From our family to yours, we want to wish you Happy Holidays! We’re so proud of how our WRMC staff and this community have continued to rise to the challenges over these past two years. We are blessed to be part of this community. We hope you have a safe and healthy holiday!
National Radiologic Technology Week is celebrated annually to recognize the vital work of radiologic technologists across the nation. A radiologic technologist is a medical professional who performs diagnostic imaging exams. The celebration takes place November 7 – 13 to commemorate the discovery of the X-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on November 8, 1895.
We’re so grateful for our hardworking radiology team at WRMC! They always strive to deliver quality care and make sure our patients are comfortable.
Our WRMC registered radiology techs keep the radiology department running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provide a variety of radiological services including general services (e.g., X-ray) and ultrasounds, as well as 16-slice CT imaging and 3D digital mammography.
To learn more about our radiology services, call 252-793-7706 or go online: https://www.washingtonregionalmedical.org/services/radiology/
Looking for a healthy side dish for Thanksgiving that still lets you indulge in some bacon-y deliciousness? Then give this recipe a try! This easy Brussel Sprouts with Bacon recipe only takes a few steps to make, and will be sure have your family asking for seconds: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/brussels-sprouts-with-bacon-recipe-1928198
While it’s unclear how prevalent influenza (flu) will be this season, experts predict it will be more widespread than last year. Factors like fewer people working from home and kids being back in school could lead to higher transmission, which is why it’s important to protect yourself by getting a flu shot.
This season, all influenza (flu) vaccines are quadrivalent. This means they’re designed to protect against the four flu viruses that research indicates are most likely to spread and cause illness among people during the upcoming flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine.
Flu vaccines are not designed to protect against COVID-19. Likewise, a COVID-19 vaccine is not designed to protect against the flu. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated against both, and it is safe to get both vaccines at the same time.
At Washington Regional Medical Center, we’re here to get you vaccinated and answer any questions you may have about the flu, COVID-19 or vaccines. To schedule an appointment, call 252-793-4500 or go online: https://www.washingtonregionalmedical.org/request-appointment/
We extend our gratitude to the Emergency Nurses at Washington Regional Medical Center as we celebrate Emergency Nurses Week. The Emergency Nurses Association recognizes the extraordinary contributions of our ER nurses during this recognition week from October 10-16.
Always committed to their patients, our ER nurses have gone above and beyond during the pandemic showing grit, persistence, patience and compassion. Thank you for helping a patient on their hardest day; for getting your hands, and scrubs, dirty without hesitation; and for always getting back up and pushing forward.
To learn more about Emergency Nurses Week, visit ena.org/about/en-week.
WRMC Emergency Nurses Angie & Chuck
WRMC Emergency Nurses Whitney & Jenna
WRMC Emergency Nurse Janie Knight
WRMC Emergency Nurses Christina & Tracey
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is 13 percent, which is one in every eight women according to the American Cancer Society. Screenings and early detection are key.
Washington Regional Medical Center is proud to be one of the few facilities in eastern North Carolina to offer 3D mammography services at our Norma Lorraine Avignone Women’s Health Center. A 3D mammogram is an imaging test that combines multiple breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast. Research has shown 3D mammograms outperform the traditional 2D mammograms by finding more breast cancers and offering fewer false positives.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other health care professional about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.
The schedule a mammogram, call 252-793-7706 or visit https://www.washingtonregionalmedical.org/services/womens-health/
This recipe makes the perfect cozy, fall dish. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist. Plus, it’s dairy free and easy to make. Did we mention the kids will also love it? This homemade Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is sure to be a family favorite: https://eatwithclarity.com/butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese/#wprm-recipe-container-30851
This flavorful recipe is a great one to keep in your back pocket for a weekly go-to meal. It pairs perfectly with any vegetable side, and is sure to please the whole family. The best part? There are a variety of ways to prepare it. This Cajun Chicken can be pan-fried, baked, grilled or made in the air fryer! Check out the full recipe here: https://ifoodreal.com/cajun-chicken-recipe/
The Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE)’s Environmental Services Week is September 12-18, and we are thrilled to recognize and share our appreciation for our outstanding Environmental Services team here at Washington Regional Medical Center.
These individuals show up every day dedicated to keeping our facilities clean, so that our community can safely receive high-quality health care and medical services. Especially as we continue the fight against COVID-19, when sanitation and custodial standards are higher than ever, we are incredibly grateful for the work our EVS team does. Environmental services save lives, and we couldn’t be more proud to honor the great work our team does day in and day out. Thank you!
To learn more about EVS Week, visit ahe.org/EVSWeek.
September brings two annual recognitions of suicide awareness and prevention – National Suicide Prevention Week is September 6-10 and World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. At Washington Regional Medical Center, we’d like to take this opportunity to share some of the warning signs of suicide and what you can do to work towards suicide prevention, as well as mental health tips and self-care strategies for yourself and your loved ones.
What to Look For: Warning Signs of Suicide
There is no single cause for suicide – but, there are risk factors we can keep an eye out for that may indicate the likelihood of a suicide attempt. Learning about these risk factors (and how to address them) can save lives.
Generally, suicide happens when health issues and general stressors impact an individual’s mental health and wellbeing, to the point of creating an experience of hopelessness and despair. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, depression is the most common condition associated with suicide. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed or untreated. This, combined with anxiety, substance problems, environmental challenges and historical patterns, can increase risk for suicide.
Change in behavior or entirely new behaviors could also be warning signs that someone may be suicidal – especially in connection to a painful event, loss or other major life change. Speaking about suicide or feelings of hopelessness, being trapped, having no reason to live, etc. could indicate suicidal thoughts, as well as behavior changes such as isolation and mood changes like loss of interest.
How to Help: Protective Factors to Prevent Suicide
Providing access to mental health care is a powerful weapon in the fight against suicide. Connection to family and other support networks, learning problem-solving and coping skills, and limiting access to lethal means are powerful protective factors as well. Try your best to connect with those around you, especially anyone experiencing the warning signs outlined above, and check in with family and friends regularly. Connection and consistent positive social interaction is a wonderful tool that benefits everyone’s mental health.
Prioritizing activities that bring you happiness, designating time to take care of yourself and setting boundaries for anything that causes undue distress or anxiety are great ways to ensure your mental health is taken care of. Check out this article on self-care strategies to learn more about how you can dig deeper than common stressors to address and improve your mental health on a daily basis: https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729
To learn more about National Suicide Prevention Week and the fight against suicide, visit afsp.org.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, you’re not alone. Call the suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255, available as a resource 24 hours a day.
958 US Hwy 64 East • Plymouth, NC 27962-9216
958 US Hwy 64 East • Plymouth, NC 27962-9216
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