Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the U.S, but when this cancer is found and treated early, the chances of a full recovery are even better.

Screening is even more important if you have risk factors for this cancer.

Touro Gastroenterologist Dr. Virendra Joshi discusses colorectal cancer, its risk factors, and screening options.

If you or someone you know needs a primary care provider, you can visit touro.com/findadoc or call 504.897.7777

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Colorectal cancer usually starts in the cells that form the colon and rectum. It’s one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the U.S. But when this cancer is found and treated early, when it’s still small and hasn’t spread, the chances of a full recovery are very good. Because colorectal cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages, screening for the disease is very important. Screening is even more important if you have risk factors for this cancer. Learn more about colorectal cancer, its risk factors, and screening options. Then talk with your healthcare provider to decide what’s best for you.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer

Everyone is potentially at risk for colon cancer, but your risk of having colorectal cancer increases if you:

• Are 45 years of age or older, but it can start in people younger than 45
• Have a family history or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Are African American or of Eastern European Jewish descent (Ashkenazic)
• Have type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
• Have an inherited genetic syndrome like Lynch syndrome (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Are overweight
• Are not physically active
• Smoke
• Drink a lot of alcohol (more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women)
• Eat a lot of red or processed meat

The colon and rectum

The colon and rectum are part of your digestive system. Food goes from your stomach, through your small intestine, then into your colon. As it travels through the colon, water is removed and the waste that is left (stool) becomes more solid. The muscles of your intestines push the stool toward the sigmoid colon. This is the last part of the colon. The stool then moves into the rectum. It’s stored there until it’s ready to leave your body during a bowel movement.

How colorectal cancer starts

Polyps are growths, similar to warts on your skin, that form on the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Most are benign, which means they aren’t cancer. But over time, some polyp types can become cancer. This happens when cells in these polyps start to grow out of control. In time, the cancer cells can spread to more of the colon and rectum or to nearby organs or lymph nodes, and even to other parts of the body, like the liver or lungs. Finding and removing polyps before they become cancer can prevent cancer from starting.

Colorectal cancer screening

Screening means looking for a health problem before you have symptoms. Screening for colorectal cancer starts with:

• Your health history. Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and possible cancer risk factors. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a family member who has had colorectal cancer or polyps. Also mention any health problems you have had in the past.
• Physical exam, including a digital rectal exam (DRE). A DRE might be done as part of your physical exam. To do it, your healthcare provider puts a lubricated gloved finger into your rectum. He or she checks for any lumps or changes that could be cancer. This doesn’t hurt and takes less than a minute. DRE alone is not enough to screen for colorectal cancer. You’ll also need one of the tests listed below. This is the same examination needed to check prostate health.

Screening test choices

Screening advice varies among expert groups. Many suggest that people at average risk for colorectal cancer start routine screening at age 50. But the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends starting screening at age 45. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what’s best for you. It’s also important to check with your health insurance provider.

Below are the most commonly used colorectal cancer screening tests. How often you should be screened depends on your risk and the test that you and your healthcare provider choose. If you have a family history of colon cancer or are at high risk for other reasons, you may need to have screening earlier and more often.

Stool testing

Stool tests are designed to find colon cancer in earlier stages. If your stool test comes back positive, you will need a colonoscopy.

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) (every year)

These tests check for blood in stool that you can’t see (hidden or occult blood). Hidden blood may be a sign of colon polyps or cancer. A small sample of stool is sent to a lab where it’s tested for blood. Most often, you collect this sample at home using a kit your healthcare provider gives you. Make sure you know what to do and follow the instructions carefully. For instance, you might need to not eat certain foods and not take certain medicines before collecting stool for this test.

Stool DNA test (every 3 years)

This test looks for cells in your stool that have changed DNA in them as well as looking for hidden blood. These DNA changes might be signs of cancer or polyps. For this test, you collect an entire bowel movement. This is done using a special container that’s put in the toilet. The kit has instructions on how to collect, prepare, and send your stool. It goes to a lab for testing.

Visual exams

Visual exams help identify malignant and pre-malignant lesions (polyp) and offers removal of the pre-malignant lesions to prevent colon cancer.

Colonoscopy (every 10 years)

This test allows your healthcare provider to find and remove polyps anywhere in your colon or rectum as well as diagnose cancer.

A day or 2 before the test, you’ll do a bowel prep. This is a liquid diet plus a strong laxative solution. The bowel prep cleans out your colon so the lining can be seen during the test. You’ll be given instructions on how to do the prep.

During the test, you’re completely asleep. Then the healthcare provider gently puts a long, flexible, lighted tube (called a colonoscope) into your rectum. The scope is guided through your entire colon. The provider looks at images of the inside of your colon on a video screen. Any polyps seen are removed and sent to a lab for testing. If a polyp can’t be removed, a small piece of it is taken out for testing. If the tests show it might be cancer, the polyp might be removed later during surgery.

You’ll need to bring someone with you to drive you home after this test.

Colonoscopy is the only screening test that lets your healthcare provider see your entire colon and rectum. This test also lets your healthcare provider remove any pieces of tissue that need to be checked for cancer.

If something suspicious is found using any other colorectal cancer screening tests, you will likely need a colonoscopy.

Sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years)

This test is a lot like a colonoscopy. But it focuses only on the sigmoid colon and rectum. (The sigmoid colon is the last 2 feet or so that connects to your rectum. The entire colon is about 5 feet long.) As with a colonoscopy, bowel prep must be done before this test, but the prep consists of only an enema.

You are awake during the test. But you might be given medicine to help you relax. During the test, the healthcare provider guides a thin, flexible, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope through your rectum and lower colon. The images are displayed on a video screen. Polyps can be removed and sent to a lab for testing. During this procedure, the rest of the colon is NOT seen and the test will be combined with yearly tests of stool for hidden blood.

Talking with your healthcare provider

Talk with your healthcare provider about which screening tests might be best for you. Each one has pros and cons. But no matter which test you choose, the most important thing is that you get screened. Keep in mind that if cancer is found at an early stage during screening, it’s easier to treat and treatment is more likely to work well. Cancer can even be prevented with routine screening tests.

Note: If you choose a screening test other than a colonoscopy and have an abnormal test result, you’ll need to follow-up with a colonoscopy. This would not be considered a screening colonoscopy, so deductibles and co-pays may apply. Check with your health insurance provider so you know what to expect.

Know your risk: You may need to be screened using a different schedule if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. A different schedule might also be needed if you have polyps or certain inherited conditions. These include familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, HNPCC), or inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. Talk with your provider about your health history to decide on the colorectal cancer screening plan that’s best for you.

Dr. Christopher Barrillieaux specializes in Gastroenterology at Touro. After earning his medical degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA, he completed residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX.

After 10 years of active duty in the US Army at Ft. Sam Houston, TX; Dr. Barrilleaux received an honorable discharge from the Army at the rank of Major and returned to his hometown of New Orleans to practice medicine. Upon return to New Orleans, he has practiced in several clinical settings, including multi-specialty and single specialty groups

In addition to a general Gastroenterology practice, Dr. Barrilleaux has particular interests in liver diseases, including Hepatitis C, digestive diseases (esophageal reflux, ulcer disease, diarrhea, etc.), biliary diseases, pancreatic diseases, endoscopic mucosal resection for removal of advanced gut lesions and endoscopic ultrasound evaluation.

Interests outside of medicine include photography, travel, hunting and appreciating his children and grandchildren.

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I tell my patients all the time: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to cancer, an ounce of prevention can be lifesaving.

Preventing Cancer

Many types of cancers are linked to lifestyle. Some of the most common cancers such as lung cancer and colon cancer have clear lifestyle-related risk factors. Some cancers that can be hard to treat, such as pancreas cancer, have lifestyle-related risk factors where a healthy lifestyle can help reduce risk.

Healthy lifestyle choices can help lower your risk for cancer and many other diseases. They can also improve your overall health.

Stop smoking

By now everyone knows that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer. What many people don’t realize, however, is that smoking is related to many other forms of cancer as well, including cancer of the mouth and throat, stomach cancer, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer, to name a few.

• Talk with your healthcare provider about aids for quitting. This can include nicotine patches and some prescription medicines.
• Get help from ex-smokers.
• Create a plan for quitting.
• Pick a quit date and stick to it.
• Get help and more information from Smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Stay at a healthy weight

Overweight and obesity are significant risk factors for as many as 13 different cancers, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and pancreas cancer. Even a modest reduction in weight can help reduce cancer risk.

• Talk with your healthcare provider for help if you need to lose weight. Losing even a little weight is good for you.
• Once you’re at a healthy weight, take steps to maintain it.

Keep active

Physical activity is a great way to improve overall health and maintain healthy body weight. But even people who are not overweight benefit from physical activity. Lack of physical activity is itself a risk factor for cancer, even in people who are otherwise healthy. A sedentary lifestyle has been associated with increased risks for lung cancer, endometrial cancer, and colon cancer.

• Get regular physical activity.
• Take walks, garden, or do other activities you enjoy each day.
• Do errands on foot or bike, not by car.
• Join a walking or biking club.
• Limit the time you spend sitting to do things. This includes watching TV, playing video games, or using a computer.

Eat a healthy diet

It is impossible to overstate how important our diet is to our health. A healthy diet is the first line of defense against many health problems. Diet impacts risk for cancer in countless ways, well beyond the association between obesity and cancer.

Processed and chargrilled meats have been linked to increased cancer risks, particularly of the colon and rectum. Emerging evidence suggests that any amount of alcohol consumption is a risk to health. Even modest alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cancer, and increased alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, and liver cancers. Many are surprised to learn there is also an increase in female breast cancer associated with alcohol consumption! 

• Eat fewer red meats and processed meats.
• Eat at least 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily, especially leafy greens.
• Eat more whole grains instead of refined grain foods.
• Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day if you’re a man and 1 drink a day if you’re a woman.
• Limit high-calorie foods and drinks.
• Read food labels to be more aware of calories and portion sizes.

Protect yourself from hazards

Environmental exposures account for many hidden risks of cancer. Squamous cell skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and while it is frequently very easy to treat, it can be often be avoided altogether with sun exposure precautions. Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, is associated with sun exposure as well. Reducing sun exposure is important in protecting yourself from skin cancers. 

• When outside during the day, use sunscreen that has a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or greater.
• When out in sunlight, wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Seek shade in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.
• Be aware of all hazardous products at work or in your home.
• When working with hazardous products, wear protective clothing

Talk with your healthcare provider about cancer screenings

Regular screening can help prevent some types of cancer such as cervical and colorectal cancer. Regular screening for these types of cancer can find and remove abnormal areas before they become cancer. For some other types of cancer, screening may help find cancer early, when it’s small. This is when treatment is most likely to be work better. Here are some ways you can screen for certain types of cancers:

• Breast cancer. Breast self-awareness, self-exams, and mammograms.
• Skin cancer. Self-exam, professional exam, a biopsy of any changes that might be cancer.
• Cervical cancer. Pap test and HPV tests.
• Colorectal cancer. Screening for blood or DNA in stool, and colonoscopy or other tests to look inside the colon.
• Prostate cancer. PSA blood test with or without a digital rectal exam.
• Testicular cancer. Self-exam and professional exams.
• Lung cancer. Annual low-dose CT scan (for current or past smokers) based on guidelines by the American Cancer Society.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your family history and your cancer risk. Together you can decide on the cancer screening plan that’s best for you.

Learn more about Touro’s Cancer Care at touro.com/cancer.

Dr. Thomas Atkinson earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. He then completed internship and residency training in Internal Medicine at Tulane University in New Orleans. He remained at Tulane for fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology and was elected Chief Fellow for his final year of training. Dr. Atkinson’s areas of specialty include Classical Hematology as well as Lung and Head and Neck Cancers. He also has clinical interests in Integrative Oncology and Palliative Oncology. He has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national conferences in the field of cancer care. He enjoys practicing Oncology because of the potential to affect positive changes in patients’ lives. Dr. Atkinson believes that every patient is special, with unique needs and circumstances, and he understands the importance of communication in the partnership between patient and physician.

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Cancer happens when cells in the body change and grow out of control. These cells can form lumps called tumors. Cancer that starts in cells of the cervix is called cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower end of the uterus. It connects the uterus to the vagina.

Cervical cancer can spread from the cervix to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis. The more cancer spreads, the harder it is to treat.

Types of cervical cancer

When cells in the cervix start to change and grow in ways that are not normal, it’s called dysplasia. Dysplasia is not cancer, but it can become cancer if not treated.

There are 3 kinds of cervical cancer:

• Squamous cell carcinoma. This starts in the thin, flat cells on the surface of the cervix. It’s by far the most common kind of cervical cancer.
• Adenocarcinoma. This starts in gland cells of the cervix.
• Mixed carcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma. This is cancer that’s made up of both of the types listed above.

What causes cervical cancer?

In most women, cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is very common and often goes away on its own. But in some cases, over time, HPV may lead to cervical dysplasia and then to cervical cancer. HPV infection is strongly linked to cervical cancer. But it’s important to know that most women with HPV don’t develop cervical cancer.

Other risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Long-term use of birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
• Chlamydia infection (a sexually transmitted infection)
• Having a weak immune system
• Having 3 or more full-term pregnancies
• Having a full-term pregnancy before age 17
• Having a family history of cervical cancer (mother or sister has had it)

Not all of these risk factors may directly cause cervical cancer, but they may be linked to other risk factors, like exposure to HPV, which does cause cervical cancer. Talk with your healthcare provider about your own risk for cervical cancer.

Can cervical cancer be prevented?

There are several ways to prevent cervical cancer.

• Get screening tests. Regular screening with a Pap test and HPV test can help find cervical cell changes before they become cancer. Treating these changes can keep cancer from starting. Because cervical cancer grows slowly, regular testing can also help find this cancer early, when it’s small and easier to treat.
• Get the HPV vaccine. A vaccine can prevent HPV and HPV-linked cancers. It’s given to both men and women. To work best, the vaccine should be given at or before age 11 or 12, before the first possible exposure to the virus. It’s also recommended for everyone through age 26, if not vaccinated already. The vaccine is approved by the FDA up to age 45 for people who have not been vaccinated. Ask your healthcare provider about the vaccine if you haven’t had it.
• Use condoms. Condoms can protect you from HPV exposure. They need to be used correctly and every time you have sex.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking has been linked to cervical precancer and cancer.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

In the early stages of cervical cancer, most women don’t have any symptoms. As the tumor grows or the cancer spreads, the most common symptoms are:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal discharge
• Pain during or bleeding after sex

These symptoms may seem like other things, such as an infection. See your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

Cervical cancer is usually found during a screening Pap test. During a Pap test, cells are taken from a woman’s cervix and checked for changes that may be a sign of dysplasia or cancer. This can help find cervical cancer early when it’s easiest to treat. Get a Pap test as often as your healthcare provider suggests.

How is cervical cancer treated?

You and your healthcare provider will discuss a treatment plan that’s best for you. Options may include:

• Surgery. The part of the cervix with cancer may be removed. Or the entire cervix and the uterus may be removed (total hysterectomy).
• Radiation therapy. This uses strong rays of energy to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy. This uses strong medicine to kill cancer cells. It may be used along with radiation therapy.
• Targeted therapy. This uses medicine (not chemotherapy) that attack and kill cancer cells but limit the damage to healthy cells. Targeted therapy is not yet used as a first treatment for cervical cancer, but may be used if it comes back or spreads.

I specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I chose to practice OB/GYN because I value the ability to provide care to women throughout their lives, from contraception to childbearing, to menopause and beyond.

Little Something Extra:
“As a new mom myself, I look forward to connecting with my patients on both a medical and personal level.”

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With the recent passing of Alex Trebek, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer and raise awareness for this aggressive cancer. Touro Hematologist Oncologist Dr. Laura Beth Ramirez breaks down what exactly Pancreatic Cancer is and what you can do to protect yourself. 

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Early detection is one of the best tools you can use to stay healthy. Don’t neglect your health screenings. If something needs medical attention, the sooner it is detected, the better.

Health screenings for both men and women age 50 and older:

• Blood pressure and cholesterol levels should be tested regularly.
• Diabetes tests should be administered for those who have high blood pressure.
• Colorectal cancer screenings are important, especially if cancer runs in the family.
• Vision tests help detect diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Hearing screenings can be important to determine whether seniors need aids.
• Depression evaluations are also important as seniors experience important life changes that come with age, such as the loss of a spouse.
• Routine physicals: As directed by your provider. This should include skin and other cancer-related checkups, plus weight and body mass index (BMI) assessment

For more information on Touro’s Senior Care services and wellness tips on healthy aging, visit touro.com/seniorcare.

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More than 35 million American Adults (20 years or older) have total cholesterol levels at or above 240 mg/dL, which puts them at a high risk for heart disease. September is National Cholesterol Education Month, and Dr. Meredith Maxwell, Touro Family Medicine Physician, is here to tell us how we can prevent high cholesterol and the steps we can take to lower it if we find ours too high.

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Touro is proud to be awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Chest Pain Certification. The Gold Seal of Approval^® is a symbol of quality that reflects our commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.

This important Chest Pain certification provides Touro with the framework to provide expert, lifesaving care for our community. Following a rigorous onsite review in November, 2018, Touro was awarded a 2-year Chest Pain certification based on a thorough evaluation of our hospital’s clinical programs, compliance with national standards and performance measurements.

This important designation reflects Touro’s commitment to providing a higher standard of care for patients experiencing chest pain. We are proud to be a leader in chest pain care, providing a higher standard of service for patients experiencing chest pain in our community.

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You also may be at greater risk for heat-related illnesses if you have a chronic health condition or take certain medicines that interfere with normal body response to heat. Some medicines also restrict the body’s ability to sweat.

But you can still enjoy a safe summer by taking a few precautions when it gets hot.

Unless your healthcare provider has told you to limit your fluids, drink plenty of cool liquids like water, sports drinks, or fruit and vegetable juices. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Don’t drink alcohol, because you’ll lose much of the fluid it offers. Also don’t have large amounts of caffeine.

Ways to Keep Cool

If you can’t afford air conditioning:

• Open your windows at night.
• Create a cross breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the room or house.
• Cover windows when they’re in direct sunlight. Keep curtains, shades, or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day.
• Dampen your clothing with water and sit in the breeze from a fan.
• Spend at least 2 hours a day (the hottest part, if possible) in an air-conditioned place like a library, senior center, or friend’s house.

Ask your local area agency on aging if there’s a program that gives window air conditioners to seniors who qualify. If you can’t afford to run your air conditioner, ask your local area agency on aging or senior center if they know of programs that can help you with cooling bills.

Other ideas:

• Ask a friend or relative to drive you to a cool place on very hot days if you don’t drive. Many towns or counties, area agencies, religious groups, and senior centers also supply these services. Don’t stand outside waiting for a bus.
• Dress for the weather. Some people find natural fabrics like cotton to be cooler than synthetic fibers. Light-colored clothes feel cooler than dark colors. If you aren’t sure what to wear, ask a friend or family member for help.
• Don’t try to exercise, walk long distances, or do a lot when it’s hot. The best time to exercise outside is early in the morning, before it gets too hot, or in the afternoon after the sun sets.
• Walk indoors in public places such as the mall or a walking path at a gym.
• Avoid the sun.
• Take cool baths or showers.
• Don’t go to crowded places when it’s hot outside.
• Listen to weather and news reports. In times of extreme heat, there will often be local sites where people can go to cool down.

Who’s at Risk?

Your health and lifestyle may raise the threat of a heat-related illness. These health factors may increase your risk:

• Poor circulation, inefficient sweat glands, and changes in the skin caused by normal aging
• Heart, lung, and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes weakness or fever
• High blood pressure or other conditions that need changes in diet. For example, people on low-salt diets may face an added risk (but don’t use salt pills without asking your healthcare provider)
• The inability to sweat caused by some drugs. These include diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and certain heart and blood pressure medicines
• Taking several drugs at once for various conditions. Don’t just stop taking them: Talk with your healthcare provider
• Being substantially overweight or underweight
• Drinking alcoholic beverages

How to Handle Heat Illnesses

Heat stress, heat tiredness, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are all forms of hyperthermia, the general name for a range of heat-related illnesses. Symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Skin that is dry (no sweating), hot, and red
• Muscle spasms
• Extreme tiredness after exposure to heat

If you think someone has a heat-related illness:

• Get the victim out of the sun and into a cool place—preferably one that is air-conditioned.
• Offer fluids, but not alcohol or caffeine. Water, sports drinks, and fruit and vegetable juices are best.
• Encourage the person to sponge off with cool water.
• Urge the person to lie down and rest, preferably in a cool place.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect heatstroke. Possible symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion or agitation
• Sluggishness or extreme tiredness
• Seizure
• Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
• High body temperature
• Loss of consciousness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hallucinations

Dr. Vernilyn Juan specializes in Family Medicine at Crescent City Physicians, Inc., a subsidiary of Touro Infirmary. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of the City of Manila College of Medicine in the Philippines and completed her residency at the University of the Philippines. As a Primary Care Physician, Dr. Juan treats patients of all ages, through every stage of life.

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New Orleans, LA – LCMC Health is pleased to announce that Touro and West Jefferson Medical Center have achieved the silver standard Level 2 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from The American College of Emergency Physicians, with support from The Gary and Mary West Health Institute and John A. Hartford Foundation. The GEDA accreditation recognizes those emergency departments that provide excellent care for older adults.

Touro and West Jefferson Medical Center are the first hospitals in Louisiana to achieve this accreditation, the highest accreditation in the State for Senior Emergency Care. To garner this, the hospitals’ emergency physicians and nurses have received specialized geriatric emergency care training that goes above and beyond emergency care, specializing in the needs of patients over 65 years of age.

“LCMC Health is committed to ensuring our aging patients, families, and caregivers have access to high-quality medical care that ensures they are safe and well-cared for,” said Greg Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health. “Our hospitals are proud of the services we offer our senior population, which is a testament to the dedicated team we have in place that cares for this great group of patients, so deserving of healthcare with heart.”

Touro and West Jefferson Medical Center have designed emergency care areas with seniors in mind. This includes:

• Emergency room improvements include specialized hospital beds. The mattresses are designed to prevent bedsores and skin irritation, something that is common to senior patients. The beds can be lowered further to the ground to reduce the risk for fall and provide ease of mobility.
• Special lighting has been installed, as well as large clocks and descriptive signage in the rooms, making it easier to read for patients and produce a more calming environment.
• The flooring is designed to be slip proof- another fall prevention measure.
• There is increased accessibility to mobility aids, including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.

The special level of healthcare increases beyond the emergency room, as a senior care nurse navigator and dedicated case management personnel ensure proper follow-up care during a subsequent hospital stay and after discharge.

“Senior care is a vital service for our aging population, and Touro is honored to bring that service to our community,” said Manny Linares, President and Chief Executive Officer at Touro. “Whether you are having a heart attack, a stroke, or you had a bad fall, our Senior Care Emergency Room is the best place to receive care. We know that healthcare isn’t one size fits all, and we have developed a comprehensive and collaborative care model to meet each individual’s unique needs.”

“West Jefferson Medical Center is proud to be one of Louisiana’s top accredited senior care emergency rooms, an achievement that reflects our commitment to provide senior-focused care on the Westbank,” said Rob Calhoun, President and Chief Executive Officer of West Jefferson Medical Center. “Seniors who visit our emergency room can be assured that we have the necessary expertise, equipment, and personnel in place to create an unparalleled, senior-friendly experience.”

The GEDA program is the culmination of years of progress in emergency care of older adults. In 2014, ACEP along with Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Emergency Nurses Association, and American Geriatrics Society, developed and released geriatric ED guidelines, recommending measures ranging from adding geriatric-friendly equipment to specialized staff to more routine screening for delirium, dementia, and fall risk, among other vulnerabilities.

Touro has been serving the New Orleans community for over 167 years, and today is the city’s only community-based, non-profit, faith-based hospital offering comprehensive healthcare services at every stage of life, from delivering babies to providing cardiac, cancer rehabilitation, and senior care.

Established 60 years ago, West Jefferson Medical Center West Jefferson Medical Center is a full-service medical center offering comprehensive programs for preventive, emergency, acute, and rehabilitative care.

To learn more about Touro’s emergency care visit here.

To learn more about West Jefferson Medical Center’s emergency care visit: https://www.wjmc.org/our-services/emergency-care/

To view a video about West Jefferson Medical Center’s Senior ER care visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3FPlA83CxI

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