Image
For Dave Binder, a Vietnam veteran, a packed schedule each week was his version of normal. “I managed the inventory of four garages for PPL before I retired,” says Dave. The long hours didn’t stop after work. He accumulated over 76,200 hours of volunteer service, earning him Lehigh County’s Unsung Hero Award in 2010 for volunteerism and selflessness.
“Our sons outgrew scouting, but Dave didn’t,” says his wife, Lois. He still volunteers with a variety of organizations from Boy Scouts to The Allentown Flag Day Association’s board and Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council. With such a busy schedule, you would never guess that Dave has complicated health issues.
Caring about the details
Dave has congestive heart failure (CHF), a chronic condition that means his heart can’t pump blood as effectively as it once did. “For some patients, like Dave, finding the right dosage of medication can be complex,” says physician Monika Mahajan, MD, with LVPG Internal Medicine. “For example, medication used for Dave’s CHF can affect kidney function, so it’s important to monitor his weight, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels.”
To keep tabs on those important metrics, he is part of CARES – Continuous Ambulatory Remote Engagement Services program.
“Dave’s physician said he was a good candidate for CARES, and we love it,” Lois says.
CARES to the rescue
A member of Lehigh Valley Health Network’s (LVHN) CARES team set up telehealth equipment at the Binders’ home and showed them how to use it. “It’s simple. Dave weighs himself on the scale, and we check his blood pressure and blood oxygen level. Information is automatically sent to the LVHN care team daily,” says Lois.
“CARES prevents readmissions to the hospital.” says cardiologist Nauman Islam, MD, with LVPG Cardiology. “If a person gains weight overnight, we’re alerted and can adjust medication or schedule an appointment. We’re able to respond quickly and can be involved in the patient’s care on a day-to-day basis.”
Caring for the community
“He’s a miracle. That’s what every doctor who sees him says,” Lois says. “And she takes pretty good care of me too,” says Dave in reply. As for Dave’s schedule, it’s slowed down a bit, but he still makes it to the gym, does some yard work and – as you might have guessed – makes time for volunteering.