1300 Wesley Drive • Memphis, Tennessee 38116 (901) 516-3700 www.methodisthealth.org

Health and Wellness

A Message to the Community from the Hospital CEO

CONNECTIONHealth and Wellness

Dear Neighbors:Over the past four years, I have used this forum to educate, inform and share all the wonderful things that are happening at your community hospital. We see 2011 as an exciting year and truly pivotal in our ability to make a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Our primary goal has always been to see that our community stays healthy and avoids hospitalization by actively participating in healthy habits. As such, I am happy to report that we have been selected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health of all Americans, to participate in the Aligning Forces for Quality initiative. This initiative will be targeted to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare while improving heart failure care.

In addition, Methodist South has been designated as a HeartCaring® Hospital. There are only 77 hospitals in the country that can call themselves HeartCaring hospitals and we are the only one in Tennessee. Please see page 2 for more details.

Spring 2011

1300 Wesley Drive • Memphis, Tennessee 38116 (901) 516-3700 www.methodisthealth.org

You’re Invited to Methodist South’s Whitehaven Healthy Community DaySaturday, April 9

Finally, our annual Whitehaven Healthy Community Day will be held on Saturday, April 9. We will begin with a two-mile health walk in the neighborhood around the hospital. I hope you will pick up a walk packet at the hospital or from one of our sponsors and raise money for one or more local charities that we are partnering with that day. That following Monday, April 11, we will have the grand opening of our Whitehaven Farmer’s Market, which will be open every Monday from 1 to 6 p.m. across from the hospital.

We have a lot more planned for Methodist South Hospital in 2011. We will keep you posted on upcoming events and also on our accomplishments so that you continue to make Methodist South your hospital of choice.

Sincerely,

Michael Ugwueke, DHA, FACHECEO/Administrator

Methodist South and area businesses are teaming up for our spring event – Whitehaven Healthy Com-munity Day on Saturday, April 9. It will begin with a two-mile health walk in the morning and you and your friends and neighbors can raise money for one of five charities: American Heart Association, Ameri-can Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, National Kidney Foundation and the Mid-South Transplant Foundation. With a $20 donation, you will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

After the walk and a healthy snack, you can partici-pate in the health fair on the hospital grounds. There will be various screenings and an opportunity to talk with approximately 50 vendors who can answer your health-related questions. And be sure to check out the healthy cooking demonstrations. Here’s the schedule:

8:30 a.m. Two-mile Health Walk

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Health Fair

11 a.m. and noon Healthy Cooking Demonstrations

Watch for more information and save the date!

Page 2 Embracing the Miracle of Life

Methodist South Joins National HeartCaring® Program

Methodist South is now part of HeartCaring,

a national program powered by Spirit Health

Group,® and is the only hospital in Tennessee to

have this distinction.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the United States. HeartCaring was created to proactively address the growing body of research that shows that women are still under-diagnosed when it comes to cardiovascular diseases.

“Despite all the advances in medicine, there is still a need for hospitals and physicians to better understand the differences in heart health between men and women,” said Michael Ugwueke, CEO. “HeartCaring will bring our primary care physicians and patients together to help women take action to reduce their personal risks for cardiovascular disease.”

Activities have been planned throughout the year to continue to educate women on the importance of knowing their risks for heart disease and working with their doctors to significantly reduce their chances of developing heart disease.

Associates at Methodist South attend the kick-off puppet show to learn about the new HeartCaring initiatives.

Whitehaven Farmer’s Market Scheduled to Open

Methodist South Hospital will host a weekly Farmer’s Market that will open for business soon.

When: Every Monday starting April 11, 1 to 6 p.m.

Where: Intersection of Elvis Presley Blvd. and Wesley Drive

Enjoy locally grown fruits and vegetables that are picked when perfectly ripened. There is plenty of free and convenient parking, so come to the market for the superior quality and freshness, unusual varieties and a chance to support local agriculture and meet the farmers who grow the food.

www.methodisthealth.org Page 3

Sniffles, Congestion and Itching, Oh My!

What Is Causing Your Allergies?

You may be aware you have allergies, but not know exactly what is swirling around your body to rouse a reaction. If over-the-counter antihistamines are unable to ease your discomfort, your doctor may recommend allergy testing.

Pinpointing the ProblemAllergy testing by a specialist can provide detailed information about what causes your allergy symptoms. Skin tests are the most common type of allergy testing, and up to 40 different allergens can be tested at the same time. An allergist will place small amounts of allergens on your forearm, upper arm or back. The skin is pricked, scratched or injected so the allergen goes under the skin’s surface, and the allergist will watch your skin where each allergen is introduced. Reactions typically occur within 20 minutes – if you are allergic to something, your skin will develop a small, swollen red bump that may itch (a hive). Your skin will remain normal if substances don’t cause an allergic reaction.

Skin testing can be performed on people of all ages, including infants and older adults. It is useful for diagnosing allergies to:

Animal proteins found in dander, saliva and urine

Bee, wasp and other stinging insect venom Foods Mold Penicillin Tree, grass and weed pollen

Because the amount of allergen used for testing is very small, you generally won’t have any symptoms other than mild discomfort at the introduction site. In case of a rare severe reaction, the allergist’s office will have equipment and medications on hand for treatment.

Other TestsA patch skin test, in which an allergen is applied on the skin rather than under it, may be used to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis. It can identify skin inflammation reactions to substances such as latex, fragrances, metals, dyes and preservatives. Patch tests are used to examine skin over days rather than minutes.

If you take certain medications that could interfere with skin testing or have a skin condition such as psoriasis, blood tests may be performed instead.

Answers, Treatment and Relief!You’ll have answers to skin testing before you leave the allergist’s office. Patch tests typically require an evaluation after 24 or 48 hours. Blood test results take longer than skin tests.

Once you’re armed with knowledge about your specific allergens, your doctor can recommend a targeted treatment plan as well as lifestyle changes that are right for

10 Common Allergy Triggers

Nearly 20% of Americans suffers from allergies. If you’re no stranger to respiratory or skin reactions, you may have allergies caused by one or more of these triggers.

1. Pollen (e.g., trees, grasses, weeds)

2. Animal dander3. Dust mites4. Latex

5. Molds 6. Food (e.g., milk,

shellfish, nuts and wheat)

7. Medication

8. Insect stings (e.g., bees, wasps)

9. Fragrances10. Cockroaches

Source: MedicineNet.com.

Do you suffer from itchy eyes and a runny nose each spring? Does

a friend’s home make your child sneeze every time you visit? Does

your skin mysteriously turn red in some spots when you go jogging?

you. Customized treatment helps several allergy sufferers feel significantly better and can even eliminate symptoms.

To learn more about allergy testing and get on the road to alleviating allergy distress, talk with your doctor.

In This Issue:

This publication is for general information only and does not replace the advice of your doctor or other healthcare provider. If you have medical questions, please consult your medical professional. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Thinkstock, ©iStock, ©Fotolia. ©2011 Priority Integrated Marketing | priorityresults.com

Visit us online at www.methodisthealth.org or call (901) 516-3700.

1300 Wesley Drive Memphis, TN 38116

What People Are Saying about Methodist South

We recently spent two nights in your hospital because my wife became ill on a flight from Amsterdam to Memphis.

We both want to express our appreciation for the fine care we received while there. We were totally impressed by the professionalism demonstrated by all members of the staff. Everyone had a caring attitude blended with a desire to provide the best medical care. This attitude was present in everyone from the custodial staff up to and including the nurses and doctors.

We both said the operation of this hospital was an example of what any “quality management expert” would dream of achieving.

Thank you for making an unpleasant interruption of our travel into a very positive experience.

Here is a letter we recently received from a patient:

A Message from the CEO

Methodist South Joins National HeartCaring® Program

What Is Causing Your Allergies?