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Page 8, Section B
Kings Mountain Herald
Kings Mountain Hospital expands women’s care:
New medical practice bring comprehensive women’s care
Dean Jenks, Ph.D.
Carolinas HealthCare System
Public Information and Marketing
Providing comprehensive healthcare for a
community is no easy task. Offering the
continuum of services necessary to ensure a
healthy community continually evolves and is
accomplished through partnerships and planning.
Fortunately, Kings Mountain Hospital
continuously assesses the needs of our
community, with regard to healthcare and
medical services, and its efforts are paying off. In
one of the most impressive expansions within the
last decade, Kings Mountain Hospital will begin
offering a continuum of women’s health services
previously unavailable in this community. These
‘services are possible, in part, by the opening of
Kings Mountain Women’s Care. This new medical
practice, located at 821 East King Street, will
house Dr. Steven Chamberlain, an obstetrician /
gynecologist, and two certified nurse midwives. I
was fortunate enough to interview both Dr.
Chamberlain and one of the midwives, Lisa Sisk,
for this article. After the interview, I had no doubt
that they, along with certified midwife Karen
Rushford, will make a significant and positive
impact on women’s health in this community.
“I love the Kings Mountain Community. I love
its size, its friendliness and its people; and I am
very anxious to begin practicing medicine here,”
Dr. Chamberlain said. Having served patients in
Cleveland County for over 14 years at the Shelby
Women’s Clinic, Chamberlain is very familiar
with Kings Mountain and many of its residents.
“I'have an abundance of patients from Kings
Mountain and the surrounding area and look
forward to being able to serve them in their own
community,” Chamberlain said. Chamberlain
received his medical training at the Medical
University of South Carolina at Charleston, where
he specialized in obstetrics and gynecology. He
completed his Internship, Residency and
Fellowship training at Carolinas Medical Center
where he received further training in gynecologic
oncology and high risk pregnancy management.
‘I look forward to becoming a part of the
Medical Staff at Kings Mountain Hospital and
finding my niche within the medical community,”
he said. “I have tremendous respect for Kings
Mountain Hospital and being able to come into an
organization that I have confidence in is a real
plus,” he added. Chamberlain compliments the
hospital on its cleanliness, staff and intimate
environment. “The staff at Kings Mountain
Hospital seem to have a very positive rapport with
their patients. Developing a good rapport is my
philosophy too, and practicing at Kings Mountain
Hospital will be a pleasure for me.” Chamberlain’s
privileges at Kings Mountain Hospital allows it to
expand its role in providing comprehensive care
for women. Practically all gynecological surgeries
will now be offered at Kings Mountain Hospital
along with a variety of diagnostic tests and
therapies. “It's important that patients needing
treatment have convenient access. After all,
patients are why we are here,” he said.
No doubt, convenience and access were two
primary reasons for opening Kings Mountain
Women's Care. The practice, however, goes
beyond convenience. “We wanted to create an
atmosphere conducive to patient education,” said
certified midwife Lisa Sisk. Ms. Sisk will be a vital
part of the practice and will devote the vast
majority of her time to one-on-one patient care. As
a certified midwife, her approach to patient care
is a bit different than the average caregiver. “I
believe that every woman has the right to safe and
satisfying healthcare that includes human dignity
and cultural variations. I also believe that the
patient has both the right and the obligation to be
a participant in the management of their care,” she
said. Being an active participant also includes
being informed. That's where Kings Mountain
Women's Care will excel. The offfice building
was designed with the patient in mind and will
feature an intimate setting where patients and
their caregivers can interact without undue rush.
In addition, there will be an in-house resource
center for patients to select literature and other
educational information for further study. The
center will also feature Internet access for patients
to research and retrieve information regarding
their condition and associated therapies. This will
equip patients to actively participate in their
treatment. “An informed patient is usually a
motivated patient and one that will be an active
part in the treatment process,” Sisk noted.
Sisk is a Kings Mountain native and considers
the opportunity to provide care in her home-
community a “dream come true.” She received
her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the
University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She
advanced her training by earning a Master's
Degree in Nurse Midwifery from State University
of New York at Stony Brook. She has worked at
Cleveland Regional Medical Center as a Charge
Nurse and Staff Nurse within the labor, delivery
and pediatric environments. She also worked
at Women's Health Care, P.A. in Morganton, NC.
Lisa brings an atmosphere of excitement to the
practice, and a wealth of community experience.
“I know practically everyone in Kings Mountain
and just about everybody knows me too!” she
cad. Being familiar with the community is a plus
in developing a basic trust with patients. “I want
my patients to think of me as accessible and
compassionate,” she said. “And, I want patients
to know that they can approach me without
having a serious medical condition,” she added.
Some of the more common topics between
midwives and their patients include weight
management, depression and libido issues.
“Midwives tend to consider the whole person,
when developing a treatment plan. We do this
probably more than the average clinician. And,
HEALTH & FITNESS 2001
Thursday, March 29, 2001
to KM community
although we refer many of the high-risk cases to
the physician, we are able to provide just about
any clinical service that our patients need,” Sisk
noted.
Sisk readily admits that she still considers the
birthing process a miracle and has never gotten
tired of helping bring new life into the world. “It is
a true honor to have a woman ask for my
assistance during one of the most important times
in her life. When I have a patient in labor, I want to
stay with her during the entire process if I can.
And, I want her to know that I will do everything
possible to make the experience as wonderful
as it can be.”
Kings Mountain Hospital has begun planning
for the expanded services they will provide.
Although no babies will be delivered at KMH, all
other women's health services will be folded into
the offerings. “It would not be practical to have
KMH up-fitted with new birthing rooms and
equipment, when Cleveland Regional Medical
Center is ten minutes away,” said Hank Neal, CEO
at Kings Mountain Hospital. “We will, however,
provide a diverse range of women’s services,
including diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical
options. And, we will offer comprehensive pre-
natal care services in concert with Kings Mountain
Women's Care,” Neal said.
“As an OB/GYN, it important to have a strong
partnership with the local hospital. There are
things that we want to provide the women of this
community that simply cannot be done in our
office,” Chamberlain said. “Having Kings
Mountain Hospital as a partner will make a huge
difference in developing healthier women and a
healthier Kings Mountain. That's what is
important,” he added.
Services are scheduled to begin at Kings
Mountain Women’s Care April 15. The practice
will soon be accepting new patients. For more
information about Kings Mountain Women’s Care,
call 704-000-0000.
Leading health expert shares ten tips for protecting your heart
Women across the country
need to listen to their hearts.
Heart disease is the single
greatest health risk for women,
with five times more women
dying from heart attacks each
year than breast cancer.
“There is no question that
heart disease is a serious enemy,
especially to women,” says Dr.
Fredric J. Pashkow, professor of
medicine at the University of
Hawaii and author of the newly
released The Women’s Heart
Book: The Complete Guide to
Keeping Your Heart Healthy.
“The most ‘heartening’ news is
that there are simple changes
that can be made that will
preserve and maximize the
health of our hearts-even if you
New treatment for premenstral dysphoric d
PMS-three letters that
signify a time of bloating, breast
‘tenderness and mild irritability.
But for women suffering from
premenstrual dysphoric disorder
(PMDD), the week or so before
their periods is characterized by
severe mood and physical
symptoms that interfere with
normal daily activities. As a
result, women with PMDD often
find the disorder impacts their
most cherished relationships
with family and friends.
Relationships
PMDD'’s toll on relation-
already have heart disease.”
Dr. Pashkow offers ten
simple tips that are easy to
implement.
Be Heart Smart-Know your
cholesterol levels and family
medical history to determine
your risk for heart disease. Next,
plan the changes you need to
make to maintain your heart
health and discuss your plans
and any questions with your
doctor.
Lighten Up!-Maintaining a
healthy weight helps reduce the
risk of heart disease. Create a
healthy eating plan that reduces
amounts of saturated fats and
includes plenty of fresh veg-
etables and fruit, such as fresh
grapefruit which is rich in fiber.
ships is apparent to doctors as
well. Many PMDD patients have
difficulty in their marital relation-
ships and problems dealing with
their children the week or so
before their periods. Yet, it is
often the case that women do not
mention these difficulties to their
healthcare providers unless
asked.
“PMDD has a profound
impact on the lives of women
who suffer from it,” says Diana
Dell, MD, assistant professor in
both the Department of Psychia-
try and the Department of
Drink It Up-Emerging
research suggests that Vitamin C,
an antioxidant vitamin found in
grapefruit, may help to lower the
risk of heart disease. Drinking a
glass of grapefruit juice for
breakfast can start your day off
on a heart healthy note. In fact,
Ocean Spray Premium Grape-
fruit 100 percent Juices carry the
Heart Check awarded by the
American Heart Association.
Pump It Up-Get up and
move to keep your heart active.
Regular exercise-even as little as
15 minutes a day-can help
maintain heart health. Start slow
if you're a beginner-park further
away from the store and walk in
or take a 15-minute walk at
lunch.
Obstetrics and Gynecology at
Duke University Medical Center.
“But, it is clear that women feel
uncomfortable discussing their
premenstrual symptoms.” Some
women feel there is a stigma
associated with talking about
menstruation. Others have been
told that their premenstrual
problem is “all in their heads.”
Women with PMDD de-
scribe feeling as if they just want
0 “go home and hide under the
covers.” Some spend days angry
and annoyed at children, spouses
and friends for things that at any
Rely
On The People You Know
And The Care You Trust.
CG >)
When you need medical care, it’s nice to know you can rely on the people you know
and trust at Kings Mountain Hospital. As part of a small community, our staff offers the
personal and attentive care you deserve and the medical services you need. In fact,
many of our health professionals are your friends and neighbors who are dedicated to
providing the best possible care for every patient. We continue to expand our services
to provide a complete range of care - from primary and specialty care to meet the needs
of every member of your family.
Inpatient and Outpatient Surgical Services
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services (Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy)
Sleep Diagnostics Center + Women's Health Services ¢ Expanded Endoscopy Services
Expanded Pain Control Services
&
NZ
Kings Mountain Hospital
Carolinas HealthCare System
www.carolinashealthcare.org
706 West King Street ® Kings Mountain, NC 28086 * 704-739-3601
Don’t Worry, Be Happy-A
few easy stress relievers can have
heart health benefits. When
confronted with stress, concen-
trate on breathing to slow down
and feel more in control. Step
outside and take a break from
your office or home.
Butt Out-If you smoke, you
need to quit. Start by establishing
milestones (two days without
cigarettes, etc.) and reward
yourself with things you enjoy.
Also, be sure to see your doctor
who has great new tools to help
you quit.
Focus on You-Pay attention
to your heart and soul and make
time just for you-and no one else.
Take a bubble bath, a long walk,
write in a journal or pamper
other time of the month would be
fairly unimportant.
“For years, my premenstrual
symptoms were awful. I just got
tired of being tired and down
and unable to juggle the ten balls
that I could easily at other times,”
says Tracy M., a woman who
suffers from PMDD.
Imagine feeling this way one
week every month. Imagine
suffering like this for a decade or
more before finding help.
Symptoms
PMDD is a distinct medical
condition whose symptoms are
yourself with an activity you
enjoy. When you feel good
inside, it helps you feel good on
the outside.
Love Is The Answer-Love
is a vital part of life and should
be shared with others-so
consider making someone else’s
day.
Make Someone’s Day-A
heartfelt gesture of giving not
only helps someone else, but
makes you feel good as well.
Spend some time volunteering
at a local shelter or your favorite
charity.
Catch Those ZZZs-Restful
sleep can boost your energy
levels and rejuvenate you for
each day. Keep your bedroom
for sleep only-eliminate TV,
limited to the week or two
before a woman's menstrual
period. It includes intense mood
symptoms such as irritability,
tension, sadness and sudden
mood changes, as well as
physical symptoms such as
bloating. These symptoms must
clearly interfere with everyday
activities or relationships.
Women who experience
PMDD are not alone-up to five
percent of menstruating women
endure these symptoms every
month. But, there is no need to
suffer in silence.
bills, computers and work. Your
body will be ready to relax into
sleep mode as soon as you climb
into bed.
Don’t Get Disheartened-Be
careful not to set goals that are
impossible to accomplish. Set
reasonable “mini” goals on your
way to the end goal, but don’t be
disheartened if you fall short. If
you fail at first, keep trying.
“Preventing heart disease
requires making a commitment
to carry out simple heart-healthy
habits and practices each day,”
says Dr. Pashkow. “By develop-
ing heart-healthy habits now,
you may even end up living a
longer, healthier life.”
For info on grape juice visit
www.oceanspraygrapefruit.com.
isorder
Good News
With the introduction of
Sarafem™ (fluoxetine hydro-
chloride), the first FDA-ap-
proved prescription medication
for the treatment of PMD
women now have a safe and
effective treatment option. In
clinical trials comparing Sarafem
to placebo (sugar pills), Sarafem
was significantly more effective
in improving both the mood and
physical symptoms associated
with PMDD. More good news-
most women can expect to
experience improvement by the
first menstrual cycle on treat-
ment.
Because Sarafem is a
prescription medication, women
must work with their health care
providers to determine if they
do, indeed, have PMDD and
therefore would benefit from
treatment. More information on
PMDD and its treatment can be
found at www.pmdd.com.
Safety Information
If you develop a rash or
hives while taking Sarafem, call
your doctor right away because
this can be a sign of a serious
medical condition. You should
not take Sarafem at the same
time as or within two weeks of
stopping an MAO inhibitor.
Don’t take an MAOI for at least
five weeks after stopping
Sarafem. Also, you should not
take thioridazine at the same
time as or within five weeks of
stopping Sarafem.
Some women may experi-
ence side effects such as tired-
ness, upset stomach, nervous-
ness, dizziness and difficulty
concentrating. Side effects are
usually mild and tend to go
away within a few weeks. ..
Sarafem contains fluoxetine
hydrochloride, the same active
ingredient found in Prozac®. Be
sure to tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or nursing, or planning
on becoming pregnant.