Navy and Marine Corps Medical News January 2013

1.2 MB·English

by  U.S. Navy. Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS
MMEEDDIICCAALL NNEEWWSS
January 2013
MEDNEWS Items of Interest
January highlights Navy Medicine’s
support to readiness. During this
By Valerie A. Kremer, U.S. Navy the Naval Personnel Command and the
month, Navy Medicine showcases
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Naval Criminal Investigative Service and
how it meets its readiness goal by
Public Affairs other commands.
taking care of the ship or the mis-
Th e education and awareness cam-
sion, its shipmates, and self. Readiness FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Navy Medicine
paign from Navy Medicine supports the
also plays a major role in supporting announced the launch of a new infor-
Navy’s zero-tolerance policy on designer
our 21st century Sailor and Marine - mational video and poster regarding the
drug use, as well as highlights the real and
one that will be ready both mentally, health risks and dangers of the synthetic
present risks of bath salts. Th e campaign’s
physically, spiritually, emotionally, and amphetamine known as “bath salts” and
goal is to decrease the number of active-
professionally to meet the challenges other designer drugs, Dec. 20.
duty service members who use designer
of today. Th e public service announcement
drugs like bath salts and the synthetic
video and poster will be distributed for
Th e Navy Surgeon General’s Strategy display throughout the fl eet and are avail- marijuana “Spice” because they are falsely
and Priorities video can be viewed marketed as a “legal” way to get high.
able for download at http://www.med.
on the Navy Medicine YouTube page According to Navy Medicine psychia-
navy.mil/Pages/Syntheticdrugs.aspx.
at http://youtu.be/49MaUXJVyts and try resident Lt. George Loeffl er at the
Th e new media products focus on
downloaded from the Surgeon Gen- Naval Medical Center San Diego,, the
the dangers of bath salts and are part of
eral’s corner on the BUMED homep-
adverse health eff ects from bath salt use
the long-term awareness and deterrence
age: http://www.med.navy.mil.
can range from lack of appetite to kidney
campaign Navy Medicine launched last
failure, muscle spasms, severe paranoid
Th e Navy Medicine bath salts video year on synthetic and designer drugs.
delusions, and psychosis. Several cases
and posters can be found at: http:// Th is eff ort is also part of an overall Navy
www.med.navy.mil/Pages/Spice.aspx. communications plan with partners at See Campaign, Page 3
Find us on Facebook. U.S. Navy Bu-
reau of Medicine and Surgery, follow
us on Twitter @ NavyMedicine, read
our publications on Issuu, check out
our photos on Flickr, watch our videos
on YouTube and read our blog on
Navy Live.

Navy Medicine bath salts poster.
An Official Public Affairs Publication of the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Surgeon General’s Corner

A s we start upon this new year and necessary to maintain that readiness. In
look at our mission ahead, we need order to meet our readiness goal we must
to be ready. Whether our job is provid- make sure we take care of ourselves, take
ing patient care at a medical treatment care of the ship or the mission, and take
facility or providing training to Sailors care of our shipmates. I am sure you have
and Marines, we need to keep readiness heard me reiterate the importance of ship,
at the forefront. We are in the readiness shipmate, and self if you have worked
business. with me throughout the years.
Th is month, I would like to focus on We can meet our readiness goal
the importance of readiness from the through a variety of ways. First, we need
battlefi eld to the bedside. Readiness is job the right education and training. Th e
number one. Each job that we do has an Medical Education Training Campus
impact on readiness. in Fort Sam Houston, Texas is a great
Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan
When people ask me about Navy example of that. All of our corpsmen go U.S. Navy Surgeon General
Medicine I tell them what we do. We pro- through METC to get the right training
vide world-class care, anywhere, anytime, they need to complete their mission in have the right equipment and the ability
above the sea, on whatever oper- to access electronic patient medical re-
the sea, or below ating environ- cords, we are more eff ective in providing
the sea. And when ment they are world-class patient care.

we need to, we assigned to – Finally, we need the right resources to
move on to land whether it is on keep us ready. Whether they are resourc-
and complete our the battlefi eld in es for our wounded warriors, families,

mission there. It’s Afghanistan or independent duty corpsmen or directives
our hallmark, it’s providing care and policies that help our personnel at
our ethos, and we during a com- MTFs and in the fi eld, we need up to date

are the pride of munity outreach and valuable resources to keep us ready to
the country for the program in San meet our mission.
way we meet that Diego. Th e right Recently, there has been a disturb-
-Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan
mission. training will ing trend on the use of synthetic drugs
U.S. Navy Surgeon General
We need to stay ensure that we such as spice and bath salts, eroding the
in the readiness business to stay sharp, are ready to meet our operational com- readiness of our Sailors and Marines.
lean forward, and be ready. And so I ex- mitments. Using these designer drugs is like playing
pect you to be on point, and to do what’s Earlier this month, I visited the U.S. Russian roulette with not only your life
Naval Medical Research Unit (NAM- but also your career and health. Let me
RU-6) in Peru. Th e incredible research remind you that there is a zero tolerance
being done there is another fi ne example policy on illegal drug use in the U.S. Navy
directly supporting the readiness of our and it’s not worth losing your career, fam-
U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Fleet and force. Th e infectious disease re- ily, or sanity. We need all of our personnel
search and surveillance they are conduct- to remain strong and healthy to meet our
Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan
ing in South America enhances the health mission.
U.S. Navy Surgeon General
and readiness, not only of our Navy and Readiness also plays a major role in
Capt. Dora Lockwood Marine Corps personnel, but also that of supporting our 21st century Sailor and
Public Affairs Offi cer our joint partners. Marine - one that will be ready both men-
Th e outstanding work by our other tally, physically, spiritually, emotionally,
Shoni Pilip-Florea Navy Medicine NAMRUs and Naval and professionally to meet the challenges
Deputy Public Affairs Offi cer Environmental Preventive Units around of today. It’s what also allows me to boast
the world also play a signifi cant role in about you anywhere I go, about the job
Valerie A. Kremer
maintaining readiness not only for our you do and how you do it and the chal-
MEDNEWS Managing Editor
Navy Medical personnel directly work- lenges you meet head on.
ing in those areas but for the entire Navy I am extremely proud to be your ship-
U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Medicine enterprise with extensive vac- mate. It is my honor and my privilege to
7700 Arlington Blvd. Ste. 5122
cine research and disease surveillance. be your surgeon general.
Falls Church, Va. 22042-5122
Next, we need the right equipment
Public Affairs Offi ce to meet our readiness goal, including
p - 703-681-9032 technology and clinical informatics. If we
By Mass Communication Specialist patient and that helps the doctor pre-
2nd Class Charlotte Oliver, USS John scribe treatment for what they may have.”
C. Stennis Public Affairs Like many jobs in the medical fi eld,
laboratory technicians are oft en exposed
USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea - Th e to more germs than other Sailors, but
laboratory technicians aboard the Nimitz- for these hospital corpsmen the reward
class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis outweighs the risk.
(CVN 74) work day and night to ensure “Th e exposure to disease and conta-
every Sailor receives medical care and are gious skin conditions is there, but our
kept mission ready. job is to help people, and this job can be
“One day is never like the next,” said very rewarding,” said King. “I’ve always
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Steff an wanted to be in the medical fi eld and if I
King. “Sometimes it’s routine checks like ever decide to become a doctor, nurse or
drawing blood or urinalyses, and some- IDC [independent duty corpsman] the
times patients come in that are really sick, knowledge I have now will give me an
and they require more testing.” advantage when I go to school.”
To become a qualifi ed laboratory Th e job of the Stennis laboratory tech-
technician, Sailors must earn a medical nicians is demanding and there is never a
laboratory technician certifi cate from the dull moment for these Sailors. Whether it
National Certifi cation Agency for Medi- Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsy Alamina is taking a routine blood sample or fi nd-
cal Laboratory Personnel. Th ey must also Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Diana ing out the cause of an unseen ailment,
Rodriguez, from San Diego, treats a
attain the Navy Enlisted Classifi cation these medical professionals take pride in
patient during a medical emergency drill
(NEC) code 8506 by completing a one- aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier caring for their fellow Sailors aboard the
year advanced school. USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John Stennis.
C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th
“Th is NEC makes us pretty versatile Th e John C. Stennis Carrier Strike
Fleet area of responsibility conducting
in the medical community,” said Hospital maritime security operations, theater Group, consisting of Stennis, Carrier
Corpsman 2nd Class Habtamusolomon security cooperation efforts and support Air Wing 9, Destroyer Squadron 21, and
missions for Operation Enduring Free-
Yimesgen, from Gaithersburg, Md. guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay
dom.
Th e Stennis laboratory is capable of (CG 53) are deployed to the U.S. 5th
performing a variety of tests, including analysis and process to potentially iden- Fleet Area of Responsibility to strengthen
blood tests for HIV, hepatitis, complete tify many forms of bacterial and fungal regional partnerships, sustain maritime
blood count, and urine tests. Th e lab also infections. security, and support combatant com-
performs skin scrape tests in which skin “Th ere’s no guess work with the tests mander requirements for assets in the
cells are collected in the form of scrap- we perform,” said Yimesgen. “Th e results area.
ings and placed under a microscope for of these tests tell us what’s wrong with the
positions of leadership to be fully engaged in their command’s
implementation plan to continually communicate and educate
From page 1
all hands as to the Navy’s zero-tolerance policy on designer drug
of long-term inpatient hospitalization and suicide have been use.
reported and Loeffl er has fi rsthand experience treating service “Th e U.S. military represents a microcosm of our much larger
members at Navy military treatment facilities with these symp- population and in many ways strives to be a refl ection of the
toms. society we serve, so we share many of the same health and safety
“I would say not just as the naval offi cer, but as your doctor, issues as the general population, including the increased use of
bath salts will not only jack up your family and your career, it these dangerous and debilitating drugs - which not only aff ect
will jack up your mind and body too,” said Loeffl er in the PSA our service members’ health, but also our readiness as a military
now available online. force,” said Nathan.
Th e Bath Salts campaign’s slogan, “Bath salts: It’s not a fad... “For nearly two years now, Navy leaders have taken a multi-
It’s a nightmare,” refl ects the hallucinogenic eff ect of bath salts, tiered approach to combating this escalating issue in our forces,
which are a non-regulated designer drug comprised of a syn- and with our partners in the Naval Criminal Investigative
thetic cathinone, or amphetamine, that can have a dangerous or Service, Naval Personnel Command and throughout our naval
debilitating eff ect on the user. enterprise, we have made progress in deterring and detecting
“As the leader of the medical community for the Navy and use.”
Marine Corps, I cannot emphasize enough to our Sailors and Nathan affi rmed that the Navy will continue to highlight the
Marines that using synthetic drugs really is just like playing issue of synthetic drug use by delivering sustained and targeted
Russian roulette with their health, not to mention their career,” messages throughout the Navy and Marine Corps.
said Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, U.S. Navy surgeon general “We cannot over-communicate this issue,” said Nathan.
said in an editorial written for the Union Tribune in San Diego “Accountability for those who abuse these substances will help
earlier this year. deter their use.”
Th e bath salts campaign further supports the Navy Surgeon
3
General’s mission for all commanding offi cers and others in January 2013 MEDNEWS
By Capt. Dora Lockwood, U.S. Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Pub-
lic Affairs
CALLAO, Peru - Vice Adm. Matthew L.
Nathan, U.S. Navy surgeon general and
chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery,
visited the U.S. Naval Medical Research
Unit in Peru (NAMRU-6) Jan. 9-11 to
observe the global health engagement ef-
forts conducted in the region.
“Navy Medicine’s mission is one with
a truly global footprint,” said Nathan.
“Naval Medical Research Center, Navy
Medicine’s global biomedical research
and development enterprise, is engaged
around the globe, operating forward and
providing a global health benefi t around
the world.”
NAMRU-6, commanded by Capt.
David Service, is comprised of 14 active
duty service members from the Navy, Air
Photo by Capt. Dora Lockwood
Force and Army and 320 Peruvian scien- U.S. Navy Surgeon General, Vice Adm. Matthew Nathan (back) and Air Force Lt.
tists. Th is unit has the unique distinction Col. Eric Halsey, (far right) head of the Naval Medical Research Unit-6 virology
department, look on as NAMRU-6 mosquito collectors, Guillermo Iñapi and Helvio
of being the only U.S. military command
Astet evaluate mosquitoes captured during a dengue surveillance house visit, Jan.
in South America. Not only is the facility 10.
unique in that regard, it is also unique in
ence of live mosquitoes and to inquire part, Rear Adm. Eduardo Novoa, direc-
the research it conducts.
whether people in the house have been tor of the Peruvian naval medical center,
NAMRU-6 conducts infectious dis-
sick recently. We compare data collected and toured the Peruvian Naval Medical
ease research and surveillance that is of
from the ovitrap-houses to houses that do Center, located in Callao, Peru. Th is fl ag-
military and public health concern in
not have ovitraps.” ship hospital was designed by the same
the region. Th e research covers a wide
Nathan emphasized the importance of architect and is identical to her sister
spectrum of topics including entomology,
the research being done by our worldwide hospital, Naval Hospital Beaufort, located
bacteriology, virology, emerging infec-
naval medical research centers, labs and in Beaufort, South Carolina.
tions, and
units and the Nathan thanked the NAMRU-6 per-
parasitology.
direct im- sonnel for the diff erence they are making
While vis-
pact on the in the world and for being ambassadors
iting houses
health and of global health engagement.
of people
readiness “I thank you for the friendships and
who are en-
of our Navy partnerships you are creating and nur-
rolled in the
and Marine turing here,” said Nathan. “Th e research
NAMRU-6
Corps per- you are doing in Peru is important to the
ovitrap study
-Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan sonnel, our world. It is this type of collaboration that
in Iquitos, Peru,
U.S. Navy Surgeon General joint part- makes the world a stronger, safer place
Nathan observed
ners, and the for all of us.”
mosquito collection activity.
world’s population. NAMRU-6 conducts research on and
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Halsey,
“Infectious disease is one of the world’s surveillance of a wide range of infectious
head of the NAMRU-6 virology depart-
greatest killers,” said Nathan. “Our troops diseases that are of military or public
ment, described the research and ovitrap
are at more risk from disease than they health signifi cance in the region, includ-
study occurring in Iquitos.
are from bullets and bombs. What you do ing malaria and dengue fever, yellow
“Ovitraps are devices that kill the
here makes a diff erence in keeping all of fever, viral encephalitides, leishmaniasis,
mosquito and her eggs that spreads the
our service members healthy, infection- Chagas’ disease, and enteric diseases such
dengue virus,” said Halsey. “We visit each
free and medically ready.” as shigellosis and typhoid fever.
house periodically to assess for the pres-
Nathan met with his Peruvian counter-
Got News?
If you’d like to submit an article or have an idea for one, contact
MEDNEWS at 703-681-9032 or [email protected]
4
MEDNEWS January 2013
By Valerie A. Kremer, U.S. Navy Bu-
reau of Medicine and Surgery Public
Affairs
FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Navy Medicine
announced Jan. 15, its military treatment
facilities currently have suffi cient amount
of infl uenza vaccinations to reduce the
risk of the fl u for service members and
benefi ciaries despite the shortages experi-
enced by its civilian counterparts.
According to public health experts, the
greatest protection for fl u comes in the
form of vaccination.
“Th e fl u can have a signifi cant impact
on readiness but vaccination is the best
way to protect and reduce the risk of fl u,”
said Cmdr. Natalie Wells, Public Health
Emergency Offi cer, U.S. Navy Bureau of
Medicine and Surgery. “Navy Medicine
military treatment facilities currently
have an adequate supply of fl u vaccines
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Darien G. Kenney
available for service members and benefi -
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Franz Malitig gives an infl uenza vaccine shot to Elec-
ciaries.”
tricians Mate 2nd Class Olivia Cannon aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue
Centers for Disease Control and City (CG 66), Nov. 6. Hue City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibil-
Prevention indicators suggest there is a ity conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts
and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
good match between the circulating fl u
virus strains and the current 2012-2013 Seasonal fl u vaccination is mandatory “Maintaining a clean work environ-
seasonal fl u vaccine, meaning this year’s for all DoD uniformed personnel who are ment, good hygiene practices, and
vaccine will protect most recipients from not medically or administratively exempt. managing workforce exposure are some
contracting the fl u. Service members and benefi ciaries simple measures to reduce fl u spread,”
Navy Medicine also emphasized still needing a fl u vaccination should visit said Wells.
that treatment is available for service their local MTF. For more information on the sea-
members and benefi ciaries should they According to Wells, to date, 94 percent sonal fl u and how to protect yourself and
contract the fl u. of active duty Navy and 90 percent of ac- your loved ones, please visit the Navy
“All infl uenza virus strains tested so tive duty Marine Corps service members and Marine Corps Public Health Center
far are responsive to antivirals such as have received the fl u vaccination. Infl uenza webpage here: http://www.med.
Tamifl u,” said Wells. “MTF pharmacies In addition to receiving the fl u vaccine, navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/epi-data-center/
have adequate amounts of Tamifl u on there are additional means of maintain- infl uenza/Pages/default.aspx>
hand and additional Tamifl u is accessible ing a strong immune system and readi-
if needed.” ness.
Lt. j.g. Laura Cook, a physician assistant for
Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Farah,
evaluates a wounded Afghan policeman. Four
members of the Afghan National Police (ANP)
involved in an improvised explosive device
were treated by PRT Farah medical personnel,
the 541st Forward Surgical Team (Airborne)
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5
January 2013 MEDNEWS
By Shoshona Pilip-Florea, U.S. Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Th e Navy Sur-
geon General publicly released a video
Jan. 15, detailing his priorities for the
Navy Medicine enterprise moving into
the New Year and beyond.
Th e video is posted on the Navy
Medicine YouTube site here: http://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=49MaUXJVyts.
Th e video is also available for down-
load on the Surgeon General’s Corner on
the Navy Medicine website here: http://
www.med.navy.mil/leadership/sgvisits/
Pages/default.aspx.
Th e priorities, which are readiness,
value, and jointness, were developed and Screen shot from Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan’s, Navy surgeon general, video on
fi ne-tuned by senior offi cer and enlisted his priorities of readiness, value and jointness.
Navy Medicine leadership throughout a Nathan also acknowledged the current sister services and other partners. We’re
series of workshops held in 2012. fi scal constraints and the realities facing sharing what we know and learning what
In the video message to his 63,000-per- the military health care industry today others know and building a better team
son organization, Vice Adm. Matthew L. and what he believes must be done to together. Th at’s critical.”
Nathan, U.S. Navy surgeon general and successfully maneuver it without impact- Nathan’s goal is for every member of
chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, ing the quality of care. the Navy Medicine team - from the doc-
explains each of the priorities and what “In today’s fi scal resource conserva- tors, nurses and health care administra-
they mean for the future of Navy Medi- tion, we’ve got to look for the value in all tors at a medical treatment facility to an
cine and the environment the organiza- we do,” he said. “Let’s evaluate everything independent duty corpsman on a subma-
tion is operating in today. we do, especially as we transition to oper- rine - to know and recognize not only the
Nathan emphasized the importance ating in a peacetime care dynamic. We’ve priorities of Navy Medicine, but also how
of readiness, not only of his own Navy got to be razor-sharp in quality, effi ciency each of them relates to their own job.
Medicine personnel, but also the impor- and value and we need to be thinking “I am looking to my leaders on the of-
tance of their role in maintaining the about this all the time.” fi cer, enlisted, civilian and contract levels
readiness of the Fleet. Nathan’s fi nal priority recognizes the to all engage with their folks and relate
“Readiness is job one,” said Nathan. move toward a more joint environment these priorities to their commands and
“We provide world-class care, anytime, and aims to capitalize on the strengths of jobs,” he said to his staff upon release of
anywhere. It is our hallmark, our ethos, these joint opportunities. the video. “Open and transparent com-
so we’ve got to be sharp, on point to do “Jointness is key,” Nathan said. “Th ere’s munication is a leadership imperative
what’s necessary to maintain that readi- more strength together than there is and an expectation I have of all my team
ness.” apart. We’re fi nding the synergy with our members.”
By MC1 (SW/AW) James Evans Coyle, NHB Public Affairs didactic and kinesthetic skills through the use of low, medium,
and high fi delity simulation. Th ese realistic simulations build
BREMERTON, Wash. - Naval Hospital Bremerton’s Simula-
communication skills, develop leaders in high stress situations,
tion Center (Sim Lab) expanded training options were on full
and keep important yet sometimes rarely used skills honed.
display for doctors, nurses, hospital corpsmen and other staff
With the latest addition of their state-of-the-art “SimMan,” a
Jan 14.
medical mannequin with cutting edge technology, the Sim Lab
NHB’s Simulation Center has existed for more than three
can ensure the training learned equates to increased benefi ts for
years to provide healthcare providers with a chance to accu-
actual patients.
rately replicate the experience of giving patient care. Th ese tasks
“Th e SimMan can be programmed for many diff erent types
can range from the mundane to highly complex and can cover
of medical conditions such as cardiac arrest, various bronchial
every skill level.
and endoscope procedures. Sim Man 3G is our newest man-
“Th e mission (of the Sim Lab) is to develop and maintain
nequin. Unfortunately, he is not quite ready to go live yet, but
the skills of our healthcare staff and become the go-to source
when he is it will be impressive. He has everything from fl uc-
of skills development for regionally based military personnel,”
tuating pupil sizes from LED lights to the ability to be put on a
said NHB’s Sim Lab Program Manager Hospital Corpsman 2nd
ventilator. Th is mannequin will be almost completely wireless
Class Blake Hite.
and will really push the immersion to a new level. Th e more
According to Hite, the Sim Lab’s goal is to develop both
immersed a student is the more realistic we can make things
6
MEDNEWS January 2013 See Bremerton, Page 7
By Mass Communication Specialist
Seaman Pyoung K. Yi, Naval Medical
Center San Diego Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO - Naval Medical Center San
Diego (NMCSD) began off ering virtual
colonoscopies, better known as computed
tomography (CT) colonography, to its
patients in November 2012.
CT colonography applies CT scanning
techniques to examine the interior of the
colon. It uses a rotating beam of X-rays
and detectors placed at various angles to
obtain cross-sectional images. Th is com-
puterized analysis converts the images
into detailed three-dimensional pictures
of the inside of the colon.
No additional equipment was needed
to provide this new medical procedure,
but in 2012 NMCSD spent approximately
$10,000 to train three radiologists on how
perform CT colonography provided by Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Pyoung K. Yi
Cmdr. Jason D. Sweet, staff radiologist at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMC-
the American Society of Radiation On-
SD), examines images of a patient’s bowel obtained from a computed tomography
cology and the University of California (CT) colonography, Jan. 4. CT colonography applies CT techniques to examine the
San Francisco. interior of the colon offering a non-invasive option to patients.
“Th is virtual colonoscopy enables the
with multiple [diseases],” said Sweet. nation, instead of an hour-long optical
radiologist to ‘see’ inside the colon with-
A CT colonography also helps to com- colonoscopy, clearer images aft er the
out having to insert a viewing instrument
plete the remainder of the examination scan is complete, and a more comfort-
into the bowel,” said Cmdr. (Dr.) Jason D.
for a patient’s who has had an incomplete able option for patients who previously
Sweet, staff radiologist at NMCSD.
traditional colonoscopy. Approximately had to undergo a traditional colonoscopy
Th e procedure is a less-invasive option
10 percent of patients fall into this cat- procedure.
for patients requiring a colorectal cancer
egory. “Th ere is no need for sedation and the
screening but who cannot tolerate regular
“In this circumstance, the colon will patient can drive themselves home aft er
colonoscopies due to anesthesia risks or
already have been cleansed, and CT colo- the exam,” said Sweet. “Th ere is also no
other issues.
nography can be done on the same day,” need for placement of an intravenous
“CT colonograpy is an attractive
said Sweet. catheter (IV).”
alternative for routine colorectal cancer
Th e benefi ts of undergoing a CT colo- In addition, unlike traditional colonos-
screening. It has a useful role in providing
nography include a 20-minute exami-
a colorectal screening solution in patients See Colonoscopies, Page 11
and disorders,” said Jones. “Th e doctor or nurse will come in,
SimMan will say, for example, ‘I’m having chest pains.’ People
From page 6
involved in the training will also see that SimMan’s heart rate
has maybe skyrocketed. Th e people training can then adminis-
seem, especially with stress and working on communication,”
ter medication.” said Jones.
said Hite.
“Our patients benefi t the most. Th e advantage is we don’t
“Our Simulation Center is capable of a broad range of skill
have to learn in a real life situation. We can practice the skills we
training, such as suturing, birthing drills, intubations, insert-
will need in cases and work out the kinks before we go on to do
ing NG tubes, central line insertions using sonosites, and many
the real thing,” added Hite.
more. We can even do certain procedures such as broncoscopies
NHB’s Training and Education Department Head, Lt. Cmdr.
and endoscopies. Th e birthing simulator and emergency neo-
Ronald Cleveland attests that the SimMan and the Simulation
resuscitation situations are frequently utilized by doctors, nurses
Center’s mission of “Quality Care, Patient Safety and Lead Team
and hospital corpsman,” Hite said.
Dynamics” will continue to be available to other health care
According to Medical Simulation Contractor Doug Jones, the
facilities in the local community.
SimMan’s human-like responses will eventually become a reality
“We’re incorporating more PQS (Personnel Qualifi cation
when the SimMan will be able to talk directly to the doctors and
Standards) needed by all ship-board medical personnel in this
nurses engaged in the training.
area who are using and will continue to utilize our Sim Lab.
“Th e way it will soon work is that I or one of the other
We’ve specifi cally been an excellent resource for Sailors going
simulation instructors will be on a wireless microphone from
out in the fi eld,” said Cleveland.
another room, and we’ll be able to create a scenario through
the voice box of the SimMan complaining of various ailments
7
January 2013 MEDNEWS
By Mass Communication Specialist readiness as my ship gets ready to head
2nd Class Nikki Smith , Naval Medical out over the horizon to do our job, and

Center Portsmouth Public Affairs everyone in this room helped us prepare,”
Blaser said. “Dental and medical readi-
PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Branch Health
ness are both absolutely paramount. I
Clinic Naval Station Norfolk Dental
make sure all of my Sailors are ready to
Clinic and USS Nicholas (FFG-47) had
large cause to celebrate Jan. 11 during a go, and the assistance we received from
the staff here has been so important in
ceremony at the clinic honoring Nicholas
ensuring the health of my people. Th ank
as the 200th consecutive ship since Sep.
you all very much and thank you for the
11, 2001, to be deployable with the crew
continuing support of the fl eet.”
at or above 95 percent Operational Den-
Th e accomplishment fi ts in perfectly
tal Readiness.
with Navy Medicine’s goals of readiness,
Ships with such high dental readiness

value and jointness.
minimize their risk of a crew member
Th e 15-member Fleet Dental depart-
experiencing a dental-related emergency
ment operates six Mobile Dental Units,
while deployed. Th e clinic’s Fleet Dental
driving two to the Norfolk waterfront
department also staff mobile dental vans
to provide dental services pierside. Th is Monday through Th ursday to give Sailors
minimizes disruption to ships’ crews annual checkups and cleanings pierside,
saving thousands of man-hours in travel
while ensuring ships without dental
time between the waterfront and the
teams on board are ready to sail.
clinic.
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Th e department provides service to
(NMCP) and Nicholas leadership joined
more than 40 cruisers, frigates, destroy-
BHC Norfolk staff to mark the clinic’s
ers and submarines, generally working
milestone.
with ships six to seven months before a
“Th is day speaks volumes to the dedi-
deployment to plan the pierside visits.
cation of the staff here,” said Rear Adm.
Elaine C. Wagner, NMCP commander During the ceremony, Jesse Medina,
and Navy Dental Corps chief. “As the BHC Norfolk assistant fl eet liaison offi cer,
proudly placed the number “200” onto
Dental Corps chief, I am particularly
the clinic’s poster that tracks the ships.
honored to be here with you celebrating
A retired dental technician, Medina has
the 200th consecutive ship since 9/11
worked with the Fleet Dental department
to deploy with operational dental readi-
for more than nine years, helping to pro-
ness above 95 percent. It is an awesome
vide care for more than 160,000 patients.
accomplishment, and it speaks volumes
“I understand that these ships don’t
about the dedication and hard work that
have the dental staff to take care of these
the entire dental team has put into this
Sailors,” Medina said. “I very much enjoy
eff ort.”
taking care of these ships’ crew members, consecutive ships to achieve a 95 percent
Cmdr. Cory Blaser, Nicholas com-
and it’s the entire clinic that makes this or above rating of dental readiness: USS
manding offi cer, thanked Wagner for
happen.” Bainbridge was the 100th in August 2007,
the work of the dental staff with a signed
Th e clinic had previously recognized and USS Cole was the 150th in January
photo of his ship.
ships for meeting the 100th and 150th 2010.
“Th ere are many pieces to mission
Walter
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Class Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Kendrah Agostini,
nd left, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Laura
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8
MEDNEWS January 2013
By Amaani Lyle, American Forces process, she explained. But provisions standards [to enable] people to access
Press Service will allow Prime benefi ciaries who see their primary and specialty care within a
providers outside the 40-mile service area reasonable period of time.”
WASHINGTON - Active duty service
to remain in Prime if they reside within Austin Camacho, TRICARE’s benefi t
members and their families will be unaf-
100 miles of an available primary care information and outreach branch chief,
fected when long-delayed reductions to
manager and sign an access waiver, she said the out-of-pocket, fee-for-service
areas where the TRICARE Prime option
added. cost of TRICARE Standard would cost a
is off ered take place Oct. 1, TRICARE of-
“If TRICARE retirees and young bit more, depending on the frequency of
fi cials said yesterday.
adults live less than 100 miles away from health care use and visits. No cost applies
But as TRICARE seeks to synchro-
a remaining Prime service area, they can for preventive care such as mammo-
nize service area shift s once staggered by
re-enroll in Prime by waiving their drive grams, vaccines, cancer screening, pros-
contract delays, some military retirees
standards and there will be room made tate examinations and routine check-ups,
and their dependents will be moved to
for them,” Lawhon said, adding that the he added.
TRICARE Standard coverage, S. Dian
networks are required to connect provid- Offi cials estimate the changes will
Lawhon, benefi ciary education and
ers to those who elect to lower overall TRICARE costs by $45 mil-
support division director, said during a
waive their drive standards. lion to $56 million a year, depending on
conference call with report-
Contractors the number of benefi ciaries who choose
ers. Th ose aff ected
such as United to remain in Prime, Camacho said.
reside more than
HealthCare Military Lawhon and Camacho said benefi -
40 miles from a
& Veterans, Health Net ciaries should speak to their health care
military treat-
Federal Services and providers and families to assess the best
ment facility or
Humana Military course of action.
base closure site,
will continue to “We’re hoping people will take a
she said.
assist benefi ciaries careful look at their health care needs,”
Th e new
in obtaining providers in their regions, Lawhon said. “We have seen that people
contracts limit Prime networks to re-
she added. using the Standard benefi t are very
gions within a 40-mile radius of military
“Health care is best if it’s local,” pleased with it, and their customer satis-
treatment facilities and in areas aff ected
Lawhon said. “We’ve established the drive faction is the highest of all.”
by the 2005 base closure and realignment
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vanessa “Being under the infl uence of marijuana can result in slow
David reaction speed and poor judgment, and can negatively aff ect
operational success,” said Legalman 1st Class Michael Lightsey.
EVERETT, Wash. - Although the state of Washington has
“In the case of an emergency, people could get hurt. You don’t
recently updated the law on the use of marijuana, essentially
want anyone to be high while operating a jet.”
decriminalizing use for civilians, Zero Tolerance drug policy
Illegal or wrongful use, possession, sale, transfer of controlled
regulations remain unaff ected for Sailors.
substances, or any attempt to commit drug off enses results
Th e Zero Tolerance drug policy was impleemmeenntteedd
iinn mmaaxxiimmuum punishment under the Uniform Code
aft er a fatal crash of an EA-6B Prowler on booaarrdd
ooff MMiilliittary Justice, which includes forfeiture of a
USS Nimitz in 1981, killing 14 crew memberrss
hhaallff month’s pay for two months, reduction in
and injuring 45 others.
rraannk, courts martial, three days confi nement on
Autopsies were performed and several
bbrread and water (for E-3 and below Sailors),
members of the fl ight deck crew tested
445 days of extra duty and 45 days on restric-
positive for marijuana. Following this
ttion or 60 days of restriction and discharge
discovery, then-President Ronald Reagan
from military service.
instituted a Zero Tolerance drug policy
“Aside from the typical punishment
across all of the U.S. Armed Forces.
that follows drug use, there are collateral
As a result regular, random urinalysis
cconsequences to getting kicked out of the
drug checks are conducted on all military
mmilitary,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Anderson,
personnel.
NNiimmitz’ command judge advocate. “Aside from
“Marijuana can stay in the system for up
iinnccrreeasing the diffi culty of fi nding a job, you also
to 30 days depending on the person’s metab--
lloossee yyoour G.I Bill. It’s not a good idea for Sailors
olism, dosage and method of consumption,”
to dabble with marijuana because it’s not worth it.
said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class David Johnson.
Before you eat that pot brownie, ask yourself if it’s worth
“Because it’s lipid-based, it can stay in the fat cells for a long
losing $90,000.”
period of time, whereas water-based substances would fl ow
For more information about the misuse of controlled sub-
through very quickly.”
stances and its consequences, reference Milpersman 1910-146.
Marijuana, or cannabis, induces multiple psychological af-
fects to the users mental state. January 2013 MEDNEWS 9
By Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital itself has maintained the personality
Bremerton Public Affairs and presence that encompasses what the
MUC stands for, and this MUC is a direct
BREMERTON, Wash. - Naval Hospital
refl ection of Capt. (Mark) Brouker’s ten-
Bremerton (NHB) was formally present-
ure and accomplishments,” said Culp.
ed the Meritorious Unit Commendation
Th e Meritorious Unit Commendation
(MUC) by the commander of Navy Medi-
for Naval Hospital Bremerton covered
cine West and Naval Medical Center San
the period July 1, 2008 through Sept. 30,
Diego Jan 8.
2011, which was during Navy Medicine
Th e presentation highlighted Rear
West Chief of Staff Brouker’s previous
Adm. C. Forrest Faison III’s two day visit
tour and 3-year tenure as NHB’s com-
to Naval Hospital Bremerton and as-
manding offi cer from July 18, 2008 to
sociated Branch Health Clinics at Naval
Aug. 4, 2011.
Base Kitsap - Bangor, Puget Sound Naval
Th e current MUC covered all staff
Shipyard and Naval Station Everett.
assigned to all active duty component
“Th is commendation just documents
unit identifi cation codes (UIC) within
what we already know. Th e MUC recog- Courtesy photo
nizes a great team. It is a real privilege Naval Hospital Bremerton the hospital. Th e citation, signed for the
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus by
to see such an incredible team provide Capt. Christopher Culp, NHB com-
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan
medical help to our Sailors, Marines and manding offi cer notifi ed NHB staff
W. Greenert, recognized personnel of
families. Every day you rise to the occa- members last month on receiving the
NHB consistently demonstrated excep-
sion. I am so incredibly proud of you. On command’s second commendation. Th e
tional patient and family centered care,
behalf of all those you help, thank you,” initial MUC was awarded for meritori-
graduate medical education, and fl eet
said Faison. ous service from Dec. 1, 1996, to Dec. 31,
support while meeting its readiness mis-
Faison also held several all-hands 1999, for providing timely compassionate
sion. Th e citation also cited exceptional
Admiral’s calls, dined with approximately care in Navy Region Northwest as well as
performance in multiple areas including
20 recently returned Individual Augmen- meeting readiness mission needs while
dental readiness, graduate medical educa-
tee staff members, and met with current deployed to Haiti with Fleet Hospital 5.
tion excellence, fl eet support, tsunami
residents in NHB’s Puget Sound Family “As we haul down the previous MUC
support, environmental excellence and
Medicine Graduate Medical Education that has fl own for the past 10 years, it has
patient care.
program. He also met with NHB Sailors transcended time and become part of the
and civilians of the quarter and year. fabric of the command. Th e command
By Lance Cpl. Joshua W. Grant, Marine Corps Base Camp Fofi . “When you sleep, parts of your throat muscles relax and
Lejeune cause a block in the air way which vibrates, causing snoring.”
People shouldn’t be too worried if they snore or think they
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE - Million of Ameri-
have sleep apnea because the brain automatically wakes you
cans suff er from obstructive sleep apnea every year but many
when your breathing pattern is interrupted, said Fofi .
people of all ages who have the condition don’t realize because
Fofi added breathing abnormalities can happen up to one
they don’t know the symptoms and it’s oft en undiagnosed.
hundred times per night causing lasting eff ects during the day.
At the quarterly retiree town hall meeting at Naval Hospital
“It increases the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart at-
Camp Lejeune, Navy Lt. Stephanie Fofi , a three-year family
tacks, heart failure and heart arrhythmia,” said Fofi . “Untreated
medicine resident, gave the retirees much of the information
it also causes daytime sleepiness that increases risk for work-
they needed to recognize if they were suff ering from sleep
related and motor vehicle accidents.”
apnea.
Despite the symptoms and eff ects of sleep apnea, there are
It is unknown exactly how many people suff er from OSA, but
many treatment methods. Surgery, medications, oral appliances
the World Health Organization published the number could be
and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines all help to
as high as 100 million worldwide, and states less than 25 percent
rid individuals of sleep apnea.
of cases are diagnosed, said Fofi .
CPAP machines are a type of head gear worn during sleep
Approximately 4 percent of men and 2 percent of women
that regulates air fl ow to keep breathing consistent at night.
over the age of 35 suff er from sleep apnea but most are unaware
Fofi said OSA is not always an immediate threat, but without
it’s the cause of their lethargy. Classifi ed as one or more pauses
treatment it can cause lasting eff ects which threaten the health
in breathing during the night, sleep apnea is commonly diag-
and safety of millions.
nosed through snoring.
For more information visit www.sleepfoundation.org.
“Snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea,” said
View more Navy Medicine photos online at:
www.fl ickr.com/photos/navymedicine/
10
MEDNEWS January 2013