HEALTHY
suMMer treats
Healthy food options can be
found at summer events.
Just follow these tips.
turn to Page 4
community
a dCH PublICatIon
●
s u m m e r
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to home
from hospital 
DCH HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY
Sometimes patients need special care in their home for
a few days or weeks after they’ve been discharged from
the hospital.
Discharged patients might need to put a personalized home care plan
in action, schedule an appointment with a physician or buy medications
prescribed by their physician.
“Whether you’ve had surgery or have been newly diagnosed with an
acute or chronic illness such as diabetes, heart failure, pneumonia or
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, DCH Home Health Care Agency
can help you transition from the hospital to home,” said Marcia Bailey,
RN, the director of the agency.
“Our skilled caregivers can help manage and coordinate health care
needs at home,” Bailey said. “Once a physician order has been made
for home care, our transitional coordinator RN can meet with patients
while they’re in the hospital to review their medical status, health care
needs and discharge plan.”
Care at home could include a registered nurse assigned to coordinate and monitor the care a patient receives at home. The transitional
coordinator also works with a patient’s physician to ensure that his or
her needs are met.
The home health team also includes physical, occupational and speech
therapists; a medical social worker; registered dietitians; and home health
aides. All are available to help with your recovery at home.
“You have a choice when it comes to your care at home,” Bailey said.
“When you choose DCH Home Health Care Agency for your care,
you’re getting expert care from one of the top 5 percent home health
care agencies in the nation. From the hospital to home, we are here to
care for you.”
Making
going home
a little
easier
DCH Home Medical
Equipment can help
make the transition
from hospital to home
easier for patients and
their family. DCH HME
provides equipment and
services prescribed by
a physician for use in
the home. Items such
as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen and
CPAP can be delivered
need care at home?
learn more about dCh
home health Care agency at
www.dchsystem.com/homecare.
directly to your home.
For more
information on
the services
provided by DCH
HME, call 205-330-3177
or visit www.dchsystem
.com/homemedical.
Incredible care after a colon catastrophe
W
hen Bill Lamb saw his physician
in some cases, such as Lamb’s, to tempo-
Health,” Lamb said. “For the type of surgery
about pains that just weren’t
rarily aid with biological functions.
that I had, you really need help.
going away, he was told that he
“The staff taught me how to care for my-
Agency came to my house every few days
self so well that after a short while, I didn’t
serious problem: His colon had burst.
after I got home to make sure I was doing
need help at all,” he said. “They told me
OK while I was learning how to care for
that I had done so well that I could teach
myself,” Lamb said.
others how to care for themselves.”
Lamb, 60, was hospitalized at DCH
Regional Medical Center last December
following emergency surgery.
Lamb is the Tuscaloosa County Com-
Lamb had follow-up surgery in April at
mission finance director. He and his
the Regional Medical Center for a proce-
surgery,” Lamb said. “For a while, I had to
wife, DuRhonda, are the parents of three
dure that made using an ostomy bag no
use an ostomy bag, and I had to be taught
daughters and a son, who make up the well-
longer necessary. He said he feels good
how to take care of myself.”
known Lamb Family Violin Ensemble.
and glad to be back living the life he enjoys
“I had to have help at home following my
DuRhonda and Bill Lamb are happy with
the care he received from DCH Home
Health Care Agency after undergoing
emergency colon surgery.
“Caregivers from DCH Home Health Care
needed surgery immediately to repair a very
An ostomy bag is a medical device used
“I got wonderful care from DCH Home
with family and friends.
2
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dCh neWs
DCH goes tobacco-free
a
s of Jan. 1, 014, no tobacco use of any kind will be permitted—inside
or outside—at DCH Regional Medical Center, Northport Medical Center, Fayette Medical Center and Pickens County Medical Center. This is
another way that DCH Health System is committed to the health and
safety of its employees, patients, physicians, volunteers and visitors.
Tobacco use remains the No. 1 cause of preventable and premature deaths
nationwide, and secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, of
which 50 are known carcinogens.
“We have a responsibility to eliminate health hazards and promote healthy
lifestyle choices,” said DCH Health System President/CEO Bryan Kindred.
“Going tobacco-free helps protect the community, staff, patients, families and
guests from the harmful effects of tobacco use.”
Centers for Disease Control
offers free help for quitting
Smoking harms nearly every organ of
the body, causing many diseases and
affecting the health of people who
smoke. Quitting tobacco has immediate
and long-term benefits for you and your
loved ones.
The Centers for Disease Control offers
free online and telephone support services
to help tobacco users through the process
of eliminating tobacco from their life.
and services, including:
● Free support and advice from experienced counselors.
● A personalized quit plan.
● Self-help materials.
● Social support and coping strategies.
● The latest information about medications to help you quit.
● Over-the-counter nicotine replacement
medications for eligible participants.
Quit line services
Cessation services
--QUIT-NOW
(-) is a free telephone
service that can help people who
want to stop smoking or using
other tobacco products. Callers
have access to several types of information
More space, new physicians for wound healing
The Wound Healing Center at DCH Regional Medical Center has expanded its
treatment areas and increased the number
of physicians to meet an ever-growing
need for wound healing.
“With the addition of the extra space,
we’ve added two physicians to our team
at the Wound Healing Center,” Chuck
Grosche, program director of the Wound
Healing Center, said.
Dr. Charles Gross and Dr. Quinton
Matthews, both surgeons, have joined
the Wound Healing Center medical team.
The expansion includes two additional
treatment rooms as well as two procedure
rooms equipped with overhead lift systems.
“The overhead lift systems will
greatly enhance our ability to safely and
comfortably move larger patients and
those who need help walking on their
own,” Grosche said.
The Wound Healing Center also added
a third hyperbaric chamber.
Located on the second floor of the
Phelps Outpatient Center, the Wound Healing Center opened in 00 at the Regional
Medical Center.
Learn about our team and
what to expect at your visit
a t w w w. d c h s y s te m . c o m /
woundhealing.
the wound healing
medical team
Dr. Joshua Argo
Dr. W. Keith Debell
Dr. Howard Falgout
Dr. Charles Gross
Dr. Andrew Harrell
Dr. Quinton Matthews
Dr. Barry Newsome
Dr. John O. Waits
The Wound Healing Center is adding a third hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Hyperbaric
oxygen promotes wound healing by increasing circulation and oxygen at the wound
site. It also helps to fight infection, particularly when it involves bone.
Dr. Joseph Wallace
Dr. Timothy Winkler
CDC provides
a variety of resources on
how to quit at www.cdc.gov/
tobacco/quit_smoking. Also
try smokefree.gov, a website
dedicated to helping smokers quit.
QUIT TING SMOKING
You can
reap rewards
at any age
You’re not as young as you used to be—but
nobody is! Age sometimes is an all-tooeasy excuse to keep smoking, yet millions
of older adults can and do quit, even after
smoking for decades.
The benefits of quitting add up, no
matter what your age. People who stop
smoking usually breathe easier, improve
their sense of taste and smell, and lower
their risks for serious diseases, including
heart and lung problems.
Older adults sometimes have a harder
time quitting than do younger smokers.
But giving up tobacco is so important
that Medicare now pays for face-to-face
stop-smoking medical appointments, with
some limitations.
So if you need help quitting, see your
physician. There are many aids that can
help you succeed, no matter how many
candles you’ll light on your next birthday.
Sources: American Medical Association; National Institute on Aging
sum m e r
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3
reCOGNItIONS
reCoGniZinG
eXCellenCe in
our eMployees
the DCH Health System recognizes employees from
its hospitals in Tuscaloosa, Northport, Fayette and Pickens County for excellence on
the job.
Employees are nominated by their peers to receive recognition awards based on
various criteria, including outstanding job performance, attitude, dependability, and
dedication to the mission of the Health System and its patients and employees.
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR,
dCh reGional MediCal Center Ashley Jones and Dana Shirley were the recipi-
ents of the Regional Medical Center Excellence Award for the first quarter of 013.
Jones is a registered nurse on the  South Patient Care Unit. She has been employed
by the Regional Medical Center since June 005.
Shirley, an MRI technician in Radiology, has been employed by the Regional Medical Center since July 18.
northport MediCal Center Jackie Easterwood and Delisa Parker are the latest
recipients of the Northport Medical Center Excellence Award.
Easterwood is a perioperative technician in Surgical Services. She has been employed at Northport Medical Center since April 005.
Parker, administrative coordinator at the DCH Rehabilitation Pavilion, has been
employed at Northport Medical Center since October 18.
Ashley
Jones
Jackie
Easterwood
Dana Shirley
Delisa Parker
Kim Jordan
Brian Purser
fayette MediCal Center Kim Jordan and Brian Purser are the
latest recipients of the Employee of Excellence Award.
Jordan received the award for the fourth quarter of 01. She is
the director of Respiratory Care and has been employed at Fayette
Medical Center since August 186.
Purser, a technician in Radiology, is an award recipient for the
first quarter of 013. He has been employed at Fayette Medical Center
since June 011.
pCMC laBoratory reCoGniZed for Quality
at Pickens
County Medical Center recently was awarded
accreditation by COLA, a national health care
organization.
Accreditation is awarded only to laboratories
that apply rigid standards of quality in day-today operations, demonstrate continued accuracy
in performing testing and pass a rigorous on-site
laboratory survey.
PCMC has earned COLA accreditation for more
than 10 years because of its long-term commitment
to providing quality services and reliable test results.
COLA is a nonprofit, physician-directed organization promoting quality and excellence in medicine
and patient care through programs of voluntary
education, achievement and accreditation.
COLA is approved by the federal government
and sponsored by the American Academy of Family
Physicians, the American Medical Association and
the American College of Physicians.
THE LABORATORY DEPARTMENT
The Laboratory Department staff at Pickens County Medical Center includes (front, from left) Susan Tant, PCMC Lab
director; Liza Bonner; and Jenny Shaw. In the back are (from left) Susan Parson, Carol Smith, Jennifer Lowe, Melanie
Strawn, Johnnie Byrd and Toby Kofman. Not pictured are Jimmeka Neal, Barbara Barrett, Ralph Taylor and Greg Rector.
4
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SuMMer eatING
goIng out?
less-than-nutritious food and drinks you
might have during the day.
● Before going to an outing, eat a healthy
meal so that you won’t arrive hungry. This
way, the temptation to indulge in unhealthy
food is not so strong.
● On your way to an event, set some ground
rules on tempting treats. If you have children, consider getting them only one treat
to share with each other. Help them understand it’s a treat to be enjoyed only on special
occasions—like the event they are about to
attend.
● If you will be at an event long enough to
eat a meal, stick to the healthiest options.
Whether you attend summer events with
friends and family or go solo, remember
that healthy eating starts with you. Practice good eating behaviors by skipping the
corn dog, pizza or ice cream. Instead, choose
from the following foods that are also popular
at outdoor events:
● Barbecue chicken instead of fried chicken.
● Corn on the cob instead of french fries.
● Soft tacos instead of hard-shell tacos.
● Pickles on a stick.
● Kettle corn instead of movie-theater-style
popcorn. (Although kettle corn is not high
in fat, it does have a fair amount of sugar, so
share a small bag.)
● Frozen bananas.
● Frozen yogurt in a cup instead of
ice cream.
● Fresh fruit. Try watermelon and seasonal
fruit from local farmers.
look for
healthy
foods this
suMMer
include a
variety of things to eat and drink. “Foods and
beverages loaded with fat, sugar and salt are
likely to be typical fare
at gatherings, such as
sporting events, concerts or picnics,” Kim
Chism, RD, LD, with
DCH Regional Medical
Center, said. “However,
you can still enjoy summer activities and limit
Kim Chism, RD, LD
the not-so-nourishing
foods and drinks without putting a damper
on your summer fun.”
Chism suggested some easy reminders to
help you enjoy your summer activities.
● Remember, the word activity is related
to the word active. Plan events that include physical activity to help work off any
SUMMER ACTIVITIES OFTEN
Be aWare of foodBorne illnesses
FOODBORNE ILLNESSES TYPICALLY increase during
the hot summer months. “Warmer temperatures mean
more people more often prepare and eat food outdoors,”
Kim Chism, RD, LD, with DCH Regional Medical Center,
said. “This limits or eliminates access to refrigeration and
hand-washing facilities.
“Making plans for proper cleaning of cookware and
utensils as well as cooking foods to proper internal temperatures may not be a priority in the rush to get to the fun,”
Chism said. “However, foods prepared outdoors should be
subject to the same food safety practices that are used at
home. This also includes food items bought from a vendor.”
Chism recommended taking the following simple steps
to keep food prepared outdoors safe:
Clean. Wash your hands using proper techniques, and
make sure you can thoroughly clean and sanitize cooking utensils and equipment, especially when attending
outdoor events. Check on the availability of places where
you can wash your hands when you arrive at your event.
Even better, bring your own source of soap and water,
hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes.
When you buy fresh whole foods such as fruits and
vegetables, rinse them under running water and always
follow the rules of food safety, including proper storage
and handling.
Separate. Be sure to avoid cross-contamination of
foods even after you wash and clean hands and surfaces
properly. Keep raw foods separate from cooked foods
because germs can still be spread when raw and readyto-eat foods are not separated.
Cook. Cook food items to the recommended correct
internal temperatures. A food thermometer is a must to
have on hand. They come in a range of styles and prices
and can usually be found at supermarkets, kitchen shops
and discount retailers.
Chill. Refrigerate food promptly, especially when away
from home. This is where an insulated cooler packed with
ice or frozen gel packs becomes indispensable. Add an
Want more food safety tips?
Get them at www.foodsafety.gov.
appliance thermometer, and you have a way to monitor
the cooler’s temperature to make sure items inside stay
safe. Illness-causing bacteria can grow in perishable
foods within two hours unless you refrigerate them. If
the outside temperature is 0 degrees or higher, cut that
time down to one hour.
Comments or suggestions on this article? Email
[email protected].
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5
Feature
tyPe 2 dIabetes
take a
step toWard
PREVENTION
That first step toward a healthier
way of life can seem tough. But it
can also bring big rewards down
the road. This is especially true
if you’re at high risk for Type 
diabetes. A few small changes can
help put off or even prevent this
serious disease, according to the
American Diabetes Association.
What is diaBetes? When we eat, our
bodies turn food into glucose, or sugar. It
is then turned into energy with the help
of a hormone called insulin.
When you have Type  diabetes, your
body either:
● Doesn’t make enough insulin.
● Doesn’t process the hormone properly.
When this happens, your blood glucose
level remains too high.
Over time, a high blood glucose level
can damage nerves and blood vessels. Diabetes can also lead to other serious health
problems, such as:
● Heart disease.
● Stroke.
● Vision loss.
● Kidney disease.
aM i at risk? You may be at risk if you:
● Are 45 or older.
● Have a parent with diabetes.
● Have a brother or sister with diabetes.
● Are overweight or obese.
● Have high blood pressure.
● Have a blood glucose level that is
higher than normal.
● Are not very active.
you Can loWer your risk Want to
know two of the best ways to lower your
risk of getting diabetes? Eat healthy and
be active. In fact, diet and exercise have
been shown to work better than drugs in
Diabetes: 10 ways
to protect your skin
D
iabetes can wreak havoc on
skin, affecting how blood vessels nourish the body, requiring
drugs that make skin itchy and dry, and
suppressing the body’s ability to fight
infection if bacteria sneak in via a small
cut or blister.
Here are 10 skin must-do’s for people
with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association:
0Keep your skin clean, but bathe less
often to preserve moisture.
9Take warm to cool baths and
showers.
8Use lotions to moisturize and soften
your skin. Dry skin itches and cracks,
letting infections take hold.
7Dry carefully between your toes, but
don’t use lotion there. The moisture may
encourage fungal growth.
helping delay diabetes.
Losing a few extra pounds (if you’re
overweight) can also help. In one study,
results showed that 30 minutes of moderate
exercise per day, combined with a 5 to 10
percent drop in body weight, led to a 58 percent reduction in getting diabetes in those
who were considered at high risk for it.
So take a few minutes here, lose a few
pounds there. These small steps can add
up to create a big reward: a life without
diabetes.
dCh Can help The DCH Diabetes Edu-
cation Center can help you in a number
of ways, according to Debrah Fisher, CDE,
manager of the center. “The DCH Diabetes Education Center provides education
and training by nurses and dietitians in
self-management skills for people with
diabetes,” she said.
“These skills include learning to
control blood sugars, delaying or preventing diabetes
complications, and
improving self-care
skills.
“ The Diabetes
Debrah Fisher, CDE
Education Center
also offers a class for those at risk for diabetes,” Fisher said. The class, “Increased
Risk for Diabetes,” provides education on
eating habits and activities that promote
a healthier lifestyle. Classes are conveniently offered in the morning, afternoon
and evening.
“The DCH Diabetes Education Center
is here to help,” Fisher said. “All we need
is a referral from your physician for your
insurance to cover it.”
Call 205-750-5260, or visit
www.dchsystem.com/diabetes.
6Treat cuts right away.
5During dry and cold months, keep
your home humid.
4Check your feet every day for sores
and cuts.
3Wear wide-toed shoes that fit well to
avoid blisters and sores.
2See your doctor right away for any
major cut or burn or for skin problems
you can’t control.
and the no. 1 way to
protect your skin:
Keep your glucose level under control.
This helps your whole body, including your skin, stay as problem-free as
possible.
6
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Feature
Keep hands
safe
while biking
B
iking has become a
popular year-round
activity, with more
bikers on the roads
and trails during
the summer months. The American Society of Hand Therapists
offers the following recommendations to maximize the enjoyment
of biking while minimizing the
risk of injury. Biking injury prevention tips
●● Make sure your hands are properly
warmed up before you begin your ride.
Spread your hands and fingers wide and
then ball them up into a fist. Repeat five
times. Rotate your wrists five times in one
direction, then five times the other way.
●● Make sure your bicycle is adjusted to
fit you to avoid stress injuries.
●● Take the roughness out of your off-road
biking with a good suspension fork that
absorbs shock.
●● Don’t overinflate your tires. Keep your
tire pressure between 35 and 45 pounds.
●● For a more upright position, choose a
stem with a higher degree of rise or a riser
handlebar. This will help relieve neck fatigue and decrease pressure on the palms
of your hands. Be careful not to raise your
handlebar much higher than your seat, or
you will be unable to maintain weight on
your front tire when climbing hills.
●● If you need to shorten your reach to
your handlebar, replace your stem with
a shorter one.
●● Get handlebars with an 8- to 10-degree
sweep to place your wrists in a more efficient position for grasping. Straight bars
force you to bend your wrists toward your
thumb, a position that can cause joint pain.
●● Check the width of your handlebar.
You may need to trim the length of your
handlebar to fit your shoulder width to
decrease arm fatigue and help you steer.
●● Attach bar ends to your handlebar to
increase leverage for climbing and increase comfort for long-distance riding.
Bar ends with an L-bend provide multiple
hand positions to decrease fatigue and
numbness in the fingers.
●● Change your handlebar grips to dualdensity grips that help decrease vibration
and conform to your hand better than thin
or hard rubber grips.
●● Try carbon fiber handlebars. They’re
sturdy and give a little during hard rides
to provide vibration dampening for your
upper body.
Mind your hands “ During long rides,
change your hand position on the handlebars often,” Janice Eason, a licensed and registered occupational therapist and certified
hand therapist with DCH Hand Therapy at
DCH Physical Rehabilitation, said.
Rider up: Cycle safely
W
Protect your head with a
helmet that fits snugly.
■■Make sure your bike fits
hether you’re an
including a heart attack.
avid rider or you
Riding a bike has the
can barely wob-
added benefit of being easy
flat on the ground when you
ble around the block on two
on the body; it doesn’t
straddle the top bar of the
wheels, you need to be sure
stress your joints as much
bike.
you’re cycling safely. Read
as activities like running.
■■Make yourself more
on to learn more about the
As fun and beneficial
right. Your feet should be
visible to drivers. Deck
benefits of bike riding—and
as biking may be, it’s
yourself out in bright colors
a few rules of the road.
not without risk. Serious
and reflective tape. Have
injuries can occur if you
reflectors or lights—or
aren’t careful. Follow these
both—on the front and back
Health on
wheels
tips for safe biking from
of the bike.
Like any form of exercise,
the American Academy of
■■Know and follow the
riding a bike can help you
Family Physicians and other
rules. Ride in the same
burn calories and get to—or
experts:
direction as cars. Stop at
stay at—a healthy weight.
■■Always wear a helmet.
stop signs and intersec-
Being active can also reduce
Most bicycle deaths are
tions. Use the proper hand
your risk of health problems,
the result of head injuries.
signals when making a turn.
“Shift your weight
from the center of
your palms to the
outside edge of your
palms as often as
possible,” she suggested. “Wear wellpadded gloves, and
add handlebar pad- Janice Eason
ding to your bike to
help protect your hands from injury. The
padding absorbs the shocks and jolts from
the road, limiting the stress transmitted to
your hands.”
What to do when you feel pain F eel
pain or numbness in your hands? Try
examining an old pair of padded gloves.
Look at the palm side of the glove, and
feel where the handlebar is placing the
most pressure on your hands. The glove’s
padding will be more worn in this area. If
the padding is worn more where you have
the pain, try a glove with padding that is
thicker or a different design.
If you do injure yourself, be sure you
see a physician who specializes in hand
injuries and get proper treatment—a small
injury to the hand or arm can become a
serious long-term disability if neglected.
If you have a repetitive motion injury,
have your physician refer you to a hand
therapist to keep you active without pain.
Get help with DCH DCH Hand Therapy
specializes in rehabilitation of injuries to
the hand and arm. The team of occupational therapists, including two certified
hand therapists, serves patients with
arthritis, orthopedic injuries, cumulative trauma and industrial injuries. The
professionals provide custom splinting
and therapy based on the latest medical
advancements and the specific needs of
the patient. For more information, please
go to www.dchsystem.com/rehab. sum m e r
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7
T
here’s the
type of warm weather
that makes putting
on a T-shirt and shorts
fun. And then there’s
the type that makes
you wish you could
walk around in your
birthday suit.
Excessive heat. It’s uncomfortable, and it’s potentially dangerous. In recent
years, more people have
died from excessive heat
than from all other kinds
of weather hazards, including floods.
Your body can only
take so much exposure to
heat that is extreme. Normally when you get hot,
you cool off by sweating.
But in extreme heat, your
body temperature can rise
rapidly—and sweat may
not be enough to cool you
down. Very high body
temperatures can lead to
heat illnesses, which have
the potential to damage
your brain and other vital
organs.
Adults older than 65,
kids younger than 4, and
people who are overweight
or sick or who take certain
medications are most at risk
for heat illness. But anyone
who is exposed to extreme
heat for too long or who exercises strenuously or does
physical labor in high heat
and humidity is vulnerable
to having a heat illness.
Here is a chart that
explains common heat illnesses, what causes them,
possible signs and symptoms, and how to treat
them.
When
being
hot IS
NOT SO
COOL A prickly
problem
of the skin
Extreme temperatures
can trigger heatrelated illnesses
Illness
Causes
Possible Signs
and Symptoms
First Aid
Heat
cramps
People who sweat a lot
during strenuous activity are prone to heat
cramps. The sweating
depletes the body’s salt
and moisture. The low
salt level in the muscles
causes painful cramps.
Heat cramps are often
an early warning sign
that the body is having
trouble with the heat.
■■Painful spasms, usually
in the arms, legs or
abdominal muscles.
■■Heavy sweating.
■■Stop what you’re doing, and sit quietly in
a cool place.
■■Gently massage affected muscles to
relieve spasms.
■■Sip on cool water, clear juice or a sports
beverage.
■■Stop drinking if you become nauseated.
■■Don’t return to strenuous activity for a
few hours after the cramps subside.
■■Get medical help if the cramps don’t
diminish in an hour.
Heat
exhaustion
The body loses an excessive amount of water
and salt, usually through
sweating.
■■Heavy sweating.
■■Weakness.
■■Cool, moist, pale or
flushed skin.
■■Weak and fast pulse.
■■Nausea, fainting or
vomiting.
■■Move to a cooler area.
■■Rest.
■■Loosen or remove tight clothing.
■■Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
■■Slowly sip cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
■■Seek medical attention if symptoms get
worse or last longer than one hour.
Heat
stroke
The body’s temperature
control system stops
working. As a result,
the body’s temperature
rises rapidly, its sweating
mechanism fails and the
body can’t cool down.
Heat stroke is a medical
emergency.
■■High body temperature
(above 103 degrees).
■■Red, hot, dry skin.
■■Rapid, strong pulse.
■■Throbbing headache.
■■Dizziness.
■■Nausea.
■■Confusion.
■■Unconsciousness.
■■Call 911.
■■Move the person to a cooler, shadier
place.
■■Remove excess clothing.
■■Cool the person down using whatever is
available, such as a cool bath or shower,
a cool sponge bath, or cool water from a
garden hose.
■■Do not give fluids containing alcohol.
Sources: American Red Cross; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Federal Emergency Management Agency; National Weather Service
In recent years, more people have died from excessive
heat than from all other kinds of weather hazards.
Too much heat can
have an ill effect
on all parts of your
body—including your
skin.
Heat rash is
a condition that
makes skin sting
and turn red. You’re
more likely to get it
when the weather is
hot and humid.
When you sweat
too much, moisture
can get trapped
under your skin and
block your sweat
glands. If you can’t
release the sweat
from your skin, you
may get a rash that
looks like a small
patch of pimples
or blisters. It may
feel itchy and cause
some prickly pain.
Heat rash occurs
most commonly in
places where skin
touches skin. It’s
often found on the
neck or upper chest,
in the groin, in the
creases of elbows,
underneath breasts
and in armpits.
The condition can
affect anyone, but it
is particularly common on infants—
especially if they are
bundled in too much
clothing. People
who aren’t used to
hot weather are also
at risk for heat rash.
The best treatment for heat rash
is to keep your skin
dry and cool. Use
a fan to dry your
skin, and wear loose
clothing.
If the condition
doesn’t go away
after four days or
is getting worse,
you should see a
physician.
Source: American Academy of
Family Physicians
Heat rash
Feature
8
H e a lt H y
C om m u n i t y
sum m e r
2 0 1 3
Marvelous Multiples
This class is for expectant parents of
twins or more. Call 205-333-4296.
YOUR
FAMILY’S
HEALTH
Northport Medical Center
Childbirth Education Classes
Classes are taught by registered nurses.
You should sign up for classes when
you’re 20 weeks pregnant. To learn more
or to register, call 205-333-4296.
visit us at www.dchsystem.com.
Our focus at DCH Health system is on your family’s
health. Check out the many opportunities to
improve and preserve your health and the health
of those you love. DCH. Caring. For life.
BETTER HEALTH
DCH Golden Years Program
Fourth Mondays, September and October,
2 p.m.
Open to people 50 and older. Call
205-759-7931.
DCH Open-Heart Surgery Club
First Tuesdays
Willard Auditorium, DCH Regional Medical
Center
Call 205-759-7660.
Genesis
Third Thursdays, 6 p.m.
Willard Auditorium, DCH Regional Medical
Center
Genesis is a support group for people who
are planning to have or have had gastric
bypass or Lap-Band surgery. Free.
Call 205-752-2501.
Heart: Healing With the Arts
Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer
Center Art Room
Patients, family and caregivers welcome!
IMPACT
Third Thursdays, 11 a.m.
Parker Fireside Room, Tuscaloosa United
Methodist Church
Support group for women who have been
diagnosed with breast cancer. Free.
Look Good…Feel Better
Fourth Mondays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer
Center Wellness Room
This program helps women undergoing
cancer treatment deal with the physical
side effects of treatment. Free.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
To learn about classes or to register, call
205-759-7877.
Second Wednesdays, July and September,
noon to 1 p.m.
Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer
Center Wellness Room
Open to prostate cancer patients and their
families. Lunch will be served. Reservations are required. Free.
Just for You
Reach to Recovery
LEWIS AND FAYE MANDERSON
CANCER CENTER PROGRAMS
Thursday, Sept. 5
Watch for more details.
Volunteer breast cancer survivors who
visit women recently diagnosed with
breast cancer. Call 205-342-2008 to
schedule a visit.
Smile A While
Support group for children and teenagers
who have a loved one undergoing cancer
treatment. By appointment only. Call
205-759-6253.
Staying Strong—Nutrition
Can Make a Difference
Participants enjoy last summer’s “Just for
You” event. Watch for details for this year’s!
Monthly, 10 a.m. to noon
Nutrition information table, Lewis and
Faye Manderson Cancer Center, first-floor
waiting area
Open to patients, family, caregivers and
community members.
Cancer Wellness
STRETCH
Fourth Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer
Center Wellness Room
Reservations required.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.
The University of Alabama Student
Recreation Center
STRETCH is an exercise class for women
who have or have had breast cancer.
Sponsored by the Manderson Cancer
Center and The University of Alabama
Student Recreation Center. Free.
HEALTH AND FITNESS PROGRAMS
HealthPlex at the Pickens County Medical
Center in Carrollton is a community-based
wellness and fitness center complete with
equipment and programs to meet the needs
of many different people. Call 205-367-8111.
ONGOING PROGRAMS
DCH Regional Medical Center
Childbirth Education Classes
For information, call the Department
of Organizational Development and
Education at 205-759-7745.
● Beginning Breastfeeding
For expectant mothers who are interested
in learning about breastfeeding.
● Caring for Your Infant
Focuses on the first days after bringing
your newborn home.
● Early Pregnancy
Answers commonly asked questions and
offers expectant parents information
about having a healthy baby.
● Grandparents class
This class covers helpful hints for firsttime grandparents.
● Helping Siblings Adjust
This one-hour class acquaints big brothers
and sisters with their new roles.
● Preparing for Childbirth
For expectant mothers and fathers.
● Refresher to Childbirth
A review for expectant parents who have
already experienced childbirth.
DCH Diabetes Center
An education and resource facility for
people with diabetes, prediabetes and
gestational diabetes. Nurses and dietitians teach classes Monday through Friday
at convenient times during the day and
early evening. Call 205-750-5260.
● All About Infant Care
Teaches first-time parents how to prepare
for the arrival of their newborn. You will
also learn what to expect after delivery
and when you get home.
● Beyond Your First Baby
Learn about aspects of childbirth that might
have changed since your most recent birth.
● Big Brother/Big Sister Class
For children 3 to 8 years old. The class
discusses what life will be like with a new
baby.
● Breastfeeding Class
For expectant mothers planning to breastfeed.
● Breathing and Relaxation
For couples at least 34 weeks pregnant
who want to learn natural labor and birth
techniques.
● Comprehensive Childbirth Class
First-time parents learn about labor,
delivery and postpar tum care.
● Healthy Pregnancy
This class, specifically helpful for firsttime parents, is taken during the second
trimester, at 22 to 28 weeks, to go over
what’s normal and what can happen during the third trimester.
● Infant/Child CPR and Safety
Learn how to perform CPR, rescue a choking infant or child, and prevent childhood
injuries.
Fayette Medical Center
CPR and First Aid Classes
These classes are offered to community
groups on request. Call 205-932-1279 or
205-932-1179.
Pickens County Medical Center
Pickens County
Cancer Support Group
Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
PCMC cafeteria
Open to cancer survivors and their families. Free. Call the American Cancer Society at 205-758-0700.
Caring. For life.
HEALTHY COMMUNITY is published as a community
service for the friends and patrons of DCH HEALTH
SYSTEM, 809 University Blvd. E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
DCH Regional Medical Center, 205-759-7111
Fayette Medical Center, 205-932-5966
Northport Medical Center, 205-333-4500
Pickens County Medical Center, 205-367-8111
www.dchsystem.com
Information in HEALTHY COMMUNITY comes from a
wide range of medical experts. If you have any
concerns or questions about specific content that may
affect your health, please contact your health care
provider. Models may be used in photos and
illustrations.
Bryan N. Kindred ● President/CEO
Laura C. Green ● Editor
Copyright © 2013 by Coffey Communications, Inc. HST29504