(May 16, 2011) Selersville, PA – Chronic and non-healing wounds are a serious heath condition affecting about 7 million people nationally. Without proper treatment, problem wounds can lead to loss of limb or life-threatening infections and debilitating health problems. Poor circulation, immobility, vascular disease, and infection are top causes, putting older people and those with diabetes especially at risk.

Preventing and treating problem wounds and the conditions that cause them will be the focus of a Wound Care lecture by Grand View Wound Care Center director Dawn’c Wilkes, MD. She and a specially trained wound care team treat patients at the Wound Center located in Grand View’s Outpatient Center at Sellersville where hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is among treatment options. In HBOT treatment, a patient breathes 100 percent oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, delivering high concentrations of oxygen to the bloodstream for more rapid and effective healing of certain types of wounds.

This lecture is part of a conference hosted by Grand View Hospital on June 11 at Peter Becker Community’s Maple Estates in Harleysville. Dr. Wilkes along with several other Grand View physicians and medical staff will present a variety of health and safety topics at the conference, Supporting Your Aging Parent to Stay Healthy and Independent.

Everyone is invited to attend the keynote lecture on Successful Aging presented by Internal Medicine physician Jeffrey Thatcher, MD, Tri-Valley Primary Care. He will discuss what is a normal part of aging and what may be a sign that something is wrong and needs medical attention. Tours of Peter Becker’s Maple Estates are available following the conference. Other topics include:

• Planning for the Future, presented by licensed clinical social worker Barbara Kimball. Learn how to begin a conversation about medical, legal, and emotional issues related to aging. Learn to recognize when an independent senior may need support and assistance.
  
  
• Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia, presented by neurologist Xin Wang, MD, Penn Neurologic Associates. Memory loss is not a normal sign of aging. Discover the difference between simple forgetfulness and memory issues indicating a possible underlying health condition. Learn about resources to evaluate and treat memory loss.
  
  
• Diabetic Medication Management, presented by Grand View certified diabetes educator Carol Knauff, RN. Confused by the array of diabetes medications? Concerned about lowering blood sugar too far? Come with questions and leave with an understanding of diabetic medications and their proper use.
  
  
• The Heart/Brain Connection, presented by Grand View stroke program coordinator Denise Kistler, RN. Discover the link between heart disease and stroke. Learn about signs and symptoms, stroke risk factors, and how to prevent one.
  
  
• Vestibular (Balance) Therapy, presented by Miriam Kozak of Grand View Hospital physical medicine and rehabilitation. Learn about the complex inner-ear system that controls balance and how vestibular therapy can help manage dizziness and vertigo.
  
  
• Safety and Fall Prevention, presented by Grand View physical therapist Sarah Baker of Home Care. Falls are the leading cause of death due to injury for people 65 and older. Most falls are preventable. Learn how to eliminate home safety hazards and about installing safety and mobility aids.
  
  
• Living Arrangement Options, presented by Peter Becker Community CEO/President Carol Berster. Hear about options in living arrangements and the various levels of care to consider when living alone at home is no longer safe or practical.
  
  
• Advance Directives, presented by Grand View risk manager Nancy Runta, MSN, RN. Do you know what kind of care your parents would want if unable to speak for themselves? Learn about planning ahead with advance directives, which outline one’s wishes for medical care in a living will.

The cost of the program is $15 each or $25 for two. Continental breakfast is included. Doors open at 8:30 am. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call the Grand View Information Line at 215-453-4300 or register online at www.gvh.org.

Grand View Hospital is named among the best hospitals in the Philadelphia Metro area by U.S. News & World Report, and is recognized as “High Performing” in geriatrics and orthopaedics. Grand View is also the only hospital in Bucks and Montgomery Counties to receive a five-star quality rating in total joint replacement for 2010 from HealthGrades®, the nation’s leading health care ratings company. The American Stroke Association recently awarded Grand View Hospital its Get with the GuidelinesSM–Stroke (GWTG–Stroke) Gold Performance Achievement Award.

Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913. Grand View offers a range of inpatient and outpatient care – particularly emphasizing the areas of surgery and orthopaedics, women’s and children's health, heart and vascular care, and cancer treatment. For more information about Grand View Hospital services and programs, please call the Grand View Information Line at 215-453-4300 or visit www.gvh.org.