Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Mary Greeley
Medical Center
1111 Duff Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A big thank you to these businesses and individuals for
supporting the programs and services of Mary Greeley
Medical Center during 2011.
In This Issue
A Vision Can Transform
a Community
Presenting Sponsor
From Our President
A Vision Can Transform a Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Medical Staff Spotlight
Ask the Doctor: The Common Cold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
MGMC Staff Spotlight
An Act of Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Health and Wellness Update
Taking Back Control: Stress Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Surgery Services Spotlight
Surgical Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Birthways Spotlight
An Early Advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Nephrology Services Spotlight
When the Pressure is On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
McFarland Clinic PC
Life Saver Sponsors
Ames National Corporation and affiliates
Boone Bank and Trust
First National Bank
Randall-Story State Bank
State Bank and Trust Company, Nevada
Gateway Insurance Services
Hy-Vee
West Ames Hy-Vee
Lincoln Center Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee Drugstore
Kinzler Companies
Auto/Truck Repair Center, Inc.
Kinzler Construction Services, Inc.
Sauer-Danfoss
Caretaker Sponsors
Heuss Printing
Jester Insurance Services, Inc.
HOMEWARD Services Spotlight
No Place Like Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Sponsors
Health Education Update
Superfoods – Fact or Fiction? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Volunteer Services Spotlight
Celebrating Our 2011 Volunteers of the Year . . . . . . . . . 20
Volunteers Mark 2010 Milestones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
MGMC Employee Spotlight
In Good Taste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Foundation Update
A Legacy of Helping Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Classes, Clinics & Support Groups . . . . . . . . . 28
4
H
Pacemaker Sponsors
Rehab & Wellness Update
Defying Gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Ace Community Credit Union
Alfred’s Carpet and Decorating, Inc.
Bankers Trust Company
Celebrations Party and Rental Store
D.D. Pyle Company PC
First American Bank
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center
Great Western Bank
Hastings, Gartin & Boettger, LLP
Karen and Robert Shirk
NAI Electrical Contractors
Rohrbach Associates PC
Sign Pro
Storey Kenworthy
Sue Ellen and Bill Burke
Wells Fargo
Wolfe Eye Clinic
12
That is why the time is now to embark on a construction project
that will transform not only the medical center, but our communities
as well.
Last fall the medical center’s board of trustees
approved a master facility plan that will do just that.
Following are the major components of the plan:
• A six-floor patient tower will house our
inpatient medical and surgical units, including
our Oncology Unit, providing more generouslysized private rooms to accommodate today’s
medical equipment and aid in the healing process.
• The Emergency Department will be relocated to
the front of the medical center. Its space will be
expanded to meet the growing needs of our
communities and provide the flexibility to grow
as needs increase.
• A new main entrance and lobby will welcome
patients and visitors with improved visibility
and functionality, enhancing patient satisfaction
and safety.
Brian Dieter
• The overall facility infrastructure will be
strengthened. It will incorporate new, more
energy efficient systems—including boilers,
chillers, heating and ventilation systems—and
electrical generation and distribution capacity
sufficient to provide for current and future needs.
As you can see, this comprehensive facility plan is a major
undertaking that will involve both renovations and expansions. But let
ave you enjoyed the development of Health Connect over the years? Do
you enjoy the stories, design and information provided in the magazine?
We would like to thank our former Director of
Community Relations, Irina Bassis, for her
leadership and diligence in building this piece to
what it is today for the members of our community.
Captain Wallace Greeley was a man with
vision. In 1916, when the Ames community
needed a hospital, he purchased the land to
have the original hospital built. Captain Greeley
then gifted the land, building and funds to
furnish the hospital to the city. He looked
beyond the needs of the time and founded a
medical center that could provide high-quality,
compassionate care for generations to come.
Today, Mary Greeley Medical Center
continues to be a testament to Captain
Greeley’s vision as the medical center of
choice in central Iowa. I am extremely proud
of the outstanding care provided by our
physicians and staff, but there is much more
work to be done.
Look around and you’ll see that today’s population is quite different
from what it was 95 years ago, or even from 1979, when the final
three stories of our current inpatient tower were added. To meet the
ever-changing needs of our communities, we should invest in our
facilities so that we can provide high-level care and compassion well
into the future.
14
About This Publication
Health Connect is published four times
a year for residents of central Iowa by
Mary Greeley Medical Center. For more
information about Health Connect,
please contact the Mary Greeley
Medical Center Community Relations
Department at 515-239-2038.
Visit Us on the Internet
Learn more about Mary Greeley Medical
Center’s programs and services at
www.mgmc.org. Visit Mary Greeley
Medical Center on Facebook!
Contact Us
Individuals are encouraged to contact
Mary Greeley Medical Center if they
have any concerns about patient care
and safety in the hospital that have
not been addressed. If the concern
continues, individuals may contact The
Joint Commission at One Renaissance
Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.
You may also call 800-994-6610 or
e-mail complaint@jointcommission.org.
HEALTH CONNECT
Opportunity for Support
Your contributions can help us care for
those who come to us at every stage
of life. Charitable giving to support Mary
Greeley Medical Center has played a
significant role in shaping your medical
center. To learn more, contact the Mary
Greeley Medical Center Foundation at
515-239-2147 or visit our website at
www.mgmc.org and click Giving to
Mary Greeley Medical Center.
|
SPRING 2011
President and CEO
Brian Dieter
Director Community Relations
Irina Bassis
Editor
Amy Jackson
Medical Advisor
Steven Hallberg, M.D.
Design
Green Light Creative
Photography
Jim Heemstra
1
me assure you that before we charge forward on a project of this
magnitude, we are giving a great deal of forethought and careful
consideration to every detail of the plan.
For nearly a year, designers and architects have been meeting with
our employees, patients and community members to determine the
best way to move forward. For instance, our Emergency Department
needs more exam rooms and better ambulance facilities, so we
are planning increased space and a drive-through ambulance
bay. Our patients and their families have asked for larger rooms
for added comfort and to accommodate an overnight guest, so
we are designing the new inpatient rooms with that in mind.
And our visitors have expressed the need for better signs and
other tools to help them find their way, so we are addressing
those needs as well.
Every detail of the facility plan is being designed with its ultimate user
in mind. I believe it is a very well thought-out plan, but of course I am
biased. As we move forward with our plans I welcome your thoughts and
comments. How can we better meet the needs of our communities? How
can Mary Greeley Medical Center continue to be the medical center of
choice for the communities we serve?
Today we embark on the largest initiative ever undertaken by the
hospital: a $125 million plus project that will transform our facilities
and aid us in creating the healing environment our patients and
families deserve. But we will need your help.
Central Iowans have been our faithful partners in bringing critical
initiatives to life over the years, including the Israel Family Hospice
House, the William R. Bliss Cancer Center, Bessie Myers Auditorium,
the Diabetes and Nutrition Education Center and many others. Only
M E D I C A L S TA F F S P O T L I G H T
Ask the Doctor:
The Common Cold
Q: What is the common cold?
A: The common cold is a group of symptoms caused by any one of a large number of viruses.
The average adult may experience two to four colds per year. Symptoms vary; they are mild
and develop slowly. They may include a fever up to 102 F; a runny or stuffy nose—often with
colored nasal discharge; sore throat; fatigue; muscle aches; watery eyes; headache; and sneezing.
with your support will we continue to transform health care in central
Iowa and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
If we are to realize our vision in its entirety, we must rely on the
generosity of this generation’s visionaries—people like you who can
transform our community and leave a lasting legacy on the long-term
future of quality health care here in central Iowa.
BY BRIAN DIETER
Q: How long do cold symptoms last?
A: Common cold symptoms may last from seven to 14 days. In a smoker, symptoms may last
an additional three days on average. Generally, symptoms peak on the third day of illness.
Q: What can be done if I catch a cold?
A: Modification of lifestyle, home remedies and over-the-counter medication can provide
temporary relief of symptoms and should be used as soon as you feel a cold coming on. Herbs,
minerals and other products such as Echinacea, eucalyptus, garlic menthol, zinc and vitamin C
have received a lot of publicity as cold remedies; however, none of these claims are
supported by solid scientific evidence. It is very important to keep the air
humidified and to wash your hands frequently.
Q: During the common cold, when should I see
a doctor?
A: Call your physician any time when you are in doubt or concerned.
I would recommend calling a doctor if you have a fever higher than
102 F; confusion; dizziness; sinus or face pain; ear pain; difficulty
swallowing; swollen neck glands; chest pain or pressure; a cough with
fowl-smelling, colored or bloody phlegm; or are unable to keep up
with hydration.
Q: How can I prevent the common cold?
A: Colds are extremely difficult to prevent entirely, but these
suggestions may help: Get plenty of rest and exercise; eat a healthy
and balanced diet; keep fingers and other objects away from your
nose and eyes to avoid infecting yourself; avoid close and
prolonged contact with people who have a cold; and keep the air
humidified so that sinuses do not dry out. Personally, I have found
that a salt water gargle, vitamin C, meditation and slow breathing
exercises such as Nadi Shodhana Pranayama are helpful.
Rupal Amin, M.D.,
Internal Medicine
2
HEALTH CONNECT
|
SPRING 2011
3
M G M C S TA F F S P O T L I G H T
An Act of Hospitality
An operating room surgical assistant’s personal touch helps ease a family’s pain.
I
n late October 2010, Sandi Ward’s family
was mourning the unexpected death of a
close relative. Then, barely a week after that
loss came another shock: Ward’s older
brother Bill learned he had inoperable brain
cancer and didn’t have long to live.
Megan Sorensen, O.R.S.A.
Praying and Staying
The family’s pain didn’t stop there. Two days after her brother’s
diagnosis, Ward’s ailing 82-year-old mother, Lois Lambert, was rushed
to the Emergency Department at Mary Greeley Medical Center. The
family thought she had the flu, but it was much worse. Lois was
suffering from severe complications related to a blood clot, and she
needed an operation on her colon.
“The doctor told us that some patients her age don’t always make it
through this kind of surgery,” says Ward. “We said goodbye to her, not
knowing if she’d survive.”
Ward’s family was understandably distressed, and emotions were
running high. But a young operating room surgical assistant’s act of
understanding and compassion changed all that.
With his son in Oncology, and now a doctor telling him his wife of 65 years
was facing a life-threatening crisis, Harold Lambert was struggling to cope.
“It all freaked my dad out,” says Ward. “It was not what he was
expecting to hear. He got very nervous and verbal.”
Sorensen saw and heard how upset and scared Harold was. Just before
she was to take Lois to the operating room, the family asked if they could
have a moment to pray.
“I asked if they would mind if I joined them, and we all held hands
and said a little prayer. They’d been through so much already that
week. It meant a lot to me to be able to pray with them,” she says.
After getting Lois to the OR, Sorensen made sure the family was
comfortable in the waiting room. She then returned to the OR, but
Taking a New Path
not for long.
Megan Sorensen didn’t plan on a career
“You have a feeling sometimes about
in health care. She has a degree in culinary
people,” says Sorensen. “I felt like I needed to
arts, and her dream job was to work at a
go back to the waiting room and check if
“It was exactly what my dad
big hotel. After moving to Ames with her
they were okay, and reassure them that we
needed. She stayed for 30
husband in early 2010, Sorensen took a
were doing everything possible for Lois.”
position with the Dietetic Services
“My mom was in the OR and Megan
minutes or so. I don’t even know
Department at Mary Greeley Medical
came back to the waiting room and started
if she was still on duty, but she
Center, delivering food to patients and
talking to us—my dad mainly,” Ward says.
calmed everyone down just by
working the tray line at the center’s
“My dad’s a farmer, and she’s a farmer’s
busy cafeteria.
taking that little extra step.”
daughter.”
At her husband’s urging, she started
Farming provided important common
–Sandi Ward
thinking about pursuing a nursing degree,
ground for Harold and Sorensen. He told the
but area nursing programs had waiting lists.
young woman about his spread near Dayton,
Meanwhile, the operating room surgical
and how long he’d been taking care of his
assistant (O.R.S.A.) opportunity came up.
wife. She told him about growing up on her
“I did a job shadow and discovered that this was a really great
parents’ West Point, Iowa, farm and how her dad was still farming despite
environment and something I would enjoy doing,” Sorensen says.
being paralyzed from the waist down after a horsing accident.
She was eventually offered the position and went through extensive
“We were able to relate in that way, and I was able to assure him that
training.
we knew how much he loved his wife,” Sorensen says.
“Many of our operating room surgical assistants may have been a
“It was exactly what my dad needed,” says Ward. “She stayed for 30
nursing assistant and gone through some specialized training. We don’t
minutes or so. I don’t even know if she was still on duty, but she calmed
require our O.R.S.A.s to be certified nursing assistants. We do require
everyone down just by taking that little extra step.”
them to be compassionate, committed, critical thinkers as our patients are
Lois made it through the surgery. While her mother was recovering in
entrusting us to help them during one of their most vulnerable times,” says
intensive care, Ward bumped into Mary Greeley Medical Center CEO
Christine Holcomb, R.N., B.S.N., C.N.O.R., director of Surgical Services.
Brian Dieter, whom she knows from church. Ward introduced her mom
Surgical assistants have many responsibilities. They transport patients to
to Dieter, but then took the opportunity to tell him about Sorensen.
and from the operating room (OR), and help prepare the OR between
“I was so impressed with her. I didn’t even know her name at the time, but
surgeries. They also help ensure the entire surgical team meets the needs
he immediately started texting someone to find out who she was,” says Ward.
of Mary Greeley Medical Center patients who are undergoing emergency
A few days later, the young woman who once imagined a career in the
or urgent surgery after hours, says Holcomb.
hospitality industry received a handwritten note from Dieter, which read:
As important as these duties are, a surgical assistant’s most vital role
“Your care of the family was outstanding. Sandi told me how meaningful
may be the one they play when interacting with patients and families.
it was that you prayed with the family and the extra attention you gave
“Having a good personality, a smile on your face and a willingness to
her father. I appreciate your specialized care and
page sponsored by
listen is really what it’s all about,” says Sorensen.
personal touch.”
She certainly proved this the day Lois Lambert arrived in the
Emergency Department.
BY S T E V E S U L L I VA N
4
HEALTH CONNECT
|
SPRING 2011
5
H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S U P D AT E
Taking Back Control:
Stress Management
Y
our head hits the pillow, and your mind takes off at 100 miles an
hour. Business meeting at 1 p.m.; the kids have soccer practice at 4
p.m.; have to do laundry, go grocery shopping, make dinner…
It’s a never-ending cycle and, before you know it, your alarm blares
to signal the start of another long day. So how do you deal with the
stress caused by life and its ever-growing to-do list?
It’s completely up to you. No single stress management technique
works for everyone, so it’s your job to find what works for you. It
seems like just one more thing to have to do, right? But it could be as
simple as taking time out for yourself and enjoying a long-lost hobby.
Identifying Sources of Stress
The first step in stress management is to recognize what triggers
stressful feelings. You must consider outside factors as well as your own
stress-inducing thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Looking at your own
habits and attitudes helps you to take responsibility for your role in
creating or maintaining your stress.
“We are bombarded daily with distractions from e-mails, YouTube
clips, Tweets and Facebook updates,” says Mary Greeley Medical
Center’s Employee Health/Wellness Coordinator, Kristi Perrin, R.N.,
B.S., M.P.A. “Along with this, our BlackBerrys and iPhones keep us
6
tuned in 24/7. Our bodies can become overloaded with information.
With this explosion of technology, there is an issue of healthy boundaries.”
To identify your sources of stress, it’s a good idea to start a stress
journal. Track daily what causes your stress, how you feel physically and
emotionally, your response and how you coped with it. Keeping a
journal allows you to evaluate your stress management strategies and
serves as a reminder that you are in control of your own life.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
“People experience stress in many forms in their lives, and even positive
events like a new job can be stressful due to the changes that are often
involved,” says Warren Phillips, licensed psychologist and owner of Central
Iowa Psychological Services. “Oftentimes, it’s helpful for people to think
about upcoming changes in their lives or possible events that might be
stressful based on their past experiences and prepare a bit for handling
any upcoming stressors by using healthy coping skills that they may
have developed or learned over time.”
Even when armed with all of this knowledge, there are times when
we simply need help coping. Consulting a professional therapist may be
a resolution in those particularly overwhelming situations.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy roughly follows the steps of
identifying the stress sources, changing one’s response to stress, reevaluating priorities and finding strategies to deal with stress. It is based
on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors rather
than external influences such as people, situations or events.
“By helping identify what kinds of coping skills they already have,
learning any new ones that might be helpful, identifying situations
that may be stressful, and then making a plan for how to cope with
those situations, therapists can often help people develop coping skills
they can use and the confidence to know they can use them for many
years to come,” Phillips says.
Take Care of Yourself to Take Care of Others
A very important stress coping strategy that many struggle with is
making time for fun and relaxation. People often find themselves taking
care of others and forgetting themselves. Taking a timeout to enjoy a hobby
or just to breathe a little bit can make a world of difference in how you feel.
“Go natural—get out of the office or house,” Perrin says. “Visit a park,
Set aside relaxation time for
yourself every day whether
it is for exercising, keeping a
journal, taking a long bath,
playing with a pet or
listening to music.
Coping with Stress in a Healthy Way
Some people may feel they deal with stress efficiently, but their methods
of choice may not be healthy. Alcohol; pills or drugs; overeating or
undereating; smoking; withdrawing from friends, family and activities;
sleeping too much; keeping busy to avoid facing issues; procrastinating;
zoning out in front of the television or computer; and taking stress out on
others are examples of unhealthy coping strategies.
If you find that you do one or more of these, it’s time to re-evaluate
how you deal with stress. This requires changing either the situation or the
way you react. According to www.helpguide.org, you should remember
the four A’s: avoid, alter, adapt or accept.
To change the situation, you can avoid or alter the stressor. You
shouldn’t avoid dealing with issues, but eliminating unnecessary stress can
help you deal with bigger problems in life. This may involve learning to
say “no,” avoiding people who stress you out, taking control of your
environment (if traffic bothers you, take a less-traveled route), avoiding
topics that get you worked up and prioritizing your to-do list.
Altering a situation may require you to compromise, share your feelings
rather than bottling them up, be more assertive by dealing with problems
head-on and practice better time management.
Changing your reaction calls for adapting to or accepting the
stressor. If you want to adapt to a stressor, think about reframing the
problem (viewing it more positively), taking a look at the bigger picture
(how will it affect you in the long run?), and adjusting your standards
(no one is perfect).
One of the most difficult tasks is accepting things you can’t change. To
deal with stress, you shouldn’t try to control situations that are out of your
control. Again, being positive helps as well as sharing your feelings and
learning to forgive others for their mistakes.
riverbank, greenhouse or garden. Recalibrate your body to the rhythms of
the natural world, every day if possible.”
Set aside relaxation time for yourself every day whether it is for
exercising, keeping a journal, taking a long bath, playing with a pet or
listening to music. Connecting with others who have a positive influence
on you can keep the negative effects of stress at bay. Keeping a strong
support system and doing something you enjoy every day will keep you
happy and more able to handle stressors.
Keep in mind that taking care of yourself to begin with not only helps
you deal with stress but dodge it as well. Exercising, eating healthy, getting
enough sleep, reducing caffeine and sugar intake, and avoiding alcohol,
drugs and cigarettes are all important ways to keep you healthy and
feeling your best.
On top of all of these ways of maintaining health, simply remembering
to laugh can work wonders. Keeping a sense of humor can help you keep
things in perspective. Laughing can also reduce stress hormone levels.
Remember: if you are feeling stressed, you may lash out at others,
which can scar your relationships. Taking care of others is important, but
if you want to enhance your ability to do so, you need to be at your peak.
Taking care of yourself, in turn, will help you take care of others.
HEALTH CONNECT
The idea behind Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy reinforces that we have
control of our own lives. Even if the situation doesn’t change, we have the
power to change how we view it, which in turn can improve how we feel
about it.
In a study of HIV patients at the University of Maryland Medical
Center, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy helped to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life even more so than support groups.
A trusting relationship between the therapist and client is important.
The therapist learns of the client’s life goals and helps them to achieve
those goals. The client learns how to think differently (cognitive) and
must actually apply that to their actions (behavior).
Application is a matter of practicing what is learned in therapy. A
willing commitment is critical to achieving a balanced, comfortable
and happy life. Facing a situation and knowing you are fully capable of
dealing with it is the ultimate goal.
How we cope with stress is completely up to us. With so much in life
feeling unstoppable and overwhelming, taking back control feels pretty good.
BY MALLORIE ROONEY
|
SPRING 2011
7
S U RGERY S ER V I CES S P OT L I GH T
incisions on the body which contribute to the small amount of bleeding,
minimal pain and quick recovery.
Da Vinci is an instrument that has advanced laparoscopic capabilities.
Laparoscopic surgeries are done through very small incisions in the
abdominal or pelvic cavities. “The advantages for the surgeon are threedimensional, high-definition vision; patented EndoWrist® instruments; and
Intuitive® motion to allow for unparalleled precision, visualization, dexterity
and control,” says Jay Swanson, D.O. Dr. Swanson assisted Dr. Leeds on
Belz’s operation—they were the first two surgeons to be trained with the
system. The two doctors worked together for the first few months until they
became proficient in operating the robot.
“This technology is incredible,” says Dr. Leeds.
“It just simplifies everything. The largest incision
made for a hysterectomy is 12 millimeters. The
minimal amount of blood loss makes it safer and
allows for a rapid recovery. It’s just a more
reasonable option.”
Dr. Swanson agrees. “The da Vinci Surgical
System’s advantages are all for the patient. I want
my patients to have a laparoscopic hysterectomy
with da Vinci for less postoperative pain that turns
into a quick recovery.”
Because the da Vinci procedure allows for a
quicker and more pain-free recovery, patients are
able to save money they would have otherwise
spent on pain medications. Other benefits include
fewer complications, less risk of infection and less scarring.
Belz was well enough after her surgery to return home the same day.
“It’s such a great option for people who need to take only a little time
off work,” Belz says. “At that time of year, my daughters had a lot of
activities I didn’t want to miss out on. Also, I wanted to come back to
work and be able to handle a normal pace; I didn’t want my busy
lifestyle to be interrupted.”
There are currently four doctors at Mary Greeley Medical Center who
are trained on the da Vinci Surgical System: Dr. Leeds, Dr. Swanson, James
Downard, M.D., and Ann Gessner, D.O.
As Clinical and Robotic Coordinator of the operating room, Margaret
Liston, R.N., C.N.O.R., has the opportunity to observe all of these doctors
as they work with da Vinci.
“The morale encompassing da Vinci among the surgeons is excellent.
They are upbeat, positive and very pleasant to work with,” says Liston. “The
surgeons, anesthesia staff, nurses and ancillary staff all teach each other.”
For more information on the da Vinci Surgical System and its role at the
medical center, sign up to attend the May Speaking of Health presentation
with Dr. Swanson on May 11, at 6:30 p.m., in Bessie Myers Auditorium.
Register online at www.mgmc.org or by calling
page sponsored by
515-239-2038.
“W
ho wants to have their uterus taken out?” the voice of Tim Leeds,
M.D., bellowed down the front hall of the operating room.
“I do!” Karen Belz, R.N., shouted as she laughed, thinking he must be joking.
“No, I’m serious,” Dr. Leeds said.
“Me too!” Belz replied.
Dr. Leeds explained to Belz that he had just completed his training on
the new da Vinci Surgical System but needed some patients to proctor so he
could get started performing procedures. Belz was more than happy to hear
him out. Dr. Leeds answered some of her questions and then directed her
to call his nurse to schedule an appointment with him to discuss the details
and see if this procedure would be a good fit for her. The next day, Belz was
in his office for an exam and they scheduled her
surgery for August 24, 2010.
Surgical Art
New Opportunities
Mary Greeley Medical Center acquired the
da Vinci Surgical System in May 2010. A 120-day
implementation process followed its arrival, and the
first surgeries began in August. The da Vinci Surgical
System is a minimally invasive option for complex
surgical procedures; although its capabilities
encompass a broad scope of procedures, it is
currently being used for hysterectomies at the
medical center. The use will expand to urology this
summer and general surgery in the near future.
Dr. Leeds needed to complete two da Vinci cases
by the end of August; Belz, 48, had been entertaining the idea of a
hysterectomy for quite some time, but felt she was finally ready to take a
step forward with it.
“I was so excited about it—I was pumped!” Belz said of her approaching
opportunity. Belz, who is now completing her B.S.N., worked in Surgical
Services for 17 years before moving to the Clinical Applications Department.
She had experienced complications and frustrations with her menstrual
cycle for a couple of years and wanted to do something about it.
“I always thought to myself, ‘if I could do this, I would,’” Belz said. “But I
knew it would be difficult to fit a major surgery into my busy lifestyle and
work schedule.” In the past, a surgical procedure such as a hysterectomy
would require several weeks of time at home with minimal activity as the
body healed. When she found out that having a da Vinci hysterectomy
would only require her to miss two weeks of work, she was sold.
A Fine Art
Tim Leeds, M.D.,
Obstetrics/Gynecology
and Karen Belz, R.N.
8
The da Vinci Surgical System is comprised of state-of-the-art robotic and
computer technology. During a procedure, the surgeon is seated at a
console a few feet away from the operating table. From here, the surgeon
uses a viewfinder to examine images of the surgical site which are sent by a
camera inside the patient. The console also houses two to three instruments
mounted on the tips of surgical rods which are manipulated by joystick-like
controls for each hand. These controls translate the surgeon’s hand
movements into precise micro-movements of the da Vinci instruments; the
surgeon and the robot are in sync. All procedures are done through small
HEALTH CONNECT
BY AMY JACKSON
|
SPRING 2011
9
B I R T H W AY S S P O T L I G H T
An Early Advantage
Mary Greeley Medical Center’s lactation program helps mothers provide their babies with a head start on a healthy life.
A
s Megan Wolf prepared to welcome her third child, she never
thought she would have trouble with breastfeeding.
“I thought with Raquel, ‘I’ve done this twice, it’ll be simple,’” Wolf says,
“but she was a month early, so she was a little bit different.”
Wolf had also nursed Adam, now eight years old, and Isabel, now five.
With all three children, she found support from Mary Greeley Medical
Center’s Birthways Lactation Services.
Duane, Isabel, Adam,
Megan and Raquel Wolf
10
Helping Mothers Excel
Raquel, I did go in again, because we weren’t sure if she was gaining
weight. I didn’t know if I was producing enough.”
“After babies are discharged from the hospital, the American
In a typical visit, the lactation consultant will weigh the baby,
Academy of Pediatrics recommends a three to five day checkup for
observe
the baby nursing, and weigh the baby again after nursing to
weight, jaundice and help with breastfeeding problems,” explains Val
gauge the amount of milk consumed.
Myers, R.N., I.B.C.L.C., coordinator of the lactation program.
“During that appointment, they can help show you where there
Birthways Lactation Services provides new mothers with a visit from
might be a duct that would be plugged or
a certified lactation consultant to assist
show you how to massage so the baby gets
with questions about or difficulties with
the milk faster,” Wolf explains. “We were
breastfeeding. The program also offers a
According to the American Academy
able to find out that in fact there was
mother/baby help line, which is staffed
of Pediatrics, breastfeeding provides
milk, it was just that perhaps she was
during the day on weekdays. Recently
the following benefits:
getting to the age where she was just a
Mary Greeley Medical Center began
• Decreases the baby’s chances of
little bit more distracted.”
providing these services at no charge to
getting infectious diseases such
With Raquel, Wolf simply benefited
mothers as a community benefit. The cost
as ear infections and diarrhea.
from the lactation consultant’s advice to
of the service is over $100,000.
• Decreases the risk of childhood
find a quiet room for nursing. But that was
obesity.
Additionally, Mary Greeley Medical
• Speeds the mother’s return to
exactly what she needed at the time.
Center’s Birthways Department provides
her
pre-pregnancy
weight.
lactation consultants to help new mothers
• Reduces the mother’s risk of
A Distinctive Benefit
with breastfeeding techniques after delivery
breast
and
ovarian
cancer.
Wolf knows she’s not the only mom in
while they are still inpatients.
•
Reduces
the
mother’s
the area who appreciates the lactation
The 2009 Iowa Newborn Metabolic
postpartum bleeding.
program.
Screening Profile showed that Mary
•
Facilitates
bonding.
“Val’s name comes up in all kinds of
Greeley Medical Center had an 86.5
circles,” she says. “When I said to my
percent breastfeeding rate of infants
girlfriend, ‘I think Raquel’s having a
breastfeeding in the hospital compared to
nursing strike,’ she said, ‘Did you call Val?’”
the state rate of 71.8 percent.
In addition to Myers, the program has three other lactation
“The majority of the mothers come back,” Myers says. After three
consultants:
Angie Carswell, R.N., I.B.C.L.C.; Marilyn Haag, R.N.,
months, 80 percent of mothers are still breastfeeding.
I.B.C.L.C.; and Sara Macy, R.N., I.B.C.L.C.
“Birthways Lactation Services is a very important extension of our
Different Babies, Different Solutions
birthing unit,” says Nyla Carswell, B.S.N., M.P.A., director of Maternal
“As a new mom, you have no idea if you’re doing this right,” Wolf
Child Services. “I am so proud of our lactation consultants and the
says of breastfeeding. “The whole thing is very intimidating.”
passion they have for their profession and the well-being of mothers
With Adam and Isabel, Wolf was working three days a week. She used
and their babies. I also appreciate everyone who has donated to the
a breast pump on the days she was working and nursed on the other four
Birthways Health Promotions fund through the Mary Greeley Medical
days. Alternating between pumping and nursing caused complications.
Center Foundation.”
But even for an experienced mother, new challenges arise. Wolf
The program is one-of-a-kind in the vicinity, making it a treasure.
stayed at home after Raquel came along. Raquel spent her first days in
Wolf says she has a friend in the Twin Cities who was surprised to
the NICU, where she received supplements. The differences from her
learn Wolf had access to a lactation consultant.
siblings continued even once she was home.
“We are very, very lucky here that it’s such an accessible service,”
“She was much sleepier, because she was not to term, so we had to
says Wolf.
wake her up in the night to eat,” Wolf relates. “My other two children
Myers says she doesn’t know of any other hospital in the state that
just woke up and let us know when they were hungry.”
has a comparable program.
“Every baby is different,” she says. “Raquel was having a nursing strike.
“I do think it’s the most efficient, cost-effective way to deliver this
I had never had that happen, where she just refused to nurse at all.”
kind of service,” Myers says. “It shows how much Mary Greeley
Medical Center values breastfeeding. It gives many health benefits to
Accessible Answers
the mother and child.”
Wolf has taken advantage of help from the consultants while an
inpatient, visits as an outpatient, and assistance through the help line.
“I talked to them on the phone numerous times,” she says. “Most of
BY MEGAN BLAIR
my problems we’ve been able to troubleshoot over the phone. With
HEALTH CONNECT
|
SPRING 2011
11
What is Hypertension?
N E P H R O LO GY S E R V I CES S P OT L I GH T
When the Pressure is On
An estimated 58 million Americans suffer from hypertension. However, to say that they suffer from this
condition may not exactly be accurate. Hypertension is asymptomatic in 90 percent of cases, leaving
millions of people pain-free, symptom-free and without inclination that they are not healthy.
Richard Olinger
blockage of a kidney artery; this would be the root cause of the kidney
and blood pressure issues. Olinger was put on a medication regimen to
Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure, a condition
start, but it turned out to be unsuccessful.
in which blood pressure in the arteries is chronically elevated. To take it
Left with a problem to solve, Dr. Alexander collaborated with Imran
a step further, blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood that
Dotani, M.D., board-certified cardiologist. Dr. Dotani proceeded with the
is pushing against the walls of blood vessels. The higher the pressure,
case, putting a stent in Olinger’s kidney artery. This procedure would open
the harder the heart has to work to pump blood. Persistent high blood
the artery, allowing for more efficient blood flow to the kidneys.
pressure can result in cases as serious as stroke, heart attack, organ
“Things have been more positive. Once they detected what was
damage, heart failure, aneurysms or renal failure.
going on and did the right things for me, my blood pressure has been
Two numbers comprise a blood pressure reading: systolic and diastolic.
kept under control. I don’t feel as tired and I try to exercise two to
The systolic measurement is the number on top that measures cardiac
three times a week. I think keeping active is
output and the pressure in the arterial system at
important,” Olinger says.
its highest. The diastolic measurement is the
Patients with pre-hypertension are advised
number on the bottom which measures the
to make lifestyle changes to lower their blood
minimum pressure in your arteries. Normal
“Hypertension is the number
pressure. Patients with true hypertension may
blood pressure is below 120/80. Anything
need drug therapy. Other than prescription
between 120/80 and 139/89 is considered
one reason to see your
drugs, the best way to treat hypertension is
pre-hypertension, and 140/90 and above is
physician
for
those
ages
50
with diet and exercise. Studies show that 30
considered hypertension.
minutes of aerobic exercise daily can lower
and up. It comes gradually,
systolic blood pressure anywhere from four to
Unseen Terror
and
people
don’t
feel
bad
nine points. On top of that, for every 20
If hypertension is asymptomatic nine times
pounds of excess weight lost, another five to
out of ten, how do we catch it?
because of it. It’s known as the
20 points can be shaved off your systolic
“Hypertension is the number one reason
number. Following the Dietary Approach to
‘silent killer,’ and if you let it
to see your physician for those ages 50 and
Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet—which is
up,” says Jacob Alexander, M.D., McFarland
stay
untreated,
it
can
lead
to
highly recommended by Dr. Alexander—can
Clinic. “It comes gradually, and people don’t
improve your systolic blood pressure by eight
feel bad because of it. It’s known as the ‘silent
some real serious things.”
to 14 points.
killer,’ and if you let it stay untreated, it can
–Jacob
Alexander,
M.D.
The goal of the DASH diet is to consume
lead to some real serious things.”
about 2,000 calories per day; 18 percent of
According to Dr. Alexander, the best way to
those coming from protein; 55 percent
catch hypertension—and just about the only
coming from carbohydrates; and 27 percent
way—is to visit your physician regularly and to
coming from fats. This diet is low in sodium, suggests less fat than the
make a habit of measuring your blood pressure on your own. That is
Food Guide Pyramid and promotes more fruits and vegetables, plus a
exactly how Richard Olinger caught his case of high blood pressure.
serving of nuts.
“I had been making regular trips to the doctor for check-ups, but
“Eating a low-sodium diet can be difficult for some patients because
even with that I’d been feeling really tired,” Olinger says.
it requires one to be more aware of what they are eating,” says Dr.
The doctor’s office isn’t the only place to get these readings; places
Alexander. “But if you don’t create good habits early on, it’s a lot harder
such as Hy-Vee, Walmart and most pharmacies offer accurate blood
to change later.”
pressure machines.
The DASH diet has proven to be just as effective in decreasing blood
The 10 percent of people that experience symptoms of hypertension
pressure as some medications commonly used to treat hypertension.
may have problems with vision, headaches, leg swelling and fatigue.
Olinger now sees Dr. Alexander for a check-up and blood tests every
six months and remains on medication for his high blood pressure. He
Treatment Plan
encourages others who may be fighting a similar battle to keep a blood
Unfortunately, Olinger’s case of high blood pressure was diagnosed as
pressure monitor at home and to stay active from day to day.
resistant, meaning it is difficult to control. He was referred to Dr.
Alexander and upon his evaluation, it was found that he was
experiencing low kidney function as well as hypertension. Tests revealed
page sponsored by
BY AMY JACKSON
12
HEALTH CONNECT
|
SPRING 2011
13
R E H A B & W E L L N E S S U P D AT E
Regina Rooks
Defying Gravity
For nearly ten years, the warm water therapy pool at Mary Greeley Medical Center has
been offering exercise in an atmosphere that is soothing to muscles and joints.
T
he brightly colored bathing suits and chatter echoing off of tile floors are
reminiscent of summertime at a community pool. Surrounded by the
scent of chlorine and humid air, it’s easy to forget you’re in a medical center.
But instead of kids doing back flips off the high dive, folks of all ages focus on
physical therapy in Mary Greeley Medical Center’s warm water pool.
14
Regina Rooks has been using the therapy pool for more than eight
According to Petersen, fear of water is no obstacle for those
years. Her physician referred her to the aquatic physical therapy
considering aquatic therapy. “We frequently hear, ‘I hate water; I don’t
program for chronic back pain.
like to go swimming,’” he says. “By the third appointment, those
“It makes a significant difference for me in managing my pain
people are all in love with the pool and in love with being in the
level,” she says. “I can tell when I’ve missed a session, and I can’t wait
water. We help them through it with the one-on-one attention. We can
to get back.”
start in the three-foot section of the pool.” The pool also has sections
Located in the lower level of the Medical Arts Building, the therapy
four, five and six feet deep.
pool is kept near 90 degrees. The warm
Once discharged from formal
water offers buoyancy and relief to
physical therapy, patients can
joints—a benefit to those
continue with water exercise.
experiencing arthritis or joint pain,
Therapists will help create an exercise
pregnancy-related pain or swelling,
plan that can be done independently.
“We
frequently
hear,
‘I
hate
water;
conditions resulting in generalized
The program can be done at any
I don’t like to go swimming.’ By
weakness, and other similar
pool, but according to Petersen, many
conditions. In other words, for those
patients choose to come back to the
the third appointment, those
with challenges to exercising on land,
pool at Mary Greeley Medical Center
people are all in love with the
the pool offers a chance to exercise to
because it has the warmest water of
pool
and
in
love
with
being
in
their fullest potential.
any pools in the area. Patients can
the water. We help them through
“It’s really good for anybody who
access the pool by purchasing a
can’t tolerate land-based activity
punch card at a cost of $4 per session.
it with the one-on-one attention.
because of the effects of gravity on the
Since Rooks was discharged from
We can start in the three-foot
joints or muscles,” explains Matt
physical therapy, she has continued to
section of the pool.”
Petersen, P.T., M.S.P.T., M.P.A.,
exercise in the pool by taking
supervisor of the Outpatient Rehab
advantage of the punch card
–Matt Petersen
and Wellness Department at Mary
program. She has been using the pool
Greeley Medical Center.
three times a week.
Rooks had tried land-based therapy
“I plan my schedule around the
with limited relief. As time went on,
pool,” Rooks says. “That’s how
she experienced more pain than respite.
important it is to me.”
“It’s not easy for her to be active,” Physical Therapist Sandy Barton,
The Rehab and Wellness Department also offers group aquatic
P.T., M.P.T., says of Rooks, “but coming into the water gives her relief
fitness classes through the Lifetime Fitness Center. Joints in Motion I
from her chronic pain.”
is designed for those with arthritis, fibromyalgia and other related
Rooks agrees. “My typical pain level is lower than before I was
conditions. Exercises focus on increasing joint range of motion,
exercising at the pool, and I usually need only a minimal amount of
flexibility and muscular strength. Joints in Motion II is similar, but
pain medication,” she says.
also aims to enhance cardiovascular and muscular endurance for a
The therapy pool is used for one-on-one therapy sessions, individual
more challenging workout. Following guidelines from the American
exercise programs and group fitness classes. Individual sessions consist
College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, Moms in Motion is designed
of 45 minutes with a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy
to prepare women for the physiological changes associated with
assistant. It may involve walking, gait activities and standing, sitting or
pregnancy and develops stamina and strength for labor and delivery.
suspended exercises. A variety of equipment may be used, including
Among the three classes, 12 sessions are held each week. The full
foam barbells, plastic paddles, webbed gloves, wrist or ankle weights,
schedule is a testament to the pool’s popularity.
and flotation devices.
“I was just telling a friend about how grateful I am that the pool is
For Rooks, exercises may include stretching, walking in the four-foot
there,” Rooks says. “It makes a difference in the quality of my life.”
depth and step-ups as well as bicycling, cross-country skiing, and
“She’s found much relief in the water,” says Barton.
jumping jacks in the six-foot depth. Toward the end of her routine, she
page sponsored by
floats with a neck brace to decompress her spine, and sits in front of
BY MEGAN BLAIR
the spa jets as they massage her back.
HEALTH CONNECT
|
SPRING 2011
15
H O M E WA R D S E R V I C E S S P OT L I G H T
No Place Like Home
Betty and Jack Gordon
A
s life runs its course, our bodies become more fragile and undergo many
changes which alter the way we move, think and operate. Because of injury
or illness, daily tasks that once seemed so simple can become more difficult,
time-consuming and even frustrating.
16
The staff of HOMEWARD Home Health Services understands that
Finally, Pam Dehne, P.T., came into their lives, and brought with her
these things happen, and they exist for exactly those reasons.
extensive knowledge of Parkinson’s disease.
HOMEWARD staff do not show up for work every day just because
“What a blessing it was for us both to learn more about his illness and
they want to get paid, but because they care about what they do and
why his body reacts the way it does,” Betty says. “Pam spent time
the people they have the opportunity to help every day.
teaching us about Parkinson’s and how Jack would have to do things to
In the summer of 2010, Jack Gordon suffered a broken ankle. His
overcome the problems that arose from the advancement of his disease.”
surgery was performed at Mary Greeley Medical Center, and then he
During this time, devastation hit the city of Ames in the form of
checked into Riverside Manor for a temporary stay while his ankle
overwhelming floodwaters. As the rainwater and rivers overflowed into
healed. Once completely healed, Jack transitioned back to his home
the streets, fields and neighborhoods of the city, a boil order was
with his wife, Betty. Because of Jack’s
enforced for all residential and commercial
experiences with symptoms of Parkinson’s
use of water. That meant the Gordons
disease, they both knew that although
needed to boil their water for cooking,
Jack’s injury was healed, a period of
drinking, washing and bathing. One day,
acclimation and rehabilitation would come
Jack was boiling some water and the
“What a blessing it was for
with his return to their home. So they
trembling of his hands caused by
us both to learn more about
enlisted the services of Mary Greeley
Parkinson’s caused him to spill scalding
Medical Center’s HOMEWARD Home
hot water on his foot, resulting in a
his illness and why his body
Health Services.
second-degree burn.
reacts the way it does. Pam
Jack’s care by HOMEWARD was
When Dehne saw this on her next visit,
initially set to last for about two weeks.
her experience and knowledge from
spent time teaching us about
The first physical therapist on the scene
working in a hospital burn unit prompted
Parkinson’s and how Jack
was Cindy Hauber, D.P.T. Hauber gave
her to take action. She called the Wound
Jack a very thorough and extensive
Healing Clinic at the medical center and
would have to do things to
examination on all aspects of living at
got approval to extend her time with the
overcome
the
problems
that
home. She gathered information about
Gordons so she could help treat his wound.
Jack’s entire health history in order to
“She got approval to use a new
arose from the advancement
prepare herself for how to best help him,
expensive burn bandage and taught me
of his disease.”
and help Jack help himself. Hauber
how to clean and dress the burned area,”
showed Jack tips for daily activities such as
says Betty. “She remained on Jack’s case
–Betty Gordon
how to get into bed, roll over to get out of
until she saw the skin start to come back
bed and get in and out of the shower.
and heal over the wound. We’re happy to
“What Cindy showed us was the best
say his burn healed completely with Pam’s
information we could ask for; I’d never seen
immediate reaction and request to stay on
anything like it,” Betty says. “By the time she
the case.”
spent helping us, you could tell that she really cared.” Hauber was also
Hauber came back for a final visit and was able to see the progress
able to get a coverage extension from Medicare to cover the expenses of
that Jack had made in the month since her first visit to the Gordon’s
HOMEWARD’s services—a gesture for which Betty and Jack were so
home. As a result of the HOMEWARD staff ’s care, Betty reports that
grateful. She also examined the arrangement of their home, made
Jack’s broken ankle healed completely; his burn was treated and
suggestions as to how to make their home be most efficient for Jack’s
healed; the exercises provided have improved his mobility; and most
mobility and gave detailed advice on what Jack could and could not do
importantly, he is living at home.
to ensure he rehabilitated to his fullest strength.
“Ames is blessed to have HOMEWARD Home Health Services.
As Hauber left for a scheduled vacation, Christy McCollough, P.T.,
They give the best attention to each patient they care for,” says Betty.
stepped into the Gordons’ lives. She expanded on all of the exercises
and tips that Hauber had shared, and made sure that Jack was as
BY AMY JACKSON
comfortable as possible in his home.
Teresa Humbert, O.T., also spent time with the Gordons. Humbert
spent time touching on skills with Jack, such as how to more easily
put on clothing.
HEALTH CONNECT
|
SPRING 2011
17
H E A LT H E D U C AT I O N U P D AT E
Superfoods – Fact or Fiction?
Look in any media outlet and you’re bound to come across some product boasting its
magical weight-loss ingredient. Do these really work, or are they just empty promises?
The Search for the Total Package
By definition, superfoods are items you should include in your diet
that provide the richest amount of nutrients with the least amount of
calories while providing you with the most health benefits. These
benefits can vary depending on the food. Today you’ll find many
foods that claim to be heart-healthy, rich in antioxidants or especially
beneficial for women. Implementing foods which are high in omega-3
fatty acids, such as fish, is a step in the right direction for our bodies;
however, focusing too much on so-called superfoods can cause many
of us to overlook a truly balanced diet.
“The real superfoods are fresh fruits and veggies and foods made
with whole grains,” says Sarah Haveman, R.D., L.D., C.D.E., and an
educator for the Diabetes and Nutrition Education Center at Mary
Greeley Medical Center. “Dieticians don’t do fads. Focus on fads and
you lack the variety needed for a nutritious diet, which is why many
people who buy into the idea of superfoods end up disappointed.”
When picking vegetables, consumers should focus on the bright
greens and oranges. These varieties usually contain vitamin A which
promotes eye health and protects cells and tissues from infections.
Common sources include broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach.
Grains are an essential part of a healthy diet. All types of grains are
good sources of complex carbohydrates and various vitamins and
minerals; grains that haven't been refined—called whole grains—are
even better. Whole grains are a good source of fiber and other
important nutrients, such as potassium. Refined grains, like white
flour, have had the bran and germ removed from the grain, both of
which contain valuable nutrients. Whole grains still contain the bran
and germ which deliver more fiber to your body, and in turn make
you feel fuller, longer.
The Hidden Gems
While most fruits and vegetables pack a nutritional punch, there are
some that provide more benefits than consumers realize. Blueberries
are the nutritional world’s heavy hitter. This little fruit has the highest
antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruits. Blueberries contain vitamin C,
B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper (a very effective immune
builder and anti-bacterial agent), zinc and iron. Blueberries are said to
help reduce belly fat, preserve vision, promote urinary-tract health,
prevent heart disease and greatly reduce your chances of colon, liver
and ovarian cancer. These power-packed berries are also known to
prevent and heal neurotic disorders by preventing the degeneration and
death of neurons and brain cells.
Another gem in the nutritional world might surprise you—dark
chocolate. Like blueberries, dark chocolate and cocoa are rich in
antioxidants. Because dark chocolate is grown from cocoa beans which
grow in tree form, the chocolate is packed with natural plant nutrients.
This is not to say that loading your diet with chocolate would make
your life healthy, but a little here and there has been cited as a good
thing. Recent studies link dark chocolate to reduced blood pressure
and improved blood flow. Tests also show dark chocolate produces
mild anti-clotting effects and may help prevent plaque formation in
arteries. Interestingly, despite its sweet reputation, dark chocolate has a
low glycemic index similar to that of oatmeal, meaning it does not
send your blood sugar spiking—good news for diabetics. Dark
chocolate (and chocolate in general) contains more than 500 natural
chemical compounds, some of which have been shown to elevate
moods and induce pleasure.
Hoodia is a cactus-like plant that grows primarily in semi-desert
areas in places like South Africa and Botswana. In the past few years,
Hoodia has been heavily touted as the new weight-loss solution. Much
of Hoodia’s popularity comes from claims that the San Bushmen of
the Kalahari Desert ate the bitter-tasting plant for thousands of years
to hold off hunger and thirst during long hunting voyages. There are
over 13 types of Hoodia and so far only one—Hoodia Gordonii—has
been found to contain the active ingredient identified as “p57,” which
has been shown to suppress appetite in mice.
Despite its popularity, there are no published trials in humans to
show Hoodia is safe or effective in pill form. It’s also difficult to
distinguish real Hoodia from its many imposters bearing the same
name that began to appear as Hoodia peaked in popularity.
Myths Debunked: Acai Berry
The Acai (“A-Sigh-EE”) berry is a fruit that is harvested from the
Acai palm that grows in South America. The Acai berry has had one
of the biggest impacts on the wonder-nutrient market in years. Some
claim this tiny fruit is capable of assisting weight loss, promoting
longevity, and curing heart disease and a wide variety of other
ailments. There are also claims that Acai contains over 30 times more
anthocyanins than red wine. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that have
potential health benefits against cancers, aging, neurological disease,
inflammations, diabetes and even bacterial infections.
While berries are a great source of heart-healthy fats, antioxidants
and vitamin C, actual research on the health benefits of Acai on
human subjects is very limited. Consumers should use caution when
considering an investment in products containing little more than
traces of the berry itself. While some research on Acai’s benefits
appears promising, most labs test the fresh berry itself which is
difficult to find, if not altogether unattainable.
Another complication with new health and wellness fads is that
often the claims made cannot be regulated by the U.S Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). Products claiming to be dietary supplements
go virtually unregulated by the FDA; if the product is marketed as a
food, then restrictions are placed on the health claims that can be
made about the product.
The Real Truth
Overall, when considering your health and what foods will give you
the most bang for your buck, it’s best to go with classic nutritious
choices. Eat a diverse mix of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and proteins.
Monitoring your diet and consuming sugar and fats sparingly will
produce the same wonders promised to you by superfood gimmicks.
“People underestimate the benefits of adding fresh, quality foods to
their daily intake. Eating fresh foods will exceed passing trends any day.
Foods that aren’t filled with preservatives do wonders for your body
and overall health,” says Haveman. There’s no quick fix for healthy
living. Changing your eating habits and lifestyle are the best choices for
overall body health.
Myths Debunked: Hoodia Plant
Although demands for miracle supplements have always been high,
the ban on the herb ephedra turned the market particularly ripe for
the next new diet pill. Marketers for the Hoodia plant hoped their
miracle foliage would do the trick.
18
HEALTH CONNECT
BY AMANDA OLERICH
|
SPRING 2011
19
VO LU N T E E R S E R V I CES S P OT L I GH T
Volunteers Mark 2010 Milestones
Celebrating Our 2011
Volunteers of the Year
Among more than 500 volunteers who donate their time to Mary Greeley Medical Center,
these four have been recognized for touching lives and improving patients’ experiences.
Carmen Gutmann
HOMEWARD Hospice Award
Carmen Gutmann volunteers for Mary Greeley
Medical Center with HOMEWARD Hospice.
Upon retirement as a legal secretary in Waterloo,
Gutmann set her sights on becoming an active
volunteer in the community. One of her family
members was cared for at the Israel Family Hospice House at one time,
so volunteering for hospice became one of her goals. Gutmann
volunteers at the Hospice House front desk every Friday afternoon, but
often lends her help beyond her post.
Last winter, Gutmann spent many extra hours with a young man
who had been admitted to the Hospice House.
She spent time reading to him, talking with him and just sitting
with him as a supportive presence. When he was having a difficult
night, she stayed with him the entire night.
“Carmen definitely enhanced this young man’s quality of life for
those last few months, and we are proud to have such a giving
volunteer,” says DeAnn Barnes, Volunteer Coordinator, HOMEWARD
Hospice. Barnes nominated Gutmann and notes that the staff and
visitors enjoy her professional, competent presence.
Ralph Williams
Auxiliary Recognition Award
Ralph Williams began volunteering in the
Sterile Processing Department (SPD) in 2008
and since that time has volunteered more than
1,200 hours.
Williams has become a very important
member of the SPD. He provides not only valuable assistance to the
SPD team members, but also an emotional support that brings
cohesiveness to the department.
“Ralph is uplifting, inspiring, reliable, straightforward, funny, makes
sure the work he does is performed correctly and is a wonderful
human being,” says Christine Holcomb, director of Surgical Services.
Williams was nominated for this award for being a true example of
unconditional support and devotion to Mary Greeley Medical Center
and for the patients and staff he serves.
20
Helen Phillips
Commitment Award
Helen Phillips has volunteered in the Surgery
Family Waiting Room since 1999. She served as
the Surgery Family Waiting Room committee
chair from 2002-2005 and has accumulated more
than 2,100 volunteer hours since she started.
Phillips is an advocate for families in the waiting room by getting all of
their questions answered promptly. She not only attends to the questions,
but also attends to all of their needs. She keeps the lines of communication
open between the operating room (OR) and the families of OR
patients. From the beginning, she made it known that she was available to
cover open shifts for other Surgery Family Waiting Room volunteers who
may be sick, on vacation or unable to make it in due to the weather.
“Helen has always been a loyal and committed volunteer,” says
Martha Hennager, office coordinator, External Relations. “Her
commitment and desire to make a difference is truly apparent and is
greatly appreciated.”
Dario Zaffarano
Leadership Award
Dario Zaffarano has provided outstanding
leadership to the Mary Greeley Medical Center
Institutional Review Board (IRB) since 2001,
serving as the volunteer chair. Zaffarano spends
many volunteer hours organizing and
coordinating clinical research protocols and leads the discussion for
board approval or disapproval. Under his direction, the IRB functions
as an efficient and high-performing board.
“Dario takes his responsibilities very seriously and has contributed
countless hours in meeting preparation,” says Lynn Whisler, vice
president. “He has a special gift to encourage participation from the
entire committee to make sound decisions in the best interests of the
patients we serve.”
Zaffarano is praised for being an unbiased leader who places patient
care and safety as a top priority, and his legal expertise has proven to be
a valuable resource to the other members of the board. He has also
served on Mary Greeley Medical Center’s Ethics Committee since 1993.
On Tuesday, April 19, we will hold our annual Volunteer Recognition Event to honor all volunteers, including
our volunteers of the year and those who have reached milestones in their service hours (listed below).
Row 1: Jackie Williby, Helen Phillips, Vivian Nelson, Mary Anne Silence, Marianne Berhow, Craig Beer, Dee Stephens, Don Withers, Iveta Zeliadt, Jill Hardy, Betty Jo Harker
Row 2: Pat Stephenson, Sue Frette, Gwen Mitzel, Janet Beer, JoAnne Owen, Elizabeth Stevens, Jeanne Gehm, Marissa Reilly, Pat Frette, Mary Engstrom, Lucille Lahm,
Linda Vogtlin, Norma Carey, Anima Ghimire
Row 3: Sally Greve, Robert Cole, Paula Litchfield, Don Hotchkiss, Royce Blackledge, Jerry Mumm, Connie Dunham, Garry Alexander, Marsha Taylor, Ralph Williams,
Jolene Christensen, Clete Mercier
100
Sarah Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Katharine Walz . . . . . . . . . . 104
Eden Wodajo . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Marissa Reilly . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Grant Simmons . . . . . . . . . . 106
Emily Cardella . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Jill Hardy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Marta Burkgren . . . . . . . . . . 120
Judy McGee . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Christine Ocenasek . . . . . . . 120
Alarm Cho . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Patty Tjelmeland . . . . . . . . . 124
Royce Blackledge . . . . . . . . . 127
Michael Cramer . . . . . . . . . . 132
Ila Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Beverly Kruempel . . . . . . . . 141
Avni Sanghi . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Jacob Kolker . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Pierre Palo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Elsa Kracke . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Gwen Mitzel . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Jackie Williby . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Alvin Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Michelle White . . . . . . . . . . 169
Evelyn Nystrom . . . . . . . . . . 198
Elizabeth Madrigal . . . . . . . . 194
Paula Litchfield . . . . . . . . . . 208
Anima Ghimire . . . . . . . . . . 246
Wanda Button . . . . . . . . . . . 299
500
Paul Dasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520
Marsha Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . 530
Robert Cole . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592
Patricia Stephenson . . . . . . . 558
Anne Walden . . . . . . . . . . . . 562
Deann Stephens . . . . . . . . . 584
Constance Dunham . . . . . . . 593
Janet Beer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600
Sue Frette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 622
April Johnston . . . . . . . . . . . 637
Jolene Christensen . . . . . . . . 639
Sally Greve . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647
Cletus Mercier . . . . . . . . . . . 684
1000
Donna Mae Peterson . . . . . 1006
Mary Anne Silence . . . . . . . 1010
Betty Jo Harker . . . . . . . . . 1017
HEALTH CONNECT
Jeanne Gehm . . . . . . . . . . . 1019
Donald Hotchkiss . . . . . . . 1021
Linda Vogtlin . . . . . . . . . . . 1021
David Hannapel . . . . . . . . . 1033
Patricia Post . . . . . . . . . . . . 1056
Beverly McCaskey . . . . . . . 1062
Almira Uemura . . . . . . . . . 1164
Ralph Williams . . . . . . . . . 1277
Donald Withers . . . . . . . . . 1391
1500
Shirley Hulse . . . . . . . . . . . 1522
Darlene Nelson . . . . . . . . . . 1523
Sarah Terrones . . . . . . . . . . 1545
Marianne Berhow . . . . . . . . 1552
Iveta Zeliadt . . . . . . . . . . . . 1570
Jerry Mumm . . . . . . . . . . . 1609
Judith Hemstock . . . . . . . . 1668
2000
Vivian Nelson . . . . . . . . . . 2005
Norma Carey . . . . . . . . . . . 2075
Lucille Lahm . . . . . . . . . . . 2111
Claretta Whitlatch . . . . . . . 2188
Craig Beer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2198
|
SPRING 2011
Helen Phillips . . . . . . . . . . 2198
2500
Garry Alexander . . . . . . . . . 2625
3000
Wayne Jackson . . . . . . . . . . 3230
3500
Pat Frette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3517
4000
JoAnne Owen . . . . . . . . . . 4225
5000
Robert Samuelson . . . . . . . 5249
5500
Elizabeth Stevens . . . . . . . . 5737
7000
Mary Engstrom . . . . . . . . . 7091
21
M G M C E M P LOY E E S P OT L I GH T
In Good Taste
B
eing admitted to the hospital was not how
Alicia Coffman imagined celebrating her
birthday. While spending time with family at
home, Coffman began having trouble breathing
which was making her quite uncomfortable. She
decided to let her birthday be interrupted by an
hour-long drive to Mary Greeley Medical Center.
Mike Leach,
C.E.C.
22
Once she arrived and was initially
checked over, Coffman got some bad
news: she had two massive blood clots
on her lungs. Surgery was crucial.
Coffman was aware of the level of risk
involved—one wrong move and she
wouldn’t make it. She had faith in her
medical team, though, and came through
strongly. As she recouped in her hospital
room, she was blessed with many gifts,
flowers and visitors. Although spread
across the country, children, grandchildren
and others traveled miles to share their
love. And then Coffman received a
surprise that made all the difference in her
stay at the medical center.
Scott Litchfield, manager of Dietetic
Services, answered a call for help in a
room on 2 South, where Coffman was
recuperating. Litchfield took care of the
business he came for, but decided to spice
things up a bit before he left.
He told Coffman and her daughter, Kathy
Roe, that Executive Chef Mike Leach was
on duty that particular weekend and they
should give him a call and challenge him to
prepare some special meals. He went on to
say that as long as Leach had been around, they’d not yet been able to
stump him on any challenges. Figuring this “challenge” could really work
out in their favor, Coffman and Roe gave Leach a call.
“I thought it would be fun to see if Mike would be up to that,”
Litchfield says. “I wanted to see what he had up his sleeve, and it would be
fun for the patient, too.”
Leach received a call from Coffman Saturday afternoon informing him
of what she’d been instructed to do. He was caught a little off guard, but
was happy to take on the challenge. He asked what she would like for
dinner and ensured he could prepare anything she wanted; she asked him
to make his favorite dish. In true ‘Chef Mike’ fashion, he went above and
beyond and prepared chicken piccata over a bed of pasta, fresh ciabatta
bread, a Greek salad with homemade vinaigrette dressing and a banana split
dessert. He delivered the meal himself.
“The presentation was wonderful,” Roe recalls. “It was melt-in-yourmouth outstanding; more than we ever thought it’d be.” Coffman chimes in,
“He brought us cloth napkins and everything!” Later that evening as Leach
was on his way home, he gave Coffman and Roe a call from his cell phone
just to check in and see how they were doing and if they needed anything.
For the next couple of days, Leach continued taking meal requests from
Coffman, and he continued to deliver sensational food with an exceptional
personal touch. The women were beside themselves with the wonderful
service they received. From Saturday through Monday they received five
gourmet meals for breakfast and lunch. Sunday’s breakfast included a
Denver omelet, grilled hash browns and fresh fruit, and the lunch plate
came full of shrimp scampi on wild rice and a chocolate brownie tower
with raspberry compote. Monday morning soon came and so did eggs
Benedict, bacon and hash browns. The final meal was Monday’s lunch
which came complete with beef tenderloin medallions served on garlic red
skin mashed potatoes with portabella mushroom reduction, a chef ’s salad
and a seven layer bar.
It’s safe to say this kind of menu is not what typically comes to mind
when people think of “hospital food.”
“It was more than we ever thought it’d be,” Roe says. “I never even
thought I would be included in these meals, I was so shocked when Chef
Mike walked in the room with two plates. He really went above and
beyond. We’ve received such good care from everyone here; this is one of
the best hospitals.”
Coffman and Roe thanked Leach by giving him a package of Sweet
Smiles from the gift shop and writing him a thank-you card, telling him
that they appreciated the smiles he put on their faces.
“That’s what I like doing. It doesn’t matter who you are; I’m going to do
my best for you,” Leach says. “I like to tell people that it’s free with
admission.” Leach’s act of kindness is a perfect demonstration of what Mary
Greeley Medical Center strives to provide for every person who walks
through its doors: Specialized care. Personal touch.
BY AMY JACKSON
Chicken Piccata
Yields: 4 servings
4 ea Thawed skinless boneless chicken breast
6 oz Fresh sliced mushrooms
2 oz Sliced green onions
2 oz Capers
2 oz Marcela wine
1 tsp Chicken base
1 tsp Minced garlic
1
/2 cup Flour
1
/2 cup Olive oil
1
/2 tsp Salt and pepper
1. Pound chicken breast until it is about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Add flour, salt and pepper together. Dredge chicken until
well coated. Set aside.
3. In a medium sauce pan, set on high heat. Add mushroom,
onion, capers, garlic, chicken base and Marsala wine. Cook
until reduced by half.
4. After sauce is reduced, remove and keep warm for later use. In
the same pan add olive oil. Once oil is hot, place chicken breast
in center of pan for about 3 minutes on each side.
5. Once chicken is cooked, place breast on pasta. Divide sauce
over the plates. Serve hot.
Calories: 200 Carbs: 20 grams Fat: 4.5 grams
Berry Good Salad
Yields: 4 servings
6 oz Lettuce spring mix
12 ea Fresh strawberries
1
/2 cup English walnuts
2 tsp Margarine
1 1/3 tblsp Granulated sugar
6 oz Feta cheese crumbs
1 cup Fat free raspberry vinaigrette
1. Set a small sauce pan on medium heat. Add walnuts,
margarine and sugar. Cook until sugar carmelizes on
walnuts. Let cool. Set aside for later use.
2. Slice strawberries into thin slices. Set aside for later use.
3. Place spring mix on center of plate. Add toppings in this
order: sliced strawberries, walnuts and feta cheese. Arrange
toppings in a visually pleasing manner. Pour 2 oz. of
dressing into a 3 oz. soufflé cup.
Calories: 170 Carbs: 20 Fat: 3 grams
HEALTH CONNECT
|
SPRING 2011
23
F O U N D AT I O N U P D AT E
A Legacy of Helping Others
L
ast fall my family experienced what far too many families
experience every day: a devastating diagnosis of cancer. In
September of 2010 my mother, Kaye Johansen, was diagnosed with
non-small cell lung cancer at the age of 62. Although we were
uncertain of what the future would bring, we remained optimistic and
grateful for the time we still had together. I had no idea that the
painful journey we were about to embark on would also reaffirm my
commitment to helping others through my life’s work.
Like many reading this story, upon learning of my mother’s
diagnosis, I turned to the Cancer Resource Center for much-needed
information and support. From referring me to books and other
resources to helping me deal with my own fears and grief, the center’s
coordinator, Mary Ellen Carano, R.N., M.S.W., was there. She was an
invaluable source of information and care at a time when my family
and I were feeling overwhelmed. Often over the past few months I
have thought about how fortunate we are to have access to such an
incredible community resource—a resource that is funded through
private support.
When my mom began treatment she knew there was a high
probability that she would lose her hair. As long as I can remember
she was one of those women who always seemed to be put together.
Her hair was such a part of who she was to the outside world, and the
thought of losing her hair was a source of anxiety. Fortunately a free
wig was available to her through a special program at her hospital in
Des Moines. Mary Greeley Medical Center offers a similar program
through the boutique in the Cancer Resource Center, thanks to many
generous donors. Last fall when I designated my Employee Campaign
pledge to our foundation’s wig fund, I had a clearer understanding of
how something as simple as a free wig could help ease the burdens of
cancer treatment.
On Christmas Eve my mother was admitted to a hospital in Des
Moines and was assigned to a standard (small) room on the oncology
unit. However, three days later when we realized her stay would be
extended, she was moved to a larger room—a suite with a kitchenette
and pull-out couch. The extra space and comforts of home were such
a blessing in a terrible situation, and I can now relate to families able
to utilize the Burke Suite on Mary Greeley Medical Center’s Oncology
Unit. The Burke family’s gift made in memory of Alice Burke has
been a blessing to countless families over the years.
In January my mom spent her final days in hospice care surrounded
by family and friends. We experienced firsthand the compassionate
care hospice professionals provide, and I will be grateful forever that
her last moments were without pain. As we face each new day without
my mom, my family and I struggle to cope with our loss. Fortunately
there are many bereavement services available, and I encourage my
family to take advantage of them. I’ve also taken my own advice and
visited the grief library at the Israel Family Hospice House, checking
out books on coping with the loss of a mother and grandmother.
My mother leaves behind a rich legacy for me, my family and so
many who had the fortune of knowing her. One of the most
significant is instilling in us the importance of helping others—those
we know as well as others we will never meet. I know her legacy lives
on through the work I do every day for the medical center. This
journey with my mother has reaffirmed why I believe so strongly in
the importance of philanthropy and the impact that can be made by
giving. Each day that I face without her, I come to work with a
renewed sense of purpose for what I do and a deeper understanding of
why I do it.
P.S.: I hope you will join us at our upcoming events. Funds raised from our
Annual Benefit on May 7 support the William R. Bliss Cancer Center, and the
Hope Run for Hospice on June 11 benefits the Israel Family Hospice House.
BY MELISSA JOHANSEN
24
Kaye, Melissa and Krystina
(niece/granddaughter) Johansen
H E A LT H C O N N E C T
Cancer Resource Center
Schedule of Events
Mary Greeley Medical Center regularly schedules programs to provide
cancer education and support. For more information and to register for
events, call 515-956-6440 or 866-972-5477.
April — June 2011
Prime Time Alive
Prime Time Alive programs are designed to help you achieve a vital balance of the physical, financial, emotional
and spiritual components in your life.
Don’t miss all the fun and learning! You can become a member and register for events online at www.mgmc.org or
by calling 515-239-2190 or 800-303-9574. Pre-registration is required. Unless otherwise indicated, programs and
events are held at Mary Greeley Medical Center.
AARP Driver Safety Program
Wednesday, April 6, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
North Addition Room C
Presented by Gene Lavender,
AARP Driver Safety instructor
Learn about the normal changes of aging and the
effects it may have on driving. Cost is $12 for
AARP members and $14 for all others, and may
entitle participants to an insurance premium
discount. Make checks payable to AARP.
Annual Spring Brunch
Sunday, April 10, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mary Greeley Medical Center Cafeteria
Join your fellow Prime Time Alive friends for
our annual spring brunch. The cost is only $9
with your Prime Time Alive card.
Skin Cancer and Its Prevention
Thursday, April 21, 2 p.m.
South Auditorium
Presented by Daniel MacAlpine, M.D.,
McFarland Clinic Dermatology
Dr. MacAlpine will discuss the detection and
treatment of the three most common types of
skin cancer. Strategies on how to protect your
skin and prevent skin cancer will also be covered.
26
Day Trip: A Behind the Scenes
Look at Des Moines
Overnight Trip: Red Wing
and Rochester, Minn.
Thursday, April 28
Join your fellow Prime Time Alive members for a
full and exciting day in our capitol city. We will
be joined by a local guide who will not only
bring the city alive with her humor and
knowledge, but also take us behind the scenes of
the Temple for the Performing Arts, Pappajohn
Sculpture Park, Jordan House and other local
points of interest. Space is limited; call the Prime
Time Alive office at 515-239-2423 for availability.
Wednesday and Thursday,
June 15 and 16
Join your Prime Time Alive friends on a twoday, one-night adventure to Red Wing and
Rochester, Minn. Enjoy the bluffs, historical
homes and Pottery Mill Mall in Red Wing.
Some of the highlights in Rochester include an
outdoor walking tour of Mayo Clinic, a tour of
the Mayowood Mansion and a mystery stop.
Space is limited; call the Prime Time Alive
office at 515-239-2423 for availability.
Cancer and Older Adults
Wednesday, May 11, 2 p.m.
South Auditorium
Presented by Swaleh Bahamadi, M.D.,
McFarland Clinic Oncology and Hematology
Find out the most common cancers for men and
women over the age of 60 and the likelihood of
being diagnosed with cancer as an older adult.
Cancer prevention will also be covered.
Clearing Up Cataracts
and Cloudy Vision
Thursday, June 2, 2 p.m.
South Auditorium
Presented by Nicolas Hamouche, M.D.,
McFarland Clinic Ophthalmology
Dr. Nicolas Hamouche, McFarland Clinic
ophthalmologist, will share information on the
signs, symptoms and treatment of cataracts.
Cataracts generally develop slowly, but over time
they can impair vision and interfere with daily
activities. A very effective and safe treatment is
cataract surgery. Dr. Hamouche will explain how
cataracts develop and treatment options.
Spring Tea
Skin Cancer Awareness Program
Wednesday, April 20, 2 to 4 p.m.
North Addition A, B & C
Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m.
North Addition A & B
Join us for our annual celebration of survivorship
and spring tea. This year’s program will be on
“Nourishing Ourselves through Flower Arranging.”
Flowers always make people better, happier and
more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine
to the soul. Join Dan Brabec, owner of Coe’s Floral
and Gifts, as he teaches us to take time to nurture
the physical self through flower arranging.
Join Dr. Anne Snider for a presentation on skin
cancer. Skin cancer—the abnormal growth of skin
cells—most often develops on skin exposed to the
sun. However, this common form of cancer can also
occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed
to sunlight. There are three major types of skin
cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell
carcinoma and melanoma. The good news is that
skin cancer can be prevented. The challenge,
however, lies in changing the attitudes and behaviors
that increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Prime Time Alive
Mallwalkers
Protecting Your Lungs
Tuesday, April 5, 8 a.m.
North Grand Mall
Presented by Anne Stark, R.R.T.,
C.T.T.S.,
Mary Greeley Medical Center
Cardiopulmonary Services
The lungs are different from most
of the other organs in your body
because their delicate tissues are
directly connected to the outside
environment. Anything you breathe
in can affect your lungs. This
program will cover some important
things you can do to reduce your
risk of lung disease.
Connect with the Clinic
Auxiliary and Volunteer Services
Shop with a Purpose! All proceeds from the Gift Shop support Auxiliary
programs and services of Mary Greeley Medical Center. For more
information call 515-239-2190.
Gift Shop Spring Sale
“Books Are Fun” Book Fair
Cooking Demonstration:
Summer Simplicity
Thursday, April 28, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and
Friday, April 29, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, May 27, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
South Auditorium
Tuesday and Wednesday,
June 21 and 22, 2 to 4 p.m.
(Choose one day to attend)
Cook’s Emporium, 313 Main St., Ames
Presented by Marg Junkhan, owner,
Cook’s Emporium
Whether you are going to a neighborhood BBQ
or a family reunion, you will want to try one of
these recipes to impress your friends and family.
Marg will make a delectable appetizer, summer
salad and a wonderful dessert using fruits of the
season. Attendance is limited to Prime Time
Alive members only.
Shop our spring and summer collection of home
décor, gardening items, candles, baby items,
gourmet foods, handbags, accessories and receive
a 20 percent discount during our spring sale.
Shop with a purpose! All proceeds from the Gift
Shop support programs and services of Mary
Greeley Medical Center. For more information,
please call 515-239-2210.
This book fair hosted by the Gift Shop provides
an array of books for reading and giving. Choose
from a wide assortment of children’s story and
activity books, classics, cookbooks, inspirational
books, best sellers, gardening books and more.
Tuesday, May 3, 8 a.m.
North Grand Mall
Presented by Shelley Goecke,
Marketing/Public Relations director,
McFarland Clinic PC
Come learn about new ways to
interact with McFarland Clinic
online. Learn more about
MyChart—a new tool available for
McFarland patients to access their
medical record and communicate
with the doctor’s office electronically.
Why Can’t I Remember?
Tuesday, June 7, 8 a.m.
North Grand Mall
Presented by Sue Reimers, mental
health therapist, Mary Greeley
Medical Center Behavioral Health
Where are my keys? Where did
I leave my checkbook? If these
questions sound familiar, this
program is for you. Learn more
about the factors that contribute to
memory overload and practical
everyday tips to help you remember.
27
CLINICS & SUPPORT GROUPS SPRING 2011
Clinics
Childhood Immunization Clinics
HOMEWARD offers immunization clinics for Story
County residents at these times and locations:
Second and fourth Tuesday of every month,
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
HOMEWARD, 1114 Duff Ave.
Third Monday of every month, noon to 2 p.m.
Human Services Building
Parents of children receiving immunizations are asked
to bring previous immunization records with them.
even if a child has never received an immunization,
He or she may start a program at any time. Call
515-539-6730 for more information.
2nd Tuesday: April 12, May 10, June 14
4th Tuesday: April 26, May 24, June 28
3rd Monday: April 18, May 16, June 20
HOMEWARD: Blood Pressures with
Prime Time Alive
North Grand Mall on the first Tuesday of every month.
Senior Health Clinics
HOMEWARD Senior Health Clinics offer foot
care, blood pressure screening, blood sugar testing
and health education for Story County older adults.
Call 515-239-6730 for more information.
HOMEWARD will offer clinics at the following
locations, dates and times:
Ames
Green Hills Health Care Center
Wednesday, April 6, May 4, June 1
1 to 3:30 p.m.
Heartland Senior Services
Thursday, April 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26;
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
9:30 a.m. to noon
Keystone Apartments
Thursday, April 28, May 26, June 23
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Regency V Apartments
Wednesday, April 27, May 25, June 22
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Stonehaven Apartments
Wednesday, April 13, May 11, June 8
10 to 11:30 a.m.
The Waterford at Ames
Wednesday, April 20, May 18, June 15
1 to 3:30 p.m.
Collins
City Hall
Senior Meeting Room
Wednesday, April 6, May 4, June 1
9 to 10 a.m.
28
Colo
Community Center
Tuesday, April 19, May 17, June 21
10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Huxley
Walnut Grove Community Room
Thursday, April 7, May 5, June 2
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Maxwell
Community Center
Wednesday, April 6, May 4, June 1
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Nevada
Christian Church, Disciples of Christ
Wednesday, April 13, May 11, June 8
12:30 to 2 p.m.
The Meadows Apartments
Tuesday, April 19, May 17, June 21
1 to 3 p.m.
Story City
Story City Community Health Center
Wednesday, April 27, May 25, June 22
1 to 4 p.m.
Cedar Place
Thursday, April 14, May 12, June 9
1 to 4 p.m.
Support Groups
Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group
April 5, May 3, June 7
This group meets the first Tuesday of every month
from 1 to 3 p.m. in the North Addition, Room D.
Call 515-239-6730 or 800-529-4610.
Bereavement Support Groups
For more information on grief support groups,
contact HOMEWARD Hospice at 515-956-6038
or 877-469-0079.
Breast Cancer Support Group
This group usually meets the fourth
Monday of every month at 7 p.m.
in the William R. Bliss Cancer Resource
Center. Call 515-239-4401
for more information.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Support Group
This group meets twice in the fall and twice in the
spring. Call 515-239-6780 for meeting times and
additional information.
Celiac Disease Support Group
This group meets the fourth Tuesday of every other
month at 7 p.m. at the Diabetes and Nutrition
Education Center. Call 515-956-2880 for more
information.
Diabetes Support Group
This group meets the first Tuesday of every month at
7 p.m. Call 515-956-2881 for more information.
Diabetes Support Group for Youth
This group meets every other month.
Call 515-956-2883 for more information.
Eating Disorders Support Group
This group meets the second Tuesday of every month
at the Diabetes and Nutrition Education Center. The
first hour, from 7 to 8 p.m., is for family members.
The second hour, from 8 to 9 p.m., is for those
coping with an eating disorder. For more information
call 515-956-2880.
Parkinson Support Group
Call 515-239-2600 for more information.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
This group will meet the second Tuesday of each
month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Cancer Resource
Center. Call 515-956-6440 for more information.
Stroke Support Group
The Stroke Support Group is free and open to the
public. Call 515-239-2323 for more information.
CLASSES SPRING 2011
Family Birthing Classes
Fitness Classes
Register online at www.mgmc.org or call 515-239-2444
or 800-951-9222 for specific information and to
register. Preregistration is required.
Call for specific dates and times. Call 515-956-2731
for Ames classes or 515-733-4029 for Story City
classes. Preregistration is required.
Big Brother, Big Sister Class
Classes are offered for ages 2 to 4, mixed ages
and ages 4 and up.
Ages 2 to 4: April 7, May 2, June 6
Mixed ages: April 25, May 16, June 16
Ages 4 and up: April 28, May 26, June 30
Main Lobby
Ames Classes
Moms in Motion: Designed for prenatal
women, this class includes gentle stretching,
strengthening and mild cardiovascular exercises.
Following guidelines from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecologists, Moms in Motion
prepares women for the physiological changes
associated with pregnancy, and develops stamina
and strength for labor and delivery. Class
participants enjoy a unique bond exercising with
other moms-to-be.
Childbirth Classes
Birthways offers a one-day and Tuesday series
childbirth class to help women in their seventh to
eighth month of pregnancy and their support persons
prepare for childbirth. $30 donation per class.
One-Day Childbirth Class
Saturday, April 2, April 9, May 7, May 14, June 4, June 11
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
South Auditorium
Childbirth Class
Tuesday, April 5, 12, 19; May 3, 10, 17; June 7, 14, 21
7 to 9 p.m.
South Auditorium
Refresher Childbirth Class (quarterly)
Saturday, May 7
9 a.m. to noon
North Addition A & B
$10 donation
Birthways Tour
Wednesday, April 27, May 25, June 29
7 to 8 p.m.
South Auditorium
Birthways offers tours of the hospital and unit for
expectant women and their support persons.
Breastfeeding Classes
Monday, April 4, April 11, May 2, May 9, June 6,
June 13
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
South Auditorium
$10 donation
HOMEWARD Expectant Parent Class
Wednesday, April 6, 13, 20; May 4, 11, 18; June 1, 8, 15
7 to 9 p.m.
North Addition A & B
$10 donation
Other
Story City Classes
Core Box: Punch and kick your way to a
stronger core and a leaner, meaner body. Core Box
mixes kickboxing combinations and high-intensity
athletic drills along with high-energy music for the
ultimate in kickboxing fun!
Yoga: Combine traditional yoga postures with
modern fitness moves for an excellent mind/body
experience—perfect for those seeking strength,
flexibility, stress reduction and total relaxation. Bring
your own yoga mat.
CPR for Friends and Family Anytime
Tuesday, April 10, May 10, June 14
7 to 8 p.m.
North Addition C
Cost is $35 and includes CPR Anytime kit. This
non-certification course may be taken in two ways:
we facilitate a one-hour introductory course
(including take-home kit); or, you can purchase the
kit to take home and learn on your own time. Our
facilitated course offers an overview of the skills (in
the take-home kit) and an understanding of the
local EMS system that cares for CPR patients. The
take-home kit teaches people in the comfort of their
own homes the core skills to perform adult/child
CPR in just 22 minutes. There is a separate kit for
infant CPR. The kits include a mannequin and
DVD that can be reused. This program is researchproven to be equivalent to taking a traditional CPR
course.
For more information, call 515-956-2875 or visit
www.mgmc.org.
SHIIP/Medicare Counseling
Weekdays
External Relations Office
Call 515-239-2210.
Power Hour: Pump it up and join us for this
total body strength training workout using free
weights, bars, tubing and more. A workout
appropriate for all fitness levels.
SilverSneakers: Have fun and move to the
music through a variety of exercises designed to
increase muscular strength, range of movement and
activity for daily living skills. Weights, elastic tubing
with handles and a ball are offered for resistance,
and a chair is used for seated and/or standing
support.
H.E.A.T. (High Energy Athletic
Training): If you want to take your fitness and fat
loss to the next level without spending more time in
the gym, then H.E.A.T. could be exactly what
you're looking for! Push yourself to YOUR limit
with athletic style drills, strength training and more!
Zumba: Ditch the workout and join the party!
Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-tofollow moves to create a dynamic fitness program.
Enjoy an exhilarating hour of calorie-burning, bodyenergizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to
engage and captivate!
Cardio Power: The best of both worlds—cardio
and strength! Join us for a variety of cardio
conditioning options, including step, hi-lo, kick
boxing and more! Finish the class with resistance
training and a total body s-t-r-e-t-c-h!
Pilates: New! With an emphasis on breathing,
core conditioning and body awareness, Pilates
creates stronger, longer, leaner muscles; flatter
abdominals; core stability and body balance. It will
leave you looking toned and moving with ease!
HEALTH CONNECT
|
SPRING 2011
Art Schedule
April
Naser Shahrivar
Prints and oils
Admin. Hallway
Jenny Conrad
Fabric pictures
Main Hallway
Leslie Leavenworth
Oils, acrylics, watercolors Extended Admin. Hallway
Lori Murga
Handblown glass jewelry
Display case
May
Linda Andeberg
Fibers and oils
Admin. Hallway
Jenny Conrad
Fabric pictures
Main Hallway
Leslie Leavenworth
Pottery and willow Extended Admin. Hallway
Lori Murga
Handblown glass jewelry
Display case
June
Linda Andeberg
Fibers and oils
Scott Stouffer
Watercolors
Cheri Sorensen
Prints and metal
Barb Vaske
Ceramic figures
Admin. Hallway
Main Hallway
Extended Admin. Hallway
Display Case
29