Frankfort Regional Medical Center

Bye-Bye, Sleepless Nights Central Kentucky Sleep Center at Frankfort Regional Medical Center helps patients struggling with sleep difficulties get the restorative rest required for overall health and wellness. Ronald G. Shashy, MD Otolaryngologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist From insomnia to sleep apnea, from restless leg syndrome to narcolepsy, sleep disorders affect an estimated 50 million Americans. Untreated sleep disorders are a growing health problem, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They can significantly reduce a person's productivity while increasing risk for dementia, depression, heart disease, hypertension and stroke. "Many sleep-related disorders, such as chronic snoring or sleep apnea, are the result of an obstructed or restricted airway," says Ronald G. Shashy, MD, board-certified otolaryngologist and sleep medicine specialist at Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists, PLLC, and newly appointed Central Kentucky Sleep Center Medical Director. "I can determine if there is an issue with the patient's tongue or soft palate, or if there is a blockage of the nasal airway, tonsils or adenoids." Overnight sleep studies (polysomnograms) utilized by the Sleep Center help diagnose a range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. "The Sleep Center at Frankfort Regional Medical Center is nationally accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and offers the latest diagnostic tools available in sleep medicine," says Larry Watts, RPSGT, CRT, Director at the Sleep Center. "Our highly trained and experienced medical staff tracks sleep patterns to determine which treatments will benefit patients." Â If you're concerned about the quality of sleep you're getting, call 502-226-7691, or speak with your physician about sleep disorders. Dancing Days We've shimmied and shuffled. Now we need your votes to win. Since 2011, when hospital supply company Medline sponsored its first Pink Glove Dance (PGD) video competition, hundreds of organizations and many thousands of dancers across the United States have stepped up to increase breast cancer awareness and prevention. When Frankfort Regional Medical Center created its first PGD video in 2012, it showcased the talents of more than 130 Frankfort Regional staff members, volunteers and local emergency medical services (EMS) workers. This year's video, recorded in early August, incorporates community members as well as Frankfort Regional staff. The results will be unveiled online in October when the Pink Glove Dance Competition begins accepting votes. "I always wanted to be part of this exciting and fun way to promote breast cancer awareness and prevention," says Linda Rittermeyer, RN, BSN, MBA, CNOR, Chief Nursing Officer at Frankfort Regional. "Though our videos are lighthearted, we hope to convey a serious message to both men and women—get your mammograms and be proactive about any changes to your body." Frankfort Regional has chosen Kentucky Pink Connection as the charity to receive the top prize of $25,000 if the hospital's video is selected as this year's winner. "Kentucky Pink Connection provides support for local women and men who can't afford some of the expense of breast cancer treatment," Rittermeyer says. "It is an honor to partner with them, and the PGD competition gives us an opportunity to support them financially. But we need your votes!" Â View and vote for Frankfort Regional's Pink Glove Dance Competition video at facebook.com/pinkglovedance, twitter.com/ pinkglovedance, youtube.com/pinkglovedance or pinkglovedance.tumblr.com. Voting will open Oct. 25 and continue through Nov. 8. 3

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