Events Cancer Center Hosts Successful Survivor Day
Written by Jeanne Wholey, Center for Cancer Care, Exeter Hospital
Doctors Danny Sim, Gary Proulx, Gina DiVenuti at Survivor's Day
On the first day of June with the sun shining and warm temperatures, Exeter Hospital's Center for Cancer Care hosted its 11th Annual Survivor's Day Celebration. Over 200 cancer survivors, along with their families and friends, came together to enjoy the festivities.
The year's sports theme was in recognition of the past year's success of New England teams. Many guests came dressed to support their favorite local athlete, but no one was turned away for wearing an opponent's garb!
The cookout was reminiscent of tailgating parties, and there was also a sports trivia contest. Music was provided by Lee & James Entertainment. Our younger guests were invited to participate in arts and crafts.
Thank you to Camp Lincoln in Kingston, who provided a rock climbing wall for "kids" of all ages. And special thanks to Patrick Reyna, whose artwork was featured on the front of the invitation and the Planning Committee's t-shirts.
We welcome any suggestions for themes for next year.
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Lisa Karakostas, Editor
June 19, 2008
Exeter Hospital Launches First Mobile Digital Mammography Van in NH
Health-care Leader Provides Easy Access to Innovative Technology
Exeter Hospital unveiled its digital mammography van last week which will provide screenings at Exeter Hospital's off-site locations and area corporations. Many stopped by the open house June 27 including, from left, Christine Nell, Radiology; Brian Campbell, Vice President of Ambulatory Services; Alex Raslavicus, MD, Radiologist; and Kevin Callahan, President and Chief Executive Officer. Steve Ganem photo
EXETER, NH - Exeter Hospital is hitting the road with its new digital mammography van, the only mobile unit of its kind in New Hampshire and one of only two in New England.
The mobile unit will offer digital mammography, the most innovative and accurate technology for detecting breast abnormalities. Digital mammography provides huge benefits over traditional mammography, including shorter exam times, increased comfort, lower radiation, and fewer repeat mammograms due to its greater accuracy.
**Tours of the new, state-of-the-art mobile digital mammography van are available to the media. Please call Mike Gressel at 580-7682 to schedule your tour.**
Beginning July 7th, the unit will travel to Exeter Hospital's off-site locations and to Seacoast-area corporations, ensuring convenience and easy access for women.
"Our mobile unit will provide the same standard of care and service that we provide at Exeter Hospital’s Center for Breast Health, where we also use digital mammography" said Ellen Gerety, MD, of Advanced Diagnostic Imaging at Exeter Hospital.
"Exeter Hospital cares about the health of the community. We're providing easy access to digital mammography, encouraging women to get regular mammograms to detect any abnormalities early," she continued.
Currently, the annual mammography screening rate is 40 percent statewide, and the Exeter Hospital team hopes to raise that number within its service area. Early detection of breast cancer through mammography is the key to successful treatment.
"By locating this technology conveniently within the community - whether in a doctor's office or at a woman's place of employment - we hope to increase the number of women who have their annual mammograms in an effort to reduce their risk from breast cancer," Dr. Gerety added.
Exeter Hospital's digital mammography van is the first - and only - mobile unit in New Hampshire. There is only one other mobile digital mammography unit in New England, at Yale University in Connecticut.
Women who opt to get their mammograms in Exeter's new mobile unit will receive fast, confidential test results, which will also be sent to their primary-care providers, regardless of whether their regular physicians are affiliated with Exeter Hospital.
The mobile unit is staffed by an all-female team of radiology technicians, who have advanced-level certifications in mammography. Test results will be read by board-certified radiologists affiliated with Exeter Hospital and sent out to patients and their physicians within approximately 48 hours after a mammogram is conducted.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-888-2-EXETER or visit www.exeterhospital.com. Exeter Hospital's digital mammography van was supported in part though a generous donation by the Exeter Hospital Associates.
Exeter Hospital, Inc. an affiliate of Exeter Health Resources is a not-for-profit community based hospital serving the Seacoast region. Exeter Hospital's mission is to improve the health of the community. This mission is supported through the provision of health services and information to the community. For more information call 1-800-4-Exeter, or log onto www.exeterhospital.com and see how the Art of Wellness can create a difference in your life.
To read the Exeter News- Letter article - click here.
Can you tell the gender of my baby by the baby's heart rate?
No. Some say that the baby's heart rate is an indication of the gender, but we have found that it is not an accurate indicator.
How long will I be in labor and when will my baby arrive?
Unfortunately, there is no way of answering this question. Every woman's labor is different, and there are many different variables that affect the length, effectiveness and time of your labor and delivery.
Will the epidural slow down my labor?
Sometimes, labor can go slower after an epidural. Because you are inactive, in bed, and not able to walk, it may slow down your labor. However, with some individuals an epidural may actually allow for relaxation. This relaxation may result in the baby moving more quickly through the birth canal. It is important to remember that while the epidural will take most of the pain away, you will still feel pressure from the baby moving through the birth canal.
When can I get my epidural?
An epidural is anesthesia that is placed in your back. It numbs your body from the waist down, and relieves most of the pain of labor. Different providers have different thoughts about when the epidural can be done. Some providers require a patient progress to four centimeters before they get the epidural. Others will allow for it sooner in labor. We suggest that you discuss this subject with your provider.
How do I know when it is time to push?
When you are fully dilated and the baby is in position, your body will tell you that it is time to push. The urge to push is natural and you may find your body doing it with no direction from you what-so-ever. At this point, as long as your are fully dilated, your nurse will help you through this final stage of labor.
How do I push effectively?
Use your abdominal muscles, positioning chin to chest, and take a deep breath and push, while pulling your legs up to your chest. This is the most effective way to help your baby advance through the birth canal.
Will the pain get worse as my labor progresses?
Yes. The pain of labor is something that can be controlled with relaxation techniques, medication, or by means of an epidural. You may also choose to practice Hypnobirthing, which is taught in a class prior to delivery. Any of these options are available in the Family Center to make your labor as comfortable as possible.
When will my milk come in?
The average length of time it takes for breast milk to come in is 3-5 days. This varies from one individual to another. If you have any questions, please feel free to call one of our Lactation Consultants at (603) 580-4324.
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