CrossFit Boone: Not just a Workout

(June 13, 2013) – Are you struggling with motivation when it comes to health, wellness and nutrition for your family? The Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center is offering a solution in CrossFit Boone.

Adam & Debra Williams pictured   here with CrossFit Coach Jay Johnson

Adam and Debra Williams, 36, live in Trade, Tenn. with their two children. The fun loving couple of 13 years realized one day that they wanted to focus on living a healthier lifestyle. Both were already Wellness Center members, so they decided to try CrossFit.

“Before, we use to head to the gym to just work out. Now, as CrossFit members, it has become a lifestyle change for us,” said Adam, President of Brushy Fork Environment Consulting. “We bend our whole schedule around making the worthwhile drive to the Wellness Center for CrossFit.”  

CrossFit Boone brings CrossFit’s training principles and methods to the high country. The premiere strength and conditioning program at the Wellness Center, CrossFit Boone is scalable and suitable for all fitness levels. The program focuses on improving health through fitness, performance and nutrition. 

Debra, a work from home artist and mom said, “I love the community of CrossFit Boone, the members have become our family in Boone. It’s a wonderful feeling to accomplish a goal and have the entire CrossFit team cheer you on.”

Jay Johnson, Wellness Center Instructor and CrossFit Boone Coach said, “The Williams are an inspiration to everyone at the Wellness Center as they both seek to implement the CrossFit principles into their daily lifestyles.”  

 

The Williams agree that coaches like Jay Johnson, are the reason why the program is so successful in improving overall wellness and coinfidence. CrossFit Boone has several coaches, with years of experience who are dedicated to improving lives through fitness. The coaches encourage participants in each part of the work-out to ensure everyone is performing the exercises with the proper form.  

 

“Jay is such a tremendous asset to the Wellness Center, and especially to CrossFit Boone,” shared Jodi Cash, Director of the Wellness Center. “He has received multiple certifications to make him an even better coach, and he truly cares about each participant as an individual.” 

 

The Wellness Center offers flexible CrossFit Boone class schedules, as well as a fundamentals class for beginners. 

 

“CrossFit Boone is for everyone and it is very welcoming, Adam continued. “It’s all about bettering yourself as we are all learning and encouraging each other.”  

  

For more information about CrossFit Boone or on how to get involved in the Wellness Center call 828-266-1060 or visit www.apprhs.org/wellnesscenter

.

 

Summer Registration for BLAST Youth Program Now Open

(June 12, 2013) – As students finish up their course work and look forward to a long summer vacation, parents are left with determining what their children will do during the summer months. The Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center offers an alternative to hours spent glued to the television this summer in its BLAST program.

Blast

 BLAST (Building, Lively, Active, Strong, Tweens) is a program offered for youth ages seven to twelve years old, Monday through Friday, from noon until 4 p.m. The summer program focuses on setting a health conscious fundamental foundation for campers in a fun, active and supportive environment. Campers can expect to have fun and learn while participating in a variety of sports, dodge ball, yoga, zumba, swimming, hiking, nutrition education and much more.

 Kris Hartley, CES, CSCS, ACLS Fitness Supervisor at the Wellness Center said, “In the BLAST program we teach students how to be active. We intentionally do not make it overly structured but rather we promote a safe, actively engaged, fun environment for campers to excel in fitness, nutrition and in social development.”

 The program, which includes an afternoon snack, offers three payment options; the weekly rate is $80, the four week rate is $275, and the price for the entire eight week program is $500.

 The BLAST program starts on Monday, June 17 and is currently welcoming new members. For more information about the program, contact Fitness Leader, Randy Azbell at 828-266-1060 or email him at razbell@apprhs.org.

 For more information on the Wellness Center visit www.apprhs.org/wellnesscenter or “like” us on Facebook at Wellness Center’s Facebook page.

Scott Eggers is Heart Healthy Thanks to The Cardiology Center

 (June 4, 2013) -Watauga County native, Scott Eggers, is heart healthy thanks to The Cardiology Center of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS).
Scott Eggers

Scott Eggers

In 2010, when Eggers went for routine blood work, he was advised to take a stress test. The results were abnormal, so he was sent to Charlotte to have a diagnostic procedure known as a heart catheterization and found an artery that was 85% blocked. A stent was placed successfully.

In December of 2012, Eggers was back at The Cardiology Center for a routine baseline stress test that is typical a year or more after a procedure. Abnormal results and his previous stent warranted a closer look. Eggers was scheduled for a diagnostic heart catheterization or heart cath the very next day. However, this time it was performed in Boone, by cardiologist, Dr. Paul Vignola.

“I like Dr. Vignola because he is very personable and explains everything to you. He respects your time and doesn’t piddle around with you. He makes sure you are well taken care of and then he is ready to move on and help someone else,” said Eggers with a smile.

Eggers shared that Dr. Vignola not only prepared him for the procedures, but helped reassure his wife and family with several personal calls during the procedure. Dr. Vignola explained the process in a very clear and concise manner. The first step is to perform a diagnostic heart cath to find out if there is a serious blockage. If there are no serious blockages or if the blockage can be treated with medication, the procedure stops. However, if it is determined during the diagnostic heart cath that there is a critical blockage, similar to the one Eggers had previously, then the procedure proceeds with repairing the blockage, if safe to do so.

“When I was in Charlotte, a few years ago, I felt more like a number as opposed to a person who was stuck lying on a gurney for hours waiting for my catheter procedure to be done,” said Eggers. “However, having this procedure at Watauga Medical Center was quite different. You are close to home, you are familiar with the hospital, you are treated with the utmost care by the staff, and they are as well trained and certified as the staff you will find down the mountain.”

Dr. Paul Vignola

Dr. Paul Vignola

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System began offering diagnostic catheterizations and angioplasty stents in November 2012. Since that time, more than 246 diagnostic heart catheterizations have been performed and 84 of those patients received stents with no serious complications.

“In 2012 when we were developing our Cardiology Service Line, the current literature demonstrated that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), was safe and effective in rural areas without cardiovascular surgical capabilities,” said Kim Bianca, Sr. VP of Clinical and Outpatient Service Lines for ARHS. “Therefore in keeping with the American College of Cardiology guidelines we moved forward with the vision to provide this life saving program for the High Country. Thanks to the support of our CEO, Richard Sparks, our Board of Trustees and our medical staff, we have very successful interventional cardiac services here in Boone.”

“I have been a doctor for 43 years in a variety of large cities, however, here in the High Country is the first time I can honestly say I feel like I am really taking care of my friends and neighbors,” Vignola continued.

After recovering from his surgery, Eggers was advised to participate in the Cardiac Rehabilitation program offered at the Wellness Center and led by Dr. Jeff Soukup, PhD, CES and Kathleen Collins RN, along with students from Appalachian State University.

Eggers admitted the scariest part of the whole process was the looming lifestyle change. Known by his friends and family as the man who does not slow down, he knew it was time to trust the Lord and his doctor with some changes in his diet, exercise and smoking habit.

“You have to trust in the Lord when he opens doors,” said Eggers. The Cardiac Rehabilitation program “has helped me immensely with my recovery and it has increased by endurance level. Everyone is supportive and the interaction with other heart and pulmonary patients is very motivating.”

With only a few more weeks until he graduates from the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, Eggers looks forward to spending more time with his family, landscaping, and playing golf and much less time worrying about his health thanks to the team of providers at The Cardiology Center.

“We are very blessed to have such a strong cardiology center available to us in the High Country,” said Eggers. “I would recommend speaking with Dr. Vignola before anyone considers having a cath or stent procedure off of the mountain.”

For more information about the Cardiology Center, call (828)-264-9664 or visit www.apprhs.org/cardiology-center.

Youth Strength & Conditioning Program Now Offered at the Wellness Center

(June 3, 2013) – Whether an athlete or not, the Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center is now offering a Youth Strength & Conditioning Program for students in grades seven through twelve. The program focuses on improving fitness, reaching athletic potential and instruction on proper weight training technique.
Wellness Coach Martin Hubner with students Will Soule, Elijah Presnell, Isaac Maling and Max Maling

Offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m. through August 23rd, the program offers participants a variety of options including individual personal training and group sessions.

“I teach my students cooperation, respect, leadership and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” said Martin Hubner, MS, CSCS, HFS, USAW, Fitness Coach for the Wellness Center’s Youth Strength and Conditioning Program.

Hubner has 5 years of experience in strength and conditioning and says “When a young person is able to reach a goal that they never thought they would, it is very rewarding not only for the student, but also to me as their coach.”

The program can assist student athletes or any student who wants to increase muscular strength and confidence.

Elijah Presnell, 14, an eighth grade student at Hardin Park said, “The Youth Strength and Conditioning Program at the Wellness Center changed my life.” Presnell, who plays on his school football and baseball team added, “Martin is the best mentor you could have, he is funny, thoughtful, and a great encourager who pushes us to do our best. Since I have started working with Martin I have become stronger, faster and my self-esteem has improved.”

Jodi Cash, Director of the Wellness Center said, “Martin is very knowledgeable and is a great motivator for these kids when it comes to promoting strength and confidence. It’s exciting to hear about the progress they make working with him.”

The Youth Strength and Conditioning Program is currently welcoming new members. For more information about the program contact Martin Hubner at 828-266-1060 or email him at mhubner@apprhs.org.

To learn more about the Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center, visit  www.apprhs.org/wellnesscenter or “like” the Wellness Center’s Facebook page.

 

 

Cardiology Center Provides Peace of Mind for Beverly Stahl

Beverly Stahl

Beverly Stahl

(May 15, 2013) – Beverly Stahl, a Michigan native and a high country resident since 2001 has found peace in the compassionate and continual care provided by The Cardiology Center of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS).

In 2006, Stahl was told that she needed to consult with an Electrophysiology Cardiologist, which was not available in the High Country at that time. Therefore, she drove off the mountain to get a pacemaker implanted. After the procedure, Stahl met Kim Denny, RN, a device clinical specialist in Boone that she now meets with regularly to get her pacemaker serviced.

“Kim is a very caring and knowledgeable person,” said Stahl. “Over time we have developed a comfortable relationship. When I ask her a question, it is like asking a friend.”

Kim Denny

Kim Denny

Denny, who has been a nurse for 22 years and has specialized in cardiology for 16 years, shared that “Beverly is a pleasure to work with; we have known each other for years. She feels like family.”

The Cardiology Center of ARHS is the only device provider in the High Country that has two registered nurse device clinic specialists. Other facilities utilize a variety of device representatives to service their patients’ devices. A local device clinician provides consistency for the patient and expertise with regards to the specific device.

In 2012, Stahl learned that she would need a new pacemaker. “When I heard that The Cardiology Center of ARHS had Dr. Hordes, I decided to have the procedure in Boone,” said Stahl.

Stahl’s cardiologist, Dr. Andrew Hordes, is an Electrophysiology Cardiologist  who has been with The Cardiology Center for a year. He has 25 years experience as a cardiologist and is ranked among the top 10 percent of cardiologists in the United States.
Andrew Hordes, MD

Andrew Hordes, MD

“Dr. Hordes is very nice. He answers my questions and I would recommend him to anyone,” said Stahl. “I am thrilled to not have to leave the mountain anymore for my healthcare concerns. ARHS and The Cardiology Center has provided a lot of peace of mind (and heart) for me and my family.”

“I love giving patients good news,” shared Hordes. “This area has needed this service (defibrillator, pacemaker, and cardiac resynchronization therapy) for a long time.”

For more information about the Cardiology Center, call (828)-264-9664 or visit https://www.apprhs.org/cardiology-center.

The Rehabilitation Center Provides Hope for Doug Rhodes

(April 26, 2013) – Doug Rhodes, a North Wilkesboro resident who retired at 48, looked forward to spending more time playing the piano and riding horses. That was until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  Doug Rhodes and Kelly Conrad, PT, DPT

Devastated by the prognosis, Rhodes found The Rehabilitation Center (TRC) at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS), to be worth the drive up the mountain. The therapists that work with Rhodes specialize in neurological disorders like Parkinsons, stroke, head injury, balance and dizziness and other conditions.

“The staff at The Rehabilitation Center specialize in neurological disorders like mine,” said Rhodes. “Other facilities do not offer this kind of treatment.”

At first, Rhodes was overcome by fear, until he met Kelly Conrad, Physical Therapist (PT, DPT).

“Kelly took the fear out of Parkinson’s for me,” Rhodes said. “She was able to explain my symptoms, and give me the knowledge base to set the foundation for therapy.”

Rhodes had weekly physical therapy appointments with Conrad that focused on education and retaining movement such as walking and getting in and out of a car. For Doug, therapy also included working on his ability to mount a horse. Conrad refers to each new skill as adding to the tool kit that provides confidence and independence.

“In addition to the targeted exercise prescribed, a huge part of neurological physical therapy is the education piece,” said Conrad. “When the patient understands how their body and movement have changed, it takes the fear out of these disorders. When we can take steps to make life better, it is very rewarding for myself and the patient.”

The Rehabilitation Center team, located at The Wellness Center and at Cannon Memorial Hospital, offers a wide variety of comprehensive multidisciplinary services including neurologic physical therapy, orthopaedics, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, women’s health, cancer rehabilitation, balance and dizziness, Lymphedema, geriatrics, pediatrics and chronic pain.

Michelle Forest, an Occupational Therapist who also works with Rhodes says, “It is wonderful to have a patient that is so excited about Occupational Therapy and makes sure to fit it into his busy schedule. It truly motivates me, as a therapist, to see such improvements in his quality of life.”

Occupational Therapy focused on the alignment of Rhodes’ fingers to assist him in playing the piano and holding onto the reigns when riding horses. Special splints were fabricated to assist with exercises that improve fine motor coordination and the strength in his hand.

The Rehabilitation Center has been able to meet Rhodes needs in every respect. He recently completed his physical therapy plan and has enrolled in the THRIVE program. THRIVE is a medically supervised exercise program at the Wellness Center that transitions participants from more acute phases of chronic disease management to wellness.

“Kelly was able to help me with her knowledge, time, encouragement and strategies. It has been about six years since my diagnosis and I’m still riding horses,” said Rhodes with a grin.

For more information about The Rehabilitation Center of ARHS, call (828) 268-9043 or visit www.apprhs.org/trc

Occupational Therapy Helps Individuals Live Life to Its Fullest

(April 25, 2013) – While April has been designated Occupational Therapy Month by the American Occupational Therapy Association, many people may not be aware of the services an occupational therapist can provide. From a holistic perspective, with the focus of adapting the environment to fit the needs of their patient, an occupational therapist and the patient become a therapy team.
Occupational Therapy (OT) services typically include:
  • Customized treatment programs to improve one’s ability to perform daily activities
  • Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
  • Performance skills assessments and treatment
  • Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training
  • Guidance to family members and caregivers.
According to Jeanne Bradshaw, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Executive Director of Rehabilitation and the Wellness Center, ARHS has a growing and talented team of Occupational Therapists.  “They work in all of our settings across the healthcare system from Acute Care and Outpatient Rehabilitation at Cannon Memorial Hospital and Watauga Medical Center to Home Health and Blowing Rock Hospital,” she said. “Where we used to have one to two OTs across the system, we now are seven to eight strong. They are making a difference in the lives of our patients, but also are making a difference to our organization, as they are integral members of the ARHS Rehabilitation team.”

For more information about Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, visit www.apprhs.org or call The Rehabilitation Center of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System in Boone at (828) 268-9043; in Linville at (828) 737-7520; at Watauga Medical Center Inpatient OT (828) 262-4173; or at Blowing Rock Hospital (828) 295-3136.

To find out more about occupational therapy and how it might help you, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Web site, www.aota.org.

Healthcare System Celebrates its volunteers during National Volunteer Week

April 22, 2013) – Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) recognizes its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 21 – 27, 2013.

Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week is focused on honoring those who provide extraordinary service through volunteerism. The week is endorsed by the President and Congress, governors, mayors, as well as corporate and community groups across the country.

In 2012, ARHS had 240 volunteers who served in 45 different job services for a total of 27,551 hours. A few of the volunteer services include, working in the activity garden, visiting patients, pastoral services, community outings, hospitality, gift shop and blood drives.

“I consider all of these amazing volunteers to be the real heart beat of our system,” said Sallie Woodring, ARHS Director of Volunteer Services and Career Pathways. “Every day they bring to our hospitals and affiliates within ARHS all of their many talents to share with our patients, staff and visitors.”

ARHS is hosting events at each hospital within the system to honor its dedicated volunteers. On Monday, April 22 Blowing Rock Hospital is providing an appreciation luncheon for its volunteers. Cannon Memorial Hospital is presenting a volunteer potluck on Thursday, April 25 and Watauga Medical Center is honoring its volunteers on Wednesday, May 8.

“They do what they do just to make a difference,” said Woodring. “Their gifts of time, talent and compassion cannot be measured monetarily but their impact can be seen and felt throughout our organization.”

For more information on volunteering at ARHS please contact Woodring at (828) 737-7538 or via email at swoodring@apprhs.org.

Smith Honored During Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Week

(April 12, 2013) – In honor of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Week, April 14-20, 2013,  Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) recognizes June Smith, RN, CWOCN. Smith is a National Board Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Registered Nurse (WOCN) and clinical manager for  The Wound Care Center of ARHS.
June Smith, RN, WOCN
June Smith, RN, CWOCN
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Week, April 14 – 20,  acknowledges these dedicated individuals who educate, research, consult and administer optimal patient health care to their community. To be eligible to participate in a WOCN-accredited nursing education program, students must be registered nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree or higher and have at least one year of experience in clinical nursing.
WOCN Week is especially meaningful to Smith as she served on the WOC Testing Committee with the National Certified Board from 2009-2012.  Smith has been invited to present a poster at the National WOC Nurse Conference in Seattle, Washington.
“To be a part of this nationally recognized group is very rewarding and to be honest, it’s the most fun job I have ever had,” Smith said. “If I can help an Ostomy patient go from denial to acceptance, or help a wound patient heal, or conduct research to educate patients on prevention, I am very fulfilled.”
Smith, a native of Goldsboro N.C., has 24 years of experience working in Home Health and as a WOCN, 14 of which were with ARHS serving patients in the High Country.
“June is the heart of the wound center team. Her dedication, knowledge, compassion and experience make her a treasure to have as the clinical manager of wound care for the healthcare system,” said Toni Gault, Director of Post Acute Services at ARHS.
The Wound Care Center, located at 169 Doctors Drive in Boone, provides compression treatment, negative pressure wound therapy, wound irrigation and debridement, therapeutic wound care modalities and Ostomy pre-op education, Stoma marking and post-op care.
Smith shared that she “wants to educate our community on how the Wound Care Center can help those patients in need of wound or ostomy care and be an asset to the community with advanced wound modalities, like Total Contact Casting.” Total Contact Casting is a casting technique that helps heal diabetic foot ulcers. Smith continued, “I love working with patients and I view each day as a new opportunity to make a difference.”
For more information about the Wound Care Center and its new location, call (828) 262-9520 or visit www.apprhs.org/wound-care-center.

Moore Young Dietitian of the Year

(April 3, 2013) -”Back to back” is a phrase not uncommon to those that live in Boone, North Carolina. Though “back to back” is generally associated with football in the High Country, it can now be associated with North Carolina Dietetic Association (NCDA) Award winners.

Paul Moore
Paul Moore

Paul Moore, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D was awarded the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year for the NCDA at its Annual Meeting on March 16-18, 2013 in Pinehurst, NC. This comes a year after Paul was awarded the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year, the state’s highest recognition for the NCDA, in 2012.

Each year, the NCDA recognizes the contributions of some of the most outstanding individuals in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Award categories include: Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year, Recognized Dietetic Technician of the Year, Outstanding Dietetics Student, Emerging Leader in Dietetics, Outstanding Dietetics Educator, and Outstanding Dietitian of the Year.

Paul is currently the assistant director for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System’s Wellness Center and an adjunct instructor in the College of Health Sciences at Appalachian State University.

The NCDA is a state affiliate for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, formerly the American Dietetic Association. The NCDA has approximately 2,000 members comprised of Registered Dietitians, dietetic technicians registered, students, and other professionals in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has more than 70,000 members and is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

To find more information about the North Carolina Dietetic Association, visit www.eatrightnc.org. For more information on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, visit, www.eatright.org.

To learn more about the Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center, visit  www.apprhs.org/wellnesscenter or “like” the Wellness Center’s Facebook page.