http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news/C2/ en danville.regional@gmail.com Copyright 2011 2011-11-18T15:43:00+00:00 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DrmcNews/~3/zK9cfz7HqL0/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/danville_regional_snuffs_out_smoking/#When:15:43:00Z As part of Danville Regional Medical Center’s switch to a tobacco-free campus, the hospital encouraged residents to quit smoking Thursday. Danville Regional distributed smoking cessation kits and information in conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s 36th Annual “Great American Smoke Out,” when smokers are encouraged to make a plan to quit. Starting Thursday, Danville Regional will not allow tobacco use near its entrances or anywhere on its grounds. One in four adults in Danville report smoking, according to the County Health Rankings. Tobacco use accounts for at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths and 87 percent of lung cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Robert Gillison, of Danville, stopped by and told respiratory therapists, “I want to quit tobacco.” At age 48 with more than 20 years of smoking, Gillison would like to ensure the rest of his life is healthy. Plus, cigarettes cost him too much money. He’s tried numerous things to quit before, but now he’ll try to attend Danville Regional’s free smoking cessation classes. “Everybody needs to quit,” he said. “You’ll save more and you’ll live longer.” Erica Scales, of Ringgold, has been smoking more than 15 years and failed to quit in the past. It’s always on her mind to quit, but she admits it’s hard. She hates having to schedule around or accommodate for her cigarette smoking, and smokes outside to keep it away from her kids. “I have a real strong need to quit,” Scales said. “ … Because I feel like eventually it’s going to damage my lungs, affect my health.” Danville Regional staff handed out more than 150 smoking cessation kits Wednesday and Thursday, said Heather Kalill, clinical manager of respiratory care. The next smoking cessation six-week course (one night per week) starts in January. For information or to register, call (434) 799-3806. For more information on quitting smoking, call 1 (800) QUIT-NOW or visit http://www.smokefree.gov. News 2011-11-18T15:43:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/danville_regional_snuffs_out_smoking/#When:15:43:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DrmcNews/~3/mX-Kx9ivLDc/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/danville_regional_medical_center_adds_internal_medicine_physician/#When:02:44:08Z Danville Regional Medical Center (DRMC) recently announced the addition of Michael J. Marvinny, D.O., to its medical staff as the Hospitalists Director. Dr. Marvinny received his associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree in Biology from Reinhardt College in Waleska, Ga., and Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala., respectively. He also received his Medical Degree in Osteopathic Medicine from Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Ky. Dr. Marvinny completed both his intern year and Internal Medicine Residency at Easton Hospital in Easton, Penn. He served as Chief Resident during his last year of Residency. Prior to joining the Danville Regional medical staff, Dr. Marvinny was the program director for Apogee Physicians in Medford, Ore. “With the addition of Dr. Marvinny, Danville Regional continues on its path of hiring dedicated physicians who provide high quality care to the Dan River region,” said CEO Eric Deaton.  “He will be a valuable asset to this hospital and our community.” Dr. Marvinny was a Patient Safety Committee Resident Representative during his time at Easton Hospital and served as President of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association at Pikeville College. He is also a member of the American College of Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American Osteopathic Association.  “I am looking forward to the opportunity of working alongside the many talented physicians here at Danville Regional,” said Dr. Marvinny. “My wife and I are excited to become involved in the community." Danville Regional is the leading medical center in the Dan River Region of Virginia and North Carolina, providing open heart surgery, spinal surgery and advanced cancer treatment.  Approximately 140 physicians are on the medical staff.  The medical center employs approximately 1,200 people.  For additional information, visit http://www.danvilleregional.com. ### News 2011-11-08T02:44:08+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/danville_regional_medical_center_adds_internal_medicine_physician/#When:02:44:08Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DrmcNews/~3/RcaMWU422Gw/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/dan_river_region_child_care_centers_to_go_through_rating_process/#When:15:47:03Z By: Tiffany Holland Selecting a child care center in the Dan River Region may get a little easier within the next year as the area will have its first formal rating system put in place. “I personally would like to live in a state where all child care centers are rated for quality,” said Ann Stratton the director of Danville Pittsylvania Smart Beginnings. “Parents need to know.” Smart Beginnings, an organization designed to support children before age 5, is sponsoring local efforts for the Virginia Star Quality Initiative which give a one to five star rating for participating child care centers. Nine centers in Danville and Pittsylvania County are undergoing the rating system. Virginia has participated in state-funded pilot programs to rate child care centers before, but not in this area. In other states, like North Carolina, child care centers must be rated three stars or higher to receive child care subsidies. The Smart Beginnings in Hampton Roads self-funds its rating process and also keeps it going. The Smart Beginnings in Danville hopes to do the same. “We want to see a majority at three and four stars,” said Stratton. She said the rating system is a lot like how hotels are rated. Five star ratings will be rare. The rating process will include having a professional visit the child care center and check for quality of the staff, the instruction and environmental matters. Each center participating will receive a mentor who will work with them for months to help improve the center. However, Stratton emphasizes the Smart Beginnings rating system is not designed to be a “gotcha” type of program going after child care centers and shutting them down. She said that the organization will work with the child care centers to get them in top shape. “We are not in there to attack the child care centers, but we are there to help them get better,” said Stratton. “We know they care about children … we are all in this together.” Michelle Hand, the director of the Danville Regional Medical Center’s child care service, was pleased with the rating system being put in place. The child care center at DRMC is the only corporate child care center in Danville and serves about 85 children in the community. “The message [the rating system] is sending is that we are committed to quality child care and we are going over and beyond what is required,” said Hand. She said one of the major concerns is that there is not a lot of money made in child care and when the quality improves the funding goes down. So many people wanting to provide quality childcare as a small business could easily struggle financially. Smart Beginnings has already started a “pre-rating” strategy to prepare the child care centers how the rating works. They will begin the formal rating with published results this spring. Stratton and other child care workers hope that the rating system will help improve local centers which would lead to many better-rounded students by the time they enter grade school. Participants Pilot participants include Pittsylvania County Head Start, Little Blessings Childcare, Small World Childcare Center, Children First Learning Center, Danville Regional Medical Center Child Care Center, Tot Spot (Clarkson St.), Danville City Head Start, Play-N-Pretend Child Care Center and Faith Christian Academy Early Childhood Development Center. News 2011-11-04T15:47:03+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/dan_river_region_child_care_centers_to_go_through_rating_process/#When:15:47:03Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DrmcNews/~3/k1jrHVtANhU/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/myth_buster_cold_myths/#When:16:32:00Z By: Karen McNew With the weather getting colder, this Myth Buster focuses on winter illnesses, and chicken soup is on the table. I’m sure many of you take comfort in a hot bowl when you’re not feeling well, so here’s what I found out about the common “go-to” remedy and other things we’ve all heard can help fight a cold. On cold fall and winter days, a bowl of soup sounds soothing, and if you’re sick you may want to make it chicken soup. If you put vegetables and carrots and all that good stuff in there it does relieve you. Common cold myth: chicken soup fights colds. -That’s true. -According to Dr. Saria Saccocio with Danville Regional Medical Center, chicken soup thins mucus which opens airways. It also helps prevent dehydration like other fluids. Fluids are key, but is food? Does feed a cold starve a fever mean you should eat more to get over illness? According to Dr. Saccocio, “No, I don’t think so, not necessarily. It depends on what you eat, I would suppose.” -That’s false. -Dr. Saccocio says eating nutritious foods are a big part of keeping our immune system strong, but eating more is not a key to cold recovery. Finally, it is easy to let exercise fall to the wayside when the weather gets colder, but make time for it… Myth: exercise fights infection. -That’s a fact. -It reduces stress, boosts our immune system, and reduces the number of colds we get. -Don’t do intense exercise activities when you have a fever or severe respiratory symptoms because that may make your illness worse. News 2011-10-31T16:32:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/myth_buster_cold_myths/#When:16:32:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DrmcNews/~3/AiUfE4dQ6xE/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/danville_regional_announces_new_doctor/#When:18:44:00Z Danville Regional Medical Center added Dr. Sanjay M. Jaswani to its medical staff as an internal medicine physician. He will practice at Southside Internal Medicine on Executive Drive, according to a news release. “Dr. Jaswani brings a unique perspective of medicine to Danville Regional,” said CEO Eric Deaton in a statement. “We’re excited for him to begin sharing his expertise with our associates and caring for our neighbors in the community.” Jaswani received his medical degree from the University of The West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. He completed his intern year at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and was a senior house officer in internal medicine at a Type V public health clinic. Jaswani later completed his Internal Medicine residency at the Carilion Clinic at Virginia Tech. Before joining Danville Regional, Jaswani conducted a quality improvement study on the use of pneumococcal vaccine in a resident outpatient clinic. He also volunteered at several community clinics and health-care events in Montego Bay during his years as a house officer. Jaswani is a member of the American College of Physicians and American Medical Association. “I am looking forward to being a part of Danville Regional Medical Center,” Jaswani said in a statement. “I am very passionate about my career and helping heal those in need. My goal is to provide the best level of service to the people of this region.” News 2011-10-28T18:44:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/danville_regional_announces_new_doctor/#When:18:44:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DrmcNews/~3/9smAJhSODqE/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/new_urologist_joins_danville_regional_staff/#When:18:40:01Z Stephanya B. Shear, MD, has recently joined Danville Regional Medical Center’s (DRMC) medical staff as a urologist. She is currently practicing at Southside Urology and Nephrology. Dr. Shear received her bachelors’ degree in Biology and Philosophy from the University of Vermont and Medical Doctor degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. She completed six years of residency training: one year in the Department of Surgery at the University of Washington, and two years with the Departments of Surgery and Urology at the University of Rochester in New York. Prior to joining the Danville Regional medical staff, Dr. Shear was a chief resident at the Strong Memorial and Rochester General Hospitals before moving to Seattle, Washington. Between 2008-2010, she completed a Clinical Bioethics Fellowship at the Seattle Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. She spent one year study at Seattle Children’s Hospital in the Divisions of Pediatric Urologists. “Dr. Shear has a strong medical background and will be a great asset to the hospital and the community,” said CEO Eric Deaton. “Danville Regional will continue to provide quality service and care close to home with her addition to our medical staff.” Dr. Shear is a member of the American Society of Bioethics and Humanities, American Urological Association, American Association of Pediatric Urology and Society of Women in Urology. She is committed to volunteering overseas to teach urology and bring basic urologic care to areas that do have urology providers. She has contributed to multiple case studies published in medical journals and chapters of books covering various topics, including co-writing a chapter on the ethics of providing medical assistance ringside at boxing events. “I look forward to becoming more of an integral part of the community and caring for my new neighbors here in Danville,” said Dr. Shear. Danville Regional is the leading medical center in the Dan River Region of Virginia and North Carolina, providing open heart surgery, spinal surgery and advanced cancer treatment. Approximately 140 physicians are on the medical staff. The medical center employs approximately 1,200 people. For additional information, visit http://www.danvilleregional.com. News 2011-10-27T18:40:01+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/new_urologist_joins_danville_regional_staff/#When:18:40:01Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DrmcNews/~3/2lJ9tU8hpHU/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/new_doctor_joins_drmc/#When:20:37:00Z Danville Regional Medical Center announces the addition of Dr. Anupreet Oberoi to its medical staff as a family medicine physician. She is a board-certified family medicine physician and will practice at the Family Healthcare Center of Danville on Piney Forest Road. Oberoi received her medical doctor degree from Lady Hardinge Medical College at Delhi University in India. She also completed her intern year at Lady Hardinge Medical College. Oberoi then completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at Kasturba Hospital in India before coming to the United States and recently completing her Family Medicine Residency at East Tennessee State University. Prior to joining the Danville Regional medical staff, Oberoi received certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates and trained at family practice and specialty clinics during her second and third year of Residency. “Danville is a great place for me to grow my practice,” said Dr. Oberoi. “Danville Regional is a great hospital with talented people, and I am looking forward to interacting with members of the community and providing quality care.” News 2011-10-21T20:37:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/new_doctor_joins_drmc/#When:20:37:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DrmcNews/~3/IfMsur7U7V4/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/ask_karen_charcot_marie_tooth/#When:15:15:00Z This week’s question comes from Facebook: Q: I have a medical question for you. Can you do a segment on Charcot Marie Tooth. It is in the same catagory as MD. It attacks your nerves and muscles. My whole family has this disease. My sister, my 2 brothers and myself (our parents have passed away) were affected in different ways. My sister was the first to find out the name of the disease. No one knew what it was or a name for what it was. It is not a fun thing to get. So could you maybe do a segment please. Thanks! I’m curious to see how common Charcot Marie Tooth disease is here in our area. Thanks again! Elizabeth Ponton Mosleyo Basset A: I checked in with Dr. Saria Saccocio, Chief Medical Officer for Danville Regional Medical Center to get some more information about Charcot Marie Tooth. Dr. Saccocio says, “It is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders but it is still very rare.” About 1 in 2500 people in the United States develop the condition which is about 125,000 people who may have Charcot Marie Tooth. What is it? She says, “It is genetic, so you inherit it from your parents or your family members.  It does affect the nerves and you do lose muscle and touch sensation… that usually occurs in the feet and legs but can also have it in the hands and the arms.” *Signs of Charcot Marie Tooth usually show up in late childhood or early adulthood *In addition to muscle wasting it can cause a person’s toes to curl *Pregnancy and stress can make the condition worse *In some extremely serious cases can affect breathing some people can end up with scoliosis What is the treatment? *There is no cure *Since it is part of person’s DNA there is nothing that can be done to prevent it *The most important thing to do is movement - working on muscle strength and flexibility *Physical therapy is really one of the best ways to cope with the condition Dr. Saccocio says, “When you stop moving it makes the condition worse.” As always we are reminded that it is best for patients go to a family physician with any questions or concerns you have regarding our health.  He or she can then best guide us to any further treatment if needed. News 2011-10-20T15:15:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/ask_karen_charcot_marie_tooth/#When:15:15:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DrmcNews/~3/g3GTSeOBtok/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/danville_regional_pharmacy_a_money_saver_for_locals/#When:14:55:00Z Residents may not know that Danville Regional Medical Center operates a retail pharmacy open for business to everyone. Lisa Eanes of Danville didn’t until she lost her health insurance and began researching prices at different local pharmacies. A friend recommended the hospital’s pharmacy and Eanes couldn’t believe how inexpensive the drugs were compared to other stores. “You save a ton of money,” Eanes said. The hospital has a pharmacy for patients there, yet it also offers a retail one, said Paul O’Brien, DRMC director of pharmacy services. The retail pharmacy has been operating about 18 years and O’Brien calls it a local “hidden little gem.” The Danville Regional pharmacy is just one of two LifePoint hospitals that offer a retail pharmacy. It has a full selection just like other retail pharmacies and can order medications to come in the next day. DRMC’s pharmacy bills for just about all insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Yet, if the pharmacy can get a better price than by billing insurance, it makes sure to bill for the cheaper price, said pharmacist Frank Lucas. Pharmacists make sure to let people know about cheaper options, like generics. They keep a list of hundreds of $4 drugs available and make sure to keep all the drug company discount cards on hand for customers. Customers can also buy over-the-counter meds, vitamins and other supplements. For low-income customers struggling to buy medications, the pharmacy either gives a good price or finds somewhere in town to help get those prescriptions filled, Lucas said. DRMC pharmacists made sure Eanes didn’t do without when she was without insurance temporarily. Every one of her medications was cheaper there, including one that was $160 cheaper per prescription, she said. The reason it can often beat competitors’ prices is that it doesn’t have the additional mark-up that corporate chains do to maintain profits, O’Brien said. This also helps patients listen to their doctors and take medicines properly, as opposed to taking less to save money, he added. Eanes also liked how DRMC pharmacists explained the use of her medications and how taking certain drugs in combination could be a “deadly cocktail.” They also pass on information like how different foods can affect the effectiveness of drugs. “It wasn’t just the price that drew me as much as the knowledge,” Eanes said. The pharmacy, which employs two pharmacists and two pharmacy technicians, also takes education out into the community at events and is working on offering clinics to check blood pressure, cholesterol and drug interaction. There is reserved parking at the hospital for pharmacy customers. Usually, for colds, the flu or other minor ailments, the retail pharmacy is the No. 1 place the public seeks information, as they have direct access to a pharmacist more so than any other health care professional, Lucas said. “I just like the fact that I’m in the health care field and I can make a difference in people’s lives sometimes,” he added. Eanes loves the customer service and pharmacy flexibility, as one technician came into work after the pharmacy closed on a Friday to make sure she got her medicine for vacation. “If you don’t think you can afford your medicine, there is one more place you need to call before you give up,” Eanes said. “Because of them, I am able to afford all of my medicines. I don’t have to pick and choose anymore.” News 2011-10-20T14:55:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/danville_regional_pharmacy_a_money_saver_for_locals/#When:14:55:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DrmcNews/~3/N5P4GRVDRi0/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/hospital_finance_leader_named_to_key_post_at_danville_regional_medical_cent/#When:09:30:00Z Danville Regional Medical Center (DRMC) announced today the appointment of Dennis Joseph Eith as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Eith has nearly 30 years hospital leadership experience and will assume his new role effective Nov. 1. Most recently Eith served as Chief Financial Officer of Carolinas Hospital System, a 420-bed (two-campus) facility located in Florence, S.C. While at Carolinas, Eith was responsible for all financial areas of the organization, as well as health information management, case management, information systems, materials management and managed care. During his tenure at Carolinas, Eith worked to increase patient satisfaction by stream-lining the patient registration process and by working to enhance financial resources for patients. “We are very fortunate to have Dennis join the DRMC team,” said Eric Deaton, DRMC Chief Executive Officer (CEO). “He has extensive experience in financial efficiency and responsibility, and I am confident that he will work hard to help us continue raising the bar for our patients.” Eith earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Louisville (KY) and is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). He is a very active community leader having served on various boards and has held membership in several organizations. “My family and I are excited about becoming members of the community,” Eith said. “I am looking forward to working with the entire DRMC team - the associates, physicians, volunteers and community leaders - in making the best technology and services available to citizens of the region.” Eith and his wife Kim will move to Danville with their two sons, Cole (age 9) and Austin (age 13). Eith also has three adult children: Lauren, Ashley and Brad. About Danville Regional Medical Center Danville Regional is the leading medical center in the Dan River Region of Virginia and North Carolina providing open heart surgery, spinal surgery and advanced cancer treatment. Approximately 140 physicians are on the medical staff. The medical center employs approximately 1,200 people. For more information, visit http://www.danvilleregional.com. ### News 2011-10-12T09:30:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/news_display/hospital_finance_leader_named_to_key_post_at_danville_regional_medical_cent/#When:09:30:00Z