A Note From The RVNA & Hospice CEO

Millions of Americans rely on hospice agencies to provide themselves or their loved ones with compassionate, end-of-life care that enhances their quality of life. The services that Ramona VNA & Hospice offers addresses the physical, spiritual, emotional and practical needs of the terminally ill. More than 1.3 million terminally ill Americans received care from hospice providers last year, a number that continues to rise. During calendar year 2007 RVNA & Hospice was proud to serve 1231 hospice patients, equaling over 51,000 patient visits from nursing, physician, social service and bereavement staff.

A recent Gallup poll found that nine out of 10 Americans, if faced with a terminal illness, would want to remain in their homes to receive the services that hospice provides. More than 80 percent of hospice care in the United States is currently provided in the home. At Ramona VNA & Hospice, 74% of our patients receive treatment in their own homes, with the balance receiving care in a skilled nursing facility or assisted living center.

Considered to be the model for high-quality care for the terminally ill, hospice focuses on caring, not curing, and in most cases care is provided in the patient home. The hospice professionals are expert in providing pain and symptom management for the dying, with 84% of the RVNA & Hospice nurses holding Hospice Nursing Certification, as compared to only 17% of nurses at hospice agencies nationally. Additionally, both RVNA & Hospice physicians, Dr. Leslee Cochrane and Dr. Leslie Stevens, are Hospice and Palliative Care Certified.

In addition to providing patient care services, Ramona VNA & Hospice is dedicated to “giving back” to our community. During 2007 Ramona VNA & Hospice provided over 350 hours of free community education. Classes included Diabetes Education, Advanced Directives, Dementia Care and Hospice & Living Options. Through our Bridge Program, our staff works directly with members of our community providing referral information for a variety of community services. Additionally we have sponsored numerous health fairs throughout the community in order to bring service information directly to the public.

It is for these reasons and many more that you should choose Ramona VNA & Hospice to be your agency of choice when you need home health or hospice care.

ASK THE DOCTOR - Asthma

Question: “I have never smoked in my life but I notice that when I am around other people smoking I have difficulty breathing. A friend told me I might have asthma. What is asthma and why do I have problems when I am around cigarette smoke?”

Asthma is an episodic disease of the lungs in which certain trigger factors cause the airways to become swollen, produce excessive mucus, and tighten or constrict. Common symptoms of asthma include chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. The severity of an episode may vary from mild shortness of breath to severe symptoms requiring hospitalization. I have been told that having an asthma attack feels like having your nose plugged and trying to breathe through a straw while jogging.

Asthma episodes may be triggered by irritants, allergens, or stress. Common examples of irritants include tobacco smoke, smog, cold air and perfumes. Allergies such as hay fever or sensitivity to pet dander can trigger asthma attacks in certain individuals as well. Exercise induced asthma is characterized by wheezing triggered by strenuous physical exertion and some people have asthma attacks triggered by emotional stress. In children, the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as the common cold.

There is concern about the number of patients who self diagnose and use over the counter asthma medicines such as Primatene Mist®, which contains epinephrine. While it is true that epinephrine will help open your bronchial tubes; it also places a significant stress on your heart and may cause serious side effects if you have a heart condition.

If you feel you might have asthma, please consult your doctor. 
If the diagnosis is in question, the doctor can order testing to determine if you have asthma or some other respiratory problem and can prescribe medications to relieve your symptoms. There are many safe and effective medications to treat asthma. If you are concerned about the cost of the medication, ask your doctor to prescribe a generic medicine. There are generic asthma medicines available starting at $4.00/month (Albuterol nebulizer solution); compared to $17.99 for one Primatene Mist® inhaler.

Asthma can be controlled and does not need to limit your activity level. For example, world-class swimmer Peter Vanderkaay has had asthma since age 10. Despite his condition, he received bronze and gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

If you would like to submit a question please contact Jennifer Trebler at jtrebler@ramonavna.org.