Introducing Doctor of Pulmonology, Allison Cihla

At Preston Memorial Hospital, our goal is to provide patients in Kingwood, West Virginia and surrounding communities the very best medical care from top physicians. With that in mind, we are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Allison Cihla to our team of talented and compassionate physicians. Dr. Cihla specializes in pulmonology, focusing the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the respiratory system. Her specialty areas include working with patients with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other lung diseases. 

When should you see a pulmonologist?

Pulmonology focuses on treating the entire respiratory system.  This includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli. There are many lung and breathing disorders that require the expertise of a pulmonary doctor. The five most common diseases include:

1.      COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease occurs when a patient suffers from lung abnormalities brought on because of conditions such as bronchitis or emphysema. These illnesses, which cause lung inflammation, can obstruct the airflow throughout the lungs and lead to permanent issues.

2.      Chronic Cough – The most common cause of an ongoing cough (lasting more than three weeks) is a respiratory infection. This can be a sign of more serious health issues.

3.      Asthma – This is typical reason that pediatric patients are referred to a pulmonologist (although asthma can also affect adults). Asthma is a chronic health issue impacting the bronchial tubes. When they become inflamed, the patient suffers from extreme shortness of breath and wheezing. Severe conditions can lead to respiratory failure and in extreme cases, death.

4.      Cancer – Lung cancer is the rapid growth of tumors in the lungs that if left untreated can spread to other tissue and organs.

5.      Difficulty Breathing- Patients with undefined issues that cause breathing difficulties might also be referred to the care of a pulmonary doctor. If the issue is ongoing, it could be the sign of a more serious health issue.

Other reasons that patients might see a pulmonologist include:

·         ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)

·         Bronchitis

·         Cystic Fibrosis

·         Emphysema

·         Coughing Up Blood

·         Obstructive Sleep Apnea

·         Excess Fluid in the Lungs

·         Sarcoidosis

·         Solitary Pulmonary Nodule

·         Tuberculosis

·         Pneumonia

·         Pulmonary Hypertension

·         Pulmonary Embolism

If you or someone you know is struggling with any of the above noted conditions, seek the care of a qualified pulmonologist immediately. Dr. Cihla is currently accepting new referrals. Contact her today at 304-329-4701

What you Should Know About Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Awareness month. It is an event we wish we did not have to recognize, but one that needs nationwide attention to help find a cure for this life-changing disease.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is marked by the body’s inability to properly store or use glucose. Because of this, it permeates the blood stream creating dangerously high blood sugar levels. There are two different kinds of diabetes. Type 1 is more commonly diagnosed in young children, but can occur at any age (also known as juvenile diabetes). A key characteristic of this type of diabetes is an inability to produce insulin, a hormone that enables the body to metabolize glucose. Type 2 diabetes is more common in older individuals (although it can impact any age). It occurs when the body is unable to produce the proper amount of insulin or utilize it correctly.

Symptoms

While diabetes has symptoms that can also point to other illnesses, when found in combination, there is greater cause for concern. The most common symptoms include:

·         Extreme thirst

·         Frequent urination

·         Weight loss

·         Increased appetite

·         Blurry vision

·         Moodiness

·         Numb or tingling extremities

·         Recurring skin infections

·         Frequent bladder infections

·         Regular gum infections

·         Fatigue

Who is at Risk?

Anyone can develop diabetes but it is most common in individuals with a family history.  Other factors include obesity, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and leading an inactive lifestyle.  It is more common with age, especially in people with the aforementioned risk factors. Certain ethnicities are also more prone to the disease as well as women who suffered from gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Other Health Concerns

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are also at risk for a host of other medical conditions, including heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, gangrene, nerve damage and impotence. Because of this, it is crucial to monitor your condition carefully and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.

At Preston Memorial Hospital, we are passionate about providing our patients the best possible healthcare services. This means that we go the extra mile to educate them on preventative care to reduce their risk of serious conditions such as diabetes.

If you are suffering serious complications because of diabetes, seek emergency care immediately.  If you are experiencing diabetes related symptoms, consult your healthcare provider to accurately diagnose the problem and develop a management plan.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The month of October is known for being the month that we recognize one of the most serious health risks among women today. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Breast Cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women and one in eight females in the US will be diagnosed at some point in their lives.

Feeling a lump or finding a mass on a mammogram screening is one of the most common signs of a malignant mass. In general, the mass is not painful, but does have irregular edges and is hard to the touch. Other symptoms can include:

·      Breast swelling – this can be in all or part of the breast tissue with or without a palpable lump.

·      Skin irritation – This can include redness, scaly skin or a thickening of nipple or breast tissue.

·      Skin dimpling and / or an inward pointing nipple

·      Breast or nipple irritation or pain

·      Discharge other than breast milk

Early detection of breast cancer is important to give doctors the most treatment options and give you the best possible outcome. The ideal form of screening is through mammography, which allows the doctor to detect a lump before it can be felt through a self-breast exam. According to the American Cancer Society, physicians believe that early detection is a key factor in saving thousands of lives each year.

Because of the importance of early detection, the American Cancer Society also provides the following guidelines for breast cancer screenings (note: these guidelines are for women who are of average risk for the disease).

·      Age 40 to 44 - Regular screenings are not necessary, but you should have the choice of having a mammogram if you wish to do so.

·      Age 45 to 54 - Yearly mammograms.

·      Age 55 and older - Mammograms every two years but you should have the option of continuing a yearly screening.

At Preston Memorial Hospital, our digital imaging department includes a state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to help patients with preventative breast cancer screenings as well cancer treatment plans. We use the latest digital technology to help with accurate diagnosis and comprehensive care plans. If you or someone you know is facing a breast cancer diagnosis contact our team today. 

September is Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Being aware of the symptoms and effects of specific types of cancer is the first step in treating the disease and potentially finding cures. During the month of September, Preston Memorial Hospital recognizes both Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Here is what you need to know about these two diseases.

Prostate Cancer

Cancer of the Prostate is one of the most common cancers affecting men. It generally impacts older adults and is typically slow growing. It is also not prone to spread to other organs, generally staying confined to the prostate gland. This makes it a very manageable form of cancer. Despite its treProstate Cancer Foundation, it is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States, with over 29,000 men dying annually. As with all cancers, early detection is a key to successful treatment. Some of the most common symptoms of Prostate Cancer include:

• Difficult urination
• Weak urine stream
• Blood in semen
• Pelvic discomfort
• Pain in bones
• Erectile dysfunction

Ovarian Cancer

According to ovariancancerawarness.org, Ovarian Cancer is among the most deadly forms of cancer in women. Nearly 22,000 women are diagnosed with the disease annually. In 2014, over 14,000 women in the United States died from the disease. The illness typically impacts women in their 50’s or 60’s with the average patient age, 63. Symptoms for this disease include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal discomfort
• Difficulty eating and rapid hunger satiety
• Increased urination and urgency 
• Digestive issues including nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea
• Severe fatigue
• Difficulty catching breath
• Backache
• Rapid weight increases

At Preston Memorial Hospital, we support the fight against all types of cancer by increasing awareness of the disease. Preston Memorial Hospital aims to improve the health of our community through compassionate, professional healthcare. To learn more about what Preston Memorial Hospital can do for you, please visit our website.

Welcome Jason E. McNair to Preston Memorial Hospital!

At Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood, West Virginia, it is our goal to improve the health of the community through advanced medical care and the expertise of highly trained healthcare providers. From our physicians to our nurses, we are consistently searching for quality medical professionals in different specialties to join our team. This month, Preston Memorial Hospital would like to welcome our newest addition to the Family Medicine team, Dr. Jason E. McNair.

As a Preston County Native, Jason E. McNair went to Medical School at the West Virginia University School of Medicine and did his residency at WVU Medicine. At Preston Memorial Hospital, Dr. McNair specializes in not just Family Medicine but also Sports Medicine, Men’s Health and Pediatrics. He works convenient hours including evenings. To schedule your appointment with Dr. McNair at Preston Memorial Hospital, please call our Physician Center at 304-329-4701.

Offering high quality, patient-centered and affordable healthcare, Preston Memorial Hospital provides a range of services for many health needs. Whether you are looking for family care, urgent care, surgery, physical therapy or dietary guidance, our professional staff can provide the heath care services you and your family need. We have an extensive offering of services and technological capabilities found in larger facilities coupled with the genuine care of a smaller staff.

Since 1955, Preston Memorial Hospital has been providing residents of Preston County with preventative and acute medical service. If you would like to learn more about our care service, please visit www.prestonmemorial.org or call (304) 329-1400 to schedule an appointment.

Preston Memorial Hospital Offers Transitional Care

Moving a loved one from one facility to another can be stressful. Fortunately, transitional care is now advancing and offering patients an easy move from one health care setting to another.  At Preston Memorial Hospital, we are pleased to feature our Transitional Care Program that acts as a bridge for patients moving from one facility to the next.

Our Transitional Care Program provides an alternative to prolonged acute hospitalization or short-term nursing placement for post-acute extended care. This program provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including IV therapy, medication management, therapy services and more. As a hospital-based program, Transitional Care patients never have to worry with our 24-hour nursing staff, in-house therapists, pharmacy and emergency services.

The team at Preston Memorial Hospital’s Transitional Care Program follows a specialized plan that helps each individual patient achieve and maintain their optimum level of independent functioning. Our team consists of hospital-based providers, physicians, skilled nursing staff, case managers, activities coordinators, physical, occupational, respiratory and speech therapists, a dietician, and other professional referrals as needed.

In order to qualify for the Transitional Care Program, a patient must meet the following requirements:

•  Be covered by Medicare Part A (or have another insurance plan that covers this service).
•  Have had 3 overnights in an acute care bed prior to utilizing the Transitional Care services.
• Have an ongoing diagnosis and needs that require skilled care as defined by Medicare.

Common diagnoses treated in this program include patients with extended IV therapy needs, orthopedic surgeries like hip or knee replacements, fractures, post-surgical procedures, neurological disorders, and generalized weakness due to chronic conditions.

While the length of stay in our Transitional Care Program is dependent on each individual patient’s needs and progress, the average length of stay is 5 to 10 days.  This program is not intended for a permanent placement but rather a place for continued care until the patient returns home or to a facility for longer-term care.

If you or a loved one is in need of a transitional care as you move from one healthcare setting to another, contact Preston Memorial Hospital. While the transition may be difficult, our caring staff and dedicated team are happy to bridge the gap between hospital and home. To learn more about the Transitional Care Program available at Preston Memorial Hospital, visit our website or call (304) 329-1400.

Preston Memorial’s Wound Healing Center

Summer is an active time of year, which means not only more fun but also more opportunities for injury. If you happen to suffer from a wound, come to Preston Memorial Hospital’s Wound Healing Center. The staff of the Wound Healing Center consists of providers trained specifically in wound healing techniques. We work to educate you on why you have a non-healing wound, what both you and our team needs to do to heal it, and what you can do to prevent future problems.

Here are some frequently asked questions about our Wound Healing Center:

Why should I go the Wound Healing Center?

All wounds do not heal the same. Preston Memorial Wound Healing Center has staff specially trained in treating difficult to heal wounds. We know what to expect and what to do when healing does not happen as anticipated. We offer you the best chance of closing your wounds. We work closely with our patients and their Primary Care Providers to determine the reason that you have a difficult wound and why it isn’t healing. We will then work together as a team to implement the best healing techniques to close your wound.

What will be done at the Wound Healing Center?

Once we determine the cause of your wound, we can decide the best course of therapy. The initial workup may include examination, x-rays or bone scan, blood work, bedside testing. You will have a periodic return appointment so that we may follow the progress of your wound and change the treatment as needed. We will help you make arrangements for care at home that will include family members and/or friends. When the extent of home care is too much for you or your family, we can help to arrange home nursing care.

Do I have to go to the Center every day?

All wounds are different and have different needs. Most patients with wounds require an initial evaluation and then follow up visits. The follow up visits may be weekly, bi weekly, or even monthly. We will work with you to develop a plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Do I need a referral?

Most insurance carriers do not require a referral for wound care. If you have any concerns, you can contact your insurance company and inquire. If you do need a referral we will work with you to obtain it so that we can get started healing your wound.

If you have a wound that’s having trouble healing, come to the Wound Healing Center at Preston Memorial Hospital. You can learn more about us here, including types of wounds we treat and the services we offer.