Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 1, 2019

A Seal of Excellence Kootenai Health named a Center of Excellence for lung cancer treatment By Stacie Jones The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) has named Kootenai Health a Community Hospital Center of Excellence for lung cancer treatment. Kootenai is the first hospital in the Inland Northwest to be awarded the prestigious designation for providing exceptional patient-centric, team-oriented lung cancer care. Todd Hoopman, M.D., medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening and Incidental Nodule Clinic, said the honor does more than validate Kootenai’s commitment to providing the highest standards in lung cancer care; it also adds practical value for both patients and providers. “This designation brings outstanding new resources and support to our patients as they are going through the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer,” Dr. Hoopman said. “At the same time, it allows us to benchmark ourselves against other programs across the nation and helps keep our providers on the cutting edge for diagnostic strategy and treatment regimens.” Cori Sowa, Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services clinical navigator, said new resources available to patients and families through the ALCF partnership include a comprehensive patient education handbook and robust online tools, such as virtual support groups, presentations by lung cancer specialists, and educational videos. Kootenai qualified for the seal of excellence after a rigorous application and review process. The designation requires ongoing assessments to ensure patients continue to have access to the latest innovations and most effective diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. “This isn’t just some stamp,” Cori said. “It’s assurance to patients that we will stay at the top of our game and continue to work really hard to offer the best of the best in lung cancer care.” Healthy Lungs, HealthyYou Todd Hoopman, M.D., offers these six tips to keep your lungs healthy and strong: Get tobacco free. If you smoke, meet with your provider to discuss cessation strategies. It’s the No. 1 way to prevent lung disease. Avoid secondhand smoke. Live or work with a smoker? Encourage them to quit for your health and theirs. Watch the air quality index . Avoid the outdoors during low air quality days, especially if it’s fire season. Exercise. Walking 20 minutes a day, three to five days a week can improve lung capacity and overall fitness. Eat well. A healthy diet strengthens your immune system and reduces your risk of infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Get immunized. The flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine protect you from lung-damaging infections. 1 2 3 4 5 6 NewALCF resources include a comprehensive patient education handbook and robust online tools, such as virtual support groups, presentations by lung cancer specialists and educational videos. Todd Hoopman, M.D., is a provider at North Idaho Lung, Asthma and Critical Care. Learn more about their services at niladocs.com . 8