Rise & Thrive! 11-11-17: Dr. Tay Sha Howell & Karen Ritchie, RN
November is Diabetes Awareness Month!
This week on “Rise & Thrive with the OSJ Radio Hour” – Tay Sha Howell, MD, Medical Director of the Oklahoma Wound Center and the Diabetic Limb Salvage Program and Karen Ritchie, RN, Diabetic Limb Salvage Nurse Navigator
Tay Sha Howell, MD, Medical Director of the Oklahoma Wound Center and the Diabetic Limb Salvage Program
Dr. Howell has served as the Wound Care Medical Director for Norman Regional Health System since 2008, covering the Oklahoma Wound Center; the inpatient wound program and the Diabetic Limb Salvage Program. She is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and Undersea Hyperbaric Medicine and has been practicing wound care since 2006. She was recognized as one of The Journal Record’s “50 Women Making A Difference” in both 2012, 2015 and 2016 and named to The Journal Record’s Circle of Excellence in 2016. Dr. Howell is the co-founder and chapter leader of the Oklahoma Metro Chapter of the Save a Leg, Save a Life; a non-profit organization dedicated to decreasing amputation rates. She also serves on the National Board of Directors. Dr. Howell is also committed to educating and inspiring the next generation of health care professionals by serving as a mentor for the Belknap Memorial Premedical Proctorship and educating Emergency Medicine Residents on hyperbaric medicine and wound care.
Karen Ritchie, RN, Diabetic Limb Salvage Nurse Navigator
Karen is Norman Regional Health System’s Diabetic Limb Salvage (DLS) Nurse Navigator. She began her career at the Oklahoma Wound Center as a wound care technician before becoming a registered nurse. Karen coordinates the treatment plan for patients suffering from a diabetic ulcer and serves as the key contact for patients, and is responsible for monitoring and guiding them through the recovery process. Karen provides emotional support and assurance of continuity of care for the patient and their family. She educates them on the healing process, ulcer prevention and how to live a healthy lifestyle. Karen also provides diabetic limb salvage education to Norman Regional Health System nurses and caregivers.
Listen in on Saturdays 9:05 a.m. on The Eagle, KZLS 1640AM or listen through the OSJ App anytime on your tablet or smart phone.
Norman Regional Health System’s free Diabetes Health Fair – Tuesday Nov. 19, 6p-8p at the Norman Regional Education Center, 901 N. Porter. The Diabetes Health Fair is open to anyone who may be affected by diabetes or those interested in improving diabetes management. There will be a cooking demonstration by “Food for Thought” and “Zumba in a chair” by Tori Collier.
The Diabetes Health Fair will also feature free blood pressure screenings, free blood glucose meters, free hemoglobin A1C lab voucher, and the newest diabetes products. The fair is sponsored by the Norman Regional Diabetes Center.
Click here to go to the Facebook Event page or call the Diabetes Center at 405-307-5730 for more information. You can also visit their web page – click here.
