Attention Turns to Breast Cancer and Stroke in October, and Angel Medical Center Provides the Best in Preventive, emergency, and Rehabilitation Care to the Community
We have had many health-related observances to recognize in the month of October. We see lots of pink and announcements for fundraising walks to raise awareness about breast cancer. In fact, the third Friday in October reminded us of the importance for women to schedule their mammograms — as it was National Mammography Day. Stroke awareness is top of mind too, since October 29th is World Stroke Day, which was established by the World Stroke Organization to increase our knowledge about the signs and symptoms of stroke, and how critical it is to seek treatment immediately if you have any suspicions at all that you might be experiencing one.
Angel Medical Center (AMC) provides both vital breast cancer screenings and emergency services for stroke patients, examples of two types of care that are essential to everyone: preventive and emergency care. Both are central to creating a care framework that’s truly patient-centered.
We offer 3D digital mammography, the “gold standard” when it comes to breast screening because the images allow a radiologist to see the breast tissue better and more clearly, due to improved technology that provides more nuanced images, or “slices” of the breast tissue. Our partnership with Mission and other Cancer Centers in the region are able to provide advanced treatment modalities close to home.
Scheduling and following through with getting your mammogram has never been more important. The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to put off preventative care like this, so it’s important to follow through on this care now. Rest assured that AMC couldn’t be a cleaner, safer, or more COVID-conscious setting in which to receive your care, and if you have any concerns prior to going to your appointment, please call our Radiology Department. The team will explain the protocols we have in place to ensure your safety during your exam.
Since AMC has earned the Acute Stroke Ready Hospital certification, awarded by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, you’re in the best hands here should you experience stroke symptoms or need care before, during, or after a stroke.
We often use the phrase “Time is brain” when referring to how crucial it is to get immediate treatment if you think you’re having a stroke. When you’re experiencing a stroke, every second counts, and the sooner we can stop the irreversible brain tissue loss that starts occurring at a stroke’s onset, the higher your chance for survival and successful rehabilitation is.
In addition to providing patients who have stroke symptoms with very rapid, cohesive care with stroke specialists and a specially trained team, being a stroke-ready hospital means that we can quickly provide telemedicine services for a patient and consult with specialists who may be in a distant location. If it’s deemed necessary that a patient be transferred to Mission Hospital in Asheville, that rapid transportation is available through our Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA) helicopters, Macon County EMS, and Rural Transport from Mission. Our goal is to initiate care so that the stroke symptoms are controlled and care can be picked up upon arrival to Mission.
I’m passionate about stroke education, and the most empowering information for patients to learn is what constitutes the symptoms of a stroke, which can emerge differently in individuals and be subtle at first. Commit to memory the acronym BEFAST, which is a quick way to remember stroke symptoms: “B” stands for a sudden loss of balance, “E” stands for eyes or blurred vision, “F” stands for facial sagging or asymmetry, “A” stands for arm weakness, “S” stands for speech (with a stroke, it’s slurred), and “T” stands for “time to call 9-1-1 immediately.” Knowing and remembering these letters and what they mean could save the life of someone you love — or your own.
Angel Medical Center Outpatient Rehab also offers physical, speech, and occupational therapy for stroke survivors and others. Our program provides individualized recovery care plans that include physical activity goals, lifestyle education, and peer support from other survivors. We are celebrating and thanking our Rehabilitation team for their care in our community during the month of October.
I’d be remiss in closing my column if I didn’t mention that October 10-16 was also Emergency Nurses Week. AMC would come to a standstill without them, and our ER nurses define clinical excellence, compassion, and commitment. We and our patients are so fortunate to have this special team.
No matter why you come to AMC, we’re dedicated to caring for you with up-to-date evidenced-based care and treatments, complemented by providers who listen closely and care deeply. We care and it shows, behind every mask is a smiling face and a well-trained practitioner.
Clint Kendall, FACHE, MBA, MSN, BSN, RN, is Chief Executive Officer/Chief Nursing Officer of Angel Medical Center. He started his career as a nurse, and that perspective still informs his work and passion for the patient experience. Clint holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Nursing, and Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University. He comes to Angel Medical Center from Andalusia, Alabama, where he served as Chief Executive Officer of Andalusia Health, part of LifePoint Health. He oversaw the management and strategic planning for a 113-bed acute care facility there, and led Andalusia Physician Services as well, after serving in leadership roles at LifePoint facilities in Richlands, Virginia and Henderson, North Carolina. Clint has also earned the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) certification, and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), and the American Nurses Association (ANA).
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