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Study finds average weight gains of 1.5 pounds a month during pandemic PALMER – As we begin enjoying the long days of our Alaskan summer and more of our community sheds its COVID cocoon, a local physician is encouraging patients to take action to shed the extra pounds they may have added over the past year of the pandemic. Austin Bills, D.O., a primary care physician with Mat-Su Medical Group, says it’s a great time to get back on track with healthy habits and lose that extra weight. “Many of the activi... ... Read More

Stay on schedule with a full night’s sleep for your best physical and mental health PALMER – We’ve all experienced the tiredness and lack of clarity that comes from a sleepless night, but a study published last year by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Foundation found that sleep schedule inconsistency is also a risk factor for heart disease. Rodney Badger, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Mat-Su Heart, is making sure patients know how important it is to establish a regular patter... ... Read More

PALMER – Mat-Su Regional Medical Center earned an ‘A’ for quality on its spring report card from the Leapfrog Group, a national organization that monitors and measures patient safety at hospitals. The 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, released April 29, rates hospitals on how well they protect patients from errors, injuries, accidents and infections, and assigns a grade – from A through F – to hospitals across the country. Ratings are based exclusively on hospitals’ prevention of medical errors and o... ... Read More

PALMER – The thought of having surgery for a nagging injury or lingering pain can make some people uneasy. While the temptation to delay care – especially during a pandemic – may be strong, experts continue to stress the importance of not procrastinating when it comes to medical needs. Delaying surgery for any length of time can result in complications that produce long-term health issues, according Charles Haggerty, M.D. “Patients can put themselves at greater risk for an adverse outcome when they put ... ... Read More

PALMER – Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is exciting and a little frightening, even in the best of times. Giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the childbirth experience, adding another layer of anxiety and altering the birth plans of most expectant moms. While the added stress the pandemic has induced is understandable, experts encourage pregnant women to not neglect prenatal and postnatal care. “Prenatal care is crucial and getting early, regular prenatal care can help mothers... ... Read More

Pay attention to the warning signs and don’t let the pandemic stop you PALMER – From face covers to physical distancing and temperature checks, we’ve made a lot of changes to protect our health during the pandemic. One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the need to take quick action when we see signs of a heart attack or a stroke. Life-threatening blockages and arrhythmias need timely treatment to support the best possible outcome. Waiting to get help can increase damage to the heart or brain. “When ... ... Read More

By Katie Stark PALMER – Mat-Su Regional Medical Center celebrated two extraordinary nurses who were nominated for the Daisy Award for the exceptional care they provided patients and their patients’ families. Kayla James, RN, from the Intensive Care Unit, and Rebecca Rathbun, RN, from the Family Birthing Center, were both honored May 28. James was nominated for her work in caring for an organ donor patient and family, and Rathbun for how she cared for a patient during her first moments as a mother. The D... ... Read More

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center has earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines - Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on the latest scientific evidence. Healthcare facilities receive the award for meeting quality measures in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of med... ... Read More

PALMER – Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is home to the only Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber in the state of Alaska – a fact that quite possibly saved Palmer resident Janette Melton’s entire foot after she injured it in a minor accident last May. After 40 treatments of hyperbaric therapy, Melton, 85, has been declared out of the woods by her doctor and is on her way back to participating in her favorite outdoor activities, including walking, hiking and golfing. “I would like to see more awareness of the hyperb... ... Read More

The founder of the world-wide program known as Project SEARCH visited Mat-Su Regional Medical Center last month to present to staff the latest on the educational and professional advancement internship for people with developmental disabilities. Mat-Su Regional was the first organization in the state to partner with Project SEARCH to develop a skills-based, immersion education program for disability-challenged young adults. The program is fully integrated in the hospital’s daily operations. Mat-Su launc... ... Read More