Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute

NOVEMBER 1, 2012 From The Director Recovery 4 Heroes experienced challenges, losses when a disappointment or a and sadness, some of which we loss hits us over the head, it Chaplain’s 5 know about, and others we do makes more sense. As an Corner not know about because they are organization, our work is private sorrows. I was thinking precious, and each interaction Central Rehab 7 this week about an interaction I that we have with others can News had with one of our colleagues make a difference. The gift of who experienced a significant loss words of appreciation, admira- Time 9 this year. She was graciously tion, support, respect, and Change “It takes both rain and thankful for the time with her hope can fill up an empty sunshine to make a rainbow.” loved one, even through the heart. When we willingly bring Gym Game 12 pain. She reminded me that even our best selves, our thankful, Room Activities This year will soon be over; though we do not appreciate the sunshiny selves to each day, Personnel Thanksgiving is almost here. As cold and rainy times, the rain we have a better chance of 13 an organization, we have experi- helps us to appreciate the sun making a difference in others’ Changes enced many joys and successes. and the rainbows even more. lives. Our time on this earth History: “Old We have seen many individuals We are encouraged to take joy in is precious and what matters 14 Laundry” begin their recovery journey; we the sun while it shines as we most is that we use our days have seen many take the first step know that “Into each life some to their fullest and best and From the towards completing a Wellness rain must fall, some days be dark that we give something of our- 16 Library Recovery Action Plan, or make an and dreary.” ~ Longfellow) selves to others. important connection with a help- ful staff member or community Before this year, I might have Thank you, provider. We have much to be really wondered about that last thankful for as an organization statement. All these sayings ~ Cynthia McClaskey that fulfills a higher moral purpose about appreciating what you’ve through our mission and vision got, about living in the moment, We make a living by what we get. and contributes to an important about not taking life for granted, I We make a life by what we give. system of care. Our organization, did not truly understand. When ~ Sir Winston Churchill friends, and colleagues have also we go through the rain ourselves, An estimated 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving (the birds weigh, on average, 16 pounds). VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 6 P A G E 2 Honoring Day-to-Day Tasks This SWVMHI Value is the one commented positively upon for with the odd-sounding name. This many years. Virtually every value could have several names successful organization has a fun- since it captures some basic cultural damental value similar to Honoring concepts related to providing high Day-to-Day Tasks. It is a key ele- quality, moment-to-moment interac- ment to long-term organizational tions with people. This Value success. captures behaviors such as polite- ness, neighborliness, optimism, These daily, frequently exhibited good manners, and leading by exam- behaviors, carried out with excel- ple. It is considered to be one of The value of Honoring Day-to-Day lence are the building blocks of the fundamental “building blocks Tasks is something that reviewers overall excellence. of excellence” in any organization (Medicaid, Medicare, Joint Commis- and is a key part of the SWVMHI sion, etc.) of SWVMHI have ~ James Moon, Ph.D. Mission and Vision. Psychology Supervisor

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 2012

Don’t forget your vote counts, so please get out and vote.

If you need to know where to vote or what hours your polling place is open, please visit the State Board of Elections site at http://www.sbe.virginia.gov, as many polling places changed due to redistricting. Veterans Day is November 11

Veterans Day FACTS 3.5 million: Number of veterans originated as with a service-connected disability "Armistice rating. Of this number, 810,245 have 21.5 million: The number of military Day" on Nov. a rating of 70 percent or higher. Se- veterans in the United States in 2011. 11, 1919, the verity of one's disability is scaled from

first anniversary 0 to 100 percent and eligibility for of the end of 1.6 million : The number of female compensation depends on one's rat- World War I. Congress passed a resolution in veterans in 2011. ing. 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 7.5 million: Number of Vietnam-era became a national holiday beginning in 1938. 9.2 million: The number of veterans veterans in 2011; 5.1 million served President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legis- 65 and older in 2011. during the Gulf War (representing lation in 1954 to change the name to Veter- service from Aug. 2, 1990, to pre- ans Day as a way to honor those who served 1.8 million: The number of veterans sent); 1.8 million in World War II in all American wars. The day honors military (1941-1945); 2.4 million in the Ko- veterans with parades and speeches across younger than 35. rean War (1950-1953); and 5.4 mil- the nation. A national ceremony takes place lion in peacetime only. at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington 9.1 million : Number of veterans 18

National Cemetery in Virginia. (~ PRNews- to 64 in the labor force in 2011. ~ SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau wire-USNewswire) P A G E 3 Strengthening our Response for Improved Refugee Mental Health

“There is no health without mental health” World Health Organization

Wednesday November 7, 2012

Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center 110 Shenandoah Avenue Roanoke, VA 24016 9am to 4pm http://www.hotelroanoke.com/index.php Register here- http://tinyurl.com/c6m34nv

Thursday November 8, 2012

The Boar’s Head 200 Ednam Drive Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 Toll Free: 800.476.1988 9am to 4pm http://www.boarsheadinn.com/ Register here- http://tinyurl.com/8goaons

Although refugees benefit from protective factors such as spirituality and strong family support, they face enormous social and economic factors that expose them to higher levels of stress and disadvantages due to poverty, unemployment, lack of English profi- ciency, discrimination and the trauma associated with the immigrant experience. As many states become more diverse, it challenges providers in the mental health system to adopt culturally and linguistically competent ways to prevent, diagnose, treat and address barriers to appropriate and timely mental health services. DBHDS is hosting a free training for mental health providers, refugee staff, volunteers dedicated to exploring critical topics in refugee mental health.

Who should attend this conference?

This conference is ideal for all professionals providing service, formally or informally, to immigrants and refugees. These professionals include health care practitioners, policymakers, settlement practitioners, volunteers, sponsorship agreement holders, educators, general practitioners, psychiatrists, multicultural liaison workers, translators, other human-related service providers, immigrants, refugees and consumers interested in the practice of Mental Health.

Outcomes To gain an understanding of the protective and risk factors associated with mental health issues that refugees experience while resettling in the US. To understand the cultural nuances and their impact on stigma and mental health treatment for refugees in the US How to build stronger working relationships culturally and linguistically to diverse individuals in mental health programs Explore specific topics of concern for refugees in Virginia Understand the importance of and strategies for language services for refugee individuals

This conference will be offered for FREE under the Office of Newcomer Services -Virginia Refugee Health Prevention Grant and hosted by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, and International Rescue Committee. Six contact hours will be provided by DBHDS. P A G E 4 VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 6 Quotation Marks and Punctuation Travel Tip Are you confused then the question mark or exclamation When submitting Travel Reimbursement about whether to put point goes OUTSIDE the closing quotation Vouchers following a work-related trip, periods and commas mark. If, however, only the part inside the the following items should be attached: inside or outside of quotation marks is a question or exclama- quotation marks? If tion, then the question mark or exclama-  Brochure for seminar attended, if so, you are not alone. tion point goes inside the closing quotation applicable The reason it is confus- mark. The following may help:  Original hotel receipt ing is because American English rules are differ- ent than British English rules, and if you regu- In this sentence, the whole thing is a ques-  Cost Comparison Form, if driving larly view BBC and CNN or read a lot of Brit- tion, so the question mark goes outside the your personal vehicle ish novels, you will see it done differently. closing quotation mark: Did she ask you  Receipts if parking fees exceed $10 whether you enjoyed Aardvark’s song “Ode to  Rental agreement if using a rental car In the United States, we use a hard-and-fast Ants”?  Gas receipt for rental car fill up rule: We always put periods and commas IN- SIDE quotation marks. In Britain, they use a However, in this sentence, only the part in Additionally, the following items should rule that requires the writer to determine quotation marks is a question, so the quo- be noted directly on the Travel Reim- whether the period or comma belongs with the tation mark goes inside the closing quota- bursement Voucher: quotation or if it is part of the larger sentence. tion mark: I love Aardvark’s song “Where Since we are in the Untied States, remember Have All the Ants Gone?”  Complimentary breakfast offered by that “Inside the U.S., periods and commas go the hotel, if applicable inside quotation marks. Summary: In American English, always put periods and commas INSIDE the closing  Any other meals provided But what about other forms of punctuation, quotation mark; always put semicolons, you say? In the Untied States, we always put colons, asterisks, and dashes OUTSIDE the Your request will be returned if applica- semicolons, colons, asterisks, and dashes OUT- closing quotation mark; and question marks ble items are not attached and/or refer- SIDE the quotation mark. But, the rules for and exclamation points require that you enced. exclamation points and question marks, are the analyze the sentence and make a decision same as the British use for periods and commas based on context. For questions about these and other — it depends on the context of the quotation. travel related items, please contact the Fiscal Department at Ext. 205. For example, if the whole sentence, including ~ http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com the quotation, is a question or an exclamation, ~ Missy Wiles Accounts Payable Specialist Recovery Heroes A Spotlight on Employees started having bad thoughts. When the keen observation skills kept the indi- using TOVA Skills and nurse asked if she had harmed herself, vidual safe at a time when the individ- Assisting People with the individual pushed up her shirt sleeves ual was upset and thinking of self- their Recovery and showed the nurse the scratches she harm. had made on her arms. In August, an individual on Ward AB went Amy began working to the game one evening. She had been With much encouragement and support, at SWVMHI on laughing and interacting prior to leaving for the individual took her PRN medication March 10, 2012. the game room. Upon her return, one and ate her evening snack. The MOD She is our recovery nurse noticed the individual was no longer assessed the individual, placed her on hero this month. laughing, she had changed into a long sleeve special precautions, and ordered treat- Please congratulate shirt, and had the hood on the shirt pulled ment for her wounds. The ward staff Amy when you see up. She wouldn’t make eye contact, and continuously monitored her to keep her her. instead of sitting with other individuals in safe and provide support. the dayroom, she went to her bedroom. The observant nurse followed the individual Amy Pauley, RN, is the observant nurse to her room where she was found crying. who noted the changes in the individual’s ~ Robin Poe, MSN, RN-BC The individual said no one in the game behavior, mood, affect, and clothing on Coordinator for Nursing room would sit with her. She said she her return from the game room. Amy’s Staff Development

P A G E 5 Chaplain’s Corner This month begins the hectic season quiet wisdom of the heart.” Finding She said if I ever got angry, I of preparation for the holidays. The ways to release stress and enhance should just knit a doll.” combined activities of planning, shop- tranquility may be the secret to ping, traveling, budgeting expenses, “surviving the holidays” as we The old man was moved to and coordinating schedules at home, NURTURE the best within our- tears to discover that there school, and work, cooking, and doz- selves. were only two dolls in the box, ens of other unplanned factors make reflecting the tranquil relation- this time of year a frenzy of activity. I recently heard a story of a man and ship that had lasted for six Perhaps it is a good thing that the woman who had been married for decades. “Honey, that explains “alphabet of spiritual literacy” we have more than 60 years. They shared the dolls, but what about the been following the past year focuses everything, talked about everything, money? Where did that come this month on the spiritual practice of and kept almost no secrets. The from?” NURTURING. exception was that the old woman had a shoe box in the top of her The wife raised her head off her Everyone at cupboard that she cautioned her pillow and smiled, “I made the SWVMHI is in husband to never open or ask about. money from all the dolls I sold.” the “helping For all those years the husband never profession,” so thought much about the box, but The ancient wisdom of the book we know what over time his wife got sick and was of Ecclesiastes (4:6) has a state- it is to care for not expected to recover. ment which reads, “Better is a others. NURTURING is part of our handful with quiet, than two daily occupation and mission. Yet, In trying to sort out their affairs, the handfuls with toil, striving after caring for ourselves may be something old man found the shoebox and took the wind.” Go easy on yourself that is harder to work into our sched- it to his sick wife and asked what was this time of year and take some ule as responsibilities pile up as this inside. She opened the box and there opportunities to NURTURE month progresses. Wayne Muller, was two knitted dolls and a stack of your spirit. Chances are, you writing in “Legacy of the Heart,” money totaling $95,000. The husband probably don’t have extra time observes that “the Chinese word for was shocked and wondered what this to knit… ‘busy’ is composed of two characters: was about. His wife, weakened from ‘heart’ and ‘killing.’ When we make her illness, softly said, “When we ~ Rev. Dr. Timothy Graham, ourselves so busy that we are always were married long ago, my grand- Chaplain rushing around… we kill something mother told me that the secret to a vital in ourselves and we smother the good relationship was to never argue.

National Radiologic Technology Week® is celebrated annually to recognize the vital work of Radiologic Technologists across the nation. This year, National Radiologic Technology Week is cele- brated November 4 - 10, 2012. The celebration takes place each No- vember to commemorate the anniversary of the x-ray's discovery by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895.

The week-long celebration calls attention to the important role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play in patient care and health care safety. SWVMHI is proud to have two Radiologic Tech- nologists on staff: Denise Downey, Radiologic Technologist Director, and Max McClure, P14 Radiologic Technologist.

A VIEW FROM THE HILL VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 6 P A G E 6 INCLEMENT WEATHER

PROCEDURES Dysphagia Corner Now that winter is approaching, there is the Preventing Problems down for at least 30 minutes after a potential for inclement weather that might meal. call for emergency procedures. This is a at Mealtime reminder of the key points of the facility policy on inclement weather: Follow any special meal preparation Remain Nearby. Encourage slow  All employees are considered designated and/or eating procedures. pace of eating and small (teaspoon- sized) bites. employees.  During periods of severe weather condi- In addition, caregivers should pay tions that constitute an emergency situa- attention to the following: For questions about dysphagia or tion, all late arrivals and early departures to how to refer someone for an must be accounted for by use of docu- mented leave slips. Diet. Prepare assessment, please contact any  After all circumstances are evaluated, and foods that can be member of the Dysphagia Team: at the discretion of the Director, all ab- Sharon Neitch (Extension 108), sences, including late arrivals or early de- easily chewed and partures, may be excused up to a reason- swallowed. Ellen Tilson (Extension 259), able amount of time. Employees are Coleen Walls (Extension 122), or expected to make every effort to report Deresa Hall (Extension 470). to work as scheduled. However, employ- Mealtime. Encourage eating ees are encouraged to exercise good judg- slowly and do not do other activities ment regarding travel and use leave bal- while eating. The person should be ~ Dysphagia Team ances if necessary.  Be sure to notify your supervisor if you alert and calm, not anxious or tired are unable to report to work according to when eating. the Attendance Policy. Employees who fail to report to work without valid justifica- tion may be subject to disciplinary action. Position. Help maintain proper eating position: Sitting upright with You should refer to SWVMHI Policy 6101, supports if necessary and NOT lying Inclement Weather, for further details on inclement weather conditions, or contact the Human Resources Office at Extension 204 with any questions. Earthquake Preparedness We are now one year past the great earth- 1. DROP to the ground. quake of 2011 and geologists and seismolo- 2. Take COVER by getting under a sturdy gists predict there will be more earthquakes desk or table. on the east coast. They also predict that 3. HOLD ON to your shelter and be pre- they will be stronger than the 2011 quake. pared to move with it until the shaking While southwest Virginia merely felt momen- stops. tary shaking of the ground, other areas of the state experienced significant damage. There These actions may not be intuitive – that’s THANKS! I would like to express a was $60 million damage to the schools in why you need to mentally prepare and think BIG Thank YOU to everyone for the Louisa, VA. Repairs on the Washington through your plan should there be an earth- cards, phone calls, texts, and emails, Monument continue with an estimated quake. Your mental planning could save completion date of 2014 at a cost of approxi- you, your patients, and your family. and especially for providing coverage mately $12 million. during my fractured wrist recovery Check www.dropcoverholdon.org to learn period. Also, for all the WELCOME There is nothing we can do to prevent earth- how to protect yourself in other situations BACK comments, not just from Geriat- quakes, and there is little advance prepara- and locations. ric unit staff. It is very special to tion that can be done. What we can do is know I was missed. It is wonderful to what we do for all dangers we face: we can You can’t prevent earthquakes, but you can see the facility values apply in my minimize the risk of injury. minimize the risk. case.

In the event of an earthquake there are three ~ Safety Committee actions to take: ~ Ellen Tilson P A G E 7 Central Rehab News -- October Review Things have been We are still looking for t-shirts to give as (VAPRA) conference at the end of going well in the Re- prizes for bingo if anyone has any they November and will be setting up a table hab Department. We think the individuals we serve would en- of crafts to show off and sell in time for are getting ready to joy. They don’t have to be new, just clean, the holidays. do a patient satisfac- in good condition, and in good taste. tion survey. James T., We also have a couple of staff members Sue E., Angie A. and The night time Rehab staff have been busy getting ready to take the WRAP facilita- Jan B. will be going with movie nights, birthday parties, bingo, tor training (provided by VOCAL around to each unit to assist in filling out and special entertainers. We have gotten a Virginia) in Abingdon November 5- 9. the surveys. Thank you to everyone for lot of positive feedback from the individu- This will enable us to help more individu- their help in encouraging individuals to als we serve as to the good times they als we serve create their own WRAP take part. have been having in the evenings. plan and possibly break the cycle of re-admittance to this facility. Autumn is in the air and ghosts and gob- We have reduced the size of our Bonanza lins will be in the gym on the 23rd of Octo- and Treasure Seekers inventory and will be Finally, we are getting ready for Opera- ber when we have our Halloween party. opening up two separate places in the B tion Santa Claus. More on that next We plan on having eerie games, goolie Building plus hopefully a place to sell our month. treats, and a spooktackular time. There crafts. Stay tuned for more information. will be costume contests, face painting, ~ Sue Eller, music, and lots of other fun things to do. We are preparing to attend the Virginia Peer Support Specialist We are all looking forward to it. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association American Diabetes Month

During American Diabetes Month this Diabetes is a serious DIABETES FACTS November, the American Diabetes disease. If it isn’t Association will launch a socially-focused managed, it can damage Nearly 26 million children and adults initiative, “A Day in the Life of Diabetes,” to many parts of the in the United States have diabetes. demonstrate the increasing impact diabe- body, leading to heart tes has on families and communities attacks, strokes, Another 79 million Americans have nationwide. Using imagery, social engage- amputation, blindness, pre-diabetes and are at risk for ment and a larger-than-life stage, light will kidney failure, and developing Type II diabetes. be shown on the issue of diabetes and nerve damage. But there is good news: Two out of three people with diabe- those who live with it each and every day. diabetes complications can be prevented or tes die from heart disease or stroke. Successfully managing diabetes can be a delayed by properly managing blood Diabetes is the leading cause of herculean task, making what might seem glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol kidney failure. like an otherwise ordinary life rather levels. Eating healthy, being physically active Diabetes is the leading cause of new extraordinary and quitting smoking also can help lower cases of blindness among adults. the risk of diabetes complications. Recent estimates project that as many as The rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times higher than one in three American adults will have American Diabetes Month is sponsored by for those without diabetes. diabetes in 2050, and an additional 79 CVS/pharmacy’s ExtraCare Advantage® for million Americans are at high risk for Diabetes savings program exclusively for The average medical expenditure developing type 2 diabetes. The American those living with diabetes and their care- among people with diabetes is 2.3 Diabetes Association estimates that the givers. Visit CVS.com/diabetes to learn times higher than those without the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes more. disease. in the United States is $174 billion. Indirect costs amount of $58 billion Further published studies suggest that For more information in English and Span- (disability, work loss, premature when additional costs for gestational ish call 1-800-DIABETES or visit stopdiabe- mortality). diabetes, pre-diabetes, and undiagnosed tes.com. Also, follow us on Facebook The cost of caring for someone with diabetes are included, the total diabetes- (www.facebook.com/AmericanDiabetes diabetes is $1 out of every $5 in total related costs in the U.S. could exceed Association) and Twitter (www.twitter. healthcare costs. $218 billion. com/AmDiabetesAssn

P A G E 8

SWVMHI Mission Gratitude We promote mental health makes sense of in Southwestern Virginia by our past, brings assisting people in their recovery. SWVMHI Values peace for today, We best promote mental health in and creates a the people we serve by valuing: vision for SWVMHI Vision Communication, tomorrow. SWVMHI, in collaboration with Honesty, Community Services Boards, will Trust, always be the region’s center of Teamwork, excellence in the treatment of Self-initiative, ~Melody serious mental illness. Leadership, and Beattie Honoring day-to-day tasks.

November Lunar Phases

November 6 Last Quarter Moon November 13 New Moon November 20 First Quarter Moon November 28

Full Moon (also known as the “Beaver Moon” by Native Americans Of New England and the Great Lakes because at this time of year those little beavers are industriously preparing for winter).

Did you Know??

Sitting more than three hours per day can cut a Gratitude is the person’s life expectancy by two full years! People with sign of noble desk jobs should get up and walk around a bit every hour, some researchers say. souls. And spending more than two hours a day sitting in ~ Aesop front of the TV could cut life expectancy by 1.4 years.

~ BMJ Open, July 2012

A VIEW FROM THE HILL P A G E 9 Time Change Staff Development and Training Update

Daylight Savings Time will All employees are expected to complete the Corporate Compli- end on Sunday, November 4, ance CAI by November 30, 2012, available now on the Knowledge 2012. Don’t forget to Center. If you experience any problems with the CAI, please change your clocks and turn report them to the Training Department immediately by calling Extension 854. them back one hour before you go to bed Saturday Also in November, the following special training opportunities are available: night. ● Spirituality in the Mental Health Setting on Nov. 8 from 1930 to 2100 hours in For those employees working the A/B with Dr. Tim Graham third shift during the time change, please remember to The Joint Commission Breakfast Briefings: clock IN and OUT using the ◦ Thursday, November 1, from 1000 to 1115. same time clock so your time ◦ Thursday, November 8, from 1000 to 1115. can be properly recorded. ◦ Thursday, November 15, from 1000 to 1115.

All classes are in the AB Classroom unless otherwise specified, and require registration. Please call Extension 854 to register today.

For these and other upcoming training opportunities, please be sure to check the Intranet and click on the Training Calendar link.

~ Merle Obregon Staff Training and Development Director Meals in Minutes — Light and Easy Leftovers If you're like most people, the time cooking spray. Brown on both sides to the broth, chopped turkey and a between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a until cheese is melted. You can add bag of your favorite frozen vegeta- busy one. You probably also have a lot some chopped olives or jalapeno bles. Pour everything in a pan and of leftovers in your refrigerator. And peppers if you desire. Serve with heat through until vegetables are while all that “heavy” food tastes good, it salsa. crisp and tender, about fifteen to is also good to serve a “light” meal twenty minutes. Serve with a good several times each week. 2. Spinach and brown bread. Turkey Salad. Here are three light, simple, and easy Mix chopped tur- Each of the above meals can be made in key, bacon flavored ways to use your turkey leftovers: 30 minutes or less, leaving you more almonds, dried time to relax, spend with family, (or cranberries, and fresh spinach. Serve 1. Turkey Quesadillas. shop). with your favorite vinaigrette or Spray a whole wheat honey mustard salad dressing. flour tortilla with your For these and other light recipe ideas,

favorite cooking spray visit: 3. Turkey Soup. You with butter. Place in can either cook the frying pan and sprinkle with shredded http://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Light,- turkey carcass after cheddar cheese, chopped turkey Simple-and-Easy-Meals-from-Turkey- Thanksgiving, or pieces, and sliced green onion. Place Leftovers&id=90200 you can use canned another tortilla on top and spray with chicken broth. Add

VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 6 P A G E 10 Thanksgiving Trivia Just for Fun — Texting for Seniors Every year, the President of the Teens have their tex- FWIW - Forgot Where I Was United States pardons a turkey and ting codes (LOL, it goes to a public farm called Frying OMG, TTYL, etc.). FYI - Found Your Insulin Not to be outdone by Pan Park in Herndon, Virginia. them, now, finally, GGPBL - Gotta Go, Pacemaker Which President is believed to be long-suffering seniors Battery Low the first to pardon a turkey and have their own texting start this annual tradition? codes! GHA - Got Heartburn Again

A) President Andrew Jackson Texting for Seniors IMHAO? - Is My Hearing-Aid On? B) President Millard Fillmore C) President Harry Truman ATD - At the Doctor's LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out D) President Warren Harding BFF - Best Friend's Funeral LOL - Living on Lipitor

BTW - Bring the Wheelchair ROFL...CGU - Rolling on the Floor Laughing ... Can't get Up! BYOT - Bring your own teeth WAITT? - Who Am I Talking To? CBM - Covered by Medicare

CUATSC - See You at the Senior Center

to this day. day. this to DWI - Driving While Incontinent

this tradition in 1947 and it continues continues it and 1947 in tradition this

President Truman started started Truman President Answer: Answer: FWBB - Friend with Beta Blockers

Great American Smokeout 2012 The American Cancer Society is mark- The American Cancer Society can ing the 37th Great American Smokeout tell you about the steps you can take on November 15, 2012, by encourag- to quit smoking and provide the ing smokers to use the date to make a resources and support that can plan to quit, or to plan in advance and increase your chances of quitting quit smoking that day. By doing so, successfully. smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that To learn about the available tools, can lead to reducing cancer risk. call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. You can also find Tobacco use remains the single largest free tips and tools by clicking on the preventable cause of disease and pre- link below: ~ http://www.cancer.org/ mature death in the US, yet more than Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/ 45 million Americans still smoke ciga- cigar smokers in the US, and 2.2 mil- GreatAmericanSmokeout/ rettes. However, more than half of lion who smoke tobacco in pipes. these smokers have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year. As Quitting is hard, but you can increase ~ American Cancer Society of 2010, there were also 13.2 million your chances of success with help.

P A G E 11 Word Search Just for fun, how many of the following unlined words can you find related to the history of Thanksgiving? Q W E R T Y U I O P L K H T R U O F K J H G F D S S E R G N O C D S A Z W X C V B N M N T M A S L D F G T H A J K T L P I I U U Y T I R E W H Q M A V S B N R S R X C V D E R T U Y P X C R V B G N K M J G A L D S R G A R T I Y U L I E I O N Y A V E S N N T E F A M I L Y C L R H N W D D I O L L L J G P F D O S X C O I G A V A E A R T I V C C R Y U L I N V Y I G V I V E B N N M J H F F T T D S G E E C R T Y I U I O Y P K A E G V S I S I C E L E B R A T I O N R V J K V O F L J J G F M D S A Q W E R T N Y O F U I O P M B V C X Z A W D R A P R O C L A I M E D B N N B F D S H L K H G F D S A Q E C G Y E E R H T C H R I S T M A S K H V F C D X S Z

Turkey, pumpkin pie, parades, family — all associated with Thanksgiving. But the first Thanksgiving was not quite so familiar. Those in attendance at the first celebration were the surviving 53 Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower in December 1620. It is believed that the voyage started out with 102 Pilgrims, 49 of whom perished the first year due to cold and disease. The first Thanksgiving was held for three days in October, 1621, and was shared with the Wampanoag Indians, in thanksgiving for helping the Pil- grims survive the first winter and show them how to cultivate the land. The first ‘National Day of Thanksgiving’ was proclaimed by President George Washington 168 years later, in 1789. Thanksgiving is now celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, and was made an official national holiday by Congress in 1941. The first president to make Thanksgiving a national holiday was Abraham Lincoln, who acknowledged Thanksgiving to be a holiday in 1863. At the time,

Did you Did know?The average Americanconsumes 4500 calorieson Thanksgiving Day! Lincoln had declared the final Thursday in November to be Thanksgiving Day. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiv- ing Day. He did so to make the Christmas shopping season longer and thus stimulate the economy.

A VIEW FROM THE HILL VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 6 P A G E 12 Specialon January Gym/Game26, 2012, Room Activities Patient Activity Council (PAC) Movie Nights Birthday Party November 1, 2012 November 5, 6, November 28, 2012 1600 - 1630 26, and 27, 2012 1800 - 2000 1830 - 2000 No Canteen Consumer Empowerment No Canteen Recovery Council (CERC) November 8, 2012 Church Services 1600 - 1630 Veterans Day Church Services are held each November 12, 2012 Thursday from Bingo Night 1830 - 1930 November 14, 2012 1830 - 2000 Canteen open 1800 - 1830 Thanksgiving November 22, 2012 Harvest Special Event November 20, 2012 1330—1500 Please note that game room activities, in addition to those listed here, are held every weeknight, except Thursday, from 1830 - 2000. Canteen hours are from 1800 - 1830 unless otherwise noted.

National Family Week National Family Week is an annual celebration The Alliance for Children International and domestic adoption observed during the week of Thanksgiving. and Families represents Foster care and aging-out-of-foster The Alliance for Children and Families and its nearly 350 member organi- care services member organizations have annually promoted zations across the United National Family Week for more than 40 years. States and Canada, includ- Credit counseling and financial literacy National Family Week is designed to build ing: services community connections and honor those who Head Start and after-school programs strengthen families. Human Service Organizations: Private, Older adult services nonprofit human service organization that National Family Week was founded in 1968 by provide services to children, families, and Employee wellness programs and Sam Wiley, a former teacher and administra- communities, or that focus on economic service tor from Indianapolis. Wiley partnered with empowerment. This includes both religiously Crisis management services the Alliance around 1970. affiliated and secular organizations. Teen pregnancy counseling and

prevention National Family Week has proven to be a State Associations: State or regional celebratory time to honor the special connec- councils and associations that primarily Sexual abuse counseling tions that support and strengthen families. It represent private, nonprofit human service Civic engagement programs and train- is built on the premise that children live better organizations serving children, families, and ing lives when their families are strong, and fami- communities, or that offer programs focused In-home health care services lies are strong when they live in communities on economic empowerment. that connect them to economic opportunities, Clinical research and training social networks, and services. Members of the Alliance share a common Youth residential treatment vision of creating a healthy society and strong National Family Week takes place during the communities for all children and families. To learn more about National Family week of Thanksgiving, a time when many fami- Alliance members provide an array of pro- Week, visit their website at http:// lies traditionally gather and celebrate with one grams and services, including: alliance1.org. another. It’s also a great time to say thanks to the individuals and organizations that help Domestic abuse counseling and shelters ~ Alliance for Children and families thrive. Families P A G E 13

PERSONNEL CHANGES New Employees Helen Fuqua, Rehabilitation Therapist Sep 10 Kristen Gardner, Psychology Associate Sep 10 Tina Graham, P14 Registered Nurse Clinician A Sep 10 Jessica Smith, Psychiatric Aide Sep 10 Rebecca Sparger, P14 Registered Nurse Clinician A Sep 10 Timothy Neitch, Boiler Operator Sep 25 Benjamin Snyder, P14 Food Service Technician Sep 25

Separations MONTHLY Monika Pelly, Staff Psychiatrist Sep 3 Aimee Baldwin, Psychiatric Aide Sep 4 PATIENT Christy Bise, Administrative Assistant Sep 9 CENSUS Elizabeth Zier, Registered Nurse Sep 11 Betty Testerman, Health Information Clerk (Retirement) Sep 24 Samantha Tipton, Registered Nurse Clinician A Sep 25 September Kayla Hull, Psychiatric Aide Sep 27 2012 Promotions/Role Changes Mindy Long, Psychiatric Aide to Registered Nurse Sep 25 Hayley Williams, Full time Psychiatric Aide to P14 Psychiatric Sept 25 Admissions 65 Aide Discharges 57

Passes 14 Now: 87% WE REACHED

OUR GOAL! Average Daily Goal: 85% If you did not receive your flu vaccine during Census October, there is still time to get it. Contact Cindy Jones at Extension 231 to find out how. 148 .

The goal for the 2012 Flu Season is to have at least 85 percent of employees vaccinated. As of October 29, 2012, we are just over our goal at 87 percent — way to go!

A VIEW FROM THE HILL Thanks for Taking One for the Team. VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 6 P A G E 14 Safe Leaf Raking It’s fall and time minimize your risk of sustaining an 7. Wear shoes with skid- to get the leaves injury: resistant soles to minimize the off the yard! Re- risk of falling. moval of leaves 1. Avoid twisting your body 8. Don't overdo! from your yard while raking. contributes to 9. Drink plenty of fluids to pre- the health of your lawn and to its general 2. Use a properly-sized rake for vent dehydration. appearance. You may choose to use a leaf your height and strength. blower or a mower (wear ear protection 10. When you're done, gentle and goggles. Or you may decide to get 3. Wear gloves to help prevent muscle stretching can help some exercise and do the leaf removal the blisters on the hands. relieve tension in the muscles. A old fashioned way — with a rake. 4. Bend at the knees. hot bath can relax muscles.

In 2006 over 76,000 people were treated 5. Warm up the muscles prior for injuries related to non-powered garden to raking. tools, including rakes. You can ease the ~ excerpted from the American Academy of Orthopedic Sur- strain and pain of raking -- fall's most taxing 6. Vary your movements as geons submitted by Safety task by taking the following precautions to much as you can to avoid over- Committee use of muscle groups. History — Old Laundry I recently had an opportunity to sit down home washing In the 1970’s the laundry department and talk with Betty Clapp. Betty has machine holds washed, pressed, and folded approxi- worked in the Laundry since she started about 10 pounds. mately 4,600 pounds of laundry per day. working at SWVMHI on February 2, 1974. The workers Large machines called flatwork irons would load the (nicknamed the “mangle” by the work- In 1974, the laundry dirty laundry in ers) were used to press and fold sheets, was located in its one side and pillow cases, and towels. This machine own building, which then empty the still sits in the old laundry building, and sits just behind the clean laundry is very heavy. old Carpenter Shop from the other and Garage. This side of the Large washer (Betty on left) There were building was completed in 1949, but today is machine, which was built into the wall. seven clothes used for storage. presses used to press shirts, When Betty started working, there were 37 pants, and staff members in the laundry — today, she dresses — shirt and one P14 staff member are the entire sleeves would laundry department. But Betty is very be pressed on happy with her job and says that there is no one machine Shirt press place else she would rather work. and passed along to the next worker who would During our conversation, Betty told me press the body of the shirt or dress. about some of the machines in the old laun- The machines were various sizes, de- dry, including the gigantic washers and dry- pending on the article of clothing to be ers, each able to hold several hundred pressed. There were also two seam- Workers using the flatwork ironer to pounds of laundry. In contrast, the average press and fold sheets Continued on page 17 VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 6 P A G E 15 National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

November has been designated National Inclusion in clinical trials that give QUICK FACTS Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. expert care. ◦ In 2012, there are 5.4 million Ameri- Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that cans living with Alzheimers’ disease. attacks brain cells diminishing a person’s Avoiding drugs that can worsen cogni- Of those, 5.2 million are aged 65 and memory and becoming fatal over time. It tion. over. impairs memory, thinking and behavior, and Letting others know of a need for help is responsible for more than 50 percent of managing medicines and daily life. ◦ Of Americans aged 65 and over, 1 in 8 all dementia cases. The onset of symptoms Easing anxiety about the cause of has Alzheimer’s, and nearly half of most often develop slowly and worsen over symptoms. people aged 85 and older have the time, until they become severe enough to disease. interfere with daily life. Access to education, training and support services. ◦ In 2011, 15.2 million family and friends provided 17.4 billion hours of unpaid The fear of Alzheimer’s may be in part due The ability to plan for the future. care to those with Alzheimer’s and to the fact that there is no cure and the other dementias — care valued at treatments that exist for Alzheimer’s are not Meanwhile, an international expert group $210.5 billion. extremely effective in slowing the progres- is proposing new guidelines that would sion of the disease. revise the definition of Alzheimer's to take ◦ Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading into account recent scientific develop- cause of death in the United States Current drugs for Alzheimer’s help to sub- ments—including the use of biomarkers, and the 5th leading cause of death of due the symptoms for only half of those which are able to show if a person is at those aged 65 and older. who try them and, on average, the drugs are risk of the disease before they begin ◦ Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death only effective for a year. exhibiting any symptoms. among the top 10 in American with- out a way to prevent, cure, or even The Alzheimer's Association says early diag- Called a “pare”-clinical stage, the proposed slow its progression. nosis and evaluation can bring the following criteria for a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, benefits: would not necessarily rely on clinical ◦ Deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 66 symptoms of dementia, but would include percent between 2000 and 2008.

episodic memory impairment with at least Treatment of reversible causes of im- For more information about Alzheimer’s one positive biomarker shown on a brain pairment. visit the Alzheimer’s Association website scan or in a test called cerebrospinal fluid at www.alz.org. Access to drugs that help treat symp- (CSF) analysis.

toms.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

~John Fitzgerald Kennedy November Days to Celebrate

“Off the cuff” November holidays to November 19 celebrate: Rocky and Bullwinkle Day November 20 November 2-4 National Peanut Butter Fudge Day Pumpkin Chunkin Days November 21 November 9 World Hello Day Domino Day November 24 November 17 Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day Homemade Bread Day November 25 November 18 You’re Welcomegiving Day Mickey Mouse Day November 29 Electronic Greeting Day P A G E 16 From the Library Family Stories Month about writing is that you don’t have to  By the Rivers of Babylon by Nel- share it with anyone. You can destroy son Demille it as soon as you are done writing it if you want to, so it gives you such a  Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein sense of security, more than say, from talking with your friends. You can trust The Cultural Competency Committee a sheet of paper not to blab your se- has also supplied us with some new crets or to judge what you have to say. Cultural Sensitivity Pocket Guides. We have a really nice book here in the library about therapeutic writing to Donations help anyone get started who is inter- November is Family Stories Month. ested and there are many websites to The library would like Family stories are stories about help with genealogical interviewing and to thank the following one’s family members both living story writing. people for donating and ancestral, whose stories are items: told around the holiday table. Tales New Books that have been passed down from grandparents to grandchildren bring The following is a joy to all who hear them, but they list of some Rev. Dr. Tim Graham are more important than that. Fam- newer books on Sharon Winebarger ily stories help us piece together tape we have in Dr. Chris Carusi where we come from, they teach us the library. An- Russ McGrady what our families have been other huge thank Gaynelle Davis through, and they teach us about you to all of the Angela Routh the big-picture historical elements staff who have Alicia Alvarado that factor into the stories. Family been so generous with such great dona- Linda Havens Stories Month encourages people to tions: Colleen Walls interview their family members and Mary Williams write down what they say to keep a  The Unquiet by John Connolly Barbie Honaker preserved record so the family will Debbie Boelte always know what happened long  Point Blank by Catherine Coulter Lesu Cole ago. It is fun to research one’s ge- Robert Farmer nealogy, but it’s just names and facts  Look Again by Lisa Scottoline and figures until stories make it We are also very thankful for the come to life. That’s when you real-  Saving Faith by David Baldacci many anonymous cards, magazines, ize that these people were real, and and books as well as anyone I may as long as their stories are alive in  The Alibi by Sandra Brown have accidentally left off the list. our minds, they will be relevant parts of our families.  Justice by Faye Kellerman ~ Christina Quillen It is also beneficial for individuals to  The Investigators by W.E.B. Griffin Librarian write down their own stories both for their descendents to know what  Promises in Death by J. D. Robb happened in their lives, and also for personal therapeutic purposes. It  Cat and Mouse by James Patterson can help to get one’s thoughts in one place on paper and to see how  Even the Stars Look Lonesome by all of the parts of a person’s life fit Maya Angelou together to get him or her to  Message in a Bottle by Nicholas where they are now. What I like Sparks P A G E 17 History, continued stresses who would do all the sewing and across from the woodshop. Betty remem- Betty remembers fondly that the laundry mending needed. At that time, several bers though, that the staff were moved back department was her family away from patients worked in the laundry depart- to the original laundry building at least three home, and despite the fact that the work ment as well. times because the new washing machines was hard and days were long, they had were not anchored properly to the floor and fun and really enjoyed their work, and Today, the laundry department washes would literally walk across the floor while each other. One of her supervisors, and folds (by hand) about 767 pounds of running. Imagine several large, commercial Bessie Haga, who worked in the laundry laundry per day, with the help of several sized washing machines, walking across the for thirty-one years, would bring cake patient groups. In fact, while I was talking floor and the danger that would pose! for her staff on a regular basis, and the with Betty, a patient group was in the department would have frequent get- laundry room folding clothing. Not long after moving to the Blalock Build- togethers. They always worked ing, some laundry services were contracted together as a team to get the job done. When Betty first started working in the out and many staff members either retired or laundry, the average patient census was took other positions at the facility, including Betty Clapp has around 1400, compared to today’s average Food Service. Up until a few years ago, lin- served SWVMHI for daily census of 145. Sheets and other ens were sent out to be washed and folded, 38 years. She can be linens were changed daily, so you can leaving clothing to be washed here. How- found across the hall imagine how much work it would have ever, all laundry is once again taken care of from the woodshop, been to wash, iron, and fold, that much by Betty and a small crew of assistants. I working happily fold- laundry, even with the help of huge have even walked past the laundry to find ing laundry. The machines. folks helping her such as the Environmental next time you are on Services Director, the Assistant Director, or your way to the The clothing for all 1400 patients was also even the Director! cafeteria or the woodshop, stop by and washed, pressed, and folded daily. Betty say hello. I guarantee you will be remembered that sometimes, the laundry greeted with a smile and a friendly hello. would be so much on Friday afternoon, that they would have to save some of it for Monday morning because they simply ~ Cheryl Veselik could not get it all done. Today, there are Executive Assistant to the Director personal-sized washing machines on the Admissions and Extended Rehab Units for those individuals who wish to do their Most of the photographs contained in this own laundry, but there is still a lot that article were provided by Betty Clapp. goes though the laundry department. Specials thanks to Betty for sharing her story, her photographs, and a piece of About the time the Bagley Building was SWVMHI history. opened, in 1990, the laundry department was moved from the original building to its Pictured left: Laundry staff in 1980’s. The old Henderson present location in the Blalock Building complex is in the background. Betty Clapp is pictured third from the right.

Computer Training Update

In November, SWVMHI will be completing phase one of a computer skills training initiative designed to facilitate our successful transition to the Electronic Health Record (EHR). As of October, 119 staff have participated in Phase one training, and there are several classes remaining in November! The goal of Phase one training is to provide basic computer skills classes for approximately 140 staff members from multiple departments and disciplines. Phase two of the initiative will provide training to intermediate and advanced computer users. Skills assessment surveys for these two groups will be distributed in November. Based on the results, classes for Outlook I, Outlook II, Word I, and Word II will be scheduled for December and January. Staff members will work with supervisors and the Training Department to determine which class level best meets the individual’s job-related computer skills needs. All classes will take place in the computer lab at Wytheville Community College’s (WCC) Smyth County Education Center in Atkins, Vir- ginia. The initiative will continue into 2013 and will include training in other areas of Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, and PowerPoint). For additional information, please contact the Training Department at Extension 854 or 167.

~ Merle Obregon, Training Director P A G E 18 Successful Social Security Audit On October 16, 2012, representa- The individuals interviewed confirmed tives of the Social Security Admini- that they know how to request money stration (SSA) met with members of or items they need as well. our staff to discuss the work that SWVMHI does as a representative The audit team also reviewed financial payee for individuals who receive records for five beneficiaries. We were Social Security and/or Supplemental able to show that we accounted for all Security Income (SSI) benefits. funds received and spent. We were also able to show that we conserved The audit team interviewed four any unspent funds in an appropriate individuals who receive benefits from manner, and have complied with repre- SSA. From those interviews and an sentative payee accounting and report- audit of our records, the SSA ing responsibilities. learned that we managed the funds so that the beneficiaries had no Thank you to all the staff unmet current needs. They also who participated with this learned that staff are very knowl- audit, and congratulations edgeable about the individuals we on a job well done. serve, and responsive to their needs.

Peer Support The holiday season is with you. Sunlight is great medicine 9. Empathize with the individual if you here once again. It’s a and the company of others works are able, but don’t turn it around to time of being thankful wonders. be all about you and your loss. for everything we have, a time to be 3. Spend time with the individual. Allow 10. After everything has calmed down, if spent with family and them to feel their loss. Do not offer the loss is new, call the individual and friends, a time to cele- solutions or platitudes (e.g., things will let them know you are still here for brate the birth of be better). them. Christ, exchange gifts, and look forward to 4. Remember that loss of a loved one We are each other’s greatest support. the coming of a new year and new oppor- could also be a four-legged friend and Being in a caring profession, sometimes tunities. It is also, for some of us, a time not just the human kind. Loss is loss. we forget to take care of ourselves and of sadness, and perhaps even melancholy. those who work with us. Remember we It is a time to be there for our family and 5. Take the individual out for a meal, if cannot help the individuals we serve if we friends and let them know that we are possible. don’t take care of ourselves first. The there to support them. Holidays can be greatest gift we can give others is our- especially hard for those of us who have 6. Offer to do something for the individ- selves. We have all had a lot of lost loved ones and will be missing their ual (e.g. go to the store, pick up dry personal losses this year, but knowing presence at this year’s festivities. So what cleaning, etc.). that we are not alone will help us all get can we do to help the individuals we serve through. as well as our co-workers? 7. Give or send the individual a card to let them know you are thinking of So, enjoy the holidays, and if you should 1. Lend an ear or even a shoulder to cry them. see someone who looks like they can use on if it is needed. a friend, don’t hesitate to go up to them 8. Pray for the individual and perhaps and ask them how they are doing. 2. If the individual can go outside, ask with them. them if they’d like to go for a walk ~Sue Eller P A G E 19

Comments, Suggestions or Ideas? SHARE THEM! Please send any comments, suggestions, or ideas you have regarding the newsletter to the Office of the Director. Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute

Address: 340 Bagley Circle View the newsOR inat Marion, Virginia 24354 COL FULL Phone: 276-783-1200 http://swvmhi02:1337/ Fax: 276-783-9712 This Month’s Word Search Answer Key H T R U O F S S E R G N O C W M T L T A T I U I H M S R R D U P R G K A L R G A I L E N Y A E S N N T F A M I L Y L N W D I O L L P O O I A V A E A I C L I N Y I G V I E N F T T G E C I Y A E S S I C E L E B R A T I O N R K O F M N O F A P R O C L A I M E D H E E R H T C H R I S T M A S Please submit articles for the next newsletter to Cheryl Veselik by November 20, 2012. The next newsletter will be published December 1, 2012.