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vim&<br />

HEALTHY<br />

LIVING<br />

FOR OUR<br />

REGION<br />

WINTER 2011 $2.95<br />

Making sure<br />

you get timely<br />

attention and care<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> TOP-RATED<br />

FOR FINANCIAL<br />

STRENGTH<br />

Nurses recognize<br />

3 of their peers<br />

Strong<br />

Evidence<br />

What is MARK HARMON’S secret to fitness?<br />

Let’s take a closer look at the clues<br />

STROKE CARE<br />

PARTNERSHIP<br />

SAVES THIS<br />

WOMAN’S LIFE<br />

page 50


COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY AVENAIM/CORBIS OUTLINE<br />

DEPARTMENTS<br />

2 Opening Thoughts<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> is a valuable<br />

asset to our<br />

community.<br />

3 Life in <strong>General</strong><br />

The latest news<br />

from <strong>MGH</strong>.<br />

52 Employee Excellence<br />

Who’s lighting the<br />

hospital’s halls?<br />

53 Lifetime of Learning<br />

Staff members<br />

commit to quality<br />

healthcare by earning<br />

certifications.<br />

54 Volunteer Services<br />

Honoring those who<br />

give their time and<br />

talents.<br />

55 Donations The <strong>MGH</strong><br />

Memorial Garden<br />

commemorates<br />

employees, physicians<br />

and volunteers.<br />

56 Community<br />

Connections<br />

Education programs<br />

and support groups.<br />

6<br />

4<br />

The<br />

10<br />

16<br />

20<br />

24<br />

SPECIAL<br />

Extraordinary<br />

Care Providers<br />

Nurses select <strong>MGH</strong>’s<br />

annual Excellence in<br />

Nursing, Physician<br />

Friend of Nursing,<br />

and Friend of Nursing<br />

award winners.<br />

Attention You Deserve<br />

Thanks to <strong>MGH</strong> Access, you can<br />

be sure you receive timely access<br />

to one of <strong>MGH</strong>’s 19 talented family<br />

practitioners.<br />

Back in Action<br />

From becoming a new mom to joining<br />

a gym, a lot of “firsts” can hurt your<br />

back. Prevent pain before you begin.<br />

Supplementary Knowledge<br />

Learn which supplements can balance<br />

your diet, and which ones can be<br />

ineffective or downright dangerous.<br />

Keys to Survival<br />

Do you know the five survival strategies<br />

for a heart attack? Whether or<br />

not you think you’re at risk, read on.<br />

Clearing the Air<br />

If you think lung cancer only happens<br />

to smokers, prepare to be surprised.<br />

Determine your risk on a scale of<br />

one to five.<br />

CONTENTS<br />

FEATURES<br />

34<br />

38<br />

42<br />

46<br />

49<br />

50<br />

This One’s for the Girls<br />

Women face new challenges—and<br />

opportunities—at every age. Follow<br />

this handy guide to good health,<br />

from your 20s through your 60s.<br />

Life After a Loss<br />

Everyone handles the loss of a loved<br />

one differently, but there are some<br />

common lessons for healthy grieving.<br />

Do Your Diabetes Homework<br />

Glucose testing isn’t the only step to<br />

managing diabetes. Learn your lessons<br />

for preventing complications.<br />

Healthy Returns<br />

From tax breaks to job experience,<br />

your local hospital will pay you back<br />

when you donate time and money.<br />

Three Years Running<br />

The world’s foremost source of credit<br />

ratings has affirmed <strong>MGH</strong>’s fiscal<br />

responsibility—three years in a row.<br />

Stroke Care Saves the Day<br />

JoDell Callahan is living proof that the<br />

partnership between <strong>MGH</strong> and the<br />

StrokeCareNow Network works.<br />

28<br />

ON THE COVER<br />

Mark Harmon of NCIS fame makes 60 look good.<br />

But like his show character, Special Agent Jethro Gibbs,<br />

Harmon keeps quiet about his personal life. So we follow<br />

the clues to figure out how this leading man stays fit.<br />

Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011 1


Opening ThoughTs<br />

What’s at Stake?<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> is a valuable asset to<br />

our community<br />

<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> HoSpital<br />

president/Ceo<br />

Paul L. Usher, FACHE, CPA, FHFMA<br />

Chairman, Board of Directors<br />

Joe Martin<br />

president, Medical Staff<br />

Esther B. Fox, D.O.<br />

administrative Director/Medical Staff Services and<br />

Community outreach<br />

Ann Vermilion, MBA, FACHE<br />

As we watch our nation’s economy struggle and<br />

the continued emphasis on healthcare reform,<br />

we seem to have reached the point that we no<br />

longer want to financially support or can financially<br />

support our healthcare system.<br />

However, when we need healthcare services, we all want<br />

the best technology, easy and convenient (local) access to<br />

services and the best outcome regardless of the cost. Cost is no object if the patient<br />

is yourself, a family member or a close friend. There is definitely a disconnect<br />

between our personal desire to receive healthcare and our willingness or ability to<br />

share the cost of healthcare for everyone.<br />

I began my career in healthcare in 1968 shortly after Medicare began and<br />

have been in healthcare for almost 43 years. During my career I have seen many<br />

changes occur, some good and some bad; however, our current ability to positively<br />

impact a person’s health has never been greater.<br />

So, as I reflect on where our nation’s healthcare system is headed, I think about<br />

my great-niece, Nevaeh, who passed away on Aug. 5, 2011, at the age of 8 years old.<br />

Nevaeh had a rare blood disorder from birth and endured more suffering than any<br />

child should ever have to endure.<br />

Over her short life, millions of dollars were spent on her healthcare. Many<br />

people shared the cost of her care because the family had inadequate healthcare<br />

coverage. Not one of us would have wanted her care to be stopped since there was<br />

always hope for her recovery. So, if we can no longer afford our healthcare system,<br />

where are we headed in the future for patients like Nevaeh and others?<br />

As we enter this Christmas season, it is a time for us to remember to count our<br />

blessings and not take anything for granted. May God be with us all as we go<br />

forward to face the challenges of the future in our nation and the world.<br />

Thank you for your support of our Healthcare Community.<br />

editor<br />

Randy Deffenbaugh<br />

Contributing photographers<br />

Eric Marshall<br />

Carl and Allison Saathoff<br />

proDUCtion<br />

editorial<br />

V.P./Strategic Content: Beth Tomkiw<br />

Editor-in-Chief: Shelley Flannery<br />

Editors: Sam Mittelsteadt, Matt Morgan, Amanda Myers, Ellen Olson,<br />

Tom Weede<br />

Copy Editor: C.J. Hutchinson<br />

Design<br />

Managing Art Director: Adele Mulford<br />

Art Directors: Heidi Easudes, Rod Karmenzind, Monya Mollohan,<br />

Kay Morrow, Tami Rodgers<br />

production<br />

Senior Production Manager: Laura Marlowe<br />

Ancillary Production Manager: Casey Jones<br />

Imaging Specialist: Dane Nordine<br />

Production Technology Specialists: Julie Chan, Sonia Washington<br />

Circulation<br />

V.P./Business Intelligence Group: Patrick Kehoe<br />

Postal Affairs & Logistics Director: Joseph Abeyta<br />

Client ServiCeS<br />

V.P./Sales & Product Development: Chad Rose, 888-626-8779<br />

V.P./Client Services & Strategy: Andrea Parsons<br />

Account Managers: Carey Ballard, Barbara Mohr, Paul Peterson<br />

aDMiniStration<br />

Vim & Vigor Founder: J. Barry Johnson<br />

Chairman: Preston V. McMurry Jr.<br />

President/Chief Executive Officer: Christopher McMurry<br />

Chief Operating Officer/Financial Officer: Audra L. Taylor<br />

President/Content Marketing: Fred Petrovsky<br />

Paul L. Usher, FACHE, CPA, FHFMA<br />

President/CEO<br />

<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong><br />

441 N. Wabash Ave., <strong>Marion</strong>, IN 46952-2690<br />

If you prefer not to receive our magazine or other health and<br />

wellness information from <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>, please call us at<br />

765-660-6000 or send your request to be removed from our mailing<br />

list to randy.deffenbaugh@mgh.net.<br />

Vim & Vigor, TM Winter 2011, Volume 27, Number 4, is published quarterly<br />

by McMurry, McMurry Campus Center, 1010 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix,<br />

Arizona 85014, 602-395-5850. Vim & Vigor TM is published for the purpose of<br />

disseminating health-related information for the well-being of the general<br />

public and its subscribers. The information contained in Vim & Vigor TM is not<br />

intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Please consult your<br />

physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting<br />

any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Vim & Vigor TM does not accept<br />

advertising promoting the consumption of alcohol or tobacco. Copyright<br />

© 2011 by McMurry. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S.: $4 for one year<br />

(4 issues). Single copies: $2.95. For subscriptions and address changes, write:<br />

Circulation Manager, Vim & Vigor, TM McMurry Campus Center, 1010 E. Missouri<br />

Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85014.<br />

2<br />

Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011


Life in <strong>General</strong><br />

Local Anesthesiologist<br />

Makes National<br />

Presentation<br />

A paper titled “Stolen Prescription Drug Reports—<br />

Part II: Still Cause for Alarm,” submitted by William J.<br />

Granger, M.D., and coauthor Roger Dilly, <strong>Marion</strong> Police<br />

Department, <strong>Marion</strong>, was a poster presentation at the<br />

American Academy of Pain Management meeting and the<br />

American Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting.<br />

The paper dealt with the issue of stolen prescription<br />

medications and is the result of a collaborative effort<br />

William J. Granger, M.D.<br />

between the <strong>Marion</strong> Police Department and the Grant<br />

County Medical Society, of which Dr. Granger serves as president.<br />

The paper was also cited in Medscape News, a leading online destination used<br />

by physicians, medical students and other healthcare professionals for in-depth<br />

clinical information, and Dr. Granger was asked to write an editorial in Pain<br />

Medicine News, an independent monthly newspaper for pain management.<br />

“A paper of this magnitude is never the work of one individual,” Dr. Granger<br />

says. “It was a collective effort from previously mentioned organizations as well<br />

as <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> and Indiana Wesleyan University, and I am grateful<br />

for their contributions.”<br />

New Providers<br />

Join <strong>MGH</strong><br />

Hicham Z. El Masry, M.D.<br />

The Care Group <strong>Marion</strong><br />

Cardiology<br />

Raghavender Gotur, M.D.<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>ist Program<br />

Muni Theertham, M.D.<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>ist Program<br />

Trina L. Greenwald, FNP-C,<br />

CDDN<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> <strong>Marion</strong> Family Practice<br />

Nurses to Share <strong>MGH</strong> Practices<br />

with National Audience<br />

In early October, <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> and the innovative<br />

techniques it uses to treat stroke patients was scheduled to<br />

be highlighted at the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s<br />

National Magnet Conference in Baltimore.<br />

An abstract, titled “Time is Brain: A Rural <strong>Hospital</strong> Giving<br />

Big City Care,” submitted by author Tamara Cornelious,<br />

MBA, R.N., CEN, emergency department administrative<br />

director, and coauthors Cindy Canida-Woodward, MSN,<br />

R.N., CEN, and Kim Lovelady, BSN, R.N., CEN, was selected<br />

as a prestigious podium presentation.<br />

The presentation shares how to create a successful “virtual”<br />

stroke care program, similar to <strong>MGH</strong>’s partnership<br />

with the Fort Wayne-based<br />

StrokeCareNow Network.<br />

“The use of telemedicine<br />

provides the opportunity for<br />

From left: Tamara Cornelious,<br />

MBA, R.N., CEN; Cindy Canida-<br />

Woodward, MSN, R.N., CEN; and<br />

Kim Lovelady, BSN, R.N., CEN<br />

an off-site neurologist to see and speak to an <strong>MGH</strong> patient,”<br />

Cornelious says. “It also allows for the <strong>MGH</strong> physician and<br />

nursing staff to communicate with the off-site neurologist in<br />

front of the patient and family, giving everyone the opportunity<br />

to provide input regarding decisions about their care.”<br />

Since partnering with the StrokeCareNow Network,<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> has decreased the number of stroke patients needing<br />

to be transferred to another facility by 42 percent.<br />

Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011 3


The Attention<br />

DESERVE<br />

BY RANDY DEFFENBAUGH<br />

It is frustrating when you can’t get in to see<br />

a physician or nurse practitioner when<br />

you are ill and worried about your health.<br />

When you are not feeling well, you expect<br />

and deserve timely attention and care.<br />

<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> knows this is an<br />

area it can improve upon. The <strong>MGH</strong> staff heard<br />

your concerns, listened carefully and is making<br />

positive changes to ensure you receive timely<br />

care when you need to see an <strong>MGH</strong>-employed<br />

family practitioner.<br />

To ensure you receive timely access to one of<br />

<strong>MGH</strong>’s 19 talented family practitioners, the hospital<br />

has implemented <strong>MGH</strong> Access.<br />

YOU HAVE OPTIONS<br />

If you currently do not have a primary care provider,<br />

you can call the <strong>MGH</strong> Access Referral Line<br />

at 765-660-<strong>MGH</strong>4 (6444). Staff will make an<br />

appointment for you with an <strong>MGH</strong> provider who<br />

is taking new patients and who is in your insurance<br />

plan network.<br />

If you are already established with an <strong>MGH</strong><br />

provider and you call him or her for an appointment,<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> will ensure that you receive timely<br />

care by offering the following options:<br />

• The first available appointment with your<br />

regular <strong>MGH</strong> family practitioner.<br />

• The first available appointment with an<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> family practitioner at the same office.<br />

• The first available appointment with an<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> family practitioner at one of the convenient<br />

locations throughout Grant and Miami counties.<br />

When you have options, you decide which<br />

works best for you. It is now that easy!<br />

SEAMLESS CARE<br />

Worried about your regular <strong>MGH</strong> family practitioner<br />

not knowing what occurred during a visit<br />

with another practitioner?<br />

4<br />

Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011


You<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>MGH</strong> Access, you can be sure care is there when you need it<br />

Once the practitioner sees you, <strong>MGH</strong> will<br />

update your electronic health record (EHR),<br />

which can be accessed by all <strong>MGH</strong>-employed<br />

family practitioners. If you see a different practitioner,<br />

your regular <strong>MGH</strong> family practitioner<br />

will have access to your EHR and what occurred<br />

during your visit.<br />

“The implementation of the electronic health<br />

record has given us the opportunity to utilize our<br />

<strong>MGH</strong>-employed physician network as a way to<br />

not only increase access to care but to also maintain<br />

continuity of care,” says Sherree Herres,<br />

assistant practice administrator. “It allows us to<br />

work as one large medical group in order to better<br />

meet the needs of our patients.”<br />

At <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>, your health<br />

and well-being are very important. <strong>With</strong> <strong>MGH</strong><br />

Access, <strong>MGH</strong> physicians and practitioners are<br />

here when you need them with the timely care<br />

you deserve.<br />

CALL<br />

Need a Primary Care Provider?<br />

Call the <strong>MGH</strong> Access Referral Line at<br />

765-660-<strong>MGH</strong>4 (6444). We’ll make an appointment<br />

for you with an <strong>MGH</strong> provider who is taking new<br />

patients and who is in your insurance plan network.<br />

Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011 5


Extraordi<br />

carE<br />

providErs<br />

By Carolyn King, MSM, r.n.<br />

Nurses recognize three of<br />

their peers for customer<br />

service and satisfaction<br />

One of the highlights of the annual<br />

celebration of National <strong>Hospital</strong><br />

Week at <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong><br />

is the nomination, voting and selection of<br />

the <strong>MGH</strong> Excellence in Nursing, Physician<br />

Friend of Nursing, and Friend of Nursing<br />

award winners.<br />

These awards give nurses the opportunity<br />

to recognize three of their peers: a nurse, a<br />

physician and a support staff member who<br />

excel in customer service and satisfaction<br />

and exemplify each characteristic of the<br />

Magnet nursing recognition program: leadership,<br />

commitment to ongoing learning,<br />

new ideas, and innovation and involvement.<br />

In essence, <strong>MGH</strong>’s award-winning individuals<br />

provide the highest level of extraordinary<br />

care.<br />

6<br />

Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011


nary<br />

excellence in<br />

nursing:<br />

Karen sTePhan,<br />

Bsn, r.n., ccrn<br />

This year, there were 10 nominations<br />

with many inspiring<br />

stories, but the candidate<br />

who won the judges’ hearts<br />

was Karen Stephan, BSN,<br />

R.N., CCRN, a six-year <strong>MGH</strong><br />

employee who works in the<br />

Critical Care Department<br />

(CCD).<br />

The following are quotes from Stephan’s peers:<br />

• She shows professionalism and passion to both our<br />

Karen Stephan, BSN, R.N.,<br />

CCRN<br />

patients and to her peers.<br />

• She is involved in many teams representing CCD as<br />

an instructor for CPR; sits on the anticoagulation safety<br />

team; precepts new nurses, students and relief charge<br />

nurses; regularly functions as relief charge in the CCD;<br />

and chairs our Unit Practice Council.<br />

• Karen is committed to continuing education. While<br />

home-schooling her six children, Karen studied and<br />

passed her critical-care certification.<br />

• As Unit Practice Council chair, she brings forth staff<br />

ideas and concerns and has been instrumental in changes<br />

that are for best practice and staff satisfaction.<br />

• In an effort to help ensure all the newer nurses on<br />

night shift would feel comfortable with arrhythmia recognition,<br />

Karen made a resource book, which explained<br />

and displayed every rhythm.<br />

• She is often mentioned in rounding by her peers<br />

for the leadership she brings to our team; several of<br />

the younger nurses even refer to her affectionately as<br />

“Mom” because Karen takes everyone under her wing<br />

and nurtures them, supports them and prepares them to<br />

be strong critical-care nurses.<br />

Physician Friend<br />

oF nursing:<br />

arun Tewari, M.d.<br />

This year, there were 10 nominations<br />

with many inspiring<br />

stories, but the physician<br />

who walked away with the<br />

award, as well as the nicest<br />

and brightest smile, was<br />

Arun Tewari, M.D.<br />

Arun Tewari, M.D.<br />

Dr. Tewari is board-certified<br />

in internal medicine. He<br />

officially joined the medical staff of <strong>MGH</strong> in February<br />

2010 as medical director of the <strong>MGH</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>ist Program.<br />

Since then, he has also taken on added administrative<br />

responsibilities for the Care Continuum Department<br />

(formerly Social Services).<br />

He is a strong advocate for achieving best practices for<br />

<strong>MGH</strong>’s patients as evidenced by the following quotes:<br />

• He has become an active member on several committees<br />

including quality, forms, pharmacy, code blue and<br />

nutritional support, to name a few, providing physician<br />

insight and guidance.<br />

• He works closely with nursing and coders to<br />

provide leadership and guidance in patient care<br />

and documentation.<br />

• Dr. Tewari is in the process of developing a new program<br />

to enhance our current services such as working<br />

with nursing homes to provide collaboration for acute<br />

care nursing home patients to prevent readmissions.<br />

• He is currently working with our OR Department to<br />

enhance our Perioperative Clinic process.<br />

• He has implemented new educational opportunities<br />

for the hospitalists, medical staff and nursing through<br />

the grand rounds program.<br />

• He has put together order sets to help clarify certain<br />

admitting diagnoses and meet quality indicators.<br />

• Dr. Tewari exemplifies teamwork and creates an<br />

atmosphere where physicians and nursing can question<br />

and discuss problems.<br />

Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011 7


FRIEND OF NURSING<br />

JO ANN HARDCASTLE, ER<br />

REGISTRATION CLERK<br />

There were 11 nominations this year, all<br />

very deserving of the award, but only<br />

one could be crowned the winner: Jo<br />

Ann Hardcastle, emergency room (ER)<br />

registration clerk. Recently, Hardcastle<br />

was chosen ER Registration Clerk of<br />

the Year by her peers. She also is pursuing<br />

a higher education toward becom-<br />

Jo Ann Hardcastle<br />

ing a physical therapy technician.<br />

The following are some of the quotes about Jo Ann:<br />

• She always maintains a calm demeanor, even when the work<br />

area becomes very chaotic.<br />

• She can be relied upon to pay close attention to detail and<br />

is able to multitask very well, both of which are essential in the<br />

work environment of the ER.<br />

• She leads by being a preceptor and orienting new ER registration<br />

clerks to their new role and the department.<br />

• During monthly rounding with staff, Jo Ann frequently offers<br />

suggestions to improve the registration process and also shares<br />

ideas to maintain safety and quality for all ER patients.<br />

• Jo Ann is actively involved in the department. While her job<br />

function is mainly clerical, she is always willing to assist in making<br />

patients and family members comfortable and will provide<br />

patients with warm blankets, ice packs and pillows if needed for<br />

their comfort.<br />

• She makes a difference every day, whether it is a face-to-face<br />

conversation with a worried family member, or a professional<br />

phone conversation she may have with a physician.<br />

ONLINE<br />

EXTRAORDINARY<br />

CARE<br />

PROVIDERS<br />

What Magnet<br />

Designation<br />

Means to You<br />

Learn more about <strong>MGH</strong>’s Magnet<br />

designation at www.mgh.net.<br />

8<br />

Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011


Three Years Running<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> again receives a strong rating for fiscal responsibility<br />

By Randy deffenBaugh<br />

What Our A+<br />

Means to You<br />

An A+ bond rating from Standard & Poor’s<br />

signifies that:<br />

• <strong>MGH</strong> is committed to being financially<br />

responsible.<br />

• <strong>MGH</strong> can invest in the finest employees,<br />

medical staff, equipment and facilities.<br />

It’s official! Commitment, dedication and hard work pay off. For<br />

the third year in a row, Standard & Poor’s, the leading provider<br />

of financial market intelligence and the world’s foremost source<br />

of credit ratings, has affirmed <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>’s A+<br />

bond rating and stable outlook on its Series 2002 bonds.<br />

A Standard & Poor’s rating reflects a borrower’s capacity to meet<br />

its financial commitments on a timely basis. The A+ rating reflects<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> has:<br />

• Market position as the sole community provider in the primary<br />

service area of Grant County.<br />

• Strong balance-sheet characteristics.<br />

• Improved operational performance during the first six months of<br />

fiscal 2011.<br />

The rating is a significant accomplishment because few independent,<br />

nonprofit healthcare organizations receive an A+ bond rating.<br />

“Our bond rating indicates that our hospital is strong financially<br />

and positioned well for the future,” says Paul L. Usher, president/<br />

CEO. “It also stresses the importance of our vision of building relationships<br />

and working together and continuing to make critical decisions<br />

that will enable us to maintain our A+ bond rating.”<br />

Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011 49


When David Callahan<br />

recognized signs of<br />

stroke in his wife,<br />

JoDell, he rushed her<br />

to <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong><br />

<strong>Hospital</strong> for evaluation.<br />

50<br />

Stroke<br />

Care<br />

SaveS<br />

the Day<br />

<strong>MGH</strong>’s partnership with the<br />

StrokeCareNow Network gives<br />

JoDell Callahan the timely<br />

treatment she needed<br />

Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011<br />

By Randy deffenBaugh<br />

JoDell Callahan’s day was supposed to be<br />

filled with conversation, food and fun, time<br />

spent with family in celebration.<br />

“My son, Zachary, was home from<br />

Arkansas and we were going to follow him, his fiancée<br />

and the rest of our family to <strong>Marion</strong> for supper to<br />

celebrate his future wedding,” Callahan says.<br />

Instead, the Fairmount resident’s plans with family<br />

would be interrupted and her evening would be<br />

spent at <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>’s emergency room,<br />

struggling with the inability to speak and with the<br />

uncertainties of stroke.<br />

As Callahan went about her daily activities, she<br />

sensed something was very wrong.<br />

‘What’s the Matter? ’<br />

When Callahan bent over to fill the dog’s dish, her<br />

head felt strange. As she left the house, she noticed<br />

she put two chairs up against the dog’s gate, “something<br />

that was not necessary and I had never done<br />

before,” she says. Then she felt dizzy and stumbled<br />

slightly as she walked out to her car to drive to <strong>Marion</strong>.<br />

When she sat down in her vehicle, all she could do<br />

was stare at the steering wheel and laugh. “It didn’t<br />

even sound like my laugh,” she says. Her husband<br />

of 33 years, David, asked, “What’s the matter with


you?” Then he noticed the right side of her mouth<br />

was drooping and she could not talk to him.<br />

He immediately knew this as a sign of stroke,<br />

because a family member had suffered the same<br />

symptom. (See sidebar for more signs of stroke.)<br />

David took the wheel and drove them both<br />

directly to <strong>MGH</strong>.<br />

QUICK TO ACTION<br />

Upon arrival at <strong>MGH</strong>, emergency room staff, with<br />

their specialized stroke care training, immediately<br />

went into action. “They rushed me inside and<br />

without delay took me to a room and the nurses<br />

began evaluating me,” Callahan says. “I could<br />

hear them, but I was unable to speak or respond.”<br />

Part of Callahan’s evaluation included telemedicine<br />

and teleradiology. This modern technology<br />

is provided to <strong>MGH</strong> patients through a unique<br />

partnership between <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong><br />

and the Fort Wayne-based StrokeCareNow<br />

Network (SCNN).<br />

<strong>With</strong> telemedicine, high-quality audio and<br />

video is transmitted electronically between a<br />

stroke specialist at one location and a patient who<br />

has stroke symptoms at a different location.<br />

“Our partnership with SCNN gives our patients<br />

the opportunity to be physically lying in a bed in<br />

our ER while being seen, heard and evaluated by<br />

an off-site neurologist,” says Tamara Cornelious,<br />

emergency department administrative director.<br />

“We can then decide the best possible treatment<br />

for our patients based on that evaluation.”<br />

In Callahan’s case, it was decided she needed<br />

to be transferred by helicopter to Fort Wayne<br />

for more intense care for her stroke. (That is not<br />

always the case. Since partnering with SCNN,<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> has decreased the number of stroke<br />

patients needing to be transferred to another<br />

location by 42 percent.)<br />

Through teleradiology, the results of<br />

Callahan’s radiology procedures were quickly<br />

and safely transmitted to the off-site neurologist<br />

for evaluation.<br />

SAVING TIME WHEN IT<br />

MATTERS MOST<br />

“By time we arrived in Fort Wayne only 45 minutes<br />

later, the neurologist there had looked over<br />

the tests, and we already had answers as far as<br />

Signs of Stroke<br />

A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel<br />

that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel<br />

breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either<br />

of these occurs, brain cells die and brain damage occurs.<br />

Two million brain cells die each passing minute during a stroke,<br />

increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death.<br />

Nearly 60 percent of stroke deaths happen to females.<br />

Called a “brain attack,” a stroke strikes suddenly, often with the<br />

following warning signs. Remember to act FAST.<br />

Facial weakness. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the<br />

face droop?<br />

Arm and leg weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms.<br />

Does one arm drift downward?<br />

Speech problems. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.<br />

Are the words slurred? Is the sentence repeated correctly?<br />

Time is critical. If the person shows any of these symptoms, time<br />

is important. Call 911 immediately . . . brain cells are dying.<br />

Remember, every minute counts! The most effective treatments are<br />

only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within three<br />

hours of the first symptom.<br />

Source: www.stroke.org<br />

what they were going to do to further<br />

help her. That was incredible,” David<br />

says. “The fact that my wife is sitting<br />

here today and talking is positive<br />

proof the partnership between <strong>MGH</strong><br />

and SCNN works. I thank God, <strong>MGH</strong><br />

and the SCNN for saving my wife.”<br />

Callahan feels as good as she has felt<br />

in years and reports no side effects of<br />

her stroke. Perhaps best of all, just six<br />

weeks after her life-threatening ordeal,<br />

she joined the celebration of her son’s<br />

wedding—as scheduled.<br />

Sources: www.strokeassociation.org,<br />

www.stroke.org<br />

JoDell Callahan joins son Zachary<br />

on his wedding day, just six weeks<br />

after her stroke.<br />

Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011 51


EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE<br />

Who’s Lighting the Halls of <strong>MGH</strong>?<br />

<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> honors its<br />

employees who embrace the spirit<br />

of service excellence through its<br />

Headlighter program. Here is <strong>MGH</strong>’s most<br />

recent group of employees who earned<br />

the distinction.<br />

HEADLIGHTERS<br />

• Debbie Carter, R.N., family birthing center<br />

• Dennis Wanderlich, ambulance<br />

• Cindy Canida-Woodward, R.N., emergency room<br />

• Mabel Duncan, environmental services (Crothall)<br />

• Trina Nevers, R.N., short-stay observation unit<br />

• Mike Dawson, protective services<br />

• Todd Slusser, R.N., emergency room<br />

• Suzi Welker, protective services<br />

• Randy Deffenbaugh, PR/marketing<br />

Purpose<br />

Worthwhile<br />

work<br />

Making a<br />

difference<br />

Featured Headlighter<br />

Todd Slusser, R.N., emergency room, goes out of his way<br />

for a patient’s family member<br />

Todd Slusser was taking care of an elderly woman in<br />

the ER who was going to be transferred to a hospital in<br />

Fort Wayne.<br />

The patient’s daughter wanted to go with her, but she<br />

could not drive after dark and was not allowed to ride in<br />

the ambulance.<br />

Todd was off work but waited on<br />

the patient to be transferred, then<br />

drove the patient’s daughter to the Fort Wayne hospital. It<br />

was 30 miles out of his way on his drive home.<br />

This is above and beyond the call of duty. Todd is a compassionate<br />

and caring nurse. What a great display of nursing care!<br />

52<br />

Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011


Lifetime of Learning<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> Staff Earn<br />

Professional Certification<br />

Four <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> employees have<br />

proved their dedication to providing our<br />

Healthcare Community with the highest level of<br />

quality healthcare. They have chosen to further<br />

their education and advance their knowledge within their<br />

chosen profession. This dedication is demonstrated by their<br />

commitment to study for and pass professional examinations<br />

to become certified.<br />

In healthcare, professional certification helps ensure excellence.<br />

<strong>MGH</strong> staff members pursue this with enthusiasm.<br />

Kathleen Ann Fillenworth, BSN, R.N., case manager,<br />

Care Continuum Department, is now a certified case manager. The Commission<br />

for Case Manager Certification recently awarded her with the distinction.<br />

Fillenworth has worked at <strong>MGH</strong> for more than 38 years. She is a graduate of<br />

Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Fillenworth and her<br />

family live in <strong>Marion</strong>.<br />

Donna Dianne Tucker, BSN, R.N., has earned the designation of<br />

certified nurse manager and leader from the American Organization of Nurse<br />

Executives and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. She received<br />

her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University and currently<br />

resides in <strong>Marion</strong>. Tucker has provided excellent leadership for multiple areas of<br />

the hospital since 2004.<br />

Lisa Guy, MSN, R.N., has earned clinical nurse educator certification from<br />

the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses<br />

Association. The Winchester, Ind., resident is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan<br />

University and has worked at <strong>MGH</strong> for more than six years.<br />

Mickie McNamara, RT(R) ARRT, RDMS(ARDMS), sonographer,<br />

Radiology Department, has successfully completed the breast sonography registry<br />

exam through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.<br />

The 39-year <strong>MGH</strong> veteran says her goal is to “provide my patients with the best<br />

possible care.”<br />

Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011 53


Volunteer ServiceS<br />

’Tis the Season<br />

of Giving<br />

A message from <strong>MGH</strong> Auxiliary president Phil Weck<br />

CALL<br />

Join Our Team<br />

Call <strong>MGH</strong> Volunteer Services at<br />

765-660-6410 to learn how you<br />

can volunteer at <strong>MGH</strong>.<br />

Phil Weck<br />

We are entering a season of joy and<br />

giving. Christmas is the one time<br />

when people seem to enjoy giving<br />

the most.<br />

Hopefully, you will include shopping at the hospital<br />

gift shop. The revenue from the sale of items gives<br />

the Auxiliary the opportunity to help the hospital<br />

with various needs.<br />

During the Winter Wonderland sale Nov. 10, special<br />

items including Christmas trees, ornaments,<br />

wreaths, holiday jewelry and gourmet food will be<br />

offered. It is the only time food items are offered at<br />

the gift shop.<br />

After celebrating Christmas, 2012 offers a blank page<br />

that is waiting to be written. We are looking forward<br />

to the new year with great positivity and anticipation.<br />

Plans are being made for our annual spring luncheon,<br />

on the second Monday of May at the Roseburg Event<br />

Center. The Auxiliary is also planning a sale of ladies<br />

purses on April 3–4. We hope all ladies in the community<br />

who love purses will join us.<br />

We always welcome suggestions for new fundraising<br />

projects that will help us raise money for hospital and<br />

Auxiliary needs.<br />

At our area meeting in May, the Auxiliary turned in<br />

its annual report, which highlighted the 97 hours we<br />

donated as well as the astounding $50,000 we raised to<br />

help with hospital needs.<br />

During this time of year, may we all remember the reason<br />

for the season. On behalf of the Auxiliary board and<br />

volunteers, we wish each of you a merry Christmas and<br />

a happy new year!<br />

Volunteers of the Month<br />

July: Herb Mohler—“I have been on the receiving end of <strong>MGH</strong> services several times, and volunteering is a<br />

great way of showing my appreciation,” says Herb Mohler, a nine-year <strong>MGH</strong> volunteer. Mohler can be found<br />

helping customers in materials management. Before retirement, Mohler worked in pastoral and administration<br />

ministry. He and his wife, Marjorie, have been married 63 1 /2 years.<br />

August: John Heavilin—When two-year <strong>MGH</strong> volunteer John Heavilin is not checking on ER patients and<br />

making them comfortable, he can be found in his yard raising flowers and roses. He has taught the same Sunday<br />

school class at College Wesleyan Church for nearly 20 years, and he is one of 13 Heavilin children who grew up<br />

on 38th and Nebraska. He is a past teacher and pastor, both of which provide skills useful in the ER.<br />

September: Jennie Carmichael—Need directions? Need to know if a friend or loved one is currently in the<br />

hospital? Jennie Carmichael is the smiling face who offers visitors assistance as she sits behind the information<br />

desk. “To stay active, volunteering seemed a good place to be,” she says. When not at <strong>MGH</strong>, Carmichael enjoys<br />

playing golf and piano.<br />

October: Jo Ann Simons—Jo Ann Simons enjoyed volunteering at <strong>MGH</strong> so much 25–30 years ago that she<br />

decided to return and experience it again in 2009. The <strong>Marion</strong> native routinely volunteers in the volunteer office<br />

and really likes it there. “They appreciate everything you do so much,” she says, “and you always get a lot of<br />

thank-yous.” Between volunteering stints, she was an insurance clerk at Dana Corp. Her hobbies include reading<br />

and travel.<br />

Herb Mohler<br />

John<br />

Heavilin<br />

Jennie<br />

Carmichael<br />

Jo Ann<br />

Simons<br />

54<br />

Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011


<strong>MGH</strong> Memorial Garden<br />

Honoring former <strong>MGH</strong> employees, physicians and volunteers<br />

DONATIONS<br />

The <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> Memorial<br />

Garden, in the courtyard east of the<br />

cafeteria, was built in memory of former<br />

Plant Engineering Supervisor Fred<br />

Gause and made possible by a generous donation<br />

and support from the <strong>MGH</strong> Auxiliary. The garden<br />

honors <strong>MGH</strong> employees, physicians and volunteers<br />

who have passed away, by displaying their names<br />

and departments on engraved bricks set around the<br />

base of a tranquil fountain.<br />

Honored as of press time are:<br />

• Helen Usher, volunteer<br />

• Earlene Gribbin, volunteer<br />

• Frankie Daniel, maintenance<br />

<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong><br />

Endowment Fund<br />

In 1994, the <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> Endowment Fund was started to accept donations<br />

to support the hospital’s mission and vision for our Healthcare Community. Donations to<br />

the fund are sincerely appreciated. Call 765-662-0065 or mail to:<br />

The <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> Endowment Fund<br />

Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana Inc.<br />

505 W. Third St.<br />

<strong>Marion</strong>, IN 46952<br />

CALL<br />

Purchase<br />

a Brick<br />

Bricks to honor <strong>MGH</strong><br />

employees, physicians<br />

and volunteers who<br />

have passed away can<br />

be purchased for a minimum<br />

donation of $25.<br />

Call Volunteer Services<br />

at 765-660-6410<br />

for more<br />

information.<br />

Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011 55


Community ConneCtions<br />

Continuous education programs/support groups<br />

Classes<br />

DIABETES<br />

Classes are offered<br />

monthly. Physician<br />

referral is required. For<br />

more information, call<br />

diabetes education at<br />

765-660-6690.<br />

PRENATAL<br />

EDUCATION<br />

Classes provided in<br />

conjunction with<br />

Family Service Society<br />

Inc. Classes are held at<br />

various times throughout<br />

each month. Please<br />

call 765-660-3864 or<br />

visit www.mgh.net<br />

for more information.<br />

SmOkINg<br />

CESSATION<br />

This free five-class<br />

series is cosponsored<br />

by the American<br />

Lung Association.<br />

Call 765-660-6330.<br />

support<br />

Groups<br />

(All support groups<br />

are free)<br />

POSTPARTUm<br />

SUPPORT gROUP<br />

All postpartum families<br />

are welcome. Babies will<br />

be weighed. Specialspeaker<br />

topics will<br />

include nutrition, car<br />

seats and postpartum<br />

depression. Refreshments<br />

will be served.<br />

Call 765-660-6860.<br />

Dates: Meets every<br />

Tuesday<br />

Time: 10:30 a.m.<br />

location: <strong>MGH</strong><br />

Fifth Floor, Room C,<br />

441 N. Wabash Ave.<br />

REfLECTIONS<br />

Cancer support group.<br />

Call 765-660-6556.<br />

Dates: Meets the third<br />

Wednesday of each<br />

month<br />

Time: 3 p.m.<br />

location: <strong>MGH</strong><br />

Conference<br />

Room E, Fifth Floor,<br />

441 N. Wabash Ave.<br />

Community<br />

serviCe<br />

CAR SEAT SAfETy<br />

Free service for parents<br />

and caregivers<br />

for inspection, fitting<br />

and instructions on<br />

proper installation of<br />

a child car seat. (Both<br />

child and car seat must<br />

be at inspection.) Call<br />

765-660-6860 for<br />

appointment.<br />

Time: By appointment<br />

only<br />

location: <strong>MGH</strong><br />

Parking Garage,<br />

441 N. Wabash Ave.<br />

online<br />

For More<br />

Information<br />

Please call the numbers<br />

listed or visit<br />

our website at<br />

www.mgh.net for<br />

information<br />

about any of<br />

our programs.<br />

56<br />

Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011


<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong><br />

441 N. Wabash Avenue<br />

<strong>Marion</strong>, IN 46952<br />

Non-Profit Org.<br />

US Postage<br />

PAID<br />

Vim & Vigor<br />

TIMELY CARE YOU DESERVE.<br />

WE WILL get you in to see:<br />

(1) your <strong>MGH</strong> practitioner<br />

(2) the first available <strong>MGH</strong> practitioner<br />

. . .YOU DECIDE.<br />

WE WILL . . .<br />

° update your <strong>MGH</strong><br />

Electronic Health Record<br />

° allow your <strong>MGH</strong> practitioner<br />

immediate access to your visit results<br />

. . .REST ASSURED.<br />

<strong>With</strong> nearly 20 PRACTITIONERS . . .<br />

WE WILL GET YOU IN.

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