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Blanchard Valley Health System June 22, 2012 Volume 6

HeartCare Center Renamed Jane & Gary Heminger

HeartCare Center

The Blanchard Valley Hospital HeartCare Center has been renamed the Jane & Gary Heminger HeartCare Center in tribute of the Hemingers recent donation to support cardiovascular services at BVH and in recognition of their many contributions to Blanchard Valley Hospital throughout the years. Jane Heminger, who started her nursing career at Blanchard Valley Hospital in the coronary and intensive care units, said I am proud to be able to offer this gift to support both the profession and the community that have meant so much to me. Blanchard Valleys HeartCare Center offers lifesaving service to our area, and I hope this gift will continue to advance our offerings here in Findlay. According to Scott Malaney, Jane and Garys generosity will make it possible for our area to have the highest quality heart care services close to home. We are grateful that they have expressed their confidence in us, so that we can meet the needs of our community in such an important way. We are proud to name the HeartCare Center the Jane & Gary Heminger HeartCare Center in their honor.

Upfront
with
President & CEO, Blanchard Valley Health System
as accurately as they could the horrors our soldiers faced as they invaded the beaches of Normandy. Over the years, there have been many other movies about war. Some were very Hollywood and others were stark, violent and emotional. All of them invited each of us as viewers to think about the subject of war and maybe get a glimpse into the realities of what thousands of soldiers did to try and help protect our country and what it stands for. So, at this point, I suspect you are asking yourself why I am writing about war movies. My quick response is; thank you for asking. Heres why. This past week, our community conducted the latest version of Honor Flight. Seventy nine Veterans and 79 guardians left Findlay at 5 a.m. and rode a bus to Toledo airport where they boarded a plane and made their way to Washington, DC. Once there, they visited the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the

Scott Malaney

Recently, I watched a movie called Act of Valor. For those who are not aware of the movie, it is about the Navy SEALs, who are arguably the best trained special operations military people in the world. Nine of the cast members are real SEALs, currently active on our collective behalf. In short, the movie is about the kinds of operations the SEALs undertake and clearly shows the risks they face virtually every operation they undertake. I have a very hard time imagining the pressure they must feel knowing their life is at risk virtually all the time, while the rest of the world knows almost nothing about who they are or what they do. Another movie that has made a big impact on me is Saving Private Ryan. The first 30-45 minutes is an attempt by the producers to depict

Pentagon. After a long day in Washington, they flew back to Toledo and arrived slightly after 10 p.m. When departing the plane, they were met by a group of a few hundred people who formed a tunnel the Vets walked through on their way into the hanger. They were cheered and thanked profusely. It was very stirring and emotional. As one of the people who greeted the plane back to Toledo, the reception the Veterans received was one of the more emotional experiences I have ever had. It was awesome! I was there to greet the plane because Bob Westphal went last year and he was very clear the experience was something very special. I went with anticipation, not really knowing what to expect. What I didnt know, and the reason for this article, is how many of our caregivers were on the flight as guardians. I was SO proud to count at least 10 BVHSers who were on the trip and were instrumental in honoring the phenomenal men and women who risked their lives

so you and I can have the benefits of living as we do today. Actually, the more I thought about it, the more I was kicking myself for being surprised at seeing so many involved with Honor Flight. You are givers..you protect those who cant protect themselvesyou worry about others before you worry about yourself you are caregivers first and foremost, and that is what Honor Flight is all about. America has its issues for sure. But, our unique form of self-government remains a beacon to much of the rest of the world. Taking a day to thank those who put everything on the line for you and me is a great thing to do. Congratulations and thank you to the BVHS Associates who gave of their time and resources to make sure Honor Flight 2012 was a spectacular day for the Veterans who participated.

Jodi Morehead
June Associate of the Month
Jodi Morehead has been a BVHS associate for 10 consecutive years. She has proudly held one of the four Medicare specialist positions during her employment at BVHS. Her daily routine includes the billing and following up on all claims that have Medicare primary or secondary insurance. Throughout her day, Jodi is constantly assisting others wherever she can. She says, As far as the job, I love the feeling of being able to help the patients get their bills taken care of as much as I can.

When the patients call in, it is not always just a conversation about their accounts sometimes they just want to talk. I am more than happy to hear what they have to say. Not only does Jodi enjoy the help she gives others, but patients appreciate it as well. She has received personal calls to thank her for helping them with a claim. This has taught her that even the smallest efforts can go a long way. Jodi is a team player. She is a happy co-worker that appreciates the continuous support of the Medicare team and her fellow billers. Being

a part of the BVHS family has been a great experience. Thank you so much to the people who have helped me along the way and to those who still continue to help! she added. Outside of work, she enjoys playing softball and spending time with her entire family including both of her parents, her two sisters, three brothers, nieces, nephews, friends and her Jack Russell named Kirby. Jodi is an active member of the Caring Fund, as well as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

Be a Part of History!
To commemorate Findlay's Bicentennial and the role that BVHS plays in our community, a banner with the BVHS logo will be circulated for associates to sign (name and department).The banner will be buried in the time capsule later this summer.

The banner Will be at the folloWing locations:

Riverside Suites June 25-29 Birchaven July 2-6 Independence House July 9-13 Bluffton Hospital July 16-20 Blanchard Valley Hospital July 23-27 Break room TBD TBD Cafeteria Cafeteria

*If you are located in an office outside one of these locations please visit the location nearest you to sign the banner.* Questions? Contact public relations at X5551.

New Adventures Group Offered by Bridge

Bridge Hospice and Wood County Committee on Aging will offer a free program on functional fitness as part of their New Adventures group for area singles. The program will be held Tuesday, June 26 at 6 p.m. at the Rotary Nature Center, 615 South Wintergarden Road, Bowling Green. New Adventures is for individuals of all ages who are widowed, divorced and find themselves single again. The program offers attendees a chance to socialize in a supportive, friend-based atmosphere. Bowling Green State Universitys Department of Recreation and Wellness will instruct participants on proper stretching, strength/ stability techniques and how to have an active lifestyle. Loose fitting clothing and tennis shoes are encouraged. A meet and greet reception will be held after the event.

3rdQUARTER GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE

FOR LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND MINOR EQUIPMENT
The Blanchard Valley Health Foundation would like to remind BVHS associates and departments that the 1st quarter grant application deadline isJuly 1. To apply go to The Core and click on Resources/OnlineForms/Foundation/Grant Application 2012 After reading the guidelines, type the information onto the form, print it off, make sure to have Department Manager and Vice President sign the application and forward all necessary information to Holly Copado, Office Assistant, Blanchard Valley Health Foundation.

JULY 1, 2012

Grant dollars available 2012:

$4,140Hughes Fund Oncology $260Kimple Fund Hospice $7,137 Welty Fund BVHS Bluffton to purchase x-ray, OR and pediatrics equipment $740 Foster Fund BVHS Findlay $180Bishop Fund Nursing education $5,376Collins Fund Oncology equipment $13,900Overmire Fund Heart or cancer equipment $7,950 Undesignated Endowed Fund Projects consistent with fulfilling the Mission and Vision of BVHS
ELECTRONIC ORDERS EXCEPTIONAL PATIENT CARE

Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, call 419.353.5661 or e-mail programs@wccoa.net.

r e n r o C CPOE

BVH and Bluffton are on track to meet our meaningful use corporate goal. As of last week, BVH has enough providers live and entering orders to meet meaningful use. Bluffton is moving forward as well as the CPOE team works to add the last five providers at Bluffton to the CPOE system.

The CPOE team is also working on adding additional functionality to the CPOE system for both providers and inpatient nurses. The additional functionality for nurses will include medication and fluid entry as well as entering electronic transfers. Additional functionality for physicians will include e-prescribing, electronic transfers and discharges as well as interactive medication reconciliation. Nurses and physicians will be trained in August and the additional functionality for both physicians and nurses will be added September 4.

Remember, for a current list of providers who are live in CPOE, visit The Core and click on the CPOE logo on the homepage.

Nutrition Notes
Summertime is finally here, and with it comes the summer heat. While summer heat is wonderful on the beach or lying beside a pool, it can cause unexpected fluid losses and dehydration. Heat exhaustion, over exposure to heat, and the addition of humidity can all lead to overheating and dehydration. When heat and humidity combine to slow evaporation of sweat from the body, outdoor exertion and exposure becomes dangerous even for those in good shape. Because water is an essential nutrient and the body cannot function without it, without enough fluid the body can become dehydrated. The elderly and ill aren't the only people in danger. Healthy young people are also vulnerable, usually because they do not recognize the dangers of exercising or over exposure in hot weather. Some key rules for coping with heat are to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and to slow down and cool off when feeling fatigued or if you have a headache, high pulse rate or shallow breathing. Overheating can cause serious, even life-threatening conditions such as heat stroke. Using cooling equipment likes fans or air conditioning can help eliminate these life-threatening conditions. As adults age, there is a decreased thirst sensation and being thirsty is not easily recognized in a timely manner. This can cause poor fluid intake over time resulting in insufficient fluids for the body to function, thus causing dehydration.

Stay Hydrated in the Good Old Summer Time

The signs of dehydration include:
Heat cramps:
Exercising in hot weather can lead to muscle cramps, especially in the legs, because of brief imbalances in body salts. Cramps become less frequent as a person becomes used to the heat.

By: Ocene Naglik, MS, RD, LD

Heat syncope or fainting: Anyone not used to exercising in the heat can experience a quick drop in blood pressure that can lead to fainting. As with heat cramps, the cure is to take it easy. Heat exhaustion: Losing fluid and salt through perspiration or replacing them in an imbalanced way can lead to dizziness and weakness. Body temperature might rise, but not above 102 degrees. In some cases victims, especially the elderly, should be hospitalized. Heat exhaustion is more likely after a few days of a heat wave than when one is just beginning. The best defence is to drink plenty of water and use cooling products to help keep your body as cool as possible. Don't take salt tablets without consulting a physician. Heatstroke: In some cases extreme heat can upset the body's thermostat, causing body temperature to rise to 105 degrees or higher. Symptoms are lethargy, confusion and unconsciousness. Even a suspicion that someone might be suffering from heatstroke requires immediate medical aid. Heatstroke can kill.

Prevent dehydration by:

Drinking Fluids: Enjoy your favorite fluids hot or cold during meals and between. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine: Because these beverages can have an added dehydrating effect, they should be avoided. Staying cool: Reduce your time in the heat and humidity. Rest frequently with cooling equipment if available. Wear lightweight clothing.

Name: Wendy Parenteau

Healthy Person Profile

Department: Cardio Vascular Thoracic Surgery of Northwest Ohio Healthy Habits: Wendy stays healthy by waking up at 4 a.m. to do an hour of cardio, and she also completes an additional 45 minutes of weight training later in the day. Because her mom had quadruple bypass heart surgery at age 51 and coronary artery disease runs in her family, she creates her own intense drive to stay healthy. Through consistent exercising and the right diet, Wendy has successfully lowered her cholesterol. Favorite Motivational Quote: You get out of life what you put into it!
This is a continuous column that will feature an associate in our organization who makes wellness part of their daily life. If you would like to be featured or know someone who should be featured, e-mail mjames@bvhealthsystem.org.

Compassion
We acknowledge the incalculable value of each person we serve, and those we work with. We value and respect them through attention to their unique needs. Kenneth B. Schwartz dness What was moving about his These acts of kin was a health article, and what has led e th e care lawyer to a lasting legacy, was his ad m e hav in Boston description of what made his . le b who was battle bearable. The care of unbearable beara diagnosed his doctors and nurses and their ability to reach out and connect to him with lung cancer in the mid-1990s at age 40. Ken, a man in his prime and and provide not just excellent medical father of a young son, was horrified to care but to support him and his family find himself with a terminal diagnosis. As he reached the end of his battle, he published a very moving and, as it turned out, very influential article in the Boston Globe about his experiences.

Living Our Mission, Vision and Values

emotionally and spiritually was what made all the difference to him. As he put it in the article, The ordeal has been punctuated by moments of exquisite compassion. I have been the recipient of an extraordinary array of human and humane responses to my plight. These acts of kindness the simple human touch from my caregivers have made the unbearable bearable.

Bridge Bereavement Services is offering a Writing Through Grief workshop for those grieving the current or past death of a loved one. The workshop will be held Monday, July 16 and Monday, July 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Van Buren State Park, 12259 Township Road 218, Van Buren. Pre-registration is required. Call 419.423.5351 or e-mail bridge@bvhealthsystem.org.

Writing Through Grief

Independence House has been recognized as a 2012 recipient of the Bronze Commitment to Quality award by the National Quality Award program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). Congratulations!

Kudos Corner

Congratulations to the all the nurses who worked to make the Nurses Week banquet and weeklong celebration a success. Kudos! BVHS associates Amber Feighner, Natalie Phoenix, Terri Armstrong, Jason Brunswick and Tiffany Henige recently received scholarships from the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation. Feighner and Phoenix received the $500 Maxine Snyder Endowment Trust Certification and Masters Preparation Scholarship, while Armstrong and Henige received the Karen Jones Nursing Certification Scholarship for nurses wanting to pursue a review course or certification exam. Jason Brunswick earned the $500 Kathleen Higgins Endowed Scholarship. Way to go! Bluffton received the Ohio Hospital Association group award for the 2012 Statewide Hospital Safety Campaign (the highest award possible) for hospitals with 200 associates at the OHAs annual meeting! At this years BVHS skin cancer screening held May 10, 99 people were screened for skin cancer. Of those 99 people, biopsies were recommended for 37 people and 57 individuals were referred to physicians for follow up evaluation. Thank you to all who made this event a success!

Bluffton Hospital received commendation by Representative Matt Huffman on behalf of the House of Representatives of the 129th General Assembly of Ohio for being presented with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification by the US Green Building Council. Bluffton Hospital received this honor for being one of the first hospitals in the state to achieve LEED Silver Certification for the Emergency Department and Surgery expansion. On May 20, Cath Lab nursesErica Arend, Wendy Short, Betsy Schroeder, Becky Link and Anna Howard ran a 1/2 marathon in Cleveland. KarenShultis, RN,ran the 10k. The group says that accomplishing this feat proves that if you put your mind to something there istruly no limit to what you can accomplish. Congrats! Congratulations to the following 2012 Nursing Award winners:

Jackie Dunn, Freshman Award Jen Campos, Spirit Award Tom Susdorf, Class Clown Darcy Rieman, Valedictorian

On May 30, around 500 youngsters at Van Buren Elementary School watched as their retiring principal Richard Lehman rode by in a gorgeous red Corvette, waving and smiling brightly. It was hard to tell which was more exciting for the students, the red Corvette with Mr. Lehman or the $1,575 they raised for the Jane & Gary Heminger HeartCare Center. The students raised the funds by donating money and walking the track on the last day of school. The benefit walk had the theme Have a Heart for HeartCare in honor of Lehman, a past heart attack survivor. The students who chose to donate were given a heart sticker to place inside a large empty heart in order to fill the heart with love for Mr. Lehman. The day began with the distribution of one jump rope per student, donated by BVHS. Cassie Ohlrich, director of gifted services at Van Buren Elementary, helped coordinate the event and said, The jump ropes will be a good reminder for the students of the importance of exercising for your healthy heart. Students anticipated another surprise as they

were lined up outside and soon stood stunned as Mr. Lehman and two other retiring teachers drove by in the shiny red Corvette. Next, grades Kindergarten through 5th accomplished heart pumping exercise as they walked or ran around the track from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Apples donated by Blanchard Valley and water bottles were given to the students to keep hydrated and healthy as they exercised.

Have a Heart for HeartCare

Laps for Lehman

By: Leah Mitchell

benefited the American Cancer Society, diabetes awareness, appreciation for service dogs, and more. This year, they were proud to choose the Heminger HeartCare Center Blanchard Valley Health Foundation Chief Development Officer Linda DeArment, who accepted the gift on behalf of the Heminger HeartCare Center, said, We are proud to partner with Van Buren Elementary School on this heart health and wellness program for the students and are grateful for their generous donation. It was a fun day for everyone and a great way to honor Mr. Lehman.

Following the walk, students gathered in the gymnasium where Kathy Russell, registered nurse and BVH pulmonary rehab supervisor, spoke to the students about exercise, heart disease, volunteering and giving back to the community. She elaborated on what is healthy and unhealthy for the heart and ways each child could switch bad eating habits to good ones. For the past five consecutive years, Van Buren Elementary has held a walking event honoring a different organization or cause that directly affects the Van Buren community. Past fundraisers have

Bridge Home Health is offering two new programs for patients with Parkinsons disease and other neurological diseases such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. These new programs are rehabilitation and speech therapy called LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD. Through the LSVT BIG program, a Bridge rehabilitation therapist certified in LSVT BIG provides intensive physical and occupational therapy by utilizing high amplitude movements to help patients move at their fullest potential. Patients can start this program at diagnosis, when it may have the most impact on their quality of life. The benefits of the program include faster walking with bigger steps, better balance, increased trunk rotation, better flexibility and

Bridge Offering LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD

increased quality of life. LSVT BIG promotes strength, motor learning and changes in brain function. LSVT LOUD utilizes specially trained and certified Bridge therapists to help patients with Parkinsons disease improve speech and voice disorders that often accompany the disease. In fact, research shows that 89 percent of people with Parkinsons disease experience speech and voice disorders including soft voice, monotone, breathiness, hoarse voice quality and imprecise articulation. The LSVT LOUD program is specially designed to help improve vocal loudness. This helps patients maintain and improve their oral communication. For more information, call Bridge Home Health at ext. 5351.

Save the Date for Grillin -n- Chillin

Monday, July 23 Independence House 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 24 Birchaven/Bridge/EasternWoods Area 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 25 Bluffton Hospital 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, July 26 Blanchard Valley Hospital 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 4:30-7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight

Please note: Grillin n Chillin is for BVHS associates, volunteers and physicians only. Thank you for your cooperation!

Photo Flash!
Left: Independence House Car Show Winner, Rick Brown, with his 1968 Roadrunner. Right: Independence House associates Laurie Kinn, Amy Tehlewitz and Kim Kreais stop for a photo while dressed in Chinese attire during Independence Houses cruise of the world for National Nursing Home Week. Left: The Cath Lab team smiles for a photo at the 2012 HeartWalk held Saturday, May 12 at The University of Findlay. Right: Eric Morman (left) scored a hole-inone at the Julie Cole Charity Golf Classic and won a 2012 Ford Explorer two year lease from Reineke Family Dealerships!

Above: The beautiful Bicentennial Parade oat built by BVHS associate Luk Boggs.

Above: BVHS Associate of the Year, Flip Hernandez, along with friends David Trisel and Todd McFadden, as well as BVH Lab associates Bonnie VanSchoik, Shawn Griggs and Dawn Vassil and Administration members Chris Swanson and Scott Malaney celebrate Flips recognition at the Ohio Hospital Association Annual Meeting. Flip was recognized as a nominee for Ohio Health Care Worker of the Year. Congratulations Flip!

Above: Associate Bridgett Mundy and Birchaven resident Gretchen Cronin stop for a photo with Findlay Mayors Ofce Communication Director Jeremy Horne during the Birchaven Village National Nursing Home Week celebration.

BVHS 2012 Corporate Goal Update

Where are we on our goals? Use the red, yellow and green indicators to tell!
Improvement is needed to meet our goal. Proceed while making improvements to meet our goal. On track to meet our goal.

- Color Commentary Improve associate safety results by 10% over 2011

BVH has set a personal best of 37 days, and CCS has gone 29 days, without an OSHA reportable injury. Most of our reportable injuries have been avoidable, so we need to remain committed to reporting near misses to make positive changes in our work environments. Continued improvement will keep us on track to meet our goal. Chris Webb

People

Attest to Stage One Meaningful Use Electronic Health Record (EHR) by 12/31/12

All items related to stage one meaningful use are on target, and we are using the month of June as a nal testing period. We are scheduled to begin our reporting period July 1, 2012 for the hospitals and the reporting period will last 90 days. Mark Johannigman
Bluffton Hospital and Blanchard Valley Hospital remain just above their Top Box target, while CCS is just below their targeted score. Everyone is working hard to maintain their achievements throughout 2012 and CCS is looking to identify key areas they can target to move their scores into the green as well. Continued improvement will help ensure we remain on track to meet our goal. Leslie Theis

Service Excellence

Quality

Achieve a one percentage point increase in patient selection of Top Box metric

Exceed budgeted operating income EBIDA by 0.4% to 15.4%

After starting the year with a strong rst quarter, April and Mays operating margins have lowered the year-to-date margin to 15.0%.The downward trend is due to not reducing our variable operating costs during times of lower volumes and revenues as well as higher than expected health care costs for our associates. Managing labor and other direct costs will be crucial to meeting our goal. Curt Cramer

Financial Stewardship

Free Screening Mammograms at Woman Wise

Tuesday, July 10 from1-7 p.m.
Screening mammograms will be available free of charge for women and men who meet eligibility criteria related to age, breast cancer risk, household income, and health insurance coverage or lack of health insurance coverage. The mammograms are being provided through the Hancock County Mammography Screening Initiative funded by the Northwest Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.

Habitat for Humanity

July 10

Shifts are available from 8 a.m. to noon or from noon to 5 p.m. E-mail ahartman@bvhealthsystem.org or call ext. 7677 to sign up.

Birchaven Village Living with Alzheimers: The Caregiver Series

Tuesday, July 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Ideal for family members and caregivers of those with Alzheimers disease or dementia. The event speaker will be Lindsey Buddelmeyer who will present on the topic What I learned personally and professionally while caring for a loved one with Alzheimers/dementia. No RSVP is required. Coffee and dessert will be provided.

Save the Date for the 3rd Annual Flirt with Dirt 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, July 14 at Riverbend
Go to bvhealthsystem.org to sign up. Early registration is $18 and is taking place through June 25. After June 25, registration is $25. For more information, call Chris Webb at 419.306.6272. Proceeds benefit the Hancock Christian Clearinghouse and the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation.