Category: General News

MURRAY, KY – The 2022 Men in Pink campaign will kick off on September 27 revealing the 11 men who will spend Breast Cancer Awareness Month raising money to support the Regional Cancer Center at Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

Men in Pink is a campaign with key community individuals who are willing to support fundraising efforts for the new Regional Cancer Center with a focus on educating the community about the importance of early detection and breast cancer awareness.

The current Regional Cancer Center is approximately 20 years old and needs new equipment, as well as, the space to house all of its patients’ treatment needs so they won’t have to walk outside to go from one office to the next and will bring the oncologists, social workers, pharmacy, and infusion area under one roof. The building project is expected to be finished late next Spring 2023. The Regional Cancer Center will continue to offer radiation oncology and infusion therapy treatments from Dr. Zuhair Ghanem. The Center represents a major investment in technology offering the very latest in cancer treatments. This new equipment will increase accuracy and patient comfort while reducing the treatment time. If a cancer can be treated by radiation, then it can be treated here. If chemotherapy is required, specialized oncology nurses- under the direction of a medical oncologist- administer treatments in a comfortable, soothing environment. A meditation garden is in the plan and will be strategically located just out front of the infusion bay windows for patients to enjoy while receiving treatment.

Jerry Penner, CEO of MCCH, said he is excited that the Men in Pink committee has again chosen to keep the money here because he believes that Murray and Calloway County residents deserve to have the highest-quality cancer treatments available without having to exhaust themselves traveling between home and a different city. He reminded attendees that the target opening for the new Regional Cancer Center in spring 2023 is “not far away.”

Fundraising efforts will continue for the center with naming opportunities available and each of the Men in Pink will be spotlighted in a Facebook telethon later in October. Last year’s event raised slightly over $100,000.

Each of the men will have their own Facebook pages to collect donations, and additional donations can be given on the Men in Pink of Calloway County Facebook page.

There are many opportunities available for individuals to make personal contributions, various naming opportunities for different areas and rooms within the new facility, and availability for business or corporate partnerships to contribute.

For more information on how you can support the building of a new Regional Cancer Center in Murray, or to set up a meeting to discuss the project more, please contact Lisa Shoemaker, Senior Philanthropy Officer at 270.762.1291.

The Murray-Calloway County Hospital is the only nonprofit healthcare facility in our county. The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital is a 501C3. All donations are tax deductible according to Federal and State laws.

MURRAY, KY – Falls continue to be a national public health concern. Join Murray Calloway County Hospital Rehab Services Department September 18 – 24 for Falls Prevention Awareness Week, as we raise awareness on preventing falls and reducing falls risk.

A simple fall can change your life. If you fall, you could break a bone, like thousands of older adults do every year. A break can be the start of more serious problems such as permanent disability and loss of independence.

According to the national Institute on Aging, more than one in four people age 65 years or older who fall each year. Many people think that falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they are not. Most falls can be prevented. Lower your risk of falling by using these tips:

• Talk with your health care provider about your fall risk and medication side effects
• Make your home safer by using night-lights, installing grab bars in the bathroom, remove tripping hazards and secure carpet to the floors.
• Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses.
• Find a good balance and exercise program to stay strong and flexible.
• Talk to your family members to enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.
• Take the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free CheckUp to get a personalized over view of your falls risk and ways to remediate your risks so you can stay healthy and protected. Go to https://bit.ly/Falls-CheckUp and answer twelve easy questions to see how you can maintain your independence and stay falls free.

If you are concerned about falling, for yourself or a loved one, contact your health care provider for a referral to the Center for Rehab and Sports Medicine for a professional fall risk assessment. Call 270-762-1854 for more information

MURRAY, KY – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of Americans are not getting enough sleep, and this comes at a heavy price to economic performance. A Rand Corporation study found that the consequences of insufficient sleep — lost productivity and comorbidities like heart disease, stroke and hypertension — collectively cost the United States economy between $280 billion and $411 billion each year.

With a lack of quality sleep being a risk factor to so many chronic diseases, we should expect this topic to be raised to the same levels as high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, physical inactivity and overeating.

Everyone feels sleepy at times. However, when sleepiness interferes with daily routines and activities, or reduces the ability to function, it is called “problem sleepiness.” Problem sleepiness occurs when patients don’t get enough sleep because of primary sleep disorders (such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome or narcolepsy), other medical conditions (such as chronic bronchitis or congestive heart failure) or lifestyle factors (such as shift work). Sleepy persons exhibit levels of impairment that range from poor functioning at home, school or work, to potentially life-threatening automobile crashes and industrial accidents.

When sleep becomes an issue, the Murray-Calloway County Hospital Sleep Disorders Center can provide the care and services you might need. The Center is celebrating 20 years of care in offering comprehensive evaluation and care for adults and children ages six and up with sleep and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Evaluation by a sleep specialist is recommended for the diagnosis and treatment of a sleep disorder. A sleep study provides doctors with information about how you breathe and sleep. This data will enable the sleep specialist to determine the type and severity of your sleep disorder. It can also help to determine your treatment options.

Dr. Rachel Korson is the Medical Director at the Sleep Disorders Center and is double board certified in Neurology and Sleep Medicine.  She completed her Sleep Medicine fellowship training at Stanford University in Redwood City, California.

The list below includes, but is not limited to, conditions treated by Dr. Korson at the Sleep Disorders Center:

• Central Sleep Apnea
• Idiopathic Hypersomnia
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Parasomnia
• Periodic Leg Movements
• REM Behavior Disorder
• Restless Leg Syndrome

What to Expect

• If you are diagnosed with a sleep disorder, the sleep specialist will work with you to tailor your therapy to your disorder.
• Insurance may pay for some or all of your equipment costs.
• Treatment may include medicines, an appliance or counseling.

Treatment Benefits

With proper treatment, people with sleep disorders can increase the quality of their lives. By using the prescribed therapy, people get the restful sleep they need. This can result in:

• Less daytime drowsiness and fatigue
• Improved memory and concentration
• Better work performance
• Decreased risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke

The Sleep Disorders Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

For more information about sleep issues and if you have questions, please call the Sleep Disorders Center at 270.762.1579. 

MURRAY, KY – Samantha Mullins, MD, Family Medicine, has recently joined Murray Medical Associates.

Mullins comes to the area from Murfreesboro, TN, where she completed her UT Nashville Family Medicine Residency as Chief Resident.

She was a 2019 medical school graduate from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and a 2015 graduate from Murray State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in biology. She has worked on various medical research projects and was involved in the AHEC Rural Health Scholar program. She also participated in the SMILE (Students Making Illness a Little Easier) program and worked at the Hopkins County Community Clinic.

Dr. Mullins will focus her clinical interest on diabetes care, women’s health, and hospital medicine.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and attending concerts.

Mullins will be located at Murray Medical Associates at 300 South 8^th Street, Suite 480 West. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call Murray Medical Associates 270.753.0704.

MURRAY, KY – Murray-Calloway County Hospital is pleased to welcome Sarah Bell, APRN as a part of the hospitalist team.

Bell obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her Master of Science in Nursing in Adult Gerontology Primary Care with Oncology from Loyola University Chicago.

She formerly worked as nurse practitioner with the hospitalist group at Ascension St. Thomas in Nashville and as a Wound Care Nurse Practitioner.

In her spare time, she enjoys scrapbooking, golfing, camping, and traveling. She and her husband, who have four children and two grandchildren, have recently relocated to the Murray area. Bell was recently accepted to the post-master’s Doctor of Nursing program at Belmont University in Nashville and will start classes this fall.

If you have any questions, please contact the Marketing Department at 270.762.1381 or visit www.murrayhospital.org.

MURRAY, KY– The Murray-Calloway County Emergency Medical Services ambulances are now equipped with sensory bags to assist with children and adults with special needs.

After participating in an Autism First Responder class, paramedic, Rachel Lane with Murray-Calloway County EMS saw a need in the community to provide additional support to individuals in need of emergency care with sensory processing disorders and other special needs.

Lane reached out to a local Facebook group, Families on the Spectrum, consisting of families in the area with children and adult family members who have autism, to learn more about items that should be included in the bags.

Lane took on the project, gathered, developed and donated sensory items for each ambulance in Calloway County. The sensory bags not only serve individuals with autism, but any special needs patient with sensory processing disorders, such as those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Various sensory items are included inside each bag, as well as a white board for communicating with non-verbal patients. All items are given to the patient after use, except the white board, which is sanitized and reused.

“Our goal is to meet the needs of all of our patients and make sure we are making those with special needs feel inclusive and comfortable when an emergency situation arises,” Lane said.

For more information, contact the Marketing Department at 270.762.1382.

MURRAY, KY – Murray-Calloway County Hospital has seen a spike in Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases during the last couple of months with a total of 27 cases.

“It is considered a reportable illness in KY, which is why we keep up with it so closely as well as the problems it can cause patients if not treated,” said Kathy Howard, LPN/Infection Prevention Nurse.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial infection transmitted by a tick. Without prompt treatment, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause serious damage to internal organs, such as your kidneys and heart.

Although it was first identified in the Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is most commonly found in the southeastern part of the United States.

Early signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include a severe headache and high fever. A few days later, a rash usually appears on the wrists and ankles. Rocky Mountain spotted fever responds well to prompt treatment with antibiotics.

Although many people become ill within the first week after infection, signs and symptoms may not appear for up to 14 days. Initial signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever often are nonspecific and can mimic those of other illnesses:

• High fever
• Chills
• Severe headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion or other neurological changes

Causes

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by infection with the organism Rickettsia rickettsii. Ticks carrying R. rickettsii are the most common source of infection.

If an infected tick attaches itself to your skin and feeds on your blood for six to 10 hours, you may pick up the infection. But you may never see the tick on you.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever primarily occurs when ticks are most active and during warm weather when people tend to spend more time outdoors. Rocky Mountain spotted fever cannot be spread from person to person.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of contracting Rocky Mountain spotted fever include:

• Living in an area where the disease is common
• The time of year — infections are more common in the spring and early summer
• How much time you spend in grassy or wooded areas
• Whether you have a dog or spend time with dogs

If an infected tick attaches to your skin, you can contract Rocky Mountain spotted fever when you remove it, as fluid from the tick can enter your body through an opening such as the bite site.

You can reduce your risk of infection by taking steps to prevent exposure to ticks and tick fluids. When removing a tick from your skin:

• Use a tweezers to grasp the tick near its head or mouth and remove it carefully
• Treat the tick as if it’s contaminated; soak it in alcohol or flush it down the toilet
• Clean the bite area with antiseptic
• Wash your hands thoroughly

Complications

Rocky Mountain spotted fever damages the lining of your smallest blood vessels, causing the vessels to leak or form clots. This may cause:

• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).In addition to severe headaches, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause inflammation of the brain, which can cause confusion, seizures and delirium.
• Inflammation of the heart or lungs.Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause inflammation in areas of the heart and lungs. This can lead to heart failure or lung failure in severe cases.
• Kidney failure.Your kidneys filter waste from your blood, and the blood vessels within the kidneys are very small and fragile. Damage to these vessels can eventually result in kidney failure.
• Serious infection, possibly amputation.Some of your smallest blood vessels are in your fingers and toes. If these vessels don’t work properly, the tissue at your farthest extremities may develop gangrene and die. Amputation would then be necessary.
• Untreated, Rocky Mountain spotted fever has, historically, had a death rate as high as 80 percent.

Prevention

You can decrease your chances of contracting Rocky Mountain spotted fever by taking some simple precautions:

• Wear long pants and sleeves.When walking in wooded or grassy areas, wear shoes, long pants tucked into socks and long-sleeved shirts. Try to stick to trails and avoid walking through low bushes and long grass.
• Use insect repellents.Products containing DEET (Off! Deep Woods, Repel) often repel ticks. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Clothing that has permethrin impregnated into the fabric is toxic to ticks and also may be helpful in decreasing tick contact when outdoors.
• Do your best to tick-proof your yard.Clear brush and leaves where ticks live. Keep woodpiles in sunny areas.
• Check yourself and your pets for ticks.Do this after being in wooded or grassy areas. Some ticks are no bigger than the head of a pin, so you may not discover them unless you are very careful.
• Remove a tick with tweezers.Gently grasp the tick near its head or mouth. Don’t squeeze or crush the tick, but pull carefully and steadily. Once you have the entire tick removed, wash the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

Soak the tick in alcohol or flush it down the toilet. Wash your hands thoroughly to make sure any infected tick fluid is completely removed.

Though there are many purportedly effective methods for helping to remove a tick, such as petroleum jelly, alcohol or even applying a hot match to the tick’s body, none is a good method for tick removal.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital is a 152-licensed bed medical center located at 803 Poplar Street in Murray, Kentucky.  The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of the Western Kentucky area for over 100 years.  Murray Hospital specializes in such major areas as women’s services, surgery, cancer, orthopedics, neurology, psychiatric services, emergency services and more. Murray-Calloway County Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency.  

The Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House is hosting a FREE community education event focused on the importance of hospice in the Murray-Calloway community.

The community education event will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2022, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the CFSB Community Room, located at 414 South 12^th Street, Murray, KY. Light refreshments will be provided. Lunch will be at attendee’s leisure.

Community members interested in the importance of the hospice program, qualifications needed for hospice care, levels of care within the hospice program, grief and bereavement counseling, as well as volunteer needs and requirements are invited to attend the event.

For more information on this FREE community event and to reserve a spot in the class, please call 270.767.3670.