A5 ★valleystar.

com
& Rio Grande Valley Thursday, June 16, 2022

VBMC-Brownsville,
-Harlingen receive
quality achievement
awards for stroke care
Special to the Star it easier for our teams
to put proven knowl-
BROWNSVILLE/ edge and guidelines to
HARLINGEN — Valley work on a daily basis,
Baptist Medical Center- which studies show
Brownsville and Valley can help patients
Baptist-Harlingen were recover better. The
recently recognized by end goal is to ensure
the American Heart more people through-
Association for their out the Rio Grande
commitment to ensur- Valley can experience
ing stroke patients longer, healthier
receive the most appro- lives.”
priate treatment Each year, program
according to nationally participants qualify for
recognized, research- the award by demon- Brandpoint
based guidelines, ulti- strating how their orga-
mately leading to more nization has commit-

Tips for managing

lives saved and reduced ted to providing quality
disability. care for stroke patients.
Valley Baptist- In addition to following
Brownsville earned the treatment guidelines,
AHA’s “Gold Plus Get Get With The
With The Guidelines – Guidelines participants
Stroke” quality achieve- also educate patients to

and minimizing stress

ment award, while help them manage
Valley Baptist- their health and recov-
Harlingen was recog- ery at home.
nized by the AHA with Dr. Luis Gaitan,
the “Gold Plus With Medical Director of the
Target: Stroke Honor Stroke Program at
Roll Elite Plus Get With Valley Baptist Medical BRANDPOINT that finding a passion to pursue
The Guidelines – Center-Brownsville, SOURCES:
not only reduces stress levels, but
Stroke” quality achieve- said the recognition [1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/
Americans experience varying also contributes to greater happi-
ment award. The demonstrates the level healthy-lifestyle/stress-
levels of stress for a wide variety of ness overall.[4] Finding passion in a
advanced therapy des- of expertise offered by management/in-depth/exercise-
reasons and many struggle to find hobby or activity you love is a form
ignation is awarded to the stroke team at and-stress/art-20044469 - US,
healthy ways to manage. of self-care and can make life feel a
hospitals that meet Valley Baptist. Mayo Clinic, 2020
Minimizing occasional stress is little less heavy.
specific AHA criteria “Valley Baptist- important as it can affect overall Setting aside time each day to
that reduce the time Brownsville continues [2] https://healthysleep.med.
health and well-being. focus on projects like decorating,
between an eligible to strive for excellence harvard.edu/need-sleep/whats-in-it-
Stress can feel overwhelming painting, joining a book club or
patient’s arrival at the in the acute treatment for-you/health - US, The Division of
at times but setting aside time to whatever inspires you can offer a
hospital and treatment. of stroke patients,” he Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical
unwind each day to focus on your sense of excitement and something
Stroke is the fifth- said. “The recognition School, 2008
physical and mental health can to look forward to. It can even be
leading cause of death from the American help you manage those feelings. To an opportunity to reset your over-
and a leading cause of Heart Association/ [3] https://www.apa.org/news/
better manage occasional feelings all outlook and mood. Acting on
disability in the U.S. A American Stroke press/releases/stress/2013/sleep -
of stress, consider incorporating something you are truly passionate
stroke occurs when a Association’s Get With US, American Psychological
the following into your daily rou- about is sure to keep stress levels at
blood vessel that car- The Guidelines-Stroke Association, 2013
tine: bay, so don’t hesitate to start a new
ries oxygen and nutri- further reinforces our project today.
ents to the brain is team’s hard work.” [4] https://www.ucmerced.edu/
1. PRIORITIZE EXERCISE
either blocked by a clot sites/ucmerced.edu/files/
Both Valley Baptist- Research has found that exercise 4. WELLNESS SUPPORT WITH
or bursts. When that documents/zawadzki-paper-2015.
Brownsville and Valley in any form can help reduce occa- BOTANICALS
happens, part of the Baptist-Harlingen also pdf - US, The Society of Behavioral
sional stress and provide a natural According to a poll from the
brain cannot get the received the AHA’s Medicine, 2015
distraction from other thoughts and American Psychological Associa-
blood and oxygen it “Target: Type 2 worries.[1] Taking 30 minutes a day tion, more than half of Americans
needs, so brain cells Diabetes” honor roll [5] https://www.stress.org/daily-
to focus on movement, whether go- experience feelings of stress dur-
die. Early stroke detec- designation, which sig- life - US, The American Institute of
ing for a walk, taking a yoga class or ing their days.[5] Managing stress
tion and treatment are nifies that both hospi- Stress, 2022
practicing high-intensity training, is important to our overall health
key to improving sur- tals aim to ensure can support moods and help man- and immune system, so choosing
vival, minimizing dis- patients with Type 2 [6] *These statements have not
age stress. Just don’t forget to hydrate! products that support both of those
ability and accelerating diabetes, who might be been evaluated by the Food and
aspects of wellness is equally im-
recovery times. Drug Administration. These products
at higher risk for com- 2. SAFEGUARD SLEEP portant. With a dietary supplement
Get With The plications, receive the are not intended to diagnose, treat,
Sleep is important for your overall like Emergen-C Ashwagandha you
Guidelines puts the most up-to-date, evi- cure, or prevent any disease.
well-being.[2] A survey conducted can reduce occasional feelings of
expertise of the dence-based care when by the American Psychological As- stress*^ and support your immune
American Heart hospitalized due to ^Antioxidants† for immune
sociation found that many adults system*. [6] For more information
Association and stroke. support and Ashwagandha to help
report that their stress increases visit www.emergenc.com.
American Stroke “We are incredibly reduce occasional feelings of
when the length and quality of Focusing on how we can reduce
Association to work for pleased to recognize stress*.† Vitamin C, Zinc &
sleep decreases.[3] To help you fall occasional stress and finding ways
hospitals nationwide, Valley Baptist Medical Manganese
asleep and stay asleep, try limit- to manage it on an ongoing basis
helping ensure patient Center-Brownsville and ing or turning off distracting de- offers a variety of wellness benefits.
care is aligned with the Valley Baptist- vices like the television, computer better able to accomplish tasks on Simple everyday changes such as
latest research- and Harlingen for their or cellphone before bed and get- your to-do list. being active, getting a good night’s
evidence-based guide- commitment to caring ting into bed earlier to encourage sleep, actively participating in pas-
lines. for patients with achieving a full eight hours of rest. 3. APPEASE STRESS WITH sion projects and incorporating a
Get With The stroke,” said Steven With these changes, the quality of PASSION daily supplement that supports the
Guidelines - Stroke is Messe, M.D., chairper- sleep should improve, leaving you A study published in The An- immune system are habits that can
an in-hospital program son of the Stroke feeling happier, more refreshed and nals of Behavioral Medicine found all add up to support well-being.
for improving stroke System of Care
care by promoting con- Advisory Group.
sistent adherence to “Participation in Get
AFFORDABLE CHIROPRACTIC
these guidelines, which With The Guidelines is Experts say deep breathing
ACUPUNCTURE
can minimize the long- associated with
term effects of a stroke
and even prevent
improved patient out-
comes, fewer readmis- exercises can help maintain
death. sions and lower mortal-
“Valley Baptist
Medical Center-
ity rates – a win for
health care systems,
personal health and well-being
Harlingen has been at families and communi- Metro Creative Connection In addition to helping CALL TODAY
the forefront of stroke ties.” reduce stress and promote
research and has par- Deep breathing exercises LOW BACK PAIN
In addition to the relaxation, breathing
ticipated in the trials recognition from the can help individuals maintain NECK/WRIST PAIN
techniques are useful during HIP/KNEE PAIN
that shaped the latest AHA, Valley Baptist personal health and well- labor to focus and release
guidelines,” said Dr. Medical Center- being. According to the AUTO INJURIES/
tension. Individuals with
Ameer Hassan, DO, Brownsville is certified American Institute of Stress, HEADACHES
COPD often find it difficult to
FAHA, FSVIN, head of as a Primary Stroke 20 to 30 minutes per day of BULGE OR HERNIATED DISC
breathe, which can
the neuroscience Center by the Joint “belly breathing,” also known If symptoms persist
as abdominal breathing or compound anxiety and make
department, director Commission, while for more than a few days,
of endovascular surgi- Valley Baptist- diaphragmatic breathing, can it even harder to breathe. But
call for an appointment
cal neuroradiology Harlingen is certified as reduce stress and anxiety. the COPD Foundation notes
The American Sleep that two different breathing

203-9854
and director of clinical a Comprehensive
neuroscience research Stroke Center by DNV Association reports that techniques can help an
at Valley Baptist Healthcare, and was focusing on breath might be individual take in air without
Medical Center- the first hospital in the able to help induce sleep for working hard: abdominal
breathing and pursed-lips
712 N. 77 Sunshine Strip, Ste. 35
Harlingen. “Get With Rio Grande Valley to people struggling to fall
The Guidelines makes receive the designation. asleep. breathing. Dr. Mike Davis, D.C.