Spring 2014
your gui de to h e a lth & w ellness
Women's THE
Pe rs on a l i
ze d C a re
ISSUE
Bill Calhoun
It’s likely that every one of us has at least one woman in our lives who is or has been a positive influence and has helped to shape who we are. For me, there’s my wife of 25 years, Patti, and most definitely my daughter, Danielle. Likewise, my mother, Bev, and grandmother, Florence, taught me the importance of honesty and integrity, and simply what it means to be a good person. I have been so blessed to have the presence and strength of these fine women in my life. Which is why I’m excited you are holding our firstever women’s issue. In these two dozen pages, you’ll find a handful of informative bits and uplifting, light-hearted stories accentuating women’s health. In reality, we could use 100 more pages to explore and expand on a host of topics, but we narrowed it down to four main areas of interest: embracing age, mindfulness and balance, weight and wellness, and reproductive health. We asked some of our female clinicians – doctors, nurse practitioners, midwives and others – to weigh in on both hot-button and hard-to-talk-about issues. They lend personal perspectives and experience to the women they serve. Women so often put their health needs on hold in order to look after other family members. So we wanted to give
women a chance to take a moment and remember why it’s important to look after themselves. Find recipes for homemade face masks on page 7, phone apps to help you restore balance any time of the day on page 14, the ways cancer challenges one woman’s view on life on page 15, a great story about finding support and hope after experiencing several miscarriages on page 16 – and that’s only naming a few! To all the women out there: we would love to hear what you find to be the most pertinent health issues you face in your life. Send your thoughts to editor@ affinityhealth.org. As the stories in this issue will tell, women have value at every age. Cultivate your exquisite nature, trust your instincts and live true to you. Sincerely,
Bill Calhoun President and Regional Vice President Affinity Health System/Ministry Health Care
I
nspired by Braxton Verner’s artwork featured on the cover of our winter issue, we asked our youngest readers to draw a selfportrait and send it to us for a chance to win a customized art kit from Avenue Art, Co. in Appleton. We received more than 50 masterpieces and drew one winner – eight-year-old Mika Dorton. Mika, who lives in Appleton, loves to color and wants to be an art teacher and a magician when she grows up. Her mom, Misty, tells us that Mika sketched herself by looking in the mirror. We wish this young artist all the best! To view all the portraits submitted to us, visit our Facebook page.
AFFINITY HEALTH SYSTEM IS... • St. Elizabeth Hospital ‑ Appleton • Mercy Medical Center ‑ Oshkosh • Calumet Medical Center ‑ Chilton • Affinity Medical Group Clinics • Affinity Occupational Health For a complete list of Affinity clinic locations or to find a physician, go to our website at www.affinityhealth.org or call Affinity NurseDirect at 1.800.362.9900.
ealth.org/blog Our blog: www.affinityh Follow us:
c o n t e n t s SPRING 2014
Affinity Health System Menasha, WI www.affinityhealth.org President and Regional Vice President, Affinity Health System/Ministry Health Care Bill Calhoun, FACHE Vice President – Chief Marketing Officer, Ministry Health Care Vince Gallucci Editorial Management Jennifer Wagner Mauk John Egan Alison Fiebig Mayer Volume 3, Number 4 The material in @Affinity is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. @Affinity is published four times annually by Affinity Health System. For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine, change your address, discontinue multiple copies or stop receiving @Affinity, please contact us at editor@affinityhealth.org. © 2014 Affinity Health System. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from Affinity Health System.
Mission, Promise, Vision and Values At Affinity Health System, our mission guides our actions. Mission Our mission as a Catholic healthcare system is to further the healing ministry of Jesus by continually improving the health and well-being of all people, especially the poor, in the communities we serve.
Promise We promise to provide personalized care by listening, treating you with respect and putting your needs and interests first.
Vision
F E AT U R E
Women's THE
ISSUE
Here is a collection of stories spanning four different topics that matter to women.
10 Embracing Age 12 Weight & Wellness 14 Mindfulness & Balance 16 Reproductive Health Photographs by Shane Van Boxtel, Image Studios
Cover illustration by Sarah Wilkins
D E PA R T M E N T S Short Clips
4 A Lady’s Little Secret
How a small, plastic device can help women who suffer from bladder incontinence
by the numbers 5 The skinny on skin cancer, thousands of volunteer-logged steps, due dates that deliver and more
Chew on This 6 Save Face Homemade recipes to feed your face, facts on fiber, and foods to power you through a workout
LEARN & LIVE 8 Like Mother, Like Daughter A “birds and the bees” class to engage girls and their moms and address questions that swirl around puberty
Healthcare that works. Healthcare that is safe. Healthcare that leaves no one behind!
20 after care
18 Balancing Act
giving back
20 A Stitch in Time
Sister Frances sews for those less fortunate
Foundations for giving bAck
22 The Spirit of Giving
Values The way we accomplish our mission is as important as the mission itself. These values of our sponsor, Ministry Health Care, guide our actions.
Donors get creative in the ways they give back to children at our hospitals
kids@affinity
23 Mom Libs
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A working mom walks the fine line between her medical career, running a household and finding time for herself
8
Celebrating Mother’s Day with a Mad Libs word game Spring 2014
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SHORT
clips
, A Lady s Little Secret
DID YOU KNOW….
The pessary — a non-surgical solution for bladder incontinence By Becky Kopitzke
BadgerCare+ is Wisconsin’s brand name for Medicaid
Lin da davic k
B
L
eak much? You’re not alone. Millions of women suffer from bladder incontinence. This touchy topic is characterized by leaking due to physical strain or stress, and causes many women to resort to wearing pads and planning their activities near a bathroom at all times. But a simple, non-surgical solution can stop the leaking. It’s called a pessary, and it changed Laura Zinkel’s life. At age 47, Zinkel felt as though she had grown old before her time. She leaked urine constantly, especially when she coughed, sneezed or made any sharp movements, which she later learned was due to stress urinary incontinence. She wore Depends, yet still experienced frequent wetting accidents. “I wasn’t myself anymore,” Zinkel says. “I could no longer go sledding with my granddaughter or play in the park. I was embarrassed and frightened to wet myself in front of people. So I made myself invisible.” She withdrew from social activities and sank into depression, which is when her doctor urged her to see a specialist, Dr. Melissa Koehler, 4 | @Affinity
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adgerCare+ is Wisconsin’s brand name for Medicaid. On April 1, the eligibility rate will change from 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to 100% and will now include childless adults. The result of this change means 72,000 people (who earn between 100-200%) will lose BadgerCare+ cover on that date. On the other hand, 83,000 adults who earn up to 100% of the FPL (now $11,670) will be newly eligible for coverage. Are you or someone you love eligible? Enrollment is not automatic. To signup, visit www.access.wisconsin.gov or call 855-642-9472 and ask to speak with a patient financial advocate in your area.
“I can move around again like a young person. It has given me my vitality back — my freedom to be out and about, to go grocery shopping and out for dinner.”
— Laura Zinkel
OB/GYN with Affinity Medical Group. “A little bit of urine leaking is common for most people,” Dr. Koehler says. “When it starts to affect your life, that’s when it’s absolutely time to do something.” Dr. Koehler suggested a pessary, which is a small plastic device inserted in the vagina to hold up the bladder, urethra, or other internal organs affecting urine leaks. It can take up to an hour in the doctor’s office to find the right fit, but once you do, the pessary can work wonders. “A pessary can really be a life changer,” she explains, but also notes that a pessary will not work for urge urinary incontinence (defined by the sudden urge to go). “It fixes things in minutes and, unlike surgery which is permanent,
the pessary is completely reversible. You can take it out or use it only when you need it. It’s an excellent first line of treatment.” Dr. Koehler says a well-fitted pessary should never hurt; in fact, most women don’t even feel it as they go about their usual activities. Zinkel agrees, saying, “I can move around again like a young person. It has given me my vitality back — my freedom to be out and about, to go grocery shopping and out to dinner. I pray every woman who needs this will find out about it. I count myself very blessed.” Talk with your doctor to decide if a pessary is right for you. w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o r g / b l o g
by th e
8,000 The average number of steps volunteers at St. Elizabeth Hospital’s welcome desk register per shift.
400
numbers
Head 75% count! People who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by an alarming
75%. Just one visit to a
tanning salon also increases the
175
175
150
150
125
125
100
100
75
75
50
50
25
25
0
0
risk for the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, by
29% and
67%, respectively. On
As of December
May 5 – Melanoma Monday –
2013, there were
your dermatologist and have
161 million females in the
suspicious dark spots or moles
U.S. (The number of
examined.
males was 156.1 million.)
make an appointment to see
o tw
wee
ks
o n e we
e k
Your Baby’s Due Date Here
As you grew up, your laughter rate dropped from
400 times a day as toddlers to the grown-up
10% of babies are born on their exact due date, approximately 50% are born within one week of the due date and nearly 90% are born within two weeks
daily average of 15. That’s nothing to LOL about.
of the date.
Fewer than
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chew on this SAVE fiber partially dissolves in water while insoluble fiber does not. Why: Fiber lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes, fights off hemorrhoids, relieves constipation, and plays an essential role in digestive and skin health.
For the Love of Fiber By ALISON FIEBIG MAYER
Whether you are looking for help with your cholesterol, blood sugar, constipation or weight control, increasing your daily fiber intake might just be the missing link to a healthier lifestyle.
Shop for: Oatmeal, oat bran, wheat bran, whole wheat bread, barley, couscous, brown rice, bulgur, whole grain breakfast cereals, nuts, seeds, beans, dried peas, lentils, apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes and zucchini.
How much? Men ages 19-50 should
eat 38 grams of fiber daily, and 30 grams daily for men over 50. Women ages 19-50 should consume 25 grams a day, while the goal for women over 50 is 21 grams daily.
How to increase fiber intake:
• Eat whole fruits instead of drinking fruit juices. And go ahead, eat the peels and edible seeds! • Replace white rice, bread and pasta with brown rice and whole wheat products. • Choose breakfast cereals that have less than 5 grams of sugar and more than 5 grams of fiber (easy to remember). • Substitute lentils and beans for meat two to three times per week in chili and soups. • Experiment with international dishes (such What: Fiber is a carbohydrate that is not as Indian or Middle Eastern) that use whole digested by our bodies. It is only found in grains and legumes as part of the main meal plant foods; animal products don’t contain (as in Indian dahls) or in salads (for example, oil. But not all fiber is created equally; soluble tabbouleh). When increasing your fiber intake, drink plenty of water. Fiber helps prevent constipation by acting like a big colon sponge, meaning it holds on to water to push waste through!
“ Eat food, not UFOs (Unidentified Food-like Objects). Anything with a label that has more than five ingredients is suspect!” — Dr. Sudeep Sodhi, gastroenterologist with Affinity Medical Group
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3 FOODS TO EAT BEFORE YOU HIT THE GYM • Peanuts: the most protein-rich nut fights hunger but goes easy on the digestive system • Banana or other piece of whole fruit • Piece of toast with light spread of peanut or almond butter A pre-workout snack high in protein and rich in carbohydrates will power you through cardio or weight training. Without food to fuel your workout, muscle tissue is instead converted into glucose to provide the energy you need, which isn’t ideal. Protein is needed to build and repair muscles, and promote healthy blood cells, which deliver nutrients and oxygen to working muscles! 6 | @Affinity
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FACE W
ho says you have to leave your house to enjoy a spa-like facial? Your quest for glowing skin ends here. Try these DIY face mask recipes (made with common kitchen ingredients) and you'll enjoy more moisture, less oil, fewer lines and brighter skin.
Strawberry Lemon Peel
Fight flaky, dry skin with this rejuvenating scrub. Strawberries, which contain salicylic acid, will clean out pores and get rid of blackheads. Lemon lends vitamin C and antioxidants, which help tighten pores, brighten complexion, even out skin tone and minimize the appearance of acne scarring. You’ll need: • 1 buff puff • 6 strawberries (or other grainy fruit such as kiwi) • 6 oz. plain yogurt • 1/4 of a lemon Directions: Gently crush strawberries onto buff puff and, after testing on a small area of your arm, massage into the face for 30 seconds (this is called microdermabrasion). Rinse well. Mix the yogurt and lemon juice and apply a thick layer onto the face for five minutes (fruit acid peel). Rinse with warm tap water and apply a gentle moisturizer. UNDER-EYE CIRCLES: After cleansing your skin, brew a cup of chamomile or green tea for three minutes and then place in the refrigerator until cooled. Place one bag over each eye and relax for 15 minutes. Or beat two egg whites until stiff, and then apply to the under-eye area using a brush. Let the mixture dry for about 15 minutes; rinse well with water. Egg whites act as an astringent, making your skin appear tighter and smoother. They are also high in vitamin B2, or riboflavin, which is associated with improved circulation.
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EGGSTRA POWER: The egg, while incredible and edible, is also moisturizing. For those with normal skin, use one entire egg; if you have oily skin, use only the egg white. Beat the egg, smooth it on your face, relax for 30 minutes, then rinse. Dry winter skin, be gone!
Avocado Mask
Lactic acid in the yogurt exfoliates your skin, the honey heals and hydrates, and avocado contains plenty of natural emollients that are great for dry skin types. You’ll need: • 1/2 ripe avocado • 1 Tbsp. honey • 1 Tbsp. plain yogurt
O’ Honey Mask
Oatmeal contains avenanthramides, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe itchy, dry and irritated skin. For those with acne-prone skin, oatmeal will help absorb oil from the skin’s surface. You’ll need: • 5 Tbsp. honey • 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar • 1/2 c. uncooked oatmeal Directions: Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well to get a smooth, thick consistency. (For more refined oatmeal, grind it in a food processor or coffee grinder.) After a good wash, apply mask evenly over entire face. Leave mask on until it dries and then rise.
Directions: Combine avocado with yogurt and honey. Massage onto clean skin. Leave on for 10 minutes, and then rinse.
Java Jolt Scrub
The caffeine from coffee grounds helps reduce swelling and puffiness, while the antioxidants in the cocoa help to reduce aging and yogurt replenishes lost moisture. You’ll need: • 2 Tbsp. freshly ground coffee • 2 Tbsp. pure cocoa powder • 1 Tbsp. honey • 3 Tbsp. plain yogurt Directions: Blend all of the ingredients together, spread evenly over skin, and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. When you rinse it off, massage your face gently to exfoliate. If there is any left after you wash your face, add a bit of water to it and use as a scrub for the backs of your arms and any other body part that could use some smoothing.
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LEARN &
live
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Volunteers needed!
A class to encourage the “birds and the bees” conversation between moms and their daughters By Becky kopitzke
t r avis f o ste r
T
“M
om, what is that?” Your daughter points to a pantiliner tucked in your purse. “Oh, nothing, sweetheart,” you fumble, “that’s just something for grown-up ladies.” Fine answer for a toddler. But if your daughter is nearly old enough to shave, you’ve got some catching up to do. Affinity’s Mother/ Daughter Puberty Class can help. “The value of the mother/daughter class is in the communication it fosters between parent and child,” says Lori Deering, community health educator for Affinity Health System. “The goal is to let the girls know what to expect and that the parents understand the challenges, having experienced it themselves. This is what differentiates our class from a school offering.” Local mom Danita Walsh has taken two daughters to the puberty class and looks forward to enrolling her youngest daughter when the time comes. “This class gives such a great overall view, not just about getting your period; it’s about
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his fall, the new bed tower at St. Elizabeth Hospital will open. With the new space comes a greater need for volunteers. Affinity depends on its volunteers to welcome guests at the reception desk, assist with computer and clerical tasks, transport wheelchair patients and provide support to patients and families. We carefully match your individual interests and talents to a volunteer role within the hospital. Would you like to join our team? To learn more and fill out an application, go to affinityhealth. org/volunteer or call 920.738.2425. Volunteer positions also available at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh and Calumet Medical Center in Chilton.
“This class can open the door for future conversations that parents may be a little reluctant to initiate.” — Lori Deering, community health educator
growing hair, how you smell, taking care of your teeth, privacy in your home, having a good diet, and taking care of your emotions,” she says. “It’s an excellent springboard now for my husband and me to talk to our daughters about these issues.” The class even offers hands-on stations for girls to learn about feminine hygiene products. Walsh particularly appreciates the matter-of-fact approach to an often giggly subject. “Lori uses all the vocabulary and proper names for the body parts. She talks about it like it’s just part of life, the next stage you’re entering into, and she sets the foundation for being comfortable with it,” she says. “My girls both loved the class. It gave us so much more
material to talk about afterwards.” Walsh says this attention to detail allowed her to open up to her daughters. Deering agrees. “This class can open the door for future conversations that parents may be a little reluctant to initiate,” she says. “And both moms and daughters end up having way more fun than expected!” This class is split into two parts: the first for ages 9-11 and the second for ages 12-14. To register for this class (or any others), visit www.affinityhealth.org/classes or call Affinity NurseDirect at 800.362.9900.
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Women's THE
ISSUE
Embracing
Age Weight & Wellness Mindfulness & Balance Reproductive Health
S
itting across a table from a flight of friends, women are often quick to lend support to one another without batting an eye. Yet when it comes to supporting and caring for themselves, women struggle to find the time between demanding jobs, family endeavors and saving for retirement. Because of this, women’s health sometime wanes. Why is that? Ladies, we hereby declare this your issue. The inspiring, humorous and impavid stories dancing across the next few pages only scratch the surface of women’s issues in health, but we want to give you a new outlook on how caring for yourself will benefit not only you, but those around you.
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Embracing Age
“With life experience comes great wisdom.” — Dr. Jennifer Norden
OLDER AND WISER Embracing the aging process
“These diseases are usually caused by a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and the typical American diet,” she explains. “If we choose to be active every day, eat real food and nurture healthy relationships, our chances of staying healthy into old age are much better.”
B y B e c k y K o p it z k e
Self-Image
Y
ou’re driving to work when you catch your profile in the rearview mirror. Eeek! Who is that woman? Sagging jowls, brown spots, wiry gray hairs. She’s not 20 years old anymore, folks. Thank goodness. “With life experience comes great wisdom,” says Dr. Jennifer Norden, medical director of Affinity Integrative Medicine. “Aging is natural and inevitable but can be done gracefully.”
DR. JENNIFER NORDEN
Here are five common aspects of aging that women fear most and how to embrace them.
Loneliness
DR. CHERYL PITRE
Illness
Many women, particularly those who are divorced or widowed, worry about being alone. This begins in the empty-nest stage. “When our kids are involved in school activities, women tend to make friends with other parents. Once the kids graduate and move away, we lose those connections,” says Dr. Cheryl Pitre, family physician with Affinity Medical Group in Menasha. How do we combat the loneliness? Dr. Pitre says to make new friends. “It’s really important for women to branch out and meet new people, just to see different perspectives.”
Everyone wants to live an active, healthy life until old age, and then die quickly and painlessly in their sleep, Dr. Norden says. But that’s not what happens with our American lifestyle. Instead, people slowly decline over decades with diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer – most of which are preventable.
TAKEHeart
If you have a few more wrinkles these days, Dr. Pitre says be proud: “That’s a face of wisdom. You’ve earned that!” It’s normal for weight distribution, skin tone and hair texture to change as we grow older, and yet American women are bombarded with media images that distort the authentic picture of aging and create a standard we cannot reach. “There has to be an acceptance of the changes that are happening,” Dr. Pitre says. “If you feel good about how you look, you’ll have more confidence moving forward.” She recommends boosting self-esteem by dressing the part. Magazines such as In Style and More demonstrate how women can incorporate modern styles in a way that is age appropriate. “Use colors, be willing to experiment with a new accessory, or shop consignment stores so you can stay stylish without breaking the bank,” she says. Most importantly, Dr. Pitre recommends, laugh! “We need to find humor in our aging bodies and have fun with it,” she adds. “One of my elderly patients told me, ‘The only thing golden about getting older is my pee.’”
Disrespect
Some cultures hold the elderly in such high esteem that their language has no term for “senior citizen.” Here in the U.S., however, older people are often treated like children. Faults or idiosyncrasies become more common as we age, which can make us feel inferior even within our own families. “Sometimes we bring that on ourselves because we become codependent and allow them to strip us of our dignity,” Dr. Pitre says. “We need to stand up for ourselves. We have to let people know we are still valued.”
Relevance
Women often fear becoming irrelevant, especially after they retire or as new technologies take over old ways of doing things. Dr. Pitre says altruism is the key to feeling useful. Whether you volunteer, take a class or babysit the grandkids, connecting to society helps women feel like they’re still contributing. In the long run, Dr. Pitre says, “You have to change to stay the same. Women who are happy with their lifestyle are the ones that are not fearful of aging. When you embrace the change that comes with age, you’ll be healthier and happier overall.”
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S., claiming more lives than
all forms of cancer combined. What’s even more concerning is that you can have a perfect bill of health and still have heart disease. Know your risk, listen to your body and talk to your doctor about the symptoms unique to you. If you’re in the market for a new doctor, visit www.affinityhealth.org/doctor to find one who is right for you.
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FYI!
Heart attack symptoms in women: • Nausea and extreme fatigue • Arm and neck pain • Shortness of breath • Feelings of anxiety and loss of appetite
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A WRINKLE IN TIME Tending to the inevitable part of growing old B y A lis o n F iebi g M ay er
Yes, beauty is only skin deep, but when you want to look as good as you feel, there are options. That’s what Kim Hoff believes. The 51-yearold has tried every cream and face wash on the drug store shelf, but nothing compares to Botox. “It helps me keep age at bay,” she says. “I used to spend $60 or more on ‘miracle’ face creams, and you’d barely see a difference. Then I got Botox, and there was a noticeable improvement.” Hoff, who sees Dr. Michele Holder, a dermatologist at Affinity Medispa, first received Botox on a deep crease between the eyes that always bothered her. After a few treatments, the line was gone. About once a year, she’ll visit Dr. Holder for Botox on her “crow’s feet” – wrinkles that form at the outside corners of your eyes. “If we weaken and treat those muscles earlier, then dynamic lines caused by facial expressions don’t get etched in,” explains Dr. Holder. “When you’ve had those lines for long periods of time before getting Botox, the lines have become etched in; it’ll be harder to get rid of them completely.” Lines are unavoidable as we age (caused
simply by laughing, frowning and squinting) but there are a few ways to gently fight back. “All treatment programs start with your skin care routine at home,” Dr. Holder says. “Gentle cleansing and moisturizing are essential, and sunscreen needs to be an absolute commitment. The sun damages the skin with accentuation of lines, discoloration and predisposition to skin cancer.” Many spas offer cosmetic services, but not all have a doctor with the training and experience to care for skin. At the Affinity Medispa, a dermatologist will meet with you to evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns and develop a treatment plan to best meet your needs. “We are all in the aging process,” says Dr. Holder. “Your goal should not be to look 20 years younger, but to personally address your cosmetic concerns and restore your confidence.”
Affinity Medispa offers procedures that address: • Discoloration and texture with treatments such as DermaSweep, microdermabrasion, intense pulse light (IPL) and chemical peels • Dynamic lines around the eyes and head with Botox therapy • Volume loss with dermal fillers • Facial redness and veins with IPL or fine needle hyfercation • Fine leg veins with sclerotherapy • Excessive dark hair growth with IPL To make an appointment at Affinity Medispa, call 920.727.8124.
NO BONES ABOUT IT Five tips to preventing osteoporosis B y D r . A nn M arie Gierl , rheumat o l o g ist w i t h A f f i n i t y M e d i c a l G r o u p i n M e n a s h a a n d C h i l t o n
1. Start young. Certain lifestyles can keep people from achieving and maintaining maximal bone mass (reached by age 25). A healthy diet, daily exercise (about 20 minutes of walking or similar activity) and calcium (three or more cups of milk or equivalent a day) help bones stay strong. Try to avoid things that unnaturally stop menstrual cycles (such as over exercising and some birth control types), which will decrease bone density. Give up smoking; within six months of stopping, your risk for fractures decreases. Limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks or less daily since this, too, lowers bone density. 2. Get measured. li n da dav i c k
A bone density scan (DXA) is advised by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) at age 65 for women and age 70 for
men. It diagnoses osteoporosis and osteopenia by assessing your risk for fractures. Your healthcare provider may order a DXA sooner if you had fractures after menopause but before age 65, have a strong family history of osteoporosis, or are on prednisone regularly.
3. Keep your balance. Exercises that improve balance can reduce falls and broken bones. Stand near a counter and practice standing on one leg for 10-30 seconds. Walk sideways 10 steps, then back the other way. Sign up for a Tai Chi or balance class. 4. Slow down. Do not have things on the floor that may make you slip or trip. Rushing sometimes causes falls. 5. Take Vitamin D. Sunshine on skin creates natural vitamin D3
activity, but Wisconsin winters (even Florida ones) do not create enough! Fortunately, your body can store vitamin D in fat, so what you get in the summer can be used by your body in winter. The NOF recommends a supplement of 800-1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day after age 50; 400 IU is recommended for younger people.
A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.
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— Diane Mariechild
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We ig ht
& Wellness “ L et food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” — H i p p o c r at e s
One day, I talked to my oldest daughter, Emily, who gently coaxed me to watch the documentary, “Forks Over Knives.” I did, and the scales fell from my eyes. And so my passion to bring down my cholesterol and glucose began. I gave myself six weeks to see if changing my diet would make a difference. I began by eliminating caffeine, sugar, alcohol and processed foods. My motto was I couldn’t eat anything that had a face or a mother. I was following a plant-based diet. No meat, fish, dairy… wait? NO CHEESE? That’s right. I knew it was going to be hard, and I was right; the first week was brutal. The second week wasn’t so bad. By the third week, I had more energy than I had in years! I was sleeping like a rock, my aches and pains were disappearing, and my clothes were fitting better. Daily phone calls from my daughters encouraged me to continue. It was working. I had a fasting lipid panel and glucose drawn prior to my “experiment” and then again six weeks after following the plant-based diet. Drum roll please… my numbers plummeted. No medications. No supplements. No hocus pocus. And I have continued my journey ever since. Do I ever stray from the plant-based diet? Of course. There was Thanksgiving when I just had to have turkey and a “few” trimmings. And then there was that Friday fish fry when my family visited. And, oh yes, a sliver of cake at a baby shower. But I brush myself off, jump back up on the wagon. Should you decide to attempt a change too, consult your healthcare provider. Do not stop your medications! If you’re looking for inspiration like I was, watch the documentary “Forks Over Knives” and read “The China Study” by T. Colin Campbell. If you choose to make a change slowly, have “Meatless Monday” in your home. Go for whole grains, lentils, brown rice, quinoa, vegetables and fruit. Eliminate processed foods (as much as you can and your family will let you). Drink half of your weight in ounces of water (if you weigh 200 pounds, drink 100 ounces per day). Take 1,000-2,000 international units of vitamin D daily along with a vitamin B complex. If it can happen to me, it can happen to you.
Q&A
FOOD FOR THOUGHT A N E S S AY B y S arah R e c hner , O B / GY N nurse p ra c titi o ner f o r A f f i n i t y M e d i c a l G r o u p
W
hile numbers rising in the stock market is a good thing, my cholesterol and glucose creeping up each year was not so good. Last summer, I went to visit the mother of my best friend who had suffered a major stroke. Commence my “come to Jesus” moment. I left feeling that if I didn’t make some major changes in my lifestyle, I was going to wind up in the same situation. I’m passionate about life – my daughters, family, friends, career and, oh, let’s not forget Payton, my six-year-old Lab. I realized I had a choice to make. I had to become passionate about my health, too. Most people in my situation can use statins, a medication to help bring down cholesterol, but they were out of the question for me. I experienced just about every side effect the warnings listed. I researched herbal and holistic alternatives. I exercised, but my numbers didn’t budge. Instead, they did just the opposite and kept climbing. I was desperate.
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How do you get through the day?
“I have found if you take care of yourself outside of work, you have a much better outlook on your days while at work.” — Lynn Kleman, manager of major and planned giving for Mercy Health Foundation
“I sit at a desk job all day answering phones and checking in patients. To stay my best, I will take a 10-minute break, step away from the desk and go for a short walk. This helps clear my mind and get refreshed.” — Mary Erickson, rehab services at MMC
“I start every day by asking God to take care of my life so I can concentrate on the people who need my attention at the hospital. I pray to get out of God's way so God can work through me.” — Teri Wagner, chaplaincy associate, spiritual services for Affinity
“I get up an hour early and go to the gym every day before work so I can stay fit and get my endorphin boost for the day for stress reduction.” — Dr. Natalie Roberts, general internist at MMC
You’ll never regret eating blueberries or working up a sweat. – Jac q u e ly n Mi tc h a r d
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3 in 10
Three stretches. Ten minutes. Go. Ph o t o g ra p hs ta k en at anu studi o f o r well bein g in N eenah
What if exercising 10 minutes a day were enough to improve your health and cheer you up? Well, it is, but most experts insist people need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, five days a week, to maintain weight.* Some experts suggest that a regular exercise practice, even if it’s just 10 minutes, can have a lasting impact on physical and mental health. Clear your head and wake up your muscles with these three exercises recommended and demonstrated by Karel Ochs, clinical exercise physiologist at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
1. Sit-to-stand: Engage your
opens the chest and builds upper body strength. Start by kneeling on your mat or floor and place your hands shoulder-width apart on a sturdy object (chair, desk or table). Inhale while curling your toes under your heels. Exhale while lifting your hips up as you push back, straightening your arms and legs (don’t lock your knees). Come into an upside down “V”shape. Press your chest down towards your toes, direct your tailbone skyward and lower your heels down towards the floor. Relax your hips into the pose and allow your head to hang with your shoulder blades down. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat as needed.
3. Wall Slide: This simple move
core, quads and hamstrings with this resistance move to improve balance and posture. Start by sitting at the edge of your chair with your feet flat on the ground and shoulder-width apart. Stabilize core muscles by drawing belly button towards spine. Using your lower body only, slowly lean forward to a standing posture while keeping your bottom tight. Return to chair by slowly sitting down; avoid plopping. Repeat 10-12 times.
stretches your chest, upper back and shoulders. It’s a good stretch for people who sit at a desk all day, or moms who bend over throughout the day to pick up young kids. Start by standing against a wall with the back of your hands against it and feet gently separated. Hold your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Continue to raise your arms until you feel the stretch between your shoulders. Hold for 20-30 seconds, release and repeat three times.
2. Modified downward dog: Downward-facing dog deeply stretches the back, shoulders, hamstrings and calves. It also
*Affinity Medical Group cardiologists feel that patients with heart-related conditions need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5-7 days each week.
THREE OF A KIND
B y A lis o n F iebi g M ay er
One family demonstrates the generational impact of a good doctor The close-knit women of Ecklund Logistics in Neenah spend a lot of time together. Started in 1969 by Lana Ecklund and her husband, Leroy, the trucking company has become a family affair over the decades. Lana’s daughterin-law, Tammy (who married Lana’s son) and her daughter, Bailey, work out of their Neenah hub with Lana, along with their husbands. Even Bailey’s nine-month-old son, Jensen, joins her at work every day, jovially being passed between his grandma and great-grandma. “We don’t go home, leave everything at the door and then pick back up when we walk back into work,” Tammy says. “When we go home, work goes with us.” You could quip that these women are so close that they even see the same gynecologist, only it’s not a joke. Years ago, Lana, 68, started seeing Dr. Thomas Reinardy, OB/GYN, who was then working at LaSalle Clinic in Neenah. Dr. Reinardy now works for Affinity Medical Group at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh and sees other members of the Ecklund family, including Bailey, 25, and Tammy, 47. Lana’s daughter and a couple granddaughters are also patients of Dr. Reinardy. He’s given new meaning to the term “family doctor.” Lana remembers an emergency in 1999 when she called upon Dr. Reinardy for w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o r g / b l o g
help with another family member. “It doesn’t matter what the ailment was, he is always calm and supportive,” Lana says. Bailey, who was 10 years old at the time of that incident, agrees with her grandmother. She, too, has seen the thoughtfulness and tenderness of Dr. Reinardy. She explains how he supported her throughout her pregnancy last year and was in the delivery room when she gave birth to Jensen, even though he wasn’t on call that day. “Pregnancy is hard enough as it is, but he always took the time to
answer my questions and put my mind at ease,” Bailey remembers. With 20 years separating each Ecklund woman, they represent a generational span of health circumstances – from the joys of motherhood to perimenopause (the stage that leads up to menopause, or “coasting” as Tammy calls it) and preventive health. Finding a doctor you can trust – like family – is the key to carrying on happy and healthy. From left to right: Tammy Ecklund, Bailey Patrick, Lana Ecklund, and Bailey's Son, Jensen.
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Mind fulness & B a la n c e
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
WORRIED SICK B y A lis o n F iebi g M ay er
T
he shock of a lifetime for Brenda Phillips came in the form of a breast cancer diagnosis in February 2013. “I know cancer happens, but you never see it coming,” she says, thinking back on the varying stages of emotion she experienced after receiving the news. She points out that one doesn’t just get a diagnosis, walk over to the cancer center, receive treatment and then go home. No, no. There is a legion of appointments, frequent trips back and forth to see doctors, and often times surgery, as was true for Brenda. Not to mention scores of sleepless nights. Then she learned there was not only one lump in her breast, but two. “All I could think was ‘Get the cancer out of me,’” Brenda, 64, says. “My two sons reacted to my diagnosis by saying, ‘You’re so strong, you’ll get through this.’ They assumed I had the strength to get through it, but I was doubtful. As a mom and wife, you handle everything. For them, it was frightening because I’m their go-to – I’m supposed to have the answers. But I didn’t have any answers for cancer.” After consulting with Dr. Robert Weber, general surgeon at Mercy Medical Center, she opted for a bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) in April 2013, and started radiation in May (every weekday for 20 days). At the same time, Brenda received a letter from her insurance company saying the plan was grossly insufficient with regard to the
— J o n K a b at- Z i n
treatment of anything related to cancer. Three years prior, her husband, Eddie, had retired from his job of more than four decades, and they decided to enroll in the health insurance offered with his retirement plan. “It was a shocking event on top of other shocking events,” she remembers. “We assumed the policy was good since we had come from a good policy but didn’t read the whole thing. Between going through radiation and getting that news, I had a melt down.” Her radiation oncologist, Dr. Rick Davis, and oncology nurse noticed the negative impact anxiety was having on Brenda’s health. The affects of radiation made her feel tired and rundown, yet she was having trouble sleeping. So they referred her to see Dr. Jennifer Norden, an integrative medicine specialist at Koeller Street Clinic in Oshkosh. But Brenda worried about how they would pay to see Dr. Norden. What she didn’t know was that the Mercy Health Foundation (MHF) at Mercy Medical Center offers grants to cancer patients who wish to receive integrative medicine services. With the help of an Affinity social worker, an application
5 Ways to Decrease Worrying By Sarah Danahy, pediatric behavioral healthcare coordinator, Affinity Medical Group Koeller Street Clinic
1. Jot your worries in a journal. Writing things
down on paper helps us to be more objective and reassess situations. Jot them down and re-read them – you might find that they aren’t as big as you initially thought.
2. Take a vacation from technology. If
you find yourself constantly checking your cell phone for missed calls or texts, you might find it beneficial to put your cell phone in a drawer for even an hour. Are your friends’ Facebook posts making you feel inadequate? Step away from the laptop and focus on the here and now.
3. Be mindful. This
involves paying full attention to your thoughts and feelings without
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criticizing them. Spend just a few minutes a day in a quiet room (even the bathroom works) to reflect on the positive things in your life, rather than worrying about how to pay that bill next week.
4. Call a friend. Talking
about our worries out loud can be very beneficial. A trusted friend can help provide you with perspective and also normalize some of those worries you have. Even better, talk to your friend over a cup of coffee or some chocolate.
5. Get moving. Go for a 10-minute walk. Pay attention to the quietness in your neighborhood since everyone else is inside worrying about the weather. Breathe, walk briskly, and be mindful. w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o r g / b l o g
was approved and she started seeing Dr. Norden in June. “First I spend an hour with the patient and talk about what’s going on, and we brainstorm different treatment options,” Dr. Norden explains. “Brenda, Eddie and I talked about acupuncture, mind-body therapies, breathing exercises, support groups, journaling, and other ways of processing all the emotions she was experiencing. I even conducted guided imagery before some of her surgeries.” Brenda also received Guasha, a type of Chinese massage therapy for the neck and head. “When I first talked to Dr. Norden, she has a calmness to her,” Brenda says. “She didn’t try to correct my thoughts or feelings. She said to me, you’re allowed to be angry. You’re allowed to be frightened. You can own that. You don’t have to be ashamed or embarrassed by those feelings.” Dr. Norden started 20-minute acupuncture treatments on Brenda, and she felt the difference almost immediately. “I looked forward to each visit and found myself smiling again,” she says. “Interacting with Dr. Norden helped to calm my mind and the acupuncture treatments began to treat the inflammation in my body.” Brenda also chose to enroll in Dr. Norden’s eight-week-long mindfulness meditation class. Never having meditated before, she was surprised to find how much peace it brought her. She found that it slowed her racing mind. “I now know breathing is critical to healing both the mind and the body,” Brenda says. “I learned that my feelings are real, but to focus on the positives around me.” According to Dr. Norden, mindfulness is the act of training the mind and cultivating a kind and compassionate attitude toward the present moment. It’s useful for dealing with normal stresses and anxieties that occur in life while giving you a different perspective. “Brenda had been worrying so much about the future and harbored resentment toward what she had been experiencing,” she explains. “With mindfulness, you learn to be with those emotions and pass through them naturally rather than suppressing them, which is a tendency of most of us.” “On this journey with cancer, things keep changing,” Brenda says. “But I learned that instead of falling apart every time something went wrong, I now know how to breathe through it and take it in stride. Meditation let me free my mind.”
Thank You
The science behind a
G
iving gratitude can be good for your health, and scientists have recently begun to chart research to prove it. They have found that people who practice gratitude consistently report:
• Stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure • Higher levels of positive emotions • More joy, optimism, and happiness • Acting with more generosity and compassion • Feeling less lonely and isolated
When you wake up in the morning, take a moment to pick out one thing you’re grateful for that day and return to that thought any time during the day to find peace and balance. Experts say that by acknowledging what you’re grateful for, you’ll become a deliberate attractor of positive vibes. If you take the time to notice what you appreciate, you can’t be noticing what you don’t like.
TECHCORNER Plug in and let go! Meditation is at your fingertips. Try one of these free smartphone apps to help you feel less anxious and restore balance any time during the day: Calm [iPhone and iPad only] Learn the steps of calm with seven guided relaxation sessions. To enhance the moment, select a background scene and sound (think beaches, meadows, pouring rain). Conscious [Android only] For those who have realized they are on autopilot most of the time, this app will increase your mindfulness by introducing you to simple daily challenges that make you more aware of the present.
Room to Breathe [iPhone, iPad and Android] Can’t turn off a busy mind? This app teaches you how to breathe deeply. You’ll instantly feel relaxed for better anxiety management.
Smiling Mind [iPhone, iPad and Android] Kids can benefit from meditation, too. This app was created for young adults to inspire reflection and restore balance.
say what! What if you received an email from the Universe every morning to remind you that you are part of something much bigger? Visit www.TUT.com and sign up for a daily boost of confidence. You’re more powerful than you think!
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To download an app on your phone, visit the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).
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Re p ro d u c t ive
Health
“Mother is a verb, not a noun.”
THE “M” WORD
Talking about miscarriages and finding support in a time of loss B y hannah darlin g
I
t’s a painful topic that needs to be tread gently, but it also needs light. Women who’ve experienced a miscarriage are often affected by the loss long after the fact, unsure how to cope with feelings of guilt and depression. But miscarriages are far more common than we believe, and those in mourning are not alone. “Around 25 percent of pregnancies result in a miscarriage,” says Dr. Melissa Koehler, an obstetrician/gynecologist at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. “There is nothing a woman can do to make it happen or make it not happen. It’s an act of nature.” Though miscarriages are fairly common, there isn’t much dialogue taking place about the event in our culture. “We don’t talk about it enough and that might be because people don’t know what to say,” explains Dr. Koehler. “But it’s a loss, so the same amount of empathy should be given as though someone close to the mother has passed.” While some women recover quickly emotionally, others take months. “I found myself wondering what was wrong with me and why my friends were having healthy pregnancies while I wasn’t,” says Faith Nelson of Appleton, who has miscarried three times. “It was difficult not to feel shame and responsibility.” Nelson, a mother of two boys and a patient of Dr. Koehler, battled with the notion that her miscarriages were a result of her actions: a sip of coffee, intercourse or stress. “I tried eating all organic, non-processed foods during one of my pregnancies and I still miscarried,” says Nelson. “That helped me to understand my actions were not causing it.” After reassurance from her doctor as well, she accepted the idea she wasn’t to blame in the slightest. But the emotional trauma can still remain. The best way to cope with miscarriage is specific to the individual; however, a support system is often key for most. “I encourage women to reach out to someone experiencing this kind of loss, a woman will feel less blame knowing it has happened to others,” Dr. Koehler explains. “I see a lot of moms worrying what another person’s response will be when they break the sad news, not wanting to make them feel uncomfortable.” Miscarriages are the most common in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and rates drop after that – one of the main reasons to wait to announce that there’s a little one on the way. After her third miscarriage, Nelson wasn’t sure she could try to get pregnant again. The pain was too much. Dr. Koehler explains that even though a woman can conceive again after a miscarriage, she may not have recovered enough emotionally. “Once you have a regular menstrual cycle again, your body is ready to get pregnant again,” says Dr. Koehler. “However, your heart might not be.” Nelson chose to give it another shot. She is now pregnant with their third child and due in July. “At first, the miscarriages were easier for my husband to deal with than they were for me,” says Nelson. “He’s pragmatic, and at six weeks pregnant, the baby is just a cluster of cells. But once I explained how it felt, he was sympathetic and very supportive. When I miscarried at nine weeks, it was more upsetting for him.” 16 | @Affinity
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— Proverb
Talking to your family is one way to ease into the healing journey. Light exercise and counseling may also help women process the trauma, according to Dr. Koehler. “It’s good to keep your doctor in the loop and have a place to express feelings you might not feel comfortable sharing with your family or inlaws,” says Dr. Koehler. “I have an open door policy for my patients, and sometimes it’s nice to hear a medical professional tell you the miscarriage was not your fault.” Nelson agrees, saying, “My best advice is to let yourself feel whatever you’re feeling. Remember, it isn’t your fault. Many other women are right there with you.” If you have had a miscarriage and would like to learn more about grief support opportunities, contact Melissa Klebs, bereavement coordinator with Affinity Visiting Nurses, at 866.236.8500 or Grief.AVN@ministryhealth.org.
“Remember, it isn’t your fault. Many other women are right there with you.”
Faith Nelson and her husband, Tim, and sons, Jack and Sawyer
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MOM KNOWS BEST
Mercy Medical Center boasts birthing alternatives as the appeal for midwife services continues to grow
Historically, obstetricians deliver most of the babies born in the United States. But new studies are discovering that midwives are getting busier as the perception has shifted from a radical approach considered by only some to be a suitable choice for all women. Deanna Schwake and Stefanie Hernet are certified nurse midwives (CNM) at Mercy Medical Center (MMC) in Oshkosh and provide gynecologic and obstetric healthcare to women of all ages, including prenatal, delivery and post-natal obstetrical care. They both agree there is a place for both obstetricians and midwives in women’s healthcare. “Obstetricians are doctors who are trained in medicine and problematic situations,” said Schwake. “Certified nurse midwives have a nursing background and focus on a holistic, healing approach to wellness.” Jennifer Michalkiewicz of Neenah has two children and has seen both Schwake and Hernet. “In my opinion, midwives play a mothering role,” said Michalkiewicz. “I made a personal connection with them that is more like a friendship. What appealed to me was that the midwife would be with me throughout the entire process and not just at the end.” Before choosing a midwife, Michalkiewicz
talked to family members about the labor process and became interested in non-traditional birthing methods, such as water birth. “My husband and I took a Bradley method class,” said Michalkiewicz. “And I found that several of my relaxation techniques were tied to water and heat. The water birth option was a good fit because the water is 102 degrees and you can move around.” Just as the perception about midwives has changed, so has the attitude towards water births. If a patient is having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, then a water birth is a choice for those women planning to deliver at MMC – the only hospital in the Fox Valley to offer the water birth option. Laboring in water has been shown to reduce pain and ease tense muscles. It also decreases adrenaline production (allowing for a shorter labor) and the pressure on the abdomen, which means better blood circulation and more oxygen to the mother and baby due to the buoyancy of the water. Most water birth patients use natural pain control methods since having an epidural is not allowed in conjunction with using the tub. Michalkiewicz recalls tense moments during her labor where Schwake provided her with distractions from the pain and filled the tub with warm water to keep her comfortable.
t r av is f o ste r
B y dana baum g art
Benefits for the baby include the transition from the warm fluid in the amniotic sac to the warm water. The baby continues to receive oxygen from the mother’s umbilical cord during the first few moments underwater and then takes its first breath when it hits the cold air. In Michalkiewicz’s case, she labored at home before going to the hospital and both of her water births went as planned. However, unforeseen things can happen in the course of a women’s labor. A midwife and obstetrician are on call at all times at MMC and work together to provide the best care to every patient – no matter the birth plan.
WATERBIRTH be ne f i ts for mom Water is soothing, comforting and relaxing. In the later stages of labor, the water seems to speed up labor. Buoyancy lessens body weight and allows movement and positioning. Buoyancy promotes less pain and improves blood supply to the uterus. Water seems to alleviate stress and allows the body to produce
endorphins, which are pain inhibitors that help reduce the incidence and severity of tearing and the need for an episiotomy. Stages of labor are more relaxed, both physically and mentally. Water provides a sense of privacy, which helps lessen inhibitions, anxiety and fears.
To schedule an appointment with a midwife or take a one-hour class on water birthing, call Affinity NurseDirect at 800.362.9900. For more information and to watch a video about birthing services at Affinity, visit www.affinityhealth.org/baby.
“Motherhood has a very humanizing effect. Everything gets reduced to essentials.”
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— Meryl Streep
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after c@re
Get to know your care provider
By Hannah Darling
Dr. Jackie Koski faces the great divide of a working mom – finding time with her family while balancing a full-time job and trying to make time for herself.
g n i c n a l a B W hen five o’clock strikes, most of us like to switch gears and delve into a more relaxing avocation, but for parents, “me time” usually doesn’t come until the kids are in bed. It can be tough to juggle it all, but making time for a favorite hobby can be beneficial to our well-being. For Jackie Koski, an osteopathic family physician for Affinity Medical Group in Neenah, two interests – yoga and handtool woodworking – keep her feeling balanced. “It’s important to step away from what you spend your days doing,” Dr. Koski says. “I try to make time for physical fitness, and hand-tool woodworking, which is a newer endeavor for me.” Koski relocated to the Fox Valley from Michigan. As a mother of three young children, these hobbies are not on the top of the priority list, but finding time when possible helps create a more harmonious lifestyle. “I’ve been doing yoga so long that I just do it from memory at home now, usually in the evenings after work,” she says. “It has many benefits for the body, mind, and soul. Deep breathing is one of the first things you learn in yoga and it is essential to health.” Deep breathing techniques learned in Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga yoga practices helped teach Dr. Koski to be conscious of her breath during her busy work days in the clinic. Breathing fills our cells with oxygen and moves the diaphragm, which moves blood and lymphatic fluid. It encourages all systems in the body to function better. “We should all take time to breathe,” she says. “I feel 100 percent better when I allow myself time to practice it.” Patients who come to Dr. Koski with various ailments, aches and pains will often leave with a recommendation for yoga, deep breathing and relaxation. “Movement can help ease pain and a big part of yoga is becoming more conscious of the body,” she says. “You learn which parts of the body don’t move well, need to become stronger or more limber. This awareness can be a huge step toward better health.” Yoga is also a fun activity to do with kids, making it an easier hobby to keep up as a parent. “My kids love Lion Pose because they get to make funny faces,” says Dr. Koski. “Forward bending poses are natural for them, too. We have five yoga mats in our house, one for everyone, including our 17 month
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old! There’s always a lot of laughter when we do yoga together and laughter is also healthy.” While it doesn’t usually take as much physical strength as yoga, hand-tool woodworking is on the other end of her hobby spectrum. It keeps her mind sharp and exercises her creative flow. Interest in woodworking sparked while she was pregnant with her youngest child, Leo. “A family friend of ours was holding a woodworking workshop and I tried to convince my husband to sign up because I wanted some furniture,” she laughs. He wasn’t interested, so Dr. Koski thought she’d give it a go. Her leap into the craft turned into an immediate love. Instead of using power towels, she uses 18th century hand tools. “Surprisingly, using hand tools doesn’t take much longer than power tools. The cuts may take longer, but there is less measuring involved,” she explains. “You cut and fit the wood, working with the grain to figure out where to make cuts.” So far she has crafted a cherrywood sidetabletop, and a wooden kitchen spoon using hand tools, such as saws, planes and chisels. Another plus of hand tools versus power tools? It’s a quiet process, and injuries are less likely. “You may get a cut and you do need to be careful when handling the tools, but you probably aren’t going to lose a hand!” It can be hard to find quality, handmade furniture today that doesn’t require assembly. This is partly what drew Dr. Koski to the art. “My dream is to make a dining room table and to craft furniture for my children that can be passed down as heirlooms,” she says. “Woodworking takes a lot of technique and concentration, but there is a lot of fun involved too.” While her children are too young to join in on the fun right now, Dr. Koski wants to expose them to the craft when they’re older if they’re interested. “As a mom, my creativity lies in menus, activity schedules, and birthday party planning,” she says. “Eventually there will be more time to create more permanent art. I plan to continue both hobbies. I think they complement and empower one another.” Whether your hobbies have an end-product, such as a cherrywood dining room table, or are ongoing practices to be healthy and whole like yoga, side-interests help us feel productive and a little more like ourselves in the demanding thralls of the career world. If you’re looking for a balance between the body, mind, and soul pursuing a passion outside of work and family just might be the key. w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o r g / b l o g
“It’s important to step away from what you spend your days doing.” — Dr. Jackie Koski
act Dr. Jackie Koski, family practitioner at Affinity Medical Group in Neenah.
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giving b@ck
by Hannah Darling
Each issue, we share the story of an Affinity Health System team member who volunteers at a local non-profit organization. Affinity is committed to supporting local organizations and charitable events aligned with our mission of providing services that promote the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
SHe is surrounded by squares of recycled fabric, and rows of handmade quilts in various colors and patterns are folded over hangers nearby, ready for a new home. Tucked behind her sewing machine, Sister Frances Meyer spends her days tailoring quilts and other knit goods with an abundance of love. The 89-year-old is as generous as she is creative and has been donating her quilts to those in need for the last 10 years. “Mending clothes for the Sisters comes first,” says Sister Frances. “Making quilts and knitting things like baby booties and mittens is my hobby, which comes second.” Quilts for babies. Quilts for pets. Quilts for the sick. Quilts of all 20 | @Affinity
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sizes. Checkered quilts, floral quilts and boldlycolored quilts. Each creation is unlike the one before it. A native of Germany, Sister Frances came to America in 1951. She is a retired nun of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother (SSM) and now lives at the SSM Franciscan Courts in Oshkosh where she has resided since 1989. “The Sisters taught me quilting and it takes me about three hours to complete one now. w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o r g / b l o g
“Love is the thread that mends worn hearts.” — Anonymous
Sister Frances’ quilts can be found in the gift shop at the Franciscan Courts in Oshkosh, along with large wallhangings and other goods crafted by various Sisters.
away,” she says. “It is a great way to remember area,” she explains. “And now we are part of a Christmas sale every year where the community them. I’ve given the habit quilts to those who aren’t well, and they cozied up with them and can purchase quilts, mittens, washcloths, got well again.” booties and hats all made from donated fabric She donates many of her quilts to the Day by from the community.” Day Warming Shelter and Father Carr’s Place The sale she references is an annual craft fair 2B, both in Oshkosh. held in November at St. Raphael Church in “I make colors work together and find Oshkosh. different patterns to combine,” she explains. Sister Frances estimates that she has made “Working with the fabric that is donated is part an impressive 500 quilts since she took up of the challenge and part of the fun.” the hobby. With a generous spirit like Sister Frances’, Her favorite part of the pastime? “Apart from the act of giving the quilts, I love retirement doesn’t mean sitting idly by. Her busy hands continue to fill the needs and hearts how relaxed I feel when I make them,” she says. of those around her. Before she retired, Sister Frances was a first-grade teacher in Milwaukee and then the Sisters’ coordinator at the home in Oshkosh. She helped look after the finances and assisted with care-taking in the infirmary where there is 24-hour nursing. Founded in 1883, the Sisters of In 1891, the Sisters took action and the Sorrowful Mother (SSM) serve opened Oshkosh’s first hospital. In 1899, and empower the poor by sharing four Franciscan Sisters opened St. Elizabeth God’s love through ministry, prayer, Hospital in Appleton. The Sisters had been at teaching, helping and healing. Living it for well over a century when in 1995 Mercy Medical Center joined Affinity Health System, throughout the U.S., Caribbean along with St. Elizabeth Hospital. Islands of Grenada, St. Lucia, Guided by a mission and vision to clearly Trinidad and the Dominican Republic, portray the Christ-centered direction of the Germany, Italy, Austria, Brazil, and organization, Affinity strives to live out the Tanzania, the Sisters are present in ministry of Christ through services that nurture various parts of the world, mainly the health and well-being of communities, in education and healthcare and particularly the poor. particularly among the poor. Visit Sister Frances continues to live that mission www.sistersofthesorrowfulmother. in her quilting. org for more information. “My favorite and most popular quilts to make are out of the habits of Sisters who have passed
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If anyone ever needs anything, they know to come to me,” she jokes. Sister Frances first began quilting a decade ago when Father Chris Steinle, an Augustinian priest who worked in Peru, told her they were in need of money to build a bridge so the people of the area wouldn’t have to walk through a stream to get to church. So, Sister Frances decided to sell her quilts in Oshkosh to raise funds. “I always wanted to hold a sale in this w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o r g / b l o g
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foundations for giving b@ck
By Alison Fiebig Mayer
The Spirit of Giving
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hree years ago, Tara Kaufman gave birth to a girl named Hope. It was then that she decided to take up sewing. “Having a girl after two boys (Ben and Tyler) was really exciting,” she says. “Suddenly, I wanted to be able to make her all these pretty things.” Only one problem – she had no idea how to sew. Her husband, John, gifted her a sewing machine and she turned to YouTube to learn the basic techniques. She set out to make functional, brightly-colored pieces for babies. “Burp cloths are a mom’s necessity,” she says. “I figured if you have to have one with you at all times, they should at least be cute.” Once she mastered sewing burp cloths, she went on to make bibs, blankets, knotted-top hats and teething cloth rings (made from organic materials). The items were such a hit with friends and family that she found herself thinking they might also be a smash with the general public. As a woman of faith, Tara turned to prayer. While on a women’s retreat in February 2013, she asked God if she had a larger purpose to fulfill. She believes the answer came in the form of reassurance and peace as she realized her hobby was a calling to give back to other babies who stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as her three children did. Tara has a blood disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets and makes it difficult for her blood to clot. Each of her children were whisked away to the NICU after birth to be closely monitored for hemorrhaging. Their two youngest spent time in St. Elizabeth Hospital’s NICU. “There are so many challenges in the NICU, and so much confidence is lost in the moms who have babies staying there,” Tara
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says. “You just want to bring that baby home, but it’s not in your control. You have to trust and hope to God that your baby will get well.” So, she decided to start a business called Because of Hope with the purpose of giving families strength, peace and hope during the trying times of having a baby in the NICU; to let them know someone is praying for them. She reached out to the St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation (SEHF), which was happy to help put her dream in motion. Today, every baby who stays in the NICU at St. Elizabeth Hospital receives a burp cloth (blessed by Father Bob Kollath at Holy Spirit Parish in Kimberly) with a prayer attached. SEHF also arranged to have a selection of Because of Hope products for sale in the hospital gift shop. Proceeds go to a fund set up for the NICU.
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olphins, angelfish, jellyfish and even Nemo swim across the sea-blue walls of the playroom in the pediatric unit at Mercy Medical Center. Sturdy and creative new toys will soon be added to this imaginative setting – all made possible by a gift from Herman Schultz, a long-time Mercy Health Foundation (MHF) donor. He didn’t set out to be a philanthropist. “I had accumulated a nest egg under the assumption my wife was going to survive me; I was looking ahead,” explains Schultz, who is now in his 90s and lives in Princeton, WI. It seemed the sensible thing to do after he had a heart attack at age 44 and retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years of service. When his wife, Lucille, died in 2001, it seemed equally sensible to start investing the
Upper left: Tara Kaufman kicks back in her “Because of Hope” sewing room with her children (Tyler, Ben and Hope). Upper right: A portion of a new mural on a wall in the pediatric department at Mercy Medical Center.
nest egg into the communities where they had lived. They had no children during their 61 years of marriage, but it was Lucille’s love of children that prompted him to establish the Lucille Schultz Endowment for Children’s Health through MHF. In the 13 years since, Herman has increased the endowment fund every year, as well as funded individual projects like the pediatric playroom makeover outright with an annual gift from time-to-time. The endowment has supported health outreach programs for low-income children, purchased bike helmets and provided parenting training for at-risk parents among other projects over the years. Whether through the endowment or annual giving, Schultz enjoys keeping an eye on his investments in the next generation. He finds great satisfaction in “seeing what is happening to the money that I’m donating.” To learn more about Tara’s reason for giving back or to place an order, visit www.becauseofhopek.com (‘k’ for Kaufman) or stop in the gift shop at St. Elizabeth Hospital. To make a tax-deductible charitable donation to support St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation and Mercy Health Foundation, please visit www. affinityhealth.org and under ‘About Us’ click on ‘Foundations.’
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ki d s Mom Libs! Fill in the blanks below to this Mad Libs game to create a story about your mom, sister, aunt or grandma for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11! (Parents: this is a good grammar exercise!) Dear _________________________________________ , There are so many things I love about you. When I feel _______________________________, you are always there. (adjective) For the times when I _______________________________ and need a band aid or a hug, you are there to make me feel (verb) _________________________________. (adjective) Sometimes I get sick or have a bad dream and you come in and tell me “__________________________________________.” (expression/phrase) That makes me feel _______________________________________________! (adjective/emotion) When I have a _________________________________ day at school, you say “_____________________________________________!” (adjective) (expression/phrase) My favorite is when you make _________________________ __________________________ for _______________________________. (adjective) (noun) (meal) I can’t wait for summer when we can __________________________ and _____________________________ outside! (verb) (verb) In my _____________________ years, I haven’t met anyone quite like you. (your age) I wish you a _____________________________________________ Mother’s Day! I LOVE YOU! (adverb/adjective) XOXO,
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (sign your name) w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o r g / b l o g
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Affinity Health System 1570 Midway Pl. Menasha, WI 54952
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The Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother (SSM) came together at a four-day event in March called “Gathering” for its U.S./ Caribbean Province in Oshkosh at SSM Franciscan Courts. Filled with inspirational speakers, ministry sharing, prayer, reflection and fun, the Sisters, novices, postulants and associates focused on ideas to better vitalize community relationships and deepen religious life in the province, as well as share information, nurture relationships and participate in learning sessions. The SSM, Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi, are a religious community of women who, through ministry and prayer, bring fuller life to others.
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On January 29, athletic traine Affinity Health System lic en rs (LATs) at O and North hi shkosh West sed gh award from th schools received a servic e e Association fo Wisconsin Athletic Dire ctor r in serving th their hard work and dedi s e district's co cation ac student-athl etes and thei hes, teachers, r parents. LA basic medical Ts pr se well as provid rvices to student athlet ovide es, as e informatio n strength trai ning and inju about nutrition, ry preventio n.
r visited vernor Scott Walke oject Late last year, Go Pr t ou ab rn lea ital to St. Elizabeth Hosp internship program for r ea e-y SEARCH, a on in their abilities who are students with dis perience ex ts en ud St ol. ho last year of high sc e workplace, which th total immersion in process as hing and learning includes the teac yability and plo em of n tio isi well as the acqu celebration skills. Joining the marketable work ea School Ar n to ple Ap rtners: orkforce were program pa W of t en Departm District, Wisconsin Packaging Industries, y lle Development, Va unity Care. ogram and Comm Rehabilitation Pr