T.J. Samson | Destination Health | December 2019

2 DESTINATION HEALTH Carbon monoxide alarms: Why they’re a must Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You can’t see or smell this dangerous gas. But every year in the U.S., more than 400 people die from accidental CO poisoning. Another 50,000 wind up in emergency rooms. CO is a byproduct of appliances, heaters and vehicles that burn natural gas, gasoline, wood, propane and other fuels. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed spaces, like your home or garage. To help keep your family safe, install a CO alarm on every level of your home, especially near sleep- ing areas. Be sure to: ●  ● Keep the alarms at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances. ●  ● Test the alarms regularly. ●  ● Replace them every five to seven years, depending on the manufacturer’s directions. CO alarms don’t replace smoke alarms. You need both. But there are combo alarms on the market. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Fire Protection Association; Safe Kids Worldwide Stay a l er t Watch for signs and symptoms of cancer Just as a cold has symptoms, such as sniffles, can- cer has signs and symptoms that can announce its presence. If you have any of the following, talk to your primary care provider. Many times these signs and symptoms aren’t related to cancer at all. Still, they should be checked by your provider. Whether it’s cancer or another illness, you may need treatment. ■  ■ Unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more. This may be the first sign of many types of cancer. ■  ■ Skin changes, such as changes in moles. This may be a sign of skin cancer. Other cancers may cause skin to darken, yellow or itch. ■  ■ Fever. This is common in many types of cancer. ■  ■ Pain. This may be an early sign of bone, testicular and other forms of cancer. ■  ■ Fatigue. This is another common symptom of cancer. ■  ■ Sores that don’t heal. ■  ■ Changes in bowel function—persistent constipa- tion, diarrhea or blood in the stool. ■  ■ Unusual bleeding. ■  ■ Nagging cough or hoarseness. ■  ■ Thickening of tissue in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes and other areas. Source: American Cancer Society Our chaplains are here for you When you’re a patient in our hospital, you might be asked whether you’d like a visit from one of our chaplains during your stay. Our chaplains provide various types of spiritual care to patients and their families. That could include talking about grief and loss, helping with decisions about your care, or communicating with your health care team or family members. A chaplain can also help you fill out an advance directive, discuss spiritual issues re- lated to tissue or organ donation, or provide support in the face of a medical crisis. You don’t have to meet with a chaplain during your hospital stay. But the service is available to you or your family at any time while you’re a patient. Just let a nurse know if you want to speak with a chaplain. R. Brent Wright, MD, MMM, Professor & Vice-Chair for Rural Health, University of Louisville/Glasgow Family Medicine Residency, and Associate Dean for Rural Health Innovation, University of Louisville School of Medicine Wellness Local physician named Kentucky Medical Association president In September, R. Brent Wright, MD, MMM—a fam- ily medicine physician with deep ties to T.J. Samson Com- munity Hospital—became the 169th president of the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA). The KMA is the only statewide association representing every specialty and type of medical practice in the state. Dr. Wright is the Vice Chair for Rural Health at the Uni- versity of Louisville/Glasgow Family Medicine Residency program, which is housed on the campus of T.J. Samson. He is also the Associate Dean for Rural Health Innovation at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Wright, a lifelong Kentuckian, arrived here 21 years ago as a first-year resident in family medicine. Recently, he carved out time from his many responsibilities to an- swer questions about the KMA and his new responsibilities: Q: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW MOST ABOUT THE KMA? A: Our motto is “Physicians caring for Kentucky.”That’s worth emphasizing. De- spite our name, we’re not a medical associa- tion that exists just to advocate for doctors. We advocate for the health and welfare of every resident of Kentucky. The KMA is dedicated to helping en- sure access to quality, affordable health care throughout our state and reducing health risks and disparities. Q: WHAT DO YOU SEE AS YOUR ROLE IN HELPING TO MAKE SURE THAT KENTUCKIANS’ HEALTH NEEDS ARE MET? A: I am especially focused on getting out of the office and crisscrossing the state to in- teract with physicians, visiting their offices and finding out first-hand what health issues are affecting their communities and how doctors are work- ing to solve them. I’m there to listen and learn. That’s essen- tial because when you try to do top-down leadership, you often get it wrong. By doing this groundwork I can come back and say, “Yes, this part of Kentucky is coping with the opioid epidemic, but it is also challenged by nutri- tional and diabetic issues.” Or, “In this area, the opioid epidemic is the first, second and third health issue—it’s that urgent.” That knowledge is crucial to better serve area residents and inform public health policy. Still, I’m not merely seeking the insights of physicians. Q: CAN YOU EXPAND ON THAT? A: I’m reaching out to hospital CEOs, health department directors, medical fac- ulty, faith-based organizations, community members—there’s a long list. The only way we’re going to be able to address the highly complex health care problems that exist in Kentucky—or anywhere for that matter—is for all of us to work collaboratively. So much effective work is built on rela- tionships, and I am committed to building relationships and elevating the dialogue that surrounds health care issues facing this commonwealth. I want people’s concerns—and solu- tions—to be heard. And I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities ahead.