Traditional values. Personal service. Quality care — Since 1947 • Summer 2012

Real Men Do Take Care of Their Health

keep young aTHleTes hydRaTed / is an insulin pump foR you? / CT sCanning aCCRediTed

geT your TesTs

aT a DisCounT

Many of these screening tests are offered at drastically discounted prices at Cannon’s Wellness Wednesday.

This service is offered every Wednes-day of the month from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Wellness Annex, 865 Pendleton St. in Pickens. No appointment is needed.Call 864-898-1333 to learn more or log on to www.CannonHospital.org for a complete listing of tests offered. PSA, $16 Lipid panel with cardiac risk assessment (includes glucose), $22 Free blood pressure checks

Free psa TesT available

As part of a grant from the Sam’s Club Foundation, Cannon Hospital is offering free PSA testing to those who qualify. Call 898-1333 or 898-1254 to find out if your qualify for this benefit.

ColonosCopy aDviCe

If it’s that time in your life to get a colonoscopy, schedule your appointment with one of Cannon’s qualified physi-cians and experience the compassionate care in our newly remodeled endoscopic suite. Our comfortable setting with experienced physicians and staff make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Peter Schriver, M.D., F.A.C.S. James Mahanes, M.D. Cannon Surgical 864-898-1360

Terry Davis, M.D. Cannon Family Practice Liberty 864-843-9213

HealthMatterswww.CannonHospital .org

The average life expectancy for u.s.

males is five years shorter than for

females. not all of that difference

is due to biology. There are things men

can do to protect their health.

at the top of the list: getting regular

checkups and screenings. When health

problems are found early, there’s a better

chance of successful treatment. don’t wait.

Take that step and get screened today.

Look at the chart below to see what

tests you—or the men in your life—should

have to stay healthy.

Heart disease

sCreeNiNG test WHO Needs it

Blood pressure test All men, at least every 2 years.

Cholesterol testStarting at age 35, at least every 5 years. Before age 35, discuss with your provider.

diaBetes

Blood sugar test All men, discuss with your provider.

COLOreCtaL CaNCer

fecal occult blood test Starting at age 50, every year.

flexible sigmoidoscopyStarting at age 50, every 5 years if you’re not having a colonoscopy.

double contrast barium

enema (dCBe)

Starting at age 50, every 5 to 10 years if you’re not having a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

Colonoscopy Starting at age 50, every 10 years.

Rectal examStarting at age 50, every 5 to 10 years when you have a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or DCBE. Before age 50, discuss with your provider.

PrOstate CaNCer

digital rectal exam

Prostate-specific antigen

(Psa) test

Starting at age 50, discuss the advantages and limitations of prostate cancer screening with your provider. Men with a high risk should begin discussions at 45.

When it comes to hard play and your child, how

best can you make sure he or she stays hydrated?

sports are a great way for kids to get

exercise and have fun. But physical exertion and sweat

during play can zap children’s fluid levels. and if

these fluids are not replenished, your kids can

be at risk for dehydration.

“even mild dehydration can affect a child’s

athletic performance, as well as lead to other,

more serious heat-related illnesses, such as

heat exhaustion,” says Travis davis, M.d., of

Cannon family Practice Liberty. “don’t wait

until your little athlete complains of thirst to

take action—by that time dehydration has already

set in.” instead, take these preventive steps: no matter the intensity of the sport, ensure your child

drinks lots of fluids before, during, and after exercise.

aim for at least ½ cup of fluid every 20 minutes during

play. Water is best. sports drinks, which replenish the

body with carbohydrates but pack extra calories,

aren’t necessary unless your child is participating in at

least 90 minutes of hard and continuous exercise. if

your child prefers the taste of sports drinks, you can

Prevent Dehydration in your young athlete

2 www.CannonHospital.org

plan aHeaD For a HealTHy Trip

A flight abroad, or a stateside drive—no matter which describes your getaway, you can take steps to keep your trip free of health concerns. Tack this safe-travel checklist to your fridge. Two To Four monTHs beForeHanD Make an appointment with

your doctor. Share the details of your itinerary. Get any vaccinations you may need.

Your doctor can help you identify any necessary shots.

Ask your health insurance company what expenses will be paid if you need medical care

away from home.

Travis Davis. m.D., is a board certified

family practice physician with training in caring

for infants, children, and teens. To schedule an

appointment for your child, call 843-9213.

reduce calories by mixing them with water. To help keep cool and reduce sweating, dress your child in

light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. if possible, have your child avoid exercise during midday,

when the sun is at its hottest. Talk with your child’s coach about any heat-related illnesses

your child has experienced and ask him or her to enforce

proper water breaks.

“even mild dehydration can affect a child’s

athletic performance."

one To Two weeks beForeHanD Fill your prescriptions. Bring enough for your trip and a few extra days, in case of delays. Keep them in their original containers. Complete a Universal Medication form to include a list of all current medications in case you need to visit a health care facility while on your trip. The form will provide the attending physician with easy access to an up-to-date list of your current medications. Pack a first aid kit. Include medicines for cough, cold, pain, and stomach problems; antibiotic ointment and bandages; scissors, tweezers; a thermometer; hand wipes; and sunscreen. Designate a contact person at home.

Summer 2012 3

is an Insulin Pump for you?

More and more people with

diabetes are considering using

insulin pumps, hoping the

computerized devices will enable them to

enjoy a more flexible lifestyle.

according to Terry davis, M.d., with

Cannon family Practice Liberty, “While

pumps can be beneficial, they’re not for

everyone. The decision to put a patient

on an insulin pump is one that needs to

be made together with you and your

physician.”

about the size of a beeper, insulin

pumps are worn on a belt or carried in a

pocket. They deliver a steady, measured

dose of insulin through a flexible plastic

tube called a catheter. With the aid of a

small needle, the catheter is inserted

through the skin into fatty tissue and

taped in place. The insertion place is

changed every few days to reduce the risk

for infection. Pumps are programmed to

deliver different doses of insulin at

different times of the day, simulating the

way the pancreas delivers insulin naturally.

Clear beneFiTs

insulin pump therapy has been shown

to reduce blood sugar fluctuations better

than traditional intensive insulin regimens,

such as daily multiple injections.

“What i have seen in my patients is that

this helps people avoid the extreme highs

and lows that plague many diabetics who

take injected insulin, and without those

fluctuations, you are able to live a more

normal lifestyle,” says dr. davis.

The resulting stable blood sugar levels

make for better diabetes control, which

can reduce the risk and severity of

diabetic complications, such as blindness,

heart disease, and kidney failure.

over time, pump therapy leads to a

more flexible eating schedule, enables

you to exercise longer and more

intensely, and helps provide continuous

blood sugar control if you have a

variable work schedule.

possible DiFFiCulTies

People who use pumps must commit

to monitoring their glucose regularly

and working closely with their medical

providers and diabetes educators—

all of which is time-consuming.

another difficulty is cost. a pump

and the supplies needed for it can be

expensive. Check with your insurance

provider to find out the level of coverage

for the device, then discuss with your

doctor if you would like to try the

insulin pump.

Dr. Terry Davis is a board certified family practice

physician who has experience in insulin pump management and

diabetic care. To schedule a consultation, call 864-843-9213.

Cannon CT sCanning

earns golD seal

oF aCCreDiTaTion

Cannon Memorial Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in Computed Tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

CT Scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions. This recent validation makes Cannon Hospital one of the only hospitals in the Upstate to have ACR accreditation for CT.

“This is a testament to Cannon’s commitment to quality. We want our patients to know that they don’t have to leave this community to get the highest quality of care. Cannon may be a small facility, but our staff is some of the most highly trained in the field and our equip-ment is top quality,” says Tony Tecson, Director of Radiology at Cannon.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR practice guidelines and technical standards after a peer-review evaluation by board certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

Image quality, staff qualifications, adequacy of equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The ACR Committee on Accreditation then provides the practice with a report it can use for continuous practice improvement.

Cannon is also ACR accredited in mammography and nuclear medicine.

Calendar of events at Cannon

Cannon Memorial hospital123 W.G. acker dr.Pickens, sC 29671

nonPRofiT oRGus PosTaGe

PaIDCannon

MeMoRiaL hosPiTaL

Norman G. Rentz President and Ceo

amanda Dow director of Community Relations

Health Matters is published by Cannon Memorial hospital. The information in this newsletter is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health, not as a substitute for consultation with a per-sonal physician. © 2012 Printed in the u.s.a.

Printed on Recyclable Paper 744M

Postmaster: Please deliver between June 11-15

Free DiabeTes

nuTriTion Classes

Whether you’re newly

diagnosed or have lived

with diabetes for years,

Cannon’s nutrition

education classes can be

very beneficial. Taught by

a certified nutritionist, you

will learn proper portion

control, carbohydrate conversion and

simple label reading. The classes are free,

but registration is required; please call

864-898-1153.

Thursdays, June 14, July 12, August 9,

all at 10 a.m. in the Acker boardroom

wellness weDnesDay

These tests are available every Wednesday

at the Wellness annex, 865 Pendleton

street in Pickens. no appointment is

necessary and a physician’s order is not

required. Free blood pressure and bone density

heel screenings Cholesterol/blood sugar: $10 Lipid panel (fasting required) includes a

cardiac risk assessment: $22 aLT/asT: $16 Psa: $16 Tsh: $16 hb a1c: $10 Free diabetic shoe fittings the first

Wednesday of each month.

Wednesdays, 7 to 10 a.m.

HealTHCare proviDer Cpr

Call 864-898-1254 for a class schedule.

HearTsaver aDulT,

CHilD, anD inFanT Cpr

Preregistration is required by calling

864-898-1333; cost is $40.

Fridays, June 8 and August 10,

9 a.m. to noon

weigHT waTCHers

Meets weekly at 6 p.m. Mondays. Weigh-in

begins at 5:30 p.m. in the outpatient Lobby

area of Cannon hospital. To learn more, log

on to www.weightwatchers.com.

Cannon Memorial hospital123 W.G. acker dr.Pickens, sC 29671

nonPRofiT oRGus PosTaGe

PaIDCannon

MeMoRiaL hosPiTaL

Printed on Recyclable Paper 744M

looking For

anoTHer Class? visiT

www.CannonHospiTal.org

For a CompleTe lisT

oF our Classes.

Cannon's new HospiTal inFormaTion sysTem To aiD paTienTs

In an effort to standardize its health information technology (IT) infrastruc-ture, improve patient care and financial performance, Cannon Hospital recently deployed the McKesson Paragon® hospital information system (HIS).

The launch of this new system will allow caregivers access to patient data that is collected electronically in real time from every location in the hospital, including ancillary services.

“For our patients, this means a better continuity of care and increased patient safety,” said Norman Rentz, Cannon’s CEO. “During the implemen-tation process, patients will be asked to fill out additional paperwork in order for us to initially enter them into the system, but overall it will be a seamless and positive process.”