Staying active is a key part of living well. With more studies linking a sedentary lifestyle to an increased risk of chronic disease, it’s clear that movement does a body good. But chronic pain and other issues can make it a challenge to move much at all, according to Grundy County Memorial Hospital’s Physical Therapy Manager Jeff Nolder, MSPT, MHA. A minor but persistent pain may not seem like a big deal—for instance, a joint that’s painful when you move a certain way or a sore hip that causes you to have an unnatural walk—but when these problems prevent you from moving as you wish, it may be time to seek physical therapy. “Any time pain is preventing you from taking part in the activities you enjoy, it’s a good time to consider physical therapy,” says Nolder. “Whether you’re a student athlete desiring to play your best or an adult who enjoys biking, walking, tennis or gardening, your body benefits from moving the way that it was designed to move.” Stop pain in its tracks Abnormal movement patterns can develop over time as the result of poor posture, bad habits, pain or other factors, Nolder says. “We adapt our body to function at a less-than-ideal level when we’re suffering discomfort or Life in action pain. Over time, that pain or injury can become worse.” The hospital’s team of physical therapists has a combined 100-plus years of experience, and, together, their goal is to help patients: ● Move more easily. ● Have better function and less pain. ● Avoid disability. Therapists put their knowledge and skills to work with people of all ages, says Nolder. For example, a therapist might: ● Teach a young athlete ways to reduce overuse injuries. ● Develop a fitness program for older adults who have arthritis to enable them to enjoy their favorite activities without discomfort or pain. The hospital’s Physical Therapy team will not only create an individualized treatment plan for you, but will communicate with your doctor, surgeon or other health care team members to help achieve the best outcome for you. Source: American Physical Therapy Association Those who have received care from the hospital’s Physical Therapy team report that they feel respected and listened to and would recommend the hospital to others who need physical therapy. —NRC survey, 2022 The benefits of physical therapy SPR I NG 2022 3 Specialized care can help you heal and get back in the swing of things. Inside
Building project to enhance Surgery, Imaging and Lab Living our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve The focus of a new hospital building project is to add space for a new Surgery Department while improving lab and imaging services. These areas have experienced significant growth in the past five to seven years and are located within the portions of the hospital that were constructed in 1952 and 1971, which do not allow for expansion. The project seeks to “right-size” the hospital departments that have experienced the fastest growth over the past five to seven years. In addition, the Radiology and Imaging Department currently makes use of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit that is located outside of the hospital, requiring an outdoor walk by patients who need the diagnostic exam. The building project will create space for the MRI under the hospital’s roof, and the dedicated space will include design aspects that improve the exam’s comfort. “The appeal of Grundy County Memorial Hospital to our rural communities is that we are a ‘one-stop shop’ for most outpatient health care services,” says Hospital Administrator Adam Scherling, MHA. “When this project is complete in 2023, we will have expanded and modernized three key departments to improve access and patient privacy and to include the most up-to-date equipment.” The hospital’s Surgery Department offers total joint replacement along with other orthopedic surgeries, general surgery, foot surgery and digestive health procedures. The building plan includes two operating rooms to provide optimum efficiency and allow for future growth. L E A D E R S H I P C O R N E R Navigating the future As the world marks two years in a pandemic, we’ve been looking ahead to how our hospital can best meet your health care needs in the months and years to come. But I also want to take this moment to reflect on what we’ve been through together and recognize those of you who are hurting from the pain and loss brought on by the health crisis. As I prepare this article, our hospital has marked four full weeks without a COVID-19 admission, which is a welcome milestone. I want to thank and honor our amazing nurses, doctors and employees, who stepped up in immeasurable ways when our community members needed them. We stretched our resources and capabilities beyond what seemed possible two years ago, and we are grateful for all that our care teams and support staff have done to care for those who needed us. While we are moving forward, this is our commitment to you: The health and well-being of our community remains our top priority. With the development of effective vaccines and treatments for the virus, COVID-19 is not the unmitigated threat that it once was. We’ll continue to take recommended measures to protect our patients and staff while making sure that you and your family have access to safe, high-quality health care—now and in the future. Proud to be one of the nation’s top 100 critical access hospitals for the second year in a row! Once complete in fall 2023, a building project will expand the hospital’s footprint to the east and north toward Highway 175 with a new entrance drive, parking area and building canopy designed for the convenience of those who need surgery. Groundbreaking is planned for this summer. >>healthNEWS Adam Scherling, MHA, GCMH Administrator 2
Five common golf injuries and how physical therapy can help Golf season is in full swing! While golfing is a great hobby and way to stay active, it can be frustrating to play through pain. Whether it’s shoulder pain, back pain or something else, it’s important to identify the source of your pain and correct your technique to prevent further injury. Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) Physical Therapist Jeremy Fehrmann, DPT, has a Medical Professional certification from the Titleist Performance Institute. A former collegiate golfer, he specializes in assessing golf-related injuries and can develop an individualized exercise and therapy plan to help golfers get back to their game, pain-free. Here he identifies five common golf injuries and how correcting your golf swing can help prevent them or help them improve. 1 Back pain. Swinging a golf club improperly, plus spending significant time in a bent-over stance, can cause strain on the back for many golfers. 2 Tendonitis in the elbow. Frequently referred to as golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow, this condition occurs when there is irritation and inflammation of the tendon tissue. Poor swing mechanics can increase stress on the tendon, causing the tendonitis to occur. 3 Knee pain. The strain placed on the knees when stabilizing the legs during a golf swing can cause pain. Uneven ground on the course can also lead to discomfort in the knees and ankles. 4 Rotator cuff. Pain due to a rotator cuff injury often occurs during the golf swing or following play due to improper golf swing characteristics and its effects on the shoulder. 5 Wrist injuries. A lot of strain is placed on the wrist during a golf swing—often at the top of the backswing and at the moment you connect with the ball. Many problems stem from overuse or lack of stretching. Schedule an assessment with Fehrmann today by calling GCMH Physical Therapy at 319-824-5097. Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Safe Kids Worldwide; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Know the signs of anaphylaxis. This is a potentially deadly allergic reaction. The most common triggers are foods, insect stings, medications and latex. Signs and symptoms may include a red rash (usually itchy) with hives or welts; swelling in the throat or other areas of the body; wheezing; and trouble breathing or swallowing. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention, including an injection of the drug epinephrine and a trip to the hospital emergency department. Watch out for heatstroke. Signs and symptoms of this medical emergency include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler environment, and try to bring his or her temperature down with cool cloths or a bath. Do not give the person fluids. Make helmets a priority for you and your kiddos when riding bikes, horses or skateboards or even while playing ball. Have a safe summer Although it’s easy to be casual about many things in the summer, it’s not good to be casual about safety. Here are some suggestions on how to keep you and your family safe: The experienced team of traumatrained physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses in the Grundy County Memorial Hospital Emergency Department is available 24/7/365.
Protect the whole family from the sun Young or old. Wrinkled or smooth. Freckled or plain. No matter what condition their skin is in, all members of your family need sun protection. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburns, lead to future wrinkles and raise the risk for skin cancer. Here are some tips from Dermatology Specialist Angela Buttjer, PA-C, who sees patients weekly in the Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) Specialty Clinic. 1 Use plenty of sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply it to exposed skin about 15 minutes before you head outside, and reapply it at least every two hours. Check with your child’s doctor before putting sunscreen on a baby younger than 6 months old. Keeping skin covered with rash guards, or swimwear with sleeves, is a great way to protect babies and children from the sun as well. 2 Consider a supplement. Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and has been shown to provide sun protection, especially in older people. 3 Keep eyes under wraps. UV light can damage eyes and increase the chance of cataracts developing later in life. The corneas can also get a sort of sunburn—a temporary but painful condition. Make sure everyone in the family, including kids, has a pair of sunglasses that block 100% of UV light. 4 Avoid the most intense sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when possible. It’s not realistic to stay indoors and out of the sun all day, but you can minimize exposure by wearing long sleeves, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Seek shade when possible. Angela sees patients on Thursdays in the GCMH Specialty Clinic. Call 800-245-6246 to schedule an appointment today for all your dermatology needs! Specialty Clinic Visiting Specialists Audiology Seema Arab Wilson, AuD Cardiology and Echocardiogram Kalyana Sundaram, MD Kari Haislet, DNP Abbie Schrader, ARNP Dermatology Angela Buttjer, PA-C Diabetes & Endocrinology Deb Van Dyke, DNP, ARNP Ear Nose & Throat/Skin Cancer David J. Congdon, MD, MPH, FACS Karen Sadler, ARNP Gastroenterology/Hepatology Srinivas Kalala, MD Tracy Elliott, ARNP General Surgery/Colonoscopy Paul Burgett, MD, FACS Stephen Van Buren, MD, FACS Alison Wilson, MD, FACS Mental Health Clinic Megan Heise, ARNP Nephrology T. Michel Daoud, MD Vinay K. Kantamneni, MD Oncology Balil Rahim, MD 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. Angela Buttjer, PA-C, Dermatology Clinic 4
All classes and events are in the GCMH Education Room unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is requested for education programs. Learn more and sign up today by scanning the QR code here! Classes and events Just What the Dr. Ordered: Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Humans and Their Pets View a fun series that features a veterinarian and a dietitian discussing lifestyle topics that impact health—for both you and your pet! Exercise, healthy snacks, the dinner table, food labels and ingredients are just a few topics that will be covered. Enjoy this video series live, or access the programs on our website after they run. Kurt Steckelberg, DVM, veterinarian at Steckelberg Vet Clinic in Conrad, and Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD, hospital dietitian-nutritionist, will cover a variety of topics of interest! ● Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28, noon, on the hospital’s Facebook page Safe Sitter This daylong 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 class 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 instruction on 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 Lifesaving-certified instructor. ● Thursday, June 23, 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. Nutrition Consultation: Eating for Good Health Expert guidance in various food, diet and nutrition issues is provided by the hospital’s licensed dietitians. Whether your challenge is a specific disease, weight loss or weight gain needs, or food intolerance, a dietitian can translate food and nutrition guidelines into practical information that supports your improved health. Those with the following health conditions may benefit from a nutrition consultation: diabetes; heart disease, including elevated cholesterol and congestive heart failure; high blood pressure; celiac disease; and acid reflux. You may ask your doctor for a Medical Nutrition Therapy referral. You may also wish to contact your health insurance for coverage information, as it varies. Or you may simply schedule an appointment and pay out-of-pocket. A $50 per hour cost applies. ● Call 319-824-5081 to schedule your appointment. Diabetes Prevention Program Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. More than 1 in 3 Iowan adults have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The good news is that if you have prediabetes, the hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help you make lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems. The program is led by a certified lifestyle coach and features the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s PREVENT T2 curriculum in an in-person, small group format. The next class begins in August. A doctor’s referral is not required. ● Monday, Aug. 8, 5 p.m., FREE preview session. Class dates and times will be finalized once enrollment is determined. Are you wondering whether you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes? Take the risk assessment: cdc.gov/prediabetes/ takethetest. Diabetes SelfManagement Education Whether you’re newly diagnosed or wish to take advantage of 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 plans and Medicare when you have a referral from your doctor. ● Call 319-824-5081 to schedule your appointment. 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. Cost is $65. ● Saturday, June 4, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Live Well Lab Wellness Screening Available without a doctor’s orders or appointment: Know your key numbers for health and stay on top of any health issues you may have with walk-in wellness labs, available to members of the public. ● Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., no appointment needed. Individual test costs range from $5 to $40 each. For a complete list of available screenings and costs, visit unitypoint.org/grundycounty/ services-laboratory.aspx. 5
By Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD If you’re like many families, summertime means life on the go as summer camps, lessons and youth sports create busy schedules. It’s a win to remember that eating right for everyone starts with simple meals, prepared at home. Healthy and nutritious To reduce stress and save time and money, try weekly meal planning. Use a calendar you already maintain to jot down your menu notes and grocery lists. Planning ahead can save you money by not relying on expensive fare from convenience stores or concession stands. Begin with breakfast. The morning meal really is that important, especially before a practice or game. Try creating a five-day breakfast menu with your family’s favorite breakfast combinations, then repeat every five days. Rely on breakfast staples that you keep on hand at all times. Find sample breakfast menus and a shopping list of staples on our website. Simple lunch strategies: ● Get creative with sandwiches. You can cover at least three food groups in one sandwich. Add a glass of milk and serving of fruit for a balanced meal. ● Give your teen or babysitter responsibility for meal prep—even turning it into a lesson or craft time. Creative ideas online include Mollie Katzen’s Number Salad. ● Carry a lunch away from home. Pack it the night before, using the sandwich ideas found on our website. ● Dinner theme nights. Use themes to narrow dinner options, so planning isn’t overwhelming and everyone’s favorite can be on the menu. For example, Mondays can be “sheet pan meal” days, with prep over the weekend, followed by Tuesday burger nights and Wednesday pasta meals. Sample weekly menus may be found on our website. Planning ahead and simplifying meal choices can add up to better meals—all summer long. Up your game this summer: Commit to healthier meals Grocery and meal ideas referenced in the article may be found here: Adam Scherling Administrator Keely Harken Communication & Foundation ProgramManager Kelly Jans Community Outreach Specialist Crystal Petersen Wellness Program Manager 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.
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