We sat down with Amanda Morgan, RN in Infection Control, who is also managing our new Student Nurse Residency Program starting in January. Read about her career path at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital and how she got involved in working with students!

Who is eligible for our Student Nurse Residency Program?

Third-semester nursing students should apply 6-8 weeks before their 3rd semester begins. It is required to maintain good standing and enrollment in nursing school. The application is online, and if you have questions, you can contact me, Amanda Morgan, at 256235-5864 or amorgan@rmccares.org.

What makes the program unique to Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital?

It’s brand new and allows students to work one-on-one with another RN to help build their knowledge base. During the program, they get the opportunity to rotate through all the departments. Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital will provide educational opportunities specific to their educational needs throughout the program in a lunch-and-learn setting.

The board of nursing allows student nurses to perform specific nursing care and skills that PCTs are not allowed to, such as administering certain medications once they’ve been deemed competent.

Why did Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital start this program?

We want to provide nursing students the opportunity to learn about Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital’s different departments and be equipped to apply full-time at the end. This program allows them the opportunity to apply for scholarships and tuition reimbursement. Other opportunities would be available to them once they’ve passed the NCLEX.

How long have you been at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital?

28 years at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital. I have had the opportunity to work in many departments and roles over my career. The people at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital have become family to me.

What is your role with this program?

Student Nurse Residency Manager – I enjoy my role because I started as a floor nurse, worked as a manager, and now infection control, but I’m excited to get back into working with students. I was a clinical instructor early in my career, and it’s nice to get back to watching the excitement of new nurses as they learn and grow!

What made you stay at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital?

There are so many opportunities for nursing, that even if you start in one area, you have the opportunity to grow into different roles and leadership positions. Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital offers support. It has been good to me throughout my personal life. It does not feel like you work for a huge organization, but you are working with a family that takes care of you personally and professionally!

How did your career start?

I graduated from Auburn and grew up in Piedmont. I started in Pediatrics, because I loved taking care of the kids. I was a manager for 8 years, where I was still able to provide patient care and have a leadership role that was guiding a team at the same time. That’s what I miss most being in infection control, so I’m glad to be getting back to interacting with staff through Student Nurse Residency Program.

Diagnosing celiac disease can be tricky due to the main symptom, a gluten allergy, being hard to detect. Since a great deal of foods contain gluten, it can be hard to narrow down if that is the true culprit of someone’s sickness. However, if you are officially diagnosed with celiac disease, it can be challenging to adjust to the lifestyle changes you’ll need to make to live a healthy life.

But with the proper guidance and support from an experienced, empathetic gastroenterologist, you can improve your quality of life, minimize intestinal damage, and drastically decrease GI discomfort. Keep reading to learn more about living with celiac disease.

Key Takeaways

• Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by an acute gluten allergy that damages the small intestine and the nutrient-absorbing villi within, leading to malabsorption of nutrients.
• Symptoms include digestive discomfort, weight loss, skin rashes, severe vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and more. 
• Changing your lifestyle requires diligence, but following a strict gluten-free diet will drastically improve your quality of life.
• Experimenting with new foods and cooking techniques and finding the proper support are just some of the ways you can improve your quality of life after a celiac disease diagnosis.

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How Does Celiac Disease Impact Your Body?

Autoimmune diseases cause our bodies to wage war on themselves inadvertently. With celiac disease, the immune system attacks the tiny villi that line your small intestine whenever you consume foods that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. What are villi? Good question.

Villi are little nodes that absorb the nutrients in your food so your body can put it to good use. With enough damage to your villi over time, they can no longer absorb the nutrients, leading to malnutrition, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, infertility, and other health issues.

What Are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?

As we mentioned earlier, diagnosing celiac disease can be tricky. Its symptoms can point to a myriad of conditions. If you suspect you have celiac disease, it’s vital to seek professional help for accurate testing and guidance.

• Abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss
• Bone or joint pain
• Low muscle tone
• Abnormal periods
• Headaches
• Brittle nails
• Dermatitis herpetiformis (also known as “blistering rash”)
• Mouth ulcers

What Are Some Tips for Living with Celiac Disease?

With the right approach, you can live a thriving life after your celiac disease diagnosis. Here are some tips and lifestyle changes you can try to improve your quality of life as you transition to a gluten-free diet:

1. Food Label Vigilance

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains, so it’s in many food items. The more obvious gluten-rich foods are bread, pasta, cereals, crackers, and beer. However, gluten often hides in unexpected places, like soup thickeners, sauces, processed meats and dairy products, wines, and sweets.

Learning to read food labels carefully in this new phase of your life. Here are some other phrases that indicate a food contains gluten and you should not consume it:

• Malt
• Triticale
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• May contain (wheat, barley, or rye).
• Contains (wheat, barley, or rye).

Some people who do not have celiac disease merely need to avoid ingredients that for sure contain gluten because they have another type of gluten intolerance. Celiacs (people with celiac disease), on the other hand, must attempt to avoid foods with potential gluten contamination. 

This difficult task of avoiding gluten contamination involves strictly consuming foods from the few companies that claim their products are made in a gluten-contamination-conscious facility—especially those certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) or NCF (National Celiac Foundation).

2. Discover Gluten-Free Alternatives

It may feel like gluten is in everything you love to eat, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with figuring out what is and isn’t gluten-free. But with time, patience, and familiarity, you’ll be able to remember what to avoid and what is safe to eat. 

Many grains and flours are actually naturally gluten-free, allowing you to diversify your cooking and baking.

• Rice, quinoa, corn, and most oats are safe staples for your pantry.
• Almond, coconut, and chickpea flours are excellent alternatives for baking.
• Arrowroot and tapioca starch are good thickening agents.

Additionally, try finding a gluten-free cookbook for inspiration and guidance on delicious meals that meet your dietary needs.

3. Try New Restaurants

Again, eating with a celiac disease diagnosis can feel daunting, but in our modern, progressive era, you can find a restaurant that caters to almost anything. 

Consider it an adventure to try new restaurants that specialize in gluten-free cuisine or have dedicated gluten-free menus. But always remember to ask about cross-contamination to ensure your meal is safe.

If you’re still wary, consider bringing gluten test strips to detect gluten in food and beverages. This can help give you peace of mind and help you enjoy dining out better. 

Celiac Disease and Quality of Life: How Can Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital Help?

Living with celiac disease comes with its own set of unique challenges, but you’ve got this! With the right lifestyle changes, you can improve your quality of life and enjoy excellent, delicious food. Embracing a gluten-free diet and exploring new culinary options can help you manage your diagnosis and stay healthy. 
If you’re experiencing symptoms or need guidance on living gluten-free, our gastroenterologists at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital are here to help. Get in touch today for a comprehensive diagnosis and the support you need.

Jonathan Parker, BEE Recipient Q4 2024

Meet Jonathan Parker, who has worked at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital for nearly 9 years in total. He works in Central Supply, delivering goods to departments across campus. He’s a joy to work with on any given day, but on one particular occasion, Jonathan’s acts of bravery made an impact on our entire staff and lives we may never know. One colleague who witnessed the emergency event said this:

“You never know when you will be called upon to react to an emergency situation… Last Monday, October 14th one of our own (employees) suffered a medical emergency in the back parking lot. Jonathan while performing his routine deliveries observed this emergency and responded quickly to the employee in need. Being an employee at a hospital you have to be observant of your surroundings at all times because anything can occur especially at a place where people come to for help. Jonathan with his quick response was able to get the employee the help he needed at that time. Although the situation with the employee did not turn out the way we had hoped and prayed for. The observance, bravery, and diligence Jonathan displayed is one of the valuable assets that an Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital employee should possess. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being the person you are and for being there when you were needed!!!”

-Altovese

Jonathan’s family and co-workers gathered around to surprise him for the BEE award ceremony. At the ceremony, Altovese spoke up and said, “Jonathan, you have no idea how you impacted me. I used to walk into work only looking ahead. Now, I walk around campus with a new awareness. I’m alert and looking out for people who may be in need the way you were that day.”

Jonathan says, “Who knew that someone from Central Supply could get the BEE award! I was completely surprised by something so unexpected. It’s truly an honor.”

If you see Jonathan around campus, give him a big thank you for the positive impact he makes every day!

You’re probably familiar with the feeling: a burning sensation creeping up from your belly into your chest, signaling you’ve consumed something that has triggered your acid reflux. Whether you feel it occasionally after a heavy meal or more frequently, the search for relief can be hit or miss. As such a vital part of our diet, some people who often experience its symptoms wonder, “Does water help acid reflux?” Keep reading for answers.

Key Takeaways

• Heartburn, acid reflux and GERD are related conditions that affect the human digestive system.
• Water can be an effective solution to help relieve acid reflux by diluting stomach acid.
• Other drinks that can reduce acid reflux symptoms include herbal teas, low-fat milk, and non-acidic fruit and vegetable juices.
• Alcohol, acidic or citrus juices, sodas, and coffee are drinks to avoid if you have acid reflux. 
• There are over-the-counter medications available to help reduce acid reflux and heartburn.

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Understanding Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD

Did you know your stomach has a lid on it? It’s called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It’s a piece of muscle at the top of the stomach that functions as a lid or doorway, opening and closing to allow food to travel from the esophagus to the stomach. When the LES isn’t functioning correctly or is weakened, it can open when it’s not supposed to and allow irritating stomach acid to travel up your esophagus and into your mouth.

And since our esophagus doesn’t have the same protective mucous lining as the stomach to protect it, this backflow of acid causes the burning sensation known as heartburn, a symptom of acid reflux.

Many people experience heartburn or acid reflux occasionally; however, if it’s happening multiple times a week, you may have a digestive condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. This is a more serious and chronic condition that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health issues. By understanding these terms and symptoms and how they’re connected, you can better equip yourself to manage your symptoms and prevent discomfort. 

Symptoms of Acid Reflux and GERD

You may have experienced the following symptoms if you have acid reflux or GERD:

• A burning feeling in your chest, called heartburn
• A sour or bitter taste in your mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• A chronic cough or throat irritation
• Regurgitating your food or sour liquid

Does Water Help Acid Reflux?

So, does water help acid reflux? Actually, yes, water can help relieve or prevent acid reflux for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, sipping water throughout the day helps break down the food you consume. This allows your stomach to digest food more easily and keeps your digestive system running smoothly. Secondly, if you’re already experiencing acid reflux, drinking water can help by diluting the stomach acid, which can reduce irritation in the esophagus even if the backflow is still occurring. 

Furthermore, if you’re actively experiencing acid reflux, drinking water washes down the acid filling the esophagus, providing temporary relief. And lastly, dehydration or not drinking enough water can exacerbate or induce acid reflux due to your stomach acidity becoming unbalanced.

While water is a simple and accessible remedy, it may not work for everyone or provide long-term relief. It’s also not the only drink you can consume to ease or prevent symptoms.

Other Drinks That Help Relieve Acid Reflux

Water can become boring for some people to drink all the time. If you’re looking for something more flavorful but won’t agitate your acid reflux, you can try the following:

• Herbal Teas: Chamomille, ginger, and licorice teas are known for their soothing effects on the digestive system.
• Low-fat and Plant Milk: Dairy can exacerbate acid reflux; however, low-fat and plant-based milk is usually gentle enough for sensitive stomachs.
• Fruit and Vegetable Juices: Non-acidic juices, like cucumber, pear, watermelon, carrot, aloe vera, and spinach, contain natural compounds that may be beneficial for people with GERD.

Try incorporating these options into your routine for flavorful alternatives that are also healthy and help reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Drinks to Avoid When You Have Acid Reflux

On the other hand, some drinks can trigger acid or exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Avoid the following to keep your heartburn at bay:

• Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages can damage the mucous lining in the stomach, affect acidity, and impair esophagus contractions.
• Acidic juices: Citrus juices, such as tomato, orange, and grapefruit, can be too acidic, irritating the esophagus.
• Sodas: The carbonation in sodas can cause bloating and pressure on the stomach, worsening acid reflux symptoms.
• Coffee: The acidity and caffeine in coffee can be major irritants if you’re prone to acid reflux.

Medication to Relieve Acid Reflux

If you need immediate relief from acid reflux or the drinks mentioned above aren’t effective, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) options available. Antacids like Tums quickly neutralize stomach acid. H2 blockers like Pepcid AC reduce acid production for longer. Proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec and Prevacid block acid production and allow your esophagus time to heal.

If you are someone who regularly experiences acid reflux symptoms like heartburn, we highly recommend seeing a gastroenterologist, like those here at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital, for a diagnosis and long-term remedy.

When to See a Gastroenterologist at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital

If you’re finding that water only provides temporary relief for your heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms, it may be time to consult a specialist. Chronic acid reflux can be an indication of more serious underlying issues that require medical attention, like GERD or gastritis.
At Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital, our gastroenterologists can help identify the root cause of your acid reflux and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you find long-term relief. Stop letting acid reflux disrupt your life! Reach out to our team today to improve your digestive health.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• The different kinds of arthritis
• Arthritis causes and common risk factors
• Symptoms of arthritis
• How to prevent arthritis in feet
• Treatment options if you already have foot arthritis

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According to the CDC, arthritis affects over 52 million Americans and affects the “joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues.” All arthritis is not the same, however, and there are over 100 different kinds. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be sharing preventative measures that are generally effective for arthritis, especially when it affects the feet. But first, let’s discuss some of the more common forms of arthritis.

Understanding the Different Types of Arthritis

As we mentioned, arthritis comes in various forms. Understanding the specific kinds of arthritis that affect feet is essential to managing and preventing the degeneration it can cause.

Osteoarthritis (OA): This kind of arthritis is generally referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. This description is especially applicable to the feet because they are under constant pressure when walking and standing. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage between joints breaks down, causing friction when bones in the foot rub against each other.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to attack the synovium. Synovium is a tissue that lines your joints and helps your bones smoothly glide past each other. When you have rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, it can lead to severe inflammation and joint deformity over time.

Gout: Caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, gout often affects a person’s big toe and can lead to sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling in the foot.

What Causes Arthritis in Feet?

Before we discuss how to prevent arthritis in feet, we need to understand what can cause arthritis in feet, and anywhere else in the body, for that matter. There are many reasons why a person might develop arthritis in their feet. For some, it’s a draw of genetics. If arthritis runs in your family, you are more likely to develop it later in life. As mentioned above, RA is an autoimmune disease that can be passed down from parents to children. 

Two other causes of arthritis are injury and obesity. Arthritis caused by injury is referred to as post-traumatic arthritis, meaning it can develop in response to injuries like dislocations, fractures, and sprains. Additionally, when you’re overweight or obese, this strains and puts added pressure on your feet, which can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage.

Lastly, for some, arthritis is just a part of growing old. As we age, our bodies break down, and arthritis can be a symptom of that. Our joints naturally experience wear and tear that can increase the likelihood of arthritis.

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis in Feet?

Arthritis is usually a gradual process that slowly worsens over time. In some cases, people experience the ailment overnight, but that is less common. It starts with mild discomfort and, without treatment, can escalate to debilitating pain. Symptoms include:

• Pain and stiffness in the foot joint, especially after long periods of standing or walking.
• Swelling: Inflamed joints are a telltale sign of arthritis.
• Difficulty walking: As arthritis progresses, it can become difficult to walk or stand for a long time.
• Reduced range of motion: Stiffness in your joints can make it hard to wriggle your toes or rotate your ankles.

How to Prevent Arthritis in Feet

You can’t always prevent arthritis; however, there are some measures you can take to minimize your risk of developing it and delay its rapid progression.

Stretch Regularly

Keep your foot muscles and tendons limber by regularly stretching. This can help reduce stiffness and improve your overall joint health. Try incorporating gentle foot stretches such as rotating your ankles or stretching your toes into your daily routine. Make it part of your morning or night routine so you don’t forget!

Wear Supportive Shoes

One of the best things you can do for your feet is wear shoes that provide enough support and cushioning! Don’t wear high heels too much. You should also avoid tight shoes and any footwear that doesn’t properly align your feet and ankles. An experienced orthopedist, like those at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital, can help ensure your footwear is helping, not hindering, your health.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

When your feet don’t have to carry excess weight, it significantly reduces the amount of stress and pressure on them. Losing even just a few pounds can make a big difference in preventing arthritis. 

Eat Right and Exercise

Certain foods can actually trigger inflammation. Maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help prevent foot arthritis. This means limiting how much processed food, sugary snacks, and red meat you consume.

Diet and exercise go together, making low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking ideal for maintaining your joint health. These exercises help you get your heart rate up without putting undue pressure on your feet. Regular exercise helps keep your joints flexible and also strengthens the muscles that support them.

Can You Treat Foot Arthritis?

If you think you’re already experiencing symptoms of arthritis in your feet, don’t lose hope! The expert orthopedists at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital can help manage any pain you may be feeling and assist with maintaining mobility with these treatment options:

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be a game-changer for those experiencing mild, moderate, or severe arthritis in their feet. With muscle-strengthening exercises that focus on improving joint flexibility, patients can get back to doing everyday movements with ease.

Assistive Footwear Devices: Custom-made shoe inserts or braces have a dual purpose of providing support and reducing pressure on arthritic joints. This can drastically improve comfort and mobility if you’re suffering from pain while standing and walking.

Foot and Ankle Reconstruction Surgery: In some severe cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace damaged joints. This is usually a last resort when other treatments haven’t provided the relief a patient needs. 

Find Foot Arthritis Relief at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital

Foot arthritis can be debilitatingly painful. However, with the right preventative measures and treatments, you can manage its effects and potentially avoid it altogether! Taking steps to incorporate strategies like stretching, wearing supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active can go a long way in preserving your foot health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of arthritis in your feet, don’t wait for the pain to get worse! Schedule an appointment with one of the outstanding orthopedic surgeons at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital’s Orthopedic and Joint Center for a thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan to help you stay on your feet and moving forward.

Gold Plus Accreditation for Coronary Care: In July, we were honored to receive a Gold
Plus accreditation from the American Heart Association as a Get with the Guidelines –
Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Center. This prestigious recognition underscores
our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch cardiac care to our community.
Gold Plus Accreditation for Stroke Care: We also received Gold Plus accreditation from
the American Heart Association for our work in stroke care.

Welcoming New Talent: We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sravani Bantu, an endocrinologist,
to our team at the Oxford Mediplex. Additionally, Dr. Corey Campbell, a highly skilled
general surgeon and bariatrics expert, has also joined us and recently moved, along with Dr.
Peter Jernigan, to Suite 307 in the POB located on the campus of Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital.

Celebrating Our Outstanding Nurses: Congratulations to Kristen Allen (Stringfellow), Mary
Haynes (Labor and Delivery) and Beth Stovall (Oncology) for receiving prestigious Daisy
Awards. Your dedication and compassion inspire us all, and we are so proud to have you as
part of our Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital family.

Celebrating Our Incredible Patient Support Staff: Congratulations to Jennifer McComb
(Rehabilitation Services), Cathie Lee (Behavioral Health), and Derryl Groce (8 West) for
receiving BEE Awards. You keep us going and always make us better. We are so proud to
have you as part of our Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital family.

ER Improvements to Celebrate: As stated last week, we continue to see outstanding
results in our ER. It now takes less time for a patient to see a physician while the total
number of patients being treated in our ED has risen more than 30%. Improvement of this
kind is a total team effort involving our physician and staff, both within the ER and
throughout the hospital. The change is being acknowledged in our patient satisfaction data
and we look forward to continuing to raise the level of service provided to all that seek care
at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital. You are making a difference!

Gwen Hail

Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital welcomes Gwen Hail to our team! As our new patient experience manager, Gwen takes pride in ensuring every patient that walks through our doors is met with care and compassion. Learn more about Gwen and her role at Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital:

Why is patient experience important to you?
Wow!  That’s a big question.  I guess the biggest reason is that I love the patients.  I have never done anything except work in healthcare.  I went to work at a Nursing Home straight out of High School at 17 and fell in love with the Healthcare field.  One of my favorite places is at the bedside of a person who has a perspective like at no other time in their life.  When you are on the “wrong side of the bed” something peculiar happens.  The IMPORTANT things come into FOCUS.  You slow down, you re-evaluate what your new situation is, and you start to put together what your next steps are to get back to the things that you love.  I consider it such a privilege to be invited into this very personal and private space in each patient’s life.  My hope is that as they share this part of their journey with Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital, that we can make them feel like they aren’t alone, that they have a team of healthcare professionals that are right beside them and that we were able to impact their health in a positive way while they were here.  It is a ministry to me.  Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital’s mission is far reaching and much bigger than just what we can see on the surface and I realize that.  What we do matters. 

What are you most excited about for the upcoming months in regard to patient experience?
I am excited about our initial roll out right in the middle of the end of the year Holiday Season!!  We are about to educate our staff on HCAHPS 101 (HCAHPS is the survey that the patients get after discharge) and The Happy Patient Project (a project that we are going to roll out to “get back to the basics” in the way we interact with our patients).  After this initial education, we are hoping to really enjoy the rest of the Holiday season with our employees and patients with some festive activities.  We are hoping if someone has to spend their holidays with us, we can make it special this year. 

What is first on your priority list for this new role?
Understanding where we are.  I have spent a great deal of time reading the comments of the patient surveys and talking to the staff about what they think about patient perception.  It is important to me to uncover and know what our most pressing opportunities are. 

Alabama or Auburn football?
I guess I would have to say “Roll Tide” because my husband is an Alabama fan…however…I like Auburn’s colors better 😊 haha

What’s one thing you’d like your coworkers to know about you?
I bleed Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital Blue.  I love this Hospital and what it means to our community.  I am so excited about ramping up the Patient Experience efforts here.   

If you’d like to reach out to Gwen, feel free to send her an email at GHail@RMCCares.org.