TMC congratulates Mayo Clinic on the new Ken Burns PBS documentary

September 21, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Tucson Medical Center looks forward to THE MAYO CLINIC: FAITH – HOPE – SCIENCE, a two-hour movie that explores the Clinic’s 150-year history and what it means to “Put the Needs of the Patient First.”

The film will air Tuesday evening, Sept. 25 at on Arizona PBS- KAET, with a repeat broadcast on Wednesday, Sept. 26. Please check local listings.

The film, which features the voices of Tom Hanks, Sam Waterston, Blythe Danner and Josh Lucas, blends historical narrative with contemporary patient stories, including former U.S. Sen. John McCain and the Dalai Lama.

As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, TMC works with Mayo Clinic to better serve patients and families by sharing education and best practices. TMC in 2015 joined the network, which allows physicians aligned with TMC to connect to more than 4,500 physicians and scientists at the Mayo Clinic. The relationship has also brought the hospitals together to host an annual Survive Well: Living with Cancer Symposium.

“The Mayo Clinic is known nationally and internationally for the quality of care it provides, and this film promises to be a powerful exploration of how that care has evolved over the past 150 years,” said Susan Willis, executive director of strategy at TMC.

The film begins with the story of Dr. W.W. Mayo who, after traveling throughout the Midwest looking for a place to practice, settled with his family in rural Minnesota. Together with the Sisters of Saint Francis and his sons Will and Charlie, he laid the foundation for a medical center that now treats over a million patients every year from 50 states and 150 countries, and employs 64,000 people in Rochester and at campuses in Jacksonville, Florida and Scottsdale, Arizona.

“The history of healthcare is a larger reflection of who we are as a nation,” said executive producer Ken Burns. “It includes advances in science and technology, but also touches on more universal themes of love and compassion. This is an extraordinary story that places our fundamental need to care for each other within the larger framework of America’s healthcare system and modern medicine.”

Through the story of The Mayo Clinic, the film demonstrates the power of collaboration in medicine, the role of humanity in science and the importance of hope in healing. In doing so, it provides insight into ways to make America’s healthcare delivery system more effective, efficient and compassionate.

Filed Under: General, Newsroom, Quality Tagged With: Mayo Clinic Care Network, Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic Care Network

Dear Dietitian, what can I count on?

September 20, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Eggs are out. Eggs are in. Carbs are out. No fat is out. Just get rid of the sugar!

It’s hard to keep track of the latest food craze and know what’s best for your health. We asked our Wellness Department dietitians, Laurie Ledford and Mary Atkinson, for insight on what we can count on:

Studying nutrition in terms of prevention and treatment of disease is pretty new. Everyone has individualized needs and we will likely never have one single diet, food or supplement that works for everyone, but new research is continually revealing fascinating links and discoveries around how different nutrients and food compounds work in and with our bodies. It is hard for anyone to give a clear-cut and final answer about what constitutes the perfect and most healthful diet.

What do we do know?

Carbohydrates
We know that carbs are not the enemy if you choose the correct kinds and amounts. Whole grains (such as farro, quinoa or black rice), low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables are all good choices of nutrient-rich carbohydrates.
Protein
Newer research is indicating that higher levels of protein may be beneficial to specific populations and for weight management. However, there isn’t enough specific data yet to revise the current recommendation of 0.36 grams per pound of body weight for the general population. Protein requirements and recommendations are very individualized, so for more specific protein goals talk with your physician or a registered dietitian.
Fats
Despite what you may have seen or read, there still is no fully supported research to indicate that saturated fats, such as milk fat or coconut oil, are healthy for our heart. We do need some fat in our diet, but the best forms are unsaturated, meaning that they are liquid at room temperature, such as olive or canola oil, nuts and avocado.

What if I really need something to count or track?

Notice how often you are eating out or having convenience/prepared meals. Home prepared anything is always a healthier choice. Try to reduce the times you eat out or have convenience meals each week. Save eating out for special occasions and truly enjoy the experience.Here is the BIGGIE: Track your Sleep!!! More and more research is linking sleep and a disruption to our circadian rhythm to weight management and health risks. When we don’t get adequate sleep several things can happen:

Pay attention to how many hours you spend in front of a screen, beyond what is required for work. We know screen time can cause mindless eating and can cause disruption to our sleep. Both of these impact our food choices and our health. Creating cutoff times for television or other devise usage can help.
Track your servings of vegetables and fruit you eat each day for a week. Then try to improve that by just one serving a day for the next week, and one more serving the following week … and so on. The ultimate goal being that half of your plate at each meal is made up of vegetables and some fruit.
Despite what you may have seen or read, there still is no fully supported research to indicate that saturated fats, such as milk fat or coconut oil, are healthy for our heart. We do need some fat in our diet, but the best forms are unsaturated, meaning that they are liquid at room temperature, such as olive or canola oil, nuts and avocado.

- Impacts our cognitive (thinking) processes; can increase our risk for dementia
- Impacts our emotional responses; can lead to an increase in depression, anxiety and irritability
- Increases our risk for heart disease
- Affects our immune response, making us more susceptible to getting sick
- Increases production of cortisol, our stress hormone

The takeaway

Having a healthy diet is about looking at the overall quality of the foods you eat, when you eat them and the environment in which you eat. All foods can fit into a healthy diet in moderation, if the majority of your diet is a balance of all the food groups and macronutrients, offers variety, and is focused on enjoyment and success vs. restriction and regret.

Filed Under: Eat Well, General, Nutrition

Breastfeeding – 10 ways you can support the new mama in your life

September 17, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

There was a time when in the first fresh days and weeks of a baby’s life, a new mom would be surrounded by the women of her family and community. They would provide her support and guide her through breastfeeding and caring for her new child. Today, that is often not the case. A new mom may find herself without that sisterhood to draw upon. Breastfeeding support groups, lactation consultants and postpartum doulas provide valuable resources, but for day-to-day the support of dad or partner is critical in determining whether breastfeeding is successful.

TMC for Women Lactation Consultant, Susan Dennis IBCLC, shares these ten tips to help dads and partners help the new mom in their lives:

How to provide breastfeeding support to your partner:

Before baby arrives attend a Breastfeeding Class with the expectant mom.
Tell the new Mom that she is doing a great job- encouragement is a key building block to success.
Help recognize when the baby is showing feeding cues and help give mom private time to feed without distractions from other visitors.
Place pillows under mom’s arms, back, legs to help support her in comfortable positions while feeding.
Watch how staff at the hospital or birth center help the baby start a feeding and do the same when mom needs help.
Hold baby skin to skin after feedings while mom takes a nap. This is a great bonding time for you and baby.
Bring water and snacks whenever mom feels hungry.
Be the mom’s sounding board when she feels frustrated. Sometimes she just needs to talk.
Burp baby, change diaper and cuddle baby in between feedings so you get a chance to know the baby.
Babies are only small for short time. When they cry they need to be held. This builds trust and later independence.

Know there are outside resources to help mama with breastfeeding, we provide outpatient consultations with certified lactation consultants as well as a weekly support group.

Resources

Pisacane, A., Continisio GI., Aldinucci, M., D’Amora, S., Continisio, P., A controlled trial of the father’s role in breastfeeding promotion Pediatrics. 2005 Oct;116(4):e494-8. [Accessed 6/13/2014]

Filed Under: Pediatrics, Women's Services Tagged With: breastfeeding, how dad can help, support group

Work colleague inspires fellow salon manager to get joint replacement

September 14, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Helping our community right here in Tucson get and stay healthy and keep on dancing is what Tucson Medical Center is all about. We’re showing off some of our fabulous community members in our latest commercials and you get to find out a little more about them here on our blog. Meet TMC dancers Charles Colbath and Annie Collins.

Bavilon Salon owner Charles Colbath would wince a little seeing Salon Coordinator Annie Collins hobble about.

A former marathon runner, Collins had agonizing arthritis in her right hip. “I almost couldn’t walk. I couldn’t lift my leg to get in the car. I would be walking, and my leg would just freeze.”

She had hip replacement with orthopaedic surgeon Russell Cohen. “It was a miracle. I had surgery one morning and was home the next day by noon. I was pain free – literally, pain free.”

Colbath was struck at her recovery. He had been suffering with his own trick hip for four years. “Dr. Cohen did an evaluation and said he could do it. I trusted him. And I had the same experience Annie did. The whole process was amazing. I’ve had worse tooth extractions.”

Collins, who is an avowed pickleball addict, said dancing is her next favorite thing and she’s thrilled to be able to do it.

For Colbath, the minimally invasive procedure was a life changer. “It’s hard to believe you would go in for something that would be seen as major, but it honestly wasn’t,” he said. “The process they use now is so perfected, that I was back to my routine in three days. And I’m getting my life back now, which was key.”

Filed Under: Bones & Joints, General, Patient Stories Tagged With: hip replacement, orthopadeic surgery, Russell Cohen, Tucson

Hush little baby – Safe sleep tips

September 13, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

There is nothing more beautiful than a sleeping baby, especially for parents who are often overtired themselves. Our experts share the following simple tips so you can create a safe sleeping environment for your baby:

Help Your Baby Sleep Safely

Lay your baby on his or her back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
If you’re worried about keeping your baby warm on those cold winter nights, try using a sleep sack (wearable blanket). They’re pretty cozy.
Babies should not sleep on beds, sofas, recliners, chairs, soft surfaces, bouncy chairs or baby swings. If this happens, make sure to return your baby to a safe sleep environment.
We know that stuffed animals, bumpers and all those cute accessories make a baby’s crib seem warm and cozy. Unfortunately, they can often do more harm than good. Soft bedding can block a baby’s airway during sleep. A firm mattress covered with a tight-fitting crib sheet is all you need to make your baby sleep like a baby.
New parents have a million things to do, but learning infant CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind – and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better.

Position Your Child’s Crib or Bed in the Right Place

Avoid placing a crib, bed, high chair or playpen near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall-mounted decorative accessories with cords.
Do not hang anything on or above a baby’s crib on a string or cord.
Room-sharing is a safer option than having your baby sleep in bed with you. Place your baby’s crib, play yard or bassinet in your room for more convenient feeding and close contact.
Remember to always return your baby to his or her own crib when you’re ready to go back to sleep. This is tough sometimes because parents are often more tired than the babies, but it is much safer.
If your child has a bunk bed, check the guard rails on the top bunk. Make sure that there isn’t enough space between the guardrail and bed frame or the head and foot boards that a leg or arm could get trapped.

Next Steps

Have questions? Talk to your pediatrician about safe sleeping. Don’t have a pediatrician? Our family physicians at TMCOne are accepting new patients.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: safe sleep tips

From bariatric surgery to instructor of “Insanity” workout

September 13, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center 1 Comment

When Marni Gould topped out at 248 pounds, it became evident she needed to make a change.

Dance and exercise had been her passion since high school – and although she had remained active even through her weight struggles, she was finding more and more she couldn’t do it anymore.

At 35, the middle school math teacher was grappling with sky-high blood pressure and a resting heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. Her knees hurt from carrying too much weight for her frame, and her ankle rolled far too often. She had tried a number of diets and none of them seemed to work.

“I knew I needed help with food. I never knew how to properly eat,” she said, noting cheeseburgers were a particular weakness.

Gould’s two sisters each had had bariatric surgery and after seeing the results, she decided to learn more. After going through a six-month process of medically-supervised weight loss, she still had not lost enough weight. She had the surgery April 2016 and was back at work in two weeks. She almost immediately went back to the gym, doing serious modifications to ease herself back into being active and avoiding core exercises at first to give herself time to heal.

Gould also was strict that first year in particular with her diet – lots of protein shakes and thoughtful meal choices, with PowerCrunch bars to satisfy sweet-tooth cravings. “This just let me reset. Now I know I can eat the right things in balance with the amount of activity I do,” she said.

While Gould’s one sister took up running, Gould gravitated more toward strength.

Four months after her surgery, she started a high-intensity endurance workout called Insanity Live. She modified everything and kept plugging away. She learned to love it.

In a year, her body fat had dropped from 48 percent to 25 percent. By 18 months, she had lost her 100-pound goal. At 138 pounds, she went from a size 22 to a 6/8.

When her instructor moved, Gould couldn’t imagine a Saturday without Insanity Live. She decided to teach it. “At the training, they said, ‘You don’t have to be the best at the moves. You just have to be the most motivating.’ That stuck with me.”

While some instructors bark orders and push students to work at top capacity, Gould remembers the importance of pacing herself. “I really want to pull in people who are scared of it – it’s called Insanity for a reason. I want them in there so they can see how much they change over time. When you start losing and toning, it helps you stay motivated and keep going.”

Gould is so passionate about sharing her transformation, that she regularly attends the TMC Bariatric Support group and manages a Facebook group for local patients, as well as another accountability group for those who need more regular check-ins. “I love inspiring others. I remember early on when I was frustrated with the pace of my weight loss, someone told me, ‘You’re on a trajectory.’ And that changed everything. It’s not about the Right Now. It’s about progress, not perfection.”

“I just want to help others. I feel like I’ve been given this gift – and what good is this gift to me if I am not spreading it and using it to assist others?”

Filed Under: All, General, Patient Stories, weight loss surgery Tagged With: Bariatric, Insanity Live, marni gould, weight loss surgery

Flu season, like winter, is coming. Is your family ready?

September 12, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

From cooler temperatures to pumpkin pie, we welcome many things that come with the fall season, but the flu is not one of them. Dr. Katherine Leitner, a TMCOne provider at TMC Rincon Health Campus, provides some important pointers to best prepare families for flu season.

How should a family prepare for flu season?

The most effective preventative measure is a flu vaccination. Everyone in the family should get a flu shot.

If experiencing flu-like symptoms:

cover your mouth when coughing
avoid touching your face
wash your hands with soap and water frequently
disinfect surfaces you come in contact with
and stay at home for at least 24 hours

When should you get a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends receiving a flu vaccine in October. Even if you did not receive the flu shot in October, it is still beneficial to obtain one throughout the flu season which can run through January or later. It is also important that everyone get the flu shot yearly, because the flu strain changes from year to year.

What about vitamin C and a healthy diet?

Studies have shown that supplementing with vitamin C during a cold does not actually improve the outcome or decrease the duration of illness. However, it is always important to stick to a healthy diet so you can build a good immune system for when you do get sick. During an illness, drinking lots of fluids and staying hydrated is very important.

What should you do if a child is showing flu symptoms?

Make an appointment with your child’s health care provider right away. The provider can test for the flu and treat it with a medication if caught early. To prevent the spread of illness, keep your child out of school until he or she is feeling better.

Who should get the flu shot?

Dr. Robert Jacobson, a pediatrician with Mayo Clinic, says, “The latest recommendations from the CDC reaffirm that all of us are at risk for catching and spreading the flu, and all of us should get our flu shot this fall. Very few of us cannot get the vaccine. Our getting the vaccines protects them, too.”

The CDC continues to recommend vaccination for all people aged 6 months and older without contraindications, preferably by the end of October. For those aged 65 and older, the CDC says standard-dose or high-dose vaccine is acceptable.

For information on how to protect infants under 6 months from the flu see this TMC for Children post.

Filed Under: Pediatrics, Primary Care Tagged With: Dr. Katherine Leitner, flu, influenza

TMC presented with award, recognition for achievements in stroke treatment

September 7, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center 1 Comment

Tucson Medical Center routinely achieves critical treatment timelines for patients that give them the best outcomes after heart attack or stroke.

“On behalf of the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, I thank you for your commitment,” said Ron Loomis, Jr., the senior regional director for quality and systems improvement for the associations, in presenting an award to the TMC team.

TMC earned the Get with the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award by meeting specific quality metrics for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke within a designated period that are scientifically proven to reduce death and disability for stroke patients.

TMC additionally received the Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll award, which reduces time between when a patient suffering from ischemic stroke arrives at the hospital and when treatment starts with a clot-busting drug. Ischemic strokes occur when the arteries to the brain narrow or become blocked, reducing blood flow. We are the only hospital in Southern Arizona with this top level designation.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to these evidence-based guidelines often see improved outcomes and fewer readmissions,” Loomis said.

Dr. David Teeple, the medical director for TMC’s stroke program, said the program has been growing in effectiveness for the last 10 years, to the point that TMC has for many years been recognized for putting proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis.

“It’s ingrained in what we do here now,” he told the team, “but don’t underestimate the hard work you all do to achieve these guidelines. I’m incredibly grateful and our patients are incredibly grateful.”

Filed Under: General, Health News, Heart and Vascular, Newsroom Tagged With: American Heart Association, comprehensive stroke center, Dr. Teeple, Get with the Guidelines, Ron Loomis, stroke elite honor roll, thrombectomy, tpa

Triple bypass leads to a new approach on life

September 7, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Sergio Gonzales was working out with his wife last July when he felt an unmistakable feeling.

“I felt the same symptoms I’d felt the previous year, when I had a heart attack while on vacation in Witchita, Kansas,” he recalled. When the feeling didn’t pass in a few minutes, he called 911 and a helicopter evacuated him for treatment. Only in his mid-40s, he would end up having a triple bypass.

“The care at TMC was outstanding. I will always remember being wheeled in and seeing the worried eyes of my doctor, the nurses and my family, but they immediately helped put me at ease and made me feel better about the situation,” said Sergio, a University of Arizona graduate who works in the defense industry and is a college sports referee on the side. His wife, Deanna, a Tucson native, agreed. “It was a struggle every day, but the nurses were great and his cardiac team helped get him home quickly.”

Sergio, who participated in cardiac rehabilitation to rebuild his strength, said the heart attack forced him to make some big changes.

“Before my first heart attack, I was invincible,” he said, even though his father had his first heart attack in his 50s. He takes his health more seriously – and shares his concerns with his son, too, to take note of his genetic predispositions to heart disease, even though he is only 21.

“I’ve really been utilizing this time to reconnect with my family and to enjoy life a little more,” he said, adding he enjoys concerts and has taken more vacations of late than he has in the previous five years combined. “I’ve also been trying to learn more about my physical and mental abilities. I push myself harder to learn more and to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Filed Under: General, Heart and Vascular, Patient Stories Tagged With: cardiac rehab, sergio gonzales, triple bypass

Back to Work – Breastfeeding in the workplace

September 6, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Making the transition back to work after your maternity leave ends can be difficult, especially switching to pumping. Our lactation consultants provide these tips for success once you’re back at work:

When you’re away from your baby, pump every 2-3 hours or as much as possible
Breastfeed just before you leave for work and as soon as you get home again
Help your milk expression by having pictures of your baby with you; record the sounds of your baby on your cell phone or voicemail and listen to those while pumping
Try to create a relaxing atmosphere in which to pump. Closing your eyes, breathing deeply and relaxing will help with expression of milk
Massage your breasts before and during the middle of the pumping session
End your pump session with hand expression to aid breast drainage
When home, feed your baby on demand to help maintain your supply
Keep talking with your employer/supervisor about what is working and what isn’t
Remember breastfeeding and pumping is an organic thing, be flexible
Dr. Jack Newman provides many resources for breastfeeding moms. This link includes techniques for expressing milk successfully when you’re away from your baby.

As a working mom, you have many responsibilities, and it may be challenging to keep up your milk supply. Food, drink and lots of cuddling with your baby, in addition to frequent breastfeeding on your days off, will help maintain your supply. Remember, you are doing a great job. Call our Breastfeeding Support Program (520) 324-5730 if you have any questions.

Sign up for Breastfeeding Basics – A class for expectant mothers to support them on the breastfeeding journey

We’d love to hear your input. If you’ve already breastfed and made the transition back to the work place can you share a little of your experience? How did you make it work? What challenges did you face? Did you have a particularly positive experience with an employer? Give kudos to them.

Useful resources:

At TMC for Women

TMC for Women’s Breastfeeding Support Program – Call (520) 324-5730
TMC for Women’s Breastfeeding Support Group – Mondays, 10-11:30am in the Canyon Conference Room near the Southeast Entrance.
Tucson Medical Center has lactation rooms for its staff on the postpartum unit. Contact the Breastfeeding Support Program for more information

Online

La Leche League’s Work and Breastfeeding provides lots of great articles on the topic
Womenshealth.gov provides a host of information for both employers and employees

In the Literature

The Milk Memos – At times hilarious, sometimes poignant and always insightful resource that started as a plea from one new mom sitting in a lactation room at IBM to whoever might be also using the lactation room.

Filed Under: Women's Services Tagged With: breastfeeding, breastfeeding and work., pumping

Asthma shouldn’t keep a kid from being a kid – Dispelling myths

September 4, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

When your child experiences an asthma attack it can be terrifying for both your child and for you.

Understandably, you want to take the precautions to prevent asthma attacks, but there are many myths about asthma. Some of these myths can lead parents to overly limit a child’s activities and negatively impact your child’s health.

Dr. Jamie Ruderfer, a pediatric pulmonologist with Pediatric Pulmonary Associates, sets the record straight and explains how parents should take the appropriate precautions that build strong health because, as she says, “asthma shouldn’t keep a kid from being a kid.”

MYTH ONE: Allergies and exercise are the most common asthma triggers

Actually, the most common trigger of pediatric asthma is the rhinovirus, or common cold. The flu is right behind the cold as a significant asthma trigger.

I strongly agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics that every child should receive a flu vaccine, and it is even more important for asthmatic children.

Does that mean allergies and exercise aren’t triggers?

Allergies and exercise can be serious triggers, they just aren’t the most common triggers of asthma-related difficulties.

Every child who experiences asthma will have unique triggers. Some will be triggered more by allergies or exercise. Some will be triggered more by viral colds. This is where proper expert advice on management comes in.

Before taking extreme precautions, an evaluation by a pediatric pulmonologist can determine your child’s your child’s unique experiences with asthma and create a management plan that fits your child’s needs and lifestyle.

Should parents take extra precautions to keep their child from getting a cold?

When it comes to colds, asthmatic children cannot realistically take different precautions than a child who does not have asthma.

Parents need to work, and children need to go to school and daycare. I’m a mom, too, and I understand that preventing a child from catching a cold is nearly impossible. We should still take precautions, but reasonable and effective ones – like a flu shot, hand washing/sanitizing, a healthy diet and good sleep.

If an asthmatic child catches a cold (which they will), it does not mean that an acute asthmatic episode is certain – it means that parents should be more alert for signs and symptoms. Again, management is key. Your child should have an individualized asthma action plan developed by their pediatrician or pediatric pulmonologist for when they get the sniffles.

MYTH TWO: Asthma symptoms only involve wheezing, right?

Wheezing (both breathing in and out) is a symptom, but there are other symptoms and signs that parents should be aware of.

Symptoms the child may have an escalating issue include:

Chest tightness
Chronic cough
Respiratory infection
Shortness of breath
Waking in the night with breathing difficulty

Acute symptoms that require immediate treatment involve:

Severe wheezing
Rapid and/or labored breathing
Coughing that doesn’t stop
Pressure and pain in the neck and chest
Difficulty talking due to shortness of breath
Blue lips or fingernails

If your child is experiencing any of these acute symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 immediately.

MYTH THREE: My child hasn’t had symptoms for a long time – so I don’t have to be as aware?

Children can go for long periods without asthma being triggered. Asthma is a serious condition and while parents don’t need to be overly cautious, they should regularly visit a health-care provider, stick to the asthma management plan and always be alert to symptoms.

MYTH FOUR: To prevent asthma just cut out sports

I’m just so afraid of an asthma attack – should I just cut out sports entirely?

An asthma diagnosis should not keep a kid from being a kid. Having a solid, ongoing management plan will make it possible for your child to safely enjoy sports and other physical activity.

Dr. Ruderfer graduated from the University of California, Irvine Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.S. in biological sciences with emphasis in cell biology. She received her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine, and completed her 3-year residency in pediatrics at Winthrop University Hospital and a 3-year fellowship in pediatric pulmonary at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Ruderfer is married to Dr. Daniel Ruderfer (TMCOne pediatric infectious disease) and has two sons, Ethan and Josh, ages 3 and 6.

Filed Under: General, Pediatrics Tagged With: asthma, asthma myths, dr. jamie ruderfer, pediatric pulmonologist

After knee replacement, ‘People tell me I look different’

August 31, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

For business owner Mary Rowley, pain was a part of everyday life.

“I had bone-on-bone arthritis. I couldn’t use my knee very much,” Rowley recalled. “It was to the point where I forgot what it was like not to have pain.”

Rowley, who had two previous unrelated surgeries at TMC with great outcomes, came back to TMC, with orthopaedic surgeon Russell Cohen.

“It was great. The experience in the hospital was wonderful – I felt like I was with friends,” she said, noting she went home the next day.

“My knee is fantastic. Before, I coudn’t run at all. Now I can run up steps. I’m walking more, I’m exercising. I can bend. People tell me I look different: that I don’t have as much pain on my face.”

Rowley has a recommendation for others considering knee replacement surgery. “Everyone said put it off as long as you can. I would say don’t. If you really need it done, and a professional tells you that you need to get it done, get it done. It’s great on the other side.”

Check out Mary getting to dance again in our latest dance video.

Filed Under: Bones & Joints, General, Patient Stories Tagged With: #wearetmc, orthopedics, Tucson

Thank you Tucson for making us the Readers’ Choice

August 30, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Thank you, Tucson, for your support in the Arizona Daily Star 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards. We have been serving Southern Arizona for 75 years and are proud to be recognized as the top choice in these categories:

Best Hospital

Best Emergency Room

Best Pediatric Emergency Room

Best Women’s Center

Best Surgical Weight Loss

Best Birthing Center

Thanks to our staff, volunteers and providers for making TMC the hospital of choice in Tucson for the fourth year in a row. As Tucson’s only nonprofit, community-owned hospital, TMC’s mission is to provide exceptional health care with compassion. We take your trust in us seriously. Thank you for your vote of confidence!

Filed Under: Newsroom

Paw-sitively fur-bulous ways pets can support our health

August 26, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

It’s National Dog Day* and we’re celebrating our furry friends, their companionship and the health benefits they bring to our lives.

Did you know that according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, owning a pet is linked to a decrease in blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglycerides? Great, so all we need to do is adopt a pet to be healthy? While we do want to encourage everyone to consider helping our local Pima Animal Care Center by adopting or fostering one of the thousands of animals taken in each year, there is more to the connection between pets and improved health.

Important aspects of being healthy include staying active, managing stress, having a strong sense of purpose and having a good social support network. Owning, fostering or even volunteering to work with animals can help us more easily achieve these healthy behaviors.

1. Purpose and connection

Having a pet or participating in a program that cares for animals gives us purpose and helps connect us with others who have similar values and passions. Pets can serve as a social icebreaker for people who tend to be shy and more introverted, easing the creation of social bonds. Through these connections, we can develop a support network that goes beyond the commonality of pet ownership. 2. Improve mood and decrease tension or stress

2. Improve mood and decrease tension or stress

Hopefully, everyone has had the opportunity to experience the unconditional love that a pet greets you with when you return home or go to visit them. This greeting alone can improve mood and decrease tension or stress. Animals can keep us in the present moment, which helps to distract us from our worries and problems that we might tend to ruminate about.

3. Reduce heart rate and blood pressure

Many studies have demonstrated that petting an animal can reduce heart rate, blood pressure and perceived level of stress. Plus, how can you not feel joyful when animals look at you with such adoration as you pet them?

4. Maintain a routine and stay active

Pets, and dogs most specifically, help us to maintain a routine and stay active. While we may be willing to skip our own exercise, we are not likely to say no to our loving pets! Even if it is just a quick walk around the neighborhood, remember, any activity is better than nothing. If you are interested in a more rigorous workout, please take a look at our post on running with our four-legged friends.

Regardless of what type of activity you choose to do with your pet, getting into a routine can also have an impact on the other health choices we make throughout our day. Once you are consistently doing one thing to benefit your health, you are more likely to follow up with others, such as making healthy food choices or getting better quality sleep.

National Dog Day

*August 26th is National Dog Day, initiated to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and to acknowledge family dogs and dogs that work each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Our friends at Pima Animal Care Center organize events throughout the month to help people who would like to adopt or foster dogs and cats. Check out PACC’s foster event schedule.

Pup at PACC waiting for new home

Filed Under: General Tagged With: foster dogs, health benefits of having a dog, national dog day, PACC, Pima Animal Care Center

Volunteer opportunity came at the right time for stroke survivor

August 24, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Gail Black was on the job when she collapsed at work. She’d had a devastating stroke and it would be a grueling recovery. She’d lost some words. Her balance was off. Her memory wasn’t as sharp.

She spent months and months rebuilding with physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.

As she progressed in her recovery, she saw that TMC Senior Services was offering a lecture on stroke recovery and how to build new neural pathways in the brain.

While she was there, someone asked if she’d like to volunteer. “I said give me a year because I was still in that phase of my recovery. And a year to the date, someone called me back.”

“Tucson Medical Center has an amazing senior services program and it provides content that is very rewarding, informative and educational. It gave me information on how to live strong and that was very important to me,” she said.

Black said the highlight of volunteering was the relationships she built. “I’ve met so many wonderful people. Sometimes you go to volunteer, thinking you’re going to help someone and you wind up being the person who is helped and rewarded. That has been my experience.”

She also appreciates every opportunity to share her story.

“I get up every day to a new sunrise, a new lease on life,” she said. “I look forward to finding ways to help and benefit others – even if it’s telling my story recovering from stroke. If I can help one person, that’s important to me. Life is great.”

Anyone can have a stroke, even children although the causes in children tend to be different. The elderly are not the only ones at risk for stroke although age is one factor. Stroke risk also increases with factors like increased blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation.

Know the symptoms of a stroke.

Early recognition and treatment make all the difference.

Check out Gail and others here to dance another day in our latest dance video.

Filed Under: General, Senior Services, Voices, Volunteers Tagged With: Gail Black, stroke survivor, tucson medical center dance video

In just one year, TMC volunteers donated a whopping 10 years of collective work

August 23, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Checking people in for breast screenings. Making home visits to hospice patients. Sharing the love of a therapy pet. Cuddling babies. Playing soothing instruments. Sewing heart pillows for cardiac patients. Running a resale boutique. Making daily visits to patients. Praying with patients under the guidance of pastoral services. And on and on.

Volunteers make a difference every day at Tucson Medical Center.

TMC thanks its more than 600 volunteers – from college students to retirees – who give their time across nearly 60 areas of the hospital to bring comfort and support to those in need.

In fact, our volunteers donated nearly 92,000 hours in 2017 to support TMC’s mission to provide exceptional health care with compassion.

That’s slightly more than 3,833 days of helping others. That’s the equivalent of 10 years of work – and 44 annual full-time employees! Whew!

Filed Under: Community, General Tagged With: volunteer, volunteer hours

Eat Well – 7 ways to increase your fruit and veg intake

August 22, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Most health-conscious people agree that eating a lot of fruits and vegetables is a good habit. Plants provide a cornucopia of nutrients your body needs to function properly. Plus they are colorful, delicious and provide endless opportunities for cooking creativity. For a variety of reasons though, few of us get enough of them in our daily diets.

How many servings do you need each day? That number depends on the number of calories you need per day, along with other factors. An easier guideline to follow is this: whenever you have a meal or snack, make at least half of it vegetables, fruit or a combination. That likely means increasing the amount you currently eat, and you should do that at your own pace. Start by adding just one more fruit or vegetable per day or one more per week. Here are some tips to help you get going.

1. “A goal without a plan is just a wish”*

Create a weekly menu, or at least a menu outline, that includes a fruit or vegetable at every meal and snack. Using this menu, make your grocery list and go shopping.

Choose a variety of fruit and veggies, across the whole spectrum of colors.
Please eat real fruit and veggies. Chips and other products containing vegetable powders or concentrates don’t count.
Frozen produce can be more convenient than fresh. It’s easy to keep some on hand all the time, so you can add a boost of nutrition to any meal or snack. Also, you can use as much as you need and leave the rest in the bag, creating less waste.
Canned foods tend to be a less nutritious choice than fresh or frozen, and most people are not fond of their soggy texture. With beans and tomato products, however, the canned version is far more convenient and still relatively healthy. If you do buy canned vegetables, choose low-sodium or no-salt-added options.

2. Be prepared

It’s a motto not just for scouts! On a day when you have extra time, do some preparation for the coming days.

Cut up fresh produce, so it is ready for snacking or for use in recipes later.
Cook a batch of something that can be refrigerated or frozen, then reheat and eat later.

3. Double, sneak and boost

Add vegetables to things you already regularly eat. For example:

Boost that breakfast by adding spinach, mushrooms, onions or tomato to your scrambled eggs.
Add sliced veggies or leafy greens to sandwiches or wraps.
Sneak some broccoli, cauliflower, peppers or squash into soup or chili or pasta dishes.
If you ever need to rely on a pre-packaged frozen meal, throw some chopped, frozen veggies into it before you put it in the microwave. This will significantly improve the meal’s nutritional content.

4. Add a little sweetness and texture

Add fruit to cereal or yogurt.

Instead of eating sugary, fruit-flavored yogurt, stir berries into Greek yogurt. If you do this with frozen berries and store it in the fridge overnight, the berries will thaw a little, giving you a nice sauce that flavors the whole concoction.

5. Make it a power pack snack!

…on raw veggies, such as carrot or celery sticks, dipped in hummus.
…on plain, fresh fruit. Or combine fruit slices with peanut or almond butter. For a less messy combo, mix unsweetened dried fruit with nuts.

6. Explore the stars, star fruit that is

Don’t hesitate to try a vegetable or fruit you’ve never had before. You might discover a new favorite.

Buy something that looks interesting, and then search online for preparation instructions.
If you shop at a farmers’ market, you can ask the farmers themselves for recommendations.

7. Try that beet again

Consider revisiting a vegetable you thought you didn’t like. Maybe your tastes have changed, or you can try a new way of preparing it, and you’ll find you now love it.

Have fun on your new adventures in the plant world!

Laurie Ledford

Laurie Ledford is our very own Georgia peach, a registered dietitian from Atlanta, Georgia, the land of grits, collard greens and super-sweet iced tea. She now works as a registered dietitian in the Tucson Medical Center Wellness Department. She enjoys helping people improve their health through sustainable dietary changes while still relishing occasional indulgences. In her off hours, Laurie engages in foodie pursuits such as sampling unusual flavor combinations (olive oil and basil ice cream was a good one) as well as hiking and cycling.

*Quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Filed Under: Eat Well, General, Healthy Living, Nutrition, wellness Tagged With: how to increase your fruit and veg intake

Back to School: Know the warning signs of bullying

August 21, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

For many children, the start of a new school year can be stressful, especially if they’ve been victims of bullying in the past. Mayo Clinic Children’s Center psychologist Dr. Bridget Biggs says parents and caregivers should know the warning signs. “If your child is reluctant to go to school, stressed after spending time online or avoids social situations, he or she may be being bullied.”

What is bullying?

Dr.Biggs defines bullying as “any form of aggression that is repeated.” This can be physical, verbal, social (excluding victims from activities, starting rumors about them) and increasingly electronic. It can happen not just at school, but anywhere a group of children congregate, whether on the playground, in school or on social media.

Bullying differs from fighting or teasing because there is a power differential between the bully and the victim. The bully has power over the other child and tries to control them using fear over and over again.

Additional warning signs your child is being bullied:

From www.stopbullying.gov

Unexplainable injuries
Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

Dr. Biggs points out that consequences of bullying can be serious. She says victims are at increased risk of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, self-harm, poor grades and in rare cases, suicide. She encourages parents and caregivers to directly ask their child if they have thought about self-harm. If a child knows that their parent or caregiver is open to discussing feelings about self-harm it can be a relief to the child and can open up lines of communication.

Dr. Biggs shares these tips for parents and caregivers on how to help children who are victims of bullying:

Talk it out – Ask your child about concerns.
Learn – Get information from your child about what’s happening.
Take notes – Record details of bullying events.
Discuss and practice how to respond – Walk away. Get help from trusted adult or peer.
Talk about technology – Before cyberbullying occurs set some ground rules including letting your child knows their electronic privileges will not be removed if they share that they have been cyberbullied.
Build self-esteem – Encourage your child to get involved in positive activities.
Team up – Reach out to teachers.

Watch: Dr. Bridget Biggs discusses warning signs of bullying.

Next week we will discuss cyberbulling, how to recognize it, react to it and prevent it.

As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Tucson Medical Center works directly with Mayo Clinic, the nation’s No.1 hospital according to U.S. News & World Report. Our doctors get access to Mayo Clinic knowledge and resources, and you get the best care, close to home.

Filed Under: General, Pediatrics Tagged With: Back to School, bullying, stop bullying, warning signs

Heart of Hospice dedicated to caring for patients in their homes

August 21, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

The enthusiasm, energy and compassion of one of TMC Hospice’s longest-serving home-health aides earned her the Heart of Hospice for the third quarter.

Since 2002, Lynn Rumsey, a patient care technician, has been visiting hospice patients in their homes, helping them with personal care (bathing, shaving, hair care, etc.), exercise, safely getting in and out of bed and chairs, as well as teaching families how to care for their loved ones.

“She’s so energetic and enthusiastic, it’s like every week for Lynn is her first week here,” said Stephanie Carter, manager of TMC Hospice at Home, during a celebration last week.

According to one nomination from a colleague (nominations are anonymous):

“Lynn is always helpful and pleasant with co-workers and patients. One recent patient’s family reported that in all the years of working with doctors, nurses and others in the medical profession, she was the most compassionate, pleasant person they have met.”

The colleague goes on to give an example:

On a Saturday that Lynn was seeing patients, she bathed a new patient, called the office to report a problem with the patient’s Foley [catheter], and stayed at the patient’s home to assist the RN with troubleshooting and replacing the Foley.

The patient was very large and the patient’s husband unsure of how to care for her, and the RN would not have been able to insert the Foley without Lynn’s’ help. The patient’s husband was more calm and relaxed after observing Lynn providing care to his wife.

As one colleague said, “We are privileged to have Lynn on our TMC Hospice Home Care Team.”

As Heart of Hospice for the quarter, Rumsey’s name and photo goes onto a recognition plaque on the unit, she received a pin and gets a dedicated parking space until next quarter. The award allows colleagues to recognize their peers:

Everything he or she does is for our patients and families and personifies compassion, kindness, empathy, a great work ethic and knowledge. The Heart of Hospice is also someone who is calm under pressure, is respectful, is detail-oriented, is a critical thinker, and has great communication skills. This person is someone who is always there to help his or her peers and does so with grace and skill. Being able to nominate someone for this award is a gift because it means you have observed greatness, not just once, but every time you have interacted with this individual.

Want to be part of a team that makes a difference?

Learn about volunteering for TMC Hospice Home Care

Filed Under: All, Hospice Tagged With: Heart of Hospice, home health aide, hospice home care, pct, TMC Hospice, Tucson Medical Center

Miles of Healing Art profiled by AZ Illustratrated

August 18, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Our thanks goes out to Arizona Public Media for the awesome story that ran Aug. 12 on Arizona Illustrated about our Healing Art program. Check it out:

Find out more about TMC Healing Art. #AZPM, #HealingArt

Filed Under: All, Campus News, General Tagged With: arizona illustrated, arizona public media, Art, AZPM, guitar, healing art, Hospital, paitings, sculptures, TMC Foundation

Too busy for a heart attack: a working woman’s epiphany

August 17, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Susan’s signs

Susan Smith wasn’t feeling her usual energetic self.

She’d been increasingly fatigued in the previous few days, but like many busy women, was juggling so many things – including an upcoming speech – that it was easier to just brush off her symptoms.

As she launched into her speech, she began to have palpitations. Could it be anxiety? She began to run short of breath. Had she been holding her breath? She broke out in a cold sweat. Menopausal symptoms?

“There I was, standing in front of 40 people and feeling like I was going to faint, but refusing to fall down in front of all of them,” said Susan, who moved to Tucson 42 years ago. She completed her presentation, sat down and drank some water. The symptoms subsided.

The next day found her in a cardiologist’s office, hooked up to an EKG. She was in the midst of a heart attack and her doctor informed her she would be going to the Emergency Department.

“I don’t have time to go to the Emergency Department,” she remembered protesting. “I have to teach a class tomorrow at 8 a.m.!”

“I went right to TMC and it was an experience I will never forget,” she recalled. Her cardiologist had called ahead and within seconds she was on a gurney, blood was being drawn, tests were underway. “I didn’t know if I should be terrified or just glad I was in such good hands,” she said.

Dancing to recovery

Five weeks after her stent was placed, she was feeling well enough to dance in a TMC commercial, but still practicing resting. “That’s a tall order. I have to remind myself to do things more slowly and with more patience. Instead of putting 25 things on a to-do list, I might do five.”

Yes, women have heart attacks

“Women in particular have a lot on their plates and a lot of times they’re so busy taking care of their family, they don’t have the time to recognize the symptoms in their own body,” she said, noting women often have different symptoms than men do.

Like men women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

“The main thing I learned and am telling my friends: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Check it out. It’s not worth taking the chance.”

In need of a cardiologist? Find a doctor who specializes in the heart here.

Filed Under: General, Patient Stories, Voices Tagged With: Heart Attack, Susan Smith, women and heart

Accepting a change of plans: The evolution of the C-section experience

August 16, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Giving birth via C-section is not how you envisioned it … it wasn’t part of your birth plan. Your doctor has explained the whys – the logical reasons why a vaginal birth isn’t the best approach for you and your baby’s safety. You know it’s the right thing to do, but in your mind there are questions. Will I get to hold my baby first? Am I missing out on an important part of the experience?

Golden Hour for those undergoing C-section

The first hour of your baby’s life – called the Golden Hour – is important for so many reasons; it’s your first glimpse at their tiny face, first touch of their skin and opportunity to establish the bond so important to growth and development. And most importantly a key factor in successful breastfeeding, which is proven to benefit your baby’s health in many ways.

Until recently, these firsts were not always experienced by women who had a C-section.

A program in Labor and Delivery at TMC is changing that for many women with a new type of surgery drape and a new process after you give birth to get your baby in your arms faster.

How we’re making it happen

The new dual-sided surgery drape, with a solid side for the surgical moments and a clear side that allows you to see your baby emerge, means you won’t miss the very first moments of your child’s life. You aren’t separated from the process, “I’ve seen surgeon and patient talking and laughing … it’s so different than with the traditional drape,” said Crystal Gulotta, Labor and Delivery nurse and author of the project .

With a goal of taking your baby’s first vitals and measurements, and putting on a diaper and hat while mom is cleaned up, the next step to this new C-section program ensures that when you leave the OR, your baby is on your chest getting the skin-to-skin contact that is so important.

What moms are saying

One new mom said of the experience with the new drape and the skin-to-skin contact, “It was truly one of the best parts of having my baby. I was very concerned about who would get to hold my baby before me and how long it would be before I got to hold him. This was the answer to all of my worries. I was so thankful! We don’t know why someone wouldn’t want to do this.”

Making clinical improvements that directly impact patients is a foundation element to providing exceptional healthcare. Find out more about maternity services at Tucson Medical Center by taking a tour.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: c-section, cesarean, golden hour, skin-to-skin

Eat Well – Baked Stuffed Tomato alla Virgina

August 16, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, TMC Executive Chef Jason Ricciardelli’s baked stuffed tomato can play a role. Want to enjoy this package of protein and vegetable in the morning? Prepare the day before for quick preparation in the morning. Serve as the main feature of dinner add a side steamed green beans.

Ingredients:

12 small round tomatoes
6 large eggs
¾ cup part-skim mozzarella
1 cup fresh spinach leaves / blanched
3 Tbsp 2% milk
1Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper

Directions:

Wash off tomatoes and core out center
Spray muffin tin with non-stick spray
Place tomatoes directly in tin as you would a muffin
Crack eggs in bowl and scramble with the milk, the spinach, and ½ the cheese
Add salt and pepper al gusto
Fill tomatoes with egg, spinach and cheese mixture.
Top with remaining cheese
Bake at 375 for 28-32 minutes
Serve warm or at room temperature

Nutrition per baked tomato:
Calories – 110
Protein – 6g
Fat – 5g
Carbohydrates – 5g

For more recipes, health tips and events sign up for our monthly Live Well Newsletter.

Filed Under: Eat Well, Recipe Tagged With: baked tomato, eat well

Ask the expert about Orthobiologics: The healing power of our own bodies

August 13, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Orthobiologics is a tongue twister, but the science behind regenerative medicine seems so simple. By taking our own healthy cells, extracting the growth factors, platelets or stem cells and then using those cells to heal our chronic pain, doctors are reducing the need for harmful therapies like steroids exponentially.

“Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can stimulate stem cells to the area and create a healing cascade. The therapy wakes up your body’s own healing properties,” said Dr. Tad DeWald, of Tucson Orthopaedic Institute and noted expert on regenerative medicine procedures.

“The PRP is injected into ligaments, tendons, muscle, or joints and is a long-term solution to musculoskeletal injuries and pain, including arthritic joints.”

When you have an acute injury like tendonitis, your body creates inflammation around the area to heal it. If the injury doesn’t improve after about 12 weeks, your body stops trying to heal. At this point the condition is considered chronic. The tendon fibers aren’t viable. “It still looks like a tendon, but it doesn’t act like one. Treatments like PRP and stem cells get your body back on board and working to heal,” said Dr. DeWald.

Stem cells have several unique abilities. They can transform into other cell types, such as bone, cartilage, muscle and tendon. And they also serve an important role as medicinal signaling cells, recruiting other stem cells to the target area and triggering nearby cells to begin the repair process.

“Healing properties that come from your body have no negative effects. For any active person looking to feel better and get around better, this treatment is beneficial. And for patients looking at a total joint replacement down the road, this treatment offers the possibility of delaying or avoiding surgery,” said Dr. DeWald.

To find out more about how these innovative treatments use your body’s own cells to heal, attend a free event at The Core at La Encantada, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 5:30 p.m. Register today!

Filed Under: Bones & Joints, General, Medical / Services Tagged With: Dr. Tad DeWald, orthobiologics, regenerative medicine, tendonitis, Tucson

Honoring the memory of Marks Fund cofounder, Selma Marks

August 10, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Selma Marks was an accomplished attorney and community advocate who cofounded the Marks Fund – an endowment to assist TMC employees experiencing financial hardship.

She passed away on May 1, 2018.

Selma made the most of her 94 years, trailblazing new paths for women and families while contributing to the Tucson community she loved. Her courage, spirit and altruism made an indelible impact and will fondly be remembered.

Marks Fund

Her late husband, Judge Jack Marks received treatment at TMC in the early 1980s. The couple got to know the staff well and were impressed by their passion and dedication, but saddened to see the financial struggles of some due to common life challenges – a broken-down vehicle, a washing machine on the fritz or a plumbing leak.

The two founded the Marks Fund to provide a financial hand-up for TMC personnel going through tough times. The Fund has helped hundreds of TMC employees and is still going strong today, which is due to the Marks’ generosity and philanthropic leadership.

Marks Fund requests are reviewed by a committee of fellow TMC employees. Although each recipient receives a grant, a vast majority of recipients choose to repay the grant – intending to make the Fund accessible to more employees in need.

Courageous and devoted

At a time when women were discouraged from working and encouraged to raise a family, Selma did both, raising two children while attending the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law. She was the only woman in her graduating class of 1956.

After graduating, she had another child and soon joined the Pima County Attorney’s Office, where she spent a lengthy, decorated career as a deputy county attorney in the family division – helping countless mothers and families win child support and justice.

Her strong legal mind, bravery and accomplishments earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from her alma mater.

Higher education advocate

Selma supported higher education in many capacities at the University of Arizona. She served as board president of the Law College Association, participated on the advisory board of the UA College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and was a national board member of the UA Alumni Association.

She and Judge Marks founded the Isaac Marks Memorial Lectures, an annual lecture series that has hosted eminent legal scholars and distinguished national figures, including United States Senators and Supreme Court Justices.

Civic leader

A Tucson native, Marks cared deeply for the community and participated in numerous civic organizations, from the Sam Hughes PTA to the League of Women Voters and the Arizona Opera.

“She taught us the importance of giving back,” said Selma’s son, David Paul. “Helping others was her passion – and she greatly valued the Tucson community.”

Always remembered

Selma’s selfless endeavors and accomplishments touched many lives and will never be forgotten.

“Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude,” said Michael Duran, TMC vice president and chief development officer. “Selma Marks’ generosity and intrepid efforts made positive and enduring changes in our community – she will always be remembered as one of Tucson’s best.”

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Selma Marks

Persistence, weight loss surgery fuels weight loss transformation

August 9, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

LaJeana Hall never looked into her future and saw “fitness instructor” as a skill she would attain.

“I was so heavy before, it wasn’t something that I thought I’d ever try,” said Hall, the owner of a tax and accounting business.

But that was 75 pounds ago.

After years of weight struggles, Hall in July 2014 decided to proceed with bariatric surgery at Tucson Medical Center with surgeon Jeffrey Monash.

Not surgery alone

As part of their care, patients learn all about nutrition, they are introduced to fitness activities and they participate in support groups to help them stay on track with their goals.
LaJeana had never tried Pilates before, but it was offered with the program so she decided to try it.

“I really enjoyed it,” she recalled. “It’s not as hard as people think, you can do it with just a yoga mat and it actually worked. I saw results fairly quickly.”

She could feel her muscles lengthening and tightening and she saw some trouble spots get more streamlined.

She liked it so much, in fact, that she started encouraging others to try it. One thing led to another and she decided to become a certified instructor. She completed the program in July to teach basic and plus-sized Pilates and hopes to start teaching soon at her church.

Persistence

Hall is quick to note that her progress took persistence. “I exercise more, including walking and weight training. I eat better and I try to not eat as much sugar. I don’t sit around eating junk food out of boredom – I try to stay busy.”

Hall said she’s glad she made the change. “I sleep better. I feel better. I’m half the person I used to be and it’s important to me that I can work out and not have to stop because I’m out of breath.”
She hopes her progress will inspire others. “I think it helps show people that they can do it too. If you stick to the program that they set for you, you’ll be able to reach your goals too.”

Filed Under: General, Patient Stories Tagged With: bariatric surgery, Dr. Jeffery Monash, lajeana hall, pilates, weight loss

Struggling with breastfeeding? We have help

August 7, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Breastfeeding at its best is inexpensive, easy and provides a whole host of health benefits for both mother and child. But you would not be alone if at first you struggle with breastfeeding. A trained lactation consultant, typically certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, can provide the insights needed to get over the stumbling blocks that prevent many women from continuing to breastfeed and reap the benefits.

Along with our weekly free breastfeeding support group, we also now offer private outpatient consultations. Supplemental funding from TMC Foundation ensures that all women can access this resource.

An outpatient breastfeeding clinic

The TMC for Women Outpatient Breastfeeding Clinic was created to help women and babies with breastfeeding once they have left the hospital or birth center. Lactation consultants can help address latch problems, provide nipple shields and help with supplemental nursing systems (for those babies who are ineffective at nursing, preemies or special needs babies, or for moms who have a low milk supply or whose bodies need encouragement to lactate).

The goal of the clinic is to make sure all new mothers in our community can access trained lactation consultants and overcome hurdles to breastfeeding, no matter what their insurance or ability to pay. You can still access support via telephone on our breastfeeding warmline, (520) 324-5730. (When clients call this phone number you can leave a message either on our Outpatient Line to schedule an appointment or the main line for questions. The lactation consultants return calls in between patient care and between hours of about 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

In-person visits provide another level of support that is impossible to attain via a phone conversation. The appointments are typically 60 to 90 minutes long and take place in a comfortable, non-clinical setting, nestled in a quiet corner of our campus.

Call (520) 324-5730 to make an appointment for an outpatient consultation.

What you should know about our breastfeeding consultations:

Services are available to anyone in the community regardless of where you deliver your baby
You do not need a referral
If you have insurance, it will be billed first; if the insurance company refuses to cover the consultation or if you don’t have insurance, the cost will be covered under a grant from the TMC Foundation. Our TMC community recognizes the benefits of supporting breastfeeding for the health of mom, baby and the community at large.
Don’t have easy transportation? Perhaps you’ve just had a C-section and can’t drive? No worries, we can help with transportation to and from your appointment. Just ask when you schedule your appointment.
You will see a registered nurse who is a certified lactation consultant
Need more than one consultation? No problem, multiple appointments are available.
This appointment is not in a cold hospital room. Consultations take place in a comfortable, private sitting area designed by the lactation consultants in line with what we know helps support women who are breastfeeding.

Filed Under: General, Women's Services Tagged With: #wbw2018, breastfeeding clinic, Tucson, world breastfeeding week

Back to school – Is your child’s school lunch box safe?

August 6, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

healthy school lunches- image by Flickr user @buzzymelibee

Flickr user @buzzymelibee CC: 2.0

How do you keep your child’s packed school lunch delicious, nutritious and safe? We asked Brittany Robertson, TMC pediatric dietitian for some suggestions to liven up your child’s back to school lunches:

1. Keep it cool

Use an insulated lunch box with ice packs to expand food options while still providing a safe lunch.

While those brown paper bags were standard for school lunches in yesteryear, increasingly most children take their packed school lunch in some sort of insulated lunch bag and with good reason. FoodSafety.gov shares this:

“Insulated lunch boxes help maintain food at a safe temperature until lunchtime. Perishable lunch foods, such as cold cut sandwiches and yogurt, can be left out at room temperature for only two hours before they may become unsafe to eat. But, with an insulated lunch box and a chilled freezer gel pack, perishable food can stay cold and safe to eat until lunch.

Why keep food cold? Harmful bacteria multiply rapidly in the “Danger Zone” — the temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. Perishable food transported without a cold source won’t stay safe long.

Suggestion: Pick up a few novelty ice packs. What little (or big) kid doesn’t like lunch to look appealing? You can also just freeze your child’s water bottle and use that as an ice pack. By lunchtime and out of the insulated lunch bag, the water should melt in time to drink. Frozen berries or mango can double as both dessert and ice pack.

2. Keep it clean

While preschool might have enforced the “wash your hands before eating” rule, is your child likely to voluntarily take off to the bathroom to wash her hands before eating?

Suggestion: Include some moist towels in her lunch box. Not a perfect solution, but a start. (Safe food handling practices in preparation of the food are also important.)

3. Include foods that don’t need to be refrigerated

FoodSafety.gov provides these examples of foods you can include that don’t need constant refrigeration: whole fruits and vegetables, hard cheese, canned meat and fish, breads, crackers, peanut butter* (given the increasing numbers of children with life-threatening reactions to peanuts, this might be best avoided, sunflower seed butter is often a good substitute), jelly, mustard, pickles, nuts* and seeds.

Suggestion: what to include in a healthy school lunch

Tucson News Now
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/38764676/back-to-school-how-to-pack-a-healthy-lunch-for-your-child

Eat Right is the public site of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is a great resource for healthy ideas

Nutrition 411

WebMd’s healthy lunchbox tips

4. Don’t over pack

At the end of the day it is frustrating to have to chuck the perishable food into the compost, or into the trash. Gauge how much food is left over and adjust accordingly.

Suggestion: Like all of us, your child likes some control over his or her life. Involve her in preparing her packed lunch. Include him in making his lunch the night before and discuss what a balanced diet looks like. I often encourage parents to make a drawer in the fridge or a bin in the pantry with pre-portioned lunch elements (bags of baby carrots, jicama and cherry tomatoes, grapes, berries, whole grain crackers, trail mix, yogurts, cheese sticks, hard boiled eggs, etc.). That way the child can grab 1 item from each food group to make their lunch; The kid gets the power to choose and parents can rest assured that all of the options are healthy choices.

Keep in mind – if the choices are between chips and celery most children are likely to always choose the high fat, salt or sugar option.

Are you packing lunch for your child? What healthy foods do you include? How do you make it appealing? What tricks do you have to keep it healthy and safe?

Brittany Robertson, Registered dietitian
TMC Pediatric Dietitian

*Important Note
Before sending nut products in the lunch box, check with your school first about any restrictions on nut products. Also educate your child about the importance of not sharing food, especially with children who have food allergies. A little education goes a long way.

Filed Under: Eat Well, Healthy Living Tagged With: Back to School, bento box, brittany robertson, registered dietitian, school lunch

Stroke, heart surgery came “out of nowhere” for 31-year-old

August 3, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

The rheumatic fever Clayton Green contracted as a child had greater significance than anyone realized at the time.

As his body fought off the infection, his heart valves were damaged in the process.

As he grew up, Green was careful to stay fit and eat right – he was a vegetarian for years and committed to an active lifestyle.

But one evening with his friends, the student and part-time bartender started feeling worse and worse, and when it became obvious he was having a stroke related to the heart disease, he was rushed to Tucson Medical Center.

His heart surgeon, Kushagra Katariya, identified other irregularities in his heart and corrected those as well.

“The stress of it was the worst. I had never been sick before and had been using preventive nutritional care and exercise so this wouldn’t happen. But the care was amazing from the nurses to the doctors and technicians, everyone there was courteous and made you feel at home, which helps when you’re in a situation that is very difficult,” he said.

Green was up and walking the day after surgery and four months afterward, was dancing in a TMC commercial.

Filed Under: General, Heart and Vascular, Patient Stories Tagged With: Clayton Green, Kushagra Katariya, rheumatic fever

“Don’t Smile!” – A man’s guide to supporting a mom-to-be

August 2, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

It was total adrenaline – the night my first son was born. With 007 speed, I grabbed our overnight bags, got my wife into the car and hoped to make it to the hospital in time. I remember thinking, over and over, “this is it – I’m going to be a dad.”

As I pulled into labor and delivery, nothing could rip the smile from my face. After we got to a room, my wife’s contractions became pretty intense. She started vomiting – which I hadn’t expected. Still pumped, with a silly grin from ear to ear, I handed my wife a tiny pail that was 10 times too small. Cheeks red and eyes watering, she looked at me and shouted “Don’t smile!”

Well, that did it. I stopped smiling – not because of what she said, but because in that moment I realized I had done nothing to help prepare for this day, and had only focused on how it was affecting me.

Guys, just because we don’t have a uterus doesn’t mean we have no responsibilities when it comes to our pregnant partners.

No, you don’t have to spend all day reading about how a fertilized egg implants itself into the lining of the uterine wall. There are real ways to be a rock for your partner – and it’s not just what you do, but how you do it.

Get it together

One of the most important things I learned was, no matter how you prepare, do it together. Whether you found a new book, website, anecdote or whatever – talk about it with your partner. There’s some anxiety that comes with pregnancy – a lot of “what if” scenarios. Doing things together lets your partner know you’re a team and you’ve got her back.

There’s no shortage of pregnancy info out there, and working together, you’re likely to find the planning methods and information sources that work for you both. Plus, you’ll know what you’re doing and won’t be surprised – like I was.

Tip: Go with her to every OB/GYN appointment. Also, remember this is a very personal thing for her, so don’t announce she’s pregnant without talking to her first.

This is her thing

When it comes to expecting, expect to get advice from everyone. Seriously. Everyone. Your parents, her parents, your friends, even that guy you met once at the company holiday mixer and can’t remember his name – yeah, him too.

There are a lot of standards, but every body and every pregnancy is unique. This is happening to your partner and her body – the choices about her diet, exercise and everything else, should be hers.

Not so fast, bro. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be involved. It just means if you have information to share, don’t mansplain the info like you’re dictating what she has to do. Have a real conversation, provide new info and options – and then respect her decision. “Wait, it’s my baby too.” Yes, and the best way to support your baby is to support the mom.

At one point during my wife’s first pregnancy, she was experiencing varying symptoms of high blood pressure. Some of these symptoms can be non-descript, but I wanted her to see the doctor anyway and very strongly insisted. Fail. Her blood pressure was fine, and I ended up with a stressed out and upset mom-to-be. This was not good for her or the baby.

Tip: The information and experience could get overwhelming. If it does, be cool and be constructive. Don’t make dismissive dude comments like “just relax” or “it’s fine.” To her, that sounds like “I don’t care” or “you’re just overreacting.” Think about what you’re saying and how you can help.

Help out – before she asks

Throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy, she will be experiencing different effects. Some of the fun ones include exhaustion, morning (or evening) sickness, memory loss, swollen feet, insomnia, and undulating hormones. There are many more.

Sometimes the effects get a little weird. My wife used to hum in her sleep while she was pregnant. There are a lot of physical and emotional effects she is enduring, not to mention feeling downright uncomfortable.

You know your partner – think of ways you can help out around the house. It doesn’t have to be big, and can be as simple as a menial chore here and there that gives her an extra half-hour to put her feet up and relax. BTW, these helpful acts are even more meaningful if she doesn’t have to ask.

Tip: Pregnancy can get physically demanding. If you really want extra points – offer a shoulder or foot massage every once in a while. Hey guys – I said shoulders and feet.

Pack it up

Yes, her OB/GYN has set a due date – but think of this as a general guideline, because babies are almost never born on their due date. My first son was nearly four weeks early, and my second son was two weeks early.

Take 10 minutes to sit down with your partner and make a list of what you both will need for a hospital stay of a few days. You’ll probably be in the hospital for only one night, but just in case, make the plan for a few days. About six weeks out, pack bags for you and her and keep ‘em close to the door. If you wait till the last minute to do this it will be an epic mess – for real.

Get the baby’s car seat ready around this time too. Read the instructions – at least twice – and get that sucker in the back seat. If you aren’t sure the seat is in correctly, make an appointment with one of the car seat safety stations in Pima County.

Trust me and do this ahead of time, you don’t want to try to figure this out in the hospital parking lot, while your partner and new baby are waiting for you.

Another necessity is a contact list. Discuss with her about who you both want contacted when the baby debuts. This way, you can take care of all that and she can focus on having the baby – that’s enough to handle.

Tip: Get a suitcase, backpack or travel duffel for each of you. If you pack one enormous suitcase for both of you – yeah, that big, heavy, bulky thing just isn’t going to work.

You’re up, slugger

Whatever the stereotypes of guys may be, we do want to be good husbands, partners and fathers. Even with this intent, I just wasn’t aware of some of things I could have done to be that great partner and husband during my wife’s pregnancy.

Finding your own path is going to be part of this ride, but I know it will be easier if you do this together, support her, help out and prepare. Starting a family has been my most rewarding experience, and it will be for you too.

And I know all the partners out there have other great tips, too. Please leave your own suggestions in the comment section.

You got this! A big thumbs up from Jim and his family on your adventure

Although family is his first priority, supporting a mom-to-be was a new responsibility for Jim Marten who works in communications at Tucson Medical Center. When he isn’t engaging press relations and community affairs for TMC, he’s spending time with his wife, Jami and their two sons, Aaron and Aiden. He hopes sharing this experience will help dads and partners get it right the first time, and won’t leave mom shouting “don’t smile!”

Filed Under: General, Women's Services Tagged With: advice to expectant fathers, pregnancy

The heat is on- keep your exercise game on too

August 1, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Whether it is an over or a swamp — and lately, it’s been a little of both — it is hot out there! This is the time of year that most year-round Tucsonans try to hide from the heat by staying indoors as much as possible. This seems like a good practice, but it can hinder many of the activities that we enjoy the other nine months of the year. So what are we to do?!

We definitely don’t want you to have to give up what you enjoy doing, and we also want you to stay active, but we also want you to be smart and safe during your time outdoors. Planning and being prepared is key. Here are some things to consider as we enter into our hotter months.

Be the early bird

Whether you are normally a morning person or not, you pretty much need to be from June through August if you want to ever do anything outside! With the sun rising as early as 5:15, meaning that it is light outside by 5 (that is a.m.!) you have at least an hour before the thermometer moves over 85 degrees. So for those of you who don’t enjoy exercising indoors, try planning for some early morning activities. We are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful sunrises here in Tucson, you just need to get up and out to enjoy them!

Block sun not fun

Summer often means fun in the sun, but we all need to be careful that we aren’t getting too much of a good thing. The CDC recommends the following to protect ourselves from getting too many of those harmful rays.

Sunscreen:

Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
Reapply every 2 hours that you are out in the sun

Protective Clothing:

Wear clothing to cover exposed skin
Loose fitting may be more comfortable; dark colors may offer better protection

Hats:

Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
Loose fitting hats may be more comfortable in the heat
Sunglasses
Don’t forget that the sun can damage your eyes and can increase risk for cataracts
Sunglasses that wrap close to your face and block both UVA and UVB will provide the greatest protection

Where there is a will, there is a way

Just because it is hot outside (really hot!) is not a good enough reason to stop all activity. Too often we hear, “I’ll start exercising again once it cools down.” What people are really saying is, “Now that it is hot outside, I have a great excuse not to be active!” WRONG! With a bit of planning, you can still be active.

If you aren’t a morning person, it might take going to bed earlier than you normally would so that you can get up early. You might also need to have a plan to meet a friend or a group that will help to motivate you to move in the morning. Once you get into a routine, you will realize that it isn’t quite as bad as you used to believe!

If you have access to a pool, this is another great option for a way to stay active during the hot summer months. Remembering that any activity is better than nothing, even walking laps in the shallow part of the pool with get you moving and the water acts as a type of resistance. Just remember, if you are opting to swim and the pool isn’t protected from the sun, be sure you are wearing appropriate sun screen or sun protective swimwear.

Don’t negate the need to hydrate

You have gotten up early, put on the appropriate sun protection, and you have gotten out there and done something active….Good for you! The finally thing to remember about being active during the summer is to hydrate!!

When it is hot out, it is easier to remember to drink water. But if you head out early or are swimming, sometimes we don’t remember that we need to replenish the fluids we have lost. The standard recommendation is eight to ten 8 ounce glasses of water each day. During the summer, especially in Arizona, and particularly adding in outdoor activity, the recommendation goes way up; some recommendations go as high as 30 cups per day. The best way to determine how much you need to drink is to take a look at your urine. Urine should be light in color, similar to lemonade; dark urine the color of apple juice is an indicator of dehydration. Drinking smaller amounts more frequently maintains hydration better than drinking a large amount all at one time. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to start replacing fluids, rather drink throughout the day.

Filed Under: General, Healthy Living, Move Well Tagged With: exercising in the desert

Monday’s the last day to register to vote in the primary election

July 28, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

A number of important, hotly-contested races are on the Aug. 28 primary election ballot.

Make sure you have a say in who will represent you in the nation’s Capitol and at the state legislature.

If you’re not registered yet, July 30 is the cutoff date.

Primary elections may not get as much buzz as general elections, but in many districts with lopsided partisan registration numbers, the primary is where the real decisions are made.

There are a few reasons you would need to complete a new registration form:

You’re a new resident to Pima County
You’ve changed your address since the last time you registered
You’ve changed your name
You want to change your party

Make sure your voice is counted. Register to vote online.

If you’re not sure if you need to register, you can check your status by going to the Pima County Recorder’s website.

And don’t forget, if you’re an independent voter, you may choose the partisan primary you’d like top vote in.

Questions? Call the Pima County Recorder’s office at 520-724-4330.

Filed Under: Civic Affairs, Community, General Tagged With: Pima County Recorder's Office

TMC’s team of diagnostic nurses receives national certification for conscious sedation

July 27, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Diagnostic nurses Conscious sedation is a technique that is sometimes used when a patient might need a little extra help relaxing or some additional pain relief for a procedure.

Although patients are awake and recover quickly, it’s important for nursing staff to have expertise in assessing and monitoring patients.

Nine of Tucson Medical Center’s 12 diagnostic nurses recently completed rigorous study and testing to receive national certification in conscious/procedural sedations. The remaining three members of the team are currently pursuing certification.

“This certification means from pediatrics to geriatrics, our nurses have the additional education and the skills to ensure we’re providing the best care for patients who may need assistance with claustrophobia, anxiety or pain relief,” said Rachel Byrnes, manager of diagnostic nursing services.

“This certification, which meets accreditation standards for hospitals, helps ensure our patients have that additional sense of security and confidence that the care they’re receiving is safe and high-quality.”

The certification was made possible through a grant from the TMC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of TMC, which raises money to support programs, facilities and equipment to improve the health of Southern Arizona’s residents.

Filed Under: Campus News, General Tagged With: certification, conscious sedation, Tucson

Couple face lung cancer together

July 26, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

The Trasks came together to meet a challenge when Jeff hired Viki as his new director of sales to help him open a hotel in Tucson.

The owners indicated if they achieved a 70 percent occupancy in the first full year – rare in the business – they would give them a trip to Hawaii, all expenses paid. At year end, the hotel’s occupancy was 71.2 percent.

The Hawaii trip turned out to be their honeymoon.

The two are braving a new challenge now.

It started when doctors found cancer in Jeff’s left lung. His physician recommended cardiothoracic surgeon Douglas Lowell. Five days in the hospital passed quickly after the operation and he returned to his life.

Two years later, it would be the right lung, with Dr. Lowell summoned to help again. Another surgery, another five days in the hospital.

Two years later, Viki had the diagnosis: lung cancer. They turned to Dr. Lowell again.

“TMC was great. If you needed something, they were there,” Viki said. “We were even more impressed after we learned TMC is a nonprofit. That’s remarkable!”

Jeff and Viki stated, “We’re extremely grateful to our team of doctors and healthcare providers. They’re all fantastic and we want to thank our nurse navigator, Kim Kastel, who came up with the moniker: Team Trask.”

Jeff has since been diagnosed with his third bout. They both have had rounds of chemotherapy or immunotherapy in addition to their surgeries.

“We’re living with cancer,” Viki said. “Yes, it can be devastating to learn of the diagnosis, but we are determined to stay positive and understand we are living with cancer. We’re on the five-year plan and we just go from there.”

Jeff said one of his doctors recently asked how he’s feeling. “Do you get tired? I do, but only after I work on the oleanders for three hours. I still ride my bicycle during the week. It’s wonderful to be alive.”

Long-time smokers and ex-smokers breathe easier with a lung screening.

Make an appointment today. Call (520) 389-5390

Worries getting in the way of making that call to get a lung screening? You’re not alone. Nurse navigator, Kim Kastel addresses some common barriers people face in this blog post.

Filed Under: Cancer Care, General, Patient Stories Tagged With: douglas lowell md., Jeff Trask, Kim Kastel, living with lung cancer, lung cancer, lung cancer screening, Viki Trask

Oh no, I think my child has heatstroke, what should I do?

July 24, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

It’s a difficult balance during summers in Tucson. I don’t want my boys inside all day so we try to get out early in the morning or in the evening, but the 100 degree days seem to start earlier and earlier and last longer. Along with dehydration, I worry about heat exhaustion and, worse still, heatstroke during these hot summer months. While we often think of heatstroke as what happens when children are left in a hot car, it can also happen when they’re just playing outside in the heat.

Because children have smaller bodies, they are more susceptible than adults to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, so it’s important to know the symptoms and what to do in case heatstroke strikes.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke is when the body becomes overheated and fails to regulate its own temperature. Body temperatures rise, and may even get up to 105°F (40.6°C) or higher.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency, it can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

Skin is flushed, red and dry
Little or no sweating
Deep breathing
Dizziness, headache, fatigue or a combination of these
Less urine is produced, and it is of a dark yellowish color
Loss of consciousness

What to do if you suspect heatstroke:

Move your child out of the heat immediately and take your child to the hospital or doctor as soon as possible
If for some reason you cannot get your child to a hospital or physician, quickly move your child immediately out of the heat and place in a cool bath (although not less than 60 degrees, you don’t want to constrict the blood vessels)
When your child is in the bath, massage the skin to increase circulation, get them to a hospital or doctor as quickly as possible

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is not as severe as heatstroke, but is a result of the body overheating. It still requires careful monitoring and can be a precursor to heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion can take a while to develop especially with prolonged exercise.

Here are some symptoms of heat exhaustion to look out for:

Goosebumps and cool skin
Excessive sweating
Faintness and or dizziness especially upon standing (low blood pressure)
Complains of being tired
Pulse becomes rapid
Complaints of cramps, nausea or headache

When to do if you suspect heat exhaustion:

Stop all activity and rest
Move your child to a cooler place
Encourage your child to drink cool water or sports drinks
Contact your child’s pediatrician if signs or symptoms worsen or if they don’t improve within one hour. Seek immediate medical attention if your child becomes confused or agitated, loses consciousness or is unable to drink.

What can we do to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

If your child is in camp or daycare, check to make sure the camp or child care provider has procedures in place to prevent dehydration and excessive heat exposure.
Make sure your child stays hydrated.
Incorporate water play into outdoor time. Whether it is swimming, a splash pad or sprinklers in the backyard, water play can make the outside bearable. Don’t forget sunscreen, swim shirts and hats though!
Stop and rest. Children and adults alike tend to become exhausted in the heat. Build in rest time.
Dress for the heat. Light-colored and light-weight clothing is best
Check out some cool air-conditioned space for a change of pace from the house. Pima County libraries provide lots of activities year-round and are free. The Children’s Museum of Tucson provides an opportunity for active play.
If possible for your family’s schedule, incorporate a siesta, or nap, into the hottest part of the day and then let the kids stay up later to enjoy cooler nighttime temperatures. Reid Park Zoo, Tucson Botanical Gardens and the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum all have summer schedules that allow early morning or evening visits.

Keep cool in the Old Pueblo this summer,

Melissa

Pediatric Emergency Notes from Melissa
Melissa Hodges is a pediatric emergency room RN and mom to two young boys. Melissa has been at Tucson Medical Center for 10 years. She is a knitting ninja apprentice who makes a mean chili and enjoys spending time with her family and friends in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.

Filed Under: All, General, Medical / Services, Pediatrics Tagged With: heat exhaustion, heatstroke

‘Maynards to the Moon’ challenge: 5 tips to design a walking plan that’s out of this world

July 21, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Meet Me at Maynards thinks our community can take 478 million steps in the coming year to “walk to the moon” in honor of Neil Armstrong’s historic one giant leap for mankind.

Starting Monday, Tucson will be challenged to walk a collective 238,857 miles!

That number may be astronomical, but we can get there, one step at a time. Tucson Medical Center has been a proud supporter of Meet Me at Maynards since the beginning, as part of our work to encourage active lifestyles.

Here are our five tips to get started on a walking plan, compliments of Employee Wellness Manager Amy Ramsey, that will make you a star.

Five tips to get started on a walking plan

Schedule it.

Any new challenge or lifestyle change requires intentional, daily decisions. Decide which days you can realistically fit in the walking time and give it its own space in your calendar. Don’t just leave it to chance, and assume you’ll get to it when you have an extra 30 minutes. Life will happen and some days even your best plan will get derailed, but you’re more likely to follow through if you’ve got a solid plan.

Get proper footwear.

Quality shoes and socks can be found in many different price points, so go with something that feels good and fits properly. There’s something to be said for going to a shoe store that help you find the right fit, rather than going it alone. Avoid cotton socks, which can cause blisters, and go for a synthetic blend. Your whole body will thank you.

Be visible.

Save your black workout outfits for the treadmill. Make sure if you are going to be walking in an area that requires you to be near traffic, or crossing streets, that you wear bright colors, reflective gear, or even lights. It seems nearly everyone is a distracted driver these days, so don’t chance it. Make sure they can see you.

Find a buddy.

Whether two-legged or four-legged, walking with someone is not only safer, but it’s more enjoyable. Let someone know what challenge you’re involved in, and challenge them to join you! It’ll help both of you stay more accountable to the goals you set.

Get creative.

When time’s feeling crunched, it makes sense to stay close to your home or work to get that walk in, but if you’ve got extra time, make it a point to get in the car and drive to new spots to walk to keep things interesting. You could try some trails, check out new neighborhoods, or start at a new coffee shop, knowing that when you return you can treat yourself to a cup.

Find more information about Maynards to the Moon year-long challenge here

– and say hello to the Tucson Medical Center team when you see us on the path!

Filed Under: Community, Events, General Tagged With: Maynards to the moon, Meet Me at Maynards, Tucson, walking routine tips

Separate Girl Scout troops deliver encouraging notes, tiny onesies to cheer patients at TMC

July 18, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

When Girl Scouts Jenna Ahrendt and Megan Smith of Troop 475 recently took to Tucson’s streets to leave sticky notes with positive, encouraging messages all over town, their first stop was Tucson’s nonprofit community hospital, Tucson Medical Center.

The small gesture went over in a big way when pediatric patients at TMC for Children and TMC’s pediatric Emergency Department began to see the pink, 3-inch-by-3-inch notes with kind and supportive memos.

“Believe in yourself!”

“You have someone who cares.”

“You are an inspiration!”

“Sentiments like this can have a wonderful impact on children who are anxious or frightened about a hospital stay,” said Heather Roberts, MSW, CCLS, the Child Life supervisor at TMC for Children. “It might seem like just a few words on a pink post-it, but it really helps us put a smile on those faces.”

Experts, physicians, and parents know it can be a challenge to bring a smile to sick children – for Jenna and Megan it only required colored parchment, a sharpie and heart.

“They wanted to do something for the community, to spread positivity.” said Troop leader Becki Ahrendt. “I asked where we would put them and they said, ‘Everywhere!’”

Meanwhile, 8-year-old Annabella Carpenter and 7-year-old Mary Redding of Troop 908 worked over the summer to tie dye nearly 80 onesies for babies born prematurely and recovering in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at TMC.

Mary, born at TMC, was treated as a newborn for jaundice in the NICU. And both girls experienced the unit last year when a friend of the family had twins who came early and spent time recovering there before the whole family went home.

The girls made the babies some tie-dyed onesies, made after Annabella received a tie-dye kit last year and started experimenting. The onesies for the twins were such a hit with the mom and the staff, the girls decided to use a part of their cookie profits to expand the effort.

“We wanted to congratulate them for being strong,” Annabella said. “And the babies will be happy to have something warm to wear when they go home,” echoed Mary.

Filed Under: Community, General, Newsroom Tagged With: Girl Scout projects, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona

Smokers, Kim is here to help you breathe easier

July 17, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center 1 Comment

Kim Kastel, Thoracic Nurse Navigator

The risks of being a long-time smoker can weigh heavily on your mind, especially when considering the threat of lung cancer. Early detection is vital for surviving lung cancer, but the symptoms often present themselves until the cancer is already advanced and a cure is elusive. The CT scanning technology that Tucson Medical Center uses during lung health screening can find the tiniest of nodules, allowing doctors to see suspicious lesions when the tumors are small and can be removed. This screening can literally save lives.

Many people who have a high risk of lung cancer feel unable to take that first step of getting a screening. Kim Kastel, the nurse navigator for the lung cancer program, addresses some of the emotional barriers she’s heard to help people overcome the struggle to get testing:

Am I going to be judged for smoking?

Absolutely not! This is a non-judgement zone. We’re pleased you’re taking this first step to protecting your health and the earlier we can catch lesions the better the outcomes. We work actively against that stigma and increasingly the general public is recognizing that while smoking puts you at increased risk for lung cancer, lung cancer affects non-smokers too.

Am I going to be pressured to stop smoking?

Or am I going to be told off for smoking? I don’t want to be shamed.

While we will encourage you to stop smoking, we know this is a difficult process and we’re not going to pressure you to stop. We can direct you to resources to help stop smoking if you’re ready to take that step.

(ASHLine is a local resource that can help if you’re ready to stop smoking and want support. You can call them at 1-800-556-6222)

What if they find cancer? I don’t want to have cancer.

No one wants cancer, but if we find a suspicious lesion during a lung health screening, you will have support from a nurse navigator throughout the process. The earlier we find any lesion the easier and quicker it will be to get you to being able to say you don’t have cancer.

If I have cancer, it’s already too late. What’s the point?

With early intervention it is possible in some cases to literally cut the cancer out and be done with it — no chemo, no radiation, no medications. If a lesion is found that requires treatment beyond surgical removal, know that in the past 10 years cancer treatments have made huge bounds forward in targeted therapy and are continuing to advance.

I stopped smoking five years ago, so I don’t need to worry with a lung screening, right?

Well done! You’ve lowered your risk. But if you smoked for a long time you will still want to be checked.

Who should get checked?

We offer lung CT screenings to individuals at high risk for developing lung cancer. You may be eligible for a screening if you are:

between the ages of 55 and 77 (some insurance companies will cover up to 80 years of age)
have smoked an average if one pack of cigarettes a day for the past 30 years
if not currently smoking, then quit smoking in the last 15 years.

Will insurance cover the screening?

Most insurance will cover the screening for those at high risk (see above). Medicare Part B covers a lung cancer screening with Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) once per year for those who meet all of these conditions:

Aged 55 to 77
Asymptomatic, i.e., no current signs or symptoms of lung cancer
A current smoker or one who has quit within the last 15 years
A history of tobacco smoking for at least 30 “pack years” (an average of one pack a day for 30 years)
A written order from a doctor

Find out more about lung health screening by calling Kim, our nurse navigator

at (520) 389-5390

Filed Under: Cancer Care, General, Medical / Services Tagged With: Kim Kastel, lung cancer, lung screening, nurse navigator, smokers

Breast cancer survivor spreading a message of body positivity

July 13, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Breastless and beautiful

When breast cancer survivor and advocate BethAnne King-Lobmiller was just 10 or 11 years old, she recalls accidentally barging in on her grandmother as she was changing her blouse. “I must have gasped or looked shocked … but she just smiled and invited me to come in and close the door. Then she explained to me why she didn’t have breasts.”

“She had a bilateral mastectomy in the 1970s, back when cancer surgery was radical and went deep, and as a result, she was completely flat.” King-Lobmiller recalls with a smile. “I had never noticed that she wore fake boobs – she even wore smaller ones in the summer to stay cooler – and none when she was in her pajamas.”

Possibly in part as a result of her grandmother’s unapologetic honesty and generosity in sharing her experience, King-Lobmiller dedicates herself to advocating for body-positivity after breast cancer. Breastless and Beautiful, the advocacy group she started, boasts more than 300 members and exists for women who have chosen not to undergo reconstruction after a mastectomy. Says King-Lobmiller, “I didn’t choose flat, it chose me … as corny as that sounds.”

But the journey to her current state of body-positivity took time, reflecting back on her own diagnosis, she says, “When I first heard that I was going to have a mastectomy, I was beside myself, I couldn’t’ accept it.”

“One of the things I noticed about myself as I attended support groups was that I was really more freaked out about it than anyone I knew. But I was just processing it and grieving the finality of the loss. I wasn’t soothing myself with the idea of the breasts I would have afterward, so it felt very raw and real.”

Choices post mastectomy include going flat

Not willing to go through additional surgery beyond her mastectomy, King-Lobmiller found there was an assumption among everyone from medical professionals to support groups that reconstruction would be the obvious choice. Going flat wasn’t an overt part of the mix.

“I’m not advocating for flatness, I’m asking for there to be a conversation about the option.”

Her philosophy is that, like most things, the more people see healthy, beautiful survivors who have chosen flat and the more the community knows about it, the more comfortable women will become with making the choice that is best for them.

“Honestly, hardly anyone notices. When they do, I think to myself, “Please say something to me” because I always want the opportunity to educate someone and help them to understand,” said King-Lobmiller.

“The idea that I’m not a feminine and beautiful woman because I don’t have breasts is ridiculous,” she said.

TMC’s dedicated Oncology Nurse Navigators are here to help with resources for patients and their families and information about support groups. And don’t forget to schedule your annual mammogram today.

Filed Under: Cancer Care, Medical / Services, Patient Stories, Women's Services Tagged With: BethAnne King-Lobmiller, body positive, breast cancer, Breastless and Beautiful, reconstruction

TMC CEO participates in bipartisan initiative to ensure equity in care; serves on panel discussion

July 9, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Tucson Medical Center CEO and President Judy Rich will serve on a panel discussion with leaders across other health systems to discuss viable ways to ensure quality, affordable health care for every American.

Andy Slavitt, the former acting administrator for the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, as well as former U.S. Sen. David Durenberger are among the well-known health care leaders who are supporting the United States of Care effort and are participating in the July 23 discussion.

“The founding belief is that when political rhetoric is removed, Americans outside of Washington agree more than they disagree about health care access and coverage,” according to a statement from the group. “The organization seeks politically and economically viable solutions that can garner broad support that won’t disappear with the next election or presidential administration.”

Rich said she is supporting the effort because it builds on the commitment TMC has made to the community.

“As a nonprofit community hospital, TMC cares for everybody who comes through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay,” she said.

“We’ve spent a lot of energy in this country debating whether the Affordable Care Act was a good thing. TMC has spent a lot of energy for a number of years refining our systems to provide more efficient care, to better coordinate our care and to manage our population to actually keep them out of the hospital,” Rich explained. “But at some point, there’s just a basic fundamental question we have to answer and that’s whether we believe that all Americans have a right to health care.”

Other panelists include Sandra Hernandez, the president and CEO of California Health Care Foundation, and Mark Zitter, the chair of The Zetema Project.

For more information, please visit A Bipartisan Approach to Health Care Reform event page.

Filed Under: Civic Affairs, Community, General, Newsroom Tagged With: Andy Slavitt, Commonwealth Club, David Durenberger, Judy Rich, United States of Care

Soap, Suds and SAHA – Collaborating together for S.AZ

July 7, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center 1 Comment

Tucson Medical Center is collaborating with its rural partners in the Southern Arizona Hospital Alliance to provide laundry and linen services. This project, which is launching first at Northern Cochise Community Hospital in Willcox, will provide this service at a lower cost than commercial options.

“This is one of many initiatives that have been developed through SAHA to strengthen the nonprofit hospitals serving rural communities throughout Southern Arizona,” said Susan Willis, executive director, Strategy Development, and a member of the SAHA board. “I want to thank the leadership of the TMC Laundry – particularly Richard Parker, the director of TMC Facilities and Plant Services, and Lacee Kimball, manager of Laundry Services – for their efforts on this project.”

TMC’s Laundry operates 365 days a year laundering 13,000 pounds of laundry each day, said Kimball. “We have a great team and when asked if we could support our SAHA partners, we came together to make it happen. The first delivery rolled out of the TMC Laundry on July 2, arriving at the Willcox hospital just a few hours later.”

Started in 2015, the Southern Arizona Hospital Alliance includes five independent, nonprofit community hospitals. The alliance works on projects that leverage each member organization’s expertise to collectively improve clinical care coordination and the quality of care provided throughout the region.

Filed Under: Campus News, Community Tagged With: SAHA, Southern Arizona Hospital Association

11 years and counting – TMC employee takes volunteerism up a notch

July 6, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Tucson Medical Center is fortunate to have the support of passionate volunteers – and many of those volunteers are TMC employees like Heather Burkett, donating their time and effort to build a safer community.

All in

TMC sponsors and participates in community-based events throughout the year, providing free bike helmets, safety information, free car seats, school supplies and much more. It’s an important way TMC contributes to the overall health and well-being of the communities it serves.

If you attend any such events, you’ll find a TMC table or two with friendly volunteers like Burkett, helping fit children to the right bike helmet, handing out pool safety tips, offering health-related prizes and the like.

From an early age

“I’ve been volunteering since age 10,” said Burkett, who has been working at TMC for nearly twelve years in central scheduling. And she has been volunteering for TMC ever since she signed on the dotted line.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Burkett said. “You get to see the diversity of our community and meet so many people – I’m so glad that TMC participates in ways that allow me to keep volunteering.”

Above and Beyond

Many TMC employees donate their time – it’s part of the community-focused culture of the hospital.

“We really are lucky to have so much staff involvement,” said Jessica Mitchell, CPSTI, the TMC community outreach coordinator. “With busy lives and families, we don’t expect employees to volunteer at every event – but Heather Burkett does.”

Mitchell said It’s more than Burkett’s frequent presence that makes her memorable. “It’s her positive spirit and cheerful smile – no matter how busy the event is, what the weather is like or how early we are volunteering, she brings happiness and it spreads to the staff, children and families.”

Real reward

Although Burkett enjoys meeting new people in the community, she explained her true motivation to volunteer.

“It is a great feeling to know you are helping families, but It’s so rewarding to get feedback from people when they tell you they were born at TMC or a relative recently stayed at TMC and had a good experience – you get to hear their story and appreciation.”

What’s next?

Burkett has logged more volunteer hours than most do in a lifetime – so, does she intend to continue volunteering?

“Oh yes!” she said. “I will always try to do as much as I can.”

Click here for more information about the TMC Desert Kids Safety Program. And don’t forget to check out the Safe Kids Pima County page as well.

Filed Under: Campus News, Community Tagged With: Heather Burkett, Safe Kids, super volunteer

Eat Well – A Club Med Couscous Salad from TMC Executive Chef Jason Ricciardelli

July 3, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

On a really hot summer afternoon around dinner time, do you find yourself in the kitchen not in the mood for anything, or at least nothing heavy? Me either!

Here is a great summer salad recipe that can be easily turned into a quick, full meal. I’ve never been to a Club Med, but if I did, I’d be eating this! It’s perfect also as a side for your July 4th celebrations.

Chef Jason Ricciardelli

Club Med Couscous Salad

Serves 4 as main, 8 as side.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup dry couscous

1 cup water

1 ½ cup diced cucumber (seeding optional)

1 ½ cup tomato (seeded and diced)

1/3 cup minced red onion (optional)

1 cup garbanzo bean (drained and rinsed)

1 cup diced red or yellow pepper

¼ cup minced fresh Italian flat leaf parsley

1 tbsp minced fresh mint (optional)

3 tbsp good olive oil (or bad olive oil if that’s what you’ve got)

3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 ½ tsp salt

Instructions

Make couscous: In small sauce pan add water, 1 tbsp olive oil and ½ tsp salt and bring to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Make sure it’s 1:1 ratio of water to couscous. Wait 8-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool.

Place diced vegetables and beans in large mixing bowl. Add mint and parsley and incorporate.

Add olive oil, lemon juice and salt and toss until well coated.

Fold in couscous.

You can serve at immediately or chilled. This is a vegan base recipe.

Feel free to add feta cheese or additional protein (chicken, salmon) for an even more complete meal.

Filed Under: Eat Well, Healthy Living, Recipe Tagged With: club med couscous salad, couscous salad, Jason Ricciardelli, recipe

Keep the Sparkle in Your Celebrations – Firework safety

July 2, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

It’s time to hoist the flag and celebrate our independence from the British Empire. And what would Independence Day be without fireworks? But before you break out the sparklers and the Roman candles here are some important considerations to make sure you keep it safe for everyone in your family.

Fireworks are spectacular, but also very dangerous.

Last year 12,900 firework-related injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms across our nation. The vast majority of those injuries, some 8,700, occurred around July 4^th, according to a report from Consumer Products Safety Commission and National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

Are fireworks legal in Tucson?

There was a time when you had to travel to legally purchase fireworks, but in 2014 Senate Bill 1158 required Pima and Maricopa cities and towns to allow the sale and use of ground fireworks around July 4^th and New Year’s Day. So yes, fireworks can be legally bought and used in Tucson, but with significant limitations. Check this informational sheet to make sure you know which fireworks are legal here in Tucson. Did you know that while you might be able to buy bottle rockets, Roman candles and the like, anything that shoots into the air and detonates is not legal in Arizona? Check out the sheet linked above from the city of Tucson to find out what you can and can’t use within the city limits.

Firework Safety Tips

We asked Jessica Mitchell, coordinator for Safe Kids Pima County, for her firework safety tips this Independence Day.

“We know fireworks are fun and young kids look adorable holding those sparklers. Unfortunately, fireworks can cause serious injuries to children, including devastating burns and other injuries. The best way to keep your children safe is to not use any fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals. If you plan to use fireworks, make sure to follow the tips below to keep your kids as safe as possible.”

Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

The best way to protect your family is to not use any fireworks at home. Instead, attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.

Be Extra Careful With Sparklers

Yes they’re legal, but little arms are too short to hold sparklers, which can heat up to 1,800 degrees! Instead, let your young children use glow sticks. They can be just as fun but they don’t burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass.

(The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s stats from Fourth of July festivities in 2014 indicated sparklers were involved in a majority of fireworks-related injuries sustained by children under 5 years of age.)

Take Necessary Precautions

Always have a bucket of water, hose and/or fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks and protect your eyes with safety googles.
Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances (at this time of year and considering how dry it is, this should dissuade most of us.)

Be Prepared for an Accident or Injury

Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don’t allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage.

For more information on fire safety and more visit Safe Kids WorldWide.

Filed Under: Community, General, Healthy Living, Live Well Tagged With: fireworks, independence day, july 4th, sparklers

Eat Well this July 4th – Grilled Peaches

June 28, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center 1 Comment

It’s one of our favorite seasons…peach season! Walk into any grocery store right now and you stand a good chance of being overwhelmed with that juicy sweet fragrance enticing you to buy, buy, buy!

Peaches are, of course, perfect to eat fresh while leaning over the sink or with a bib, but this Fourth of July we’re adding them to the grill for the perfect dessert for our celebrations. Those fuzzy fruits are a great source of fiber, potassium and vitamins A and C.

If you haven’t ventured into the grilled fruit territory, grilled peaches are a delectable introduction.

Even without adding herbs and spices, grilling turns fruit and vegetables into amazing little bites. Grilled fruit can be added to salads, served as a garnish for meat, and it makes a luscious dessert, especially when served over a modest serving of ice cream.

Grilled Peaches

One peach per person (freestone)

Olive oil or grapeseed oil

Balsamic Glaze

Instructions

Slice peaches in half. Once halved, pit the peach. Generally the peaches we find in the store are freestone peaches which allow the stone to be pitted easily.
Lightly brush the cut surface of the peaches with oil. Just enough to prevent it sticking to the grill.
Turn grill to medium heat.
Grill peaches cut side down for 3-5 minutes, then flip and grill for an additional 4-5 minutes more. Your peaches should be soft to the touch.
Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or some vanilla ice cream.

If you are new to grilling fruits, here are some tips to get you started:

Heat your grill to medium or medium-high. If the heat is too high, the food can burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. The delicate skins of most fruit are especially susceptible to damage from very high heat.
Unless you plan to grill entire apples, carrots, peppers or other large vegetables, use a grill basket to keep items from falling through the grate.
Brush or toss vegetables with olive oil to add flavor and keep them from sticking. With fruit you might want to use a neutral-flavored oil, such as safflower or grapeseed.
Add more flavor with herbs, spices, lemon (juice or peel) or a marinade. Black pepper or ginger adds a little kick to the fuzzy delight of peaches you might want to try.
Keep an eye on that grill! Some items cook in as little as four minutes, so you don’t want to walk away and let them turn into charred nuggets.
To test for doneness, stab them with a skewer or fork. They’re done when you feel the texture you like.

Hope you have a pleasant grilling adventure.

Laurie Ledford

Filed Under: Eat Well, General, Healthy Living, Recipe Tagged With: dessert, eat well, grilled peaches, july 4th, Laurie Ledford

TMC helps kick off effort to save more lives at Pima Animal Care Center

June 28, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Julia Strange and Simon at campaign kickoff

Julia Strange and PACC alum Simon at campaign kickoff

Any given day at Tucson Medical Center, pet therapy teams including 32 dogs and one miniature pony visit hospitalized patients to share comfort and affection.

“They bring their love and their compassion to our patients and they provide a welcome distraction when people are at their most vulnerable,” said Julia Strange, TMC’s vice president of Community Benefit.

Pup at PACC waiting for new home

Many of the dogs on these teams are rescues. It’s just one of the reasons TMC, which appreciates the role pets have in the overall wellness of the community, is supporting an effort to raise funds for life-saving programs at the shelter, said Strange.

Strange and TMC’s President and CEO Judy Rich are serving as co-chairs of the
Your Love Saves Lives campaign through the Friends of PACC, the nonprofit arm of Pima Animal Care Center.

The goal of the campaign is to raise $5 million in private donations to expand veterinary services, to purchase needed medical equipment and to support programs such as community cat screenings and behavioral training for dogs.

To date, the community has raised more than $4.25 million toward the goal, announced Friends of PACC Executive Director Jennifer Camano.

Ray Carroll and Dan Eckstrom with PACC alumni Simon

Ray Carroll and Dan Eckstrom with PACC alumnus Simon

“We are asking the community now to help us close the gap,” Camano said, at a kick-off press conference with supporters. “This is a doable goal for this community and we know this community loves pets.”

The only open admission animal shelter, which accepts every pet in need, Pima Animal Care Center saved more pets in 2017 than ever before – more than 91 percent, of the more than 16,000 pets it took in.

Additionally, the shelter performed more than 7,500 spay and neuter surgeries and addressed more than 20,000 animal protection calls.

“We are honored to be a part of this effort,” Strange said, “and passionate about making sure the public understands the important role pets play in public health.”

To learn more about the campaign or to donate, please visit the Friends of PACC website

Filed Under: Civic Affairs, Community, General Tagged With: Friends of PACC; Pima County, Pima Animal Care Center

Avoid these common mistakes to protect your child from the sun

June 25, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

We asked Dr. Gerald N. Goldberg of Pima Dermatology for advice on how best to protect our children from the blazing Arizona sun. Dr. Goldberg is board certified in both pediatrics and dermatology.

1. Not applying sunscreen in spring, fall and winter

Really is there any time of year where sunscreen isn’t necessary at this latitude for you or your children?

Ideally, we are providing examples and modeling of good sun safe behaviors for our children from a young age. Daily application of a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher is ideal. This latitude provides tremendously intense ultraviolet exposure for much of the year. Worst times are late spring through early fall and midday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the UVB (“burning rays”) are most intense.

2. Assuming the shade will be enough to protect from the sun

Shade is not totally protective since there often are considerable reflected rays and filtered rays through partial shade. The same is true for cloudy days where filtered UVB light can still cause sunburn.

3. Using any old sunscreen

Not really. It’s best to look at labeling when considering if your sunscreen is up to snuff.

Broad-Spectrum: Blocks the UVA (“aging, wrinkling rays”) and UVB (“burning rays”).

Water-Resistant: Retains blocking power for 40 minutes of water immersion or “very water-resistant” if it retains protective effects after 80 minutes of being in the water.

An SPF (“sun protective factor”) of 30 or better is recommended. The FDA no longer allows “number chasing.” No sunscreen can be rated higher than SPF 50 or simply 50+. The SPF factor means that if it takes 15 minutes to burn in the June midday sun without sunscreen, with a sunscreen of SPF 10, it takes 15×10 or 150 minutes to burn with sunscreen SPF 10 in place. The FDA also no longer allows “sunblock,” “sweat-proof” or “waterproof” on labels.

Remember to check for the expiry date on your sunscreen too, old sunscreen won’t do!

Contrary to some written statements, sunscreens are relatively safe when applied properly. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are some of the best sunscreens since they truly reflect dangerous rays of both the UVB and UVA types. There are no substantiated claims of problems with toxicity or absorption of nanoparticles leading to a danger to health. Vitamin A, at reasonable doses, has been used for years to boost the immune system and to protect against cancer development. The more complex question is Vitamin D. Some modest amount of sunlight exposure (a few minutes a day unprotected) is probably fine on modest body surface areas to maintain good vitamin D health. If levels are low, the recommendation is to take a vitamin D oral supplement daily, and not to seek more sunlight to improve one’s vitamin D status.

4. Not using enough sunscreen

The most common error is inadequate application. Studies show that the average person puts on about 25-30 percent of the quantity necessary to achieve the stated SPF rating. A shot glass full of sunscreen is a fairly reasonable amount to apply for full-body protection. This is the other reason why SPF 30 or more is recommended – because of “sloppy” application.

5. Not allowing enough time

The next most important issue is taking time to apply sunscreen before activity. The sunscreen needs to bind to the skin to be effective, so try applying it 10 to 15 minutes before activity. Also, when using many products in the morning, apply sunscreen first to bind to the skin whenever possible.

6. Not reapplying sunscreen

Have you applied sunscreen again after swimming, hiking or just hanging out? Failure to reapply after being in the water or sweating; both can wash off sunscreen. Always reapply after water immersion or activity with significant perspiring.

What are the top three things parents can do to protect children from sun exposure?

ABCs:

A= Avoid the sun midday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

B= Block the sun with sunscreen

C= Cover up with sun-protective hats and clothing (including swim shirts when in the pool)

Filed Under: Medical / Services, Pediatrics Tagged With: Dr. Gerald Goldberg, how to stop yoour child from burning in Arizona, pima dermatology, sunscreen tips from an expert

Giving back gives back – TMC volunteers find true love together

June 21, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Amidst the busy TMC surgery reception area, a few sparks flew on Tuesday afternoons between volunteers Paul Kelly and Sharon O’Koren. “We just had so much in common,” said Kelly. “From growing up in smaller towns and raising children to our likes and our dislikes – I felt like I could talk to her about anything.”

A lot in common

The two had a lot in common and shared something in common as well. “Paul and Sharon were perfect for surgery reception – both have such helpful attitudes and a sincere rapport with patients,” said Mary Leyva, a volunteer services specialist at the TMC Auxiliary.

Paul and Sharon started volunteering about a year ago, and as the weeks became months, the two volunteers got to know each other better. Both looked forward to volunteering at TMC every Tuesday afternoon – in part because they were making a meaningful difference in the community, and in part because of each other.

“We were doing a lot of good at the reception desk – but I really couldn’t wait to see him,” said Sharon. “We had great talks and great laughs,” Paul said with a smile.

Dinner

After several months, Paul decided to ask Sharon to dinner. “I didn’t hesitate,” said Sharon. “We really do have a lot in common – even our birthdays are just days apart,” Sharon said. “We really hit it off,” Paul shared.

The question

The two continued to grow closer as they dated due to their shared experiences. “We have both lost our spouses, we both have family in Tucson, graduated high school around the same time and have the same sense of humor – the more time we spent with one-another the more we enjoyed each other’s company,” said Sharon.

What brought them together

Serendipity and an affinity for helping the community brought them together at TMC. “I worked in the medical field for many years and wanted to volunteer in a hospital,” said Sharon. “My daughter is a nurse here in Tucson and she recommended TMC.”

Paul is a retired Raytheon engineer, who originally hails from Jerome, but has called Tucson home for nearly 45 years. “I wanted to volunteer at TMC and give back to the hospital that cared for my family over the years.”

Earlier this month, the couple endeavored to spend the rest of their lives together when Paul popped the question and Sharon said yes!

What’s next for the happy couple? Sharon was quick with an answer. “Plan a wedding and keep volunteering at TMC.”

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: volunteer

Ready or not: Birthing positions for the big day

June 21, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

As your pregnancy progresses, you are likely starting to envision the actual, physical act of labor. What will it be like? Will you need to bring anything? Will you have the opportunity to try out different positions and birthing aids until you find the right combination?

It’s important to know that even with an epidural, active positioning is necessary as you give birth to promote baby’s progress. Actively engaging your body by moving, rocking, bouncing and squatting is essential to the birthing process because it enhances your comfort and makes the birth move along.

“Patient safety is our top priority and skilled nurses, there every step of the way, to help you along your labor path are essential,” said Stacie Wood, clinical educator for TMC Women’s Services. “Safe positioning is an important tool to help maximize the birth experience.”

The most important thing is to use whatever tools are available to deliver a safe, happy and healthy baby.

If there is something that you are already comfortable using at home – your favorite stability ball for instance – by all means, bring it with you. But you don’t have to come with your own equipment – we’ve got you covered with a variety of birthing aids in different sizes.

And to make sure you have peace of mind, all the while you are out of the bed, your baby can be monitored by either a wireless monitor system or a portable wired monitor.

“Having the freedom to move around is one of the big positives that we offer our moms,” says Wood. “They can still be active and move around freely without losing the feeling of security about the baby’s safety because of the monitors we have.”

There are different tools available for a few purposes during your labor:

stability balls, squat bars and squat chairs help your body actively engage in the process;
peanut balls allow you to rest in bed while still promoting dilation and the baby’s descent;
labor tub and a shower because warmth might be important for your experience.

With the stability ball, your partner also can help out by sitting behind you with a warm pack and providing a massage. (Don’t worry, we’ll do a little training first.)

To register for a free Maternity Services tour, please visit our website.

Filed Under: General, Women's Services Tagged With: birthing positions, labor tub, making labor easier, peanut ball, shower, squat bars, stability balls

Rear Admiral visits TMC for Children as part of larger engagement tour of Tucson

June 19, 2018 by Tucson Medical Center Leave a Comment

Small patients were wowed by the sheer mass of an aircraft carrier – surprised to hear that it would be the equivalent of a floating city with nearly 5,000 crew members on board, sharing space with aircraft and helicopters.

Rear Admiral Daniel MacInnis was perfectly suited to answer their questions: While participating in the U.S. Navy’s flight program, after all, he landed craft 17 times on each of four carriers during training runs. MacInnis, who also served as a diving officer, deployed to Iraq in 2006 and to Afghanistan in 2013 and has earned several recognitions, including three Meritorious Service Medals.

A sleight of hand magician, MacInnis entertained youngsters and handed out certificates that dubbed them an “honorary sailor.”

One of 180 rear admirals in the Navy, MacInnis visited TMC’s executive team and TMC for Children as part of a larger two-day tour to share the importance of naval service with city leaders, including civic groups, universities and veterans groups.

“We meet local leaders in cities that are away from fleet-centric areas where people may not have as much information about the importance of the Navy so we can hopefully inspire their support and advocacy,” MacInnis said.

MacInnis noted that 70 percent of the earth is covered with water, 80 percent of the world’s population lives near water and 90 percent of global commerce uses maritime routes. “The Navy is a 24/7, 365-day organization that is here to protect America, preserve our way of life and America’s influence in the world and to deter aggression,” MacInnis explained.

To see more coverage of his visit, please see KGUN’s story.

Filed Under: Civic Affairs, Community, Events, General Tagged With: navy outreach, rear admiral daniel macinnis, TMC for Children, Tucson Medical Center, U.S. Navy

What do we do know?

What if I really need something to count or track?

The takeaway

How to provide breastfeeding support to your partner:

Resources

Help Your Baby Sleep Safely

Position Your Child’s Crib or Bed in the Right Place

Next Steps

How should a family prepare for flu season?

When should you get a flu shot?

What about vitamin C and a healthy diet?

What should you do if a child is showing flu symptoms?

Who should get the flu shot?

Useful resources:

At TMC for Women

Online

In the Literature

MYTH ONE: Allergies and exercise are the most common asthma triggers

Does that mean allergies and exercise aren’t triggers?

Should parents take extra precautions to keep their child from getting a cold?

MYTH TWO: Asthma symptoms only involve wheezing, right?

Symptoms the child may have an escalating issue include:

Acute symptoms that require immediate treatment involve:

MYTH THREE: My child hasn’t had symptoms for a long time – so I don’t have to be as aware?

MYTH FOUR: To prevent asthma just cut out sports

I’m just so afraid of an asthma attack – should I just cut out sports entirely?

1. Purpose and connection

2. Improve mood and decrease tension or stress

3. Reduce heart rate and blood pressure

4. Maintain a routine and stay active

National Dog Day

1. “A goal without a plan is just a wish”*

2. Be prepared

3. Double, sneak and boost

4. Add a little sweetness and texture

5. Make it a power pack snack!

6. Explore the stars, star fruit that is

7. Try that beet again

Want to be part of a team that makes a difference?

Susan’s signs

Dancing to recovery

Yes, women have heart attacks

Golden Hour for those undergoing C-section

How we’re making it happen

What moms are saying

Not surgery alone

Persistence

An outpatient breastfeeding clinic

What you should know about our breastfeeding consultations:

1. Keep it cool

2. Keep it clean

3. Include foods that don’t need to be refrigerated

4. Don’t over pack

Get it together

This is her thing

Help out – before she asks

Pack it up

You’re up, slugger

Be the early bird

Block sun not fun

Where there is a will, there is a way

Don’t negate the need to hydrate

Long-time smokers and ex-smokers breathe easier with a lung screening.

Make an appointment today. Call (520) 389-5390

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a medical emergency, it can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

What to do if you suspect heatstroke:

What is heat exhaustion?

Here are some symptoms of heat exhaustion to look out for:

When to do if you suspect heat exhaustion:

What can we do to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Five tips to get started on a walking plan

Schedule it.

Get proper footwear.

Be visible.

Find a buddy.

Get creative.

Am I going to be judged for smoking?

Am I going to be pressured to stop smoking?