St. Anthony Community Hospital auxiliary sponsors lecture series

Warwick — Did you know that many ordinary over-the-counter pain-killers are actually dangerous to your health? Are you aware that Diabetes is the primary cause of blindness and lower-extremity amputation? Or that 65 per cent of patients who experience kidney failure have diabetes? On Tuesday, April 11, members of the St. Anthony Community Hospital Auxiliary held their monthly lunch and general meeting in the Greenbriar Room at Mount Alverno Center. As part of a new lecture series, Dr. Rachel Colvin, a board certified nephrologist associated with St. Anthony Community Hospital, addressed the members. She explained that nephrologists, who study and treat patients with kidney disorders, serve an additional residency in their field beyond the standard training for a general practitioner. Because kidney disease affects the entire body, a nephrologist must also have a good grasp on other aspects of internal medicine, and how renal failure can cause other body systems to fail. Colvin, whose office is at 30 Hatfield Lane in Goshen, pointed out the dangers of improper management of diabetes, including type II diabetes. She explained the possibility of resulting kidney disease, and the pros and cons of available preventatives and treatments, such as dialysis and transplant surgery. The luncheon also served as an opportunity to welcome new members, who joined after the auxiliary hosted an “Evening of Chocolate and Sweet Tasting” in February. This year, membership has increased to more than 125 members, both women and men, from all walks of life. Some members are not able to attend the monthly luncheons, but do volunteer for various fundraising events, including a musical fashion show, a progressive dinner, and the traditional “Under the Tent” party at Hickory Hill Golf Course in June. When members are between fundraisers, many offer their time and expertise to help out at the Annual Spring Ball and the Annual Golf Classic. The auxiliary has raised and contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the hospital for special projects and for the purchase of specific equipment. Some of the organization’s recent donations include $25,000 in physical therapy equipment, $20,000 in orthosurgical instruments, and a $14,400 fetal monitoring system. The auxiliary has pledged to every capital campaign, including a “Caring for Life” campaign commitment of $75,000 to the Kennedy Birthing Center. To become a member of the auxiliary, call Terry Gavan at 986-2375. For more information, visit www.StAnthonyCommunityHosp.org.