Alzheimer’s Disease - More than Just Forgetting!

Most of us know someone who has Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disorder that destroys vital brain cells. One in 11 Canadians over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease and that rate increases to 1 in 3 over 85 years of age. With the first wave of baby boomers turning 65 years old in 2011, now is a good time to refresh our Alzheimer’s knowledge!

Alzheimer’s disease is not considered a natural part of the aging process. While memory loss is what we think of most commonly, there are a number of other warning signs. If you notice a loved one is having difficulty performing familiar tasks, including:

• not remembering how to start their washing machine;


• forgetting common words in conversation;


• becoming lost in familiar areas;


• showing poor judgment like wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather,


• misplacing items in unusual locations like putting their watch in the freezer,


• changing personality like becoming paranoid or suspicious; or,


• showing a loss of initiative and relying on others to tell them what to do next in their daily routine.

If you notice a loved one exhibiting any of these signs it is important that they see their doctor.

It is estimated that 1,892 people in Chatham-Kent that currently have Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to keep your brain healthy!

Challenge your brain by pursuing a new interest like art or music. Keep socially active by joining a club or pursuing a hobby. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and seeing your doctor regularly.

Protect your head from injury by wearing your seatbelt, using a helmet when riding your bike and staying aware to reduce your risk of falls.

The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent is a wonderful resource for those living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, go to: www.alzheimerchathamkent.ca

Let’s Talk About COPD!

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is more commonly known as COPD, is a progressive lung disease that affects an estimated 1.5 million Canadians and possibly many more yet to be diagnosed. COPD blocks and narrows the airways and inflames the lungs. The two main forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people with COPD have a combination of the two forms.

It is thought that 80-90% of COPD cases are caused by smoking – either being a smoker now or in the past, or, being exposed to second-hand smoke. However, those who have never smoked or been exposed to second-hand smoke may also develop COPD.

The symptoms of COPD can include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, frequent lung infections and weight loss. Moreover, there is no cure for COPD; it is a progressive disease. However, symptoms can be managed and the progression possibly slowed with medications and lifestyle changes.

It is important that you see your doctor regularly and follow the treatment program created for you. If you are still smoking, it is important to try to quit. Talk to your doctor as there are treatment options available to help you quit. Avoid exposure to second hand smoke whenever possible. Become knowledgeable about your illness. Keeping the lines of communication open with all health care providers is essential. Knowing when to seek treatment if symptoms of COPD worsen (referred to as an ‘exacerbation’) is vital.

Both influenza and pneumonia can lead to an exacerbation of COPD and frequently requires hospitalization. With the influenza season upon us, it is especially important for those with COPD to talk to their doctor about both the influenza vaccine and the pneumonia vaccines.

2011 Patient Safety Award Winner Announced!

During Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s (CKHA) celebration of National Patient Safety Week, the Quality/Risk and Patient Safety Council presents an annual Patient Safety Award to an individual or team who made a significant contribution to patient safety in the past year. At a ceremony held in the cafeteria of the Chatham Campus, I was privileged to be able to present this year’s Patient Safety Award.

It’s worth mentioning the folks that were nominated, as to be nominated is an honour itself. This year the nominees were Leah Praill, Housekeeping, for environmental audits for high touch areas and the Pharmacy Department for reducing errors by using a standardized medication dispensing system.

The winner of the award was the Safe Medication Team, led by Clinical Pharmacist Leader Gary Deroo; the team consists of Pharmacy Team members, front-line nursing staff and Nursing Leaders.

Through the work of our Safe Medication Team, CKHA has become a safer place for our patients. They have implemented many steps to ensure the right medication, and the right dose reaches the right patient at the right time.


They have developed strategies to improve safety regarding High Alert Medications, Look Alike/Sound Alike Medications, and Independent Double Checks.


In addition, the Safe Medication Team developed strategies to communicate these safety enhancements to staff working around the clock, through CKHA’s new staff orientation, eLearning program, clinical refreshers and poster boards.

Congratulations Safe Medication Team!!!

Remembrance Day 2011

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour Canadians all across the country come together to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada. Some will remember grandparents, others husbands, wives, sons or daughters and others friends and neighbours and we all will silently reflect on their ultimate sacrifice for their country.

At Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) we observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to fallen heroes making Remembrance Day all the more poignant and close to home.

Veteran Affairs Canada states that Canada is recognized around the world for its generosity and willingness to step forward when help is needed. This has been seen not only in the First and Second World Wars but in present day military and peace support efforts or domestic operations. More than 2.3 million Canadians have answered the call and served the cause of peace and freedom over the years, more than 117,000 have given their lives.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe,

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch, be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields
~ John McCrae

Service Excellence – “Always” Behaviours

This year Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) created a new vision statement:

An Exceptional Community Hospital
Setting Standards – Exceeding Expectations

How can we create a hospital experience for our patients and families that exceed their expectations? One way that will help us achieve this is through the application of the CKHA service excellence standards. A consistent approach that is sustained and demonstrated as “always” behaviours can help us achieve our vision. But it will take all of us, all of the time.

So instead of introducing a new standard this fall, we want everyone to take time to reflect on the standards we have already introduced. Are you escorting patients, families and visitors to their destination? Are you stepping back and letting patients and families enter the elevators first? Are you only using your cell phone for calls or texting on your breaks? Are you using the NOD? Do you answer the phone with your name and “How may I help you?” Is your blackberry only used during an emergency when in a meeting?

“Always” behaviours can help us sustain a culture that supports being an Exceptional Community Hospital. It takes “all of us – all of the time”. Take a look at the flyer that will be published on the CKHA Intranet, an information system for hospital employees!

Click Here for Service Excellence