King's Daughters' Health

Seriously Sly "SEPSIS IS THE body's overwhelming response to an infection," says Laura May, BSN, RN, Infection Prevention Nurse at King's Daughters' Health. "It's a very serious, life- threatening condition, and we want to raise awareness so people seek help sooner." So, What Is It? Sepsis doesn't develop on its own. It typically results from another infection, such as a urinary tract infection or pneumonia. Sepsis occurs when infection-fighting chemicals released by the immune system enter the bloodstream and cause widespread inflammation. This inflammation can severely damage organs and lead to a condition called septic shock, when blood pressure drops and the heart grows weak. Septic shock can trigger multiple organ failure, which can be fatal. How Can I Avoid It? "If you've been diagnosed with any infection, take your antibiotics properly," Laura says. "Finish any antibiotic Time Well Spent It's time to shine some light on sepsis – a danger few people know about. Our devoted volunteers at King's Daughters' Health help enhance the care we deliver every day. "THE KDH VOLUNTEER program unites people from diverse backgrounds to work toward common goals – building camaraderie, teamwork and a stronger community," says Donna Mills, Volunteer Services Coordinator at KDH. "In return, they get the satisfaction of making a difference in people's lives and the pride that goes along with that." In addition to greeting guests and escorting them to their destinations, volunteers deliver flowers, visit with patients who may need pastoral care and perform other various department duties. Their help allows staff members to spend more time focusing on patient care. KDH volunteers also give their time to patients in hospice care. "Our hospice volunteers have an unselfish desire to give of their time to improve the end-of-life experiences of individuals and their loved ones," Donna says. "They are extraordinary people who do ordinary things to change lives." Time Is Golden Dolores Hellmann, 93, has volunteered at KDH for 11 years, working in the Patient Advocate Services, Medical Records and Education departments. "It's a great pleasure to work with such dedicated personnel," Hellmann says. "The program adds so much value to our community. There is a great deal of satisfaction to be had when helping others." ■ Want to lend a hand? Fill out an application by visiting www.kdhmadison.org and selecting "Become a Volunteer" under the "Community" menu. Dolores Hellmann, left, and Donna Mills, right course even if you're feeling better. Otherwise you can develop sepsis." Seek help if you're recovering from an infection and experience fever, chills, rapid breathing and heart rate, chest pain, and confusion. Also, call your doctor if you're seeing little improvement in symptoms after a day or two days of antibiotics, Laura advises. ■ Don't let questions about prescription medications interfere with your recovery. A provider can answer your questions and keep you on track. Need a provider? Visit www.kdhmadison.org and use the "Find a Physician" tool. Vital Signs // a publication of King's Daughters' Health 7

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