It's National Hospital Week!

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital joins other health care facilities across the country to celebrate National Hospital Week 2008.

“Hospitals are all about healing,” says Patrice Levavasseur, Executive Director of Patient and Community Relations at Charles Cole. “The Hospital Week theme, ‘Where Healing Happens Every Day’ emphasizes that our doctors, nurses and staff have one mission and that’s to help people get well.”

A week of activities is planned at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital to celebrate this national observance.

The Hospital’s four Wellness Centers will offer free exercise all week (May 11-17). Wellness Centers are located in Port Allegany, Smethport, Emporium and on the Hospital campus in Coudersport and all have a variety of aerobic and strength-training equipment. Free blood pressure checks are available on Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

On Friday, May 16, the Hospital’s Relay For Life Team “Charlie’s Pride” will sponsor “Jail, Bail & Bake Sale” all day in the link connecting the Hospital to the Irwin Medical Arts Center. The Hospital’s Senior Leaders and other local ‘celebrities’ will be ‘arrested’ and thrown in jail. They’ll be held in the specially-constructed jail until they raise their bail by calling their friends and families for donations. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life which will be held on the Hospital campus on June 27 and 28. A bake sale is also planned.

Keeping health care in a positive light is part of the tradition of National Hospital Week, a celebration of care that dates back to 1921. That year, a magazine editor in Chicago suggested an annual “open house” for health care where a skeptical public could have see first hand the important work performed inside hospitals. The idea spread across the country and helped change the perception about hospitals from places of illness to places of healing. Today, National Hospital Week is the nation’s largest health care celebration.

Information About Athletes
And Skin Infections

Outbreaks of skin infections in athletes have been reported in area schools. As the Chairman of Infection Control at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Dr. Syed Bhat, in conjunction with the Hospital’s Infection Control Department, has created a pamphlet which is being distributed to area schools to provide information about four skin infections that may affect student athletes. Because athletes often come in close contact, many skin infections can easily be passed from person to person, particularly when there are breaks in the skin.

“We're pleased to be looked upon as a source of information to help educate the athletes and parents. We’ve pulled together information from the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health, various athletic associations and other recognized sources to compile a guide for parents, student athletes and coaches,” Dr. Bhat says.

Marlene Fantaskey, school nurse at Coudersport Area High School, is also a community representative on the Hospital’s Infection Control Committee. She made the group aware of the potential for a herpes gladiatorum outbreak following a wrestling tournament at the school on January 5. Two out-of-town participants were diagnosed with the infection shortly after the tournament.

“I am pleased to have this brochure available in addition to the other information we’re sharing with students, parents and coaches. It is important to provide information about these kinds of skin infections and how they can be prevented,” she said. She also noted that the school has been following the guidelines for infection control and all the precautions were in place before the January 5 tournament.

The brochure emphasizes the importance of good hygiene and care for equipment. “The most effective defense against skin infections is making sure athletes shower after practice and competitions and that their equipment, uniforms and towels are washed after each use,” Dr. Bhat says.

Dr. Bhat also notes that there are many places people might not think about cleaning, such as the inside of a gym bag, where uniforms are put after a match. He also cautioned that athletes should not carry dirty uniforms and clean clothing in the same bags.


The brochure provides information about four skins infections:
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS or “staph,” caused by bacteria, typically appears as one or more painful sores, with pus surrounded by redness. MRSA is a staph infection that is resistant to commonly-used antibiotics.
HERPES GLADIATORUM is caused by a virus (the same virus that causes cold sores in the mouth). The infection causes one or more painful blisters with clear fluid surrounded by redness.
TINEA or RINGWORM is caused by a fungus and typically produces itchy, dry, red circular patches.
IMPETIGO is a contagious bacterial skin infection that usually produces blisters or sores on the face and hands that ooze to form a honey-colored crust.

The brochure also emphasizes the steps that should be taken to prevent infection.
• Clean hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol hand rub.
• Shower on site immediately after every practice and game using soap and warm water. Towels should never be shared.
• Cover all breaks in the skin with a waterproof bandage. Change the bandage if it gets wet.
• Wash clothes and towels after every practice and game and dry in a clothes dryer.
• Do not share ointments that are applied by placing your hands into an open container.
• Use a barrier like clothing or a towel between your skin and shared equipment.
• Do not share personal items
• Strict attention should be paid to the cleaning of all equipment and gear.

“The rules of good health also apply,” Dr. Bhat says. “Regular sleep, stress reduction, nutritious foods and maintaining good skin hydration can all be helpful in boosting immunity and preventing the spread of opportunistic skin infections.”

Dr. Bhat says it’s important that athletes report any skin problems to their trainers, school nurse, coach or health care provider so they can be properly evaluated.

He also noted that students should tell their health care provider that they are participating in sports.

Copies of the brochure are available by contacting the Hospital’s Public Relations Department by calling (814) 274-9301, ext. 1404.

Charles Cole Express Care

 It’s 5:00 p.m. and your daughter tells you  the scratchy throat she mentioned this morning really hurts now. Or maybe you have been battling nausea and vomiting all day and worry that it may be something more. Your family doctor’s office has closed for the day. What do you do?

 The answer may be Charles Cole Express Care. “We understand that our patients’ illnesses are not just confined to a 9 to 5 schedule. We also realize daytime hours are not always convenient for working families,” says Ed Pitchford, President and CEO of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital. “We hope this clinic meets the needs of patients by giving them more access when they need it.”

 Express Care opened its doors in September 2007 as a walk-in medical clinic operating 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Services are provided in the Irwin Medical Arts Center (the medical office building attached to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital) in the first floor office of Coudersport Primary Care. Patients may call (814) 274-5585 for more information.

In addition to Michael Joyce, PA-C, who is a Physician Assistant, the staff at the clinic includes Charleen Rosenberry, R.N., a nurse experienced in many areas of nursing. Physician supervision is provided by the Hospital’s on-call physician.

 Express Care is not designed to take the place of the Emergency Department for true emergencies (such as chest pain) nor is it designed to take the place of  regular checkups. Conditions that may be treated at Express Care include colds, flu, intestinal viruses, sore throats, strains, sprains, small fractures, suturing, care of wound infections (abscesses, etc.), minor headache, rashes, dental pain, gynecologic problems, minor burns, insect bites. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis in the walk-in clinic.

“Patients who are suffering from chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, pregnancy-related illness etc. should go directly to the Emergency Department,” Joyce noted. He also notes that patients who come to Charles Cole Express Care but need the services in the Emergency Department will be directed there.

Services at Express Care are covered by many health insurance plans, much like visits to a doctor’s office. In addition, information about the patient’s visit to Express Care will be provided to the patient’s primary care provider for follow-up.

Free Blood Pressure Clinics Every Tuesday

The Wellness Centers of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital will be offering free blood pressure screening clinics every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Hypertension (or high blood pressure) was recently identified as the number one diagnosis at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital. Being aware of high blood pressure and taking steps to control it can decrease risk for heart attack and stroke.

Theresa Long, who is coordinating the programs at the Wellness Centers, invites interested persons to stop in during the clinic times. Participants will be provided with a card to record the blood pressure readings as well as information about hypertension and good health.

Taking a few minutes each day for self care today may save your life tomorrow.

Wellness Centers are located in Coudersport on the Hospital campus, in Port Allegany at the Community Health Center on Pine Street; in Smethport on Marvin Street (Rt. 6 W) and in Emporium at the Emporium Health Center on Sizerville Road.

Real Life Solutions To Everyday Wellness Challenges

Presented by Charles Cole Memorial Hospital's Wellness Center in association with Highmark Blue Shield. There is no fee for Highmark members. There is a nominal fee for non-Highmark members. Call us for more information (814-274-5353)

Eat Well for Life I - Call for dates & times
A 4-week lifestyle improvement program promoting wellness and long-term weight management through balanced nutrition, cooking demonstrations, and other hands-on experiences.

Clear the Air - Call for dates & times
Are you thinking about quitting smoking? Whether this is your first attempt or you’ve quit before, this one-session program can give you the tools you need to get prepared, take action, stay motivated and quit for good!

Discover Relaxation Within I - Call for dates & times
A 4-week lifestyle improvement program that helps individuals identify everyday stressors and teach specific relaxation techniques to evoke relaxation and reduce and manage stress.

Personal Nutrition Coaching - Call For Schedule
A personalized program designed by a registered dietitian to address the needs of an individual seeking nutrition counseling relating to weight management, heart health or diabetes. By appointment only on Thursday afternoons.

 Call and register today! 814-274-5353

 

Sleep Center Now Open

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital's Sleep Center offers comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, assessment and follow up service for sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can include sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy and night terrors. Patients undergoing sleep studies will check in during the evening and spend the night in a motel-like room with continuous monitoring.

The Sleep Center is located in the Women and Family Health Center at the western end of the main hospital building. The area (formerly ob/gyn offices) has been remodeled to provide two private rooms with baths as well as monitoring and staff areas.

Ask your doctor if a Sleep Study would be appropriate for you.