HealthyColorado
Sterling Regional MedCenter
Spring 2013
Concussions in
Young Athletes
page 2
Personalized Rehab
Program for Older Adults
page 4
Providing Gynecology
Procedures at Sterling
page 6
Ask the Expert
Concussions in Young Athletes
Jeffrey Bacon, DO, provides
family care with a specialty in
sports medicine. He practices
in Sterling.
Q
What are the symptoms of
a concussion?
A: Symptoms can be mild to severe.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, headaches
or a fuzzy feeling can all be symptoms of a
concussion. Nausea, vomiting, blurred vision
and fainting can also be signs of a concussion.
Q
How are concussions usually treated?
A: Because of the Jake Snakenberg law in the
state of Colorado, if a student is suspected of
having a concussion, they must be removed
from play immediately and evaluated by a
doctor. They must rest for as long as the doctor
recommends. This may also include cognitive
rest, which means taking a break from activities
like video games, texting or loud music. The
treatment can last until the symptoms resolve
and then students are staged back into activity.
Q
What are the risks of not being treated for
a concussion?
A: One risk is developing second impact
syndrome, where a student can develop a
second concussion and suffer from bleeding
and swelling in the brain, which might lead
to seizures, brain damage or even death.
Another risk is post-concussion syndrome,
where a concussion can last more than
three months, sometimes from six
months to a year. The symptoms
(chronic headaches or
dizziness) can occur
more frequently. This
type of syndrome is
most common.
To learn more, visit www.BannerHealth.com/
Sterling. To make an appointment with
Dr. Bacon, please call (970) 521-3223.
Seek Treatment for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins – swollen, twisted veins that develop most
often in the legs – can be unsightly and painful. Veins that
are supposed to bring blood back to the heart contain oneway valves to keep the blood flowing in the right direction.
But in varicose veins, the valves may be damaged, deformed
or missing. The result is that blood collects in the veins,
especially when you are standing.
Fortunately, treatments available close to home at Sterling
Regional MedCenter are usually very successful. Our new
general surgeon, Kilsan Koh, MD, performs two procedures,
depending on the size of the affected vein:
•S
clerotherapy involves injecting a saline (salt water) or
chemical solution into the varicose vein. “This irritates the
lining of the vein and causes the blood vessel walls to
stick together,” Dr. Koh explains. The vein hardens and
2 | Healthy Colorado
disappears, usually within a couple of weeks. This procedure
works best on small veins.
•V
ein stripping is surgical removal of larger varicose veins
from the leg. Dr. Koh makes tiny incisions (cuts) and pulls
out the affected vein. “People usually return to normal
activities within a week or two, but may need to wait four
weeks or so to exercise,” Dr. Koh says.
Dr. Koh is board certified in general surgery. He earned his
MD from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in
California and completed his internship and residency at
Pontiac General Hospital, which is affiliated with the
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
To make an appointment, please call
(970) 522-2264.
Meet the Provider
L. Ginger Frederiksen,
MD, FACOG, OB/GYN
As children, some people dream of becoming firemen, movie stars or teachers. L.
Ginger Frederiksen, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN, dreamed of working with horses and
becoming an equine veterinarian. Her earliest memories include riding horses with
her father here in Sterling, Colo. It’s ultimately what brought her back to Sterling as
well. “My family and I wanted to be in a smaller community,” says Dr. Frederiksen.
“I love having the opportunity to practice rural medicine in this area.”
Building upon Her Childhood Dream
During her second year of undergraduate school at Colorado State, her family’s
horse trainer helped her decide to pursue medical school instead of working with
horses. “When I got to college, my horse trainer talked me into medical school
instead, which ended up being a good fit,” says Dr. Frederiksen.
Dr. Frederiksen has been practicing in Loveland since June 2006. She attended
medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb. After
being in active duty Air Force for four years in Washington, D.C., and Colorado
Springs, Colo., she made her way back to the northern Colorado area.
As an OB/GYN, her favorite part of treating patients is the relationships. “I like
knowing women for the long-term. It’s like becoming a part of their family. When
I get to deliver several children within a family, it’s a miracle each time,” says
Dr. Frederiksen. “That joy is special for every birth, no matter how many times I
experience it.”
Moving Back to Sterling
When Dr. Frederiksen is not taking
care of patients, she enjoys spending
time with her husband, Bruce, and their
two children, Abby, 8 years old, and
Evan, 6 years old, as well as her two
stepdaughters and grandchildren. She
loves to go skiing and continues to own
and care for horses. In Sterling she has
two horses and hopes to fill her family’s
18 acres with more animals.
To learn more about
Dr. Frederiksen, visit
www.BannerHealth.com/
Sterling. To make an
appointment, please call
(970) 521-3223.
www.BannerHealth.com/Sterling
Banner Health Clinic
Location:
1405 S. 8th Ave., Suite 101
Sterling, CO 80751
Phone: (970) 522-2264
Kilsan Koh, MD
Specialty:
General Surgery
Profile: Board
certified in general
surgery, Dr. Koh
provides traditional and minimally
invasive procedures.
Interests and Activities: I enjoy travel
and lecturing on health.
Medical School: Loma Linda University
School of Medicine, Calif.
Internship: Pontiac General Hospital
affiliated with University of Michigan
Residency: Pontiac General Hospital
affiliated with University of Michigan
Board Certification: American Board
of Surgery
Specializing in the Following
Diseases, Conditions, Procedures:
•G
astrointestinal procedures for
stomach, small and large intestines
• Endoscopies for esophagus, stomach,
duodenum and colon, appendix, gall
bladder and hernias
• Cancers of the thyroid, breast and skin
• Vasectomy
• Minor tumors
• Abscesses
• Hemorrhoidectomy
• Laparoscopic surgery for colon,
appendix, gallbladder and hernias
Language(s): English
Practicing Since: July 1989
...Continued on page 7
Spring 2013 | 3
We offer older adults a
full array of physcial,
occupational and speech
therapy services to help
restore their abilities
and speed them toward
independence.
For Older Adults
Personalized Rehab Program Aids
Return to Normal Living
When seniors suffer a life-altering event – whether it’s an injury
or illness – their greatest hope is to resume their normal lives
as quickly as possible. Fortunately, a comprehensive team of
rehabilitation professionals at Sterling Regional MedCenter
share that goal, offering older adults a full array of physical,
occupational and speech therapy services to help restore their
abilities and speed them toward independence.
Whether on an inpatient or outpatient basis or a combination of
both, seniors can expect a personalized care plan to improve
strength, mobility, daily living skills, communication skills and a
variety of other capabilities that contribute toward overall quality
of life. It’s the same outstanding care offered to patients of all
ages, but with an eye toward the special challenges faced in
later years.
“We consider each person as an individual and really tailor our
therapies to whatever that person’s needs are while working
4 | Healthy Colorado
in collaboration with their physician,” says Christa Lousberg,
Sterling Regional MedCenter’s Senior Manager for Rehab
Services. “We set goals that are patient-focused, talk to patients
and families about what they want to accomplish, and go
forward from there.”
Common Rehab Needs
What are some of the most common injuries or illnesses among
older patients that require follow-up rehab? According to the
National Institute on Aging, they include:
• Fractures, such as a broken hip
• Joint injury or replacement
• Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or other
neurological conditions
• Strokes
• Cardiac problems
• Cancer
“We do a lot of therapy with patients who are limited by a
variety of orthopedic problems with some examples including
hip replacements, knee replacements, spine surgery, shoulder
surgery or shoulder replacements,” says Lousberg, explaining
just some of the services aimed primarily toward seniors. “Our
speech therapists also work with Parkinson’s patients on voice
training. Patients with Parkinson’s disease can sometimes
struggle with voice projection and our speech therapy
department addresses these needs with the LSVT® (Lee
Silverman Voice Treatment) program.”
Greg Yocom, physical
therapist, works with
Marie Jones at the
facility’s outpatient
rehabilitation center.
.
Another rehab service that can assist seniors is lymphedema
therapy, and Sterling Regional MedCenter has the only
certified lymphedema therapist, Amy Bassegio, OTR, on staff
in northeast Colorado, Lousberg notes. Lymphedema can
be a side effect from treating breast cancer, which can result
in swollen, painful tissue in a patient’s arms, shoulders or
upper torso. Lymphedema therapy helps alleviate swelling by
massage and other techniques that move fluids through
those regions.
Lousberg states that their rehab department also offers a
cardiac rehab program. This program’s primary goal is to
improve a patient’s performance through exercise, a healthy
diet, stress reduction and education. This program is offered to
patients who have experienced cardiac issues such as heart
attack or who have undergone recent heart surgery.
Better Than the Competition
Three types of rehabilitation services are available to Sterling
Regional MedCenter patients on an inpatient or outpatient
basis. They include:
•O
ccupational therapy, which works to improve functional
living skills such as dressing, grooming and eating along
with motor, cognitive and social skills. Patients can relearn
tasks and learn to use adaptive equipment that may make
life easier.
•P
hysical therapy, which improves mobility, relieves pain
and prevents or limits permanent physical disabilities.
Patients may learn how to use assistive devices,
wheelchairs or prosthetics.
•S
peech-language pathology, also called speech therapy,
which uses special techniques to help patients improve
verbal and non-verbal communication skills, eating and
drinking abilities, concentration, memory and voice quality.
•C
ardiac rehabilitation, which improves cardiovascular
fitness, monitors your heart rate and blood pressure, reduce
intake of foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol,
assistance in managing stress.
Conveniently located adjacent to the hospital, Sterling Regional
MedCenter’s outpatient Rehabilitation Center offers several
advantages compared to local competitors, Lousberg says.
www.BannerHealth.com/Sterling
This includes an all-inclusive therapy team with three physical
therapists, two occupational therapists and two speech
therapists along with five physical therapist assistants. All
types of health insurance plans are accepted, she adds.
Because rehabilitation is a recovery process that can last for
several months – and require ongoing visits two or three times
per week – therapists at Sterling Regional MedCenter plan
treatments with patients and their families that can yield the
best results in the shortest span possible. This approach helps
minimize the disruption to patients’ lives, Lousberg says.
“We really work hard with the patient and their family on getting
them well fast so it’s not a long, drawn-out process,” she says.
“We provide quality and effective therapy so our patients’ goals
are met and they can continue on with their lives.”
To learn more, call (970) 521-3138 or
visit www.BannerHealth.com/Sterling.
Source: National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov.
Spring 2013 | 5
Outreach Services
Providing Gynecology
Procedures at Sterling
6 | Healthy Colorado
Excellent gynecology surgery can be hard to find in rural areas. For northeast
Colorado, it is easy to find at Banner Health. At Sterling Regional MedCenter, Sidney
J. Adler, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN, Dr. L. McDonald-Frederiksen, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN,
and their staff provide world-class care here at home. They offer total obstetrical and
gynecological care. Here are just a few of the procedures offered at Sterling.
Hysterectomy – There are two basic types of hysterectomy. A partial hysterectomy
is a procedure to remove the uterus. A total hysterectomy includes the removal of
both the uterus and cervix, and can sometimes include removing the ovaries and
fallopian tubes. Hysterectomy may be recommended for the treatment of fibroids,
endometriosis, gynecologic cancer, uterine prolapse or chronic pelvic pain.* It is one
of the most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S. and can be accomplished in
a number of ways.
• Open/abdominal hysterectomy is a traditional approach with one longer incision.
•V
aginal hysterectomy is a less-invasive approach with a vaginal incision.
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy involves multiple tiny cuts in the abdomen, and
organs are removed through those incisions.
•L
aparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy involves multiple tiny cuts in
the abdomen to guide organs out through the vagina.
Laparoscopic tubal ligation – This procedure cuts or blocks the fallopian tubes,
permanently preventing pregnancy. Two small incisions are made in the lower
abdomen and the surgeon inserts a thin, lighted viewing tube (laparoscope) to
see the tubes and uses another instrument to cut (ligate) the fallopian tubes.
Researchers have found that tubal ligation lowers the risk of ovarian cancer by
about 60 percent in women with BRCA1 mutations.*
Banner Health Clinic
...Continued from page 3
Location:
1405 S. 8th Ave., Suite 105
Sterling, CO 80751
Phone: (970) 526-8100
L. McDonaldFrederiksen, MD,
FACOG, OB/GYN
Specialty:
Gynecology, Obstetrics
Profile: General
gynecology and obstetrics, minimally
invasive solutions to abnormal uterine
bleeding, Novasure endometrial ablation,
Essure® sterilization, robotic surgery,
laparoscopic surgery, mid-urethral
surgery for incontinence, repair of pelvic
organ prolapse with and without mesh
replacement and the management of
pregnancy and high-risk obstetrics.
Endometrial ablation – This procedure removes the endometrium, or the lining
of the uterus, to reduce the menstrual flow. “This is the most up-to-date treatment
for abnormal menstrual bleeding,” says Dr. Adler. There are many ways to do this
procedure, including cyroablation (using extreme cold to freeze and destroy the
endometrium), heated balloons and electrosurgery. Most women experience lighter
periods afterward and some may stop having periods entirely.
Interests and Activities: I am an avid
snow skier who enjoys quarter horses,
reading, boating and spending time with
my family and friends.
“We also use laparoscopy and hysteroscopy technology in some of these
procedures,” says Dr. Adler. “Laparoscopy is a lighted scope with a camera to help
us see inside the abdominal and pelvic cavity. A hysteroscopy is a lighted scope
with a camera used to look inside the uterus.” Both assist in the process and the
accuracy of these procedures.
Residency: University of Utah Health and
Sciences Center, Salt Lake City
* Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com.
Learn More about
Gynecology Services
For more information on the
gynecology services offered by
Sterling Regional MedCenter, visit
www.BannerHealth.com/Sterling. To
make an appointment with Dr. Adler, or
Dr. Frederiksen-McDonald, please call
(970) 526-8100.
Sidney J. Adler, MD
www.BannerHealth.com/Sterling
Medical School: Creighton University
School of Medicine, Omaha, Neb.
Board Certification: Fellow of the
American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists
Awards/Recognitions: Henry “Hap”
Arnold Leadership Excellence Award;
United States Army Commendation
Medal; United States Air Force Meritorious
Service Medal
Affiliations: Society of Gynecological
Surgeons; American Association
of Gynecologic Laparoscopists;
American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists
Language(s): English, Spanish
Practicing Since: July 2000
Spring 2013 | 7
HealthyColorado
This newsletter is a quarterly publication
of Sterling Regional MedCenter, a Banner
Health facility. For more information, visit
us online at www.BannerHealth.com/
Sterling. If you would like to be removed
from the mailing list, please call Betty
Patterson, editor, at (970) 506-6533.
615 Fairhurst St.
Sterling, CO 80751
(970) 522-0122
Sterling Wellness Calendar of Events
April
Fitness Class;
Ayres; Mondays & Wednesdays;
5:15-6 p.m.
Fit Kids After School;
Saint Anthony’s; Mondays,
April 8, 15, 22; 3-4 p.m.
Fit Kids After School;
Ayres; Tuesday, April 9, 16, 23;
3:15-4:15 p.m.
Bone Density and Glucose Screening;
Tuesday, April 16; 1:20-2 p.m.
Metabolism Screening;
Thursday, April 18; 7-9 a.m.
Wellness Open Lab;
SRM Lab, Wednesday, April 17;
7-9 a.m.
Diabetes Update for Health
Professionals;
Logan/Pawnee Rooms, Monday,
April 22; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Taking Charge of Your Diabetes;
5 weeks; Logan/Pawnee; Thursdays,
April 25-May 23; 7-9 p.m.
May
Metabolism Screening;
Tuesday, May 14; 7-9 a.m.
Wellness Open Lab;
SRM Lab; Wednesday, May 15;
7-9 a.m.
Bone Density and Glucose
Screening;
Wednesday, May 15; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Taking Charge of Your Diabetes;
5 weeks; Logan/Pawnee; Wednesdays, May 29-June 26;
2-4 p.m.
June
Quarterly Blood Screenings;
Christ United Methodist Church;
Tuesday, June 4 and Wednesday,
June 5; 7-9 a.m.
Metabolism Screening;
Pawnee; Wednesday, June 12;
7-9 a.m.
Safe Sitter;
Logan-Pawnee; Tuesday, June 18;
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wellness Open Lab;
SRM Lab; Wednesday, June 19;
7-9 a.m.
Bone Density and Glucose Screening;
Thursday, June 20; 2-4 p.m.
July
Taking Charge of Your Diabetes;
5 weeks; Logan/Pawnee; Tuesdays,
July 2-30; 7-9 p.m.
Wellness Open Lab;
SRM Lab; Wednesday, July 17;
7-9 a.m.
Metabolism Screening;
Thursday, July 18; 7-9 a.m.
Bone Density and Glucose Screening;
Friday, July 19; 9-11 a.m.
Safe Sitter;
Logan-Pawnee; Wednesday,
July 24; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
To learn more, call
(970) 521-3260 or visit
www.BannerHealth.com/
Sterling.
This publication does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on
this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Thinkstock, ©iStock, ©Fotolia. ©2013 Sterling Regional MedCenter