Tag Archive for: #mariaparham

TownTalk 2-10-21: Dr. Sydney Short, MPH Cardiology; Feb is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, and a local cardiologist was happy to steal the medical spotlight from COVID-19 for a short while to discuss heart health, risk factors and ways people can contribute to their own good heart health.

Dr. Sydney Short has more than 30 years’ experience as a cardiologist, and he has been at Maria Parham Health since late January 2019. He spoke with John C. Rose on Wednesday’s Town Talk. In addition to the usual suggestions for improving heart health – regular exercise, watch your diet, and stop smoking – Short offered additional insights to help people feel better about how they treat their hearts.

Although heart disease is an increasing concern, he said, advances in treatments are encouraging. “It’s important,” Short said, “and something that a lot of people deal with in their lives.” And yes, regular exercise is still the best way to improve your heart function,” Short said. During the pandemic, however, regular exercise regimens may have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions. It needs to be sustained, aerobic exercise that gets your heart rate up, Short reminded. Unfortunately, simply being physically active in the workplace doesn’t count.

He said he has enjoyed having an ongoing doctor-patient relationship with his patients. When patients come in with a problem and have a heart catheterization study “and you see that it can be fixed, patients often feel better quickly and get back to a normal life,” he said. “It’s fun to be involved in their lives and see how much better they’re doing after they’ve actually been able to have an intervention,” Short added.

To Hear Dr. Short’s TownTalk Interview, Click Play…and continue reading below.

Of course, it’s always better to maintain good heart health and not need the services of a cardiologist. But for those who need a cardiologist’s care, help is a short drive away.  “It’s very exciting and very rewarding to see patients get this health care that previously had been a farther distance away – and now it’s on their doorstep,” Short added. Maria Parham’s Cardiology office is located behind the main hospital in the Jenkins Building.

There’s a difference between heart disease and a heart attack, Short explained. For example, a person who exhibits chest pain each day when he walks to the mailbox is probably describing an ongoing or developing heart problem. Sudden, immediate pain in the chest, however, is more associated with a heart attack.

Symptoms, in addition to sudden chest pain that are warning signs of a heart attack include: breaking out in a sweat, shortness of breath, weakness and dizziness, Short said. “The longer I’ve been in medicine, the more unusual presentations I’ve seen,” he explained. “Most patients have a more typical kind of presentation with their chest pain, with their heart problem.” But that pain could show up in other areas, such as back pain or other areas. And women seem to exhibit more unusual or out-of-the-ordinary symptoms, he said.  “All of these symptoms should be taken seriously,” he said.

Short puts family history at the top of the list of indicators of heart disease. Smoking is a very important risk factor, too. Although other health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol can contribute to heart disease, Short said, it’s not a done deal.

“If all those are treated and are under control, you are less likely to have heart disease,” he said. “We do speak of those risk factors when patients come into the office. It’s one of the first things we go through” he said, and then he and the patient try to modify those factors to decrease the chances of having problems in the future.

Similarly, people who have already experienced some sort of heart problem can take steps to maintain good heart health. “Once they’ve had an event of some kind, then we work very carefully … to try to decrease their risk of having further problems in the future.”

“If you still smoke, then you are much more likely to have another problem with your heart in the future,” Short said. “If you have had heart disease in the past, you definitely need to stop smoking,” he said.

(This article and the audio contained within are not meant to offer any diagnosis or treatment or offer medical advice.  Maria Parham Health is a paying advertising client of WIZS.  This is NOT a paid ad.)

Maria Parham Health

Why I Got the COVID-19 Vaccine by Adrian Ogle

Submitted by Adrian Ogle, Chief of Staff, Maria Parham Health

For most of us, this past holiday season was unlike any other we have experienced. Instead of the typical hustle and bustle of holiday parties, family gatherings and being surrounded by those we love – this year was just different. I know for me personally, I missed seeing my mother and other beloved family members due to the restrictions of COVID-19.

While changing traditions this year was hard, I know there are people here in our community who are facing much greater difficulties because of how COVID-19 has impacted their lives. I see these challenges every single day in my role on the frontlines of fighting this pandemic as a Chief of Staff.

That’s why I’m excited and proud to be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I know many people have questions or concerns about the vaccine – I did too, at first. However, after talking to other clinicians I know and trust, reviewing the facts and being tired of missing so much in 2020, I feel very confident in my decision to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines have gone through the same rigorous process to gain authorization that all vaccines available in the United States have gone through – no steps were skipped, and no corners were cut. Researchers anticipate that the vaccine will be approximately 95% effective. This is significantly higher than other common (and important) vaccines like the flu vaccine, which is typically between 40-60% effective.

You’ve probably heard about the potential side effects, which can include pain at the injection site and sometimes headaches, muscle pain, body aches, fatigue or fever. I personally experienced mild soreness and achiness around the injection site, which were mild and went away within two days. I can tell you from personal experience serving patients and families every day during this crisis that these potential side effects pale in comparison to the challenges that come with a serious case of COVID-19.

For me, I chose to get the vaccine because it is very important that we as a community all take measures to control Covid-19 to allow us to return to a sense of normalcy.

With the COVID-19 vaccine, I believe we are on the right path toward reaching an end to the pandemic and returning to normal life – but it is going to take all of us doing our part by choosing to get vaccinated, continuing to wear masks, maintaining social distancing and practicing hand hygiene until the vaccination is widely administered. I want to encourage every member of our community to step up and be a vaccine hero once it is available to you. Do it for your family, your friends, yourself – and all of us at Maria Parham Health.

While there is much that we all missed last year because of the pandemic, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, and I will continue to do my part to help ensure that brighter days are ahead in 2021.

(This is not a paid ad.  Maria Parham Health is a paying advertising client of WIZS.)

New Visitor Restrictions at Maria Parham

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

New visitor restrictions at Maria Parham Health go into effect Monday, December 14, 2020.

No visitor policies will be in place.  The policies, along with what is allowed, are outlined below.


Local News Audio

WIZS Noon News 12-09-20: Free Concert; Drewry Fire Quilt; Oak Level UCC Brunch; MPH Women’s

– SHPHC Presents ‘Christmas Time’s A-Comin’: A Bluegrass Christmas’
– Drewry Volunteer Fire Dept. Holding Drawing for Handmade Quilt
– Oak Level U.C.C Brunch Saturday
– Dr. Kayla J. Cagle-Colon Joins Maria Parham Women’s Care

For audio and full details, click play below…

WIZS News on 1450AM / 100.1FM at 8a, 12 noon and 5p M-F

 

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-27-20 Noon

Maria Parham Advanced Wound Center Recognized with National Award

Edmonds Tennis & Education Foundation to Launch Scholarship Program With Ribbon-Cutting

Reminder: Epsom Community Classic Run/Walk This Weekend!

Click Play Below to Hear Full Details…

 

Maria Parham Inclement Weather Plan In Effect

FROM MARIA PARHAM HEALTH:
 
Maria Parham closings and delays update as of Monday afternoon:
 
All outpatient services and physician practices remained closed for Monday, December 10.
 
The following services and physician practices will operate on a two-hour delay for Tuesday, December 11.
 
Maria Parham Advanced Wound Center – Opening at 10 am
 
Maria Parham Cancer Center- Opening at 10 am
 
Maria Parham Cardiology – Opening at 10 am
 
Maria Parham Endocrinology – Opening at 10 am
 
Maria Parham Nephrology & Hypertension – Opening at 10 am
 
Maria Parham Pain Solutions – Opening at 10 am
 
Maria Parham Primary Care – Opening at 10 am
 
Maria Parham Surgical Associates – Opening at 10 am
 
Maria Parham Urology – Opening at 10 am
 
Maria Parham Vein Center
 
Maria Parham Women’s Care – Opening at 10 am
 
If you have questions about a service line or scheduled appointment, please call 252.438.4143.

MPH Volunteer Services April Fundraiser

— submitted by Lisa Radford, MPH volunteer coordinator

Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health announce their April fundraiser. The Masquerade Sale, where everything is $5.00, will be in the JT Church Classroom Wed. April, 18 (7am-4pm) and Thursday, April 19 (7am-2pm). Necklaces, bracelets, ear rings, rings, scarves, watches, bags and so much more. Come check it out. Something for everyone…come experience the FRENZY!

(This is not a paid advertisement.  However, Maria Parham Health is an advertising client of WIZS Radio and WIZS.com.)

Tupperware Sale MPH Volunteers

Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health announces their October sale. Tupperware will be in the John T. Church Classroom Wed. Oct. 11th (7am-4pm) and Thurs. Oct. 12th (7am-2pm). Take products home THAT DAY! Come see what’s on SALE.

(MPH is a paying advertising client of WIZS Radio and wizs.com.)

Maria Parham Health $5 Masquerade Sale

Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health will be hosting a $5 Masquerade Sale this week in the John T. Church classroom.  The event takes place Wednesday, Sept. 27 (7am-4pm) and Thursday Sept. 28 (7am-2pm).

Lisa Radford is the volunteer coordinator at Maria Parham Health, and in an email to WIZS News she said, “Volunteer services sponsors approximately 10 sales per year, for fun, for the public. They vary from Tupperware, books, peanuts etc. Proceeds go back into patient care in various ways.”

This week’s items include: jewelry, scarves, hats and much more! As Radford said it, “Come experience the frenzy.”

(Maria Parham Health is a paying advertising client of WIZS Radio and WIZS.com.  This information is presented in the public interest to support the institution, its patients and volunteer services at the hospital.)

Henderson Mayor Proclaims Wound Care Awareness Week

Henderson Mayor, Eddie Ellington signed an official proclamation declaring June 5th through June 9th Wound Care Awareness Week in Henderson, North Carolina.  Maria Parham Advanced Wound Center, a member of the Healogics network, is helping raise awareness of chronic wounds. The fourth annual Wound Care Awareness Week is being held from June 5 to June 9.  One of nearly 800 Healogics-managed Centers; Maria Parham Advanced Wound Center offers advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds.  Program Directors across the nation will dedicate the entire week to educating physicians, patients and the general public about the chronic wound epidemic and the advanced wound care solutions.

It is estimated that chronic wounds affect 6.7 million people in the U.S. and the incidence is rising, fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy.  If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb. 

“We see patients living with non-healing wounds for a prolonged amount of time due to the lack of awareness of advanced wound care options,” said D. Scott Covington, MD, FACS, Chief Medical Director for Healogics. “We work to educate community physicians about which of their patients can benefit from advanced wound care, and then provide coordinated care to heal that patient’s wounds.”

People with wounds that have not improved with traditional methods of treatment may benefit from a visit to Maria Parham Advanced Wound Center. Visit www.woundcareawarenessweek.com to learn more about Wound Care Awareness Week and to hear from patients about how wound healing changed their life. To schedule an appointment, please call (252) 436-1700 or visit https://www.mariaparham.com/.