Blog Posts in 2017

Lithotripsy - The Kidney Stone Solution

Lithotripsy is a procedure used to treat kidney stones that are too large to pass through the urinary tract. It works by sending focused ultrasound energy or shock waves directly to the stone. The shock waves breakup a large kidney stone so that it will pass through the urinary system. Lithotripsy lets people with certain types of kidney stones avoid surgery. When substances normally excreted ...

My Story: Cheryl Cook on Being Half the Size of Her Former Self

It’s been five and a half years since she underwent a surgical weightloss procedure at CVMC, and Cheryl Cook is not only excited about shedding more than 135 pounds, but she is also proud to be maintaining that healthy weight by enjoying a super active lifestyle that includes running, practicing yoga, going on amusement park rides with her grandchildren and encouraging others who are ...

The Good Samaritan's Closet

In order to provide quality care, it is important for Catawba Valley Medical Center to provide a safe discharge plan for every patient. Sometimes the discharge plan includes durable medical equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, shower chairs, nebulizers or oxygen. Most of our patients can obtain these items through insurance or private pay, but some patients do not have these ...

What the New Blood Pressure Guidelines Mean for You

Don’t be surprised at your next doctors visit if you’re now classified as having high blood pressure, even if you’ve never been identified as having it before. On November 13, 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) redefined high blood pressure (hbp) as a reading of at least 130/80. Resulting in an increase from 32% (under the ...

CVMC named one of the best stroke centers in America

Catawba Valley Medical Center Celebrates 50 Years!

It started as a controversial idea in 1962. Building a hospital to serve the needs of the most vulnerable citizens, a place where no one was turned away. Over the past 50 years, more than two million patients have graced the halls of this community hospital. And the great public debate spawned a respected medical center that has evolved into a leading institution with a single purpose…to ...

When Should You Get A Flu Shot?

While the timing of flu season is unpredictable, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone in your family who is 6 months of age and older get vaccinated by the end of October, if possible. Courtney Stump, a Physician Assistant with Catawba Valley Family Medicine – North Hickory explains, “It ...

Neva Harrow's Story: Finding Breast Cancer

For 20 years, Neva Harrow, 63 of Claremont, has been vigilant about getting a mammogram screening for breast cancer every July when the Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) Mobile Mammogram Unit comes to McCreary Modern, the furniture manufacturer where she works. “Almost every year we have had at least one female employee diagnosed with breast cancer after having a mammogram on the mobile ...

Eating Healthy and Shopping on a Budget

With rising prices and falling budgets, it’s challenging to bring home ingredients for balanced meals. But eating right doesn’t have to break the budget! Renee Greene, Wellness Dietitian at CVMC’s Health First Center says that eating healthy while saving money can be done in three easy steps: plan, purchase and prepare. Step 1: Plan- Decide on meals before you shop. Plan meals ...

CVMC Debuts New Mobile Mammography With 3D Technology

HICKORY, NC – AUGUST 29, 2017 – Catawba Valley Medical Center’s New Mobile Mammography unit will roll onto the road today to take advanced breast cancer screenings and awareness to patients in the five counties it serves in Western North Carolina. The new diagnostic center on wheels is equipped with both 2D and 3D imaging technology and is the first such unit available in the ...

Concussion Diagnostic Tool Makes ImPACT

HICKORY, NC – August 17 2017 – Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) has implemented a new tool for managing concussions in area schools where it provides certified athletic trainers, taking valuable measures to help prepare staff and students for concussion management. CVMC’s Director of Sports Medicine Marcus Osborne says, “CVMC saw a need and an opportunity to improve the ...

College Students Vulnerable to Meningitis Virus

Warning parents, your college students may consider moving back home for the rest of their freshman year after reading this. The American Medical Association (AMA) recently published a study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reporting that college freshmen living in dorms were more than seven times as likely to acquire the infection leading to meningitis than ...

Four Facts About Physiatrists

1. They take a hands-on approach. Physiatrists ( Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physicians ) are experts in diagnosing complex neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions through palpation, manual muscle testing and other physical exam techniques. 2. They’re all about function. Physiatrists utilize exercise prescriptions, injections, medications and assistive equipment to maximize ...

V-Go Device: Diabetes Game Changer

Diabetes is a major public health crisis. But no one needs to tell James Walker that. A lifelong Taylorsville resident, James Walker, 49, has been living with Type 2 diabetes now for over 20 years. At times he feels overwhelmed and defeated. But James says a new wearable device called a V-Go ® is helping him follow doctor’s orders and he calls it a “game changer”. James has ...

What You Need to Know About Psoriasis - Catawba Valley Medical Center

Some say that beauty is only skin deep, but many of us know that appearance speaks a lot especially during a first impression. Many women who have psoriasis say it does not just affect their skin, it also affects their quality of life. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, it can have a big social and psychological impact on daily life with 60% of sufferers reporting their skin disorder ...

Newcomers of Catawba Valley to Host CVMC Wellness Nurse

HICKORY — Sharon Smith, a wellness nurse, will talk about health issues facing seniors at the monthly meeting of Newcomers of Catawba Valley. Smith, RN, MSN, works at Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Health First program. She teaches CPR and first aid classes. Her presentation, to be held at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 9, will also advise participants what to do for a victim until EMTs arrive. ...

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Jessica Urzen Joins CVMC

HICKORY, NC – July 28 2017 – The Center for Rehabilitation at Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of physiatrist Jessica Urzen, DO to the position of Medical Director for Inpatient Rehabilitation. In this role, Dr. Urzen will address the needs of acute rehab patients and work with the center’s comprehensive team of therapists in helping ...

The ABC's of Managing Diabetes

Accepting a diabetes diagnosis can be difficult, especially when you must change previous habits and adapt your lifestyle. But there’s good news: millions of people live full, happy, active and healthy lives, even with diabetes. “If you have diabetes, no matter what type, it means you have too much glucose in your blood, although the causes may differ,” says Annette Crombie, CVMC ...

Sleeping Well As You Age

Getting a good night’s sleep may become more difficult as we age. According to the National Sleep Foundation, older adults experience at least four types of sleep disorders more frequently than younger people. These include: sleep apnea, a breathing disorder in which there can be loud snoring and breathing actually pauses repeatedly during sleep, causing an individual to wake up throughout ...

Tips for Eating Well as You Age

Eating well is a smart thing to do—no matter how old you are. But for seniors, the benefits of a healthy diet can be especially important. “Eating well gives your body the right nutrients to help keep you energized while preventing muscle and bone loss so you can remain active and independent as you age,” explains Renee Greene, Wellness Dietitian at CVMC’s Health First ...

5 Need-To-Know Tips for your First Trimester

A successful first trimester of pregnancy is crucial to health and well being of baby and mother. Though you may not being showing, your embryo is growing, its heart is pumping blood and most major organs and bodily systems have begun to develop. This early stage of development is the prime time to prepare yourself for a healthy, happy, low-stress pregnancy. Consider each of these tips as you ...

2017 WellBusiness Winners Announced

HICKORY, NC – June 29, 2017 – The WellBusiness Advisory Council announced 25 recipients of WellBusiness recognition during an awards luncheon held at Catawba Country Club on June 29. Now in its third year, the WellBusiness program recognizes local businesses for their efforts to improve employee health and wellness. To earn a WellBusiness designation, companies of all sizes ...

CVMC CFO David Boone to Retire

HICKORY, NC – June 27, 2017 – David Boone, Chief Financial Officer of Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) since 1984 announced that he will be retiring June 30. During his tenure, Boone contributed greatly to the success of the hospital and is a pillar in the community with involvement in organizations including the United Way, Catawba Valley Community College, PACE@Home, Rotary Club ...

Most Common Conditions Treated at Urgent Care

You cut your hand; you’ve got a stomach bug; you twisted your ankle and it seems to be getting worse. Should you make an appointment with your primary care physician? Go to the Emergency Room? Or visit urgent care? It’s all dependent upon the severity of the situation, of course. But if you find yourself needing medical attention after normal business hours, urgent care is typically ...

Treating Ear Infections in Children

Ear infections in children are often the result of a condition known as acute otitis media (AOM). The problem often begins when infections that cause sore throats, colds, or other respiratory problems spread from the nose or the throat up the eustachian tube. The infections can be viral or bacterial. The tube, which is designed to drain fluids from the middle ear, then gets blocked. The infection ...