Black Hills Woman Magazine - May June 2020 by Tout Advertising

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From pregnancy to menopause and beyond, choose the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best in comprehensive womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthcare.

Shana Bernhard, MD Angela K. Anderson, MD Marcia Beshara, MD

Jeffrey Bendt, MD

Katherine Degen, MD

Heather Moline, MD

Sarah Benne, C-NP

605.342.3280 | www.RapidCityMedicalCenter.com

Behind this Issue

Tracy Bernard Editor-in-Chief

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Tout Advertising, LLC

Editor-in-Chief

Tracy Bernard

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Katie Pavel

Ad Sales

Jessie Fewson

Layout & Design

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527 Kansas City Street, Suite 2 Rapid City, SD 57701 605.877.1446 BlackHillsWoman.com Toutadvertising.com

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Tout Advertising, LLC assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork and reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. Articles, advertisements, and opinions in this publication do not necessarily carry the endorsement of Tout Advertising. ÂŠ2020 Black Hills Woman Magazine

Inside this Issue

From The Editor From The Editor

Grassroots Meal Kits Girl Gives Back

Notes from Locals

Women in Business

Makerspaces Hit the Mark Feature

A Little Dirt Never Hurt

Home and Garden

5 Tips for Distance Learning Parenting

Support Local Fashion

Covid-19 Medical Response Health

Imagine a World with... Humor

Relative vs. Absolute Risk

Relationships

Supporting Healthcare Workers Feature

Celebrating Mom from a Distance Relationships

FIVE REASONS YOU SHOULD HAVE A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR: 1

FAMILY DOCTORS FOLLOW YOUR LIFE CYCLE

Our family is growing to take care of your family.

Family doctors treat a wide range of conditions for all ages and stages of life. 2

THEY KNOW YOUR PERSONAL AND FAMILY HISTORY OFTEN BECAUSE THEY ARE TAKING CARE OF MULTIPLE GENERATIONS OF YOUR FAMILY

Dr. Taylor Kapsch (August 2019)

When doctors treat you for years, they get to know your medical history inside and out. 3

FAMILY DOCTORS TREAT MORE THAN YOU THINK Family doctors are highly trained, board certified physicians who are skilled at making diagnoses and treating many conditions.

(September 2019)

WHEN YOU NEED A SPECIALIST, YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR HELPS YOU FIND THE RIGHT DOCTOR

Navigating medical care can be challenging and your family doctor acts as your advocate to make sure you see the right specialist. 5

Dr. Kyle Larson

FAMILY DOCTORS CAN IMPROVE LIVES AND SAVE MONEY

Patient studies reveal when they have a primary care doctor they have lower hospitalization rates, fewer emergency room visits and reduced costs of health care.

Dr. Nancy Babbitt

Dr. Jon Wingert

Dr. Carson Phillips

Jenna Dormann, PA-C

Steve Sachs, PA-C

Dr. Ann Hibbs

(September 2019)

Please call to schedule an appointment.

2822 Jackson Blvd, Suite 101, Rapid City, SD 605-341-1208 creeksidemedicalclinic.org

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt

From the Editor

What a dumba##. I hope you catch it. Burn in hell, witch. You’ll have blood on your hands. These are just a few comments I’ve read on Facebook hurled at or about our elected officials. Yes, people are scared, stressed, and anxious, and we all have differing opinions on how to handle things. Fine. But let’s attempt a level of civil discord, if and when discord is necessary. We can disagree and discuss without being ugly and disrespectful. If we want to attract the greatest minds to leadership, we’ve got to stop the toxic destruction of every public person we disagree with. As we sit in our sweatpants, being keyboard warriors, others are showing up each day, making the hard decisions and facing intense scrutiny. They do this knowing they will live with the outcomes that can be quite literally life or death. I may not agree with every decision that is being made by local, state, and national governments, but I am empathetic with the incredibly complex and serious situation they are in with very little precedent available to assist in the decision making. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to us. Take a breath and practice the pause, everyone.

Tracy Bernard, Editor

From the Editor

Grassroots Meal Kits

One womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsive project to a global pandemic By Kayla Gahagan

The Girl Gives Back

Dr. Rebecca Mielnik’s generosity came about much like Covid-19 itself — out of the blue and abruptly. “I was like everybody else, sitting at home feeling lost and wondering what I could be doing to help,” said Mielnik, who watched from her home in Custer as her community and neighbors suffered as the novel virus swept across the globe. As more stories of economic downturn, school and business closures, and deaths unfolded in her news-feed, she felt helpless. It was a stroll through her Facebook page that provided a dose of inspiration. A friend and reality TV show producer in Nashville was working with a chef to create easy, affordable, delicious meals, and it got her thinking. “For the past few years, I have subscribed to a meal kit service that delivers to my home, so that was in my mind already,” she said. “I watched the video of the meal the chef was making and thought, ‘I bet I could get those ingredients, package them in a meal kit, and deliver them to people for free to help them during this crisis’.” And with that, Grassroots Meal Kit Delivery service was born.

The Girl Gives Back

“There have been such good responses for school kids and the elderly through this, which is great, but I started wondering about the people in between who are living paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “This is devastating for so many people.” Once the idea struck her, Mielnik couldn’t sit still. She drove to the store, bought enough ingredients for 40 meals, and assembled them. She made an email address and a Facebook site and waited. It wasn’t long before word got out, and in just over a week, Mielnik delivered 260 meals to local families. Mielnik has received an outpouring of support from friends and the community, many of them wanting to help. But right now she’s wanting to keep it simple. “I’ve been blown away by the support, but I am not looking to turn this into a business or non-profit,” she said. “This is a responsive project to a global pandemic that is affecting our community. I need to be able to adjust as quickly as the situation is changing, hence the name Grassroots.” Mielnik doesn’t ask, or care, why someone needs the food. They simply send her an email and request a meal and it shows up at their door. She doesn’t stay to meet the family but simply rings the doorbell and heads for her car. “I don’t want people to see me and I don’t want them to feel like a charity case,” she said. “I wanted this to be free and anonymous. We all need help right now. I don’t care why you need it; I just want to help.” People can also nominate someone for a meal. When the meal shows up, it has a note attached that explains the Grassroots program. It also includes the recipe to cook the meal and the ingredient list so they can shop for it again if they want. The meal, a white bean and tuna pasta for now, is purposeful, affordable, and simple. “It’s just fun,” she said. “We’re all stuck inside and this gives people a meal and something to do. It’s created by a chef in Nashville, so it’s delicious. Maybe it will reignite a passion to cook.”

The Girl Gives Back

She also hopes it encourages people to hang in there during a time of uncertainty. “It’s a little beacon of hope,” she added. “It’s truly just people serving people,” she said. Her advice to others who want to help their community and don’t know what to do — don’t be afraid to move when inspiration strikes. “Live each day right now looking for opportunities to help others,” she said. “I’m no different than anyone else. I was sitting there wondering what I could do to help. If you see something and feel inspired, do it. A lot of times, we get that voice in our head questioning it and then we don’t follow through.” The stories and thank yous she has received have moved her. “Someone emailed me the other day to thank me,” she said. “It was a single man and his social security funds had run out and he said he didn’t know how he was going to eat that week. And then the meal showed up. Stories like that just give you chills.” BHW

The Girl Gives Back

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“The snow will melt, the grass will grow, leaves will flourish, hiding scars until saplings rise to claim their place in the tableau. And we will adjust to our new normal. Stronger, more grateful…knowing that we, too, are all a process, and so remember to be patient with ourselves and with each other. Evolving is always painful...movement is always medicine. And so, I am keeping in close contact with the marathon community to see what our timeline should be. For now, the Leading Ladies Marathon is still on for August 23, 2020. Stay safe, run solo, think positive, and pray thankfully. Perfect Vision… a new imperative!” ~ Elaine Doll Dunn, Marathon Coordinator, Leading Ladies Marathon

Woman in Business

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The threat of Covid-19 has been difficult for so many people to absorb, and to understand and to navigate through. Personally, I am very saddened by the hardship that it is causing and has caused to hardworking people, some of whom will never recover. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried to find good in the midst of this crisis. It is difficult, to state it plainly. However, I can say that it has become increasingly important to circle the wagons. I have made a concerted effort to call those important and loved by me, to make sure they are well and that they are aware that I love them. I believe it is our duty to one another to be kind, available, and generous in whatever ways possible. Perhaps it is times like this that remind us of what really matters, and I hope our nation feels this deeply and reacts to these circumstances with a renewed sense of unity and compassion and a desire to love our neighbors as ourselves.â&#x20AC;? - Victoria Queen, Real Estate Agent, The Real Estate Group

Woman in Business

“The Coronavirus pandemic has forced a slow-down in nearly every aspect of life for our family. And while our new “normal” is changing on a daily basis, as we adapt, “We can use this opportunity to understand how resilient we really are. Every day, there are opportunities for reflection such as, “How will we come out of it? More fearful? Or smarter and better equipped?” “What changes do I now have time to make in my lifestyle that will matter for the longterm?” We are at a fork in the road and need to realize that the small positive choices do add up. We can either become depressed at the state of affairs or decide for ourselves that we have personal power over our mind and body. Choose to Be Well.” ~ Cathy Wilson, CNP, and Melissa Aberle, CNP, Health Care Professionals, Well Beyond

Woman in Business

we are counting our blessings. From extra time for family activities to the tutoring offered by our son’s school, we have been afforded many opportunities to practice new routines. Being outside of our comfort zone has created space for positive growth! For us, we believe the biggest tragedy would be to find ourselves unchanged on the other side of this, so we are prayerfully embracing this as an opportunity!” ~ Laci Sosa, Mortgage Broker, USA Mortgage

Woman in Business

Makerspaces Hit the Mark Community makersp

aces collaborate to provide protective equipment. By Jessie Fewson

Feature

As the fight against COVID-19 intensifies in our community, the need for protective equipment for

medical professionals is at an all-time high. With medical supply houses across the country running out of stock, the hospitals and first responders have asked the community for donations. Some businesses have responded by donating gloves and N95 masks, while others have been innovative and creative in their efforts. The Rapid City Public Library has put technology to work and begun efforts to build masks and face shields with the help of their 3D printer-equipped makerspace. With the great advances in technology, the exact specifications for the required equipment can be uploaded to the printers and printed out as functional products. The printers use small strings of plastic that mold together to create any design specifications that have been unloaded. These printers have been used in the medical field for several years to create essential instruments and even artificial limbs. The fact that the products can be crafted to exactly what is needed makes them extremely useful and especially at this time, when commonlyused protective equipment is not readily available. Terri Davis, director of the Rapid City Public Library, says, “Libraries have consistently evolved to meet the needs of their communities, and this unprecedented time is no exception. In coordination with the Rapid City Fire Department and Monument Health, library staff are producing personal protective equipment using the library’s makerspace technology, for the protection of the first responders on the front lines of this pandemic.” Other businesses are also stepping up in the efforts for safety equipment. Spearfish’s makerspace, along with a collaboration of other local businesses, is distributing patterns, fabric, and materials to people in the community who are sewing masks.

Feature

This effort has helped to create over 1000 masks in the first two weeks. Niklas Peters, director of makeSPACE, says that â&#x20AC;&#x153;makeSPACE has coordinated an effort with Monument Health to get community members to make personal protective equipment for local healthcare workers. We have developed and approved 2 patterns for face masks and a pattern for an isolation gown that will be used by nurses and doctors. This is truly a community effort, with support from Salvation Army and Dakota Quilt for donated fabric, along with Spearfish Laundry and Dry Cleaning to launder all the materials and masks, and local craftspeople. We plan to make masks and gowns as long as there is a need. We are grateful to the Spearfish Community Foundation, South Dakota Community Foundation, Friends of the Northern Hills Training Center, Med5 Federal Credit Union, Monument Health, and individuals in the community for the financial support to make this effort possible.â&#x20AC;? Although the current need for equipment is substantial, the help of even one person in the community can be a great help. For more information on how you can help in the need for protective equipment, visit rcgov.org or makespacesd. org. BHW

Feature

Make the most out of the moment Take just an hour out of your day to donate blood and help a patient in need. 2209 W. Omaha St. Rapid City, SD 57702 Open 7 days a week. 605.646.2625 | vitalant.org United Blood Services is now Vitalant.

A little Dirt Never Hurt Sensory Gardens Moonlight Gardens Salsa Gardens Succulent Gardens Cocktail Herb Gardens Unique Ideas for Purposeful Gardens

By Heidi Bell Gease

Home & Garden

The days are getting longer, it’s warming up, and many of us have spent the spring sequestered at home trying to avoid illness and looking forward to better days. In other words, it’s a perfect time to start planning your garden. It seems a LOT of us are thinking about planting. Local greenhouses have seen an early interest in seeds and seed starting supplies this spring. “This year, there’s going to be a much bigger emphasis on people growing gardens, just because of the situation we’re in right now,” said Alan Leighton of the Plantsmyth. “During early spring, we were selling a lot of seeds that we wouldn’t generally sell until late spring.” Jolly Lane Greenhouse has seen the same early interest in seeds. “I’ve had customers tell me ‘I always garden, but I’m going to plant a little bit more this year because I plan to preserve some’,” said co-owner Tim Sime, adding, “I think there’s going to be some new gardeners out there.” There should be plenty of plants. Greenhouses are considered an essential industry by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sime said, so they have remained in operation nationwide. “Our

Home & Garden

production is in 100 percent full-tilt and as planned months ago,” Sime said, with no plans to change that. “If I was going to change it, I’d say there could be a need for increases.” That’s great news for those of us who see gardening, or “dirt therapy,” as an emotional comfort in difficult times. (Sime still recalls a salesman who told him years ago that there are two types of businesses that don’t suffer in a recession: greenhouses and ice cream shops.) Some gardeners plant the same things every year. Others buy varieties that strike their fancy and then figure out how to put them together. Still others come in with specific goals in mind. Sime sees lots of people shopping for plants such as butterfly bushes, bee balm, and hollyhocks, which are likely to attract butterflies. Some want blossoms that will draw hummingbirds, although those are rare in this area. Other gardeners are seeking to repel pests, especially deer. “That’s a never-ending battle,” Sime said. Many perennials and herbs are marked deer-resistant. As for annuals, “number one, hands-down, is snapdragons.” Deer don’t like them; zinnias and alyssum are also fairly deer-resistant. If you’re wanting a natural way to help repel mosquitoes on your deck or patio, try plants with a lemony scent — citronella, lemon-grass, and lemon balm. (Don’t toss your bug spray, however. The jury is out on how well these plants work.) Some gardeners still seek out native plants that are low-maintenance and require less moisture – for example, buffalo grass instead of Kentucky Bluegrass — but Sime said the xeriscaping trend is “not as intense as it was during the drought years.” The past few years, the Black Hills have had plenty of moisture. “People forget,” he said. Most people think of gardens in terms of either food or fancy. But Leighton sees some gardeners who combine flowers and vegetables in their plots, “which I think is something that’s really neat.” Flowers can help reduce weeds by filling in spaces between plants. And they can actually help your veggies thrive by attracting insects that pollinate and birds that may eat other pests. Good options include cosmos, marigolds, sunflowers, zinnias, and alyssum, according to Mother Earth Magazine. Try something new. Greenhouse staff can help you find what you need. BHW 24

Home & Garden

Ideas for unique, purposeful gardens Sensory Gardens – Combine flowers that are visually stunning and smell good, such as geraniums and marigolds, with plants that have interesting textures, such as lamb’s ear. Add some tall grasses that will rustle when the wind blows and some edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or violets. Moonlight Gardens – These typically include moonflowers, whose white blossoms open later in the day, and other white flowers that are clearly visible in moonlight. A dark foliage backdrop will make them even more visible. Include flowers that are most fragrant in evening (Sime suggests purple Sugardaddy petunias or stock). Nicotiana is another fragrant choice. Salsa Gardens – Grow your own salsa ingredients with tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, and cilantro. “Tomatoes and peppers grow great in pots,” Leighton notes. Succulent Garden – Many succulents are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Good options for outdoors include hen and chicks, sedum, aloe, and cactus varieties. Cocktail Herb Garden – Try planting some fun herbs to garnish summer cocktails; mint for mojitos and mint juleps and lavender for simple syrups and lemonade are solid basics. Basil, rosemary, and thyme are other options. You’ll find lots of recipes online.

Home & Garden

Tips to Make Distance

Learning More Manageable.

By Rapid City Area Schools Office of Teaching, Learning & Innovation

Parenting

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in mid-March, students, teachers, and families in South Dakota, and in more than 120,000 districts nationwide, were thrust into a completely new paradigm â&#x20AC;&#x201D; distance learning. The impact to families, teachers, and the community is massive. Distance learning requires a higher level of engagement from parents, teachers, and even students â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just one more challenge to navigate in these uncertain times. As students and families grapple with this unprecedented reality, staff with the Rapid City Area Schools Office of Teaching, Learning & Innovation want to share five tips to help make distance learning more manageable.

1. Have a designated place and time for learning; maintaining a schedule

and routine is important for your child(ren).

2. Communicate with your teachers about your needs as a parent and

your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs as a student.

3. Bring learning into everyday activities. Cooking together is a great way

to teach math skills. Turn chores into a game with time limits and teach

time by sticking to your schedule.

4. Have some physical activity that is fun; it will provide a much-needed

brain break!

5. Take time to learn about your digital tools. A few tutorials and time to

practice with new apps can make online learning go much smoother.

This is an unpredictable time and it is not unusual for students to have trouble adjusting to remote learning. It is important that parents and guardians provide the care and support that their child(ren) need during this difficult time. For additional distance learning tips and tricks, checkout this resource from NPR: https://www.npr.org/2020/03/27/816575527/comic-how-to-turn-your-home-intoa-school-without-losing-your-sanity BHW

Parenting

l a c o L t r o p p Su Wear it Again Sam 402 E Fairmont Blvd Rapid City

SoleMate Shoes and Uniform Center 719 Main St Rapid City

Fashion

MONUMENT HEALTH FOUNDATION CREATES COVID-19 MEDICAL RESPONSE FUND

Health & Fitness

THESE ARE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES, but with support from our communities, we can rise up and meet this challenge. Starting today, the Monument Health Foundation is launching the COVID-19 Medical Response Fund and is pledging to match the first $5,000 in donations to help with community efforts to fight this virus. This fund will be used exclusively to purchase the resources needed to help treat our patients and keep our expert caregivers healthy. Monument Health is working tirelessly to maintain the safety of patients, employees, and communities as the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve in our area. Similarly, businesses and community members across the region have already stepped up and answered the call to provide much-needed supplies and support to our caregivers. Still, others are asking what more they can do to help. “During these challenging times, the outpouring of support being offered to our medical professionals has been profound,” said Priscilla Romkema, Ph.D.., Monument Health Foundation President. “The COVID-19 Medical Response Fund is being established to strengthen community efforts and encourage our physicians and caregivers as they care for our families and friends. By supporting our medical professionals today, they will be better prepared to care for COVID-19 patients during the weeks and months ahead.” Tax-deductible gifts to this fund will be used to purchase or help produce vital medical equipment such as 3D printing supplies for specialized masks created at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, or locally manufactured face shields for our medical professionals. Donations to this fund will help keep our caregivers safe so they can continue to fight this virus. Funds will be distributed through requests made from Monument Health’s Supply Chain Management leaders to the Foundation.

Health & Fitness

When making your donation, we encourage donors to send a note of encouragement to the physicians and caregivers at Monument Health. We will share these messages with the over 5,000 Monument Health caregivers and physicians working on the frontlines. Words of support will mean so much to these professionals as they strive to keep our communities safe. Visit monument.health/response to make a donation to the COVID-19 Medical Response Fund. Donations can also be mailed to the Monument Health Foundation at PO Box 6000, Rapid City, SD 57709. BHW

Health & Fitness

We stay here for you. Please stay home for us.

Imagine a World with Better By Dorothy Rosby

I’m about to break into a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” in a public restroom when—oh no! The faucet is one of those where you push down the handle instead of turning it. Then the handle, which can’t possibly know how dirty your hands are, decides how long you should wash them, and it’s never very long. But I’m determined. I soap up my hands and lean on the handle with my left elbow while I rinse off my right hand; then I lean on it with my right elbow while I rinse off my left hand. I’m bruising my elbows and soaking my clothes and I’m not even sure I’m washing for the recommended 20 seconds because I don’t feel much like singing anymore. When I’m finished, I march up to the manager of the business I’m in, put my dirty hands on my wet hips, and say, “I hope your employees go next door to wash their hands. They touch my debit card!” No, I don’t do that. But I might in the future. From now on, I’ll see complaining about dumb faucets as my civic duty, and I hope you will, too. Together, we can usher in an age of hygienic faucets everywhere. That’s just one of many positive things that can come from this nightmare. And here’s another one. I bet no one will ever again

Humor

Faucets and Cleaner Hands be cavalier about hand-washing. Before the pandemic, I occasionally witnessed women hurry out of a public restroom without so much as a glance at the sink. I assume some men skip hand-washing too, but I can’t be sure because I never go into men’s restrooms — on purpose anyway. And when I’ve done it accidentally, I didn’t stay around long enough to make sure everyone washed his hands. I will now, though, and I bet I won’t be alone. I’m imagining an all-volunteer, hand-washing patrol policing public restrooms everywhere. If anyone, man or woman, heads to the door without a visit to the sink, they’ll get a friendly reminder from one of us. I’m sure they’ll appreciate that. We might even accompany them with a couple cheerful rounds of “Happy Birthday” to make sure they wash long enough. We’ll probably start reminding people not to touch their faces, too. Won’t that be helpful? Estimates vary, but some say we scratch our noses, rub our eyes, and wipe our mouths as many as 23 times per hour. Honestly, I don’t see how we get anything else done. Touching our faces significantly increases the risk of infection, but it’s hard to

Humor

stop something we aren’t even aware we’re doing. I’m confident that after enough gentle reminders, we’ll all sit on our hands or take up knitting to keep them busy. How wonderful! In the postpandemic world, there will be less illness and more handmade sweaters. Even then, we’ll probably still have to cough or sneeze occasionally. But after all we’ve been through, we’ll know enough to do it into a tissue or the elbow of our hand-knit sweater. And if we don’t, some civic-minded person will call us on it—because they care. Eventually, we’ll begin to see handshaking as old fashioned and we’ll become comfortable with greeting each other in new ways, whether it’s bowing, bumping fists, or yelling across the room. I do hope elbow bumping never catches on, though. I don’t feel good about touching an elbow that’s just been sneezed into. With everyone following these steps and being gently reminded when they don’t, fewer people will get sick. And those who do won’t be judged harshly for skipping work as has often been the case in the past. Instead, they’ll be considered responsible and civic-minded for taking a sick day —unless it’s to go fishing. That won’t be considered civic-minded at all unless you share your fish. Calling this a difficult time is a giant understatement, like saying I get a few spam emails every day or I kind of miss eating out. But I’m an optimist—some

Humor

days. I believe businesses will return, retirement portfolios will recover, and stacks of toilet paper will dwindle in the garages of all the hoarders and they’ll once again have room to park their cars. Not only do I think we’ll get through this together; I believe we’ll be stronger, kinder, and wiser after it’s all over. You’ll see. Retail employees will no longer lick their fingers before they count out our change. Worthless faucets will be replaced. “Happy Birthday” will echo from public restrooms everywhere. And the rest of us will be able to buy toilet paper again. BHW

Dorothy Rosby lives in a home with high-quality faucets.

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Humor

e v i t a el

VS.

RISK MAKING SENSE OF STATISTICS. By Sara McEvoy

Lifestyle

Modern day social media and the 24/7 news cycle make it easy to discover and share large amounts of information— and misinformation. And there may be no industry where this is more obvious than health, nutrition, and fitness. The collective wellness world is rife with click-bait headlines, contradictory news stories— Coffee is bad for you! No wait, maybe it isn’t! — and a host of industry professionals, some of them charlatans, trying to sell you their product or service. With so much conflicting data out there, it can be hard to sift through the noise and make the right conclusions based on your own health needs. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be well-informed. But being well-informed isn’t just a matter of knowing what sources are reliable enough to read. It’s also helpful to know how to read these sources and become familiar with some basic research concepts that the media tend to use in their reporting. A perfect example of this—and one which most of us will come across on a regular basis—is the concept of absolute risk versus relative risk. We’ve all seen headlines like this: “New Study Shows X Drug Slashes Risk of Heart Attack by 50 Percent.” Or like this: “People Who Eat X are 40 percent Less Likely to Develop Cancer.” What do these headlines actually mean? Let’s start by assuming these statements come from ethical researchers who are using an appropriate study design and not cherry-picking their data. Now we need to ask, 50 percent

Lifestyle

or 40 percent lower than what, exactly? In this case, these percentages refer to a statistical concept known as “relative risk reduction,” risk ratio, or simply relative risk (RR). Relative risk means how much an intervention or thing (like a drug, type of food, or behavior) changes your risk of something compared to someone who isn’t exposed to that intervention. In other words, it compares the level of risk in two different groups of people. Most of the time, relative risk is what gets picked up by news outlets. It can be reported as a number or percentage. The lower the number, the lower your relative risk. For example, a relative risk of 0.5 means you are 50 percent less likely to have a given outcome compared to someone else. A relative risk of 1.0 means there is no difference between you and someone else. A relative risk of 1.5 means you are 50 percent more likely to have a give outcome compared to someone else. A relative risk of 2 means you’re 100 percent more likely to have a given outcome compared to someone else. And a relative risk of 10 means you are 10 times more likely to have a given outcome compared to someone else. Being 10 times more likely to have a given outcome (say, a disease) sounds pretty scary—but it may not be as bad as it sounds. To really understand your risk, it’s helpful to know the baseline odds of something happening to you in the first place, before introducing the specific drug, food, behavior, or whatever is being studied. Your baseline odds is known as your absolute risk. Let’s say your absolute risk for a certain disease is low to begin with—like 3 in 1,000 (0.3 percent). If something causes you to be 10 times more likely to develop the disease, now your risk goes from 0.3 percent to 3 percent (10 x 0.3). Yes, your risk went

Lifestyle

up, but in absolute terms your risk is still low overall at just 3 percent. In other words, you still have a 97 percent chance of not developing the disease! Now just imagine which headline would sell more papers: “People Who Eat X Food Have 3 Percent Chance of Developing X Disease” or “People Who Eat X Food are 10 Times More Likely to Develop X Disease Than People Who Don’t.” Both headlines are technically correct, but the one referring to relative risk is a lot more attention-grabbing! Let’s use another example featuring the recent COVID-19 pandemic: Doctors know that people who smoke are more likely to experience severe respiratory complications from COVID-19 than people who don’t smoke. How much more likely? One study published in February in the New England Journal of Medicine, titled “Clinical

Lifestyle

Characteristics of Corona Virus Disease 2019 in China,” found that smokers were 1.4 times (40 percent) more likely to have severe symptoms of COVID-19 and 2.4 times (140 percent) more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit, require mechanical ventilation, or die compared to non-smokers. These numbers represent relative risk, since they compare the level of risk between two groups of people (smokers and nonsmokers). Now, let’s meet a fictitious individual named Sam. Sam is a 70-year-old male with high blood pressure and diabetes (older age, male gender, and chronic health conditions are also risk factors for severe COVID-19 illness). Let’s say, based on this information, that his absolute risk of experiencing a severe case of COVID-19 is 3 in 100 (this is a fictitious figure and only intended to illustrate a point). But Sam is also a smoker. As we learned, the relative risk of a severe COVID-19 illness increases by 1.4 for people who smoke. This means Sam’s absolute risk now goes up by 40 percent, from 3 in 100 to 4.2 in 100 (1.4 x 0.03). Because of his smoking habit, Sam now also has a 7.2 in 100 chance of being hospitalized in an ICU with COVID-19 (2.4 x 0.03). Here’s a final example: Let’s pretend your odds of experiencing a heart attack within 20 years are 2 in 100, or 2 percent. This is your absolute risk, and it’s pretty low to begin with. Now, let’s imagine a study comes out saying that taking a specific drug

Lifestyle

Before

reduces the risk of heart attack by 50 percent— this is relative risk (RR = 0.5). According to this study, if you take the drug, then the odds of you

After Refacing

having a heart attack within 20 years drops to 1 in 100 (down by 50 percent). In other words, your absolute risk went from 2 percent to 1 percent. Did your risk drop? Sure. But by a lot? Not really. As you can see, the change in absolute risk (2 percent to 1 percent) is not as “shocking” as the change in relative risk, which is what allows journalists to write headlines like ”People who take X drug are 50 percent less likely to have a heart attack compared to people who don’t take X drug.”

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All this isn’t meant to say that relative risk is wrong, or that media outlets shouldn’t report on it. But it is a reminder that how data gets reported is just as impactful on our decision-making as what the data is. The bottom line? Absolute risk and relative risk are two ways to look at the same information. Both can be useful. The latter just tends to sell better. For more information, check out the book Bad Science by Ben Goldacre. BHW

Lifestyle

Supp rting Healthcare Workers By Tracy Bernard

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Day in and day out we ask, is it already here and we do not know it? Are we all walking around infected, spreading it before even showing symptoms? Reading about the Covid-19 surges across the country as we await our own spike is daunting but not nearly as mentally taxing for us Netflix bingers, couch surfers, and home schoolers as it is for those in the healthcare workforce. One local nurse, whose husband is an ER doctor, has a loving letter of protocol posted in their garage to remind his tired, overworked mind the steps he should take upon returning from work that will protect their young daughters from potential exposure. These “frontline” workers not only have their health to worry about but also the health of the people they live with. Katie Bates, a Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Monument Health, says, “Most healthcare workers right now are all going through a lot of the same kind of fear, anxiety, and stress emotions. We are all very anxious about contracting the virus as much as anyone. Fear of getting it ourselves or taking it home to our family or spreading it to other patients. But because we are healthcare workers, we know it is our responsibility to rise to the calling to help and heal those in need.” The stress and mental fatigue prior to our peak are tangible already, so how do we support our healthcare workers as the crest rises?

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It’s hard to miss the outpouring of love and support to healthcare workers on the national news, and it is happening locally too, Cathy Wilson, CNP, CRNA, of Well Beyond Personalized Medicine, notes, “Driving into work early one morning, I saw homemade signs placed near the main entrance of Monument Hospital that stated, ‘Thank You for All You Do.’ They were staked into the grass next to the sidewalk, hand-written, and complete with hearts. I instantly had tears in my eyes and realized that maybe the general public does understand the immense stress we are under to care for the sick while trying to keep ourselves safe.” She added, “Keep doing things like this! Small gestures matter and do get noticed and truly give us strength!”

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Dr. Nancy Babbitt also appreciates this type of support. Meals, notes, texts with a simple hello, checking in all matter. “I know personally, I’m appreciative when someone reaches out to just check on me or see how I’m doing, rather than ask for something. Today, a patient brought my entire staff pizza for lunch! That was amazing! I’ve had other patients bringing home-made masks, which we really appreciate and use. As always, it is the simple, small things we can do for each other that relieve tension or stress. A candle, a snack and note, a simple ‘Hello, how are you?’ —these give us pause to help us forget the stress we are feeling, even if just for a moment.” CEO of Rapid City Medical Center, Jennifer Trucano adds, “I know many of my physicians are concerned about their patients’ other healthcare concerns, which don’t stop just because COVID-19 is coming to town. One major way to assist healthcare workers at this time is to try to use telehealth virtual visits so that you can keep yourself healthy and not overtax the hospital when the COVID ‘wave’ crests. Most insurance companies are waiving patient copays and deductibles during this time, so telehealth virtual visits keep you and your providers healthy and out of the mix.” Most healthcare workers agree that keeping healthy is the greatest way to show support, and the notes and gestures of support provide a much-needed psychological boost. Keep that going.

Feature

Celebrating

From a Distance

By Brittany Pruess

Relationship

The tender-loving care of a mother is a precious gift of many. If a woman is fortunate enough to mature

wrapped up in such a loving embrace, she recognizes the privilege of celebrating the day we call Mother’s Day. Truly, a daughter so cherished sees every day as an opportunity to show her mother love and appreciation, but especially this day — this special day she sets aside just for her mom. Mother’s Day is a day to demonstrate what her mom has taught her, how she has grown in maturity and wisdom, but, most importantly, how she is able to love deeply because that same love was poured out on her. It is a day to share joy and offer embrace, a day for connection and appreciation of the woman who raised her to be so much of what she is today. Unfortunately, many women and children may not be able to share this day in close proximity to one another, perhaps due to living long distance or an unforeseeable circumstance. Whatever the reason one cannot be physically present with her mom this Mother’s Day, it does not mean the festivities cannot go on. Celebration can always be shared, even from a distance. Here are a few ways to embrace a long-distance celebration:

Have a Virtual Brunch Whether it is super simple or elegantly fancy, sitting down with your mother for a virtual brunch is the closest you can come to the real thing. If you are shooting for simple, just grab that cup of coffee and the closest bagel, tell your mom to do the same, and get to chatting. If you are feeling a little fancier, hire a private chef to arrive at your mom’s home and cook for her so she can experience fine dining while you reminisce from a distance. You can also have flowers delivered to her, select a bouquet for yourself, both light a couple of candles, and wear your Sunday finest if you want to elevate the celebration. You know your mom best so plan the date to her liking.

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Send Your Love Sometimes, we can show our love the most by going back to the basics. Get out your favorite stationery, set aside some time, and write a letter from your heart to hers. If you are not sure where to begin, consider starting at your age and writing that number of sentences about what you love about your mother. For example, if you are 40, write down 40 things you love about your mom. Want to take it up a notch? Create a care package to go with the letter and include a few of her favorite things.

Take It Back to Tradition As you reflect on your mom and how she has guided you into the woman you are today, reflect on the pieces of her story she has passed down to you. For example, perhaps her mom had a family cake recipe and, likewise, she passed it down to you. Maybe there was a treat you made every year on special days when you were growing up. Was there an activity you cherished doing together across generations? Focus on a tradition, and then consider how you might incorporate it this Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. If you have a recipe that has been handed down, ask your mom for the recipe, and then suggest you both make it on the same day. It will give you something to experience together, reminisce about, and open the door to conversations about other traditions you have shared over the years. Another unique idea is to gather your favorite 10 photos of the two of you, ask her to do the same, and then exchange stories with one another as you go through each photo together virtually. One of the greatest gifts anyone can receive is the gift of a motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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“One of the greatest gifts anyone can receive is the gift of a mother’s love.”

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love. When received, a person cannot help but to celebrate this amazing woman on her special day with all of the energy, affection, and joy available to her. Sadly, at times, we simply cannot be in two places at once, and at other times, unforeseeable circumstances keep moms and daughters physically apart. However, there is always room and opportunity for celebration, if even at a distance. Get creative this Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day and show your mom just how much you love her in a fresh and innovative way. Yes, in person celebration is a longing of the heart. However, this I know: where two hearts meet, no matter how near or far, love can be nurtured and celebrated. Here is to our amazing moms this Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day!

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