Butler Health System | Health Link | Fall 2020

Telehealth: Care when and where you need it By Cindy Esser, BSN, MHA, MBA, Director, Emerging Technologies In an age when we cannot live without our smartphones, we expect informa- tion at our fingertips and the ability to connect with friends and family when and where we want—all without any delay or inconvenience. Do we expect the same when it comes to our health care? Telehealth visits accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. When stay-at- home orders were in place, telehealth allowed providers to safely care for their patients while eliminating unnecessary exposure to the virus. COVID-19 government policy and regulatory changes accelerated telehealth adoption. The increased availability and insurance coverage for telehealth visits has made this option for care delivery an attractive, convenient, affordable and accessible pathway to connect us with our patients and the community. Modernizing the patient experience We understand that life gets busy, but we don’t want you to put off medical care. When work schedules, transportation issues or physical distancing issues arise, consider telehealth—these virtual visits can offer you the flexibility you need. Along with scheduled telehealth visits with your providers, Butler Health System offers urgent care telehealth visits and virtual wellness classes and seminars. With a BHS FasterCare Now telehealth appointment, providers can review symptoms, provide a diagnosis and treatment plan, and prescribe medication to the pharmacy of your choice. Our virtual wellness classes support you to stay healthy and promote self-management. Secure, convenient, mobile access to quality care is modernizing the patient experience and enhancing the future of health care. BHS is committed to offering telehealth services for the patients we serve. No matter how we connect with our patients, it is our experience, knowledge and compassion that is important, and being here for you is our priority. Visit ButlerHealthSystem.org for more information on telehealth services or for the dates and details of BHS classes and events. Butler Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asis- tencia lingüística. TTY: 711. 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。 TTY: 711 。 HEALTH LINK is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of: BUTLER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: 1 Hospital Way, Butler, PA 16001-4670 724-283-6666 butlerhealthsystem.org Ken DeFurio President and CEO Jana Panther Director of Marketing and Public Relations Anne Lehman Editor To opt out of this mailing, contact Public Relations at 724-284-4200. People who are hearing-impaired can access the hospital by calling the AT&T operator at 800-654-5988 (voice) or 800-654-5984 (TDD). The caller can then notify the AT&T relay system operator and request relay services to BMH at 724-283-6666. Information in HEALTH LINK comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. BUTLER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any basis, including a person’s age, sex, color, race, religious beliefs, national origin, disability or lifestyle. BMH also provides services without discrimination regardless of a person’s age, sex, color, race, religious beliefs, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, lifestyle or source of payment. 2020 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Numbers to know Butler Memorial Hospital Main 724-283-6666 BHS Clarion Hospital Main 814-226-9500 BHS Care Center: Find a doctor near you! 833-602-CARE (833-602-2273) Makes 4 servings. Ingredients 2 boxes (16 ounces each) frozen pureed winter (butternut) squash 2 medium apples (try Golden Delicious or Gala) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 ⁄ 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 2 cans (12 ounces each) fat-free evaporated milk 1 ⁄ 4 teaspoon salt 1 ⁄ 8 teaspoon ground black pepper Directions » Place the frozen squash in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely. Defrost in the microwave on medium power for 5 to 10 minutes, until mostly thawed. » Meanwhile, peel then shred the apples using a grater or food processor, or peel and finely chop apples into thin strips. Set aside ¼ cup. » Warm oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add all but ¼ cup of the apples. Cook and stir until apples soften, about 5 minutes. » Stir in thawed squash and pumpkin pie spice. » Add the evapo- rated milk about ½ cup at a time, stirring after each addition. » Season with salt and pepper. » Cook and stir over high heat just until soup is about to boil. » Ladle into individual soup bowls. Top each with a tablespoon of the unused apples. Sprinkle with additional pump- kin pie spice, if desired. Tip: For chunkier soup, try two bags (14 ounces each) frozen diced but- ternut squash. Or cut a fresh butternut squash into small chunks, and place in a microwave-safe dish covered with 1 inch of water. Microwave on high for 5 to 10 minutes or until squash is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Remove skin. Place squash in blender until desired consistency. Nutrition information Serving size: 1½ cups. Amount per serving: 334 calories, 4g total fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 62g carbohydrates, 18g protein, 5g dietary fiber, 370mg sodium, 1,142mg potassium. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Creamy squash soup with shredded apples Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1715 Pittsburgh, PA 1 Hospital Way, Butler, PA 16001-4670