Wellspring

In This Issue

• Prepping for Trauma
• The Time is Now
• Life in the Emergency Department
• Care in the Air
• Morgan’s Gift
• Return to Tranquility
• Patient Beats the Odds
• A Real Victory for the Citizens of Solano
• Meet NorthBay's Trauma Team
• The Golden Hour
• A Matter of Priorities
• Never a Dull Moment
• Language is No Barrier
• New Emergency Services Director Shares Insights Online
• When to Visit the ER
• Back from the Brink...
• NorthBay ED Treats Lawnmower Accident
• Care Continues
• ED Provides Quick Care for Dog Bite Victim
• NICU
• A Race to Birth
• Party Set for NICU Grads
• Steer Clear of Trouble
• What’s in Your First Aid Kit?
• Fall Prevention Can Save Your Life
• Hospice Tree of Memories Event
• Rotary Club Donation Will Help NICU Moms
• Oretta’s Garden Gift
• Girls’ Night Out: Mardi Gras Fun
• Genentech, River Cats Team Up to Benefit NorthBay Cancer Center
• A Perennially Classic Event
• New Bereavement Support Group Offered
• Advanced Medicine Lecture Series
• Adventure Continues for Nurse Camp Students
• Surgery for Maggy
• New Physicians
• Center for Primary Care Ranked Among the Best
• Choose NorthBay Healthcare During Open Enrollment
• Hands on Approach to Pain
• Vacaville Expansion Moves Ahead
• Wellspring Garners National Awards

Entries Tagged as Children's Health

ED Provides Quick Care for Dog Bite Victim

As her parents watched in horror, the family dog attacked 4-year-old Aaliyah Burrell, pinning her to the ground and tearing at her face. The April evening had started peacefully, with the Burrell children asking to play outside after dinner. But in an instant, everything changed. The children’s romp with their dog turned vicious. Alerted by her screams, Aaliyah’s parents scooped her up and headed for NorthBay Medical Center. Her ear was hanging away from her face and she had facial lacerations.

"We didn’t even think to call an ambulance," says Kristin Burrell, of the rush to care for her daughter. "We wrapped her in a towel, piled into the car and, of course, hit every stop light."

Once they reached the Emergency Department, all lights were green and Aaliyah’s care began immediately. "There was no wait at all," says Burrell.
"As soon as we entered the Emergency Department a nurse took her for an exam and things began to happen."

Fortunately, the Burrells could prove their dog was up-to-date on his rabies vaccinations. Unfortunately, the severity of her wounds meant Aaliyah would need immediate transfer to Oakland Children’s Hospital.

"The care we received was amazing," Burrell remembers. "Within 10 minutes an ambulance arrived to take us to Oakland. I rode with her, and when we got to Children’s Hospital a plastic surgeon was waiting to take care of her." Because she had eaten dinner, Aaliyah’s facial surgery took place the next morning. With wounds closed, the family was sent home for their child’s recovery.

Aaliyah has made a full recovery, but may need additional facial plastic surgery next year. Her parents are just grateful for the quick action taken by the NorthBay Medical Center ER staff.

What to Do When A Dog Attacks

Almost 90 percent of the animal bites seen in emergency departments are from dogs and most occur among children ages 5 to 9.

In addition to physical damage, two deadly viruses can be passed by dogs: rabies and tetanus. That’s why it is important to be able to identify and find the dog that has bitten you.

Observation by a veterinarian is appropriate when the vaccination status of the animal is unknown. If the animal cannot be quarantined for 10 days, the dog bite victim should receive rabies immunization.

Most dog bites do require medical attention, because in addition to cleaning the wound, the patient may need antibiotics, a tetanus shot, and/or treatment to prevent rabies.

Seek immediate medical care for multiple or serious bites, especially in younger children and bites that involve the child’s head and neck.

After a dog bites, stop any bleeding by putting direct pressure on the wound. Then clean it extensively, flushing it with saline or water to remove as much bacteria as possible. Unless on the face or severe, most bites are not sutured, but left open to heal from the inside out.

Party Set for NICU Grads

NICU Nurse Jeannette Fegan welcomes former patients during last year’s reunion.

The 26th Annual NorthBay Medical Center NICU reunion is Saturday, November 5, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This year’s event is a fall festival and will be held at the NorthBay Healthcare Administration Building in Green Valley. All NICU graduates and their families are invited to attend. More information: NICUREUNION@Northbay.org.

When it’s Time to Have ‘The Talk...’

Even the most stalwart parents of pre-teen adolescents can become tongue-tied and knock-kneed at the thought of having “The Talk.” At times like that, it’s nice to know that Alina Hongsakaphadana, M.D., is in your corner, ready to lead the discussion, or provide support if needed.

“There’s no doubt it’s a difficult conversation for some parents to have,” admits the soft-spoken family medicine physician who is based at the NorthBay Center for Primary Care in Green Valley. “But the information is so important and pre-teens and teenagers need to know. Some of them are already making decisions about sexual activity, and they need to understand there are responsibilities and consequences that come with those decisions.”

The bottom line is getting information to young adults before it’s too late.

Dr. Hongsakaphadana (pronounced Hong-saka-putt, but affectionately called Dr. Hong by patients and staff alike) says she’s particularly drawn to pre-teens and teens, who seem to feel comfortable talking to her.

Still, it’s not always an easy conversation. One of her young patients denied being sexually active, but when results came back positive for a sexually transmitted disease, Dr. Hong knew she’d have to have a serious talk with her. “She needed to talk to someone who could answer her questions seriously and without embarrassment.”

Dr. Hong understands that sometimes a third party is better equipped to navigate those tricky conversations. “I’m happy to work with the parents on how we approach the subject,” explains Dr. Hong. “I actually prefer that they engage in the discussion, but if they’re not comfortable, I’m happy to take the lead. Others just want me there for support.”

The bottom line, says Dr. Hong, is getting information to young adults before it’s too late.

“If a parent is not capable of answering questions for any reason, I’m happy to step in, because there’s a lot of misinformation out there and kids are confused.”

Of course, as a family physician she’s also available to handle regular health checks for adults and children of all ages. Dr. Hong accepts patients of all ages in her family practice. She is happy to provide sports physicals, annual exams and checkups. To schedule an appointment, call (707) 646-3500.

Even When All is Well Your Child Needs a Checkup

Would you wait six months to ask your auto mechanic about that check engine light? Probably not. The same applies to red flags parents may see regarding their child’s overall health or development.

Parents can ask about any concerns they may have regarding their child’s health when they take him or her to a “well child visit,” says Judy Yang, D.O., a pediatrician at the NorthBay Center for Primary Care in Vacaville. Waiting to make these important appointments could postpone a diagnosis of illness or an opportunity to address a developmental delay.

“Unfortunately, sometimes a child will miss months to years of surveillance because the parents didn’t understand the importance of regular well child exams,” she adds. “And when they return to my care, issues such as developmental delays, dietary problems and behavioral issues have already appeared.

“At well child visits, there are many areas of your child’s health that physicians address, and immunizations are only one of them. I encourage families to discuss with me any concerns they have that could prevent their child from receiving other scheduled medical care.”

What occurs during Dr. Yang’s well child visits? “Basically, we run the whole spectrum. I look at the entire body, from head to toe. We cover nutrition, dental care, safety at home and school, behavioral concerns—for all age groups. I explain what parents can expect in terms of growth and development. There are many developmental milestones tracked, especially during the first few years of a child’s life, and interventions could be instituted more effectively if problems are discovered early enough. For teenagers, we also discuss high-risk behaviors, not only for the teen, but within the family and at school,” Dr. Yang says.

Well child visits typically last longer than other appointments, because pediatricians and family physicians want to have adequate time to answer parent’s questions and address concerns. And, Dr. Yang encourages parents to bring a list of those questions to the appointment.

“That’s even better. Then we won’t forget to discuss anything.” If there turns out to be an additional concern, another appointment may be scheduled so there is sufficient time to explore it.

Well child visits are different from school physicals, she adds, and if parents know their child may be interested in participating in a sport, she encourages them to not delay in scheduling that appointment. “Parents may not know that we can do a sports physical weeks ahead of when the sport may start, so don’t wait until the last minute.”

During the sports physical, Dr. Yang will ask about previous injuries, such as concussions or fractures, and will inquire about a family or personal history of cardiac events or asthma. She also thoroughly examines her young athlete’s musculoskeletal and neurological systems for potential impairments that may impact their performance.

“Please be consistent in coming to these important appointments,” Dr. Yang stresses. “We really are happy to see your child grow and develop well, and want to address any concerns that may come up as soon as possible.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Yang, call the NorthBay Center for Primary Care in Vacaville at (707) 624-8500.

Measles, Mumps,Chicken Pox, Oh My...

Immunizations Offer Protection Against Childhood Diseases

Parents protect their children in myriad ways. They buckle them into car seats, strap on helmets before letting them ride a bike, and make sure all their immunizations are current.

“Immunizations are important to prevent very serious diseases,” says Michelle Church, M.D., pediatrician at NorthBay Center for Primary Care in Fairfield, and evidence proves they unequivocally help save lives.

“Prior to the advent of immunizations, a good percentage of children—maybe as much as 30 percent—did not make it to double digit ages,” Dr. Church adds, because without these vaccines they were not protected from such childhood diseases as measles, mumps, meningitis, chicken pox, scarlet fever or whooping cough. “Research shows that, as the rate of immunizations against these diseases increases, the incidence of disease decreases.”

Clearly, no parent would want their child to suffer through the risks that come with exposure to chicken pox or measles, or the risk of death that comes with exposure to HIB meningitis, and yet pediatricians are noting a recent concern among some parents who believe that immunizations themselves may cause such side effects as autism.

“I always caution my parents as to the sources of information they receive. Anybody can put anything on the Internet. There are no studies that prove vaccines (specifically the MMR vaccine) cause autism. For example, we’re able to more reliably pick up on signs of autism around the age that MMR is given. Additionally, kids are now in day care and preschools at an earlier age and will be compared to other children more frequently. In the past, when they weren’t going off to kindergarten until age 5, moms would say, ‘oh, that’s just how little Johnnie is.’

“As with anything in life, you weigh risks and benefits and here the benefits far outweigh the risks,” Dr. Church explains. “Almost nothing in life is risk-free. Even getting in the car to go for a ride, you take precautions and face risks. It’s important to make an informed decision based on facts and not emotions.”

As a pediatrician, Dr. Church adds, “I discuss concerns about immunizations with my parents, and provide appropriate recommendations and counseling. At our well child visits, for example, we discuss the most common reactions to vaccines, such as fever, redness and soreness at the vaccine site. Many pediatricians, like myself, are agreeable to alternative schedules of vaccinations—such as only giving one or two vaccines at a time, or starting later—if the parents are willing to go this route,” rather than increasing their risk of becoming sick by avoiding the vaccines altogether. ”

A Life-Changing Love for Her Baby

Holly McKee, right, and her daughter, Madyson, visit with ABC Clinic educator Kathie Thoming, left, and counselor Heidi Beck.

Baby Madyson glows with good health as she sits on mom Holly McKee’s lap in the NorthBay ABC (A Baby’s Coming) Clinic in Fairfield. Just 2 months old, she doesn’t know she inspired her mom to turn her life around at warp speed.

When Holly, 24, arrived at the ABC Clinic for prenatal care, she was homeless, using methamphetamines and smoking marijuana and tobacco. Her biggest fear was that her baby would be taken away from her.

“I needed help, but I was afraid to open up about my drug use,” Holly says. “As I came to my appointments I began to feel I was in a place where people not only cared about my baby, but for me too, and that I could trust them.”

At the clinic, she had regular checkups and attended prenatal classes, all provided at no charge. The ABC Clinic provides prenatal care for more than 600 low-income mothers each year. Holly received care from Ann Marie Ziomek, the clinic’s certified nurse midwife.

“The more comfortable I became with Ann Marie, the more I was able to open up and tell the truth about the changes I needed to make,” she says. “I was ashamed of myself and knew I had to tell on myself, no matter how hard it seemed.”

She finally discussed her addictions with Ann Marie, who suggested she and her boyfriend talk with Heidi Beck, the ABC Clinic’s counselor.

“Heidi helped me talk about the things I needed to change without judging me,” Holly says. “She also was there to help me and my boyfriend discuss any problems we were having with each other.”

Heidi referred her to the Solano County Substance Abuse Assessor who then referred her to Project Aurora in Vallejo, a substance abuse program that helps pregnant women become drug-free. 

“I no longer felt alone in my battle and I got the help I needed to give myself and my baby a better and healthier chance at life,” Holly says. 

She also completed the entire Prenatal Education Program taught by Kathie Thoming. “Through the classes I realized the harm I was doing to my baby and it really helped me to care more about myself and my unborn child,” Holly says. “So I changed, and once I did, I was able to see how easy it could be to change. If you want something badly enough, you can turn your life around and make it happen. I wanted my baby more than anything and I was determined to keep her.”

She credits the Baby’s First/ABC Program for helping to change her life. “The best thing that ever happened to me was getting pregnant and being a part of this program,” she says. “They never forced me to do anything. They gave me the loving care and support I needed to see I had options and that I could be the decision-maker of my life for the better. I will always be grateful that I had their help. All they really wanted to do was help me take my child home.”

She and her boyfriend and their baby now share an apartment in Vallejo. “My life has never been better than it is now and I’ve never been happier, thanks to the way they helped me to help myself.” 

Bringing Holiday Cheer to Local Children

NorthBay Healthcare employees brought holiday joy to more than 1,000 local children during their annual Adopt-a-School program and ABC Clinic Holiday Party.

This year, NorthBay adopted 57 classrooms at Fairview Elementary School in Fairfield and Padan Elementary School in Vacaville. Each class received the holiday gifts and parties requested by their teachers.

More than 200 children and their parents attended the annual ABC
(A Baby’s Coming) Clinic Holiday Party in the lobby of NorthBay Medical Center. The party featured teddy bears from Genentech, toys donated by NorthBay employees; interactive games and artwork, and refreshments.

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Santa Claus was a popular guest during North-Bay’s Adopt-a-School holiday parties at Padan Elementary School in Vacaville Dec. 16.

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NorthBay Healthcare Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Art DeNio popped out of a holiday-wrapped gift box to the delight of students at Fairview Elementary School in Fairfield Dec. 17.

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Kimberly Rios, 3, holds up the gingerbread house she created during NorthBay Healthcare’s annual holiday party for the families of the ABC (A Baby’s Coming) Clinic Dec.21.

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Tiny Breath of Fresh Air

A kinder, gentler way to care for babies with respiratory distress syndrome…

In the high-tech world of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a simple and innovative procedure has babies breathing easier and avoiding the complications that can arise from spending time on a ventilator.

"In a sense we've stepped back in time to a procedure used at New York's Columbia University NICU since 1973," says Neonatologist Steven Gwiazdowski, M.D., who spearheaded the drive to bring the breathing system, called Bubble CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure), to NorthBay Medical Center.

Dr. Gwiazdowski traveled to New York 18 months ago to observe how Bubble CPAP is used at Columbia University Medical Center. He returned to Fairfield convinced that the system would work in NorthBay's NICU. A multidisciplinary team consisting of nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists and central supply worked for a year to analyze the system and train staff to implement it. On Feb. 1, the NICU seamlessly rolled out the Bubble CPAP procedure and they're very impressed by the effectiveness of it, according to Dr. Gwiazdowski.

Traditionally, babies with premature lungs are placed on ventilators. Ventilators have a tube that passes through the vocal cords into the airway, efficiently breathing for the baby. However, the ventilator can be a source of inflammation because the ventilator can't completely adjust to the natural way a baby breathes. And, ventilators can be a source of infection.

A ventilator tube isn't used with Bubble CPAP. Instead, air pressure is transmitted from the nose, and the baby's own breathing regulates how high the pressure needs to be. The key to regulating air pressure in the lungs is controlling the exhaled breath. With Bubble CPAP, the end of the tube carrying the baby's exhaled breath is submersed in water. The depth of the tube in the water determines the air pressure in the lungs. As the baby exhales, bubbles are created, which cause vibrations that travel back into the lungs. It's speculated that these vibrations stimulate the tiny air sacs in the lungs to expand and contract, helping the lungs to breathe.

Bubble CPAP can be easily monitored by the bedside nurse. And, without their baby attached to a ventilator, parents find holding and feeding their baby much easier.

"This is a kinder, gentler way to care for babies with respiratory distress syndrome," says Dr. Gwiazdowski. "Bubble CPAP keeps lungs inflated and allows babies to breathe with a lot less work."

While there will always be a need for ventilators in the NICU, the staff hopes that Bubble CPAP will mean less time spent on a ventilator for many babies, helping their lungs get a healthy head start.

NorthBay NICU Celebrates Silver Safari

A “Jungle Adventure” awaited the many graduates of North-Bay Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their families Saturday, Aug. 21, as the annual reunion celebrated the unit’s silver anniversary. More than 200 people filled the NorthBay Healthcare Administrative Center in Green Valley to enjoy games, crafts and a barbecue while renewing friendships with parents and hospital staff.

The oldest “graduate” was 21-year-old Jonathan Hughes of Vacaville, who hasn’t missed a reunion, while the youngest was 3-month-old Salman Madraswala of Vallejo. Parents of both sons were grateful that the NICU gave their babies a chance at life. “I have no doubt that the NICU saved Jonathan’s life,” his mother Barbara said. “The NICU nurses became like family and we look forward to seeing them every year.”

NICU Medical Director Richard Bell, M.D., beamed as he visited with many former patients. “This is why we do what we do,” he said. “At 2 a.m., when you’re working hard to save a baby’s life, these are the memories that pull you through—all of these precious children.”

The children were treated to face painting, jungle tattoos, games of hopscotch, bean bag toss and a cake walk and crafts, such as making artful hats and animal masks. The NorthBay Guild cooked up and served barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs. The afternoon concluded with a quiet story book reading.

Opened in 1985, the NICU cares for more than 300 premature or sick babies each year. The reunion is an opportunity for families to visit with NICU physicians and staff to celebrate the healthy growth of their children.

Neonatal Resuscitation: Saving Babies Around the World, One Breath at a Time

Every year, hundreds of thousands of infants around the world die in the first moments of life because they are choking to death.

Read more >