Free sports physicals, procedure to treat heartburn: Seacoast health news
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital performs groundbreaking procedure treating heartburn & similar conditions
DOVER – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital announced that it successfully performed its first Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) procedure on July 14, marking a significant milestone in the hospital's commitment to providing advanced, minimally invasive treatments to the Seacoast community.
The TIF procedure is a cutting-edge technique that offers a revolutionary approach to the treatment of heartburn (acid reflux) and other chronic symptoms associated with GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease). Unlike traditional surgeries, which often require large incisions and extensive recovery periods, the TIF procedure is performed entirely through the mouth, eliminating the need for external incisions. This groundbreaking technique not only reduces the risk of complications, but also offers patients a faster recovery time and a quicker return to their daily activities.
The goal of anti-reflux surgery is to restore the normal functions of the junction between the esophagus and the stomach by creating a new anti-reflux valve. This is carried out by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach (the fundus) around the esophagus, either partially or totally.
"The introduction of this procedure at Wentworth-Douglass represents a major breakthrough for us locally in the management of GERD. By offering a less invasive alternative, we hope to empower patients to take control of their condition and improve their quality of life,” said Dr. Hany Takla, medical director for surgical services at Wentworth-Douglass. “It really has the potential to transform the treatment landscape for our current GERD patients and hopefully encourages those who need it to seek treatment as well.”
The TIF procedure exemplifies Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's dedication to adopting innovative medical technologies that enhance patient care and improve outcomes.
“This is a game-changer for many of our patients who have chronic acid reflux,” said Khushboo Munot, MD, Gastroenterologist and TIF Specialist at Atlantic Digestive Specialists and Wentworth Douglass Hospital. “The procedure is non-invasive, and patients often can go home the same day. It can be a great treatment option for people who have been dealing with this issue for many years and can provide them with a better quality of life.”
Zebra Crossings hosts free day programs
DOVER — Zebra Crossings, a Dover, N.H. based non-profit that offers empowerment programs for youth and teens with chronic medical conditions, is hosting free day programs in August.
The first day program, sponsored by The Gundalow Company, will take place Aug. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free program is open to children with chronic medical conditions and their families. We will start the day with a morning sail through Portsmouth Harbor aboard the Gundalow, followed by lunch and an afternoon performance of “Into the Woods Jr.” in Prescott Park. Don’t miss the Boat! Advanced registration is required since seating is limited. This is a free event and lunch will be provided.
Our second day program will be hosted in partnership with the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Reach Program, and will take place Aug. 24 and Aug. 25, in Somersworth N.H. from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This program is open to children with chronic medical conditions and their families. The PGA Reach program is designed to be a fun way to introduce children to golf, with lessons provided by PGA instructors. Space in this program is limited so advanced registration is required.
To learn more about either of these programs or to register please email: info@zebra-crossings.org.
Rockingham County Nursing Home receives Deficiency-Free Health Survey
BRENTWOOD - Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center announced that it has received a deficiency-free health inspection from the State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for the second year in a row. The nursing home inspection took place from Monday, July 10 to Wednesday, July 12. During the survey, the officials evaluated staffing plans, staff competencies, nursing services, quality assurance programs, infection control policies, environmental services, dining services, and resident concerns. Additionally, the survey process included observational rounds and interviews with residents, family members, and nursing center associates.
State representatives conduct inspections (surveys) at least once a year to determine the compliance of nursing homes with state and federal regulations. The process is important in ensuring that nursing homes meet the needs of their residents by providing appropriate care and services. Deficiencies are based on violations of the regulations, which then require plans of correction. There are over 800 possible citations a nursing home can receive.
Deficiency-free health surveys are a top indicator for excellence for a nursing home. It means residents can expect the highest level of care from an assisted living, short-term rehabilitation or nursing center. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, less than 10 percent of nursing homes receive deficiency-free surveys.
For more information about Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and its services, visit www.rockinghamcountyseniorliving.com or call 603-679-5335.
Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine offers free sports physicals at Portsmouth office
PORTSMOUTH – Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine announced they will be offering free sports physicals to all student athletes for the 2023-2024 sports season on Thursday, Aug. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at their Portsmouth, N.H. facility.
Young athletes planning to participate in a sports activity during their school year are encouraged to stop by for a complete examination. Physicals will be free of charge and a RSVP is required. Call 603-431-1121 to schedule an exam. The Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Portsmouth, N.H. address is 1900 Lafayette Road Suite A.
Rockingham VNA & Hospice offer Hospice Volunteer Training fall sessions
EXETER — A terminal diagnosis can be a lonely experience. At a time when understanding is needed most, many Hospice patients find themselves isolated even from family and friends. You can help end that isolation by becoming a Hospice volunteer. Rockingham VNA & Hospice will teach you how to provide compassionate support to those patients at the end of life and their families. We are especially looking for veterans to train to companion with other veterans on Hospice.
A comprehensive Hospice volunteer training begins on Sept. 5, and continues each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through Oct. 24. There must be a minimum of five people registered for the training to be held. Classes will be held at Conference Room 1B, 4 Alumni Drive, Exeter, N.H.
To register or for more information: Call Martha Carlson, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, 603-580-8949 or 800-540-2981 ext. 8949.
Cornerstone VNA clinicians achieve vestibular certification
ROCHESTER — Cornerstone VNA announced that three of its senior Rehabilitation clinicians have achieved vestibular certification from the American Institute of Balance. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Dizziness and vertigo are symptoms of a vestibular balance disorder. Balance disorders can strike at any age but are most common as you get older.” According to the National Institutes of Health, dizziness is the #1 complaint of persons aged 70 and older and number three for all age groups, only preceded by backache and headache. The newly vestibular certified team includes Karen Krause, PT, COS-C, AIB-VRC, Rehab Manager, Lisa Matthews, PT, AIB-VRC, Rehab Coordinator, and Cornelius Donnelly, DPT, AIB-VRC.
Matthews explains, “Dizziness is so prevalent in our community. It can affect patients of any age and level of mobility. These patients are often underdiagnosed and underserved. Vestibular Rehab Certification allows us to effectively identify, diagnose, and treat them to reduce and potentially resolve their symptoms and significantly impact their quality of life. Improvement in function and fall reduction can often take place even within a few treatments, allowing patients to experience positive changes very quickly."
This Vestibular Rehabilitation certified team adds to the depth and breadth of expert care that the team at Cornerstone VNA provides for their patients. According to Julie Reynolds, President/CEO, “Increasingly, patients are discharged to home with more complex conditions than ever before, which requires a unique and diverse skillset. As a result, we continue to invest in certifying our clinicians to ensure excellence and implement innovative technology to create efficiencies and improve patient outcomes.”
To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Free sports physicals, procedure to treat heartburn: Seacoast health news
