Speare’s state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy helps heal wounds

Posted on 07/11/2017 by Speare Memorial Hospital

A diabetic for decades, things got grim for Donna three years ago when a diabetic ulcer appeared on her right toe. The pain was so intense she couldn’t put pressure on her foot. She tried over-the-counter treatments, but the wound would not heal.

“Amputation was mentioned several times,” says Donna, “so it was a relief when Dr. Koren (a surgeon at Plymouth General Surgery) suggested the hyperbaric chamber at Speare’s Wound Center.”

Speare’s state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy helps heal wounds that have not healed in 30 or more days. Patients rest in a chamber, breathing pure oxygen that increases blood flow to the body’s tissues.

“It’s been a great experience,” says Donna. “The chamber was very comfortable and the staff was so nice, I enjoyed them all. “

When Donna completed her therapy, the staff surprised her with a little ceremony, presenting her with a certificate and flowers.

“I haven’t had a signed certificate like this since 1947 when I graduated from high school,” said Donna. “That was special because Robert Frost was our keynote speaker. But this is certainly worth celebrating.”

The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Speare Memorial Hospital is a nationally recognized Center of Distinction. Patients with wounds that don’t heal after 30 days often need the services we provide and nearly 96% of wounds are healed at our center with a 98% patient satisfaction rate. For more information visit our Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine or call for an appointment: 603-481-8780.

Thank you to the Sponsors, Donors and Golfers who supported the 2017 Speare Golf Classic

Posted on 07/05/201707/05/2017 by Speare Memorial Hospital

Click on the thumbnails below to see the full-sized photos from the 2017 Speare Golf Classic.

final-golf-ad-thank-you Thank you to the Sponsors, Donors and Golfers who supported the 2017 Speare Golf Classic 2017-Speare-Golf-Classic-1-150x150 Thank you to the Sponsors, Donors and Golfers who supported the 2017 Speare Golf Classic

The Speare Memorial Hospital Dental Health Program works in collaboration with School Administrative Unit 48, the Ashland, Lin-Wood and Warren School Districts, Plymouth Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Plymouth OB/GYN, and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. Services include free dental screenings and fluoride varnish applications. Dental cleanings and sealants are offered to school-age children on a sliding fee scale and to at-risk pregnant women and the homeless. However, no one is denied service because of inability to pay. Children who are in pain from decay and infection are referred for restorative care. Case management and financial counseling/assistance are also provided.

Local Dental Health Program Benefits from Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Posted on 06/30/2017 by Speare Memorial Hospital

A nearly perfect day for golf was enjoyed by all at Owl’s Nest Resort and Golf Club in support of Speare Memorial Hospital’s community Dental Health Program.

“Each year, more than 1,500 local children and at-risk pregnant women have access to oral health care and education through the Dental Health Program,” says Michelle McEwen, Hospital President & CEO. “The golf tournament is our signature fundraising event, and more than $27,000 was raised this year through the generosity of our tournament sponsors, golfers and donors.”

on-wall-best Local Dental Health Program Benefits from Golf Tournament Fundraiser — Hygienist Ruth Doane, and Dr. Kirschner, joined by children from our community, are helping to bring a lifetime of smiles to central New Hampshire.

The Dental Health Program was established in 1998 in response to growing concerns of the local school nurses about the unmet dental health needs of area school children. Today, the Program provides free dental screenings, services and education to children enrolled at School Administrative Unit 48, and the Ashland, Lin-Wood and Warren School Districts.

“We provide dental screenings and fluoride varnish applications free of charge, and cleanings and sealants are offered on a sliding fee scale,” says Ruth Doane, the program’s Dental Hygienist. She goes on to say, “No one is ever denied services because of their inability to pay. That’s just one reason why this program is so valuable.”

Dental services are also offered to infants and to at-risk pregnant women through monthly clinics at Plymouth Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Plymouth OB/GYN, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program.

More than 20 area dental practices, including Golf Classic Sponsor Plymouth General Dentistry, currently partner with the Dental Health Program to provide care to those referred from the program with dental concerns. Support is also provided through the Dental Health Program to families who need financial help, referrals to Medicaid, and assistance with overcoming other dental care barriers.

National Nurses Week 2017: The Balance of Mine, Body, and Spirit

Posted on 05/11/201707/11/2017 by Speare Memorial Hospital

Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways America’s 3.1 million nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. The American Nursing Association has designated 2017 as the “Year of the Healthy Nurse.”

Join us during National Nurses Week, May 6–12, as we celebrate our nurses who lead the charge for health and wellness every day at Speare Memorial Hospital.

17 Health Tips for 2017

Posted on 03/28/201705/31/2017 by Speare Memorial Hospital

This Tip Sheet is Provided by
Speare Memorial Hospital Nutrition Services
Janette Gaumer, Dietitian & Certified Health Coach RD, LD & CHC 603-238-2244
Jean Baker, Dietitian & Diabetes Educator MS, RD,LD & CDE 603-238-6472

Dedicate yourself to a healthy lifestyle in 2017 with these food, nutrition, and physical activity tips

1. Eat Breakfast

Start your morning with a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Try making a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, low-fat cheese, salsa and a whole wheat tortilla or a parfait with low-fat plain yogurt, fruit and whole grain cereal.

2. Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies add color, flavor and texture plus vitamins, minerals and fiber to your plate.Make 2 cups of fruit and 2 ½ cups of vegetables your daily goal. Experiment with different types, including fresh, frozen and canned.

3. Watch Portion Sizes

Get out the measuring cups and see how close your portions are to the recommended serving size. Use half your plate for fruits and vegetables and the other half for grains and lean protein foods. To complete the meal, add a serving of fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt.

4. Be Active

Regular physical activity has so many health benefits. Start by doing what exercise you can for at least 10 minutes at a time. Children and teens should get 60 or more minutes of physical activity per day, and adults should get two hours and 30 minutes per week. You don’t have to hit the gym—take a walk after dinner or play a game of catch or basketball.

5. Fix Healthy Snacks

Healthy snacks can sustain your energy levels between meals, especially when they include a combination of foods. Choose from two or more of the MyPlate food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein. Try raw veggies with low-fat cottage cheese, or a tablespoon of peanut butter with an apple or banana.

6. Get to Know Food Labels

Reading the Nutrition Facts panel can help you shop and eat or drink smarter.

7. Consult an RDN

Whether you want to eat better to lose weight or lower your risk or manage a chronic disease, consult the experts! Registered dietitian nutritionists can help you by providing sound,easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice.

8. Follow Food Safety Guidelines

Reduce your chances of getting sick by practicing proper food safety. This includes: regular hand washing, separating raw protein foods from ready-to-eat foods, cooking foods to the appropriate temperature by using a food thermometer, and refrigerating food quickly at a proper temperature to slow bacteria growth. Learn more about home food safety at www.homefoodsafety.org.

9. Get Cooking

Preparing foods at home can be healthy, rewarding and cost-effective. Resolve to learn some cooking and kitchen basics, like how to dice an onion or cook dried beans. The collection of How do I…videos at www.eatright.org/howdoiwill get you started.

10. Dine Out without Ditching Your Goals

You can eat out and stick to your healthy eating plan! The key is to plan ahead, ask questions and choose foods carefully. Compare nutrition information, if available, and look for healthier options that are grilled, baked, broiled or steamed.

11. Enact Family Meal Time

Plan to eat as a family at least a few times each week. Set a regular mealtime. Turn off the TV, phones and other electronic devices to encourage mealtime talk. Get kids involved in meal planning and cooking and use this time to teach them about good nutrition.

12. Banish Brown Bag Boredom

Whether it’s a lunch for work or school, prevent brown bag boredom with easy-to-fix, healthy lunch ideas. Try a whole-wheat pita pocket with veggies and hummus or a low sodium vegetable soup with whole grain crackers or a salad of mixed greens with low-fat dressing and a hardboiled egg.

13. Drink More Water

Quench your thirst by drinking water instead of sugary drinks. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water if you are active, live or work in hot conditions, or are an older adult.

14. Explore New Foods and Flavors

Add more nutrition and eating pleasure by expanding your range of food choices. When shopping, make a point of selecting a fruit, vegetable or whole grain that’s new to you or your family. Try different versions of familiar foods like purple asparagus, Honey crisp apples, broccoflower or quinoa.

15. Eat Seafood Twice a Week

Seafood — fish and shellfish — contains a range of nutrients including healthy omega-3 fats. Salmon, trout, oysters and sardines are higher in omega-3s and lower in mercury.

16. Cut Back on Added Sugars

Foods and drinks with added sugars can contribute empty calories and little or no nutrition. Reviewing ingredients on the food label can help you identify sources of added sugar. Visit www.choosemyplate.gov for more information.

17. Experiment with more plant-based meals

Expand the variety in your menus with budget-friendly meatless meals. Many recipes that use meat and poultry can be made without. Eating a variety of plant foods can help. Vegetables, beans, and lentils are all great substitutes. Try including one meatless meal per week to start out.

Authored by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics staff registered dietitian nutritionists.
©2017 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Reproduction of this tip sheet is permitted for educational purposes. Reproduction for sales purposes is not authorized.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education, and advocacy.

Thanks to All Who Supported the 4th Annual Speare Shamrock Shuffle 5K

Posted on 03/23/201705/31/2017 by Speare Memorial Hospital

Thanks all the runners and walkers who came out on the very brisk morning of March 18, 2017 to participate in the 4th annual Speare Shamrock Shuffle 5K in Plymouth, NH. Close to 300 men, women, children and dogs showed their Saint Patrick’s Day spirit at this year’s fun-run/health-walk, geared toward encouraging people to get up, get out and get moving.

A very special thanks to the Féileacán Irish Dance Academy for kicking off the event in style and to all our volunteers including the CERT/MRC team, many local area students and several Speare employees and their family members for their hard work and energy helping to bring it all together.

This event was made possible with support from our Pot ‘O Gold sponsor Medical Reimbursement Specialist of Bristol, NH.