New RAHH study addresses swallowing disorders

Speech-language pathologist Chandra Schneider (left) and radiology technologist Brooke Boris (R)T R(M) conduct a swallowing study with a patient at Roseau Area Hospital. A computerized image of the patient’s throat can be seen on the computer screen in the upper right corner of the photo.

The simple act of swallowing a sip of water is something most people take for granted. But for those with a swallowing disorder, enjoying a refreshing drink or bite of food can be next to impossible.

A new study at Roseau Area Hospital & Homes is under way to give local speech-language pathologists a glimpse into the inner working of this phenomenon and hopefully provide relief to those afflicted with swallowing conditions.

RAHH recently acquired the imaging software and equipment used to perform what is referred to as Video Fluoroscopy Swallow Studies (VFSS).

The study produces “x-ray-like images” on a computer screen and allows a therapist and radiologist to view what happens as a patient swallows various textures and consistencies.

Digital mini-movies

The series of digital images form a mini-movie, producing detailed images as it tracks the food item from the time it is placed in the mouth to the time it enters the esophagus.

The therapist is then able to determine why the patient is having difficulty, what foods or liquids are safe for the patient to consume and what type of therapy or treatment would be most appropriate.

“Swallowing difficulty may result in choking, decreased nutrition, dehydration, and complications from aspiration pneumonia,” says speech-language pathologist Chandra Schneider at RAHH.

This service is conducted for patients who have difficulty swallowing, though it is not appropriate for everyone.

Patients are first referred by their physicians to a speech-language pathologist who will conduct an initial evaluation to determine what the patient's risk is and if a VFSS would be appropriate.

Schneider says, “By seeing the swallow image as it happens we can hopefully improve the patient’s safety and quality of life.

Roseau Area Hospital and Homes
introduces online payments

Patients can now make online payments through the RAHH website.

Patients of Roseau Area Hospital & Homes now are able to pay their accounts online through the RAHH website.

Using the Internet, a person simply logs onto the website www.rahhinc.com and then clicks the "online payment" button to begin and then follows the page prompts, explains Nancy Tveit, Business Office Director at RAHH.

"The process is protected by 128-bit Secure Sockets Layer encryption, making the transfer of information safe," explains RAHH Director of Information Systems, Kevin Schumacher. "Technical jargon aside, it is also an extremely easy process. The new online payment feature is quick and very simple."

With companies worldwide accepting online payments, it is becoming second nature for people to want this feature.

"It's one more way we’re making local healthcare easier," Nancy says. "For those without a computer, a stamp and an envelope still works just fine."

RAHH Goes Smokefree

As of September 1, all Roseau Area Hospital & Homes campuses are now smoke free environments.

These smokefree areas include the campus grounds at Roseau Area Hospital and Greenbush Community Nursing Home.

The policy applies to the entire campus including the inside and outside of all buildings, parking lots, sidewalks, and grassy areas on the property.

The policy is in place for all employees, patients, and visitors.

“Diabetes 101” is Nov. 18

The Roseau Area Diabetes Center in excited to announce its first annual health fair.

“Diabetes 101: Learning the ABCs” is scheduled for Saturday, November 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Roseau School Commons.

Dr. Eric Johnson, Altru Health System Diabetes Center, will speak at 1:00 p.m. in the Roseau School Theater.

The health fair is open to the public, and there is no cost to attend.

A wide variety of quality information will be available for people with diabetes and anyone wanting to know more about living a healthy lifestyle and preventing the onset of diabetes in the future.

Please join us for a fun and informative day!

For more information, call Karleen Thompson, Roseau Area Diabetes Center Coordinator, at (218) 463-1365, ext. 376.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and Roseau Area Hospital and Homes will join hands with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to present National Memory Screening Day on November 14th, 2006.

Free, confidential memory screenings will be provided to individuals concerned about memory problems, as well as education about Alzheimer’s disease and successful aging.

Screenings will take place November 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Sheltering Oaks Manor and Greenbush Community Nursing Home.

To learn more, please call Dawn Hedlund, Roseau Area Hospital and Homes Wellness Coordinator, at (218) 463-4773