Quality Report Cards-Licking Memorial Hospital

Every month Licking Memorial Health Systems publishes a report card on different segments of the system's health care statistics compared to standard national benchmarks.

Several months ago my sister-in-law who works for a hospital in Georgia emailed me about one of her hospital's emergency physicians commenting to her one morning that there was a hospital in Ohio that reported it's statistics on the Internet and he could not believe it. She asked the name of the hospital he had found and he said it was some funny name, Licking Memorial. It is not typical for hospitals to publish their statistics compared to national standard benchmarks and publish the results.

You can review any the report cards by clicking here. Below you will find something interesting from the February 2009 Report Card, it may take a moment to read, but it does read something like the 1972 EMERGENCY television show. Click here to compare 1972 vs. now.

"LMH’s plan of care for cardiac patients in Licking County is called into action on a daily basis. One example was demonstrated last fall when John, a 65-year-old retired factory laborer, was working on the roof of his Newark home and began having chest pains, weakness, shortness
of breath and heavy perspiration. John has a history of coronary artery disease and had stents implanted several years ago. His true experience illustrates how efficiently the emergency and hospital staffs work together to save patients’ lives."

Friday, October 10, 2008
1:14 p.m. – John’s wife calls 9-1-1. John takes two aspirins.
1:23 p.m. – Newark EMS arrives at John’s residence. Newark EMS begins an IV.
1:36 p.m. – An emergency medical technician (EMT) gives John more aspirin and nitroglycerin.
1:40 p.m. – EMTs place 12-Lead EKG electrodes on John’s chest to see if he is having a heart attack and to monitor John during his transport to the ED.
1:43 p.m. – The 12-Lead EKG results are transmitted to the LMH ED and to Dr. Ahmed’s handheld Blackberry device.
1:46 p.m. – EMS arrives at LMH where an emergency bed is ready.
1:53 p.m. – An ED nurse alerts the “STEMI” team using voice-activated Vocera paging system and transfers John to a cardiac monitor in the ED.
1:57 p.m. – An ED medic starts an IV, and blood work is drawn to send to the Laboratory.
2:03 p.m. – John still has severe pain. He is alert and able to answer questions.
2:04 p.m. – ED Physician Mary Jane Scott, M.D., makes diagnosis of acute anterior wall myocardial nfarction (heart attack).
2:05 p.m. – Dr. Scott and Interventional Cardiologist Imtiaz Ahmed, M.D., discuss the risks and
benefits of angioplasty with John, and he agrees to the procedure.
2:09 p.m. – John is taken to the LMH Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab), accompanied by Dr. Scott and an ED nurse.
2:12 p.m. – The Cath Lab staff prepares John for the procedure that will open John’s artery.
2:22 p.m. – Dr. Ahmed begins the angioplasty procedure, inserting the catheter in John’s groin.
2:25 p.m. – An angiogram shows the left anterior chamber of John’s heart is totally blocked.
2:34 p.m. – The angioplasty balloon is inflated.
2:42 p.m. – A thrombectomy catheter is inserted.
2:44 p.m. – Under conscious sedation, John reports he has no chest pain or any other discomfort.
3:31 p.m. – The angioplasty balloon is inflated again.
3:38 p.m. – The catheter is removed.
3:55 p.m. – Dr. Ahmed reviews computerized images.
4:02 p.m. – The catheterization procedure is complete.
4:02 p.m. – John reports he has no chest pain or other discomfort.
4:04 p.m. – John is taken to the Intensive Care Unit for recovery.
Monday, October 13, 2008
11:40 a.m. – John is discharged with instructions to see Dr. Ahmed for a follow-up visit.

Baracuta G-9

It is definitely a generational thing for men. Paul Newman and Frank Sinatra wore Baracutas and so did a slew of men in Newark, Ohio during the 60s and early 70's. Then they disappeared from the planet, Rob Pierce at Cornell's could not buy them anymore.

Last year I found a men's haberdashery in Buffalo, NY who carries the real Baracuta jacket.

They are not knock off.

O'Connel's Clothing of Buffalo has saved us. Steve Brown a long time friend and class act guy called the other day saying he had heard at the barber shop I knew where to find a Baracuta. Steve's one statement drove something home, "I just want one more, before I die".

Dale Voris after receiving his Jacket said he had not had the same pressure of the wrist bands or collar hitting his neck in the right place in many years. Robin Pierce bought one, Ray Sardy gave me a holiday kiss thanking me for his new Baraduta, it is really something special. I have been asked by so many guys for the web address for O'Connell's Clothing.

Once at Lowes a man walked up to me and asked if I was wearing a Baracuta, after my positive response, I was writing the web site on the back of my business card.

This evening at a Licking County Chamber of Commerce event Dave Hardy and I were talking to Craig Young. Dave brought up Baracutas, Craig's eyes lite up with his funny grin. I told him I knew the web site of O'Connell's Clothing then he started rubbing his hands together with a high school boy's excitement.

This post is for you Craig, get one size larger because the Brits make them a little tight and remember, as before the zipper works from the opposite side.

Don't worry about the price, this may be your last one.

THE GIRLS OF HEDSOR HALL

My theory on watching TV is that one can learn many things if you are willing to surf long enough.

Also, if I had young children there are many programs especially on MTV that would be eliminated, but last night I came across one that I would make my daughters over 11-12 years old watch. Last night I learned a little about flower arrangements, of which a lady should know about.

The Girls of Hedsor Hall involves a group of American misfitted young ladies sent to Hedsor Hall in England to try and save their lives from a wild and woolly lifestyle. This show is produced by Donald Trump & past Miss USA Tara Conner. The ladies in their Hedsor Hall uniforms of which I saw a Spears video once with about the same outfit are being instructed on etiquette, appearance and how to establish better social graces by knowing how to act like a lady while staying at the finishing school. They are there because they want to better themselves, but are having a very hard time adjusting.

This is a reality show with a purpose, maybe someone watching will pick up some tips!

Don't you miss this guy?

'Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose.'-

Ronald Reagan

'The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.' -Ronald Reagan

'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.' - Ronald Reagan

'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.'- Ronald Reagan

'I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.' - Ronald Reagan

'The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.'- Ronald Reagan

'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.'- Ronald Reagan

'The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.' - Ronald Reagan

'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.' - Ronald Reagan

'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it' - Ronald Reagan

Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.' - Ronald Reagan

'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'- Ronald Reagan

'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.'- Ronald Reagan

Thank you Capt. Jim Lewis for the email!

Sorry Australians

Hugh Jackman, the first time I ever saw the fellow was on the Oscar Awards ceremony last night.

Mrs. Guanciale let out a sigh when they introduced him, I had to ask what caused the sigh. She told me he was rated one of the sexist men alive or something to this nature.

My only comment was that it was a shame he had a nasal problem, then she informed me it was his Australian accent.

I don't like his full break pant hem, so I don't think he is that hot.

A Suitable Wardrobe: The Day's Necktie

A Suitable Wardrobe: The Day's Necktie great examination of the morning routine of how to select the appropriate necktie for the day.

I have read Will Boehlke's A Suitable Wardrobe for a while now, just became a subscriber.

Do not wait until Mother's Day!

The following paragraph was copied from Ciraran's Blog


"Another reason I think is because the Italian culture for men puts their mother as #1. Peppe and I often joked about this. He would tell me that his mum comes first, then his family and then women. (And he, like most Italian guys love their women!) So even if Italian guys move out and get married, their wife will still only be their 2nd most important woman. I guess the reason why mothers are valued so much is because they make absolutely amazing food."

The salad was prepared by Mrs. Guanciale for Andrew this past week. Andrew said it was so beautiful he had to take a photo of the plate. It is great that he takes time to have lunch with his mother, many men should take advantage of doing so while their mothers are still alive.

I use to visit my mother on Sunday nights at 7pm and watch 60 Minutes with her for years. A good friend of mine, a banker during his beginning career in the bank's Heath Office almost everyday stopped at his mother's for lunch.

In Italy, it is a little more than just having lunch. Fellows of all ages still take their laundry to mother because she does it just right, if they work out of town they go home every weekend and many live with mom through their 30s.

Read here comments about the drop in the Italian birth rate.

The Chicago Way

"In what squeaky-clean city would a fire department lieutenant known as "Matches," convicted of multiple arsons—including one sparked at an elementary school—feel that he's still entitled to his taxpayer-funded pension of $50,000 per year?"

Click here to read the Chicago Tribune article.

Cheech & Chong at age 62 & 70

Cheech & Chong
PALACE THEATRE, 34 W. BROAD ST. (614-431-3600, 1-800-745-3000, WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM)
SHOWTIME 8 p.m. Saturday
TICKETS $39.50 and $59.50

After more than two decades, Richard "Cheech" Marin and Tommy Chong are lighting up audiences again. The counterculture comedians, among the most popular funnymen of the 1970s and '80s, made eight movies (the first: Up in Smoke in 1978) and nine albums -- including the best-selling Big Bambu (1972) and the Grammy-winning Los Cochinos (1973). In 1985, the two parted ways: Marin acted on television and as characters in animated films, while Chong moved into stand-up comedy and appeared on various TV series. The duo reunited late last year for a tour, "Cheech & Chong Light Up America and Canada" -- which was recently sold out at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Why did Cheech, 62, and Chong, 70, take so long to get rolling again? "Oh, you know, because we're both cranky old stoners," Marin said recently from a tour stop in Hammond, Ind. "We never liked each other enough at the same time to do it." One big holdup in 2003: Chong served nine months in prison for selling bongs on the Internet. After his release, the pair decided to reunite. Knocking the rust off their comedic timing was a snap. "It took, like, about five minutes," Marin said. "Really, it was the easiest thing we'd ever done. It felt like we'd been off 30 seconds, not 30 years." His biggest surprise: In terms of age, the audiences don't resemble him or his partner. "Eighty percent of our audience is between 30 and 40," he said, meaning that most of it doesn't remember Cheech & Chong from their heyday. "So it was like 'Wow, how did we get these people?' " A mix of old and new material is being performed. "We're doing a lot of music that we've never done before, and even all the old bits are revamped," Marin said. "We're doing a lot of music; we're doing dance. It's like our own version of Bollywood."

From The Columbus Dispatch

Hope this helps!

Since December 1, 2008 business has picked up a good amount. I always notice it by how many people are attending open houses and the number of calls from signs and the Internet. By the way, the calls and inquiries from the Internet far more exceed the other sign and advertising calls.

If you know of a person who is a first time home buyer or are wanting to buy a home and have not owned a home during the past three years, pass this information along to them.

Mike Shearer, The Newark Advocate

Thank you, Mike Shearer, Editor of The Newark Advocate for your editorial this past Sunday.

Below you will find a small portion, but important message within his editorial:

"Let's all remember our schools are a reflection of our community, the place where we've chosen to live our lives and raise our families. It's acceptable to debate the merits of higher taxes, the direction of our schools and even its leadership.

But it's not acceptable to allow our schools to deteriorate beyond repair and drag our community along for the slow downward spiral.

So we challenge every parent, teacher and school supporter to stand tall this spring and do more than just vote. Work to support our schools and community.

Restore our pride in Newark."

Read the complete editorial here: SUPPORT THE NEWARK LEVY NOW AND IN MAY

RAISING YOUR PARENTS

This past week, I came across a widow (late 70s) and her two adult children (mid 50s) who had a serious problem: the mother did not confide with her children and the children believe mom had enough business sense to take care of her own finances.

Five years ago, mom went to a major lender and obtained a mortgage. With her minimal social security check, she was having a hard time getting along, needed some "fix up" on her home and some money to spend. She most likely used a portion of her new found money to make the $935 per month mortgage payment until six months ago. Of course, she ran out of funds.

Her son saw a friend one day, the friend wanted to know if everything was okay with his mother since he had read in the local paper that her home was being foreclosed upon by the lender. The son had no idea and drove immediately to visit his mother in the family home for the past 60 years. When asked about the foreclosure, she broke down and cried, for the past six months while she had been receiving threatening letters from the lender she filed them in a kitchen drawer. She was waiting to tell her children the day before the foreclosure, because she did not want them to think she needed their assistance.

As a result, the kids paid off the mortgage of about $97,000 with penalties and mom will be deeding the home to them. All hope is on she does not require major assisted living within the next five years, due to Medicaid's ability to look back five years.

If you have parents over 65 years old, make sure to ask them about their finances, they probably would like you to be involved or at least know the door is open for help and while your at it make sure their will is up to date.

Theory: They raised us, now it is time to raise them. But, we knew they were raising us, we can not let them know we are raising them during their senior years.

EVERYONE GOES HOME

During the past several years there has been a concentrated effort throughout the United States fire service to reduce the number of "line of duty" deaths by initializing a program named "Everyone goes home".

Everyone thinks line of duty death as a firefighter dying while in an inflamed home saving a child etc. Two of the largest killers of firefighters are heart attacks and fire truck accidents.

This photo was shot at Shawnee Township, Ohio (Lima area). This week the fire crew was driving the 1990 Grumman Aerialcat ladder truck back from being serviced to the station when a pick up truck failed to stop at an intersection.

A major portion of the Everyone Goes Home program is the wearing of seat belts while riding in a fire truck, this is what saved the aerial driver's life even though he is in critical condition.

Thank you to Firefighters Close Calls for the information.

HAPPY VALENTINE DAY

Keeping the borrower's financial health in mind....

Keeping the borrower's financial health in mind is the first process of stopping foreclosures.

This day started off well: Andrew and I were invited to a meeting with other real estate agents (the top 5% in Licking County) by First Federal Savings of Newark. Sarah Wallace and Paul Thompson organized this meeting to discuss the current market conditions, asking the real estate agents what their thoughts were to making the market better and asking of us, what First Federal could do to help us.

One item I think of often, rather it be Dan Delawder of Park National Bank or Paul Thompson & Sara Wallace of First Federal, they compliment each other in public often. They both are community based institutions in Licking County wanting our community to grow healthy with their help. Both are unlike many large over gown lenders flowing funds out of the area, who really do not care about our community and most likely do not know where Newark, Ohio really is located on a map. Paul said today that First Federal will be 75 years old this year and Park National just celebrated 100 years of doing business.

Two of the big statistics that came out of the meeting (and I hope I am quoting them correctly) First Federal and Park National combined carry about 55% of the market share in Licking County, this is a great number. Part of this is because they care, are very personal about doing business and are locally operated companies and are helping their customers make sound business decisions.

During 2008 there was 1,625 foreclosures in Licking County. Combined First Federal and Park National only foreclosed on 4.2% of the 1,625.

One may ask, why? Well being a community bank, they can try to work on a person's problems face to face. It is very hard to explain your problems and discuss possible fixes face to face with an 800 number. Beside, the person you talk to today at First Federal, will be there tomorrow, believe it or not, you will be able to talk to the same person twice in a row without explaining your entire problem again.

Thank you to Paul and Sara for inviting myself, Andrew and the other Realtors today, it means a lot to us that we have a local company concerned about local people.

Denison University, Granville, Ohio

One of the most beautiful areas of Licking County, Ohio is the campus of Denison University in Granville, Ohio. This past week I spent an hour during the early morning on their fine campus and could not believe the lights and view. Often, I have driven through the campus during the day and find the views and architecture amazing. This video does not do justice to the night time beauty of the glowing campus.

HOME COOKING SCHOOL

Great Valentine's gift the entire family will enjoy. Only $12 per ticket!

Valentine Breakfast

St. Patrick's Day Fruit Rainbow

Italian Easter Bread Recipe

Andrew Sisters

SONG OF THE DAY

Today in 1964, monumental day for music

Today in 1964, the Beatles made their historic first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show before a viewing audience of 73 million. Below, the performances that, it's hardly an exaggeration to say, changed America—plus a well-wishing telegram from Elvis:

Forty years latter: I attended a Paul McCartney concert and nothing had changed.

Women were screaming and crying just like you watched in this video.

Sister is the best reminder

My sister Robin, a year younger than me after I taught her how to read when I was in first grade, took off and her mind is like a rich man's vault.



She followed up with yesterday's blog. (at least I know someone who watched the same shows as I)



She reminded me and after twenty minutes, I also remembered. Our mother on Sunday nights would allow us to stay up for an extra half hour to watch Sea Hunt on television.



Some other great shows: Highway Patrol, The Real McCoys, Rifleman, Wagon Train, F Troop



I promise no more TV show blogs!

Saturday mornings were the best

Many years ago, Saturday mornings were the best. This is what you had to look forward to:

Howdy Doody Show, Superman, Lone Ranger, Leave it to Beaver, Zorro, Rin-Tin-Tin, Sky King, and Roy Rogers.

I had a definite tie on who was the first lady I was totally in love with Roy's wife Dale Evans or Annette of the Mickey Mouse Club.

The weekend always ended with Disneyland on Sunday nights before bedtime.

INCHING ITS WAY BACK

Yesterday's Columbus Dispatch published an article written by David Coleman: Inching Its Way Back

This article kind of made me feel better of myself.

The one thing the article did not say and should have, if a man grows a mustache he should keep the moustache. I hate it when you see a fellow one week with a moustache, the next week it is gone and then it reappears two months latter.

Recently someone told me I should dye mine. I could not even think of it, the next thing that would come along is a chin tuck etc. Who wants to be like Burt Reynolds anyway?

FOLLOW UP ARTICLE by Joe Blundo

BOXING-THANK YOU COMPETITORS

Once in a while, you have to sit back and think about what makes your business increase and what drives you to do better year after year.

Several years ago, Bill McConnell as CEO of Park National Bank was the voice of a Park National Bank radio commercial. This commercial has stuck in my mind ever since the first day I listened. Bill thanked all of PNB's competitors for being so competitive. This is what made the bank want to exceed, grow and give excellent customer service. He commented if it was not for their competitors, PNB would not be the largest commercial banking institution in Licking County. Years latter, PNB finds itself ranked by Columbus Business First as the #1 community bank in Central Ohio and they are profitable, all because PNB can box with the best of them.

I think it is time for Andrew, Lisa and I to thank our competitors. They have help us exceed our goals by trying to stay at the top of our game. Year after year our numbers of units sold and volume has remained or seen a steady increase even with the economic times everyone feels today.

Thank you competitors for the 113 transactions side closed last year. We are keeping the gloves on for 2009!

HUNDREDS CAMP OUT FOR MIAMI FIRE JOBS

Read Firehouse.com to learn more about this
photo.

The first guy in line complains that he froze during the 50 degree nights while waiting in line. He is not a candidate.

It will be interesting to find out how many of the thousand waiting in line actually take the exam and become firefighters.

By the time you pass the drug test, physical, written exam, psych exam and a verbal interview the numbers will not be so high.

I would bet at least 10% will not turn in the application because it takes to long to complete and they did not know you would need a high school diploma.

Thank you Robin for the photo: More than 1,000 people stood in line — some since Saturday — at the Miami government administration building Monday to apply for one of the 35 available firefighter positions. The city planned to only accept 750 applications. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

FASHIONISTA OR RECESSIONISTA

I just read an article "Wealthy are getting more Stealthy" in this morning's Columbus Dispatch about how the fashionista is now the recessionista.

Don't ask why I read the morning newspaper after 7pm versus before 7am. Actually I was looking for an article to see how much the Steelers organization contributed to Obama's campaign so he would publicly promote them in the Super Bowl.

JUST LIKE THREE KATE HEPBURN WANNABEES

This past week for a brief period of time, I moved furniture around with four good friends while three ladies watched. The expected happened, we were directed several times to rearrange the furniture until the stage was just right.

One of the few television appearances of Katharine Hepburn was on the Dick Cavett Show. Before the show started, Dick had the same problem that Kurt, Mike, Dave, Tom and I had this past week.

I often think Kate and I would have been a good match. Watch Katherine Hepburn & Dick Cavett here.

Kim, Lois & Cheri, watch this carefully: You will find how you are suppose to give real orders by a professional. Any time you want, we will move furniture for you but, please excuse the mumblings, it is a "man thing".

3 more minutes will let you know how Dick Cavet was able to have the lady who never liked television to interview.