Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. – host of the World’s Oldest Rodeo® – and Wrangler’s® Tough Enough to Wear Pink initiative recently presented The BreastCare Center at YRMC with a $2,500 donation. “We’re thankful for this generous gift,” said John Amos, President and Chief Executive Officer, YRMC. “Thanks in part to the widespread community support we are making progress in the battle against breast cancer. The most recent studies by the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute indicate a significant decrease in the breast cancer mortality rate in Yavapai County.” Joining the Prescott Frontier Days Wrangler’s® Tough Enough to Wear Pink check presentation at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds were, back row left to right: David Barrett, Vice Chair, YRMC Foundation Board of Directors Mary Ann Suttles, Secretary, Prescott Frontier Days, Board of Directors Front row, left to right: J.C. Trujillo, General Manager, Prescott Frontier Days Mella Dee Wagner, Prescott Frontier Days Foundation, Community Service Kathleen Hanna, Chair, Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo Helps Women in Our Community Tough Enough to Wear Pink was founded in 2004 to support rodeos – like Prescott’s World’s Oldest Rodeo – as they raise funds for community organizations dedicated to preventing, detecting and treating breast cancer, such as The BreastCare Center at YRMC. As part of their fundraising efforts in 2016 Prescott Frontier Days sponsored a booth where rodeo attendees purchased Tough Enough to Wear Pink t-shirts, bracelets, bags, hats and other items. Additionally, on June 3, 2017 Prescott Frontier Days sponsored a dinner and a silent auction at the Freeman Building on the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. Proceeds from the event – combined with sales from the Tough Enough to Wear Pink booth – will be used to help refurbish patient waiting and treatment areas at The BreastCare Center at YRMC. YRMC BreastCare Center Provides “Outstanding” Care “Our community is fortunate to have The BreastCare Center at YRMC,” said Mary Ann Suttles, Prescott Frontier Days Board of Directors. “Prescott Frontier Days and Wrangler are pleased to support the outstanding care delivered at the Center.” 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Are You Tough Enough to Wear Pink? and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/are-you-tough-enough-to-wear-pink/.CaptchaSubmit

Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) offers many programs that distinguish it from other healthcare providers and Advanced Wound Care is no doubt among the top on that list. “We’re the only wound care program in Northern Arizona, and have been treating patients in Yavapai County since 2008,” said Cheryl Sofonia, MPH, Program Manager, Advanced Wound Care at YRMC. “Our program offers a medical specialty that meets a huge need for specialty wound care and hyperbaric medicine.” In 2016, YRMC’s advanced wound care program had 7,376 patient visits. Sofonia predicts the program will exceed these significant numbers in 2017. “We’ve already doubled our capacity,” she said. The reason for this expansion? Sofonia attributes the growth to a larger team of providers caring for patients and the extensive wound-care services provided. “We’re the only provider with not just one, but two hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers,” said Sofonia. The hyperbaric chambers – pressurized with pure oxygen – promote healing and fight infections in certain types of wounds. The advanced wound care team may order hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment along with wound care treatment. Some of the most common diagnosis are diabetic wounds, compromised skin flaps, soft tissue radionecrosis and acute peripheral arterial insufficiency. Additionally, later this year YRMC will open four new examination rooms to assist people who need wound care. And why do people need specialized wound care? A patient with a wound that has not begun to heal in two weeks – or is not completely healed in six weeks – is considered chronic. These patients may benefit from the proven, best-practice methodologies utilized by YRMC’s wound care experts. Thanks to their comprehensive treatment approach, the advanced wound care program has a 97 percent overall rate of healing wounds with an average healing time of 36 days. YRMC’s team treats many types of chronic, non-healing wounds including: Arterial ulcers – typically linked to peripheral artery disease (PAD) Burns Diabetic ulcers Neuropathic ulcers – commonly caused by uncontrolled diabetes Pressure ulcers – injuries to skin and underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure on the skin Surgical wounds – caused by a non-healing surgical incision Vascular ulcers – ulcers on the lower extremities Venous skin ulcers – associated with poor blood circulation from the legs YRMC’s wound care experts work closely with their patients’ primary care providers to ensure continuity of care. YRMC’s team  includes: Francisco Jaume, DO, an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Medical Director of Advanced Wound Care at YRMC. Dr. Jaume is certified in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. Anthony Brown, DO, an Internal Medicine Physician with YRMC PhysicianCare. Dr. Brown is certified in hyperbaric medicine. Ritu Gothwal, MD, an Internal Medicine Physician certified in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. Keith Morse, FNP-C, CWS, a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and wound specialist. Thomas Rusing, MD, a Surgeon with YRMC PhysicianCare who is certified in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. Collaborating with this team of providers are 11 registered nurses, a hyperbaric technician and three administrative assistants. If you have a wound that concerns you, talk to your physician about Advanced Wound Care at YRMC. For more information, call (928) 771-4788. Advanced Wound Care at YRMC is located in the YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient Center, 3262 North Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Meet Northern Arizona’s Only Expanding Wound Care Center and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/meet-northern-arizonas-only-expanding-wound-care-center/.CaptchaSubmit

It’s a fact of life that kids and germs go hand in hand. And kids who are enrolled in child care are exposed to other kids, which of course, potentially means even more germs. But does that mean that kids who go to child care get sick more often? The answer is yes . . . and then maybe not. As it turns out, exposure to common illnesses like colds or stomach flu in child care may help some kids boost their immune systems. According to the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), most infants in child care have eight to 12 colds a year, more than those who aren’t in daycare. But here’s the interesting thing. After the first year in child care, the number of respiratory illnesses decreases. By the second or third year, kids in child care experience an average of four colds a year. “For most parents, even one cold or stomach flu is too many,” said Jennifer Tidroski, DO, Pediatrician at Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott. “For families with multiple children, this can mean weeks of illness.” According to Dr. Tidroski, whether your young one attends child care, pre-school or plays in the park with neighbor kids, there are steps that can help reduce the chance of illness. Build immunity – A diet high in fruits, vegetables and iron-rich foods can fortify your child’s immune system. Look for healthy, easy-to-prepare recipes on Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s (YRMC’s) Your Healthy Kitchen. Teach handwashing – Scrubbing with soap for 15-20 seconds is the key to effective handwashing. Dr. Tidroski’s recommendation? “Sing the happy birthday song with your children while they wash their hands. It’s a good way to help them wash longer and it’s fun.” Explore the ScrubClub with your children. This interactive site – sponsored in part by the American Red Cross – uses fun to encourage handwashing. Get active – Regular, moderate exercise can reduce the number of colds your child catches over the course of a year. “You can tell your children that exercise is the body’s super hero because it releases infection-fighting cells,” said Dr. Tidroski. Early to bed – Lack of sleep increases your child’s risk of catching a cold. Babies need about 14 hours of sleep a day while preschoolers require 11-13 hours. No sharing – Some items – cups, straws and toothbrushes, for example – are not meant to be shared. Also, because cold and flu viruses enter the body through the nose, eyes, and mouth, it’s important to remind your children to keep their hands away from those areas. Get the flu vaccine – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. Ask your doctor about the best time to get your little ones vaccinated. Ask questions – Parents should ask about hygiene practices at child care centers. Does the staff sanitize toys? Are all door and cabinet handles, drinking fountains, bathroom surfaces and changing tables cleaned and disinfected regularly? Does the staff encourage the children to wash their hands throughout the day? Despite your best efforts, your child will likely come down with a cold or flu from time to time. Don’t hesitate to ask your child’s doctor if you have any questions. If your child does not currently have a doctor, contact Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott at (928) 778-4581 or visit Ponderosa Pediatrics for more information. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Do Kids in Child Care Get Sick More Often? and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/do-kids-in-child-care-get-sick-more-often/.CaptchaSubmit

Imagine you’re scheduled for joint replacement surgery. Would you prefer that your orthopaedic surgeon use safe and effective medical and surgical techniques that are designed to prevent anemia, decrease bleeding and improve the outcome of your procedure? And what if you had an unexpected hospitalization? Would you want the hospital to honor your wishes regarding the transfusion of blood products? The answer to both questions is no doubt yes. That’s why Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has employed a leading-edge practice called Patient Blood Management (PBM) since 2012. PBM reduces the need for blood transfusions and preserves the availability of blood, which can be in short supply. Blood transfusions are necessary at times, but they do carry risks, including: increased rates of infection; complications to the kidneys, lungs and heart; and higher complication rates. “Some people are surprised that YRMC – a regional healthcare system in Arizona – is regarded as a worldwide leader on PBM,” said Dale Black, Coordinator of Patient Blood Management at YRMC. “But, once they meet YRMC’s forward-thinking leadership and excellent medical team, they understand.” PBM was introduced to YRMC by accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon Pierre Tibi, MD, FACS, Medical Director of The James Family Heart Center at YRMC. A renowned PBM leader, Dr. Tibi is president-elect of the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM). This international organization includes physicians and other healthcare providers dedicated to promoting effective PBM strategies. YRMC operates the only PBM program in Arizona recognized by SABM. What does that mean to YRMC patients undergoing heart, orthopaedic and other surgeries who want to utilize PBM strategies? It’s good news, according to Spencer Schuenman, DO, of Granite Orthopaedics and a member of YRMC’s Orthopaedic Surgical Services, which has been recognized for exceptional quality by leading U.S. quality assessment organizations. Dr. Schuenman began applying PBM principles in 2013. “In the first three years I used PBM, I performed 1,385 procedures,” he said. “The first year, I only used four units of red blood cells. The second year, I only used one unit. And in 2016, I did not use any red blood cells. These statistics speak for themselves regarding the effectiveness of PBM in helping ensure the best patient outcomes.” For planned procedures, the PBM process begins before patients are hospitalized. They work in partnership with their respective physician to prepare for surgery. The doctor and patient discuss when to temporarily discontinue prescriptions, such as blood thinners or over-the-counter medications like aspirin. The physician may recommend diet changes as well as prescribe iron and vitamin supplements. These steps can boost the red blood cell count for people with anemia or help prevent the condition while they’re hospitalized. YRMC healthcare professionals at all stages of care – from the operating suite to the patient bedside – employ PBM strategies to reduce blood transfusions. Those may include: following meticulous surgical techniques that reduce bleeding; minimizing the frequency as well as the volume of blood draws; salvaging blood lost during and after surgery to wash, filter and re-infuse with red blood cells before returning it to the respective patient; and utilizing special machines and medications to reduce the need for blood transfusion. PBM can also play a role in controlling healthcare costs. Blood transfusions are the most commonly billed hospital procedure at an annual cost of $10-15 billion nationwide. The average cost of a single unit of blood is $1,500. Want to learn more about PBM? Contact YRMC’s Dale Black at (928) 771-5109. Also, check out YRMC’s website and Doctors and Patients: The Patient Blood Management Collaboration, an annual symposium sponsored by YRMC. The symposium brings together medical leaders from throughout the world to present and discuss the latest science on PBM. In 2016, the symposium became a global event as people worldwide joined the symposium’s first ever live stream. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Reducing the Need for Blood Product Transfusions and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/reducing-the-need-for-blood-product-transfusions/.CaptchaSubmit