News

HEALTH BRIEFS: Laborde honored, cancer center donation, Baby Place

By Bill Moss, Published: January 16, 2016

Laborde honored for helping seniors

Robert LabordeHendersonville ophthalmologist Robert P. Laborde is among eye doctors honored for volunteer work to restore vision for seniors. The national public service program, EyeCare America, received the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
A program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, EyeCare America over the past 30 years has helped more than 1.8 million people obtain access to eye care and medical resources through a corps of more than 6,000 volunteer ophthalmologists.
“Losing vision can be devastating, but some seniors think it’s inevitable due to their age and suffer in silence rather than seeking help,” Laborde said. “Today, we are very fortunate to have several treatments to help stop and even restore vision loss for older Americans. It’s an honor to be part of a national program that helps make it so much easier for seniors to access these treatments, and I’m pleased that my work has helped gain recognition of EyeCare America from the President.”
Those interested in the program can see if they qualify for a sight-saving eye exam and care at no out-of-pocket cost by visiting EyeCare America’s online referral center at www.eyecareamerica.org. The online referral center also allows friends and family members to find out if their loved ones are eligible to be matched with an EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist.
Laborde Eye Group treats Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, and diseases of the retina.

Rudnick fund donates $50k for cancer center

The Perry N. Rudnick Endowment has pledged $50,000 in support of the Pardee Comprehensive Cancer Center Campaign, the Pardee Hospital Foundation announced.
“On behalf of Pardee Hospital Foundation, I would like to thank the Rudnick Endowment for their long-time support and generous gift to Pardee’s new Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Kim Hinkelman, executive director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “Our donors help make leading-edge cancer care in our community possible.”
Set to open in fall 2016, the Comprehensive Cancer Center will house advanced services and facilities to provide more convenient care, better research capability, increased synergy among providers and better outcomes for patients.

Park Ridge among top places to give birth

Park Ridge Health has received the 2016 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics, Park Ridge announced.
The evidence-based designation is the only award that identifies the country’s best health care institutions for obstetrics based on robust criteria that consider female patient satisfaction, clinical excellence and what women say they want from a hospital. The list of more than 400 award winners, including Park Ridge Health, represents hospitals that offer exceptional obstetric services. These hospitals ranked above the national average for patient safety, thereby supporting a woman’s decision when choosing the best for her maternity needs. In 2015, The Baby Place at Park Ridge Health was the choice of parents for the births of more than 600 babies.
“At The Baby Place, we care for our patient’s body, mind and spirit during their time with us,” said Beth Cassidy, Director of OB/GYN for The Baby Place. “Birth is a life-changing event and the nursing staff, nurse practitioners, physicians and midwives are committed to delivering the best experience possible.”
To learn more about The Baby Place at Park Ridge Health visit parkridgebabies.com or call 855.PRH.LIFE (855.774.5433).

Southeastern manages Pardee rehab centers

Pardee Hospital announced last week that Southeastern Fitness and Rehabilitation is managing two Pardee Rehabilitation locations.
Effective Jan. 1, Southeastern Fitness and Rehabilitation assumed management of Pardee Rehabilitation’s new Turtle Creek location in South Asheville as well as its existing location at the Mission Pardee Health Campus in Arden.
Southeastern Fitness and Rehabilitation provides physical therapy, occupational therapy and post-operative care for orthopedic, muscular, bone and joint injuries and pain, as well as aquatic therapy, a fitness facility and massage therapy. Additionally, the program offers preventive and onsite medical care to student-athletes at 10 area high schools and middle schools.

Pardee now offering 3D mammograms

Pardee Hospital will offer the latest in breast cancer screening advances with 3D mammography exams. 3D mammography exams are clinically proven to detect 41 percent more invasive breast cancers and reduce false positives by up to 40 percent, decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing or biopsies. Appointments are currently being scheduled and can be made by calling 828.698.7979.
The 3D mammography exam allows doctors to examine breast tissue layer by layer. So, instead of viewing all of the complexities of breast tissue in a flat image, as with traditional mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.
“A great comparison would be to imagine if you were examining a book,” said Teresa Frady, Pardee Hospital mammography coordinator. ”With traditional 2D mammography, we would only be able to look at the front, sides and back cover of the book, but with new 3D mammography, we are able to see every page in the book and every word on the page.”
A 3D mammography exam is very similar to having a traditional mammogram. There’s no additional compression required with the exam, and it only takes a few seconds. The exams also deliver a very low dose of radiation, roughly equal to that of traditional mammography, well within FDA guidelines.
Appointments are currently being scheduled and most major insurance policies cover the exam. However, Pardee will cover any fees that insurance companies do not insure during the first year the machine is out. For more information, go online to pardeehospital.org. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 828.698.7979.

Pardee invites women to ‘Live Empowered’

Pardee Hospital will host “Live Empowered: A Ladies Night Out” on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown, at 125 S. Main St.
Attendees will join Pardee Hospital health care providers for an informative, interactive gathering to learn more about how to protect their back/spine, knees and shoulders from injury. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to gather fitness tips and information from health empowerment stations including yoga, massage, cycling, running, and overall exercise. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided at the free event.
Karen Lewis, spine navigator with Pardee Spine Center, and physical therapist David Gerrer of the Pardee Rehab and Wellness Center, will be among the guest speakers. Other speakers include Rachel Heath, coordinator for medical wellness at Pardee Rehab and Wellness Center; Duane Young, PT and manager of Pardee Rehab and Wellness Center; and Jessica Foster, PT at Pardee Rehab and Wellness Center. Dr. Nathaniel Jablecki, medical director for Pardee Sports Medicine, will kick off the evening with his own personal remarks about injury prevention while staying active and empowered.

Cardio rehab program wins recertification

Pardee Hospital announced the recertification of its cardiovascular rehabilitation program, Heart Life, by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Pardee was again recognized for its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing standards of care.
Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery stents and coronary artery bypass graft surgery) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
Pardee Cardiovascular Rehabilitation has offices next to Epic Theatres (212 B Thompson St.) and in Arden at the Mission Pardee Health Campus (2775 Hendersonville Road). Referral by a physician is required to participate in the program.