Archive for June, 2010

Being a great student-athlete usually means attention for great achievements on the field or court. But being an outstanding student-athlete means being a star in academics, leadership, athletics and community service!

To honor our local outstanding student-athletes, Columbus Regional recently hosted its 10th annual Student Athlete Achievement Banquet on April 27 at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

The 2010 awards were given to 72 middle and high school student-athletes from the Muscogee, Harris, Russell and Lee County area schools.

Kirby Smart, the defensive coordinator for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide’s football team, was the keynote speaker for the event.

Above and Beyond

The 72 student-athletes (a male and female from each school) were nominated by their coaches and principals.

Additionally, four students (a male and female each from middle school and high school nominees) were selected for the Above and Beyond award, which included:

• Chanté Barber (St. Anne Pacelli School)
• Aiyinde Lawrence (Russell County Middle School)
• Alex Robinson (Calvary Christian School)
• Madison Wilson (Veterans Memorial Middle School)

Each of the Above and Beyond winners was presented with a $500 savings bond from Synovus and Columbus Bank and Trust.

Additional schools and their honorees included:

• Arnold Magnet Academy: Katrell Smith and Georgia Barton
• Baker Middle School: DeVonte Randall and Octavia Fortson
• Blackmon Road Middle School: Brandon Vance and Rachel Patel
• Brookstone School (High School): Blake Hudson and Alstyne Gravelee
• Brookstone School (Middle School): Jack Mize and Caroline Sparks
• Calvary Christian School (High School): Alex Robinson and Olivia Whitehurst
• Calvary Christian School (Middle School): Clayton Barefield and Kendall Collins
• Carver High School: Clarence France and Jasmine Lee
• Central High School: Andrew Matthews and Portia Watkins
• Chattahoochee County High School: David Cochran III and Kristina Dixon
• Chattahoochee County Middle School: Nathan Hedgecoke and Kaitlyn Powell
• Columbus High School: Gregory Bingham and Amanda Stucky
• Double Churches Middle School: Joseph Garrett and Allison Holt
• East Columbus Magnet Academy: James Jones III and Raechel Lewis
• Eddy Middle School: Deondre Hubbard and Javasia Wheeler
• Fort Middle School: Antonio Jones and Gloria Stevens
• Hardaway High School: Austin Scott and Laura Chapman
• Harris County Carver Middle School: TaQuon Marshall and Sarah Howard
• Harris County High School: Joey DeNova and Sierra Bailey
• Jordan High School: Cordarryl Jones and Chelsea Conway
• Kendrick High School: Corwin Burrowes and Lauren Great
• Marshall Middle School: Jaquariez Scott and Tiquaja Brewer
• Midland Middle School: Jacob Deem and Lindsay Shirah
• Northside High School: Zach Zabel and Taylor Caldwell
• Richards Middle School: Aidan Sloan and Jacqueria Gunter
• Rothschild Middle School: Dante Harris and Alexia Manning
• Russell County Middle School: Aiyinde Lawrence and Tasha Upshaw
• Shaw High School: Dustin Averett and Charquisa Burnley
• Smiths Station High School: Josh Santos-Heard and Kaycee Gabler
• South Girard Middle School: Jeron Jones and Isia Jenkings
• Spencer High School: Damion Brown and Brendara Snipes
• St. Anne Pacelli School (High School): Michael O’Neal and Chanté Barber
• St. Anne Pacelli School: Michael Mansfield and Kyla Wright-Marshall
• St. Luke School: Trey Carpenter and Kate Mize
• Veterans Memorial Middle School: Joseph Bridges and Madison Wilson
• Wacoochee Junior High School: Nigel Lawrence and Lyndsey Vaughan

Specialists at Columbus Regional and The Medical Center: Champions for Infants and Children

By Joseph R. Zanga, M.D. | Chief of Pediatrics | The Medical Center

Dr. Joseph R. Zanga

Continued advancements at Columbus Regional and The Medical Center allow specialists on our staff to offer the highest quality care for infants and children in this community and this region.

These advancements are encouraging the recruitment of more of those specialists (Neurology and Hematology/Oncology, to name just two) to join the full-time Cardiologists, Allergist/Immunologist, Endocrinologist, Gastroenterologist, Intermediate Care Specialist, and Physiatrist in Columbus working at, with or for The Medical Center.

Add to that the part-time Autism specialist, Developmental pediatrician, Orthopedist, Pulmonologist, Scoliosis specialist, and others soon to come, and it’s clear that pediatrics in Columbus at the Columbus Regional Women and Children’s Center will be the center for care of infants and children in Southwest Georgia and the place all families in this region will want their children’s care to take place, from birth through adolescence.

Revealing the Myths (Part 2 of 2)

By Dayton Preston | Wellness Program Manager | Columbus Regional Healthcare System

This is the second in a two-part series about wellness myths.

We are often sidetracked from our effective wellness practices by a lot of hype in the industry, which takes time away from our solid efforts. Let’s take a look at some common myths in the wellness industry that can misdirect us and ultimately result in frustration because of the lack of results.

The Myth: With Exercise, Some is Better than Nothing

Sending mixed messages, this statement often buffers the importance of adequate exercise. It’s true that any physical activity in comparison to nothing at all serves as a benefit; however, all too often we use this thought to rationalize and counter the guilty feelings that come with not following a structured exercise program.

The Myth: Setups Flatten My Stomach

Setups and other abdominal work are essential for functional health.  Enhancing strength in the abdominals helps support trunk movement that alleviates the workload on the lower back; however, having the wrong expectations can turn you off of these vital exercises.

Setups build the muscle groups in the abdominal region; however, fat utilization is not as significant as many believe. A flattening of the stomach is achieved through the decrease in body fat from the result of balanced nutrition and adequate fat-burning workouts such as cardiovascular exercise.

The Myth: Herbal and All-Natural Products are Safe

Regulations on supplements are not perfected. There are herbs and natural items that are downright dangerous to our system. Just because something claims it’s all-natural or herbal does not ensure safety. Work with your physician network to make the best choices on any supplements that you are considering as part of your nutritional plan.

These are only a few of the myths that can stump your wellness progress. Be sure to work with your physician on health habits that will benefit you specifically.

Revealing the Myths (Part 1 of 2)

By Dayton Preston | Wellness Program Manager | Columbus Regional Healthcare System

Dayton Preston

We are often sidetracked from our effective wellness practices by a lot of hype in the industry, which takes time away from our solid efforts. Let’s take a look at some common myths in the wellness industry that can misdirect us and ultimately result in frustration because of the lack of results.

The Myth: Detox Diets are Safe and Effective

According to the National Institutes of Health, there’s no scientific proof that these diets help rid the body of toxins better than our normal processes. These diets often include a lot of water, fruit, vegetables and fiber, but typically don’t provide enough variety or overall caloric consumption for the body’s vital functions. Detox diets have the potential to cause serious side effects that can result from malnutrition.

Many of these diets make false claims that the body cannot handle the amount of toxins to which we are typically exposed. The truth is that the body has functions in place for ridding itself of toxins—specifically, liver and kidney functions. These organs do the job in healthy adults by eliminating toxins through sweat, feces and urine.

Optimizing the body’s natural ability to detoxify is done by consistently eating a balanced and adequate supply of nutrient-rich foods, staying hydrated, and getting adequate exercise and sleep. Detox diets are described as just another round of the diet fads that have the potential to cause health risks.

Remember, temporary changes lead to temporary results. Also called jumpstarts for weight loss, these diets send the wrong message. Better health from good nutrition is not achieved with sporadic surges, but with prolonged and consistent intake of balanced eating with moderation—not disallowance—of unhealthy foods.

The Myth: Carbs are Fattening

Simple carbohydrates such as refined and processed sugar items should be limited. However, for the healthy adult, the complex carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, breads and pasta need to be included in our daily nutritional intake of food.

The problem is not the carbs, but what we typically do to them. Adding sauces, bacon, cheese, butter, sour cream and other high-fat items add to the overall caloric content. The bottom line in controlling the storage of body fat is caloric exchange with balanced eating and adequate exercise, not simply cutting carbs.

We’ll take a look at more myths in my next blog…

Telemedicine Care Another Advancement at The Medical Center

By Joseph R. Zanga, M.D. | Chief of Pediatrics | The Medical Center

Dr. Joseph R. Zanga

Columbus Regional is developing a Women and Children’s Center on its campus to house not only the region’s most advanced Labor and Delivery Service and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, but also the most advanced Inpatient and Pediatric Critical Care Units (PCCU) for older children and adolescents.

One example of the continuation of that advanced care is the soon-to-come online Telemedicine Care system. This state of-the-art technology will allow pediatric specialists in Augusta and Atlanta to see patients here in Columbus in real time, view vital sign monitors, ventilator settings, imaging studies, laboratory findings, skin color/lesions, the inside of the eyes and ears, and other items, in high resolution. It will allow them to talk with the patient (if appropriate), listen to heart, lung and abdominal sounds, and perhaps in the not-too-distant future, even “feel” necessary parts of the child as if they were here at The Medical Center, in order to assist us in care.

Beyond that, it will also allow specialists on our staff to offer patient consultations to physicians in distant communities. Both are major advances from the long and scary ambulance ride to an unfamiliar hospital in a far away place.

Lacy Lee, child life specialist in the Children’s Center at The Medical Center, with 12-year old Brittney Braggs, a patient who drew Lacy’s winning raffle ticket for a Mother’s Day basket at Miracle Friday.

Even in these difficult economic times, the generosity of Columbus Regional Healthcare employees toward children in the Columbus, Georgia community was at an all-time high on Miracle Friday!

A record-breaking $33,500 was contributed for the Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center. The special fundraising event was held the Columbus Regional Conference Center at The Medical Center.

Our sincere gratitude goes to those who filled the 37 baskets, bid on the baskets, and bought the baked goods and barbeque that contributed to raising the record-breaking amount.

Dan Cullison, M (ASCP), supervisor of Microbiology and Molecular Testing at The Medical Center’s Lab, and Chris Curlee, MT (ASCP), medical technologist, with the Ampli Prep/Taqman 48 that extracts and purifies DNA for a new level of testing.

For most people in Columbus, Georgia area, April 15 was significant because of the deadline to file their income taxes. But for the Department of Pathology at The Medical Center, it was a monumental day!

After a year and a half of planning, researching, training and testing, the first patient test was completed in our new section of the laboratory, officially known as the Molecular Diagnostic Lab.

The new lab is the first kind in our part of the state that uses Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing, a relatively new science that looks for the unique DNA or RNA of a pathogen, rather than identifying the pathogen through more conventional culture methods.

Only Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta can offer the precise genetic testing that the new lab will bring to the Columbus region.

Advantages for Patients and Regional Medical Community

The advantages of this progressive technology to evaluate diseases, disorders and abnormalities are numerous:

• Decrease in turnaround time: Currently, all PCR testing requests are sent to a lab in North Carolina, with results returned in 7–10 days. By having such tests done in real-time in Columbus, our physicians will get results back much quicker.

• Sensitivity and specificity: PCR testing is preferred over conventional culture methods due to its high degree of accuracy, which approaches 99–100 percent.

• Potential to expand testing: PCR testing at The Medical Center is currently used for detecting hepatitis C disease and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Guided by physicians’ needs and potential for growth, additional tests will be offered in the future.

• Cost savings: The Medical Center saves money by not having to pay for testing at another location.

Ultimately, the decreased turnaround time for results translates to a decrease in length of stay for our patients and the physician’s ability to begin treatment sooner.

And because of its accuracy, the new lab will supplement and in some cases supplant some of our current testing. This creates great potential for us to become a regional referral lab for other hospitals!

Eight outstanding Columbus Regional Healthcare System nurses were recognized at the 2010 Jean Hartin Nursing Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Columbus Regional Conference Center at The Medical Center last month.

Awards went to top nurse leaders, R.N.s and L.P.N.s. Recognition was also given to nurses for their professional growth through degrees, licensures and advanced certification.

Jean Hartin, who retired as vice president of Clinical Services at Columbus Regional, was present for the ceremony.

Doctors Hospital Award Winners

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  Holly McGucken (CNO, Doctors Hospital), Terri Roland, R.N. (Outpatient Surgery, Nurse Leader of the Year), Melissa Johnson, R.N. (Labor and Delivery, R.N. of the Year), Rachel White, L.P.N. (Emergency Department, L.P.N. of the Year) and Kevin Sass SEO, Doctors Hospital).

  Terri Roland, R.N. (Outpatient Surgery, Nurse Leader of the Year): Terri has been a cornerstone to the nursing leadership at Doctors Hospital for many years. Her leadership in the hand-off communication project gave us “ticket to ride,” a tool to assist in communication between nursing and ancillary departments.

• Melissa Johnson, R.N. (Labor and Delivery, R.N. of the Year): Melissa is a very unassuming nurse who quietly makes sure that patients and families have everything they need. She is a wonderful source of information and is very well educated, with a master’s degree in nursing and certification in her field of obstetrics.

• Rachel White, L.P.N. (Emergency Department, L.P.N. of the Year): Rachel was chosen for her exemplary nursing skills and is considered to be the cornerstone of the Emergency Department. Her commitment to high-quality patient care is seen in everything she does.

Hughston Hospital Award Winners

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  James “Butch” Wheeler (SEO, Hughston Hospital), Cheryl Gosha, L.P.N. (2 North, LPN of the Year), Tami Hobson, R.N. (2 South, R.N. of the Year) and Lori Striblin, R.N. (Intensive Care Unit, Nurse Leader of the Year), Michelle Breitfelder (CNO, Hughston Hospital).

  Lori Striblin, R.N. (Intensive Care Unit, Nurse Leader of the Year): Lori is caring, compassionate and kind-hearted. She has a difficult job at Hughston Hospital, and she does it with admirable determination and grace. She is the go-to person to solve any problem and is always ready to help in any way she can.

• Tami Hobson, R.N. (2 South, R.N. of the Year): Tami shows dedication to quality patient care by taking charge of the overall care of her patients. She is kind and compassionate and always approachable, demonstrating a high degree of knowledge and getting involved to see that tasks get completed.

• Cheryl Gosha, L.P.N. (2 North, LPN of the Year): Cheryl is the nurse with a heart of gold, always demonstrating patience and great leadership skills. She will stop and assist anyone in need of help. Patient care is always first.

The Medical Center and Affiliated Facilities Award Winners

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  Lance Duke (president and CEO, The Medical Center), Josephine “Joie” Gosa, R.N. (8 Main, Nurse Leader of the Year), Jean Hartin (retired vice president of Clinical Services, Columbus Regional) and Robbyn Ceasar, R.N. (Endoscopy, R.N. of the Year), Babs McKnight (CNO, The Medical Center).

  Josephine “Joie” Gosa, R.N. (8 Main, Nurse Leader of the Year): Joie delivers real time teaching at the bedside for newer nurses, serves as a surrogate “manager and leader” on a unit in transition, is the primary practitioner of the palliative care program, and teaches formal course work, refusing to waiver on excellence.

• Robbyn Ceasar, R.N. (Endoscopy, R.N. of the Year): Robbyn is seen as the type of nurse girls and boys aspire to become; she is seen as a model nurse. She goes above and beyond—both from the patient care perspective as well as the team member perspective—and is very focused on excellence.

Larry Sanders (Columbus Regional Chairman and CEO), Susan McRae (Radiology Supervisor, Radiology, Doctors Hospital), Beth Bussey (Clinical Nutrition Specialist, Oncology Outreach, John B. Amos Cancer Center), Patricia Alexander (Registrar, Admissions/Registration, Hughston Hospital), Carolyn Chaney (Clinical Coordinator, 7 Main, The Medical Center) and Bobbie Newsome (Pharmacy Technician Senior, Outpatient Pharmacy, The Medical Center).

The announcement of five Columbus Regional Healthcare recipients of the Chairman’s Award of Excellence highlighted an event-filled Employee Appreciation Week last month.

The employees were selected from the monthly “I Make the Difference!” honorees from May 2009–April 2010 for exemplary performance and exceptional customer service.

The recognition luncheon on May 13 at the Columbus Regional Conference Center at The Medical Center was attended by the past year’s honorees along with alumni of the distinguished employee award.

Larry Sanders, chairman and CEO of Columbus Regional, presented the five honorees with a framed resolution from the Columbus Regional board of directors, a heart-shaped Frabel glass sculpture, and a check for $1,000.

A full-page ad ran in the Sunday, May 16 issue of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer that recognized the award recipients and honorees from the past year.

The guest speaker for the luncheon was comedian Kent Rader.

About the 2010 Chairman’s Award of Excellence Recipients

• Patricia Alexander (Registrar, Admissions/Registration, Hughston Hospital): Patricia’s face is one of the many stellar images of Hughston Hospital, and her style and grace epitomize all that it represents. She quickly puts patients and family members at ease and reassures them they are in a special place. Her friendliness is contagious, and she is a wonderful ambassador for the hospital.

• Beth Bussey (Clinical Nutrition Specialist, Oncology Outreach, John B. Amos Cancer Center): Beth has an incredible passion for the work that she does. She is an outstanding practitioner who is dedicated to the success and development of all employees. Her energy, creativity, commitment and desire for quality of care and life for her patients are endless.

• Carolyn Chaney (Clinical Coordinator, 7 Main, The Medical Center): Carolyn has mentored and guided multiple generations of new graduate nurses to become excellent nurses. She is sought for her clinical knowledge, expertise and guidance by physicians, co-workers and students. She makes all patients feel secure because of the confidence and competence she exudes.

• Susan McRae (Radiology Supervisor, Radiology, Doctors Hospital): Susan epitomizes commitment, service and loyalty to Doctors Hospital. She is a faithful and dedicated employee who serves the organization in any capacity possible to make it a better place. She delivers personal care, comfort and reassurance to her patients and their family members as if they were her own family.

• Bobbie Newsome (Pharmacy Technician Senior, Outpatient Pharmacy, The Medical Center): Bobbie is humble, honest and sincere and not only accomplishes what is required, but also always goes the extra mile. Her broad knowledge of all areas of the Pharmacy has made her the “right hand” to pharmacists and managers. Bobbie is that very special employee you can trust and depend upon.