs instead of an elevator.
  • Learn about the Body Mass Index (BMI) – Your BMI shows the ideal weight for your height, sex, and age. To avoid obesity—and the risk of a heart attack—stay in that weight range.
  • Eat well – Experts recommend a diet high in fruits and vegetable and low in sodium to improve heart health.
  • Choose the right fats – When cooking, certain oils are better for your heart than others. Choose the mono- and polyunsaturated oils, such as olive, canola, and peanut.
  • Avoid the “bad” fats – We all need some fat in our diets, but saturated and trans fats are bad for the heart. These include coconut and palm oil and hydrogenated oils used in many processed foods. 
  • Ask questions when dining out – Don’t be shy about asking restaurant staff how dishes are prepared or if they can substitute or leave out ingredients that are not heart friendly.
  • Reduce stress – Life can be challenging, but finding ways to reduce stress will help your heart and your overall health. Physical activity and social interaction are just two stress busters.
  • Lower your alcohol and caffeine consumption – High intake of these substances can increase blood pressure, so try to cut back if you feel overly stressed. 

If you have concerns about your heart health, talk to your doctor. And remember that the Cardiac Care Network is here to help if you need diagnostic tests or treatment.

Posted in Cardiac Health | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Cancer Care Network at Lancaster Regional

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Health Management Associates

According to the American Cancer Society, statistically one in two men and one in three women will develop some sort of cancer in their lifetime. Early detection vastly improves the long-term prospects for those who develop cancer. Taking preventative measures, namely lifestyle changes, to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease is important; however, cancer can strike anyone, no matter what precautions are taken. 

Fortunately, for the residents of the Lancaster area and beyond, Lancaster Regional Medical Center (LRMC) has a Cancer Care Network in place. The cancer specialists at LRMC are a team of experts providing a collaborative effort that  focuses on the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancers.

The Cancer Care Network at LRMC offers many services, including;

  • Cancer screening and diagnostic services help provide for early detection and subsequent treatment. These services include MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, mammography, ultrasound and nuclear medicine.
  • Cancer treatments such radiation, chemotherapy and surgery are available, and the da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical system is in place at LRMC, offering a minimally invasive option. Cryotherapy (using very low temperatures to combat cancer cells) and immunotherapy are also utilized.
  • Cancer rehabilitation is offered as both inpatient and outpatient therapy, or both. LRMC offers a full range of therapies designed to maximize the patient's return to independent status.
  • Beyond the Physical – Support for Your Well Being: Dealing with a cancer diagnosis, as well as recovering from cancer, is not limited to physical healing. LRMC has partnered with local organizations such as the American Cancer Society, to provide a vast network of support options, and educational resources at no charge to ensure your overall wellness during and after what can be a very stressful time in life.

The Cancer Care Network is a network of comprehensive cancer care services located locally, providing extraordinary care for the citizens of Lancaster. The center also provides support for the families and loved ones of the patients at LRMC. The network is able to provide the expertise needed to detect and diagnose cancers and to compassionately explain the various treatment options to its patients. 

With diagnosis and treatment options in hand, you will be able to fight the disease with confidence. The dedicated team of cancer experts at LRMC will walk with you and ensure that you and your family members have all the information and support available to not only understand cancer, but also to manage your lives through treatment and recovery. LRMC understands that the treatment of the whole patient is as important as treating the underlying disease.

The staff at LRMC is ready to help guide you if you need help. Make an appointment with your primary care physician or feel free to call LRMC directly at 717-291-8088. A caring and knowledgeable member of the team will be pleased to work with you.

 

Related Post:

How da Vinci Surgery Can Benefit You

 

Posted in Cancer Care | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment