2 Need infusion therapy? Get close-to-home care 4 Schedule a checkup for your child this summer Inside SPRING 2023 Life is better with local specialty care GCMH offers expert care close to home When you need health care, you want a team you can trust and a location that is convenient. The Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) Specialty Clinic brings you the experts you need right here in Grundy Center, so you can be cared for close to home without the need to travel far. Take the first step—schedule your appointment today with the specialists you need. TAKE THE FIRST STEP TODAY! Now is the time to address the aches and pains that are holding you back. Our specialists are ready to help you go from getting well to living well. Learn more and see a schedule for the Specialty Clinic by scanning the QR code or visiting rebrand.ly/SpecialtyClinic. Podiatry Is foot pain keeping you from doing the things you love? From bunion and tendon repairs to treatment for foot and ankle injuries, Stephen Solomon, DPM, can help relieve your pain and get you back in action. He sees patients each Wednesday in the GCMH Specialty Clinic and also performs foot and ankle surgeries at GCMH. Orthopedics Joint pain or injuries can be debilitating, but you don’t need to live with pain. Turn to orthopedic specialists Douglas Cooper, MD, and Robert Bartelt, MD, who see patients on Mondays and Fridays at GCMH. They evaluate and treat all types of musculoskeletal injuries, including arthritis, broken bones, shoulder and hand problems, and sports injuries, including ACL and meniscus tears. In most cases, a treatment plan starts with nonsurgical solutions. Should you need surgery, you’ll be in highly experienced hands. Our board-certified surgeons perform a wide range of orthopedic surgeries, including total joint replacements. General surgery While surgery may not be something you think you’ll need, it’s comforting to know that GCMH has board-certified visiting general surgeons here weekly who can address your problems, big and small, and get you back to feeling well. From routine surgeries, like hernia repairs and gallbladder procedures, to breast surgery, mole removals, biopsies, endoscopies and colonoscopies, Paul Burgett, MD; Alison Wilson, MD; and Stephen Van Buren, MD, will come up with an individualized treatment plan for you.
2 And the winner is… For the third consecutive year, our hospital has been recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital among more than 1,300 critical-access hospitals nationwide. The recognition from the Chartis Center for Rural Health honors outstanding performance among U.S. rural hospitals based on their quality and safety, solid finances, patient experience, and market share. This is meaningful because it offers a well-rounded assessment of our operation. Improved access to care and new services As a leadership team, we can learn from the results and apply best practices from other high-performing rural hospitals throughout the country. It’s rewarding to see the efforts of our health care team recognized, but it’s the rural communities we serve who get credit for the “win.” When you consistently choose Grundy County Memorial Hospital for your health care needs, it results in growth for our rural hospital, which in turn allows us to improve upon the ways in which we serve you. For instance, recently we’ve added respiratory therapy and expanded Infusion Services. When the new Imaging and Surgery building addition opens at the end of the year, improved access to surgery care and new imaging services will be the result. For the residents of the rural communities we serve, it all adds up to a win! Thank you for choosing our hospital for your care. Infusion therapy close to home Grundy County Memorial Hospital provides a safe and comfortable outpatient setting for infusion therapy. The service allows those who have been prescribed an injection or IV administration for any of a wide variety of medications to stay close to home for their care. Hospital pharmacist Ariel Loring, PharmD, MPH, says with the recent addition of a specially trained infusion nurse, more needs can be accommodated at GCMH, saving area residents from travel. ”Recently, I was speaking with a patient who is making weekly trips to the Mayo Clinic for a cancer immunotherapy infusion— yet it’s a medication that we can administer here,” Loring says. “Your physician can order your infusion therapy to be provided locally at your request.” Infusions are offered in a private, comfortable and sterile environment. Infusion medications are prepared, or compounded, in the hospital’s IV “clean room” by licensed and certified pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The following health conditions and medications are among those for which sterile infusion treatments can be scheduled at GCMH: ● IV administration of antibiotics ● IVIG (intravenous immune globulin) ● Osteoporosis ● Rheumatoid arthritis ● Dehydration and nausea ● Crohn’s disease and other gastroenterology disorders ● Iron infusions for anemias ● Various medications to treat complications from chronic kidney disease ● Anti-rejection medications after organ transplant ● Multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases ● Immunotherapy, biologics and supportive medications for those with various cancers (chemotherapy treatments are not administered through the hospital’s Infusion Services) Adam Scherling, MHA GCMH Administrator Ariel Loring, PharmD, MPH HOW CAN WE HELP? Questions on whether specific medications can be administered at GCMH may be directed to hospital pharmacist Ariel Loring at 319-824-4164 or ariel.loring@unitypoint.org. Infusion medications are compounded in the sterile environment of the IV “clean room” to reduce any risk of contamination. healthNEWS
3 Establishing healthy habits for your family looks different for everyone. With families being on the go so often and parents being flooded with many different sources of information, it can be challenging to know what is right for your family. Read on to learn the family-friendly guidance local family medicine physicians Eric Neverman, DO, and Jeremy Cordes, DO, PharmD, recommend to begin moving toward living healthier as a family. It sounds simple, but parents who model safe and healthy behaviors set a great example for their kids! Buckling your seat belt every time, wearing a helmet when skating or riding a bike, eating healthy, and limiting your own screen time let your kids know you’re walking the talk. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Family Physicians and Dr. Neverman and Dr. Cordes for getting your children off to a healthy start. Offer them nutritious foods Physicians and registered dietitiansnutritionists agree—paying attention to the kind of food you bring into your home sets your family up for success. Limit the amount of processed and sugary foods you buy. For snacks, encourage your kids to eat things like fresh fruit or vegetables with a healthy dip, like hummus. Also: ● Serve your family food in proper portion sizes. ● Eat meals as a family at the table, not in front of the TV, and limit devices at the table. ● Give your children plenty of water and milk to drink. Limit, or totally avoid, sweetened beverages like soft drinks and energy drinks. ● Involve your children in packing their school lunches. Use this time to talk to them about the importance of eating balanced meals and nutritious foods. Encourage physical activity Kids 6 and older should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Active kids are more likely to have a healthy weight, better heart and brain health, and better school attendance and academic performance. Find ways to be active as a family. An after-dinner family bicycle ride or brisk walk might be fun, for example. Limit screen time Give your kids active toys and games, like bikes, skateboards, jump ropes and sports equipment. If it’s safe, let them walk or bike places instead of always driving them in the car. Use praise, rewards and encouragement to help kids stay active. Never use physical activity as a punishment. Additional sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Heart Association Jeremy Cordes, DO, PharmD Eric Neverman, DO STAY ACTIVE THIS SUMMER! Scan here for a Grundy County area summer bucket list! Put your family on the path to good health Check out the back page for healthy on-the-go snack ideas!
4 Don’t delay: Schedule well-child exams today With school almost out, it’s the perfect time to schedule a primary care visit for your child(ren). Your attention to your child’s health is key to helping them be ready, not only for the next sports season but also for optimum learning once school resumes in the fall. “An annual exam can give you peace of mind that your child can handle the physical demands asked of them in school sports and extracurricular activities,” says William Durbin, MD, UnityPoint Clinic– Parkersburg Family Medicine. “Scheduling the physical with a primary care provider also helps to establish a care relationship for your child and provides an opportunity to address other health concerns.” Even if your child does not participate in school sports, a wellness checkup is important on a yearly basis to help them stay healthy. It may include: ● Checks for health issues like diabetes, anemia and depression. ● A discussion of healthy habits, like eating well and exercising. ● Answers for any questions teens may have about issues such as drinking and smoking. ● Update of your child’s vaccines for protection from serious diseases (often required before your child can enroll in school). ● A talk about sports-specific issues, like how to avoid injuries. ● A vision screening and referral to an eye doctor for your child, if needed. Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Visiting Specialists Audiology Seema Arab Wilson, AuD Cardiology Kari Haislet, DNP Micaela Rahm, ARNP Dermatology Angela Buttjer, PA-C 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 Nephrology T. Michel Daoud, MD Vinay K. Kantamneni, MD Oncology Zoe Johanns, ARNP 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 Sleep Disorders GCMH Sleep Service Wound Healing Mandy Vervaecke, ARNP Call 319-824-5081 or 888-824-5081 for scheduling information. Specialty Clinic William Durbin, MD Call the UnityPoint Clinic office near you to schedule a well-child checkup or a sports physical. Conrad: 641-366-2123 Eldora: 641-939-7777 Grundy Center: 319-824-6945 Parkersburg: 319-346-2331
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 grundycountyhospital.org or by scanning the QR code. Classes and events Safe Sitter This daylong class provides parents peace of mind that their preteens can stay home alone safely or babysit for younger siblings or other families. Important safety and decision-making skills are a key part of the course. The national Safe Sitter® curriculum was created by a health care provider in an effort to instill young teens with knowledge to care for themselves and others, such as what to do in a medical emergency, severe weather or a power outage or when a child is choking. Safe Sitter® is offered as a service by GCMH, which provides a trained and certified instructor. ● Thursday, June 8, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $35. Students need to have completed the fifth grade to take the course. Enroll at grundycountyhospital.org (“Classes and Events.”) Just What the Dr. Ordered GCMH experts introduce lifestyle strategies to help you reach your health goals. Whether it’s preventing diseases for which you may be at risk or improving important measures for good health, such as cholesterol, blood pressure or blood sugar, this popular series will provide practical take-home tips that can make a difference. ● Monday, June 19, 5:30 p.m., “Make Snacks Count.” A GCMH registered dietitiannutritionist will review how snacks can fit into a healthy eating plan for adults and children. Learn how to identify and shop for the right snack for your eating style, activity level and health goals. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. Class is held in the GCMH Education Room; use Entrance #3 on the hospital’s west side. Live Well Diabetes Prevention Program Did you know that 1 in 3 Iowa adults has pre-diabetes, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes? If your physician has told you that you are pre-diabetic or your lab work has shown you have a higher than normal glucose or A1C level, this class is for you! This targeted lifestyle class has proved successful in preventing or reducing the risk of developing diabetes among those who have enrolled. New classes form every three months. Contact certified Diabetes Prevention Coach Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD, at 319-824- 4154 for information or to enroll. Diabetes Self-Management Education Whether you’re newly diagnosed or wish to have an annual refresher session, this program provides the latest and most trusted care and education to people who are managing diabetes. Accredited by the American Diabetes Association, the program’s cost is covered by many health insurance plans and Medicare when you have a referral from your doctor. Speak with your doctor or call 319-824-5081 or 888-824-5081 to schedule a session. Walk with a Doc Walk with a Doc is a national movement sponsored locally by GCMH and UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine–Grundy Center. It offers regular 30-minute walks led by medical professionals and is open to anyone to join. Walk with a Doc aims to inspire more people to commit to the easiest prescription for good health—movement! The walks are fun, free, a source of information and inspiration, and a great way to get some steps! Note that the 2023 walk format has changed: Walks begin at the Grundy Center Sports Complex, Highway 175 East. Participants are invited to walk for 30 minutes or as long as their schedule permits and are encouraged to ask questions of the health providers who are leading the walk. Check our Facebook page for the schedule of upcoming walks. Join a 5K Near You The summer months bring opportunities to stay active with organized 5K run-walks for individuals and families! ● Saturday, June 17, Gladbrook: Corn Carnival 5K Walk-Run. Registration: getmeregistered.com/CornCarnival ● Tuesday, July 4, Reinbeck 4th of July Celebration 5K. ● Saturday, July 8, Grundy Center: Felix Grundy Festival 5K, sponsored by Grundy County Memorial Hospital. Registration: getmeregistered.com/FelixGrundy5K ● Saturday, Aug. 12, Dike: Watermelon Days 5K. Heartsaver CPR and First Aid New! Combination in-person and online course. 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, choking and first aid skills, is taught in this course that qualifies for those who provide child care or work in other settings that require regular CPR certification. Instruction is designed for nonmedical professionals. This is a blended class (online portion and in-person portion) through the American Heart Association. Learn more about this combination course, register and make a payment by scanning the QR code on this page. ● In-person sessions are offered on the following days, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the hospital. Cost is $35. ● Tuesdays, June 6 and Aug. 8. Live Well: Walk-in Wellness Lab Screenings Stay on top of any health issues you may have by taking advantage of convenient access to commonly prescribed health screenings. Available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., without an appointment or doctor’s order. Use Entrance #1 on the hospital’s south side and stop at Registration. Your payment is collected at the time of the blood draw. No health insurance claim will be filed. Individual test costs range from $10 to $40. Spring 2023
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 Adam Scherling Administrator Keely Harken Communication & Foundation Program Manager Kelly Jans Community Outreach Specialist Crystal Petersen Wellness Program Manager Make snacks count By Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD GCMH Wellness Program Manager Snacking, done right, adds up to a healthier diet by helping to increase food variety and reduce sources of added sugar, empty calories and unhealthy types of fats. With snacking trends moving to as many as three snacks a day and providing nearly one-third of our daily calories, it’s important to choose snack foods that provide nutrition and an energy boost. Think of snacks as mini meals, not treats. For busy families, it helps to plan in advance. If you need to pack snacks for the day, choose options that are still safe hours later, and invest in a cooler and ice packs to keep foods safe. Keep snacks interesting and satisfying by eating them in different combinations. For example, mozzarella cheese sticks paired with apple slices today and lean sliced deli turkey wrapped around a cheese stick tomorrow. Craving a sweet snack? Pack fruit, which is naturally sweet and satisfying. For other ideas, see “Smart Snack Substitutions,” at right. Homemade Cereal Trail Mix Makes 1 serving. ½ cup whole-grain cereal 2 tablespoons no-salt roasted peanuts 2 tablespoons dried fruit, such as raisins Smart snack substitutions Instead of this: Choose this: Candy or cookies Fresh fruit or apple slices with peanut butter Potato chips or plain crackers Homemade cereal trail mix (recipe below) or air-popped popcorn Pouch yogurts or high sugaradded yogurts Low-fat, no-addedsugar Greek yogurt with fruit Lunchable Turkey and cheese sandwich, fruit cup, or shelf-stable milk Gatorade or a fruit-flavored, high-sugar drink Water, shelf-stable milk or 100% fruit juice 2023 © 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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