MIDDLETOWN, NY (June 14, 2023) - Garnet Health Foundation is pleased to announce its 2nd annual Sporting Clays Tournament benefitting the Every Minute Counts campaign to renovate and expand the Garnet Health Medical Center Emergency Department.

Everyone from the beginner to advanced is invited to register for this exciting and fun sporting event taking place Friday, August 4 at Mid-Hudson Sporting Clays, 411 North Ohioville Road, New Paltz, New York. Registration opens at 9:00 am and the tournament begins at 10:00 am. The cost is $250 per shooter and includes 100 clays, golf cart, shells and lunch. Gun rentals and sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

Garnet Health Medical Center leads the region in access to state-of-the-art emergency care. This renovation will nearly double the size of the emergency department and increase the capacity to 85,000 patient visits annually. 

“We are excited to once again hold this fantastic event and fundraiser, and thank Mid-Hudson Sporting Clays for hosting the tournament at their beautiful Hudson Valley location,” said William Dauster, CFRE, Garnet Health Foundation President & Chief Philanthropy Officer. “The Every Minute Counts campaign is a commitment to our future, ensuring that the Garnet Health Medical Center Emergency Department will always be prepared to serve the needs of our community and provide everyone in our region the emergency experience they expect and deserve.” 

Those interested in participating in or sponsoring the Sporting Clays Tournament should reserve their space as soon as possible. For more information, visit garnethealth.org/sportingclays or call the foundation office at 845-333-2333. Learn more about the foundation at garnethealth.org/foundation. 

About the Garnet Health Foundation

The Garnet Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization whose sole purpose is to encourage philanthropic support for Garnet Health Medical Center. Funds raised through the foundation’s activities are used to acquire state-of-the-art medical equipment and support a wide range of healthcare programs for the community. The Garnet Health Foundation is a member of Garnet Health.

Download the PDF of the May 2023 Issue

Written By: Carley Salas MS, RDN, CDN

Edited by: Janet Klein, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES

Whether you have been overweight most of your life, or have gained weight over the years, it has most likely had a negative effect on your self-confidence. The way our society views overweight and obesity can be very damaging to one’s psyche. Fortunately, things are finally starting to change with clothing stores, commercials, movies, and magazine advertisements showing more inclusive body types that are a realistic representation of what the average person looks like. The body positive movement is helping spread awareness that your size does not determine your worth, your success, or your intelligence.

Conversely, just because you lose weight, does not automatically mean you will be radiating confidence. Having confidence takes time to develop, and is something that can take a little work. Following bariatric surgery, patients experience rapid weight loss of anywhere from 60-100+ lbs. This transformation can occur within 12-18 months after surgery, depending on a person’s physical activity level, age, and medical conditions. Sometimes the way a person perceives themselves needs time to catch up with the way their new body looks. The way you see your body is not always a correct representation of what you actually look like to others. Having positive body image is key when it comes to overall happiness, psychological health, and having self-esteem.

Here’s a couple tips to help you feel confident in your new body!

Surround Yourself with Positive People

It’s important to spend time with people that give you energy, rather than take it from you. Spend time with friends/family that help you see the positive side of things, instead of those that like to complain or think negatively all the time. If you are active on social media, seek out people that promote body positivity to help you gain confidence in yourself, and know that you are more than just your appearance. Surround yourself with people that will be your biggest cheerleaders to help support you after surgery. 

Do your best to ignore any negative commentary about bariatric surgery coming from people who you have no choice but to encounter; i.e., work cohorts.  Ignorance and/or jealously can be fueling their negative energy towards you.  Rise above it and show them that they cannot defeat you. Either ignore their comments, or use it as an opportunity to shine a positive light on the benefits you have experienced since having the procedure.

Don’t Compare

Sometimes negative self-talk and poor body image stems from comparing ourselves to others. Unplug from social media and stop scanning the internet for pre- and post-surgery photos to compare yourself to! Everyone is unique and on a different journey towards health. Compare yourself to you and no one else – it is not a race to see who loses weight the fastest. We all want those results quickly, but faster is not always better. Think about where you started vs. where you are now, and how far you have come. 

Practice Positive Self-Talk

It is completely normal to have days where you feel confident about yourself, and days where you don’t. If you find yourself picking apart every flaw you think you have, recognize it and then stop! Instead, focus on your positive qualities and the things you love about yourself! Maybe you love your hair or the color of your eyes, etc. Forcing yourself to acknowledge and say something positive about your body will begin to break the habit of negative self-talk, and eventually get you to a point where you celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you on a daily basis, instead of tearing it down. 

Wear Clothes that Make you Feel Good

Clothes are meant to fit your body, not the other way around! Don’t stress about the size on the tag, just wear what makes you feel your best. Don’t buy clothing that is too small with the hope of fitting into it, no one needs that kind of added pressure.  When it comes to women’s clothing, the sizing is extremely inconsistent from store to store, and brand to brand.  Sometimes even within the same brand a certain size may fit you in one style and not the other. No one is going to know what size you are wearing, but they will notice how good you look wearing it with confidence. Don’t let the size make you feel negatively about yourself.  Buy clothes that fit you well and make you feel good! 

Wear comfortable clothes when exercising that provide support for your workouts.  Just relax and enjoy exercising without criticizing your appearance.  It will take time for you to see results and embrace the new you. Remember that no one is staring at you in the gym, everyone is there because they want to better themselves and are not focused on what others are doing. 

As you’re working to build up confidence after weight loss surgery, it’s important to be patient with yourself. You may be working to undo years of negative self-talk and that is going to take time. It can be easy to focus on the negatives after surgery like having loose skin, but I encourage you to spend time reflecting on how far you have come, and all the things you are able to do and experience with family and friends now that you could not do before surgery, and be proud of your accomplishments! 
 

HARRIS, NY (May 26, 2023) - Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills is pleased to announce that it has received certification as a Primary Stroke Center from DNV, a global independent certification, assurance and risk management provider. This certification affirms the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related diagnosis and treatments.  

“This certification lets our community know we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care,” says Jerry Dunlavey, Interim President and CEO, Garnet Health. “It’s a combination of the right equipment and highly experienced personnel, who are trained to quickly assess and treat strokes. Achieving certification validates all the effort we have put into this program to ensure the health and safety of our patients.”

The DNV Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms that Garnet Health addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. 

"We can proudly say both of our hospitals, Garnet Health Medical Center and Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills are fully certified as primary stroke centers,” said Dunlavey. “We understand that reducing strokes in Orange and Sullivan counties means providing advanced, evidence-based diagnosis and treatment for stroke. Both our Harris and Middletown Campus facilities are nationally recognized for our excellence and for performing at the highest level.”

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death, killing nearly 130,000 people each year, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Because stroke or “brain attack” effects blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and provide the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.

For more information, visit garnethealth.org/stroke  
 

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 450,000 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 Catskill region. Garnet Health provides services by 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

About DNV

DNV is a global independent certification, assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise, DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks, and drives innovative solutions. 
Whether certifying a company’s management system or products, accrediting hospitals, providing training, assessing supply chains or digital assets, DNV enables customers and stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence, continually improve and realize long-term strategic goals sustainably. 

DNV draws on its wide technical and industry expertise to help companies worldwide build consumer and stakeholder trust. Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV helps tackle the challenges and global transformations facing its customers and the world today and is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.

For more information about DNV, visit dnv.us
 

MIDDLETOWN, NY (May 23, 2023) - Garnet Health Medical Center is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicole Sewell, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CCRN, NE-BC to Chief Nursing Officer & Vice President of Patient Care Services. Sewell has been serving as interim in this position since August 2022.

“It is a true testament to Ms. Sewell’s superior leadership skills, her extensive experience, and her deep commitment to serving the needs of our patients and families, as well as the entire community, that we can seamlessly transition her to this position permanently,” said Jerry Dunlavey, Interim President & CEO, Garnet Health.

“Nicole is beloved by patients and staff alike, and we value her dedication to Garnet Health and its mission.”

Throughout her tenure at Garnet Health, Sewell has held several nursing leadership positions and has been instrumental in many projects, most notably establishing the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) in collaboration with Nursing Professional Development, frontline staff and the ICU medical leadership team. 

She has served as Secretary and Chair of the Nursing Leadership Advisory Council, Chair of the Garnet Health Community Committee and has led projects such as Nurse Leader Mentorship, Food Insecurity, and assisted in the implementation of the Garnet Health Medical Center Nursing Assistant Program. Sewell is also an adjunct Nursing Instructor for Orange County Community College and is pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Sewell started her career at Arden Hill Hospital in 1990 as a registered nurse. She has more than 30 years combined experience caring for patients in many areas such as medical-surgical, oncology, progressive care and critical care. She holds a Master's Degree in Nursing Administration and earned certifications in Med-Surg (CMSRN), Critical Care (CCRN) and Nurse Executive (NE-BC).
 

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. 
 

HARRIS, NY (May 19, 2023) - Garnet Health Foundation - Catskills is pleased to announce their 44th Annual Golf Classic, scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at a new location, Tarry Brae Golf Course, 387 Pleasant Valley Road, South Fallsburg, New York.

Always an exceptional player experience, this much-anticipated event benefits the Patient Experience Fund at Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills. Through fundraising, the Patient Experience program is creating a sustainable fund to help patients and their families at a vulnerable time by tending to their basic material needs, allowing them to concentrate on healing and wellness.

"While healthcare is perpetually changing, one thing that will never change is Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills' commitment to providing the very best care," said Robert Ernst, President, Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills. "We are fortunate to have the support of a generous philanthropic community that enables our staff to treat the whole patient by providing high-quality healthcare and an exceptional patient experience."

The 44th Annual Golf Classic will begin with a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m. Cost is $200 per player and includes greens fee, golf cart, a light breakfast, lunch, refreshments and a reception.

Those interested in participating in or sponsoring the 44th Annual Golf Classic should reserve their space as soon as possible. For more information, visit garnethealth.org/catskillsgolfclassic or call (845) 333-8962.

About the Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills

The Garnet Health Foundation - Catskills is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization whose sole purpose is to encourage philanthropic support for Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills. Funds raised through the foundation’s activities are used to acquire state-of-the-art medical equipment and support a wide range of healthcare programs for the community. Garnet Health Foundation - Catskills is a member of Garnet Health.
 

Download the PDF of the April 2023 Issue

As we pull ourselves out of winter hibernation, it’s beautiful to see the trees blooming, flowers blossoming and fresh grass growing. For many, it feels great to get outside and breathe in the fresh, cool spring air—unless you have seasonal allergies or asthma. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 81 million people in the United States were diagnosed with seasonal allergies in 2021. Symptoms are usually mild and can include:

• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes, nose and throat
• Clear runny nose
• Postnasal drip (drainage in the throat)
• Coughing

Allergies and Asthma

When you have an allergy, it occurs because the body reacts to something benign, like pollen, as though it were an enemy. While the immune system fights off the perceived threat, a chemical called histamine is released, which causes the allergic reactions in the eyes, nose, throat, skin and lungs. When those reactions hit the lungs, it can cause coughing, wheezing and trouble breathing.

For those who also suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies can be a trigger to more breathing problems. At Garnet Health Doctors, our pulmonology specialists see many patients at this time of year, as their allergies or asthma (or both) can make it difficult to breathe. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Get a proper diagnosis. A clinical exam can help pinpoint what triggers your allergies and/or asthma, so proper treatment can be given.
• Proper treatment. Once you understand what is causing your symptoms, proper treatment can be prescribed. Medications are available for both allergies and asthma, along with immunotherapy, which helps train the body to handle allergens better. A proper diagnosis can determine if this is an option for you.
• Avoid triggers. That may be much easier said than done, but once you understand what causes your symptoms, working to avoid them can help limit exposure. The AAFA has a healthy home checklist that can help you identify and reduce triggers inside your home. Allergy testing can help determine what triggers your reaction.  
• Have an asthma action plan. Your doctor can work with you to make sure you have an asthma action plan that ensures everyone knows how your asthma—or your family member’s—should be treated.

Other Breathing Problems

Sometimes our breathing troubles are not related to allergies or asthma. Witnessing someone with breathing trouble can be scary, and if it occurs, you need to get to an emergency department or call 9-1-1 right away. At Garnet Health Doctors, our pulmonologists see and treat a variety of lung-related problems, from mild cases of allergies to very serious lung diseases. A doctor can evaluate you when you are experiencing breathing issues, diagnose potentially serious conditions and have them treated faster for better outcomes. Pulmonologists can also provide you with medicine and resources to be used in case of emergency, decreasing the need for emergency department or urgent care visits.

If you are dealing with a chronic cough, shortness of breath or disrupted sleep, or if you want help to quit smoking, make an appointment with a pulmonologist right away. Here are some conditions that can cause breathing issues:

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Lung infections and pneumonia
• Lung cancer
• Environmentally triggered lung diseases
• Long-COVID symptoms
• Pulmonary hypertension—a serious condition where there is very high pressure in the blood vessels between the lungs and heart.
• Sarcoidosis—a rare disease that causes clumps of inflamed tissue to form in different part of the body, including the lungs.

To make an appointment with a Garnet Health Doctors pulmonology specialist in Harris, New York, call (845) 333-8909, and in Middletown, New York, call (845) 333-7575.

HARRIS, NY (May 4, 2023) - Garnet Health Foundation - Catskills is pleased to announce a Fly Fishing Clinic to benefit Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills. The event will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023 (rain or shine), at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum, 1301 Old Route 17, Livingston, New York.

The cost is $50 per person and includes instruction for fly rod casting, fly tying, fly fishing fundamentals, a bamboo fly rod handcrafting studio and museum tour, and a 1-year membership to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum (valued at $40).  Additionally, lunch will be provided and will include spirits, music, and a message from Garnet Health leaders. 

"We are so grateful to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum for allowing us the opportunity to bring the community together in a unique way and for a great cause," said Jerry Dunlavey, Interim President & CEO for Garnet Health. "We anticipate a fantastic day and encourage community members to join this interactive, educational and enjoyable afternoon. All proceeds will benefit Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills and the incredible work we do here in Sullivan County."

Sponsorships are available. For more information and to register, visit garnethealth.org/flyfishing

About the Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills

The Garnet Health Foundation - Catskills is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization whose sole purpose is to encourage philanthropic support for Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills. Funds raised through the foundation’s activities are used to acquire state-of-the-art medical equipment and support a wide range of healthcare programs for the community. Garnet Health Foundation - Catskills is a member of Garnet Health.
 

Download PDF of Garnet Health Foundation Newsletter