Erlanger News

11/15/11

Regarding the WRCB-TV (NBC affiliate) report on Ms. Melvina Brown and her deceased infant, which aired Monday, November 14, a response from Erlanger officials appeared on air November 15 and is summarized in the statement below:

We are extremely sorry for the loss Ms. Brown suffered, and were pleased to learn that five funeral homes have contacted WRCB-TV since the story first aired to offer free burial services.

Several news reports based on this story have erroneously reported that Ms. Brown “was sent home with the remains of her infant because she could not afford burial costs.”

This is not accurate. 

Disposition of fetal remains at any hospital is the decision of the parents. In Tennessee, babies who die before birth and weigh less than 350 grams can be disposed of by the hospital if that is what the parents choose.  In the event of a live birth, state laws prohibit disposal of the remains at the hospital.  The family is given the option of leaving the remains at the hospital while making arrangements with a funeral home – or they can opt to take the remains home for a private burial, adhering to county regulations.  The types of containers holding fetal remains vary from hospital to hospital, but this is not an uncommon practice.

Ms. Brown, whose infant survived briefly outside the womb, was advised of these options, given a list of funeral homes to take home, and signed paperwork indicating she preferred to take the infant remains with her. Many mothers over the years have chosen this option, grateful for the opportunity to do so. 

The staff at Erlanger did not refuse to hold and store the remains because Ms. Brown was unable to afford funeral expenses. 

She had two patient advocates with her throughout her hospital stay, and a single dedicated caregiver for four hours following the death of her premature infant.

Erlanger is committed to providing clear written and verbal information for indigent patients who feel they cannot afford a proper burial for loved ones in the future.  We will continue to provide families with a list of funeral homes, but in the future list those which will do this at a low cost or free.

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Halloween does not have to be dangerous for children

Chattanooga,Tenn.– Safe and Sound, an injury prevention service of Children’s Hospital at Erlanger and Safe Kids Greater Chattanooga lead, reminds parents Halloween can be a fun night for children and adults if you follow important safety tips. 

“There is really nothing tricky to ensuring a safe night for your child on Halloween,” said Cindy Jackson, program coordinator for Safe & Sound.  “Sometimes a few simple reminders will go a long way to prevent a scary situation.”

What do you want to be?

When choosing a costume, make sure it is the correct size for your child.  Children should be able to walk without any obstruction from long costumes or props and see clearly through their masks.  Parents can show their creative side with face paint instead of allowing their child to wear a mask.  Props should also have smooth or flexible edges to prevent injury if your child falls.  Another safety feature to consider is to find a label on the costume that states it is flame retardant material to prevent fire or burning from candles or other fire items.  Adding a flashlight, light stick or reflective tape will also help others see your child at night.  

I’m keeping an eye on you.

While at an event or if you are trick or treating with a group of people, never take your eyes off your child.  By adding extra accessories to a popular costume or creating a costume that is different from all the others, you would certainly make it easier to spot your child.   Even though a church, neighborhood or community center event could seem less dangerous, remember there are other people you may not know attending the event.  It would also be helpful to have the child carry a cell phone with programmed phone numbers if he or she is old enough to operate one. Although, being with your child at all times is the safest action you can take.  

Parents can be rewarded too!

Your child should eat a full and nutritious meal before going trick or treating.  You can explain he or she can eat a few treats after returning home only after you have inspected their sweet bounty.  This will give you an opportunity to pick out your favorites first and check for foreign objects or ingredients that could cause allergic reactions if eaten.  Candy should only be eaten if it is individually packaged by the candy company or if you know and trust the person who made it. 

Slow down! 

Foot traffic is not the only traffic on the neighborhood streets on Halloween.  Motor vehicles are also sharing the road with trick or treaters.  If you are driving a vehicle, please remember the law states it is illegal to text while driving.  You should not be texting.  Talking on the phone is also distracting and especially dangerous on this holiday.  Drivers need to remain alert at all times and drive slower than the recommended speed limit in case there are pedestrians on the road.  Pay extra attention to the sidewalks, crosswalks and intersections.  Do not pass vehicles that are stopped in the roadway.  Those vehicles may have stopped for pedestrians who are crossing the street.  If you are pulling off the road into a safe spot to drop off or pick up trick or treaters, be sure to turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. 

 “Halloween is a fun holiday,” saidJackson.  “Do not allow your child become another emergency room statistic on Halloween.  By following these simple suggestions and using common safety sense, we know you will make it a memorable holiday for your family.” 

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Chattanooga,Tenn.– In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Erlanger wants to remind women that it is never too late to schedule a mammogram. 

“Studies have shown fewer women are getting their mammograms,” said Janet Kramer, Erlanger’s Breast Health Navigator.  “This simple test can really safe a life.  It’s important for women to stop putting it off.” 

According to the American Cancer Society, other than lifestyle changes, the most important action a woman can take is to follow early detection guidelines. Early detection will not prevent breast cancer, but it can help find cancers when the likelihood of successful treatment is greatest.  Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. 

Women at risk for breast cancer should especially be seen by a physician and have an annual mammograms.  Risk factors include age, hereditary breast cancer by inheriting a mutation of a gene, family history of breast cancer, personal history of breast cancer that can lead to recurring cancer, dense breast tissue, benign breast conditions, alcohol use, overweight or obese and hormone therapy.  Having risk factors does not mean a woman will get breast cancer and some women who develop breast cancer may not have any apparent risk factors at all. 

“That is why it is extremely important for all women to be screened at the appropriate time in their life or by recommendation of their physician,” added Kramer. 

Erlanger offers digital mammography at four imaging centers: Erlanger Baroness (downtown on 3^rd Street), Erlanger East (Gunbarrel Road), Erlanger North (Morrison Springs Road) and Erlanger Bledsoe (Wheelertown Avenue).  Digital mammography is very similar to the standard mammography in that it uses x-rays to produce the image.  However, the images are stored in the computer for convenient access for the radiologists and physicians.  The brightness, contrast and size of the images are then adjusted to see more areas clearly.  The images can also be sent electronically to other locations and specialists. 

Erlanger Bledsoe offers mammograms Mondays through Wednesdays 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Thursdays extended hours through November from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.  To schedule an appointment, please call 423-447-5311. 

Erlanger Baroness mammogram imaging is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Erlanger North hours are Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.  Erlanger East offers screening Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.  To schedule an appointment for the Baroness, North and East campuses, please call 423-778-MAMO (6266).

Dr. Amar Singh, Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgery - Urology Oncology

Dr. Amar Singh, chief of minimally invasive surgery and urologic oncology at Erlanger, encourages men to continue getting screened for prostate cancer and urges them to speak with their urologists about the importance of these screenings. This comes on the heels of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) draft recommendation on the use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The USPSTF announced their recommendation against the use of the test in men under age 75 last week.

Prostate Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. Even more startling, 49 percent of all new cancers diagnosed in Hamilton County will be prostate cancer. However, if detected early, there is a 99 percent survival rate.

“What men need to realize about the new recommendations from the USPSTF is that prostate cancer in men is not a black and white diagnosis,” states Dr. Singh. “Each man and his PSA findings should be studied on a case by case study.”

Dr. Singh stands by the American Urological Association (AUA) position on the early detection of prostate cancer. Last Friday, the AUA released the following statement:

“The American Urological Association (AUA) applauds the U.S. Prevention Service Task Force for its interest in reviewing the use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. However, we are concerned that the Task Force’s recommendation will ultimately do more harm than good to the many men at risk for prostate cancer both here in the United States and around the world. The AUA’s current clinical recommendations support the use of the PSA test, and it is our feeling that when interpreted appropriately, the PSA test provides important information in the diagnosis, pre-treatment staging or risk assessment and monitoring of prostate cancer patients.

Not all prostate cancers require active treatment and not all prostate cancers are life threatening. The decision to proceed to active treatment is one that men should discuss in detail with their urologists to determine whether active treatment is necessary, or whether surveillance may be an option for their prostate cancer.

The AUA is currently preparing a new clinical guideline on this topic, and has convened a panel of experts to review not only the use of the PSA test, but also early detection of prostate cancer overall, taking into account the new tests and diagnostics that are becoming available. Until there is a better widespread test for this potentially devastating disease, the USPSTF  – by disparaging the test – is doing a great disservice to the men worldwide who may benefit from the PSA test.” – statement attributed to AUA President Sushil S. Lacy, M.D.

Dr. Singh agrees that not all prostate cancers require active treatment. “Before deciding on a treatment plan with a patient, we look at the big picture,” states Dr. Singh. “We look at how aggressive the cancer is, how much of the prostate is affected by the cancer, and the patient’s life expectancy. Then we can determine whether treatment of active surveillance is recommended for that individual patient.”

Erlanger will offer FREE PSA screenings Thursday, October 27, from 8 a.m. – 12 noon. For more information and to register, call (423) 778-LINK (5465).

Academic Urologists at Erlanger, located in Erlanger’s Medical Mall and Erlanger’s East Campus, provides the region’s most comprehensive medical and surgical treatments for all urological conditions. As a regional leader, Academic Urologists provides cutting edge treatments including complex pelvic floor dysfunction, and modern minimally invasive treatments for urological cancers including robotic kidney-sparing cancer surgery and urinary bladder surgery.