FALL 2024 Grundy County Memorial Hospital’s (GCMH) newly expanded lab represents the hospital’s commitment to providing essential care close to home and helping to maintain the health and well-being of our patients and community members. The recent enhancements, including larger patient draw bays, increased privacy measures and space available for future expanded testing capabilities, underscores the hospital’s dedication to staying at the forefront of medical technology and improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The lab’s expansion addresses critical needs in health care delivery, particularly in a rural setting like Grundy County. In health care, timing is often of the essence, and quick access to test results can be crucial in determining the next steps in a patient’s care plan. Whether it’s for diagnosing a condition, monitoring treatment effectiveness or ruling out potential health issues, the ability to perform and process tests efficiently is paramount. In addition, the upgraded facilities provide the necessary space to accommodate new testing capabilities, should the need arise. The hospital is always looking for ways to support better continuity of care, ensuring that patients can receive comprehensive medical attention close to home. The expanded lab is more than just a physical expansion; it represents a commitment to patientcentered care and clinical excellence. As health care continues to evolve, GCMH remains committed to shaping the future of medicine in our communities. The compassionate team of lab technicians at GCMH is dedicated to ensuring the best care and timely results for all patients. For one Gladbrook man, a lab draw helped to determine that he was having a major heart event, and his primary care physician was able to make quick decisions about getting him transferred to a higher level of care—and ultimately on his way to a full recovery. Without quick and easy access to that important diagnostic test, the outcome could have been different. Watch a video of his story by scanning the QR code. Advancing local health care GCMH’s expanded lab enhances patient care and community well-being 3 Physical therapy for kids: Your questions answered Inside 5 Innovation in pain management
healthNEWS 2 At Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH), we recognize that you make health care decisions each day, and we are honored when you choose us. This says to us that you are confident in our commitment to excellence, compassion and innovation. Our patients are the cornerstone of our growth and success, enabling us to achieve unprecedented milestones in both patient care and our workforce. Thanks to your loyalty, over the past three years GCMH has experienced a 33% increase in patient visits, going from 51,221 annual visits to 67,869 annual visits. This growth represents real relationships built on trust. As our patient base has expanded, so too has our need to expand our team. Our GCMH family has grown by 22% since 2021, allowing us to invest in and retain top talent, even during the greatest workforce shortages our industry has faced. By investing in our teams, we ensure that our patients receive the best care possible. The impact doesn’t stop there. Your loyalty has empowered us to reinvest in our facilities, adopt cutting-edge technologies and introduce new services. This enhances the care experience and increases access to rural health care. Every enhancement is a testament to our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the communities we serve. As the county’s largest employer, the ripple effects of our growth are felt throughout our community. By expanding our operations, we create new jobs and opportunities, supporting the vitality of Grundy County and the surrounding areas. We are grateful for each of you who choose us for your health care needs. Together, we are building a healthier community for generations to come. Your trust inspires us to reach new heights, and we are honored to be your health care provider of choice. Grundy County’s newest PCP: Maggie Hefner, MMA, DO Dr. Maggie Hefner, who joined UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – Grundy Center in August, brings a blend of medical expertise and a passion for women’s health and family medicine to Grundy County. Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, Dr. Hefner earned her master’s in medical anatomy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and her medical degree from Des Moines University. Dr. Hefner joined UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – Grundy Center because she wanted to work in a smaller community where she could serve people in need. Her approach to care As a primary care physician (PCP), she is dedicated to enhancing the overall well-being of her patients. She recognizes the importance of collaboration in health care and access to additional services when necessary. “It’s important to me that my patients have access to testing, imaging and specialists that I may refer them to, so I appreciate that Grundy County Memorial Hospital has many of those capabilities just down the hall from our family medicine clinic,” says Dr. Hefner. Dr. Hefner is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her patients, aiming to become a trusted provider with whom they can share their most vulnerable concerns. “When caring for an individual or a family, I strive to have our visits become more of a conversation where we catch up on life and less like a medical interview,” she says. “This is what I hope to develop with patients here in Grundy Center and surrounding areas.” Her dedication to serving Grundy County reflects her commitment to making a positive impact on the health and lives of those she cares for. Outside of medicine, Dr. Hefner loves exploring the community with her energetic, 6-year-old Aussiedoodle, Gus. LOOKING FOR A NEW PROVIDER? To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hefner or another local PCP, visit gcmh.link/primarycare. Adam Scherling, MHA, GCMH Administrator Maggie Hefner, MMA, DO Loyalty leads to growth at GCMH
3 Pediatric physical therapy at GCMH The hospital’s Therapy Services Department meets a wide range of patient needs. In addition to expanded hours and a larger team of therapists to serve adults, pediatric therapy is now provided by Jenni Sutton, DPT. Here she shares information about when therapy may be appropriate for a child. QWhat types of conditions might make physical therapy a good option? A Some children are born with certain conditions, while others have neurological conditions that develop at birth or in utero, such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Anytime a parent senses that their child is not meeting development milestones, a check-in with a physical therapist can help assess whether additional help is needed to maintain ageappropriate progress. QHow soon might therapy begin? A As soon as a physical delay is noticed, it is a good idea to speak to your child’s provider and ask if a referral to physical therapy is needed. When related to prematurity or other known diagnoses, it is a good idea to have the child or infant evaluated, and the therapist will create an individualized plan for them. I formerly worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with pre-term babies, so I believe there is no such thing as “too soon” for therapy if it can help a child. QWhat does a typical therapy session look like? A Therapy sessions are tailored to individual needs, and for infants and young children, they are based on play! Fun activities help achieve specific goals, such as improving strength, balance and coordination. A typical session is about 45 minutes, and the goal is to provide each child and their family with the tools they need to succeed at home, school and elsewhere! Harley Forry, DPT Erika Pottebaum, ATC The team is growing! Along with the addition of pediatric therapy, the Therapy team has also grown. Physical therapist Harley Forry and athletic trainer Erika Pottebaum both joined the team this summer! GCMH Therapy Services Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 319-824-5097 Upcoming classes and events Register for classes at gcmh.link/events. Payment is requested at registration. LiveWell Series: The Benefits of a Healthy Gut and How to Support Yours Monday, Sept. 16, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Diabetes Prevention Program FREE Preview Monday, Sept. 30, 1 to 2 p.m. Heartsaver First Aid CPR class Monday, Oct. 7, 5 to 7 p.m. This class combines online learning with in-person training at the hospital. LiveWell Series: Keep Your Immune System Healthy Monday, Oct. 21, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Diabetes Quarterly Education & Support Group Monday, Oct. 28, 1 to 2 p.m. Mini Medical School Tuesdays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19 at 7 p.m. Heartsaver First Aid CPR class Tuesday, Dec. 10, 5 to 7 p.m. This class combines online learning with in-person training at the hospital.
4 Prioritizing mental wellness Cedar Valley Mental Wellness improves access to mental health care At Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH), we are committed to ensuring that our patients and community members have access to the care they need to feel their best and live their lives to the fullest. That includes access to specialists in the GCMH Specialty Clinic, who allow for patients to receive the care they need without having to travel far from home. The visiting mental health specialists from Cedar Valley Mental Wellness, who see patients in the GCMH Specialty Clinic, know how important it is to take care of your mental and emotional well-being for a balanced and fulfilling life. Three dedicated providers now see patients four days a week at GCMH and offer a wide range of evaluation and treatment options tailored to individuals of all ages. Their approach combines medication management with personalized counseling sessions, addressing various specialty areas to support your mental health journey effectively. Led by compassionate mental health providers, the clinic provides a supportive environment where you can navigate life’s challenges with confidence. How they can help From supporting patients with anxiety, depression and/or trauma to managing medication and more, the specialists from Cedar Valley Mental Wellness are there every step of the way on your healing journey. Megan Heise, ARNP, PMHNP; Carly Pollock, LMCH; and Kristen Reichert, LISW, see patients at GCMH Monday through Thursday for a variety of services, including: ● Individual counseling. ● Medication management. ● Support for neurodiverse children. ● Play therapy and more! Specialty Clinic Visiting specialists: Allergy, Skin Cancer, & Ear Nose and Throat Kenny Rodriguez, MD Karen Sadler, ARNP 319-888-8044 Audiology Seema Arab Wilson, AuD 800-728-4327 Cardiology Kari Haislet, DNP, ARNP Micaela Rahm, ARNP 319-236-1911 Dermatology Angela Buttjer, PA-C 800-245-6246 Diabetes & Endocrinology Chitra Reddy, MD Deb Van Dyke, DNP, ARNP 319-222-2750 Gastroenterology/ Hepatology Srinivas Kalala, MD Tracy Elliott, ARNP 319-234-5990 General Surgery/Colonoscopy Paul Burgett, MD, FACS 319-824-5081 Stephen Van Buren, MD, FACS Alison Wilson, MD, FACS 641-752-6391 Maternal Health & Family Planning Allen Women’s Health— Kathi Bower, ARNP, FNP-C 319-235-5090 Mental Wellness Megan Heise, ARNP, PMHNP Carly Pollock, LMHC Kristen Reichert, LISW 319-299-2864 Nephrology T. Michel Daoud, MD Vinay K. Kantamneni, MD 888-397-4575 Oncology Zoe Schult, ARNP 319-233-2701 Ophthalmology/ Cataract Surgery Benjamin Mason, MD 319-277-0103 Orthopedics Robert Bartelt, MD 319-833-5381 Podiatry Stephen Solomon, DPM 319-824-5081 Carly Pollock, LMCH Megan Heise, ARNP, PMHNP Kristen Reichert, LISW TAKE THE FIRST STEP The providers from Cedar Valley Mental Wellness offer both in-person and telehealth appointments. Schedule an appointment or learn more by contacting Cedar Valley Mental Wellness at 319-299-2864.
5 Featured SERVICE Free help available for Medicare beneficiaries Iowans who use Medicare for their health insurance benefits can review and make changes to their Medicare coverage each year between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, including changing insurance companies, seeking additional benefits or changing a prescription drug plan (known as Part D coverage). At GCMH, two trained senior health insurance information program volunteers are available to help people compare coverages and make informed decisions. Whether you’re turning 65 soon and need help or are over 65 and wish to explore different coverage, you can make an appointment for a free consultation by calling the GCMH schedulers at 319-824-5081. You can also attend a Welcome to Medicare seminar on Monday, Sept. 23, at 5 p.m. in the hospital’s education room to learn more. Innovative pain relief Iovera® treatment now available at GCMH The Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) Pain Management Clinic is now administering an innovative pain relief treatment. The Iovera® Gen 2 System is one of the latest additions in the hospital’s efforts to provide advanced care options for our patients. The Iovera® treatment is available to patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Patients may receive this treatment within 10 to 12 days prior to their operation in an effort to make the recovery as painless as possible. “Our goal is to offer this treatment prior to surgery for patients having total knee replacement in order to improve pain control, mobility and post-surgery outcomes,” says Jessica Eilers, BSN, RN, Surgery Supervisor. Iovera® provides immediate pain relief by applying intense cold to a specific nerve to block pain signals being sent to the brain. It is administered by Pain Clinic provider Rich Jacobson, DNP, CRNA, through a safe, simple and pain-free procedure in which patients may experience pressure, tingling, and both cold and warm sensations. While it is common for patients to experience tenderness, numbness, swelling or bruising in the treatment area after the procedure, there is no permanent nerve damage from the numbing effect. In comparison to traditional pain management practices, studies have shown that Iovera® mitigates the use of narcotics to control postoperative pain. The decrease in pain from the focused cold treatment results in patients having lower opioid usage, a shorter length of stay in the hospital after surgery and increased mobility with a greater range of motion in the knee. Studies have also shown that Iovera® offers significant pain relief in the targeted area for up to 90 days. In fact, approximately 45% fewer opioids are needed to alleviate pain 12 weeks after surgery. By investing in innovative treatment options, GCMH demonstrates its commitment to providing quality care for Grundy County and surrounding areas. Anti-Coagulation Lisa Veit, PharmD Pain Management Rich Jacobson, DNP, CRNA Hospital services CONVENIENT ACCESS TO CARE For a complete list of GCMH services, visit gcmh.link/services or scan the QR code. Call 319-824-5081 or 888-824-5081 for scheduling information. Wound Healing Mandy Vervaecke, ARNP Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Sleep Center Infusion Therapy Physical Therapy Diabetes Education Rich Jacobson, DNP, CRNA, and Pain Clinic nurse Ashley Eggleston, RN, BSN, are shown with the device used for Iovera® treatments. RECOVER WITH LESS PAIN To schedule an appointment or learn more about Iovera®, please call the GCMH Pain Clinic nurse at 319-824-4140.
Standard U.S. Postage PAID Grundy County Memorial Hospital 201 E. J Ave. Grundy Center, IA 50638 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Information in LIVE WELL comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. LIVE WELL is published as a community service for the residents of the service area of Grundy County Memorial Hospital, 201 East J Ave., Grundy Center, IA 50638, grundycountyhospital.org, 319-824-5421 Adam Scherling Administrator Kelly Jans Community Outreach Specialist Kate Goecke Marketing Communications Specialist Crystal Petersen Wellness Program Manager Understanding magnesium: Supplements, foods and your health By Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD GCMH Wellness Program Manager When we hear health claims about a nutrient, such as magnesium, it may cause us to question if we are getting enough from the foods we eat. While most Americans do not experience magnesium deficiencies, some may need to consume magnesium-fortified foods or supplements to meet recommended levels. Certain health conditions can prevent the body from absorbing enough magnesium from food or cause higher-than-normal magnesium losses. On the other hand, poor kidney function increases the risk for magnesium levels to become too high, toxic and even fatal. If you are considering taking a nutritional supplement, take the following steps before investing in one. 1 Talk to your health care providers, including doctor, pharmacist or dietitian, before taking a supplement to learn about its potential value for you, proper dosage and possible interactions with current medications. Mineral supplements, like magnesium, have established tolerable upper intake levels, or upper limits, indicating the most your body may be able to manage. Your provider can order a blood test to check your level of magnesium if there is a concern. With adequate blood magnesium levels, a supplement will not provide additional benefits. 2 Learn which foods are rich in magnesium. Foods provide levels your body can manage with additional important nutrients, such as antioxidants and fiber. Nuts, seeds, whole grains, dark green/leafy vegetables, fortified cereals, low-fat milk and yogurt are all reliable sources of magnesium. 3 Purchase a quality supplement. It’s important that your supplement includes the seal of quality assurance displayed on the label, indicating that it contains the ingredients listed and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants. A supplement’s safety depends on its chemical makeup, how it works in the body, how it is prepared and the amount taken. Take a balanced approach to nutritional supplements using guidance from your health care team and reliable information to make decisions that are right for you. Scan the QR code to learn more about magnesium and get some healthy recipes! Need a new PCP? Learn all about Grundy County’s newest provider and see if she might be a good fit for you on page 2.
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