FALL 2023 2 Learn about the Imaging Department expansion 4 Special services for women Inside Like any complex machine, the body is made up of moving parts that can get damaged or worn over time. Knee or hip pain caused by an injury or an ailment can often be managed with medication, physical therapy, exercise and other remedies that bring relief. But for some people, the pain keeps them from everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs or exercising. For the one million people in the U.S. who opt for total joint replacement each year, it is the best way to reduce pain, increase function and get back to doing the activities they love. Preparing for surgery Once other options are exhausted and the need for surgery is determined, the team at Grundy County Memorial Hospital makes the surgery journey seamless. The first step is to schedule an appointment with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in the GCMH Specialty Clinic to assess your specific needs and create an individualized plan for surgery. This will help ensure the best possible outcome. Patients may also meet with a GCMH physical therapy team member to develop a plan for rehabilitation postsurgery. All pre-surgery testing and consults can be done conveniently in one stop at GCMH. Joint replacement surgery can be lifechanging for patients, but it is a big decision. For many, like Jeanine of Grundy Center, when pain affects everyday life, the decision is clear. “I knew when I was This busy grandma was not content standing in one place at her grandson’s cross-country meets. Hear how her knee replacement surgery and physical therapy at GCMH got her back in action! Visit rebrand.ly/GCMHOrthoSurgery or scan the code to hear her story. New knee, new opportunities saying ‘no’ to activities because of knee pain, it was time for me to have the surgery,” she says. Questions you should consider: ● Are there nonsurgical remedies— such as different medications or new exercises—I could try? ● What are the risks and benefits of the specific surgery I may need? ● What restrictions will I have after surgery? How long will they last? ● What post-surgery therapy will I need? ● How long is my new joint likely to last? Taking the next step At GCMH, board-certified orthopedic surgeons Robert Bartelt, MD, and Douglas Cooper, MD, work with each patient to ensure that their goals and expectations are met. GCMH has exceptionally low post-surgery infection rates, with a UV light disinfection system helping to ensure safety. For qualifying patients, same-day discharges are available so you can recover in the comfort of your home. The hospital’s medical/surgical unit is just down the hall for those who need an overnight stay for monitoring and recovery. If you’re ready to take the next step toward pain-free movement, make an appointment today to see an orthopedic surgeon at GCMH. Call 319-824-5081 to schedule. No referral is needed, and appointments are typically available within two weeks.
2 GCMH is nationally recognized as a top workplace For the first time ever, Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) has been honored with a prestigious 2023 Top Workplaces for Healthcare award! GCMH ranked 20th out of the 111 health care companies recognized in the category of companies with less than 500 employees. There were nearly 800 total companies registered for the survey in the health care category. “It is an absolute honor to be recognized nationally as a Top Workplace for the health care industry,” says GCMH Administrator Adam Scherling, MHA. “Our associates and the culture we have built here at GCMH are the reasons why we are able to provide the high-quality care our patients have come to know and trust.” This national recognition is determined entirely on the scores of an anonymous employee feedback survey administered by Energage, a firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. All GCMH employees were invited to take the survey in the spring, which measured responses to questions about workplace culture, including connection, effectiveness and leadership. A complete list of Industry Top Workplaces can be found at topworkplaces.com. Know anyone who wants to join our award-winning team? Visit rebrand.ly/ GCMHcareers or scan the QR code above to see job opportunities and apply today! Building with you in mind The expansion to our Imaging Department offers patients more comfort With just a few months until its opening, excitement is building for the hospital’s 24,000-square-foot addition to expand three key health care services. Along with a new Surgery Department, two imaging services will be at home in the new addition. The new, more spacious location for MRI and CT (computed tomography) will offer community members increased comfort while delivering leading-edge health care with the latest technology. Expanding options The hospital’s dedicated team of radiologic and imaging technologists performs hundreds of CT scans each month. The new, next-generation Siemens CT scanner will advance the diagnostic capabilities available for our rural community members. It will provide the most advanced technology available in this important exam, which is used for diagnosis of illnesses or after an accident or injury. With an opening that’s nearly 3 feet in diameter, patients will also be more comfortable during the exam. “Offering the best experience for our patients is the focus of the new Imaging Department,” says Craig Buskohl, BS, RT(R) (CT)(MR), Imaging Lead. “Not only will our new CT scanner provide advanced technology to support accurate diagnosis and care, the physical layout of the new department offers a more private, safe and convenient environment for our patients.” Easing anxiety “Both the MRI and CT exams can cause anxiety for some people,” says Buskohl. “The new, spacious department offers a more comfortable environment featuring attractive lighting and music, which helps patients to relax and make the exams more comfortable for most people. When an imaging exam is delayed due to a patient’s anxiety, it is not ideal for quick diagnosis and care.” The GCMH Radiology and Imaging Department typically offers quick access to exam appointments. Appointments may be made by calling 319-824-5081 or requesting your primary care provider to make a referral to GCMH. healthNEWS Adam Scherling, MHA GCMH Administrator A next-generation CT scanner is part of the new GCMH Surgery and Imaging addition opening in early winter.
3 Your child has asthma. Your partner snores loudly and frequently gasps for air during sleep. Your friend has been diagnosed with COPD after smoking for many years. What do each of these have in common? They’re all scenarios in which respiratory therapy can help. Breathing specialists Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) recently added two respiratory therapists to provide care on an outpatient basis and for those who are hospitalized. Hayley Ragsdale, registered respiratory therapist, and Autumn Rolison, certified respiratory therapist, perform routine and advanced respiratory care to benefit patients with a wide range of conditions. “Patients who are admitted for conditions that include pneumonia, COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses benefit from breathing treatments and the education we provide about their condition,” says Rolison, who has been a respiratory therapist for 25 years. Ragsdale has served patients with respiratory conditions for five years, after being inspired by the respiratory therapist who treated her infant daughter when she had pneumonia. Both professionals appreciate the opportunity to work in a small community hospital, where they enjoy the rapport with fellow caregivers and have an opportunity to develop relationships with the patients they serve. Respiratory conditions we treat ● Asthma. ● Bronchitis. ● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ● Pneumonia. ● Emphysema. Services offered by our respiratory therapists ● Respiratory therapy. ● Pulmonary function testing. ● At-home sleep testing—new! ● Airway management. ● Arterial blood gas analysis. ● Nebulizer therapy. ● Oxygen therapy. ● Pulse oximetry, including overnight testing. ● Methacholine challenge (asthma testing). If you’re currently traveling out of the area to receive respiratory care, you may benefit from the close-to-home respiratory therapy services now available at GCMH. 1Immunization is the No. 1 best way to prevent the flu. With rare exceptions, everyone 6 months and older needs a yearly flu vaccine. 2Influenza makes some people seriously ill. Every year, flu complications lead to hospital stays—and even deaths. 3Viruses tend to change each flu season. Scientists review U.S. flu vaccines yearly to make sure they best match circulating viruses. 4 Influenza spreads. Be ready—get vaccinated as promptly as possible to avoid missing work or school. 5Flu vaccines have a solid safety record. Vaccines can’t give you the flu—and serious side effects are very rare. 6Shot or spray? You can have it your way. Flu vaccines are available as shots or nasal sprays.* Flu season ahead Protect yourself and your family. Influenza is a respiratory illness that can bring severe symptoms and complications. Now’s the time to protect yourself with the flu vaccine. *The nasal spray is an option for healthy people ages 2 through 49 years who are not pregnant. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Without delay! 6 great reasons to get your flu vaccine What is respiratory therapy? BREATHE EASIER Call 319-824-5081 for outpatient scheduling information, or call 319-824-4186 with questions for the respiratory therapy team. Respiratory therapists Autumn Rolison, left, and Hayley Ragsdale meet the needs of patients at GCMH.
4 Heads up, busy women everywhere: It’s OK—even necessary—to put yourself first sometimes, especially when it comes to your health. Women in Grundy County and the surrounding area can now seek women’s health services without the need to travel very far. Allen Women’s Health is providing outreach at the GCMH Specialty Clinic for women’s health, family planning and maternal health services. Kathi Bower, ARNP, FNP-C, sees patients in the GCMH Specialty Clinic on the first Thursday of each month. Services include: ● Free or low-cost, long-term birth control. ● Free or low-cost STI testing and treatment. ● HPV vaccinations. ● Pregnancy testing. ● Pap smears. ● Pregnancy-related education and support. ● Other gynecologic and maternal health services. Allen Women’s Health is a Title X Family Planning- and Title V Maternal Health-funded delegate of the Iowa Department of Public Health, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Visiting Specialists Audiology Seema Arab Wilson, AuD Cardiology and Echocardiogram Kari Haislet, DNP Micaela Rahm, ARNP Diabetes and Endocrinology Chitra Reddy, MD Deb Van Dyke, DNP, 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 Mental Wellness Megan Heise, ARNP Nephrology T. Michel Daoud, MD Vinay K. Kantamneni, MD Oncology Zoe Schult, ARNP Mattie Testroet, ARNP Ophthalmology/ Cataract Surgery Benjamin Mason, MD Orthopedics Robert B. Bartelt, MD Podiatry Stephen Solomon, DPM Women’s Health Kathi Bower, ARNP, FNP-C 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 Specialty Clinic GCMH SPECIALTY CLINIC Women: Our new clinic focuses on you Kathi Bower, ARNP, FNP-C CALL NOW For answers to your health questions or to schedule an appointment, call 319-235-5090. Call 319-824-5081 or 888-824-5081 for scheduling information.
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 Fall 2023 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, improving cholesterol levels or controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, these sessions provide practical, take-home tips that can make a difference in living well. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. ● Monday, Sept. 18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Healthy Eating Begins with Your Grocery List Make decisions that affect your and your family’s health by learning what to look for on food labels. ● Monday, Oct. 16, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nutrition to Manage High Blood Pressure Supplement your doctor’s guidance on managing high blood pressure with practical advice about your food choices. ● Monday, Nov. 27, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ‘Tis the Season to Cook: Tips for Making Goodfor-You-Foods Taste Great Yes, you can learn to cook food that tastes great and supports your health goals! Learn from the hospital’s dietitian-nutritionists and receive recipes for delicious seasonal meals. GCMH Mini Medical School ● Tuesdays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21, 7 to 8 p.m. The hospital’s popular education series continues with new topics and engaging presenters! Each class provides an opportunity to gain medical science knowledge plus an inside look at timely health topics. Attend just one session or all of them! Specific topics may be found at UPH.link/GCMHevents. GCMH Live Well Diabetes Prevention Program FREE Preview ● Monday, Oct. 2, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Give yourself the gift of improved health, just in time for the holidays! One of three adult Iowans has pre-diabetes or is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and the statistics are no different for our community. At our FREE preview session, you will learn what pre-diabetes is and what you can do about it, experience what a Prevent T2 session is like, see a sample class schedule, and hear a former class member’s testimonial. A doctor’s referral is not required for the Diabetes Prevention Program. Registration for the FREE preview session is requested. 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 cost is covered by many health insurances and Medicare when you have a referral from your doctor. Talk with your doctor or call 319-824-5081 or 888824-5081 to schedule a session. CPR/First Aid/AED ● Tuesday, Oct. 3, and Tuesday, Dec. 5 The Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED class is a combined class that will cover first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) use for those with little or no health care background. Participants will be issued a combined card, and there is no written test. A charge of $35 includes the cost of the card and the in-person section of the course. This class is a blended class (online portion and in-person portion) through the American Heart Association. You will receive a link to the online class once you register. Welcome to Medicare seminar ● Thursday, Sept. 28, 5 p.m. Approaching Medicare eligibility and need help assessing your options? Or are you an existing Medicare beneficiary whose health or prescription needs may have changed, and you’d like to examine new choices? An experienced Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselor will present the program, free of charge and open to the public. Call 319-824-4152 to make your reservation so materials and seating will be available for you. Medicare consultations at GCMH Two trained SHIIP volunteers meet with Medicare beneficiaries who desire individualized guidance in reviewing their Medicare options. Stacie Dudden and Darla Huisman both serve as trained SHIIP volunteers who are available for consultations during Medicare Open Enrollment and year-round. You may schedule an appointment by calling the hospital at 319824-5081. The service is free of charge.
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 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. Don’t judge a food by its package By Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD GCMH Wellness Program Manager All the different health claims on food labels can be confusing. Much of it is clever marketing to convince us to choose one product over another or to spend more because we perceive the food to be superior or healthier. Check the ingredients Here’s how I look at a food package: I go straight to the ingredient list. That’s right, I look past the numbers and the “health claims,” because I’m interested in purchasing a product with a short list of natural, whole foods and recognizable ingredients. Food manufacturers must list ingredients highest to lowest by weight. Where an ingredient falls in the list is a good way to see what makes up the majority of the product. The ingredient list is also important to scan when you must avoid foods due to intolerances and allergies. Check the nutrition facts Where I look next depends on health goals or concerns. For someone with high blood pressure, the nutrition facts label is useful to compare food brands for sodium content. It’s where to look when counting carbohydrates to manage diabetes. The nutrition facts label clearly lists the amount of sugar naturally occurring in food separately from sugar added to a food through processing. Choosing foods with little or no added sugar is part of a healthy lifestyle and may have benefits related to oral and heart health, maintaining a healthy weight, and more. I pay little attention to the food package health claims and tricky descriptions, as they can be misleading. For example, a food labeled 100% natural can contain a lot of added sugar, unhealthy fats and salt, all of which are natural ingredients. To make the best decisions when choosing food, look to the ingredient list and nutrition facts label to find factual information. HOW TO USE THE NUTRITION FACTS LABEL If you’re confused by all the numbers, check out this handy infographic from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: fda.gov/media/89314/download. You can also check out this guide to added sugars: fda.gov/media/135299/download.
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