Grundy County Memorial Hospital | Live Well | Winter 2023

2 Primary care providers: A good health must-have 4 GCMH has your heart health covered Inside WINTER 2023 If you need surgery, you deserve a team you can trust. At Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH), we offer many of the surgeries you or a loved one might need, right here in Grundy Center. From routine hernia repairs to total joint replacement surgeries, our compassionate, experienced team of board-certified surgeons and highly trained nurses will lead you through the journey every step of the way. Where to begin When an issue arises that may signal a need for surgery, it’s always good to start with your primary care provider. They know your health history best and can advocate for you and provide a referral for surgery if needed. Once the referral is made, your journey with the GCMH surgery team begins. Your UnityPoint primary care provider will stay connected with your surgery care team through the common electronic medical record (EMR), so you can rest assured that your care is being coordinated cohesively. Surgery consult and pre-op testing Once your primary care provider has completed a referral, you can schedule an appointment with your surgeon by calling 319-824-5081. This visit allows you to get to know your surgeon and get your surgery scheduled. There is often preoperative testing needed, which may include a physical with your primary care provider, lab work, x-rays and cardiac clearance, if applicable. You can take care of all these tests right here at GCMH! Pre-admission testing One to two weeks prior to your surgery, a nurse from the surgery department will review your medical history, medications and surgery preparation with you, usually over the phone. Those who are scheduled for a total joint replacement will come to the hospital for From the time of your arrival through discharge and followup appointments, you will feel supported and cared for by the dedicated surgery team at GCMH. Pictured here from left: Elise Dinsdale, RN; Jeana Everts, RN; and Loree Salvo, RN. —Continued on page 2 GCMH SURGERY Your journey to living well

2 P R I M A R Y C A R E P R OV I D E R S A good health must-have The new year might find you making resolutions for selfimprovement or better health. Did you know that one of the most important resolutions you can make is to schedule an annual appointment with a primary care clinic? Experts say that maintaining an ongoing relationship with a trusted primary care provider is one of the best ways to stay healthy. People who live in the rural counties served by Grundy County Memorial Hospital have access to a network of UnityPoint Health primary care providers. They can diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses, refer you for important screening tests as necessary, and, when more specialized care is needed, work with other doctors to identify the care you need. The clinics are linked by a common electronic medical record (EMR), which allows for secure and convenient sharing of health information, whether for routine care or in an emergency. The rural clinics also collaborate to see patients when one clinic or provider may be at capacity. Add making an appointment for your annual exam to your New Year’s resolution list today. You can find UnityPoint Clinic’s highly trained and compassionate teams in the following communities: Conrad: 641-366-2123. Eldora: 641-939-7777. Grundy Center: 319-824-6945. Parkersburg: 319-346-2331. this step to complete an evaluation with the physical therapy department and meet with a care coordinator, who will discuss your post-surgery needs to make sure you have the best recovery outcome possible. Surgery day The teamat GCMHworks together to ensure this day goes as smoothly as possible for you. You’ll be greeted first by a pre-op nurse, who will guide you through every step of theway. A familymember or friendmay accompany you until the time of your surgery. One thing that sets GCMH apart is the surgery department’s low infection rates. A UV light disinfection system is used to sterilize the operating rooms; you can be confident in your safety going into surgery. Recovery Many surgeries at GCMH are outpatient procedures, meaning you will go home the same day as your surgery after a period of time in post-operative recovery under the careful eye of your nursing team. For total joint replacement patients and those needing an extended recovery, you will recover in the hospital’s medical surgical unit for a day or more. Post-surgery The support from your surgery care team continues as you recover from your operation, whether you’re at home or recovering in the hospital. A surgery nurse will give you a call one to two days after your surgery to see how you are doing, and you will see your surgeon one to two weeks post-operation. Whether your care is continuing with physical therapy or other followup care or you’re back to doing the things you love, the team at GCMH is committed to helping you achieve the best outcome. When you need surgery, you need the team at GCMH. Talk to your doctor today about scheduling a surgery consult and get on your way to living well. Your journey to living well —Continued from front page healthNEWS Scan the QR code to learn more about the types of surgeries performed at GCMH. Meeting with anesthesia provider, Amber Hines, CRNA, is part of each pre-surgery routine.

3 Feel like hibernating? It could be seasonal depression Do you feel your mood and energy levels wane as winter’s shorter days of sunlight arrive? If so, you could have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD, sometimes called the winter blues, is actually a form of depression. It typically starts in the fall, deepens in winter and goes away in spring and summer. “Winter is a time that can really bring about feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness—especially for the older population,” says Dannielle Goodell, BSN, RN, GCMH Senior Life Solutions Program Director. SAD seems to be driven by the seasonal dimming of sunlight in winter. Low light may interfere with hormones involved in mood and sleep, which, in some people, may contribute to feeling depressed, sleepy and sluggish. Here in the northern hemisphere, your chances of having SAD increase the farther north you live from the equator. SAD is also four times more common in women than in men. How it feels Many of the symptoms of SAD are like those of major depression except that they come and go with the seasons. They include: ● Feeling sad or in a low mood most of the time. ● Wanting to sleep a lot. ● Having low energy, even if you sleep too much. ● Losing interest in your usual activities. ● Gaining weight from overeating, especially carbohydrates (think bread, pasta and pastries). ● Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty. ● Having trouble concentrating. ● Having thoughts of death or suicide. If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms like these, there is help: ● Make an appointment with your primary care provider. ● For immediate help, the walk-in Mental Health Clinic at UnityPoint Health–Allen Hospital inWaterloo, Entrance 6B, offers mental health assessments without an appointment. The clinic is available Monday through Friday. ● The hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is an outpatient behavioral health program designed to meet the needs of those 65 and above. Group and individual counseling is provided. Contact Goodell for more information at 319-824-4126. In cases of seasonal depression, treatment may involve spending time near a special light box (light therapy), taking medications, undergoing counseling or doing a combination of these things. Sources: American Psychiatric Association; National Institute of Mental Health Dannielle Goodell, BSN, RN, Senior Life Solutions Program Director

4 GCMH has your heart health covered Grundy County Memorial Hospital works to provide the health care services that our rural community members need most—and we are pleased to announce expanded Cardiology Clinic availability and the addition of a new cardiac stress test to benefit those with heart conditions. The hospital’s Cardiology Clinic, staffed by providers from UnityPoint Health–Allen Hospital Cardiovascular Center, now sees patients weekly on Wednesdays. The added clinic days allow for patients who live in the rural communities around Grundy Center to complete follow-up and preventive care, along with diagnostic and medical management appointments, without traveling to Waterloo. Conditions that are treated include: ● Medical management of hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. ● Cardiac disorder consultation and treatment. Preventive cardiology Advance practice providers Kari Haislet, DNP, andMicaela Rahm, ARNP, are committed to the highest level of care. They work in conjunction with the hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation team and the respiratory therapy team, who manage tests such as Holter monitors and cardiac stress tests. It’s important to attend your follow-up medical appointments when being treated for a heart condition. These appointments help your health care team keep track of your recovery. You can make each visit count by preparing a list of questions you may have and by bringing a list of all the medicines you take, including vitamins and over-the-counter drugs to each appointment. Nuclear stress testing now available locally New to GCMH is the availability of the nuclear stress test, which is a cardiac study that is now being offered with a referral from a cardiology specialist or primary care provider. The test is done to see if the heart muscle is getting enough blood flow and oxygen when it is working hard. The test is ordered to help determine how treatment such as heart surgery or medications are working and also to determine if a person is at risk for complications. The nuclear stress test is offered in addition to the traditional treadmill stress testing that’s available at the hospital. When in doubt about whether a diagnostic procedure is available at GCMH, potentially saving you a drive to a larger facility, you may phone the hospital’s scheduling department at 319824-5081 or check the hospital’s website at unitypoint.org/ grundycounty/services.aspx. 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 VanBuren, 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 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 Kari Haislet, DNP, provides high-quality heart care.

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 Love Your Heart FREE Health Screening Take care of your heart on Valentine’s Day by learning your key numbers for good health. The screening event is offered free-of-charge at the Grundy Family YMCA, where hospital nurses will provide a 15-minute screening that provides results you can take with you. Screening includes blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body composition measurements. ● Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6 to 7:45 a.m., Grundy Family YMCA, 102 G Ave., Grundy Center. Fasting for 10 to 12 hours before screening is necessary for accurate results. Call the YMCA to reserve your spot: 319-825-6210. 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. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. Classes will be held in the hospital Education Room from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. ● Monday, Feb. 20, “Healthy Eating Starts With Your Grocery Cart.” Learn to make decisions that impact your health, whether you shop in-person or order grocery pickup. A registered dietitian-nutritionist walks you through reading labels and understanding what nutrients are key for your best health. ● Monday, March 20, “Do This—Don’t Diet.” Discover 10 smart habits that are better than dieting. A registered dietitian-nutritionist will cover how to adopt an intuitive eating strategy that doesn’t leave your body lacking nutrients or leave out your favorite foods. ● Monday, April 17, “Lessons from the Blue Zones.” Learn the lifestyle strategies that help people live healthier, longer. The ingredients for living well can be discovered in the areas of the world where people live well into their 90s and beyond. Their secrets can be adapted for you and your family! GCMH Live Well Diabetes Prevention Program Begin this spring by investing in your health. One in three adults in Iowa 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 program 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. ● Preview session: Monday, April 24, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. A new class session of the Diabetes Prevention Programwill begin this spring, and class days and times will be determined by those who enroll. You can learnmore about the hospital’s comprehensive approach to diabetes prevention at rebrand.ly/GCMHDPP 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. 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, are 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 class 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, Feb. 7, April 4 and June 6. Winter 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 AdamScherling Administrator Keely Harken Communication & Foundation ProgramManager Kelly Jans Community Outreach Specialist Crystal Petersen Wellness ProgramManager Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD Eating recommendations for a healthy heart continue to evolve. But gone are the days of diet plans that make dietary “fats” a villain. Fats provide plenty of benefits to our bodies. They assist in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K. Fats make food taste good and help us to feel satisfied after eating. Fat is an essential nutrient that supports hormones and cell membranes. Also, healthy fats can help lower your bad cholesterol and reduce your risk for certain types of cancer. Healthy swaps While many fats are healthful, there are fats to limit or avoid entirely. I recommend keeping saturated fats to a minimum by replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fats (mono- and polyunsaturated). I also recommend avoiding trans fats altogether. You can accomplish this with healthy swaps, such as: ● Replacing full-fat dairy products with 1% or nonfat dairy items. ● Stocking your pantry with extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, and other mono- and polyunsaturated oils. ● Using recipes that call for moderate amounts of oil, such as canola oil, rather than butter or shortening. ● Using 90% (or higher) lean ground beef, skinless poultry, fish, nuts and nut butters, seeds, beans, peas, and lentils for your protein needs, while limiting fatty cuts of red meat and processed meat products like frozen pizza, burgers or breaded tenderloins. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; U.S. Department of Agriculture 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. More heartsmart tips Be on the lookout for lesshealthy types of fats by scanning food labels. If you see “partially hydrogenated oil,” it contains trans fat. Put it back on the shelf! Eating too much of any type of fat can cause a calorie overload, which can promote unwanted weight gain. It’s best to work in healthy fats by using them in place of foods that are low in nutrients. For example, eating a handful of almonds, walnuts or peanuts instead of a package of chips and “buttering” your toast or sandwich with avocado instead of mayo or butter are great, hearthealthy choices. DIY IT! Try one of our DIY recipes for a healthy dash of flavor: morehealth.org/ saladdressing. In for 2023: Eating for a healthy heart

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