Stroke support group helps healing

Posted on May 22, 2013 by durhamregionalhospital

Chris Stephens’ life was changed when he arrived home from work to find his wife lying on the floor. Rosie had suffered a massive stroke.

After several days in the Intensive Care Unit at Duke University Hospital, Rosie’s condition began to stabilize, and she was later transferred to inpatient rehabilitation for physical, occupational and speech therapy. Rosie could not walk or use her left arm and had trouble swallowing.

About two weeks before Chris was scheduled to return to work, Rosie was diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to Greenery Rehabilitation Center in Durham.

There Chris noticed remarkable improvement in Rosie’s health and spirit. She was fed throughout the night by a G-tube. “Rosie gained weight and was now able to give great effort during her therapy sessions and enjoyed them,” said Chris. “She also enjoyed helping the other residents, baking cookies for them and leading board games during recreational therapy.” Chris could return home at night, knowing Rosie was well taken care of.

As Rosie’s health continued to improve, she and Chris began attending the stroke support group at Teer House. The support group became an important part of the healing process for both Rosie and Chris.

For the full story and to learn more about Durham Regional’s stroke support group, visit durhamregional.org. Then check this blog each week in May for a new story from a stroke patient or caregiver as part of National Stroke Awareness Month.

Stroke is the number four cause of death and the leading cause of disability in American adults. During National Stroke Awareness Month in May, learn the symptoms of stroke, and make healthy lifestyle choices to lower your risk. If you or someone you know has sudden confusion, numbness of the face or arm or trouble speaking, call 911 right away.

Congratulations, 2013 Project SEARCH graduates!

Posted on May 20, 2013 by durhamregionalhospital

Durham Regional Hospital’s Class of 2013 Project SEARCH students graduated May 14 in the hospital auditorium. They were surrounded and supported by family, friends and loved ones, hospital staff, Durham Public Schools staff and the community.

Congratulations!

Special thanks to hospital staff, who mentored the students this year and welcomed them to the Durham Regional family; City of Medicine Academy and Durham Public Schools; community partners and Chick-fil-A at 3912 North Roxboro Street in Durham, which donated food for the post-graduation celebration.

What healthcare reform means to you

Posted on May 17, 2013 by durhamregionalhospital

The political debate surrounding the Affordable Care Act (ACA ) has created a cloud of confusion for many people. Here are the key points to offer clarity about how the national mandate will affect North Carolina families.

If you have health insurance…

You cannot be denied. Your insurer cannot arbitrarily deny coverage for a treatment. New assistance is available to appeal claim denials. Your insurance company can’t drop you over application errors.
Prevention is provided without copays. Many preventive services, such as cholesterol, diabetes and osteoporosis screenings, as well as many immunizations, must now be offered to you without copays.
Your kids can stay on. Families also benefit from extended coverage for their young adult children up to age 26.
Your plan may be extended. Early retirees are benefiting from the extension of their employer-based health care. The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program keeps coverage in place for these people ages 55 to 65 until the federal government implements its Health Insurance Marketplace. (More about that below.)

If you have Medicare…

You may qualify for a drug discount. Medicare Part D beneficiaries now have access to a 50-percent discount on covered brand-name drugs. The discount is available when you reach the coverage gap known as the “Donut Hole” in your Medicare plan.

If you do not have health insurance…

You will have more options. You cannot be denied coverage or charged a higher premium due to an illness or disability. Shop for private insurance through the North Carolina Department of Insurance at ncdoi.com. The state’s Health Insurance Smart Program offers assistance with purchasing affordable health insurance. Call 877-855-0231.
Starting in October 2013, the federal government will offer information about health coverage, some low-cost and even free, through its new Health Insurance Marketplace. You will be able to enroll online or through a toll-free phone number. Coverage from the Marketplace begins in January 2014.

Learn more about healthcare reform in the latest issue of Your Health, Durham Regional’s health and wellness publication for the community.

Stroke is a life-altering experience

Posted on May 15, 2013 by durhamregionalhospital

Al Carson was driving to work when he felt a tingling in his cheek. As he began to lose sensation in his body, he had to pull over at a convenience store. Carson fell getting out of his car, and attendants rushed to call 911.

Carson was taken to Durham Regional Hospital’s emergency department where he was treated for a stroke. The stroke left him paralyzed on the entire right side of his body. Carson was admitted to Durham Regional Hospital and then moved to the rehabilitation unit.

Carson and his rehabilitation team were not sure he would ever walk again, but he says the wonderful treatment he received changed his life.

For Al’s full story and to learn more about stroke, visit durhamregional.org. Then check this blog each week in May for a new story from a stroke patient or caregiver as part of National Stroke Awareness Month.

Focus on women’s health this week

Posted on May 13, 2013 by durhamregionalhospital

Women often serve as caregivers for their loved ones, putting the needs of their spouses, partners, children and parents before their own. As a result, women’s health and well-being can become secondary.

The 14th annual National Women’s Health Week kicked off yesterday—Mother’s Day—and runs through Saturday, May 18. Coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, this observance empowers women to make health a priority and encourages them to improve their mental and physical health.

Support the women you know—your mother, sister, aunt, daughter and friend—and help them take steps toward longer, healthier, happier lives.

As part of National Women’s Health Week, share these tips with the women in your life.

Visit a healthcare professional to receive regular check-ups and preventive screenings.
Get active.
Eat healthy.
Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet and texting while driving.

Just hand cramps or carpal tunnel syndrome?

Posted on May 10, 2013 by durhamregionalhospital

Hand cramps when you’re typing? Many people instantly think carpal tunnel syndrome.Get an accurate diagnosis, and learn what you can do to ease the pain.

Carpal tunnel syndrome often starts with a “pins and needles” sensation, especially at night. The tingling and numbness in your palms and fingers soon become pain in your hands and wrists. Over time, you may lose sensation or grip strength.

The progressive condition may be brought on by increased pressure on a major nerve at the base of the hand. Rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, diabetes and even pregnancy can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Why consult a specialist?

Suhail Mithani, MD, hand surgeon at Durham Regional Hospital, notes it may take a nerve function test to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome.

“The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is made by a physical examination and often aided by nerve conduction studies,” he says. “These studies assist in quantifying the severity of the nerve compression.”

A specialist in conditions of the hand, such as the certified hand specialists at Durham Regional, can help find the combination of activity modification and medical intervention that’s right for you.

“In mild cases, a simple brace can alleviate symptoms,” says Dr. Mithani. “Our specialists help patients with physical therapy and ergonomic adjustments for the home and workplace. In certain cases, a cortisone injection provides relief from symptoms.”

For other people, carpal tunnel syndrome requires surgery.

“Surgical treatment can provide relief for patients with worsening symptoms,” Dr. Mithani says. “One new technique gaining popularity is endoscopic carpal tunnel release, which allows the surgeon to release the ligament causing compression of the median nerve without disturbing the overlying tissues.”

To find a physician who’s right for you, visit durhamregional.org.

Caregivers affected by stroke, too

Posted on May 8, 2013 by durhamregionalhospital

In July 2012, Marie’s husband Keith suffered a massive stroke.

Keith was treated at Duke University Hospital for about two weeks, then transferred to Durham Regional Hospital’s Durham Rehabilitation Institute where he stayed for nearly four months. Since then, Keith has received treatment at the Brian Center of Durham. “All the nurses, doctors and CNAs at Duke and Durham Regional were wonderful,” said Marie.

Keith’s recovery has been difficult—not only for him but also for Marie. The support Marie has received from Keith’s care team and the stroke support group at Durham Regional has been important.

For Marie’s full story and to learn more about stroke, visit durhamregional.org. Then check this blog each week in May for a new story from a stroke patient or caregiver as part of National Stroke Awareness Month.

Durham Regional Hospital

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