The Joint Commission, in conjunction with The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, recognized Denton Regional Medical Center with Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. Achievement of Primary Stroke Center Certification signifies an organization’s dedication to fostering better outcomes for patients. Denton Regional’s Primary Stroke Center Certification has demonstrated that their program meets critical elements of performance to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.

Denton Regional underwent a rigorous on-site review this past February. A Joint Commission expert reviewed Denton Regional’s compliance with the requirements for The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification program as well as primary stroke center requirements, such as collecting Joint Commission core measure data and using it for performance improvement activities.

"In achieving Joint Commission advanced certification, Denton Regional has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its stroke patients,” says Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q. executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. “Certification is a voluntary process and The Joint Commission commends Denton Regional for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

Developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association and launched in 2003, The Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification program is based on the Brain Attack Coalition's "Recommendations for the Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers." Certification is available only to stroke programs in Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals.

“Denton Regional Medical Center is thoroughly committed to providing our patients the highest quality stroke care centered on current scientific research to ensure continued improvement in treatment,” said Caleb O’Rear, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Denton Regional Medical Center. “In addition to our Joint Commission accreditation, the Primary Stroke Center Certification has given us the opportunity to highlight the exceptional stroke care we provide for our patients, and help us improve care overall for our community.”

Denton Regional will be able to display The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association Heart-Check mark for their Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. Displaying the seal and Heart-Check mark signifies that Denton Regional is providing the “next generation of stroke or heart failure care,” and will help patients easily identify this facility as one of quality that has surpassed numerous goals in the treatment of stroke.

For more information on The Joint Commission and American Heart Association’s Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Center visit http://www.jointcommission.org/ or www.heart.org/myhospital.

For information about the services offered at Denton Regional Medical Center, visit our website or for a physician's referral, call 1-855-477-DRMC (3762).

Playing with sparklers requires great care.

Sparklers seem like the perfect "starter" firework for kids. The joy on children's faces as they write their names in the dark makes them a tempting treat. June 1 through July 4 is National Fireworks Safety Month, so brush up on your sparkler knowledge to keep your family safe.

What is a sparkler made of?
A flammable material encases a thin metal rod, like a larger, slower burning matchstick. The metal rod, which the person holds while the top sparkles, can grow quite hot.

Why do sparklers frequently cause injuries?
Because sparklers are so common, they are a leading cause of injury. Here are several reasons that sparklers cause harm:

• Sparks can jump far from the sparkler head.
• The sparkler head can reach as much as 800 degrees Fahrenheit or higher leading to dangerous burns.
• Smoke inhalation from spent sparklers is unhealthy.

How can I avoid injury from sparklers?
A few key tips can keep your sparkler endeavors safe and fun.

• Keep an alert eye on children playing with sparklers and never let a child light his own. Participate in the fun so they can see proper sparkler handling.
• Insist that children keep sparklers at arm's length.
• Never throw sparklers.
• Wear non-flammable gloves when lighting and playing with sparklers and, ideally, safety glasses.
• Prevent inebriated people from handling sparklers.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of burns.
• Extinguish sprinkler remnants completely by dunking them in water before disposing in the garbage. Sparkler embers cause fires.
• Keep sparklers separated from other fireworks.
• Have a first aid kit handy in case of burns.

The safest tip of all is avoiding sparklers altogether. Glow sticks offer an alternative; they don't involve fire and last for hours.

Don't underestimate the dangers of sparklers. If you experience a severe burn, call 911. Denton Regional Medical Center's Urgent Care Center is there for you and your family in case of minor burns, and our Emergency Care Center handles critical injuries. For information, visit our website or for a physician's referral, call 1-855-477-DRMC (3762).

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Keep travel an enriching experience by staying well.

Summer is almost here, and a lot of us take advantage of the warm weather to visit family or explore new places. What could keep us from having a blast? Illness or injury can, so here are five tips to keep travel fun.

1. Don't forget to hydrate. Bring water with you whenever possible. If you'll be drinking alcohol, remember to follow beverages with equal amounts of pure water. You can also up your hydration with summer favorites like watermelon, cucumber and celery.

2. Pack a mini first aid kit. The following are essential to pack, especially if you're traveling abroad:

• Your preferred pain killer
• Sunburn relief like aloe vera lotion
• Moist towelettes
• Bug repellant for the skin
• Diabetes equipment
• A back-up pair of glasses or contact lenses, if needed
• Prescription medication, remembering to take into account possible flight delays or unexpected excursions

3. Keep up your fitness regimen. Exercise is crucial to our health. Although you might have less time to work out, don't let your routine break down altogether. Instead, plan ahead in order to integrate fitness into your travel plans. You'll never regret your trip afterwards.

4. Make sun protection a priority. Skin cancer is the leading cancer among Americans. Apply sunscreen containing an SPF of 15 or greater 30 minutes before going outside and repeat every two hours or directly after exposure to water or sweat.

5. Be picky about footwear. When walking is a major part of your travel plans, foot pain can ruin your experience. Stick with sneakers specifically made for walking or, if going for a fashionable look, research which brands of shoes provide proper arch support and shock absorption.

Check in with your family doctor before heading out for a summer of fun. Some far destinations like Asia or South America require vaccinations, and your physician can advise you about these. To request a physician referral, call Denton Regional Medical Center at 1-855-477-DRMC (3762).

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Help put a stop to swimming accidents by communicating rules to your kids.

We love to watch our children splash and play, but swimming also comes with the risk of drowning. The following rules apply to pools, the beach or any other body of water, including the bathtub.

Rule #1: Never approach water without an alert adult. Explain to your child that permission is required before going near water. Ideally, the observing adult is acquainted with CPR and other life saving procedures, as with a lifeguard. The Red Cross provides adults with first aid classes across the country.

Rule #2: Trust yourself and listen to your body. Tell your child that if he or she feels unusually hot or tired, or if a condition of the water puts their safety in jeopardy even a little, to move away from the water, even if other kids don't. Bad weather, strong currents, high waves, allergies, insect stings, the presence of snakes or unexpected muscle injuries are all good reasons to leave the water site. If buoys or ropes designate where people can or cannot swim, teach your child to pay attention and obey.

Rule #3: Stay alert in case of an emergency. Sit down with your child and review how to use rescue equipment kept near most pools and many natural bodies of water. Life preserver rings and life vests are especially important. Make sure your child always wears a life jacket while riding in a boat or other moving water vehicle. Discuss how to remain calm in dangerous situations and show them how to help someone who's struggling.

Remember, modeling proper pool behavior is the best way to impart safety rules to your children. In the event of an emergency, Denton Regional Medical Center's Emergency Care Center offers advanced diagnoses and treatment. To learn more about our services, visit us online or give us a call at 1-855-477-DRMC (3762) for a physician referral.

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Learn more about the conditions and disorders neurosurgeons treat at Denton Regional Medical Center.

A quick guess about neurosurgery and most assume it involves surgery on the brain. But you might be surprised by how many conditions are treated by a neurosurgeon. These conditions are not all limited to the brain, either. A neurosurgeon specializes in conditions or diseases that affect any part of the central nervous system and the spine. This includes the brain, the spinal cord, nerves and circulation to these areas. Here we will list the types of diseases and conditions which could require neurosurgery.

• Cancerous tumors and lesions in or around the central nervous system
• Any condition which may affect blood circulation to the brain, spinal column or nerves, including hemorrhages and aneurysms
• Cognitive disorders that prevent basic thinking needed for daily problem-solving and understanding
• Headache management
• Traumatic injuries that affect the central nervous system
• Conditions that cause nerves to be compressed or pinched in any way
• Diseases that have a chronic affect on nerve function, including genetic disorders, degenerative diseases and functional disorders
• Back, neck or leg pain that results from spinal conditions or degenerative diseases, including arthritis
• Seizure disorders
• Movement disorders

Many neurosurgeons specialize in certain disorders or conditions that affect either the brain or the spine. Neurosurgeons also address conditions that overlap with other physical conditions, such as those that affect endocrine function, bone or joint function, and behavioral health.

Denton Regional Medical Center now offers Denton’s only comprehensive neurosurgery program. Our team of fellowship–trained neurosurgeons provides some of the most advanced procedures for the treatment of brain and neurological disorders, as well as disorders of the back and neck. We offer multi-disciplinary care using minimally invasive surgical options, neurological and physical rehabilitation and around-the-clock care right here in Denton.

To learn more about the neurosurgery program at Denton Regional Medical Center, please visit us online or call 1.855.477.DRMC for a physician referral.

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After stroke, neurological rehabilitation can help make you stronger and more independent.

When a stroke patient regains skills, both they and their caretakers benefit enormously. This May is National Stroke Awareness Month, so let's take a look at the neurological rehabilitation options for stroke patients at Denton Regional Medical Center.

What is post-stroke neurological rehabilitation?

The goal of any rehabilitation program is to help a person return to "normal life" after a trauma. Stroke patients often suffer brain damage that may reduce mobility, speech or other competencies. Neurological rehabilitation programs assist the patient in coping with these changes and thus enable them to regain a sense of independence.

What types of neurological rehabilitation services are available at Denton Regional Medical Center?

• Occupational therapy aims to assist the patient in developing their ability to perform daily activities or compensate when they can't. Some examples of these activities include dressing and using tools.
• Physical therapy aids in range of motion, coordination, balance and endurance for the patient to maintain health and muscle capacity.
• Speech therapy is very common for stroke patients. Stroke often affects the language-processing brain centers, causing stroke sufferers to have difficulty converting thoughts into words or forming the words with their throats, tongues and lips. Speech therapy can help with swallowing as well.
• Behavioral Medicine consists of neuropsychological evaluation and behavioral medicine counseling. The patient's ability level before brain injury is considered and both individual and group counseling are made available.
• Cognitive therapy focuses on improving attention, memory and executive functioning. The aim is to improve ability for tasks such as: cooking, money management and safety awareness.

How can a patient benefit from neurological rehabilitation services at Denton Regional Medical Center?
Rehabilitation and recovery changes lives. Depending on the needs of the patient, Denton Regional Medical Center can provide the following for stroke patients:

• 3-6 months of intensive therapy customized to individual needs. Patients receive between 4-6 hours of treatment while attending the program 3-4 days a week. The goal is to integrate patients back into the community at the highest possible level of functioning through aggressive treatment. 
• An integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to stroke recovery and rehabilitation. At Denton Regional Medical Center, we create a recovery program designed specifically for the patient using a team approach across several therapeutic modalities.
• One-on-one therapy sessions during 75% of patient rehabilitation. The rest of the time, patients find support and care during group sessions.
• Weekly meetings where therapists, caregivers, patients and colleagues involved are all included in recovery updates, goals reached and new developments in the patient's care.
• Aquatic therapy is available for many rehabilitating patients.

Neurological rehabilitation can change the life of a stroke survivor. At Denton Regional Medical Center, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation services offer diagnosis and state-of-the-art care as our experts tailor a program to help each patient. If you're looking for a doctor to speak with, call us for a physician referral at 1-855-477-DRMC.

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Defy arthritis pain by staying limber.

When you experience arthritis pain, it's tempting to roll up in a ball and go back to bed. Although the pain in your body may be screaming for you to sit down and remain immobile, getting up and moving is the best way to find relief. May is Arthritis Awareness Month, so here is some important information to remember.

What causes arthritis?
Pain associated with arthritis can be caused when joints feature:

• Swelling
• Damage
• Cartilage damage

As we age, our cartilage may lose its elasticity. Previous injury or illness can contribute to causing arthritis, too. The greatest symptom is stiffness, which develops in response to inactivity.

Why is stretching a great way to reduce pain?
The pain of arthritis shrinks your range of motion. Reaching for a can on a high cupboard shelf, for example, becomes difficult when your joints can't operate correctly. Many studies link movement with the improvement of a person's flexibility and reduction in injury. But before you embark on a new or increased exercise routine, mastering the art of stretching is essential. Not only does stretching prepare you for movement, but it also reduces your risk of injury during fitness training.

What else can I do to reduce arthritis pain?
Stretching isn't the only activity you can do to combat pain.

• Strength training complements and enhances stretching exercises, building the muscles around the joints where you experience pain.
• Certain athletic activities are better for arthritis sufferers than others because they don't shock your joints. These include swimming, cycling and yoga, to name a few.
• Dietary changes can assist you in your quest to avoid inflammation.

Consult your physician or physical therapist to tailor a stretching program to your personal needs. Denton Regional Medical Center offers diagnoses and solutions for your arthritis condition. Find out more about our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department by visiting us online. If you would like to find a doctor to speak with, give us a call at 1-855-477-DRMC for a physician referral.

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Be prepared in case of a snake bite with these helpful guidelines.

Snake bites are rare because, typically, snakes flee at the sight of humans. That said, it's important to know what to do in the event of an accident.

Firstly, if you have access to a phone, immediately call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. The experts who answer your call will walk you through the steps necessary to help you. Remember, never try to trap or grab a snake, even if you believe it's a harmless species. Even dead snakes are dangerous and can bite by reflex.

What does a snake bite look like?

Believe it or not, a snake bite can happen so fast that you might not be sure what happened, particularly if it occurs in murky water or a leafy area. Symptoms of a snake bite are:

• Two close-set punctures
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Redness
• Numbness, not confined to the wound site
• Vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Trouble seeing clearly
• Perspiration
• Fever
• Weakness or loss of consciousness

What should I do in case of a snake bite?

After calling poison control, remember these pointers.

• Remain calm. If the venom contains poison, increasing activity may worsen symptoms.
• If a snake kit is present, use a pump suction device.
• Keep the injury below heart level by carefully positioning the patient.
• Place a blanket on the patient.
• Either wait for emergency responders or help the victim to a safe place where help can be obtained.

Almost of equal importance is what not to do. Some of these ideas are based on myth, while others require expert attention. Never:

• Try to suck out venom
• Cut the site of the injury in any way
• Ice or wet the injury
• Apply pressure to the area
• Wrap or compress the injury

Know where snakes may be and walk carefully. Denton Regional Medical Center offers Emergency Care for acute injuries and trauma. If you would like more information on the quality services we provide, please visit our website. To receive a physician referral, give us a call at 1-855-477-DRMC (3762).

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Grilling should mean juicy meals on warm summer days, not danger. Protect your family with these tips.

Where there's fire, there's safety risk. A simple mistake during a moment of distraction can be life threatening. Be deliberate and think twice before every step in the grilling process.

General tips

• Avoid enclosures. Place your grill in an open area with no roof and away from plants or porch hangings that could ignite. Even breezeways or carports lessen airflow and are roofing materials can catch fire.
• Think before you ignite. Use the appropriate lighter for the type of grilling you're doing, whether charcoal or gas. Keep lighter tools and products far away from pets and children.
• Stay close by. Expect the unexpected and remain beside your grill whenever it's in use.

Charcoal grills

• Store safely. Even when coals appear extinguished, they can reignite causing carbon monoxide accumulation. Always store your grill and coal properly: outside and never beneath a building or camper.
• Prevent fire bursts. Food, especially greasy fare, or nearby items can catch on fire. Always use a cover to stop oxygen from feeding potential fires.
• Find a safe surface. Check for faulty legs and that placement of the grill is on even ground.

Propane gas grills
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, gas grills lead to more accidents than charcoal ones.

• Read the owner's manual. The operation guide is essential for understanding your grill's safety.
• Give your grill a check-up: Cracks can form when your grill is not in use, especially in tubes and hoses, leading to gas leaks. Only allow professionals to repair your grill.
• Take the lid off first. Only turn on your grill with the lid open. Build-up of gas fumes can cause an explosion.
• Look twice. Are any cigarettes, matches or other flammable items nearby? Be sure to clear the area before igniting or cooking.

Know what to do in the event of an acute burn. The Emergency Care Center at Denton Regional Medical Center provides critical care around the clock, every day. Visit us online for information or call us at (855) 477-DRMC (3762) for a physician referral.

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Use these guidelines to navigate medications with confidence.

Pharmaceutical products solve many health problems, but they require careful attention. Here are some top tips for making medications work for us.

Organize. Keep a list of all current medications inside your medicine cabinet. Update it as necessary and have it ready when you visit the doctor or in case of emergency.

Do your homework. It's essential that you understand what drugs you're taking and why. Before taking medication, inform your physician if you:

• Have drug allergies
• Are pregnant or nursing
• Smoke or drink
• Currently take other prescriptions or homeopathic substances
• Have important conditions like diabetes or heart disease

Prevent accidents. Storage is key. Replace lids immediately after taking medication and keep them on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet if children are ever in your home.

Read closely. Before taking medication, carefully read paper and label instructions. Never take medication that has exceeded its expiration date or that was prescribed to someone else. Does the medication require refrigeration? Make sure storage instructions are followed.

Know how to consume medications. Check labels in case your medication requires avoiding grapefruit or alcohol. Never cut or crush medications without approval from your doctor. It can make a big difference in how effective the drugs are on your body.

Know how much to consume. Dosage can be confusing, especially when it comes to liquid form. Only use the dosing device provided with the medication. Cooking tools like teaspoons may measure inaccurately or in the wrong system (metric versus standard).

Know when to consume medications. Likewise, note when label instructions direct you to eat before or after medicating and follow directions to the letter. Don't stop a medication because the condition it treats has disappeared; always consult your physician first.

Ask questions!  Medications are meant to help your body. Denton Regional Medical Center can assist you with your pharmaceutical needs and answer your questions. Visit us online today for more information or call us at 1-855-477-DRMC (3762) for a physician referral.

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