On the first Thursday night of each month, Lynne Moffatt, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford Board of Trustees member, can be found welcoming parents to Share, a face-to-face support group for those who share the experience of losing their baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.

Lynne remembers the overwhelming grief and isolation she felt as she left the hospital without her baby girl in October 1979. She longed for someone to talk with that truly understood what she was going through. Thirty years ago, you didn’t talk about it in public and there were no support groups, so the yearning remained. Eventually Lynne met another young woman who had a similar experience and they decided to do something to honor their own babies, as well as to help the healing of others going through the loss of a child. They started the Share support group at Texas Health HEB in 1982 and have been listening to and supporting young parents ever since.

Lynne says the support group can be powerful for two reasons, “Listening to similar stories of other people and telling their own, parents come to realize they are not alone in this experience. The second reason is that when newly bereaved parents see others who have experienced some healing, having discovered some tools for coping, they are able to see hope for themselves, that they have a future even though they can’t see it yet.”

Lynne believes losing a child will make parents either bitter or better. She is committed to helping parents find their way toward being better, more compassion people as they heal from this terrible pain.

The Share group meets on the first floor of the hospital from 7-8 pm each 1st Thursday of the month. For more information about the Share support group, contact the Department of Pastoral Care at susanbriggs@texashealth.org or at 817-848-4811.

The event will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Proceeds benefit the Oncology Department at Texas Health HEB.

About 50 vendors will line the halls of the hospital selling items such as jewelry, gift items, handmade clothing and flower arrangements, to name a few of the items that will be on sale. A silent auction will include tickets to Bass Hall and NASCAR races, spa treatments, art and gift baskets. A Carnival cruise for two also will be raffled off.

And if you’re one of those people that already has holiday shopping taken care of the Auxiliary will be selling tasty treats of home-cooked baked goods, which I hear usually sell out by noon.

For more information, please contact Judy Daley at 817-848-4853.

But really how do you go about finding that perfect provider for you?

As someone who has moved a lot I speak from experience. Asking around can yield uncomfortable pauses and stories that offer way more detail, and frankly TMI, than one is looking for. Picking from an insurance provider list can be disastrous as you have no clue what the person is like. Even trusted friends and family members may love one physician while you are left scratching your head about his or her bedside manner.

That’s why I’m excited about an event coming up at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford.

Six OB/GYNs have agreed to give up their lunch hour to answer questions from prospective patients. So whether you want to find out their thoughts on childbirth or simply make that personal one-on-one connection it’s a great chance to meet physicians. And at a free event where only five minutes is spent with each physician what do you have to lose?

Heck, we’ll even provide some questions to get the discussion started for those that are more shy. For more information or to register, please visit our Web site or call 1-877-THR-WELL.

Then Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford Fitness Center has the day for you. Come out Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon for a Zumbathon.

What is Zumba? Zumba is an exercise class that combines latin rhythms, interval training and resistance training to give a full body, fat-burning workout.

Saturday’s Zumbathon costs $10 per person whether you stay for 30 minutes or shake your booty for all three hours. Instructors will switch out every 30 minutes and teach classes of different Zumba varieties.

Certified personal trainer Jennifer Wines says it will be a fun and different day and is a great opportunity for someone who has been thinking about joining a Zumba class, but hasn’t yet taken that step.

Door prizes will include yoga mats and free personal training sessions at the fitness center. Fruit, juice and bagels also will be provided.

For more information, please call 817-267-9191.

The new law states that every child must ride in a federally approved “child passenger safety seat system” until they are 8 years old or taller than 4 feet 9 inches. This includes traditional car seats with harnesses AND booster seats-both the backless and the high back versions. Here are some common questions and answers regarding booster seats:

Q: What is a booster seat?
A: A booster seat is a firm cushion of foam or plastic that raises the child higher than in the car to improve position and angle of the shoulder belt. There are backless, high back, and removable-back booster seats. Most boosters include a shoulder belt guide or comfort clip that can be used if needed to pull the shoulder belt slightly downward so it crosses the center of the chest and shoulder. Basically the booster seat boosts a child up so they can safely use the seat belt that is intended for an adult body.

Q: Why is it important for my child to ride in a booster seat?
A: Vehicle seat belts are designed for the adult body. Children over four years old have a higher rate of injury than younger children because many of them find using a regular seat belt uncomfortable because it does not fit their child-size body. So they place the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back, and they slouch down or slide forward to the edge of the vehicle seat. According to SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., “Young children who are placed in vehicle belts rather than booster seats are 59% more likely to suffer devastating injuries, including severe damage to the brain, liver, spleen, and spinal cord.”

Q: How do I choose the best booster seat for my child?
A: According to SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., the ideal booster sat has a removable back with an adjustable headrest. Recent research suggests that boosters with a back are safer than those without a back-especially in a side impact crash. Look for a booster seat that has high-density, energy-absorbing foam in the head area. The child’s head should be supported by the vehicle seatback, the booster seat, or the headrest on the vehicle.

Q: Is a backless booster safe to use?
Backless boosters are lightweight, inexpensive, and small and are a great choice for carpooling, play dates, and public distribution programs. A backless booster should not be used until a child is able to sit upright and stay in this position throughout the whole car trip. Also, the child’s head must be supported by the vehicle seatback or the vehicle headrest.

Q: Can I use a booster seat with a lap belt?
A: NO! A booster seat must be used with a shoulder belt. If your car does not have shoulder belts in the back seat, a booster seat cannot be used. Go to http://www.carseat.org/ for information about safety seats for older children that can be installed with a lap belt. Many cars made before 1990 have only lap belts in the back seat and some newer cars may not have shoulder belts in the center position.

Q: What is the penalty for not obeying this new laws?
A: This law takes effect Sept. 1. Law enforcement officers may only enforce the new changes in the law with written or verbal warnings until June 1, 2010. Beginning on June 1, 2010 officers may arrest or issue a citation/notice to appear to a person committing an offense. A fine of not more than $25 can be assessed for a first time offense and no more than $250 for the second or subsequent offenses.

Q: Where can I get help for installing my booster seat?
Texas Health teaches parents how to install car seats and booster seats. Call 1-877-THR-WELL for your free appointment. I am happy to answer any questions and you can reach me in my office at Texas Health Harris Methodist HEB at 817-848-4135.

Also, you can call Safe Kids Tarrant County at 682-885-2634.

Julie Smith, RN, MS
Perinatal Educator
Child Passenger Safety Technician
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford

This new law will save lives of our most precious cargo-our children. The best practice for parents to understand is that children who are not 4 feet and 9 inches tall, even if they are older than 8 years old, are safest in a booster seat. So, get out your measuring tape, determine the height of your child, and get a booster seat to protect them if it is needed!

The law also requires all safety seats and booster seats to be installed according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the safety seat system which include age, height and weight requirements and the placement in the vehicle. So, it is important to read the manual that comes with your car seat or booster seat and follow the instructions carefully!

If your child is over 4 feet 9 inches he or she should be able to:
· sit all the way back against the vehicle seat
· have his/her knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat
· have the shoulder belt should cross the shoulder and the middle of the chest and NOT the child’s neck and should lay across the child’s hips and not their belly
· have their head supported by the vehicle headrest
· be seated properly for the entire car trip-which is often difficult for young children

Texas Health teaches parents how to install car seats and booster seats. Call 1-877-THR-WELL for your free appointment. I am happy to answer any questions and you can reach me in my office at Texas Health Harris Methodist HEB at 817-848-4135.

Julie Smith, RN, MS
Perinatal Educator
Child Passenger Safety Technician

The good news is that you can prevent it. The simple hand-washing steps parents teach young children every day are still the most effective method of prevention. Unfortunately, most of us, including yours truly on occasion, don’t do it right.

So as a refresher, here are the six simple steps to better hand hygiene:
1. Wet hands with warm water.
2. Apply soap.
3. Rub hands together for at least 15 seconds (Sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Be sure to wash front and back of hands, between figures and around and under fingernails.)
4. Rinse well, letting water drip off fingers, not run down arms.
5. Dry hands with paper towel.
6. Turn off water with paper towel. (Remember that dirty hands turned the water faucet on.)

In a pinch, alcohol hand gels and disinfecting wipes may also do the trick.

If you want to take preparations a step further, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology has released a report of recommendations.

Happy handwashing!

What is it they say about good intentions? Well, in not so many words, the road from Fort Worth to Ouray seems to be paved with Dairy Queen, Sonic and McDonald’s. Those carrots I peeled came in handy and I managed to stay away from Dairy Queen all the way to our destination. Small pat on the back; I could do this thing! We arrived to our destination and set up our tent in much cooler temperatures and rain. My, those things I packed didn’t sound quite as satisfying after all that energy I expended helping to set up….the temptation had just increased. After a week of hiking, and jeeping in much cooler temperatures for hours at a time, my resolve lessened. My activity stayed high though. I am not sure how many calories one expends hanging on to a very bouncy jeep traveling on rocky roads in various angles, but I am sure it must be enough to make up for the donut I broke down and ate before going rafting.

For all the planning and resolve I went into the vacation with, I encountered some obstacles I had not planned for. For one, the cooler full of fruits and vegetables seemed to get tainted by peppers and pickles that I had packed. The cherries became water-logged after several days. Well sealed, water-tight containers are a must for a week in a cooler.

The biggest surprise came when I stopped for fast food, ordered the salad, and found the establishment did not offer “light” or low-fat versions of salad dressings, even though my books said that they did. I would have done better to order the higher fat burger! A purchase of my own salad spray to carry in my purse helped to keep the calories and fat in check. I also found that many places do not offer sugar substitutes or at least the ones that I like. This was another little purchase I found necessary to assist in my desire to keep the calories down.

So what are my biggest lessons learned?
Take your own salad dressing. Wishbone Salad Spritzers, Ken’s Lite Accents, and Newman’s Own Salad Mist offer a mere 10-15 calories, one-half to one gram of fat and 1-2g of carbohydrate in 10 sprays. I could get a little crazy and use twenty sprays and still be within a negligible calorie and fat range.

Carry several packets of sugar substitutes. Splenda, Truvia, and Sun Crystals are just a few of the wonderful selections to choose from.

Look up the foods at Dairy Queen, Sonic and McDonald’s ahead of time and choose carefully. Each of these chains offer complete nutritional information online, which makes planning more productive.

These are just a few of the things I learned during my recent road trip. I can honestly say I did not gain a single pound in spite of all the shortfalls in my planning!

Leslie Crawford, RDLD
Diabetes educator and nutrition counselor
Texas Health HEB

Texas Health HEB was named a top improver in coronary artery bypass graft and hip and knee surgeries. The hospital also was named an attainer – in other words we met or beat the median score of other hospitals – in heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia cases.

So what does this mean to you, our patients?

It means that at Texas Health HEB we approach quality much as a football coach approaches the season. We set goals, identify champions (quarterbacks if you will), develop a plan that includes every player on our team, and implement a strategy based on evidence-based best practices. We’re lucky here that all our team members from every level of employees to physicians on the medical staff all contribute to the overall effort. Each employee benefits when the entire team is working in unison toward the evidence-based goals. In turn, you, the patient, benefits.

In a way, the overall national project is an experiment in finding the best ways to improve patient care. The Hospital Quality Improvement Demonstration project is the only one of its kind that is designed to determine how economic incentives can help hospitals to improve inpatient care. By meeting and exceeding the standards, Texas Health HEB received more than $61,000.

But we’re not content to rest on the successes we’ve had. We’ll continue to formulate a game plan so that as new data is released we tweak our policies and procedures. In the meantime, click here if you’d like more information on the project or to see greater detail on the scores.

Deborah Paganelli, FACHE
Texas Health HEB president

“Why am I here?”

These are some of the questions many patients have when I first see them and Ann was no exception. I first saw Ann for an assessment when she was referred to the Pain Management Intensive Outpatient Program at the Texas Health Springwood Center of Southlake by her neurosurgeon. He had abruptly halted spinal fusion surgery prep for surgery which was scheduled in four days. He had seen indicators that she was depressed when she became tearful while talking about planning for surgery, reported that she was not sleeping, had difficulty focusing on her usual tasks, and seemed overwhelmed. The physician questioned whether she was psychologically ready for a successful surgery and recovery in her current state.

According to the National Pain Foundation, chronic pain is a severe stressor and that as many as 70% of those with chronic pain may be clinically depressed.

Individuals with severe pain are at high risk for developing destructive coping patterns such as abuse of medications or alcohol, overeating, social isolation, anger outbursts, or withdrawing from life. Research also indicates that the presence of situational stressors has an enormous impact on recovery from the pain condition. We know that treating the psychological state as well as the medical needs of the patient ensures a successful recovery from the pain condition.

It became clear that Ann had struggled with severe pain related to degenerative disc disease for 9 months while multiple treatments were tried. Meanwhile, other stressors had occurred in her life, including a job layoff and tightened finances. During this time the combined stress had affected her ability to work, limited her activities and socialization, and resulted in feelings of depression and hopelessness. It was evident that Ann could benefit from information about the cycle of pain, stress, and depression which leads to the experiencing of intensified pain.

While in the program, Ann worked intensely on addressing the stress of chronic pain, its impact on her mood and family, other stressors of heated family relationship issues, and a pattern of internalizing her feelings related to childhood experiences of abuse. New coping skills were developed, she was more able to use breathing and muscle relaxation to intervene in her pain cycle, and a change in the balancing of her life priorities occurred. Her mood brightened greatly, her motivation/enthusiasm increased, her self esteem lifted, she absorbed and actively used all coping outlets offered to her with success. Ann’s insight into herself, her life, her condition improved and she became a leader in the group sessions offering valuable guidance and support to peers. When her neurosurgeon met with her for her follow up appointment, he was amazed by the change he saw in such limited time frame. Treatment in this program assisted Ann in a successful recovery from back surgery.

Ann even returned to complete her remaining sessions post-operatively at her own initiation. She was now clear on what our program had to offer.

If someone you care about struggles with chronic pain and could benefit from this program, call me at 817-310-5888 to schedule a free assessment.

Chase Torres, LCSW
Pain Management Intensive Outpatient Program
Texas Health Springwood Center of Southlake