Adventist Health Glendale | Healthline Quarterly | Fall 2017

Find a friend For the past 35 years, since he was a medical student, Harlan Gibbs, MD, has worked during Christmas in a hospital. “I have seen many patients who are de- pressed at Christmas,” he confides. “The holidays can be an especially difficult time. As an ER doc, my advice to patients is don’t be alone; find a friend.” Being treated in a hospital emergency room (ER) is not an experience on anyone’s holiday wish list. Yet unexpected emergencies do happen at times like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and these emergencies can put a damper on your holiday spirit. Emergency physicians at Adventist Health Glendale report a higher volume of patients during the holidays, especially when many doctors’ offices are closed. “We see patients who would usually go to their family doctor,” says Harlan Gibbs, MD, medical director, now in his 30th year as an ER physician at Adventist Health Glendale. “This means everything from scrapes, bumps and bruises; ankle strains and sprains; contusions and abrasions. But we also see patients with more serious conditions—chest pain, strokes. They run the gamut— soup to nuts. That’s why I love emergency medicine.” From the voice of experience Dr. Gibbs shares some timely advice on ways to reduce your chances of being an ER patient during the holidays. “People overdo—it’s part of the holiday spirit,” he says. “Think moderation. Try not to overeat; don’t gorge yourself. It’s better to eat smaller portions over a period of time.” Keeping basic first-aid items handy at home and knowing what to do in the event of cuts, scrapes and other minor injuries can also help you avoid the ER. “One of the common questions we get by people calling the ER is, ‘Does this need stitches?’ It depends upon where you’re cut and how deep the laceration is,” Dr. Gibbs explains. “Some wounds do require stitches, but if it’s nothing more than a ‘boo-boo,’ you can clean it out and apply steri-strips or a liquid Band-Aid. I keep those at home myself for minor lacerations.” Emergency room visits can be minimized by being sensible when hanging holiday decorations, clearing Happy and safe holidays! How to stay out of the ER ER doctors’ advice from Adventist Health Glendale rooftops and gutters of leaves, and doing other chores that involve ladders. “Falls are common this time of year,” Dr. Gibbs says. “It’s best to leave these chores to the professionals.” Be prepared If an emergency occurs and you need to visit the ER dur- ing the holidays, Dr. Gibbs’ best advice is to be prepared. “Bring a list of medications, and know the name of your family doctor and if you are allergic to any medications,” he says. “Bring your insurance card and ID, and come with someone who can keep you com- pany and drive you home.” Harlan Gibbs, MD Dr. Gibbs reminds us that the holidays are a busy time in the ER. “It takes time to provide quality medical care,” he adds, “so please be patient, ask questions and bring a good book.” About Dr. Gibbs Dr. Gibbs is chief of staff at Adventist Health Glendale. He is a graduate of Tufts University Medical School in Boston and completed his residency at Harvard University. He is board-certified in both emergency and internal medicine and has served the greater Glendale community on the front lines as an ER doc at Adventist Health Glendale since 1987. We’ve been rated Best Hospital! Read all about it— visit usnews.com and search under “Health” for “Best Hospitals.” Consecutive U.S. News award confirms Adventist Health Glendale’s great care! It takes hard work, commitment and put- ting patients first for a healthier commu- nity. U.S. News & World Report once again named Adventist Health Glendale among Best Hospitals in geriatrics, orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery and gave us the highest rating possible in heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmo- nary disease. Adventist Health Glendale was regionally ranked No. 16 in the Los Angeles metro area and No. 28 in all of California! “At Adventist Health Glendale, we cherish the trust our community has placed in us to provide excellent care,” says Beth Zachary, Governing Board chairwoman and interim CEO. “Patient safety continues to be our top priority, and I am so proud of our physicians and caregivers, who have worked diligently to earn this high-ranking recognition. This is a true testament of our mission in action.” The annual Best Hospitals rankings are designed to help patients make informed decisions about where to receive care for life-threatening conditions or for common elective procedures. 2 WELLNESS