Fall 2015

3960 New Covington Pike Memphis, TN 38128 • Phone: 901.516.5200 • www.methodisthealth.org

Dear Friends:It seems like this year has just begun and already fall is upon us. Things are also moving quickly here at Methodist North as we work to grow our programs and increase our services within our community.

As part of that growth, I am very proud to share with you our $3 million lobby and entrance renovation is on

schedule to be completed in early November. This investment will give our facility a more open, modern design and will provide more convenient and easier access for our patients and families. I hope you’ll join us at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony November 4th to help us officially open this exciting investment in our community.

I’d also like to share a wonderful recognition. Methodist Healthcare was once again recognized as the best hospital in Memphis by U.S. News & World Report. Of all 25 hospitals in the Memphis metropolitan area, Methodist is the top ranking. This accomplishment is truly a testament to our staff’s commitment to being the best community hospital for our patients and physicians. It is a great honor for us to receive this recognition for five straight years, and we are very proud.

Since fall is a busy health fair season, you’ll find our dedicated staff at many of the local health fairs within the community as they volunteer their time to help educate and improve health. We focus a good deal of effort on improving your health before a hospital admission is needed. In the upcoming events section of this newsletter, you can find many of the outreach programs offered by Methodist North and others in our community.

I hope you will take advantage of one of our outreach programs and will find the articles in this newsletter helpful. At Methodist North, we consider ourselves not only your community hospital, but a resource for living. We encourage you to join with us in improving your health and that of our community.

Yours in service,

Gyasi C. Chisley, MHA, MBA, PMP, FACHECEO, Methodist North Hospital Sr. Vice President, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

HEALTH & WELLNESS

connectionA message to the community from the hospital CEO

Be treated well

6 ways to outsmart the flu this season

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year, as soon as the flu vaccine is available in your area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends six ways you can prevent germ spread:

Avoid close contact. Keeping your distance from friends and family who are sick can keep you from

getting sick, as well.

Stay home when you’re sick. If you do get sick, staying home is your best bet. Not only will proper

rest help you get better, but it also cuts down the number of people who come in contact with the virus.

Cover your mouth and nose. When coughing or sneezing, you can cut down on germ spread

by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or even your sleeve.

Clean your hands. Cleaning your hands often is key to preventing the flu. Wash your hands

with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. This is one of the most common ways flu is spread.

Practice other good health habits. Keeping physically active, getting plenty of sleep, managing

stress, eating well and drinking plenty of fluids are just a few ways that you can stay healthy this flu season.

Another way to help avoid the flu is with the CDC’s free FluView app at www.cdc.gov/flu/apps/fluview-mobile-app.html. Through this app, you can see how severe flu outbreaks are in your area during the flu season.

Ward off the flu with help from Methodist North Hospital. Call 888.777.5959 to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider or visit www.methodisthealth.org for more information.

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Clear the air: Avoid secondhand smoke

If you’re a nonsmoker, you’re probably aware of the health risks that come along with smoking. But you don’t have to be a smoker to experience negative health effects from smoking: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Surgeon General have classified secondhand smoke as a carcinogen, a substance that causes cancer.

What is secondhand smoke?Secondhand smoke — which includes mainstream smoke (the smoke a smoker exhales) and sidestream smoke (the smoke from a burning tobacco product) — contains hundreds of toxic chemicals, many of which have been proven to cause cancer. Secondhand smoke also increases the risk for other conditions, like respiratory tract infections and heart disease. What’s more, dangerous particles in smoke can linger in the air for hours or even longer, and residue that clings to hair, clothing, furniture and carpeting, sometimes called thirdhand smoke, also can increase the risk for health problems.

Take action!Short of pulling a cigarette out of a smoker’s mouth (which isn’t recommended!), it may seem like there isn’t much you can do to avoid secondhand smoke. With planning, however, you can reduce your exposure. Try these strategies:

Ask smokers to smoke outside. One of the most important steps you can take for your family’s health is to make your home smoke-free. Don’t allow smoking in your home, and avoid riding with someone who smokes in the car. If you’re the driver, ask passengers to smoke at rest stops if they must.

Support antismoking legislation. Federal law now bans smoking on domestic and most foreign-bound airline flights, as well as on interstate buses and most trains. Smoking is also banned in most federally owned buildings. Many states have laws against smoking in public places like restaurants and beaches, and more than half of all states have banned smoking in the workplace.

Choose smoke-free facilities. Choose childcare providers and healthcare facilities that have adopted tobacco-free policies. When you travel, request nonsmoking hotel rooms.

Teach children to avoid secondhand smoke. Because their bodies are still developing, children are especially sensitive to secondhand smoke. Asthma and lung and ear infections are more common in children who are around smokers than those who aren’t.

Whether diabetes affects you or someone in your family, the following tips can be healthy habits to help everyone live smarter, healthier lives. In some cases, they may even help reverse prediabetes (higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be diabetes).

Talk with your doctor to learn more ways to stay on top of your health and make changes that can help you live stronger and longer.

1. Eat on a regular schedule. Your blood sugar is highest an

hour or two after you eat, and then it starts to fall. You can help lessen the amount of change in blood sugar levels by eating at the same time

each day, or eating several small meals a day.

2. Make meals well-balanced. Be mindful of portion sizes and plan meals that have a mixtures of fruits, vegetables,

starches and proteins. Choose whole grains over processed grain products. Focus on foods that are high in nutrition and fiber and low in fat and calories. Cut down on animal products and sweets.

3. Read food labels. When grocery shopping, compare similar foods and choose ones with lower amounts of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

4. Go for H2O. Choose water over juice and soda to stay better hydrated and sugar-free.

5. Exercise regularly. Exercise can help improve your body’s response to insulin and maintain control over your blood sugar levels. Try to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity, such as walking, most days of the week. Ask your doctor about an exercise plan that is best for your interests and lifestyle, and if you should test your blood sugar before, during and after exercise.

6. Take care of your feet. Wash and inspect your feet daily, and seek help if a cut, blister, sore or bruise does not start to heal on its own.

7. Brush and floss your teeth. You may be more at risk of developing gum infections with diabetes. Brush and floss at least twice a day, and see your dentist at least once a year for a dental exam.

8. Don’t smoke. Smoking can increase your risk for diabetes complications,

including heart attack and stroke. Talk to your doctor about ways

to help you quit.

9. Reduce stress. When you’re stressed, it can be tougher to exercise, eat right

and test your blood sugar. Prolonged stress can also

Be a quitter!If you’re a smoker, the single best way to protect your loved ones from secondhand smoke is to quit. You can do it! Join others in becoming nonsmokers on Nov. 19 — the Great American Smokeout. The American Cancer Society is encouraging smokers to use the date to either stop smoking or make a plan to quit. Quitting, even for one day, is a step toward living a healthier life and lowering your cancer risk. Talk to your doctor about ways to help stop smoking for good.

15 tips for living healthy with diabetes

Food myths that need to be scrapped

prevent insulin from working properly. Learn to identify stressors and have solutions for dealing with them. Find ways to relax and get plenty of sleep.

10. Identify your condition. Wear identification, such as a medical alert bracelet, that explains you have diabetes. If your child has diabetes, make sure teachers, babysitters and friends know and are aware of steps to take in an emergency.

11. Travel smart. Carry diabetes supplies in your carry-on luggage, and take more medication and supplies than you will need in case of travel delays. Plan for time zone changes so you know when to take medication and stay on a meal schedule. Keep your medical insurance card and emergency phone numbers with you.

12. Know your numbers. Have your A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol tested as recommended by your doctor. Know the

target numbers that are right for you, as well as aim for a healthy weight.

13. Have regular checkups. In addition to the diabetes checkups recommended

by your doctor, be sure to schedule yearly physical and eye exams.

14. Stay up-to-date with immunizations. Because high blood sugar can weaken your

immune system, it’s important to stay current on immunizations,

such as an annual flu shot and a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. Talk to your doctor about the immunizations that you need to help you stay healthy.

15. Seek support if needed. Living with diabetes can be overwhelming at times. It may help to talk with a health professional or join a support group to share challenges and successes.

MYTH: Eggs are bad for you.

Truth: Long vilified for containing cholesterol, eggs have been wrongly assumed to contribute to high cholesterol in people. Studies have shown this is not the case, leading to a recent change in the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s recommendations. One or two eggs per day can be a healthy part of a balanced diet.

MYTH: Low-fat foods are healthier.

Truth: Low-fat varieties of dairy products and meats are a good choice, but for some other foods, low-fat may not be healthier. For instance, low-fat versions of salad dressings may contain fewer healthy fats and more added sugars to make up for the loss of flavor.

MYTH: You should always choose fresh over frozen.

Truth: Produce that is frozen or canned closer to the moment it is picked may actually have more nutrients than fresh produce that traveled miles and days from where it was originally picked. That means both fresh and frozen produce can be a healthy part of your family’s diet.

MYTH: Nuts have too much fat and should be avoided.

Truth: Nuts are indeed high in fat; however, most of the fat found in nuts is the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind. That means that nuts can, in moderation, be a part of a healthy diet. Plus, they are an excellent source of protein and other nutrients.

Chicken vegetable soup with kale

This hearty soup has it all! Nutritious vegetables, grains and protein come together in a high-fiber, low-fat, low- sodium soup.

Number of servings: 3

INGREDIENTS2 teaspoons vegetable oil½ cup onion (chopped)½ cup carrot (chopped)1 teaspoon thyme (ground)2 garlic clove (minced)2 cups water (or chicken broth)¾ cup tomatoes (diced)1 cup chicken, cooked, skinned

and cubed½ cup brown rice, cooked 1 cup kale (chopped, about one

large leaf)

DIRECTIONS1. Heat oil in a medium sauce pan.

Add onion and carrot. Saute until vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.

2. Add thyme and garlic. Saute for 1 more minute.

3. Add water or broth, tomatoes, chicken, cooked rice and kale.

4. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Per serving: 180 calories, 5 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 17 g protein, 16 g carbohydrates, 3 g dietary fiber, 85 mg sodium.

Recipe courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, recipefinder.nal.usda.gov.

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This publication is for general information only and does not replace the advice of your doctor or other healthcare provider. If you have medical questions, please consult your medical professional. Websites not belonging to this hospital are provided for information only. No endorsement is implied. Images may be from ©iStock and/or ©Fotolia. ©2015 Bluespire Marketing | bluespiremarketing.com

Methodist Healthcare is proud to offer community health information. However, if you do not wish to receive future information from Methodist, please contact us at 888.777.5959.

3960 New Covington Pike Memphis, TN 38128 901.516.5200

In This Issue

6 ways to outsmart the flu this season

Clear the air: Avoid secondhand smoke

15 tips for living healthy with diabetes

Chicken vegetable soup with kale

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Food myths that need to be scrapped

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Here is a note we received from a patient:

I was recently hospitalized in the Total Joint Center at Methodist North. Because it had been a very long time since I’d been in the hospital, I approached this with some apprehension. I live in the Raleigh-Bartlett area, so I selected Methodist North for its convenience for my family and myself.

Please know that I had the best experience EVER there! Every person on your medical team was absolutely wonderful, no matter what role they played. My nurses, CNAs, dietary aid, physical and occupational therapists were all excellent examples of their professions. They were caring, compassionate, patient and genuinely devoted to making sure that my stay at the hospital was the best experience. I would recommend this hospital to anyone.

What people are saying about Methodist North

Upcoming eventsHip and Knee Replacement ClassesThe Methodist North Total Joint Center offers free Hip and Knee Replacement classes every Wednesday at 11 am, the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 4 pm and the second Saturday of each month at 9 am. Learn about joint replacement surgery and how it can help you return to an active life. Call 901.516.5639.

Stroke Support GroupWe invite stroke survivors and caregivers to join us as we provide free education and support. Our stroke support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 2 pm, and discusses a new stroke-related topic each month. Meetings are held at HealthSouth Rehabilitation, Day Room 1, located at 4100 Austin Peay Hwy, and light refreshments are served. For more information or to register, please call Connie Holland, Stroke Support Coordinator, at 901.516.5947.

Diabetes Self-Managing Community ClassThis free class offers tips on nutrition, medication, monitoring, exercise, and healthy coping for anyone with diabetes. The class meets the third Tuesday of each month at 3 pm at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Day Room 1, located at 4100 Austin Peay Hwy. For more information, call 901.213.5400.

Social Skills GroupMethodist North offers Social Skills Group meetings for those with Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, or those who experience difficulties in the areas of expressive communication and social interaction. Meetings are one hour per week for ten weeks. The cost is $25 per session, which is covered by insurance in some cases. To learn more or enroll, contact Sara Jordan at sara.jordan@mlh.org or call 901.516.5320.