Stroke !!! Think F-A-S-T
By: Stu Willis, MD – Emergency Department Director, Boundary Community Hospital
A drooping face, weakness or numbness on one side, slurred or garbled speech … this might be a stroke! Like heart attacks, a stroke is a life-and-death emergency; time is critical and every second counts, so think F-A-S-T and dial 9-1-1 immediately.
F-A-S-T is a reminder of some of the signs of a stroke:
FACE – is there a droop on one side; have the person smile;
ARMS – is there weakness on one side; have them raise the arms, test the hand grip;
SPEECH – is there altered speech (slurred or unable to speak); have them say “the sky is blue;”
TIME – every second is crucial; certain procedures and medications must be done quickly.
Other sudden and unexpected signs of a possible stroke include, but are not limited to: confusion or difficulty understanding, numbness on one side or part of the body, trouble seeing with one or both eyes, dizziness, loss of balance or difficulty walking, and a severe headache, with no prior history (ex. migraine).
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., Idaho, and Boundary County, killing 133,000 persons annually nationwide – about 1 in 20 deaths. Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds. The care for a stroke patient and the consequent disability results in over $34 billion in annual healthcare costs, as well as the anguish for the patient and the family.
There are two basic types of stroke – An “ischemic” stroke is caused by a blood flow blockage, similar to a heart attack clot; “hemorrhagic” is a stroke caused by spontaneous bleeding in the brain (sometimes from a burst aneurysm). An emergency CT scan is needed to determine the difference. If the stroke is ischemic (clot blockage), a “clot-buster” medication must be administered within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms (up to 4 ½ hours in certain instances). So, “TIME is BRAIN!”
The hospital Emergency Department staff stands ready with 24/7 CT scan capability to determine if a stroke is “ischemic” or “hemorrhagic,” and can immediately deliver the “clot-buster” medicine when indicated. But it must start with the recognition of stroke signs and symptoms and dialing 9-1-1.
Worldwide, stroke is the second leading cause of death, after heart disease. Many experts feel enhanced public education to decrease the risk factors leading to stroke and the notable systems in place for early stroke identification and treatment have contributed to the lower death rates in the U.S.
Stroke is not just a disease of “old” people. A stroke can strike at any age, and in the U.S., about one-third of strokes occur in persons under the age of 65. Even persons in their twenties and thirties (or younger) can suffer strokes.
PREVENTION, through public education and intervention, is the key to lowering the stroke risk. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have identified seven key health risk factors and behaviors that influence the onset of heart disease and stroke in the U.S. These “Life’s Simple 7” are:
- Smoking – over 15% of the population smokes; in 2014 there were about 5,700 new cigarette smokers every day. If you smoke, STOP!
- Physical Inactivity – 30% of adults do not engage in leisure time physical activity. Even a little EXERCISE helps.
- Nutrition – improvements have recently been made in healthier eating, particularly increased whole grain, fruit, and vegetable consumption, with a decrease in sugar-sweetened beverage intake. The excessive use of sodium (salt) remains problematic. EAT SMART.
- Obesity – alarmingly, obesity is on the rise; the U.S. obesity rate has increased from 30.5 to 37.7% in the past 15 years. LOSE WEIGHT.
- High Blood Pressure – 86 million adults (30%) have hypertension and only 45% have it under control; three of every four first-time stroke patients have blood pressure over 140/90. Get a BP CHECK – 130/80 is nice, 120/70 even better.
- Cholesterol – 95 million adults (40%) have high cholesterol, and many don’t even know it. Have a CHOLESTEROL blood test – it can be treated.
- Diabetes – 31 million adults (12%) have diabetes, and 30% of them don’t know it; in addition, 34% of all Americans have prediabetes. Get a BLOOD SUGAR test – diabetes can be a killer.
As the first Pacific Northwest hospital to receive the Critical Access Hospital designation by the federal government, Boundary Community Hospital plays an essential role in meeting the healthcare needs of Bonners Ferry and the surrounding county. Under the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency System, the hospital was recently awarded the designation as a TSE Level IV Trauma Center. The hospital is now actively engaged in meeting the stringent criteria required for designation as a Level III Stroke Center.
Rural Health in Boundary County
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaRural Health in Boundary County
By: Jeannie Harkness
Boundary Community Clinics Manager
Across America rural settings allow for a simpler way of life. However, when it comes to health care, Rural Health Clinics are anything but simple. The Rural Health Services Act of 1977 has helped bring healthcare providers to rural areas, meeting the needs of families that would otherwise not have access to care. Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician’s Assistants care for patients with problems ranging from the common cold to annual physicals, to chronic and serious issues including hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Rural Health Clinics have helped residents of small communities, like Boundary County, enjoy healthier lifestyles and address more prominent healthcare needs.
Boundary Community Clinics has been certified as a Rural Health Clinic by the State of Idaho since 2014. To qualify as a Rural Health Clinic (RHC), a clinic must be either located in a non-urbanized area, designated as a medically underserved area, designated as a population group or have a geographic health professional shortage in the area. In addition, Boundary Community Clinics was recently re-accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. as a Rural Health Clinic and is proud to be a part of the Rural Health Association.
With a full-time physician, two nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants and administrative staff all living in Boundary County, our rural health clinic is truly neighbors caring for neighbors.
Boundary Community Hospital Reaccreditation
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaNews Release
For Immediate Release
October 17, 2017
Boundary Community Hospital
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOP TIER QUALITY AT BOUNDARY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
“The DNV GL program is consistent with our long-term commitment to quality and patient safety,” says Tari Yourzek, RN, BSN, Chief Nursing Officer and Quality Manager. “The ability to integrate ISO 9001 quality standards with our clinical and financial processes is a major step forward.”
In addition, Boundary Community Clinics received reaccreditation as a Rural Health Clinic and the Clinical Medical Laboratory received their reaccreditation.
The Extended Care Facility and Nursing Home completed their annual survey by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The surveyors reported that the survey was 100% deficiency free for the second year in a row. The Nutrition Services Department led by Valerie Strugar, DTR also had a 100% deficiency free report – this is their 22nd year in a row! This is a team effort with Extended Care Facility staff working with Nutrition Services, Environmental Services and Facilities/Maintenance to provide the highest standard of care to the residents. “A deficiency free report from the surveyors is extremely rare for a long term care facility,” says Yourzek. “To have it two years in a row should be credited to the hard-working and dedicated team led by Director of Nursing, Tami Corsi, RN.”
These are excellent examples of the quality of care that our hospital, primary care clinic, and extended care facility employees are providing to the community.
When Time is of the Essence in an Emergency
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaAugust 2017
By: Sunshine Bartlett, RN
Boundary Community Hospital Emergency Department
The man sitting beside you in church slumps forward. When you speak with him his words are slurred. He seems unable to lift one of his arms.
You are at a family dinner. Your aunt mentions to you she has been having chest pain for the last 30 minutes. She doesn’t want to cause a fuss. She wants to know what you think she should do.
You are driving down the road. You come upon a truck which ran off the road and struck a tree.
What do these three situations have in common?
They are all considered Time Sensitive Emergencies.
Time sensitive emergencies are medical conditions where rapid treatment can make a big difference in the eventual outcome for a person.
The state of Idaho has recognized Stroke, Heart Attack and Trauma as circumstances where timely care can prevent and lessen disability and even death. Many of the Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) and hospitals throughout the state are adopting new systems to reduce delays for these people. These measures include calling ahead an alert to make these patients a priority, developing protocols to assure the highest level of care and expediting transfers to the most appropriate facility.
You are the most crucial piece in the chain. Without people in the community alerting medical personnel the process cannot begin.
What can you do if you recognize the signs of these critical situations?
Stroke:
Slurring of speech, facial droop and/or weakness on one side of the body.
Heart attack:
Chest pain or pressure which can move into the neck or arm, sweating, nausea and/or pale skin.
Trauma:
Any concerning trauma or injury.
First, remain calm and Call 911. EMS in Boundary County have been trained to respond and treat these emergencies. They will notify the Hospital of the type of emergency so other preparations can be made.
Next, stay with the person. Dispatch may have questions for you which can help EMS locate and treat the person who is sick or injured.
In each of these cases, the quicker the person can get to medical care, the better the chance they will go on to lead a healthy and productive life. Your ability to recognize these critical situations and act may really make a difference in someone’s life.
Boundary Community Hospital in Boundary County and Bonner General Health in Bonner County have been designated as Level IV Trauma Centers by the State of Idaho for Time Sensitive Emergencies.
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Exercise for Joint Stability
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaJuly 2017
By: Jeff Petersen, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, Boundary Community Hospital Rehabilitation Services
How many times, on the sports field or playground, do you hear the kids talking about being “double-jointed”? This is common slang for a condition called joint hypermobility or joint laxity and it simply means that someone is able to move their joints farther than most people can; and in some children (and adults) this condition may be the cause of joint pain.
The majority of patients I see who are under the age of 18 and not post-surgical, complain primarily of joint pain. In addition, they tend to score in the mild to moderate 4 – 6 point range, of the 9-point Beighton score for joint hypermobility. This patient population represents only a very small percentage of the total population in this age group in Boundary County. Because many individuals do not seek treatment, this suggests the condition may be more widespread.
The problem with joint laxity is that the connective tissues involved, which typically provide joint stability, are looser than they should be, and allow excessive range of motion. This can be congenital in nature, which typically presents throughout the body, or from a traumatic event affecting just one or a few joints specifically. These tissues do not stretch and rebound like muscle tissue, and therefore if they allow excessive range of motion, there is no changing that without surgical intervention.
On a more conservative note, if the muscles that attach to the joint connective tissues can be strengthened and trained to work more as joint stabilizers, they can help reduce the strain on the connective tissues, and provide increased joint stability when performing movements, especially with sports.
What options do you have to postpone or prevent issues with joint hypermobility?
Most people do very well participating in a physical therapy program to evaluate deficits and establish an individual plan of care. The objective of the plan of care is to improve tolerance to functional mobility, especially sports and other recreational activities, and to reduce joint pain and associated symptoms.
Make a habit of including strength and stability training in a life-long, regular exercise program to minimize the effects of joint laxity.
Be sure to take advantage of the free Sports Physical Clinic at Boundary Community Hospital on August 1, 2017 from 5-7 pm. The Sports Physical Clinic includes a screening by the Physical and Occupational Therapists in the Rehabilitation Department, providing evaluation for neuromusculoskeletal function in the kids, including range of motion, strength, balance and functional mobility. The therapists will ask if the child has been experiencing any joint pain or other related symptoms. This is excellent for early detection and intervention to avoid something small becoming something big later on.
Boundary Community Hospital offers the Sports Physical Clinic annually as a FREE service for our community. In accordance with Idaho High School Activities Association, any students in grades 7, 9, and 11 participating in sports, including cheerleading, must have a physical before the first practice starts. A physical is also required for those new to the sports program who did not have a physical last year, even if in grades 8, 10 and 12. Students and parents should enter at Outpatient Services off Comanche Street and check in at the Coaches’ table. Parents must be present for the clinic.
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ECF Wins 10th Schoonover Award
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaNews Release July 31, 2017
Excellence in Caring – Again
Bonners Ferry, ID — Boundary Community Hospital is proud to announce that its Extended Care Facility and Nursing Home has been recognized by the State of Idaho with their tenth L. Jean Schoonover Award for Excellence in Caring. This year the facility received the Gold Award distinguished by having an average Health Inspection rating of 4.6 to 5.0 (the highest rating). Recipients of the award must demonstrate a dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to the residents they serve.
Boundary County Nursing Home joins Kindred Nursing and Rehab in Mountain Valley as the only two Gold Award winners in 2017. “This is an excellent example of the quality of care that our hospital and extended care facility employees are providing to the community, especially those that need long term and skilled nursing care,” says Craig Johnson, CEO. “The focus is on the residents, making their environment more home-like, and finding and keeping staff that emphasizes the quality of care they provide.”
Under the guiding hand of Director of Nursing Tami Corsi, RN, the Extended Care Facility has started an initiative to make the residents feel more at home. Her hands on leadership style and caring culture have allowed the staff to focus on care rather than procedures and schedules. Working with Valerie Strugar, Nutrition Services Manager, Ms. Corsi has been a change catalyst recently by focusing on the Restorative Sleep Vitality Program to allow residents to get more natural sleep by adjusting meal times and expanding food choices, as well as expanding activities.
Culture of Caring, Culture of Quality
According to Chief Nursing Officer, Tari Yourzek, “The entire staff, both medical and non-medical, is committed to quality patient care and caring about the people of Boundary County, continuously making a conscious effort to improve our services. Their attitude toward a culture of quality is reflected in their efforts to stay ahead of standards of care, setting an example for other small rural hospitals and nursing homes. Quality healthcare can be defined as providing best practice care with the most up-to-date resources by empathetic and caring staff.”
The Extended Care Facility and Nursing Home at Boundary Community Hospital is a licensed skilled nursing home with a physician on staff to supervise each resident’s care providing both long-term and rehabilitative or short-term residency. The highly-skilled staff understands and specializes in long-term care, bringing a special nurturing atmosphere that can be felt every day throughout the facility.
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2017 Golf Tournament Results
/in Foundation, Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaFry Healthcare Foundation’s 9th Annual Golf Tournament
It was wet but Josh Figgins and Matt Odd played through the rain to win the Fry Healthcare Foundation’s 9th Annual Golf Tournament held on Friday, June 16, 2017 at Mirror Lake Golf Course in Bonners Ferry.
Sponsors for the tournament included Idaho Forest Group, Yellowstone Insurance Exchange, Gardiner Prime Angus Ranch, Blanche Studer and Elaine Morgan, Edward Jones Investments, Craig and Donna Johnson, J. B.’s Tire and Automotive, Fousts Inc. Logging Contractors, E-Enterprises, and Riverside Auto Center.
Auburn Crest Hospice, Janice Claridge and Rick Lozoya, Selkirk Press, Bonners Ferry Living Local, Super 1 Foods, Ralph Lotspieck, Boundary Electric and Dixon Golf provided donations and prizes.
Life Flight Network and Pro-X Home Center donated a Traeger Grill that was awarded to Cathy Thaxton, the winner of the Great Golf Ball Drop.
The funds raised at this year’s tournament will be used to purchase a Nu-Step Recumbent Cross Trainer for the Rehabilitation Services Department at Boundary Community Hospital. According to Petra Timmermans, PT “The Nu-Step Trainer is wonderful for early rehabilitation of knee and hip surgeries because it allows for small movements, unlike a stationary bike where the knee and hip have to be able to flex over 90 degrees to make a full revolution. Patients are in total control of the movement and especially after surgery, it decreases the fear of pain. They are able to gradually increase the range of the movement at their own pace.”
Over the past twenty years, the Fry Healthcare Foundation and our community have raised over $1.2 Million to benefit the hospital. We are very grateful for your continued support that ultimately benefits everyone who relies on Boundary Community Hospital for emergency and routine care.
For More Information:
Fry Healthcare Foundation: 208-267-6912
Like us on Facebook to keep up to date on Fry Healthcare Foundation-sponsored events.
The Beat Goes On
/in Foundation, Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaThe Beat Goes On
On May 1, the Spacelabs Cardiac Monitoring Central Station came online at Boundary Community Hospital. Funded by the community through generous donations to the Fry Healthcare Foundation Festival of Hearts, the new Cardiac Monitoring system enables Boundary Community Hospital to monitor patients in the Emergency rooms and the Acute Care Hospital from one central location. According to Paul Sogge, Spacelabs Healthcare Marketing Communications Manager, “Spacelabs Healthcare is proud to partner with Boundary Community Hospital to provide the latest in medical telemetry. Spacelabs takes its name from the company’s origin in the early days of the U.S. Space Program. In 1969, Spacelabs medical telemetry monitored Neil Armstrong’s vitals on the moon. Today, the company’s technology is used by hospitals and care facilities around the world to watch over millions of patients every day. With the upgrade, Boundary County caregivers and patients will benefit from the latest telemetry system on the market.”
The hospital’s new Xhibit Central Station, with a high-resolution touchscreen display, will provide caregivers a detailed view of any patient on the network. Ambulatory patients will now be monitored with AriaTele telemetry transmitters, featuring full color screens to display heartrate, ECG, and SpO2 waveforms. Together, these solutions will deliver critical patient data across the hospital network, enabling better-informed decisions, increased efficiencies, and a safer environment for patients.
No one person can shine on this project and this install was no exception. According to James Miller, “This took a BCH team to pull off. After all the phone calls, e-mails, and tech questions, we are finally live with the telemetry and cardiac system. This is another great example of continually raising the standards of care at our community hospital. It is always important when taking care of people that we strive for nothing but the best.”
Boundary Community Hospital would like to thank the community for their support of the Hospital through the Fry Healthcare Foundation. This cardiac monitoring system is necessary, life-saving equipment that will benefit Boundary County and its residents for many years. ###
Discover the Health Fair Advantage
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaMay 2017
Everyone wants to live longer and healthier, but not everyone knows where to find answers to health questions or where to find local services and support groups. Boundary Community Hospital is hosting a Community Health Fair on Saturday, May 13 from 9 am to Noon and it’s an excellent opportunity to visit the hospital, take advantage of free tests, visit with local health vendors, talk with local emergency services (including a peek into a Life Flight helicopter), and support local health-related non-profit organizations. This year there will be a special area with Time Sensitive Emergency exhibits featuring trauma, stroke and heart attack.
Hospital Information and Health Screenings
• On-site blood pressure check
• Accucheck instant blood sugar test
• Mobility Screening – new this year in Rehabilitation Services
• Free Hemoglobin A1c (Glycohemoglobin) coupon ($38.00 Value)
• Free Lipid Profile Testing coupon ($62.00 Value)
• Free information about Advance Directives – Your Right to Make Healthcare Decisions
• Hearing screening offered by Mobile Hearing Care
• Nutrition counseling
• Visit Diagnostic Imaging and see the state-of-the-art test equipment including the new Computerized Tomography (CT) scanner, installed in the summer of 2016
• Buy vegetable plants and flowers for your garden from Eden Landscaping to support the Extended Care Facility
• Discover more about the Specialists who have clinics and surgery through Hospital Outpatient Services
The Family Fun Run and Children’s Bike Rodeo make this a multi-generational event with information for everyone. Sponsored by Boundary Community Clinics, the Bike Rodeo will have free children’s bike helmets available while they last, a bike safety course, and a bicycle check up by Far North Outfitters.
With over 60 vendors and exhibitors including:
All exhibits, booths, and the Bike Rodeo will be around the main Hospital building near Outpatient Services. Best access and parking is from Comanche Street or park in the employee parking lot by the helipad on Kaniksu Street and walk to the lower level.
As a Critical Access Hospital, Boundary Community Hospital is often the first stop in an emergency situation; our neighbors find that it offers much more to our community. Discover for yourself.
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Spring Garden Raffle Winners Announced
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaJune 5, 2017
Hospital Auxiliary in Action
Drawings for the Boundary Community Hospital Auxiliary Spring Garden Raffle took place May 13th during all the activities of the Health Fair. Winners of the raffle were:
Grand Prize: Patio Set with Umbrella – Cheryl Bennet
$50 Gift Certificate from Shopko – Teresa Becker
$25 Gift Certificate from Eden Landscape and Design – Patty Kirby
$25 Gift Certificate from Moose Valley Farms – Jeanie Richards
Summer Sunhat from The Dressing Room – Mary Jim Wages
Outdoor Activity Blanket – Susan Dabbs
Watermelon Tea Candle Lantern – Roger Naylor
At the May 9 Auxiliary Annual Meeting, new officers were elected: Jennifer Wasescha, President; Shirley Mayo, Vice President; Alice Irby, Treasurer and Betty Phalen, Secretary. In the past year, the Hospital Auxiliary has purchased radios for the Extended Care Facility Nursing Staff, four overbed tables for the Acute Care Facility, an Opthalmascope for the Emergency Department and a bench for outside the Outpatient Services lobby in memory of Annie Koon. The next Auxiliary Meeting will be Tuesday, September 12 at 11:30 am at Chic-n-Chop Restaurant in Bonners Ferry. New members are always welcome.
Time Sensitive Emergency
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaStroke !!! Think F-A-S-T
By: Stu Willis, MD – Emergency Department Director, Boundary Community Hospital
A drooping face, weakness or numbness on one side, slurred or garbled speech … this might be a stroke! Like heart attacks, a stroke is a life-and-death emergency; time is critical and every second counts, so think F-A-S-T and dial 9-1-1 immediately.
F-A-S-T is a reminder of some of the signs of a stroke:
ARMS – is there weakness on one side; have them raise the arms, test the hand grip;
SPEECH – is there altered speech (slurred or unable to speak); have them say “the sky is blue;”
TIME – every second is crucial; certain procedures and medications must be done quickly.
Other sudden and unexpected signs of a possible stroke include, but are not limited to: confusion or difficulty understanding, numbness on one side or part of the body, trouble seeing with one or both eyes, dizziness, loss of balance or difficulty walking, and a severe headache, with no prior history (ex. migraine).
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., Idaho, and Boundary County, killing 133,000 persons annually nationwide – about 1 in 20 deaths. Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds. The care for a stroke patient and the consequent disability results in over $34 billion in annual healthcare costs, as well as the anguish for the patient and the family.
There are two basic types of stroke – An “ischemic” stroke is caused by a blood flow blockage, similar to a heart attack clot; “hemorrhagic” is a stroke caused by spontaneous bleeding in the brain (sometimes from a burst aneurysm). An emergency CT scan is needed to determine the difference. If the stroke is ischemic (clot blockage), a “clot-buster” medication must be administered within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms (up to 4 ½ hours in certain instances). So, “TIME is BRAIN!”
The hospital Emergency Department staff stands ready with 24/7 CT scan capability to determine if a stroke is “ischemic” or “hemorrhagic,” and can immediately deliver the “clot-buster” medicine when indicated. But it must start with the recognition of stroke signs and symptoms and dialing 9-1-1.
Worldwide, stroke is the second leading cause of death, after heart disease. Many experts feel enhanced public education to decrease the risk factors leading to stroke and the notable systems in place for early stroke identification and treatment have contributed to the lower death rates in the U.S.
Stroke is not just a disease of “old” people. A stroke can strike at any age, and in the U.S., about one-third of strokes occur in persons under the age of 65. Even persons in their twenties and thirties (or younger) can suffer strokes.
PREVENTION, through public education and intervention, is the key to lowering the stroke risk. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have identified seven key health risk factors and behaviors that influence the onset of heart disease and stroke in the U.S. These “Life’s Simple 7” are:
As the first Pacific Northwest hospital to receive the Critical Access Hospital designation by the federal government, Boundary Community Hospital plays an essential role in meeting the healthcare needs of Bonners Ferry and the surrounding county. Under the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency System, the hospital was recently awarded the designation as a TSE Level IV Trauma Center. The hospital is now actively engaged in meeting the stringent criteria required for designation as a Level III Stroke Center.