February 2015 Blogs | Catawba Valley Health System

Help Your Child Have a Healthier New Year

“The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” said Jeff Neal, DO of Catawba Valley Cardiology. “But parents, the good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented!” This New Years, Dr. Neal challenges you to ...

4 Heart Healthy Resolutions for Women in 2016

“Heart disease was once considered only a man’s problem,” says Whitney Patterson, nurse practitioner at Catawba Valley Cardiology. But according to the American Medical Association (AMA) , cardiovascular disease is also the #1 killer of women. For a long time it was thought that women were not as susceptible to heart disease as men. The initial results of an ongoing study, ...

Primary Care Provider - Your Best Source of Preventative Care

“Many of the diseases and health conditions that men face can be prevented — or treated if they are found early,” explains Benjamin Goodman, MD at Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Sandy Ridge. Dr. Goodman stresses how vital it is for men to visit their PCP, “The Men’s Health Network reports that men die at higher rates than women for the top 10 causes of death. ...

My Story: How Workouts and a Positive Attitude Keep Jack Lail Alive

“It was 25 years ago that doctors first told me that I have a non-curable, non-treatable progressive neurological condition called Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disorder,” said Hickory resident Jack Lail, 76. “After that, I can’t remember what else was said or what happened. What I can remember is that a fierce determination developed in my mindset and I started thinking about ...

Weightloss - How to Choose The Right Way

0 0 0 0 So you’ve made the commitment to lose weight in the new year, but you’re not quite sure where to start? CVMC can help. Talk with your health care provider. Weight control, diet and physical activity may not be addressed during a general office visit, so have questions prepared. For example: What is a healthy weight for me? Do I need to lose weight? How much weight should I ...

Abnormal Pap. Now What?

According to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, for over 50 years, routine use of the Pap test to screen for cervical cancer has reduced deaths from the disease by more than 70%. A Pap test is a standard way healthcare providers can check to see if there are any changes in the cervix that might cause concern. The Pap test involves looking at a sample of cells from the cervix under a ...

What Seniors Get from Giving Back

Seniors, when it comes to volunteering later in life, those who give also receive. The Corporation for National and Community Service has found that volunteering provides a multitude of benefits such as: An increase in social networks as you get out and interact with others. This type of social engagement has been proven to reduce stress and build self-confidence. A more physically active ...

CVMC Earns 'Top Performer on Key Quality Measures' Recognition from The Joint Commission

HICKORY, NC – November 18, 2015 – Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) announced today that it has been recognized as a 2014 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures ® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in the United States. CVMC was recognized as part of The Joint Commission’s 2015 annual report “America’s Hospitals: ...

Women Can Influence Loved Ones' Diabetes During Holidays

If you have diabetes, this holiday season can be extra challenging. Winter months seem to be packed with holidays and high calorie food. It is the season for family gatherings, holiday parties, and comfort foods, which provide ample opportunities to stray from a healthy diet and exercise regimen. But have no fear; there are ways you can celebrate the holidays without diabetes spoiling your cheer. ...

Wash Your Paws for Santa Claus

Tis’ the season for giving – but lets make sure what we’re giving isn’t a cold or the flu. “We want everyone to enjoy the holidays so now is a good time to remind your children the importance of keeping their hands clean at home and on the go,” says Kayla Hefner, CVMC Child Health and Safety Specialist. “School holiday parties and multiple visits to sit on ...

Ladies, Your Purse May be a Problem

Does a long day of shopping leave you with aches, pains and a horrible headache? It might be more than just the stress of finding that last minute gift or having to fight the holiday crowd, your purse may be the real culprit. “What many don’t realize is that the pressure from the weight of their purse and the shift in posture from carrying that weight, can lead to headaches, neck, ...

5 Tips Road Warriors Can Learn From the Healthy Handbook for Truckers

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ( NIOSH ), there are over 7 million commercial truck drivers on the highways in America. Because the demands of a truck driver’s job typically involves irregular schedules, long hours, little physical activity, limited access to healthy foods, and stress, this population is categorized as one of the most unhealthy ...

Great Grandparenting Basics

A lot has changed in newborn care over the last few decades. From tummy time to safe sleeping (back only), and infant CPR to car seat safety, there are some important updates in infant care best practices that contemporary grandparents should know. As an experienced grandmother of three, CVMC Health First Operations Specialist, Ella Thompson enjoys sharing her experiences and connecting other ...

Stand Up for Better Health

If your job requires you to be in front of a computer, by the phone or behind a desk, chances are you spend a lot of time sitting. In fact the average office worker spends over 5 1/2 hours sitting every day. Studies show that people who live a chair-oriented, sedentary lifestyle are at higher risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even some types of cancer. Researchers are now saying ...

Family Nurse Practitioner Penny Matlock Joins CVFM - South Hickory

HICKORY, NC – Feb 9, 2015 – Catawba Valley Medical Group (CVMG) announced today that Penny Matlock, NP-C, has joined its experienced team of providers at the Catawba Valley Family Medicine – South Hickory practice on Startown Road. Matlock is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner who earned her Post-Master’s Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner from Duke University in ...

CVMC First in State to Implant Lower Risk Drug-Eluting Heart Stent

HICKORY, NC – November 2, 2015 – Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) has become the first hospital in North Carolina to offer patients a new drug-eluting heart stent that aims to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of long-term complications. The first stent was implanted at CVMC Thursday, October 29th at the hospital in a minimally-invasive procedure performed by ...

Learn About Developing a Benefits Package that Improves Recruiting and Retention

HICKORY, NC – October 21, 2015 – Catawba Medical Foundation (CMF), the philanthropic arm of Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC), will hold its bi-annual Business and Health Council Wednesday, October 28 at 4:30 pm in AHEC 112 on CVMC’s campus located at 810 Fairgrove Church Road in Hickory. The event is an educational and interactive opportunity for community business leaders to ...

How a Parent-Teen Driving Contract Can Minimize Worry and Maximize Safety

Most teens look forward to the freedom driving provides and parents are often equally as excited to watch their son or daughter grow up to face new experiences and challenges. However, along with this excitement, there is an element of worry. Parents know that driving can be fun, that it can be liberating, but that it can also be dangerous. Car accidents remain the leading cause of death among ...

Feeling SAD?

Does colder weather and dark shorter days leave you feeling sad? If so, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). “SAD is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern,” explains Julia Alexander, PA-C, of Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Southeast Catawba. “Usually we see symptoms begin in the late fall, as days become shorter, growing more severe ...

Ditch the Razor to 'Shave Lives'

If you’ve noticed more men sporting beards than usual this month, it’s not just a trend. “It’s called ‘Movember’ or ‘ No-Shave November’ ,” explains Brian Kirby, CVMC’s Director of Oncology/Nephrology and Infusion Services. “Men commit to growing out their facial hair during the month of November to raise awareness for a variety of ...

Lymphedema Management: What Every Women with Cancer Should Know

Lymphedema is a very common and serious condition that affects at least 3 million Americans. It occurs when the lymphatic system becomes insufficient and is unable to perform its normal functions. The result is an abnormal accumulation of water and proteins, primarily under the first layer of skin tissue. While lymphedema is most commonly present in the extremities, it may also affect the trunk, ...

My Story - Emma Goodnight Outsmarted Diabetes

“I was absolutely shocked to learn that I have diabetes,” said Emma Goodnight of Mountain View. It was late Summer 2014 and she had just switched primary care providers. So, after her first appointment with Dr. Jason Kihneman at Catawba Valley Medical Group – West Mountain View, she found herself feeling overwhelmed and crying as she drove to the pharmacy to fill her new ...

Shining a Light on Lung Cancer

“We know that lung cancer is killing more Americans than any other form of the disease,” said Susan Knowles, MSN, RN-BC CVMC Oncology Nurse Navigator. “Detecting cancer early has proven to increase survival chances by as much as 20% and we hope these reduced cost CT lung screenings will help save lives.” CVMC is offering a number of early detection and awareness programs ...

New Provider Joins Catawba Valley Cardiology

HICKORY, NC – October 9, 2015 — Catawba Valley Medical Group (CVMG) announced today the addition of Family Nurse Practitioner, Whitney Patterson to Catawba Valley Cardiology, its specialty practice treating a broad spectrum of heart conditions. “Whitney will help us meet the growing needs of heart patients in the area with greater access to evaluate, treat and manage general and ...

Former Patients Celebrate Progress & Hard Work of Staff

Our former rehab patients made the front page and CVCM is named one of the best stroke centers in the U.S. Click these articles to find out why. As seen in Hickory Daily Record on October 1, 2015.