In an effort to ensure a fair and responsible contract agreement that benefits the Yavapai County community, Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) and Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG), and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) have agreed to further extend their negotiation period through Monday, Feb. 6. BCBSAZ-insured patients will maintain their in-network access to YRMC and YRMG services, facilities, and providers through the extension date. We want to make clear our commitment to our patients in Yavapai County. We continue to work around the clock to reach an agreement that will enable us to put patients first and continue providing essential medical services to the community. We greatly appreciate the public’s patience as we work through these negotiations.

In an effort to ensure a fair and responsible contract agreement that benefits the Yavapai County community, Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) and Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG), and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) have agreed to further extend their negotiation period through Monday, Feb. 6. BCBSAZ-insured patients will maintain their in-network access to YRMC and YRMG services, facilities, and providers through the extension date. We want to make clear our commitment to our patients in Yavapai County. We continue to work around the clock to reach an agreement that will enable us to put patients first and continue providing essential medical services to the community. We greatly appreciate the public’s patience as we work through these negotiations.

Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) and Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG), and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) have jointly agreed to extend the negotiation period through February 2, 2023. This will allow BCBSAZ-insured patients to maintain in-network access to YRMC and YRMG services, facilities, and providers through February 2, 2023. “It’s our mission to provide high-quality, compassionate and reliable health care services to our community,” says Anthony Torres, MD, President and CEO of Dignity Health YRMC and YRMG. “We understand the magnitude of this responsibility and remain hopeful that we will reach a resolution with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona that benefits those we serve right here in our community.” “We know how important Yavapai Regional Medical Center is to our members and want a resolution so members can focus on what is important – their health and the health of their families,” says Pam Kehaly, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “Today’s conversations have brought us closer together and we remain hopeful that members can maintain both affordability and access to care.”

Reducing your intake of foods that are high in sodium, harmful fats, and added sugars can significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. However, what you add to your diet is just as important as what you remove. Meals filled with wholesome vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, fresh herbs, spices, and whole grains can improve blood pressure while also lowering cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation – all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. In this segment of Dignity Health YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen, we dive into learning about how these foods protect us while preparing a delicious meal that’s packed with color, flavor, and heart-healthy nutrients.   Quinoa or Barley w Walnuts & Squash Research consistently shows that meals that are filled with colorful plants provide the nutrients your body needs to fight and heal from cardiovascular disease. There are thousands of nutrients in plants that have the potential to lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, moderate blood sugar, maintain healthy blood pressure and protect blood vessels from disease.  Just a few of these important nutrients include: Fiber Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin E Omega-3 fatty acids Phytochemicals Soluble fiber plays an important role in lowering cholesterol, and some of the best sources are: Oats Barley Quinoa Green peas and beans Pears, apples, strawberries, oranges and avocados Winter squashes and sweet potatoes Chia and flax seeds Brussels sprouts and broccoli Fiber also feeds the microbiome, the collection of bacteria that live in your digestive tract.  Scientists are learning more about the role the microbiome plays in health and disease, but they already know that plentiful and diverse gut bacteria are linked with lower body inflammation and reduced risk of chronic disease. Decades ago, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study, demonstrated how foods that are low in sodium but rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium could significantly lower blood pressure. This study continued for many years, and consistently proved that food-based sources of these nutrients, not supplements, are key. Folate, Vitamins E and C, omega 3 fatty acids, and phytochemicals all have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.  While protecting the inner lining of blood vessels from damage, these nutrients also prevent blood cholesterol from being dangerous and disease-promoting. It is likely that these nutrients work together to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease, so be sure to enjoy meals that contain a good variety of flavorful plants. All of our videos and recipes are designed to help! You’ll find our extensive collection at yrmcheathconnect.org. Be sure to follow me on Facebook too, at YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen, where I post photos and videos of the plant-forward meals I make at home, plus links to my favorite food and gardening destinations on the web.

Rob Barth, MSN, MBA, RN, CEN, Director of Emergency Services, Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, is now also a colonel in the United States Air Force Reserves. That’s a rank only two percent of Air Force officers achieve during their careers. “This promotion is an honor and blessing, especially at this point in my military career,” says Barth. “I’m approaching 21 years of service and eligible for retirement. That makes the promotion even more significant to me.” Rob and Shannon Barth at the recent ceremony to welcome Rob as an Air Force colonel. The promotion ceremony took place on March 4, 2023 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. During the ceremony, Shannon Barth – also a YRMC employee – removed the silver oak leaf cluster from her husband’s uniform and replaced it with the new silver eagle. This formalized the promotion from Lieutenant Colonel Barth to Colonel Barth. During a separate ceremony later that day, Barth was named commander of the 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. In that role he will lead approximately 86 Air Force reservists and four active-duty airmen. Barth’s new squadron has a dual of mission. It conducts medical exams on airmen, ensuring they are medically ready for deployment to any location worldwide. Additionally, the squadron must be prepared to set up a hospital anywhere in the world within 72 hours. Years of Stellar Service At age 36, Barth made a life-changing decision: He would serve his country by joining the Air Force Reserves. “I called the Air Force recruiting office the day after 9/11,” he says. “I wanted to do my part.” Commissioned as an officer in 2002, Barth was assigned to the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. He has served there for most of the past 20 years. Barth began his service at the squadron as a critical care and emergency/trauma nurse and concluded as the squadron’s deputy commander. Barth has received numerous awards throughout his Air Force career. The two must important to him are the “944th Fighter Wing, 2004 Company Grade Officer of the Year” and the “Humanitarian Service Medal.” The latter recognized Barth’s role in helping evacuate Haitian citizens who were severely injured during the country’s 2010 earthquake. A Military-Civilian Partnership According to Tracey McCollum, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, YRMC’s Chief Nursing Executive Officer, both the community and YRMC have benefited from Barth’s service in the Air Force Reserves. “Rob brings best practices from the military and applies them to his work at YRMC,” McCollum explains. “The way we triage patients in the Emergency Department is a good example of that.” She notes that Barth has also developed excellent leadership skills through his military service. This has created a strong, cohesive and high-functioning team in the Emergency Department. The military also understands the benefits of the military-civilian partnership, according to Barth. “The depth of experience reservists bring to their service is valued by the Air Force,” he says. Words of Appreciation Barth also values YRMC’s support of his military service. “YRMC has always been extremely supportive of my military training time,” he says. “As an organization, YRMC is an excellent example of what a strong military-civilian partnership looks like.” As McCollum says, YRMC’s team is proud of Barth’s service to our country. “To be able to say that we have a colonel working in our four walls is actually pretty great.”

Patient-shared decision making is an important aspect of healthcare today. However, advocating for yourself – or someone you love – requires information, especially with a relatively new concept like patient blood management (PBM). This is one reason the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management (SABM) is sponsoring Patient Blood Management Awareness Week®, November 7-11, 2022. This worldwide awareness week is dedicated to informing patients about the importance of blood health. Prescott City Council member, Steve Sischka – who also serves on the Dignity Health, YRMC Board of Trustees – presents Beth Black with a mayoral proclamation declaring Patient Blood Management Awareness Week. In our community, Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is home to Arizona’s only PBM program that’s recognized by SABM. Local leaders also understand the importance of PBM. Prescott Mayor Phil Goode, for example, has signed a proclamation declaring November 7-11, 2022, “Patient Blood Management Awareness Week” in Prescott. “Dignity Health, YRMC has been forward-thinking in its implementation of PBM,” says Dale Black, Program Coordinator, Patient Blood Management at Dignity Health, YRMC. “The people of Yavapai County are fortunate that YRMC has embraced blood conservation. This means residents have access to local providers for information about PBM.” The Pillars of PBM What is PBM and why is it important to you? “PBM is about keeping your blood in you and keeping it working well,” explains Beth Black, Administrative Assistant and Program Data Manager, Patient Blood Management at Dignity Health, YRMC. YRMC’s PBM program uses a team approach to: Manage anemia Ensure that bleeding is under control and blood is clotting appropriately (not too much, not too little) Utilize blood-conserving measures during surgery Involve patients in decision making about their blood Blood tests – particularly during hospitalization – give your provider important information about your health. However, drawing too much blood can lead to anemia in hospitalized patients. That’s why “phlebotomy stewardship” is becoming more and more important. This means taking only the needed amount of blood for testing in order to avoid hospital-acquired anemia. A Few Words About Anemia When you have anemia, your body lacks the healthy red blood cells needed to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues. Symptoms of anemia include, for example: Fatigue Weakness Cold hands and feet Dizziness Irregular heart rhythm Shortness of breath Headache Pale or yellowish skin “Once a year, ask your physician to order a complete work up of your blood,” Dale Black says. “If you are anemic, work with your doctor to learn the underlying cause of your anemia.” Prepping for Surgery with PBM If a surgery is in your future, ask your physician to order blood work two to four weeks before the procedure. If your blood counts are low, your doctor may recommend dietary changes. You may also need iron, vitamin B-12 or folic acid to fuel red blood cell production before surgery. “You’ll also want to discuss any herbals you take, along with other over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen,” says Beth Black. “These can all affect your body’s ability to clot.” Before your operation, talk to your surgeon about strategies that reduce blood loss. If you’re undergoing heart or orthopedic surgery – which are known to cause blood loss – discuss collecting blood lost during surgery for immediate post-operative reinfusion, if needed. Medications and blood products that promote clotting and reduce bleeding are also available. PBM is About You, the Patient Want to ensure blood conservation is part of your healthcare? Talk to your providers about PBM, especially prior to hospitalization. “Let your team know that you want to be treated in a manner that conserves your blood,” says Dale Black. “You can even mention your desire for minimal blood draws – just what is necessary for testing – during your hospitalization. With PBM, you are in charge of that precious resource, your blood.” Interested in learning more about YRMC’s PBM program? Get answers to your questions here or call (928) 771-5109.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic pain is one of the most common reasons why adults seek medical care. Statistics estimate that around 20 percent of Americans suffer from chronic pain and another 8 percent have pain that significantly limits their lives. If you suffer from chronic pain, you are not alone. In our latest Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Your Healthy Kitchen video, we explore the connections between inflammation, lifestyle, diet and chronic pain. We also prepare a delicious cool-weather salad that’s packed with inflammation-fighting leafy vegetables, fresh herbs and warm spices. Check it out! Winter Greens with Citrus-Cumin Vinaigrette Under healthy conditions, your immune system kicks up inflammation to protect you from injury and disease. However, if your immune system doesn’t turn off the inflammatory response in a timely fashion, chronic inflammation and pain may result. Stress, depression, excessive alcohol, poor diet, lack of regular exercise and poor sleep can trigger chronic inflammation. While it can be overwhelming to consider making multiple adjustments in self care, finding ways to improve just one area can lead to changes in other areas as well. For example, eating well might improve mood and sleep, which can in turn increase the likelihood of getting regular movement and exercise, which may also improve mood, reduce stress and lead to a good night’s sleep. In a snowball-like effect, all of these changes can eventually lower inflammation and reduce chronic pain. Plant-based foods that are packed with antioxidants are also important tools for reducing inflammation. Dark green, red, purple, red and orange vegetables and fruits; whole grains; nuts and seeds can all be part of a diet that reduces chronic pain. However, some people find relief if they eliminate some foods, such as grains, or at least gluten containing grains (wheat, barley and rye), from their diet. Consider working with a registered dietitian nutritionist to fine tune your anti-inflammatory diet in a way that provides you with adequate nutrition and satisfaction. Other dietary tips and tricks for reducing inflammation and chronic pain include: Reduce added sugars in your diet as much as possible Cook with healthy fats, including extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil Avoid highly processed oils, including safflower, sunflower, corn and vegetable oils Don’t overeat meat Enjoy foods that contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, including fatty fish, walnuts, and flax Flavor your meals with plenty of fresh herbs and spices A final tip—eat your meals in a slow and relaxed manner, without distraction. This improves digestion and the absorption of those important anti-inflammatory chemicals. It also reduces stress, which in turn lowers inflammation. Eating in a relaxed manner might also help you to be satisfied with smaller portions at meals. If needed, this can help with weight loss, which in turn can reduce chronic inflammation and pain. Managing and treating chronic pain requires a multi-faceted approach. That’s why YRMC offers an excellent, holistic Chronic Pain Self-Care Program through Physical Rehabilitation Services. Physical Therapist Cheryl Van Demark, PT, C-IAYT, created the program and teaches valuable skills and strategies to help individuals with chronic pain to live and feel better. You’ll need a referral from your health care provider to the Physical Therapy department to join the program and can learn more by calling Cheryl at 928-771-4747. For more simply delicious, inflammation-fighting recipes and video tutorials, be sure to check out our collection. Remember to follow me on Facebook too, where I post photos and videos of the meals I make at home, product recommendations, and links to my favorite food and gardening destinations on the web.