“Baptist Memorial Health Care provides holistic and comprehensive visits to our patients,” said Dr. Prashanth Bhat, a family physician and clinical epidemiologist with Baptist Medical Group-Memphis Family Medicine. “We look at a prevention spectrum with four stages — primordial prevention, primary prevention, secondary prevention and tertiary prevention.”

Primordial prevention focuses on a patient’s lifestyle to prevent the development of risk factors. An example might be finding a safe environment for the patient to get regular exercise or ensuring schools have free lunch options available for students who need them. This is different from primary prevention, which focuses on preventing one specific health concern (vaccinations fall into this category). Secondary prevention aims to catch and treat diseases in early stages, while tertiary prevention focuses on limiting disability and rehabilitation when a disease is more advanced.

Bhat refers to the seven pillars of health and says he discusses these when he sees patients for their wellness visits. The pillars are diet, activity, sleep, stress management, social functioning, avoidance of addictions and spirituality. Paying close attention to the seven pillars is an important aspect of disease prevention.

“When we optimize primordial health, we can prevent many health conditions that will affect us,” said Bhat.

Wellness visits are so important that most insurance carriers will cover the entire cost of the consultation, vaccinations and associated screenings. All insurance providers in compliance with the Affordable Care Act cover wellness visits, but some private insurers may not. If a patient wants to discuss current health issues beyond the scope of a wellness visit, this may result in an additional charge.

What to expect during a wellness visit

A typical wellness visit should take between 30 and 45 minutes. It begins with a comprehensive review of medical, surgical, social and family history. Patients seeing a Baptist provider can submit their personal and medical history in advance using Baptist OneCare MyChart, or they can arrive early for their visit to answer these questions prior to their appointment.

Family history is especially important to prevent or postpone cancer, heart attack, stroke, dementia and osteoporosis. An open discussion about the patient’s social history should include an assessment of addictive substance use, sexual history and risk assessment.

Following recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, your physician will offer immunizations. Your doctor will check height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, abdominal girth, respiratory rate and temperature. He or she will conduct a risk assessment for depression and anxiety, order labs to screen for health conditions and administer a basic vision test.

Common screenings include determining the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years, as well as screening for preventable cancers, such as colon, breast and cervical cancer. Physicians also screen for obesity, diabetes and lung cancer.

For patients with Medicare, physicians follow the guidelines from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services for annual wellness exams. In addition to the regular exam, these patients will be assessed for fall risks, hearing loss, home safety issues, transportation and food insecurity issues, financial challenges related to medications and advanced care planning. Your doctor should provide a comprehensive plan for the near future to optimize your health.

Bhat often sees patients who have not had regular physical exams, which puts them in “catch-up” mode. “People say they don’t have the time for a physical, and they wait too long. We take better care of our cars than our bodies and minds,” he said.

Many life-threatening conditions are preventable, including most cancers and strokes, but patients need an annual exam to stay on top of these.

“We see many elderly patients with pneumonia,” said Bhat, “but we have very good pneumonia vaccines that cut the risk by two-thirds. Similarly, we have excellent vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is common and highly contagious. It’s mild for most people but very dangerous for infants and adults older than 65. We have two vaccines for infants, one for pregnant mothers and another for those 65 and older.”

Bhat is passionate about wellness and hopes more people will adopt habits to be proactive about their health.

“We want all our patients to use these tools to prevent disease and detect illnesses as early as possible. When we all follow prevention recommendations, our health can vastly improve. There’s zero harm in following a healthy diet, being active, getting enough sleep and reducing stress.”

Dr. Bhat is a family physician and clinical epidemiologist. He practices at Baptist Medical Group–Memphis Family Medicine in East Memphis, and he is the associate program director of the Baptist Family Residency Program. He has been a physician for 25 years.

Jones has a family history of diabetes and heart disease. His sister has Type 1 diabetes, his mother has Type 2 diabetes and both his grandmothers also had Type 2 diabetes. Jones’ father died from heart disease at age 63, and Jones received his diabetes diagnosis on the anniversary of his father’s death.

“That was the catalyst,” he said. “I knew I had to make some changes.”

Jones took advantage of Baptist’s BestHealth initiative, a wellness program designed to encourage and support team members in taking control of their health. Jones joined the weight loss management and diabetes programs.

By the time Jones had his annual wellness visit in September, his cholesterol and A1C were dramatically reduced — and he was just getting started. His LDL was 158 in June and dropped to 79 in just three months, and his A1C has gone from 8.7 to 5. He’s lost 45 pounds in the past year, and his liver enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST) went from 247 to 37. 

“I’ve learned so much,” Jones said. “I attend weekly virtual meetings, and the leaders hold me accountable. They helped me recognize I’m a stress eater, so I needed to find other tactics to manage stress. A high protein diet has helped a lot, and I’ve learned about portion control.”

Jones attends 5 a.m. exercise classes at least three days a week, plus he coaches hockey and is on the ice a couple times a week. His wife, Nikki, joins him at the gym, providing support and accountability. Jones has burned more than 40,000 calories in his workout sessions.

Baptist launched the BestHealth initiative in 2017 after a wellness program through a third party wasn’t effectively helping team members.

“We were spending a lot of money on these resources with only 14% participation,” said Lansky. “We put a lot of thought into it and created our own program with incentives so we could really motivate our team to be proactive about their health.”

Baptist team members can earn up to $300 to shop in Baptist’s gift card mall for doing such things as getting annual biometric screenings and wellness exams. Lansky said 97% of employees get their biometric screenings, and 92% see a provider for annual wellness visits — all those costs are covered by Baptist.

_{Lia Lansky is BestHealth's chief wellbeing officer.} 

BestHealth has been so successful that Baptist now assists other organizations with their own wellness programs. Using claims data, health risk assessments and annual wellness visits/biometric screenings, BestHealth by Baptist helps organizations understand what’s driving the costs for their insurance plans. They can determine which health issues, factors and trends affect a company’s employee population to maximize health results and cost savings.

For more information about BestHealth by Baptist, please click here.

“I knew I needed to be a nurse so I could always take care of my son,” she said. “When he turned 1, I enrolled in nursing school at Baptist College of Health Sciences (now  Baptist Health Sciences University). I have so much history in this place.”

Today, Baker’s son is 24 years old and in great health. “He’s so tall — you’d never think he was premature!”

She’s been a registered nurse at Baptist Memphis  for 20 years, with 14 of those years working in the medical neurosurgical intensive care unit. Today, she manages 67 staff members in the 38-bed medical surgical unit. 

Baker loves finding ways to create as much joy as possible in her unit. Every week, she makes rounds with her staff and asks them to share something about a patient that wouldn’t be listed in their medical chart. 

“At first, the nurses weren’t sure what to do with this,” she laughed, “but when you connect with patients, you create rapport and trust. That leads to better outcomes for everyone. The patients know we care, and the nurses feel good about bonding with their patients. Now, they are flooding me with stories about their patients. It’s almost cathartic — in the hustle and bustle of the day, these connections are so touching.”

Baker and her team discovered a patient and his wife had been married in the hospital a year earlier and were there again on their first anniversary. Naturally, they threw a party to celebrate! The “bridesmaids” are pictured here. 

Baker’s passion for nursing is evident in just a brief conversation with her. She mentioned a quote the chief nurse executive, Mary Ellen Sumrall, recently shared with her: “Happiness begins where selfishness ends.” (Coach John Wooden)

“That’s really something to really think about,” she said. “When you’re not focused on yourself, you’re creating happiness for others. That’s how we can bring joy back into nursing.”

Grateful patient family praises Baker and her team 

Baker and her team left a lasting impression on former patient John Dixon and his family. He and his wife, Arlene, delivered gifts and a heartfelt letter to the unit. Arlene Dixon expressed appreciation for the entire team who cared for her husband, but she had especially high praise for Baker:

“Your attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile assisted his family in remaining hopeful and prayerful for a complete turnaround…Your dedication and enthusiasm are truly appreciated, and you are a valuable asset to your profession and organization.”

To join the Baptist team, please click here. 

Baker's team reunited with former patient John Dixon and his wife, Arlene. 

Meet Encarnacion Baker, RN, nurse manager at Baptist Memphis

During orientation, Dr. Peter Bell, DO, the school's vice provost and dean, likened the rigorous medical training to climbing Mt. Everest, with faculty and staff serving as “sherpas” guiding them to the summit by supporting  students in body, mind and spirit. He stressed the importance of students proactively engaging in their own wellness. In that vein, the YMCA board offered each student a free membership to the  Memphis-area YMCA.

Mid-South Representation

Doctors of osteopathic medicine have many specialties, but 53% tend to go into primary care, often in rural areas with underserved populations. Like many areas of the country, the Mid-South is facing a shortage of primary care and family medicine doctors, and BHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine hopes to address this challenge by producing high-quality physicians to serve this region.

“Forty percent of the class of 2028 is from Tennessee. Our hope is these students will ultimately choose to practice in the Mid-South,” said Meghan Woodham, director of admissions.

White Coat Ceremony

Dr. Teresa Hubka, DO, president of the American Osteopathic Association, invited students to consider the AOA as their national professional home.  Today, AOA supports 150,000 osteopathic physicians and 40,000 osteopathic student physicians.

“I want you to wear the initials OMS [osteopathic medical student] proudly as you enter the classroom and our clinics and hospitals. You’re joining a wonderful profession during a time of tremendous growth.” 

Dr. Teresa Hubka, DO

Keynote Speaker

Keynote speaker Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, DO, welcomed students to the house of medicine. Dr. Ross-Lee was one of only two females and one of two minorities in her osteopathic medicine program in 1973. In 1993, she became the first African American woman to be appointed dean of a medical school in the U.S.

“Each of you brings a personal perspective, born of your life experiences and backgrounds. Your diverse perspectives are important. Producing excellence is what diversity is all about, and it is why diversity is such a powerful force in addressing the health of the American population. The white coat is a symbol to the public that you are prepared." 

Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, DO

The class of 2028 brings its own diversity to the field of medicine. Women make up 58 percent of the class, and students represent 21 different states. A total of 1,884 individuals applied for admission.

Five students were “coated” by their physician parents, as they continue their family legacy of providing medical care. 

The school has a rolling admissions process and is currently accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year. For more information about the application process, please  click here.

What is a doctor of osteopathic medicine?

Doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, bring a unique, patient-centered approach to every medical specialty. Trained in holistic health care, DOs incorporate the body, mind and spirit of the patient in their approach to care.

DOs are trained to listen and partner with their patients to restore health and stay well. They treat the whole person, incorporating the latest science and technology with other treatment options, considering how lifestyle and environmental factors affect a patient’s well-being. 

Just like medical doctors (MDs), students of osteopathic medicine complete four years of medical school, followed by residency and fellowships. DOs hold some of the most prominent positions in health care today, including overseeing the care of the president of the United States, the NASA medical team, Olympic athletes and many members of the military.

For more information about BHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, please click here.

Crisis Callers Receive Emotional Support and Resources The Memphis Crisis Center takes calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 901-CRISIS7. Suicide calls are only one of many types of calls the center receives. The Memphis Crisis Center is a full-service crisis line, receiving calls for emotional wellness, mental health issues, grieving, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder neglect and material needs. In addition to the main crisis line, the center operates Call 4 Kids, Elder Lifeline and the HIV Care Hotline. The Memphis Crisis Center also provides an after-hours answering service for the Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center. As the local affiliate of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the National Veterans Hotline, the center also receives a few calls from outside of the Shelby County area. “Our primary goal is to be here to listen and do some collaborative problem-solving and link people to the long-term resources they need,” said Michael LaBonte, executive director of the Memphis Crisis Center. How Volunteers Help Prevent Crises From Escalating According to LaBonte, the act of listening to someone and providing emotional support can prevent a crisis from escalating. He said that when the center receives a call, the volunteer on the call takes the time to make a compassionate connection with the caller. “We use the least intrusive means necessary when dealing with callers,” said LaBonte. When a call comes in, the trained volunteer assesses the safety of the caller and determines if it’s a suicide call. While many potential callers may think that emergency services are sent out when they call for help, that’s usually not the case. LaBonte said that they typically de-escalate the situation, engage in safety planning and link the caller to needed resources in the community to help them through their situation. The Memphis Crisis Center is a confidential service that provides a type of emotional first aid, which LaBonte compares to CPR — doing what’s necessary to keep the caller going until they receive more assistance. “We’re the people doing the CPR, linking folks to available resources to work their way through a crisis,” said LaBonte. “Oftentimes when people are in crisis, there’s a tunnel vision that kind of takes over, and people may forget the resources in their own lives. What we try to do is turn that tunnel into a funnel and bring some of those resources that are already there back into perspective.” Helping the Memphis Crisis Center “We could not do what we do without our community partners, including the Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center, the United Way of the Mid-South, the Family Safety Center, UT Health Science Center and Baptist Memorial Health Care,” said LaBonte. Right now, what the center needs is more trained volunteers to take calls. LaBonte said that since the start of the pandemic, they’ve lost several volunteers and have been trying to rebuild capacity. “A lot of people are afraid to work on crisis lines, but more people can do this than think they can,” said LaBonte. Volunteers complete a 40-hour training process, offered at various times throughout the year. For more information about volunteering, email volunteers@crisis7.org. For more information about the center or to get help, visit memphiscrisiscenter.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Memphis Crisis Center at 901-CRISIS7 (901-274-7477) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

Callers Affected by a Variety of Issues Find Help With the Crisis Line

Mid-South residents are facing a lot of stressors — poverty, economic pressure from inflation, crime, gun violence, numerous issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and simply feeling let-down after the holidays are over. All this is in addition to everyday life stress, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mental health problems, such as depression. The Memphis Crisis Center has been available through it all — since 1971 — to offer support for residents.

COVID-19 Has Added Layers of Stress, Isolation and Hardship

The pandemic has made people feel a sense of loss, even if they haven’t directly experienced the death of a friend or loved one. It’s the loss of a sense of normalcy and increased isolation that can be very difficult. “Connection is so important to mental health. That can’t be overstated,” said Michael LaBonte, executive director of the Memphis Crisis Center. With the pandemic, people need safe forms of connection. It’s important to check on neighbors and reach out to friends and family via phone or text, urged LaBonte. “When people call us, it may not manifest directly as a COVID call, but it’s one of those underlying issues from COVID because people have been laid off, lost loved ones and are dealing with additional stressors,” said LaBonte. “A lot of people have felt isolated and that’s had an impact on calls we get.” LaBonte said that he’s noticed a correlation between the COVID-19 pandemic and suicide calls, material needs calls and calls for mental health issues. He believes that the pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health issues for many people, particularly those who have lower income levels and fewer resources. Even people without existing mental health problems and financial issues have also had a tough time dealing with pandemic-related stress. A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas indicated 32.8% of U.S. adults had elevated depressive symptoms in 2021, and 27.8% of adults experienced such symptoms in the early months of the pandemic in 2020. In comparison, only 8.5% of adults had elevated depressive symptoms before the start of the pandemic. The most significant predictors for depressive symptoms were having a low household income, being unmarried and experiencing multiple pandemic-related stressors. “The past two years have been exhausting to individuals,” said LaBonte. “People are worn out. We’ve dealt with the pandemic, political uncertainty and economic fallout from the pandemic.”

Connecting With Those Who Need Help

The Memphis Crisis Center is an important resource for the community, especially now, but how do callers find the center? Often, it’s through online searches. Since 2014, Baptist Memorial Health Care has provided a yearly grant to the center to enable them to reach people where they are with behavioral online targeting through Google searches. “We cherish our relationship with Baptist Memorial Health Care,” said LaBonte. “Lives have been saved because of that relationship.” When someone in the Memphis metro area uses Google to search for certain terms, the Memphis Crisis Center comes up in search results along with the phone number for the center. Some examples of these targeted search words are “how to kill myself” or “help with depression.” The Google algorithm also includes COVID-related terms so that people dealing with difficulties from the pandemic may receive help too. “We stay in contact with our media firm to make sure the search words are consistent with the needs of our community,” said noted LaBonte. “Multiple callers have told us, ‘Your call center came up and I decided to call.’” If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Memphis Crisis Center at 901-CRISIS7 (901-274-7477) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

Unlike some chronic diseases, managing diabetes is complex. People with diabetes must take medication, learn to monitor their glucose level, understand their physical symptoms and adapt to new habits, such as healthy eating and daily exercise. To help Mid-South patients with diabetes make lifestyle adjustments, Baptist Medical Group primary care physicians and the Diabetes Education Center  developed a leading-edge program, called the Diabetes Care Coordination Implementation Team. The program regularly follows more than 5,200 patients and combines affordable diabetic education classes with phone calls to offer proactive treatment for patients with diabetes.

Diabetes Self-Management Classes Make an Impact

A diabetes diagnosis came as a surprise for Jennifer Coburn-Washington, a Memphis resident and customer service employee for Baptist Medical Group. “I started feeling bad and couldn't figure out what was going on with me,” said Coburn-Washington. “My doctor ran some tests and told me I was pre-diabetic. Of course, I thought, 'No, not me. Other people have diabetes, but not me.'” Coburn-Washington’s doctor prescribed medication and recommended diabetes education classes. “I started classes at the Diabetes Education Center at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis,” said Coburn-Washington. “I didn’t have an open mind when I arrived. I was probably the worst student in the program when it came to eating habits.” According to Dr. Gregory Jenkins, general internal medicine specialist with Baptist Medical Group-Internal Medicine, the Diabetes Care Coordination Implementation Team was designed with patients like Coburn-Washington in mind. “We developed the program to ensure patients with uncontrolled diabetes see their diabetic care provider every 90 days,” said Jenkins. “We also want patients to go to a diabetic self-management education class at least every two years. Our third objective is to make sure patients can access their medications and that they understand how to take them.” Coburn-Washington experienced a learning curve, but with her doctor’s help, she learned to test her blood sugar level. “I struggled at first because I faint when I see needles or blood,” said Coburn-Washington. “My doctor taught me how to measure my blood sugar level without being queasy. He did it for me a couple of times — and I quickly realized that it's not painful. That helped me overcome my fear.” Measuring her blood sugar level was simple compared to changing her diet. At 48 years old, Coburn-Washington believed it was too late to make significant changes. However, she learned to incorporate new foods into her diet by attending diabetes education classes. “Ms. Jennifer Reed teaches the classes,” said Coburn-Washington. “She’s a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian. Her classes helped me learn how to eat and what to eat. She gave me recipes and a diagram of my plate to show food groups and portion sizes. I keep the diagram in my purse as a constant reminder to eat from each food group.”

A Team Approach Achieves Promising Results

According to Jenkins and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a team approach to diabetes management can effectively help patients cope with diabetes complications and lower their risk for kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. “A team of seven trained, certified medical assistants reach out to patients by phone on a regular basis,” said Jenkins. “This is the real beauty of the program. They ask patients how they're doing with their diabetes. They remind patients to attend diabetes education classes and see their doctor every 90 days. They also answer questions and help them get medications.” Data show the team approach has been successful in helping patients manage their diabetes. To gauge improvement, Baptist Medical Group physicians measure patients’ A1C, a blood test that shows average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. “We compared their A1C when they entered the program with their most recent one,” said Jenkins. “About 2,300 patients gained control of their diabetes over the course of the program. We're outpacing the national benchmark for telephone diabetic outreach in terms of A1C drop rates.” Additionally, patients who completed all 10 hours of diabetes education classes reduced their A1C by 1.9 points, which is more than patients can achieve with any single medication. “I'm not tired anymore,” said Coburn-Washington. “I have extra energy, and I'm eating a lot of great vegetables, fish and other foods I never would have tried before. It’s an informative program. It helped open my eyes.” Patients who are cared for by a Baptist Medical Group primary care physician are automatically eligible for the program. Patients who are not cared for by a Baptist Medical Group primary care physician can access the program through the Baptist Outpatient Care Center, which is located at 2100 Exeter Road, Germantown, TN, 38138 or by calling (901) 701-5538. Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Diabetes Education Center. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Mid-South especially hard, with more than 8,391 deaths in Tennessee as of mid-January. Coronavirus deaths are sudden, and families cannot be with loved ones during their last moments because of restrictions designed to stop the spread of the virus. This separation, loss and confusion can be overwhelming for grieving people. There are no right or wrong ways to experience grief. To better understand how people cope with grief during COVID-19 and how Baptist’s grief support groups can play a role in the healing process, we spoke with Angela Hamblen Kelly, executive director of Baptist Centers for Good Grief.

COVID-19 and Grief Overload

Grief is a normal expression of love after a loved one dies. Everyone grieves—children, teens and adults. Unfortunately, the pandemic is making it even harder. “Grief is lonely and isolating when we’re not in a pandemic,” said Hamblen Kelly. “Then you add the pandemic, and it complicates the grief experience.” Grieving people cannot say goodbye in traditional ways, such as funerals, shivas or memorial services because of pandemic restrictions that prohibit large gatherings. At Baptist Centers for Good Grief, counselors work with people who are looking for a place to process their grief. “A lot of our families are grieving multiple people who have died from COVID-19,” said Hamblen Kelly. “The griever might have had COVID-19 or may currently have COVID-19. They may not get to attend a memorial service because it is postponed or because they themselves are sick.” Without traditional ways of honoring and remembering loved ones, many people experience what Hamblen Kelly calls grief overload. “You may be grieving the death of a loved one from COVID-19, and that grief continues because COVID-19 is still here,” said Hamblen Kelly. “Grief makes us feel like we are forever changed. The pandemic has a similar effect on us. The pandemic also creates the lingering fear and anxiety that another loved one will get sick.”

Virtual Support Group for Grieving Loved Ones

To help people cope with the grief of losing a loved one to COVID-19, Baptist Centers for Good Grief designed a six-week virtual support group. “Many people feel like they can't talk about their loved one because the pandemic is so big—there are so many deaths,” said Hamblen Kelly. “However, listening is the best thing we can do for a grieving person. Our support sessions will give people a chance to come together virtually.” A grief counselor will facilitate discussions on certain topics each week. Virtual sessions give members a supportive environment in which they can feel comfortable sharing stories and beginning the healing process. All services at Baptist Centers for Good Grief are free of charge and funded through grants and donations to Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation. Virtual COVID-19 grief support sessions begin Thursday, January 21 at 4:00 pm and continue through the end of February. To register by January 20, please call 901-861-5656. “It’s so important for people to understand how real grief is,” said Hamblen Kelly. “The pandemic has impacted everyone. Grief changes us, and it's important to share that with a counselor, a grief group or a trusted friend. Now more than ever, we need to talk to each other about how we're doing.” Learn more about the Baptist Centers for Good Grief, and find a licensed professional counselor on our Find a Physician page.  

Americans in the Mid-South and across the country have abruptly changed where and how they work in 2020. More than a third of Americans are working from home because of the coronavirus, according to recent research from Yahoo-Finance Harris. Some remote workers feel more productive working outside of the office but struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. In fact, combining your home and work life can take a serious toll on your mental and emotional wellness. Here are some healthy ways to adjust and take care of yourself.

Create a Routine and Set Boundaries

People who shifted to a work-from-home environment during the pandemic may feel like the workday never ends. It’s easy to find yourself answering emails at 9 p.m. or skipping lunch when you’re not sharing food with a coworker.  “People feel like they’re always readily available,” said Melissa Wilkes Donahue, director of CONCERN Employee Assistance Program. “Remote workers may feel compelled to work longer hours because they have everything they need at home. It can be more difficult to compartmentalize your life when everything happens under one roof.” For parents, children complicate working at home. Some children must learn at home during the pandemic and require more time and attention than working parents can give during the 9–5 workday. “Set healthy boundaries for your coworkers, your children and yourself,” said Dr. Tracey Johnson, assistant director of CONCERN Employee Assistance Program. “Create boundaries and follow a routine to ease your stress and anxiety. Explain to your child why he or she can’t interrupt you when your office door is closed. Take this same honest approach with yourself when you need breaks.” Johnson and Wilkes Donahue also recommend incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine. Take a 15-minute walk around the block, meditate for a few minutes after a meeting or prepare a quick, healthy lunch. “When the workday is over, flip a mental switch and allow yourself to step away from your computer and your phone,” said Wilkes Donahue. “It’s your time to recharge physically and emotionally.”

Get Fresh Air

Studies show that fresh air affects productivity, creativity and how the brain processes information. “Get outside during the workday,” said Johnson. “Give yourself permission to spend time in nature. The green effect is real—trees, grass and fresh air all provide a boost to your wellbeing. You may be surprised how good you feel by simply stepping outside to take a phone call. At the very least, open a window and enjoy the breeze.”

Make Time for Yourself

Self-care is important for maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself, promoting wellness and reducing the risk of burnout. It can be easy to slip into bad habits or ignore the things you enjoy when you’re working indoors by yourself. “Self-care is not selfish,” said Johnson. “It’s a necessity. Your needs are important. You deplete your motivation and happiness levels if you spend all your time working or meeting the needs of other people.” Allow yourself to listen to an audio book, go for a run or light a scented candle. Meditation and yoga can help you focus on your breath, which improves posture and overall feelings of wellness. Whatever self-care looks like to you, prioritize the activities that bring you joy.

Ask for Support

It’s normal to feel frustrated, scared or uncertain during a pandemic. If you’re doing your best to cope but you’re still struggling, turn to family, friends or mental health professionals for support. Through the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program, mental health professionals provide free mental health services, guidance and resources to employees, including unlimited confidential counseling, conflict resolution services and referral assistance. “If you’re struggling, reach out for support,” said Wilkes Donahue. “You can find resources to help manage your work-life balance. Set boundaries. People may take and take until you choose to say no. Use self-care to do things you enjoy and that refill your cup.”  Learn more about the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program,  and view the full range of mental health services for employees. Meet counseling staff by visiting the Meet Our EAP Counselors page.

Most people spend the majority of their waking time at work. If you dislike your job or feel consistently overwhelmed or hopeless about your role, you may be at risk for burnout. Burnout can take a negative toll on your physical and mental health. We talked with Melissa Wilkes Donahue, director of the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program for Baptist Memorial Health Care, to help you understand what burnout is, why it’s dangerous and how you can get your happiness back on track.

What does burnout look like?

People who experience burnout feel exhausted on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Physical symptoms include headaches, stomachaches, back pain and rashes. Many people adopt a cynical attitude about things they use to enjoy. “People demonstrate warning signs when they are stressed to their breaking point,” said Wilkes Donahue. “Humans have a habit of trying to persevere or push through it. You may not be socializing. You may be sleeping more or less than normal. Are you irritable? Are you snapping at people? If so, you could be showing signs of burnout.” People who experience burnout feel hopeless about their situation. Working too much, lack of supportive relationships and a high-achieving personality may contribute to burnout. A gradual process, burnout doesn’t happen overnight. “You might feel no motivation to complete your work,” said Wilkes Donahue. “Chronic workplace stress and lack of sleep result in burnout that makes it difficult to focus on and prioritize tasks.”

Connect With Others

To combat burnout, look for ways to boost your relationships with supportive friends and family. “Burnout is like getting your tires stuck in mud,” said Wilkes Donahue. “Sometimes you can hit the gas and release yourself, but that’s not always the case. You might need someone to pull you out. Find a friend you can trust. Talking with others can help us get more connected with ourselves.” Wilkes Donahue recommends counseling for people dealing with burnout. “You need one or two people you can vent to,” said Wilkes Donahue. “They will tell you the truth and help you course correct. However, sometimes those people may not be enough. It's OK to attend counseling sessions to talk to a mental health professional.” The CONCERN Employee Assistance Program offers free, confidential counseling to employees and anyone living with that employee. CONCERN also provides on-site crisis response, conflict resolution training, workplace assistance and employee trainings. “There's no downside to accessing counseling as a tool to help you get through your burnout,” said Wilkes Donahue. “Counseling is your team huddle. It’s where you make a game plan to figure out how you’re going to start living—not just existing.”

Find Value at Work 

Whether you feel overwhelmed at work or bored and unfulfilled, you can find the clarity and energy to eliminate burnout by reframing your perspective. Wilkes Donahue recommends looking for value as a way to change your attitude. “Be intentional with your thoughts,” said Wilkes Donahue. “You may have had a bad day. Maybe you don't like your job anymore. Don’t let your thoughts paint your career with a bad brush. If you can’t find a new job right now, focus on how you currently help other people at work, such as collaborating with coworkers or serving clients.” People who experience burnout can choose to keep a gratitude journal to write down things they’re thankful for each day. A vacation or leave of absence may also help you recharge and remember the elements of your job that you enjoy.

Slow Down, Rest and Reflect

Lack of sleep worsens burnout. When you’re tired, you can’t think rationally in stressful situations. Sleep also plays a critical role in how you manage your self-care. “When you don’t allow yourself to get enough sleep, you start each day with a deficit,” said Wilkes Donahue. “You haven’t checked your self-care box. Slow down—give yourself time to relax, catch up on sleep, meditate and reflect on what fulfills you and makes you happy.” Consider managing your time by planning tasks. Lists make responsibilities more manageable. Give yourself time to achieve work-related goals—but don’t forget to carve out time to exercise, enjoy a meal with loved ones or read a book. “Don’t feel guilty taking that time for yourself,” said Wilkes Donahue. “You can’t say yes to everything. Do things you want and need to do. When you do, you’ll find a sense of purpose.” Learn more about the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program, and view the full range of mental health services for employees. Meet counseling staff by visiting the Meet Our EAP Counselors page.

Holidays mark an important time for many Americans. Families and friends gather to enjoy large meals, exchange gifts, participate in activities and worship together. However, COVID-19 has disrupted traditional celebration plans. Zoom gatherings, drive-by gift exchanges and live-streamed religious services may be the new normal for families this holiday season. We spoke with Dr. Tracey Johnson, assistant director of the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program, about how you can manage your emotions and set realistic expectations as you prepare for the holidays.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Disruptions to beloved traditions happen frequently—a family member dies, a child moves away from home and work schedules complicate planned festivities. You may feel sad, angry, anxious or guilty. Acknowledge how you navigated change in the past and ask yourself how those coping skills can help you celebrate the holidays during a pandemic. “Instead of focusing on the cons of the situation, think about the pros,” said Johnson. “Look at the bright side. Family gatherings will likely be smaller and more intimate this year due to pandemic guidelines. If big, crowded events make you feel stressed, think about how a smaller, socially distanced event could feel more comfortable and meaningful to you.” Different doesn’t always mean bad. However, if the holiday momentum feels overwhelming, Johnson recommends counteracting one negative thought with five positive thoughts. “The coronavirus may change your hosting plans,” said Johnson. “You could still cook a few dishes to drop off at a family member’s house or share a meal with friends over Zoom. But you don’t have to prepare an elaborate meal for 30 people this year. You don’t have to deep clean the house. This makes holiday preparation a little less stressful.”

Get Creative

Johnson says you don’t need to let go of traditions—rather, use creativity to craft more inclusive holiday experiences this year. Consider virtually inviting family members who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend. “Technology allows us to invite loved ones who won’t be able to participate in our holiday fun,” said Johnson. “Maybe you video chat with grandparents who live on the West coast. Be open to new opportunities to make lasting memories.”

Keep Your Healthy Habits

What is one of your best defenses against holiday stress? Healthy habits. “We tend to forget about our own needs in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,” said Johnson. “Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well and stay physically active.” It’s OK to indulge in your favorite holiday dish or treat. Moderation is key. Don’t forget to maintain your daily or weekly workout routine. Exercise not only keeps you fit but also supplies your brain with feel-good endorphins that ward off anxiety and depression.

Reach Out

The coronavirus pandemic presented new and complex challenges. Many families are grieving experiences that didn’t happen this year due to the spread of COVID-19, including high school graduations, birthday parties, baby showers and funerals. If you’re grieving the loss of a person or an experience this holiday season, you’re not alone. “We all grieve differently,” said Johnson. “The holidays can be a reminder of our loss. Draw attention to this feeling—don’t bottle it up. Make new traditions that honor the memories of loved ones who have passed on. If you need support, reach out to family, friends and health care professionals who can help you process grief and find joy again for the holidays.” Learn more about the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program and view the full range of mental health services available. Meet counseling staff by visiting the Meet Our EAP Counselors page.

Quarantine refers to the practice of isolating individuals who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 to determine whether they develop symptoms or test positive for the disease. We talked with Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist who works with Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, to help you understand COVID-19 quarantine guidelines.

Q: Is there a new COVID-19 quarantine period?

A: No, there is not a new quarantine or isolation period for people who test positive for COVID-19. The Tennessee Department of Health issued a document on August 19 that explains quarantine release guidelines and the recommended isolation period for cases, household contacts and non-household contacts. However, the language in this document may be slightly confusing to some Mid-South residents. It’s important to read the fine print, as well as the main print on the document.

Q: Do people need to quarantine for 24 days?

A: People who test positive must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days after onset of the disease and can be released after they are without fever for 24 hours and show improvement in symptoms. The Tennessee Department of Health document states that some people must be prepared to quarantine for 24 days. That assumes that you live with someone who tested positive and from whom you cannot separate in a house. This is called a household contact.

Q: What does the term household contact mean?

A: You are considered a household contact if you share any living spaces—such as a bathroom, bedroom, living room or kitchen—with a person who has tested positive. Household contacts must quarantine for 14 days after the last possible exposure that could cause infection. That last exposure is 10 days from the start of the infected person's symptoms. For example, you may live with a spouse or other family member who tests positive and with whom you share living spaces, such as one bathroom or one bedroom. You may not be able to physically isolate from that person within your household. Your 14-day quarantine would start after your spouse or family member has completed his or her own 10-day quarantine.

Q: Who is affected?

A: The 24-day isolation period affects household contacts, or people who are living with a person who tests positive from whom they cannot physically isolate. Unfortunately, some people missed the fine print and thought everyone must quarantine for 21 to 24 days. But that's not true.

Q: What happens if you can separate from household members during their isolation?

A: Non-household contacts must quarantine for 14 days after the date of last exposure, regardless of whether the person who tested positive was symptomatic. Exposure means contact with a person during the time period beginning two days prior to that person’s symptom onset (or specimen collection date if the person is asymptomatic) through the end of that person’s isolation period. To be considered a non-household contact:

• The person must never be in the same room as household members.
• The person cannot share plates, cups, dishes or phones with others.
• The person should have his or her own bathroom. If that isn’t possible, the household must conduct daily cleaning.

Q: How can people stay up to date with COVID-19 changes?

A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is the most current source for information about COVID-19 recommendations and guidelines. Visit our website to learn more about COVID-19. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

As communities and schools in the Mid-South begin to start youth sports, health care professionals urge parents and coaches to consider how they can help keep children as safe as possible. Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist who works with Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, recommends actions parents and schools can take to lower the risk of exposure and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Q: How can parents protect their kids if sports start again?

A: The protections for kids who participate in school sports are an extension of the protections for kids who return to in-person classes. In general, children should wear masks and maintain at least 6 feet of social distance. This is very difficult to do with school-aged populations. It is also challenging to do in certain sports, such as football, basketball and other team activities. Sports introduce situations that present potential risks of infection—from large team meetings in poorly ventilated rooms to huddles in which players are close together and may be breathing heavily from the last play. We simply don’t know the full extent of the risks yet. Outdoor sports may be less of a risk than indoor sports. But we must remember, it is still a risk when kids are in close contact with each other.

Q: Should parents allow their kids to participate?

A: Unfortunately, that question can only be answered with confidence in retrospect. We don't have enough information to know with certainty right now. That's a problem we have faced in many scenarios with this infection. Young athletes might be in close contact with others who are breathing heavily or raising their voices—behaviors that emit respiratory droplets. However, we think outdoor activities pose a lower risk of spreading COVID-19 than indoor activities do. It could be that we’ll see fewer cases with an outdoor sport like football, for example. It all depends on how much being outside helps to decrease the contagiousness of this virus.

Q: What should parents consider about allowing their kids to participate?

A: As a parent, you want to be confident that your child’s coach is aware of the risks of infection and attempts to minimize unnecessary close contact. Of course, coaches cannot eliminate all risks. Some sports will involve a certain level of close contact. You can't tackle someone from more than 6 feet away in football, but you can avoid a 20-person team meeting in a small room with poor ventilation. It’s important that local and national coaching staffs know the risks and take steps to minimize those risks.

Q: Are some sports more dangerous than others when it comes to COVID-19 exposure?

A: Some individual sports are probably a bit safer. Golf, for example, likely poses less risk than a contact team sport, such as basketball. Golf is an outdoor sport, and players can stay physically distanced. This is harder to achieve with basketball or football.

Q: What is superspreading, and can it happen at your child’s sporting event?

A: Superspreading means one infectious person could potentially infect multiple people. Superspreading could happen if a sporting event combines multiple risk factors. These risk factors include crowded spaces, areas with poor ventilation, and people who practice high-risk behaviors, such as not wearing masks and not staying at least 6 feet apart. When you combine those factors, you’re at risk of regular virus transmission and superspreading transmission. We should do what we can to reduce those risks to keep players safe, as well as the people they come into contact with, including older teachers, teachers with medical problems, parents and grandparents.

Q: Is there anything else parents should know?

A: The history of respiratory viruses, including pandemics, shows they get much worse in the fall and winter. We should take steps now to minimize this virus among student populations and, in doing so, potentially reduce community transmission over the next several months. Potential vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments are on the horizon. We don't want to make serious mistakes before those items are available to use as weapons against this virus. Visit our website to learn more about COVID-19. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Experts agree that children learn best when they attend school in person. In addition to academics, such as math, reading and science, students learn social and emotional skills and receive mental health and behavioral services in school. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges for the upcoming school year. Many families wonder how they can prepare their children for a school setting during the pandemic. We sat down with Dr. Jennifer Snow, medical director of the pediatric intensive care unit and department chair of pediatrics at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital, to discuss how you can help prepare your children for the classroom.

Be Honest in the Face of Uncertainty

“The pandemic is fluid and dynamic,” said Snow. “It is constantly changing and generating uncertainty. Uncertainty creates stress for children and parents. It’s important to stay honest and realistic with children about the changes they will face.” No matter what form learning takes this year, acknowledge that schedules and routines may shift, but this won’t last forever. “Be honest,” said Snow. “Let children know why we're asking them to wear masks and practice social distancing. Explain the importance of handwashing, especially during a pandemic. We use precautions to keep ourselves and others safe from illness.” Snow also recommends modeling positivity for children who return to the classroom. “Children are observant, and they tend to mirror their parents’ emotions,” said Snow. “Talk calmly about what they can expect. We sometimes underestimate kids. They are quite resilient and adaptable, especially if they receive positive reinforcement. Help them focus on what they can control instead of what they cannot control.”

Practice New Routines

Before school starts, help your child practice wearing a mask for long periods of time. “Start small by setting a timer or playing a song,” said Snow. “Gradually increase the time they wear their mask to get them accustomed to wearing it all day at school. Make it fun for younger kids. Even older kids like to dress up. Get them a mask with their favorite superhero. Make it seem like a costume or a prop.” Snow recommends wearing your own mask for the same amount of time to model the behavior you expect from your child.

Reinforce Safety Measures

“Teach children how to wash their hands for an appropriate length of time—at least 20 seconds,” said Snow. “Encourage handwashing after school, before they eat and when they use the restroom. Instead of high fives or holding hands, invent a fun, new greeting your child can do while remaining socially distanced.” Some may wonder how to prevent young children from sharing their masks with others. Again, Snow recommends positive reinforcement. “Just like you don't share forks and spoons, you don’t share masks,” said Snow. “Remind children that their mask is for their face only. Teachers will help make sure children do not remove masks or switch with friends.”

Learn About School Protocols

Schools are implementing strict guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most schools have already released guidelines that define in-person, virtual or hybrid learning environments for students and teachers. “As you prepare your child for in-person learning, you may have questions for teachers and school administrators,” said Snow. “What are the masking guidelines? How will teachers reinforce social distancing? How will staff serve lunch at school in a safe and socially distanced manner? Ask questions if your child’s school hasn’t already communicated its approach and procedures.” Parents can also make sure they understand the notification process if someone at school tests positive for COVID-19. “Schools create specific quarantine and isolation precautions for people who test positive, as well as those who may have been exposed to the virus,” said Snow. “If you don't already know the notification process, ask the school what that process looks like.” Returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic will require collaboration and support between schools, parents, students and health care professionals to make the learning environment as safe as possible. However, a surge in positive virus cases could result in school closures. “Some schools have already opened and closed,” said Snow. “Be prepared. Try to create a backup plan in case your child needs to learn at home.” Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Children’s Hospital. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Some schools plan to embrace distance learning this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of returning to a classroom, many students will learn online at home. To help parents and guardians navigate the transition to virtual learning, we sat down with Paige Marcantel, licensed clinical social worker and director of the Universal Parenting Place at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women.

Have a Family Meeting

Family meetings can be fun, productive and meaningful ways to strengthen communication and trust. Hold a family meeting to establish expectations and discuss how your family can support each other as you navigate virtual learning together. “Explain that virtual school is going to be different,” said Marcantel. “Mom and dad or grandma and grandpa aren't necessarily teachers, but they are going to help with schoolwork. Everyone will make mistakes, but we’ll be patient with each other. Let your children know that you're not perfect—and you don't expect perfection from them either.”

Explain the Safety Measures

Children need to understand why they aren’t going back to their school classrooms right now. “Make sure they know they aren’t alone,” said Marcantel. “Their classmates are learning virtually, too. Explain that masking, practicing social distancing and learning at home help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Kids have a great ability to develop empathy and understanding for other people. They can see why safety measures matter.”

Establish a Productive Learning Environment

“For most parents, the at-home learning environment may be the dining room table, a desk or an office space,” said Marcantel. It's important to keep this space clear of distractions and stocked with materials your child needs, such as textbooks, pens, pencils and markers. Mimic an in-school environment as much as possible. Turn off TVs and eliminate phones and other screens. Use headphones or earbuds so your child can listen to a lesson without distractions. “Your learning environment doesn't have to be fancy or expensive,” said Marcantel. “It just needs to feel like a regular school desk as much as possible.”

Make a Schedule

“Create a learning schedule that works for your household,” said Marcantel. “Kids thrive in predictable environments. Think about how much time your child spends on the computer, when they will have breaks for physical activity and when they will eat lunch.” Consider making a visual schedule to display on your wall or refrigerator to relieve any uncertainty or anxiety your child may feel about the virtual school day.

Take Brain Breaks

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents model appropriate technology use and encourages them to set clear boundaries around screen usage for children of all ages. Because virtual schooling increases screen time for kids, Marcantel recommends children take brain breaks. “Get physical movement involved to give the brain a break,” said Marcantel. “You may need to set other screen rules in your house to prevent what you feel is too much screen time. I like to remind parents that they decide how and when their children use technology.”

Prioritize Connections and Coping Skills

“We know that young children learn by playing with others,” said Marcantel. “They learn how to take turns, how to be kind to others and how to respond when someone acts rude. Children practice these social and emotional skills in the classroom.” Parents can find new and old ways to nurture these skills, including arranging a virtual play time with their child’s friends, encouraging their child to talk to friends on the phone or writing letters and sending notes by mail. “Older children and teenagers struggle, too,” said Marcantel. “Acknowledge their feelings and allow them to grieve the loss of formative experiences, such as canceled extracurriculars and sports. Encourage them to continue to communicate with friends.” Marcantel regularly cautions parents not to forget about their own needs and reminds them they are doing the best they can in challenging circumstances. “It's important to have reasonable expectations for yourself as a parent,” said Marcantel. “You're going to get tired and frustrated at times. Be gentle with yourself. This is a big challenge. Offer yourself patience and grace.” Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Testing is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19. We sat down with Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist who works with Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, to find out what you need to know about COVID-19 testing—including if and when you should get tested.

Q: Who should get tested?

A: Anyone who has symptoms and anyone who has been exposed to an individual who has tested positive for coronavirus should get tested. Targeted testing of asymptomatic people is very important because it helps determine where the virus is in our community. Recently, it’s been harder for health care labs across the country to obtain the reagents, or chemicals, required to run tests. Every lab in America is having a problem meeting the demand for tests. For a while in Memphis, there was more supply than demand. That's changed recently. We need to test more people. At the same time, we are trying to educate people on when they don't have to be tested.

Q: Should I get tested before visiting my parents?

A: Many different variables go into this kind of decision. Yes, it's reasonable to test someone before he or she is around elderly or at-risk parents. It's also very reasonable to try to avoid being around them in the first place. A test today does not mean that you can't come down with the infection more than two days from now. We don't have to do advanced math to determine their statistical likelihood of getting infected from us if we're not in the same house with them.

Q: Do I need a negative test before going back to work?

A: Some companies might require a negative test before allowing you to return to work. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has suggested using a time-based option instead. If your symptoms have been present for at least 10 days, and you are much improved for at least one day—whichever is longer, then you are safe to go back to work. This includes having no fever or having to use Tylenol, Motrin, etc., to get your fever down. This is important because after about nine days, we really don’t find that you shed virus that is contagious to somebody else.

Q: Should you keep getting tested after you’ve tested positive?

A: We don't routinely recommend that you get tested again after you test positive. We do insist that you isolate yourself from others after you’ve tested positive. People who test positive fall into two categories: those who are asymptomatically positive and those who had symptoms and got tested because of those symptoms. If you don’t have symptoms but test positive during a screening, you will need to isolate for 10 days after the date that you tested positive. If you get a test because you have symptoms, then you need to isolate for at least 10 days from the time your symptoms began. You also need to show at least three days of significant improvement in those symptoms. If you feel fine by day seven, you can come out of isolation by day 10 of your symptoms. If you are still sick, you might have to stay in isolation until you improve significantly for at least three days.

Q: Why do people continue to test positive after recovering from COVID-19? Does this mean you still have it?

A: The main test—a polymerise chain reaction, also called a PCR test—looks for a very tiny piece of RNA. That's the messenger material that handles the genetic information of the virus. Humans have DNA, but this virus uses RNA. As the immune system tackles the virus, the virus gets digested or chopped up into little pieces by the immune system. After 10–17 days, the particles you cough up or have in your nasal passages are not a whole virus. They are little pieces of virus that can’t infect somebody else. The PCR test can pick up those tiny pieces of RNA in your nose—sometimes for weeks after the infection. Fragments of the virus are not a danger to others, and they can't translate into an infection. It takes a lot more than those little pieces to make you or other people sick.

Q: Should I get antibody testing?

A: Antibody tests check your blood by looking for antibodies, which may tell you if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. In general, antibody testing is more helpful for analyzing how this virus affects large groups of people than it is for looking at one individual. False positives can occur with antibody testing in individuals. We don’t want antibody tests to give people a false sense of security or think that they can safely be around people who may have the virus. We still don’t know how or if antibodies protect people. You would not change your behavior based on receiving a positive antibody test. You should still wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Q: What’s the difference between antibody testing and PCR testing?

A: PCR tests determine if you have the virus right now. Antibody tests can help determine if you had the virus in the past. Typically, it takes two weeks for your body to produce enough antibodies to make a positive test. By the time most people test positive for antibodies, they don't need isolation anymore. However, it is still very important to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

Q: Is there a new test?

A: Scientists are working on a variety of different tests. We don't have a new test available yet that is as good as the PCR test. We have some tests that are more rapid, but they aren't as sensitive.

Q: What is pool testing?

A: Pool testing combines samples from five to 10 people to make one batch test. Health care professionals analyze the batch to see if anyone in that group tests positive for the virus. If there are no positives in the batch, you don’t have to test those 10 people anymore. If the batch returns a positive result, all 10 samples must be tested individually. Pool testing can save time and resources when the positivity rate is below 10–15%.

Q: What else should people know about testing?

A: If you are not sure if you should be tested, check with your doctor. Those who have been exposed or those who have symptoms indicative of COVID-19 need to be tested. As we move forward, we need to continue to develop strategies for testing vulnerable populations, such as kids and teachers in schools and people in vulnerable workplaces—like hospitals. It's important to not only test and document that your workplace is safe, but also to identify pockets of infection that might spread to others. Strategic testing is very important for keeping schools and businesses safe. Visit our website to learn more about COVID-19. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Stress and the Risk of Relapse or Overdose

Stress negatively affects mental and physical health, and it often contributes to relapses and overdoses. People may feel isolated at home, estranged from family and friends, afraid or hopeless about losing a job and unsure if they have treatment options during a pandemic. Stern said the best thing individuals struggling with substance use disorder can do during the coronavirus pandemic is reach out. “The hotline is designed to assist callers back into a safety zone and away from a dangerous overdose,” said Stern. In addition to counseling, addiction medicine specialists may direct callers to the nearest Baptist Memorial Hospital emergency department for immediate medical care if they require relief from cravings or treatment for injuries. Specialists can also help callers schedule an appointment with an Integrated Addiction Care Associates addiction medicine physician to define a clearer path to treatment and recovery.

Tips for Dealing with Addiction at Home

If you are living with a substance use disorder and are having difficulty maintaining sobriety, know that you are not alone. Restrictions as a result of COVID-19 may feel like an extra burden, but it’s important to remember that rules, such as social distancing and wearing masks, are designed to keep everyone safe and healthy. The coronavirus places those who use opioids in a vulnerable position because these drugs negatively impact respiratory health. Individuals navigating addiction issues during the pandemic can follow a few tips to promote health and well-being at home:

• Stay out of risky situations
• Regularly communicate with supportive loved ones via phone or webcam
• Attend virtual support group meetings online
• Manage urges to use drugs and/or alcohol, especially when alone
• Find an activity that means something to you, such as yoga or baking
• Do a relaxing activity, such as reading a book or watching a movie

Even in times of stress and uncertainty, health must be a priority. Support and treatment services remain critical during COVID-19. If you or a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol and in a crisis situation, contact Baptist’s Center of Excellence in Addiction Medicine hotline at 901-421-5336 or toll free at 833-330-3322 to speak with an addiction medicine specialist. 

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The coronavirus pandemic is stressful for many people — from health care professionals and service industry workers to educators, students, retirees and others. The topic is on every television channel and part of every conversation. Information about the disease can start to feel overwhelming. As you take steps to prioritize your physical health and safety, including practicing diligent handwashing and social distancing, you may feel mentally and emotionally drained. Here are some ways to help you stay calm, connected and less stressed during this uncertain time.

Recognize Your Symptoms and Find Support

The first step to managing stress is to recognize your symptoms. According to Dr. Tracey Johnson, assistant director of the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program, an always-on, heightened level of stress can lead to a range of negative health effects, including changes in sleep or eating patterns, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, worsening of chronic health problems and increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. [foogallery id="3648"]

Dr. Tracey Johnson

“At CONCERN, we have received many calls related to stress about the coronavirus and the illness it causes, called COVID-19,” said Johnson. CONCERN provides unlimited, free and confidential counseling for Baptist’s team members and anyone living with them. CONCERN also provides training, crisis response and conflict resolution. “People feel very uncertain right now,” said Johnson. “Work stress is an issue for many people. However, it’s good that they are reaching out to us instead of struggling without help.” Unfortunately, stress can be worse for people who are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19, including people who are 60 years old and older and people with pre-existing conditions, such as patients with cancer or a weakened immune system. “High-risk populations, especially, must practice social distancing,” said Johnson. “However, we do not want total isolation for these individuals. They should not cut themselves off from interacting with people in other ways — such as through phone calls and video chats.” Johnson said health care professionals must also take steps to recognize and manage their stress. “While they are used to responding during crisis situations, it is still critical for health care professionals to prevent excessively long shifts, maintain breaks for meals and snacks, and find mental health support when they need it,” said Johnson.

Let Go of What You Cannot Control

You may unknowingly add to your stress by trying to control elements that are beyond your grasp. While it may be easy to slip into a worst-case scenario mindset, Johnson encourages people to stay in the present moment. “Address what is right in front of you,” said Johnson. “If you are a health care worker, continue to follow strategic plans that allow you to care for patients while you are at work. When you are away from work, make time for self-care. One is not more important than the other — in fact, if one is lacking, the other suffers.” There are many things you can control during a public health crisis, such as how you advise loved ones about safety precautions, how you practice social distancing and how you spend your free time. “These things may seem minor, but during a stressful time, everything we do matters,” said Johnson. “You can’t control how long this will last, so take it one day at a time. Use wisdom and stay prayerful.”

Set a Good Example

Many parents and guardians wonder how to talk to children and teenagers about the coronavirus pandemic. “Your children will follow your lead,” said Johnson. “If you are overly anxious, they may be anxious, too. If you minimize or brush off this ordeal, they may not take it as seriously. Both of those reactions are two extremes. As a parent or guardian, you want to land somewhere in the middle.” Johnson recommends specific ways to reassure children without worrying them. “Start by believing what is true and sharing that truth with your child if they are old enough to understand,” said Johnson. “COVID-19 is a virus that we don’t know much about. However, we do know that if we wash our hands, practice social distancing and limit traveling outside the home — except for work, exercise and food — we minimize our risk greatly.” It is also important to monitor and limit access to news and social media. Too much information or misinformation can be harmful to children. “This is a time when adults and children need to be rule followers — not rebels,” said Johnson.

Follow a Routine

Our bodies feel comforted when we engage in routine activities. “You may not be able to go to the gym, but you can find a safe, low-traffic area to walk, jog or run,” said Johnson. “You can find a place inside your home to do planks or yoga.” Just as you create routines with exercise for your physical body, do the same for your mental health. Calm your thoughts by setting aside time for thinking, meditating or journaling. “Listen to some relaxing music, draw or paint,” said Johnson. “Laughter is another great way to reduce stress. Watch your favorite comedy show or movie.”

Remember That This Will Not Last Forever

The coronavirus pandemic may change how we work, exercise and care for each other for now. Social distancing is a current necessity — but it will not last forever. “There is a difference between being alone and being lonely,” said Johnson. “Think of your time at home now as healthy alone time.” Read the book you have been putting off, download educational podcasts, catch up on recorded shows on your DVR or pull out board games for family fun. “Reconnect with yourself and loved ones,” said Johnson. “Look at social distancing as an opportunity to spend time with people who matter most in your life — and that includes you.” To learn more about COVID-19 and get Mid-South coronavirus updates, visit our Coronavirus Resource Center. Visit our website to learn more about CONCERN Employee Assistance Program services or to find support.

The new coronavirus disease, called COVID-19, is concerning for many people, especially patients with compromised immune systems and their families. Patients who are immunocompromised have a reduced ability to fight infections because their immune systems are often weakened by a health condition, such as cancer, diabetes or an inherited disease. It is important that immunocompromised patients and their families take precautions to lower their risk for COVID-19. We sat down with Dr. Muhammad Raza, a Baptist Medical Group physician who specializes in hematology and oncology, to discuss what cancer patients and people with weakened immune systems can do to prevent getting sick.

Q: What should immunocompromised people know about coronavirus?

A: This coronavirus is a novel, or new, virus. Our scientific information about the virus is limited right now. However, we know from other countries, including China and Italy, that it is highly contagious. Immunocompromised people, older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions — such as heart or lung disease or cancer, seem to be at a higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19. While healthy people may only display mild symptoms when infected, immunocompromised and cancer patients get a serious or aggressive form of this disease. The survival rate is lower in these patients.

Q: What should they do to protect themselves?

A: Follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your local health department. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus, which is thought to spread by person-to-person contact and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Protect yourself by avoiding contact with other people. Everyone should follow social distancing guidelines, especially cancer patients and people with weakened immune systems. Additionally, wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have soap and water available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Q: What places should they avoid?

A: Avoid public places, such as grocery stores, restaurants, libraries, public transportation and other crowded spaces. This guideline is true for everyone, but it is extra true for immunocompromised patients. Cancer patients and people who have weak immune systems should stay home too.

Q: What should their family and friends do?

A: Family and friends should follow the same precautions, including observing strict handwashing measures, practicing social distancing and staying home as much as possible. Early studies show people can transfer this virus in the first five days of infection before they even know they have the virus. A family member could be a carrier for this virus and transmit it to an immunocompromised person without knowing it. That is why it is extremely important for family and friends to take precautions so as not to expose themselves and others who are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19.

Q: Where can people find out more information?

A: Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, people can visit Baptist’s Coronavirus Resource Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or their local health department website for the most up-to-date information. I cannot emphasize it enough — wash your hands, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and avoid social gatherings and nonessential travel. Visit our Coronavirus Resource Center to learn more about COVID-19 and get Mid-South coronavirus updates and resources. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

The chance to improve lives is what inspired Candace Davis to pursue a career in breast cancer research. Davis, a clinical research coordinator at Baptist Cancer Center, began her role more than four months ago and hasn’t looked back. Patience, compassion and communication are the tools she brings to work each day. For Davis, the job is personal. She not only strives to help patients feel welcomed and informed when they volunteer in clinical trials but also honors the memory of her mother, who passed away from ovarian cancer when Davis was just 20 years old. “My mom is my driving force,” said Davis. “She’s the reason I help patients with cancer and why I wanted to work in clinical cancer research.”

Finding Hope After Loss

Clinical trials are research studies in which patients volunteer to test new drugs, devices or procedures. Doctors use findings from clinical trials to learn if promising approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment are effective. “When my mother passed away from stage 4 ovarian cancer, it felt like no one was around to give us information,” said Davis. “They seemed too busy to stop and talk or offer insight into what was going on with my mom. I never wanted anyone to feel that way.” [foogallery id="3639"] Shortly after her mother’s death, Davis’ cousins, Sasha and Cheryl, were diagnosed with breast cancer at ages 33 and 48. “Luckily, my cousins caught it in time,” said Davis. “They were another reason I wanted to be in research. I wanted to educate people and give them hope. I thought that if I could help a patient go through a clinical trial and thrive in life after the study — that would be worthwhile to me, even though I lost my mom.”

From Cousin to Advocate

To support her cousins through their diagnoses and treatment, Davis educated herself about breast cancer. She wanted to learn as much as she could about the disease.[foogallery id="3640"] “When my cousins were diagnosed with breast cancer, I learned that higher amounts of estrogen in the blood are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in some women,” said Davis. “It also intrigued me to learn that African American women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age than white women.” Now as a clinical research coordinator, Davis helps educate and support patients involved in breast cancer trials. “I’m there when patients follow up with their doctor,” said Davis. “I get their lab work and talk to the pharmacy to make sure their medications have been prepared for chemotherapy treatment. I also make sure they’re taking their medicine at home and answer their questions.” Outside of work, Davis is a wife and mother to three boys. She’s passionate, organized and committed to her family and friends. “Even when I’m not at work, I’m still telling people what to do,” said Davis. “It’s funny — most of my family members and friends might call me a little bossy, but it’s out of love. I take care of them, eat with them and spend time with them — because we never know what tomorrow holds.” Davis urges everyone to prioritize their health and never skip checkups or screenings. She lives by a popular breast cancer awareness campaign slogan: “Keep abreast to save a breast.” One mammogram could be the difference that saves or prolongs your life — the same things Davis fights for daily. “The best thing about going to work is the possibility that one of your patients' lives may be prolonged because they were in your research study or used a device in your clinical trial,” said Davis. ”To look in their faces and see they know you're trying to prolong their lives — that feeling is everything.” Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Cancer Center. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Your well-being starts with caring for what’s most important — yourself. Learning how to focus on your own mental and physical health can help you combat anxiety, reduce stress and stay fit. From a quick workout to a simple act of kindness or a personal indulgence, every action you take that makes your life and world a little better brings major benefits to your overall mental and physical well-being. Here’s a list of 10 things you can do to care for yourself.

1. Eat Healthy

When you feel stressed, food can be your ally or your enemy. The food we eat significantly affects our minds and bodies. Avoid unhealthy foods that make you feel bad or stressed, including sugar, processed carbohydrates, alcohol and caffeine. Instead, add fruits and vegetables to brighten up your diet and overall well-being. “Adopt the mindset of eating to live, not living to eat,” said Dr. Tracey Johnson, assistant director for the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program. “You’re more likely to make poor choices when you shop impulsively. Carve out time to write a grocery list and make healthy choices. You’ll feel satisfied physically and mentally.”

2. Exercise Regularly

From a brisk walk to yoga to a vigorous workout, exercise stimulates blood flow and endorphins, which are chemicals that trigger positive feelings in the body. As a form of self-care, regular exercise not only helps you maintain a healthy weight but also boosts your energy and mood. “Add exercise to your schedule — maybe three times a week or a little every day,” said Johnson. “Park your car farther away or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Even getting 10,000 steps per day is a huge benefit to physical health.”

3. Rest

Sleep affects how you feel and can even cause health issues. To promote better sleep, make sure your nightly routine is free of distractions, caffeine, bright lights and screens. A full night of sleep refreshes the mind and body. “Sleep helps you build energy for memory, emotion and learning during your waking hours,” said Johnson. “It’s a gift to yourself to get a full night’s sleep.” To feel refreshed throughout the day, Johnson recommends sitting still and paying attention to your breathing and heartbeat for five minutes.

4. Put Down Your Phone

The number of smartphone users in the world now totals 3.5 billion. Although technology helps you get to your destination and stay connected with far-away friends, it also has serious health effects, such as brain fatigue, eye strain, neck pain, sleep disruption and shortened attention span. Try a digital detox. Instead of checking your timeline, talk directly to a friend or coworker. Turn off notifications, don’t take your phone to meals, and schedule time for answering emails and returning calls.

5. Have Fun

Life is to be enjoyed, so do something you normally wouldn’t do or indulge a guilty pleasure. Some people dance, draw, ride a bike, write in a journal or bake. Others may reminisce with old photographs or plan a party with family and friends.

6. Get Involved

“Volunteering is a positive way to feel connected to your community,” said Johnson. “You may discover that you get more back than you put out.” To improve happiness, give your time to causes you care about, such as volunteering as a dog walker at an animal shelter or spending time with residents at a retirement home. When volunteer activities don’t fit into your schedule, try donating resources, such as clothing, housewares or food. “Someone else gets blessed, but you also get blessed in return,” said Johnson.

7. Be Nice to Someone

Kindness releases feel-good hormones called serotonin. Kindness helps us relate to others and craft stronger relationships with family, friends and strangers. In addition to boosting serotonin levels, small acts of kindness can help relieve anxiety. It doesn’t matter if it’s to a friend or a complete stranger, say or do something nice. It feels better every time you do it.

8. Treat Yourself

Buy yourself flowers, attend a concert, eat dessert first or even get a massage. You know what you like — do it!

9. Clean and Organize

Whether it’s piles of paper, laundry or random items, clutter can be stressful. “We become attached to tangible things,” said Johnson. “Sometimes, we live with clutter for so long we forget that it’s just taking up space. It’s nice to see the surface of your desk or the bottom of a messy drawer.” Decluttering your home or workspace helps declutter your mind, too. Organizing can be an exercise in gratitude for the items you own. It’s a time to pause and give thanks for what you have.

10. Repeat

Whether it’s once a day, week or month, take time to remember how important it is to care for yourself. Start by looking for small ways to incorporate self-care into your routine. Find an activity you enjoy and repeat it often. Johnson acknowledges that self-care isn’t always easy. Most of us are too consumed with work, busy family schedules and technology to make time for ourselves. “You’re not being selfish when you practice self-care,” said Johnson. “Many people don’t realize self-care is a necessity. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t be there for others in a real and meaningful way. When you practice self-care, you’re truly able to live a full life.” Visit our website to learn more. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

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Dr. Stephen Threlkeld

A new strain of virus that originated in China is spreading quickly. It has caused great concern in China and the world, following the first cases of the disease in centrally located Wuhan. The disease has resulted in a number of deaths, and new cases have already been confirmed in the United States. As more facts about the virus emerge, health officials urge people to take the usual cold and flu precautions. To help answer your questions and concerns about this disease, we talked to Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist who works with Baptist Memorial Hospital.

Q: What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), also known as coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses found in many animals, including humans. Chinese health officials identified a new coronavirus on Jan. 7, 2020. The strain, called 2019-nCoV, had not been previously identified in humans.

Q: Is it easy for humans to contract coronavirus?

Some types of coronavirus infect humans already and typically cause mild illness, such as the common cold. On rare occasions, humans can contract other types of coronavirus from animals — these strains can lead to more serious diseases, such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Early data suggest the 2019-nCoV strain of coronavirus spreads between two humans through tiny droplets when a person coughs or sneezes — much like other members of the coronavirus family, such as SARS and MERS.

Q: Have there been any confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Mid-South?

Right now, we don’t have any confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Mid-South. There is no evidence of large scale human-to-human infection outside of China. The World Health Organization continues to watch the situation closely and will make recommendations as more data become available. The virus remains a low-risk threat to Americans at present. It’s still early to be concerned about contracting coronavirus in or around the Mid-South.

Q: What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Symptoms of coronavirus include fevers, cough and breathing difficulties.

Q: Who is most at risk of becoming severely ill from coronavirus?

As with many respiratory infections, people who are most likely to become ill include patients with underlying heart and lung conditions. Additionally, young children and older adults are at increased risk.

Q: Who is most at risk of contracting coronavirus?

Individuals who have been to the infected area in China — Wuhan city in Hubei province — within the last 14 days are most at risk of contracting coronavirus. If you have been exposed to a person under investigation by health care professionals for coronavirus, you are also at increased risk of contracting the virus.

Q: What should you do if you think you have coronavirus?

Contact your doctor’s office. It’s also important to notify your doctor’s office before arriving for your appointment so office staff members can take steps to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients in the office. Additionally, wear a surgical mask if you think you may have contracted coronavirus. Evidence suggests that wearing a mask can help protect others around you from getting sick.

Q: How can you protect yourself from coronavirus?

Individuals who wish to protect themselves from coronavirus should take caution if they travel to Wuhan, China. Practice good health habits, including washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — especially after contact with surfaces such as doorknobs, shopping carts and light switches. It’s always a good idea to protect yourself against health threats that already exist. Start by getting your flu shot. It’s likely the flu will kill thousands more people this year than coronavirus. While a flu shot doesn’t offer direct protection against coronavirus, statistics show it’s a good way to protect yourself from respiratory illness in general. Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Memorial hospitals. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

The holiday season is a whirlwind of gifts, meals, traditions and activities. It’s a cheerful time of year, but it can also bring feelings of sadness, loneliness and stress. Long-term stress can weaken the immune system and may lead to high blood pressure, fatigue or heart disease. To help employees and their families manage holiday stress this year, we sat down with Melissa Wilkes Donahue, director of the CONCERN Group Employee Assistance Program. She offers the following tips to help employees keep stress at bay and enjoy a happier, healthier holiday season.

Define a Budget and Stick to It

The holiday season amplifies financial stress. With gifts, entertainment, food and travel, costs add up quickly. Create a budget that helps reduce financial stress and boosts your spending confidence. “Make your budget and stick to it,” said Wilkes Donahue. “Folks tend to buy gifts impulsively or overextend their wallets for holiday meals. A budget helps you spend what you can afford to spend.” Write down ways to manage money more efficiently, and keep a list of items you intend to purchase. If your holiday list exceeds your budget, shorten the list. Commit to your plan and remember what’s important — family, friends and meaningful traditions.

Be Respectful

Many people feel anxious to share the holidays with family, especially if strained relationships or political viewpoints make conversation difficult. While disagreements can cause stress, active listening helps diffuse tension and gives you an opportunity to re-establish a calm mindset. “It’s important to maintain civil relationships,” said Wilkes Donahue. “Disagreement is inevitable, and conversations aren’t always easy. It’s OK to disagree with loved ones. Our beliefs and personal opinions make us unique.” To keep the peace, consider planning fun activities that contribute to healthy relationships, such as playing a game, watching a movie or volunteering for a local charity.

Take Care of Yourself

You may feel pressured to accomplish an extensive to-do list, host the best party or give the perfect gifts to family members, neighbors, teachers and co-workers. When you only focus on others, you can forget to take care of yourself. If the holiday momentum feels overwhelming, Wilkes Donahue recommends taking time for self-care. Go for a walk, read a book or simply take a few deep breaths to clear your mind and balance your emotions. “Prioritize self-care, exercise and sleep,” said Wilkes Donahue. “When people are anxious, they don’t sleep as well as they normally do. Get at least eight hours of sleep and continue your regular exercise routine, even if you have to split up a 30-minute workout into smaller, more manageable intervals that fit within your holiday schedule.”

Set Realistic Expectations

No holiday celebration is perfect. Do your best to keep things in perspective. “People try to live up to unrealistic expectations,” said Wilkes Donahue. “Maybe someone on social media shared a beautiful table spread or you found a Pinterest image you feel you must live up to. Those are unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves.” Families change and traditions evolve with time. If a loved one passes away or adult children can’t attend the celebration, listen to your needs and do what works for you. “We want holidays to remain the same, even when a loved one isn’t there,” said Wilkes Donahue. “A loved one's chair may be empty this holiday. Acknowledge the holiday will be difficult and consider creating a new tradition in memory of your loved one.”

Ask for Support

“If you need someone to talk to this holiday season, call us and schedule an appointment,” said Wilkes Donahue. “We offer free, confidential counseling sessions for Baptist employees and anyone living with an employee.” The CONCERN Group Employee Assistance Program also provides on-site crisis response, conflict resolution training, workplace assistance and employee trainings. “Be in tune with your health and the health of family members and loved ones,” said Wilkes Donahue. “You may notice something is wrong before they notice it themselves. Let them know you’re there for them. You can be a rope for someone at the bottom of the well. Get your loved one — or yourself — the counseling and resources necessary to climb out of a dark place.” Visit our website to learn more about CONCERN Employee Assistance Program services or to find support.

Birth control pills are generally considered to be a safe way to prevent pregnancy. However, certain types of oral contraceptives increase a woman’s risk of developing a blood clot by two to four times. For Somerville, Tennessee, teenager Hailey Duncan, birth control pills contributed to near-fatal blood clots in her lungs. Today, Duncan is recovering at home before heading to Middle Tennessee State University, where she studies biology. However, during the summer, a pulmonary embolism blocked off most of the blood flow to her lungs and nearly extinguished her dreams of becoming an endangered species biologist.

An Advanced Form of Life Support

“I was working outside in the heat,” said Duncan. “It was hard to breathe, and I almost passed out. I called my parents to come get me. I felt better until the next day when I passed out at home, and my dad called the ambulance.” Duncan went into cardiac arrest several times on the way to the hospital. “Things quickly went downhill in the ambulance,” said Duncan. “My left lung collapsed. They put a tube in my chest. My heart stopped a few times, and they used CPR to revive me.” By the time Duncan arrived at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, she was too sick for surgery. “We quickly realized Hailey needed major intervention,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wright, medical director of critical care at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis and president of Memphis Lung Physicians Foundation. “Normally, we use a clot-busting medicine, but in Hailey’s case, she was bleeding massively from the tube in her chest. ECMO was the best and only option.” ECMO stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The machine that administers ECMO is similar to a heart and lung bypass machine used for open-heart surgery. Baptist doctors connected Duncan to the ECMO machine, which pumps and oxygenates blood outside the body before pumping it back into the body through tubes. “We set up the machine in one of two ways,” said Wright. “We use ECMO to supplement lung function or both heart and lung function. In Hailey’s case, we needed ECMO to temporarily replace the function of her heart and lungs to allow them to rest.” As a healthy, active young woman, Duncan recovered quickly and was off the machine after only three days. Typically, patients spend an average of one to six weeks on the ECMO machine. “We rely on ECMO about 40–50 times per year,” said Wright. “Our program is unique because of the dedication we’ve put into it. We’re one of the only hospitals in Memphis and in the state of Tennessee that is certified through the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. We strive to be a center of excellence in delivering specialized care, and our team receives extra training to be able to run the ECMO machine and save lives.”

A Rare Birth Control Complication

According to Wright, patients who take birth control pills shouldn’t panic. In fact, a woman who is on the pill is still at a lower risk of blood clots than she would be if she were pregnant. “Overall, risk of blood clots is low, but it’s elevated when you take oral contraceptive pills,” said Wright. “Smoking, family history and being over age 35 also increase your risk.” Doctors think Duncan’s birth control pills contributed to her blood clots, but it wasn’t the only factor. Further testing revealed that Duncan inherited a genetic blood disorder. The estrogen in her birth control pills, as well as an oral surgery to remove her wisdom teeth earlier in the year, likely escalated her condition. “Because of my disorder, I’ll take blood thinners for the rest of my life,” said Duncan. “But I’m not going to let this slow me down. I’ve always been an active person. I love horseback riding and acrobatics. I’m grateful for the doctors and nurses at Baptist who took care of me — they’re the reason I can continue to do what I love.” Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Illness and accidents happen to everyone sooner or later. Thankfully, health insurance helps cover costs associated with maintaining your well-being — whether you break a bone or need medication to manage high blood pressure. Unfortunately, insurance and timely medical care are out of reach for millions of Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30.4 million Americans were uninsured in 2018. Uninsured people not only receive less medical care but also experience greater financial stress and worse health outcomes than insured individuals. Some communities are finding new ways to make sure everyone receives the primary care they need.

Medical Care at No Cost in Mississippi

In Jackson, Mississippi, health care professionals provide much-needed care for low-income and uninsured populations. A partnership between Mississippi Baptist Medical Center and Mission First, a nonprofit community center, helps patients in Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties receive medical and spiritual care. “There are people in our city and in central Mississippi who don't have insurance or a regular family doctor,” said Lee Thigpen, executive director at Mission First. “They can't get lab tests done because they cost too much. For 19 years, the clinic at Mission First has allowed us to minister to these individuals — from older teenagers to senior adults.” Located in the renovated Rosedown apartment complex, Mission First operates with professional medical staff who volunteer their time to perform physical exams and routine lab tests. They also help uninsured patients manage chronic problems. “We are able to improve our patients’ health by controlling their high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol,” said Dr. Samuel Peeples, internal medicine physician at Baptist Premier Medical Clinic and volunteer provider at Mission First. “In numerous cases, we have greatly lowered their risk of major events. That's been very gratifying.” Many patients who seek health care at Mission First are in between jobs or transitioning back into the workforce after incarceration or rehabilitation programs. According to Dr. Paul VanLandingham, primary care physician at Baptist Premier Medical Clinic, the partnership with the hospital has had life-changing results. “What really changed the clinic at Mission First was its partnership with Mississippi Baptist Medical Center for ancillary services, such as lab tests and X-rays,” said VanLandingham, who has volunteered at the clinic since 1999. “Their support helps us fill a need in the community by offering quality primary care to 1,800 patients each year.”

Christ-Like Compassion

In addition to a medical clinic, Mission First also has a full-service general dentistry clinic, legal aid office, after-school programming, sports and an early learning center. “There are many ministries under one roof at Mission First,” said Peeples. “It has helped transform the entire neighborhood. A blighted community has been resurrected, in a sense, because of the clinic and ministries surrounding it.” At Mission First, spiritual health goes hand-in-hand with physical health. Clinic staff members minister to patients’ spiritual needs by sharing the love of Christ and praying with patients. “Ours is a mission based on Christian healing,” said Thigpen. “Like Baptist, we care about spiritual health along with physical health. We celebrate the hospital, foundation and volunteers because without them, we couldn’t do what we’re doing.” Uninsured residents of Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties who are interested in visiting Mission First for health or legal services need to schedule an appointment. Please contact the clinic online or call 601-608-0050. To donate or learn more about the medical, dental, legal and spiritual services at Mission First, visit the website. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page. [foogallery id="3539"]

Last year was the deadliest year for overdose deaths in Tennessee. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 1,837 people died of drug overdoses in Tennessee in 2018. At Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, emergency room doctors treat patients who overdose or visit with concerns about substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). A new partnership between Baptist Memorial Health Care and Bartlett-based addiction medicine practice Integrated Addiction Care Associates makes it easier for ER doctors at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis to give patients with addiction a clearer path to treatment and recovery. The collaboration, called the Center of Excellence in Addiction Medicine, uses teleconsultation and telemedicine with IAC Associates experts to deliver leading-edge addiction care.

Treating Addiction as a Chronic Disease

“If you consider any region in the United States, at least 7% of the population has SUD or AUD,” said Dr. David Stern, CEO of Integrated Addiction Care Associates. Stern created the Center of Excellence in Addiction Medicine with Dr. Paul DePriest, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Baptist Memorial Health Care. Most medical associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, define addiction as a complex and chronic disease of the brain and body. “You wouldn't think twice about relying on a team of health care professionals to provide care for a patient with colon cancer or diabetes,” said Stern. “Similarly, we need a constellation of specialists for the patient with an addiction problem — and usually that does not occur. The purpose of the Center of Excellence is to bring state-of-the art care to patients in the Mid-South.” Baptist and IAC Associates hope to reduce ER visits related to overdoses and addiction complications and help patients transition into recovery. The integration is ongoing at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and Baptist Medical Group.

A Personal Connection

Stern lost his son Alan to an overdose in 2008 at 23 years old. Alan was a law student in Boston and suffered from a combination of mental health disorders and addiction. Stern and his wife, Kathleen, struggled to find the right health care providers for their son. “We were in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the time where I was dean of the School of Medicine and vice president of health affairs,” said Stern. “The physicians in the university’s practice plan also reported to me. Still, I could not arrange the kind of care that Alan needed.” After their son’s death, Kathleen Stern, an accomplished ophthalmologist, eye surgeon and medical school teacher, turned to painting and art. Her work includes landscapes, waterscapes and portraits of her late son. David Stern started IAC Associates with Drs. Shawn Hamm and Drew Blackstock to help other families overcome addiction. [foogallery id="3527"] “That is why we formed our own company,” said Stern. “I hope we will spare other families the tremendous grief of losing a precious child.” The IAC Associates team is led by the Mid-South’s only fellowship-trained and board-certified addiction medicine physicians and includes a therapist and social worker. The multidisciplinary team works together to develop an integrated plan of care for each patient that includes medical, behavioral, emotional and social determinants of health in one location. IAC Associates also offers telemedicine as patients progress through the program.

Using Telemedicine in the ER to Diagnose Addiction

Baptist ER doctors use telemedicine to consult with IAC addiction medicine specialists. Dr. Marilyn McLeod, emergency medicine specialist at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, uses the telemedicine system to virtually bring addiction specialists into the emergency room. “With telemedicine, patients and doctors speak to addiction specialists using a two-way screen,” said McLeod. “Two IAC Associates doctors rotate shifts to be on call whenever we need them. After the telemedicine assessment, doctors and addiction specialists make a treatment plan and schedule a next-day appointment.” Immediate follow-up care is one of the most important parts of the addiction treatment plan. According to Stern, every patient that has been processed using telemedicine has shown up for his or her next-day appointment. Patients may also visit the IAC Associates outpatient facility located at 6630 Summer Knowles Circle, Suite 101, Bartlett, Tenn. The office accepts walk-in appointments from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every day and same-day appointments are also available. IAC Associates accepts TennCare and all major health insurance providers.

Erasing the Stigma

The Center of Excellence also includes the only fellowship program of its kind in the region, which will educate future addiction medicine physicians. Staff will study best practices for addiction treatment and offer physician education seminars to help all doctors identify patients who may have SUD or AUD. “Addiction isn’t a moral shortcoming,” said Stern. “It's a treatable brain disorder. We believe the integration with Baptist is a missing link that can close the gap in addiction care and erase the stigma for families in the community.” Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Many people take over-the-counter Zantac for heartburn and acid reflux. This week, Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy pulled the popular antacid medicine — and its generic form, ranitidine — from shelves because of concerns they may contain low levels of a possible cancer-causing substance. Have you taken the medication recently? If so, should you be concerned? We sat down with Dr. Mark Castellaw, medical director at Baptist Medical Group-The Medical Group, to find out what you need to know about the voluntary Zantac recall.

Q: Why is Zantac being recalled?

A: A few drug manufacturers issued a voluntary recall for the heartburn medicine Zantac and its generic form, ranitidine because of contamination with a potentially harmful chemical called N-Nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA.

Q: What harm can the contaminant cause?

A: Right now, they haven't observed harmful effects in individuals taking ranitidine or Zantac. The Food and Drug Administration is trying to determine if the low levels of NDMA are enough to pose a risk to patients. Low doses of this contaminant are also sometimes found in meat, dairy products, vegetables and water. Laboratory tests show NDMA has the potential to cause cancer in animals, but more research is needed to understand the long-term risks to humans.

Q: Are all Zantac and generic ranitidine products affected?

A: It’s important to understand that there is no problem with the medicine itself. Ranitidine and  Zantac are fine. The concern is with contaminated batches of medicine from specific manufacturers. However, some retailers pulled all types of this medication off store shelves until they have more information. Retailers and pharmacies want people to be as safe as possible while the FDA investigates the impurity.

Q: What should you do if you take Zantac?

A: At this time, the FDA is not recommending patients stop taking all ranitidine products. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you if the medicine you’re taking has been recalled. If it’s not recalled, it’s safe to keep taking it. If your medicine is recalled, your pharmacist will provide an alternative. There are other ways to relieve heartburn if you don’t want to take medicine. Eliminate spicy, fatty and acidic foods, such as coffee, chocolate and tomatoes. Wear loose-fitting clothing; tight clothing compresses your stomach and hinders digestion. Don’t eat late at night or lie down after meals. Stop smoking and try chewing sugarless gum to help remove acid from your esophagus. Some patients still find the best relief with medicines, such as Zantac. Don't stop your medicine until you talk to your doctor. Stopping abruptly can be dangerous. The safest thing to do when you think your medication could be involved in a recall is to check with your doctor or pharmacist. Visit our website to learn more about heartburn, acid reflux and gastroenterology care. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

If you have diabetes, you know most treatment plans involve managing your blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels get too high, people with diabetes may suffer a number of serious conditions — including cardiovascular disease, skin infections and nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels. It can lead to chronic pain and other severe health problems. According to Jennifer Reed, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with the Baptist Diabetes Education Center, it is essential to manage blood sugar levels to prevent neuropathy.

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms

Nearly 70% of people with diabetes experience nerve damage, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “When you don’t control your diabetes, high blood sugar can actually injure the nerves throughout the body,” said Reed. “Typically, nerve damage starts in the feet, but it may affect the legs, hands, eyes and heart.” Patients with damaged nerves experience a variety of symptoms, including numbness, tingling and burning or stabbing pain. Some patients with diabetic neuropathy can’t feel pain or pressure. This can be dangerous because a lack of sensation in the feet can mask cuts, blisters or dangerous infections. “Neuropathy is the reason why diabetic amputations happen,” said Reed. “To reduce the risk of amputation, people with diabetes should see a podiatrist once a year. Your general practitioner also checks for signs of neuropathy each time they visit with you. However, if you start to feel tingling, numbness or a lack of sensation in your feet, it’s important to see a podiatrist.”

Neuropathy Prevention and Treatment

Unfortunately, diabetic neuropathy is not reversable. Patients can work with their doctor to control symptoms, manage pain and increase their overall quality of life. “Damage from high blood sugar is irreversible,” said Reed. “There is no turning back the clock. That’s why it’s important to consistently control your blood sugar to prevent nerve damage in the first place.” Prescription pain medication and antidepressants can reduce the sensation of nerve pain, while nerve stimulation — a treatment placed on the skin or along the spinal cord — blocks pain receptors from being sent to the brain. “Some patients find relief by taking 600 milligrams of the supplement alpha lipoic acid a day,” said Reed. “Supplements and pain medication help alleviate some symptoms, but diabetes management is absolutely key.” At the Baptist Diabetes Education Center, neuropathy is part of diabetes education. Patients with diabetes learn monitoring, coping and prevention tips. To participate in a diabetes management class, ask your doctor for a referral. “We have a series of classes in our diabetes self-management program,” said Reed. “In our first class, we talk about short- and long-term diabetes complications — and neuropathy is a focus. The best advice is to control your blood sugar. We stress that with all patients who want to avoid chronic nerve pain.” Visit Baptist’s Diabetes Management page to learn more, and find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Medical mission trips provide short-term volunteer opportunities for college students studying to be  nurses, sonographers, future physicians or other health professionals. Mission trips are also a way for students to minister with compassion and spiritual care. This spring, in a partnership with Seeds Ministries, a group of 31 students and faculty members from Baptist College of Health Sciences conducted  free primary care medical clinics on a short-term mission trip. The experience gave students an opportunity to work with local ministry groups in the Dominican Republic. Karen Smith, director of campus ministries at Baptist College of Health Sciences, organizes the annual trip. The weeklong clinic teaches students how to work together as a team to care for patients.

Learning Through Service

“The goal of our mission trip is multidimensional,” said Smith. “Medical missions challenge our students to step outside their comfort zone by learning to care for patients in developing and impoverished areas. Mission trips also provide daily opportunities to use the skills they’re gaining here at the college.” Students who go on a mission trip rotate through all areas of the primary care clinic. According to Dr. Betty Sue McGarvey, president of the Baptist College of Health Sciences, mission trips help prepare students to be well-rounded health care professionals. “Students assess patients when they arrive and then stay with them during all aspects of the clinic visit,” said McGarvey. “They do triage, take vital signs and physical assessments and perform diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis and blood sugar checks.” Because many patients in the Dominican Republic speak Spanish, students work closely with interpreters to help them understand how to take medication and care for wounds at home. However, language is only one hurdle students learn to overcome. “They may feel confident in one area and less confident in another,” said Smith. “For example, we always take sonography students and an ultrasound machine with us. They work together with nursing and other allied health students to teach the importance of imaging.” In addition to an ultrasound machine, students and faculty take a variety of medical supplies. Thanks to Crosslink Memphis, a nonprofit organization that provides supplies for medical missions, the cost of the group’s much-needed supplies and medicine was reduced from $160,000 to $9,000.

The Power of Hands

Students, faculty and staff pay their own way and may secure financial assistance through an endowment from the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation and other fundraising initiatives. For example, students sell art pieces, homemade tamales, pies and gallons of Chick-fil-A tea. “They also sell t-shirts and receive donations from faculty, staff and family members,” said McGarvey. “It’s a commitment and a sacrifice to attend a missionary trip — but it’s a life-changing experience for all involved.” Students share how medical missionary work has opened their eyes, deepened their faith and ignited important discussions about the power of their hands to make a difference. “Hands are important here at the college,” said Smith. “We bless students' hands when they go into clinical settings for the first time. We pray over them, and we talk about being the hands of Christ. At the opening convocation in the fall, students, faculty and staff trace their handprints and write their name on muslin. Then, Dr. McGarvey takes this fabric and has it made into a lap quilt.” Some lap quilts accompany students on medical missions where they become gifts to patients. “Students gave a lap quilt to a 12-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic,” said Smith. “Her mother had died, and she was very depressed and lonely. The students ministered to her and presented her with the quilt to symbolize the hands of people in Memphis, Tennessee, who care and love her. It was a tangible way to say, ‘God is always with you.’” Learn more about mission projects, including how students join faith with a medical career, at the Baptist College of Health Sciences. [gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="3461,3463,3465,3466,3467,3468"]

Three years ago, pharmacist Alexander Quesenberry didn’t have a means for patients to donate or receive unused chemotherapy. Today, thanks to a new state law, Quesenberry can request donated medicine from Good Shepherd Pharmacy, a Memphis nonprofit that provides donated medicines to those who cannot afford prescription medication. “Oral chemotherapy treatments can cost $30,000 or more a month,” said Quesenberry, pharmacy director for the Baptist Cancer Center. “The idea behind donated medications is twofold — they help people in the Mid-South give back and they can save or extend lives.”

A Groundbreaking New Program

In October 2018, Tennessee became one of the first states in the country to establish donation programs for unused prescriptions from individuals. Phil Baker, founder and CEO of Good Shepherd Pharmacy, was instrumental in crafting the new law. Good Shepherd now accepts oral chemotherapy medication and anti-rejection medication for organ transplant patients. “Many of the donations are focused on high-cost oral chemotherapies,” said Quesenberry. “Cancer treatment is becoming more oral-therapy based. Yet, as oral therapies continue to become more accessible and easier for patients to take, the side effects remain significant.” Some patients cannot tolerate a given dose of oral chemotherapy and need to transition down to a lower dose to reduce their side effects. ”If their dose changes, patients are left with excess pills they can't take,” said Quesenberry. “In other cases, the cancer may progress, or patients may pass away, and families don’t want to waste their loved one’s expensive medication. Donation programs offer a solution.”

Leftover, Unwanted or Expired Medications

Many unused chemotherapy pills remain tucked away in medicine cabinets—and a large amount of expired medication ends up in the trash. Medical professionals like Quesenberry advocate for safe medication disposal at participating pharmaceutical drop-off locations. “Expired chemotherapy medications should not be thrown away with your household trash,” said Quesenberry. “It’s still considered hazardous and should be disposed of properly. If you have oral chemotherapy pills that are unopened and not expired, consider donating them.” As awareness around the donation program grows, Quesenberry hopes it will help reduce waste and provide a safe pathway for patients to obtain much-needed prescription medications. Individuals who want to donate or join the medication wait list can visit Remedichain.com. “The next step is to increase our amount of donated medications,” said Quesenberry. “It's an exciting program, and we're hopeful that it grows and benefits many people. Fortunately, there are few patients who don't have access to prescriptions. This gives them that opportunity.” The Good Shepherd Pharmacy has received $1,500,000 in donated medications and has distributed about $100,000 of these medicines since starting the dispensing program a couple of months ago. Learn about cancer symptoms, diagnosis and treatment at the Baptist Cancer Center. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Tennessee. Sadly, breast cancer deaths are significantly higher for African American women, a population that is more likely to receive late-stage diagnoses. To help increase breast cancer survival in the Mid-South, Baptist Women’s Health Center offers mammograms and diagnostic services for women who qualify through grants from the Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi affiliate and the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program. The Tennessee Breast and Cervical grant cycle ends on June 30, but grant-funded mammograms will still be accessible after that date.

Diagnostic Breast Care Services

Early detection is the best way to reduce breast cancer deaths. However, many women are rarely or ever screened for breast cancer. For many, cost and access to care are barriers. “Unfortunately, there are women — low-income, older, underinsured or uninsured — who are less likely to access diagnostic breast care services,” said Nikki Gast, administrative director at Baptist Women’s Health Center. Grant funding based on need helps Baptist Women’s Health Center make mammograms and other breast diagnostic services more accessible to patients who cannot otherwise afford these services. “Anyone who is not getting regular screenings or following up on breast health issues due to an inability to pay or access to care needs to contact us,” said Gast. “We will determine which grant fits your needs.” Patients who obtain grant funding receive comprehensive mammography screening and diagnostic services. The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening grant also provides an avenue for coverage through Medicaid for patients with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Reaching Women Where They Are

Baptist Women’s Health Center not only offers mammograms but also ultrasound imaging for annual screenings and high-risk patients. “Our high-risk nurse assists with care for patients who have a strong family history of breast cancer or other factors that put them at risk for the disease,” said Gast. High-risk patients may be offered a referral for services with a breast specialist, discussions on screening recommendations and genetic testing with genetic counselors. “We have been able to reach women at our location at 50 Humphreys Blvd., but there is still a need to find innovative ways to reach women where they are in the community,” said Gast. “Our mobile mammography unit helps fill that need.” The mobile mammography unit  partners with local physicians, churches and health care providers, such as the Church Health Center and Christ Community Health Services to bring screening services to patients. The mobile unit also visits businesses, grocery stores and community centers. It provides a convenient way for women in need to receive quick, 15-minute breast screenings without having to take time off work. “The mobile unit also serves as a powerful outreach tool to raise breast cancer awareness in our community,” said Gast. “An African American woman in Memphis is almost 50% more likely to die from breast cancer. This disparity is tied to later diagnoses due to a lack of access and an inability to pay for care. The mobile unit  focuses on the 14 ZIP codes in Memphis with the highest mortality rates [for breast cancer].”

How to Receive Funding for Breast Cancer Screenings

Grant assistance is available based on financial need. Some grant funding ends June 30, while other grants are available on an ongoing basis. To inquire about eligibility for grant-funded breast health care, please call 901-227-PINK (7465). To find out where the mobile unit is scheduled, please call 901-226-0832. Forms to help patients prepare for a mobile mammography appointment are available online. “Contact us to let us know you need a mammogram,” said Gast. “Inability to pay for care should not mean patients don’t get the tests and preventive care they need. Early diagnosis is key to surviving breast cancer. Mammograms are uncomfortable, but they last just a moment and that moment can truly save a life.” Learn more about breast cancer services at Baptist or how you can support Baptist and the Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi affiliate. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Spring is a time for long walks, picnics and yard work. For 36 million Americans, spring also signals allergy season. As global temperatures rise, pollen and tree allergens last longer and may trigger more intense symptoms. People who are prone to allergies can follow a few steps to minimize their symptoms and find relief.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, such as pollen, grass or mold. According to Dr. Mark Castellaw, medical director at Baptist Medical Group, seasonal allergy symptoms are similar to the common cold and include itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion and sometimes cough. “Before assuming you have allergies, get evaluated by your doctor,” said Castellaw. “A physical exam and current blood work rule out more serious conditions, such as chronic sinus infection or sinus polyps. If discharge from your nose is yellow or green, that's usually an indication of an infection. Once your doctor eliminates infection and serious sinus conditions, it's probably allergies.”

Do-It-Yourself Allergy Protection

Allergy sufferers can make several lifestyle changes to keep uncomfortable symptoms at bay. “On days when the pollen count is high — especially in April, May and June — the best thing to do is stay indoors,” said Castellaw. “Keep the windows closed, use the air conditioning and make sure the filters are changed regularly. Pollen caught in air filters circulates in the house and becomes an irritant.” Allergy maps, such as the National Allergy Map from Pollen.com, help users see allergy levels and pollen count forecasts in different areas of the country. Allergy alert apps can send in-depth insights to your smartphone to help you plan when to spend a day indoors. If you must go outside to exercise or work in the yard, Castellaw recommends wearing a protective mask and changing clothes as quickly as possible. “You may not always see it, but your clothes have pollen on them,” said Castellaw. “If you sit in the easy chair before changing clothes and showering, you’re inoculating where you sit with pollen and stirring up a problem.” In addition to maintaining pollen-free clothes, Castellaw cautions not to forget about pets who go outside during the spring and summer months. “Pets carry pollen, ragweed and grasses on their fur — just like we do on our clothing,” said Castellaw. “It's very important to brush or bathe your dogs and cats when they come back inside. Otherwise, they spread allergens to carpet, furniture and clothing.”

Managing Allergies With Medication

It’s difficult to completely avoid seasonal allergens when the air is thick with pollen. For most allergy sufferers, over-the-counter medications and nasal sprays provide welcome relief. “Over-the-counter medication is a simple way to alleviate allergies — as long as it doesn't interact with your prescription medicine, especially blood pressure medications,” said Castellaw. “Always check with your doctor to find out if it’s safe for you to take nonprescription Allegra, Claritin or Zyrtec.” Steroid sprays like Flonase and Nasacort are also available without a prescription. Patients with severe symptoms can see an allergist to determine if allergy shots may be necessary to find relief. “For most people, over-the-counter steroid nose sprays and non-drowsy antihistamines are very effective at relieving watery eyes, itchy noses, mucus production and sneezing,” said Castellaw. Learn more about Baptist's ear, nose and throat services, or find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Many Americans take daily over-the-counter vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, in the hopes of reducing their risk of vascular events and cancer. Until recently, there has not been any definitive evidence proving or disproving the benefits of these supplements. However, a recent five-year research study funded by the National Institutes of Health provides new, conclusive evidence. “Neither fish oil nor vitamin D prevent cancer or reduce the incidence of the major end points of heart disease,” said Dr. Arie Szatkowski, board-certified cardiologist with the Stern Cardiovascular Foundation and director of cardiovascular services at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.

VITAL Research Study―Purpose and Outcomes

Nearly 26,000 healthy participants who are 50 years old and older took part in the VITAL research study at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Participants had no history of cancer or heart disease, and 20% of participants were African American. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Heart Association’s conference in 2018. “The purpose of the trial was to see, once and for all, if there are benefits of taking natural supplements to ward off the development of cancers or ward off the development of certain heart conditions,” said Szatkowski. Researchers separated participants into four groups. One group took 2,000 international units of vitamin D and 1 gram of fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acid. A second group consumed omega-3 and a placebo while a third group took vitamin D and a placebo. The last group consumed only placebos. “Participants took these supplements daily, and they were followed by researchers for five years,” said Szatkowski. “This was the largest and longest trial of its kind for these two natural supplements. Researchers found no side effects from the supplements.”

Vitamin D Results

The VITAL research study found that taking the vitamin D supplement did not help reduce cardiovascular death, stroke or heart attack among participants. “The study also concluded vitamin D has no benefits in preventing cancer,” said Szatkowski. “The door for vitamin D was more or less closed.” However, Szatkowski cautions patients who are taking a vitamin D supplement from discontinuing use right away. “Vitamin D has many other properties,” said Szatkowski. “It's helpful for the immune system. Individuals with severely low vitamin D levels may have some fatigue and, in those individuals, supplements may help improve their symptoms and perhaps improve their immune system. If you’re someone who is thinking about adding or removing a vitamin D supplement from your diet, your first step is to talk with your doctor.”

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Results

Like the vitamin D supplement, the omega-3 supplement did not reduce cancer risk in study participants. It also had no effect on cardiovascular death or stroke. However, researchers found it reduced some heart attacks in a subset of patients with a history of vascular disease, as well as in African Americans and participants who had very little fish intake. “We all need a certain amount of omega-3 in our diet,” said Szatkowski. “For those of us who eat at least two servings of fish a week, there may be no benefit at all of taking additional omega-3 fatty acids. If you eat no fish whatsoever, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of heart attack by 19%. But these outcomes need further investigation.” According to the study, the omega-3 fatty acid supplement lowered the risk of heart attack by 28% when heart attack was considered separately from other cardiovascular events. The benefit appeared strongest in African Americans.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

The VITAL research results prove that taking vitamin D and fish oil supplements to reduce or prevent the risk of cancer and certain heart events is not effective. According to Szatkowski and others, additional studies are needed to focus on outcomes for African Americans and populations who do not consume fish. For individuals who want to make a natural modification that can lower their risk of heart events and cancer, Szatkowski recommends a healthy diet.

International travel gives millions of people the opportunity to explore new places, experiences and cultures each year. In fact, nearly 42 million Americans traveled abroad to places, such as Mexico, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and other regions, in 2018. If your family plans to travel abroad, it’s important to take steps to prevent travel-related illnesses and ensure an enjoyable experience. Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, an infectious disease consultant and epidemiologist for the Baptist Heart Transplant program, offers six recommendations to help you prepare for a fun, safe vacation abroad.

1. Get vaccinated.

International travel can expose travelers to rare illnesses—but vaccines offer protection. Immunizations can keep travelers safe on vacation and prevent them from bringing infections home. “Hepatitis A and typhoid are the most common vaccinations people need if they're going to an underdeveloped country,” said Threlkeld. “Preventive medications for malaria are also very important for many travelers in the tropical latitude.” Travelers can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website to learn about required travel vaccinations by country. It is important to fully understand what vaccines you need—and when. “Remember—some vaccinations for international trips can take three to four weeks to become effective in the body,” said Threlkeld. ”Patients who get a last-minute vaccine may go on a trip and return without having been protected by the vaccine. Make sure to get immunizations in advance.”

2. Consider existing health conditions.

Think about underlying medical problems you might have and if they require you to modify your activities, destination or other elements of your trip. “Plan your trip in terms of your health,” said Threlkeld. “What medical conditions might limit you on a trip? For example, you don't want to go to the Grand Canyon for a hiking trip if you have a serious heart condition.”

3. Take medications and supplies with you.

“The world is a smaller place than it used to be—you can FedEx items anywhere you need them,” said Threlkeld. “However, make sure you take your prescription medications. It may not be easy to get those filled if you forget them.” Many travelers also choose to carry over-the-counter medications. Threlkeld recommends taking an antidiarrheal medication, such as Imodium; antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Claritin; and medicines for cough. In addition to medications, pack a first-aid kit with antiseptic washes and bandages. These items can be helpful, particularly if you're hiking or engaging in activities where you might fall or suffer minor injuries. “Another thing people don't think about is taking a thermometer,” said Threlkeld. “When a patient calls me from Nigeria and they have a 103-degree fever, that temperature can help inform my assessment and recommendations.”

4. Pay attention to travel health advisories.

Health notices inform travelers about health issues, such as disease outbreaks and natural disasters. It’s important to follow recommended precautions. “Know what is going on in the country you're visiting,” said Threlkeld. “A few years ago, my family had to change wedding plans because of the Zika virus. We had several pregnant members of the wedding party, and it became impractical for them to go to the affected destination. We changed the destination because of the health risks. Be sure to do your research and learn about events that can impact healthy travel.”

5. Stay hydrated and avoid contaminated water. 

“Long flights can be tremendously dehydrating because of the recirculated dry air on the plane,” said Threlkeld. “Dehydration can hamper the first few days of vacation, so make sure to drink plenty of water on the flight and for the remainder of your trip.” Drink bottled, filtered or boiled water, if necessary. In countries with poor sanitation, water is often the source of gastroenteritis and severe infection. “Travelers might already know not to drink a glass of tap water in a country where contamination is an issue—but they still consume ice cubes or brush their teeth from the tap,” said Threlkeld. “In these cases, you might as well drink a glass of tap water because that little bit of water can be just as harmful.”

6. Finish prescriptions when you get home.

“When you return from your trip, remember to pay attention to your health,” said Threlkeld. “For example, you may need to take a malaria prophylaxis for a week or so after you return home. The biggest mistake people make is not finishing their prescriptions. Always take the full course of the medication, even if you’re feeling fine. If treatment stops too soon, you could get sick.” Learn more about infectious disease prevention. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

For many patients, it’s unsettling to return home after a stay in the hospital. At the hospital, teams of trained nurses and staff provide around-the-clock care and monitoring—but at home, patients must care for themselves. It’s not uncommon to feel anxious or unprepared for the transition. To address concerns and improve the patient experience, Baptist Memorial Health Care recently created a patient discharge call center. “We consider our centralized call center to be a patient safety initiative,” said Suzanne Harvey, system director for care coordination and the post-discharge call center. “We want to show empathy for our patients—empathy and safety are our main goals when we call.”

Eliminating Fears With a Phone Call

Years of research and assessments identified opportunities to meet patients’ needs at home—and avoid potential readmission to the hospital. Baptist’s nurses at the discharge call center work to ensure patients feel comfortable, confident and safe at home after a hospital stay. “We started with one call nurse on one unit at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis,” said Harvey. “Our first nurse, LaToya Harris, RN, was making 30 to 40 calls per day. We've gradually increased to the entire hospital in Memphis and began making discharge calls for Baptist DeSoto patients as of April 1.” Post-discharge phone calls provide many benefits, including a reduction in medication errors. The names of prescription medicines can be long and complex with multiple brand names for the same product. According to Harvey, follow-up calls can eliminate uncertainty around prescriptions. “Even though Baptist’s nurses explain patients’ medications to them before they leave the hospital, they may be anxious or distracted,” said Harvey. “They're thinking about who is going to take them home, who is going to stay with them and if they have food at home. They may retain just a small percentage of information the nurses give them.” Once they return home, patients may not recognize the label on their new medication bottle and begin to worry.   “It's the same medication but with a different name,” said Harvey. “Call center nurses reach out, ask questions and stop patients from taking the same medication twice. We want you to feel satisfied and confident in your ability to care for yourself.”

Providing Life-saving Resources to Patients

Follow-up calls not only give Baptist’s nurses an opportunity to identify trends for improvement but also provide a sense of empathy for patients’ well-being. “When patients answer the call, we ask if they know how to care for themselves now that they are home,” said Harvey. “We ask if they have everything they need for recovery, including people to help care for them, follow-up prescriptions and transportation to their follow-up appointment.” Post-discharge calls can dramatically affect the lives of Baptist’s patients. This is especially true for individuals who have fixed or low incomes. “One of our patients went home and found out he could not afford his medications,” said Harvey. “The call center nurse spoke to his mother, who is his caretaker, and discovered the medication was only $1.50. We were able to call the pharmacy and ask them to waive the co-pay for this patient. We also asked them to mail it to him, because it was a hardship for the patient to travel.”

Creating Value Across the Mid-South

An additional discharge patient call center is planned for Baptist DeSoto in May 2019. The expansion will be launched in phases with a goal of six call nurses making post-discharge calls for Baptist Memphis, Baptist DeSoto, Baptist North Mississippi and NEA Baptist. Discharge call centers for Baptist’s regional hospitals will launch in phases through 2020. “We want you to know we care about you and your recovery,” said Harvey. “We want you to have what is necessary for you to take care of yourself at home. And if you don't have it, we want to help you get it.” Learn more about the centralized patient discharge call center at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

For decades, people have taken a daily aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke. However, according to new research, taking a low-dose aspirin every day does not prolong the lives of healthy, older adults. A new clinic trial, called ASPREE, also found taking a daily aspirin increases rates of major hemorrhage, or bleeding, in adults who are 70 years old and older. To help you understand the new guidelines, including who should take a low-dose aspirin and its potential risks, we sat down with Dr. James Klemis, interventional cardiologist with Stern Cardiovascular Foundation.

Q: What did researchers learn about low-dose daily aspirin?

“A team of scientists looked at trial participants who never had heart issues or cardiovascular events,” said Klemis. “The old way of thinking was that everybody should take aspirin—it was thought to be good for everybody. However, new evidence found low-dose daily aspirin should not be prescribed to most adults who are in good cardiovascular health. For patients who don’t have risk factors for heart disease, the risk outweighs the benefits.”

Q: What is the risk of taking daily aspirin?

“In general, long-term aspirin use thins the blood,” said Klemis. “There can be an increased risk of bleeding in some people. For example, the most common place you lose blood is through the gastrointestinal tract.” If patients are concerned about internal bleeding or anemia, they can ask their doctor to check their blood count.

Q: Who should still take daily aspirin?

People who have heart disease or multiple risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, should continue to take daily aspirin. Additional risk factors include being overweight, smoking and living a sedentary lifestyle. “If you have heart disease, coronary artery disease or vascular disease—continue to take daily aspirin,” said Klemis. “There’s no question. Don't stop taking it, particularly if you’ve had stents or bypass surgery. If you have risk factors for heart disease, but you've never had a heart event, talk to your primary care doctor. He or she can compare your risks to the guidelines and discuss a plan with you.” For patients with a moderate or unknown risk of heart disease, doctors can perform a coronary heart scan, also called a heart calcium test. The test checks for plaque buildup—an indicator of cardiovascular health. “A heart calcium test is a CT scan that looks at the arteries,” said Klemis. “It can detect early plaque buildup before a patient has a blockage or heart attack. Typically, patients with a positive calcium score show early signs of heart disease. If patients have a positive calcium score, I will treat them with daily low-dose aspirin and another prevention medication, such as a statin.”

Q: Who should stop taking daily aspirin?

“If you don't have risk factors for heart disease and you're getting regular checkups, you probably don't need to take daily aspirin,” said Klemis. “Healthy adults who are 70 years old or older should not take daily aspirin if their reason is ‘just because’—especially if they have an increased risk of bleeding. Instead, consider making behavioral and lifestyle changes to ensure heart health.”

Q: What lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease?

“The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association provide guidelines for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Klemis. “The most important way to prevent cardiovascular disease is adopting healthy habits, including physical activity. The guidelines recommend exercising five days a week for 30 minutes each day.” In addition to regular exercise, Klemis and others recommend limiting calorie intake, avoiding sugar and processed foods, and continuing to maintain regular checkups with a primary care doctor. Learn more about heart and vascular care at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Immunizations make a vast contribution to global health. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines prevented at least 10 million deaths between 2010 and 2015. Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, infectious disease consultant and epidemiologist for the Baptist Heart Transplant program, discusses what you need to know about vaccinations, including why vaccines are safe and when to get them.

Who do vaccines help protect?

“Vaccines protect us all,” said Threlkeld. “While we're used to thinking of vaccines as protection for children, they protect adults from serious illness, too. They prevent you from transmitting an infectious disease to other people—particularly people who might have weak immune systems, such as infants, people with vaccine allergies and people with an immune-suppressing disease.” Immunizations typically start in infancy. Early childhood vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect children and others from life-threatening diseases. Children who do not finish the recommended number of vaccine doses or do not receive immunizations face serious risks. For example, in 2017 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented the first reported case of a child contracting tetanus in Oregon in more than 30 years. The case involved an unvaccinated 6-year-old boy who cut his forehead while playing outside. As a result, this child spent 57 days in the hospital, could not open his mouth and developed severe muscle spasms and hypertension. Thanks to vaccinations, cases like this are rare.

When should people get vaccines?

The need for vaccines varies throughout a person’s life. Dr. Threlkeld suggests parents and adults consult their doctors for a vaccination schedule, or visit CDC’s website for a list of vaccines organized by age and population or condition. The site includes vaccine schedules for infants and children, adults, health care workers, travelers, pregnant women and others.

How do people with weak immune systems benefit from others’ immunity?

“Herd immunity is a term used to describe indirect protection from infectious diseases,” said Threlkeld. “It occurs when a large percentage of a population is immunized.” Herd immunity makes it difficult for certain infectious diseases to spread from one person to another and provides a level of protection for adults and children who are not immune. “The more vaccinated people you have around a person with a poorly functioning immune system, the more protected they are going to be,” said Threlkeld. “However, when parents don't vaccinate their children, we lose some of that herd immunity. An unvaccinated child is a risk to themselves and others. When people aren't protected, more people are potentially exposed to infectious diseases.”

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are rigorously tested and evaluated in safety trials for years before receiving approval for infants, children and adults. The Food and Drug Administration licenses vaccines for public use only if they are safe and effective. “When you look at the measles vaccine and the fear of autism, those data have been extensively studied,” said Threlkeld. “There is no link between autism and vaccines. Many parents are afraid because the age at which children receive vaccinations is the age at which some children show signs of autism. It’s natural for parents to look for a link. However, it's been extensively studied and there's no evidence that vaccines cause autism.” Serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare. For example, vaccine allergies may occur in 1 or 2 people out of 1 million doses of a vaccine. Common vaccine side effects include fever, shivering, headache and muscle or joint pain. “If you compare these side effects to the enormous protection that vaccines afford you, your family and the community, it's a statistical no brainer,” said Threlkeld. “Immunizations are designed to protect us.” Learn more about the importance of vaccination, or find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page. 

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Patients who have terminal illnesses and their loved ones tend to avoid talking about end-of-life plans. Stigma, misconceptions and emotional reluctance can keep families from asking about or pursuing hospice care. To better understand hospice care and how it helps patients and their loved ones, we spoke with Angela Hamblen Kelly, executive director of the Baptist Centers for Good Grief.

What is hospice care?

Hospice care focuses on providing humane and compassionate care for people in the last phases of incurable diseases. It helps them live as fully and comfortably as possible. According to the American Cancer Society, hospice care treats the person rather than the disease. Medical providers and hospice caregivers manage symptoms, so patients can maintain their dignity and comfort in the presence of loved ones. “Hospice care is family-centered because it gives patients and their loved ones the ability to make caregiving decisions that affect the whole family,” said Hamblen Kelly.

Who needs hospice care?

Hospice care is recommended for terminally ill patients who have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. It’s also advised for patients who no longer respond to curative treatments. Hospice provides access to supportive or palliative care—a treatment to help relieve symptoms but not cure the disease. Its main purpose is to improve quality of life. You, your family members and your doctor decide when hospice care should begin. “Sometimes the doctor, patient or family members resist hospice because they think it means giving up or that there’s no hope,” said Hamblen Kelly. If treatment isn’t working or treatment options have been exhausted, hospice care allows patients to make the best of each day during the last stages of advanced illness.

What are the benefits of hospice for loved ones?

Hospice provides a variety of supportive services, but patients and family members may prefer or need specific approaches to service, staffing patterns and types of care. The following hospice services provide comfort and support to both terminally ill patients and their loved ones:

1. Pain and symptom control: Manages discomfort, pain, nausea and other side effects to make patients comfortable
2. Spiritual care: Uses patients’ preferred religious beliefs to help them and their loved ones grieve, or organize a meaningful ceremony or ritual
3. Family meetings: Provide emotional support to family members while also offering information about patients’ conditions and what to expect
4. Coordination of care: Helps direct and supervise patients’ care across providers, facilities and community professionals, such as clergy and funeral directors
5. Bereavement care: Offers support to surviving loved ones and helps families through the grieving process

Hospice Services at Baptist

Baptist Memorial Health Care offers hospice care and services through Baptist Trinity Hospice and Baptist Reynolds Hospice House. “Baptist Reynolds Hospice House creates a home-like environment for you,” said Hamblen Kelly. “It does not feel like you're in a nursing home.” It’s a 24-bed facility that functions like a hospital but looks and feels like home. A devoted team of doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains focus on maintaining the best possible quality of life by providing comfort, independence and dignity. It’s an optimal choice for home-like care when illnesses become too complex or difficult to manage at home.

Supporting Hospice Patients at Home

For some patients, in-home hospice care offers the most healing and comfort. In-home hospice through Baptist Trinity Hospice lets family caregivers attend to loved ones but provides around-the-clock care and monitoring when family members need to sleep, work or leave the home. Experienced hospice care teams at Baptist Trinity Hospice also provide emotional support and logistical guidance. When your loved one is ready to continue hospice at home, the Baptist Trinity Hospice teams help to make the home accessible and comfortable. “There is an element of emotional comfort that happens in the home,” said Hamblen Kelly. Regardless of the environment, Baptist Trinity Hospice works to honor the end of life with the same dignity and compassion as the beginning of life. “We want to give people and their family all that they need at the end of life,” said Hamblen Kelly. “Hospice is really an expression of love.”   Learn more about hospice care services at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page.

Many people consume fish oil to help with heart, eye and brain health. However, most clinical trials involving fish oil have not proven the supplement benefits patients who are at high risk for heart problems—until now. Researchers involved in the study found a new prescription medicine, called Vascepa, significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular events in people who have heart disease, diabetes and elevated triglyceride levels. To learn more about the study and what it means for patients, we spoke with Dr. Frank McGrew, cardiologist and director of clinical research at the Stern Cardiovascular Foundation.

Understanding the Vascepa Clinical Trial

The REDUCE-IT study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine and followed 8,179 trial participants for almost five years. Participants were already taking statins to control high cholesterol—but their triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, remained high. High levels of triglycerides can harden the arteries and increase the chance of stroke, heart attack and heart disease. “Researchers wanted to learn if prescribing high doses of purified EPA, a fish oil derivative, could improve patient outcomes,” said McGrew. “The difference between Vascepa and regular, over-the-counter fish oil is significant.” While regular grocery store fish oils contain EPA, they also contain saturated fats, impurities and DHA, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. Vascepa does not contain DHA, and its active ingredient is highly purified EPA—also called icosapent ethyl. Trial participants who took Vascepa reduced their risk of heart attack, stroke and other vascular events by 25 percent compared to patients in the placebo group. McGrew suggested these findings could change the guidelines doctors use to treat patients with elevated triglyceride levels. “We've done a lot of research on lipids at the Stern Cardiovascular Foundation,” said McGrew. “This was our first major foray into triglycerides, which are part of the lipid components of the blood. This is probably the biggest advancement in lipid management we've seen in 50 years.”

Managing Triglycerides and Heart Health

About half of Americans (47 percent) have at least one risk factor for heart disease—high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking. However, these aren’t the only indicators of heart health. As the REDUCE-IT trial shows, lowering triglyceride levels can result in reduced cardiovascular events. Certain medications can cause high triglycerides in some patients, while others experience elevated triglyceride levels from eating excess calories. Diet and exercise help lower triglycerides, especially low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets—but sometimes, lifestyle modifications are only half of a patient’s triglyceride management plan. “A healthy lifestyle is very important, but sometimes it’s not enough for everyone,” said McGrew. “When used with diet and exercise, 2 grams of Vascepa twice daily can help lower triglycerides. It’s cost-effective and safe. Side effects, such as joint pain and upset stomach, are quite rare.” Vascepa is currently approved for people who have very high levels of triglycerides. However, it’s important for all patients to maintain healthy triglyceride levels, especially patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of vascular problems or cigarette smoking. “If you have vascular disease or are at risk to develop it, you need to be checked aggressively,” said McGrew. “The majority of people with vascular disease are not treated aggressively enough. But with enough treatment, we can halt the progression of artery blockage, and in many cases, regress it. In other words, we can dramatically lower future stroke and heart attack risk.” To learn more, read the REDUCE-IT clinical study or explore heart and vascular care at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page.

If you’re feeling nervous about a hospital stay or trip to the emergency department, you’re not alone. Many people feel anxious or stressed when they find themselves in need of medical assistance or a hospital stay. To help patients and their families feel more at ease, some Baptist Memorial hospitals offer pet therapy, also called animal-assisted therapy, during hospital stays to reduce stress, increase overall happiness and provide a sense of companionship. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets not only reduce stress but also lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Baptist incorporates pet therapy into several areas, including pre-operative and post-operative settings, doctor’s lounges, medical-surgical and antepartum units, the pediatric emergency room, administrative offices and more.

What is animal-assisted therapy?

The pet therapy program at Baptist provides patients an opportunity to interact with well trained dogs and their owners. Volunteer handlers donate their time to help make patients feel comfortable in the hospital. “Our pet therapy program provides individuals with a few moments of escape from what can often be a very stressful situation,” said Missy Clifton, manager of guest services at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. “Pets and their owners come to visit weekly, typically on Tuesday afternoons.” According to Clifton, the dogs visit patients, staff and physicians. Unlike service dogs who are specially trained to help individuals with a disability, such as a visual impairment or mobility limitation, a therapy dog provides affection by allowing people to pet it and spend time with it. “Therapy animals sit near a patient’s bed, act as a furry friend for children and make everyone smile when they walk in the hallways,” said Clifton.

What are the benefits of therapy animals?

Animal-assisted therapy can help people with a range of health problems, including dementia, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety and depression. “The presence of therapy animals in a hospital setting is known to lower blood pressure and bring on an overall feeling of calm,” said Clifton. “This can be very beneficial for our long-term guests or for those about to undergo a procedure. For our pediatric patients, it can provide a good distraction during a scary time.” Many therapy animals participate in training and certification courses. At Baptist, staff members take health and safety precautions before volunteer handlers and dogs enter a patient’s room. Therapy dog teams are escorted by hospital personnel to pre-screened patients in various areas of the hospital. “We check for allergies and the possibility of adverse reactions,” said Clifton. “Therapy dog teams visit for a maximum of two hours. The length of time for each interaction is determined by both the dog and the person they are visiting.” By welcoming trained dogs into the environment, Baptist aims to normalize the hospital experience for children and adults. The program is available on Baptist’s Memphis and Collierville campuses, including the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House. Clifton says the program provides therapeutic value to patients during their stay. “These animals are specifically trained to provide comfort to everyone they meet,” said Clifton. “These exceptional dogs are well-behaved, well-groomed animals that have such a calming effect on our patients, staff and guests.” Learn more about volunteer services and opportunities at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page.

Childhood obesity is a growing health concern among parents in the United States. To challenge obesity and overweight and encourage healthier behaviors among children, Baptist Memorial Health Care is partnering with Shelby County Schools and other not-for-profit organizations. Schools can enroll in the Commit to Fit challenge—an initiative designed to promote physical activity, healthy eating and first aid skills. “Commit to Fit is a community-wide health and fitness challenge that is open to schools in Shelby County,” said Cynthia Allen, system community involvement manager for Baptist Memorial Health Care. “The goal is to engage school leaders, our children and their families in fun wellness activities.”  Sponsors include Baptist Memorial Health Care, Shelby County Schools’ Coordinated School Health, the Shelby County Health Department, the Pink Palace Museum, Healthy Kids and Teens and B5210. The program aims to motivate students to get healthy and track their yearlong progress. “Schools can participate in friendly competition to improve student wellness,” said Allen. “At the end of the school year, there will be six winners. Each winning school will receive a $1,000 grant to enhance an approved existing health and wellness program, create a new program or purchase equipment for the well-being of students.”

Learning About Food Labels

“One of our Commit to Fit programs is the Learning Labels initiative, in which 25 classes come to the Pink Palace Museum to learn about healthy eating and nutrition,” said Allen. Funded by Baptist, the interactive classes help students learn about good and bad fats, simple and complex carbohydrates, portions and serving sizes, proteins and more. While children in grades 4–6 learn to make healthy food choices, teachers walk away from the program with curriculum information and ideas from Pink Palace Museum educators. According to Allen, community members benefit too. “We also have four toolkits at the Pink Palace Museum that are available for checkout year-round at no cost,” said Allen. “Individuals, community groups and schools can check out a toolkit to learn or better understand the components of nutrition labels.”

Running, Walking and Staying Smoke-free

Students participating in the Commit to Fit program must also get out and stay active. With support from the Shelby County Health Department, the School of Walk and Run of Tennessee challenges children to start walking or running clubs at school. “Participating schools receive a pedometer and a map to help students track their steps during physical activity,” said Allen. “The map showcases community landmarks, parks and the locations of colleges and universities. It not only promotes fitness but also local history and college readiness.” As part of their enrollment in Commit to Fit, students also take an anti-tobacco pledge to help make this generation the first smoke-free generation in history. The Shelby County Health Department initiative #WeDontPuff educates students about the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine. “Tobacco is harmful for children, teens and adults,” said Allen. “Through Commit to Fit, this partnership educates Shelby County youth about the life-long consequences of smoking and vaping.”

Valuable Skills for Students and Families

Beyond physical activity, nutrition education and encouragement for living a smoke-free lifestyle, students who participate in the Commit to Fit challenge can get CPR training and learn first-aid skills. Sponsored by Baptist, this segment of the program teaches valuable skills early in life. “We want to empower students with life-saving skills and the training to take action in an emergency,” said Allen. While Commit to Fit gives students the opportunity to learn about safety and wellness at school, it also provides health-related events and activities for the whole family, such as family fitness nights, a Commit to Fit conference and wellness lectures. “Shelby County Schools’ Coordinated Health program will also host an event for families to get involved and support participating students,” said Allen. “Attendees can learn how to make health a priority for the family. When we come together, we can make a greater impact on the lives of our children.” To learn more about the Commit to Fit Challenge or to register your school, visit the Commit to Fit page. Learn more about pediatric services at Baptist, or find a doctor by visiting the Find a Physician page.

On Jan. 2, 2019, pharmaceutical company Aurobindo Pharma USA announced a recall of its Valsartan-containing blood pressure medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high blood pressure affects nearly 75 million Americans. While many people manage high blood pressure with medication, patients should pay close attention to medication recalls for long-term health and safety. To help answer your questions about the blood pressure medication recall, we sat down with Dr. Arie Szatkowski, board-certified cardiologist with the Stern Cardiovascular Foundation and director of the cardiovascular service line at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.

1. Why is this medication being recalled?

“The recall from Aurobindo Pharma USA cautions health care professionals and patients about a possible cancer-causing impurity—a chemical called N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)—in their Valsartan-containing drugs,” said Szatkowski. The recall includes Amlodipine Valsartan, Valsartan HCTZ and Valsartan tablets. Aurobindo Pharma USA has instructed health care professionals to remove these medications from store shelves. “Some people might wonder how this happened,” said Szatkowski. “And it's not entirely clear. What we do know is that since the 1990s, many generic drug companies began manufacturing drugs outside of the United States. It was less costly to manufacture medications in other countries where laws and regulations might not be as stringent as they are in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration is in the process of looking into exactly how this happened.”

2. Is this the same blood pressure medication recall as last year?

“In July 2018, the FDA discovered potentially cancer-causing agents in blood pressure medications containing Valsartan, Losartan and Irbesartan,” said Szatkowski. “Over the past several months, investigators have recalled dozens of blood pressure medications from multiple manufacturers of these generic drugs.” The recalled drugs are manufactured by companies in China and India. Patients who want to find out if their blood pressure medication is affected by the recall can view the FDA’s list of Valsartan products under recall or the list of Valsartan products not under recall. “The FDA’s list shows all recalled medication batches,” said Szatkowski. “It’s a helpful resource for patients who want to check if a recalled medication matches what's on their medication bottle.”

3. Are there any long-term side effects?

There is a small cancer risk associated with the impurities found in these medications. “The risk of developing cancer is extremely low,” said Szatkowski. “The FDA reviewed the impurities and estimated that if 8,000 people took the highest dose of Valsartan every day for four years, there might be one additional case of cancer in those 8,000 people. The likelihood that this causes a clinical problem is very unlikely and very low.”

4. What should patients do if they’re taking this medication?

If you discover your medication is on a recall list, Szatkowski recommends switching to an alternate medication. “Contact your physician. He or she will determine an alternate medication for you,” said Szatkowski. “However, do not stop taking your recalled medication until you have a new medication. If you stop, you may do yourself much more harm by causing a sudden rise in blood pressure. Similarly, some of these drugs treat congestive heart failure—so you don't want to stop the drug immediately.” Patients can also go to their pharmacy where pharmacists have up-to-date knowledge of all medication recalls. “Your pharmacist is already in the process of getting batches of replacement drugs from manufacturers that don’t have products with impurities,” said Szatkowski. “It's important to not only stop taking your recalled medication but get a safe replacement.” Learn about heart and vascular care at Baptist, including high blood pressure, heart and vascular conditions and early symptoms of a heart attack. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 man in 9 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. To help lessen painful side effects from prostate cancer treatment, the FDA recently approved SpaceOAR hydrogel, a new option for patients receiving radiation therapy.

Prostate Cancer Treatments

Prostate cancer treatment typically depends on the patient. The most common prostate cancer treatments include surgery, cryotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, vaccine treatments or radiation therapy. The American Cancer Society reports treatments for prostate cancer are generally used one at a time, although in some cases they may be combined. Radical prostatectomy, or surgical removal of the prostate gland, and prostate radiotherapy, or the use of high-energy beams to kill cancer cells, have been shown to be the two most successful treatments for low- and intermediate-grade prostate cancer. “Radiation therapy is a common treatment option,” said Dr. Omar Ghandour, the medical director of radiation oncology at Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto. “It works by damaging the cancer cells’ DNA, so the targeted cells die without growing or replicating themselves. It also exposes nearby regions to radiation, which may lead to side effects.” 

Side Effects of Prostate Radiation Treatment

Radiation therapy effectively kills localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. Because the rectum and bladder sit next to the prostate, patients may experience bladder and rectal injuries.  “The rectum receives high radiation doses as the prostate cancer is treated,” said Ghandour. “When used before radiation, SpaceOAR hydrogel can reduce the risk of these side effects during and after radiotherapy.” High-radiation doses to the rectum may cause additional side effects, such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, mucus discharge, rectal pain or rectal urgency. For many men, radiation therapy side effects are temporary. In some cases, however, symptoms persist for years and surgery is needed to improve bowel function.

How SpaceOAR Hydrogel Works

To reduce the risk of common radiation side effects, doctors can now use SpaceOAR hydrogel to protect areas from unnecessary exposure to radiotherapy. According to Ghandour, SpaceOAR hydrogel is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed using local or general anesthesia. Once injected into place, the gel pushes the rectum away from the region receiving radiation and acts as a protective spacer between the prostate and the rectum. “The gel stays in place for approximately 3 months and is then naturally absorbed and cleared in the urine in about 6 months,” said Ghandour. In a clinical trial, prostate cancer patients with SpaceOAR hydrogel experienced a significant decline in bowel, urinary and sexual side effects for up to 3 years after radiation therapy. Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is the first hospital in North Mississippi and the Memphis metropolitan area to use SpaceOAR hydrogel to help treat prostate cancer patients. Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi also offers SpaceOAR treatments for prostate cancer. Learn more about cancer care services at Baptist, or find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page. Explore the SpaceOAR hydrogel website for more information about the treatment.

At first glance, medical bills seem overwhelming for many patients. Some itemized health care statements include unfamiliar language and service codes. Fortunately, health literacy—the ability to understand basic health information and services—can help patients pay bills and play an active role in managing their health. The next 6 questions will help you ace any health literacy test.

1. What should I expect to see on my medical bill?

According to Shannon Burnham, manager for financial service and assistance at Baptist Medical Group’s Central Business Office, health care bills contain several important elements. "First and foremost, patients should identify who the bill is from,” said Burnham. “Billing statements also include the date of service—in other words, the day the patient received care in the hospital or physician’s clinic. If they have insurance, they will see the dollar amount that was billed to their insurance, as well as the amount paid by the insurance company and the balance they're responsible for after insurance.” However, a different bill is sent to self-pay patients. Self-pay patients are either uninsured or have high-deductible health insurance. According to Burnham, medical statements for self-pay patients will not include billing information for an insurance provider. “If they're a self-pay patient, they should see that there is no insurance bill,” said Burnham. “Self-pay patients will know—based upon the bill’s language—that they are responsible for the bill.”

2. How many bills should I receive?

Typically, Baptist’s patients receive two to three paper statements—unless they have opted to receive recurring statements each month.  “If you don't make a payment on your first bill, you’ll receive a second bill that serves as a reminder,” said Burnham.” While multiple paper statements can be convenient, Ron Wachsman, vice president and chief revenue cycle officer at Baptist Memorial Health Care, recognizes that many patients prefer to manage their medical bills online. To make accessing health care information easier for patients, Baptist offers a personalized, secure web portal called Baptist OneCare MyChart. "We’re in the process of streamlining our communication with patients in MyChart,” said Wachsman. “Our intent is to make it easier for patients to understand and resolve their bills. Patients can access medical records, set up appointment reminders and more. In the future, patients will also receive billing reminders in MyChart. We’ll be rolling out this exciting functionality soon."

3. What is an explanation of benefits (EOB)?

Insured patients also receive an EOB after their health care provider submits a claim. It is not the same as a medical bill, although it resembles a bill and shows a balance due. Instead, an EOB educates patients about their health care costs and gives them the opportunity to review their services. "The EOB comes from a patient's insurance company,” said Burnham. “It tends to have a little more detail than a normal statement. It's important that patients understand and compare their EOB to their Baptist statement to make sure services have been billed correctly.”

4. How can I pay my medical bill?

According to Wachsman, Baptist’s patients have multiple ways to pay their health care bill. “Patients can quickly sign into MyChart to make a payment if they don't need to talk to a person,” said Wachsman. “If they do want to talk to a person, they can call the customer service number on their statement or they can send private, secure messages through MyChart and a customer service representative will answer their questions.” Traditional payment methods, including payments made by mail and phone, are available for patients who prefer to handle health care expenditures offline.

5. Can I set up a payment plan?

Interest-free payment plans are available for insured and uninsured patients. According to Wachsman, this option provides a convenient, manageable way for patients to resolve their health care bill over time. "Baptist offers payment plans to all patients and additional assistance for patients without insurance,” said Wachsman. “We have representatives that assist uninsured patients—at no cost to them—and help them find coverage, whether it’s through Medicaid or other types of available coverage. If they're unable to get coverage, Baptist offers a generous discount on their bill to help reduce their balance.”

6. What should I do if I discover a billing error?

The medical billing process involves several entities, from medical billers and coders to various insurance and health care professionals. Despite standardized procedures, billing mistakes—such as inaccurate service codes, wrong plan information and typos—can and do happen. "If you compare your EOB with your Baptist statement and you find discrepancies, we encourage you to reach out via MyChart or by calling customer service,” said Burnham. “Don't delay. Don’t say, 'Maybe I'm looking at it wrong.' It's important that you reach out, so we can help you resolve discrepancies and feel confident with the information reflected on your medical bills.” Learn more about Baptist OneCare MyChart, including how to communicate with doctors, access test results, request prescription refills and manage appointments. 

Ninety percent of people who die by suicide have a mental disorder at the time of their deaths. While there is no single cause for suicide, major depression, bipolar disorder and other mental disorders can increase a person’s risk of suicide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide most often occurs when a stressor becomes greater than a person’s coping abilities. For many, medication or therapy can help address the mental disorders that put people at risk for suicide. Mental health resources, education and awareness, however, help all individuals—not just those with mental disorders—recognize warning signs and prevent suicide. Two suicide prevention and mental health advocates recently spoke at Baptist Memorial Health Care’s Healthy Living Speaker Series to raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention in the Mid-South.

Acknowledging Mental and Emotional Challenges

As a successful railroad sales and marketing executive, Roquita Coleman-Williams often receives requests to speak about her path to professional success after growing up in one of the poorest areas in Memphis, Tennessee. Coleman-Williams feels her ability to navigate personal challenges and mental health played an important role in achieving professional success. As a young, single mother, Coleman-Williams questioned her ability to properly raise and care for her infant son. Her stress, exhaustion and self-doubt led her to attempt suicide twice before seeking help. Eventually Coleman-Williams started Storealities, a project to help other women by collecting their stories about mental health. “I wanted to share my own story and some of the traumas I had experienced to let women know there is a positive reality on the other side,” said Coleman-Williams.

Addressing Past Trauma

For Coleman-Williams, addressing mental health involved working through past trauma. “No matter how the circumstances change externally, trauma is a living organism moving in your body and your space,” said Coleman-Williams. “And it shows up in ways we can't always predict or connect.” Health care professionals define trauma as a horrific event beyond the scope of normal human experience. A traumatic experience may range from a car accident, sexual violence and physical abuse to the sudden loss of a loved one. According to the Centre for Suicide Prevention, trauma can result in alcoholism, depression, insomnia, suicide attempts or relationship problems. The risk of suicide increases in people that have experienced trauma. “People struggling with trauma often feel disconnected from others,” said Mike LaBonte, executive director of the Memphis Crisis Center. “They feel alone and need people around who are supportive and willing to listen.”

Recognizing Signs of Suicide

It is important to recognize the signs of suicide to prevent someone from taking his or her life. For example, a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors may signal that a person is considering suicide. Some of these behaviors include using drugs or alcohol, withdrawing from family or friends, sleeping too much or too little, giving away possessions and meeting with people to say ‘good-bye.’ Similarly, if a person talks about killing themselves, feeling hopeless or not having anything to live for, he or she may be communicating suicidal thoughts. “I always take suicide talk seriously,” said LaBonte. “We need to be paying attention to people who are reaching out for help in that way.” If you notice friends or family members engaging in suicidal talk or behavior, the Memphis Crisis Center recommends you do the following:

• Listen to them
• Show them compassion
• Offer to help them with everyday tasks
• Find professional help for them
• Check on them
• Encourage them to stick with treatment

Suicide Prevention Resources

Confidential and 24-hour access to mental health help and information can effectively prevent suicide. As the local affiliate of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Memphis Crisis Center assists individuals contemplating suicide. The lifeline (1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK) connects people with services that assist with the immediate situation and organizations that provide long-term recovery resources. “Often, we're able to break down barriers—like shame, fear and stigma—that prevent people from accessing services,” said LaBonte. “People may not go directly to a particular agency. Instead, they call a hotline and we can sympathize and encourage them to access the resources they need.” The hotline allows health and crisis professionals to talk to people at their time of need. The ability to speak with someone honestly and openly about suicide makes a significant impact when a person is struggling with negative thoughts or emotions. “At the time of my suicide attempts, no one would have attributed my personality, character, emotions, or moods to being depressed,” said Coleman-Williams. “So if you don’t look like you’re struggling, and you reach out for help, it is easy to get dismissed.” Hotline volunteers work with callers to provide collaborative problem-solving, crisis intervention, safety planning and a connection to community resources. “What we do best can be described as emotional first aid,” said LaBonte. Learn more about behavioral health services at Baptist, or find a Baptist doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

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1. The Raw Food Diet

2. The Ketogenic Diet

3. The Paleo Diet

4. Whole30

5. The Gluten-free Diet

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