Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 13, 1991 TAG: 9103150026
SECTION: AMERICAN WOMEN'S SHOW PAGE: AW5 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: ANNE PIEDMONT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The pavilion will highlight several new programs and pieces of equipment the hospital has, as well as provide information about on-going programs and opportunities.
Isenhour, a registered nurse and coordinator of women's health for Lewis-Gale, said the Women's Show gives the hospital staff a chance to talk to the community about what is available. This is the fourth year Lewis-Gale has participated in the show, providing "health information for women and their families."
"The staff enjoys it," Isenhour said, "they're proud of their programs, and want to show them off."
A case in point is the Cardiac Department's booths, which will feature a big operating room exhibit. The mock operating room, complete with a mock patient, introduces the public to open-heart surgery, which will be available at the hospital beginning in April or May, Isenhour said. She called the exhibit an opportunity for people to actually look around in an operating room - something most of us don't get a chance to do.
Also on view is the echo-cardiogram, a new piece of equipment that takes video pictures of the heart using sound waves. Different colors on the television screen depict different sound intensities and allow medical personnel to pinpoint potential trouble without a surgical procedure. Children 6-years-old and younger will be able to see their hearts beating.
Families visiting the pavilion will get a look at pacemakers and catheterization equipment, with hospital staff members available to answer questions. In addition, the staff will be doing blood-pressure screenings and handing out a "A Woman's Guide to a Healthy Heart," a booklet that contains risk factors, tips and self-quiz.
Lewis-Gale's Oncology Department will be promoting its affiliation with the Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center, which, Isenhour stressed, is much more than in name only . Staff members will be on hand to explain how the hospital's link with one of the nation's top cancer centers benefits both patients and physicians, by making new treatments and procedures available to the Roanoke Valley.
The hospital and the American Cancer Society will have information on "Look Good, Feel Better," a program co-sponsored by the National Cosmetology Association, which addresses the unique cosmetic needs of chemotherapy patients. It involves specially trained volunteers teaching patients how they can look better while in treatment. "It's significant to the patient's total care," Isenhour said, "and it can make a difference." Lewis-Gale is the first hospital in the area to offer the program.
Isenhour, herself, is most excited about the Fertility & Reproductive Health Center of Western Virginia's booth, which will feature videos and other patient information on fertility issues, including "amazing photographs" of conception and fetal growth. Nurses will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on a local support group for couples with fertility problems.
Other interesting stops in the Health Pavilion include:
The Maternity Care booth, promoting the "Our First" program for first-time parents and the hospital's switch to cloth diapers, among other things.
The nurse recruitment booth, with information on health-care careers for young women and anyone else interested in nursing.
The Imaging exhibit, highlighting the high-tech equipment, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging and CT Scans, that diagnose and treat a variety of conditions.
The Rehabilitation Program, with information on sports medicine, pain control, alcohol and drug treatment and rehab programs.
A general information booth that offers health care information "on everything else."
by CNB