Newspaper Page Text
PAGE 2B
Reporter
January 21,2009
Hospital welcomes new imaging technology
Monroe County Hospital
recently upgraded its radi
ology services by purchas
ing a new Siemens 16 slice
Computed Tomography
(CT) scanner, a portable
ultrasound unit, and a soft
ware upgrade for the exist
ing Siemens ultrasound
machine.
Today, CT is an indispen
sable tool in medicine. It
can be used to image all
parts of the body. CT can
assist in detecting and
diagnosing many types of
pathologies and diseases
including strokes, frac
tures, and cancer.
The results of computed
tomography allow physi
cians to diagnose certain
diseases early. Since dis
eases are treated more suc
cessfully when diagnosed
early, CT scans can help
save lives.
Today’s CT scanners offer
an optimal combination of
low radiation exposure and
short examination times
while maintaining excel
lent image quality.
Siemens CT scanners, for
example, come with a soft
ware package especially
designed to reduce radia
tion exposure.
Monroe County Hospital’s
previous CT scanner was a
4-slice scanner. By acquir
ing a 16- slice scanner,
Monroe County Hospital
has expanded their ability
to perform more types of
exams including examina
tions of small vessels
throughout the body. All
exams are acquired and
processed significantly
faster than before. Its
innovative design provides
optimal patient comfort by
eliminating the closed in
feeling which patients
sometimes associate with
CT scanning.
Ultrasound is an inex
pensive, diagnostic exam
using sound waves to pro
duce quality images of
breast pathology and of
vital organs including the
liver, heart, and great ves
sels without the use of
radiation. Most ultrasound
exams are non-invasive
and can be completed
quickly with little to no
discomfort for the patient.
The new, mobile ACU-
SON X150 ultrasound sys
tem blends superior
imaging with a com
pact design making it
ideal for use at a
patient’s bedside.
The entire system
has been designed to
make scanning more
comfortable and
exams less-time con
suming. This
machine will be used
to assist the physi
cians and aid them in
making a timely diag
nosis.
The current
Siemens ultrasound
unit received a high
performance software
upgrade. This
upgrade gives the
sonographer the abili
ty to use a wider range of
frequencies which allows
improved visualization of
deeper structures. The
enhanced software allows
for optimal image quality
especially on obese
patients, making the diag
nosis more accurate.
“The acquisition of the
new Siemens equipment
allows the hospital to
expand diagnostic services
With Mon
roe County
Hospital’s
new 16-
slice CT
scanner
are, from
left, Megan
Randall
R.T., Crys
tal Blair
R.T. and
Regilyn
Johnson
R.T.
to substantially more
patients in the area than
ever before,” said Megan
Randall, Director of
Radiology. “We are proud
to be able to offer our
patients the benefits of
new technology in a
patient friendly environ
ment without having to
travel outside of the com
munity.”
You Want the Best tor Your Pet-
So Do We A jy
Find help for nagging heel pain
There are many causes of heel pain
with the most common being a condi
tion medically known as plantar
fasciitis. Some of the more common
names of this condition are heel
bruise, stone bruise, and heel spur.
Approximately 10% of the patients
seen by a Podiatrist or foot doctor
have this painful condition. The
most common symptom of plantar
fasciitis is morning pain that may or
may not improve throughout the day
but usually returns after periods of
rest. The pain may range from a dull
ache to a sharp burning sensation.
The condition is aggravated by
wearing shoes that are too soft and
do not have enough arch support.
Weight may be an aggravating factor
but frequently occurs in people who
are at or below their ideal body
weight. It rarely occurs in people
under the age of 25.
A foot exam is necessary to confirm
the diagnosis and most often will
include an x-ray and a shoe evalua
tion along with a general medical
history.
Treatment is highly successful and
most often includes supportive shoes
with an added arch support, medica
tions on a short term basis, physical
therapy, and if those treatments do
not provide enough relief, then a sim
ple surgical procedure most often
will work. Overall success rate is
well over 95%.
If you feel that you may have this
or any other foot concerns, we are
more than happy to invite you in for
a consultation.
This article courtesy of Bruce A.
Pichler, D.P.M., Village Podiatry at
Monroe County Hospital. Phone is
478-475-9250.
We understand that your pet is an important part
of your family, because we feel the same way about
our own pets. That’s why we’re dedicated to putting
each pet, and every owner, at ease with the utmost
personal attention and compassionate care. We
strive to create a place of healing and warmth,
providing comprehensive veterinary care of the
highest quality, including complete medical,
surgical, dental, behavioral and nutritional services.
Our Services Include:
Boarding
We provide a caring home away from home while you’re
away, with complete boarding services for your pet.
Grooming
Our professional staff can gently groom your cat ordog
without the use of tranquilizers or drugs.
Microchipping
This safe, simple and permanent form
of pet identification helps lost pets be
identified and reunited with their families.
Pet Food
We offer great prices on a variety of prescription
and all-natural pet foods for your dog or cat.
Kevin D. Smith,
DVM
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