Wait times reflect a rolling two-hour average and are updated every five minutes based on information from a statistical tracker system that automatically displays and updates the wait time online. Door-to-bed wait time is the average time it takes for a patient to be escorted to a treatment room after their arrival. The goal is for patients to see a health care professional in 30 minutes or less from the time of arrival.

“Going to the emergency room can be stressful enough when the patient is in pain or discomfort,” says Mary Ann Provost, director of Critical Care Services at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “We believe posting wait times online is a benefit for our community so patients can have a better understanding of how long their wait might be before they arrive.”

The wait times are posted for patients with relatively minor medical conditions, such as minor sprains or fevers. Patients with potentially life-threatening health issues should call 9-1-1 so they can receive immediate care in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Upon arrival to the Emergency Department, your estimated wait time is subject to change, as patients will be seen as quickly as possible in an order based on the severity of illness or injury. Patients with serious medical emergencies, such as chest pain, stroke or traumatic injuries, are always seen immediately.

“This technology helps us address one of the most common complaints about hospital emergency rooms – long wait times,” adds Provost. “Patients typically find that their visit to the hospital or urgent care center will be less stressful when they know ahead of time how long they may have to wait.”

The emergency department at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital is ranked among the top 5 percent in the nation according to a recent study released by HealthGrades, a leading independent health care ratings organization. As a result, Cy-Fair Hospital is a proud recipient of the HealthGrades 2010 Emergency Medicine Excellence Award™. In addition to a caring and talented emergency team that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the hospital provides advanced equipment and technology, including magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanning located in close proximity to the emergency department.

Cypress Fairbanks Urgent Care Center is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. to care for patients of all ages. Located at 9110 Barker Cypress near West Road, the center provides convenient access to medical care for non-emergency problems, such as small cuts, sore throats or ear infections. No appointments are necessary. The center is staffed by experienced physicians, nurses and allied health professionals to provide quality care to the community.

“Angie is a consummate professional. She is always at the leading edge of what is current in the Imaging world,” says Jan Terry, administrative director of Ancillary Services at the hospital in northwest Houston.  “As a result, she has developed, in conjunction with the radiologists on our medical staff, a program which helps assure our patients receive the absolute lowest dose of radiation possible to obtain the needed information. This assures the patient has a quality examination with minimum radiation exposure. She is constantly thinking of ways to provide our patients with more quality and in a safer environment.”

The CRA designation is the only professional credential developed specifically for radiology administrators. The CRA program, which includes the examination, is managed by the Radiology Administration Certification Commission, a self-governing body created to maintain the integrity and relevance of the designation. Successful exam candidates are able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of five areas that relate to daily job activities, including human resource management, asset resource management, fiscal management, operations management, and communication and information management.

“I would like to congratulate Angie on this achievement,” adds Sherry Worsham, RT (R)(M), director of Imaging Services at Cy-Fair Hospital. “She works very hard and is instrumental to the success of the Imaging Department. She is a great resource for her peers and she encourages staff to always do more.”

“Cy-Fair is eager to bring a leader in diabetes care and education to our community,” says Terry Wheeler, chief executive officer of the hospital in northwest Houston. “Diabetes is a major health issue affecting our local community, and we look forward to bringing high levels of care and education to our patients.”

About Joslin and Its Affiliated Programs
The Joslin Diabetes Center is dedicated to improving the lives of people with diabetes. Among the Harvard Medical School Affiliated institutions, Joslin is one of the most research-intensive academic medical centers and is unique in its sole focus on diabetes. At Joslin, researchers and clinicians prevent, treat and strive to cure diabetes and its complications.

Founded in 1898 by Elliott P. Joslin, M.D., the organization today has three major divisions: Joslin Research, a collaborative research program aimed at preventing and curing type 1 and type 2 diabetes and their long-term complications; Joslin Clinic, the world’s first diabetes care facility located in Boston; and Joslin Strategic Initiatives, which focuses on improving the quality of diabetes care around the globe through programs such as its Affiliate Centers.

Joslin’s Affiliated Programs was established in 1987 to make Joslin’s programs, services, and expertise available to premier health care providers across the United States. Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital will be one of only 31 nationwide and 2 international Affiliate locations. Joslin provides clinical, educational, operational and marketing support to its Affiliates to help assure that high quality, comprehensive and cost-effective diabetes care is available to each partner’s community — ensuring that these organizations and the patients they serve are in touch with some of the latest clinical trends and research breakthroughs.

“Over 10% of adults in Texas have diabetes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and statistically, a third of them don’t know they have the disease,” said Judy Eyres Goodwin, Vice President and Managing Director of Joslin Strategic Initiatives division. “We look forward to working with the professionals at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital to bring Joslin’s integrated care to people with diabetes and related conditions in the region.”

About the Affiliate at Cy-Fair
Dr. Elliott P. Joslin is credited with creating modern day diabetes care, which utilizes a combined medical and educational team approach to offer knowledge and skills to patients and their families so they can manage the daily challenges of diabetes and prevent complications. The Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital will incorporate this philosophy into its patient care.

The Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at Cy-Fair will offer advanced clinical care for the treatment of diabetes for patients ages 18 and older, as well as patient education and support services. This multidisciplinary program will offer services for:

-          Diabetes screening

-          Comprehensive diabetes care and management

-          Complication screening, prevention and treatment

-          Weight management and nutritional counseling

-          Medication management

-          Insulin pump management

-          Self-care and self-management

-          Gestational diabetes management

The patients of the center will be cared for by a dedicated, highly experienced team including a board certified endocrinologist, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and other medical and support professionals.

Located in the Cy-Fair Professional Building I at 11302 Fallbrook Drive, the Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital will be open for appointments starting in September.

For more information, visit JoslinDiabetesCyFair.com.

The center can provide fast medical care for patients experiencing less severe problems who would typically have to wait in a traditional emergency room setting. The newly expanded hours allow patients to see a doctor without an appointment for medical problems that need immediate attention, such as minor sprains, small cuts, sore throats, fevers and ear infections. 

In addition to urgent care services, the center offers screening mammograms to provide easy access to breast health care services to community members. Appointments and physician’s orders are not required for a screening mammogram, but the patient must have physician contact information on file so results can be provided back to their doctor.

Also available at the Urgent Care Center are pre-employment health care services and treatment of work related injuries for area businesses.

Cypress Fairbanks Urgent Care Center is in-network with over fifty major health plans to help families focus on getting back to health, and not on unexpected medical charges. For additional information about Cypress Fairbanks Urgent Care Center, visit CyFairUrgentCare.com or follow us on Facebook for health tips, event information, and more.

Get creative and thread a needle, fluff a few feathers, prepare your paints or string some beads. Bras for a Cause showcase and silent auction presented by Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital and Cypress Fairbanks Women’s Imaging Center invites individuals of all ages to create a decorated piece of bra art that represents the fight against breast cancer. There is no charge to enter the event. Entry forms and complete details are available at www.CyFairWomensImaging.com. All bra art entries should be turned in to Cy-Fair Hospital by Wednesday, September 1.

“We believe that this is a fun and exciting way to raise awareness about breast health by decorating the garments that support them,” says Beth Blythe, R.T. (R)(M), manager of Cypress Fairbanks Women’s Imaging Center. “Through this event we hope to educate women in our community about the importance of regular mammograms to help diagnose cancer at an earlier stage when treatments are more effective.” Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in fighting breast cancer.

Bras for a Cause bra art pieces will be displayed in a showcase and then sold by silent auction at the Copperfield Women’s Club Shop Til You Drop Marketplace at the Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress in booths 6A and 6B, on Saturday, September 11. Proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to the Cy-Fair division of the American Cancer Society. This organization is a non-profit health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem through various programs including cancer research, education, and patient services.

The bra showcase is meant to be fun and whimsical while providing an important health message to the community. Bras should be selected and decorated in a manner that is tasteful; no inappropriate or offensive entries will be put on display or auctioned for this program. Entries will be accepted from individuals, businesses or groups.

All Bras for a Cause art entries and participants will receive special recognition in an upcoming edition of the hospital’s “About Your Health” print newsletter and electronic newsletter, in a press release, and on the Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital and Cypress Fairbanks Women’s Imaging Center websites and social media sites.

Cypress Fairbanks Women’s Imaging Center provides comprehensive imaging care in two convenient locations in the northwest Houston community that are designed to cater to the specific needs of women. The center is accredited by the American College of Radiology and is staffed by an experienced, caring group of radiologists, pathologists, and professionally trained technologists to offer comprehensive diagnosis and support.

For more information about the Bras for a Cause showcase and silent auction, visit www.CyFairWomensImaging.com.

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital now offers all private rooms so patients are able to rest and recover in a more healing environment. “Having all private patient rooms allows us to better serve the needs of our community. Converting to all private patient rooms is not only about comfort, but also involves privacy and confidentiality issues.,” says Terry Wheeler, chief executive officer of the hospital in northwest Houston. “Sharing a room with someone else could make it difficult for a patient to visit freely with their family, to talk openly with their physician about a medical issue, or to even feel comfortable about watching TV when they want. But all private rooms give patients the access to the comfort and privacy they need so they can concentrate first and foremost on their health.”

The newly configured rooms will feature private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, large windows that allow plenty of natural light, and ample space for visitors. The room renovations follow other building projects that have been completed at Cy-Fair Hospital to update and modernize its facilities. The hospital’s front lobby and Outpatient Surgery lobby were recently renovated and expanded and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit was constructed to handle the specific needs of neonatal patients.

For more information about services provided at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, call 800-681-2733.

Versant (pronounced Ver-sent) is a comprehensive, evidence-based onboarding of new graduate nurses that helps them gain the experience, judgment, skills, and confidence they need to navigate the complexity of hospital life.  Designed by nurses for nurses, the Versant RN Residency prepares newly graduated nurses by organizing and overseeing all aspects of their experience.  They are supported both professionally and emotionally by a network of senior nurses who act as preceptors, mentors, and debriefers at Cy-Fair Hospital.  

“I would like to thank the entire hospital for their contributions to the program,” says Cyndie Salmons, Director of Staff Development and the Residency Program Manager at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “We wish our new RNs the very best as they continue their new nursing careers here at Cy-Fair.” 

The hospital’s next cohort began July 6^th.  For further information or to enroll in Cy-Fair Hospital’s Versant RN Residency Program, go to www.CyFairHospital.com/Versant.

[Photo caption: The first cohort of Versant Residents at CFMCH includes (from L to R) Maria Pedraza, Pamela Towns, Deborah Barnhart, Katie Keevill, Wanda Thompson, Michelle Cortinas, Saima Badat, and Lisa Lloyd.]

Each year, the Volunteers raise money through bake sales, contests, gift shop sales, and other events. These proceeds go towards the Volunteer Auxiliary Scholarship Fund. Then, local graduates who are going into health care are encouraged to apply to receive a scholarship towards their studies.

This year, four teens were chosen, and each received a $3,000 scholarship. Thien-An Nguyen, who graduated from Cypress Ridge High School and plans to attend the University of Texas to study pharmacy; Maryiam Saifuddin, who graduated from Cypress Springs High School and plans to attend the University of Chicago to study biology; Caitlin O’Brien who graduated from Cypress Creek High School and plans to attend the University of Texas to study biology; and Dayron Rodriguez, who graduated from Cypress Springs High School and plans to attend the University of Texas to study biochemistry, were this year’s recipients.

“As an Auxiliary, we are very proud to be able to grant these scholarships to deserving students each year,” says Toni Wessley, Auxiliary president. “Aside from caring for our patients, the hospital, and guests who come into our hospital everyday, awarding these scholarships is one of the main purposes of the Auxiliary.”

Congratulations to our 2010 scholarship recipients! For more information on our volunteer program, please visit www.CyFairHospital.com/Volunteer.

An injury, an illness, a heart attack, a stroke…no one plans for an emergency to affect you or your family. When it does occur, you want to have access to outstanding health care services close to home to get the care you need fast. That’s where Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital comes in.

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center’s emergency medicine care has been found to be among the top 5% in the nation according to a new study released by HealthGrades, a leading independent healthcare ratings organization. As a result, Cy-Fair Hospital is a proud recipient of the HealthGrades 2010 Emergency Medicine Excellence Award™.

“With the CDC showing that 50% of hospital admissions are now beginning with hospital emergency rooms, it’s more important than ever for hospitals to reach the level of excellence achieved by those in the top 5% of this study,” said Rick May MD, a vice president with HealthGrades and co-author of the study. “Those living in a community with a top 5% hospital in emergency medicine should feel extremely confident that, should an emergency arise, they will receive top-notch care.”

The accolades are based on HealthGrades’ analysis of data from hospitals nationwide for emergency patients suffering from the following conditions: bowel obstruction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetic acidosis and coma, gastrointestinal bleed, heart attack, pancreatitis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, respiratory failure, sepsis, and stroke. Collectively, these results were risk-adjusted and reviewed to determine the top performing hospitals and Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital was identified as one of them.

“Cy-Fair’s commitment to high quality care is echoed through the many distinctions we have received,” says Terry Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “We are extremely proud to serve our community.”

Following are just a few of the awards Cy-Fair has received:

-          Primary Stroke Center certification from the Joint Commission

-          Cycle III Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers

-          Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

-          2010 HealthGrades Emergency Medicine Excellence Award

-          2010 HealthGrades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award

For a full list of quality awards and for more information on our award-winning emergency care, visit www.CyFairHospital.com/Emergency or call 800-681-2733.

This honor reflects the difference Dr. Bery has made in his patients’ lives through the exceptionally high praise granted to him by his patients.  Every month, patients across the United States rate various components such as bedside manner, doctor-patient face time, degree of follow-up, courtesy of office staff, and overall opinions.  Of over the 720,000 active doctors in the nation, less than 6% are awarded this high esteem by their patients.

“It is an honor to receive the Patients’ Choice Award again this year,” says Dr. Bery.  “I am proud to be the kind of doctor my patients’ feel they can trust and that they would grant me an award such as this.”

CFMCH is honored to have physicians such as Dr. Bery on our staff.  Visit www.CyFairHospital.com to learn more about our hospital or call 800-681-2733 for a physician referral. 

The following imaging modalities at Cy-Fair received the accreditation: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Nuclear Medicine, Mammography, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, General Ultrasound, Obstetric Ultrasound, and Gynecological Ultrasound.

The ACR awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR’s Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report. 

To learn more about the imaging services available at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital visit www.CyFairImaging.com or call 800-681-2733.

“Hurricane season runs from June 1^st until November 30^th, and it is crucial that we prepare ourselves in the event that a hurricane does strike,” urges Terry Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer for Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “After seeing the damage that Hurricane Ike did, we urge our community to not take any chances.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends the following to prepare for hurricane season:

• Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit (see more below)
• Use a weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
• Take First Aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness classes.

You should also prepare a Disaster Supply Kit, which should include the following:

• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
• Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days, non-perishable items
• Blankets / Pillows, etc.
• Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
• First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
• Special Items - for babies and the elderly
• Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
• Flashlight / Batteries
• Battery operated radio
• Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
• Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards
• Keys
• Toys, Books and Games
• Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag
• Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
• Vehicle fuel tanks filled
• Pet care items, including proper identification and medical records
  
  

“We hope this hurricane season will be one of calm seas and minimal storm activity for our region,” says Wheeler. “However, we will keep close watch on any tropical developments so we can prepare to face any situation that comes our way – just as we have done for the past 27 years.”  

For more information on hurricanes and how you can prepare, visit www.CyFairHospital.com/Hurricane.

The Link Between HPV and Cervical Cancer
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus. Cancer of the cervix occurs when cells begin to grow abnormally, dividing at a faster than normal rate.  “Most cases of cervical cancer are found in women younger than age 50, but the disease rarely occurs in those younger than age 20,” says Stephanie Smith-Sham, MD, OB/GYN on the medical staff at Cy-Fair Hospital.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes most cases of cervical cancer. Both men and women can unknowingly have HPV and pass it to another person. “You can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by preventing HPV infection and having routine Pap tests,” suggests Dr. Smith-Sham.

“The Pap test or Pap smear checks for changes in the cells of the cervix. Samples of the cells from inside and outside of the cervix are taken during a pelvic exam by your doctor or nurse,” explains Dr. Smith-Sham.  “This test should be done regularly as suggested by your doctor to help you and your health care provider stay proactive in addressing any health concerns that may develop, such as cervical cancer.”

A vaccine has been developed to prevent spread of the HPV virus, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for females through age 26. The vaccine must be given in three doses over a six-month period.

The Importance of Prevention
Despite increased screening, the American Cancer Society still estimates over 4,000 women will die from cervical cancer this year. “You can help your daughter take action to prevent cervical cancer through vaccination or to receive treatment if it is detected early through regular screening,” adds Dr. Smith-Sham. “Cervical cancer is a difficult condition to live through, but resources and services are available to help you better understand the risk factors and options for prevention.”

Talk to the Doctor about Your Concerns
Want to know more about HPV and cervical cancer? Or interested in learning about the importance of regular screening to help foster good health habits in your daughter at an early age? Join Cy-Fair Hospital for a mother and daughter seminar on Saturday, June 26 at 9 a.m. in the Professional Building I Classrooms (11302 Fallbrook Drive). The seminar will include an open discussion designed to help learn what you need to know to protect your daughter from cervical cancer.

Call 800-681-2733 to register for this informative seminar. Complimentary breakfast and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so call to reserve your spot today.

For many parents, it can sometimes be hard to tell how sick your child is. That’s why our staff recommends calling your doctor first if you are unsure, so that they can assist you in making the best decision.

Minor problems like colds, coughs, ear pain, fever, mild diarrhea, constipation, temper tantrums, sleep problems, and certain rashes may be dealt with by a pediatrician. In more severe injuries or illness like lingering diarrhea and vomiting, problems swallowing, rising fever, blood in urine or not drinking for more than 12 hours, you may need to take your child to the ER.

If the situation is life threatening, you should visit the emergency room. These symptoms can include:
•    Unconsciousness or no response when you talk to your child
•    Rhythmic jerking and/or loss of consciousness (a seizure)
•    Increasing effort or trouble with breathing
•    Skin or lips that look blue, purple, or gray
•    Neck stiffness or a rash with fever
•    Increasing or severe persistent pain
•    A cut that is large, deep, or involves the head, chest, or abdomen
•    Bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure for 5 minutes
•    A burn that is large and/or involves the hands, feet, groin, chest, or face
•    Any loss of consciousness, confusion, headache or vomiting after a head injury

At Cy-Fair Hospital, our ER is especially designed to care for children. We have a designated children’s waiting room, specially decorated children’s exam rooms, and doctors on hand to care for the special needs of your sick or injured child. Visit www.CyFairHospital.com/ER for more information.

The Clinical Sciences Institute of OptumHealth reviewed the most recent Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital bariatric survey data and determined that our hospital continues to meet OptumHealth’s clinical qualification for participation in the OptumHealth Bariatric COE network. At OptumHealth, quality in bariatric surgery remains the primary objective. 

“Bariatric surgery can help patients manage their weight and the various health conditions that accompany being overweight,” says Dee Siddens, RN, certified bariatric nurse coordinator at Cy-Fair Hospital. “We are proud to receive recognition from OptumHealth for our quality care and strive to improve the health of our community one patient at a time.”

The hospital’s program provides a full range of bariatric surgery care services, including inpatient and post-operative care, as well as outpatient follow-up and patient education. A dedicated bariatric surgery program coordinator, monthly support groups, and educational seminars are also offered to help guide patients through their weight loss journey. The program also recently received a three year designation from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital offers four commonly performed types of bariatric surgery: Roux-en-Y bypass, LAP-BAND^® adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional surgery.

To register for a free informational seminar, for a referral to a bariatric surgeon, or for more information on the bariatric surgery program at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, call 1-800-681-2733 or visit www.CyFairHospital.com/WeightLoss.

*This surgery is designed for those with a body mass index equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities.

The Lone Star College Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to support the students, faculty and programs of the Lone Star College System. Cy-Fair’s participation helped to raise funds necessary to make an affordable education accessible to all. Events such as the StarGala and the funds raised help change students’ lives, allowing them to receive the education and training needed to secure a quality job in our community.

The golf tournament will be held at BlackHorse Golf Club on Thursday, May 20, 2010. The tournament will include a steak dinner, awards ceremony, and silent auction, and is one of the largest non-celebrity charity golf tournaments in Houston. 

The tournament was named after B.F. (Bernard Fred) Adam, a lifelong Cy-Fair resident and a devoted school board member, serving 24 years on the board. B.F. Adam Elementary on Honey Grove Lane is named in his honor.

The golf tournament has successfully raised $1.4 million for student scholarships since inception.  

More often than not, many couples suffer in silence as they deal with infertility.  “The good news is that with an early start and some persistence many patients will be able to get pregnant and start a family of their own,” says Stephan Krotz, MD, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist on the medical staff at Cy-Fair Hospital.

“You should consider seeing a specialist if you are younger than 35 years of age and are not pregnant after 12 months of trying, or if you are older than 35 years old and are not pregnant after 6 months of trying,” explains Dr. Krotz.  “If you have any long-term, chronic health conditions, or any of the causes of infertility mentioned above, you may consider seeing your specialist earlier.”

Want to learn more about infertility including common fertility obstacles and available treatments? Then join Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital’s Infertility Seminar. This free informative event will take place on Saturday, June 12^th at 9 a.m. and is designed for couples. Call 800-681-2733 or visit www.CyFairBaby.com to register today.

“The hospital and area residents rely on the EMS system and its trained professionals, who have incredible devotion to their jobs and community,” says Michelle Pate, nurse manager of the Emergency Department at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital.  “During a medical emergency, it’s important to know that treatment is being administered by qualified health professionals, and, just as importantly, by people who care. National EMS Week gives us the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to these everyday heroes.”

As Tenet’s highest award for employees, the Hero Award recognizes exceptional employees whose dedication to going above and beyond for their patients, co-workers, and communities is evident every day.  Anissa joins honorees from Tenet’s 49 hospitals and outpatient facilities, regional and business offices, and corporate departments. 

Anissa is the go-to person for fetal ultrasounds at Cy-Fair Hospital. She has been with the hospital since early 2008. Prior to coming to Cy-Fair, Anissa was pregnant with her third child and noticed that the baby’s heart didn’t look right on an ultrasound. Further ultrasound examinations confirmed that her unborn child had a heart defect.

Her son’s heart defect led Anissa to a passion for all parents and children with heart defects. Anissa studied fetal heart anomalies along with the advanced research and treatments for children with heart defects. She spearheaded a change in hospital protocol so that obstetric ultrasounds would include complete cardiac anatomy. This expanded ultrasound takes only a few more minutes to perform and can help alert physicians if a fetus is in trouble. She serves on the national board of directors and chairs the medical advisory board for It’s My Heart, a national organization for congenital heart defects.

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital would like to congratulate Anissa Speight and all the Tenet Heroes for their achievement.

Cy-Fair Hospital and Cy-Fair Urgent Care are proud to sponsor the Radio Disney Safety Safari, an upcoming community safety and wellness festival for families. The festival will be held at Lone Star College – Cy-Fair on Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include family-friendly entertainment, safety and wellness exhibits, and demonstrations.

Cy-Fair Urgent Care will be on hand to talk to children and parents about first aid safety around the home and summer time safety tips.

“We are very honored that About Your Health has been recognized for this award,” says Nadia Saqr, marketing manager of Cy-Fair Hospital. “It is our goal to publish a community newsletter that the community will want to read and will be proud of.”

About Your Health is a free quarterly publication from Cy-Fair Hospital that includes health articles, tips, upcoming events, and more, and is mailed to homes in the area. To receive a copy of the newsletter call 800-681-2733.

This year, Team Tenet had 38 riders, 17 of whom were from Cy-Fair, and 12 volunteers, 7 of whom were from Cy-Fair. Cy-Fair Hospital held several fundraisers to help Team Tenet raise money, including a bake sale and rodeo-themed raffle. The team raised approximately $18,000 and is thankful for everyone who supported them during their fundraising efforts.

“I am proud to participate in an event that brings our Houston area hospitals together to support MS research,” says Melanie Roberts, Compliance Officer at Cy-Fair Hospital and the captain of this year’s team. “There are an estimated 20,000 Texans currently living with MS and one new American is diagnosed every hour.  Team Tenet is committed to being a part of the fight against MS through the bike MS movement.” 

The ride is a 180-mile journey for MS from Houston to Austin. The ride began Saturday morning at three convenient starting points, and Team Tenet started from Waller Stadium in Waller. Riders followed scenic roads into Bellville for lunch. Day 1 ended at the Fayette County Fairgrounds overnight in La Grange.  The overnight event was supported by volunteers who set up the sleeping tent so that the team could shower, eat, and relax for a few hours before getting up again at 5:30 a.m. to ride on day 2.  All of the food was prepared, packed, and cooked by dedicated volunteers who even cooked in the rain.

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital would like to congratulate all who participated in the MS 150 ride.

Geriatricians care for patients who are at risk for age-related problems, such as falls, incontinence, chronic pain, memory loss, confusion, arthritis, mobility issues, and medicine side-effects. “They are knowledgeable about managing multiple disease symptoms and often serve as the coordinator for a health care team,” explains Whitelaw. The health care team might include medical specialists as well as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, nurse, psychiatrist, nutritionist, pharmacist, and social worker who work together to ensure the patient’s optimal well-being.

Patients who may benefit from seeing a geriatrician are those who:
·                    Have multiple health problems and are over the age of 85
·                    Fall frequently
·                    Do not have a strong social network
·                    Need end-of-life care
·                    Have severe memory loss
·                    Have difficulty performing activities of daily living
·                    Require monitoring for medications
·                    Are a senior in frail health

For more information about seeing a geriatrician, call 800-681-2733 for a free referral to a specialist in your area. Visit www.CyFairSeniors.com for health tips during Older Americans Month.

Time is Critical
With a heart attack or stroke, minutes matter. Knowing what symptoms to look for and reacting quickly may save your life and may increase your chance for a successful recovery. Call 911 immediately if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:  

·         Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body   

·         Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding   

·         Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes   

·         Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination   

·         Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

A Simple Test
If you suspect someone else may be experiencing a stroke, act FAST.

• Face – ask the person to smile – does one side of the face droop?
• Arms – ask the person to raise both arms – does one arm seem lower?
• Speech – ask the person to repeat a simple sentence – are the words slurred?
• Time – if the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important – call 911!

Advanced Stroke Care
The Stroke Team at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, a team of specially trained physicians, nurses and staff, is called to action when a patient is exhibiting symptoms of a stroke. The team consults with highly trained neurologists, called Specialists on Call, via an advanced telecommunications system, referred to as telemedicine, to review each stroke patient’s condition and to quickly establish a course of treatment with the qualified specialists. Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital is the only hospital in northwest Houston working with Specialists on Call for stroke treatment, an important factor in being able to offer quality stroke care to the community.

Free Preventative Stroke Screening
Everyone is potentially at risk for stroke—even you. But once you understand your risk factors, you can make lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce your risk. Find out if you are at risk for a stroke with a free preventive screening that includes total blood cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, body mass index, and a personalized stroke risk assessment.

Date: Saturday, May 29
Time: 8 to 11 a.m.
Location: Cy-Fair Professional Building Classroom, 11302 Fallbrook Drive
Cost: Free

Call 800-681-2733 to reserve your spot today. Reservations are required and space is limited.