Kurt Koehler is passionate about the pool, “Teaching kids brings me joy,” says Kurt. But years of swimming began to take a toll on this high school swim coach. What began as a slight “twinge” at night soon became unbearable.
“Last year it got really bad–I couldn’t swim, it hurt that bad,” he says.
His primary care physician referred him to Community Hospital Outpatient Therapy to try a therapeutic path to relief.
“Kurt was having difficulty getting through the whole day, having lots of inflammation and pain in the shoulder. It stopped him from doing any recreational activities that he loved to do which is swim,” says Kelli Moore, physical therapist at Community Hospital Outpatient Therapy.
“I mean it felt better but the second I hit the pool it was the same way all over again,” says Kurt.
When physical therapy alone didn’t produce the lasting relief, therapist Kelli Moore was looking for, she consulted with Community Hospital Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Mac Moore.
“He’s passionate about what he does, about swimming, about those kids and had a strong desire to get back into the water…that was his main goal,” says Dr. Moore.
Kurt elected to have a shoulder arthroscopy. Dr. Moore, who specializes in sports medicine, would repair a tear in Kurt’s superior labrum. Dr. Moore uses a simple, quick and relatively painless procedure. “There’s a lot less incision, a lot less injury to the muscle,” says Dr. Moore. “That’s one of the benefits we see with arthroscopic procedures. They allow patients to have less pain, use less medicine and get back to normal function with minimal pain and a lot faster than normal.”
After a few short months of treatment at Community Hospital Outpatient Therapy, Kurt’s motion & strength are back to normal! “It’s been six months now and I’m back in the pool, swimming hard, sprinting and staying up with those kids. It’s a lot of fun,” says Kurt.
This active athlete is forever thankful to Dr. Mac Moore and the entire Community Hospital team for putting him, comfortably, back where he belongs.
For more information about Shoulder Repair at Community Hospital or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mac Moore, call 405-759-CARE.
Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules
for dealing with winter road emergencies. Remember that if you are in an accident, Community Hospital’s Emergency Department is open 24-hours per day, 365 days per year. Our ER delivers the highest quality care with the shortest wait times in Oklahoma City.
Listed below are some tips from the National Safety Council on safe driving in winter weather:
Driving in Snow and Ice
The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.Don’t go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared (TIPS), and that you know how to handle road conditions.It’s helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you’re familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner’s manual for tips specific to your vehicle.
Driving safely on icy roads
Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
If your rear wheels skid…
Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.
If your front wheels skid…
Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.
If you get stuck…
Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner’s manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you’re in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services
With all that delicious fruit an apple pie should be healthy, but the truth is a slice can have as much as 750 calories and 30 grams of fat. For the most part, the culprit is the crust. We use whole-wheat pastry flour to add fiber and lower the saturated fat by replacing some of the butter with canola oil. The brown sugar-sweetened filling in this pie is made with two kinds of apples for the perfect balance. A slice has half the calories of a typical version and only 10 grams of fat—sweet!
10 servings
Active Time: 1 1/4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling time)
Ingredients
Crust
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat pastry flour, (see Ingredient Note)
To prepare crust: Whisk whole-wheat flour, 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Cut butter into small pieces and, with your fingers, quickly rub them into the dry ingredients until the pieces are smaller but still visible. Add sour cream and oil; toss with a fork to combine with the dry ingredients. Sprinkle water over the mixture. Toss with a fork until evenly moist. Knead the dough with your hands in the bowl a few times"the mixture will still be a little crumbly. Turn out onto a clean surface and knead a few more times, until the dough just holds together. Divide the dough in half and shape into 5-inch-wide disks. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Meanwhile, make filling: Combine apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and pinch of salt in a large bowl. Reserving 4 cups, transfer the rest of the apple mixture to a Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the apples are tender and beginning to break down, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the reserved apples and 2 tablespoons flour; let cool for about 30 minutes.
To assemble & bake pie: Position a rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 425°F.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator; let stand for 5 minutes to warm slightly. Roll one portion between sheets of parchment or wax paper into a 13-inch circle. Peel off the top sheet and invert the dough into a 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie pan. Peel off the remaining paper. Scrape the filling into the crust. Roll the remaining portion of dough between sheets of parchment or wax paper into another 13-inch circle. Peel off the top sheet of paper and invert the dough onto the fruit. Peel off the remaining paper. Trim the crust so it overhangs evenly. Tuck the top crust under the bottom crust, sealing the two together and making a plump edge. Flute the edge with your fingers. Combine 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the crust with egg white and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar. Cut 6 steam vents in the top crust.
Bake the pie on the bottom rack for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375° and continue baking until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, 25 to 35 minutes more. Let cool on a wire rack for about 1 1/2 hours before serving.
Tips & Notes
Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the crust (Step 1), wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 6 months. | Equipment: 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie pan
Ingredient Note: Whole-wheat pastry flour, lower in protein than regular whole-wheat flour, has less gluten-forming potential, making it a better choice for tender baked goods. You can find it in the natural-foods section of large super markets and natural-foods stores. Store in the freezer.
Nutrition
Per serving: 344 calories; 10 g fat ( 4 g sat , 3 g mono ); 14 mg cholesterol; 62 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 5 g fiber; 143 mg sodium; 212 mg potassium.
Community Hospital and Northwest Surgical Hospital are pleased to announce that they have achieved national accreditation from DNV Healthcare. DNV is the newest and first Medicare-approved hospital accreditation program that integrates the ISO 9001 quality management system with the Medicare hospital standards.
DNV hospital accreditation addresses the demands of quality-driven hospitals that are dedicated to patient-centered care. As part of the accreditation process, DNV surveyors track the care of patients across various departments and facilities of Community Hospital and Northwest Surgical Hospital.
“The DNV program is more consistent with our long-term commitment to patient safety and total quality,” says Debbie Kearns, COO. “The ability to integrate the ISO 9001 quality management system with our clinical and financial processes is a major step forward.”
Brian Clemens, CEO, agrees that the partnership with DNV is a positive change. He said, “DNV is very thorough and it doesn’t feel like an inspection. We see collaboration. This is a welcomed change. We now look upon accreditation as a strategic business tool and as source of empowerment for our staff.”
Sheila fink had hoped the sharp pain in her neck was stress related and would subside once she retired, but heat packs and pain medication did nothing to relief her constant agony. “It was just there all the time and even through the night. It would be some nights I couldn’t sleep,” said Sheila.
Restless and anxious for relief, Sheila’s primary care physician sent her to Dr. Darryl Robinson and Community Hospital for tests. “Her problem was at c45 and c56. These small discs are degenerative,” said Dr. Darryl Robinson.
Sheila had several options … including Epidural Steroid Injections or major back surgery. But this specialist suggested a relatively unheard of method called Radio Frequency Ablation. “I found a lot of patients don’t get a response to those get a great result with this procedure,” said Dr. Robinson.
Here’s how Radio Frequency Ablation works. Dr. Robinson identifies the area causing the chronic pain. Then, with the use of a special generator, heat energy is delivered with precision to target nerves that carry those pain impulses. Burning the nerve creates a roadblock to the brain.
For Sheila, the effect was impressive, “The outcome is like a miracle. No more pain,” she said.
Radio Frequency Ablation can provide longer pain relief than simple injections or nerve blocks. But, Dr. Robinson says the relief is not always permanent. “The relief could last indefinitely. Frequently, though, we have to repeat at yearly intervals because the nerve does have the ability to heal and in some instances the symptoms return,” says Dr. Robinson.
Radio Frequency Ablation is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure, unlike surgery that requires months of healing and rehabilitation. “The beauty of this procedure is that we’re able to decrease her pain more and more so she can avoid a conventional two level cervical fusion,” says Dr. Robinson.
After the procedure, Sheila is finally pain free and eager to enjoy retirement. She’s grateful to Dr. Robinson and the staff at the Community Hospital Pain Center, for giving her her life back.
“I kind of cried in the office, thanking Dr. Robinson that he had saved my life,” says Sheila, “It’s very hard to live in pain every day. Dr. Robinson helped rid me of that pain. Definitely try it, Dr. Robinson knows what he’s doing and he’ll stay right with you. Do what he tells you and you’ll be without pain,” said Sheila.
For more information about Radio Frequency Ablation at Community Hospital or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Darryl Robinson, call 405-759-CARE.
Ekpe Udoh is right at home on a basketball court. He began playing at an early age and was destine for greatness, but a serious shoulder injury in high school could have permanently sidelined this budding player. “When I fell I could see the bone. I went into shock. It was bad,” said Ekpe, speaking about the injury.
Despite the pain, Ekpe played through the pain as long as he could. But ultimately, the Edmond Santa Fe basketball standout needed surgery to repair his badly dislocated shoulder and like so many other athletes, Ekpe turned to Dr. Calvin Johnson of Oklahoma Sports Science and Orthopedics and Community Hospital. “You’ve got to make sure you get the right guy. I knew I had the right guy in Dr. Johnson. It went great,” said Epke.
So great, in fact, Ekpe has gone on to become an NBA superstar with the Golden State Warriors. “This is your livelihood…one mess up and your career could be done. This is how people eat, so you have to find that guy you can trust and I found that guy in Dr. Johnson,” Epke said.
Dr. Johnson has performed successful procedures on some of the world’s greatest professional athletes and amateurs alike. Little league to major league … every patient gets the very best care. “We take care of high profile athletes but we treat all athletes the same, says Dr. Johonson.”
Christina Yarbrough is another success story. The former University of Central Oklahoma point guard suffered a season ending knee injury her freshman year.
“I pretty much couldn’t walk on it,” said Cristina. “I was in so much pain. I didn’t know what was wrong with my knee.”
She had torn cartilage in her knee. Cristina’s future looked bleak, until friends introduced her to Dr. Calvin Johnson.
“I heard a lot of great things about Calvin Johnson and I like to go to the best. I went to Dr. Johnson and he did the best work on me,” said Cristina.
Every patient deserves premium health care. That’s why this orthopedic surgeon uses only the safest and most effective procedures that are well researched. And why he prefers Community Hospital for its exceptional support staff, state-of-the-art medical equipment and unparalleled physical therapy.
“This hospital was designed for athletes, now that could be guys who work for Southwest Airlines or tire builders or construction workers or whatever. It was designed for knee and shoulder injuries,” says Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson and OSSO go beyond the injury to get to the root of the trouble.
“Our goal is to always improve the area that’s injured but also the other parts of the body that may have lead to the problem, like a weak core, back problem or something else like that,” Dr. Johnson says.
Superior health care, a friendly staff and fantastic facilities…all reasons why OSSO and Community Hospital are the choice of athletes across the Oklahoma City metro and the nation. For Ekpe Udoh and Christina Yarbrough…it’s been a slam dunk!
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Calvin Johnson, call 405-427-6776.
For the first time in Oklahoma City, a new program is available that makes diagnosing and managing concussion-related injuries more effective. Community Hospital’s Sports Medicine Concussion Program has become the state’s only credentialed, ImPACT™ clinic. Dr. Jason Leinen leads the program and has also been named the only credentialed ImPACT™ consultant in Oklahoma.
ImPACT™ (Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), is a concussion injury management program developed around a computer-based, cognitive function test. Pioneered by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, ImPACT™ is designed to measure cognitive brain function before and after a concussion, thus allowing a physician to follow standardized protocol–necessary to avoid further brain injury and the potential for permanent damage.
Originally designed for elite athletes, the program is now available to competitive and recreational athletes and others who are at greater risk for concussion injuries including construction workers, oilfield personnel and heavy machinery operators.
The initial ImPACT™ assessment test takes about 20 minutes to complete. The assessment provides a baseline report of
normal cognitive brain function. When the individual suffers a suspected concussion, he or she retakes the same test within
24-72 hours after receiving the injury. The results of both tests are compared and used to determine the severity of the concussion, appropriate treatment plan and the recovery time needed to ensure proper brain healing.
More than 1,500 high schools, colleges, Olympic teams and professional sports franchises use the ImPACT™ system to create comprehensive concussion care plans for their athletes. This proven treatment and injury management program is now available to the general public, right here in Oklahoma.
The ImPACT™ baseline testing is available by appointment from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday at the OSSO Spine Center, 3115 SW 89th Street. Appointments can be made by calling (405) 600-1411. The cost for the baseline test and data storage is $35.
Fall breezes are a welcome feeling for many, but the cooler temperatures can also mean an increase in spider bites as our eight-legged friends make their way indoors to escape the nip of cooler nights. While most spider bites will cause little harm to humans, one Oklahoma spiders pack a powerful, toxic, punch that can cause significant injury.
The Brown Recluse, or Fiddleback spider, is the most common culprit for spider bites that require medical treatment in Oklahoma. Often found in dark and dry areas of homes, outbuildings and attics, the Fiddleback can strike quickly if threatened. While the bite may initially resemble a mosquito bite, it’s what occurs a few hours later that prove the Fiddleback’s powerful potential.
As the Fiddleback’s toxin is injected into the bite, the various layers of skin begin to slowly necrotize, or die. This dead tissue becomes discolored and can sometimes require surgical intervention to prevent the toxin from spreading. Despite traditional treatments, a large area surrounding the bite can be affected, resulting in an open wound and prolonged discomfort for the victim. But an unusual treatment method is proving to stop the Fiddleback’s toxin—electricity.
Dr. Robert Unsell, and his low voltage Taser, deliver a gentle current of electricity directly to the bite area. The electrical current causes a change in the molecular makeup of the Fiddleback’s toxin, rendering it virtually harmless. With the toxin neutralized, the bite no longer poses a threat to the victim. If treated within a couple of days the bite, tissue loss can be minimized or avoided. The Taser treatment only takes a few moments and results are visible within a day or two.
For more information on spider bite treatments with Community Hospital physisican Dr. Robert Unsell, call 405-427-6776.
Hip replacement surgery has long been considered one of the most difficult surgeries to endure, requiring extensive physical therapy and a lengthy recovery time. But recent innovations in surgical techniques have provided a new avenue for orthopedic surgeons and better outcomes for patients.
Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) hip replacement surgery allows orthopedic surgeons to make only one small incision on the front portion of the hip, instead of the traditional, two-incision, posterior location. Dr. Paul Maitino, a Community Hospital Hip Specialist, recently began using the DAA technique and says the benefits to patients are significant. “Because we’re approaching the hip joint from the front, muscle and other delicate tissue around the hip joint aren’t cut during the surgery. We simply push them to the side while we insert the new joint,” says Dr. Maitino. “This means far less blood is lost during surgery and the post-op hospital stay is usually only one or two days.”
In years past, Oklahoma City area residents would have to travel to Dallas or Houston to enjoy the benefits of DAA hip replacement, but now the cutting edge technology is available right here in Oklahoma.
58 year-old Larry McCall recently had his left hip replaced using the Direct Anterior Approach at Community Hospital. An avid country-swing dancer, Larry couldn’t enjoy the dance floor because of excruciating hip pain. “I’m not tough,” says Larry. “I just learned to live with the pain.” But within a few weeks following his DAA hip replacement surgery, Larry was back at it, moving to the music and dancing with a new hip…pain free. “If you’re hurting, screaming, hollering, moaning and groaning, get this done immediately,” says Larry. “You won’t suffer anymore.”
For more information on Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) hip replacement surgery at Community Hospital, call Dr. Paul Maitino at 405-608-5633.
Are you looking for a positive way to make a difference? Join us as a volunteer with the Community Hospital Auxiliary!
Volunteers at Community Hospital make a difference in the lives of many by enhancing the quality of patient care, welcoming everyone with a smile and providing support services for visitors and staff.
Doing good deeds with an upbeat attitude rewards volunteers with the personal satisfaction of helping others and the pride of accomplishment in a job well-done. Volunteers have the opportunity to be active within the community, learn new skills, develop new interests, and be a valued part of our team.
Volunteer Opportunities
Energetic, positive people needed to volunteer in the following areas:
- Patient and visitor advocates
- Patient and visitor escorts
- Patient and visitor greeters
- Gift and newspaper cart
- Other rewarding duties as needed
If you are interested in becoming a Community Hospital Volunteer, please call 405-602-8296 or send an email to volunteer@chcares.com
