Shannon Medical Center | Health Beat | Spring 2019

T he birth of any baby is beautiful, and helping take care of West Texas’ newest and tiniest citizens is considered a privilege by the staff at Shannon’s Women’s & Children’s Hospital. Last year, more than 1,200 babies were welcomed at the hospital—including 11 sets of twins and one set of triplets! “Caring for multiples is fun because we get to see the dif- ferences in their personalities and individual looks,” says Julie Quade, BSN, RN, Shannon Women’s & Children’s Special Care Nursery/NICU Manager. “We become familiar with how the parents interact with their babies and enjoy seeing them grow before they get to go home.” After birth, most multiples need a little extra assistance ad- justing to their new surroundings.They are sent to the Spe- cial Care Nursery, a level 2 nursery/neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), for additional supervision and care.The area is equipped with high-level technology and certified staff to care for babies with special needs. “As a special care nursery/NICU, we have the capability to provide ongoing care for babies born as early as 32 weeks and weighing at least 1,500 grams, or just over 3 pounds,”Quade says. “When caring for multiples, we utilize additional nursing staff to make sure we are caring for and meeting their needs. Research has shown keeping multiples together while hospitalized improves their eating and growth and helps them get home sooner.” The nursery uses equipment provided by the Children’s Miracle Network that allows multiples to be kept together, with each baby receiving their own monitor.This helps keep them on the same feeding schedule, which makes the transition to home easier for them and their parents. “We take the care of our smallest patients very seriously,” Quade adds. “We are proud to have the trained staff and equip- ment to provide the best care we can for the babies born in San Angelo and the surrounding area.” Triple the love: The Weitner triplets— Asher Cole, Bearon Dean and Creede Garrett—born at Shannon on Nov. 1, 2018. Join the crowd If you’re thinking about giving up smoking, know that you’ll be in good company. Former smokers now outnumber current smokers in the U.S. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Fun comes first Did you have fun? That’s the question to ask your child at the end of a game or activity. For kids, having fun really is more important than winning. Mental Health America A multitude of joy jo “We take the care of our smallest patients very seriously.” —Julie Quade, BSN, RN Page 4 Stay sharp! 8 habits to keep your brain healthy as you age. Page 7 Time to eat? Tips for getting your family together for a meal. JOURNAL OF WELLNESS AND GOOD HEALTH CARE SPRING 2019 HEALTH BEAT Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Platteville, WI Permit No. 7 SHANNON MEDICAL CENTER 120 E. Harris Ave. San Angelo, TX 76903

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