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MIDDLETOWN, NY (Apr. 8, 2024) — Garnet Health Doctors has increased its hospitalist team to 46 providers, who care for inpatients at Garnet Health Medical Center and Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills.

Hospitalists are board-certified internists and family practitioners whose core expertise is the care and safety of hospitalized patients. They work with other specialists to guide all major aspects of treatment during a patient’s hospital stay, from admission to discharge. 

Hospitalists at Garnet Health are experts in managing the complexities of inpatient care. They are adept at coordinating treatment plans, working with multidisciplinary teams and navigating the intricacies of the hospital environment.

“A hospitalist is a crucial member of a patient’s care team,” remarked Leroy Cordero Floyd III, MD, Garnet Health’s chief clinical transformation officer. “The addition of 12 hospitalists across our health system allows patients faster access to the same high-quality care. With more hospitalists on staff 24 hours every day, they are more easily accessible, ensuring all patients have the best possible experience in our hospitals.”

Hospitalists specialize in managing the day-to-day care of hospitalized patients. They facilitate collaboration and communication with all care team members within the hospital, respond to emergencies, are there when questions arise, and are a key component in preparing patients for discharge and their return to their primary care provider.

To learn more about Garnet Health’s hospitalist services, visit garnethealth.org/hospitalist-program. 

About Garnet Health 

Garnet Health is a New York State not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Middletown, New York, approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. It is the corporate parent of Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Urgent Care, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills. Garnet Health is dedicated to developing specialty services, medical programs and needed healthcare services that allow residents to remain close to home to receive quality care.

Providing healthcare to approximately 500,000 residents in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, Garnet Health was designed to improve the quality, stability and efficiency of healthcare services in the mid-Hudson and Catskills region. Garnet Health provides the services of more than 4,000 employed professionals and over 850 medical staff members. An academic affiliate of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Garnet Health retains compassionate professionals who continually strive toward the hospital’s mission to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional healthcare. To learn more about Garnet Health, visit garnethealth.org. 

On Monday, April 8 the Hudson Valley is due to witness something that won’t happen again for another 55 years: a near-total eclipse of the sun. At 2:10pm, the moon will gradually pass between the Earth and the sun, covering up to 94% of the sun in Orange and Sullivan counties.

While no doubt hundreds of thousands will be ready to look up and witness this rare occurrence, without the proper protection, viewing the eclipse could permanently damage your vision.

From our region, we won’t get to witness the “diamond ring” effect of a total eclipse (that “path of totality” will travel further to the north and west of us) but we will experience significant darkening during the day and a view of a thin, crescent sun.

But this darkening is exactly why you should have eye-protection when viewing the solar eclipse. 

The iris, the part of your eye that may be colored brown, blue, hazel, or green, expands or contracts to let light into your eye through the pupil. Normally, when you are trying to see in low-light conditions, the iris expands, your pupil gets larger (dilates), and more light can enter your eye.

When you experience bright light, the iris contracts, making your pupil smaller, and less light enters. If too much light enters your eye, it can actually burn and damage the sensor cells at the back of your eyes (on the retina), in the same way that focusing the sun on an object with a magnifying glass can burn things.

During a solar eclipse, the overall light in your surroundings will decrease, causing your iris to expand and your pupils to dilate, letting in more light. However, the small piece of the Sun that is still visible (that 6%-7% not covered) is so bright that it can still burn your retina, even if viewed for just a few seconds. That damage may permanently reduce your vision –– a condition called solar retinopathy.

It is critical for the safety of your vision to view the solar eclipse using a real and safe pair of solar eclipse glasses. For direct viewing of the sun, solar glasses or filters should be labeled with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Because some manufacturers fraudulently labeling their glasses, the American Astronomical Society has compiled a list of trusted manufacturers to use for ordering glasses.

Make sure to have your eye protection ready ahead of the eclipse, and keep the protection on for the duration of the eclipse. It’s also important that you monitor any children present, making sure they continue to wear eye protection throughout the eclipse. 

With these simple safety measures, the whole family can safely share and enjoy an (almost!) once in a lifetime experience! 

Download the PDF of the March 2024 Issue

The causes of obesity are complex, involving multiple factors beyond just food choices and physical activity. Access to healthy and affordable food, culinary skills and knowledge, poor sleep, genetics, and chronic stress are just a few other factors that play a role. Since 1975, the number of obese people has nearly tripled worldwide₁.

Some of these factors may be out of your control, like genetic makeup, but many of these behaviors can be worked on to improve your health, despite genetic predisposition. If you want to begin implementing healthier eating habits in your life, practicing mindfulness can be a simple, free, and effective place to start! It’s not about dieting or restricting – its all about slowing down, reflecting, and appreciating the food you are eating and thinking about how it is nourishing your body and mind.

Try these easy ways to incorporate mindful eating into your day:

1. Pause and Ponder – check in with yourself about your hunger level before you eat. What is driving you to eat and the food choice you are making? Are you feeling physical signs of genuine hunger, or are you eating out of boredom or sadness? Has it been too long since you last ate and you are now feeling ravenous and out of control seeking anything that is quick and easy to eat? You are more likely to consume excess calories when going too long without eating and getting to the point of being ravenous. 
2. Appreciate & Savor – take a moment to fully appreciate the food you are about to eat. How does it look and smell? Can you taste the different ingredients used in the preparation of the food? Enjoy the different colors and textures, appreciating the effort that went in to preparing the food (whether you made it or it was made by someone else), reflect on the nutrients in the food that are providing your body with what it needs to feel good and satiated, and feel grateful for the food that you are about to have.
3. Slow Down – this is a hard one for many people. Eating slower will help your brain keep up with your stomach, and allow time for those hormones to be released that make us feel full before overdoing it. Try setting your fork down in between bites, and chewing slowly and thoroughly. The more you chew your food, the less likely you will have digestive issues like bloating and gas as the grinding of the teeth and release of enzymes in the saliva is the beginning stages of digestion. 
4. Disconnect from Distractions – it’s hard to put all of these suggestions into practice if you are scrolling on your phone, driving, sending emails, or watching TV while you are eating.  Try to avoid these activities during meals to allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. 
5. Don’t Overdo It  - remember that hunger you were feeling before you started eating? As you are eating, check in with yourself to determine if you are still feeling true hunger, or are you feeling satisfied? If you are feeling satisfied, there is no reason to “clean the plate” if it means over eating and feeling uncomfortably full. You do not have to eat all of the food that is on your plate if you are full. Save any leftovers for another time. Food is supposed to give our bodies energy – if you feel tired and sluggish after eating, chances are you ate more than your body needed. Eating more calories than we burn is one of the main ways that weight is gained₂.

Putting all of these techniques together successfully takes time and practice. The more you do it, the more natural it will feel. Slowing down and being more mindful and present in the moment can also be applied to other areas of your life too.  Everyone is different, and having a conversation with a healthcare provider who specializes in weight loss can help you identify other lifestyle factors that may be making weight loss more difficult and recommend solutions. 

References:
1.    https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

2.    https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/obesity/conditioninfo/cause

3.    www.heart.org/healthyforgood
 

MIDDLETOWN, NY (Mar. 5, 2024) — Garnet Health is pleased to announce the promotion of Pamela Murphy, MD, MHA, FACEP, ABQAURP, to the new position of Garnet Health Chief Medical Officer (CMO). The roles of CMO at Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills and Garnet Health Medical Center have been consolidated into one systemwide position.

Dr. Murphy will oversee medical care provided at Garnet Health’s three hospital campuses—located in Callicoon, Harris and Middletown—and all hospital-based outpatient departments. She will also continue her executive leadership responsibilities in case management and continue to serve as the hospitals’ executive sponsor for the Medical Directors of Pediatrics, Trauma and Acute Surgery, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Critical Care Intensivist and Hospitalist services

“Dr. Murphy’s tenure with Garnet Health and recent role serving as CMO of Garnet Health Medical Center makes her well suited for this new enterprise position,” remarked Jonathan Schiller, president and CEO of Garnet Health. “I am confident she will lead our efforts to streamline efficiencies, maintain and enhance our highly skilled medical team, and ensure our patients receive the high-quality care they have come to expect at our hospitals and outpatient facilities.” 

Dr. Murphy joined Garnet Health in October 1993. She received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry/biology from California State University and her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn. Dr. Murphy is also a board-certified fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. She holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Mount Sinai Medical School in New York.

Dr. Murphy has held a variety of leadership positions in the region, most notably as the medical director of the Orange County Department of Health; Garnet Health physician advisor; director of Urgent Care Center and Emergency Services for Crystal Run; medical director of the Hudson Valley Regional EMS Council; and a vetted member of the New York State Emergency Medicine Advisory Committee to New York’s Governor, among many other posts and positions.

“I am extremely honored and excited to take on this systemwide position,” said Dr. Murphy. “While the needs of each patient we treat are unique, having and maintaining consistent standards for quality of care throughout our health system will only enhance our ability to provide the very best care and positive outcomes for all we are privileged to serve.”

For more information about career opportunities at Garnet Health, visit careers.garnethealth.org.

About Garnet Health 

Garnet Health is a New York State not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Middletown, New York, approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. It is the corporate parent of Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Urgent Care, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills. Garnet Health is dedicated to developing specialty services, medical programs and needed healthcare services that allow residents to remain close to home to receive quality care.

Providing healthcare to approximately 500,000 residents in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, Garnet Health was designed to improve the quality, stability and efficiency of healthcare services in the mid-Hudson and Catskills region. Garnet Health provides the services of more than 4,000 employed professionals and over 850 medical staff members. An academic affiliate of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Garnet Health retains compassionate professionals who continually strive toward the hospital’s mission to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional healthcare. To learn more about Garnet Health, visit garnethealth.org. 

Nurses are extraordinary. A great nurse possesses compassion, empathy, excellent communication skills, resilience, adaptability, attention to detail, clinical expertise, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Many nurses go one step further by earning and maintaining board certification in their specialty, the highest credentials they can receive. Becoming a certified nurse offers several advantages, including more job opportunities, higher earning potential, professional recognition and enhanced patient care skills. Additionally, certification demonstrates a nurse’s commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development in the field of nursing.

Certification can also enhance a nurse’s confidence in their skills and lead to improved patient outcomes by ensuring that they have the expertise needed to deliver high-quality care. It can also open doors to leadership roles, research opportunities and teaching positions within the healthcare field.

Becoming certified sets a nurse apart from others because it signifies that they have met specific competency standards. Employers often prioritize certified nurses because they have confidence in their skills, knowledge and dedication to providing the best possible patient care. 

March 19 is Certified Nurses Day. Garnet Health Medical Center is truly thankful and acknowledges all of our certified nurses, who have chosen to rise to a standard of excellence! And we encourage all nurses to advance their career by choosing certification.
 

To learn about the nursing opportunities available at Garnet Health, visit careers.garnethealth.org

Sleep. Everyone needs it—the mental and physical health benefits are widely reported. And yet it’s clear that so many don’t get enough of it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly a third of adults get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night.

Practicing good sleep hygiene can vastly improve the quality of your sleep, which in turn can improve your overall health and well-being. Good sleep hygiene refers to the set of habits and practices that promote better sleep quality and duration. The CDC offers these recommendations for better sleep.

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, can help regulate your circadian rhythms and promote better sleep.
• Create a relaxing sleep environment. Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, relaxing and dark.
• Eliminate electronics and screens. Remove electronic devices such as TVs, computers and smartphones from the bedroom.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake. Both can disrupt sleep patterns and should be consumed in moderation, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. Also try to avoid eating large meals before bedtime.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity during the day can make falling asleep easier at night.
• Manage stress. Stress and anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to calm your mind before bed.

But what if you have tried these tips and are still not getting a full and rested night’s sleep? The Center for Sleep Medicine at Garnet Health Medical Center—accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine—can help you rest easy. We can help determine the root cause of your sleep issues, for adults and children over the age of 2. Below are the most common sleep disorders we see.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders, affecting nearly 30 million Americans. But it often goes undiagnosed. OSA is characterized by paused or restricted breathing while sleeping, which affects oxygen levels in the blood and brain. It has been associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and heart attack.

While snoring is most often cited as a symptom, other warnings signs of OSA include daytime sleepiness, fatigue, headaches, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, restless sleep or waking up often, frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate during the night, and reduced focus during the day.

Treatment options for sleep apnea include CPAP therapy and oral appliances—and for those who qualify, surgery.

Insomnia

Insomnia is defined as having difficulty falling or remaining asleep. It can also mean waking up very early and not being able to fall back to sleep. There are several factors that can lead to insomnia. Doctors will work to determine the cause then prescribe the appropriate treatment, which can take the form of behavioral therapy and/or sleep aids.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder where, despite getting enough nighttime sleep, one becomes overwhelmingly sleepy during the day. Sudden muscle weakness can also occur, resulting in a “sleep attack,” where a person slumps over as they suddenly fall asleep. Narcolepsy episodes can happen anywhere and usually last for several minutes. 

People with narcolepsy can be at risk for accidents and injury, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Restless Legs Syndrome 

The time when you should feel most at ease and still can actually trigger restless legs syndrome (RLS). It can best be described as a tingling or painful crawling sensation up and down the legs while lying down, making it difficult to fall asleep. Many feel the need to move or kick to help alleviate the pain. There are various treatments for RLS, including dietary changes, exercise, medical devices and medication.

If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms of restless sleep, Garnet Health’s sleep specialists can help. Once your sleep-disorder symptoms are confirmed, we can develop a sleep study to aid in diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Don’t go another night with sleep issues. Visit garnethealth.org/sleepcenter or call Garnet Health Doctors at (845) 333-7575 today to make an appointment with a sleep medicine specialist.
 

In 2006, Luz Rosa was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and underwent a series of successful radiation treatments. However, in early 2023, she began experiencing constant burning pain and irritation in her cervix and lower abdomen. Because of the pain, Luz could not sit for more than a few minutes at a time, sleep through the night or drive long distances. Her ability to live her life and do something as simple as go out to dinner was impossible due to the constant pain. 

After almost a year of constant pain and several visits to her OBGYN with no relief, Luz was diagnosed with radiation cystitis, a late side effect of her prior radiation treatments. Her radiation oncologist, Dr. Thomas Eanelli, then referred her to the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at Garnet Health Medical Center where he and Dr. Inocencia Carrano, Medical Director of the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center, recommended hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy to repair her damaged tissue.

"HBO therapy is a safe, noninvasive treatment that can help repair tissue damaged from radiation,” explains Program Director Jessica Knowles. “It uses 100% pure oxygen under pressure to enhance the body’s ability to heal.”

When Luz first visited the center, she was anxious and felt hopeless that the pain would never go away. She also admitted to having some claustrophobia, but with the help and support of the center’s staff and HBO technician, she was able to become comfortable in the hyperbaric chamber. After 45 consistent treatments, Luz was pain free.

“Luz is one of the many patients that we are able to help everyday with HBO therapy,” says Dr. Carrano.  “The burning, bleeding and frequent urination is very debilitating and demoralizing. So many patients are discouraged that the radiation used to treat their cancer has resulted in yet another problem for them to deal with. The happiness and relief Luz felt after the successful treatment of her radiation cystitis is a victory that we celebrate with her and all our patients. That is what medicine is all about.”

“My healing journey was a life changing experience,” Luz exclaims. “I am so relieved and grateful to finally be pain free. The dedicated and experienced staff at the wound center gave me back my life.” Now, she can sleep, drive and play with her grandchildren again. Luz adds, “I want other people who have a condition like mine to know that there is hope and a treatment that can help them get their lives back.”

MIDDLETOWN, NY (Mar. 5, 2024) — Garnet Health is pleased to announce the promotion of Leroy Cordero Floyd III, MD, to the new position of chief clinical transformation officer (CCTO). In this role, Dr. Floyd will spearhead the enhancement of quality standards, ensuring that all aspects of patient care not just meet but exceed established benchmarks. Additionally, he will help propel next-generation clinical operating performance and innovation.

“As the healthcare landscape evolves, the role of chief clinical transformation officer becomes increasingly pivotal in driving short-term achievements and orchestrating long-term strategic enhancements,” remarked Jonathan Schiller, president and CEO of Garnet Health. “Dr. Floyd’s extensive tenure within our healthcare system uniquely positions him to lead us into the future, inspiring change and delivering optimal outcomes for patients and our organization.” 

Dr. Floyd joined Garnet Health Doctors in 2015 as a hospitalist and was promoted to medical director of the hospitalist program in 2019. Notably, in 2022, Dr. Floyd was named chief medical officer for Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills and executive sponsor to the graduate medical education program, in addition to his hospitalist responsibilities. He also currently serves as president of the medical staff for Garnet Health Medical Center. 

Dr. Floyd is a clinical faculty member within Garnet Health Medical Center’s internal medicine residency program and an adjunct clinical assistant professor of medicine at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. Board certified in internal medicine and a certified physician executive, Dr. Floyd received his Doctor of Medicine from Florida State University and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. 

“I am honored and eager to take on this new role at Garnet Health,” said Dr. Floyd. “Healthcare is moving and evolving at a fast pace. Working alongside an exemplary leadership team, I look forward to challenging all of us to think long-term, envisioning our future success while celebrating the incremental triumphs along the way.”
 
To learn more about Garnet Health, visit garnethealth.org.

About Garnet Health 

Garnet Health is a New York State not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Middletown, New York, approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. It is the corporate parent of Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Urgent Care, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills. Garnet Health is dedicated to developing specialty services, medical programs and needed healthcare services that allow residents to remain close to home to receive quality care.

Providing healthcare to approximately 500,000 residents in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, Garnet Health was designed to improve the quality, stability and efficiency of healthcare services in the mid-Hudson and Catskills region. Garnet Health provides the services of more than 4,000 employed professionals and over 850 medical staff members. An academic affiliate of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Garnet Health retains compassionate professionals who continually strive toward the hospital’s mission to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional healthcare. To learn more about Garnet Health, visit garnethealth.org.