Delivering Hope

Hope. This very short word is a powerful one when you are struggling with infertility. Believe me, I know. Throughout my battle with infertility, all I wanted a doctor to do was to tell me it was going to be ok and there was hope. Guess what? There was hope for us and there is hope for many couples.

Many people do not know that 10 percent of couples experience infertility problems. That is the other amazing thing about this journey. When you are in the throws of trying to start a family, the people who you never knew struggled with infertility become some of your greatest supporters and resources.

Finding a physician you believe in and you trust is also extremely important. If you are like many couples, you do not know what is involved with infertility treatment, if you are a candidate or even how much it is going to cost and if your insurance will cover it. These are normal questions!
If you find yourself reading this and feel like you can relate, I want to invite you to join us for a free advances in medicine seminar with Dr. Laura Lawrence.

Details:
Infertility Advances in Medicine
July 14, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth
Call 1-877-THR-WELL or click here to reserve your spot

An opportunity like this is a very non-threatening way to get many of yours and your spouse's or significant other's questions answered. Hopefully, for many of you, it will offer some hope! Hope to see you there!

- Whitney

Bariatric Diaries 5: Is the room spinning?

First of all, I apologize for taking longer than normal to get my next blog entry done. The last few weeks have been very, very hectic to say the least.

I went back to see Dr. Douglas Lorimer a couple weeks ago for my 3 week checkup after surgery. It was pretty routine office visit. He checked out all the incisions to make sure everything was healing up well and asked some questions about how the diet was working out for me. After I got done, he sent me over to the lab to have some blood work done and to see if there were any changes since pre-op. I got a call later in the week that everything was looking good and all the results within normal range. I am fortunate to have not had a lot of medical issues before surgery with the exception of normal day-to-day stress and something called fatty liver syndrome. From my understanding there are lots of bariatric patients who have fatty liver syndrome. I assume that since all the results came back normal, that maybe that is gone now. I will need to confirm with Dr. Lorimer next office visit. I have my next follow up on July 7th.

Then last week, I received some very unfortunate news. My lovely mother passed away at the young age of 59. My poor mother has been through the ringer with medical issues in her life but had been doing well recently so this came as a huge shock. So instantly life go a little crazier as my family starting making plans and trying to deal with all the stress that comes with it. I didn’t do very well with my diet last week. I was so busy that I found myself on what amounted to a very poor clear liquid diet again. I wasn’t keeping much of anything down and was starting to think that I had fallen off the deep end and maybe mentally I was making myself sick. I talked with our dietician Jaime Bass at the hospital and she reminded me to do my best to stay hydrated and eat when I needed to eat. She put my mind at ease that I was not going crazy and that a lot of this was probably my body’s way of dealing with stress. After all in just a month, I have had major surgery and now this. My body probably didn’t know what to think. Things are better now and one of my biggest supporters is my guardian angel who can be with me all the time. She will be missed, but I have found peace in knowing she is in a much better place and all her health problems are gone.

I experienced my first holiday since surgery, Father’s Day. We spent some time with my dad on Saturday and then had dinner with my father n law on Sunday afternoon. My son and wife plotted together to make a custom made card for me. I opened the card and couldn’t help but laugh a little when it said I love you dad. I am glad you had your surgery. At first I thought this was my wife’s way of making a joke but apparently when they ordered online, that is what he asked her to put into the card. Obviously with the holiday and the meals that came with it, I was put to a major test. I did well. I had my little portion of food and sat back and enjoyed the company of my family. I think it is funny that people realize the position I am in and apologize for eating in front of me. I make it a point to explain to them that it is not a problem and as much as I would love to partake in the bbq or steak, I would much rather not be sick from eating it.

So after yet another week off work, I am back in the saddle and working to play catch up here at the office. Things are going well in my mind though. It is nice to be back at work and talking with my clients again. It has been a very productive week which always makes it better and next month is already looking up as well.

These little life occurrences make the journey a little more interesting but really tests my ability to stay strong and continue down the right path. If it is ok, I would prefer to not have many more big surprises like I have had over the last couple weeks for awhile. So far I have lost 80 lbs since I started this journey and I feel like I am beginning to gain some of my strength back. I encourage everyone to come to the support group for Bariatric surgery patients Thursday, July 1 at 6:00 pm at the hospital. Jaime Bass from bariatric services will be discussing Bartiatric diet which I know I can definitely use.

The journey continues….

- Casey Armstrong

It's Snake Season

Snakes are remarkable animals successfully living on land, sea, forests, grasslands, lakes, deserts and as of last week my backyard. Although the one my back porch wasn’t successful for long. I don’t know how you feel, but I HATE snakes. I coexist with all the geckos, spiders, frogs and other various forms of wildlife that make it to my backyard from the open field behind my house. I don’t even mind listening to the coyotes that “yip-yip” alongside my fence at night after a big rain. But I do draw the line at snakes. They are simply sinister. I realize that most snakes are harmless and even beneficial. I have read these cold blooded creatures are almost always more afraid of humans than we are of them. Whoever wrote that hasn’t met me.
With that being said, I am focusing this month’s blog on snakebite prevention. We are now officially in “snake bite season”. These legless reptiles are more active in the summer months. Recently several patients have been admitted for snake bite treatment. Most of those bites have been from copperheads and rattlesnakes. All snakes are meat eaters. They don’t see humans as their next “value meal” but rather as a threat and will strike out when they are startled, provoked or have no means of escape if cornered. There are about 45,000 snakebites per year in the US. Only a small percentage of those are poisonous. If you are bitten you should seek immediate medical attention. Effects from a bite can be instant or gradual. Puncture wounds can easily become infected from non-poisonous varieties. A tetanus shot is required if the victim hasn’t had one within 5 years. Keep the injured area below the level of the heart, and DON’T apply a tourniquet or ice. Remove any constricting items near the bite, such as rings or other jewelry which could cut off blood flow if the bite area swells. Being calm also helps slow the absorption of the venom. Although I don’t believe remaining calm after a snakebite is even possible. Do not risk further bites or delay treatment by attempting to capture or kill the snake.
Obviously snakebite prevention is far superior to treatment. If you see a snake, give him the opportunity to escape. Step away slowly and cautiously. Use a flashlight when camping. Never reach into firewood or under rocks or crevices without examining them first. I even wear my cowboy boots when trimming bushes (we do live in Texas after all). Be aware that snakes may be swimming in the water. Avoid snakes that appear to be dead, as some species will actually roll over on their backs and stick out their tongue to fool potential threats. Which means those species are essentially smarter than my Jack Russell. If you do kill a snake, know that the detached head can immediately act by reflex and potentially bite.
Have a healthy respect for them (or at least a rational fear) and enjoy your summer.

Mary Ann Contreras RN
Injury Prevention

Doctor Talk

I’ll set the scene: You have been admitted to the hospital and this time your Primary Care Physician (PCP) won’t be coming to see you as an inpatient, so you’re assigned a hospitalist. A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in inpatient care. The hospitalist just read your medical record when they approach your bed to discuss your care…
Communicating with this new physician can seem intimidating since you’re in a new environment and sick enough to be admitted. It’s important that you tell the hospitalist and nursing staff all the important details of your medical history and current symptoms so the best plan of care can be created. There’s a natural hesitancy not to tell a stranger everything about your private medical conditions, but the physician and staff are here for you and you’re protected by federal privacy laws. The time to open up is now.
It’s no secret that hospitalists and PCP’s have a lot of patients to see in the hospital and don’t always ask if you have any questions before they leave your hospital room. Please don’t let that stop you from asking. It’s best to be prepared. Write down the question(s) beforehand so that you’ll be organized, then ask the physician if they “have a minute” to answer your most important question(s) and fire away. Think of it as a “grocery list” for your acute health problems. If possible, it’s best to limit questions to the appropriate specialist. For example, the neurologist will not be able to answer your question about an ankle rash. Your nurse is your guide about which physician to ask which question on your list.
If you listen to the physician’s answers and are not sure if you understand, it’s ok to repeat back what you think he/she said and let them correct you if need be so you’re both on the same page. Misunderstandings left uncorrected are worse than not understanding at all.
It’s important to be proactive and involved in your own care. As Texas Health Harris Methodist’s “Patient Rights and Responsibilities” states, “You have the right to take part in developing and carrying out your plan of care.” Communication is the key and whether you’re at our hospital or a routine physician’s appointment, it’s best to make the most of that limited time by being prepared.

- Craig Pomykal
Patient Advocate

Beyond the walls of the hospital!

If you take time to think about it, how often do you hear comments such as, “People just aren’t like they used to be?” Or “Well in the good old days, people would treat you better.” Or “Nobody cares for anyone but themselves.” We’ve all heard it and probably even said it a time or two. So, if you or a loved one has ever felt dismayed about your fellow human beings, then this story might just change your mind.
Not too long ago on the Palliative Care Unit, a decision was made that a patient would be going home on hospice. A hospital bed would need to replace the bed in the bedroom...but there was a problem. Both husband and wife were elderly, and the husband was not able to dismantle the bed and did not know anyone that could help him. Always willing to help, one of the unit nurses contacted a co-worker who was on vacation. He went over and helped the patient’s husband take down the bed. In the meantime, the hospice decision was altered, and it was determined that the patient actually needed inpatient hospice facility care. The nurse again took time from his vacation to go back over and help the husband put the bed back together. Not only did he stop what he was doing while enjoying his time off, but he heard someone needed help and gave his time, strength, and aid.
While something like this may not happen every time we deal with our fellow human beings, it does serve as a reminder that most people are kind and compassionate. So, today, if you feel a bit disgruntled because you dealt with someone who was insensitive and unsupportive, try thinking of all the people you know who are just the opposite. It’s guaranteed to lift your spirits and put a smile on your face! This story and nurse exemplify that amazing care and compassion are not limited to your hospital stay at Texas Health Fort Worth, but can be experienced outside of our doors!

- Ashley Hodo

Palliative Care Nurse Manager

Bariatric Diaries 4: Back to work and BIG NEWS!!

Well summer is finally here and man is it hot outside. Drink your water because you get dehydrated very quickly, and the last thing you want is to end up in the ER because of dehydration.

I went back to see Dr. Lorimer last Wednesday (1 week and a day after surgery) for my first check up. If your surgery is done laproscopically, you will have six small incisions across your stomach area and each one will have a clear band-aid type covering over it. Each incision was glued shut but I did have 4 stitches on one of mine that had to be taken out. Let me just say OUCH!! The covering material is a lot stickier than a band-aid and ripped my skin in a couple places. Those small little spots are a very small price to pay for the end results. So my stitches are out and I am moving on to recovery. I am still a bit sore from surgery but stopped taking pain meds a couple days after I was home from the hospital. I figure that there is no need to take them unless I am in serious pain. Full liquids for two more weeks, I am really excited, ok not really. I left Dr. Lorimer’s office with an appointment for 2 weeks out and his blessing to return to work, so all in all I was a happy camper.

I went back to work June 1 and to be honest, it was nice to get out of the house and be back around a large group of people. I did find that working all day tired me out a lot quicker than before surgery. I am sure it will get easier every day and the sooner the better. It was nice to see everybody again and definitely helped that they were all telling me how good I look now that I have lost more weight.

For the most part, I have just been taking it easy when I get home and try to walk as much as I can when my wife and I go places. You will get tired a lot quicker that you expect and especially if you are out in the heat of the day. Fortunately for me, my wife is there to keep an eye on me and make sure I don’t overdo things. I feel like I am recovering well and hope to be able to start working out later this month to help burn off some extra pounds. With all the heat we are experiencing I make sure to keep a bottle of water with me at all times and it seems to help with hunger as well as keep me cool.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention some very big news. I have officially reached my first milestone in this journey. As of this morning, I am officially less than 300lbs. There is no turning back now. Goodbye 300s I am done with you forever!! My total weight loss since the start of the year is 55 lbs. I am fitting into clothes I thought I would never get to wear again and feeling great.

The journey continues…

Bariatric Diaries 3: First Weekend Home

What a rollercoaster.

I got released on Thursday afternoon from the hospital and left pretty sore but looking forward to recuperating in my own bed. Friday I was home alone so that my wife could go back to work. I relied on the pain medication to help me make it through the day and slept most of the day between HBO movies. Saturday, I got to see my son for the first time since the surgery. In the most innocent 6 year old voice he immediately said ”Wow you look like you lost some weight already Dad.” Even though I knew he was trying to make me feel better, I played along. I also got out and did some walking with my wife while she ran some errands. She must be a saint, because she has been so supportive and waited on me hand and foot this week.

The pain has not been too bad so far. My surgery was laparoscopic, so I have 6 small incisions forming a rectangle on my stomach. I would offer to show a picture, but trust me when I say you don’t want to see that. The incision on the upper left side is by far the most painful. Dr. Douglas Lorimer, who did the surgery, explained that is the “port” where they insert the stapler and so it will generally be the worst pain wise. So as of Sunday evening, I am for the most part pain meds free (5 days post op). I have made it to the evening without taking any pain meds, which depending on how much I am moving around, makes me question myself. Overall the pain is about a 1 or 2 on the infamous pain scale you will experience at the hospital.

Ok, so I know you are probably telling yourself that there has to be something that isn’t going so well. A couple things!! I am having issues with nothing tasting good to me anymore. Things I fell in love with preparing for the surgery taste like awful. Even my fall back plan of fat free pudding that I have eaten most of life tastes bad. I unfortunately had to pay another trip to Vitamin Shop today because the one protein I really liked before surgery tasted and smelled so bad that I started to gag from drinking it. Oh yeah, the vitamins aren’t so bad, but I have found myself brushing my teeth more because they make my breath smell horrible. Not sure what is causing this problem; I have to figure something out QUICKLY!!

Overall, I give 2 thumbs up with my surgery experience. I will make it through the couple bad things and I will be a better human because of it. Life is too short to let small issues like those get in my way. I go back to my follow up appointment with Dr. Lorimer next Wednesday morning. I am sure he will have some answers to my issues and more importantly he is planning on taking out the stitches. I forgot how much they can start to itch after a few days. Be very careful with your wounds, the last thing you want is an infection or something to happen to those stitches.
Also, I want to take a quick moment to thank some very special people at Texas Health Fort Worth. Dr. Lorimer and Dr. Castaneda, you guys did a great job and I really appreciated the kind words from both of you after I got to my room. I could not have asked for a better team of surgeons to work on me. The nurses and patient care techs on the 3rd floor are amazing. They can be tough on you when it matters most, but they are always there. I can now confirm that in any state of medication I will forever be able to provide my full name and date of birth. J I have worked with nurses for several years through my job and I have never seen such a professional and caring group of nurses in one place at any given time. The “Lovely Ladies of Bariatrics”, Tiffany Norris and Jaime Bass, are again awesome. They both came and checked on me daily and helped make the stay just a little easier. Carey in the chaplain’s office also came by to see me every day. He prayed with me and my wife pre surgery and really made me feel so much calmer and always had some kind words to share when I was stuck in the hospital bed. Finally, thank you to Whitney Jodry in marketing who braved the early morning hours to tweet about my surgery to promote obesity awareness. It is a huge problem (no pun intended) and people should know their options. My family is extremely appreciative of the work that the entire team of Texas Health Fort Worth put forward to make our experience that much better.
Since surgery, I have lost about 10 lbs. bringing my total loss since January to approximately 46 lbs.

The journey continues…..

Full coverage of the Casey James Visit!

Casey James' visit to Texas Health Fort Worth was nothing short of amazing! I have documented his entire visits with the highlights pictured below. I also want to mention that his visit has been well documented on People.com, MTV.com as well as on Fox 4 last Friday. We also have been told that the segment from his visit will air on Wednesday night on American Idol. Please tune in...

Texas Health Fort Worth surgery nurses made their own posters and came to catch a glimpse of Casey!
Hundreds of fans waited in anticipation of his arrival!
The police motorcade that escorted Casey all over the metroplex!
He finally arrived! And in style...
Fans first glimpse of Casey!

Casey took time to stop, sign autographs and take pictures with his fans! He was so gracious!
This precious boy brought his guitar for Casey to sign!
Casey and his mama seeing Dr. Cory Collinge, orthopedic surgeon at Texas Health Fort Worth, for the first time.
Casey presented Dr. Collinge with one of his guitars that said "To the good people that saved my life, I love you!" This was a very touching moment!
From left to right: Lillie Biggins, senior vice president of operations at Texas Health Fort Worth, Dr. Cory Collinge, orthopedic surgeon, Casey James and his mama!
Dr. Collinge and Casey James with two of our excellent clinical staff in Trauma ICU!
Dr. Collinge and Casey!
Casey doing an interview with the local Fox affiliate about his accident and what the staff at Texas Health Fort Worth mean to him!
Casey even made time to stop and visit with a patient, Dalton Williams, who recently was in a motor vehicle accident and was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Casey!

Casey gave one last hug and picture to the PR girls at Texas Health Fort Worth!

I have to say after working at this wonderful hospital for six years, this media event goes down in the books as one of the most memorable and most touching! I am proud every day to work with such incredible physicians, nurses, administrators, volunteers and professional staff who make it their goal to improve the health of the community!

Thank you, Casey, and American Idol for stopping to pay it forward to our clinical staff! This day was truly one we will all remember for the rest of our lives!

- Whitney Jodry

Texas Health Fort Worth spokeswoman

Bariatric Diaries 2: Getting closer

I woke up early today to visit Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth to have my pre op testing done for surgery day. You can schedule your pre op tests up to 5 days out from the date of the surgery. The tests were pretty straight forward. They did blood work, an EKG, a couple chest x- rays, and of course a weigh in. Also, be prepared to give your life history. I am almost positive they asked me over 1000 questions. Ok, maybe it was more like 40 or 50. Before all the testing I paid a visit to a friendly admissions counselor who verified all my information and collected my deposit for the surgery. I was in and out in less than an hour.
So now I am preparing for my last weekend before surgery. A friend asked me earlier today what I had planned for the weekend, and I could hear in their voice they were waiting for this great lineup of events. No, I am not going to go slay a dragon, or go bungee jumping, or anything crazy. It’s just another weekend like all the others. I am going to relax with my wife and son while trying to get some things done around the house since I will be out of commission for a week or two. If it doesn’t rain too much, I will be coaching t-ball on Saturday morning. I will probably slip away to do a little shopping for chewable vitamins, protein, and all the other supplements that I will begin taking once I am home from the hospital. Other than that, I plan on spending most of the weekend at home.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention how the weigh in went this morning. Drum Roll Please………. I have lost 23 lbs since my last weigh in a month ago. Great way to start the morning!
Have a good weekend everybody!! The journey continues….

- Casey Armstrong

All about Casey James today!

What a day we have had at Texas Health Fort Worth! So glad to have former patient Casey James and top 3 American Idol contestant in the house! Here are a few pics from his visit...

Casey exiting the limo to hundreds of fans!

Casey was so generous and signed this little boys guitar! He probably made his year! He also took pictures and signed autographs with hundreds of fans!
From Left to Right: Lillie Biggins, senior vice president of operations at Texas Health Fort Worth; Dr. Cory Collinge, orthopedic surgeon at Texas Health Fort Worth and Casey's doctor; Casey James and his mama!
Casey presented the hospital and Dr. Collinge with one of his guitars signed "To the good people who saved my life. I love you." Signed Casey James.

What a priceless gift!

Dr. Collinge is quite the miracle worker. I love the beaming look on his face after receiving one of Casey's very own guitars - signed!!!
Casey also went and visited one of our trauma patients, who is also a musician and loves to play the guitar! Glad we could have you participate today, Dalton!

These fans made today even more special! Thanks to the community for coming and showing your support!

I will be posting more pictures as I get them, so make sure you check back! What an incredible day we have had and can't wait to share more photos and video with you!

- Whitney Jodry

Texas Health Fort Worth Spokeswoman

Guess who is coming to Texas Health Fort Worth Today??? Casey James!!!

If you want to catch a glimpse of Casey today, be here at 11:45 a.m.

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue
Fort Worth, TX

Fans will be welcome to line the streets of W. Cannon Street!

Hope to see you there!

Bariatric Diaries 1: A Perspective from Casey Armstrong

My name is Casey Armstrong. I am a fat guy.
I have been an obese person since the day I was born. It all began August 18, 1979 when my parents gave birth to a strapping 10 lb baby boy whom the doctor proclaimed needed to be playing for the Cowboys. Growing up I was always active in sports and other activities and I always made a mental note of the fact that I was always the biggest kid in the group. That might have bothered some people, but I was lucky to have been taught that I shouldn’t let people’s words bother me. By junior high I was already hovering around the 200lb range and by high school I was nearing 275. After high school I went on to college at SMU in Dallas and after tearing my ACL and becoming less active, I was quickly over 300 lbs. I am now 30 years old and at the beginning of the year I was close to 350 lbs. All these years I would make excuses as to why I didn’t need to diet, I was in denial.

This year has brought lots of twists and turns to my already jammed packed life. Back in January I got some bad news, my mom was very sick from complications of congestive heart failure. Not long after that, I found out that an old friend had passed away at just 37 years of age. My mind raced with the idea of death, illness, and my family. Life is short, and the fact that I have a family history of medical issues a mile long and the fact that I was overweight didn’t help my cause much. Later that night, I stood in the kitchen with my wife and we talked about death, our family, and the fact that I needed to do something to change my life because I didn’t want to die. We decided that I should call to get more information on weight loss surgery. At that moment, I knew my life was about to change.
I contacted Dr. Lorimer at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth and scheduled an appointment. My wife went with me to find out what my options were. I was nervous to the point that I was sweating and almost couldn’t think straight. After talking to Dr. Lorimer, I knew what I had started down a path of no return and now I had to finish it. I began all of the prerequisites set out for me by my insurance company so that they would help pay for the procedure. A pulmonologist visit, then a psychiatry visit (I now have proof I am not crazy), a monthly trip to see the “Lovely Ladies of Bariatrics” at the hospital, and finally attending a monthly support group (yes men go to support groups too) for weight loss surgery patients. After 5 months of appointments and mentally and physically preparing myself I am scheduled to have gastric bypass surgery on May 18, 2010.

I get asked a lot of questions lately, so I thought I would get those answered one more time for anybody out there reading this. Here we go…

Why am I doing this?
That’s easy. Although I don’t have any major health problems, my family does. I am married and have a 6 year old son, and I want to watch my marriage grow and be there for my son as he moves on in his life. Most importantly, I am doing this for ME!! I am smart enough to know that if I don’t change the way I live, I will most likely miss out on things in life. I am not one to miss the party, and I plan on being here for many more years.

What do I look forward to the most with losing the excess weight?
I can finally walk into any store and buy clothes off the shelf rather than paying more money to buy big and tall clothes. My wife always reminds me how good it will feel to lose the weight when I get discouraged or try to venture off my plan.
What is the worst part of getting to surgery day?
Two words, CHICKEN BROTH!! You will have to go to a liquid diet 2 weeks before surgery and Chicken broth cannot be altered enough ways to make it appetizing. Also note that once you put no sugar into your body for a few days and then you accidentally eat something sweet, WOW you will get a rush. I experienced this at the hands of a cherry Popsicle. I bounced off the walls for hours. It sounds horrible to go to a liquid diet, but it becomes easier the further you go. On top of that I have lost over 20 lbs after my first 8 days on the diet.

What is my goal?
My goal is to lose approximately 120 lbs. That would put me close to 200lbs for the first time since junior high. Also I have made it a mission to compete in some type of endurance race with a few of my friends within a year of my surgery.

How long will I be away from work?
I have been told 2 weeks. I am stubborn and want to go back sooner, but I am playing it safe and doing as I am told. I hope to be fully recovered within a month.

What does everyone think about this?
I have some of the most supportive people on the planet in my corner. My family and friends are rooting for me the whole way and have already told me that I will be under watchful eye. Your support group is probably one of the most important elements in this process. This is not a quick fix, it is a lifestyle change.
I go in tomorrow morning for my preop testing; I am nervous and excited all at the same time.

I am having surgery in 6 days. Now more than ever, my life is changing. The journey has just begun! Keep you posted!

- Casey Armstrong

Nutritional Facts - Coming to a Restaurant Near You

There’s a lot of talk about menu-labeling laws requiring restaurants to post exactly how many calories, fat grams, sodium, etc. are in that quick lunch you eat on your way to your next meeting or your daughter’s soccer practice. Americans are spending almost half of their food dollars on food outside of the home, specifically at fast food restaurant and food-service vendors. And most don’t know exactly what they are eating.

The nutritional facts are available for most of these restaurants and have been for years, but research from the American Journal of Public Health show that most don’t look. Researchers observed 4,311 patrons of several very popular fast food restaurants to see if they accessed in-store nutrition data. The info was not on the menu board but in a pamphlet, on a wall poster or an on-site computer. Only six, or 0.1%, of the patrons looked at the numbers.

Some will argue that consumers don’t care or won’t change their selections based on nutritional information, but does that mean we shouldn’t have this information readily available. Would you choose to super size your order, knowing it adds 220 calories and 6 grams of fat? Maybe, but it would be an informed choice.

We cannot argue that obesity, heart disease and diabetes are growing rapidly. If laws require us to know what our clothes are made of and how to properly launder them, shouldn’t the same be said of our food?

- Tiffany Norris
Bariatric Nurse Coordinator

Knowing Your Rights

If you are admitted to our hospital or come to our Emergency Department, you’re given a small stack of papers to sign. While it’s tempting to quickly sign the forms and feel that you’re done, these forms are provided for your protection to empower you while you’re in the hospital. It’s more than okay to read the forms and ask questions before you sign them.

One form you or your loved one will receive is titled “Patient Rights and Responsibilities.” It lists numerous patient rights which are based on the inherent values of dignity, respect, and consideration. Some of the patient rights on this form involve important topics such as privacy, freedom of choice, and obtaining information from the medical record.

I think many people underestimate their influence over their own health care decisions. For example, you could be going into a state of the art operating room with the best physician in the country with our amazing nurses ready to help …but it still comes down to you consenting to have the surgery done. The surgery starts with you and ends with you.

Just as looking at your favorite restaurant’s menu is the best way to see what to order and what to expect, reading the “Patient Rights and Responsibilities” form at the start of your hospital stay is the best way to prepare for a very satisfied experience.

Craig Pomykal
Patient Advocate

Boat Safety and Summer...

It looks like spring has officially arrived here in North Texas. The skies are clear, school is nearly out and the bluebonnets are everywhere, making even traffic jams tolerable with their incredible beauty. There is just something about spring that brings a new found energy and beginning.
Folks spend more time outside this time of year. In Texas, that also means on the lake. We have more square miles of inland water than any other state. I have lots of memories being pulled behind a boat trying to get up on water skis. Thank goodness that was before personal video cameras. Remember those big orange life-jackets?
Speaking of life jackets, it is a law that anyone younger the age of 13 must be wearing one. Nearly 85% of all boating fatalities were not wearing a life jacket. Of course they don’t have to be the orange ones, just one that are coast guard approved, and they have come a long way baby. In fact, life jackets are a requirement for personal water crafts.
Be the “designated driver “and avoid alcoholic beverages while boating. Alcohol plays a role in 50% of all boating accidents. Boating while intoxicated carries penalties similar to driving while intoxicated.
It’s also a great idea to take a boater education class. They will tell you to maintain a 50 foot distance from other boats, personal water crafts and swimmers unless operating at an idle speed. They will also let you know that weekends between noon and 7PM are the busiest times on the lake, so operate your vessel at safe speeds, especially in crowded areas. Information can be found at the Texas Parks and Wildlife web pages.
Both of my sons love the lake. They spend hours perfecting their wake boarding flips including “front roll, back roll and half-cabs”. They post their pictures on various social networks. It’s an enormous workout. I know my heart rate increases when I see the photos! But most of all they have a great time with friends and family. That’s what spring and outdoors is about.
Until next time keep it safe and shipshape!

--Mary Ann
Injury Prevention Coordinator