A Heart-To-Heart with Steve Hight

Winter 2014 vol 7, issue 1

Steve’s Story: Steve had risk factors: a family history of heart disease and diabetes. This prompted him to be proactive regarding his own health. He was committed to seeing his physician on a routine basis to monitor his blood pressure and blood sugar. “It was during one of those visits that I was diagnosed with a heart murmur. I was referred immediately to a local cardiologist for evaluation,” said Steve. He began having echocardiograms annually to monitor his aortic valve function. “During the summer, I began to experience shortness of breath and decided I should make an appointment with my cardiologist for further evaluation,” explained Steve. It was recommended that Steve have a heart catheterization to rule out any blockages in the arteries.

“My wife Debbie and I were not too overly concerned during that visit. I had been faithful with my checkups and echocardiograms. At the very worst, I was expecting to have a stent inserted to open up a blocked artery,” said Steve. The heart catheterization was performed at Bristol Regional Medical Center. The results revealed that Steve would have to have a valve replacement and bypass. Steve’s wife Debbie remembers, “We were so surprised to hear the news. There seemed to be little time to even process what we had been told. But, Steve is a very strong, active and determined man. He has a never ending faith in the Lord and it is through that faith he has proven to be a success story.” After the surgery, Steve was recovering at home. “I was not feeling well and I went to Wythe County

Visit: www.wcchcares.com

(continued on page 2)

When you’re young, a non-smoker, in good physical condition and have good eating habits, a heart attack is the last thing you’d think would happen to you. Unfortunately for Steve Hight, he became

one of nearly 84 million Americans who suffer from some form of heart disease.

Here are five ways you can live a heart-healthy life.

(continued from cover)

Wythe County Community Hospital Dedicates Memorial Garden

Wythe County Community Hospital’s

Memorial Garden is located on the front lawn

of the hospital campus in the front parking area.

The Garden is a special place for family and

friend’s to remember a loved one. This tranquil

setting is filled with beautiful plantings, a

gazebo and a walking path designed to encour-

age relaxation and reflection.

Surrounded by peaceful beauty, the Memo-

rial Garden gives families and friends who have

lost a loved one a special place for healing and

reflection. Special remembrance plaques are

located within the garden and the gazebo.

Designed with beautifully engraved name plates,

they bear the names of those who have been

memorialized.

For more information on the Memorial

Garden or to purchase a plaque for a loved one,

please contact Tony Stewart at 276-228-0200.

Or visit us online at www.WCCHcares.com.

Richard Happel, MDCardiologist

Live What You Learn

1) Check It Out: Early detection of heart disease is critical. See

your doctor on a regular basis to check your blood pressure, heart

rate, and levels of cholesterol, a waxy substance that can clog your

arteries.

2) Eat Heart Smart: The old saying “you are what you eat” is

especially true when it comes to taking care of your heart. Four of

the risk factors for heart disease—high blood pressure, high

cholesterol, diabetes and obesity—are directly related to a person’s

diet. So avoid foods high in sodium, saturated fats, trans fats,

cholesterol and sugars. And eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and

whole grains.

3) Work Up A Sweat: The heart is like any other muscle. It needs exercise to stay

strong and healthy. So get off the couch and start walking, swimming, biking or

jogging—any activity to get your heart pumping—at least 30 minutes a day, five

times a week. Be sure to talk to

you doctor before starting any

exercise program.

4) Lose Those Extra Pounds:

Between 60 to 70 percent of

Americans are either overweight

or obese, putting them at higher

risk for heart disease.

5) No Butts: It’s never too late to

quit smoking. If you stop today,

your risk for heart disease will

drop 50 percent in just one year!

Community Hospital for some blood work. By the time I got to the hospital, I could barely walk. Dr. Kevin Fox was the emergency room physician that day and when I arrived, Dr. Fox was waiting for me. It was such a comfort for me and my family to know he and the staff were doing everything they could to evaluate my condition,” said Steve. Lisa Anderson, Director of Emergency Department and ICCU states, “WCCH has a policy that anytime someone presents to the ED with chest pain or shortness of breath, they receive emergency triage and treatment.” Steve was transferred back to Bristol and underwent another heart surgery to eliminate fluid that had collected from the previous surgery. After eleven days, Steve finally came home to his family.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Steve began his rehabilitation at Wythe County Community Hospital. “The first few weeks after the

event were a little frightening and I really didn’t know what to expect. The cardiac rehab staff has been a valuable support system to me and to my family. There is such a comfort level with Chelsea Johnson and Ann Poe in that department,” stated Steve. Steve is taking an active role in his care to enjoy a healthier future. He has set goals and made changes in his heath habits to eliminate future problems.

A Life Changing Event Steve, Debbie and their two daughters Samantha and Emily will never forget the experience that changed their lives. They feel truly blessed to have such caring and supportive healthcare professionals that made critical decisions at the right time.

Sources: American Heart Association;

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

www.wcchcares.com

For more information, call or

visit us online at:

Here are five ways you can live a heart-healthy life. First-of-its-kindKidney Stone Prevention Clinic in Wytheville

Each year, about 37 million people suffer from sinusitis, an infection or in-

flammation of the sinuses. Symptoms include nasal congestion, painful head-

aches, sinus pressure, loss of smell and facial or teeth pain. Many sinusitis cases are

acute, but if symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, it could be chronic sinusitis.

When medications fail to work, surgery may provide long-lasting relief for

chronic sinus problems. Wythe County Community Hospial offers a new proce-

dure called balloon sinuplasty to help patients breathe easier. Unlike traditional

sinus surgery, sinuplasty improves breathing without cutting or removing bone

or tissue.

Balloon sinuplasty is very similar to the way doctors expand clogged arteries:

using a balloon. During the procedure, an otolaryngologist guides a thin, flexible

tube equipped with a small balloon through the nostrils into the blocked sinus.

The balloon is then inflated just enough to expand the sinus area, causing the

opening to become wider and allowing for easier breathing.

Sinuplasty can be performed without general anesthesia or surgical packing.

Patients can resume normal activities within minutes of the procedure.

Dr. Kenneth RogotzkeOtolaryngologist

Dr. Derek GardnerUrologist

If you have had a kidney stone or have a family history of kidney stones, you know how painful they can be. And if you’ve had one, you have a near 50% chance of suffering another. Prevention is key. And now there’s medical help, right here at home. Southwest UroCare Kidney Stone Clinic offers a unique approach to the treatment of kidney stones and is designed for all patients who suffer from any type of renal stone disease –from simple to complex. Dr. Derek Gardner, Board Certified Urologist, and the medical staff at Southwest UroCare Kidney Stone Clinic focus on two areas of service:

Patients who have existing kidney stones• Surgicalandmedicaltreatmentoptions,nutritionalcounseling

Kidney stone prevention services• Individualizedplanforeachpatient’sneeds• Specific,step-by-step,life-longstrategiestoreducethe chances of developing a kidney stone at all, or future risk of another

Please call to schedulea consultation

276-228-5069

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm • 1155 North 4th Street, Ste 502 • Wytheville, VA 24382

WCCH Now Offers MinimallyInvasive Sinus Surgery

Wythe County Community

Hospital is pleased to welcome

Dr. Erin Bowser as the newest

member of our medical staff. Dr.

Bowser will join Family Healthcare

of Wytheville, PC, located at 340

Peppers Ferry Road, Suite C.

Dr. Bowser is a native of Mayport,

Pennsylvania.

Dr. Bowser completed a degree

in Biology at Dequesne University in

Pittsburg, PA. She then completed

her medical training at Lake Erie

College of Osteopathic Medicine

in Erie, PA and her residency at

Clarion Hospital in Clarion, PA.

She completed a Family Practice

Emphasis Internship and Family

Practice Residency at Clarion

Hospital, Clarion, PA.

Dr. Bowser holds several

certifications including advanced

trauma and cardiovascular life

support and pediatric advanced life

support. She specializes in family

practice, acute illnesses, chronic

diseases, well visits, gynecological

care and preventative care.

Welcome

Dr. Erin BowserFamily Medicine

DR. ERIN BOWSER

Wythe County Community Hospital

600 West Ridge Road

Wytheville, VA 24382

www.wcchcares.com

WYTHE COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

HealthPoint is published as a community service by Wythe County Community Hospital. It in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. For individual guidance, consult your physician. For more information about Wythe County Community Hospital or anything found in this publication, please call 276-228-0200.

Winter 2014 vol 7, issue 1

A Heart-To-Heart With Steve Hight

Live What You Learn

WCCH Dedicates Memorial Garden

Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery

Kidney Stone Prevention Clinic

Welcome Dr. Erin Bowser

Important News and Helpful Advice for a Healthier Life inside: