Based on the attached article called ‘Take a break’ address the following items in chronological order. The answers to these questions will help guide you in

1 2 – June 14, 2010 Hudson Valley BUSINESS JOURNAL

Healthcare Take a break! BY NICOLE PELUSE ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL

Will Rogers said, "Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save." Stress is a truly unavoidable reality of life. Most people are aware of stress and many even have adopted ways of coping with stress. It seems as if the ways of tech- nology, intended to make our lives easier have not only increased our societal pace, but our stress as well.

It is important to acknowledge and process our personal stress levels, while realizing that some around us may have stress too, whether or not they are keeping pace with us. Often, seniors have stress and may not realize the source or how to man- age it. Stress can lead to depression and other related health problems. As we run through our lives, it would serve as a way

to relieve our individual stress levels by reaching out to mature family, friends or even a neighbor by engaging with each other on social levels. Humans are inher- ently social and often the act of socializa- tion will slow us down, thereby reducing stress levels. Studies show that social acts increase a natural stress reducing hormone, oxytocin. This will work to decrease anxi- ety.

If we are going to manage stress, it is important to know the signs. Everyone handles stress differently and it can mani- fest in many different ways. Some signs of stress are: sleeplessness, pain, depression, digestive problems, fluctuations in weight and greater health issues such as heart dis- ease. If you are concerned about these health issues for yourself or a loved one, you should consult your physician. Taking some precautionary steps to proactively

manage your stress will help. Consider some tips for managing stress.

Get regular exercise. This could be as simple as walking the dog or joining a local gym or yoga class. Doing these activ- ities with others can not only enhance the activity itself, but form great bonds that extend beyond the exercise. Obviously, exercise presents the opportunity for other health benefits as well.

Manage your expectations. Stress hap- pens. Realize that you have the power ta say no when it becomes overwhelming. Be realistic about what you and your obliga- tions can handle. We often add to our own stress levels with our desire to be all things to all people. Take a step back and strive to understand where the value is in what your are taking on.

Seek help. Often when we take on too much we lose ourselves. Resources are

available such as support groups and adult day care. These resources are available to seniors living independently or for the pri- mary caretaker. It is important to ask for help and utilize some of the opportunities created for the purpose of supporting oth- ers. For example, as a caretaker, seek respite. There are other options beyond adult day care and clubs. Contact a home care agency and find out about companion programs and home health aide assistance. Even a few hours a week can make a dif- ference.

Finally, taking care of yourself is impor- tant. Taking care of others is altruistic. Reducing stress is critical to not only your overall health, but the ability to positively affect those around you. Heed the wisdom presented to us by Will Rogers, find ways to do things with your time and reap and share the rewards!

Catskill Regional Medical Center breaks ground on new ER Catskill Regional Medical Center

(CRMC) will begin construction next month on its $6 million expansion of its Emergency Department after a formal ground breaking ceremony today at the hospital's main campus.

CRMC's new Emergency Department will more than double in size, expanding from 7,500 square feet to 17,500 square feet, and will dramatically enhance the level of service by treating more patients and shortening visit times. The number of fast track bays for minor injuries will be increased ft-om four to eight. Additionally, the current eight acute care bays and one mental health bay will be expanded and redistributed to sixteen bays. The new department is expected to be open next summer.

"We've been working hard to continue to improve Sullivan County's hospital and are excited to enhance quality patient care services to the community," said Steven Ruwoldt, CEO of Catskill Regional Medical Center. "With the leadership of our community-based Board of Directors, our partner. Orange Regional Medical

Center, the Greater Hudson Valley Health System and our extraordinary staff, we have made great strides in advancing patient care for our community. We are excited to celebrate the start of construc- tion on our expanded Emergency Department."

Business leaders, elected officials and community members attended and deliv- ered remarks. Speakers included Gerald Skoda, Chairman of CRMC's Board of Directors; State Senator John Bonacic; Congressman Maurice Hinchey; Assemblywoman Aileen Günther; Granite Associates. LP Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Darrell Supak; Sullivan County Legislature Minority Leader Leni Binder; Town of Thompson Deputy Supervisor George Cooke on behalf of Supervisor Tony Cellini and Sullivan County Partnership President Tim McCausland.

"The start of construction on this project is an important step forward for Catskill Regional Medical Center that will provide improved health services to the region," said Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-

NY). "1 was very pleased to secure federal funding for the construction of the new state-of-the-art Emergency Department, Once completed, this new facility will be able to serve a much greater number of patients in an even more effective manner. As we celebrate the groundbreaking today, we look forward to next year's ribbon-cut- ting to formally open the new Emergency Department."

Ruwoldt announced several other important CRMC initiatives at the ceremo- ny. Through a grant from HEAL NY, the hospital will begin construction to expand its primary care and outpatient diagnostic services throughout Sullivan County, including an expansion at Grover M. Hermann Hospital, new diagnostic centers in Monticello and Callicoon. and a new family health center in Livingston Manor. CRMC also recently purchased a new 64- Slice CT Scanner for its main Harris cam- pus to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic services.

"These projects will improve access to our services and create a more modem environment for our patients," said

Ruwoldt. "We are excited about all of them and believe they represent a substantial investment toward our pledge to deliver the highest level of patient care, experi- enced physicians and advanced technolo- gy. We will continue to enhance the access and quality of healthcare in Sullivan County and its surrounding communities."

Ruwoldt acknowledged that the project would not be possible without the help of some of the elected officials and communi- ty members who attended the ceremony. Senator Bonacic helped secure almost S2.5 million in funding for construction and equipment; The Gerry Foundation con- tributed almost $2.5 million toward the project; Congressman Hinchey secured $300,000 in federal funding and the Rural Health Access Grant enabled CRMC to get more than $200,000 for equipment.

Catskill Regional Medical Center an affiliated member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System and dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, visit www, crm cny.org.

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