Buildings, businesses and even babies are “going red” across Middle Tennessee later this week.

It’s all part of National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 4, which reminds everyone that heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women age 20 and over, killing approximately one woman every minute, including nearly 10,000 Tennessee women per year.  More women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.  But only 1 woman in 5 believes heart disease is her biggest threat. National Wear Red Day is part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® movement to make women aware of their risk of heart disease and learn how to make healthy lifestyle changes to prevent it. Up to 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable.

Well-known media personalities, iconic buildings, businesses, and millions of people across America will all show their red this Friday.

How is Middle Tennessee “going red”? Highlights include:

Babies Go Red

On Friday the 4^th, Saint Thomas Heart at Baptist Hospital and Saint Thomas Heart at Middle Tennessee Medical Center will adorn their babies in the nursery with specially-made, newborn-sized red knit caps – instead of the traditional pink and blue – to help raise awareness for heart disease in women. Many of the women in these babies’ lives, including their mothers, grandmothers, aunts and sisters, or even the babies themselves, could be affected by heart disease at some point during their lifetime. The babies’ mothers will also be given a Go Red For Women® Red Dress pin. The red caps were knitted by Baptist Hospital volunteers who are part of the Ladies Auxiliary and by Helping Hands volunteers.

Buildings Go Red

In a spectacularly visual show of “red” unity, buildings in Middle Tennessee will be lighting their exteriors with red lights starting at sundown on February 4, to mark National Wear Red Day. The red lights will stay on all evening. The confirmed list includes:

• Tennessee State Capitol (staying red through Sunday, Feb. 6)
• The Frist Center for the Visual Arts (staying red for extended period of time)
• Parthenon
• Adventure Science Center
• Metro Courthouse, Nashville
• Deaderick St., Nashville – red laser lights on entire street
• Nashville Electric Service, 1214 Church St., Nashville
• Clear Channel Radio building, 55 Music Sq. W., Nashville
• American General Life and Accident Insurance Co.- 2000 American General Way, Nashville

Nashville Goes Red

At their meeting on February 1, the Metro Council of Nashville issued a proclamation recognizing Friday, February 4 as National Wear Red Day in Nashville.

Businesses Go Red

Many businesses around Middle Tennessee will participate in National Wear Red Day and American Heart Month during February by asking employees to wear red, decorating interior areas in red, sharing heart health information, providing free services or hosting internal fundraisers or public events.  Some of the businesses include:

• United Parcel Service: About 3000 UPS drivers in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi will be wearing Go Red For Women® messages on their uniforms while on their routes on February 4, while another 1000 office staff will be wearing red and Go Red For Women® Red Dress pins.
• Vanderbilt will be hosting a Lunch and Learn from noon to 1 p.m. on February 4 at Light Hall. The event is open to the public and will feature heart health information.

Other companies participating include:

• Affinion
• American General Life and Accident Insurance Co.
• Amerigroup
• Batten & Shaw
• Caremark
• Caterpillar Financial
• CBS Outdoor
• CCA
• Centennial
• Comdata
• Deloitte
• Direct General
• Earl Swensson Associates
• Enterprise Electric LLC
• Freeman Co.
• Macy’s
• Mars Petcare
• Maury Regional
• Middle Tennessee Medical Center
• NFIB
• nFocus Magazine
• Rumours Wine and Art Bar
• Nashville Symphony
• Saint Thomas Heart
• Skyline Medical Center
• SMS
• The Frist Center for the Visual Arts
• Thomson Reuters
• Trane
• TW Frierson
• UPS
• Williamson Medical Center
• WRVW 107.5 The River
• WZTV Fox 17

Any company or civic group interested in going red this month can download a free toolkit at GoRedforWomen.org/WearRedDay/Resources.

About Go Red For Women®

Go Red For Women® is part of the American Heart Association’s solution to help save women’s lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease, the association is committed to fighting this No. 1 killer, which is largely preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into lifesaving actions. For more information, please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). Go Red For Women® is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc. and locally sponsored by Saint Thomas Heart. Local media sponsors include Fox 17, WRVW 107.5 The River, nFocus Magazine and CBS Outdoor.

Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced the kickoff of Radon Action Month. This annual effort is designed to help educate Tennesseans about the dangers of radon exposure, encouraging actions to identify and to address radon problems in the home.

It’s time for Tennessee to get ready. Throughout the month of September 2010, the seventh annual National Preparedness Month focuses on encouraging Americans to work together to take concrete actions toward being prepared in the event of an emergency. The Tennessee Department of Health is highlighting volunteer service and continuing to recruit and register public health volunteers across the state.

“Recent flooding across the state serves as a reminder that emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “The best way to make sure you and your family will be safe during an emergency is to be prepared before disaster strikes.”

Being ready is ensuring that everyone is prepared to respond to, recover from and rebuild from any major incident - whether it’s an influenza pandemic, catastrophic tornado or flood, or extended power outage. TDOH encourages families to check their emergency kits to be sure they include survival essentials and basic supplies such as:
• at least a three-day supply of bottled water and non-perishable food
• essential medications
• personal hygiene supplies
• first aid kits
• battery operated weather radio
• important family documents (copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records)

Families should also review their personal emergency plans for both staying home in an emergency and for evacuation. These plans should include information about where to go in the event of an emergency and who to contact to make sure all family members are safe.

The Department of Health is dedicated to readiness to respond to any emergency situation. As part of this month-long observance, TDOH is recruiting helping hands to volunteer in the event that a public health emergency should arise. TDOH uses the Tennessee Volunteer Mobilizer and regional Medical Reserve Corps units to build a network of medical and non-medical volunteers to support the public health workforce. Registered volunteers will be called upon to assist with tasks such as dispensing medications or staffing phone lines if a major public health emergency should arise. All volunteers will be trained for each assigned task, and personnel with all types of skills and/or credentials from doctors and nurses to general volunteers are needed.

“National Preparedness Month is a prime opportunity to get involved, and remind Tennesseans that the need for the public to be prepared continues,” emphasized Cooper. “The public is an essential member of our emergency management team and their preparedness is critical to our success.”
To become a volunteer, register online at http://health.state.tn.us/volunteer/than_volunteer.htm indicating your volunteer preferences, skills, licenses and certification. By entering and keeping your contact information current, you will be automatically notified in the event of an emergency.

The TVM is a Web-based system designed to serve as a single, centralized source of information to ease the intra-state, state-to-state and state-to-federal deployment or transfer of volunteer health professionals and other volunteers. TVM gives Tennessee the ability to quickly identify and assist in the coordination of volunteers in an emergency.

The MRC, housed in the Office of the United States Surgeon General, is a national network of community-based volunteer units. MRC recruitment supports existing local agencies throughout the year with preparedness and response activities. MRC volunteers are registered and deployed through TVM and are involved in organized efforts at the local level.

National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council. NPM is held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities.

For more information about National Preparedness Month or to find emergency preparedness events happening across Tennessee, visit http://www.ready.gov/america/npm10/index.html.

The Tennessee Department of Health and Department of Environment and Conservation are hosting training activities by the United States Public Health Service July 18-24. Survey teams will conduct these training exercises in Wilson and Rutherford Counties.

"This is an important and effective program that benefits Tennesseans by helping collect information useful for improving our responsiveness in emergency events," said Rand Carpenter, DVM, epidemiologist and public health veterinarian with the Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH).

As part of this training exercise, teams of uniformed public health officers will conduct surveys of residences and water utilities in Wilson and Rutherford Counties. Activities will include assessing the availability of public water and wastewater utilities and location of private water wells and onsite sewage disposal systems. Training team members will be dressed in military-style uniforms, and residents should not be alarmed if they see team members in their neighborhoods.

Resident participation in this project is voluntary and encouraged in order to further TDOH's mission to protect, promote and improve the health of people living in, working in and visiting Tennessee. Anyone with questions or concerns about this project may contact the Department of Health at 615-741-7247.

The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is an elite team of more than 6,000 full-time, public health professionals dedicated to delivering the country's public health promotion and disease prevention programs and advancing public health science. To learn more, visit www.usphs.gov/default.aspx.

University Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of John W. Fisk, Jr., MD, Family Practitioner. Dr. Fisk is a board-certified Family Physician who treats a wide range of health concerns and specializes in the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes - being a diabetic himself.

A graduate of Mississippi College, John Fisk earned his medical degree from University of Mississippi School of Medicine. In 1989, he completed his internship in family medicine at Pensacola Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Fla. and his residency at Naval Regional Medical center, Camp Pendleton, Calif. He then served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1991 until 1996.

Dr. Fisk has enjoyed a successful private practice in Brookhaven, Miss. for the last 14 years. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association and the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Fisk and his family are relocating to the Lebanon area. They enjoy mission trips, traveling and photography.

Dr. Fisk's new practice is located at 1029 West Main Street, Suite O, in Lebanon. To schedule an appointment, please call 615-453-7824.

(ARA) - Trying to lose weight could cost you a lot of money - gym memberships, special diet foods, exercise equipment for your home or even hiring a personal trainer.

But there are ways you can lose weight without spending a lot of money. You will still need dedication, time and a willingness to make changes in your life to achieve your goal. Here are some inexpensive ways to lose weight and stay fit:

* Start a neighborhood walking club. Invite neighbors who have dogs to come along. Or join a local pick-up game of dodgeball, basketball or racquetball. At the most, you'll need the equipment for the game. Set a weekly time for games and a daily time for the walks. Having other people involved will help encourage you to continue moving and exercising.

* Add healthy ingredients that benefit your body to your daily menu. For example, relaxing with a cup of natural tea can help you reduce body fat and increase your metabolism rate. Oolong tea contains rich amino acids and cellulose, which can help lower your cholesterol levels. Green tea leaves contain vitamins C and E and a good amount of fiber. If you prefer black tea, its benefits include help with digestion.

Drinking a cup of tea (without the sugar or cream calories added) after each meal will help you slowly dissolve fat in your body. Premium tea leaves give you the best quality and best taste. Teawan (www.Teawan.com) has both quality tea and teaware products from Taiwan. You can choose tea bags or loose leaf options, depending on your preference.

* Do your own home workout. Grab a full jug of laundry detergent and use it for some lifting. If you're looking for something lighter, fill a plastic bottle with water to use as a weight. Start dancing around your house and in no time you'll break a sweat. This is great for cardiovascular exercise, and enjoyable if you can crank up your favorite tunes.

* Borrow a fitness video from the library and tone your body with the experts. Repeat the video several times and then switch it for a new one from the library. If you have cable or satellite television, tune into some of the fitness channels for different programs. You'll find styles ranging from yoga workouts to belly dancing to step aerobics. Set specific times each week to run through a 30-minute workout.

* Clean the house. Pushing a vacuum at a rapid pace is good exercise. So is scrubbing floors or bathtubs. These activities also are good for toning muscles.

Don't let money keep you from accomplishing your goal of losing weight and getting fit. If one exercise or activity gets boring, switch to another to keep your workout fresh and to target different muscles. And organize a plan with a friend or family member so you can help keep each other on task to accomplishing both of your goals.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Saad Ehtisham has been named Chief Executive Officer of University Medical Center (UMC), officials announced on Thursday, April 8, 2010.

Ehtisham most recently served as Senior Vice President Clinical Operations & Chief Nursing Officer of Via Christi Wichita Health Network, an 1,150-bed not-for-profit Catholic Health Care Network in Wichita, Kansas. Now entering his 20th year in healthcare service, he has also served as Interim Chief Executive Officer for Medical Center of Southern Indiana (Charlestown, Indiana), Chief Operating Officer for Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (Somerset, Kentucky) and Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer for West Mesa Medical Center (Albuquerque, New Mexico).

"At UMC, I look forward to being part of a hospital with such a rich tradition and to working hand-in-hand with the talented physicians on the medical staff who have served this community for so many years," Ehtisham said. "We want University Medical Center to be the hospital that Lebanon and Wilson County deserve. I am very eager to begin working toward that goal and getting to know all of the citizens, leaders and organizations that will be our partners in that process."

Ehtisham holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Baylor University, where he received the Outstanding Young Alumni award. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, a Masters of Business Administration and Master of Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas.

Ehtisham's organizational affiliations include Governor-appointed member of the Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma, appointed member of the Kansas Hospital Association Council on Health Delivery, appointed member of the Kansas Hospital Association Education Council, Work Force Alliance of South Central Kansas and Midwest Transplant Network Advisory Board. His extensive community involvement includes work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and Haven House (Shelter for Battered Women). He is an Honorary Commander 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, as well as a number of other local, regional and national organizations.

Ehtisham and his wife, Tracy, are relocating to Lebanon and look forward to becoming involved in the community.

Asghar H. Shaikh, University Medical Center (UMC) Laboratory Director, was one of five associates to share the coveted title of "Director of the Year" at Health Management Associates. He was also named "Director of the Year" at UMC and was then nominated by Vince Cherry, CEO and a fellow associate to be recognized system-wide. Asghar was chosen out of 32,000 associates to receive this prestigious award from the hospital's parent company.

"Asghar is dedicated to operational excellence and going that extra mile to ensure that his department runs smoothly and patients receive the best care possible. Asghar truly lives up to the ideals and mission of our hospital and Health Management Associates. I am proud that he was honored in such a public manner," Cherry said.

Winners of the "Director of the Year" award were recognized at a company meeting in Orlando last Friday. Other categories receiving recognition included "Associate, and Nurse of the Year." Each winner was nominated by the CEO of their local hospital and ultimately shares the good traits that Health Management Associates works hard to foster through its culture.

"Asghar consistently receives positive feedback from our patients and fellow associates at UMC, and his department receives high marks on quality reports. His dependable nature and focus on teamwork made my nomination an easy choice," Cherry continued. "We want our local community to know about Asghar and his high level of commitment to serving them in an exemplary manner."

Asghar Shaikh joined HMA in 1997 at Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian, Fla. as their Laboratory Director. Since then, he worked at Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Punta Gorda, Fla. and then joined University Medical Center in 2004.

University Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of Karen Lynn Oldham, MD, MBA, Board-Certified Preventive/Occupational & Environmental Medicine Physician. Dr. Oldham specializes in Occupational & Environmental Health, Security and Health Administration.

Dr. Oldham treats a comprehensive range of health conditions with special expertise in industrial workers, military medicine, aerospace medicine disaster response, fire fighter and hazmat responder health, impairment ratings & injury causation, drugs & violence prevention, environmental health, ADA/return-to-work issues and fraud investigation.

Oldham received her Medical Doctorate, Northeast Ohio University's College of Medicine and Bachelor of Science from University of Akron, Ohio. She earned her post-graduate medical education from the University of Texas, Houston. In 2003, she completed additional post-graduate medical education in Preventive Medicine, Public Health Administration and Occupational Medicine from Meharry Medical College, Nashville.

Dr. Oldham is Board-Certified, American Board of Preventive Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Subspecialty. She received graduate medical education in Preventive Medicine, Graduate Medical Education in Anesthesiology/Emergency Medicine, Masters in Business Administration, Graduate Education in Public Health Administration, Aviation Medical Examier for the FAA, Independent Examiner for Impairment Determinations ("6th Edition AMA Guidelines"), Certified DoD Military Medical Review Officer, Certified EMS Medical Director and Certified Managed Care Director.

Dr. Oldham is a familiar face in middle Tennessee, having been in practice in Wilson County since 2001. She practices at the new Mt. Juliet Medical Associates located at 40 Caldwell Street, Suite 100, in Mt. Juliet, across from City Hall. For an appointment, please call 615-288-4362.

University Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of Alpesh Patel, MD, Gastroenterologist. Dr. Patel specializes in gastroenterology and treats a comprehensive range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions which include digestive diseases, chronic heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach and small bowel disorders. He treats disorders that affect the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. In addition, Dr. Patel performs routine colon cancer screenings.

A graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis, Dr. Patel earned his medical degree from East Tennessee State University, James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, Tenn. In 2004, he completed his residency in internal medicine at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C. He also completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at Medical University of South Carolina that included a focused training in ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), which is a diagnostic/therapeutic procedure used to study the ducts of the gallbladder, pancreas and liver.

Dr. Patel has enjoyed a successful gastroenterologist private practice in Rockwall, Texas for the last year. Dr. Patel was a trainee member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, American Association of the Study of Liver Diseases, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and American College of Physicians - American Society of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Patel's new GI practice, Middle Tennessee Gastroenterology, is located on the University Medical Center campus at 1409 Baddour Parkway, West, Suite B, in Lebanon. To schedule an appointment, please call 615-453-8200.