Health Matters March | April 2014 Taking a Stand on Prescription Drug Abuse Listed below are members of The Outer Banks Physicians’ Council on Prescription Drug Abuse who have taken a pledge to be part of the solution to prescription drug abuse in our community. “I am proud of this Council for taking a hard look at prescription drug abuse,” said Dr. Christine Petzing, Council Chairperson. “As providers we have prescribing power and we are educating ourselves to increase the chances that the prescriptions we are writing for pain are helping our patients, not hurting them.” HEALTH TIPS A Little Perspective On Prescriptions Prescription medications are often a life saver. That said, good health does not always come in a pill. Keep the following tips in mind when it comes to prescription medications: Dr. Christine Petzi ng , Chair ■ When seeing any doctor, always tell him or her ALL of the medications, vitamins and supplements you are taking. ■ Sometimes the best prescription a doctor can give you is Gohar Arslan, MD Jeffrey Chase, MD Anne Green, FNP Christine Petzing, MD, Chair Phillip Austin, MD Gail Covington, NP Denise Griggs, FNP-C Tarkten Pharr, MD Amanda Austin, MD Norm Dahm, MD Jennifer Halloran, MD Angelique Polidoro, DO Erin Baker, DO Charles Davidson, MD Edward Healy, PA-C Demetri Poulis, MD William Blakemore, MD Margaret Dawson, NP Georgia Hennessy, MD Daniel Reichenbach, MD Christina Bowen, MD Daniel Dwyer, MD Walter Holton, MD Antonio Ruiz, MD John Calabrese, MD Donald Evans, DPM Gary Hunter, DO Nicole Saffell, MD James Carleo, MD Johnny Farrow, MD Timothy Jackson, PA-C John Sanchez, DO Kimberly Ceaser, PA-C Kellie Flock, PA-C Joseph Jenkins, MD Rikki Schuster, PA-C Kimberly Cerveny, MD Marianne Gradeless, GONP Ben Kershner, RN, CRNA Marielle Silk, FNP Roger Lever, MD Cara Sumners, MD Christian Lige, MD Robert Valentine, MD Richard Lowe, MD Dana Walker. MD David Lustig, MD Anna Ward, PA-C Christopher Mann, MD Teri Wargovich, MD Matthew McKenna, MD Richard Wessel, MD Virginia Moore, PA Robert West, MD ■ Properly discard of all unused medication immediately. Linda Morway, MD Lindsey White, MD ■ Using a prescription drug that was not prescribed for Dean Parsons, PA-C Benjamin Winfree, MD Kenneth Peat, MD in the form of advice, not a pill. ■ Be open to your doctor’s prescription for a lifestyle change instead of a pill. ■ Dietary changes, weight loss, moving more and quitting smoking can prevent and often reverse life-threatening conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. ■ Taking up a hobby, volunteering, or leaning on your friends for support are things you can try before treating mild anxiety, stress and depression with medications. ■ Use medication only as prescribed. It is illegal and unsafe to share your medications with another person. ■ When you are prescribed a narcotic for pain, ask your doctor if you can try an over-the-counter medication ﬁrst and use the narcotic only if the pain is intolerable. You do not need to take pain medication if you are not in pain. you or misusing one that was, is substance abuse. If you think you may have a problem, talk to your doctor about getting help. the right care. right here. | TheOBH.com | 252.449.4500 | Milepost 14 | 4800 S. Croatan Hwy. | Nags Head March | April 2014 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Health Education ■ Cancer Care Lunch and Learn Nutrition Solutions During Cancer Treatment Friday, March 21, 12:00noon Cancer Resource Center Cancer treatment and recovery present unique challenges: weight loss or gain, appetite and taste changes, sore throat or mouth, nausea, and vomiting, just to name a few. The things you eat and drink can make a difference. Registered Dietitian, Karla Coughenour, will provide sound nutritional advice that may help to manage your symptoms. Lunch will be provided and pre-registration is required. Call 449-4500 to register. ■ Movie Nights at OBH! Power Foods for a Powerful You! Featuring Dr. Christina Bowen Thursday, March 27, 7:00pm Bodies in Motion, Stay in Motion Featuring Dr. Matthew McKenna Wednesday, April 30, 7:00pm The Outer Banks Hospital Lobby A new spin on Dinner with a Doc…Join us for Movie Night at OBH and enjoy our new series of “Health Coaching Clips” where local healthcare providers give their best advice for healthy living in brief video clip format. The premier viewing of Power Foods for a Powerful You will feature Dr. Christina Bowen of Vidant Family Medicine-Outer Banks. Dr. Bowen will be on hand to answer your questions while you sample Power Foods and nibble on popcorn! April 30 features Dr. Matthew McKenna of Vidant Orthopedics and Sports Medicine - Outer Banks in Bodies in Motion, Stay in Motion. Dr. McKenna will be on hand to answer questions as you enjoy stretching/relaxation exercises and popcorn! Can’t make our premier? Visit theobh.com or like us on Facebook after each event to enjoy the video clip at your leisure. ■ Cancer Care Lunch and Learn Women, Cancer and Sexuality Friday, April 25 12:00 noon -1:00pm The Outer Banks Hospital Cancer Resource Center Just because you have cancer doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy that part of your adult life. Dr. Denniz Zolnoun, Associate Professor at the UNC School of Medicine and Pelvic Pain Clinic will gently explore this sensitive topic with you and help boost your conﬁdence that a little extra-curricular activity is okay. Lunch will be provided and pre-registration is required. Call 449-8265 to register. ■ Childbirth Education Classes Mondays in March & April OBH Education Suite, Medical Ofﬁce Building, 2nd Floor - 7:00pm Expectant parents will enjoy this free informative class. Call Lisa McGaha at 449-5690 to register. Health Screenings and Services ■ All Aboard The Health Coach! Free Wellness Check-Ups By Appointment Friday, April 4 7:00am -10:00am The Outer Banks Hospital (Main Entrance Under the Awning) In addition to the date above, The Health Coach makes weekly visits to local businesses and organizations. To schedule an appointment on The Health Coach or to invite us to your business or organization, please contact The Outer Banks Hospital, 449-4500. ■ Free Screening Mammograms Free screening mammograms are available for uninsured and underinsured (insurance does not cover a screening mammogram) Dare County residents, and Hyde and Currituck County residents who work in Dare County. This program is funded by the Get Pinked! Campaign. Pre-screening and appointment required. Call 449-5918 for details. ■ Gentle Chair Yoga March 5, 12, 19, 26 April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 12:30pm-1:15pm OBH Cancer Resource Center Cancer survivors and those with chronic illnesses are invited to our gentle chair yoga program at The Outer Banks Hospital. For more information and to Community Events ■ Access To Healthcare EXPO Thursday, March 13 3:00pm-5:00pm The Outer Banks Hospital Lobby Come learn more about signing up for health insurance through the new health exchange and get information about local doctors who are accepting new patients. Talk with local non-proﬁts who are increasing Access To Healthcare with grant money provided by The Outer Banks Hospital Development Council. Be sure to tour the new Health Coach and sign up your business or organization for a visit! Light refreshments will be served. ■ OBH Family Celebration! Saturday, March 22 10:00am-12:00noon Family friendly vendors and fun activities for the kids! Fire trucks, balloons and cupcakes make it a party! Bring your young family and reconnect with your doctors and our healthcare team. If a new little one is in your near future, stop by to see what’s new in labor and delivery. Hope you will join us! register, contact Marie Neilson at 449-4554. ■ Medicine Drop ■ Look Good, Feel Better Wednesday, April 16 8:00am-12:00noon The Outer Banks Hospital Monday, March 24, 2:00pm - 4:00pm The Outer Banks Hospital Cancer Resource Center Does cancer treatment have you feeling sluggish and looking a little bit less like yourself? Local licensed beauty professionals have volunteered to show you how to use make-up and skincare products to bring back your natural beauty and lift your spirits. All provided free of charge to women in active cancer treatment. Call 449-4554 to reserve your opportunity to look good and feel better. Support Groups ■ Juvenile Diabetes Tuesday, March 4, 6:00pm & Tuesday, April 1, 6:00pm OBH Education Suite, Medical Ofﬁce Building, 2nd Floor Children with diabetes and their families get to know one another and learn more about managing their diabetes. For more information, contact Karen Ciero, RN, BSN at 449-5690. Drop off your unused/unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications. The Dare County Sheriff’s Department will be on-site collecting meds in order to properly dispose of them. ■ Senior Games Health Fair Opening Ceremonies and Luncheon Friday, April 25 Health Fair: 8:00am-11:30am Opening Ceremonies: 11:30am Luncheon: 12:00noon Baum Senior Center, Kill Devil Hills Join us to celebrate senior fun, ﬁtness and health. The Health Fair will offer free health screenings. Local vendors will also be on hand to provide information about health services and community resources. Stay to enjoy the Senior Games Opening Ceremonies followed by lunch. No appointment is needed for the screenings. Call 449-4500 to let us know you will be joining us for lunch. The content in Health Matters is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment, or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Health Matters is published bimonthly by The Outer Banks Hospital. The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc. is a joint venture between Vidant Health and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.