Computer Troubles

Is your PC slow? What about your Internet browsing? Do your programs start slowly? Your computer might be infected with might have spyware, malware, or a virus. These can slow computers down, make your programs not run, and could potentially break your workstation. We all have probably heard of what a computer virus is and what it can do, but what is spyware and malware? What do they mean and what can they do to your computer?
The term “Spyware” suggests it would be software that secretly monitors a user's behavior on the computer, but the functions of spyware extend well beyond simple observation. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal data, including banking information, internet browsing habits, and websites that you have visited. Spyware can also interfere with the computer in other frustrating ways, like causing pop-ups.
Malware is a newly defined word, coming from the words malicious and software. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code. It is designed to infiltrate and damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. Some of the more common examples of Malware include programs that redirect your internet browser, add new shortcuts to your desktop, and installing fake antivirus programs that will only spread more viruses to your computer.
The nice thing about all these spyware and malware programs, however, is how easy it is to protect your computer from them. I recommend using Spyware Doctor. It is easy to install, effective, and you can get it for free.
To download Spyware Doctor, go to http://pack.google.com in Internet Explorer. Of the 15 check boxes available to you, only one should be checked: The third one down from the top left, the one that says Spyware Doctor. Click on the button that says “Download Now.” On the next page that loads, click the button that says “Agree and Download.” Then simply follow the on screen instructions. An application called Google Updater will open and download and install Spyware Doctor. You can launch the application from there, or you can open it from the Start Menu in a folder called “Spyware Doctor.” Make sure to use the Spyware Doctor Smart Update before your run a scan to make sure you have the most recent Spyware definitions.
New threats emerge all the time, so be sure to keep the program up to date with the update feature and scan your computer often! Computer Viruses are nasty thing but if you follow these directions you will be able to fight them off and get rid of them once and for all.

A Friendly Tip from
Joel Snyder
IT, Help Desk

Just Another Day in The Emergency Department?

Two things you can say about working in healthcare, no two days are ever the same and working in a “silo” is not an option. Tuesday, July 28 was a day that reinforced my strong feeling that Carson Tahoe is not only a great place to work but if you need medical care, there is no better place to be.

July, 2009 certainly has not been the typical slow month that we in hospital work have come to expect. The E.D. has been hopping and the acuity of patients has been extraordinary. The patient volume on this particular Tuesday, 105, is not illustrative of the actual work load brought on the E.D. by the variety of patients who presented that day. I tell you this not to be an alarmist or a complainer but because I am honored to have been a part of a team that pulled together so well, to do so much, in such a short period of time.

At 1530, as I walked toward the E.D. from the Sage Café, it was obvious that even with a well staffed E.D. this case mix was a tough one. A critically ill baby, four legal holds, code blue in two, five ambulances in the bay, full exam rooms, hall beds full, a full waiting room and ten charts in the “waiting to be seen” bin. As soon as I walked in the core, I inquired about what I could do to help. In a flash I was signed in the Pyxis and helping to administer medications. When I turned around, I saw Paul Laird, Director of Laboratory and Outpatient Services right there helping with phlebotomy needs. On the other side of the core was Linda Hurst, E.D. manager, assisting with patient care needs. All the while the regular E.D. physicians, nurses, CNA’s, unit clerks and registration staff were doing what they do so well, triaging and registering patients in a calm and diligent manner.

I watched and worked, and worked some more, all the while thinking about what great care was being delivered. The true definition of teamwork was unfolding before my eyes and the organized chaos that is the emergency department was working like a fine-oiled machine. By the end of the evening it was apparent that nearly every department in the hospital had come together to “Put Patients First”. The ARC had stepped in to take the legal holds so we could free up some rooms. A nurse from Peds had stepped in to help with the critically sick baby. BHS staff was there to assist the legal holds. Registration was helping at the bedside. Security was helping move patients. And most important, while patients knew it was a busy night, they were well cared for and treated with dignity.

I often say that I work with an amazing team of professionals yet now I have a more clear understanding of the crazy, wonderful, poignant world in which we work. I appreciate you all for your work on Tuesday, July 28…just another day in the E.D.


Annette Patellos, Carson Tahoe Nursing Director

Grade our Website

So I really want to know... What letter grade (A-F) would you give our website?!?!

After many painstaking months of meticulous hard work, it is with great pleasure that I can finally announces the launch of our new and improved www.carsontahoe.com website! The new site went live last week and I have been very grateful for all of the wonderful feedback on the many ways we can improve our site. I hope you'll take some time to look through the site and offer some feedback of your own.

We began this project with the vision of making the content much more valuable to patients and visitors. Our goals were to improve navigation and increase user interaction from that of our old site. There are several exciting new features that I hope will be of benefit to consumers and staff alike, including "SEND an E-CARD". I have already sent out five cards today to the delight of our patients!

As you surf through our pages, please let us know if there is any missing information that you could not find. Ideas on adding pages that would enhance your experience at Carson Tahoe is appreciated. I am happy to help you with any questions or suggestions for the website.

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Jon Tyler
info@ctrh.org
Development Specialist,
Website Administrator
Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare

Win a New Car While Supporting the Cancer Center

Great news! a 2009 Toyota Corolla or 2009 Ford Focus Will be raffled off for the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center at this year's Celebrity Docs Fundraiser.

(Carson City, Nevada) – Dick Campagni’s Auto Group, (Carson City Toyota, Scion and Capital Ford, Mazda, Hyundai) has donated the choice of a new 2009 Toyota Corolla or 2009 Ford Focus to the Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Foundation. Tickets for the car can be purchased for $20 each or 6 tickets for $100. 100% of all proceeds benefit the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center. The winner of the raffle will be announced at Glen Eagles on May 9 during the Foundation’s Annual Celebrity Docs fundraiser.

This is the second year that Dick Campagni has donated a new car for the benefit of the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center. Campagni sadly lost his sister and several valued employees to cancer.
“We are very committed to helping cancer patients,” said Mr. Campagni. “By donating to the [Carson Tahoe] Cancer Center, we can directly support our community and those struggling around us.”

The construction of the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center is being funded through on-going philanthropic contributions to the Foundation’s capital campaign.
“We are so appreciative of Mr. Campagni’s generosity,” said Cheri Glockner, CTRH Foundation Director. “The fact that we are in the midst of an economic recession makes it that much more amazing and significant.”

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.carsontahoe.com/ or at several participating locations throughout Carson City. To purchase a raffle ticket or to learn more about Celebrity Docs, Caring for Cancer, please call (775) 445-5164.