Executive Director of Memorial Health Foundation, Jarrett Stull, expresses his gratitude for the community’s support for this monumental event. “The support we received from the community this year has been truly inspiring,” says Stull. “This event exceeded all expectations, yet again, and we’re deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to its success. Every dollar raised directly impacts the lives of local cancer patients at the Cancer Center.”

The Roaring Twenties Fashion Show spotlighted individuals who are currently facing, or have bravely faced, a cancer diagnosis. Many of the models have returned to the runway for another year, generously lending their time and spirit to support Memorial Health Foundation’s mission to provide essential funds for patients in need. 

As the Fashion Show celebrates its 20^th year, Memorial Health Foundation honors two decades of generosity—raising more than $1 million to support patients in hospice care (during the show’s first six years) and those facing cancer. The event also recognized Susie Casto and Kay Maidens, the original creators of the Fashion Show, for their vision and dedication.

The event was a powerful reflection of Memorial Health Foundation’s commitment to delivering exceptional care—regardless of financial circumstances. Not only did the evening raise vital funds for the Cancer Center Patient Emergency and Breast Health Initiatives, but it also united the community in a shared promise of hope, healing, and support for those affected by cancer.

To contribute to Memorial Health Foundation or to learn more about how you can help, you can visit mhsystem.org/Give or contact Memorial Health Foundation at (740) 374-4913.

In this episode, one parent shares their personal journey navigating the world of autism. From common misconceptions to the process of getting an autism diagnosis, they open up about the challenges and obstacles they’ve faced. They also discuss the importance of educating children about autism and their hopes for a more inclusive, accepting society. Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation on understanding and embracing autism.

Memorial Health Foundation has reached new heights in philanthropy, community engagement, and healthcare support! From record-breaking Giving Tuesday donations to the highly anticipated groundbreaking of the new Women and Children’s Hospital, each initiative strengthened the Foundation’s mission to enhance healthcare access and patient support in the region. As we reflect on this remarkable year, we celebrate the generosity of donors, the dedication of healthcare professionals, and the unwavering commitment to improving lives.

Giving Tuesday was a monumental event, raising $398,544 with the help of 250 generous donors. The day included ‘Power Hours’ and matching gift challenges sponsored by local organizations like Morrison, Inc., Marietta Welfare League, and Peoples Bank. A surprise $100,000 donation from Tri-State Roofing & Sheet Metal Company and Spartan Foundation set a record at the largest, single gift ever received on Giving Tuesday.

The 19^th Annual Fashion Show: Havana Nights, presented by Eramet, was a sold-out success, raising a record-breaking $132,000 to support the Foundation’s Breast Health and Cancer Emergency Patient Initiatives. The funds assist with transportation, mammogram screenings, dental care, and other essential needs. In early 2024 alone, 68 patients had already received over $17,000 in assistance.

The Annual Golf Outing held on May 17^th raised nearly $60,000 with 28 teams participating. Funds were allocated to internal grants for patientcare projects, including a pediatric simulator and an exoskeleton for mobility therapy.

The Calm Room Initiative, inspired by nurse residency participants and supported by Memorial Health Foundation, was launched to provide healthcare workers with a serene space to recharge amidst their demanding work schedules. The room aims to improve employee well-being, reduce stress, and boost patient care quality.

The Mothman Harley-Davidson Teddy Bear Run, held on June 15^th, collected 155 teddy bears and stuffed animals for the Teddy Bear Initiative. This initiative provides stuffed animals to patients needing extra comfort during their healthcare journeys.

Fund Run Glow attracted over 160 participants and raised $10,000 for essential healthcare programs, including support for stroke and brain injury rehabilitation, diabetes education, and bariatric exercise programs.

A historic Groundbreaking Event for the Women and Children’s Hospital was held on October 8^th, 2024, with over 700 guests in attendance. The new 66, 246-square-foot facility will feature a level II NICU, private delivery rooms, specialty care services, and more. It is expected to support over400,000 patients annually and allow 85% of NICU infants to remain close to their families.

The event also marked the public launch of the Together Campaign, a five-year, $50 million initiative aimed at transforming healthcare access and services in Southeast Ohio. With $36.27 million already raised, the campaign calls on community members to contribute to reaching the $50 million goal by December 2027.

This fiscal year, the Foundation also introduced Expressions of Gratitude, a platform for patients and families to thank healthcare providers, fostering stronger bonds between the community and Memorial Health System.

Through these events and initiatives, Memorial Health Foundation showcased its unwavering dedication to enhancing healthcare services, supporting patients and staff, and fostering community engagement in region.

Learn more

To learn more about Memorial Health Foundation’s impact in our community, visit mhsystem.org/AnnualReport. 

 Brenda Paden remembers the moment vividly: a sharp “twinge” in her right side, a sensation she initially chalked up to heartburn. But when her heart began racing, a sense of unease crept in. On the advice of her intuition and the glowing reviews she’d heard from friends, she visited the Belpre Emergency Department (ED). Little did she know that decision would change her life.

Tests at the ED revealed something far more serious than heartburn—Brenda was experiencing a heart attack. Though she felt “fairly normal,” providers quickly recognized the severity of her condition. She was transferred by ambulance to Marietta Memorial Hospital (MMH), where her care team sprang into action. Brenda’s diagnosis revealed three blocked arteries, including a complete blockage in her “widowmaker” artery. Initially, the plan was to place a stent. But during the procedure, it became clear that a more extensive intervention was necessary: open-heart surgery.

“It was overwhelming at first, but I had no fear of anything the medical team was doing to me because everything was explained so well,” Brenda shares.

“The nurses, especially Brandi and Angela, made sure I understood every single step, and Dr. Cousins saved my life. He didn’t just fix my heart; he told me to find my purpose and go live.”

Cardiothoracic surgeon Geoffrey R. Cousins, MD, FACS shares his thoughts on her experience, saying, “Brenda’s story shows the power of early intervention and expert care. Her recovery is exactly why we do what we do—help patients regain their health and purpose.”

Brenda’s care journey at MMH was marked by what she calls “above and beyond excellence.” From the compassionate nurses to the attentive housekeeping staff, everyone played a role in her recovery. Brenda’s care team became central figures in her story, and she fondly recalls how her nurse Jana not only explained medical procedures in detail but also ensured her husband was well-informed and comforted during her stay.

After her successful surgery, Brenda began the slow but steady journey of recovery. Now, four months post-surgery, she is thriving. She shares that she feels better than she has in years— sleeping through the night, eating well, and finally feeling like herself again. With her renewed energy and health, Brenda is already looking forward to getting back to activities she loves, like mowing in the spring, walking around the mall with friends, and bicycling through town once the weather warms up.

Brenda expresses, “I am so grateful for the incredible care I received right here in my own community. Knowing I had such compassionate and skilled providers by my side made all the difference in my recovery.” She admires the quality of the treatment, reflecting on how fortunate she was to have access to world-class cardiac care without the need to travel. For Brenda, Memorial Health System transformed one of the scariest moments of her life into a powerful story of hope and healing.

Today, Brenda is committed to giving back. She’s exploring ways to volunteer and support Memorial Health Foundation. She would love to fill her evenings with helping others and giving back in her own way. Brenda wants to be there for others, just as her team was there for her.

“I will be forever grateful for the outstanding care that I was provided with from an amazing staff of kindhearted people who kept me informed each step of the way,” she shares.

“Questions, and I had many, were always answered along with a clear understanding of what each procedure would be. I felt as if I had my own cheering section as I was encouraged daily with the phrase ‘You’ve got this!’ Upon discharge, I was prepared and fully ready to step into this new chapter of my life thanks to a great group of health professionals.”

Acute ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is reduced or completely cut off. When blood flow to the brain stops completely or is significantly reduced from normal circulation, brain cells begin to die, and the parts of the body controlled by those areas of the brain are then affected. This is why a stroke can cause difficulties with functions such as speaking, walking, memory, and other physical and cognitive abilities.

There are some potentially treatable stroke risk factors, some being lifestyle factors, and others being medical risk factors.

Lifestyle Risk Factors

• Being overweight or obese

• Physical inactivity

• Heavy or binge drinking

• Use of illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine

Medical Risk Factors

• High blood pressure

• Cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart defects, heart infection, or irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation)

• Personal or family history of stroke or heart attack

Other Factors

• Age – People 55 years of age or older are more likely to experience a stroke

• Race or ethnicity – African American and Hispanic individuals are at higher risk for stroke

• Sex – Men are at a higher risk of having a stroke, though women are typically older when they have strokes and experience higher fatality rates

• Hormones – Birth control pills and other hormone therapies with estrogen increase stroke risk

Acute ischemic stroke is the most common type, accounting for approximately 87% of all strokes. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often called “mini-strokes,” are milder versions. Other types of strokes include hemorrhagic strokes and cryptogenic strokes. 

Most Common Types of Strokes

Acute ischemic stroke (approximately 87% of all strokes) – Caused by a blockage of an artery (or, more rarely, a vein), which prevents blood flow to the brain.

There are two main types of ischemic stroke:

• Thrombotic stroke – Caused by a blood clot that forms within the blood vessels of the brain
• Embolic stroke – Caused by a blood clot or plaque debris that forms elsewhere in the body and travels to the brain through the bloodstream
• Hemorrhagic stroke (approximately 13% of all strokes) – Caused by bleeding when a weakened blood vessel ruptures.

There are two main types of hemorrhagic stroke:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage – Bleeding from the blood vessels within the brain
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage – Bleeding in the space between the brain and the membranes covering it

Other Types of Strokes

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) – Often called a “mini-stroke,” which causes a temporary period of symptoms like a stroke but does not cause permanent damage. Even though symptoms may disappear, you should still seek emergency care with a TIA!

Time = BRAIN

Every type of stroke is considered a medical emergency as swift medical attention is crucial to achieve the best quality of life possible post-stroke. This is why it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke as soon as possible.

Memorial Health System (MHS) has adopted the B.E. F.A.S.T. method for noticing the signs and symptoms of a stroke emergency:

B – Balance Loss; loss of balance or dizziness

E – Eyesight Change; sudden vision loss in one or both eyes

F – Face Drooping; one side of the face droops or is numb

A – Arm Weakness; one arm (or leg) is weak or numb

S – Speech Difficulty; slurring of speech, inability to speak, difficulty understanding

T – Time to Call 9-1-1; even if the symptoms go away, call for an ambulance! 

With stroke being the fifth leading cause of death in Ohio, and the sixth in West Virginia, our region sees an even higher rate of stroke above the national average. At Memorial Health System, our mission is to ensure that our community receives the best care possible for all their healthcare needs, especially for life-altering health emergencies such as having a stroke. And while stroke is not something that is often expected, MHS Neurologist, Neurohospitalist, and Stroke Director, Daniel E. O’Connell, MD, MPH makes certain that patients are treated with the leading therapies of stroke care innovation.

About Daniel E. O’Connell, MD, MPH

A native of Worthington, Ohio, with deep roots in the Mid-Ohio Valley, Dr. O’Connell joined Memorial Health System in 2022 and later became the medical director for the Stroke Program in 2023. He earned his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, before attending medical school at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois. He then obtained a Master’s of Public Health from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. His medical internship was completed at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. He went on to complete his neurology residency and fellowship at University of California – Irvine (UCI) in Irvine, California, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in Los Angeles, California, respectively.

Dr. O’Connell was honored with the Stroke Care Excellence Award by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association while still a second-year neurology resident in Orange County, California. Additionally, he serves as a U.S. Air Force Flight Surgeon in the military reserves. Memorial Health System is incredibly proud to welcome him back to the region as an experienced and very active board-certified neurologist to help care for our inpatient and outpatient stroke service needs.

“When it comes to treating acute ischemic stroke, clot buster medicines are a significant advantage. For years, the most common therapy for eligible patients presenting with symptoms of a stroke has been tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This tPA is a type of medication produced through recombinant DNA technology that works to destroy a blood clot and restore blood flow to the brain. It is administered through an IV and can be given up to 4.5 hours after someone first shows symptoms.

Now, advances in medicine have brought forth a different therapy that is becoming the new standard of care—tenecteplase (TNKase). Like tPA, TNKase is a clot buster medication used for acute ischemic stroke, with the major logistical advantage that it can be given over a single IV push within five seconds, as opposed to tPA which requires just over an hour’s time to fully administer. The faster route of administration, without sacrificing safety or effectiveness, has been well received. Our team is proud to report that as of June 2024, MHS nursing and pharmacy staff have fully integrated TNKase already to the benefit of many of our patients coming in from both Ohio and West Virginia.”

The Shift from tPA to TNKase
We have successfully shifted to using TNKase in our Emergency Departments for patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke who meet the appropriate criteria. Now seen as the preferred therapy option, TNKase aligns with both clinical evidence and care efficiency.

Clinical Superiority
Recent studies comparing the medicines have demonstrated equal or superior outcomes with TNKase. Differences have been most notable in the rate of clot resolution, as determined through imaging, and the patient’s clinical recovery.

Efficiency in Care
Administering TNKase as a single IV push reduces treatment complexity and potential delays of care. This is especially important in stroke care because every second saved can prevent irreversible damage.

Aligning with National Trends
Many leading stroke programs nationwide have already adopted TNKase as the preferred method of treating stroke. By also aligning with this practice, we continue to remain at the forefront of stroke care innovation for our community, providing the best possible care right here at home.

More on TNKase
TNKase works similar in function as previous therapy with tPA. Both medicines work by dissolving the blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain during a stroke and thereby restores circulation and minimizes brain damage. The key difference between the two medicines is that TNKase is made to specifically bind the primary protein in blood clots, which has now proven to have greater benefit in treating stroke symptoms while preserving safety.

Another major advantage of TNKase is the method in which it is administered to patients. Unlike tPA, TNKase can be given without a maintenance IV infusion, hence its preferred choice in the busy emergency setting.

As outlined by Dr. O’Connell, TNKase therapy is the latest evidence-based practice for treating stroke. With this, patients can expect:

• Faster treatment – streamlined administration to ensure quicker delivery of care in emergencies
• Improved outcomes – beyond speed of administration, a growing number of studies further indicate enhanced quality of life post-stroke with no increased risk associated with TNKase usage

For longtime Mid-Ohio Valley resident, Leroy “Butch” Hawkins, scouting is a way of life.

A dedicated member of the Boy Scouts of America since he was nine years old, Leroy has spent decades in the service of his community. Throughout that time, he has been a guiding hand to countless young men—positively impacting them as they do good in their communities and become leaders among their peers. As a celebrated member and longtime advisor within the troop at the Norwood United Methodist Church of Marietta, Leroy, now 85 years “young,” contributes his continued energy and high spirits to his time with the scouts.

“It’s something that I’ve always really enjoyed,” he shares, “and it’s probably what’s kept me healthy for so long!”

From water skiing and camping to hiking and attending national Boy Scout Jamborees, Leroy has enjoyed an incredibly active life filled with adventures that have taken him all around the United States. So when he started to have issues with pain in his knee and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis about six years ago, Leroy knew that seeking quality orthopedic care was the key to keeping him doing the things he loved.

“My knee had been giving me problems for a while, but I had just been living with it,” Leroy explains. “I’d go on hikes and halfway through I’d be hurting pretty badly, so knew I needed to do something, or I’d have to quit.”

Considered “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis with an estimated 80% of individuals over the age of 55 being affected with the condition. It occurs when the protective cushioning between an individual’s joints wears down over time, ultimately causing the joints to begin rubbing bone on bone. Patients with osteoarthritis, like Leroy, experience a range of symptoms including joint pain, joint stiffness, loss of function, limited range of motion, and pain with motion. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are multiple treatment options available to patients including over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, supplements, physical therapy, and in extreme cases, surgery. Knowing that he needed expert care from a trusted group of providers, Leroy turned to John Henry, MD.

An orthopedic surgeon with First Settlement Orthopaedics (FSO) at Memorial Health System, Dr. Henry has been a staple in the community for decades and is an expert in his field. At this time, Leroy had been working in maintenance for FSO in their surgical center for several years, so he was incredibly familiar with the team. That familiarity and friendship made his decision to have Dr. Henry assume his care an incredibly easy one—Leroy not only knew that he was in exceptional hands as far as experience went but also had a steady trust in those caring for him.

“Leroy had been with us for a while when he started to experience pain,” states Dr. Henry, “and we knew how important his independence and ability to participate in scouts was to his overall health, so we wanted to get him taken care of quickly.”

When asked about the friendship that already existed between him and his care team, Leroy was all jokes and smiles as he chatted about the easy banter and teasing that goes on during his appointments. “Oh, Dr. Henry is always telling me that I must just be getting old,” laughs Leroy, “but for this, he kept warning me that I was probably going to need surgery on my knee.”

Dr. Henry started treating Leroy’s osteoarthritis with steroid injections to the affected area to help reduce pain by decreasing the inflammation in and around the joint. While this did help with the pain for a short amount of time, it eventually became apparent that his condition required a more intensive solution, and Leroy was soon scheduled for a total knee replacement.

Commonly used to relieve pain caused by arthritis-related joint damage, a total knee replacement involves replacing damaged bone and cartilage with parts made of metal and plastic, ultimately creating an artificial knee joint for the patient.

“Leroy is an active guy, and a total knee replacement was a great option for him,” shares Dr. Henry. “It’s a fairly routine procedure and the artificial joint can last for up to 15-20 years—the perfect solution for someone like Leroy who wanted to keep going out and doing what he enjoys.”

Reflecting on his time in their care, Leroy had nothing but glowing remarks. “Everyone at the clinic was so good to me, they are some of the best people I know,” Leroy shares. “They took the time to explain everything—what was gonna happen before and during surgery, and what was gonna happen afterward— something that a lot of people don’t get with their healthcare.”

After his procedure, Leroy was dedicated to physical therapy, determined to return to his active lifestyle. “I used to outwalk all my scouts,” he jokes, “but now they can keep up with me on hikes!”

Since his total knee replacement, Leroy has also seen Dr. Henry and his team for a total shoulder replacement after rupturing his rotator cuff while roughhousing with his scouts—something that he shares with a smile and a joke when recounting his recovery.

“Dr. Henry had the easy job of cutting into me,” he teases, “but I’m all good now. Can’t throw a football like I used to, but definitely good!”

Today, Leroy is back to doing what keeps him young. He never misses a Tuesday scout meeting, is always willing to lend a helping hand, and still meets up with Dr. Henry—sometimes just to catch up over donuts.

“I’m not as good as I used to be,” Leroy shares with a grin, “but I can still do the things I love!”

What exactly is osteoporosis—how would you explain a diagnosis to a patient who has never heard of this condition?  
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture. It is considered a “silent disease” because it does not hurt, meaning that many people do not realize that they have osteoporosis until after they break a bone from a minor fall.

Is osteoporosis common?
Osteoporosis is quite common. It differs across sexes, with 1 in 2 women aged 50 or greater suffering from an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime and 1 in 4 men over the age of 50 suffering from the same.

In 2025, it is estimated there will be 3,000,000 osteoporotic fractures—so I would definitely say that it is common.

If a patient suspects that they may have osteoporosis, what should their next steps be? Their next step should be to get a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan and labs. A DEXA scan is an imaging test that measures bone density strength by using very low levels of X-rays to measure how dense your bones are. The results provide helpful details about a patient’s risk for osteoporosis and future fracture.

Some of the labs that may be obtained are the following: complete metabolic panel, vitamin D level, parathyroid hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, urine for calcium, testosterone level, and bone markers.

Are there risk factors that can increase your chances of developing osteoporosis? 
There are many risk factors associated with developing osteoporosis, including sex (women are more likely to be diagnosed than men), age, prior fracture, low bone mineral density, parental history of hip fracture, low body weight, immobilization, excessive alcohol intake, tobacco smoking, glucocorticoid (steroid hormone) use, and rheumatoid arthritis.

When evaluating your risk of osteoporosis, fragility fractures or a recent fracture of a major skeletal site in adults greater than 50 years of age should be considered a warning sign of low bone mineral density or osteoporosis, and further investigation should be considered.

When diagnosed with osteoporosis, what are the patient’s next steps?
Once diagnosed, the patient should consider immediate treatment for osteoporosis. This may involve medications along with lifestyle changes such as regular weight-bearing balance exercises, avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and fall prevention courses/physical therapy—you want to do your best to prevent future bone fractures.

Whether you need attention for a persistent injury or require a major joint replacement, you deserve expert care that gets you back to doing what you love. With access to leading-edge technology and experience with advanced procedures, our nationally recognized orthopedic team is here to help you regain your strength, mobility, and confidence—all while staying close to home.

Most of us have heard we should get more exercise, but have you ever actually thought about all the things you could lose if you moved more?

Here are a “few” things you might not have to worry about as much when you start moving your body more often:

• Excess weight and body fat (burning more calories)
• Joint stiffness and pain (lubricate joints and loosen muscles)
• High blood pressure (heart pumps more efficiently)
• High blood sugar (glucose is used for movement instead of being stored)
• Brain fog (think more clearly)
• Muscle atrophy (build muscle with strength training)
• Injury risk (muscle function and strength improve)
• Instability and risk of falls (improve balance and coordination)
• Anxiety and depression (massive stress reducer)
• Risk of nearly all chronic diseases, including cancer (great bang for your buck)

Decades of research have shown that we benefit most when we move regularly throughout the day, every day of the week. Does that mean vigorous activity all day long? Of course not! It means sitting less, moving your joints through their natural and full range of motion, and breaking up prolonged periods of sedentary behavior.

Studies indicate that we should strive for some type of movement every 20 minutes we are awake. That could mean taking a walk around the office after you’ve returned five emails or getting up to refill your water cup during TV commercials. Maybe you get out of the car and do five jumping jacks before you head into church! Any movement counts, and the more you do, the better you feel.

So how do you begin? Slowly, but consistently. You don’t have to jump into a 30-minute exercise routine on day one. Consider an abbreviated version; what can you do for two minutes? What feels attainable based on your current level of activity and overall health?

If you’re a beginner or don’t have an established exercise routine, try adding a little bit of movement onto something you already do every day, like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. Combining a current habit with the new behavior you’re trying to adopt is one strategy to maximize your chances of success. You can gradually work up to longer bouts of movement over time.

To get started, try this simple, two minute routine while your morning coffee brews:

Standing march – 30 seconds. Stand up tall, hold onto your kitchen counter for balance, and alternate lifting your knees up one at a time.

Arm circles – 30 seconds. Start small and slowly make the circles bigger as your arms loosen up.

Heel raises – 30 seconds. Hold onto the kitchen counter again for balance, and raise up and down on your toes slowly, working the ankles and lower leg muscles.

Sit to stand – 30 seconds. Start sitting in a stable chair, stand up, and sit back down, using the arms of the chair to assist if needed.

Daily movement done regularly throughout the day is one of the best and simplest ways to improve your overall quality of life. So, get up and get moving! What have you got to lose?

Your Health, Our Community Priority

Discover our Community Health and Wellness programs, designed to bring essential health and wellness resources directly to you. From free screenings to wellness programs, we’re here to support your journey to better health. Join us in building a healthier community for all!

Visit mhsystem.org/CommunityHealth for more information. 

Flu, COVID, and other respiratory illnesses are a major concern right now. What trends are Emergency Departments currently seeing?

“All of our Emergency Departments—including those in Athens, Belpre, Marietta, and Sistersville—are seeing a significant increase in patients with respiratory illnesses, especially flu and COVID. Many people are experiencing symptoms that range from mild to severe, and our emergency teams are working as hard as they can to ensure we’re providing the care to those who need it most, whether that be the more severe cases of respiratory illnesses or other life-threatening conditions.”

What are the best ways to prevent illness in the first place?

“Prevention is key from any respiratory illness, including the flu and COVID cases we are overwhelmed with currently. Getting the flu vaccination each year, washing your hands as much as possible, covering your coughs and sneezes, wearing a mask in public if you have symptoms, and staying home if you’re sick. These may seem like simple things to do, but helping to reduce the spread of illness and protecting others from it are the best options we have.”

If someone feels sick, what are the best treatment options?

“Rest and hydration, at home, are the first steps. If symptoms continue but are not as severe, we encourage patients to schedule with their primary care provider or visit our Physicians Care Express locations for evaluation and treatment. Seeking care in the right places helps prevent unnecessary emergency department visits. The last thing anyone wants when they feel unwell is to be waiting in a waiting room, but with surges such as this—and other unpredictable emergency care cases—the wait can be long.”

When should someone seek emergency care for a respiratory illness?

“Emergency care is necessary for severe or life-threatening symptoms. These illnesses are brutal, and Emergency Departments can often be the only option available when urgent care locations or primary care providers aren’t available; however, that doesn’t always mean it’s the best option for care. Now if you or someone else are experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, or a high fever lasting more than three days—especially one that spikes at 103°F or more, it’s time to go to the Emergency Department.”

Any additional advice for the community?

“Stay proactive with prevention and take the appropriate steps when seeking care. Stay
home, rest, and hydrate. If you need further care, Physicians Care Express or a primary care provider. If you have life-threatening symptoms, go to the Emergency Department. By working together, we can keep everyone safe and our care streamlined.”