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Okay, I haven’t blogged in awhile. Shame on me, because I love chatting with you here on the blogosphere. I think our rainy, coldish winter (okay, I grew up in Alaska so I have to put it into perspective – my Alaskan friends would laugh that I now think 40 is freezing!) and demands at home and work kept me from sitting down and enjoying my time with you.
Well, as I await the start of a weekend and the first day of spring it’s time to put life back into perspective. My folks had the right idea last weekend. They took my dog Max to a rather famous local dairy for some ice cream while I stayed home and worked. Who had the better day? The work still waits for me and the rest of the family came back with smiles and full tummies.
It was a busy week here at Community Medical Centers as the Deran Koligian Ambulatory Care Center had its grand opening and staff at Community Regional Medical Center did a stellar job giving patients top-notch care while dealing with a water issue.
I couldn’t be prouder of the people I work with and I think each and every one of them deserves a double scoop of their favorite frozen dessert (tell your spouse to treat you!) and a little time outdoors since spring has sprung. Ah, ice cream, sunshine and time with loved ones, now that’s having your priorities straight.
What flavor of ice cream are you treating yourself to and do you have any tips to help us relax this spring? Please share.
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My how time flies! Especially when you realize time may have run out for you if it weren't for some good doctors and some diligence on your part.
It’s been more than five years now since I found out I was born with a heart defect and needed open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. I have to admit that I was terrified. I had one doctor tell me the valve may have had about a year-and-a-half left on it. Another doctor estimated it may have been able to squeak by for five years. Yikes! If either of them were correct, I wouldn't be writing this today. Sobering thought. I'm grateful my doctor insisted that I get an echocardiogram and see a Community cardiologist.
I go for regular heart check-ups at University Cardiovascular Center and I have to admit that each time I have an echocardiogram - it is reassuring to hear that swoosh, swoosh, sound and know my heart is beating stronger than ever.
With the help of the team at University Cardiovascular Center I'm ready for whatever lies ahead and know there's a reason I had this problem. I'm supposed to share it with you so you take action or help someone you love.
Community has some amazing cardiologists and cardiac surgeons available for patients. As American Heart Month comes to a close I asked the first female cardiology fellow at Community Regional Medical Center to help me inspire other women to take charge of their heart health so they can fight the No. 1 killer of women.
Dr. Grace Huang says there are a lot of things doctors can do for patients these days, if the patient will get in early.
“With women and heart disease there is a lack of recognition by the public of how big the problem is,” said Dr. Huang. “Women often display different symptoms for a heart attack than men.”
Some of those symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea/vomiting
- Arm, back or jaw pain
- Dizziness
- Swollen ankles
- Cold sweat or lightheadedness
- Chest discomfort
Dr. Huang says since women are often the caregivers in the family they must take the time to care for themselves so they can be there for others.
“Many women don’t pay attention to their own health and risk factors such as diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol put them at risk,” said Huang. “Exercising and getting these conditions under control is not only good for your heart, but will also help you fight off osteoporosis, high blood pressure and other health conditions.”
Dr. Huang practices what she preaches. Even though the fellowship is stressful and helping patients is her passion, she recommends women plan time for themselves to de-stress.
“Watching your diet, exercising and planning some private time can help your heart health.”
So, even if you haven't been to the doctor for awhile, don't delay. I did and it almost cost me dearly. Instead, I get to celebrate life and the fact that there are some healthcare specialists in the Valley that care and don't let stubborn patients have the last word.
Time does matter and the sooner you take action the longer you'll have to enjoy the special people in your life.
Click here for more information about Community Cardiology services
Comment below and share your heart health tips or how you took charge of your heart disease.
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It seems a lot of people are asking the question, “Who am I?” these days. Sure, we all ask that during major life-changing events, but businesses and cities can do the same thing, right?
Take Fresno for example. Many feel the city is in the midst of an identity crisis. If you’re like me, you feel Fresno really gets a bad rap in national polls, is the brunt of late night talk show host jokes and we aren’t happy with locals who refuse to believe they have it pretty nice here.
There are those working to help Fresno change its image. I wish them luck and I think we can all help by focusing on all of the positives in this fine city. One of them is Community Medical Centers. Here at Community we are always interested in checking the pulse of those who live here to find out what they think of us.
I came to work here because I felt a calling to the mission: To improve the health status of the community and to promote medical education. After decades in the news business I loved the fact that my writing and video skills could now be used to educate others and raise funds to help bring the best-of-the-best here to Fresno. It was also reassuring to know that everyone from my elderly relatives to a great-niece or nephew would have access to amazing health care and not be turned away. There are roughly 6,000 other employees who likely feel like I do.
So, I thought this would be a good time to hear from you. What makes you proud of Community Medical Centers? I have a couple of questions below I’d love for you to complete for me. Just go to the “Leave a Comment” box below to send in your thoughts on any or all of these questions.
If I had to describe in one or two words what Community Medical Centers means to me they would be:
My favorite thing about Community Medical Centers is:
As a former patient or family member of a patient, I feel Community Medical Centers:
We may not have the “catchiest” name in the world, but I believe Community has the best employees, compassionate physicians and staff and care second-to-none in the region. This proud Fresnan looks forward to hearing from you and thanks in advance for your thoughts.
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Okay, can I brag a little this week? I have the cutest and most talented dog in the world!
I can just hear you now saying, “No you don’t, mine is!” Everyone thinks their dog is the most loyal and greatest pooch anyone could have. I love my Max because no matter what mood I’m in he’s always there to greet me with his tail wagging, toy between teeth and paws pulling a “Flintstone” on the tile floor eager to share some time with me. All he asks for is some food, water, attention and well, you know, “breaks” outside.
I get a whole lot more in return. I swear he helps me keep my blood pressure at amazingly great levels just by looking up at me with those big brown eyes. And, it’s a true lesson in teamwork when we do the dozen-or-so (and counting) tricks that he likes to show off. I should video them and share them with you one day!
Anyway, experts are starting to recognize some of the health benefits your dog, cat, bird or goldfish give you each day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pet ownership can improve a few things:
- Encouraging increased regular exercise (okay maybe not the parakeet and goldfish)
- Decreased triglycerides
- Reduced feelings of loneliness
- More interaction with others and exposure to social activities
I believe them.
It works in the hospital, too. Four legged volunteers lift the spirits of patients and their families. Click here to meet a couple of our furry friends.
As I contemplate what to teach Max next, I’m sure I’ll be amazed at whatever lesson he’ll teach me. I have to admit that everyone who meets him falls in love with him. In fact, my folks are threatening to take me to court to seek custody of him. Good luck with that!
Do you have an inspiring pet therapy story? How about a pooch that makes your day and keeps you young (or at least feeling that way)? Comment below and share your story and make us all smile.
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The New Year may be well under way, but the debate over how to pronounce it appears to be far from over.
That quickly became the topic of discussion as I sat in the dentist chair this week for my teeth cleaning.
It always amazes me how dentists and hygienists can understand a word you say as they’re digging around in your mouth. Okay, I digress.
“Two thousand ten” or “twenty ten” I asked. My hygienist hadn’t made up her mind yet. She was leaning toward “two thousand ten” and asked me what I recommended. Well, I’m not the grammar police so I went in search of some recommendations. I found a very unique one.
The National Association of Good Grammar – yes, there is apparently such an association – believes 2010 should officially be pronounced “twenty ten” and all subsequent years should be pronounced as “twenty eleven,” “twenty twelve,” and so on. They make another good point. Back in the 1990’s we didn’t say one thousand nine hundred and ninety nine. Think about it.
You also will find sources that are in disagreement but, I’m inclined to save some syllables and go with “twenty ten.” How about you? Comment below and let me know what you are calling the New Year!
While we’re on the proper way to say things kick, how many times have you seen Community Medical Centers and its facilities misnamed. When you are proud to work for a place that helps so many people it can be disheartening. Don’t get me wrong, the names have changed quite a few times in past years so I understand some of the confusion. Also, I know that old habits are tough to break. When you’ve lived in a city your whole life – you will most likely stick with names you’ve used for decades.
I won’t quiz you, but here’s a link to Community facilities. Did you know the real names?
You can also comment below and let me know how you did or give me your feelings about this issue
In the meantime, in 2010 (however you say it) there’s plenty to look forward to. Terry’s House on the campus of Community Regional Medical Center is breaking ground in the days ahead, Clovis Community Medical Center is in the midst of an amazing expansion and I get to look forward to hearing more from you.
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You never know when you write a blog what kind of feedback your readers will provide. For me, that’s part of the fun. I really enjoy checking it every day to find out how folks feel about a particular posting.
In my last blog – The Christmas Wish List – I reverted back to my childhood and wrote my first holiday wish list in a very long time. It sparked some great responses, so please go back and check them out! Feel free to add a few of your own there too. It’s not too late.
One in particular gives us all some things to think about in 2010. It should also make you smile.
Here is a portion of what Marci from Community Regional Medical Center wrote:
…I already got my Christmas present early this year…a job I actually LOVE going to each day!! I am one of the ambassadors at CRMC (Community Regional Medical Center) and what I wish for all of us – every employee that works for Community – is that no matter where we are personally each day that the last thought before we enter our workplace is…I may be the only person that someone who has a loved one critically ill sees today – that is able to smile or hug or bring some small comfort to them. I know outside of here, even when I may be having a perfectly great day, when someone takes the extra time just to smile or say, “Hi” it lifts my spirits just a bit more. During the holiday season, it breaks my heart to think of all the people who are hurting or have loved ones hurting and that can really sour the holiday spirit!! So, I want to thank those of you who always have a smile on your face and a quick, “Hello” or “How are you today?” Those of you who don’t, maybe think of how it would make you feel were you walking in someone else’s shoes.
I am proud to be a part of Community and its focus on service excellence.
-Marci, Community Regional Medical Center
Marci, you are right on target…Target 100 that is. Here are a few simple things we all should keep in mind in the coming year so we not only provide that much needed “lift” for patients and their families, but for ourselves as well.
- Maintain eye contact and smile
- Introduce yourself and your role with the hospital or in that patient’s care
- Respect those you work for and work with
- Understand the needs of those you’re serving
- Be an active listener
- Never underestimate the strength of the words, “please” and “thank you”
Comment below if you have some customer service tips that you would like to share!
Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.
~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
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Is anyone else just starting their Christmas gift giving list?
I know, it's almost mid-December and I'm just getting around to figuring out what in the heck I want to give my friends and loved ones this year. Go ahead and laugh, but I'll bet I'm not the only one.
Okay, I've purchased a couple of gifts throughout the year while on vacations, etc...so I have a tiny bit of breathing room, but there is one that I need to special order. Hope I haven't procrastinated too much for that one! If so, I know someone will be putting coal in my stocking.
I do love this time of year. My mother played this old Dean Martin holiday album over and over again when I was a kid. Now, I don't start the season without playing a CD version of it. Her old vinyl record gave out years ago. The warm glow of the lights on the tree can really help relax you after a tough day and it just seems that unexpected things can send childhood memories flooding back without warning.
When you're a kid the Christmas wish list is filled with your favorite toys and goodies. You also know which presents under the tree are the yearly - well intentioned presents - things like pajama's, socks and underwear. Not so exciting, but predictable.
I haven't done a Christmas wish list in a long time. As we get older it's all about our kids, loved ones, pets and friends. For fun I thought I'd dream up a wish list of things I'd like to have in 2010 if money didn't matter. Comment below and let me know what would be on your wish list!
10. A World Series Championship in Seattle
9. Wii console and games (I've got to have a couple of toys in here!)
8. Be an inspiration
7. Valley donor-investors support to Clovis Community Medical Center expansion
6. God bless the healing hands that care for Community patients
5. A lap top computer (yes, another toy!)
4. A job well done
3. Donors help Community complete Terry's House and welcome first patients
2. Purchase a winning lottery ticket (hey, then I can do all of the above!)
1. Good health for my loved ones, friends, co-workers and dog Max
Remember; send me what would be on your wish list!
P. S.
Now that I'm on a roll, If Santa is reading this I thought of a couple more we can include in next year's list:
No home repairs for one year
Meet Audrey Hepburn (I said this was a wish list. Maybe this one can wait a few years!)
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Anyone else think twice when they touch the ATM or grocery store debit card keypads? How about the handle on the gas pump?
You can almost hear the "Jaws" theme play as you reach for that grimy public restroom door handle.
Admit it, at least once lately you had second thoughts about shaking someone's hand - or if you did you wanted to immediately reach for some hand sanitizer, right?
Has the thought of contracting the H1N1 flu bug or even a cold turned us all into germophobes?
Even Dear Abby ended a response to a question about germs on reading materials in doctors' offices with this: "P.S. If a valet takes your car or the keys - or hands you change ... oh, Lord, I'm beginning to sound like Howard Hughes."
Yes, if Howard Hughes were still alive he'd probably not be such an enigma.
While it is extremely important to be diligent with our hand washing, try not to touch our faces so often - especially when out in public, I think it's also important to keep a little perspective.
Gosh, if Community's health care workers or our teachers were afraid of germs where would we be?
Thank you for not letting it all "bug" you.
Do you agree with me? What precautions do you take in public? Please share.
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