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Leading COVID-19 treatments offered at Carle as hospital discharges surpass 1,000 patients

01/19/2021

Amid an ongoing pandemic that has made headlines worldwide, there is a cause for celebration—over 1,000 patients admitted to a Carle Health facility with COVID-19 have been treated and discharged to recover at home.

For these patients and their families, this is a monumental achievement.

As the United States passes the one year mark since the first documented case of COVID-19 within its borders, researchers, physicians, and clinical experts around the country have made extraordinary advancements in how experts treat the virus. The healthcare community has learned, and is continuing to study, various new methods of approaching treatment and keeping COVID-19 positive patients healthy.

Carle is at the forefront of treatments and medications used to fight the virus, including two new treatments: Bamlanivimab and Remdesivir.

Robert Healy, MD, chief medical quality officer, Carle Health, says that while patients must fit very specific criteria for these treatments, those who do should take advantage of the opportunity.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, healthcare professionals and researchers have constantly been learning and evaluating new ways to fight the virus and keep patients out of the hospital,” Healy said. “These three treatments have emerged as potentially lifesaving treatments against COVID-19, and we are pleased to be able to offer them right here at Carle.”

For many fighting the virus from home, Bamlanivimab, or commonly referred to as simply “Bam”, can be an easy way to fend off the virus’s symptoms with a prescribed medication. In short, Bamlanivimab works to block viral attachment and entry into human cells, therefore neutralizing the virus.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Bamlanivimab, a one-time intravenous (IV) medical treatment, to treat COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms and a risk of severe complications.

Patients 12 and up weighing more than 88 lbs. and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization are eligible for this treatment.

Bamlanivimab contains man-made antibodies similar to the antibodies of patients who recovered from COVID-19. Many scientists think that these antibodies may help limit the amount of virus in your body. This could give your body more time to learn how to make its own antibodies. It does not contain a live COVID-19 virus.

Patients are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to discuss if this treatment is right for them. Bamlanivimab is available to patients at Carle locations in Normal, Hoopeston, Urbana and Olney.

“I encourage those who have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 to consider speaking with their provider about this option,” Healy said. “This treatment could significantly reduce the risk of suffering more severe complications that can lead to hospitalization.”

For those hospitalized with COVID-19, Remdesivir help speed up recovery and discharge. The drug is given through an IV to hospitalized patients with COVID-19. People typically receive an injection once a day for five to ten days, based on the severity of their condition.

The drug prevents the virus from producing a particular enzyme necessary for the virus to replicate itself. Once this happens, the virus is no longer able to spread within the body.

It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider if and when treatment is right for you. While these treatments may help those with COVID-19 recover, it’s important to remember to maintain proper safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Hand washing, practicing social distancing and wearing a mask is our best attack against COVID-19.

Visit carle.org/coronavirus for resources and more information on COVID-19.

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HSHS St. Francis Hospital Announces Medical Supplies Being Collected for COVID-19 Shortage

HSHS St. Francis Hospital Announces Medical Supplies Being Collected for COVID-19 Shortage

LITCHFIELD — As potential shortages of masks and other personal protective equipment are being reported in the news, the hospital has received messages from the community asking if homemade, sewn cloth masks would be accepted.

There are several ways the community can help with the efforts against COVID-19.  Those include staying home, practicing good hand hygiene, giving blood if possible, making a donation, or consider making masks for non-clinicians.

HSHS St. Francis Hospital will accept cloth face masks to help with the national shortage during the COVID-19 outbreak.  These masks will be used in accordance with CDC guidelines.

For those who wish to make masks, the following criteria must be followed. The link will be posted on the hospital’s Facebook page and website at stfrancis-litchfield.org:

Volunteers should follow the state’s Stay Home Order and should not leave their homes to purchase supplies.

Individuals can drop off their donations at: the Litchfield McDonalds restaurant and the Holiday Inn
Express and Suites of Litchfield. Community members should not bring donations into the hospital and need to use the designated drop off areas listed above.

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About HSHS St. Francis Hospital
HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, Illinois offers a full range of health care services including an advanced surgery center; cancer care center; imaging for diagnostic purposes; and physical, cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation. In addition, St. Francis is the only hospital in the two county area providing maternity services. The hospital is a member of Hospital Sisters Health System and is located halfway between St. Louis, Missouri and Springfield, Illinois. For more information, visit www.stfrancis-litchfield.org.

About Hospital Sisters Health System
Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality, Franciscan health care ministry. HSHS provides state-of-the-art health care to our patients and is dedicated to serving all people, especially the most vulnerable, at each of our 15 local systems and physician practices in Illinois (Belleville, Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, Shelbyville and Springfield) and Wisconsin (Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan and two in Green Bay).  HSHS is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, and Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the founding institute. For more information about HSHS, visit www.hshs.org. For more information about Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, visit www.hospitalsisters.org.

Article from HSHS St. Francis Hospital

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Hearts For Healthcare Workers

HSHS St. Francis Hospital has received a lot of support already during this COVID-19 health crisis with some asking what they can do to further offer support. Following a nationwide trend, HSHS St. Francis is offering an option that families can do to show their appreciation for health care workers.

One thing that could make a strong impact is if residents could consider printing a heart page and placing it on their front doors or windows of their homes. As health care workers drive to work they would see these hearts and will see how everyone is pulling for them.

There is also a heart outline that parents can print out for their kids to decorate and display. Everyone is encouraged to take a photo and share it on social media with the hashtag, #heartsforhealthcare.

 

Article from HSHS St. Francis Hospital

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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a national campaign to increase awareness of the disease, encourage women to get their annual mammogram and to offer support to the over three million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Breast cancer can develop in women of every age, race and ethnic group. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 268,600 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year and approximately 40,000 women will die. Breast cancer in men is not as common, but it does happen, affecting about 2,000 American men each year. The good news is the death rate due to breast cancer has decreased significantly thanks to early detection.

HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, which maintains a Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), encourages women to take charge of their breast health by following these important breast cancer prevention tips below:

  • Self-check. Starting at age 20, women should do a monthly self-breast exam.
  • See your physician regularly. Women ages 20-40 should have a breast exam by a physician or nurse practitioner every three years, and annually thereafter. If you are high risk because of family or personal history, then you should see a physician every six months starting at age 25.
  • Understand your risk factors. Risk factors include having a family or personal history of breast cancer, having a menstrual period before age 12, being post-menopause, being overweight, or having excess fat around your waist, drinking alcohol every day, not having children, or your first child after age 30, and taking hormone replacement therapy. The more risk factors an individual has, the greater the risk.
  • Get a mammogram. Mammograms should be done every one to two years for women age 40 or older and begin at age 30 if you are at high risk.
  • Know your family history. Women who have a first-degree relative or other close relatives who have had breast cancer may be at increased risk of developing these cancers. When determining your risk due to family history, it is important to look at the number of women and/or men in your family who have been diagnosed and the age at which they were diagnosed. Talk to your physician about your family history and discuss what you should be doing for prevention and screening.
  • Breastfeed. Women who breastfeed their babies for at least a year in total have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
  • Develop healthy habits. Eat low-fat foods and lots of fruits and vegetables. Stay close to the weight your doctor says is right for you and exercise regularly. Increased physical activity, even when begun later in life, reduces overall breast-cancer risk by about 10 percent to 30 percent. Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day and refrain from tobacco use.

“During National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and all year long, women should remember that early detection is your best defense,” said Kimberly Ramos, nurse navigator at HSHS St. Anthony’s Women’s Wellness Center. “Perform your breast self-exam at the same time each month and know your body; know what is normal for you, and always talk to your physician if you feel an abnormality.”

While the most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, additional symptoms of breast cancer can include:

  • Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt)
  • Skin irritation or dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel)
  • Breast or nipple pain
  • Nipple retraction (turning inward)
  • Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
  • Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

Although any of these symptoms can be caused by things other than breast cancer, all should be reported to a health care professional so that the cause can be found.

St. Anthony’s offers advanced 3D mammography at two locations for easy access and scheduling. Locations in Effingham include the Women’s Wellness Center in HSHS St. Anthony’s Health Center at 900 West Temple Avenue, Building B and within the Effingham Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates office at 912 North Henrietta Street.

The public is reminded that Illinois legislation passed Senate Bill 466 into law in 2016, which requires that all insurance plans throughout the state cover 3D mammography. If a person’s individual insurance plans states differently, patients are encouraged to contact their plan administrator.

To schedule an annual screening mammogram at either location, call St. Anthony’s Women’s Wellness Center at 217-347-1601. You can also visit stanthonys3dmammography.org to request a representative contact you to schedule your mammography appointment. A physician’s order is not required for screening mammograms.

Article from HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital

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Grief and Loss

Overview of the grieving process

Grief is a natural human response to the loss of a loved one. It can show itself in many ways. Grief moves in and out of stages from disbelief and denial, to anger and guilt, to finding a source of comfort, to eventually adjusting to the loss.

It’s normal for both the dying person and the survivors to experience grief. For survivors, the grieving process can take many years. The challenge of accepting death and dying as the end stage of life is what the grieving process is all about.

What is anticipatory grief vs. sudden loss?

  • Anticipatory grief. This happens when someone has a prolonged illness, and the patient as well as the family anticipates death. Anticipating the loss of a loved one can be just as painful and stressful as the actual act of losing that person. Anticipatory grief allows the family to prepare for the inevitable death. This can be a time to resolve issues and concerns, and seek the support of spiritual leaders, family, and friends. It’s also a time to clarify the loved one’s wishes for funeral and burial arrangements and other end-of-life issues.
  • Sudden loss. This is a death that happens unexpectedly and suddenly, like a fatal accident or heart attack. Such tragedies can leave survivors feeling shocked and confused. Loved ones are often left with many questions, unresolved issues, and a range of emotions, including anger, guilt, and pain. Support from family, friends, and clergy is important to people experiencing sudden loss.

What may happen in the case of anticipated death?

Many, although not all, people facing their own death are willing to discuss issues of death and dying. This can be a time to discuss spiritual issues, resolve family concerns, reflect on a loved one’s life and accomplishments, and express gratitude. It also provides an opportunity to put practical matters in order, including the following:

  • Can funeral expenses be prepaid?
  • Which funeral home would the person prefer to handle arrangements?
  • Can the person help with obituary information to make sure it is accurate and complete?
  • What are his or her specific funeral wishes?
  • If a church service is planned, can the person facing death help plan favorite Scripture passages or hymns?
  • Is cremation or burial preferred?
  • Has a cemetery plot been purchased?
  • Does the person wish for memorial contributions to be made to a particular charity or benevolent organization?
  • Can the person direct others regarding important practical issues, like wills, bank accounts, lawyer’s name, pension plans, retirement funds, and life insurance policies?

What are the symptoms of grief?

For both the person facing death and survivors after the death of a loved one, it’s natural to have many symptoms of grief. These can include:

Physical symptoms:

  • Lack of energy or fatigue
  • Headaches and upset stomach
  • Excessive sleeping or overworking and excessive activity

Emotional symptoms:

  • Memory lapses, distraction, and preoccupation
  • Irritability
  • Depression and feelings of euphoria
  • Extreme anger or feelings of being resigned to the situation

Spiritual symptoms:

  • Feelings of being closer to God or feelings of anger and outrage at God
  • Strengthening of faith or questioning of faith

What are the different stages of grief?

It’s natural for people who are facing death, as well as those they leave behind, to move through many stages of grief. For survivors, the grieving process can last for several months or for 2 to 3 years or more. The stages of grief don’t necessarily fall into a set order, and vary greatly from one person to another. People may move in and out of these stages at different times throughout the grieving process. These stages include:

  • Shock
  • Depression, loneliness, and a sense of isolation
  • Physical symptoms, such as headaches, body aches, or stomach distress
  • Feelings of panic
  • Guilt
  • Anger
  • Inability to return to daily routine
  • Return of feelings of hopefulness
  • Acceptance

If you or a loved one is grieving longer than you feel is normal, you may want to seek professional counseling to help you through the process. Your healthcare provider may be a good referral source, or you may want to speak with your spiritual leader (like priest, rabbi, and minister) for advice.

When providing support for the bereaved

There are many things you can do to help a bereaved person. These include:

  • Sending cards or flowers
  • Preparing food
  • Providing child care
  • Household chores
  • Contributing to a cause which is meaningful to the family
  • Offering transportation

You may also consider the following when providing for the bereaved:

  • Be available. Sometimes, when people are grieving, they don’t want to talk or listen. . They simply want you to be there for them.
  • Let the grieving person the full range of his or her emotions, including anger and bitterness, which may sometimes be expressed against the healthcare providers, God, or even the loved one who has died.
  • Be patient and understanding, but not patronizing. Don’t claim to know how the other person is feeling. Don’t force the person to talk or share feelings.
  • Don’t be concerned about mentioning the deceased person’s name or sharing a fond memory of the person while in the company of the bereaved. They, too, are thinking about their loved one, so it’s acceptable and natural to bring the name into conversation.
  • Remember that grieving takes time and is a natural human process. No matter how much you want to “stop the hurt,” the bereaved must endure the grieving process. Allow them time and care for them as they move through it.
  • A person who is grieving for over a year should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Abnormal bereavement

The primary healthcare provider can help the bereaved person adapt to his or her loss. Even though they may experience ill health, people with abnormal bereavement are less likely to use health services. Outreach efforts are important to help those in need of these services. Depression, suicide, anxiety, and complicated grief are the most common negative psychological traits associated with loss.

Article from Sarah Bush Lincoln & The StayWell Company LLC

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