THE PRESCRIPTION ALBEMARLE AREA MEDICAL ASSISTANTS VOLUME 38 ISSUE 8

Sara VanHorn (252) 312- 5156 smvavrek@gmail.com

THE PRESCRIPTION
VOLUME 38 ISSUE 8


Presidents Message
























Table of Contents
Presidents Message Page 1
DVT and Air Travel Page 2-3
Meeting Minutes Page 4-6




If you know of a member that needs
to be remembered, please inform
our chaplain;

Mary Cullipher, CMA (AAMA)
mgcullipher@embarqmail.co
m
Hello! Greetings!
Wow, really can it be August already? This month is going to be a
busy month. Our NCSMA summer seminar is this month, some are
making plans to attend. It is in Asheville. I am sure this will be a
great learning experience. Looking forward to seeing you all at our
local meeting. See ya there!!

-Sharon Godfrey
Albemarle Area Medical Assistants President of 2014




NEXT MEETING INFO
PLACE:
ROOM 117
OWENS CENTER; YMCA
DATE AND TIME:
AUGUST 7, 2014 AT 7 PM
SPEAKER:
RICHARD MUNDEN-
DIRECTOR OF SECURITY
AT SENTARA
TOPIC:
NON-VIOLENT CRISIS
INTERVENTION

DOOR PRIZE
VOLUNTEER: ???
THE PRESCRIPTION ALBEMARLE AREA MEDICAL ASSISTANTS VOLUME 38 ISSUE 8
Sara VanHorn (252) 312- 5156 smvavrek@gmail.com



























THE PRESCRIPTION
2
DVT AND AIR TRAVEL
WHAT IS DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS?

Deep vein thrombosis, commonly referred to as DVT, occurs when a blood clot, or
thrombus, develops in the large veins of the legs or pelvic area. Sometimes these clots can
break loose and lodge in the arteries of the lungs causing a serious condition known as
pulmonary embolism (PE). PE is a serious condition which requires immediate medical
attention.

Risk Factors for DVT
Recent major surgery
Cancer and its treatment
Major trauma or injuries to the leg
Previous DVT or PE
Hospitalization with an acute medical illness
Recent immobility
Pregnancy
Use of the birth control pill or hormone replacement therapy
Family history of DVT or PE
Obesity
While uncommon, long airline flights of more than four hours can slightly increase the risk
of DVT.


Signs and Symptoms of DVT

Approximately one-half of those with a DVT never have recognized symptoms. When
symptoms are present, the most common is leg pain and tenderness in the calf muscles, or
one may observe swelling or a change in color of one leg to purple or blue. These signs and
symptoms may appear suddenly or may steadily develop over a short time. If you observe
these signs or symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately.

(continued on page 3)



"You cannot
add any time to
your life by
worrying about
it."
Matthew 6:27
THE PRESCRIPTION ALBEMARLE AREA MEDICAL ASSISTANTS VOLUME 38 ISSUE 8
Sara VanHorn (252) 312- 5156 smvavrek@gmail.com



THE PRESCRIPTION
3
"The things we
see now
(including illness
and suffering)
are here today,
gone tomorrow.
But the things we
cannot see now
will last forever."
1 Corinthians
7:31.
Common Signs and Symptoms of DVT:
These symptoms can develop slowly or suddenly. If you have any of these symptoms, contact
your doctor immediately.
Sudden swelling of one limb
Pain or tenderness
Skin that is warm to the touch
Fullness of the veins just beneath the skin
Change in color (blue, red or very pale)

Symptoms are quite different if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a
pulmonary embolism (PE). The symptoms of PE include chest pain, shortness of breath,
rapid pulse or a cough. There may also be a feeling of apprehension, sweating, or fainting.
Such symptoms are not specific to a PE, and can occur with pneumonia, heart attack and
other medical conditions.
Common Signs and Symptoms of PE:
PE can be fatal. If you experience these signs or symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

Shortness of breath
Sudden chest pain
A feeling of apprehension
Sudden collapse
Coughing
Sweating
Bloody phlegm (coughing up blood)
Preventive Measures

For most people, the risk for clots appears to be low, so reasonable preventive steps include
drinking plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to avoid dehydration. Stretching and flexing the leg
muscles, moving the feet and walking in the aisles during a long flight is encouraged.
Compression stockings are helpful to decrease leg swelling and help the venous circulation to
return blood to the heart and may prevent DVT. For those with risk factors for known DVT,
especially with flights of more than about 3,000 miles, it would be wise to consult with a
physician. Your physician may recommend an injection of a dose of blood thinner before a
long flight.
THE PRESCRIPTION ALBEMARLE AREA MEDICAL ASSISTANTS VOLUME 38 ISSUE 8
Sara VanHorn (252) 312- 5156 smvavrek@gmail.com


THE PRESCRIPTION
4
Albemarle Area Medical Assistants
July Minutes
The Albemarle Area Medical Assistants July meeting was held on July 10, 2014 at the College of The
Albemarle Owens Center in Room OC117. The meeting was called to order by President Sharon Godfrey at
7:00 PM. There were 14 members in attendance.
Chapter Chaplain Mary Cullipher, CMA (AAMA) gave the invocation.
Rebecca Walker, CMA (AAMA), CPC, BS declared there was a quorum.
The speaker, Rebecca Walker, introduced herself. Ms. Walker spoke on the "Ten Management Lessons
Everyone Should Learn."
A motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes was made by Lois Graham and was seconded by
Debbie Jones. Motion was carried. Minutes were filed as presented with no corrections.
The Treasurers Report for July was presented by President Sharon Godfrey. The net worth was reported at
$3,708.73.
Appointed Officer Reports:
Chaplain [Mary Cullipher, CMA (AAMA)]: Grace's husband is back in the hospital.
Parliamentarian [Grace Overton, LPN, CMA-C (AAMA)]: Absent. Rebecca Walker made no report.
Committee Reports:
Budget and Finance [Shavonna Boone, CMA (AAMA)]: Absent, no report.
Bylaws [Stella Gallop, CMA-AC (AAMA)]: No report.
Education and Certification [Cindy Hall, CMA (AAMA), CPC]: Next month's speaker will be Richard
Munden, Head of Security at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center. Mr. Munden will be speaking on Non-
Violent Crisis Intervention.
Health Careers [Amber Meads, CMA (AAMA)]: Absent, no report.
Historian [Debbie Jones, CMA (AAMA)]: Anyone with pictures please pass on to Debbie.
THE PRESCRIPTION ALBEMARLE AREA MEDICAL ASSISTANTS VOLUME 38 ISSUE 8
Sara VanHorn (252) 312- 5156 smvavrek@gmail.com


Hospitality [Debbie Anderson, LPN, CMA (AAMA)]: Absent. Next month's meeting will be in OC117.
Membership [Rebecca Walker, CMA (AAMA), CPC, BS]: Amanda Everett has volunteered to start a
Facebook page for our chapter. Meeting dates and times will be posted as well as the happenings of the
Chapter. Also, Rebecca received an email from the Chair of the NCSMA website that there will be a
NCSMA Spotlight feature of statewide chapter members on the website. A 1 to 2 paragraph write-up and
pictures will be featured to recognize the member. Rebecca thinks it would be good for our Chapter to
nominate someone.
Newsletter [Sara VanHorn, CMA (AAMA)]: No report.
Nominating Committee [Alethia Keaton]: Absent, no report.
Publicity [Betty Lilly, CMA (AAMA)]: The notice for Julys meeting was in the Daily Advance.
Ways and Means [Stella Gallop, CMA-AC (AAMA)]: The workshop for October has been approved by
National. The 2-hour morning session is approved for both General/Administrative credit, and the afternoon
3-hour session is approved for Administrative credit. Alethia has already done a flyer and registration form
and the room has been reserved at Sentara Albemarle.
Unfinished Business:
T-Shirts: Stephanie and Mary are working on it.
2015 Winter Seminar: Debbie and Cindy are working on getting a program together for this seminar. They
are planning on presenting the prospective program at the Summer Seminar. Stella reports Dr. Brentjens has
agreed to speak at Winter Seminar. Donetta Godwin (with AHEC) has agreed to come and speak as well
about Meaningful Use, and Mary Lee Johnson (with Public Health Service) has asked to speak about
Prevention of Injection Issues. Medical Mutual could also be an option. Also, The Leadership Seminar will
not be CEU approved. Rebecca reports that the room has been reserved for this event. Our Chapter has
opted to take online registrations for this seminar. We must ask permission at the Summer Seminar to raise
the registration fee $1 for those paying via PayPal.
New Business:
President Sharon Godfrey was forwarded a letter by Alethia from Nancy Mueller in which Ms. Mueller
asked if our Chapter would be interested in sponsoring another blood drive. The date of the prospective
drive is October 11 from 10-3. The blood drive will take again place in Southgate Mall. Lois Graham moved
that we sponsor the drive; Rebecca Walker seconded. Motion carried. Sharon will respond to Ms. Mueller
confirming our sponsorship.





5
THE PRESCRIPTION
THE PRESCRIPTION ALBEMARLE AREA MEDICAL ASSISTANTS VOLUME 38 ISSUE 8
Sara VanHorn (252) 312- 5156 smvavrek@gmail.com



There was discussion about our Chapter becoming more involved in community efforts,
as we had been in years past. Stella recommended that we ask the Red Cross if there is
anything else our Chapter can assist with. Sharon Godfrey appointed Mary Cullipher,
Stephanie Reppy and Lois Graham to an ad-hoc committee to come up with a community
service activity for this quarter.
Rebecca asked the group to let her know who plans to attend the Summer Seminar so that
enough rooms are reserved and adequate travel arrangements are made.
Door Prize was won by Alex Bundy.
Motion was made to close the meeting by Stella Gallop and was seconded by Betty Lilly.
Motion was carried and meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM with the reading of the
Medical Assistants Creed.
Submitted by: Amanda Everett, CMA (AAMA)

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
Alex Bundy, CMA (AAMA)*
Mary Cullipher, CMA (AAMA)
Amanda Everett, CMA (AAMA)
Stella Gallop, CMA-AC (AAMA)
Sharon Godfrey, CMA (AAMA), CPC
Lois Graham, CMA (AAMA), CPC
Cindy Hall, CMA (AAMA), CPC
Debbie Jones, CMA (AAMA)
Deborah Lareva, CMA (AAMA)
Betty Lilly, CMA (AAMA)
Brittani Loveland, CMA (AAMA)*
Stephanie Reppy, CMA (AAMA)
Sara VanHorn, CMA (AAMA)*
Rebecca Walker, CMA (AAMA), CPC, BS
*denotes Student Member

THE PRESCRIPTION
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