Cape Fear Valley Health

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It's so important to your health that you stay hydrated while working out, but sports drinks can add unneeded calories. When is water enough and when is it a good idea to reach for something with electrolytes?

Drinking water is usually fine until you're exercising for more than one hour. But if you are doing high-intensity exercise for a long period, feel free to go for sports drinks. They can give you a beneficial replenishment boost because they typically include minerals, electrolytes, and sometimes vitamins.

And if you are still worried about calories? Reach for a lite version and get the best of both worlds!

Rachel Thurnher and the Heart & Vascular staff had a great time on Wednesday teaching the Fayetteville Woodpeckers staff Hands-Only CPR!

If you have an organization that would like to learn how easy it is to save a life, call Ben Beason at (910) 615-8294!

Today, over 10,000 athletes will sail down the Seine in Paris – the same city the Olympics were held exactly a century ago, for an opening ceremony that has never been held outside of a stadium.

As we see all these Olympians at their peak fitness, we often think of health. Health is defined as the condition of being sound in body, mind or spirit, and the general condition of the body. Someone whose physical health is improving, but whose mental health is deteriorating, doesn’t count as being healthy.

Being healthy is a balance of every aspect of health – physical, mental and emotional, and needs to carry equal weight.

We wish the world's best athletes all great health during the games and the best medical care including the best emotional care. Great behavioral healthcare is just as important to wellness as physical health.

The opening ceremony kicks off with a live pre-show at noon, and the ceremony itself begins at 1:30 p.m. local time. The ceremony is expected to be over four hours. It will be broadcast on TV and streamed in digital format on NBC, Peacock and NBC Olympics. 🥇

Meet Ben Beason, RN-BSN, a dedicated member of the Cape Fear Valley Health Heart Center team! As a Patient Care Manager for Cardiac Services, Benjamin oversees Heart Center outreach, drawing on his extensive 21-year experience in cardiac health.

With more than a decade of service as a registered nurse, Ben's commitment to patient care is truly admirable. Ben is deeply passionate about educating the community on Hands-Only CPR and overall heart health, exemplifying his dedication to enhancing the well-being of the community.

A proud native of Fayetteville, Ben has deep roots in the community, having been born at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Outside of work, Ben is a loving father to five boys and finds joy in practicing Taekwondo, indulging in fishing adventures, and cherishing quality time with his family.

Join us in celebrating Ben’s remarkable contributions to our team and his dedication to improving the health and well-being of our community

Thank you, Gina, for choosing Cape Fear Valley for your podiatric needs!

If you've had a great experience at any Cape Fear Valley Health or Harnett Health facility, we'd like to hear about it. Inbox us to share your story today!

Dr. Daniel C. DeRosa joins Valley Orthopedics

Daniel DeRosa, DO, is an orthopedic spine surgeon with extensive experience in back and neck surgeries. He specializes in minimally invasive spinal procedures, spine surgery, interventional spine and functional medicine.

Dr. DeRosa received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internships and residencies at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu and his fellowship in Adult Spinal Surgery at Duke University. Dr DeRosa is a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon, by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

As an orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. DeRosa is committed to providing the best possible outcome for patients with the least invasive surgery possible. Some of the conditions Dr. DeRosa treats include cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy,

For an appointment with Dr. DeRosa, call (910) 609-5000.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and Hoke Hospital earn seven “High Performing” specialty recognitions in U.S. News & World Report rankings

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for 2024-2025 by U.S. News & World Report in six different care areas, and Hoke Hospital was also recognized as High Performing for one specialty.

The annual “Best Hospitals” rankings, now in their 35th year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or for common elective procedures.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center was recognized as “High Performing” for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Hoke Hospital also received a “High Performing” rating for Pneumonia. In addition, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center was named a Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access, based on U.S. News analyzing data on various dimensions of equality for historically underserved patients.

“We are pleased to receive this recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Providing exceptional healthcare for all our patients has always been our top priority,” said Mike Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health. “Our team of caregivers is committed to the highest standards for quality and safety, and this recognition is a result of that commitment.”

For the 2024-2025 rankings and ratings, U.S. News evaluated about 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. In the 15 specialty areas, only 160 hospitals were nationally ranked in at least one specialty.

Remove a tick in 4 easy steps
There are more than 90 different types of ticks in the U.S. Ticks can carry disease, so it's a good idea to avoid them entirely. But if one bites you, make sure you remove it correctly.

How to remove a tick Found a tick? Get it out the right way. (1 min. read)

Water safety tips for kids

1) Always keep a close watch on children near any body of water, even a bathtub.

Drowning can happen in seconds, even in shallow water. Avoid distractions such as phone calls or reading while supervising children. Avoid alcohol while supervising children in or near water, too.

2) Pools should be surrounded by a fence with a locking gate.

A pool cover, when the pool is not in use, can also help accidental falls. Alarms or chimes on exterior doors leading to the pool area are also a good idea, as well as in-pool sensors that can sound the alert if a child enters the pool unsupervised.

3) Teach your children the basics of water safety, such as never swimming alone, no running near the pool and no diving in shallow or unclear water.

Use life jackets when on boats, near open bodies or water, or during water sports. Teach children about natural hazards, such as currents, tides and uneven ground.

4) Learn CPR. In case of an emergency, knowing CPR can save a life. Cape Fear Valley Health offers free hands-only CPR courses.

To learn hands-only CPR, call Ben Beason at
(910) 615-8294 or email [email protected].

5) Teach your kids how to swim as early as possible.

Swimming lessons are offered at The HealthPlex, YMCA, Fayetteville Aquatics Parks and many other locations.

Stay hydrated this summer with these facts about water.

library.capefearvalley.com

🚌 Mobile Blood Drives for the Public 7/20 - 7/27 🚌

🎆 Saturday, Jul. 20, 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Orangetheory Fitness
1800 Skibo Road, Fayetteville, NC 28314

🎆 Saturday, Jul. 20, 8 a.m.- Noon
Third Saturday at Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center
3357 Village Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304

🎆 Tuesday, Jul. 23, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Home Instead Pinehurst
293 Olmsted Boulevard, Pinehurst, NC 28374

🎆 Wednesday, Jul. 24, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cumberland County Courthouse
117 Dick Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301

🎆 Thursday, Jul. 25, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Hutchens Law Firm
4317 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28311

🎆 Friday, Jul. 26, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Downtown Market of Fayetteville
325 Blount Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301

🔔 If you would like to host a blood drive at your work, church, etc., please contact us! We would love to set up a day and time to come out and host a blood drive.

When you donate with us, your blood stays within our health system. You are saving the lives of your community!

Meet Linsey Dickens, LPN Coordinator at Harnett Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Dunn.

Linsey has worked for Cape Fear Valley and Harnett Health since April 2016. She finds her position to be a rewarding one!

“I love seeing the patients when they initially come in with an issue,” she said. “Whether its chronic or an acute injury. I enjoy building a rapport with them and many times their families as well and being able to see the improvement that occurs during their course of treatment.”

Linsey was raised in Harnett County – Lillington to be exact – so being from and living in the area gives her the ability to “care for her neighbors,” which she loves.

“I truly care for each and every patient as if they were a member of my family,” she said. “I have laughed with patients, I have cried with patients, I have been a shoulder or listening ear for patients. Being able to have a “helping heart” and genuinely care about your job, co-workers and patients is extremely important, especially in today’s world.”

Outside work, Linsey loves following NC State sports, riding four-wheelers and going to her six-year-old daughter’s sporting events. She also enjoys woodworking and refinishing furniture.

Not many know this, but Linsey was diagnosed in elementary school with dyslexia. She struggled in high school and college but made it through. She credits her success with having a passion for healthcare and the steadfastness to see it through.

Advice she would give others is “don’t be afraid to ask questions, show that you’re eager to learn,” she says. “Be willing to ‘get your hands dirty.’ Know that you will have some very good days and some very difficult days, that’s part of the medical field. What you show outwardly to your co-workers/patients has more of an affect than you realize. It’s not always about the money, if you have a good group to work with and you enjoy what you do, you’ll never ‘work’ a day in your life.

Thank you, Linsey, for all you do for Cape Fear Valley and for the Harnett community!

Congratulations to Cape Fear Valley's own Stephen Fife, Vice President of Ambulatory Services, on being named to the Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40!

The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2024: Meet Stephen Fife Stephen Fife, 39, is the president of Cape Fear Valley Medical Group. Here's what else you should know about him.

Skin cancer risk assessment

While anyone can get skin cancer, some factors can raise your risk. Knowing about those risk factors may help you avoid the disease or take steps to find it early.

To learn more about your skin cancer risk factors, answer the following questions.

This assessment is not a substitute for a visit with your healthcare provider. If you have questions about your risk for skin cancer, talk with your provider, regardless of the results listed here:

Skin cancer risk assessment Learn your risk factors: Protect your health. (4 min. read)

Mark your calendar for this Saturday and get a donut while you donate blood at Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center!!!

Join us the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon for Walk-in Wednesday. You can walk in with a resume at one of our four locations, and walk out with a job. Let us guide you through the application process and find your perfect fit at Cape Fear Valley Health.

Walk-in Wednesday locations:
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Front Lobby: 1638 Owen Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Betsy Johnson Hospital: 800 Tilghman Drive, Dunn, NC 28334
Central Harnett Hospital: 215 Brightwater Drive, Lillington, NC 27546
Bladen County Hospital: 501 S Poplar St, Elizabethtown, NC 28337

To see open positions or apply now, visit http://capefearcareers.com.

Water activities are enjoyable but can be dangerous without proper precautions. Follow these essential water safety tips to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.

1) Know your limits. Don’t swim in areas beyond your skill level. If needed, stay in shallow water or wear a life jacket. Always wear a life jacket when participating in water sports.

2) Swim with a buddy. Always have someone with you, even if you’re an experienced swimmer.

3) Learn to swim. You can take swimming lessons at The HealthPlex, YMCA, Fayetteville Aquatics Parks or other locations.

4) Understand water conditions. Always be aware of weather, and in natural bodies of water, be aware of currents, tides, underwater obstacles, varying depths and other conditions that can make swimming more dangerous.

5) At a pool, always follow the posted rules. Don’t run near pools or dive into shallow water.

6) Avoid alcohol. Do not drink before or after water activities.

7) Learn CPR. In case of an emergency, knowing CPR can save a life.

Cape Fear Valley Health offers free hands-only CPR courses. To learn hands-only CPR, call Ben Beason at
(910) 615-8294 or email [email protected].

One in five Americans will get skin cancer at least once, and some kinds can be deadly. But do you know which types and how they can be prevented? Take this quiz to test your knowledge.

Skin cancer quiz Can skin cancer be prevented? (3 min. read)

Sun exposure is a preventable skin cancer risk factor. Reduce sun exposure and skin cancer risk with these top tips.

Sun safety Sun exposure is a skin cancer risk factor. (2 min. read)

Looking to start a career in healthcare? Join our CNA I Program starting in September!

We offer a 15-week Certified Nursing Assistant I course to individuals looking to continue their education. This paid on-the-job training starts at $14/hour and all books, uniforms and testing fees are included in the program. Comprehensive benefits package are available, as well as scholarships and tuition assistance programs to help you continue to further your career path.

To learn more, visit: https://www.capefearvalley.com/careersx/new-registration.aspx?EventId=1539.

Thank you, Michael, for choosing Highsmith-Rainey ExpressCare for your urgent medical care needs! We hope you and your wife are doing well today!

If you've had a great experience at any Cape Fear Valley Health or Harnett Health facility, we'd like to hear about it. Inbox us to share your story today!

Here are some healthy choices for taming those snack attacks! Everybody needs a snack now and then. But those snacks don't have to be high in calories, fat or salt to be satisfying. These tips can help you handle snack cravings without upending your healthy eating efforts.

Smart snacking Healthy choices for taming those snack attacks. (2 min. read)

If you are heading to the pool this summer, make sure to keep your kids safe with these tips.

Water safety tips for parents Try these tips for a safe, fun summer by the pool.

Sunscreen is a must-have, especially now that summer is here. Different types of sunscreens are available. Use this guide as you shop for one, and pick the best form of sun protection for you and the people you love.

Take your pick of summer sunscreens Stocking up for summer fun? Make smart choices.

Strength training
Lifting weights can strengthen your body and mind, and can also help you make time for other things like meals and sleep.

Happy Fourth of July from our NICU babies!
Photography by Tiny Visuals Photography.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday, this Independence Day.

Be sure to celebrate safely this year. Observe firework safety guidelines -- keep spectators at a safe distance and never relight malfunctioning fireworks.

When grilling, ensure the grill is on a flat, stable surface away from structures and flammable materials.

Out of respect for veterans when it comes to the individual discharge of fireworks, please keep in mind the noise and stress your activities may cause near VA facilities.

Celebrate safely! Fireworks safety tips

Use legal fireworks. In North Carolina, only sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, and novelty items that do not explode or leave the ground are legal. Aerial fireworks and explosive devices like firecrackers, Roman candles, and rockets are illegal. Always buy from licensed vendors in state to ensure they meet safety standards.

Follow the safety instructions on the packaging. Never hold fireworks in your hand while attempting to light them. Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Even sparklers, which may seem harmless, can burn at temperatures over 1,000°F and cause serious burns. Do not aim fireworks at people, animals, buildings, or flammable objects.

Only light one firework at a time and move away quickly after lighting it. Spectators should maintain a safe distance, at least 25 feet, from the fireworks site. Do not attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks; instead, soak used and malfunctioning fireworks in water before disposal to prevent trash fires.

Never use fireworks indoors. Always find a clear, open area away from buildings, trees, and other flammable materials. Have a bucket of water or a garden hose ready in case of a fire. Also keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises can frighten animals, causing them to run away or behave unpredictably.

Avoid using fireworks when under the influence of alcohol. Impairment can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

In case of fireworks injuries

For minor burns, cool the burn with running water for several minutes. Cover with a clean, non-stick bandage and seek medical attention if necessary.
For serious injuries, such as eye injuries or deep burns, seek immediate medical attention. Do not touch or attempt to remove objects stuck in the eye.

A safe fireworks display is the best show. Enjoy your 4th of July fireworks responsibly!