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.
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.
###
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.
Auxiliary Pie Sale a Success
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaAnnual Pie Sale a Success
February 24, 2017 – Thank you to everyone who donated or purchased pies at the famous Hospital Auxiliary Pie Sale on Thursday, February 16. The fifty pies and cakes were sold out by Noon and the Auxiliary raised over $1,000.
Over the past year, monies raised through the annual pie sale and other fund raising events, including the ever-popular raffles, have been used to purchase Patio Furniture for the Extended Care Facility, an Ophthalmoscope for Emergency, a Pulse Oximeter and Over-bed Tables for Acute Care, a Rebounder for Physical Therapy, Deep Well Tables and a Mayo Stand for Outpatient Surgery. In addition, the Auxiliary funded a bench for outside the Outpatient Services Lobby in memory of their member Annie Koon.
The Hospital Auxiliary, started in 1954 originally to assist at the Hospital, is seeking new active members to join the group. If you are interested, please come to the next meeting on March 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Chic-N-Chop. Women and men are welcome.
Behind the Scenes: Nurse Practitioners
/in Behind the Scenes /by Lauren KuczkaPractical Healthcare for Rural Residents
Boundary Community Clinics is pleased to announce the addition of two new Nurse Practitioners as primary care providers. Beverly Yercheck, ANP-C who specializes in adult care and Janet Lukehart, FNP-C who specializes in family care will round out the schedule so that office hours will now be Monday through Friday. And yes, new patients will be accepted after April 1.
Janet Lukehart, FNP-C
Beverly J. Yercheck, ANP-C
Why an NP?
Living in a rural community can make access to healthcare challenging, especially with the growing shortage of medical doctors throughout the US, and especially in North Idaho. Originally trained to fill this void in the mid 1960’s, the professional designation of Nurse Practitioner (NP) was developed and has continued to grow.
Boundary Community Clinics is proud to provide the vital health services you and your family deserve, delivered with professionalism and compassion – right here at home.
Hospital Designated Level IV Trauma Center
/in Press Release /by Lauren Kuczka**** BREAKING NEWS ****
Hospital Designated Level IV Trauma Center
February 17, 2017
Bonners Ferry, ID – Boundary Community Hospital has been designated as a Level IV Trauma Center by the State of Idaho. The designation for the Hospital is part of the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency System (TSE) and is reserved for Hospitals that meet the stringent criteria established by the State as part of the statewide TSE system of care that includes three of the top five causes of death in Idaho: trauma, stroke, and heart attack. Emergency Department Director, Dr. Stu Willis with Gina Gallette, RN have been spearheading the effort at Boundary Community Hospital.
According to Emergency Department Director, Stu Willis, MD, “As a rural community, we have an obligation to provide services that improve survivability. It is important for our Emergency Department staff to work together with local EMS at Boundary Ambulance and Life Flight Network in an organized process to be sure patients are treated or when required, transported to another Hospital for the appropriate level of care. In addition, prevention education is a key component of this, especially in regards to injuries and major trauma.”
As the first Pacific Northwest hospital to be awarded the Critical Access Hospital designation by the federal government, Boundary Community Hospital has always had an essential role in meeting the healthcare needs of Bonners Ferry and the surrounding county. In 2012, 49.1% of preventable deaths in Idahoans under age 75 were the result of trauma, stroke, or heart attack. The TSE initiative is putting processes in place so the RIGHT PATIENT gets the RIGHT CARE at the RIGHT TIME, helping to ensure an optimal outcome, especially when TIME is critical.
The hospital is investing in the community through the fully-staffed Emergency Department with physicians and nurses experienced in emergency medicine, and certified in advanced trauma, cardiac, and pediatric care. The Clinical Medical Laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging technologists are also available 24/7 so that tests can be performed when time is critical for patient treatment in a Time Sensitive Emergency.
Get Your Blue On!
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaGet Your Blue On!
Did you know colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States? Early detection and regular colon screenings beginning at age 50, or earlier if you are at high risk, can dramatically reduce your risk.
The ASGE (American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) reports that only 50% of the people who should be getting colonoscopies actually go out and get them done.
According to Shannon Rust, RN, Outpatient Surgery Manager at Boundary Community Hospital, “Colon cancer is preventable. The problem is that people are uncomfortable talking about colonoscopies, and even more uncomfortable about actually having a colonoscopy. I have had one done and the most uncomfortable part of the whole procedure was going without solid food for a day and having to wait until my procedure was done before I could drink my coffee! The bowel preps have come a long way and are so easy now. You no longer have to drink a gallon of chalky, bad-tasting liquid. The prep mixes and dissolves completely in Gatorade…bingo…down the hatch, clear gut, nice nap.”
Colonoscopies and endoscopies are performed Wednesdays at the Hospital by Board Certified general surgeon Nathan Kanning, MD. He performs a wide variety of surgeries and outpatient procedures with a general focus on the abdomen and related organs including hernia repairs, biopsies, colonoscopies, and upper endoscopies.
So the next time your physician recommends a colonoscopy, remember you can get it done here on Wednesdays at Boundary Community Hospital in Bonners Ferry.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Join Boundary Community Hospital on Friday, March 3rd for Dress in Blue Day to raise awareness that colon screening, research and patient-supported initiatives can eliminate colon cancer from the top three cancer killers for good.
Cold Weather Safety
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaJanuary 19, 2017 (for the Bonners Ferry Herald)
By Stu Willis, MD and Pete Cassidy, RN
Boundary Community Hospital Emergency Department
Brrrrrrrrrrrr! It’s cold out there!
Photo by Keith Johnson
The weather outside may be frightful, after all, we live in North Idaho and six months out of the year it’s cold and wet, windy and sometimes miserable. Did you know that the most common cold weather injuries in our area are hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains (sometimes called frost nip) and “trench foot?”
HYPOTHERMIA occurs when the body core temperature drops significantly below normal. It can be a life-threatening emergency and should be treated immediately. It is more common in children and the elderly because they sometimes do not recognize the signs – frostbite and hypothermia can come on within minutes.
Conditions leading to hypothermia, even in only mildly chilly weather, include improper clothing and equipment, wetness, fatigue/exhaustion, dehydration, and poor food intake. And, alcohol use may “numb you to the danger.”
Signs/Symptoms of hypothermia:
Watch for the “umbles” — stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles which indicate changes in coordination and levels of alertness
Mild hypothermia signs:
1) Shivering out of control
2) Unable to do complex tasks, but can still walk and talk
3) Reduced blood flow to the limbs and skin
Moderate hypothermia symptoms include:
1) Dazed consciousness
2) Loss of fine coordination
3) Slurred speech
4) Violent shivering
5) Irrational behavior- “I don’t care” attitude
Severe symptoms include:
1) Shivering in waves
2) Falling to the ground; can’t walk; curling into a fetal position
3) Pale skin, dilated pupils, decreased pulse rate
4) Muscle rigidity develops
If you suspect someone has hypothermia, call 9-1-1 and try to reduce heat loss by changing them to dry clothes and adding more clothes. Increase their physical activity, find shelter, and be sure they eat and drink – carbs, proteins, fats and hot liquids help bring the temperature up.
FROSTBITE occurs as fluid in the cells freeze with exposure to cold temperatures. The crystals damage the tissues. The most common locations for frostbite are the hands and feet, and exposed superficial skin such as the nose, lips, and ears.
Signs/symptoms of frostbite include:
Recommended treatment for mild frostbite is placing the affected part in “warm” water, 98-104 F. Do not allow the affected part to refreeze!!! And avoid excessive heat, or rubbing the area. Moderate to severe frostbite should be treated by medical professionals. Always SUSPECT HYPOTHERMIA if frostbite has occurred.
Some “Be Safe” precautions:
So, when the temperature drops and snow starts falling, watch for the signs and know when you need to go see your doctor or come to the emergency department for treatment. We live in a beautiful place, with all kinds of weather, so be safe and enjoy those cold weather activities.
Orthopedic Clinic Expands
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaJanuary 18, 2017
The Orthopedic Clinic at Boundary Community Hospital is expanding. Mike Schicker, DO from North Idaho Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Ponderay will have specialist clinic hours on Friday mornings starting in January 2017. Dr. Schicker joins Dr. DiBenedetto and Travis Taylor, NP-C offering Boundary County residents two days of orthopedic clinic in Bonners Ferry at their office in Building C on the south side of the Hospital off Comanche Street. “Dr. Schicker is a welcome addition to our local Provider-Based Specialist Clinics,” states Craig Johnson, Hospital CEO. “He will be expanding our local surgery options once the Surgery Suite is upgraded, utilizing the funds from the Supplemental Levy recently passed by Boundary County voters.” To schedule an appointment, call (208) 265-9817 and ask for a Bonners Ferry appointment.