Joanne Mack Robertson

Twelve Tips from YRMC for a Safe Holiday Season

November 27, 2024 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“All of us at Yavapai Regional wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season,” said Dr. Torres.

Staying healthy is always a priority during the holiday season.

“This time of year, it’s important to be cautious during indoor gatherings, parties and even holiday shopping,” said Dr. Anthony Torres, president and CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center. “Frequent handwashing, staying home if you’re sick and getting plenty of rest are key. It’s also important to think about safety precautions around your home as you’re getting ready for the holidays,” he added. “Staying healthy and staying safe will make for a great season.”

By taking a few extra steps while you’re decking the halls, you can help ensure a safe and festive season for all – family, friends, children, pets and even that partridge in a pear tree! Here are 12 safety suggestions to follow while you’re getting ready for the holidays.

1. Choosing Safe Decorations

When shopping for holiday decorations, look for items labeled flame-retardant or flame-resistant to minimize fire risk. This includes artificial trees as well as ornaments, garlands, tree skirts and stockings.

2. Inspecting Your Lights

Always check your holiday lights for any signs of wear or damage before hanging them and replace frayed cords or broken bulbs. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect and use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords aren’t damaged.

3. Using Outdoor Lights

When decorating outside, ensure that you use lights specifically designed for outdoor use. These lights are built to withstand the elements and are less likely to cause electrical problems. Additionally, make sure all outdoor outlets are weatherproof.

4. Displaying Your Tree

If you opt for a live tree, use a sturdy stand to prevent tipping and water it regularly to keep it from drying out. If using an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled fire-resistant. Whether fresh or artificial, place your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces and heaters.

5. Child-Proofing

To keep children safe, take a look at your decoration scheme from your child’s vantage point to make sure small items are out of reach. Choose unbreakable ornaments instead of glass and avoid small decorations that could pose choking hazards. Make sure batteries are out of reach as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics also advises that you “Avoid trimmings that resemble edible items when small children are present, as they may be tempted to eat them.”

6. Keeping Pets Safe

Pets can be curious about holiday decorations too, so make sure that small items are kept out of their reach. Some holiday plants such as poinsettias and holly, as well as mistletoe, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis can be toxic to pets, so be mindful of where you place them.

7. Maintaining Indoor Air Quality

Holiday decorating can stir up dust and allergens. Before putting your decorations up, clean them thoroughly – especially fabric items like tablecloths and stockings. Good ventilation is key, so consider opening windows or using an air purifier to maintain healthy air quality, particularly if you plan to entertain friends or family members who have respiratory issues.

8. Preparing for Fire Safety

Ensure that smoke detectors are functional and test them regularly. The American Red Cross emphasizes, “Have a fire extinguisher nearby, and make sure everyone in the home knows how to use it.” Establish a fire escape plan, not only for the holidays, but year-round, and ensure that everyone in your household is familiar with it. In addition, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises, “Always unplug lights when you leave the house or go to bed.”

9. Avoiding Overloaded Circuits

One common safety mistake is overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or lights. Spread out your electrical load and use power strips with built-in surge protectors to safeguard your electrical system. Many indoor electrical fires could be prevented by Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breakers or outlets. Similarly, outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Consider having an electrician check the safety of your home’s outlets.

10. Using Battery-Operated Candles

For a warm glow without the fire risk, consider using battery-operated candles instead of traditional ones. They provide the ambiance you desire without the hazards associated with real flames. If using real candles, make sure you extinguish them before leaving the house or going to bed.

11. Cleaning Up

After the holidays, make it a point to clean up decorations promptly and thoroughly. This reduces the risk of accidents, especially with small items that can be easily overlooked, which is critical when there are children or pets in the home. Dispose of any burnt-out lights properly and consider recycling your live tree.

12. Educating Your Family Members

Finally, make safety a family affair. Discuss the importance of holiday safety with everyone in your household. Ensure that children understand which decorations are off-limits and how to stay safe while enjoying the festivities.

‘Tis the season to be jolly… and careful. By following these common-sense tips, you can create a festive atmosphere while keeping your home safe for everyone.

“All of us at Yavapai Regional wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season,” said Dr. Torres. “Remember, be healthy, stay safe and enjoy!” QCBN

By Joanne Mack Robertson

For more information about Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center and its providers, visit DignityHealth.org/YRMC.

Reily Joins YRMC Foundation Board

May 1, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Her energy and her enthusiasm are infectious and inspirational.

Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Foundation has announced that Kari Reily has joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“Kari is deeply committed to helping to improve the quality of life in our community,” said Foundation Chair Dave Barrett. “Her energy and her enthusiasm are infectious and inspirational.”

Reily’s professional career spans more than 30 years in the banking industry. She is currently the branch manager of Foothills Bank in Prescott Valley. Active in both our economic and civic communities, she is a member of the Prescott Valley Economic Development Committee and the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Reily is the incoming president of the Prescott Valley Early Birds Lions Club.

The YRMC Foundation is committed to supporting the healthcare mission of Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, your local, not-for-profit community healthcare provider, through fundraising and relationship building. The Foundation solicits philanthropic gifts, provides stewardship of these gifts, and grants funds to the hospital to advance the community’s access to health care. All charitable gifts received by the Foundation stay in our community and are utilized as directed by the donor. Donors may designate their gifts to any of the Foundation’s 18 special purpose funds. In 2020, community support to the YRMC Foundation topped $2.3 million.

The expertise and talents of the board members include backgrounds in business, finance, law, communications and more. These volunteer directors represent our community and business leaders, medical staff and hospital leadership. In addition to Reily, board membership currently includes John Amos, Dave Barrett, Douglas Bristol, Mary Mallory, Robbie Nicol, Dr. Arabinda Pani, Harvey Skoog, William Sonsin and Dr. Pierre Tibi. QCBN

By Joanne Mack Robertson

To learn more about the YRMC Foundation, please contact 928-771–5169 or foundation@yrmc.org or visit yrmcfoundation.org. Joanne Mack Robertson is freelance writer and video producer. She and her husband, Jeff, are the creative energy behind Big Picture Video Production in Prescott and Tucson.

Is Interventional Radiology Right for You?

April 4, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Interventional radiology allows for a quicker recovery time, less pain, reduced cost and a lower risk of complications.

Medical innovation moves forward at a rapid pace, with continuing technological advances and an ever-increasing understanding of health and the human body. Interventional Radiology may be one of the best examples of this phenomenon.

Thanks to this highly specialized medical field, procedures that once required surgery, a hospital stay and extensive recovery time are now being performed on an outpatient basis using minimally invasive techniques. In fact, most of the procedures are performed without an incision.

Interventional Radiology (IR) combines the use of advanced imaging such as ultrasound, X-rays, CT scans and MRI to guide the treatment of a variety of conditions. Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians who are trained in both radiology and minimally invasive therapies. They treat conditions in virtually every organ system, including:

Blood vessels

Nervous system

Reproductive system

Gastrointestinal tract

Liver

Urinary tract

Cardiovascular disease

Cancer

Dialysis access

Back pain

Leg pain and swelling

Matthew Dicker, M.D., is a diagnostic and interventional radiologist with Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center. He emphasizes that a team approach delivers the best care for his patients.

“Taking care of each patient starts with our office staff and administrative staff at the hospital. A great group of nurses and technologists help before, during and after each procedure,” Dicker explained. “And of course, collaboration with the hospitalists and vascular surgeons as well as primary care providers creates the best possible 360-degree care for the patients in our community.”

Dicker noted that interventional radiologists are consultants to virtually all of the specialties and subspecialties at YRMC, in addition to performing procedures specific to each.

“Having the expertise to perform these procedures and having the facilities and support staff to perform them is a great benefit to the Quad Cities,” said Dicker. “The hassle of driving to Phoenix or elsewhere is no longer necessary.”

As with the practice of medicine in general, Interventional Radiology continues to keep pace with ever-developing research and technology.

“New and different ways to treat disease are happening almost daily,” Dicker said. “We strive to perform the newest treatments safer than before. For instance, opening blockages in the leg arteries is being performed with access through the ankle, as opposed to the groin, where it had been typically performed, which significantly decreases the risk of bleeding, while having the same excellent results.”

“We are excited to introduce intravascular lithotripsy to break up plaque in the arteries that causes blockages,” he continues. “It uses the same technology that has been used for years to break up kidney stones.”

Interventional radiology allows for a quicker recovery time, less pain, reduced cost and a lower risk of complications. If you are a candidate for surgery, talk to your healthcare provider to see if an interventional radiology procedure makes sense for you as an alternative.

“It is rewarding when a procedure is successful, a patient is happy with the results, and they are surprised that it was done without an incision with very little, if any, pain,” said Dicker.

To learn more about imaging services at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, visit DignityHealth.org/YRMC. QCBN

By Joanne Mack Robertson

Joanne Mack Robertson is freelance writer and video producer. She and her husband, Jeff, are the creative energy behind Big Picture Video Production in Prescott and Tucson.

Saving Lives with Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening

August 30, 2020 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Starr Herridge left her home one morning to go to the mall, a familiar trip where she regularly picked up her cigarettes. But, on this particular morning in 2012, Starr decided to pull in to the neighborhood drug store instead, and found herself purchasing smoking cessation patches.

Starr said with a laugh, “I guess I was lazy – I didn’t want to go all the way to the mall.”

“Once I retired, I started smoking so much more,” Starr admitted. “When I was working, it wasn’t so bad because I wasn’t allowed to smoke at work. But I didn’t know what to do with myself at home and I ended up smoking all day long. I knew I had to do something.”

Thankfully, the patches worked, and Starr has been a non-smoker ever since.

Fast forward to 2018, when Starr’s primary care physician recommended a Medicare well-clinic health screening. Given Starr’s history of smoking, it was recommended that she get a low-dose CT lung scan. Starr figured it couldn’t hurt. She went to Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) where she qualified for free annual lung screenings through the Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program.

“YRMC’s Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program follows people generally between the ages of 55 and 77 who are at a higher risk for lung cancer due to a history of smoking,” explained Jennifer Harvey, RN, BSN, Patient Navigator at the YRMC Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program. “The screening uses a CT scan with a lower dose of radiation to take very detailed pictures of the lungs to detect cancer in its early stages, which allows for a greater chance for a cure.”

“I first met Starr in July 2018, when she came to the program,” said Harvey. “The first thing you notice is her sense of humor and her kind, humble heart!”

The Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program is covered by private insurance and Medicare for people who meet certain criteria, including:

– Age 55-77

– Current smoker or quit within 15 years

– 30 smoking pack years (1 pack a day for 30 years)

Harvey notes that you need an order from your provider, so a good starting point is to talk to them first. In addition, a cash pay, discounted rate is available for those who do not qualify for insurance coverage.

“My job is to provide information, answer questions and interpret what each individual patient needs,” said Harvey. “The whole idea from the very start is that everyone is in a different place. I followed Starr’s case and checked in occasionally to see how she was doing.”

A year later, one of Starr’s regular screenings showed a very tiny nodule on one of her lungs. Although Starr showed no symptoms at all, her physician wanted to do a biopsy to be sure. However, the nodule was so small that it was impossible to biopsy.

Starr and her doctor discussed Starr’s options. “I said, ‘Let’s just go in there and get it out!’” Starr recalled with her signature enthusiasm. “Within three weeks, I was in the hospital.”

“I saw Starr after the surgery. She did great,” said Harvey. “The biopsy tested positive for cancer, but the good news was that the margins were clear, which means that everything around it was negative. This is exactly what you hope for, and it was made possible because we caught it so early.”

Starr now goes in for follow-up CT scans every four months. She considers herself an advocate for screening and early detection. “I always tell people, ‘Why wait until you have a symptom? It takes 30 minutes out of your life, it doesn’t hurt, you don’t get undressed, and you just get up and go. Plus, it’s free, and I like free!’”

After a pause, Starr’s tone becomes more serious. “We got rid of the cancer before I became sick. I didn’t have to endure chemo or radiation because I went in early and they got all of it. It saved my life.”

“Of course, quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of lung cancer,” said Harvey. “But that risk is still about three-fold in comparison to people who have never smoked, even 25 years after quitting. The value of regular screenings can’t be overstated.”

So, why don’t more people participate?

“One of the biggest reasons people are reluctant is that they just don’t want to know,” explained Harvey. “We find this largely in people who are currently smoking. It’s hard to hold up a mirror to what smoking has done to their bodies. Another comment we hear is, ‘Well, I feel fine. I don’t need to do this.’ The truth is, the vast majority of lung cancer symptoms don’t appear until later stages.”

“The great news is that the survival rate of lung cancer is on its way up. There are now more treatment options besides surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. What was considered a poor prognosis 10 years ago may hold a lot more hope now, thanks to immunotherapies and targeted therapies,” said Harvey.

The other important factor is that smokers and former smokers like Starr are becoming more aware of the life-saving benefits of early-detection programs like the Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program at YRMC.

“My health is so important to me because I love life. I have two sisters, and I love being with them. I have a great group of friends – some are even from high school,” Starr continued. “Plus, I have a dog sitting business that I love. Dogs just love you unconditionally. I provide a great service to my clients, and just have a ball with the dogs.” QCBN

By Joanne Mack Robertson

For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program at YRMC, call Jennifer Harvey, Patient Navigator, at 928-771-5454 or visit YRMC.org.

Joanne Mack Robertson is freelance writer and video producer. She and her husband, Jeff, are the creative energy behind Big Picture Video Production in Prescott and Tucson.

YRMC Resource Center Keeping Families Strong for 30 Years

September 1, 2019 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Thirty years ago, a group of concerned people from Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) and other organizations sat around a table to discuss the needs of Prescott’s most vulnerable population – its children. They explored ways they could offer support to parents so that they can give their children the best possible start in life. The grassroots effort took hold and the Family Resource Center (FRC) at Yavapai Regional Medical Center was born. The program has grown exponentially over the years, finding new ways to meet the changing needs of our families.
This year, the FRC celebrates its 30th anniversary and continues to make a difference in the lives of young families through three successful programs. Each of the programs is free of charge to families in our community.
First Steps
“Families giving birth back in 1989 needed support and education. They couldn’t Google questions like we can today,” said Family Resource Center Director David Barko. “Yavapai Regional Medical Center came forward with First Steps, which is still in existence today. Specially trained volunteers provide information to every family giving birth at YRMC. They discuss important topics like SIDS prevention and the signs of postpartum depression. We assess what each individual family might need and offer social and emotional support as well.”
One-week and three-month follow-up calls are also part of the family resources program.
Healthy Families
The early efforts of the Family Resource Center brought to light another critical need in Yavapai County – home visits for families to provide additional support and to learn more about early childhood and parenthood. Healthy Families, which is now a nationally recognized program operating in 38 states, was developed at YRMC. The focus of the program is strength and empowerment.
“Healthy Families is one of the top evidence-based home visit programs in the nation. It works,” said Barko. “We use the most up-to-date early childhood development knowledge to support our parents. They, in turn, support their children and give them the best start in life as they can. We know from research and science that the first three to five years of life are the most critical. Every experience, interaction, feeling and relationship a child has during these years literally affects the brain’s development. They set the stage for the rest of the child’s life – how they perceive everything, what kind of relationships they enter into, how they cope with stress, learn to trust, or not. The list goes on.”
Healthy Families visits occur once a week for the first six to 12 months, then every other week. Home visits can continue for as long as five years. The program is customized to meet the needs of each family. Medical health, safe sleep, developmental milestones, well checks, immunizations and childproofing the home are among the information shared with the families. A connection to community services is also part of the program.
Just as important, parents gain a listening ear and a mentor who can help them through tough times they may be experiencing. Healthy Families staff are trained in communication strategies that help remove the stigma associated with postpartum depression, anxiety, substance and alcohol abuse, financial or relationship issues and other life stressors.
The Healthy Families program also offers several holiday-themed social events each year where families can get together, make friends and celebrate what it means to be a family.
Car Seat Safety Program
Continuing to identify needs and find solutions, the Family Resource Center now offers car seat safety checks, conducted by nationally certified technicians. Partnering with other organizations, the safety checks are usually held at the Family Resource Center. They are also offered at community events and health expos throughout the year. As with the other programs through the FRC, the car seat safety checks are free of charge. Educating caregivers – or anyone who transports children – continues to be the priority. In 2018, approximately 90 percent of the seats and children that FRC saw arrived in an unsafe situation or configuration.
In 2018…
– The FRC First Steps volunteers visited all of the families who gave birth at YRMC.
– The Healthy Families program served 76 families, which includes 167 children.
– The Car Seat Safety program distributed 216 car seats and conducted 265 safety checks.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Barko notes that even the briefest connection can often lead to unexpected opportunities to help a family. He recalls a car seat check with a grandmother who wanted to make sure she was transporting her grandchildren safely.
“We ended up talking for an hour,” said Barko. “She opened up and shared with me that her daughter was pregnant and experiencing depression. I was able to reassure her and gave her some information so that she could connect with valuable community resources.”
Barko also tells about a mother with two children under the age of six. They were in the YRMC emergency room after a car accident and couldn’t return home because the car seats were destroyed. In addition to new car seats, the Family Resource Center was able to offer emotional support and resources for counseling to help the family cope after such a traumatic event.
At 30 years and counting, the Family Resource Center truly embodies YRMC’s mission.
“In some organizations, the mission is just a poster on the wall,” said Barko, “but at YRMC, those values are lived day to day. If I were to describe our team, the words that come to mind are empathy, heart and spirit. Our goal is that with every visit, every connection, we keep another child safe and help with their start in life.”
For more information on the Family Resource Center, contact David Barko at 928-771-5651 or dbarko@yrmc.org. QCBN

By Joanne Mack Robertson

Joanne Mack Robertson is freelance writer and video producer. She and her husband, Jeff, are the creative energy behind Big Picture Video Production in Prescott and Tucson.

How to Safely Dispose of Your Old Medication

April 21, 2019 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Do you have expired or partially used prescription medications in your medicine chest, in the back of your kitchen cabinet or stashed in a drawer? Many people keep old pills for years with the best intentions. We want to get rid of them, but often don’t know how to dispose of them properly. We’re concerned about accidentally allowing the medications to get in the wrong hands or taint the environment and simply let them stack up for years.

“It’s important to quit taking expired medications and get rid of them safely as soon as you can,” said Yavapai County Community Health Services Opioid and Substance Abuse Health Educator Josh Goldman. “Expired meds tend to lose their potency, so in essence, you’ll no longer have the benefits of the medication you were prescribed in the first place. Some medications are even susceptible to bacterial growth.”

Medications that tend to lose their potency quickly include liquid antibiotics and compounded medications, which are medications made from a personalized formulation, ordered specifically for you by your doctor.

There is also the real risk of the unused drugs getting in the wrong hands. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 60,000 children under the age of five are seen in emergency rooms each year for accidental medication overdose.

And it is never advisable to give unused prescription medications to a friend or family member. Saving a trip to the doctor or saving money is not worth the health risk.

So, what is the best way to get rid of old medications? Goldman says there are several easy and safe options:

Deterra Deactivation Pouches

Deterra Pouches are a relatively new option for safe drug disposal at home. These sealable pouches contain activated carbon, which renders the drug inert. Simply place your pills, patches or liquid medication in the pouch, fill with warm tap water and wait 30 seconds. Seal and gently shake the pouch and place it in the trash. Deterra Pouches are available for purchase at outlets such as Walmart and Amazon.

DisposeRx

Some pharmacies are now offering DisposeRx packets with every prescription free of charge, to facilitate at-home drug disposal. To use, pour the contents of the DisposeRx packet directly into the pill bottle, add warm water, seal and shake the bottle for 30 seconds. Remove the label from your pill bottle or black out the information with a marker. The bottle can now be safely discarded in the trash. DisposeRx is also available at the Yavapai County Community Health Services office at 1090 Commerce Drive in Prescott.

Another Option for Safe Disposal at Home

If you have no other option for home disposal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend putting expired medications in the trash after following these steps:

Remove the pills or liquid from the original container and mix them with dirt, used coffee grounds, kitty litter or sawdust.

Put the mixture in a Ziploc bag or similar, seal it tightly and put it in the regular trash.

Remove or black out the label on the original container with a marker and dispose of the container separately.

Remember that this method makes the drug undesirable, but will not render the drug inactive.

Drop Boxes

Local law enforcement agencies and some Yavapai College campuses offer free drug drop box locations throughout Yavapai County that will accept medications for safe disposal. Be aware that each location has different parameters regarding what types of medication they will accept. For instance, some drop boxes may not accept sharps, needles, aerosol cans or inhalers.

YRMC’s website has a complete list of Yavapai County drop box locations, contact information, requirements and what medications are accepted at each. To find “Yavapai County Medication Drop Off Locations,” go to YRMC.org, open the green “Support and Community” tab located on the menu at the top of the webpage and then go to “Medication Disposal.” The document will open for you to download and print.

In addition, pharmacies such as Walgreens Pharmacy at 2880 N. Centre Court in Prescott Valley offer drug disposal kiosks, similar to dropping mail into a mailbox.

Medicine Take-Back Events

Drug take-back events are held twice a year in Yavapai County, according to MatForce Executive Director Merilee Fowler. The effort continues to grow.

“The Dump the Drugs National Take Back Day takes place the last weekend of April and October,” said Fowler. “We partner with local law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Agency to provide easy, accessible drop off locations to the general public. Since 2008, we have collected more than 32,400 pounds of drugs for safe disposal.”

Is Flushing Safe?

According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), prescription and non-prescription drugs can be found at trace levels in treated wastewater discharged from sewage treatment plants. We now know that some of these substances can be harmful to our environment. ADEQ recommends alternative means of disposal whenever possible.

However, the FDA regularly updates a list of prescription medications that have been approved for flushing down the toilet if no other option exists. The known risk of harm, including death, from these substances from accidental exposure outweighs potential risks from flushing them. The list includes medications such as fentanyl, oxycodone and morphine.

What About Medical Sharps?

“The best practice for sharps such as needles, syringes and lancets is to place them in a sturdy, puncture-proof container with a tight lid and tape it shut,” said Goldman. “You can purchase a specially designed container from a pharmacy, or you can use a heavy plastic or metal container that has a secure lid, such as a liquid laundry detergent bottle.”

According to ADEQ, do not use glass containers, and make sure the container is not overstuffed. Mark the container “Do Not Recycle” so that it goes to the landfill rather than a recycle center.

While your container is in the process of being filled for disposal, make sure you keep it sealed and out of the way of children and pets.

Getting rid of your old, unused medications can be safe and easy. Following these recommendations now can make your home safer in the long run by reducing the risk of accidental drug exposure. And you’ll be assured that you’re following the right precautions to keep our environment safe.

For more information on safe medication disposal, or to find out about the next Dump the Drugs National Take Back Day, contact MatForce at 928-708-0100. Yavapai County Community Health Services can be reached at 928-771-3122. QCBN

By Joanne Mack Robertson

Joanne Mack Robertson is freelance writer and video producer who writes for Yavapai Regional Medical Center. For more information about YRMC, visit yrmc.org.

Joanne Mack Robertson

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