Oklahoma Heart Hospital donated a new SPARKY costume for the OKC Fire Department canine mascot at the Oklahoma City Council September 29^th meeting.

“SPARKY” is the spokesman for spreading the word of fire safety to children and adults in clubs, schools, organizations, and special interest groups.

Mayor Mick Cornett, Fire Chief Keith Bryant, Deputy Fire Chiefs thank Oklahoma Heart Hospital representatives Wendi Wilson, Oklahoma Heart Hospital South Campus Chief Operating Officer John Austin, and Carl Frownfelter R.N. for the donation of the Sparky costume.

"SPARKY" is wearing a red fire helmet with a clear plastic visor that swings up and over the helmet or can swing down to protect his eyes. The head is covered with a white plush fur with black spots, and also comes with a matching set of gloves.

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Oklahoma Heart Hospital South Campus

Reaches Construction Milestone

Hospital is Joint Venture of Four Area Hospitals

 OKLAHOMA CITY – Construction on the $98-million, 163,000 square-foot, all-digital, state-of-the-art Oklahoma Heart Hospital South Campus passed the 50% inspection conducted by the Oklahoma Health Department. Oklahoma Heart Hospital South is being built by a consortium of hospitals including  Oklahoma Heart Hospital North, Mercy Health Center, Midwest Regional Medical Center and Norman Regional Health System.

“Increased demand for heart care in Oklahoma has forced us to accelerate the pace of construction at the South Campus to meet our patient’s needs. Exterior walls are up and interior walls are taking shape. We are on track to complete construction in 2009 and begin caring for patients in January 2010,” said Dr. John Harvey, CEO/President Oklahoma Heart Hospital. 

The successful model of heart care delivery, as developed at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital North Campus, prompted physicians from four hospitals to come together to create a very similar hospital in the underserved south region of Oklahoma City.  Oklahoma Heart Hospital South Campus will be a 46 bed facility with the capability to expand to 62 beds. Three catheterization labs will be built with additional space planned for a fourth electro physiology lab.  There will be two operating rooms with expansion capability for a third OR as needed in the future.  The new hospital will have 10 ER beds and 15 day patient beds. 

“Oklahoma’s continued ranking among the worst states in the nation in heart disease stokes the demand for cardiovascular services.  The demand also prompted a $55 million dollar expansion project at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital North Campus to add 21 inpatient beds, 10 ER beds and 3 new catheterization labs,” continued Dr. Harvey.  

The Oklahoma Heart Hospital leads the nation in patient satisfaction as noted by the prestigious Press Ganey Summit Award, an award given to hospitals that maintain the 95^th percentile of patient satisfaction for three consecutive years.  The hospitals actual patient satisfaction rate is above the 99^th percentile level. In 2006, Oklahoma Heart Hospital achieved a 100% rating from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for delivering quality treatment to the highest number of cardiovascular patients.

February 6 is National Wear Red Day

Awareness of Women and Heart Disease

American Heart Association celebrates February as National Heart Month

Oklahoma Heart Hospital Hosts Oklahoma City Kickoff Celebration

The 2009 kickoff of the Go Red for Women Wear Red Day was held at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital featuring a unique display of red dresses and personal stories of survival from Oklahoma women who faced heart disease in a variety of ways.

The American Heart Association celebrates February as National Heart Month and on Friday, Feb. 6^th millions of women, men and children across America united in support of the Go Red for Women movement and take a stand against heart disease on “Wear Red Day.”  Go Red for Women is a nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion and power women have to band together and wipe out heart disease, by wearing red! 

More than 41 million American women are living with one or more types of cardiovascular disease, yet only one in five view heart disease as their greatest health threat. One in three women has cardiovascular disease, and every minute one woman dies as a result of this health threat. That’s why Go Red For Women, powered by the American Heart Association’s research, is educating and connecting millions of women of all ages in an effort to beat our No. 1 killer. 

“We have selected 10 incredible women who are beating the odds against heart disease to tell their amazing stories.  Some of these women are thriving with implantable devices that are still in the research phase, others were saved by heroic CPR, many have survived near death experiences with sudden heart attack and others are winning against the once hopeless disease of congestive heart failure,” notes Peggy Tipton R.N., Chief Operating Officer, Oklahoma Heart Hospital. 

Life sized photographs of these women (see attached bios) in red along with their red dresses will be on display in the Oklahoma Heart Hospital throughout the month of February.  In addition to Wear Red Day, Sunday, February 8, the American Heart Association will be celebrating Power Sunday, an outreach effort targeting faith-based organizations with the intent to provide education and resources on heart health to its members. To register for Go Red Sunday, visit www.americanheart.org/scagoredsunday.

About Go Red For Women

Since 2004, Go Red For Women has captured the energy, passion, and intelligence of women to work collectively to wipe our heart disease—the No. 1 killer of women.  Today we want millions of women across America to take heart disease personally.  Using the simple platform “Love Your Heart,” Go Red For Women engages these women—and the men who love them—to embrace the cause.  Healthcare providers, celebrities, and politicians also elevate the cause and spread the word about women and heart disease.  For more information about Go Red For Women, please call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278) or visit www.GoRedForWomen.org.  The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.

Heart disease and stroke are the greatest health threats to women of all ethnic backgrounds, but only 21 percent realize it. Consider these facts:

• Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women over age 20. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) kills about 460,000 women a year.

• While 1 in 30 American women die of breast cancer, almost 1 in 3 will die from cardiovascular disease.

• Cardiovascular disease causes approximately 1 death per minute among females in the U.S.

• 43 million American women are living with cardiovascular disease.

• Sixty-four percent of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.

• African-American and Mexican-American women have higher heart disease and stroke risk factors than white women of comparable socioeconomic status.

• Heart disease rates in post-menopausal women are two to three times higher than in pre-menopausal women of the same age.

Our Hearts. Our Choice.

2008-09 key messages

 CHOICES. We face them every day. Some choices aren’t important, while others are life changing. But what if the seemingly unimportant choices were the ones that mattered? Like choosing to take the stairs, not the elevator? Opting for baked instead of fried?

What if these choices influenced whether you were the one in every three women to die of heart disease this year?

Choosing to ignore your heart health might not seem life changing today, but women are dying of heart disease at the rate of almost one per minute. Luckily, this No. 1 killer is largely preventable. We simply have to choose to act.

Our Hearts, Our Choice. Beat Heart Disease at GoRedForWomen.org.

REASONS TO BELIEVE

• Heart disease is not just a man’s disease, which is why Go Red For Women is dedicated to building awareness of heart disease among women.
• Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women age 20 and over, but it is largely preventable.
• 1 in 3 women has some form of cardiovascular disease.
• Cardiovascular disease kills approximately 460,000 women each year, which is about one every minute
• More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer
• Only 1 in 5 women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat.
• Choosing to take care of our hearts can help us beat the No. 1 killer of women.
• Research shows that women who “Go Red” are more likely to make healthy choices.

For example:

• More than 40 percent have lost weight.
• More than half have increased their exercise.
• Six out of ten have changed their diets.
• 53 percent have checked their cholesterol levels.
• One third have investigated their family’s history of heart disease or talked to their doctors about their personal heart risks.

CHOOSE TO TAKE ACTION

• Heart disease kills one woman every minute, but we can change this statistic by making the right choices for our hearts.
• We can turn our personal choices into life-saving actions. Let’s choose to beat heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women, at GoRedForWomen.org.
• I choose not to be the 1 in 3 women to die of heart disease.
• I choose to beat heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women.
• I choose to empower myself with the facts.
• Visit GoRedForWomen.org and choose to take the Go Red Heart CheckUp to find out your 10-year risk of heart disease or stroke.
• Schedule a doctor’s appointment each year and get a complete blood screen. Visit GoRedForWomen.org and download “What to Know BEFORE Your Doctor Visit.”
• I choose to move, not sit. Visit GoRedForWomen.org and sign up for a FREE 12-week physical activity and nutrition program you can customize to fit your lifestyle.
• I choose to eat baked, not fried. Find cooking tips and flavorful recipes for you and your family in the Go Red For Women Recipe Collection cookbook available at ShopGoRed.org.
• I choose to breathe, not smoke. Find out how smoking increases your risk for heart disease at GoRedForWomen.org.
• I choose to inspire and connect.
• Share your story of the choices you have made to improve your well-being at GoRedForWomen.org.
• Visit GoRedForWomen.org to share your own story about the choices you made and the results you achieved.
• Encourage your family and friends to share their stories as well.
• I choose to show my support. Donate to Go Red For Women and help save a life today. Receive a red dress pin and wear it proudly to show your support!
• I choose to speak up, not remain silent. Support legislation that would improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and stroke in women at HeartForWomen.org.
• I choose to beat heart disease at GoRedForWomen.org. Whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more, reducing our cholesterol, or quitting smoking, we can turn our personal choices into life-saving actions with the resources at GoRedForWomen.org.
• Go Red For Women, powered by the American Heart Association’s research, educates and connects millions of women of all ages. GoRedForWomen.org is the No. 1 online destination where women can learn how to make heart-healthy choices every day.

 For complete coverage go: http://www.okheart.com/2008-heart-hero-award

 LEXINGTON MOTHER NAMED

2008 OKLAHOMA HEART HERO AFTER SAVING INFANT SON 

OSU Student, Ponca City Paramedic and Oklahoma City Principal

Honored as Finalists for Life-Saving Rescues

OKLAHOMA CITY—Oklahoma Heart Hospital has announced the winner of the third annual Oklahoma Heart Hero award – Lexington mother Audra Skaggs.  “Audra has the foresight to be prepared and the courage to put her fears aside to rescue her baby when he became unconscious and quit breathing. She is an example to others that ordinary people can become extraordinary in the face of potential tragedy,” noted Dr. John Harvey, CEO/President Oklahoma Heart Hospital. 

The purpose of the award is to honor those who are prepared to deal with a cardiovascular emergency, educate others how to become prepared, serve as an incentive for others to be trained in CPR and use of an AED and to have the confidence to get involved when circumstances are warranted.

“This year brought in the largest number of nominations in the three year history of the award, stories ranging from heroes who performed CPR on family members, strangers and friends in a variety of situations that sometimes put their lives as risk,” noted Dr. John Harvey, CEO/President Oklahoma Heart Hospital.  “The purpose of these awards are to recognize civilians and trained rescuers who stepped up to attempt to save a life.” 

2008 nominations came from all over the state. The winner is determined by the events of the rescue, whether they were a civilian or trained professional, the age of the victim, and any special circumstances.  Winners had to administer CPR or use an Automated External Defibrillator device as are found in malls, businesses and schools. 

Three finalists have been named and the winners were announced during a reception at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital on Thursday, August 28th.  The Oklahoma Heart Hospital is located at 4050 W. Memorial Road, just east of Mercy Health Center.

2008 Oklahoma Heart Hero - Winner: 

Audra Skaggs – Rescued Infant Son

On November 1^st Audra Skaggs was alone at home in Lexington with her 3-year-old child and 10 month-old baby Jhett.  Jhett had medical problems but no diagnosed heart problems.  That day Jhett stopped breathing and lost consciousness.  Audra knew CPR and quickly overcome the natural panic and fear of seeing her baby stop breathing, to begin the technique to revive him.   

He was airlifted to Children’s Hospital where they discovered the baby had a rare disease of the heart called left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy.  For two weeks he lay sedated and unconscious before making the long flight to Houston for a heart transplant.  One November 29^th – Jhett received his new heart – thanks to his mothers CPR training, quick thinking, and courage in crisis.

Finalist - Principal Mickey Wilson – Rescued Student:

Mickey Wilson, the Principal at Harvest Hills Elementary in Oklahoma City knew something was terribly wrong outside his office on November 20^th 2007. 10-year-old Casey Amend was slumped over a chair in cardiac arrest.  The whole office leaped into action – calling 911, clearing the area while Wilson began performing CPR on the boy.  The boy still was lifeless when paramedics arrived with an AED.. and still no response.  ER doctors finally restored a pulse, but the boy suffered massive strokes and lingered on a ventilator.  His family was told he was brain-dead.  An outpouring of prayers came for Casey.  The next 16 days he began steady improvement and two months later Casey was back at school – with no brain injury and no permanent damage.  He is still undergoing specialized rehabilitation in Texas – but there is such great hope thanks to this principal and his office team.

Finalist - Chelsea Dyer/Rick Baird – Rescued Stranger:

Chelsea Dyer was the senior mat maid for the Ponca City High School Wrestling team.  One of her jobs is to make sure the team always has an automatic external defibrillator on hand in case of an emergency. On December 15, 2007 in Kansas City 24 wrestling teams from across the country were competing.  Suddenly, a fan in the stands went down.  Rick Baird was watching his son wrestle on the Ponca City team when he saw the man go unconscious.  As an off-duty fireman, he quickly began CPR.  Chelsea saw the emergency unfold across the arena and immediately knew the AED was needed.  She rushed to retrieve the AED and get it to Baird – the man was saved. Ponca City was the only one of 24 teams that carried the life-saving device.  The Ponca City wrestling coach made the commitment to carry an AED every the team goes after an incident last year in which a Ponca City youth was saved at an Oklahoma State University wrestling camp because the OSU wrestling trainers were certified in CPR and the use of AED’s.  The OSU trainers were the winners of last years Oklahoma Heart Heroes – and now their efforts have led to another life saved. 

Giving Heart Award also awarded.  The 2008 “Oklahoma Giving Heart” award will be given to an organization whose collective actions and commitment to life-saving training techniques have saved lives this year and likely will again in the future.

Oklahoma Giving Heart Winner - Fillmore Elementary School:

Spring 2008,  the attendance secretary at Fillmore Elementary School in Oklahoma City Demetri Wooten was in the office when a student’s mother came into the office carrying her infant.  Moments later Demetri noticed panic in the mothers face and realized the baby was turning blue – not breathing.  The secretary immediately ran to the baby’s side and began CPR, by the time paramedics arrived two-month-old Lucero Montero was breathing again.  The baby wasn’t the first life saved this year at Fillmore Elementary. Months earlier another teacher performed the Heimlich Maneuver to save a students life. 

Oklahoma schools are required to train two people at each school in CPR – but Fillmore Elementary Principal Susan Martin says that isn’t nearly enough – she wants 100% of her staff trained in the life-saving technique.  That commitment is saving lives and setting an example for other Oklahoma schools, companies and organizations. 

Carl J. Rubenstein, MD was elected to serve as president-elect of the Southwest Lipid Association at the Association’s 2008 Scientific Forum held in Denver, Colorado, July 17-20. This meeting is the largest annual gathering of American lipidologists, healthcare professionals who work with metabolic disorders, cholesterol management, and cardiovascular disease and prevention, in the Southwest.

Dr. Rubenstein is currently serving as Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma. He is a partner in the Oklahoma Cardiovascular Associates group and Director of its Lipid-Atherosclerosis-Metabolic Program, and is on the Senior Staff of the Oklahoma Heart Hospital and Mercy Hospital. He joined the full time Cardiology faculty and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in 1972 , and switched to private practice in 1983. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and earned his MD from Duke University Medical School where he also did his traininig in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. He has been and continues to be involved in numerous clinical research studies.

Dr. Rubenstein was chosen for this honor by the Southwest Lipid Association (SWLA), which is a Chapter of the National Lipid Association (NLA), in recognition of his many professional achievements and his dedication to the NLA. He is a founding board member of SWLA , a 7-state region, and has helped grow the association since its establishment in 2006. He was the first physician in Oklahoma to be a Diplomate of the Americal Board of Clinical Lipidology. He is actively involved in patient care, with a fulltime practice, predominantly working in the area of lipid disorders and related, diseases, he contributes to numerous drug studies and clinical trials, has given many lectures on the subject of lipidology and is active in medical student teaching.

Congratulations to OHH doctors named Oklahoma's Top Doctors and featured in Oklahoma Magazine!

Congressman Boren was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District. At age 29, Dan became one of the youngest state legislators to serve in 2002.