Hocking Valley Medical Group

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer. Know your risk for developing diabetes. You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have overweight or obesity; are age 35 or older; have a family history of diabetes; are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander; are not physically active; or have prediabetes. Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Preventing diabetes or managing diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes health problems. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs. A is for the A1C test that health care professionals use to measure your average blood glucose levels. Some people with diabetes also use devices to track their blood glucose throughout the day and night. B is for blood pressure. C is for cholesterol. Take small steps toward healthy habits. Lifestyle habits such as planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking may help you prevent diabetes or manage your diabetes. Take your medicines on time. Remember to take your medicines even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medicines on time or at the correct dose. Reach or maintain a healthy weight. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your starting weight. Take care of your mental health. Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel down, sad, or overwhelmed, learn about healthy ways to cope with stress. Consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group. Work with your health care team. Managing diabetes takes a team. Your health care team may include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator.

This week, HVCH is celebrating the lead-up to #NationalRuralHealthDay on Nov. 21! Did you know that nearly 61 million rural Americans depend on their hospital as an important source of care as well as a critical component of their area's economic and social fabric? https://lnkd.in/grKuy7CB

Do you need an antibiotic for that cough? Do you have to keep taking it after you feel better? Learn how and when to take antibiotics responsibly on the tip card below.

Ours is a country filled with promise for tomorrow — because ours is a history shaped by heroes like you. Thank you for your service!

The following employees recently celebrated work anniversaries at HVCH: 1 YEAR BILLIE JO MARTIN, Environmental Associate SABRINA COLEMAN, Nurse Aide VANESSA MYERS, Nurse Practitioner 2 YEARS AUDRIANA VERMILLION, Emergency Service Technician BROCK EMERSON, Mechanic JUSTIN COLLINS, Certified Respiratory Therapist 3 YEARS ALISHA SAGRAVES, Registered Nurse AUTUMN VAUGHN, Registered Nurse JALYN STEENROD, Medical Assistant LINDA PLUMMER, Licensed Practical Nurse LOUIS BEAUDREAU, Mechanic 4 YEARS ALICIA WOODS, Director of Nutrition Services 5 YEARS JUSTIN SAMPSON, Registered Xray Technologist SHERI WERNERT, Dietary Aide 7 YEARS MELANIE FRENCH, Medical Assistant PAMELA KINNEY, Environmental Associate SHERRIE MILLER, Admitting Clerk 8 YEARS PAIGE SCHMELTZER, Registered Nurse 9 YEARS DENISE BROOKS, Social Worker 10 YEARS RICHARD STEELE, Occupational Therapy Assistant 15 YEARS JEREMY COAKLEY, CT Technologist 19 YEARS VICKI LONG, Nurse Aide 27 YEARS EMILY MARTIN, Registered Nurse 38 YEARS LORI SCOTT, Nursing Supervisor

REMINDER: Medicare's annual open enrollment period gives beneficiaries the chance to review and change their health and prescription drug plans for 2024. People with Medicare can switch plans, ensuring their coverage and costs meet their needs for the upcoming year. THE DEADLINE IS DEC. 7. Medicare plans often adjust costs, coverage and provider networks each year, so enrollees are encouraged to review their "Evidence of Coverage" and "Annual Notice of Change" documents. If current plans still fit their needs, no action is required. Information on 2024 plans is available through 1-800-MEDICARE or at Medicare.gov.

As the surgery director at Hocking Valley Community Hospital, I have been asked many times by family and friends, would I recommend having surgery here. Of course, as the director, I want to recommend my talented team but not only because I work here but because I genuinely believe what I am saying. I cannot think of a better place that would see me as an individual and staff that would take care of me like family. I get to see patient satisfaction results on the regular and hear from patients directly and indirectly through our secret shopper program and I have to say, it is impressive. We also use a nationally known company that surveys our patients anonymously and compares us to other like size facilities. On top of great patient satisfaction scores, we also own bragging rights to maintaining a low to zero infection rate year after year. And if you know anything about surgery, that is a big deal. We take pride in the fact that we stay on top of the latest guidelines and recommendations and change as healthcare changes to again, insure we are doing what we do the best way we can based on the most up-to-date recommendations and guidelines. We offer things like endoscopy that includes colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies and EGDs that are performed by our general surgeon Dr. Micheal Tornwall and primary care physician Dr. Scott Anzalone. Dr. Tornwall also does things like hernia repairs, cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder), port placements for IV access, and appendectomies. We also have two orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Mark Holt and Dr. David Vaziri that do shoulder repairs, several types of fracture repairs, hip surgery, total knee replacements, and carpal tunnel repair. Dr. Tyler Oostra who comes to us from The Ohio State University provides our patients with cataracts surgery and offers a clinic right here in the hospital for easy access. Dr. Raj Swain provides pain management procedures and runs a remarkably busy pain management clinic located in the front of our hospital. In addition, doctors Liden and Driggs provide podiatry care for your foot care needs and Dr. Liden’s clinic is located within the hospital as well. We also have several urologists, doctors Cunningham, Bloch and Riebel who have clinic here and perform their surgical procedure within our surgery department. So, if you find yourself in need of any of the surgical care I mentioned, please reach out and to one of our great providers and keep your care close to home.

The HVCH Rural Health Clinic is closed TODAY for parking lot construction and will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, Nov. 4.

The HVCH Rural Health Clinic will be closed on Friday, Nov. 1 for parking lot construction and will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, Nov. 4.

As Halloween approaches and is set for Thursday October 31st, there are several tips to ensure a fun and safe experience for both adults and kids. For families with young children, it is essential to prioritize safety while trick-or-treating, making sure that costumes are visible by adding reflective tape or glow sticks, and carrying a flashlight to light your way. Choose well-fitting costumes to avoid tripping hazards and inspect candy before consumption. For adults, hosting a Halloween party can be a blast—plan a variety of activities, from costume contests to themed games, and consider providing a mix of treats and healthy snack options for guests. You can decorate your home with spooky yet safe decorations, ensuring pathways are clear and free from obstacles to prevent accidents. If you are going out, plan a safe transportation route, and arrange for a designated driver if needed. Lastly, enjoy the festivities by embracing the fun of the season, whether you are carving pumpkins, enjoying haunted house tours, or simply indulging in seasonal treats. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable Halloween for everyone!