SUMMER 2024 STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY. STATE-OF-THE-HEART CARE. Win at losing weight Boat safety tips for kids p8 p4
2 Central Peninsula Hospital Shaun Keef, CEO Central Peninsula Hospital A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Advancing health care careers in the community Over the past several years, Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) has worked to develop programs to assist community and staff members with advancing their health care careers. Offering a range of apprenticeship programs designed to provide hands-on training and education for aspiring health care professionals has been an additional way of our giving back to the community. These programs aim to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields and include programs to become a certified nurse assistant, medical assistant, surgical technologist, sterile processing technician, sleep technologist or a biomedical equipment technician. CPH’s CNA program provides training for individuals interested in becoming certified nurse assistants. The program is offered at both the main hospital campus and at Heritage Place. Participants receive classroom instruction and practical experience, learning essential skills such as patient care communication and safety protocols. Upon successful completion, apprentices are eligible to take the state certification exam. CPH’s medical assistant program is designed to offer a unique opportunity for individuals to gain valuable experience in the outpatient clinic setting. Apprentices actively participate in educational sessions and onthe-job training, acquiring skills in areas such as patient intake, vital signs measurement and assistance to health care providers. CPH’s surgical technologist program provides training in the operating room environment. Individuals learn to prepare surgical instruments, assist surgeons during procedures, and ensure proper sterilization and safety protocols are followed. This program equips individuals with the necessary skills to excel. CPH’s sterile processing technician program focuses on the critical role of ensuring proper sterilization and handling of medical instruments and equipment. Apprentices receive training in decontamination, packaging, sterilization processes and inventory management, preparing them for careers in sterile processing departments. CPH’s sleep technologist program trains individuals to become responsible for conducting sleep studies and assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in setting up equipment, monitoring patients during sleep studies and providing data for interpretation. CPH’s biomedical equipment technician program equips participants with the skills necessary to maintain and repair various medical equipment and devices. Apprentices receive training in troubleshooting, calibration and preventive maintenance, ensuring the proper functioning of critical health care equipment. Through these comprehensive apprenticeship programs, CPH provides valuable opportunities for individuals to gain practical experience and develop the skills necessary to pursue rewarding careers in the health care industry, which is another way that your local hospital is giving back to the community. Photo by Josiah Martin, martinmedia.us
PULSE Summer 2024 3 We are delighted to announce an addition to the Central Peninsula Neurology team. Joining us in June, Naomi Arenson, MD, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our practice as a boardcertified neurologist, certified by the ABPN in both neurology and clinical neurophysiology. Medicine in the Midwest Dr. Arenson’s journey to Central Peninsula began with her earning a medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago in 2000. She further honed her skills and knowledge by completing a neurology residency and a neurophysiology fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in 2005. During her fellowship, Dr. Arenson received specialized training in epilepsy management, including routine and prolonged video-electroencephalography monitoring, as well as performing and interpreting electromyography and nerve conduction study tests of muscles and nerves. Dr. Arenson has a robust clinical background. She treated patients in Michigan from 2005 to 2008 and then in Wisconsin, providing both outpatient and inpatient care while also teaching medical students and family practice residents. Her clinical practice focuses on outpatient general neurology with particular expertise in epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, headaches, neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, tremors and strokes. Dr. Arenson is skilled in many methods of diagnosis and treatment, including Botox for chronic migraines. She is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Neurology, the American Epilepsy Society and the American Medical Association. Back in Alaska Dr. Arenson has a deep connection to Alaska. She lived in Bethel and Emmonak, each for a year, during her childhood and has visited her parents in Haines and Kodiak Island as an adult. She is excited to return to Alaska, a place she holds close to her heart. She has a son who attends college in Minneapolis, a stepson, a stepdaughter, two cats and one dog. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, reading and traveling. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Arenson to our team. Her extensive expertise and dedication to patient care make her a valuable addition to Central Peninsula Neurology. PULSE is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Central Peninsula Hospital, 250 Hospital Place, Soldotna, AK 99669, phone 907-714-4404, website cpgh.org. CEO: Shaun Keef External Affairs Director: Bruce Richards Information in PULSE comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please call 907-714-4600 or email marketing@cpgh.org. 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Central Peninsula Hospital and its clinics (collectively “CPH”) comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Translation and other services are available to you, free of charge, by calling this number: 907-714-4404. Central Peninsula Neurology welcomes Naomi Arenson, MD If you’re experiencing neurological issues and seeking specialized care, don’t delay in getting the specialized attention you need. Ask your primary care provider for a referral to Dr. Arenson at Central Peninsula Neurology today. Central Peninsula Neurology Phone: 907-714-4090 Fax: 855-712-3955 247 N. Fireweed St., Suite B Soldotna, AK 99669
4 Central Peninsula Hospital When life gets hectic, healthy habits that support weight loss are sometimes the first things to go. Luckily there are proven strategies to help. Here are some tips from the CPH Employee Health/Healthy Lifestyles staff to approach weight loss in a healthy and manageable way. Reduce saturated fats by limiting red meats and dairy products. Try to eat more fish and skinless chicken. Use low-fat or nonfat dairy products when possible. Reduce sodium to 2,000mg or less per day. There are approximately 2,300mg of sodium in one teaspoon of salt. Cut back on salt when cooking and at the table. Try to choose foods that are low in salt or have no added salt. Reduce most added sugars. Sugar intake may cause or worsen inflammation in your body. Read package labels, and try to avoid food and drinks that contain added sugars. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some sugar substitutes (such as stevia) are considered a safe option. Reduce ultra-processed foods. These are foods or drinks that contain added sugars, preservatives, artificial flavors and color enhancers. If the food or drink you are planning to consume contains more than five ingredients and you are having difficulty understanding what more than half of them are (the names of preservatives, for example), try to find a healthier alternative in the same food or drink group. Eating fresh, unprocessed food is always the best choice, when available. Increase fiber in your diet. Fiber helps curb appetite by making you feel fuller. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains are a wonderful source of natural fiber. Plus, fiber increases your good cholesterol, which in turn helps lower your bad cholesterol. Drink water. About 60% of the average adult human body is made up of water. Water is crucial to a healthy life. Between water and the other healthy fluids you may drink in a STRATEGIES FOR HEALTHY weight loss
PULSE Summer 2024 5 10 tips Source: American Heart Association If you’re confused about eating a healthy diet, here are some tips to get you started. Try making one or two of these changes at a time. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose more whole grains. Try eating plant proteins, like beans, more often. Choose lean, unprocessed meats. Feature fish (not fried) regularly on your menu. Switch to low- or nonfat dairy. Use healthier oils, like olive oil, for cooking. Limit sweets and sugary drinks. Cut back on salt and sodium. Eat fewer processed foods. 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 10 EAT SWITCH LIMIT 1 Call today! Central Peninsula Hospital Nutritional Services Lindsay LeBrun, dietitian: 907-714-4753 Amanda Reynolds, dietitian: 907-714-4752 day, you should try to take in at least 64 fluid ounces. Drinking water either before or with each meal can reduce the amount of food you need to feel full. Exercise daily. Aim for 30 minutes each day, five times each week, at a continuous, moderate (put some pep in your step) activity level. You may want to consult with your provider before starting on an exercise program. Exercise can also increase your good cholesterol. Quit smoking. While people who stop smoking generally gain 5 to 10 pounds of weight, the harm of such a small increase on your health is insignificant compared to the benefits of giving up tobacco. For example, once you quit smoking, good cholesterol levels can increase by about 30% within three weeks. After just a few years of quitting smoking, your heart attack risk returns to what it would be if you had never smoked. Manage stress. Unhealthy stress levels can lead to elevated blood pressure and overeating and may suppress your immune system. Learn to recognize stressors and begin to develop healthy coping strategies. Limit alcohol. Heavy alcohol use can weaken the heart and cause an unhealthy increase in blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends no more than one or two drinks a day for men or one drink a day for women. Get some sleep—it’s essential for a healthy heart. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by affecting both heart rate and blood pressure regulation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep per 24-hour period. It is never too late, or the wrong time of the year, to start your own weight-loss journey. If you are interested in losing weight or would just like to learn to eat healthier, speak with your health care provider about getting a Nutritional Services consult to see a registered dietitian at Central Peninsula Hospital. for healthier eating
6 Central Peninsula Hospital Your kid falls down the steps. Or the knife slips while you’re chopping vegetables. Or your chest suddenly hurts. What do you do? When you need immediate medical care, you must choose among the emergency room, urgent care or your primary care provider’s office. But when the unexpected happens, it can be hard to decide. Here’s how to make the call. Urgent care Urgent care clinics, sometimes called quick-care or walk-in clinics, aren’t a substitute for emergency care. Urgent care can be a good place to go when your regular provider’s office is closed— such as during nights, weekends or holidays. Head to urgent care with these and other minor issues when you can’t see your usual provider: ● Minor cuts and burns. ● Sprains and strains. ● Rashes. ● Vomiting and diarrhea. ● Back pain. ● Urinary tract infections. ● Cold and flu symptoms. ● Headaches. ● Upset stomach. ● Pink eye. ● Earaches. Emergency department Emergency departments, also known as emergency rooms, are part of hospitals. They offer the special equipment and highly trained providers that emergencies require. Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and they are required by law to treat anyone who comes in. Call 911 or head to the ED if you experience any of these emergencies: ● Chest pain. ● Severe bleeding. ● Difficulty breathing. ● Facial drooping or weakness in a leg or arm. ● Head trauma. ● Sudden confusion. ● Severe abdominal pain. Primary care If the care you need is not an emergency and your doctor’s office is open, consider going to your primary care provider (PCP). There’s trust and a relationship between patient and doctor, even if you’ve only met a few times. Plus, they have your medical records on file and know your health history. A PCP can treat the same problems that an urgent care handles—if an appointment is available. Do you have a health issue that needs timely attention and your PCP isn’t available? Central Peninsula Urgent Care is conveniently located at the corner of Kenai Spur Highway and Walmart Drive in Kenai. Staffed with board-certified emergency physicians and compassionate nurses, they are dedicated to your well-being and open every day from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. No appointment necessary—just walk in. Choosing the right medical care Questions? Visit www.kenaiurgentcare.com or call 907-714-5740 for more information. Central Peninsula Urgent Care 10128 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American College of Emergency Physicians
PULSE Summer 2024 7 Your annual physical is an opportunity to talk face-to-face with your health care provider. You may have a lot on your mind before this important annual wellness checkup. But when you finally get to the appointment, you may have only a few minutes to ask all your questions and address your concerns. It can be stressful, and it’s common to forget what you wanted to discuss. Here are six ways to get the most out of your annual exam, with tips on preparing for it, what to do while it’s happening and putting the information to use after it’s over. 1Plan your questions. In the weeks before your checkup, identify your three or four most important questions—and write them down. General questions might include: ● Am I due for any vaccines? ● What can I do to help prevent common health conditions? ● Where can I get help for a mental health issue? ● What changes can I make to eat healthier? ● How can I be more physically active? If you’re having any screenings or tests, you might ask: ● What’s the purpose of this test? ● What are the risks or side effects? ● When should I expect the results, and how will I get them? 2 Set goals. It’s a good idea to go into an annual exam with health goals to discuss with your provider. These goals should be related to your most important concerns. Common health goals can include: ● Losing weight. ● Quitting smoking. ● Overcoming a specific symptom, like getting dizzy on walks. 3 Invite someone you trust. Consider bringing a trusted family member or friend. They can help remind you of your concerns or take notes during the visit. 4Pack a bag. Collect all your prescription medications, over-thecounter medicines and supplements, in case you are asked about them. If you’re seeing a provider for the first time, bring as much information about your health history as you can gather, including any x-rays, test results and medical records. Throw a pen and notebook in the bag so you can take notes. 5Prep an update. If anything’s changed since your last checkup, speak up. Did you start exercising? Move to a new house? Lose your job? Has there been a death in the family? All these things can affect your health, and your provider needs to know. 6Calm your anxiety. Nerves before an annual medical checkup are common. While you wait for your provider, try to take a few deep breaths. Doing so can calm anxiety and help you focus during the visit. If you have any questions about your health or if it’s time for your annual exam, make an appointment with one of our primary care providers, with convenient locations in Kenai and Soldotna. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; HelpGuide; National Institute on Aging; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Prepare for your checkup Questions and goals to discuss with your provider Accepting new patients! Central Peninsula Family Practice & Pediatrics, Soldotna 245 N. Binkley St., Suite 10, Soldotna 907-714-4111 Central Peninsula Family Practice & Pediatrics, Kenai 506 Lake St., Kenai 907-714-4111
Prepare for your checkup Questions and goals to discuss with your provider: See page 7. Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Here in Alaska, there’s a good chance many of us will be having a great time on the water at some point. When you do, please remember these simple safety tips for the entire family. Wear a life jacket ● Always have your children wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats, around open bodies of water or when participating in water sports. ● Make sure the life jacket fits snugly. Have kids make a “touchdown” signal by raising both arms straight up; if the life jacket hits a child’s chin or ears, it may be too big or the straps may be too loose. Use infant-appropriate life jackets ● According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Boating Safety, babies should not travel on a boat— including rowboats, kayaks, motorboats and sailboats—until they are at the appropriate weight to wear an approved personal flotation device. ● Hold on to your baby while also wearing your own life jacket. Car seats are not a good option. If the boat were to capsize, the seat would sink instantly. A note about boats KNOW HOW TO KEEP KIDS SAFE NEAR WATER Follow your best judgment ● A large portion of boating accidents that occur each year involve alcohol consumption by both boat operators and passengers. To protect your safety and loved ones around you, it is strongly recommended not to drink alcoholic beverages while boating. ● We know you have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be at the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind—and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better. ● Make sure there’s a working carbon monoxide alarm on any motorboat to alert your family to any buildup of toxic fumes from the engine. Teach your kids the difference between open water and pools ● Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather. ● Every child is different, so enroll your child in swimming lessons when you feel he or she is ready. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore. Get more tips For more information on how to keep your kids safe on land or water, contact: Brad Nelson, Coordinator Safe Kids–Kenai Peninsula Central Peninsula Hospital Email: bnelson@cpgh.org Phone: 907-714-4539
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