Feb 28, 2012 ... She has most recently been included in Gail McMeekin's new book, The Twelve
Secrets of. Highly Successful Women. By invitation, she ...
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
NVRH Corner Medical Welcomes
Brigitte F. Dargis, MD Coos Country Family Health Services in Berlin, NH for five years. Mederic is now an Emergency Room physician at Weeks Medical Center, where he has been since 2002. In August, 2010, they moved to St. Johnsbury in order to embrace the many opportunities for their children at the Academy, for which they are very pleased. Dr. Tom Broderick, Medical Director at Corner Medical is very pleased to welcome Dr. Dargis to their practice. “Brigitte is a fine physician. She is very knowledgeable and experienced. She’s a good listener and provides great comfort to her patients.” Dr. Dargis enjoys the pleasant atmosphere, knowledgeable colleagues and collaboration with the providers at Corner Medical. Drs. Dargis and Leblanc have three daughters; Camille and Laurence are students at St. Johnsbury Academy, while Michele is at The Good Shepherd School. The family enjoys the area immensely, especially attending the girls’ activities.
Dr. Brigitte Dargis recently joined the staff at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s Corner Medical office. For the past six years, Dargis practiced as a family practitioner at the White Mountain Community Health Center in North Conway, NH. Dargis received her BS degree in Exercise Science at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec in 1985. She went on to earn her MD at the University of Montreal, completing her residency in family medicine at Notre-Dame Hospital in Montreal in 1992. She and her husband, Mederic Leblanc, a physician as well, were Emergency Room physicians for a year. They then moved to Fermont, Quebec, fourteen hours north of Montreal, where they were family practitioners. It was a remote area, with no specialists in the vicinity, so they dealt with a wide array of health challenges. In 1997, they moved to New England. Both Mederic and Brigitte worked as Family Physicians at the In this issue of The BrightLook Gray Gallery - Jeanne Carbonetti Thanks to Debbie Smith, RN NVRH Employees Celebrated the Holidays Abby Pollender Named NVRH Chaplain Third Annual NVRH Radiothon Auxiliary/Volunteer News NVRH Pharmacist, Laura Flaherty earns Certification We are Family Can You Tell Me...
In the Know New Year’s Willoughby Dip Lyndon Bulldogs take Action Have a Safe Winter - Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning NVRH’s Kingdom Internal Medicine Opens Its Doors From the Library Corner First Baby of 2012 Meet Dusty Jenks, IT Help Desk Coordinator
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Top 10 Scams Targeting Seniors A+ Standard of Caring The BrightLook is a monthly publication for NVRH employees, volunteers, physicians, corporators and board members. Our next deadline is February 28, 2012 for the March issue. Please contact Hilary De Carlo at ext. 7303 if you have an article or picture(s) to submit.
Currently Showing in the Charles M. and Hanna H. Gray Gallery Jeanne Carbonetti January 19 – March 12, 2012 Artist’s Statement: The Power of Beauty
Beauty is Truth, truth beauty. That is all ye know on earth And all ye need to know.
John Keats, from “Ode on a Grecian Urn” I have been haunted by these lines ever since I read them many years ago. Answering the question, “What does this mean?” has become the central theme of my life as teacher and painter. I have learned that Beauty and Truth are two faces of Unity, of wholeness. They each bring us to our Source, but they do so in distinctly different ways. Truth is the world of the Father in us, the part that seeks the answer or the goal and gives us the discipline to get there. It is the scientist and the knight in us, unafraid to venture out to make things better. We have known this world quite well. But Truth’s great partner is Beauty. She is the Mother in us, and her gift is that she sees the larger picture and relates it to the whole. She knows Nature’s great rhythm, and because of this, she has the patience to accept all the parts, even as they are now. Her world is the natural place of Art, for Art’s first meaning was “fitting together.” She is in our bones, for this is where we all started. The paintings presented here are a reflection of her world, for it is time to remember the ancient world of the mother, a world of symmetry and relationship. As we remember the part of ourselves we put away so long ago, we join in conscious marriage Truth and Beauty in ourselves. It is then that Love, the third face of Paradise, is possible, and all of nature will celebrate their union and the birth of this divine child.
Jeanne Carbonetti has been an artist and teacher for more than 30 years. Specializing in developing the power of the creative process, she is the author of six books-- The Tao of Watercolor, The Zen of Creative Painting, The Yoga of Drawing, Making Pearls: Living the Creative Life, The Heart of Creativity: Imagination, Inspiration and Destiny, and The Magic Heart: Three Myths to Live By. Her two instructional DVDs are The Tao of Watercolor and The Zen of Creative Painting. She also runs Crow Hill Gallery of Fine Art and The Eden Center for Creative Power, both in Chester, Vermont. She has been featured in numerous magazines, including American Artist. She has most recently been included in Gail McMeekin’s new book, The Twelve Secrets of Highly Successful Women. By invitation, she exhibited at the Fifth International Biennial of Contemporary Art in Florence, Italy, in December 2005. Her paintings are in collections both private and corporate throughout the United States, Europe and Australia. Please visit her website: www.crowhillgallery.com Please inquire at the Front Desk for more information and prices. 25% of the proceeds from the sale of this work benefit the NVRH ARTs program.
Thanks to Debbie Smith, RN in Day Surgery and per diem
nurse in the Emergency Department, we now have these handy dandy red flags on top of the hand sanitizers to tell us when the dispensers are empty. Debbie saw these used in another hospital and decided to pursue it here. So, if the dispenser is empty, flip the little red flag up and Environmental Services will refill the dispenser. Easier for everybody. Thanks Debbie!
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Once again, NVRH employees celebrated the holidays with generosity, talent, fun, laughs, reverence and remembrance. 3
Abby Pollender Named NVRH Chaplain
“this program belongs to everyone; it’s meant to be inclusive, to honor differences, and offer support and comfort to those in need.”
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s new interfaith chaplain is Abby Pollender. Pollender will assume the chaplaincy role effective January 1, 2012. An interfaith chaplain provides spiritual support in the hospital environment to patients, staff and family members of all religious faiths. The chaplaincy program at NVRH plays a pivotal role in the hospital’s culture, as well as its relationship to the community. As Pollender says, “this program belongs to everyone; it’s meant to be inclusive, to honor differences, and offer support and comfort to those in need.” Paul Bengtson, NVRH CEO, said of Pollender’s appointment, “Abby has already proven to be a tremendous asset to our community, and I believe that in her role as chaplain, she will expand the nurturing, caring environment on behalf of our patients and staff. Her strong faith and compassionate, genuine concern for all has already proven to be very beneficial.” Pollender has worked at NVRH for 2 ½ years, first in a grant-funded position involving palliative care collaboration with local area hospitals in both Vermont and New Hampshire, and most recently as a Community Health Worker in the Community Connections program. Pollender also serves on the NVRH Community Palliative Care Team and is a volunteer on the NVRH Family Support Team. Pollender brings a wealth of life experience to her new role. Before settling in St. Johnsbury, she lived in Lancaster, NH where she was a reporter for the Coos County Democrat. Additionally, she wrote a weekly column for the paper titled” Life As I Know It” for ten years. Pollender is certified in thanatology, which is the study of death and dying. She was a board member of Lancaster Hospice, as well as their Program Director in charge of the bereavement program and training hospice volunteers. She then worked as a Patient Care Coordinator for Weeks Medical Center’s hospice program. Pollender was also a member of the Weeks Family Support Team, assisting families in unexpected tragedies. Pollender finds hospice work very life affirming. “There’s a difference between curing and healing, and I witness tremendous healing in hospice work,” said Pollender. “I am allowed to be a quiet, supportive presence in an important time in one’s life.” Pollender is currently attending Dartmouth’s Clinical Pastoral Education program, which she will finish at the end of March. Pollender resides in St. Johnsbury and attends the North Congregational Church, after being a member of The First Congregational UCC of Haverhill, NH. She has three daughters; Molly is a sophomore at Kenyon College in Ohio, and Ann and Kara are seniors at St. Johnsbury Academy.
Third Annual NVRH Radiothon As part of our fortieth anniversary celebrations, The NVRH Radiothon will take place Tuesday, February 14, 2012 from 9 am until 5 pm. Magic 97.7, KIX 105.5, and WSTJ will broadcast from Conference Rooms 126 and 127. Employees have played a huge role in the last two radiothons and we hope that will be the case this year. If you would like to answer phones, recommend a great interviewee, or make a gift, please call Jennifer Layn in the Development Office at ext.7313. One of the changes this year has been to include schools and companies in the advance planning for the event. So far, Fairbanks Scales, St. J Auto, NSA Industries, Passumpsic Savings Bank, Lyndon Town School, St. Johnsbury Academy, and Lyndon Institute have agreed to encourage their employees to support NVRH through the radiothon. In several cases, the corporate employers are matching employee gifts. One of the projects that the Radiothon will support is a new electronic fetal monitor for the hospital’s Birth Center. The monitor will feed information about the mother and baby directly into a patient’s electronic medical record. It will also allow patients to be monitored from the nurses’ station or the bedside—a benefit for mothers who may want to get some rest. They no longer need to have a nurse at their side. The other project benefitting from the Radiothon is the Circle of Care Boutique in the Bloch Building, which will open for business on the Monday after the Radiothon, February 20.
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Auxiliary/Volunteer A uxiliary/Volunteer
NEWS
byy P b Pat att Forest, Forestt Volunteer Volunt l teer Coordinator Coordi dinator t
products, and a wide selection of head coverings and clothing especially made for patients in radiation treatment. Many of the products are from vendors that give back to cancer research. The boutique has a designated room for wig fittings and a designated room for edema and prosthesis fittings. Deb Morse from the NVRH Breast Prosthesis Program will be the prosthesis fitter, while Keene Medical will provide the edema fitting services. Cancer patients will no longer have to travel to several locations to receive additional support services during their treatment. Volunteers will provide the staffing for the boutique with a focus on volunteers who have had cancer or who have taken care of a family member with cancer. Currently, Norris Cotton Cancer Center-North services seven hospitals in Northern Vermont and the North Country of New Hampshire. The boutique will be available to everyone. The Circle of Care Boutique will be the only boutique in Vermont and the only boutique north of Concord, New Hampshire to provide all of these services in one location. Community members, volunteers, organizations, and businesses have helped to make this boutique a reality, as well as a special place. The NVRH Auxiliary, NVRH and NCCC-N are grateful to all who have assisted in this endeavor.
For the past two years, the Cancer Boutique Committee has worked on the opening of a Cancer Boutique in St. Johnsbury. On Tuesday, February 14, 2012, that dream becomes a reality when the Circle of Care Boutique will hold its ribbon-cutting ceremony. The official grand opening will be held on Monday, January 20, 2012 at 10 am. The Circle of Care Boutique is a specialized boutique that was created to meet the needs of cancer patients and their families. The boutique will be located on the NVRH campus in the Bloch building directly across from the Norris Cotton Cancer CenterNorth in St. Johnsbury. The boutique will carry products that will help comfort cancer patients during their treatments. These products include mouth care products, hair care products, skin care
Uniform Professionals will be at NVRH on Wednesday, February 22 from 7:00am – 4:00pm in conference rooms 126 & 127. All proceeds benefit the NVRH Auxiliary.
NVRH Pharmacist, Laura Flaherty, Earns National Asthma Educator Certification early and education and management are ongoing. Selfmanagement skills are essential for patients, since it empowers them to take control of their condition. Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s Asthma Management clinic is managed by Flaherty. Working in collaboration with Lizzy Berube, Respiratory Therapist and certified by the NAECB as well, the clinic’s goal is to evaluate, educate and assist people in managing their asthma. Upon a referral from the patient’s healthcare provider, Flaherty and Berube interview the patient to identify triggers, review medications and assist patients in coming up with an action plan to effectively manage their asthma. To find out more about the Asthma Management clinic, talk to your healthcare provider, call 748-7408 or visit www.nvrh.org.
Laura Flaherty, RPh, AE-C, recently earned her national asthma educator certification through the National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB). The certification demonstrates that rigorous education and experience requirements have been met in order to effectively treat and educate asthmatic patients. Each day in the U.S., 40,000 people miss school or work due to asthma; 30,000 people have an asthma attack, 5,000 people visit the emergency room; 1,000 people are admitted to the hospital and 11 people die from asthma. Flaherty is quick to point out that the majority of asthma conditions are manageable, especially if symptoms are caught
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We Are Family
“We are one big family of people, trying to make our way through the unfolding puzzle of life.” Sara Paddison
Tammy Upton – Access Anna Talbot – Environmental Services (sisters)
Alexis Harper – Pharmacy Rose Harper – Patient Accounts (mother/daughter)
Marilyn Berube – Medical Records, Jaime Berube – Corner Medical Casie Whitehead – Information Services, Jackie Whitehead – Day Surgery (sisters/cousins)
Beth Townsend – SPD Connie Charron – Nurse Supervisor (sisters)
David McGregor – Laboratory Jim McGregor – Diagnostic Imaging (son/father)
Jeannine Lacoss – Access Georgette Griffin – Environmental Services Monique Paquette – Emergency Room (sisters)
Marianne Woiczechowski – Patient Accounts Jonathan McDonald – Operating Room (husband/wife)
Marissa Brink – Med/Surg & Care Management Pam Brink – Care Management (mother/daughter)
Mary Young-Coathup – Med/Surg Melanie Young – Med/Surg (mother/daughter)
Michelle Robinson – Kingdom Internal Medicine Melissa McDonald – Med/Surg (sisters)
Sarah Morgan – Patient Accounts CJ Plante – Plant Operations (mother/son)
Kelly Lemieux – Med/Surg Kim Downing – Bus. Ctr. 1st Floor/ Admin (daughter/mother)
Fred Wells – Laundry Linda Wells – Day Surgery (husband/wife)
Judy Harbaugh – Administration Chris Demars – SPD (sisters)
Teala Hooker – Environmental Services Rita Pelkey -- Laundry (mother/daughter)
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“Can You Tell Me…” With the Community Health Resource Center constituting a portion of the library and library services, I often meet members of the community whose questions begin with, “Can you tell me about……?” and “Where can I find…?”. For some of our community members, this search for information can become confusing and frankly, scary, in a very short amount of time. The Medical Libraries Association has been collecting and verifying websites for years -- it’s part of what we, as librarians, do. It can be a challenge, but also a fascinating adventure. One of the recurring themes in these requests is information about websites containing reliable information about diabetes. Some of these websites are already familiar, others may not be. They are each available to users without registration or cost. American Diabetes Association (http://www.diabetes.org/) is the leading nonprofit health organization dedicated to diabetes. Their mission is, “to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.” The site contains basic information about diabetes, such as healthy living choices, insulin reactions, exercise and diet. Other features include diabetes in the news, online shopping, ADA-sponsored events, and a section for health care professionals. Ask NOAH about Diabetes (http://www.noah-health.org/en/endocrine/diabetes) is a subsection of NOAH (New York Online Access to Health). Information is available in Spanish and English, including genderspecific, race-specific, and age-specific issues. An extensive collection of full-text, user-friendly consumer health information is easily accessible by clicking on the appropriate topic on the main diabetes page. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes). The Diabetes Public Health Resource page contains frequently asked questions (and their answers), links to related Diabetes sites, news and information, publications and products, descriptions of state-based programs, and more. Spanish language information is also included. Target audience for this site is adults. Diabetes 123 (http://www.diabetes123.com/) is an organization whose mission is, “to be the world leader in online diabetes care, improving the quality and reducing the cost of care by increasing the understanding of, and providing traditional and innovative products and services for the treatment of all types of diabetes.” The main site is presented as an online magazine, with the home page providing a table of contents to news and research articles, chat rooms, an “Ask the diabetes Team” section, and other “people connections”, and an online store. In addition to the main site, this group also sponsors the Children with Diabetes site. There is advertising at this site, and the organization does subscribe to the HONcode principles of the Health on the Net Foundation. Children with Diabetes (http://childrenwithdiabetes.com/) sponsored by Diabetes 123, provides an online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes. With a format similar to Diabetes 123, this site focuses on the needs of children with diabetes. Joslin Diabetes Center (http://www.joslin.harvard.edu/). Affiliated with Harvard Medical School, the Joslin website is aimed toward parents and professionals. The website includes a library of information for parents, description of patient programs and camps for children with diabetes. An online store provides books and recorded information on various aspects of the disease. Professional education and “Diabetes News” are also on the site, along with press releases and current updates about legislative activities. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (http://www.jdf.org/) is dedicated to fostering research to find a cure for diabetes. A kids’ online section provides links to materials for children and teens, with an online index divided into specific age groups. One such link is a quarterly electronic publication, Countdown for Kids. Begun in 1996, its goal is to provide news, help, educational and inspirational tools, while remaining fun for those ages 8 and older. National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (http://www.niddk.nih.gov) is a government- supported site highlighting the work of this Institute, one of the National Institutes of Health. The websites devote approximately one third of its content to diabetes and its related diseases. Spanish language and “easyto-read” information is included for many topics. Also included are consumer health information, health education programs, and more. 7
In the Know
On Behalf of the NVRH-Caledonia/southern Essex Tobacco Advisory
Why Smoke-Free Parks Are Important to Our Children Each day, thousands of children throughout Vermont visit our parks to be outside with their friends and family. When children see adults smoking in a family-friendly place like a park, it “normalizes” smoking, making children more likely to try cigarettes or other tobacco products. Every day 4,000 children in the United States have their first cigarette. Almost 90% of adult smokers began at or before the age of 18. If current tobacco use patterns persist, an estimated 6.4 million current children smokers will die prematurely from a smokingrelated disease. Additionally, the secondhand smoke created by smokers is harmful to both children and adults. Secondhand smoke contains 4,000 substances, and over 50 of them are known to cause cancer. Scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to suffer from colds and ear infections. Secondhand smoke is especially dangerous to children and adults with asthma or other chronic illnesses, because it aggravates their condition. In addition, it is annoying to the majority of park users who are nonsmokers.
Only 15% of Vermonters smoke. Lighted cigarette butts are also hazardous to children. Young children may pick up the butts and put them in their mouths, possibly choking or burning themselves. The harmful chemicals and nicotine in discarded cigarettes can be toxic and even fatal to a small child. In 2005, the American Association of Poison Control Centers received 4,805 reports of nicotine ingestion among children under age six. Soon after eating a tobacco product, a child will show signs of poisoning. Although many will vomit and recover, some will experience severe effects such as an irregular heartbeat and/or seizures. Furthermore, cigarette butts are not biodegradable. The filter tips take many years to decompose. They make our parks and beaches look dirty and uninviting and cause longterm damage to the environment. Our children deserve a clean, safe place to play. For more information on studies sited or smoke-free parks and outdoor public places, contact Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s Tobacco Advisory Coordinator, Rose Sheehan, 748-7532.
Once again, NVRH’s Team for the annual New Year’s Willoughby Dip ably led by Lizzy Berube, outdid themselves. They ended up earning over $3,200 for the American Cancer Society; they jumped in together because the lake was clear of ice (but SOOOO cold) and they still managed to smile when cameras pointed their way. Thanks Team!
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Lyndon Bulldogs Take Action (B.T.A.) Group Continues To Reach Out to Local Retailers The Lyndon B.T.A., a youth group at the Town School committed to preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, is participating in the “Small Change/Big Impact” statewide Robert Bly, Chandler Rainey, Ryan Godfrey and Judy Smith retailer initiative. Their mission is to educate local retailers about alcohol and tobacco advertising’s impact on youth. During recent visits to Circle K and Nick’s Gas n’ Go in Lyndonville, students not only educated the retailers, but learned a few things as well. Store owners Margaret Allard and Pauline Harris, welcomed the students and supported their message. Students praised the two stores for having minimal alcohol ads, but encouraged them to reduce the excessive amount of tobacco ads and displays, which were much more prevalent. “The tobacco industry spends approximately $27.4 million on marketing in Vermont each year. Youth are three times more sensitive than adults to tobacco advertising,” said seventh grader Chandler Rainey, quoting statistics from a VT Department of Health Fact Sheet. The Healthy Retailer Community Survey, conducted with 212 adults in Lyndonville and St. Johnsbury revealed that over 77% of those polled would like to see store owners voluntarily decrease the number of tobacco ads and displays in their stores. However, Pauline Harris of Nick’s Gas n’ Go told students that the tobacco companies dictate where stores must place tobacco ads and how many they must have. There doesn’t seem to be any possibility of reducing the exposure to tobacco ads as long as a store is under contract with tobacco companies. Students will explore exactly what that means. They will ask store owners if there is a benefit to being under contract and whether or not those benefits outweigh the risks to youth. While students realize that there may be some limitations as to what they can accomplish, they were encouraged by the friendliness of store owners and managers alike. During a visit to Circle K, associate Judy Smith taught the students about the process of scanning licenses to take precautions against the underage use of alcohol and tobacco. “I’m impressed with how well stores enforce the law to not sell tobacco or alcohol to minors. I’d like to see as much effort put forth to reduce exposure to advertising that is aimed at recruiting youth to smoke. Every year, 850 Vermonters lose their life to tobacco use. Tobacco advertising is an effective strategy to replace those customers lost,” said Rose Sheehan, Lyndon Town School Student Assistance Professional, and NVRH Tobacco Programs Coordinator. To find out more about The Healthy Retailer, “Small Change/Big Impact” initiative, as well as the survey results, contact NVRH Caledonia/Southern Essex Tobacco Advisory at 802-748-7532 or
[email protected] or visit http://www. healthvermont.gov/fitandhealthy. Rose Sheehan, William Miller-Brown, Emily Tanner, William House and Pauline Harris
Have a Safe Winter
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning a heart attack, go into a coma or even die. It can happen very quickly. To keep your family safe from carbon monoxide, use your generator safely. Only use the generator outside. Do not use it in the basement or attic. Put it more than 15 feet away from your house and your neighbors’ houses. Point the exhaust away from houses. If you are buying a portable generator for future power outages, have an electrician help you choose and set up your generator. Carbon monoxide detectors save lives. A carbon monoxide alarm will let you know if you have carbon monoxide in
When the power goes out, many people use portable generators to supply their homes with electricity. However, generators can put families at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning if they are not used safely. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a harmful gas that you cannot see or smell. You can breathe in carbon monoxide and not even know it. If you breathe in carbon monoxide, you may start to feel like you have the flu. You may get a headache, have trouble breathing, feel very tired or feel sick to your stomach. If you breathe in a lot of carbon monoxide, you can get very sick. You could have 9
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your home. As of 2005, Vermont law requires carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in the vicinity of any bedroom for all new residential buildings and buildings that are sold or transferred. Put carbon monoxide alarms near your bedrooms, with at least one alarm on every floor of your home. Read the directions that come with the alarm. They will tell you where to put the alarm, how to use it and how often to check the batteries. Put batteries in all your alarms. Have a plan for replacing the batteries every year such as on a major holiday or your birthday. Plug-in alarms and alarms wired directly into your home electricity will not work without batteries if the power goes out.
If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off or if you think you have breathed in carbon monoxide: Get everyone, including pets, to fresh air right away Call 911 or your local fire department right away. Call the poison center at 1-800-2221222 for further advice. If you have questions about how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning during a power outage call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222.
NVRH’s Kingdom Internal Medicine Opens Its Doors the Kingdom Internal Medicine staff has worked together before, so it’s been a reasonably seamless transition.” Chief Financial Officer Robert Hersey welcomes the new practice to the hospital’s campus. “Drs. Meirdiercks and Ziobrowski have practiced in the area for a long time, so when this opportunity arose, it felt like a very good fit. They, along with the other providers and their long-time office and support staff are a very welcome addition to our campus. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.” Kingdom Internal Medicine will hold a public open house in their new location at 714 Breezy Hill Road, on Thursday, February 9, from 3-5 pm. Please stop by for refreshments and a tour. For further information, or to make an appointment, please call the office at 748-7500; new patients are welcome.
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s medical practice Kingdom Internal Medicine has opened its doors in its newly renovated location at 714 Breezy Hill Road, in the same building as Dr. Jauch’s office. The practice consists of Drs. Thomas F. Ziobrowski, Frank J. Meierdiercks and Claudia E. Lee, nurse practitioner Jessica L. Macleod, who specializes in adult gerontology, and Behavior Health Specialist Betsy Fowler, LICSW, LADC. The office is open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and sees adult patients over the age of 19. Practice Manager, Ashley Hull-Guy, deeply appreciates the hard work it’s taken to get the practice up and running efficiently on behalf of the patients, staff and providers. “Everything is falling into place, thanks to the collaboration and support we’ve received from the hospital, as well as our office and support staff. Fortunately,
Practice Manager Ashley Hull-Guy paints the waiting room, readying their space for the January 16th opening!
Michelle Robinson and Cathy Sherwood greet patients in their new space.
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Office nurses, Diane Covell, Cheryl Chesley, Carolyn Denio and Nurse Manager Peggy Hale ready the nurses’ station for receiving patients on January 16th.
From the Library Corner A few weeks ago, I was reminded that not all of the journals that the library has historically subscribed to include the most current edition on our shelves, and the question was, “WHY?” The answer is simply that there is a library within the library, accessible through your computer, each time it is turned on. Check out the “Pulse” page, and you’ll see a link to MD Consult… our library’s “library within a library”. There is also a link listed under the ”Happenings” heading on the “Pulse” page. What is a library within a library? It may sound a little like double-speak, but I promise you that it is not. Within MD Consult, you will find First Consult (similar to Up-To-Date), books, journals, patient education information, drug information, guidelines, news in medicine, an image library, and CME. Within the journals sections, are several of the journals we no longer carry on the shelves. Visit the list of journals, as an illustration of the breadth of the collection. Several of the journal titles, which may not be current on our shelves, include: *American Journal of Cardiology, (full text, January 2001 – current) * American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (full text, January 1995 -- current) * American Journal of Sports Medicine (full text, January 1995 – November 1999) * Chest (full text, January 1996 -- current) * Mayo Clinic Proceedings (full text, 2006 – current) We know that many of you are doing research on your own. That’s great! There are many resources “out there on the web”, and we would like to recommend these websites for evidence searching. Please note that CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) requires a user name and password (see below). I was able to open the others with no problems. Database or organization web sites: CINAHL http://search.ebscohost.com User ID: nhvt Password: loon Cochrane Collaboration http://www.cochrane.org National Guideline Clearinghouse http://www.guideline.gov National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov Psychinfo http://www.apa.org/psychinfo Meta-Search engine: TRIP+ http://www.tripdatabase.com
First Baby of 2012 Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s First Baby of 2012: Stella Celia Chamberlain was born on January 4, 2012 at 5:53 am; she weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 19 ½ inches long. Her parents are Heather Faulkner and Greg Chamberlain of Lyndonville, VT. As the first baby of the New Year, the hospital gifted them with a basket full of items including books, clothes, a stuffed animal from the hospital’s gift shop and an afghan made by Rosie Graves of Lyndonville.
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MEET DUSTY JENKS,
IT HELP DESK COORDINATOR Submitted by Jim Coulson
Last July, when the Information Technology Department announced that Dusty Jenks had joined their team, the response might have been: “Wait, I thought he already worked here…” That was because Dusty had already become a fixture of sorts; moving around the facility servicing printers and copiers, but working for SymQuest Group, the company that has a contract with NVRH. So after nine years working on our network of printers and copiers, Dusty joined the NVRH family and has been pleased with the change. “I already knew my way around the facility and knew many of the people, so it made for a smooth transition,” he said recently. As a child, Dusty’s family moved between the Binghamton, New York area, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Island Pond, VT, before returning to New York to settle in the Saratoga region. Dusty returned to Island Pond when he married his wife. He worked for a time in the vinyl siding and window installation business for Doug Hodge. From there, he worked for Northeast Business Equipment before he became a copier technician/ specialist for SymQuest, which he did for 13 years. His knowledge of the business made him a natural choice to work on the hardware side of our Information Technology Department. While putting that experience to work here, he has also assumed the responsibility of Help Desk Coordi-
nator. When a call is placed to the IT helpline number (ext. 7474) Dusty is generally the person who takes the call. His job is to screen the initial call and address the problem or refer the caller to one of the other specialists who cover the phones, pagers, computer hardware (including all the printers, copiers and fax machines) or software specialist, which includes word and data processing and Meditech applications. The department takes call during the off hours with one Meditech specialist teamed with a hardware person to cover emergent issues. Dusty is actually named after his father Dale, so the name Dusty was a family-given nickname to differentiate father and son. He has been married to his wife Christine for 17 years. They have 3 children: Austin is 13, Melena 10, and Arianna is 7. Christine has a teaching degree from Lyndon State and home schools the children. The family enjoys a movie night on Fridays with pizza. All three children and Christine share birthdays in April, so they have a tradition of taking a trip somewhere in New England to celebrate. They also like to ski, skate and bike ride together. They attend the Union Baptist Church in St. Johnsbury.
Top 10 Scams Targeting Seniors Provided by the Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont in collaboration with the National Council on Aging. For more information about the services available to older adults and family caregivers in this region, contact the Agency on Aging via the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 or www.nevaaa.org. Financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “the crime of the 21st century.” Why? Because seniors are thought to have a significant amount of money sitting in their accounts. Financial scams also often go unreported or can be difficult to prosecute, so they’re considered a “low-risk” crime. However, they’re devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a very vulnerable position with little time to recoup their losses.
It’s not just wealthy seniors who are targeted. Lowincome older adults are also at risk of financial abuse. And it’s not always strangers who perpetrate these crimes. Over 90% of all reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others. Review the important list below created by the National Council on Aging so that you can identify a potential scam before it happens to you or someone you know.
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1. Health Care/Medicare/Health Insurance Fraud Every U.S. citizen or permanent resident over age 65 qualifies for Medicare, so there is rarely any need for a scam artist to research what private health insurance company older people have in order to scam them out of some money. In these types of scams, perpetrators may pose as a Medicare representative to get older people to give them their personal information, or they will provide bogus services for elderly people at makeshift mobile clinics, then use the personal information they provide to bill Medicare and pocket the money.
It is in this spirit that many older Americans seek out new treatments and medications to maintain a youthful appearance, putting them at risk of scammers. Whether it’s fake Botox like the one in Arizona that netted its distributors (who were convicted and jailed in 2006) $1.5 million in barely a year, or completely bogus homeopathic remedies that do absolutely nothing, there is money in the anti-aging business. Botox scams are particularly unsettling, as renegade labs creating versions of the real thing may still be working with the root ingredient, botulism neurotoxin, which is one of the most toxic substances known to science. A bad batch can have health consequences far beyond wrinkles or drooping neck muscles.
2. Counterfeit Prescription Drugs Most commonly, counterfeit drug scams operate on the Internet, where seniors increasingly go to find better prices on specialized medications. This scam is growing in popularity—since 2000, the FDA has investigated an average of 20 such cases per year, up from five a year in the 1990s. The danger is that besides paying money for something that will not help a person’s medical condition, victims may purchase unsafe substances that can inflict even more harm. This scam can be as hard on the body as it is on the wallet.
5. Telemarketing Perhaps the most common scheme is when scammers use fake telemarketing calls to prey on older people, who as a group make twice as many purchases over the phone than the national average. While the image of the lonely senior citizen with nobody to talk to may have something to do with this, it is far more likely that older people are more familiar with shopping over the phone, and therefore might not be fully aware of the risk. With no face-to-face interaction, and no paper trail, these scams are incredibly hard to trace. Also, once a successful deal has been made, the buyer’s name is then shared with similar schemers looking for easy targets, sometimes defrauding the same person repeatedly.
3. Funeral & Cemetery Scams The FBI warns about two types of funeral and cemetery fraud perpetrated on seniors. In one approach, scammers read obituaries and call or attend the funeral service of a complete stranger to take advantage of the grieving widow or widower. Claiming the deceased had an outstanding debt with them, scammers will try to extort money from relatives to settle the fake debts. Another tactic of disreputable funeral homes is to capitalize on family members’ unfamiliarity with the considerable cost of funeral services to add unnecessary charges to the bill. In one common scam of this type, funeral directors will insist that a casket, usually one of the most expensive parts of funeral services, is necessary even when performing a direct cremation, which can be accomplished with a cardboard casket rather than an expensive display or burial casket.
Examples of telemarketing fraud include: “The Pigeon Drop” - The con artist tells the individual that he/she has found a large sum of money and is willing to split it if the person will make a “good faith” payment by withdrawing funds from his/her bank account. Often, a second con artist is involved, posing as a lawyer, banker, or some other trustworthy stranger. “The Fake Accident Ploy” - The con artist gets the victim to wire or send money on the pretext that the person’s child or another relative is in the hospital and needs the money.
4. Fraudulent Anti-Aging Products In a society bombarded with images of the young and beautiful, it’s not surprising that some older people feel the need to conceal their age in order to participate more fully in social circles and the workplace. After all, 60 is the new 40, right?
“Charity Scams” - Money is solicited for fake charities. This often occurs after natural disasters. 6. Internet Fraud While using the Internet is a great skill at any age, the slower speed of adoption among some older people makes them easier targets for automated Internet scams that
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are ubiquitous on the web and email programs. Pop-up browser windows simulating virus-scanning software will fool victims into either downloading a fake antivirus program (at a substantial cost) or an actual virus that will open up whatever information is on the user’s computer to scammers. Their unfamiliarity with the less visible aspects of browsing the web (firewalls and built-in virus protection, for example) make seniors especially susceptible to such traps.
lose their homes when the perpetrators offer money or a free house somewhere else in exchange for the title to the property. 9. Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams This simple scam is one that many are familiar with, and it capitalizes on the notion that “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Here, scammers inform their mark that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes of some kind and need to make some sort of payment to unlock the supposed prize. Often, seniors will be sent a check that they can deposit in their bank account, knowing that while it shows up in their account immediately, it will take a few days before the (fake) check is rejected. During that time, the criminals will quickly collect money for supposed fees or taxes on the prize, which they pocket while the victim has the “prize money” removed from his or her account as soon as the check bounces.
One example includes: Email/Phishing Scams - A senior receives email messages that appear to be from a legitimate company or institution, asking them to “update” or “verify” their personal information. A senior receives emails that appear to be from the IRS about a tax refund. 7. Investment Schemes Because many seniors find themselves planning for retirement and managing their savings once they finish working, a number of investment schemes have been targeted at seniors looking to safeguard their cash for their later years. From pyramid schemes like Bernie Madoff ’s (which counted a number of senior citizens among its victims) to fables of a Nigerian prince looking for a partner to claim inheritance money to complex financial products that many economists don’t even understand, investment schemes have long been a successful way to take advantage of older people. 8. Homeowner/Reverse Mortgage Scams Scammers like to take advantage of the fact that many people above a certain age own their homes, a valuable asset that increases the potential dollar value of a certain scam. A particularly elaborate property tax scam in San Diego saw fraudsters sending personalized letters to different properties apparently on behalf of the County Assessor’s Office. The letter, made to look official but displaying only public information, would identify the property’s assessed value and offer the homeowner, for a fee of course, to arrange for a reassessment of the property’s value and therefore the tax burden associated with it. Closely related, the reverse mortgage scam has mushroomed in recent years. With legitimate reverse mortgages increasing in frequency more than 1,300% between 1999 and 2008, scammers are taking advantage of this new popularity. As opposed to official refinancing schemes, however, unsecured reverse mortgages can lead property owners to
10. The Grandparent Scam The Grandparent Scam is so simple and so devious because it uses one of older adults’ most reliable assets, their hearts. Scammers will place a call to an older person and when the mark picks up, they will say something along the lines of: “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” When the unsuspecting grandparent guesses the name of the grandchild the scammer most sounds like, the scammer has established a fake identity without having done a lick of background research. Once “in,” the fake grandchild will usually ask for money to solve some unexpected financial problem (overdue rent, payment for car repairs, etc.), to be paid via Western Union or MoneyGram, which don’t always require identification to collect. At the same time, the scam artist will beg the grandparent “please don’t tell my parents, they would kill me.” While the sums from such a scam are likely to be in the hundreds, the very fact that no research is needed makes this a scam that can be perpetrated over and over at very little cost to the scammer.
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A+ Standard of Caring Ambulatory Surgery
OCTOBER 2011
+ Not home for phone call so received a post card.
+ Excellent staff (no complaints). + Dr. Danielson, OR nurses were excellent, as well as nurse who prepared me for procedure. A+ in my estimation. + Everyone was very friendly, knowledgeable. I had confidence that everything was going well and it did go well. + Deb was extremely understanding! + David H. - fantastic! + Very friendly, helpful. + Amazing care, very comfortable the whole time. Everyone was very attentive and put me at ease before the surgery. + This was certainly a positive experience for me and I would HIGHLY recommend your hospital. + I felt a strong need to have the procedure right away and I was put on the schedule first thing the next morning. They were great! + Because I was so emotional, I feel that all involved (nurses, doctor & anesthesiologist) took extra good care of me and felt my pain & heartbreak. + I was so impressed by the genuine concern I felt from all nurses, doctors & anesthesiologist. + I have lived in and received care in hospitals in MA, NH & ME. I can’t say enough about Karen Kenny & the Women’s Wellness crew and all of the day surgery staff I am very thankful for the care I received! + Dr. Larsen as well as all the nurses were terrific. Going to NVRH was a total pleasure from beginning to end. + Dr. Chris Danielson is an exceptional physician & a pleasure to deal with - Thank you. + Registration was so easy. + Everyone was so courteous. + I arrived early and the person ahead of me was late - so the nurse & doc took me early, thanks. + I have never felt so pampered in my life. + This was my 3rd visit and I will be back in the spring for another podiatry procedure. + I have always been very well taken care of!! + The best! Dr. Chris Danielson is awesome, I can’t recall her name, the RN was awesome and Linda RN is amagician with a needle. + Supreme care and concern the best without compare. Deb Yonker RN and Deb Smith RN A++.
Emergency Department + I would not hesitate to go to this facility for anything that needs medical attention. #1. EXCELLENT! + All were very helpful, excellent service. + Nurse was patient with me and very caring. + Very impressed with the overall care. + Other than not being completely “cured” every aspect was top notch. Nurse Deb Smith (?) was with me the most. She, as others, was professional, personable and a pleasure. No complaints. As a lifelong teacher I am comfortable being as critical as complimentary. (Obviously a traditional teacher, right). + All was A+. + Best service in all of my involvement with NVRH Emergency Department. + I just needed a few stitches in my finger. No issues! Nice people! + Good! Both doctor & nurses where caring & cheerful. + Excellent treatment by staff. + Excellent - Dr. Merrick & Margie were great. + I was impressed with the doctor’s competence and efficiency. + Allowing my wife to be with me when she could was a great help. Thank you!!! + There were no delays. Thank you!!! + Their IMMEDIATE help likely prevented my heart attack from doing serious damage to my heart. Thank you!!! + Apparently the ED was at a “lull,” so my experience was all very good. All the staff was friendly & made me feel comfortable. + I received excellent care. The whole team was efficient, caring and reassuring. + Virginia was very kind – gave us info on warts too! + My 6-yr. old daughter was bleeding and upset. The staff took her into a room immediately where a nurse asked us questions and evaluated the injury quickly. I was able to read to and comfort my daughter privately.
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+ I had a very good experience upon arrival. I was in a lot of pain and was seen very quickly. + Janet Wilson FNP was caring and took her time. + Roger Leroux and Sue Langmaid are awesome! + Genevieve was terrific, patient and kind. + Pat in radiology was very good and very patient. + He was very considerate when I discussed options of treatment. + I had a friend come into my room and they were very nice to allow him to follow me to get my X-ray. + Thoughtful, comprehensive. + Aftercare instructions were very good. + Friendly greeting. Quick service.
Inpatient + Everyone was wonderful to me! Thank you. + It was fast and easy even with contractions. The admission person was very understanding. + It may sound crazy, but I love the food! + The nurses did a great job letting me know if they worked on another floor and were only there to help. + Nurse, technician & physician were all very competent & caring. + Dr. Walko was very good! + ER nurse - Susan Duckett was excellent. + I had a wonderful experience. Everyone in the labor delivery was very nice and helpful. + The nurses were all amazing I felt very cared for and will tell everyone about how helpful and nice they all were. + Dr. Kenny did an amazing job. + Dr. Karen Kenny was outstanding! The best care I have ever received. + The food was good - better than expected. + I was very impressed with the friendliness/courtesy of the nurses. All of them! + I had no visitors, but courtesy was shown for phone calls. + THIS experience was a real positive one and I came away with a renewed hope for the future of NVRH. + We had called the doc on call & he called to ER to let them know we were on our way & 2 nurses were waiting in the waiting room for us, even the admission lady. + In the ER, Logan was fantastic. I was never uneasy about what she was doing. Even when she & another nurse were taking blood.
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+ I wish I could remember her name but she was amazing! My daughter handled this well. I was impressed how well she handled taking blood from Rachel. + I also need to mention Gretchen who was called in for x rays. She is so sweet & great w/kids. She is so great at what she does and was so fast & efficient! + Sam on the Pedi floor was amazing! She is a fantastic nurse & great w/kids. + Rachel, even feeling as terrible as she did managed a smile for her. Great woman! + Very pleasant and visitors free to come and go. + Very good, pleasant and experienced staff. + Went in sick, came out not sick. Mission accomplished. No pain involved. + No bad experience at all. Different members of my family have used NVRH for years. + My husband was given a place to sleep so he could stay with me and given meals if there at mealtime. + The anesthesiologist was very good answering all my questions. + I was very hungry and they always brought plenty of food. + The nurses were attentive to my needs, even surpassing my expectations for the quality of care. + Was in labor and they were quick. + I was especially impressed with the patient Care Management representative. A very good service.
Corner Medical + They washed their hands. I am 94 and I have been with these doctors -- they have cared well for me. + Dr. Erisman’s nurse Nancy is very good. She listens to you, and always answers any question I have. + Dr. Erisman takes her time, really listen to you - I never care how long I wait for her because she takes time with me. + It couldn’t have been any easier! Thank you! Nurse was professional, yet friendly, and knowledgeable. + Dr. Hebert was extremely professional and patiently answered all of my questions and concerns. This was an unscheduled visit, but I was seen and treated by the staff as quickly as possible. + I may have to wait to see my dr., but she always gives me equal time + I really have faith in Dr. Erisman. + I was totally happy with my visit!
+ Good experience. The staff and my doctor are the best -- really caring people. + I had blood work done & an ultra sound. Everyone was very pleasant & helpful. I was very satisfied. + I trust my provider. + As good as it could be. + I’m always pleased with all staff. No delays. + Dr. Thompson will be missed. + It was a good experience. The young lady was great. She put me at ease. + Dr. Erisman is one of the kindest, caring physicians I have ever had. + Holly is very friendly & efficient. + Dr. Scott is very attentive to my husband’s needs. He makes sure that there is follow-up care and works well with Mitya to address these needs in a timely manner. + Mitya is efficient & communicative. She attends to my husband’s care needs so quickly! + I have been with Dr. Gresser - over ten years. I have never had a bad experience. + In June 2011 I had to move to Barre, to be nearer my daughter. I’m still seeing Dr. Gresser until I find a new doctor over there. I’ll miss her very much. It’s not easy to get old.
Womens Wellness + Very friendly and caring. + Megan Haywood is FANTASTIC! She is the medical provider that one hopes to have - excellent, compassionate, knowledgeable. + Outstanding, always recommend Margaret for & to others. Nice to hear from someone in medical community who doesn’t push prescription drugs & offer simple home remedies. + Karen Kenny is straight forward & clear. I appreciate her honesty. + Dr. Kenny, nurse Cindy and receptionist Tina were all outstanding overall. Dr. Kenny is the best asset for your hospital. She is knowledgeable, caring, polite, kind, clearly loves what she does. + Women’s Wellness is a wonderful place to get care. Everyone was friendly and very helpful. + Loved the doctor I saw - she was beyond helpful. + Very satisfied with the department and staff. + Margaret Rowlett - A+++. + I never wait. Very prompt. + I always recommend NVRH/Woman’s Wellness/ Birth Center to others.
Outpatient + Very friendly, and relaxing atmosphere. + Everyone at the lab & in x ray were very nice & personable. + I have always liked NVRH and it’s because of the excellent staff - it’s run like a hospital should be run. + Drawing blood for test - 3 min. - receptionist - staff - efficient and knowledgeable. + I ask lots of questions and every one was answered quickly. Thank you! *Pat, who did mammogram was very good - answered all my concerns. + I appreciate having Dr. Neel come in to report no cancer -- two years ago he came in to tell me I did have cancer - so this was a big relief. + Your commitment to quality patient care at all levels is exemplary!! + I had blood drawn and I never felt it! I’m impressed! + I have recommended NVRH – your hospital has improved services a lot in the last 10 years! + The front desk was expecting me - everything was all ready for me. + Jim was very good about reassurance and explaining procedure. + Jim McGregor was very helpful + Very clean hospital. + I had one day surgery a couple of years ago - very nice hospital then and very nice hospital now. + I wish I lived closer. Bone scan was negative!! + Registrar was extremely patient especially as I massacred the doctor’s name (one which was not familiar to them, as a specialist @ DHMC) and it took a while to straighten out the referral. + Two folks waited with my twin girls - thanks! + X-ray tech was very careful. + The best treatment, care, and general services were more than satisfactory. + I was able to register over the phone. It is quick and easy. The staff is extremely pleasant to talk to. Such a benefit to be able to do this. + During the phone registration, the staff gave directions to where I needed to go. + Very comfortable and relaxing. Did not have to wait in waiting room for long which is nice. Makes a stressful situation easier.
A+ 17
