2 Delivering on our promise of first-class care. 3 Staying well amid flu season and COVID-19. Inside Is that knee still aching after running around all summer with your grandkids? Is that throbbing wrist pain keeping you from doing the things you love? It may be time to make an appointment with the orthopedic specialists in the Grundy County Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic. Whether it’s lingering joint pain, arthritis or a new injury, addressing pain early can make a big difference in your healing journey. While it can be hard to stop and find the time to seek care, the orthopedic specialists at GCMH will develop the best plan to get you back Life is better pain-free How orthopedic care can keep you moving TAKE THE FIRST STEP. NO REFERRAL NEEDED! Dr. Cooper and Dr. Bartelt see patients in the GCMH Specialty Clinic on Mondays and Thursdays. Call 319-824-5081 to schedule with Dr. Cooper on Mondays or call 319-833-5381 to schedule with Dr. Bartelt on Thursdays. Identifying the cause of pain and finding relief is convenient with two orthopedic specialists at the GCMH Specialty Clinic. Douglas Cooper, MD, pictured with clinic nurse Faith Nolte, RN, sees patients weekly, as does orthopedic specialist Robert Bartelt, MD. GCMH since 2006. “Getting to the source of pain early can prevent future injuries and allows us to be proactive in getting you back to health.” A one-stop shop Our specialists treat many conditions— such as hip and knee arthritis, carpal tunnel, and trigger finger—along with injuries, such as ACL and meniscus tears and fractures. While surgery may be needed, there are many nonsurgical treatments available, including cortisone injections, physical therapy, braces and anti-inflammatory medications. Our team works to find the care plan that will provide the best outcome for you based on your condition or injury. “It’s great for our patients because GCMH is a one-stop shop, with surgery, imaging services and physical therapy all in one convenient location,” says Dr. Cooper. “We have a really close-knit relationship among our health care teams and work together regularly to provide the best outcomes for our patients.” Should surgery be needed, Dr. Cooper, as well as visiting orthopedic specialist Dr. Robert Bartelt, provide surgical treatments, including total joint replacements, right here at GCMH. You can rest assured that you are getting the best quality of care without having to travel to a larger city. FALL 2022 in action as quickly as possible. “It’s important to seek treatment when you notice ongoing joint pain because the earlier something is caught, the better the outcome can be,” says Dr. Douglas Cooper, who has been seeing patients at
2 healthNEWS LEADERSHIP CORNER This project is for you! It was an honor to preside over a hospital groundbreaking event this summer. It’s been many years since Grundy County Memorial Hospital expanded its footprint, so our building addition for Surgery and Imaging and an expanded Lab signals good things to come! Our hospital is recognized for its highquality and compassionate care. Steady increases in the number of people who seek care here means that these three key departments have outgrown their space. We understand that our patients desire the same modern facilities and medical technology that’s offered in the city, so as we expand our space, we will be adding the capacity to offer expanded services as well. For instance, the hospital’s Lab department has continually added new analyzers that offer additional diagnostic options and produce faster results for our patients—but all this large equipment means the Lab is at capacity! In addition, for many years we’ve recognized the need for the MRI unit to be indoors—but the current hospital structure cannot accommodate this huge machine. We excitedly look forward to next fall, when patients can experience an MRI exam under our roof and surgeries can be scheduled in one of two new operating rooms! So to our communities we say: This building addition is for you! We recognize that you have a choice in where you receive your health care. We’re honored and humbled when you choose our hospital. We’re proud that the new addition will allow for many improvements that help us deliver on our promise of first-class care. Adam Scherling, MHA Hospital Administrator Karyn’s story As a busy mom, Karyn did not have time to be down long with a shoulder injury. She turned to the teams at GCMH for her orthopedic surgery and physical therapy, and they helped her get back in action in no time! GCMH spells relief Greater movement and less pain with surgery and therapy Learn what sets GCMH apart for orthopedic care. To hear Karyn’s story, scan the QR code or visit unitypoint .org/grundycounty/clinics -orthopedics.aspx. Here for you today and tomorrow When the hospital’s new Surgery Center opens in fall 2023, two modern operating rooms, spacious pre-op and post-op areas, and comfortable and private surroundings will greet our patients and their families. Community members who need surgery can turn to our visiting specialists and surgeons, including two orthopedic surgeons, for services like cataract surgery; digestive health procedures; foot surgery; general surgery, such as breast cancer surgery; and hernia, appendix and gallbladder procedures. Life Is Better In Action
3 As another autumn approaches with both influenza and COVID-19 among the illnesses families may encounter, it’s a good time to take stock of your family’s preparedness. Fall 2022 doesn’t require the urgency of stocking up on excess hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, but with COVID-19’s newest variants making the rounds, it’s wise to have a plan in place in case you become ill or are exposed and need to quarantine to protect others from getting sick. Stock your medicine cabinet Jeremy Cordes, DO, PharmD, UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine– Parkersburg, recommends keeping a few at-home COVID-19 testing kits on hand to use if anyone in the family has symptoms of the virus. “Along with the basics like Tylenol to treat fever and headache, it’s a good idea to keep over-the counter expectorants such as Mucinex on hand, too,” says Dr. Cordes. He also advises taking advantage of the approved and available COVID-19 vaccines, as well as keeping up with usual childhood and adult vaccines, as tools to help you and your family stay well this fall and winter. “The potential for COVID-19 in your household requires a little thought and preparation,” remarks Dr. Cordes. “The vaccines and therapeutics available now mean that the urgency that first surrounded the virus is no longer necessary. Our constant vigilance has subsided to ‘consistent awareness,’ much like preparing for several inches of inches of snow is different than preparing for a blizzard in the forecast.” Dr. Jeremy Cordes Have a flu and COVID-19 preparedness plan in place Vaccine options for young kids Young children can get one of two COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use in children. You should choose whichever vaccine is available, suggests the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The options for young children are: Moderna. Children ages 6 months through 5 years need two doses, one month apart. Pfizer-BioNTech. Children ages 6 months through 4 years need three doses. The first two doses are given three weeks apart, followed by a third dose given at least eight weeks after the second dose. Make sure the older kids�and adults�in your family stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines too. For those ages 5 and up, it might be time for a booster shot. If you have questions about vaccinating your kids, talk to your child’s primary care provider. They can help you understand the risks and benefits.
4 There’s a lot to consider when it comes to managing diabetes,�frommaking the right lifestyle choices to scheduling your tests. Diabetes care provider Deb Van Dyke, DNP, ARNP, who sees patients in the GCMH Specialty Clinic, shares the “ABCs of diabetes” below to help you remember ways to keep your disease under control and live a full, healthy life. NEED A CONSULT? Deb Van Dyke, DNP, ARNP, sees patients in the GCMH Specialty Clinic on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Call 319-222-2750 to schedule an appointment today! Visiting Specialists Audiology Seema Arab Wilson, AuD Cardiology and Echocardiogram Kalyana Sundaram, MD Kari Haislet, DNP Micaela Rahm, ARNP Dermatology Angela Buttjer, PA-C Ear, Nose, & Throat/Skin Cancer David J. Congdon, MD, MPH, FACS Kellie Waugh, DNP Gastroenterology/Hepatology Srinivas Kalala, MD Tracy Elliott, ARNP General Surgery/Colonoscopy Paul Burgett, MD, FACS Stephen VanBuren, MD, FACS Alison Wilson, MD, FACS Mental Health Clinic Megan Heise, ARNP Nephrology T. Michel Daoud, MD Vinay K. Kantamneni, MD Oncology Mattie Testroet, ARNP Ophthalmology/Cataract Surgery Benjamin Mason, MD Orthopedics Robert B. Bartelt, MD Podiatry Stephen Solomon, DPM GCMH Services Anti-Coagulation Ariel Loring, PharmD GCMH Orthopedics Douglas Cooper, MD Pain Management W. Keith Barnhill, PhD, ARNP, CRNA, DAAPM Sleep Disorders GCMH Sleep Service Wound Healing Mandy Vervaecke, ARNP Call 319-824-5081 or 888-824-5081 for scheduling information. Specialty Clinic A: The A1C test The hemoglobin A1C test, or A1C, is an essential tool for tracking your diabetes and how well you’re managing it. The test tells you your average blood glucose (sugar) level over the last two to three months. By getting this test at least twice a year, you can make sure you’re controlling your blood glucose to avoid complications from diabetes. Try to keep your number below 7. You can get your A1C checked at the GCMH Lab as part of our wellness screening with no appointment or doctor’s order needed. B: Blood pressure Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, which makes the heart work extra hard. That’s why when you have diabetes, it’s especially important to get your blood pressure taken every time you go to the doctor. Discuss your results with your doctor to set a blood pressure goal and keep track of your progress. C: Cholesterol Check in with your doctor at least yearly on your cholesterol numbers, including total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels. Pay special attention to your LDL, or bad cholesterol, which can build up and end up blocking your blood vessels. If your cholesterol result isn’t where it should be, make a plan with your doctor to try to remedy it. For example, you can eat more heart-healthy foods and exercise more often. S: Smoking If you smoke, do your best to quit. Smoking doubles your risk of heart disease when you have diabetes. Smoking also raises your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor. Sources: American College of Cardiology; American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Know the ABCs of diabetes GCMH Specialty Clinic provider shares ways to keep it in check Deb Van Dyke, DNP, ARNP
5 All classes and events are in the GCMH Education Room unless otherwise noted. Registration is requested for education programs. Learn more and sign up today at uph.link/GCMHEvents or by scanning the QR code. Classes and events Just What the Dr. Ordered Takes You to Medical School! Our popular education series continues with a fall series of mini-medical classes. All ages— from high schoolers to retirees—are invited to gain medical science knowledge, get a glimpse of the inner workings of hospital and clinic departments, experience medical learning activities, and ask questions. Weekly topic details may be found by scanning the QR code above. ● Tuesdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 7 to 8:15 p.m. There is no charge, thanks to a GCMH Foundation Community Health Grant. You may attend just one session or the entire series. Registration is requested. Safe Sitter Parents, will your child begin staying home alone after school? Is caring for younger siblings or babysitting for other families being considered? Our class provides parents peace of mind that their children, sixth through eighth grade or older, are able to stay home alone safely or babysit for a younger sibling or other families. The program is part of the national Safe Sitter® program, developed by a health professional to include choking and first aid skills, CPR, basic caregiving skills, and the knowledge of what to do in an emergency— such as during a storm or power outage. Build confidence and provide essential safety knowledge to your young teen—enroll them in Safe Sitter today! The course is taught by a registered nurse and Basic Life Saving-certified instructor. Scan the QR code above for more information or to enroll and make a payment. ● Friday, Sept. 30, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $35. Students need to have completed the fifth grade in order to enroll in Safe Sitter. Each child should bring their own lunch. Diabetes Prevention Program Did you know you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by eating better, being more active and losing weight? Our Diabetes Prevention Program, led by a certified lifestyle coach, features the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s PREVENT T2 curriculum. People who have completed our class have demonstrated proven results in helping prevent or significantly delay type 2 diabetes. While your doctor may have recommended you work on lowering your blood sugar (glucose) level, a doctor’s referral is not necessary to enroll in the course. ● A new class session will begin in October. Class dates and times will be determined by those who enroll. Contact lifestyle coach and registered dietitian-nutritionist Crystal Petersen at 319-824-4154 or crystal.petersen@unitypoint.org for registration information. Diabetes Self-Management Education Whether you’re newly diagnosed or wish to have an annual session to review disease management, this program provides optimal care and education to people who are managing diabetes. Accredited by the American Diabetes Association, the program cost is covered by many health insurance companies and Medicare when you have a referral from your doctor. ● Call 319-824-5081 or 888-824-5081 to schedule your sessions. CPR and First Aid Take advantage of classes to learn how you could help save a life in an emergency. CPR for adults, infants and children, including defibrillator use, as well as choking and first aid skills are taught in this six-hour class that qualifies for those who provide child care or work in other settings that require regular CPR certification. Instruction is designed for nonmedical professionals. ● Offered quarterly: Saturday, Oct. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $65. Enroll and make a payment by scanning the QR code. Live Well: Walk-in Wellness Lab Screenings Know your key numbers for health and stay on top of any health issues you may have with our walk-in wellness labs. ● Available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., without an appointment. Use Entrance 1 on the hospital’s south side and stop at Registration. Payment is collected at the time of the lab draw. No insurance claimwill be filed. Fasting blood test: ● General chemistry and lipid panel—$20 Non-fasting blood tests: ● Hemoglobin A1C—$10 ● Hemogram—$10 ● Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)—$10 ● Thyroid function testing (TSH)—$10 ● Free T4 (thyroid function)—$10 ● Vitamin D—$25 ● Blood typing—$20 Fall 2022
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 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Grundy County Memorial Hospital 201 E. J Ave. Grundy Center, IA 50638 2022 © 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. AdamScherling Administrator Keely Harken Communication & Foundation ProgramManager Kelly Jans Community Outreach Specialist Crystal Petersen Wellness ProgramManager Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD The first piece of advice I give to parents who ask me about the importance of food for athletic performance: Don’t wait until the day of the meet or game to think about how to fuel! Eating smart every day is the best method for top-notch performance, no matter the sport. While nutrition cannot take the place of training and adequate sleep for young athletes, inadequate nutrition and poor timing of meals can undermine hard work and training. I recommend that athletes—and their families—get into a reliable rhythm of feeding for fueling and recovering from training, workout days, games and races. Don’t skip breakfast or lunch Prevent low energy levels later in the day by eating breakfast. Breakfast is an important opportunity to get some critical nutrients in the body, like calcium, potassium, protein, carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins. Hydration for the day also starts with breakfast. Use MyPlate* as a guide for choosing whole grains, fruits and veggies, dairy, and protein. For morning sporting events, make this meal about three hours before the event and keep it on the lowfat side to prevent an upset stomach. At lunch, athletes should load up— but not overeat—on foods from all food groups. Skipping lunch is a lost opportunity for energy replacement and muscle repair and recovery. Refuel and drink up A light snack is tolerated by most young athletes up to 30 or 60 minutes before their event. While hydration occurs from foods consumed during meals, drinking water throughout the day is a must. Athletes should be hydrated two to four hours prior to the activity and then do their best to drink 4 ounces of water every 15 minutes during the activity. Water is the best choice for staying hydrated while active, but training more than 60 minutes with heavy perspiration may require a sports drink to replace lost electrolytes. Finally, recovery! Practice, workouts and games result in glycogen (energy) loss in muscles, and thesemuscles need recovery. Have a plan to replenish within an hour of finishing a workout, game or race. It takes both a carbohydrate and a protein source to get the rebuilding and repair started. *MyPlate guide may be found at myplate.gov. Student athletes need nutritious fuel Find meal and snack suggestions to fuel your student athlete at unitypoint.org/ grundycounty/ healthy-recipes .aspx or scan this QR code:
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