More than 18 million Americans have Sleep Apnea Syndrome*

What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which a person quits breathing for a minimum of 10 seconds while sleeping. Sleep apnea occurs frequently throughout the sleep cycle.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea? Some of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea are:

• Snoring
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
• Morning Headaches
• Bedwetting

So what is the connection between heart disease and poor sleep? People with cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, irregular heartbeat, and diabetes have a high prevalence of sleep apnea. Whether sleep apnea actually causes heart disease is still unclear; however, if you have sleep apnea, the chance that you will develop hypertension in the future increases significantly.

Also, because events that occur while you are sleeping tend to carry over into your daytime or normal “awake” hours, people with moderate to severe sleep apnea often develop high blood pressure.

How does my body react if I have sleep apnea? Your blood pressure rises when you have sleep apnea. Because you stop breathing with sleep apnea, the oxygen levels in your blood often fall below normal levels¬. As a result, your brain sends signals through the nervous system that essentially tell the blood vessels to constrict or "tighten up" in order to increase the flow of oxygen to the vital organs like the heart and the brain. This “tightening” of the blood vessels increases the pressure of the blood flowing through them.

The good news. The good news for patients with heart disease is that with treatment of your sleep apnea, your chances of improving your condition are considerably better. Those who are treated for sleep apnea who also have a heart condition often see significant improvement in the measures of blood pressure, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats.

If you or anyone you know has heart disease, they should discuss the possibility of sleep apnea with their treating physician.

To find out more about disorders that may be impacting your sleep, visit our website at www.methodisthealth.org/sleep.

*According to the National Sleep Foundation.

The start of the new year often motivates us to set goals or resolutions for improving our lives in the upcoming year. Did you know that the most popular “New Year’s Resolutions” have a positive impact on the quality of sleep that a person gets? Furthermore, did you know that some sleep disorders can make it almost impossible for a person to meet their goals for the new year without seeking help from a sleep specialist first?
 
Weight loss is the most common new year resolution among friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and perhaps, even yourself. Did you know that sleep effects your ability to reach your resolution goals? A lifestyle of healthy eating, exercising, and appropriate weight control leads to a better quality of sleep for people of all ages. Quality sleep in turn helps control weight and mood. When we are getting enough quality sleep, our hormone levels and metabolism remain more stable and constant. Therefore, it is easier for our bodies to utilize the fats and sugars in our blood in a healthy way, keeping us from gaining weight.
 
For some, an undiagnosed sleep disorder makes it impossible to stick to their new year’s resolution of losing weight. An estimated 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, which is often associated with people who are overweight. Sleep Apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which a person quits breathing for at least 10 seconds or longer while they are sleeping. If a person is overweight and suffering from undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea, he/she may not be as motivated to exercise or to diet. Sleep apnea leads to daytime sleepiness. Excessive daytime sleepiness makes it that much harder to begin and stay with an exercise program. Sleep apnea also contributes to obesity by making it more difficult for a person to process glucose (sugar) in the blood, much like a person with diabetes.
 
Sometimes the best way to treat obesity and stick to your goal can be to treat an underlying sleep problem. Successful treatment of sleep apnea will often motivate patients to effectively lose weight, which will in turn help their challenge of obesity and the sleep apnea.

If you are overweight or obese and sleep poorly or feel tired during the day, you should talk to your primary care clinician about a referral to a sleep center or contact the Sleep Disorders Center directly by calling 901-683-0044. For more information, visit us online at www.methodisthealth.org/sleep.

Several sleep disorders can be caused or made worse by pregnancy.  Some disorders, such as sleep apnea, may also be associated with complications during pregnancy such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or low birth weight.  Women with sleep apnea may also experience more daytime sleepiness compared to women who do not have sleep apnea during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and feel you may suffer from sleep apnea, it is very important that you talk to your doctor.

SYMPTOMS:
Here are the common sleep problems and their symptoms that may occur during pregnancy:

• Sleep apnea – Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person quits breathing in his or her sleep repeatedly.  Sleep apnea is often described as heavy snoring followed by long, quiet pauses with no breathing, and then an abrupt arousal with gasping and/or choking sounds during sleep.  Excessive daytime sleepiness is a result of sleep apnea.  If you are experiencing snoring and sleepiness, you should talk with your physician and ask about having your blood pressure and urine protein checked, especially if you have swollen ankles or headaches.
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS) - Symptoms of RLS include unpleasant feelings in the legs, sometimes described as creepy, tingly or achy. These feelings are worse at night or in the hours before bed and they are temporarily relieved by movement or stretching.   Most often patients with RLS also have nocturnal myoclonus, which is a sleep disorder where patients kick, jerk, or move their legs and/or arms all through the night.  Ask about your iron and folate levels at your next doctor’s appointment if you have symptoms of RLS or myoclonus.  
• Insomnia – Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early or feeling unrefreshed. Insomnia related to stress or anxiety about labor, delivery and/or balancing work and motherhood may result in significant sleep loss. The discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, back pain and fetal movements may also disturb sleep.
• Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux (nighttime GERD) – GERD, also known as heartburn, is considered a normal part of pregnancy. However, nighttime symptoms of GERD can damage the esophagus and disrupt sleep during pregnancy.  If you are experiencing GERD, you should sleep with your upper body at an incline or elevated by at least 30 degrees and/or sleep on your left side.  Try to avoid eating at least within 4 hours of your sleep time. 

For more information about sleep disorders, please visit our website at www.methodisthealth.org/sleep or contact us at 901.683.0044, option #3.   

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Kristi Lester is the Manager of the Methodist Healthcare Sleep Disorders Center. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Please call the Sleep Disorders Center for more information at 901.683.0044.

Quality sleep is one of the most important--and often misunderstood--keys to a healthy lifestyle. Kristi Lester, Manager of the Methodist Healthcare Sleep Disorders Center, shares why some of the things you've heard about sleep may not be the real story.

Myth #1: When a person is snoring, they are getting really good, restful sleep.

Reality: Although snoring appears harmless and more humorous when Larry, Curly, and Moe are doing it, snoring is a sign that not enough air is going into a person's windpipe. Snoring or pauses in breathing often indicate a serious, life-threatening sleep disorder known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Myth #2: I can function just fine with 5 or 6 hours of sleep.

Reality: The vast majority of adults function best with 7.5 - 8.5 hours of sleep every night. Many individuals who get less than that amount struggle with memory, problem-solving, and emotional problems.

Myth #3: I never discuss my sleep problems or concerns about sleepiness with my primary care physician because it really isn't important to my health.

Reality: Sleep isn't just "a break" from our daily lives. It is an active state important for renewing our minds and bodies each day. We spend one-third of our lives sleeping. There are more than 80 sleep disorders that lead to a lowered quality of life and poor health. Many disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea are life-threatening, as they may lead to heart attacks, strokes, depression, and other debilitating diseases and conditions. Sleepiness is often a complication of untreated sleep disorders and endangers lives every day by contributing to traffic accidents. You should always discuss any concerns that you have regarding sleepiness or your sleep in general with your primary care physician.

Myth #4: People who are sleepy during the day are "lazy."

Reality: Excessive sleepiness often indicates that the person is not getting enough sleep or that he or she has a sleep disorder that requires treatment. People with daytime sleepiness often fall asleep at traffic lights and stop signs, while watching television, during meetings, or while sitting in front of a computer. This is not normal behavior and a person should talk with their primary care physician about these issues.

Please tune in to Comcast Cable Channel 18, WYPL's The Power of Sleep in May 2011 where Dr. Merrill Wise will discuss these and many more common myths about sleep and sleep disorders. The Power of Sleep airs every month on the following days and times:

Mondays - 3:00 a.m.; 9:00 p.m.
Tuesdays - 12:30 a.m.; 6:30 a.m.; 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays - 4:30 a.m.; 11:00 p.m.
Thursdays - 12:30 p.m.
Fridays - 3:00 p.m.; 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays - 2:00 a.m.; 10:00 a.m.
Sundays - 6:00 p.m.

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Kristi Lester is the Manager of the Methodist Healthcare Sleep Disorders Center. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Please call the Sleep Disorders Center for more information at 901.683.0044.

Would you recognize a heart attack? Symptoms of a heart attack are not the same for everyone. Most people think the only symptom of having a heart attack is extreme chest pain and the feeling of impending doom. Actually that is not typically the case. The most common symptom is shortness of breath but people present with different symptoms all the time. The majority of symptoms are listed below according to specific populations. These are the most frequent symptoms for each category but are certainly not the only ones each may present with a heart attack.

• Men – Chest Pain, Jaw Pain, Abdominal Pain, Dizziness, Weakness, Shortness of Breath, Heart Pounding or Change in Rhythm, Sweating
• Women – Generalized pain, Back Pain especially at the Shoulder Blades, Sleep Disturbances, GI Complaints such as nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, Heart Pounding, Sweating, Chest Pain as more sharp than crushing
• Elderly – Shortness of Breath, Chest Pressure, Fainting, Mental Status Change or Confusion, Weakness, Fatigue
• Diabetics – Atypical or no Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Sweating, Weakness

If you experience a sudden onset of any of these symptoms that do not resolve with rest and think you might be having a heart attack, what would you do? Drive yourself to the doctor or hospital? Call a family member or friend to drive you? No. You need to CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!!

What is so special about calling the EMS? You feel you can make it to the hospital without them, right? WRONG! All of our local EMS are trained to care for heart attack victims. Before you ever get to the hospital, you can expect:

• EKG to show if you are actively having a heart attack
• Oxygen
• Medications
• Advanced Life Support if needed
• Calling ahead to let us prepare for your arrival

This will ensure you are given priority. If you are actively having a heart attack, we will have the cardiologist contacted and the Cardiac Catheterization Lab waiting. We certainly want to provide the best care possible and minimize any chance of disability or death.

Your responsibility in your cardiac health is to be knowledgeable regarding the symptoms of a heart attack and seek treatment immediately by calling 911.

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Keri Morris, R.N., BSN is a Chest Pain & Stroke Coordinator at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Call 888.777.5959 for more information.

Exercise seems like the last thing you want to do when you are depressed or feeling blue. But once you get motivated, exercise can make a big difference.  Exercise helps prevent and improve a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. Research shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help  improve mood.

How does exercise help depression? Exercise probably helps ease depression in a number of ways, which may include:

• Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins)
• Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
• Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects
• Doing something positive to manage depression is a healthy coping strategy.

What kind of exercise is best?
The word "exercise" may make you think of running laps around the gym. But a wide range of activities that boost your activity level help you feel better. Certainly running, lifting weights, playing basketball and other fitness activities that get your heart pumping can help. But so can gardening, washing your car, or strolling around the block and other less intense activities. Anything that gets you off the couch and moving is exercise that can help improve your mood.

You don't have to do all your exercise at once, either. Add small amounts of physical activity throughout your day. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park a little farther away at work to fit in a short walk.

Take time to take care of yourself and do activities that you enjoy that will get you moving and make you feel better.

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Dawn Caldwell is a Physical Therapist in Memphis, Tennessee with Methodist Healthcare. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Call 888.777.5959 for more information.

The connection with daytime behavior and performance

A growing number of studies confirm what parents and teachers have known for generations:  good sleep is vitally important for children.  In the past decade, the field of sleep medicine has made great progress in documenting the important link between a child’s quality and quantity of sleep and daytime function. Pediatric sleep specialists have established beyond doubt that how a child sleeps has tremendous impact on cognitive performance including learning, memory, attentiveness, and organizational skills.

In contrast to adults, children with daytime sleepiness may manifest hyperactivity, fidgety behavior and impulsivity. These problems may cause some parents or teachers to wonder if the child has the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), when the underlying problem may be inadequate sleep or a sleep disorder.

Examples of common sleep problems in children include insufficient sleep, insomnia (which can be associated with a variety of other issues), obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and medications that affect sleep or daytime alertness. Key observations that may suggest a sleep problem include difficulty awakening the child in the morning, excessive sleepiness or fatigue, irritability or moodiness, especially later in the day as the child becomes sleepy, and difficulty focusing for sustained periods. 

In older children and adolescents, parents are sometimes not aware of sleep issues because the child has not shared this information. Examples include the teenager with insomnia who is surfing the internet, playing video or computer games, or texting for hours after “lights out” time. Many children today are over-scheduled and there is no time left to allow the child to transition from the high-speed activities of the day to a more tranquil time to help prepare for sleep. Caffeine overuse can contribute to insomnia. Habitual snoring, especially when combined with observed pauses in breathing during sleep, suggests obstructive sleep apnea.

When there are concerns about a child’s sleep or daytime alertness, parents should begin by consulting with the child’s primary care provider so that an appropriate evaluation can be performed and treatment begun. In some cases consultation with a sleep medicine specialist may be necessary. As parents and teachers have known for years, children learn and perform best when they sleep well.

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Merrill Wise is a sleep specialist at the Methodist Healthcare Sleep Disorders Center. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Please call the Sleep Disorders Center for more information at 901.683.0044.

Physical therapy can help manage multiple sclerosis symptom management. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and the spinal cord.  The result may be the loss of muscle control, vision impariment, and balance and sensation loss.  The damage is caused by one's own immune system.

A build up of scar tissue develops in areas of the brain and spinal cord. The scar tissue forms because the protective covering, myelin, over the nerves is destroyed.  The information from the brain and spinal cord that travels along these nerves is disrupted and see the symptoms of multiple sclerosis develop.

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Dawn Caldwell is a Physical Therapist in Memphis, Tennessee with Methodist Healthcare. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Call 888.777.5959 for more information.

The following ten tips can help you achieve a good night’s sleep and the benefits it provides.

1. Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule including weekends.
2. Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.
3. Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.
4. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
5. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex.
6. Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before your regular bedtime.
7. Exercise regularly. It is best to complete your workout at least a few hours before bedtime.
8. Avoid caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) close to bedtime. It can keep you awake.
9. Avoid nicotine (e.g. cigarettes, tobacco products). Used close to bedtime, it can lead to poor sleep.
10. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime.

If you have sleep problems note what type of sleep problem is affecting your sleep or if you are sleepy when you wish to be awake and alert. Try these tips and record your sleep and sleep-related activities in a sleep diary.  If problems continue contact the Methodist Sleep Disorders Center for a consultation with a sleep specialist. 

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Jim Donaldson is the supervisor at the Methodist Healthcare Sleep Disorders Center. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Please call the Sleep Disorders Center for more information at 901.683.0044.

Have you talked to your friends and family about becoming an organ donor? If you haven't, today is the perfect time. Consider carefully the following:

• As of January 5, 2011 there are 110,233 patients on the national transplant waiting list (UNOS).
• There are 72,269 patients nationally that are active status on the transplant waiting list (UNOS).
• There have been 23,953 transplants nationally from January – October 2010.
• There have been 12,081 donors nationally from January- October 2010. (unos.org)

There is a shortage of donation as evidenced by these numbers. Talk to your family and friends today about organ donation. Sign up today by registering as an organ donor and sign to save a life at www.donatelife.com

Transplant trends are retrieved from www.unos.org and updated daily.

The leading form of treatment for many types of end-stage organ failure, organ transplantation has saved and enhanced the lives of more than 300,000 people in the United States. Increased need has led to a rise in living donor liver transplants, living donor kidney transplants and organ splitting. Living donation, transplanting all or part of an organ from a living person, has risen dramatically over the last few years. Find out more about the Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute in Memphis, Tenn.

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Melissa Moore is a transplant coordinator for the Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute in Memphis, Tennessee. For more information, contact the Transplant Institute at transplant@methodisthealth.org. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Locate a transplant surgeon in Tennessee or call 866.805.7710 for more information.

Smoking by itself increases the risk of coronary heart disease.

When it acts with the other factors, it greatly increases your risk from those factors, too. Smoking decreases your tolerance for physical activity and increases the tendency for blood to clot. It decreases HDL (good) cholesterol. Your risks increase greatly if you smoke and have a family history of heart disease. Smoking also creates a higher risk for peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysm. It increases the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease after bypass surgery, too.

Many people find support groups and hotlines helpful when quitting smoking. Knowing that someone out there understands and shares your struggle can help you stay committed to being smoke-free. These organizations may offer personalized help or listings of classes and support groups in your community:

• American Cancer Society
  Toll-free hotline: 800.ACS.2345 (800.227.2345)
• American Lung Association
  Toll-free hotline: 800.LUNGUSA (800.586.4872)
• MedLine Plus – Local Smoking Cessation Resources (from the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health)
• National Cancer Institute
  Toll-free hotline: 877.44U.QUIT (877.448.7848)
• National Institutes of Health – Clinical Trials on Smoking Cessation
• National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quitlines
  Toll free hotline: 800.QUITNOW (800.784.8669)
  TTY: 800.332.8615
• Nicotine Anonymous
  415.750.0328

For more information on heart disease or heart treatment in Memphis, contact the Cardiovascular Institute at 888.777.5959.

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Jennifer Hutzel is a Registered Nurse at the Methodist North Chest Pain Center. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Call 888.777.5959 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery

1. Which procedure do you recommend?
   There are three main procedures performed currently in the US. The Lap Band, the gastric sleeve, and the gastric bypass. All three procedures work and have good results when performed by an experienced surgeon and on a patient willing to follow instructions and make lifestyle changes. The most common procedure performed in America is the Lap Band.
2. How much weight can I lose?
   The first order of business is to determine how overweight a patient really is. The average patient will lose about 60-70% of their excess weight after surgery. This means that if someone is 100 pounds overweight, the average patient will lose and keep off about 60-70 pounds. Of course, some patients lose more and some less, depending on their willingness to stick to lifestyle change.
3. Why am I overweight?
   Everyone's weight basically comes down to how much you eat, what you eat, and how much real exercise you do. In general, it has little to do with your job, stress level, family life, etc. Our job is to help educate our patients so that they understand proper portion size, how to eat, prepare, and recognize appropriate foods, and on how to perform proper exercise.
4. Does my insurance cover the surgery?
   Most patients have coverage through their insurance. Look at your policy and see if 'bariatric surgery' or 'treatment of obesity' is a covered benefit. We can help you to figure this out. After an office evaluation we can determine your coverage status and help to get you approved if you are a candidate. Some patients are covered but only after they fulfill certain requirement set forth by their insurance company.
5. How much does surgery cost?
   Most patients are covered under their insurance plans. However, approximately 20% of patients do have to 'pay out of pocket' for their surgery/hospital stay. Surgery is not inexpensive, but when compared to the alternative of paying for the complications of obesity down the road, the cost is reasonable. Because we do a high volume of cases and have good results, the hospital makes every effort to keep the costs as low as possible for our patients. This can be discussed on an individual basis in the office, as each patient has different needs.
6. How long do I stay in the hospital?
   Lap band surgery usually requires a 4-6 hour outpatient hospital visit. The sleeve and bypass procedures usually require about a 2 day hospital stay. Most patients are back to normal activities within 2 weeks, some within 2 days.
7. Why should I have surgery at a Center of Excellence?
   When you make the decision to have bariatric surgery, make sure that it is performed by a surgeon and/or facility that is associated with a Center of Excellence. This is a designation given based on a high volume of cases, good outcomes, and following appropriate protocols that help to optimize good patient outcomes. It has been shown that bariatric surgery performed at lower volume centers have higher rates of complications.

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Dr. George Woodman is a bariatric surgeon and director at MidSouth Bariatrics. Dr. Woodman has performed over 3500 laparoscopic bariatric procedures to help those patients lose over 200,000 pounds. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Call 888.777.5959 for more information.

V- is for Vigor: Get out there and exercise three times a week, even if it’s just walking. Get off the couch and start moving. Exercise lowers blood pressure, decreases bad cholesterol, burns calories, adds muscle, and increases bone strength. (See your doctor before beginning a new exercise program)

A - Acceptance: Accept others for who they are. You can’t change them, so change your attitude towards them so that you can learn to be happy around them. Who knows–your acceptance may be all it needs for them to make changes. 

L - is for Laughter:  Spend time laughing with family and friends.  Laughing increases the “feel good” hormone in your brain which improves your overall well-being. It also makes those around you feel better. 

E - Eat breakfast: Breakfast jump starts your day. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It gives you energy to start your day and is linked to many healthy benefits. A good healthy breakfast has been shown to improve weight control, improve concentration in the classroom and the boardroom, provide energy for physical activity, and improve overall intake of nutrients and vitamins.

N - Neatness: Hmmm. Some people don’t like to hear that one, but being organized can help you function better in your home and at work. 

1. You can better manage your time and prioritize your daily chores. These things tend to fall into place when working within deadlines and limits.
2. It will reduce clutter. We can start to get rid of “stuff” and keep the things that are needed and quit accumulating more clutter.
3. It will help you set and achieve personal goals. Make lists of the things you have to do and the things you want to do. As each day passes, you will be closer to your goals.
4. You will learn to focus on the big picture; making sure you have room in your life for the important things that really matter to you.

T - is for Time Management:  Work on finding a balance between your work and home life. In the age of smart phones and laptops, people are working longer hours than ever before often without even realizing it. Do you answer your phone at the dinner table? Check your work email while sitting with your family? Stop that.

I - Interest: Find things that interest you and stimulate your mind. This can be a new hobby such as reading, painting, music, taking a new class, etc…the options are endless. The more interested you become in increasing your thinking power, the more interesting you become.

N - Nurture: Nurture yourself, so you can do the same for others. If you are in the midst of a crisis, take some time out and spend it nurturing yourself. Get a massage, a facial, a manicure, a haircut, relax in the park with a book, meet up with an old friend, or anything that helps you to relax...Remind yourself that underneath all that stress you are a person. Treat yourself. When was the last time you nurtured yourself? It makes a difference in how you are able to nurture others.

E - Enjoy life to the fullest: Make the most of each day. Notice life going on around you. Spend some time in it. Whether you’re headed to work or at home with your family–what can you do to make this the best day possible? If you approach each day with this attitude, it becomes infectious and others want to have the joy that you have.

Make a difference in your own life, become your own best Valentine!

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Gale Dering is the Clinic Manager for the Methodist Minor Medical Center on Hacks Cross Road. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Call 888.777.5959 for more information.

This year one of our own was chosen to be a part of the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA. Arbeny Davis received a living donor kidney transplant at Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute. She and her donor have been a great inspiration to others and have educated many on living donation.

 

 

The Donate Life Rose Parade float is coordinated by OneLegacy, a nonprofit transplant donor network serving 18 million people in Southern California. Rose Parade is a registered trademark of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. Donate Life America is a registered trademark of Donate Life America.

Nationally recognized for its success with kidney, pancreas, kidney-pancreas and liver transplants, Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute has been a leader in the field for more than 30 years. The program offers hope to patients with conditions such as kidney failure, end-stage liver diseases such as cirrhosis, Hepatitis C and diabetes by treating pancreas, kidney and liver transplants in Memphis, Tenn.

What does it really mean to have cultural diversity within an organization? As I pondered this statement, I looked back to my beginnings in northern Mississippi. I grew up in a time of segregation and separation in the south. This was during the 50’s, 60’s, and early 70’s. Surely this term was not invented then. I remembered neighborhoods with only one race in them. Sections of town were racially & culturally divided.

Cultural diversity is the variety of human societies or cultures in a specific region, or in the world as a whole. Cultural diversity within a hospice care program is typically a rarity. However, according to the research information listed below, African American participation in Memphis hospice care is far beyond the national average. During my tenure as a hospice chaplain, the area census listed more African Americans than Euro-Americans (Memphis is over 60% African American), but it also shows a greater number of Caucasians using hospice care.

It would seem that we here in Memphis are truly blessed. Research found that the ratio of African Americans to Caucasians is much lower than the national average. Listed below is a graph of hospice admissions by Methodist Alliance Hospice. It appears that the ratio is much closer here than I had envisioned. Clearly, African Americans lag behind Caucasian hospice usage. However, during the charted period (October 2007 - December 2009), Caucasians led African American hospice usage by only 110 patients. The ratio is nearly one for one. This is a rarity for hospice usage nationally. I think it is also important to note that the graph below includes not only Memphis and Shelby county but other outlying counties in west Tennessee and Northern Mississippi as well. 

Unduplicated Hospice Admissions by Gender and Race/Ethnicity: 

RACE/ETHNICITY	MALE	FEMALE	UNDEFINED	TOTAL
Unknown	32	43	0	75
Native American	0	2	0	2
Caucasian	485	679	6	1,170
Asian	4	8	0	12
Other	2	1	0	3
Hispanic	5	6	0	11
African American	437	614	9	1,060
<Undefined>	21	39	6	66
Total:	986	1,392	21	2,399

Cultural diversity in the Memphis area is constantly changing. In our hospice program, I have been privileged and blessed to minister to multiple races. I have ministered to Asians, Africans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians, just to mention some. Our hospice care in Memphis meets individuals where they are regardless of race, religion or national origin. I know we have not reached it yet but I believe that we are ever so slowly moving toward the “Beloved Community” spoken of by Martin Luther King Jr. 

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Chaplain Eddie L. Conner, DMin, BCC is a chaplain with Methodist Hospice in Memphis, Tenn. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Call 888.777.5959 for more information.