Angel Medical Center Column for September 2026

 How to Prepare for the Unexpected and Angel Medical Center’s Role as a Resource

It is difficult and hard to believe that we are now two years from Hurricane Helene striking WNC so brutally, and it has been 25 years since the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. September 11th impacted so many — not just the day but for 25 years — this is why we cannot forget. President Bush said, “Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America — with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.” That is the wonderful part about living in this country and in this community — people come together to bring aid in a time of need.

September is National Preparedness Month — a time to think about how we prepare ourselves and our families for the unexpected. We often think of preparedness in terms of having an emergency kit, knowing where to go during severe weather, or having a family communication plan. But community preparedness is about something bigger: making sure the people, organizations, and resources we depend on are ready when we need them most.

Our community hospital is an important part of that safety net.

Every day, Angel Medical Center (AMC) cares for our community through emergencies, illnesses, injuries, and some of life’s most important moments. Behind that care is a team of physicians, nurses, clinical professionals, and support staff who prepare every day to respond when our neighbors need them.

A medical emergency rarely comes with advance notice. A heart attack, stroke, serious injury, or sudden illness can happen at any time. Having high-quality healthcare close to home means patients can receive the right care quickly, while remaining near their families and support systems.

Angel Medical Center continually prepares for those moments. From emergency medicine and surgical services to being an Accredited Stroke Ready Hospital, our goal is always to ensure our community has access to excellent care when every minute matters.

Preparedness also extends beyond the walls of the hospital. Our teams work to partner with other local agencies to strengthen the network of people and resources that protect our community.

Being there during an emergency is only one part of our responsibility. A strong community is also one where people have opportunities to stay healthy and prevent illness.

Throughout the year, AMC supports our community through educational programs, community events, school partnerships, food access programs, behavioral health resources, support groups, and a variety of other activities. These efforts reflect a simple belief: A hospital should do more than care for people when they are sick. We consider ourselves a partner in helping our community become healthier.

National Preparedness Month is also a good reminder for each of us to take a few simple steps at home to be ready for an emergency if one occurs.

Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do and how to communicate during an emergency. Keep an updated list of medications, allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts accessible. If you depend on medications or medical equipment, consider how you would manage those needs during an extended power outage or evacuation.

And perhaps most importantly, know where to seek care. Understanding when to call 911, when to visit an emergency department, and when other healthcare resources should come into play can make an important difference when an emergency occurs.

We are neighbors, employers, volunteers, educators, and partners. Our team members live here, raise their families here, and care deeply about the future of this community. Every patient we care for and every community partnership we build is part of the same HCA Healthcare mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

This September, as we recognize National Preparedness Month, we encourage every family to take a few minutes to prepare for the unexpected and know that Angel Medical Center’s team is preparing too — every day, around the clock — to be here when our community needs us most.

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. 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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Angel Medical Center Column for June 2026

Stay Safe This Summer with Some Simple Strategies

June is one of my favorite months of the year. The temperatures are climbing, and it’s finally getting warm enough to take a dip in a pool or one of our beautiful mountain creeks. One of the most special parts of living in Macon County is that there is water everywhere that we can enjoy and cool off in. Enjoying beautiful waterfalls and river pools or floating along the river in a tube, kayak, or other vessel of choice allows us to really relax. Getting outside, enjoying nature, and fitting in some physical activity are all good for our physical and mental health.

But as good as the water, sun, and outdoors are for our bodies and souls, they also present risks that we should pay attention to. I don’t want to echo the pleas of everyone’s mothers from when they were growing up, but we have to admit, many of their warnings were smart ones. A few of these are, always remember to apply your sunscreen (with at least an SPF of 30), be aware of the critters and insects you might come into contact with, and remember to wear a life jacket if you’re on a kayak, canoe, or boat — but I’ll retire the “Don’t swim for 30 minutes after you eat” advice.

Though summer unfortunately presents a multitude of ways to get hurt, most stem from not being cautious about what you’re doing, respecting the rules around the activity you’re engaged in, and being mindful of potential dangers. Another root cause of summer mishaps and accidents is partaking in too much alcohol consumption or other substances, which inhibit your ability to think clearly and exercise good judgement. Sometimes this combination of factors causes a person to become overconfident and believe they can do something or handle themselves well when they’re really not up to it. This is a recipe for a visit to the Emergency Department.

There are also additional sun safety steps we can take to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays such as staying well-hydrated, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and scalp and sunglasses to shield your eyes from harm. And remember, even if it’s cloudy, those UV rays still get through. I should add too, that infants and the elderly are more vulnerable to the sun than children and adults, and they’re at risk even when they don’t exert themselves.

Hydration is huge too, for our children who are involved in summer sports practices and games, and adults as well. The combination of being active in the heat and sun and not drinking enough water sets us up for three conditions: dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. With heat exhaustion, you sweat profusely and can become dizzy. Rest and rehydrating are the best treatments.

Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency and life-threatening. This is when your temperature exceeds 104 degrees, you stop sweating, and your thinking can even become fuzzy. Heat stroke requires a call to 9-1-1 and immediate medical intervention, because it can cause your organs to shut down.

When I talk about hydration, I mean that you should drink water or a sports drink — alcohol doesn’t hydrate you — in fact, it contributes to dehydration.

A good thing to do when you’re enjoying outdoor activities with your family or friends is to create a “buddy system” where you keep an eye on each other. This way others may recognize when someone in the group is in trouble before they themselves do.

I want to take a moment to give a shout-out to our wonderful athletic trainers who are there to help protect athletes and identify these types of problems, in addition to sports injuries. They are present at practices and games to ensure that players take water breaks, cool down, and take good care of themselves. They’re also specially trained to offer aid if an emergent event occurs. We are so blessed to have our athletic trainers on the sidelines caring for our athletes. Thank you to our team members Lynette and Justin, for all you do to keep our students safe.

No matter what season it is, everyone at Angel Medical Center is committed to caring for our community with expertise and sensitivity. Thank you for trusting us.

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. 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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Angel Medical Center CEO Column for January 2026

 

Let’s Set Our 2026 Health Resolutions More Realistically — to Have Higher Chances of Success

 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,1…welcome to 2026! As I get older, life seems to be passing by much more quickly — it feels like it was summer just yesterday! In November, we talked about gratitude. In December, we talked about giving back. In January, we typically make plans and set intentions for the coming year and hope for health, wealth, and happiness. The goal is a life that is balanced and fulfilling.

It seems natural to create resolutions and plans for the new year and future. It is also natural to create lofty goals because we feel that we need to take drastic action and transform from fat to skinny, go from high cholesterol to healthy levels, or convert ourselves from “wimpy” to Arnold Schwarzenegger. I am not sure about you, but I’m already sweating — and not from the workout I need to be doing or the health changes that I should make — but from anxiety!

It is human for people to overestimate their abilities and create goals that are not realistic. They do sound good. Everyone wants to be smarter, prettier, healthier or more motivated. One of the flaws is our lack of self-love and confidence. This leads to “what if” statements and excuses. Success in health and life starts with confidence and self-worth, or the ability to believe in ourselves. Hopefully, that comes with getting older, increased self-knowledge, and becoming a little more forgiving of ourselves. Many of the setbacks we have with resolutions include overdoing it and hurting ourselves somehow, or creating some other kind of health problem. If you have health issues, it is best to consult your primary care provider about what you can safely do.

There are also programs designed to help those who have health limitations. Angel Medical Center’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab program is designed to help people after heart attacks and cardiac diagnoses, as well as those with pulmonary issues like congestive heart failure. There are also trainers who specialize in helping you create healthy milestones to aim for, to limit the possibility of harm. Ask your provider if you qualify for this program and inquire about a referral.

Sometimes our will power and motivation wane over time, especially if our resolutions were too lofty or unrealistic. Example: I may feel full, but there always seems to be a special place for desserts and I’m somehow able to fit them in. It’s all too easy to stumble, weaken, and indulge in that cake, especially when I’m tired or stressed. There are many examples of situations where something stressful, large or small, hits us and the healthy intention goes out the window. After that first stumble, it becomes harder to get back on track. Again, we’re human, so a more realistic approach is to climb back on the horse again — all is not lost if you just re-commit to your goal and give yourself some compassion.

One important suggestion I have for the new year is to start planning your healthcare now. Take responsibility for your annual visits, wellness care, and health knowledge. Read up to learn more about any conditions you’re living with, and don’t hesitate to start a conversation with your provider.

Just like a New Year’s resolution, if you create a plan now and pace yourself, you’re more likely to keep up with making and going to your needed appointments, scheduling your screenings, and making sure you fit in that all-important annual wellness exam. If you delay and try to do everything at once, it can end up being costly and burdensome, which is discouraging and makes you more likely to lose sight of or abandon the crucial steps you must take to care for your overall health.

I look forward to a great 2026. We are blessed to live in this wonderful community, and we need to continue to focus on reaching out to those in need and seeking out opportunities to make a difference for our own self-care, as well in the lives of others.

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. 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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Angel Medical Center CEO Column for June 2025

   

Let’s Talk About How Men Can Support Their Physical and  Mental Health — and Each Other

June is National Men’s Health Month, so I would like to emphasize the importance of taking care of our mental health, as well as men’s health. 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a trusted source for information about mental health and available treatment options. According to the NIMH, men are only half as likely as women to seek help for mental health issues, even though mental health conditions occur at similar rates in both genders. This disparity is reflected in the suicide rate, which is twice as high for men as for women. While socioeconomic status and race do affect access to care and the quality of treatment people receive, these factors do not explain the full extent of why men are less likely to seek mental health care.

I am going to take the non-scientific route and speak from a more personal experience for a moment. Men have not always been socialized to reveal our pain, emotions, or mental health challenges: Avoiding talking about these issues is sometimes related to a mixture of pride, ego, and peer pressure, as well as a lack of self-reflection and peer support. Ladies often rally around each other with talking, food, and time together. Men say, “I wish you the best and I’ll see you in a few weeks at hunting season.” See the difference? It’s critical that men lose the stigma about asking for mental health help, because failing to do so hurts them and those they love.

I must say that I see every day the major influence that a caring person has on a man’s health. It is either the push to go to the doctor by a loved one or a catastrophic event that changes the course of a man’s health. I hear all the time from men that they work out daily and keep their weight under control yet have not had a yearly physical exam — not to mention the other health workups that are recommended, depending on a man’s individual life stage. 

Just like women, men should have yearly, routine self and physical exams, including prostate checks, colonoscopies, breast (yes men can get breast cancer) and testicular exams, and blood work, just to name a few. The main point is whether you are a man or woman, your life quality and length largely rely on knowledge, self-awareness, yearly physicals, and doing all you can to support your wellbeing. My mom always said, “Too much pride and ego, and you’ll end up in one of three places — in the hospital, in jail, or dead.” So, the next time your buddy hints at a health or emotional challenge…consider that it might be best to ask him what is really going on and how you can help.

I would like to end this month’s article with a tribute to the men and women that have been serving our community at Angel Medical Center for more than 20 years. We are blessed in our community to have so many dedicated caregivers with tenures of 20 or more years of service and I’m proud to work alongside of them. They are: Shauna Maxson, Dana Ledford, 20 years; Bob Milton (volunteer), Ilean Milton (volunteer), Michelle Strain, Paulito Bucoy, Penny Malin, Tracy Vinson, Alison Higdon, Eddie Grigg, 21 years; Rebecca Dahl, Shannon Stacy, 22 years; Teresa Hopkins, Diane Savaiko, 23 years; Brenda McConnell, Teresa Register, 24 years; Debra Holland, Patti Harrell, Donna Tabor, 26 years; Paula Moore, 27 years; Janie Key, Jacki Jacquot, Susan Johnson, Jim Moran, 28 years; Amy Baumgarner, 29 years; Lisa Alfredson, Jeff Stanley, Leslie Vanhook, 30 years; Missie Taylor, 34 years; Sonya Shook, Lori Smith, 35 years; Judy Constable, 20 (45 with HCA Healthcare), Marty Mason, 39 years.

“We Are Angel” means to us that we are committed to caring for our patients first and foremost, caring for our community, caring for each other and our families. 

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. 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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Angel Medical Center President's Column for September 2024

AMC Partnership with Library Offers Community Education

September reminds me of a very familiar phrase, song, and bible verse: To everything there is a season. I find as I grow older that these words gain more and more meaning.

One of the greatest gifts is one we often disregard. It’s hindsight, which allows us to change our future based on our past or others’. This applies to both personal health and the arena in which I’ve been fortunate to build my career: healthcare. This industry is ever-changing, and we must be ready to pivot at any given moment. The most striking example of this was the pandemic.

One of my personal health challenges is food and weight — and I know I’m not alone. I eat poorly and think about exercising more, yet I continue to wonder why I still have challenges losing weight. I know what behaviors to avoid weight gain, but I continue to repeat them. Sound familiar?

Extra pounds put you at risk for numerous conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. One dangerous healthcare trend is that there always seems to be a new weight loss “miracle cure.” To be clear, there’s a need for prescription weight loss medications for people who are doing the right things and remain unable to lose weight to improve their health. 

There’s a concerning obesity issue that’s plaguing our society and setting young people up for serious future health problems: childhood obesity. When it comes to modeling good eating habits, we parents are who children look to, because we set the nutritional tone in our homes. We owe it to our children to model sound eating habits, and I want to do this for my son, too. 

Struggles with weight loss to childhood obesity to good eating habits to healthcare could be reduced with more education and resources for community members to learn about health. Healthcare is more than medicine. It is about education, partnerships, outreach, and following your passion. An exciting recent initiative that exemplifies this is the partnership between Angel Medical Center and the Macon County Library. It started off as an opportunity to take people’s blood pressure, but it blossomed into education, support groups, tele-healthcare with support, direct support from a healthcare friend, healthy cooking, and most of all, healthy aging and the next generation teaching and learning from each other. 

The Fontana Regional Library System applied for and received a grant from the American Heart Association with the goal of raising awareness around heart health through better blood pressure knowledge regarding blood pressure control. The Libraries with Heart grant supplied a blood pressure console right in the library and automated at home-portable versions that can be checked out, just like a library book. 

The Angel team provided education to library staff that led to the creation of a monthly community education program. It was also noted that our community doesn’t always have the technology or understanding to conduct a telehealth visit at home. Through our collaboration, we addressed this issue by creating a private space in the library with an iPad for monitoring. The compassionate library staff members provided essential guidance for community members, for which we’re grateful. 

Initiatives like these truly make a difference for our community’s health. Come support the activities at the library and grow a healthier community together.

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. 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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Angel Medical Center CEO Column for August 2024

 A Reminder About All the Services You can Take Advantage of at Angel Medical Center, Including All-Important Vaccinations as Our Children Start School

Where in the world did summer go? It's August already, and as the new school year approaches for our kids, I want to review the vast array of services and care that Angel Medical Center (AMC) provides to help you check off those items on your health to-do lists.

Since we tend to associate the care we get at a hospital with the specific experiences we or our loved ones have had, there may be AMC services that you might not be aware of, but that allow you to get expansive care — in your own community

AMC offers 30 acute care beds and a 17-bed Emergency Department, as well as two operating room suites and a procedure suite in our new $68 million facility. As part of Mission Health, we also provide services through our walk-in health clinic — Mission My Care Now – Franklin — and CarePartners Hospice and Palliative Care, which provides care and comfort for patients with serious chronic or terminal illness, as well as support for their loved ones. Also, through our partnership with Asheville Cardiology and MAHEC OB/GYN, we can enhance your care further by offering heart health and women’s health services. In addition, HCA healthcare's recent $5 million investment in our new heliport means better, faster access to more advanced care needs than we are able to offer. 

We are proud to have been recertified as a Pathways to Excellence hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2023. We also celebrated our 100th birthday and got recertified as a Stroke Ready Hospital by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

In addition to emergency care and ambulatory surgery, other outpatient services include wound care, cardiopulmonary diagnostic care and rehabilitation services, and stroke rehab care including speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Our diagnostic imaging offerings include mammography, MRI and CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays, nuclear medicine, and DEXA scans, which are bone density screening tests for osteoporosis and its precursor, osteopenia. Our on-site pharmacy and lab make the care we offer that much more efficient.

We also offer services you won't find in many rural critical access hospitals, like wound care, diabetes care and education, and an anticoagulation clinic. We provide occupational medicine services too, which help community members achieve wellness in their workplaces.

Another hot topic as kids return to school is one that has become something of a taboo issue because of the controversy that surrounds it — immunizations. The debate can become emotional, but we do know, unfortunately, that numerous illnesses and diseases that had seemingly disappeared from our radar as concerns in the industrialized world are now back.

With their return, we're seeing adverse outcomes in both children and adults. One recent example is the whooping cough outbreak that started in Henderson County, and spread to Buncombe, Graham, Macon, and Transylvania counties. Pertussis (whooping cough) and other highly contagious diseases can have lifelong impacts and even lead to death if not controlled promptly.

I do empathize with the fear and worry people have around vaccinations. As parents, my wife and I weighed the pros and cons of vaccinating our child. We would be preventing our child from contracting illnesses that had frightening consequences that include lymphatic issues, musculoskeletal conditions, deafness, blindness, sterilization, stroke, heart defects, and sadly, death. The answer was crystal clear. We scheduled our child to receive the vaccinations with no regrets.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) confirm that immunizations have been exhaustively tested and researched. I encourage you to protect your child, my child, my team, and our community by choosing to vaccinate, and to discuss vaccination risks and benefits with your pediatrician or our local health department.

One last shout out: Did you know that Franklin High School and Middle school have athletic trainers on staff to help keep your student athletes safe while participating in sports? Lynette and Justin do a wonderful job of assessing, treating, and referring your child to the proper resources. You can arrange for your child to get an appointment during practice.

AMC and Mission Health’s Sports Medicine team partner to help ensure our Franklin Panthers are ready to hit the field each week. Thank you, Lynette and Justin, for all you do for our athletes and the Franklin Panthers.

About

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. 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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Bazaar Auction – June 28, 2024: Raise a Hand for Missions! By Theresa Ramsey

Bazaar Auction – June 28, 2024: Raise a Hand for Missions!
By Theresa Ramsey

When it comes to staying the course, First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Franklin has a long history of supporting those in need in Macon County (and beyond) through its mission projects and fundraisers. More than three decades ago, in 1988, the United Methodist Women of FUMC embarked on a journey to bring awareness of the need to increase church funds allocated for missions. Led by chairperson Betty Warstler and many others, this dedicated group of ladies worked together to organize the first church-wide yard sale (Christmas in July) which later morphed into FUMC’s Annual Bazaar, now a church-wide endeavor!

As a kickoff to this year’s 35th bazaar, FUMC has added another component and shopping opportunity to benefit mission funding: the Bazaar Auction. The auction will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm in Memorial Hall at First United Methodist Church, Franklin located at 66 Harrison Avenue. Attendees will be able to pour over silent auction items, have light refreshments, mingle, and enjoy entertainment which will be followed by a live auction to close the evening. Also, the community is invited to come out the night before, Thursday, June 27, starting at 6 pm, to have a chance to preview items in the auction prior to the Mountain Voices Concert that starts at 7 pm in the sanctuary.

From items for recreation to services and trips, from household items to family treasures, the Bazaar Auction has something for everyone! And all proceeds received will be designated for missions! Please come out and support a great cause. We appreciate the many local businesses that have donated items for the auction enabling us to give back to the community.

Lastly, another change this year, FUMC’s 35th Annual Bazaar has been bumped up a week and will be held on July 19 (8am – 3 pm) and July 20 (8am – 1 pm) so please mark your calendars accordingly. This largest “yard-sale” in Macon County will take over the buildings at the Macon County Fairgrounds and provide thousands of items just waiting to be re-homed. To date, this flagship fundraiser has raised more than $700,000 to provide funds for local, regional, national, and global missions! Just a sampling of the organizations and areas that mission funds have contributed to over the years include: CareNet, Reach, UMCOR Disaster Relief, Free Dental Clinic, Health Clinic, Rise Against Hunger, Kids Place, Macon Program for Progress-Holiday Angels, youth mission trips, No Wrong Door Homeless Shelter (Downtown Door), as well as requests from groups in the community seeking funds for grants focused on helping those in need. Together, we can make a difference!

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Angel Medical Center CEO Column for March 2024

Caring for Ourselves After Our 2024 Resolutions Wear Off, and Holding Gratitude for Our Community’s Extraordinary Physicians and Providers

We just made it through February, the month where we focus on love and our heart health, but March is historically associated with betrayal, particularly March 15th, also known as the Ides of March — the day that Rome’s Julius Caesar was assassinated by conspirators who aimed to prevent him from being a lifelong dictator. Lucky for us, all we need to do in March is prepare to pay our taxes, but there’s an ancient Roman parallel there too, since March was the month that Romans traditionally settled debts. I realize these matters are in stark contrast to the air of love that infuses February.

March becomes a time where we long for light and the arrival of spring — we can see it in the distance, but it will be a while yet until we’re there. It’s also when we may start to falter on our New Year’s health resolutions. We start asking, “What if?” What if, just this once, I have a piece of that cake, but it turns into the whole cake? What if taking one day off from our walking routine turns into a week? What if I decide I don’t have the time to spare to schedule and go to my health appointments?

How do we keep the faith and continue moving forward with our health goals, even as we move into March and the shine has worn off our New Year excitement? The best way is not allowing small steps backward to end our journeys toward wellness. We should consider the present as another golden opportunity to start again, even better and stronger in commitment than before. Much like the Roman republic, which transitioned into an empire in a relatively short period of time, we too can recommit to our health and self-care, and enjoy renewed energy and results around our efforts.

Being immersed in healthcare every day, I see a multitude of families facing health crises, and many say that they wished they would have stopped smoking, ate better, exercised more, and visited their doctor when they were advised to do so. We are also learning more every day about how much our genetics impact our health, in addition to lifestyle habits. We can continue to ignore taking care of ourselves for only so long until our health falls apart, similar to the fall of the Roman republic. Remember, support is out there, in the form of your primary care provider, and with intention and motivation, you can change your habits and boost your wellbeing. Today is a great day to start. March’s focus is on Women’s cervical health and other conditions such as colorectal, breast, cardiac health and many more. These conditions are easily treatable, if detected early. Women need to see their provider for their yearly exams, and colorectal cancer screening should start at age 45 or sooner if you experience any symptoms or your provider advises you differently — men this applies to you as well.

Did you know that Angel Medical Center has a committee dedicated to hearing the voice of the community and inviting them into our care space to offer guidance as we grow, and to exploring and solving issues that affect our healthcare consumers? The Patient and Family Advisory Committee is always in need of people interested in helping to improve the care and processes at Angel. If you have a heartfelt interest in helping AMC and our community, call us at 828-524-8411 and ask for Gwen, or email me at clint.kendall@hcahealthcare.com.

In March, we should take a moment to recognize all the dedicated physicians in our community who tirelessly care for us. We should be especially grateful because stress connected to the pandemic, hospital staff shortages, and more have challenged these outstanding professionals as the illnesses they’ve treated have been more complex.

I challenge all of us to say “Thank you” to our hardworking physicians and providers, or consider a random act of kindness like a note to express your gratitude — it would be most appreciated! We’ve got the perfect opportunity to do this, since March 30th is National Doctors’ Day. Every AMC team member is grateful for the talented physicians and providers who grace our halls. They are exceptional, and we are so grateful that they have a heart to care for us.

About

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. 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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Angel Medical Center President's Column for February 2024

Let’s Commit to Doing All We Can to Support Our Heart Health in 2024

I ended last month’s article talking about the heart to care that everyone at Angel Medical Center (AMC) has for our community. February is known as the month of the heart since it’s American Heart Month, and we concentrate on learning about heart disease prevention, understanding the signs of a heart attack, and recuperating from and living with heart conditions. We consider overall heart health and women’s heart health as well.

Of course, we also celebrate love and matters of the heart on February 14th , Valentine’s Day. One of these heart-related themes is positive, while the other causes concern. But we can turn thinking about heart health into something positive and life-lengthening, because taking care of ourselves and getting preventive care can go a long way in preserving our hearts.

As with so many things in life, our health is affected by our attitudes. Do you see the glass as half-full or half-empty, and are you always thinking the grass is greener…somewhere else? This way of looking at things can created negative health impacts. When this outlook co-mingles with the stresses we all experience in life, we are harmed both psychologically and physically. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), chronic exposure to stress can contribute to heart disease just as much as other risk factors like smoking, poor diet, and lack of activity. The AHA also states that high, poorly managed stress increases blood pressure, makes the blood clot more easily, and decreases our body’s ability to move oxygen to the heart and other muscles.

Women are also living with the under-acknowledged condition of heart disease, and it has quickly risen to the top of the list as their number one cause of death. Why? Women are the healthcare managers and advocates in most families, and even though heart disease is preventable, it can show up in unusual ways in women — especially when it comes to heart attack symptoms. Unlike heart attack symptoms that are typical to men, such as shortness of breath, pain in the arm, jaw, neck, or back, and nausea, women can experience a feeling of intense pressure in their back or abdomen, dizziness, and stomach discomfort like heartburn.

The vagueness of these symptoms, and a condition we have discussed in many articles — denial — that they are having issues or could be a candidate of a heart attack, are contributing to this killer condition ending more women’s lives than cancer. My opinion is that most women are so busy caring for and loving everyone else, they often forget to give this attention to themselves.

February should be a reminder for everyone about how much of self-care involves acknowledging the body and the signals if provides. Simple preventive steps can significantly boost your heart and overall health, including eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and other nicotine use, monitoring and controlling blood pressure, and recognizing and acting on any symptoms that arise. Of course, seeing your primary care provider regularly is also critical.

Becoming more aware and seeing the positive in situations can change how we feel and transform the world around us. February was named after a Roman festival that focused on atonement and purification. Sounds like a great thing to start 2024 with — by cleansing the mind, body, and spirit through making healthy choices.

I would be remiss if I did not thank and acknowledge my team and family at Angel Medical Center for all they do every day for our community. We started a culture change journey we called “We are Angel,” where we refocused care and how we provide care. The key words are these: “Compassion,” “Connected,” and “Care.” Our only focus is on you and caring for our community.

I believe our team is doing an excellent job with our patients, and we want our community to know we are here for their healthcare needs. Thank you, Franklin, for your support, trust, and for allowing us to care for you.

About

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. 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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Angel Medical Center President's Column for December 2023

 This Time of Year is Often Bittersweet, But Acknowledging This Helps Us Heal

Unbelievably, the year is almost over, and many of us are anticipating Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s. This might surprise you though — I consider these to be both the happiest and hardest holidays we observe. No matter how you celebrate or which ones you identify with most, seeing people gather and families celebrating together creates an emotional response. You might associate these holidays with children’s excitement, wonderful meals shared with family and friends, gift exchanges, and toasting to the upcoming year — or you might find that you struggle with loneliness, depression, or anxiety about creating and enjoying a holiday that’s fit for a magazine spread. Know this, you are far from alone. 

You may recall that last month I wrote about the possibility of finding peace and happiness from within, and how it supports our physical and mental healing. I am going to take a moment to expand on this thought of healing the heart. This is because the message of Christmas is about the arrival of a very special baby with a mother whose experience wasn’t like other mothers’, and how this event also birthed hope and the knowledge of eternal peace. Whether you follow the Christian doctrine or not, we all have something to learn from the story of Christmas. The more we focus on bringing hope, peace, and joy into our lives, the better we feel mentally, and the more welcoming the world is.

When we feel as if others are enjoying things that we cannot or we contemplate the losses in our lives, we can experience depression, which is a true medical diagnosis that has physical as well as emotional effects. This is when seeing a mental health professional can be beneficial, because they can help you deal with loss, identify emotional triggers, and the critical step of processing your grief.

Becoming involved in our community is another way to heal, from volunteering our time to an organization whose mission is meaningful to us, to helping a neighbor in need. These activities and gestures can also serve as an emotional balm as we grapple with the pressure that we can sometimes feel about having a “perfect holiday.” Honestly, is there such a thing? Most of life, after all, is wonderfully imperfect. 

Simply acknowledging your grief and moving through its stages — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance — serves as the path to healing. Some good news around grief is recognizing that everyone travels through these stages differently, in their own ways. Some get stalled in a stage and need help processing through it so they can move on to the next one. The most important thing to remember, in my opinion, is that acceptance and celebration will come. 

Much like the story of Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, and we also accept and celebrate the sacrifice made to allow believers to live with a less heavy heart, and the peace His birth and death brings. I think fondly of my grandmother at Christmas and what she meant to me and my life, but I do not dwell on her passing. I dwell on her laugh, smile, love, heart, and how everyone loved her so much that she was “Grannie” to everyone that met her. I miss her of course, but I can now celebrate her life, treasure the legacy she left in me, and joyfully live my life so that it reflects her example, which is priceless.

Before closing, I want to note that Angel Medical Center would like to welcome a new addition to Asheville Cardiology Associates Franklin. Michelle Williamson, ACNP-BC is a board certified Adult Nurse Practitioner who gained her education at Florida Gulf Coast University. She has been working her way to her new forever home in Franklin, NC. Michelle has vast experience in Cardiology, primary care, and hospitalist medicine. She has been providing care at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and a local pain management practice. Michelle has started seeing patients and will be working closely with Dr. Lim and Dr. Hansen, who will continue to rotate through the Franklin office to ensure that Cardiology care continues in Franklin. Angel Medical Center also offers a comprehensive diagnostic testing program for cardiac conditions, such as EKGs, Echocardiograms, Stress Tests, Nuclear Medicine Tests, and our newest Calcium Scoring CT’s.

 

Angel Medical Center wishes everyone a happy holiday season, and we want you to rest assured that if you need care, we are here for you. Here, community members are caring for fellow community members, and that is special. The holidays are about neighbors reaching out to each other, and it is a gift that we can be part of that here at the hospital, in people’s greatest moments of need. No matter what holidays you celebrate this winter, I hope they are wonderful for you. 

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. 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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Angel Medical Center President's Column for May 2023

Highlighting Stress Awareness Month and How You Can Get Involved With Angel Medical Center’s Patient and Family Advisory Council

During the past three years, we have shard the most significant event in our life histories — a once-in-a-century pandemic — and all the fear, worry, uncertainty, and grief that goes along with it. We suffered many losses during the pandemic, including family members and loved ones, the certainty that modern medicine had everything all figured out, and to some extent, our innocence. It changed all of us in profound ways.

Through this time of change, it’s only natural that the anxiety made most of us more sensitive, irritable, and prone to anger. It became easier to overlook things that should fill our hearts with joy, peace, and forgiveness, since many negative things were going on in the outside world.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but any time is a good time to focus on how we manage the stresses in our lives — which all of us likely deal with.

I think it’s safe to say that stress is everywhere in our lives, but the key we need to learn is how to react well and process the stress in productive ways that support our health rather than harm it. Stress isn’t always negative either — sometimes we can be energized and motivated when we’re under stress, like having an urgent school or work deadline and doing our best work under pressure. This type of stress energizes us, pushes us forward to achieve goals, and makes us want to get out of bed in the mornings.

On the other hand, negative stress is what takes control of many people’s brains and bodies and, in many cases, it is internalized. Coping mechanisms are essential when it comes to dealing with stress, but they must be healthy ones. “Dumping” on a friend or your spouse about what’s stressing you out merely transfers it onto them, they may not know what to do with it, and it’s likely you’ll still feel anxious.

If not managed well, stress leads to serious health conditions, from high blood pressure to cardiovascular disease. The effects of stress are varied and include that irritability we talked about, having a hard time getting a good sleep, appetite changes, and digestive problems, among others, and they can cause us to respond in unhealthy ways, like smoking or eating junk food.

Learning to communicate well and how to process stress in a healthy way is as important as learning to cope. Prayer and meditation are wonderful antidotes to stress, and can help bring closure and peace when you’re worried.

May is the gateway to summer and for many parents, it’s the season of stress, because they worry about what the kids will be doing and how to keep them busy. This is often a significant source of anxiety for working parents. The key is to start brainstorming now, so there is a plan and a budget come summertime. For the older kids we need to have those conversations that every parent dreads, but are needed nonetheless. Talking to your child about the risks surrounding drugs, alcohol, and sex and sexually transmitted diseases is time well spent and helps them make good choices.

This is a good time to mention the support you have from our Public Health Department. The team members there have valuable educational information and tools, and can be allies to parents as you work to protect and educate your kids. The information at their disposal can complement talking to your kids about your expectations.

In addition, I’d like to take an opportunity to express my appreciation for our first responders, members of law enforcement, and firefighters, all of whom perform such critical work — selflessly — in our community.

We also celebrate National Hospital Week during the week of May 7-13. This month and year-round, I am so grateful for every dedicated team member at Angel Medical Center. Their deep commitment to and heart for our patients is what makes our hospital extraordinary. I salute them.

Since our priority every day at Angel Medical Center is to create a positive experience for every patient, we are focused on improving the perception of care provided, and the overall view of the name Angel Medical Center in the community every day. Our mission is, Above all else…We are committed to the Care and the Improvement of Human Life. We have a committee that is focused on hearing the voices of patients and families, and using their ideas to create better processes and ways to provide improved care at the bedside.

If you are interested in being part of something great and improving the perception of care, reach out to me at clint.kendall@hcahealthcare.com, and include “Patient and Family Advisory Council” in the subject line. You may also call the hospital at 828-524-8411 and ask for Gwen Bradley, who can also give you the information you need to get started.

About the Columnist

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. 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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Angel Medical Center President's Column for April 2023

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN 

Let’s Show Nurses the Deep Appreciation They Deserve, Not Just in May, But Every Day of the Year

What is appreciation?

Appreciation is shown in many ways, from simply saying “thank you” to taking the form of flowers, cookies, or whatever gesture of gratitude seems most appropriate. Appreciation for me sometimes comes from my mind, but not through my tongue. Just ask my wife and son. I expect them to do what I consider to be their duties, and it’s easier to forget saying “I’m grateful” out loud than I’d like to admit.

My wife recently showed me a Facebook post about the Franklin Police Department handling a complicated situation. They were dealing with a person wielding a gun who may or may not have been able to reason at that moment. She was doing what she loves to do, reading all the comments, and weighing in on them. Then she came across one that particularly caught my attention: Why are we praising them for … doing what they are paid to do?

I don’t believe that any of us — not even those who chose to enter the field of law enforcement — necessarily expect or want to have that type of threat and violence thrusted upon us on a regular basis in our lives.

It is my hope that all of us who live in this community and indeed our entire region, can choose kindness and gratitude as we reach out to one another — and be confident that others will also respond with openness, civility, and compassion. What is appreciation?

Although I have already confessed my inability to appreciate others properly at times, I also frequently tell my leadership team that I need their help with recognizing and rewarding the extraordinary Angel Medical Center team for a job well done on a regular basis — since they do outstanding work each and every day. In my heart, I know just how lucky I am to collaborate with some of the most caring and big-hearted people I have ever had the pleasure of working for and with.

This community should know that the Angel Medical Center staff cares about the overall wellbeing of the community, and every patient and family member whose lives they touch. Next month we celebrate Nurse’s Week from May 6-12, an ideal chance to acknowledge the caring nurses at our hospital, in our community, and perhaps even in our own families.

This recognition time was expanded to the entire month of May some years back, which is well-deserved. During this time, we don’t just celebrate the field of nursing, but the venerable history of nursing, since one nurse most of us are familiar with — Florence Nightingale — is forever associated with the field. She was born on May 12, 1820, and was a social activist and humanitarian in addition to being a devoted nurse. Nightingale believed that nurses use their servant-oriented hearts as well as their intellects to help heal and treat their patients. In other words, her approach was holistic, and she happened to be far ahead of her time.

I wanted to separate Nurse’s appreciation from all of May’s excitement and express my gratitude to nurses themselves, and also to nursing care. This encompasses so many things: the hand that reaches out generously when needed, the tear that is shed behind closed doors, the heart that is placed into every patient, the skill that is needed for each task, the smile that is shared when it’s most needed, and the silent prayer said when caring for patients. Nurses are experts too, at providing the gentle nudge that says “You got this.” These are the professionals who care for us during our worst moments and rejoice for us as we enjoy our best ones.

To nurses, their work is anything but a “job.” We would be in trouble if they arrived at work without the passion and heart that defines them, and which they display even when they know they will come into contact with an infectious disease, witness distress and death, face bitter complaints, and even endure threats to their physical safety.

I have the honor and privilege of seeing this team of nurses provide the most advanced and loving care possible, even as they deal with considerable challenges. The same goes for our other team members, including our Patient Care Techs, Radiology Techs, Lab Techs, Environmental Services Techs, Food Service Techs, and Patient Safety, Registration, Facilities, and Security staff.

If the thought goes through your head that’s similar to the Facebook comment my wife read — that this is what they signed up for and are paid to do — take another moment and feel gratitude for this special breed, whose primary goal is to bring comfort and healing to patients. It takes a very exceptional type of person to make this commitment, and we are all so much the better for it at Angel Medical Center, because our nurses have.

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. 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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Angel Medical Center President's Column for March 2023

Care for Yourself by Connecting with Others, Making a Colonoscopy Appointment

Now that winter is behind us, the reward is that we will get to see the beauty of spring, which is already popping up around us. March can be a difficult month for me, since it often feels like I’m running low on willpower, after that exciting period during the New Year when I enthusiastically set my goals. I hope you feel encouraged by these columns, to stay on course with your health, wellness, and financial resolutions. If we cheer each other on, I think we have a greater chance of long-term success.

I’ve touched on self-care and the importance of it for our physical and mental health in several of these columns, and many things come under the heading of self-care. These include eating right and exercising, adopting healthy habits and losing unhealthy ones, like smoking. One aspect of self-care we haven’t talked a lot about is how connection with others supports our good health.

Having frequent contact with others is healthy — whether this is our family, friends, or even beloved pets. It’s not only important that we have daily contact with others — through work, school, getting together with a group of friends, or visiting the dog park — it also opens up our life to new people and experiences, another positive. There are some ways to make your life richer by connecting with others that you may not have thought about before. These include giving your time and energy as a volunteer to a deserving local organization, like your child’s school, animal rescue, or any cause you believe in, and even Angel Medical Center. Our volunteers help with everything from patient assistance and office tasks to pet therapy and special event planning and facilitation. If interested, call 828-524-8411 and ask for Rick VanGilder.

Another way to interact with others in a healthy way is to seek fellowship if you are struggling with an issue, such as alcohol or drug dependence, from a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. There are many more, including groups centered on cancer support, grief, and others, depending on what type of support you are seeking. Joining a group that’s focused on one of your interests can be good too, like a local gardening club or a sports club. Connecting can happen easily if you take an adult education class as well.

From a therapeutic perspective, establishing a relationship with a therapist or psychologist can do a lot of good if you find yourself struggling with emotional issues. No matter how you choose to connect, make sure you do, since loneliness and isolation has been proven to be detrimental to your health. On a different note, please join me in welcoming our newest physicians to the Franklin community.

Cardiologist Dr. Scott Westermeyer, who is board-certified in cardiovascular disease. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Westermeyer, please contact Asheville Cardiology Associates – Franklin at 828- 349-6611. Dr. Samantha Brothers, a family medicine physician who is passionate about caring for the whole family at every stage of life, including newborns. She is also able to care for women and their gynecological care. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brothers at Mission Health Center Franklin, call 828-349-6800. Dr. Mark Moriarty, Orthopedic Surgeon, who has a specialty in sports medicine and adult reconstructive surgery. He also manages a wide variety of orthopedic trauma that is seen in Macon County. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Moriarty, please call Mission Orthopedics and Sports Medicine – Franklin at 828-349-8260.

During March we also recognize physicians on National Doctors Day, which is Thursday, March 30 th this year. It’s a good opportunity to say “thank you” to physicians for all they do, and specifically to those who call Macon County home and make our community healthier. Our community is growing by the day because people feel confident that if they come here to live, they will have access to excellent doctors. We still have a need for more physicians to join our community, however, and seeking your care close to home is one powerful way to grow local healthcare.

Another celebration that dovetails nicely with National Doctor’s Day is Patient Safety Awareness Week, which is March 13-19. This is a time when we also acknowledge who we are as a hospital - we are Angel Medical Center, and as such, we are focused on caring for this community, where you need it and when you need it. This means that we provide care and services that keep you healthy, ensure your care is local, and if necessary, we are ready to give you lifesaving and life-sustaining care as well.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a time when we talk about the importance of the screening colonoscopy procedure. Even though jokes are made about this procedure, it is one of the most important health screenings you can receive. This is because if this cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable and curable, and colonoscopy is what enables early detection. And I realize that the “prep” for colonoscopy — drinking a solution that causes you to eliminate everything in your colon — is about as much fun as mucking a horse stall in the summer, but it’s well worth it, because stopping the spread of cancer is critical.

Starting at age 45 and every 10 years or as advised by your provider, you should have a colonoscopy. If they state that you need one more often, do not be alarmed, simply discuss the reasons with your provider. It’s best to informed and empowered as a patient.

Let’s remember to stop and tell our doctor “thank you” for their care this month, and for choosing to practice in our great community. I also salute our dedicated medical staff here at Angel for serving the Franklin community. We are well cared for, thanks to them.

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. 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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Angel Medical Center President's Column for February 2023

 February is a Time to Strengthen Our Hearts — Literally and Figuratively

As we enter February — the shortest month that can sometimes feel like the longest, as it’s the last gasp of winter — I have a question: If you made New Year’s resolutions for yourself, are you still actively working toward them? If so, research shows that you aren’t alone. In fact, 64% of those who made a resolution successfully kept it one month in.

What accounts for this success? This group broke down their goal into achievable milestones, didn’t bite off more than they could chew, and have already celebrated one or two successes. Doesn’t that feel great? Congratulations on rocking life and making the right choices so you create positive change in your health and wellness, finances, and other pivotal parts of your life.

Perhaps your health-related resolutions dovetail with the heart-healthy practices we turn our attention to in February, which is also Heart Health Month. It’s the ideal time, the month of Valentine’s Day, to focus on what we can do improve our overall health to avoid a heart attack.

Unfortunately, many of the things we crave aren’t the best for us as we try to support our heart health, even when our favorite treats are traditional Southern fare. Think fried chicken, buttery biscuits, and bar-b-que. And I’m not being self-righteous here — I relish these dishes as much as anyone else! I am just as guilty as anyone in my love of sweets as well. There’s a good chance you’ll run into me at a local donut or ice cream shop.

This is all to say that in spite what I do for work, I understand how hard it can be to enjoy a truly balanced diet, as opposed to one that’s limited to not-so-healthy foods. I’m sure I’m not the only one either, whose mother thinks they’re ill if they don’t sidle up to the buffet table for a third portion. If your resolutions are diet-related, it’s especially true that making lasting changes toward eating a healthier diet of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and other smart choices is an endeavor that needs to be broken down into achievable pieces, and you should celebrate every success.

There are lots of doable steps you can take to improve your diet, including being more conscious when you shop for groceries — avoiding those “impulse buys,” for example, experimenting with healthier condiments and spices as alternatives to butter and gravies, having meatless Mondays, and more.

For better heart health, there are easy ways to increase your daily movement too, and ensure you get the advised 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week in, as well as two days that include muscle strengthening. This is advised by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Sticking to something you enjoy, whether it’s walking, taking a hike, or enrolling in a dance class will make exercise fun, as opposed to another “should.”

We also know that the better we can manage our stress, the healthier our hearts will be. We all experience stress, and certain periods can be worse than others. Rather than let it take over your life, learn how to ask for help if you need it, spend some time outdoors, and choose healthy habits over unhealthy ones. Here again, eating well and fitting in daily exercise is much better for your heart than smoking or working until all hours. Maintaining our valued relationships with friends and family is also a proven stress buster.

But what if the unthinkable occurs to you or a loved one, and a heart attack happens? Suffering a heart attack doesn’t spell the end of a meaningful life. In fact, many people who experience one say it was actually the beginning of managing their health better. Your recovery should be managed by your doctor, and the first step is Cardiac Rehab, an all-encompassing program where you learn healthy habits that help your heart going forward, as you regain strength — after all, your heart is possibly your most important muscle.

Patients speak highly of cardiac rehab because it not only involves the critical education component, you experience rare camaraderie with your rehab classmates. You’re all going through this together, and the bonds rehab participants build are both inspiring and empowering. Angel Medical Center is proud to offer a robust Cardiac Rehabilitation program, where you’re closely supervised and cheered on by the providers at the Rehab Center. If you’ve survived a heart attack, talk with your doctor about getting a referral to our program to see if you qualify to participate.

I would also like to acknowledge that February is Black History month, and encourage our community to recognize, reflect, and remember how Martin Luther King, Jr. and all who fought for civil rights for a people who were oppressed for centuries created a positive ripple effect of embracing every person.

Possibly the most important task we all face is examining our hearts and actions to make certain that we treat everyone we meet with the respect they deserve. I share Martin Luther King, Jr’s dream of a world where we’re not just accepted, but loved for who we are. We can make the decision to be the change we wish to see in the world.

Finally, this spirit definitely lives on at AMC. I am thankful to this community for the warmth they’ve shown me and the AMC staff who don’t happen to be Western North Carolina natives. Feeling included and welcome means everything, and as we face some of the challenges of the Great Resignation that followed the pandemic, our community is making all new AMC staff feel welcome and embrace their new home. 

 

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. 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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Angel Medical Center President's Column for January 2023

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN: 

 Ushering in 2023 With a Realistic Look at Resolution, the Facts About Cervical Health, and Great News About Angel Medical Center

Happy New Year! It is amazing how far we have come in terms of health and wellness, but in the same breath, how much farther we still have to go with making discoveries about even more advanced treatments for chronic conditions, serious diagnoses such as cancer, and things that each of us can do to support our own health. I can feel sometimes like a Plinko chip trying to keep up with all the illnesses we are praying we can escape getting exposed to and experiencing.

The best advice I’ve heard is actually decades old — from my mom. She conveyed this message to me frequently: “Wash your hands,” “Don’t touch your face,” “Stop picking,”…well, you get the idea. For the sake of others this winter season, if you are sick, stay away from public places and isolate as much as possible. Prevention is key, and such a simple step to take to protect others from illness, especially those who may be more vulnerable, like babies, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. January is a great time to start thinking about renewal and giving yourself and your life a “refresh,” but we also tend to make a lot of crazy, unrealistic resolutions that we know, deep down, we cannot keep.

I have found that the best way to tackle resolutions is to make a plan that breaks your goal down into achievable milestones — and then to create rewards for when you reach them. Using apps on your phone or computer can help you reorganize your resolutions into manageable steps and accomplish them. The number one reason resolutions fail is the lack of immediate gratification, so making success more easily attainable makes sense. By setting yourself up for success like this throughout the year, you have a much better chance of realizing success when it comes to your resolutions, whether they involve eating better, exercising more, being better about getting your routine health screenings, or breaking an unhealthy habit, like smoking.

January is also Cervical Health Awareness month. Most cervical health problems are impacted by a female’s partner through intimate contact. This can lead to the development of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) on the cervix, one of the most commonly transmitted sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Sometimes it’s possible for the person to clear the virus, but other times a person can’t, and this is the most common cause of cervical cancer. The good news is that, like many viruses, HPV is preventable through vaccination. The HPV vaccination can be given to males and females starting at the age 11-12 years. Adults can get vaccinated if they weren’t previously up to age 26, and a physician may decide that

their patient will benefit from a vaccine up to age 45 in certain instances. Another preventative measure for HPV and cervical health issues is to practice safe sex and proper hygiene. Again, prevention is key.

Angel Medical Center is dedicated to providing quality care and touching your life at the time when you are most in need. In the fall of 2022, Angel was awarded a 5-star rating by the Center for Medicare Services. We are one of only 12 hospitals in the state of North Carolina to receive this 5-star rating, so it’s not only a source of pride for us, but it should reassure you about the quality of care you will receive here.

This is a great honor, as well as a testament to the hard work and dedication that our staff displays every day. We know that there may be times when someone perceives that their care experience could be improved upon, but we will be here to support you and ensure that we address your needs to the best of our ability. The Angel team is dedicated to caring for our community.

Because our staff is so committed to our patients, we like to recognize members of our team who have gone above and beyond for them, and who exemplify our standards for excellence. The first award is called the Bee Award, which goes to non-nursing team members. We were happy to recognize two people — Katie Morphis, from Environmental Services, and Kim Elliot, from our Respiratory team — with this award.

We also bestow a nursing award called the Daisy Award. It is a nationally known and recognized program that we participate in. The Daisy Award was established to honor nurses whose norm is to go the extra mile for their patients. Angel’s most recent Daisy Award winner is Terrence McGrew, who is an Acute Care nurse here. All of these team members are very deserving and we are so fortunate to have them grace the hospital with their talents, expertise, and compassion.

I would also like to give a big shout out to our infusion nursing team during Infusion Nurses Week in January. They are here for the daily treatment needs of our community as well, and their care ethic is also second to none.

As I’ve said many times, it’s the people who make Angel what it is.

I hope you usher in 2023 joyfully, and it is every Angel Medical Center team member’s intention to be here when you need us most, during this year and all others.



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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