Buy A Lunch/Give A Bunch program started by Adams County Public Hospital District #2 Employees

Emergency Medical Services

Adams County Public Hospital District provides emergent prehospital patient care through its Emergency Medical Services Department.  The District operates four fully equipped ambulances, with units stationed in Ritzville, Lind and Washtucna.  The ambulances are manned by on call EMT’s, located within each of the three communities, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.  The District currently has 24 EMT’s on staff for ambulance coverage.  As a commitment to providing a high level of prehospital care the District provides uniforms, equipment and ongoing training to the EMT’s in order to maintain compliance with regulations and standards of care.

Recent highlights and improvements within the EMS department include:

Washtucna Medical Clinic
• Three new EMT-B added to the Department in 2011
• New Heart Monitors added to all Ambulances
• Eight EMT-B now testing for EMT-I level of pre-hospital care
• New pediatric trauma equipment added to our Ambulances

• EMT involvement in the Counties LEPC and EMS/TA committees
• Moving the pre-hospital level of care to Intermediate level
• Adding to our fleet of Ambulances

Jim Bostic, EMS Coordinatolr at 509-659-5400

Health Fair
September 11, 2010
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Ritzville downtown plaza

MRI Services now being offered at East Adams Rural Hospital

Statewide Flu Immunization Policy adopted by East Adams Rural Hospital

Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch

Quick tips to help keep your home safe this fall and winter

Injury & Violence Prevention - A Safer You, A Safer Me

So, You’ve Resolved to Eat Healthier in 2011. Now What?

Each year, countless Americans resolve to make eating healthy a priority. While many do it with the goal of losing weight, others understand that eating healthy can do more than just help you fit into your skinny jeans. Eating healthy can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. It can also help improve your overall health by boosting energy, sharpening memory and stabilizing mood.

As you move forward with your commitment to healthier eating and, in turn, improved health in this New Year, consider these tips:

Simplify. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories or measuring portion sizes, think of your diet in terms of color, freshness and variety. Focus on finding healthy foods you love and easy recipes that incorporate those foods.

Start slow. Rather than making lots of changes to your diet on day one, try integrating one or two changes each week. For example, let this be the week you begin having a green salad with dinner (light on the cheese and dressing, heavy on the fresh vegetables).

Be reasonable. Remember that maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t mean you have to eat well all of the time. Allow yourself the occasional indulgence, so that you don’t feel deprived and fall off the proverbial wagon.

Remember: Moderation is key. Serving sizes have ballooned in recent years, especially in restaurants. When dining out, choose an appetizer instead of an entrée, or share a meal with a friend. At home, use smaller plates and visual cues to control portion sizes. For example, your serving of meat, fish or chicken should be the size of the palm of your hand. Your salad dressing should be limited to one tablespoon (Pour it on top of your salad and then thoroughly cut your salad to spread the flavor throughout.).

Understand that how you eat matters. Slow down and think about food as nourishment rather than just something you gulp down in between meetings or while sitting in front of the computer/TV (another no, no!). And stop eating before you feel full. It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly.

Plan ahead. Whenever possible, prepare and eat your own food. Pick a few healthy recipes that you and your family like and build a meal schedule around them. If you have three or four meals planned per week, you’ll be off to a great start. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency dinner or two in the freezer for use as needed. This way, when life gets in the way, you’ll be prepared.

Stock your kitchen with healthy recipe basics, including:

o       Recipe and soup starters such as garlic, onions, carrots and celery;

o       Fresh and dried herbs and spices;

o       Healthy fats and oils for cooking, such as olive oil and canola oil;

o       Fresh and/or frozen fruits and vegetables;

o       Brown rice, white Basmati rice and whole wheat pasta;

o       Salad fixings, such as lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, nuts and dried fruits;

o       Beans such as lentils, black beans, chickpeas and kidney beans;

o       Frozen fruit and berries to make desserts; and

o       Unsalted nuts for snacking.

“One of the best things you can do for yourself is to eat a healthy, protein-packed breakfast each morning. It gets your metabolism going. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can also help minimize cravings and keep your energy level up.

Fill up on colorful fruits and vegetables. They are the foundation of a healthy diet and are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Fruit and vegetables should be part of every meal and your first choice for a snack.

Eat more whole grains and healthy carbohydrates. In addition to being delicious and satisfying, whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes. Try mixing grains as a first step to switching to whole grains. Avoid refined grains, such as breads, pastas and breakfast cereals that are not whole grain.

Enjoy healthy fats and avoid unhealthy fats. Healthy fats nourish your brain, heart, cells, hair, skin and nails. Foods rich in certain omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA) can also reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia.

Healthy fats include monounsaturated fats from plant oils like canola oil, peanut oil and olive oil, as well as avocados, nuts and seeds. Polyunsaturated fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and some cold water fish oil supplements, are good choices, too.

It’s also important to reduce or eliminate consumption of saturated fats – such as those found in red meat and whole milk dairy products – and trans fats. Trans fats can be found in vegetable shortenings, fried foods and processed foods.

Support bone health with calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential for strong, healthy bones. Recommended calcium levels are 1000 mg per day, or 1200 mg if you are over age 50. Great sources of calcium include: low fat dairy products; dark green, leafy vegetables; and dried beans and legumes.

Limit sugar, salt and refined grains. It is okay to enjoy sweets in moderation, but try to cut down on sugar, as it causes energy ups and downs, and contributes to health problems like arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, headaches and depression. When possible, limit sodium to 2,300 mg per day, the equivalent to one teaspoon of salt. And avoid processed, packaged, restaurant and fast food. Processed foods like canned soups or frozen meals contain hidden sodium that quickly surpasses the recommended daily allowance.

“Two-thirds of Americans are either overweight or obese, and childhood obesity has tripled in the past three decades. Nearly 18 percent of adolescents are now obese, potentially facing a future of diabetes, heart disease and other ailments,” says Beth Buckley, Clinical Operations practice leader at Quorum Health Resources (QHR). “In addition to the health burdens associated with obesity, there is a considerable cost burden on both the individual and our nation’s healthcare providers. In fact, a major study published in 2009 found medical spending averages $1,400 more a year for the obese than healthy-weight people.

Healthy eating and healthy living must become a priority for people of all ages.”

This article courtesy of East Adams Rural Hospital and Quorum Health Resources (QHR).  

February Is National Heart Health Month

Candy Hearts Aren’t the Only Ones That Should Get Your Attention This Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. More than one quarter of all deaths are from heart disease, and heart disease is a leading cause of disability.

“In addition to the lives lost to heart disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that heart disease cost the United States approximately $316.4 billion in 2010. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications and lost productivity,” says Beth Buckley, Clinical Operations practice leader at Quorum Health Resources (QHR). “Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do reduce your chances of developing heart disease.”

The American Heart Association offers “The Simple 7” – seven simple steps you can take now to improve your heart health:

Get Active. Did you know that by exercising as few as 30 minutes per day, you can improve your heart health and quality of life? In fact, studies show that for every hour of walking, you may increase your life expectancy by two hours.

Eat Better. A healthy diet is one that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts; and is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars. A healthy diet also emphasizes making smart choices from every food group and paying attention to portion sizes and overall caloric intake.

Lose Weight. Among Americans age 20 and older, 145 million are overweight or obese (BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 and higher). That’s 76.9 million men and 68.1 million women. This is of great concern, because obesity is now recognized as a major, independent risk factor for heart disease. Not sure how to kick off your weight loss effort? Ask your general practitioner for guidance.

Control Cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol: “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL). It’s important to understand the difference, and to know the levels of each in your blood. A total cholesterol level over 200, a “good” cholesterol level under 40, or a “bad” cholesterol level over 160 generally indicates an increased risk for heart disease. Don’t know your numbers? Talk to a doctor about a cholesterol screening. Then, take steps to move your numbers in the right direction.

Manage Blood Pressure. Hypertension is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. One in three adults has high blood pressure, yet, about 21 percent don’t know they have it. Of those with high blood pressure, 69 percent are receiving treatment, yet, only 45 percent have their blood pressure under control.

Because there are generally no symptoms associated with high blood pressure, it’s important that you work with your doctor to monitor and control it, especially as you age.  Key steps include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following the treatment plan that your doctor prescribes.

Reduce Blood Sugar. Diabetes is considered one of the major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In fact, adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than adults without diabetes.

If you have diabetes, it’s critical to monitor your blood sugar level and have regular check-ups. Work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your disease and control other risk factors.

Stop Smoking. Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, including atherosclerosis – the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries – which can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Controlling or reversing atherosclerosis is an important part of preventing future heart attack or stroke.

It’s also important to control stress and anger, which can put you at increased risk for heart attack or stroke.  There are a number of stress and anger management techniques that can help, including breathing exercises, yoga, journaling, and eliminating as many environmental stressors as possible.

Try these “super foods” to boost nutritional goodness while eating your way to a healthier heart

Blueberries top the list as one of the most powerful disease-fighting foods. That's because they contain the antioxidant anthocyanins. These delicious jewels are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and are available all year long. Boost heart health by adding them into your diet regularly. Here’s how:

• Top your whole-grain cereal with fresh or frozen blueberries to add delicious flavor, a dose of fiber, and heart-healthy antioxidants.
• Power up pancakes, waffles or muffins with fresh, frozen or dried blueberries for a nutritious breakfast.
• Eat them plain or mix with other fruit for a low-calorie, high-fiber tasty fruit salad, dessert or snack.

Salmon is a great source of protein and packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association advises eating salmon and other omega-3 rich foods twice a week for benefits that go beyond heart health. Americans love salmon because it is so versatile, easy to cook and tastes great.

• Salmon is easy to prepare on the grill, in the oven or microwave, or on the stovetop. Save leftovers to toss into pasta dishes, make into salmon cakes, add to salads, or mix into dips or spreads.
• Smoked salmon comes in two varieties. The raw type is commonly used in appetizers and on bagels with cream cheese and capers. The dry smoked type has more of a cooked appearance. You can enjoy it the same way as the raw style, and add it to cooked dishes such as pasta.
• Salmon cooks in a matter of minutes and its delicate texture quickly absorbs and showcases the flavor of added ingredients. For example, toss chunks of salmon into a chowder of corn and potatoes, or wrap salmon with herbs and chopped onion and tomatoes in parchment or aluminum foil and grill or bake 12 minutes for a satisfying meal.

Soy Protein is an inexpensive, high-quality protein that contains fiber, vitamins and minerals – all the ingredients for a heart-healthy meal. A diet rich in soy protein can also lower triglycerides, which help prevent cardiovascular disease and keep your heart strong and healthy.

• Pack a soy protein bar or a bag of soy nuts for a quick snack during the day.
• Edamame are snacks even kids will love! Find these nutritious nuggets in the freezer section at your supermarket. Boil them, then serve warm in the pod. Pop them out of the pod to eat plain or with a low-fat dip.
• Tofu, made of soy beans, takes on the flavor of spices and foods you cook with it. Saute cubed tofu with green and red peppers, sliced garlic, and a dash or two of curry powder.

Oatmeal. The oats in oatmeal are nourishing whole grains and a great source of vitamins, minerals and cholesterol-lowering fiber. The FDA allows manufacturers of oats to make health claims about the grain on their products, suggesting that a diet high in oats can reduce the risk for heart disease. Research shows oats lower cholesterol levels, keep you regular, and may help prevent certain cancers.

• A warm bowl of oatmeal fills the belly for hours with its high fiber content. Top it off with fruit for added fiber, vitamins and minerals.
• Add oats whenever you bake. Substitute up to one-third of the flour with oats in pancakes, muffins, quick breads, cookies and coffee cakes for an added dose of fiber.
• Use oats in place of bread crumbs in dishes such as meatloaf, meatballs or breading on poultry.

Spinach is the powerhouse of the vegetable kingdom. Its rich, dark color comes from the multiple phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals (especially folate and iron) that also fight disease, protect against heart disease and preserve your eyesight.

• Keep frozen, chopped spinach in your freezer for an easy, quick addition to pizza, pasta, soups and stews. Just defrost and squeeze the liquid from a box of chopped spinach before you toss into cooked dishes.
• Mix fresh spinach with salad greens or alone, then top with peeled and segmented Mandarin oranges or sliced strawberries, nuts and crumbled cheese for a satisfying and delicious salad.
• Steam spinach, mix with garlic, a little olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon for a low-fat potato topper.

-          Courtesy of WebMD

This article courtesy of East Adams Rural Hospital and Quorum Health Resources (QHR).