February 9th, 2011
National Heart Month: Be Heart Smart
February has been proclaimed as National Heart Month. Even though most people associate heart disease with men, it’s also the leading cause of death among women.
Women and Heart Disease: Quick Facts
- women account for 52.6 percent of the total heart disease deaths.
- heart disease is the third leading cause of death among women aged 25–44 years and the second leading cause of death among women aged 45–64 years.
- Remember that many cases of heart disease can be prevented!
Men and Heart Disease: Quick Facts
- The average age for a first heart attack for men is 66 years.
- Almost half of men who have a heart attack under age 65 die within 8 years.
- Between 70% and 89% of sudden cardiac events occur in men.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk. Here are some things you can do to help your heart:
- Limit your intake of fat
- Choose heart-healthy fats over saturated fats and trans fats
- Limit your intake of sugars
- Limit your intake of sodium/salt
- Choose more whole grains, legumes, fresh produce and low fat dairy products
- Choose lean meat and poultry
- Include fish in your diet
- Exercise portion control
- Become physically active for 30 to 60 minutes a day
- Stop smoking
- Limit your intake of alcohol
Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack. People who have survived a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of another heart attack or a stroke in the future.
Know Your Signs and Symptoms
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Healthy Lifestyle: Diet and Nutrition, Exercise and Fitness
A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. Many people make it harder than it is. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts. As you make daily food choices, base your eating pattern on these recommendations:
- Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
- Select fat-free, 1% fat, and low-fat dairy products.
- Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
- Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.
- Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
- Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Aim to eat less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day (or less than 1,500 mg if you are in a higher risk group for high blood pressure).
- If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man.
- Keep an eye on your portion sizes.
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January 14th, 2011
 Happy New Year
Altus Healthcare and Hospice would like to thank everyone who makes our job a pleasure and ensures our success all year long. Altus employees celebrated the end of 2010 with a fun holiday party at the Dunwoody Country Club on Friday, December 17th. It was a time to relax with fellow co-workers and enjoy good food, drinks and a live band. Judy Cowart, marketer in Villa Rica, had all the right moves and won $100 in the dance competition.
There were also exciting raffles and door prizes. Congratulations to Amanda Smith, Business Project Manager, in the Dunwoody office. She won the 42 inch LCD Flat screen TV that was given by Dignity Memorial.
A Big thank you to Marcia and Drew Anderson for hosting the holiday party and for all the cash prizes they raffled to Altus employees.
Many thanks also are given to Kevin with Genesis for the gift cards he donated to the raffle.
All the best to you and yours in the new year.
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January 4th, 2011
The Altus Hospice Foundation recently hosted its second annual fundraising event at The Pavilion in East Cobb. It was a night filled with fine dining, bidding on silent and live auction items and dancing to a live band.
  
The Altus Hospice Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide education, support and information for patients and caregivers seeking end-of-life services and support. The Altus Hospice Foundation also helps cover the expenses involved in caring for children in the Altus Angels Pediatric Hospice Program, indigent care and supporting the Granting Wishes/Healing Hearts initiative
  
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December 27th, 2010
  The Altus Hospice Foundation would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the beautiful wreaths for Altus House. 22 gorgeous wreaths were hand-made by Altus employees and friends of Altus Healthcare and Hospice. The wreaths were placed on each patient room at the IPU. The wreaths were then bid on and the lucky winners took them home for the holidays.
All proceeds go to the Altus Hospice Foundation, a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization. The Altus Hospice Foundation was formed to provide education, support and information for patients and caregivers seeking end-of-life services and support, as well as to aid indigent patients who cannot afford the services of hospice care.
The Foundations’ mission is to sustain donations that will enable the implementation of specialized programs, such as the Granting Wishes, Healing Hearts initiative and the Altus Angels Pediatric Hospice Program.
 
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December 10th, 2010
 Lifting spirits this holiday season with the Altus Hospice Foundation
Our holiday tree located at Altus House represents hope and love. By purchasing a foundation Christmas bulb, you are supporting the Altus Hospice Foundation and honoring the angel in your life.
It starts with a gift, but it’s so much more.
For just 5 dollars you will receive a special pink holiday bulb that is beautifully gift wrapped.
If you would like to purchase your special holiday bulb please send your donation to the Altus Hospice Foundation at
1 Dunwoody Park, Suite 120, Atlanta, GA
30338
Please indicate how many bulbs you are purchasing. Call 770-730-8405 for more information.
The Altus Hospice Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that supports the special and extraordinary needs of Altus patients. The funds the foundation receives support the Granting Wishes Healing Hearts initiative, the Altus Angels pediatric hospice program, and assist terminally ill individuals who cannot afford the hospice services they require because they are uninsured or because they do not qualify for Medicare/Medicaid benefits.
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November 29th, 2010
“How’s the baby girl today?” A sweet smile appears on baby Magdalena’s face as Altus social worker Amanda Carloto greets the 11-month old. It’s an exciting day in this little ones household. Amanda, chaplain Bob, marketer Chad, nurse Julie and foundation director Barbara, gather to help put up a brand new crib for Magdalena. Amanda says, “It feels wonderful putting the baby’s crib together. She will now be able to rest more peacefully and comfortably since she has more room than her old crib.”Chad Ackerman agrees, “It is a great feeling to know that I can do something, though it may be little to me, but may be big for someone in need.” When the Altus Foundation heard Magdalena needed a new crib, they worked quickly to have it ready that Monday morning. Barbara Dawson, foundation director says, “The Altus Foundation is a wonderful program to have because we are able to help various families with their needs. It’s important to take some of the pressure and stress off of the family. Through the foundation program, Granting Wishes Healing Hearts, we are able to grant wishes and meet the families’ needs without them ever having to lift a finger. That means a lot to them.”
The Altus team has been working together for several months helping Magdalena’s family transition from the hospital, to caring for their infant in their home. Magdalena was born with Fanconi Syndrome, which affects the kidneys, and an underdeveloped part of her brain. She is fed through a feeding tube and doesn’t move much, but you can see her spirit shine through her eyes. There’s no doubt she’s happy and loved. And her great big smile was on display for her special guest, a professional photographer who works with a non-profit group called Lay Me Down To Sleep. The organization consists of a nationwide network of professional photographers who volunteer their time to help families during a most difficult time, losing a child.
“Where would you like to start?” says photographer Jessica Duplantis as she looks around the small room scoping out camera angles and lighting. Magdalena’s mother, Angelina, lays her daughter in the new crib, along with her bible and rosary. Jessica believes it’s important to have portraits taken especially during difficult times. “Once the stress has worn off and life gets back to some resemblance of normalcy, the memories begin to fade. I think it must be so overwhelming that you can’t really take all of it in to file away in your mind. The tiny toes or the bent pinky which is a family trait, the dimple above the belly button. Some parents may never notice these things without pictures.” Jessica has been with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep for almost a year and says this photo session has affected her the most. “We are called to love, and that’s all too often forgotten in this day and age. I think it’s never been more urgent for us to show one another love and kindness. Especially to those we don’t know.”
Having photos taken of the baby gave the family something positive to focus on versus their child being sick. Amanda says, “When the family learned of their child’s illness at birth, they were probably not thinking that they needed to have pictures taken. Instead, they were dealing with learning about administering medications, feeding tubes, and managing symptoms of their child’s illness. It made me feel so happy for the mom because every family deserves beautiful photos, especially since these may be some of the last pictures ever taken of their daughter.” And with the help of Lay Me Down To Sleep they will be able to cherish the memories of their precious daughter forever.
As the photo session comes to an end, Angelina wraps her daughter in a colorful, handmade blanket and positions her comfortably back into the new spacious crib.
“I am very humbled to have taken part of such a wonderful experience. Our team did so much together for that family. There was not one person doing all the work, but instead a united group of caring people.” Amanda smiles and says, “every person that day was a part of the bigger picture which was helping the family feel at ease knowing that they have a team working for not only them, but their child, too.”
“The Altus Foundation is unbelievable.” exclaims Chad. “What a testimony to the community, that our owners Drew and Marcia put this foundation in place to go above and beyond our duties to our patients and their families. I have seen the foundation in action, and can assure you it is making a wonderful difference in the lives of many.”
 
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November 15th, 2010
The Altus Fall Memorial Service was a chance for many to reflect on the meaning of
life and the importance of memories. The service was held Sunday, November 7 at
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Each family member was given a rose in honor of
their loved one. During the ceremony prayers were read, meaningful songs were
sung, and family members had a chance to speak about their beloved one and place
their flower in a vase. When the service ended, the empty vase was transformed into
a beautiful arrangement. Many family members said the ceremony gave them a
sense of peace and closure. The candle lighting was in memory of each special life
that passed away in the last six months.
Light A Candle
By: Paul Alexander
And I will light a candle for you.
To Shatter all the darkness and bless the times we knew.
Like a beacon in the night
The flame will burn bright and guide us on our way.
Today, I light a candle for you.
The seasons come and go, and I am weary from the change.
I keep on moving on, you know it’s not the same.
And when I’m walking all alone.
Do you hear me call your name?
Do you hear me sing the songs we used to sing?
You filled my life with wonder,
Touched me with surprise
Always saw that something special deep within your eyes.
And through the good times and the bad,
We carried on with pride.
I hold onto the love and life we knew.
And I will light a candle for you.
To shatter all the darkness and bless the times we knew.
Like a beacon in the night,
The flame will burn bright and guide us.
Today, I light this candle for you.
  
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October 6th, 2010
Every 70 seconds, someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Here in Georgia more than 200,000 people are effect by this mind robbing disease. This fall, throughout the nation, “Memory Walks” were held to help move us closer to a cure. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research and to provide and enhance care and support for all affected.Saturday, Oct. 2, Altus Healthcare and Hospice supported the Alzheimer’s Association every step of the way by participating in the Memory Walk held at the Atlanta Zoo. Altus employees and  family members collected donations and participated in the 1 and 3 mile walks. Since 1989, Memory Walks have raised more than $300 million for the cause. But experts predict that by 2030 Medicare spending of those with Alzheimer’s will cost nearly $400 billion.
The Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and all funds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
With more than 5 million Americans living with this disease, and nearly 10 million more serving as caregivers, the time to act is now!
So, if you missed the walk but would still like to contribute you can make a donation to your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.
On World Alzheimer’s Day 2010, Alzheimer’s Disease International released a new report highlighting the soaring cost of dementia and the need for action by policy makers and governments across the globe. World Alzheimer Report 2010 is a culmination of the most comprehensive, current data. Some of the findings include:
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September 10th, 2010
 Join the Altus Hospice Foundation for a night of dinner and dancing,
along with a silent and live auction.
What: The Altus Hospice Foundation is hosting its second annual fundraising event to benefit the Altus Angels Pediatric Hospice Program. It will be a night of fine dining, live band and exciting bidding. The Altus Pediatric Programs’ mission is to ensure compassionate, comprehensive care for children with life-threatening conditions. They will have access to an innovative, specialized model of care which address their unique needs and that of their families.
When: Saturday, September 18
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: The Pavillion
736 Johnson Ferry Rd, #E, Marietta, GA 30068
Cost: $65 per ticket or $500 for a table of 8.
Please call 770-730-8405 for more information.
Why: To support the Altus Hospice Foundation.
The Altus Hospice Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide education, support and information for patients and caregivers seeking end-of-life services and support. The Altus Hospice Foundation also helps cover the expenses involved in caring for children in the Altus Angels Pediatric Hospice Program, Indigent hospice care and supports the Granting Wishes/Healing Hearts initiative.
Lifting the mind, body and spirit of young hospice patients
“Hospice care in the last two months of our baby Nadiya’s life was an integral part of her health care. We were able to get professional care in our home, medications were delivered and phone calls answered any time day or night. I would highly recommend them for care of our most precious ones.” ~Nadiya’s mother, Azar
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July 26th, 2010
 It can be difficult keeping cool in these soaring temperatures. That’s why the Altus Hospice Foundation has been busy distributing box fans to senior citizens, those in critical care, the disabled and those on a limited income. Not everyone has the best circulation in their homes.
So, the Altus Hospice Foundation decided to help them stay cool during these hot summer months by donating box fans. 200 fans were distributed in Forsyth and Fulton Counties to local churches, assisted living homes, Senior Centers, the United Way and many other outreach programs.
“When the temperature rises a simple box fan can be the difference between an uncomfortable day and suffering a heat injury. It’s very important for children and the elderly; they have a higher chance of dehydration and heat stroke.” Barbara Dawson, Altus Hospice Foundation Director. Stacey Gravitt, Food Pantry Coordinator at Cumming First United Methodist Church says, “Everyone we gave the fans to were so appreciative. Many were elderly with breathing problems, etc and this is something that can truly help them. I think this is a great outreach from Altus considering the heat we continue to experience this summer. I truly appreciate Altus purchasing these fans so that we could help get them to those who really need them.”
 Marcia Dickerson, the program manager at the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex says, “I want to thank the Altus Foundation for the box fans they delivered. My participants are extremely happy for the donation and so am I.”
The fan drive was profiled on 11 Alive news! Here is the video of the story, which is coming directly from the NBC News website.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid49911610001?bctid=248200921001
 About the Altus Hospice Foundation
The Altus Hospice Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization that serves the needs of hospice patients in 22 counties in Metro Atlanta. For more information visit our website at www.altushospicefoundation.com.
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