1 2 – June 14, 2010 Hudson Valley BUSINESS JOURNAL
Healthcare
Take a break!
BY NICOLE PELUSE
ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL
Will Rogers said, “Half our life is spent
trying to find something to do with the
time we have rushed through life trying to
save.” Stress is a truly unavoidable reality
of life. Most people are aware of stress and
many even have adopted ways of coping
with stress. It seems as if the ways of tech-
nology, intended to make our lives easier
have not only increased our societal pace,
but our stress as well.
It is important to acknowledge and
process our personal stress levels, while
realizing that some around us may have
stress too, whether or not they are keeping
pace with us. Often, seniors have stress and
may not realize the source or how to man-
age it. Stress can lead to depression and
other related health problems. As we run
through our lives, it would serve as a way
to relieve our individual stress levels by
reaching out to mature family, friends or
even a neighbor by engaging with each
other on social levels. Humans are inher-
ently social and often the act of socializa-
tion will slow us down, thereby reducing
stress levels. Studies show that social acts
increase a natural stress reducing hormone,
oxytocin. This will work to decrease anxi-
ety.
If we are going to manage stress, it is
important to know the signs. Everyone
handles stress differently and it can mani-
fest in many different ways. Some signs of
stress are: sleeplessness, pain, depression,
digestive problems, fluctuations in weight
and greater health issues such as heart dis-
ease. If you are concerned about these
health issues for yourself or a loved one,
you should consult your physician. Taking
some precautionary steps to proactively
manage your stress will help. Consider
some tips for managing stress.
Get regular exercise. This could be as
simple as walking the dog or joining a
local gym or yoga class. Doing these activ-
ities with others can not only enhance the
activity itself, but form great bonds that
extend beyond the exercise. Obviously,
exercise presents the opportunity for other
health benefits as well.
Manage your expectations. Stress hap-
pens. Realize that you have the power ta
say no when it becomes overwhelming. Be
realistic about what you and your obliga-
tions can handle. We often add to our own
stress levels with our desire to be all things
to all people. Take a step back and strive to
understand where the value is in what your
are taking on.
Seek help. Often when we take on too
much we lose ourselves. Resources are
available such as support groups and adult
day care. These resources are available to
seniors living independently or for the pri-
mary caretaker. It is important to ask for
help and utilize some of the opportunities
created for the purpose of supporting oth-
ers. For example, as a caretaker, seek
respite. There are other options beyond
adult day care and clubs. Contact a home
care agency and find out about companion
programs and home health aide assistance.
Even a few hours a week can make a dif-
ference.
Finally, taking care of yourself is impor-
tant. Taking care of others is altruistic.
Reducing stress is critical to not only your
overall health, but the ability to positively
affect those around you. Heed the wisdom
presented to us by Will Rogers, find ways
to do things with your time and reap and
share the rewards!
Catskill Regional Medical Center breaks ground on new ER
Catskill Regional Medical Center
(CRMC) will begin construction next
month on its $6 million expansion of its
Emergency Department after a formal
ground breaking ceremony today at the
hospital’s main campus.
CRMC’s new Emergency Department
will more than double in size, expanding
from 7,500 square feet to 17,500 square
feet, and will dramatically enhance the
level of service by treating more patients
and shortening visit times. The number of
fast track bays for minor injuries will be
increased ft-om four to eight. Additionally,
the current eight acute care bays and one
mental health bay will be expanded and
redistributed to sixteen bays. The new
department is expected to be open next
summer.
“We’ve been working hard to continue
to improve Sullivan County’s hospital and
are excited to enhance quality patient care
services to the community,” said Steven
Ruwoldt, CEO of Catskill Regional
Medical Center. “With the leadership of
our community-based Board of Directors,
our partner. Orange Regional Medical
Center, the Greater Hudson Valley Health
System and our extraordinary staff, we
have made great strides in advancing
patient care for our community. We are
excited to celebrate the start of construc-
tion on our expanded Emergency
Department.”
Business leaders, elected officials and
community members attended and deliv-
ered remarks. Speakers included Gerald
Skoda, Chairman of CRMC’s Board of
Directors; State Senator John Bonacic;
Congressman Maurice Hinchey;
Assemblywoman Aileen Günther; Granite
Associates. LP Senior Vice President and
Chief of Staff Darrell Supak; Sullivan
County Legislature Minority Leader Leni
Binder; Town of Thompson Deputy
Supervisor George Cooke on behalf of
Supervisor Tony Cellini and Sullivan
County Partnership President Tim
McCausland.
“The start of construction on this project
is an important step forward for Catskill
Regional Medical Center that will provide
improved health services to the region,”
said Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-
NY). “1 was very pleased to secure federal
funding for the construction of the new
state-of-the-art Emergency Department,
Once completed, this new facility will be
able to serve a much greater number of
patients in an even more effective manner.
As we celebrate the groundbreaking today,
we look forward to next year’s ribbon-cut-
ting to formally open the new Emergency
Department.”
Ruwoldt announced several other
important CRMC initiatives at the ceremo-
ny. Through a grant from HEAL NY, the
hospital will begin construction to expand
its primary care and outpatient diagnostic
services throughout Sullivan County,
including an expansion at Grover M.
Hermann Hospital, new diagnostic centers
in Monticello and Callicoon. and a new
family health center in Livingston Manor.
CRMC also recently purchased a new 64-
Slice CT Scanner for its main Harris cam-
pus to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic
services.
“These projects will improve access to
our services and create a more modem
environment for our patients,” said
Ruwoldt. “We are excited about all of them
and believe they represent a substantial
investment toward our pledge to deliver
the highest level of patient care, experi-
enced physicians and advanced technolo-
gy. We will continue to enhance the access
and quality of healthcare in Sullivan
County and its surrounding communities.”
Ruwoldt acknowledged that the project
would not be possible without the help of
some of the elected officials and communi-
ty members who attended the ceremony.
Senator Bonacic helped secure almost S2.5
million in funding for construction and
equipment; The Gerry Foundation con-
tributed almost $2.5 million toward the
project; Congressman Hinchey secured
$300,000 in federal funding and the Rural
Health Access Grant enabled CRMC to get
more than $200,000 for equipment.
Catskill Regional Medical Center an
affiliated member of the Greater Hudson
Valley Health System and dedicated to
providing the highest quality healthcare to
residents in the Sullivan County region.
For more information, visit
www, crm cny.org.
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