YRMC West
1003 Willow Creek Road
Prescott, Arizona 86301
(928) 445-2700
YRMC East
7700 East Florentine Road
Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314
(928) 445-2700
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Prescott Medical Imaging: New Technology to Detect Bone Loss Disease
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) – gold standard technology for measuring bone mass and diagnosing osteoporosis – is now available at Prescott Medical Imaging (PMI) in Prescott. With the introduction of DXA to PMI, the service is now accessible to people throughout the community. DXA is also available at the BreastCare Center at YRMC East. How does DXA work? During a DXA exam, the patient lies flat on a comfortable, padded table. An x-ray generator is located below the patient and an imaging device, or detector, is positioned above. The detector passes over the patient, generating images on a computer monitor. “DXA is quick, painless and uses very little radiation,” said Michael J. Locke, BBA, BBM, CRA, Outpatient Imaging Operations Manager at PMI and Prescott Valley Medical Imaging (PVMI). “The exam lasts approximately 10 minutes. After the exam, one of our experienced PMI radiologists interprets the DXA and shares the results with the patient’s physician.” Osteoporosis – which causes bones to weaken and easily break – is a “silent disease.” Some people don’t realize they have experienced dangerous bone loss until they suffer a fracture. “DXA is an extremely important preventive and diagnostic tool,” said Mary Sterling, Director of Imaging Services at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “The information DXA provides helps patients and their physicians develop a plan that can prevent fractures due to osteoporosis.” Who should undergo DXA? Talk to your physician about your risk for osteoporosis and the possibility of undergoing DXA. In general, risk factors for osteoporosis include: Being over age 50 and female (men typically begin to experience bone loss after age 70) Menopause, particularly early-onset menopause A family history of osteoporosis Being small and thin Broken bones or height loss For more information about DXA and other imaging services, contact: Prescott Medical Imaging 810 Whipple Street Prescott, Arizona (928) 771-7577 The BreastCare Center at YRMC East 7700 East Florentine Road Prescott Valley, Arizona (928) 442-8900
YRMC Introduces Second HANA™ Table: Hospital Expands Availability of Revolutionary Hip Replacement Surgery
Anterior Approach hip replacement – a revolutionary alternative to conventional surgery is now available at either Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) West or East thanks to the recent addition of a second HANA™ Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Table. “The hospital is committed to ensuring our community has access to this minimally invasive hip replacement surgery,” said Spencer Schuenman, DO, YRMC’s Director of Orthopaedic Surgical Services. “In addition to the availability of a HANA table at both campuses, YRMC provides a comprehensive continuum of care for people undergoing Anterior Approach hip replacement.” That continuum of care begins with diagnosis from a YRMC orthopaedic surgeon and is supported by a patient education program that starts before the patient undergoes the Anterior Approach procedure. After the surgery, patients participate in individually tailored therapy programs developed by YRMC’s Physical Rehabilitation team. “Anterior Approach hip replacement has transformed conventional hip replacement,” said Dr. Schuenman. “After Anterior Approach, most people feel better than they felt before the procedure.” Such positive outcomes are possible when combined with advanced equipment – the HANA table – and a superior surgical team. Dr. Schuenman has been performing Anterior Approach procedures for approximately two years. He trained with Joel M. Mata, MD, co-designer of the HANA table and originator of Anterior Approach hip replacement in North America. During an Anterior Approach hip replacement, Dr. Schuenman accesses the patient’s hip joint from the front (anterior) of the hip by moving the HANA table and then making a three-to-four inch incision. The HANA table uses x-ray imaging which allows for controlled placement of the new hip – a challenge for surgeons doing conventional hip replacement surgery. “The HANA table allows for perfect positioning of the hip for every patient,” he said. “This is a reproducible outcome.” Because the Anterior Approach procedure does not disturb muscles essential to hip function – like conventional hip replacement – patients are walking within hours of the procedure and return quickly to their normal activities. When compared to conventional hip replacement surgery, Anterior Approach hip replacement features: Less muscle trauma (conventional hip surgery requires the surgeon to detach muscle from the pelvis or femur) Reduced hospitalization Smaller incision (three to four inches compared to ten to 12 inches with conventional hip replacement) Less blood loss (particularly when combined with YRMC’s Patient Blood Management strategies) Reduced pain Faster recovery (a total of two to eight weeks compared to two to four months with conventional hip replacement) No postoperative restrictions and less concern about dislocation “YRMC’s Orthopaedic program is recognized as among the top nationwide by leading quality assessment organizations,” Dr. Schuenman said. “For hip replacements, YRMC is one of 34 hospitals from among nearly 700 to receive the highest score from ConsumerReports.org, a well-respected consumer rating organization. When I see this kind of recognition, it makes me even more proud to work with such an excellent team of surgeons, physicians, nurses, surgical technicians and therapists.”
Four Reasons to Re-think Compression Socks
They aren’t “Project Runway” material but compression socks can keep your stride healthy. These socks – snug at the feet with a gradually looser fit on the leg – can prevent blood clots, also called “deep vein thrombosis” (DVT). “I recommend compression socks for patients who have chronic venous insufficiency, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis,” said Anil Kumar, MD, FAAC, RPVI, Medical Director of The Vein Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “It’s best to ask your doctor if compression socks can benefit you. A physician can also advise you on the pressure rating that’s best for you.” Still doubtful? Take a look at these four facts you may not know about compression socks. Fact 1: You’re not alone if you wear them. People with chronic venous insufficiency – which can mean there’s a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs – wear compression socks. But, nurses, pilots, flight attendants, runners, pregnant women and people recovering from surgery also pull on compression socks to prevent blood clots. Fact 2: They’re not your mother’s compression socks. Stripes, polka dots, camouflage…today’s compression socks come in a variety of designs. What hasn’t changed is that compression socks reduce swelling, promote circulation and relieve tired legs. Today they just do their work with a little more style. Fact 3: You can, and should, wear compression socks most of the time. Compression socks should be part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Keep your compression socks by your bed, so you can put them on when you first wake up. “It’s best to wear compression socks all of the time, unless you are bathing or sleeping,” Dr. Kumar said. He also recommends replacing your compression socks every four to six months. Fact 4: Compression socks can be easy to put on, if you know a few tricks. Hand washing new compression socks before you wear them makes them more flexible and easier to put on. Here are some tips for putting on your compression socks: Sit in a chair with a back so you can lean against it as you roll on your compression socks. Turn the socks inside out and roll from the toe, past the heel and up your leg. Apply lotion or talcum powder on your legs to help the socks slide on. Invest in a “sock butler” (think shoe horn) if you want more assistance. Remember, if you have a wound, make sure it’s dressed before you put on your compression socks. YRMC’s Vein Center partners closely with Advanced Wound Care at YRMC to help people in our community. The Vein Center at YRMC is located at the YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient Center, 3262 North Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley. For more information, talk to your primary care physician or call (928) 759-5890.
Kathleen Heckel Hicks, Family Nurse Practitioner, Joins YRMC PhysicianCare in Chino Valley
Yavapai Regional Medical Center PhysicianCare in Chino Valley is pleased to welcome Kathleen Heckel Hicks, FNP-C, Family Medicine, to its team of talented practitioners. Ms. Heckel Hicks is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and has completed a Master of Science degree in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Ms. Heckel Hicks is currently accepting new patients. YRMC PhysicianCare accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare. The practice is located at 474 North Highway 89 in Chino Valley. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (928) 636-5680 or visit www.yrmcpc.org.
The Fain Family: Memories of Building a Community
Bill Fain is remembered for many achievements: bringing water into the dry patch of land known as Lonesome Valley … envisioning and then bringing to reality the vibrant town of Prescott Valley … giving generously to myriad community causes … and constructing Granville, the area’s first master planned community. Brad Fain – the youngest of Bill and Nancy Fain’s four children and CEO of Fain Signature Group – adds to that list of accomplishments. “Part of my father’s legacy is that he helped make healthcare readily available through a generous gift,” Brad said. “A community needs healthcare, schools and parks. It’s all part of the fabric of the community.” Watch Our Memories of YRMC: The Fain Family on YouTube. Three generations of Fain family members (left to right), William “Marion”, Norman “Bill” and Granville “Dan” Fain. A Generous Gift That generous gift from the Fain family came in the form of the land – prime Prescott Valley real estate – on which Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) East stands today. Bill and Nancy Fain’s significant gift may also have been inspired by a personal experience, the kind parents don’t forget. It happened one morning about 40 years ago when Ron Fain – 5-years-old at the time – tagged along with his Father to the ranch. Ron loved playing – exploring the fields for treasures – while his Dad and his team lined up the work for the day. This time, however, his treasure hunt turned dangerous when he took a drink from a jug he found. “It turned out to be kerosene,” said Ron, who is now Fain Signature Group’s Director of Sales and Marketing. After a frantic call to Yavapai Community Hospital (now YRMC West), Bill was instructed to have his son drink as much milk as possible. The Emergency Department team would be ready when he arrived with young Ron. “Dad burned out an engine on the way to the hospital, but we got there and at the end of the day it all worked out,” Ron said. “That was probably a 20-mile drive with kerosene in my stomach versus what today would be a three-mile drive to YRMC East.” YRMC East in Prescott Valley just before its opening in 2006. A Dream Realized Nancy Fain, who moved to the community after marrying Bill in the 1960s, recalls her excitement when YRMC East opened in 2006. “I took three different tours of the hospital,” she said. “I just couldn’t seem to get enough of it. It impresses me the way that it’s expanded; you have the Birthing Center, the BreastCare Center, the Infusion Center and the Outpatient Center. It’s just beautiful, the way it has happened.” That growth all stems from Bill Fain’s vision for a thriving community. Bill’s sons, Brad and Ron, agree that economic development was their father’s greatest gift to the community. “Everything had a purpose,” Brad said. “Dad brought in the Prescott Valley Town Hall – that had a purpose. A community needs a place for civic activities, and its courts and a police station.” YRMC East also was part of the community’s equation for success. The hospital – and its other services – has both boosted economic development and enhanced residents’ quality of life, according to the Fain family. The proximity of high-quality hospital services attracts employers. The hospital also improves property values for area homeowners. A Bright Future With the community’s strong infrastructure in place, what does the future hold for Prescott Valley? “It’s going to attract businesses we can’t even imagine,” Ron said. “The hard work of civic leaders, healthcare leaders, developers and the community is going to continue to put Prescott Valley on the map.” Nancy and Brad agree. “Prescott Valley will continue to grow and prosper,” said Nancy. Just as her husband Bill envisioned.
Facts You Need to Know About Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
The phrase “abdominal aortic aneurysm” (AAA) – or “triple A” – can get the heart pounding and blood pumping in most of us. A triple A is a weakened or bulging area on the wall of the aorta, the major artery that runs from the left ventricle of the heart to the abdomen. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It comes with a big job description: carrying blood from our heart to the rest of our body. Phung Le, DO, Vascular Surgeon at Yavapai Regional Medical Center “An abdominal aortic aneurysm will grow and grow until it’s in danger of rupture,” said Phung Le, DO, Vascular Surgeon at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “We fix these aneurysms to avoid rupture.” Dr. Le shared the following facts about the condition: AAAs are fairly common, particularly among men. Every year, 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with an AAA, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery. AAAs are the 10th leading cause of death in men older than 55. While fewer women experience AAA, the frequency among women rises with age. AAAs can be asymptomatic. AAAs are often discovered during tests for other medical conditions. This no doubt has led the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) – an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in disease prevention – to recommend a one-time AAA screening, with an ultrasound, for men ages 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. Your family history is important. Do you have family members who have been diagnosed with AAA? If so, speak to your physician. You’re 12 times more likely to develop an AAA if you have a parent or sibling who has had an AAA. If you have a family history of AAA and experience sudden, severe pain in the abdomen or back you should seek immediate medical help. Tobacco use is a big AAA risk factor. Smokers are three to five times more likely to develop an AAA. “I work with people on positive lifestyle changes,” he said. “Stopping smoking, getting your blood pressure under control, taking the right cholesterol reducing medication, exercising regularly and managing your diabetes – all of these make a big difference.” It’s important to know all of the AAA risk factors. In addition to a family history and tobacco use, other AAA contributors include: Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) Age High blood pressure Elevated cholesterol Heart or peripheral vascular disease Bacterial or fungal infections in the aorta Trauma (a car crash, for example) Not all AAAs require surgery. If you’re diagnosed with an AAA that is less than five centimeters in diameter, there is very low risk for rupture. However, your physician will recommend follow-up screenings, usually every six months to a year. Lifestyle changes – stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet, lowering cholesterol and managing diabetes – are important if you have an AAA that is being monitored. There are highly successful surgical solutions for AAA. The risk of rupture increases when an AAA is larger than five centimeters in diameter – about the size of a lemon – or if it is growing quickly. There are two types of AAA surgeries: Open Surgery – This traditional surgical repair involves removing the distended portion of the aorta and replacing it with a fabric graft. Endovascular Repair – This type of AAA repair involves a small incision. Dr. Le uses a variety of grafts that can be tailored to your particular anatomy. During the endovascular procedure, the graft is positioned so that it sits inside and spans the aneurysm. This prevents the AAA from expanding. “Blood flow is going through this graft, which means the pressure is taken off of the aneurysm,” Dr. Le said. “When the pressure is taken off, the aneurysm will either stabilize, meaning it won’t grow anymore, or it can actually get smaller over time.” For more information about AAA, talk to your primary care physician or contact Dr. Le at his Prescott office at (928) 771-1011.
In His Own Words: A 75th Anniversary Message from Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey Skoog
By Mayor Harvey Skoog, Prescott Valley Prescott Valley memories about YRMC in Prescott go back since it is now about 75 years old – 35 years before the establishment of our great community. It is one of thankfulness and appreciation for the good service it has provided. As Prescott Valley grew, we had the desire to one day have a hospital in our Town. Being a long time resident and serving as Mayor of Prescott Valley even before YRMC’s East Campus was built, I have had the pleasure of seeing the “East” campus grow from its inception to the beautiful facility we have today. Tim Barnett was the hospital CEO at that time and an outstanding executive at that. Being Mayor, I submitted the request to Mr. Barnett that YRMC expand to Prescott Valley. He stated that when we reached a population of 14,000 residents, the community would be able to support an emergency room and hospital. We did reach the threshold of 14,000, and then 17,000 but we still had no hospital. I then took the liberty of asking Mr. Barnett what was happening since we should have had the hospital by then. His answer was that, “Things have changed. More people are using outpatient services rather than being hospitalized. Furthermore, mothers who have had babies now spend only one night in the hospital as compared to the five or six night stay that was common in the past.” Finally at 30,000 residents, the good news came. They will build a new hospital! Dedication of a beautiful new hospital took place in May of 2006. Later in 2010, birthing and breast care services were added. Mr. Barnett has since been succeeded by two excellent leaders, John Amos, President and CEO, and Frank Almendarez, Administrator of YRMC East. They are both outstanding leaders in their field and continue to advance YRMC’s Mission and Vision for the future. Yavapai Regional Medical Center is the pride of Prescott Valley. It is simply outstanding in every way. The rooms are modern and serviced with the latest medical equipment. They are designed for the patients comfort and well-being with each room situated so that the patient can see the outdoors. The medical staff and patient services are caring and highly professional in every department. Thank you YRMC for the care you give our community. Congratulations on 75 years of outstanding service! Sincerely, Harvey C. Skoog, Mayor Prescott Valley, Arizona
Osteoporosis and Spinal Fractures: Have Your Questions Answered by a Leading Neurosurgeon
Spinal fractures due to osteoporosis – a disease that causes the body to lose bone, make too little bone or both – are among the most painful. These fractures are also often ignored by people 50 years of age and older, the most often affected age group. YRMC PhysicianCare Welcomes Dr. John Spitalieri, DO, Neurosurgeon, The Spine Center, YRMC PhysicianCare. Learn about treatment options for these common spinal fractures during an informative presentation – Osteoporosis Induced Spinal Fractures: What You Need to Know – with John Spitalieri, DO, Neurosurgeon, The Spine Center, YRMC PhysicianCare. The free presentation takes place: Saturday, November 10 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Club at Prescott Lakes 311 East Smoke Tree Lane, Prescott Free Presentation – Reservations Required RSVP by November 2 to (928) 708-4636 A healthy breakfast will be provided. Some people experience back pain after a spinal fracture, but others attribute their pain to back strain and some have no symptoms. This can make diagnosing spinal fractures very difficult. Over time, a spinal fracture that’s left untreated may result in: Back pain that gets worse when standing or walking Trouble bending or twisting your body Loss of height A curved, stooped shape to your spine Dr. Spitalieri – who treats people with a wide range of neurological issues at the Spine Center – has extensive experience helping people with spinal fractures live a more active life. A graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Spitalieri pursued a residency in Neurosurgery at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, California. This was followed by a fellowship in Neurosurgery at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey and a Pediatric Spine Surgery fellowship at Shriner’s Hospital in Philadelphia. To RSVP for Osteoporosis Induced Spinal Fractures: What You Need to Know, or for more information, call (928) 708-4636.
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