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Aetna International Canada employees engage in a ‘labour of love’
Providing support to our members took on a literal meaning as nine Aetna International employees came together at Toronto General Hospital’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre recently to make ‘huggy pillows’ — heart-shaped sternum support pillows for cardiac surgery patients.
As one of many community service opportunities our employees participate in throughout the year, this one was truly a labour of love. During most heart valve procedures, select breathing and circulatory functions are simulated using a ventilator and a heart-lung machine. Unfortunately, vapor can settle in the patient’s lungs, with the vapor often being coughed up in the form of phlegm. As the person coughs, the lungs can expand and put pressure on the sternum and rib cage. This can stress the sternal wires holding the chest together and cause pain and other complications if the coughing pressure is not properly supported.
The pillows support patients’ chests as they cough and give them comfort when doing respiratory exercises. They can also be used to protect patients’ sensitive sternums against the discomfort of seat belts while driving.
At the Munk Cardiac Centre, pillows are given out to an average of six patients a day. After cutting fabric panels, sewing them together and stuffing them, Aetna employees completed 32 pillows in just three hours! We salute the Canada team along with every employee who puts our values into action through community service efforts like these.
As a complement to the health care solutions Aetna International delivers to its customers, we work hard toward our goal of building healthier communities throughout the year. Opportunities like this one help to improve the health and well-being of people as they recover from and manage serious health issues.
To find out more about what we’re doing to champion local initiatives to improve the lives of others and engage with local communities, contact your regional sales or account manager.
