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Prevent accidental fires this holiday season

DALLAS – During the holidays many of us deck our homes with festive decorations to spread holiday cheer. While jolly and bright, holiday trimmings can also pose serious fire hazards if not handled properly. Safety experts at Parkland Health & Hospital System encourage caution this winter with Christmas trees, lights, candles and other decorations which all have the potential to start a fire. “We want everyone to enjoy this holiday season without worrying about keeping their homes and loved ones safe,” said Shelli Stephens-Stidham, director of the Injury Prevention Center of Greater

Safe toys make happy holidays, Parkland experts say

DALLAS – As moms, dads and grandparents shop for the perfect toys to bring wreaths of smiles to their children’s faces this holiday, experts at Parkland Health & Hospital System remind adults to think before they buy. Because while all children love toys, not all toys are suitable or safe for all children. Even new versions of classic toys like little green marching soldiers, cuddly stuffed bears or blocks for building an architectural masterpiece may have hidden hazards like sharp edges, poisonous material or small pieces that could easily be swallowed. In fact, according to Safe Kids

Parkland offers free health screenings at Fall Care Fair

Help enrolling in Health Insurance Marketplace also availableDALLAS – Parkland Health & Hospital System is encouraging area residents to “fall” into good health at the upcoming Fall Care Fair taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 at Parkland’s Southeast Dallas Health Center, 9202 Elam Road, Dallas, 75217. The free health fair will include health information in both English and Spanish, screenings for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, height, weight and body mass index (BMI), along with information about community resources. Free parking is available.  In addition,

Plan ahead for healthy eating during the holidays

DALLAS – Holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, giving thanks, and making plans for the New Year. It’s also a time when healthy eating often gives way to seemingly endless sweets and delectable delights. But while holiday treats may mean extra pounds to most, Parkland Health & Hospital System dietitians say November’s American Diabetes Month is the perfect time to start planning ahead, especially for those living with diabetes. “The holidays are a time to catch up with loved ones,” said Sharon Cox, a Registered Dietitian at Parkland. “Try to place more focus on

Construction complete on new Parkland hospital burn intensive care unit

DALLAS – Construction of patient rooms for the Burn Intensive Care Unit is now finished in the acute care tower of the new Parkland hospital. Patients in the BICU, one of Parkland’s premier service lines, will benefit from having private rooms that measure 260 square feet, an 85 percent increase from the smaller rooms currently shared with another patient. The rooms are large enough for the patient’s guests to visit and the rooms include modern day conveniences like shelves with electric outlets for guests to charge their electronic devices.  The new Parkland Burn Center will include

Psoriasis can damage emotional well-being, skin, Parkland expert says

DALLAS — Psoriasis, which affects as many as 7.5 million Americans, not only irritates the skin, but also can affect the self-confidence of those afflicted, according to Benjamin F. Chong, MD, Medical Chief of Dermatology at Parkland Health & Hospital System.  “Psoriasis can be very disabling,” Dr. Chong said. “In addition to experiencing significant physical discomfort and some disability, those affected can also suffer from a poor self-image because many lesions are in highly visible areas.”  More than 125 million people worldwide—2 to 3 percent of the total population—have

Parkland police caution to be aware of tricks while out treating

Talk to your little ghouls about Halloween safetyDALLAS – Halloween is a time of ghoulish pranks and spooky encounters, but one of the world’s oldest holidays can be a little less frightening by following some simple tips from the Dallas County Hospital District Police Department. One of the most important things is to talk to your little ghouls about safety. “From the time they are very young, we talk to our children about being aware of strangers,” said Dan Birbeck, a lieutenant with Parkland’s Police Department. “Children should only go to homes where they know who lives there. And

Reach Out and Read program at Parkland receives David M. Rubenstein Prize for advancing literacy

DALLAS – Reach Out and Read, a national literacy program Parkland Health & Hospital System has implemented in its Community Oriented Primary Care Clinics (COPCs) since it was founded in 1999, has received the prestigious David M. Rubenstein Prize, the top honor among the 2013 Library of Congress Literacy Awards, for its significant work in advancing literacy. Reach Out and Read was chosen for the prize from a pool of more than 185 applicants, both literacy-related organizations and individuals. Through the Reach Out and Read program, a new, age-appropriate book is provided for each child

Parkland nurse helps patient escape domestic violence

An inspiring story in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness monthDALLAS — Parkland Memorial Hospital nurse LaShana Greene was concerned when she realized that her patient, a pleasant, soft-spoken woman she had treated many times before, had left the hospital without her prescriptions. When she called to inform her, Greene was startled by the eerily-familiar noises in the background of the call that triggered memories of abuse in her past. “Is everything okay?” Greene asked tensely. “Don’t put your hands on me!” Greene heard her patient shout. Sounds of struggle continued, and

Parkland executive is an expert in building hospitals

Responsible for more than $2 billion in health care construction projectsDALLAS – In a career that has spanned nearly four decades, crossed multiple states and two continents, Lou Saksen has been instrumental in hospital construction projects that, when combined, total nearly 6.5 million square feet and with a value of more than $2 billion. As Parkland Health & Hospital System’s Senior Vice President of New Parkland Construction, Saksen is a leading expert in overseeing major health care construction projects. The same could be said for his work on university campuses where he’s built

Standard pantry items can provide quick relief, Parkland officials say

First aid essentials: bandages, aspirin and…baking sodaDALLAS – Although summer has officially ended, many of us continue to bask in outdoor activities well into the fall. And even though kids are well engrained into school, wasps, bees and even jellyfish are still lurking about waiting for the opportunity to sting. But, according to Parkland Health & Hospital System officials, look no further than your own pantry for quick and easy pain relievers. Pantry essentials like meat tenderizer and baking soda can take the bite out of a wasp or bee sting, said Charise Thomason, Public Health

Parkland programs intervene to prevent suicide

National Suicide Prevention Week increases awareness of rising problemSuicide is a serious public health problem and a leading cause of violent death in Dallas, as it is throughout the United States, and the number of suicides in Dallas County has been steadily rising in recent years. During the observance of National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 8-14, Parkland Health & Hospital System mental health experts want to raise awareness about resources available to help identify and provide assistance to those at risk of committing suicide. “Between 2005 and 2010, there were a total of 1,360

High-speed delivery system to improve patient care

Parkland uses pneumatic tubes to prevent errors and promote infection controlDALLAS – The new Parkland hospital currently under construction will utilize a comprehensive series of pneumatic tubes, much like bank tellers use with drive-through customers. Pneumatic tubes will enable nurses to send and receive blood samples and patient medications quicker, thereby reducing errors and improving patient safety. The technology also will be used to efficiently transport trash and linen, which supports Parkland’s infection prevention initiatives. “Pneumatic tubes will remove clutter from the

Parkland earns second consecutive award for energy efficiency

Received $134,738 from Oncor's Government Facilities ProgramDALLAS – Parkland Health & Hospital System has been awarded a $134,738 cash incentive from Oncor’s Government Facilities Program for installing water-cooled chillers in the hospital’s new central utility plant. This award marks the second year of energy efficiency recognition for Parkland. In 2012, it was awarded $1,179 in Oncor incentives for installing a high-efficiency cooling system at the E. Carlyle Smith, Jr. Health Center in Grand Prairie. The program helps local governments save energy and money by providing no-cost

Parkland physician warns athletes to know signs of heat illness

Practice common sense when preparing for the seasonDALLAS – Young athletes practicing in hot weather are at risk for heat illness, and it can happen outside or inside a hot gym. Therefore, physicians with Parkland Health & Hospital System warn athletes, coaches and parents to know how hot is too hot. Knowing the temperature and humidity is important. Watch the heat index, which measures how hot it really feels when humidity is combined with air temperature. The combination of heat and humidity can be dangerous. “Even practicing during the early morning or late evening can lead to

Healthcare design experts visit Dallas to tour new Parkland hospital

DALLAS – A hard-hat tour of new Parkland hospital, the nation’s largest health care construction project, highlighted the Healthcare Design Academy held in Dallas Aug. 8 and 9, bringing more than 125 architects, engineers and designers from around the country to learn about the latest advances in hospital design. Parkland staff conducted seminars and led tours of the hospital, scheduled to open in 2015. Healthcare Design magazine, American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health and The Center for Healthcare Design hosted the conference. “Dallas was chosen because of

Parkland offers school immunizations at 'Walk-in Wednesday' clinics

DALLAS – Parkland Health & Hospital System is offering back-to-school vaccinations for children during August at “Walk-in Wednesdays” at Parkland Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) health centers throughout the Dallas County area. For children enrolled in a school in Dallas Independent School District, Parkland’s Youth & Family Centers will also offer immunizations in August. “Vaccines are not just a personal protection; they protect the community at large. By receiving a vaccination, you are helping to protect those around you from communicable diseases,” said Jessica Hernandez,

Protect yourself from harsh Texas heat this summer

Parkland provides tips to avoid heat exhaustion, heat strokeDALLAS – Extreme Texas heat plagues Dallas during the summer months with temperatures often soaring in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. From 1999 to 2010, 7,415 deaths in the United States, an average of 618 per year, were associated with exposure to excessive natural heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2011, Parkland Memorial Hospital has seen more than 100 patients with heat-related diagnoses in its emergency department. With such severe temperatures putting the community at risk, Parkland’s

Students identify community pedestrian needs through photography

Injury Prevention Center joins forces locally to create a safer communityDALLAS – The Injury Prevention Center of Greater Dallas (IPC), in partnership with the Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation, is using photography through the PHOTOVOICE project to teach local students how to make their neighborhood safer for pedestrians. The month-long project helps students develop photography skills while identifying pedestrian-related safety issues and exploring possible solutions. The project will end with a presentation of the students’ photography to Dallas City Council members and

Parkland earns LEED® gold award for new parking garage

Garage uses photovoltaic panels, has space for 1,700 vehiclesDALLAS – The Tower parking garage on the campus of new Parkland hospital has been awarded the LEED® Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, which sets voluntary standards for buildings. The LEED rating system offers four certification levels for new construction — Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum — that correspond to the number of credits accrued in five sustainable design categories. The U.S. Green Building Council says LEED certification

Parkland highlighted in Healthcare Equality Index 2013

Named as 'Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality' by national surveyDALLAS – Parkland Health & Hospital System has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, an educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization.  Parkland is one of nine hospitals in Texas to earn top marks for its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing adequate

Avoid snake and insect bites, not the great outdoors

North Texas Poison Center at Parkland offers tips for a safer summerDALLAS – Summer means time spent outdoors camping, hiking, and enjoying fun at the lake and the pool. Unfortunately, just like people, venomous snakes, scorpions and spiders also prefer to get out and about in the hot weather. Experts at the North Texas Poison Center (NTPC), located at Parkland Memorial Hospital, are urging Texans to be aware of potential dangers lurking in recreational areas and around their home.  “Snakes are critical to the ecosystem and most are not aggressive animals,” said Eileen Lopez, certified

Parkland's North Oak Cliff Youth & Family Center moves to Adamson High School

DALLAS – The Parkland North Oak Cliff Youth & Family Center located at 501 S. Edgefield Ave. closed on June 20 and will reopen on Tuesday, July 9 at Adamson High School at 201 E. Ninth St., Dallas. “Moving the center to a renovated portion of the old Adamson High School places us across the parking lot from the new state-of-the-art Adamson High School and provides us a permanent home where we can continue to serve the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) students attending Adamson High School and Greiner Middle School,” said Susan Spalding, MD, Medical Director, Parkland Community

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