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Renown and Thousands of Top U.S. Hospitals Encourage Everyone to #MaskUp
Growing numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths are troubling; facemasks can slow the trend. 100 of the nation’s top health care systems, representing thousands of hospitals in communities across the U.S., have come together with an urgent plea for all Americans – mask up, because wearing a facemask is our best chance at slowing the surging COVID-19 pandemic now. More than 11.5 million Americans have tested positive for the virus – including an additional one million in just the past week – leading to nearly 250,000 deaths. The current trends are daunting and frightening. If the nation stays on its current course, hospital leaders are increasingly concerned that more healthcare facilities will be overwhelmed as shortages of healthy caregivers make it difficult to handle a rapidly increasing number of patients. Unfortunately, this is already happening in parts of our country. The next several months will be critical. Though there has been positive news about vaccine development, no one knows when those vaccines will be ready for widespread use. In the meantime, everyone must remain vigilant, take precautions and follow public health orders. The country has reached a tipping point. The power to do what is right is now in the hands of everyone everywhere. Beginning today, a public service message will run in The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times. Additionally, leading hospitals and health systems across the country will continue to unite to share these messages regionally. The message reads: “As the top nationally-ranked hospitals, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. But, here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So, please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #MaskUp. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.” In an effort to reach a broader audience, the public service effort will also include messages on digital platforms, social media, online information, links to vital health resources and more. Combining resources demonstrates that these health organizations are working together, will accomplish this today and will get through this together. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points to recent studies that have shown facemasks successfully limit spread of the COVID-19 virus. Wearing facemasks protect in key ways: by protecting the wearer against inhalation of harmful pathogens and particulates and by preventing exposure of those around the wearer. In addition to masking, the CDC suggests that everyone minimize the number of non-household contacts, maintain a physical distance of at least six feet, and limit the amount of time around others, especially while indoors and in poorly ventilated areas. For further information about masking guidelines – how to choose a mask, how to properly wear a mask – visit the CDC website. About us: www.everymaskup.com is a collaboration of 100 leading health systems representing thousands of hospitals across the U.S. joining together to create messages for the betterment of communities they serve. The impetus for this, and other public service campaigns to follow, came from a group of health care marketing and communications executives meeting for a decade and reengaged weekly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The goal is to share knowledge and experience, best practices, strategies and resources - knowing they can accomplish more together. Founded and led by Rhoda Weiss, Ph.D., Los Angeles-based national health care leader and consultant, the expanded coalition is partnering with Cleveland Clinic Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Paul Matsen and his team for this effort. Additionally, hospitals and health systems on a regional basis continue to come together to send messages like these of prevention and safety, hope and healing, life and death, care and caring.Media Contacts:Rhoda WeissM: 310-945-6730E: rhoda@rhodaweiss.comAngie KiskaM: 216-312-9170E: kiskaa@ccf.org The following hospitals and health systems to spread this message across the country. AdventHealth Nemours Children's Health System Adventist Health NewYork-Presbyterian Allegheny Health Network Northwell Health Atrium Health Northwestern Medicine Avera Health Norton Healthcare Banner Health Ochsner Health Baptist Health Northeast Florida OhioHealth Baylor Scott & White Health Oregon Health & Science University BJC HealthCare OSF HealthCare Bon Secours Mercy Health OU Health Boston Children's Hospital PeaceHealth Cedars-Sinai Penn Medicine Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Penn State Health Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Providence Children's Hospital of Orange County Renown Health Children's National Hospital Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center ChristianaCare Rush University System for Health Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center RWJ Barnabas Health City of Hope Saint Luke's Health System (Kansas City, MO) Cleveland Clinic SCL Health CommonSpirit Health Scripps Health Community Health Systems Sharp HealthCare Cooper University Health Care Southwestern Health Resources Dana-Farber Cancer Institute SSM Health Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health St. Elizabeth Healthcare Duke Health St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Emory Healthcare St. Luke's Hospital (St. Louis) Geisinger Stanford Health Care Hackensack Meridian Health Sutter Health HCA Healthcare Temple Health Inspira Health Texas Health Resources Intermountain Healthcare The Christ Hospital Health Network Jefferson Health The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Johns Hopkins Medicine The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Kaiser Permanente ThedaCare Keck Medicine of USC TriHealth (Cincinnati) LifePoint Health Trinity Health Mass General Brigham UC Davis Health Mayo Clinic UCHealth MedStar Health UC Health CINCINNATI Memorial Hermann UC San Diego Health Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center UChicago Medicine MemorialCare (Southern California) UCI Health Mercy UCLA Health Michigan Medicine UCSF Health Mount Sinai Health System UNC Health National Jewish Health University of California Health Nationwide Children's Hospital University Hospitals (Cleveland) Nebraska Medicine University of Iowa Health Care Virtua Health
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Alzheimer's Safety Tips for Caregivers to Know
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. At Renown Health, we know that Alzheimer's safety for your loved one is a priority, as the symptoms can sometimes lead to unsafe situations. We asked Dr. Jonathan Artz – a neurology physician with Renown Health and an assistant professor of clinical neurology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine – for tips on keeping loved ones safe and secure. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease affects safety in various ways, specifically due to body and brain adjustments. These changes can include: Judgment, including forgetfulness Sense of place – getting lost on the way home Behavior – being suspicious or fearful Body difficulty – losing balance Sensing ability – noticeable sensitivity in hearing, seeing or temperature Dr. Artz gives us four major tips to ensure your loved one’s safety as you both navigate this disease together. Watch for Wandering Those experiencing Alzheimer’s disease tend to wander and get lost. Try the following tips to reduce the risk of wandering: Get your loved one an ID bracelet and have them wear it at all times. You can also enroll your loved one in “Wandering Support.” Install door chimes so you know when exterior doors are open. Ask neighbors to call you if they see your loved one out alone. Go with your loved one when they insist on leaving the house. Don’t argue or yell. Instead, use distraction or gentle hints to get them to return home. Discourage Driving Driving can be unsafe for someone with this disease. With this in mind, ask a doctor whether it’s safe for your loved one to drive. For example, on a case-by-case basis, there are certain situations where doctors are required to report individuals with particular cognitive impairments, wherein a form of a driving assessment will be recommended. Limit access to the car. Keep the keys with you or lock them away. Ask an authority figure, such as an insurance agent or a doctor, to tell them not to drive. Adult-Proof Your Abode A simple living space is a safe living space. This means reducing clutter and removing any issues that may pose a safety concern. You may also want to get advice from an occupational therapist (home safety expert). Keep in mind that some changes may not be needed right away. Focus on major safety concerns first. Try the following tips: Add lighting (or glow-in-the-dark tape) to brighten dark areas, including stairways and halls. Use color contrast or texture indicators for dials, knobs and appliance controls. Remind your loved one not to carry items while walking to avoid a fall. Remove sharp objects from drawers and countertops. Avoid using small throw rugs or doormats, as they are easy to trip on. Move frequently used items so that they are easy to reach. Lock away alcohol and tobacco products, as they are not recommended for dementia patients. Install handrails in the shower, tub and near the toilet. Bathroom falls are especially common. Adjust the setting on your hot water heater so water does not scald. Those with Alzheimer’s can lose their sensitivity to temperature. Move and lock up hazardous chemicals and cleaning supplies, such as bleach and insecticides. Disable and remove guns or any weapons. Supervise any medication taken by your loved one. Promote a Positive & Healthy Lifestyle Continually emphasize the strengths of your loved one by promoting participation in meaningful activities, wellness visits and healthy habits to help them improve their well-being. Here are some ways to keep them physically and mentally active: Maintain regular vision and hearing screenings and make necessary adaptations. Establish a routine for daily activities. Encourage participation in self-care and leisure activities. Work with your loved one’s doctor to establish a healthy diet. Ensure proper hydration. It may help to set reminders for your loved one to drink fluids. Encourage regular exercise. Exercise delivers oxygen to the brain, improving brain health. Promote good sleep habits. Good quality sleep can increase overall brain health and has been associated with improving memory, attention and concentration. Resources and support are available with the Renown Memory Disorders Program. Providers within this program are specifically dedicated to treating several different memory-related disorders. Memory Disorders Resources & Support.
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