News from Hamilton Health

HMC oldest volunteer turns 93

Wed, 9 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Lois Hamilton, Hamilton Medical Center’s (HMC) oldest volunteer, cuts her birthday cake while celebrating her 93rd birthday this week. Also pictured, from left, are Mike Jackson, Westcott Behavioral Health access coordinator; Angie Roistacher, Westcott Behavioral Health therapist; Martha Suarez, volunteer; Dolores Lovingood, volunteer; and Vickie Gregory, volunteer.

Lois Hamilton, Hamilton Medical Center’s (HMC) oldest volunteer, celebrated her 93rd birthday this week. Behind Hamilton is Lynn Horton, Guest and Volunteer Services supervisor.

DALTON, Ga.– Lois Hamilton, Hamilton Medical Center’s (HMC) oldest volunteer, celebrated her 93rd birthday this week. Serving as a greeter at HMC’s welcome desk, Hamilton cheerfully provides information to hospital guests each Wednesday morning.

Volunteering is hardly new to Hamilton. She served as a hospital volunteer for 20 years in Illinois. When her daughter asked her to move to Dalton to be closer to her, Hamilton said she would, as long as she could volunteer at a hospital. Six years later, she’s still serving. In addition to her service at the hospital, Hamilton plays the piano for the church service each Sunday evening at her home at Royal Oaks.

“Lois is a perfect picture of Hamilton’s volunteer program,” said Lynn Horton, Guest and Volunteer Services supervisor. “I’m so amazed and thankful for her attitude of dedication and service to our patients, associates and guests.”

Hamilton shared her secret to long life. “Why volunteering, of course!” she said. “I would recommend volunteering to anyone who wants to contribute to their community. Volunteering allows me to observe some of the needs of people in the community and assist in maintaining the excellent care provided by Hamilton Medical Center.”

Paré and staff join Hamilton Neurosurgical Associates

Fri, 4 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Pictured are staff members of the newly formed Hamilton Neurosurgery Associates, part of Hamilton Physician Group. From left are Jill Parker, front office coordinator; Michel C. Paré, MD, neurosurgeon; Sherry Walker, patient services representative; and Kristi Allen, patient services representative.

DALTON, Ga. – Michel C. Paré, MD, and his staff, formerly of Chattanooga Neurosurgery & Spine, have joined Hamilton Physician Group, operating under the name, Hamilton Neurosurgical Associates.

Paré is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and The Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. He completed his residency at the University of Montreal and a fellowship in Spine Surgery at the Mayo Clinic. “I’m focusing exclusively on Dalton with this partnership,” said Paré, who has been practicing in Dalton for the past 14 years.

The office is still in the Medical Plaza building, 1107 Memorial Drive, but it has moved to Suite 200. The new phone number is 706-529-9630. Patients may self refer.

Hamilton Diagnostics Center Designated an ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

Thu, 3 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Celebrating Hamilton Diagnostics Center’s designation as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, from left, are Paige Queen, MD; Kim Farnes, mammography team leader; Jenni Harrod, mammography technologist; Gina Black, mammography technologist; E.C. Strickland, MD; and Debbie Howell, mammography technologist.

DALTON, Ga. – Hamilton Diagnostics Center (HDC) has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

“The safety of our patients is very important to us,” said Terri White, Center manager. “We provide the highest level of imaging quality and radiation safety.”

By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, and breast ultrasound (including ultrasound-guided breast biopsy).

Peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast imaging modality by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field, determined that HDC has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs.

Those involved in the accreditation include Paige Queen, MD, radiologist for North Georgia Radiology; Tiffany Riley, ultrasound team leader; Kim Farnes, mammography team leader; and E.C. Strickland, MD, medical director for North Georgia Radiology.

At HDC, all diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasounds are reviewed by the radiologist while the patient waits. If either is abnormal, Cindy Breeden, RN, HDC’s nurse navigator, works with the patient right away to get additional tests or appointments.

“Waiting for the results is generally the hardest part of the test,” said Breeden. “By providing results before the patient leaves, we can provide some peace of mind.”

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

Hamilton to hold diabetes support group - May 8th

Tue, 1 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Dr. Brian Kim

DALTON, Ga. – Brian Kim, MD, opthamologist for Professional Eye Associates, will speak on diabetes and eye care for Hamilton Medical Center’s diabetes support group on Tuesday, May 8, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Diabetes and Nutrition Center classroom at 1109 Burleyson Road, Suite 103.

Kim joined Professional Eye Associates in 2007 as the region’s first fellowship-trained corneal specialist. A graduate of Albany (New York) Medical College, he completed an internship at the Alton Ochsner Clinic Foundation, and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the LSU Eye Center in New Orleans. While at LSU Eye Center, Kim pursued additional fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery. He specializes in cataract surgery, corneal transplantation and LASIK surgery.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 20 to 74.

The program is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Please call 706-272-6079 to register.

Hamilton hosting event for local ministers - May 22

Tue, 1 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Hamilton Medical Center will host an event for local clergy on Tuesday, May 22. Presenters, from left, are Lynn Horton, Guest and Volunteer Services supervisor; Suzanne Brown, RN, clinical resource nurse; Ken Waddell, chaplain; Mike Jackson, Westcott Behavioral Health access coordinator; and Jeff Myers, Hamilton Health Care System president and CEO.

DALTON, Ga. – Hamilton Medical Center will hold an informational and fellowship event for local clergy on Tuesday, May 22, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Brown Conference Center at Hamilton.

Breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 a.m., and an optional tour of Hamilton Medical Center will begin at 10:30 a.m. The event is centered on the spiritual side of healing.

“Hamilton appreciates those who care about others,” said Jennifer Johnson, outreach manager for Hamilton. “We want to work with our local ministers by providing resources and having an opportunity for communication and fellowship.”

The event will include discussions on addictive and behavioral health, community screenings and the Love Thy Neighbor Program. Door prizes will be given to participants.

Space is limited. RSVP by calling 706-272-6114. Deadline is May 16.

Hamilton to offer vascular education program - May 14/15

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

DALTON, Ga.– Hamilton Medical Center will offer Dare to CARE, a free, two-part comprehensive vascular disease program focusing on early detection and education, at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 14 and at scheduled evening appointment times on Tuesday, May 15. Dare to CARE will be held at Hamilton’s Brown Conference Center.

Dr. Ian Hamilton

"When vascular disease is detected early, most strokes can be avoided," said vascular surgeon Ian Hamilton, MD, who champions Dare to CARE locally.
The first component of the program involves lectures about vascular disease given by a panel of physicians. Topics include the definition of the various types of vascular disease, causes and risks for the disease and the latest treatment options.
The screening includes a blood pressure check and non-invasive ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries, abdominal aorta and the circulation of the legs.

If a person is suspected to have vascular disease, the findings are reported to his or her primary care physician. The patient’s primary care physician then refers their patient to a vascular specialist for a thorough examination, when appropriate.
The program is offered quarterly and is free to men and women over the age of 60 and for those over 50 with vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking or family history of vascular disease.

To register for Dare to CARE call 706-272-6114. Space is limited.

The CARE acronym stands for: 
C – Carotid artery disease, the primary source of preventable deaths 
A – Abdominal aortic aneurysms, the 10th leading cause of death in men
 R – Renal artery stenosis, responsible for at least 20 percent of patients of dialysis 
E – Extremity artery disease, which affects 12 million Americans and has a mortality rate significantly higher than breast cancer

Hamilton to offer Take it to Heart program - May 8th & 12th

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

DALTON, Ga. (April 30, 2012) – Hamilton Medical Center will offer its next Take it to Heart Program on Tuesday, May 8 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 12 at scheduled times. The program includes a free cardiac risk assessment and information to help you prevent future heart problems.

Dr. Stephen Rohn

"By knowing your risk, you can take steps to avoid heart disease," said Stephen Rohn, MD, cardiologist.

Take it to Heart is a two-part program. The first part consists of an educational seminar at Hamilton’s Brown Conference Center, presented by Rohn. His presentation includes education on causes, risk and genetic factors, diet, exercise, symptoms, treatments and medications.

The second part, held at Hamilton Diagnostics Center, is a cardiac risk assessment including blood pressure, calcium scoring, lab work (total cholesterol and HDL), height, weight and a series of questions.

The information collected during the assessment is calculated into a formula that provides the participant with a risk percentage of developing heart disease in the next 10 years. Recommendations for follow up will be based on the outcome of the assessment.

This program is free and open to anyone who is not currently being treated by a cardiologist and has at least two of the following risk factors: Family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, history of smoking and being overweight.

To register for the program, Call 706-272-6114. Space is limited.

Know your risks
• Family history of heart disease
• Smoking
• High blood cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Poor response to stress
• Drinking too much alcohol

Hamilton Honors Volunteers - 2012

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Hamilton Medical Center celebrated National Volunteer Week April 15 to 21. Pictured are volunteers and Guest and Volunteer Services associates who participated in the ice cream sundae/root beer float social.

Hamilton Medical Center Volunteer Team member trivia:

• Dee Dockett cannot swim but was a performance water skier.

• Lily Dwight has 20 grandchildren.

• Julie Miller is a mountain biker and does shoe art.

• Rose Marie Tuttle was a part of a United States Tennis Association (USTA) team and went to state tournaments five years in a row.

• Barbara Lundy totaled a new Oldsmobile by colliding with an elephant on Cleveland Highway.

• Stella Bronski drives 90 miles each direction every week to volunteer at Hamilton.

• Tika Angriani speaks four languages.

• Kay Gazaway once danced with the Rocketts in New York City.

• Maria Nguyen has a passion for and takes care of turtles.

• Jean Adyha authors books for children.

• Marlene Schneider was employed by Hamilton Memorial Hospital on Waugh Street and helped “move” the hospital to its current location in 1956.

• Don Seay served as a medic in the Army.

DALTON, Ga. (April 23, 2012) – In celebration of National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) planned activities to honor its volunteers. The theme for the week was, “Food is Fun.”

Events for the week included:
• A movie in the Brown Conference Center auditorium, including popcorn and theater candy
• Love Thy Neighbor (program focusing on caring for family of patients) brunch, led by Ken Waddell, chaplain
• Potluck lunch
• Sensational Summer Salad demonstration, presented by Erica Jones, clinical dietitian at Bradley Wellness Center (demonstration included three healthy and satisfying summer salads and a cool, refreshing drink)
• Breakfast provided by HMC nursing staff
• Ice cream sundae/root beer float social

Volunteers had the chance to win door prizes at each event. Door prizes included cookbooks donated by Books Are Fun, and kitchen appliances and other items related to the “Food is Fun” theme. Each volunteer was presented with a cookbook compiled from favorite recipes submitted by volunteers.

Hamilton Hospice to hold memorial service - May 6th

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Hamilton Hospice employees surround the butterfly tree. From left are Jessica Patterson, LPN; Cyndi Washington, RN; Carol Ann Neighbors, LPN; Selena Ensley, receptionist; Jim Herman, chaplain; Carol Fitzsimmons, LCSW, social worker; Charlene Colbert, RN; and Wanda Cooper, RN.

DALTON, Ga.– Anyone who has lost a loved one is invited to attend the Hamilton Hospice Spring Memorial Service. The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, in the Brown Conference Center auditorium, located in the Burkett Building on the Hamilton Medical Center campus.

“It is an uplifting experience that we hope provides peace and closure to those who are struggling with the death of a family member or friend,” said Bo Callaway, Hospice director.

Bagpipe music will be provided by Larry Gibson, music minister at Mineral Springs United Methodist Church. Gibson is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland with the Clan Buchanan Society International.

A butterfly tree is traditionally used during the service. A barren tree is placed at the front of the auditorium, and as names are called, family members are encouraged to place a butterfly on the tree to represent the life of their loved one. The tree is slowly transformed with color and life. At the end of the service, family members are invited to take the butterflies home as a remembrance.

The memorial service is sponsored by the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hamilton Health Care System, and held each spring and fall.

Serving Whitfield, Murray, Gordon, Catoosa, Walker and Dade counties, Hamilton Hospice is an accredited, not-for-profit program providing holistic care encompassing the individual’s physical, psychosocial and spiritual well-being. For more information, call Hamilton Hospice at 706-278-2848.

BWC to host childhood obesity seminar

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Bradley Wellness Center will host “Attacking Childhood Obesity,” a free educational session for parents, on Monday, April 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. Beverly Jordan, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at White’s Pediatrics, will speak.

While parents participate in the session, children ages 5 to 12 will learn about fitness and nutrition through games and activities. Childcare will be available for ages 6 months to 4 years.

“By educating parents and children about proper nutrition and exercise, we are taking the first steps necessary to eliminate childhood weight concerns,” said Jordan. “We are excited to partner with Bradley Wellness Center to spread this important message to the families of our community.”

Jordan joined White’s Pediatrics in 2005. She attended medical school at University of Panama and completed her residency at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health in New York. She is a board certified pediatrician and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Space is limited and registration is required by April 20. Parents who bring children of any age with them must register them also. To register, please call 706-278-9355.

Hamilton to host Mother-Daughter dinner - May 10th

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT


Melinda Edgeman	Shana Whiteford

Hamilton Medical Center will host a free mother/daughter dinner for seventh- and eighth-grade girls and their mothers or female caregivers on Thursday, May 10 from 6-8 p.m. in Hamilton’s Mensa. Topics covered during the evening will be cervical cancer and other coming-of-age issues.

Melinda Edgeman, nurse practitioner and director of Hamilton’s Women’s Services, will speak on coming-of-age issues, and Shana Whiteford, director of the Hamilton Regional Cancer Institute, will speak on cervical cancer.

“It’s important for girls to know risk factors for cervical cancer, and what they can do to help prevent it,” said Whiteford.

Dinner and door prizes will be provided.

There are 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year in the United States. Early detection methods include vaginal exams, Pap tests and cervical cytology.

Please register by May 4 by calling 706-272-6114. Space is limited.

Hamilton to hold stroke support group

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Suzanne Brown, RN, MSN, clinical resource nurse for HMC will facilitate a new stroke support group.

DALTON, Ga. – Hamilton Medical Center will continue its stroke support group for patients, family members and caregivers on Tuesday, April 17 at 6 p.m. at RossWoods Adult Day Services, 1402 Walson Ave., Dalton. Suzanne Brown, RN, MSN, clinical resource nurse for Hamilton Medical Center, will facilitate.

“Stroke can be devastating, not only for the patient but also for the family and caregivers,” said Brown. “The effects can decrease the overall quality of life for survivors and their families.”

Discussion will include general stroke and support information for anyone affected by stroke, including caregivers. Stroke survivors will share their experiences.

Stroke affects men and women, with women at increased risk after menopause. Each year, approximately 795,000 people suffer from a stroke, with about 610,000 being first-time attacks.

For more information, please call Brown at 706-272-6022.

Hamilton Hospice honors veteran - Michael Hough

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Calhoun resident Michael Hough (seated) recently received the Veteran’s Recognition Award from Hamilton Hospice. Hough served three tours of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. Hough’s family is pictured with him. In the back, from left, are Michael Hough, Jr, April Hough, Sandra Hough, Patricia Neal, Nicholas Neal and Madison Hembree (child).

Hamilton Hospice honors veteran - J.T. Carroll

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Chatsworth resident J.T. Carroll, left, was recently honored with a Veteran’s Recognition Award by Hamilton Hospice. Carroll served his country in the Army during WWII. Daryl Silvers, RN, Hamilton Home Health nurse, presented the award to Carroll as they shared stories of their boot camp experiences at Fort Benning, Ga.

Hamilton Hospice honors veteran - Earnest Head

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Hamilton Hospice recently honored Dalton resident Earnest Head, left, with a Veteran’s Recognition Award. Head served in the Army Air Force during WWII. He said he proudly served his country and showed his pride through pictures and memorabilia of his and his brother’s service. Carol Fitzsimmons, right, social worker with Hamilton Hospice, presented the award to Head.