The screenings are open to all men throughout Kentuckiana, but advance registration is required. To register, call Floyd Memorial Hospital at 1-800-476-8723 (1-800-4-SOURCE). The registration deadline is August 31.

            Prostate cancer has very few symptoms in its early stages when treatment is most successful, making annual screenings absolutely essential. A man has a one in six chance of being diagnosed at some point in his lifetime.  And while all men are at risk, additional risk factors include advancing age and a family history of the disease. African-American men also face a slightly greater risk.

This is the 18^th year that Floyd Memorial Hospital has conducted the free prostate cancer screenings, helping to detect cancers that otherwise would not have been detected.  Last year alone, 820 men took advantage of the free screenings, with 17 cases of cancer detected.

The free screenings are part of Floyd Memorial Hospital’s Healthier Community Initiative.

Dr. Jones is one of only 55 physicians nationwide to receive this distinction, honoring those doctors who go above and beyond expectations to advance and provide direction to their cancer program. Cancer Liaison Physicians are appointed to their post on a voluntary basis and are responsible for spearheading CoC initiatives within their cancer program; collaborating with local agencies such as the American Cancer Society (ACS); and facilitating quality improvement initiatives by utilizing data submitted to the CoC’s National Cancer Database (NCDB).  The CoC collects data from its approved cancer programs and provides tools back to organizations to facilitate the analysis of patterns of diagnosis and treatment.  

The CoC is a consortium of 46 professional organizations dedicated to improving the survival and quality of life for cancer patients.  The Commission achieves its goal through standard-setting, cancer prevention, research, educational activities, as well as monitoring comprehensive quality care.  Its membership includes national organizations representing the full spectrum of cancer care and Fellows of the American College of Surgeons.  The Commission’s core functions include establishing standards to ensure the delivery of quality, multidisciplinary and comprehensive cancer care in healthcare settings; surveying facilities to assess compliance with those standards; collecting standardized data from approved facilities to measure quality; using data to monitor treatment patterns; supporting cancer control, enhancing clinical surveillance activities and developing effective educational interventions to improve outcomes at the national, state and local level.  There are currently more than 1,400 CoC-approved cancer programs in the United States and Puerto Rico, and approximately 80 percent of newly diagnosed cancer patients are treated in these institutions.
 

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The Cancer Center of Indiana brings together leading cancer experts and the most advanced technology to provide comprehensive cancer care to southern Indiana.  Through collaboration between Cancer Care Center and Floyd Memorial Radiation Oncology, the Cancer Center of Indiana is able to offer patients medical and radiation oncology as well as specialized resources and support services in one convenient location.  Services offered include medical and radiation oncology and hematology, and a Cancer Resource Center that offers patients a convenient source for finding reliable information on various cancers, support groups, educational programs and many other facets of cancer treatment and care.  In addition to this, the Center’s Women’s Boutique gives women battling cancer a place to try on wigs and hairpieces as well as locate resources for items such as post-mastectomy apparel.

 The minimally invasive Realize band procedure involves placing a flexible, adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch for minimal food intake.  Most patients lose approximately 50 percent of their excess weight in the first year.

 Upcoming Seminars:
o Saturday, August 23, 10-11:30 a.m., Floyd Memorial Paris Health Education Center (1850 State Street)
o Tuesday, September 9, 6-7:30 p.m., Floyd Memorial Paris Health Education Center
o Saturday, September 27, 10-11:30 a.m., Cancer Center of Indiana (2210 Green Valley Road)
o Tuesday, October 7, 6-7:30 p.m., Floyd Memorial Weight Management Center (2125 State Street, Suite #1,)
o Saturday, October 25, 10-11:30 a.m., Floyd Memorial Weight Management Center
 
To register, call 1-800-4-SOURCE or visit www.floydmemorial.com.

The seminar will be held at the hospital’s Paris Health Education Center on Friday, August 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A complimentary lunch will be provided.
 Demetra Antimisiaris, PharmD, CGP, FASCP, University of Louisville Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine assistant professor, will cover topics including safe medication management, recognition of medication concerns, what to do about those concerns and medication resources.  A question and answer session will follow.

Pre-registration is required.  Call 1-800-272-3900 for more information or to register.

“When I started in 1962, I was a transporter and darkroom technician,” Bill said. “We would develop the film by hand, and it took right at an hour to get the results.” Then, a few months later, the hospital expanded its capabilities to four X-ray rooms, and the new automatic processor would develop the film in seven minutes.

“I can remember thinking that was really something,” Bill reflected. “But look at us now: Today, we are almost 100 percent digital and completely filmless. It’s hard to keep up with how much it’s changed.”

In fact, Bill made a prediction when Magnetic Resonance Imaging started to crop up at larger tertiary hospitals. “Some people said we’ll never get it at Floyd Memorial,” Bill recalled. “But I said ‘you watch, it’s coming’ and sure enough we got it. I knew we would because the hospital changed and improved annually.”

Changes in Bill’s department went hand-in-hand with changes in his career. While working as a transporter and darkroom technician, Bill began to learn the field under the direction of the hospital’s radiologists. Then, in 1967, he went to school to become a certified registered radiological technician.

“Bill was able to work his way up over the years,” said Tony Cooke, RT, director of Radiology. “He played many roles in this department, even managerial ones, and was a seasoned and integral part of our team.”

Kathy Brown, radiology systems specialist who worked with Bill for 22 years, stressed that Bill’s relationships with his co-workers made him unique, regardless of where he was in his career.  “Bill was able to create a special relationship with each and every individual,” said Kathy. “Even when he was promoted to a manager, Bill never forgot what it was like to be an associate on the front lines. He always treated people with respect, and that earned him the respect of others.”

For Bill, cultivating relationships was a major part of his job – especially given his 46 years at Floyd Memorial. “I have been here for so long, and so have many of my co-workers; in fact, several of the people in my department have been here more than 30 years,” said Bill. “I have trained them and taught them and coached them – sometimes it feels like I’ve raised them.”

As for retirement, Bill and Fran, his wife of 32 years, have no concrete plans – except to take it easy. “My wife and I are going to do whatever we want to. Go out and eat breakfast, go to the riverboat, stay at home – just do what we want to do,” said Bill.  As for the Radiology staff at Floyd Memorial, one thing is certain: Bill Jackson will be missed. “Bill is one of those people with a fun-loving personality,” Kathy said. “Coupling that with his kind and caring demeanor made working with him very easy. He was a huge asset to this hospital.”

Guardian Angel Program

The new Guardian Angel program offers patients and visitors a heart-felt way to say thanks to someone special who made a positive difference in their hospital experience through a tax exempt donation to the Foundation. Patients, their family members or friends can make a monetary gift of at least $25 to the Foundation to have an associate, physician or volunteer named a Guardian Angel. In return, the caregiver will be recognized with a card noting who nominated them, a Guardian Angel lapel pin, a photo taken of them receiving their recognition, acknowledgement in hospital communications and an invitation to an annual reception. The donor, along with acknowledgement of their donation, will receive a copy of the photo of their Guardian Angel. All donation amounts will be kept confidential.

Recognition Wall

The Foundation’s efforts would not be possible without the generous nature of its many donors. On May 21, the Foundation unveiled its Recognition Wall that showcases individuals, corporations, community organizations and philanthropic foundations whose cumulative giving totals $5,000 or more. As well as being recognized on the Recognition Wall, donors are also listed in a Recognition Wall brochure.

The Floyd Memorial Foundation is a tax-exempt organization established solely to support the mission and needs of Floyd Memorial Hospital and Health Services, and its affiliated organizations. For information on the various programs supported by the Foundation or to receive a brochure regarding the Guardian Angel Program or Recognition Wall, visit www.floydmemorial.com or call 812-949-5519.

Prostate cancer is very common. A man has a one in six chance of being diagnosed at some point in his lifetime, and early detection can make a live-saving difference. While all men are at risk, additional risk factors include advancing age and a family history of the disease. African-American men also face a slightly greater risk.

The Screening is Free Thanks to the Support of the Floyd Memorial Foundation

As Linda Hendrich, executive director of the Foundation, explained, “We believe this prostate cancer screening is one of the most important events we sponsor. I often receive calls from men who have discovered something through the screening. They’re so appreciative. Caring for our community – that’s what it’s all about.”

To Register for Your Free Screening

• Screenings will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 28.
• Advance registration is required.
• Call 1-800-4-SOURCE (1-800-476-8723) for more information or to register.
• Please register during July if your last name begins with the letters A – L, or in August if it begins with M – Z.

According to Ruth Heideman, RN, director of Surgical Services, “Just about any type of surgery that can be performed on an outpatient basis can be performed here at Floyd Memorial. And, because we are hospital- based, we can often provide outpatient surgery to patients who may have underlying health issues that would preclude them from having outpatient surgery elsewhere.” Among the outpatient procedures available at Floyd Memorial are:

• Laparoscopic procedures such as gall bladder surgery, appendectomy, hernia repair, arthroscopic surgery, incontinence surgery and bronchoscopy
• Many types of biopsies
• Gynecologic procedures
• Prostate surgery
• Treatment of kidney stones
• Ear, nose and throat surgeries, including tonsillectomies
• Eye surgery, including cataract removal

Quick Access to Ancillary Services

As Thelma Thomas, RN, manager of Outpatient Surgery explained, “We have fast access to a full service lab as well as X-ray and other imaging services. Also, if a patient needs to learn how to use crutches before surgery, the Physical Therapy Department is here to help. And, if a patient is having trouble with pain management or any other complication, he or she can be directly admitted to the hospital.”

Pre-Admission Testing and Post-Surgery Follow Up are Important Parts of the Process

“By completing the initial assessment and conducting tests before the day of the procedure,” said Heideman, “we can see if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed. We also get a complete history and provide patient education before the procedure.” “A day or two after the surgery,” added Thomas, “we follow up with phone calls to patients to answer questions and offer education. We also give patients a survey and address any issues that need our attention.”

A Remarkable Team of Experts

Patients receiving outpatient procedures have a whole team of professionals from a variety of areas of expertise to care for them. Among them are nurses, many of whom have over 20 years of experience. “Our nurses are experts in every aspect of operative care,” said Heideman. “Their expertise is a key part of our ability to give our patients exceptional, top-quality care.”

Newest Advancement is a Great Step Forward

As Dr. Medley explained, “A very effective treatment for stress incontinence is the implantation of a tiny sling that we position under the urethra. This provides support so that when you stress the abdomen by coughing or jumping, the urethra doesn’t drop and allow leakage. There have been several generations of slings and implantation procedures developed over the years, each getting less invasive. This most recent advancement not only requires no external incisions, but also allows us to position the sling without putting the patient to sleep.”

Dr. Medley uses both the MiniArc™ Single-Incision Sling and the Gynecare TVT SECUR System. “They are similar and offer significant benefits to my patients,” he said. Advantages of the new sling procedure include the following:

• It is an outpatient procedure that usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes and requires just a tiny incision inside the vagina.
• There is very little post-operative pain, and recovery time is minimal.
• Most patients can resume normal activities within one to two weeks.

“The biggest advantage is that I can perform the procedure after using only an injection of local anesthetic,” said Dr. Medley. “I always have the option of giving sedation during the procedure if the patient needs it or is afraid. But so far, no one has needed it. With the advent of sling technology and progressive improvements in its implantation,” said Dr. Medley, “treatment has become safer and simpler than ever before. I want to make sure women know there is help and that they don’t have to suffer embarrassment or limit their activities due to stress incontinence.”

“Sling technology is well proven and has been used successfully for years to treat stress incontinence. What’s so exciting about this new procedure is that we can implant the sling in just minutes without using general anesthesia.”

-Richard N. Medley,
MD Board Certified Urologist Metropolitan Urology

“Cardiac rehab is very much a team effort. We have RN’s, an exercise physiologist and dietitian and we all work together. Of course, no matter how much we help or what kind of program we put together, the patient has to do the work. And Brad did. He had great motivation.”

-Carol Griffitt,
RN Floyd Memorial Cardiac Rehab