Experience Magazine

Supporting your body, mind and spirit

summer 2010 Premiere issue

ExpEriEncE

Winan annual

membership to

The Health

Adventure!

Details inside

Century of ServiCePark ridge begins another100 years of caring for you2

what’S yourS?The community shares its “hundreds”3 emergenCy!

How one mom foundcomfort in a time of crisis6

your health, in Bloom

Discover the 9 secrets residents of ‘Blue Zones’ already know

PAGe 4

History of Healing

Voice of exPerience

Above: Sidney Brownsberger (with hat), who purchased the original 416 acres where Park Ridge Health now sits, with his children, the first registered nurses in North Carolina. Far right: Nursing students in the first Fletcher Academy School of Nursing graduating class. A

need a Doctor?Park ridge Health’s highly skilled physicians treat the whole patient—body, mind and spirit. Visit parkridgehealth.org for more information.

2 Park ridge Hospital is now

s Park Ridge enters its second century of service, our focus is nothing less than revolutionizing health in Western North Carolina.

In fact, Park Ridge is so serious about the health of our region that we’ve changed our name to better reflect who we’ve always been—and who we always will be. As Park Ridge Hospital becomes Park Ridge Health, we are

affirming our total commitment to the wellness of you and your loved ones.One hundred years ago, in a small cottage

on 416 acres of land in Henderson County, a vision was born to bring healing, health and hope to our region. During the century that followed, Park Ridge Health has never wavered in its devotion to providing compassionate care in an environment that supports the healing ministry of Christ.

Compassion and healing are the cornerstones of the Park Ridge Health experience. From the remarkable milestone of hiring the very first registered nurses in North Carolina in 1916 to our $26 million construction and renovation project in 2009, everything we do is focused on making your experience with us an exceptional one. That’s why we’ve chosen Experience as the name of this publication.

The Park Ridge experience means not just having access to state-of-the art surgery suites, a new outpatient and PACU area, and a modernized lab, but also the warmth and welcome you receive from our staff and our facility’s features such as the inviting new Baby Place and Women’s Center and a stunning new main entrance that showcases the beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

I thank you for taking the time to explore these pages. We hope Experience is a welcome addition to your pursuit of overall health and wellness, and we look forward to supporting you and your family in this unforgettable journey.

Welcome to Park Ridge Health and your first issue of Experience.

Jimm BunchPresident & CEO

Our new logo reflects who we’ve always been— and who we always will be.

i will collect toys for 100 families for toys for tots.

—Chaplain Art Slagle

Share your hundredJoin Park ridge in committing to a “hundred” of your own! Visit healthyhundred.org to let us know your hundred.

his year, Park Ridge Health will celebrate a century of providing world-class medical care to the people of Western North Carolina. This century would not have been possible, however, without the continued support of the residents in our community. That’s why we want to say “thank you” for helping us reach 100, by

partnering with you, local businesses and charitable organizations to ask the question: “What’s Your Hundred?”

The residents of the longest-living regions of the world teach us that giving back and living with purpose can help us achieve healthier lives. (See more on page 4.) With this in mind, we have asked all of our team members to commit to a hundred of something that is meaningful to them and will bring them joy. Whether it’s volunteering for 100 hours for a favorite charity, or committing to health by drinking 100 more glasses of water or walking 100 more miles in the coming year, we are excited to celebrate our centennial and take part in this Blue Zone journey. You will see some examples of these “hundred” commitments along the bottom of the Experience pages. Have an idea for a hundred commitment of your own? Join the community effort and let us know today!

This question is bringing friends and neighbors together in health

what’s

hundred?Your

Here’s What We’re Doing ...Park Ridge team members have each committed to a hundred of one thing that is meaningful to them. You’ll see a few examples continue throughout the issue:

T

3Park ridge Health parkridgehealth.org

our goal is to use 100 fewer reams of paper.

—Accounting team

ne hundred years. When asked if they would like to live to 100, many people hesitate. But when asked, “What if it were a healthy, vital

100?” their expressions change and they say, “Of course!”

What if there was proof that making minor—and even enjoyable—changes to your life could mean an extra 10 years of healthy, vital living?

Dan Buettner, world-renowned author of The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest, shares the secrets to longevity that so many have sought.

it’s the Small things“I have found that there is no supplement, there is no herb, there is no one thing that’s going to make us live longer in the foreseeable future,” he says. “But there are nine little things that will.”

These “nine little things” are what Buettner calls “the Power 9.” Determined after years of extensive research around the world, the Power 9 are the common factors in the daily lives of residents from the four Blue Zones scattered across the globe.

what is a Blue Zone?These Blue Zones are enclaves of health—where residents are reaching the remarkable age of 100 at the incredible rate of 10 times that of those living in the United States. They also experience a fraction of those diseases that have become so

i will walk an extra 100 miles. —Tarsha N., pharmacy

i will collect 100 hats for Caps for Kids.—Christina V., IT team

9 secrets from the ‘Blue Zones’ to make your life longer— and healthier

LivingZonein the

Okinawa, Japan Low-meat diet rich in soy and vegetables

nicoya, costa rica strong sense of purpose

sardinia, italy Daily walks

Loma Linda, california Weekly rest and a plant-based diet

Western north carolina

prevalent in the U.S., such as cancer, heart disease and dementia.

Each Blue Zone varies in its location, population and day-to-day life. The residents of Okinawa, Japan, enjoy a low-meat diet rich in soy and vegetables; the residents of Nicoya, Costa Rica, have a strong sense of purpose; those living in Sardinia, Italy, take daily walks; and the residents of Loma Linda, California, find peace in their faith and rely on a plant-based diet.

health Can Be a PleasureThey may differ in their geographic region and culture, yet all Blue Zones share these nine common behaviors that distinguish them from their worldwide neighbors. What truly sets these principles apart, however, is not their requirement of strict adherence, but rather the ease and joy with which they can be implemented.

Park ridge team members share their “hundred” goals. Find yours on page 3.

The World’s Blue Zones ... O

i’d like to run 100 miles per month. —Ellen S., KidPower ENERGIZE!


... and One on the Way

our goal is to use 100 fewer reams of paper.

—Accounting team

i will collect 100 hats for Caps for Kids.—Christina V., IT team

my goal is to give 100 volunteer hours.

—Michelle B., Surgery

we will gather and send 100 military care packages.—Park Ridge Health Medical Surgical Team

secreT #1: mOve Find ways to move mindlessly. make moving unavoidable.Everyone knows the benefits of regular exercise, but how many of us think this requires us to be nonstop, intense and participate in marathon-like activities? What the residents of the Blue Zones understand is that it’s not just about exercise, but instead activities you enjoy doing. When was the last time you hopped on a bike and just enjoyed the ride because it was a sunny day, not because you wanted to lose weight or work off what you ate the night before?

The residents of the Blue Zones also find ways to move in their day-to-day activities—whether it’s gardening, climbing the hill to the local market or playing with their grandchildren—well into their later years.

secreT #2: PLAn De viDAKnow your purpose in life.If many of us were asked to name our daily purpose, the words “work” and “employment” would certainly factor into the equation. But what happens then when we retire? Unfortunately in the U.S., we see high numbers of mortality just around the first few years following retirement. Having a “purpose” is what helps define those living in the Blue Zones—whether a dedication to a religious, spiritual or humanitarian purpose, each person has a reason to get up every morning, excited and wanting to seize the day.

secreT #3: DOWn sHiFT Work less, slow down, rest, take vacation.One issue in our daily lives that most of us can relate to is stress. Work stress, relationship stress, financial stress all contribute to a sense of urgency in everything we do and create a race of sorts. Instead, take the advice of the Loma Linda Blue Zone residents. Slow down, allow yourself to relax, or take that nap on the weekend. Most importantly, allow yourself to shut down the electronic gadgets and connect with the people around you! Taking the time to enjoy life and its joys can add vital and vibrant years to your life.

secreT #4: 80% ruLe stop eating when you’re 80 percent full.The “80% Rule” isn’t just a rule, it’s a way of life. Instead of trying every fad diet, enjoy your food— just eat 20 percent less. Those who live in the Blue Zones enjoy a varied, healthy diet, but truly

understand the principle of “portion control.” Rather than cleaning your plate, listen to your body and stop eating before you are uncomfortable.

secreT #5: PLAnT POWer eat more veggies and less protein and processed foods.One overwhelming common factor found in each of the four Blue Zones is the residents’ choice of foods. While not every group follows a completely vegetarian or vegan diet, all enjoy diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, with smaller amounts of meat and practically no processed foods.

secreT #6: AnTiOxiDAnTsYou can find them in pomegranates, blueberries and red wine.Those living in the Blue Zone of Sardinia, Italy, regularly drink in moderation a red wine containing the world’s highest known levels of antioxidants. For those of us who do not drink wine, foods and beverages high in antioxidants—such as pomegranates and blueberries—are excellent additions to your diet.

secreT #7: BeLOng create a healthy social network.Surrounding yourself with a health-minded and supportive group of individuals might just be the most important change to your lifestyle. Getting together with friends who share the same interests, volunteering for a cause close to your heart or enjoying the company of family can add good years to your life and add to your sense of purpose.

secreT #8: BeLieFsParticipate in spiritual or religious activities.Those who belong to a religious or spiritual group enjoy the same benefits as those who belong to a supportive social network. Those who share the same beliefs and faith support one another in a common purpose.

secreT #9: YOur TriBemake family a priority.In each of the four Blue Zones, family always comes first—before work or other obligations. What’s more, each family member plays a vital role in the family fabric and contributes to the health and vitality of each family member. 1

A Bold, new vision Park Ridge Health is on a mission to make Western North Carolina into the next North American Blue Zone. On May 25, we brought author and expert Dan Buettner to WNC for a free event to inspire the community to begin implementing the principles of the Blue Zones.

watch the videosee footage from the event and learn how you can bring the Blue Zones into your life at wncbluezone.com.


in mY exPerience

Comfort in a Crisis

hen Maria Perez entered the Park Ridge

Health Emergency Room earlier this year

with an intense headache and dizziness, she didn’t know what to expect.

“I had been to the Emergency Room with my sons and daughter before, but had never been a patient myself,” she says. “I was worried about what I would experience when I got there.”

Brought in for treatment in a matter of minutes, Maria took advantage of Park Ridge Health’s Fast Track service for patients who do not require extreme, emergency attention.

“I was in so much pain that all I could think about was getting through that day,” she says. “But then I saw my nurse’s smiling face and I knew everything was going to be OK.”

Personal touches Bring ComfortThat smiling face was Rhonda Robinson, a certified ER nurse and Park Ridge Health associate for the past two years.

“I’ve always felt that no matter how difficult a patient’s day has been, a smile and kind word

can make all the difference,” says Rhonda.And it certainly did in Maria’s case.

“I tend to worry so much, but was immediately put at ease with Rhonda. She made sure I knew exactly what was happening and that she was there to make sure I had a wonderful experience.”

Also helping put Maria at ease was Bill Marietti, Park Ridge Health’s Emergency

Room concierge. “I had never been to an Emergency Room

that had a person especially designated to ensure

all patients’ needs were met,” says Maria. “Bill made sure I had water and also offered to bring me lunch if I was hungry. It was comforting to know that he was there to make sure I was comfortable and knew my needs were important.”

Today, Maria is feeling better after her time in the Emergency Room, and her headaches—diagnosed as migraines—have all but subsided.

“My pain is gone and I am no longer feeling dizzy every day,” she says. “I know the treatment they gave me in the Emergency Department has helped considerably, but I think their kindness and compassion also played a huge part in my recovery. Knowing you are well taken care of eases so much stress and helps put your mind at ease. It was my first experience at Park Ridge Health, and I will certainly be back.” 1

Have you had a remarkable experience at Park Ridge Health? E-mail [email protected] to let us know, and you may be featured in a future issue!

one woman discovers healing and hope from a visit to the er

Maria Perez left the Emergency Room feeling well cared for by the Park Ridge Health team, including ER nurse Rhonda Robinson.

W

a Shorter

er wait is here

Park ridge Health wants

to get you back to your life

sooner. That’s why we have a

program called the fast Track

emergency room. Visit

parkridgehealth.org

to discover more.

I was in so much pain ... then I saw my nurse’s smiling face and I knew everything was going to be OK.


the Baby Place at hands on! ClassesSpecial classes held in conjunction with Hands On! A Child’s Gallery in downtown Hendersonville. Please call Hands On! at 828-697-8333 for full class descriptions and to register.

“make your own healthy Plate”July 6, 10:30 a.m., FreeParticipants will take part in a fun, kid-focused class on healthy living choices and good nutrition, and will get the opportunity to paint their own special “healthy plate” and have it fired at Express Yourself. Presented by Park Ridge Health Kid Power ENERGIZE!

“raising healthy girls: Creating a healthy Body image and Preventing eating Disorders”Aug. 24, 4:30 p.m., FreeJodi Grabowski, wellness coordinator for Park Ridge Wellness.

Lunch/Dinner & Learn SeriesThe Park Ridge Health Lunch/Dinner & Learn Series is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Please call 828-687-3947 to make a reservation.

“exercising Safely”June 29, noonLaurel Park Medical CentreBrad Mast, physical therapist.

“Shoulder Problems and arthritis Prevention” July 7, 6 p.m.Lelia Patterson CenterGregory Motley, M.D., board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Southeastern Sports Medicine.

“Chronic Sinus Problems”July 22, 6 p.m.Lelia Patterson CenterMichael Stalford, M.D., board- certified otolaryngologist with Park Ridge Ear, Nose & Throat.

“Diabetic foot Care”July 28, noonLaurel Park Medical CentreBrian Stover, DPM, podiatrist with Park Ridge Medical Associates.

“the eyes have it”Aug. 3, noonLelia Patterson CenterSam Navon, M.D., board-certified ophthalmologist with Carolina Ophthalmology.

“menopause”Aug. 11, 5:30 p.m.Lelia Patterson CenterKrishna Das, M.D., board-certified OB/GYN with Hendersonville OB/GYN.

“am i Short of Breath? what to Do about it!”Aug. 24, noonLaurel Park Medical CentreCyril Abrams, M.D., board-certified cardiologist with Park Ridge Cardiology.

Park ridge health Café Special eventshealthy Quick fix mealsNoon–12:30 p.m., Duke Room, Park Ridge HealthJuly 16, Aug. 6, Sept. 10, Oct. 15

Park ridge health at Cane Creek valley farm July 18, 1–5 p.m.

healthy Cooking DemonstrationsPark Ridge Health Nutritional Services will show you how to prepare healthy meals.

asheville City market Biltmore Park (using food from the market)Every Wednesday, 2–6 p.m.

wellness on wheels (wow) ScreeningsCholesterol ScreeningsLipid and glucose profiles by finger stick, along with blood pressure and body mass index screening. For best results, fast overnight. Free

eKg and Blood PressureElectrocardiogram and blood pressure for men and women age 35 and older. No appointment necessary. Free

PSa ScreeningNo appointment required. PSA blood test for men 50 years of age or older; age 40 if father or brother had prostate cancer. $10

Bone Density for men and womenBone density screening for osteoporosis. Please wear shoes and socks that are easy to slip off. Free

vision Screening for adults and ChildrenVision screenings for nearsightedness, farsightedness, color acuity and macular degeneration. Free

cALenDAr OF evenTs summer 2010

register nowfor detailed calendar listings and registration information, visit parkridgehealth.org.


PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDColumbus WIPermit No. 62

Park ridge Health100 Hospital Drive Hendersonville, nc 28792

Park ridge Health100 Hospital Drive Hendersonville, nc 28792

Experience editor Jennifer D. Perez

Park ridge health is embarking on a journey to create a Blue Zone

in western north Carolina. See PAge 4 fOR DetAilS.

The Park Ridge Health campus, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

HENDERSONCOUNTY

BUNCOMBECOUNTY

HENDERSONVILLE

HENDERSONCOUNTY

BUNCOMBECOUNTY

ASHEVILLE

ASHEVILLEREGIONALAIRPORT

MILLS RIVER

FLETCHER

BILTMORE FOREST

LONGSHOALS RD.

EXIT40

EXIT37

WAYNESVILLE

EXIT44

SOUTHEASTERNSPORTS MEDICINE

SOUTHEASTERNSPORTS MEDICINE

LAUREL PARKMEDICALCENTRE

visit us:

Off interstate 26,

exit 44

On the Web:

parkridgehealth.org

call us:

828-684-8501

Connect with Us! Do you have a question about Experience magazine? Is there something you’d like to see in future issues? Share your thoughts by contacting [email protected]. INTERSTATE

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