Journeys | Winter 2016

JOURNEYS WINTER 2016

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice …” – William Jennings Bryan

Hope in the fight against cancer

JOURNEYS

Birthday Bash celebrates Bryan Health’s 90th year

WINTER 2016

01 FROM OUR PRESIDENT 02

PATIENT EXPERIENCE Defeating cancer together Dan appreciates those who share his journey Sondra doesn’t let cancer derail plans Colonoscopies lead to successful treatments

ave the date! Bryan’s Birthday Bash is Saturday, April 30, from 6-10 p.m. at The Nebraska Club.

Cost is $90 per person.

Partnership opportunities also are available.

To purchase tickets or receive more information, please visit bryanhealth.org/birthdaybash, or contact our staff at the Bryan Foundation by calling 402-481-8605.

07 NEW AT BRYAN

Here’s better breast surgery pain control 08

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CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER Raising breast cancer awareness NEW AT BRYAN Conquering back pain

13 BRYAN HEART

Back in the game 16 MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Ask the doctor: What is atrial fibrillation? Can it be treated?

BASH

19 MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE 20 BRYAN FOUNDATION

Osborne Chapel opens

NICU healing garden progresses 22 BRYAN TRIBUTE TO TRAUMA CHAMPIONS 23 ACHIEVEMENTS 24 BRYAN LIFEPOINTE

Program helps prevent diabetes 26 BRYAN VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE

Retired nurses give volunteering a shot 28 BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES 31 BRYAN ALUMNI 32 BRYAN STERLING CONNECTION 33 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

T H A N K Y O U , B RYA N F O U N D AT I O N 2 0 1 6 E V E N T PA R T N E R S The Kim Foundation

Union Bank & Trust

ALL ABOUT JOURNEYS

STAY IN TOUCH

Statesman William Jennings Bryan, one of the original benefactors of Bryan Health, said:

We welcome your comments. For more information about Journeys, contact the Advancement team by calling 402-481-8674.

To learn more about Bryan programs and services, visit us online at bryanhealth.org.

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”

Journeys tells our story of how Bryan chooses to achieve. This free publication is mailed quarterly to our employees, physicians, volunteers and the communities we serve.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT

ON THE COVER

Your contributions help us care for those who come to Bryan at every stage of life. To find out how you can participate, call 402-481-8605, or write to us at: Bryan Foundation, 1600 S. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68506.

Surgeon Michael Jobst, MD, notes advances in the fight against colon cancer. See his story on Page 5.

You can learn how to help and make a gift online at bryanhealth.org/bryan-foundation.

Select Specialty Hospital Kimberly Russel President & CEO, Bryan Health John Woodrich President & COO, Bryan Medical Center Edward Mlinek Jr., MD Chief of Staff, Bryan Medical Staff Bob Ravenscroft Vice President of Advancement & CDO Edgar Bumanis Director of Public Relations Paul Hadley Editor

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

“Congratulations to Bryan Health for being a community leader in yet another area. This is a step in the right direction to reduce poverty and, in effect, help alleviate hunger.”

— Scott Young, Executive Director, Food Bank of Lincoln, as posted on Food Bank of Lincoln’s Facebook page

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ryan Health’s minimum starting wage is now $11/hour. Our decision to make this increase was considered on a systemwide level, and employees working at Bryan Medical Center, Crete Area Medical Center, Bryan LifePointe, Bryan Heart and Bryan Physician Network

are benefiting.

The roles impacted are vital, crucially important positions for Bryan to serve its patients and visitors. For example, the change affects those who help prepare and serve healthy, comforting meals to our patients and guests. And to those who meticulously clean our facilities and adhere to the strictest infection control measures.

In health care settings, job roles come with responsibilities and expectations that warrant a very competitive wage.

This increased wage is another outstanding example of how Bryan Health values its people. We strive to be an employer

of choice, because a rich pool of applicants allows us to be selective and hire people that share our core values and who want a rewarding career in health care.

It’s also one more way we’ll continue to earn our reputation for quality, leading-edge care — tomorrow, later this year when we celebrate our 90th anniversary and as we move toward being the system of health our community needs us to be in the year 2020.

From the proven and most trusted, to new partnerships for delivery and access to care, we’re here to meet your family’s health care needs. Bryan Health. Forward. Together.

Kimberly A. Russel President and Chief Executive Officer, Bryan Health

Next step in life Nate Crunk is a recent graduate of Lincoln Public School’s VOICE program — and now a Bryan Health employee!

Bryan has partnered with LPS for more than 25 years to provide a setting for Vocational Opportunity in Community Experience (VOICE). Over the years, more than 500 special education students have worked in various hospital departments.

At Bryan’s off-site Distribution Warehouse, they have meaningful and productive experiences as they complete workplace tasks alongside other students and employees.

Distribution supervisor Ross Peterson says he was delighted to hire Nate as a warehouse technician after working with him through VOICE.

Bryan Journeys 1

PAT I E N T E X P E R I E N C E

Defeating cancer together

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bout half of all men and onethird of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes.

Thankfully, physicians at Bryan Health are on the front lines in the battle against cancer. Through the use of the newest surgical technology and the latest innovations in diagnosis, radiation, chemotherapy and other treatments, more patients are completing their treatments and moving on with life.

As a Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accredited Cancer Program, Bryan Health demonstrates the ultimate commitment to patient care in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Accreditation conveys a multidisciplinary approach involving patient conferences and an extensive number of specialties in the process.

“Bryan Health has committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities and excellent, well-motivated care givers to achieve the best possible cancer care,” says Michael Jobst, MD, medical director of the Bryan Health colorectal cancer program.

“Specific examples within the colorectal cancer area include the da Vinci Xi surgical robot, 3T MRI on the Bryan West Campus and a newly-renovated gastrointestinal lab, not to mention the oncology nurse navigator program that assists patients with all types of cancer diagnoses.”

Accreditation also ensures access to prevention and early detection programs, and cancer education and support services, such as the oncology nurse navigator program.

“We started the program five years ago,” says Ruth Van Gerpen, APRN-CNS. “Now we have three oncology nurse

navigators who are dedicated to patients going through cancer treatment. Our goal is to support and help all patients who have a new diagnosis of cancer.”

While lung, breast and colon cancers are the most common cancers treated at Bryan Health, an extensive support system exists for patients with all types of cancers.

“We have a unique situation in Lincoln, where most physicians remain independent of hospitals and large health care organizations,” explains Dr. Jobst. “This independence assures that doctors and patients can work together to achieve the best possible health care for the individual.

“And this is evident in the cancer care at Bryan Health.” n The following pages tell the stories of three families who are overcoming cancer.

What is an oncology nurse navigator?

Nurse navigators Joanna Morgan (left), Ruth Van Gerpen and Carrie Waltemath

2 Winter 2016

Oncology nurse navigators are specially trained nurses who help a patient and his or her family through each step of the cancer journey. Bryan oncology nurse navigators are experienced in cancer care and serve as a guide, advocate, educator, resource and liaison for the patient.

Oncology nurse navigator Ruth Van Gerpen, APRN-CNS, was one of the first nurse navigators at Bryan Health more than five years ago.

“We provide information that helps patients make informed decisions about care,” she says. “We also help them understand the details about their diagnosis, treatment options available and what is the right decision for them.”

Bryan’s other oncology nurse navigators are Joanna Morgan, RN, and Carrie

Waltemath, RN. When individuals feel in unfamiliar territory, the nurse navigator provides peace of mind and a sounding board for complex subjects. They also help lessen the burden of scheduling by coordinating appointments, tests and referrals to other services, such as nutrition and physical therapy.

Joanna says patients often see her as a central point of contact for their care.

“We provide emotional support,” she says, “but we also identify barriers to care and provide resources to ensure they receive the best and most timely care possible.” n The b2020 campaign is helping fund the oncology nurse navigator program.

To learn how your gift can support Bryan Health, please call 402-481-8605, or go to bryanhealth.org/b2020.

PAT I E N T E X P E R I E N C E

Dan appreciates those who share his journey

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an Sealock of Auburn didn’t consider himself a lucky person.

But he does now.

As a lung cancer survivor, he knows that his symptoms could have been much worse. And, chances are, if he had waited, he wouldn’t have the opportunity to share his story.

Three years ago, Dan was experiencing increased shortness of breath.

While he’d quit smoking in 2010, a life-long smoking habit coupled with Navy Chris and Dan Sealock meet with Dr. Richard Thompson after the annual Shine a Light submarine service and a career in nuclear on Lung Cancer event at the Bryan Medical Plaza Conference Center. power plants had led to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease radiologists, pathologists, pulmonologists, unknowns,” explains oncology nurse (COPD). To investigate his symptoms, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, navigator Ruth Van Gerpen, APRN-CNS. Dan scheduled an appointment with his radiation oncologists and oncology nurse “Patients appreciate having someone light pulmonologist. It was there that he had an navigators. the way, helping them understand what to X-ray taken of his chest.

The lung cancer team outlined a expect before, during and after treatment.”

To help him breathe, Dan was treatment plan. Dan was paired with an Dr. Richard Thompson, thoracic surgeon placed on 24-hour oxygen. His physician oncology nurse navigator to help him and director of the Bryan Health lung recommended Dan participate in understand the course of treatment and cancer program, performed a lobectomy to pulmonary rehab; however, when they got expectations for recovery. remove the cancerous mass. Ruth checked the results back from the radiologist, the “When patients are facing a potentially in with Dan immediately after surgery. recommendations changed. life-altering diagnosis, there are many The Sealocks are forever grateful for the Dan’s wife, Chris, ongoing support. remembers the call and the “Ruth was just the best thing in the emotions that followed. world,” says Dan. “Some people say I’m a “When we learned that a hero for beating cancer, but she’s the true biopsy showed that Dan had hero. As an oncology nurse navigator, she lung cancer, it was like our went above and beyond in truly caring lives were interrupted,” she for us, helping with questions, resources, says, softly. “It was scary to appointments, expectations, pain hear — you just go numb.” management and recovery.”

Dan was introduced Ruth says the holistic aspect is an to the lung cancer team at essential part of her job.

Bryan Health. Embracing a “When helping patients navigate the multidisciplinary approach, cancer journey, we really look at the whole patients like Dan benefit by person, not just the disease or the physical Dan is grateful he’s able to enjoy everyday activities, like having several specialists effect,” says Ruth. involved, including helping grandchildren Jada and Noah with homework.

She often tells patients that her

Bryan Journeys 3

PAT I E N T E X P E R I E N C E business card has no expiration date — an offer that many patients take her up on, contacting her and other nurse navigators through email, phone or text messages, even after they’ve completed treatment.

Because of his COPD, Dan now requires 24-hour oxygen. As Dr. Thompson explains, any intrinsic lung disease can cause issues with the ability to compensate for reduced lung capacity after surgery. Dan’s previous condition, coupled with one less lobe in his lung, created the need for supplemental oxygen.

With the focus back on life and taking care of their family, the Sealocks offer an empowering narrative about the importance of early diagnosis.

“Early detection is critical,” Dr. Thompson agrees. “Over the last several years, we’ve been able to utilize even better screening techniques to detect even the smallest nodules in a patient’s lung.” n You may qualify for a low-dose CT lung cancer scan if you: • Are 55 to 74 years of age.

• Have smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years or three packs a day for 10 years.

• Are a former smoker who quit in the past 15 years.

Screenings for lung cancer are covered

by Medicare and private insurance companies.

For more information, go to bryanhealth.org/lung-cancer and click screenings.

Breast cancer survivor Sondra Peterson’s (center) family includes Manton (front left), Chelle, Hanna (front right) and Bailey.

To see a video of Sondra’s story, please go to bryanhealth.org/ breast-cancer.

VIDEO

4 Winter 2016

Sondra doesn’t let cancer derail plans

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hen you learn that you have breast cancer, the whole world stops,” says Sondra Peterson. “It’s hard to think about anything else.”

Sondra and her partner, Chelle, enjoy a quiet life on an acreage near DeWitt.

These parents of 15-year-old Bailey and 12-year-old twins Manton and Hanna were looking forward to celebrating Sondra’s 50th birthday.

“I went in for a routine mammogram. I didn’t think anything of it,” she says. “Then again, you never think cancer will happen to you. And then it does.”

On June 12, 2015, Sondra learned she had breast cancer. During that call, her doctor also mentioned something about checking for cancer in her lymph

nodes. Shocked and overwhelmed, Sondra immediately thought of her father, who had passed away from lymphoma.

“Because I heard the words ‘lymph nodes’, I thought I had lymphoma, just like my dad,” she says.

Thankfully, Bryan Health oncology nurse navigators, like Joanna Morgan, RN, are committed to helping patients understand their diagnoses.

“It’s understandable for a patient to hear ‘lymph nodes’ and assume they have lymphoma,” says Joanna. “When patients hear they have cancer, there is an overwhelming amount of information to process. It’s perfectly normal to make quick assumptions based on previous experiences.

We help patients make sense of the diagnosis while walking them through

PAT I E N T E X P E R I E N C E the next steps.”

“I was surprised that they could If I’m diagnosed with breast cancer, will I just remove the cancer rather than the Joanna contacted Sondra not long whole breast,” says Sondra. after she got the news. Sondra listened as need chemotherapy?

Dr. Cody says a common Joanna encouraged her to take a step back Whether an individual needs chemotherapy misconception with a breast cancer and assess what they knew. She did not is based on the cancer stage, certain tumor diagnosis is that the patient will need to have lymphoma, but as part of her cancer characteristics, overall health and personal have a single or double mastectomy. journey, Sondra would need to have her preferences.

“About 95 percent of my patients lymph nodes biopsied during surgery to Patients are encouraged to discuss their don’t need a mastectomy,” she explains. see whether the cancer had spread. treatment options with an oncologist, surgeon “Over 10 years ago, we learned that “Joanna helped me slow down and and possibly a genetic counselor before making resection of only the part of the breast process everything,” says Sondra. “Rather any surgical decision. Each patient is different. that contained the cancer, followed by than rushing into a course of action, she In Sondra’s case, a combination of surgery and radiation therapy to the breast, is as helped me explore radiation was effective in treating her cancer. effective in treating breast cancer as my options. It was removing the entire breast. important to find out “We’ve also developed the ability to everything I could identify important lymph nodes under the arm in which breast cancer about my cancer and the best way to treat it.” cells could spread. This enables us to remove just those lymph nodes, For Sondra, this included a visit with which leads to faster healing, faster return to work and life, and oncologist Mark Hutchins, MD, of Nebraska maintenance of a positive self-image.”

Hematology-Oncology before having her surgery.

Following her surgery, radiation oncologist Joseph Kam Chiu, MD, She also needed time to address some scheduling of Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center recommended 7½ weeks of requests on her calendar. radiation for Sondra, but she had something she had to do first.

“One of our jobs as oncology nurse navigators “My 50th birthday was in September, and we’d planned a trip to is to identify barriers, which may be emotional, Cancun to celebrate,” she says. “I really wanted to swim in the ocean!” financial or spiritual,” says Joanna. “We don’t With Dr. Cody’s blessing, Sondra was able to travel to that beach want anything to stand in the way of the patient’s Carolyn Cody, MD journey to recovery, so we have identified in Mexico and feel the sand between her toes. When she got back from her trip, she began radiation treatment and is now cancer free. resources for patients depending on how they “The doctors and nurses at Bryan Health enabled me to continue may be struggling.” my life,” she says with a smile. “I didn’t let cancer change anything.

With a milestone birthday coming up, Sondra and her family It was simply something that happened in my life. And now we keep had planned a vacation to Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners going.” n Area. She also had booked a trip with Chelle and friends to a resort in Mexico to celebrate the big 5-0.

“We had these trips booked far in advance,” Sondra explains. “I didn’t want my cancer diagnosis to interrupt what was going to be a festive year for my family.”

Surgeon Carolyn Cody, MD, of Breast and General Surgical Specialties, part of the Bryan Physician Network, was happy to honor olon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. The her requests. key to prevention and survival lies in one simple test — a “Cancer is a life-altering event, but it isn’t the only event in that colonoscopy. patient’s life,” says Dr. Cody. “I absolutely believe that other singular As colorectal surgeon Michael Jobst, MD, affirms, this events, such as weddings, graduations and long-planned trips, should truly is a lifesaving procedure. be honored. It is important to find out how each patient views her life “When patients are already experiencing symptoms such as in relation to the cancer. It’s important that we listen to the patient rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or weight loss, the cancer is often and don’t impose a treatment schedule unless there is a proven need diagnosed at later stages when prognosis is very poor,” he says. to do so.”

“Screening colonoscopies can prevent colorectal cancer through A few weeks later, Dr. Cody performed a lumpectomy to surgically the removal of precancerous polyps, and they can detect colorectal remove Sondra’s cancer.

Colonoscopies lead to successful treatments

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PAT I E N T E X P E R I E N C E cancers at an early stage, long before patients experience symptoms.”

By screening in this way, physicians hope to prevent or catch the disease at an early stage, when prognosis for a cure is much better.

Patients Judy and Erma Nord of Lincoln are living proof that early screening makes a difference.

“During the summer of 2015, I was so tired that I was barely making it through my day,” says Judy. “My sister urged me to go to the doctor. Tests showed that I was anemic, and my doctor recommended that I schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy.”

Judy’s colonoscopy showed a small lesion on her colon. She was referred to Dr. Jobst of Surgical Associates, who scheduled surgery for the following week.

Carrie Waltemath, an oncology nurse navigator at Bryan Health, was notified of Judy’s case and followed up immediately.

“With each new patient with cancer, I

Colorectal surgeon Michael Jobst, MD, FACS, treated Erma Nord and her daughter, Judy.

6 Winter 2016

cancers are genetically passed from parent to offspring,” explains Dr. Jobst. “However, as a general rule, any time there is a history n In 2011, Dr. Michael Jobst performed the of colon polyps or cancer in your first robotic resection for rectal cancer at family, it warrants preventive Bryan Health. Since then, he and his partner, screening.”

Dr. Kelly Krier of Surgical Associates, have Three weeks later, Erma performed hundreds of robotic resections for underwent surgery at Bryan various colon and rectal conditions.

Health, where Dr. Jobst removed n In 2015, Bryan Health started a new proa growth the size of a golf ball, gram of minimally invasive resection for along with 10 inches of Erma’s rectal polyps and early-stage rectal cancers. colon. Carrie was there to This program provides patients with more guide Erma through her cancer treatment options for early-stage rectal treatment options, as well. cancer and precancerous rectal polyps.

“I couldn’t believe it,” says n In January 2016, Bryan Health purchased the Erma. “If I would have waited, da Vinci Xi robotic surgical platform to who knows how far the cancer provide the latest technology for delivering would have spread.” state-of-the-art surgical care. Advantages Now on the other side of the include shorter operations, less potential experience, the Nords continue to damage to the abdominal wall and faster communicate with their oncology recoveries, with less time in the hospital. nurse navigator, talking about their road to recovery, progress and doctor appointments. They’re explain that I’m here to help them navialso self-proclaimed super fans of Dr. Jobst, gate the cancer journey and answer thankful for the successful surgeries and questions,” she says. “With Judy, we for the educational and compassionate focused on understanding her cancer care they received during their cancer staging, preparing for oncology visits and treatment. expectations for recovery.”

Dr. Jobst says it’s an essential and Judy underwent laparoscopic surgery rewarding part of his job. with Dr. Jobst to remove an area in the right “I especially enjoy being an educator side of her colon. at the first and subsequent office visits. I Given the circumstances, Judy’s family take great pride in communicating a game members were growing concerned about plan for the staging and treatment of their their own health, as well. Her mother, Erma, disease. I hope that my patients leave my and sister, Joni, scheduled colonoscopies office with much less fear and a much for themselves. better understanding of colorectal cancer The move proved to be a smart one. and their treatment.”

While Joni’s colonoscopy showed no signs For both women, their cancer of cancer, Erma’s colonoscopy showed diagnoses have prompted an advocacy for a cancerous tumor that needed surgical others to get screened for colon cancer. attention. The tumor was in the exact spot “There’s no good reason to postpone as Judy’s. a colonoscopy,” says Erma. “If not for “While this case is quite interesting yourself, do it for your family. You’ll be and ironic, Erma and Judy’s cancer was not thankful you did.” n hereditary. In fact, only 3 percent of colon

Recent advances in surgical treatment of colorectal cancer at Bryan Health

NEW AT BRYAN

Here’s better breast surgery pain control

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or patients going through breast cancer surgery and treatment, a paravertebral block may be the answer to questions about pain management and faster recoveries.

In August 2014, Carlene Dean of Lincoln went in for a routine mammogram. That’s when she got the news.

“They told me I had cancer, and it looked like it was ready to spread,” says Carlene. “My health care team agreed that a mastectomy was the immediate course of action.”

While Carlene was confident in the skills of her surgeon, Dr. Carolyn Cody of Breast and General Surgical Specialties, she was nervous about the procedure.

“I’ve had bad experiences involving surgery before,” she explains. “My blood pressure plummets. I suffer from side effects from the anesthesia, and it takes me a long time to recover.”

Anesthesiologist J. Elizabeth Schoemaker, MD — a partner with Carlene’s daughter, Stephanie Randall, MD, of Associated Anesthesiologists — spoke with Carlene about using a paravertebral block. Dr. Schoemaker noted this would help manage Carlene’s pain, improve recovery and decrease symptoms related to the pain medication.

“I figured if there was something out there to make this whole surgical procedure a little more bearable, I was going to try it,” says Carlene.

This block involves injecting a local anesthetic into the paravertebral space, in the area where the thoracic spinal nerves emerge from the vertebrae. At Bryan Health, anesthesiologists use handheld ultrasound equipment to locate the exact area to place the block. The resulting blockade produces anesthesia that is similar to an area epidural.

“A paravertebral block utilizes a longacting, local anesthetic that provides 12-18 hours of pain control,” says Dr. Schoemaker.

“When women are having any sort of breast surgery, we’ve found that it vastly decreases their need for pain medication.”

Carlene Dean praises paravertebral blocks provided by J. Elizabeth Schoemaker, MD, (right) and Stephanie Randall, MD, (left).

Anesthesiologists are always looking for ways to decrease the amount of pain meds needed, which are linked to unpleasant side effects such as nausea, dizziness and vomiting.

“The paravertebral block, combined with the reduced amount of pain medication, equals very good pain control for the patient,” adds Dr. Schoemaker. “This also leads to a more comfortable recovery period.”

These blocks are becoming standard for mastectomies, bigger lumpectomies and reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries, specifically if tissue expanders are used.

“I had a double mastectomy. After I woke up from the surgery, I immediately realized

the effect the block had on my pain,” Carlene says. “I wanted to be the poster child for this procedure as it was simply the best outcome I could imagine.”

When Dr. Schoemaker checked on Carlene in recovery, her patient was comfortably chatting with the nurses. Carlene seemed to be back to her old self rather quickly, despite having just undergone an extensive surgery.

This experience reassured Dr. Schoemaker regarding the effectiveness of the block and the tremendous potential it carried in improving the overall patient experience.

“I wanted any option that would enable me to get back to life as quickly and easily as possible,” says Carlene. “And the block did just that. When I didn’t have to battle the pain, my body was able to heal so much faster.”

Dr. Schoemaker points out there is no magic wand for controlling pain, and results vary among patients. Not everyone is a candidate for a paravertebral block, especially if an allergy or anatomical limitation is present.

“When you see results like Carlene’s, it motivates you as an anesthesiologist to practice and master the technique,” says Dr. Schoemaker, who adds that all of the partners at Associated Anesthesiologists are able to administer a paravertebral block. “If it will improve patient outcomes and the overall patient experience, we want to offer it.”

Patients who want this block during surgery are encouraged to talk with their physicians. While surgeons at Bryan Health are familiar with this procedure, an anesthesiologist often discusses the block with the patient before surgery.

“As anesthesiologists, we are motivated to prevent pain. It’s part of our perioperative service to assist with pain control,” Dr. Schoemaker says. “With paravertebral blocks, we have another effective way to make this possible.” n To find out how your gift can support Bryan Health, please call 402-481-8605.

Bryan Journeys 7

CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER

Raising breast cancer awareness yourself. If you’re tired, go to bed. People want to take care of you, so let them.”

She became a regular at breast cancer events; pink awareness items seemed to collect themselves. She pulls on breast cancer T-shirts and sweatshirts. There are pink ribbon bracelets in her jewelry box and pink checks in her checkbook. When she spots cool things promoting breast cancer awareness — like a pink concrete truck in Omaha — she has to stop for a picture.

And a year ago, driving home from Colorado and noting all the specialty license plates for breast cancer on the road, Linda became the woman championing that cause in her home state.

Linda Gill is on a mission to get approval for special license plates to increase awareness about the importance of breast cancer screenings.

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here are many reasons Linda Gill works tirelessly to put another specialty license plate on Nebraska vehicles.

One is personal.

Linda was 60 when she went in for her annual mammogram and didn’t get the all-clear-for-a-year results that the healthy come to expect.

Instead, she heard the “C” word and drove herself from Friend to radiation treatments in Lincoln while that word “cancer” ate at her, muffling the encouraging phrases, like “early stage,” “hope” and “no chemo.”

“When you hear ‘breast cancer’ the fear is just indescribable. I thought I would be dead in a year,” says Linda, who’s now 11 years past her one-year expectation.

As time passed, she began to consider herself a survivor, someone who should reach out to new members of the club that selects its own involuntary members.

Linda became the person who rallied other women battling cancer, listening, cheerleading or softly scolding: “Take care of

8 Winter 2016

ON A MISSION “I told my husband (Gary), ‘I’m going on a mission to get a breast cancer license plate in Nebraska.’”

Why? Awareness: Leading to early detection. Saving lives.

“Nebraska ranks below the national average for mammography screening rates. We have a long way to go,” she notes. Maybe her idea will help.

Linda’s mission began at Nebraska’s Department of Motor Vehicles, where she learned she needed a non-profit partner.

Representatives of Susan G. Komen Nebraska agreed to be the nonprofit organization behind the breast health specialty plate. The proposed design includes breast cancer’s symbolic pink ribbon and the words “Early Detection Saves Lives.”

Organizations need to gather 500 applications for the $70 plates before the plates become available to the public. Currently,

CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER their three children. She has spent countless hours in this spot, phone in hand and a thick blue file of documents before her.

“Here’s my pile,” she says, fanning the stack of papers between her hands like a deck of cards.

She called every hospital across the state. She contacted golf courses hosting breast cancer charity events. She sent flyers to county treasurers, hoping they could be distributed to residents buying license plates. And television stations and newspapers have helped spread her story.

LOBBYING LEGISLATORS

During her travels, Linda makes a point to recognize others’ efforts to raise breast cancer awareness. about half of the necessary applications are secured. Linda’s mission may also find help from a state legislative bill being drafted for introduction in the 2016 session.

CAMC DOCTOR APPROVES Linda’s work can help save lives, says Kate Hesser, MD, of the Crete Area Medical Center, who became Linda’s primary care physician about five years ago.

When Linda shared her license plate idea with Dr. Hesser — a doctor who promotes preventative care — she found a supporter.

“There are plenty of other plates on the road. It would be nice to see ones for causes that hit closer to home, like breast or colon cancer,” says the physician.

The plates send a subconscious message that can make a difference. “It’s just that visual reminder of ‘Maybe I should get that mammogram scheduled,’” Dr. Hesser adds.

Dr. Hesser has always admired Linda as a strong female role model in her community, and now “for her passion to try to get women to take control of their health and their destiny, to get diagnosed before it’s too late. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in women but not the No. 1 killer because if it’s diagnosed early, it’s very treatable.”

The hope that the plates will help fight breast cancer keeps Linda making phone calls and knocking on doors.

“Once the plates are actually on the road, the numbers will skyrocket, but right now, it’s slow going,” she says, sitting at the kitchen table of her home in Friend, where she and Gary raised

Linda recently visited state senators on the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. Then, by grace or good luck, she stopped at another senator’s open door and pitched her idea to Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of District 28, who agreed to introduce a bill supporting the breast health specialty license plate in the 2016 Legislative session.

“Sen. Pansing Brooks thinks the plate’s message and pink ribbon would serve as a great reminder to people,” says Legislative Aide Anna Eickholt. “Linda is such a passionate advocate and has clearly been working very hard.”

The bill will be introduced in the upcoming 60-day Legislative session. It’s harder to get bills passed in these short sessions, “but we’re hopeful,” Eickholt says.

Linda’s research shows a growing list of states with similar breast health awareness plates, with several giving a portion of the plates’ proceeds back to cancer or women’s health programs. For now, it’s enough to put the plates on the road. Every awareness action takes back a piece of cancer’s power, whether it’s a pink ribbon on a license plate or a pink swarm of runners at a Run For a Cure event, Linda points out.

The fear of cancer never leaves completely, even after 12 years.

For years after radiation, each time skin in the affected area would twitch or send a shooting pain, she would think: “Is that cancer?”

You just learn to live with hope instead of fear.

Linda no longer dreads her mammograms — and even looks forward to the procedure in a way. She says, “I want to get mine and know that I’m good to go for another year — part of that journey of hope.” n

To schedule a mammogram at Crete Area Medical Center, call 402-826-2102. To make an appointment at other Bryan Health facilities, call the Bryan Scheduling Center at 402-481-5121.

For more information about breast cancer and treatments, log onto bryanhealth.org/breast-cancer.

Bryan Journeys 9

NEW AT BRYAN

Conquering back pain Minimally invasive back surgery helps return Russ to harvest

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any Nebraskans are benefiting from minimally invasive spinal surgery, which is performed at Bryan to help patients with certain types of back problems recover more quickly from

debilitating back pain and return to their normal lives. Russell “Russ” Ochsner and his wife, Denise, farm corn and soybeans near Hastings. He shares how this type of surgery greatly diminished his back pain, improving his quality of life in the process.

“My back pain had worsened gradually over about 10 years, to the point that I was in pain all the time,” Russ recalls. “I stand pain well, so I just took over-thecounter pain killers occasionally — but you can’t live on ibuprofen forever. Sometimes you just have to cowboy up and go.”

He says, “I started experiencing quite a bit more pain over the last three years, so my chiropractor thought we should look into things further. He did some tests and found that one of the discs between the vertebral

10 Winter 2016

bones of my lower spine was very damaged, so we knew we needed to come up with a plan different from chiropractic treatment.”

Less pain, faster recovery “I next met in Lincoln with neurosurgeon Eric Pierson, MD, of Neurological and Spinal Surgery, who arranged for an MRI. When we looked at the results, it was apparent even to my untrained eye that something was quite wrong in my lower back, and that we needed to get after it. Dr. Pierson explained that he had a new partner who was an expert in this type of problem,” says Russ.

“His partner, neurosurgeon Andrew Livingston, MD, sat down with me to talk about a procedure that he was quite optimistic would reduce my pain. He told me that because this surgery was minimally invasive, I’d probably have less pain afterward and a much quicker recovery than people who had back surgery many years ago.”

Russ points out, “Surgery is a big step, though, so I had to think all this over with my family. After we decided it was a go, I had the surgery in December so I could fully recover in time for the start of farm work in the spring. I was already feeling better after three or four weeks, with much less pain.

“Of course, one doesn’t jump into getting surgery.

You always want to exhaust all other possibilities first, so I would definitely encourage anyone in a situation similar to mine to talk with Dr. Livingston — he’s the kind of doctor who evaluates your situation and clearly explains whether and how he can help. I learned that

NEW AT BRYAN

I could trust him, and that he wouldn’t push me into anything that wasn’t needed.”

Only requires small incision “With the type of spinal disc disease and symptoms Mr. Ochsner had, he was a perfect candidate for the newer, minimally invasive spinal fusion surgeries I specialize in,” explains Dr. Livingston.

“The approach I chose for Mr. Ochsner was a minimally invasive lateral lumbar surgery which, for the right candidate, is a fantastic way to correct spinal deformities with very little tissue disruption or blood loss,” he adds.

“Only a small incision is used during the procedure, and muscles near the patient’s spine are moved aside or spread apart rather than being cut. The surgeon then removes the degenerated disc and carefully places an implant between the vertebrae to support normal alignment of the spine. Screws and rods are then permanently placed to act as an internal brace, keeping the spine aligned during healing, and the area strong.”

Dr. Livingston notes, “It’s important to understand that this procedure is not a disc replacement. It is, rather, a way of fusing a few vertebrae together to realign, strengthen and protect the spine. Improving the spine’s alignment in this way takes pressure off the patient’s spinal nerves and can greatly reduce pain.”

A better life, with less pain “As a farmer, I’m always busy, and my work doesn’t stop just because I’m sick,” says Russ. “I have some reduced flexibility in my back after the surgery — which I A new surgical procedure has Russ Ochsner back in the field.

Bryan Journeys 11

NEW AT BRYAN

Farmer’s life returns to normal expected — but my back pain changed from being debilitating to now being nearly a ‘zero,’ so that’s a huge improvement in the quality of my life.”

“Minimally invasive spinal fusion techniques offer a tremendous advantage to patients because they typically involve less blood loss, shorter recovery times and hospital stays, less postsurgical pain, and faster return to normal activities than older types of surgeries,” Dr. Livingston says.

Back to normal “I’m pleased to say that Bryan has all the technology in place to bring this minimally invasive approach to our patients, and everyone from surgical nurses and technicians to support staff are up to speed on this approach, so we can focus on getting patients back to their normal lives as quickly as possible.”

Russ adds one last thought: “There’s an old saying that ‘a replacement part is never as good as factory’ — I know this operation didn’t make my spine quite like what I was given by God, but my pain is so much less, and the outcome has been really good.” n

Russ Ochsner discusses the benefits of minimally invasive back surgery with neurosurgeon Andrew Livingston, MD, of Neurological and Spinal Surgery.

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To find out how your gift can support Bryan Health, please call 402-481-8605.

BRYAN HEART

Sports talk show host Tom Stephens survived a heart attack, thanks to teamwork among family, paramedics and Bryan care givers.

BACK IN THE GAME T

he morning of June 26 began in typical fashion for sports talk radio host Tom Stephens.

He delivered his usual Friday coffee treat to KNTK station manager Jessica Fern and began preparing for his 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. show — but by the time the program

came on air, he was in cardiac arrest.

Tom doesn’t remember the chain of events and scores of people contributing to saving his life that day. But many of those involved have shared how everything aligned to make it possible.

“It all fell perfectly in place for Tom;

the people and resources were where they needed to be, when he needed them,” says John Bonta, MD, of Nebraska Emergency Medicine.

When she went to thank Tom for the coffee, Jessica noticed he looked pale, and he admitted to not feeling well.

Bryan Journeys 13

BRYAN HEART He was immediately transferred to the catheterization lab, where Bryan Heart cardiologist Matthew Johnson, MD, implanted a temporary pacemaker and inserted a stent to open Tom’s coronary artery where the plaque had ruptured and a blood clot had formed.

BEST OF CARE Because Tom had been given CPR for such a long time, Dr. Johnson put in a cooling catheter to help prevent swelling and subsequent brain damage and sent Tom to the intensive care unit (ICU). After 24 hours, Tom was gradually weaned off the catheter through a warming process over the next 24 hours.

“Tom had received CPR for 50 minutes, so the potential for brain damage was strong,” Dr. Johnson explains. These worries were lessened, however, when Tom awoke earlier than expected and attempted to write a note to his fiancé, Heidi Cuca, and his sister, Carol Bell —

Dr. John Bonta (left) keeps this photo of Tom in his work area at Bryan Medical Center as a reminder that good outcomes can result even in extreme circumstances.

“I remember going home and thinking, maybe I’m having a heart attack, but I didn’t believe it as I had no symptoms other than an upset stomach,” he says.

“My brother Dan was there, so I asked him to read a passage from a spiritual book and while doing that, he saw I wasn’t breathing.”

TEAMWORK BEGINS And then the chain of life-saving events began: Dan started CPR, and his son, Ryan, called 911.

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Lincoln Fire and Rescue (LFR) paramedics arrived within minutes, administered defibrillation and placed Tom on an automated chest compression device, the Physio-Control LUCAS 2, to keep his heart pumping until they could get to the Emergency Department on the Bryan East Campus.

Cautioning Tom’s family and friends about his ability to survive the incident, Dr. Bonta and his team were able to revive Tom and run an EKG that confirmed Tom was having a heart attack.

Dr. Matthew Johnson inserted a stent to hold open one of Tom’s arteries.

BRYAN HEART Photo courtesy of Gail and Todd Wilkinson

asking when he could go home.

“I feel very blessed to be alive and back to normal,” Tom says. “The doctors told me a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest while at home is only 8 percent.”

“The sequence of events that occurred is very impressive from an emergency medicine perspective,” Dr. Bonta notes, “and I have a photo taken with Tom on my desk to serve as a reminder that good outcomes can indeed be achieved in the most extreme situations.”

Dr. Johnson adds, “In addition to having a well-planned and highly effective emergency response system, the LUCAS 2 was instrumental in saving Tom’s life.”

The device provided continuous chest compressions, which manual CPR would not have been able to accomplish during Tom’s transfer from home to the ambulance and into the hospital.

Tom was treated with the only LUCAS 2 available in Lincoln at the time of his cardiac arrest. The device, acquired through a trial initiated by Scott Wiebe of LFR, had only been in service about six months. “Lincoln truly is on the cutting edge of responding to cardiac arrest, thanks to a visionary community of cardiac providers,” says Scott.

There are now three LUCAS Chest Compression Systems in Lincoln, and that will double this year as part of a distribution of more than 400 that are being provided across Nebraska through a grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

HEROES STEP UP Tom considers his brother a true hero for keeping him alive while emergency responders were in route. And he is eternally grateful for the LFR paramedics

Tom and Heidi share their first dance as husband and wife. They were married New Year’s Eve.

and for the doctors and nurses at Bryan.

“They are obviously experts in their field, and on top of that, they are so caring and such good people,” Tom says. Heidi agrees, pointing out, “The staff at Bryan was wonderful; they talked me through what was happening and helped me understand what to expect.”

In addition to those providing medical care, many others provided support by calling radio station KNTK “The Ticket,” sending notes and visiting Tom at Bryan.

“I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for me, and I deeply appreciate the many people who prayed for my recovery,”

he says.

While Tom was in the hospital, Heidi never left his side during the summertime emergency — and she doesn’t plan to in the future, either, as she and Tom were married on New Year’s Eve. “We have so much for which to be thankful, including an amazing medical community that helped make it possible for us to be together,” she concludes. n To learn how you can support the work of Bryan Heart, call 402-481-8605, or go to bryanhealth.org/b2020.

Bryan Journeys 15

MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Ask the doctor: What is atrial fibrillation?

Can it be treated?

Bryan Heart electrophysiologist Robert Percell, MD, FACC, discusses symptoms and treatment options for patients who have AFib. Q: What is atrial fibrillation?

Sometimes shortened to AFib, atrial fibrillation is an unorganized, chaotic rhythm in which the top two chambers of your heart, known as the atria, are not working in conjunction with the bottom, larger chambers, known as the ventricles.

Q: What causes AFib? There are a number of causes. Most commonly, heart valve disorders or any cardiovascular or vascular disease can contribute to your developing atrial fibrillation.

The biggest risk factor for getting AFib is age. We all are at risk for atrial fibrillation, but people who have high blood pressure or diabetes or have gotten sick, had pneumonia or were hospitalized after a surgery are all at greater risk of having their hearts go out of rhythm.

Now, the most recent risk factor we’re finding — even among people in their thirties — is obstructive sleep apnea. (People momentarily stop breathing while they sleep.) This is the largest risk factor for patients who have no other reason to go into atrial fibrillation. That’s why I ask my patients if they snore; this can signal sleep apnea, which again is a strong risk factor for developing AFib. Q: How do I know if I have AFib? What are the signs?

In terms of symptoms, normally patients say, “I feel an irregular heartbeat” or “I have a palpitation or shortness

16 Winter 2016

Dr. Amy Barker is associated with Bryan Heartland Psychiatry.

MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT of breath” or even just a feeling of tiredness. Others may pass out while they’re presenting at our office or in the hospital, and others may even be having a stroke during AFib. The reason? When your heart is not in a coordinated rhythm — instead, there’s a quivering, irregular heartbeat — as the top two chambers are forcing blood down into the ventricles, blood cells may clump together to form a clot. That clot moves down to the bottom chambers of your heart and gets propagated to the brain, which causes a stroke, or clots may move to an arm or the lungs.

That’s the most dangerous part about AFib: Even if you don’t have a stroke, if you have any medical problem and you develop atrial fibrillation, it increases your risk of dying.

Q: What is your role as an electrophysiologist?

Bryan Heart has three cardiac electrophysiologists: Dr. Andrew Merliss, Dr. Michael Kutayli and me. I frequently say that we’re the “heart electricians,” and the main things we do is implant pacemakers and defibrillators and perform ablations for treating heart rhythm problems.

Q: How does a doctor become an EP? To become an electrophysiologist (EP), you have to be an internal medicine physician for three years, then a general cardiologist for three more years, and then you have one to two more years of specific training beyond that.

I graduated from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore and did an internship and residency at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, and a cardiology fellowship at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

I was in practice for about 12 years as a general cardiologist in Minot, North Dakota. Because I was interested in treating patients who have rhythm problems, during the last year of my cardiology training, I learned to put in pacemakers and defibrillators. So as a general cardiologist, I already was doing half of what electrophysiologists do.

While in North Dakota, I saw many patients with AFib that we had to send on an eight-hour trip to have procedures done at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and I felt I should be able to do some of those. So, I went to Boston University Medical Center to learn how to do ablations — specifically pulmonary vein isolations for treating AFib.

Q: How has treatment for AFib evolved?

We’re really changing how we think about atrial fibrillation in terms of treatment.

Medical treatment was the cornerstone and of

course still has applications for some patients. Forty years ago, all we were able to do was put patients on blood thinners and medication to slow their heart rates and try to shock them into an appropriate rhythm. Then we came up with medicines that try to hold you into rhythm, but these have been associated with side effects and haven’t proven to work as well as newer technologies.

We were treating AFib, but not curing this condition.

Q: What works? Can you cure me?

There are potential cures for atrial fibrillation.

The main one that’s being done all over the country — and that we do most often here — is ablation.

This involves heating the tissue in a microwave form, called radiofrequency ablation, or freezing the tissue with extreme cold in a process known as cryoablation.

So, we have all the major types of ablation available here at Bryan, as well as the ability to do radiofrequency ablation by remote control. This makes it easier for us to treat people who have really complex atria, that are really enlarged, because we can get the catheter to go exactly where it’s needed. As far as I know, Bryan’s electrophysiology lab is the only place offering this in Nebraska.

That’s the reason I joined the Bryan Heart staff after finishing my fellowship in Boston. I wanted to come to a place that has all of the options possible for a person with AFib. We have everything: a great staff and a great electrophysiology lab, and we do ablations on a daily basis, so there’s experience and expertise at Bryan. Even in Boston, no single hospital had all we offer here!

Q: What is ablation?

About 20 years ago, it was found that AFib starts from a place on the left side of your heart called the pulmonary veins.

When an electrical impulse comes out of that vein and goes into the left atrium, the heart’s normal rhythm is disrupted.

You can prevent that by electrically isolating the veins by making what I call a “gate” around them by freezing or heating them; this prevents that electrical impulse from jumping out and causing the atria to fibrillate.

That’s the potential cure for Afib.

You can do this surgically, but most people prefer having a catheter placed in a vein in the leg and threaded to the pulmonary veins. If a patient needs a heart valve repair or replacement, then ablation may be performed at the same time during open heart surgery.

Q: Why not use a pacemaker to control the rhythm?

A pacemaker doesn’t really cure AFib, although we

Bryan Journeys 17

MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE sometimes put them in for people who have had atrial fibrillation for years. When you first have AFib, your heart goes too fast, but after 10 or 20 years, it begins to beat too slowly, so a lot of people end up with pacemakers later in life.

Going forward, not everyone can be cured — we still have a lot to learn regarding atrial fibrillation.

Some who can’t take blood thinners are benefiting from a basket device known as the Watchman, which catches clots in the artery and prevents them from going to the brain. Bryan was part of the national Watchman study from the very start, and my colleague, Dr. Merliss, has done more of these than anybody in Nebraska.

It’s not a cure, but it takes away the potential for strokes.

Watchman is for someone who’s had AFib for a long time, and other treatments have not gotten the heart back into rhythm.

Q: How effective are available treatments?

If you treat atrial fibrillation early, that’s when you’re most likely to achieve a cure. If you’ve had AFib for five, six or 10 years, it becomes almost impossible to get completely rid of it. The atria dilate and become scarred and fibrotic — and can cause more atrial fibrillation. There’s a saying: “AFib begets more AFib.” Q: If I have AFib, what’s in my future?

Many will have episodes maybe once every two or three weeks, then it starts to become once a week and then every day — and then you’re pretty much stuck with an irregular rhythm.

That’s why we want to see you as soon as possible.

Most primary care doctors are aware that we’re much more aggressive in treating atrial fibrillations earlier, so they’re calling us or referring patients much earlier than was done in past years. Frequently we’re seeing patients who’ve had atrial fibrillation for less than six months.

And we’re more aggressive with younger patients because, if we can cure the AFib, they don’t have to be on medication for the rest of their lives. People in their thirties and forties we can cure with ablation — and that’s the goal! n If you have questions about atrial fibrillation, consult your physician, or contact Bryan Heart at 402-483-3346.

To learn how you can support the work of Bryan Heart through the b2020 campaign, please call 402-481-8605, or go to bryanhealth.org/b2020.

VIDEO

Dr. Robert Percell presents My Racing Heart: What Does It Mean? on Tuesday, Feb. 9. See Page 33 to find out how to register for this free program, and see a related video.

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Dr. Mlinek leads Bryan Medical Staff Edward Mlinek Jr., MD, is the new Chief of Staff of the Bryan Medical Staff.

He graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, Omaha, where he was a faculty member from 1988-1998.

Dr. Mlinek completed an emergency medicine residency at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, and in 2015 earned a Master of Science in Medical Informatics at Northwestern University, Dr. Mlinek Evanston, Illinois. He’s been a member of the Medical Executive Committee and chair of the Emergency Medicine Division since 1998.

Darla Eisenhauer, MD, was elected Vice Chief of Staff.

Dr. Eisenhauer graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine and completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

She is a member of the Professional Practice Evaluation Committee and served as secretary/ Dr. Eisenhauer treasurer of the Medical Executive Committee before being elected Vice Chief of Staff.

Anesthesiologist Ken Gross, MD, succeeds Dr. Eisenhauer as secretary/treasurer. He is chair of the Professional Practice Evaluation Committee and served as Hospital-based Department chair and Anesthesia Division chair.

He graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine and completed an anesthesiology residency at Brigham and Dr. Gross Women’s Hospital, Boston. He was an instructor at Harvard Medical School from 1992-1996.

MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE

Remembering our colleagues Bryan medical community notes physicians’ passing Donald A. Dynek, MD, died Dec. 30, 2015, at age 77.

Dr. Dynek graduated from Creighton University, Omaha, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine. He was a captain in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam until 1968 and completed a residency at Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha.

Dr. Dynek was Board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology and served as chair of the Community Transfusion Committee from 1995-2001.

Logan A. Griffin, MD, died Sept. 1, 2015, at age 81.

Dr. Griffin graduated from Harvard University in 1955 and New York Medical School in 1959. He was a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force in France from 1961-1963.

After his military service, Dr. Griffin completed an anesthesiology residency at Albert Einstein Medical School, Bronx, New York.

He maintained his practice of anesthesiology at the former Lincoln General Hospital from 1966 until his retirement in 1998.

Robert L. Haag, MD, died Dec. 26, 2014, at age 80.

Dr. Haag was a U.S. Navy veteran. Before his retirement, he practiced at Lincoln East Internal Medicine.

He also was a Chief of Staff at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center.

L. Palmer Johnson MD, died Aug. 1, 2015, at age 86.

Dr. Johnson was a member of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology and was a 50-year member of the Nebraska Medical Association. He was chief medical officer and a board member at the former Lincoln General Hospital.

Francis Neumayer, MD, died Dec. 5, 2014, at age 92.

Dr. Neumayer was a U.S. Army veteran.

This physician and surgeon served as Chief of Staff at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center and Chief of Surgery at the former Bryan Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Neumayer is remembered most for bringing hemodialysis to Lincoln in 1957 and running the dialysis unit for the next 27 years. .

George Loer Osborne Jr., MD, died Nov. 8, 2014, at age 87.

Dr. Osborne graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine. He was a retired Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

He was a Board certified general surgeon, family practitioner and emergency medicine physician. He is remembered for giving back to the community by providing medical care at the City Mission of Lincoln and serving on mission trips to Africa, South America and Central America.

Troy Rustad, MD, FAAD, died July 9, 2015, at age 54.

Dr. Rustad was a graduate of Lincoln East High School and was fluent in several languages. He graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C., and completed residencies in internal medicine and dermatology at the Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota. Dr. Rustad was a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

He maintained a practice in Minneapolis before returning to Lincoln to practice with his father, Elliott Rustad, MD, of Rustad Dermatology.

Bryan Journeys 19

BRYAN FOUNDATION

Osborne Chapel opens

T

hanks to the generosity of a family with strong ties to local health care, our visitors, patients and staff have a new space for prayers and quiet reflection.

The Dr. Robert and Desta Osborne Chapel opened this fall on the Bryan West Campus. It’s conveniently located near the medical center entrance.

Desta provided a major gift in Dr. Osborne’s memory this year to make the chapel a reality. However, the couple’s association with the hospital began long before that.

Robert “Bob” Osborne was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and his family moved to Omaha when he was about 9. He was a classmate of pioneer heart surgeon Herb Reese, MD, in high school and at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Bob interned at Lincoln General Hospital, then was in the Navy before returning to Nebraska to begin a residency at the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute in Omaha.

Desta, who’s a Madison, Nebraska, native, met Bob in the early 1960s at the Regional Center in Norfolk.

“I worked for the clinical director there while Bob was doing his residency, so I’d see him in the hallway when he came to see patients,” Desta recalls. “We began dating early on and eventually married.”

In 1967, Gov. Norbert Tiemann appointed Bob to be Nebraska’s director of Medical Services for Public Services.

Desta notes, “That’s why we moved to Lincoln.”

After his term ended, Bob served as superintendent of the Lincoln Regional Center. When he went into private practice, he opened a downtown office but later moved to what is now the Bryan West Campus.

During his distinguished career, Dr. Osborne was president of the Nebraska Psychiatric Association. He also served as Chief of Staff of Lincoln General Hospital and was president of the Lancaster County

The Osborne Chapel is named for Dr. Robert and Desta Osborne, whose gift helped make this quiet place for reflection and inspiration a reality.

A plaque also recognizes the generosity of Harriet Fort, Rev. Dr. Clarke and Sharon Mundhenke, and Bryan employees, as well as the memory of Mr. and Mrs. George Abel, who funded the chapel in its previous location.

Medical Society and coordinator of the Lincoln Family Medicine Program. He died in 2012 at age 81.

Desta supported local health care as an active volunteer.

“I enjoyed volunteering at the former Lincoln General Hospital,” she says. “I gave tours and volunteered at the information desk. I was chairman of the Art Show fundraising event, and I was a buyer and chairman of the Gift Shop.”

Desta was a Community Blood Bank volunteer. She also was president of the Lancaster County Medical Alliance and the Nebraska State Medical Alliance, and she served on a committee of the American Medical Association Alliance.

“I traveled throughout the state representing those organizations, and I cherish those years.”

Desta still volunteers at her church. And her recent gift helped create a legacy on the Bryan West Campus.

“I thought it was fitting, because of Bob’s history in connection with this hospital and my volunteerism here, to make a donation that would be helpful and long lasting,” Desta says. n

VIDEO

20 Winter 2016

To learn how you can support the work of Bryan Health, please contact the Bryan Foundation by calling 402-481-8605.

To see a video about the new Osborne Chapel, go to bryanhealth.org/pastoral-care.

BRYAN FOUNDATION

NICU healing garden progresses

Construction began this fall on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) rooftop healing garden.

This garden will offer a private space for families of our tiniest patients. Access will be from the Women’s and Children’s Tower’s third floor NICU. To learn how you can be part of the NICU campaign, please call 402-481-8605.

For more information, go to bryanhealth.org/ nicu-campaign.

Bryan Journeys 21

BRYAN TRIBUTE TO TRAUMA CHAMPIONS

Trauma survivors share their stories This year’s Tribute to Trauma Champions is Thursday, April 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at The Cornhusker Hotel and Convention Center, 333 S. 13th St. We’re recognizing trauma survivors Heather Boulais and Merri Kaye Bradley and the many dedicated professionals from throughout the statewide trauma system who were involved in saving them.

To learn more, go to bryanhealth. org/tribute-trauma-champions.

Heather Boulais’s support team includes her sister, Rachel (left), parents Cheryl and Terry, and sister, Summer. The family temporarily moved from California to Lincoln to help Heather with her recovery.

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H

eather Boulais was setting up her gymnastics apparatus last Jan. 14 when tragedy befell the Union College student.

“She’s on the Gymaires acrobatics team at Union College,” says her mother, Cheryl. “We were home in California and got a phone call that night, saying Heather had been injured.”

While getting her silks ready to hang from the ceiling, her safety harness failed, sending Heather 23 feet to the gym floor.

Cheryl and husband Terry — both Union College alumni — discovered the network of responders that helped Heather that evening had a Union relationship.

Teammates and coaches — at least one had nurse’s training — stabilized Heather’s airway while Lincoln Fire & Rescue rushed to the scene. An LFR squad member had attended Union and knew the quickest route to the gym, and Reginald Burton, MD, trauma director at Bryan, was a classmate of the couple at Union College.

“From what I understand, the ambulance arrived in under four minutes, and she was in surgery less than an hour after the accident,” Cheryl recalls. “Dr. Burton was the trauma surgeon, and Dr. Daniel Tomes was the neurosurgeon.”

Heather was a patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Bryan West Campus for 30 days, and is continuing her rehab program at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.

Cheryl says, “No one can predict how this road will go, but Heather’s only 24, and her determination and the many worldwide prayers for her are going a long way toward a successful recovery.”

M

erri Kaye Bradley of Crete was severely injured last March when another vehicle hit her car.

Merri Kaye was wearing her seat belt, but the force of the head-on collision crushed her abdomen and pinned her legs in the car, which complicated extrication.

Merri Kaye Bradley poses with her parents, Julie (left) and Terry Bell, during a follow-up visit to Bryan.

StarCare air ambulance transported Merri Kaye to the Bryan Trauma Center, where the team discovered broken bones in her legs, pelvis, elbow and wrist and lifethreatening injuries to her liver and spleen.

She was a patient at Bryan, where she also completed acute rehabilitation, in preparation to returning to her roles as wife and mother, active community member and high school volleyball coach. ”While I was hospitalized, all four limbs were in splints, so I was pretty much limited to watching TV, although having lots of visitors helped pass the time,” she recalls. ”Everyone at Bryan was phenomenal, taking care of me like I was a family member.” n In April, bryanhealth.org will feature video stories about these trauma survivors.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Trauma survivor Isra Somanas (left) and Dr. Reginald Burton received GOAL Awards.

Dr. Russell Semm is a leader among physicians performing procedures known as ETPTR.

GOAL Award honors Dr. Burton

Dr. Semm Brain Injury reaches surgical Council tabs milestone Oetjen

March of Dimes recognizes Van Gerpen

Director of Trauma Reginald Burton, MD, received a GOAL Award this fall as a member of the medical team that saved the life of Isra Somanas.

Graduate student Somanas, of Bangkok, Thailand, was struck by a car while biking in Lincoln.

Somanas was rushed to the Bryan Trauma Center on the Bryan West Campus and treated for a broken pelvis, collapsed lung and traumatic brain injury.

The Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital Chairman’s GOAL Awards honor patients’ successful rehabilitation and the trauma centers and physicians who saved them. n

On Dec. 18, otolaryngologist Russell Semm, MD, performed his 200th endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary tumor removal (ETPTR). In 1997, he and neurosurgeon Benjamin Gelber, MD, introduced Lincoln patients to the advantages of endoscopic removal of pituitary tumors through the paranasal sinuses.

Dr. Semm notes that Dr. Gelber and neurosurgeon Daniel Tomes, MD, teamed up with him for most of the 200 procedures.

He says, “It’s been an honor and a privilege to perform these surgeries over the past 18 years, as it has been a great benefit to our patients.” n

The Nebraska Chapter of the March of Dimes presented its Nurse of the Year Research/ Evidence-based Practice Excellence Award to Ruth Van Gerpen, APRN-CNS. Ruth wears many hats, including nurse navigator, clinical nurse specialist, leader, educator, patients’ advocate and author. She has initiated a continuous quality improvement process to ensure evidencebased guidelines are used for pain assessments. She developed a pain management education program for nurses and co-developed the LifeSpring Cancer Recovery Program. n

Kilee Oetjen, PT, DPT, is a new member of the Nebraska Brain Injury Advisory Council.

Acute rehabilitation physical therapist Kilee Oetjen was named to the Nebraska Brain Injury Advisory Council.

Oetjen, PT, DPT, is a 2007 graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Her area of clinical focus at Bryan is pediatric and adult brain injury.

She is certified by the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists.

The Council educates providers and the public about brain injury and recommends policies and practices to state leaders to meet the needs of persons with brain injuries. n

Ruth Van Gerpen, APRN-CNS, (right) poses with Nebraska’s First Lady, Susanne Shore.

Bryan Journeys 23

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE

Program helps prevent diabetes

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ore than one-third of American adults are “prediabetic” — that is, he or she routinely has moderately elevated blood sugar levels and is therefore at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Yet, nearly 90 percent of these adults don’t know they have this dangerous, but highly treatable, condition.

HELPING PATIENTS Current medical research shows that decreasing body weight by just 7 percent and exercising 150 minutes a week reduces risk for progression to diabetes by 58 percent among people who are prediabetic.

This is a huge pay-off, as one avoids the associated risk for diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease and blindness.

Bryan’s diabetes educators are using this information to help patients prevent or delay type 2 diabetes as part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Although I’m a Certified Diabetes Educator,” says Kathy Helmink, RN, “when it comes to this program, my role switches to being a lifestyle coach — I motivate, encourage and support patients in making some relatively simple lifestyle changes that in the real world are not so straightforward or easy to achieve.”

Other diabetes educators working with the program are Carol Abele, RN,

24 Winter 2016

and registered dietitians Jenna Mayers and Molly Petrik.

Strategies for participants include: • Appropriate goals for diet and exercise.

• How to make healthy, yet enjoyable, changes in lifestyle habits.

• Keys to healthy eating out.

• Overcoming temptations.

• Stress reduction and coping skills.

• Identifying motivators, which can differ for each patient.

• Dealing with “backsliding.”

• Handling self-defeating thoughts, such as, “I’ll never lose this weight.”

PROVIDING SUPPORT “Our goal is to provide participants with the support they need to make sustainable changes to improve their lifelong health,” Kathy adds. “We’re excited about the success we’re seeing, and proud to be the first to offer this program in Lincoln.”

To enroll in Bryan’s program, patients must be at increased risk for diabetes — that is, at least 18 years old and overweight or obese, have prediabetes or a family history of type 2 diabetes, or have a history of diabetes during pregnancy.

A quick, useful survey that can help determine if you are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes is available online at www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/pdf/ prediabetestest.pdf.

Participant Kelli Kraft of Lincoln is enthusiastic about the program.

MEETING NEEDS Kelli notes, “During a routine physical, I learned that I had prediabetes. I’ve found the program immensely helpful in improving my health. Our target was losing 7 percent of body weight through healthier eating, by exercising at least 150 minutes a week, and changing my lifestyle to maintain those changes. We first met weekly for 16 core sessions during the first six months of the program, then monthly for the remainder of the year.

“The lifestyle coaches tailor the program to each patient’s needs. In addition to learning about diet and exercise, we keep food journals, and weight changes are measured each week. Patients then have an opportunity in the group or individually to talk with the coaches about what has and hasn’t worked for them, and to get support with problems that come up. The group size is 8-15 people — which is perfect to share stories and get support.”

MAJOR ADVANTAGE Kelli adds, “A major advantage of the program is that you learn information you sort of know or feel you should already know — such as how to read food labels — but the program teaches you to be much more aware of actively using this information to improve your health.

“I know I’ll be following the program for the rest of my life, as these need to be permanent lifestyle changes to maintain the weight loss and reduce other risk factors. The coaches help with that by

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE

working with us throughout the program about how to build an ongoing support system.

“The Diabetes Prevention Program even teaches you what to do when you slip up on diet or exercise plans — how to ‘get back on the horse.’ That could be discouraging, so it’s extremely helpful that they address it.”

HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL “We know there are no magic bullets or quick fixes, but risk factors for type 2 diabetes only get worse if people don’t take steps to change them,” Kathy says.

“Diet and exercise changes can definitely delay or prevent type 2 diabetes — so, this is a highly successful approach. It’s a matter of personal choice, and through this program participants can learn to make better choices that ultimately will impact their quality of life.”

New classes begin soon. For more information, contact Kathy Helmink, RN, CDE, at 402-481-6357, or email bryandiabetes@bryanhealth.org. n To learn how your gift can support Bryan Health, please call 402-481-8605.

Kelli Kraft receives exercise tips at Bryan LifePointe Campus from her “lifestyle coach,” Kathy Helmink, RN, CDE.

For information about the Diabetes Prevention Program on the Bryan LifePointe VIDEO Campus and to see a KLKN-TV news clip, go to bryanhealth. org/prediabetes-education.

Bryan Journeys 25

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Farewell, Dean Kathol; Welcome, Dean Crabtree

T

here’s a big change in the administrative offices at Bryan College of Health Sciences: Diane Kathol is retiring, and Program Director Kay Crabtree, PhD, has been promoted to succeed her as Dean of Health Professions.

Where it all began for Diane Kathol Kathol grew up on a farm near Winner, South Dakota, the second of six children.

“From the time I was 4, I wanted to be a nurse — my favorite TV show as a kid was about a doctor named Ben Casey,” says Kathol, who made that dream come true.

She received her nursing degree from Mount Marty College, Yankton, South Dakota, in 1974 and worked two years in surgery at the former Lincoln General Hospital.

“My first connection to Bryan was working as a nursing assistant during the summers I was in college,” she recalls.

“In 1976, I came to Bryan School of Nursing as an instructor at the ripe old age of 23. Today I can only wonder how that could have worked out — but here I am, 39 years later, still at Bryan!”

She first taught Medical-surgical Nursing, then a Perioperative Nursing course. Kathol then became coordinator of Perioperative and Critical Care Nursing.

Her own education continued all along.

She earned a master’s in Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1982 and a master’s in Nursing from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, in 1992.

She became director of Allied Health in 2002 and eventually was named Dean of Health Professions.

“There have been so many changes at the college over the years, it’s hard to list the achievements I’m most proud of,” says Kathol. “What stands out for me is helping educate more than 1,800 nursing students and overseeing the development of degree programs in Sonography, Biomedical Sciences and Health Care Professions.

28 Winter 2016

Dr. Kay Crabtree (left) is Dean of Health Professions, succeeding Diane Kathol, who retired after nearly 40 years at Bryan.

“Of course, that would not have been possible without the expertise and dedication of multiple individuals on the front lines.”

Where it all began for Kay Crabtree Dr. Crabtree says, “I grew up on a dairy farm in north central Nebraska, near the village of Chambers. Although I enjoy all the city of Lincoln has to offer, rural Nebraska and my farming background remain very dear to me. My 8-year-old son and college-age daughter enjoy antique store excursions and visits to the parks and zoo with me.”

She received a bachelor’s in Nursing in 1991 from Creighton University-Hastings Mary Lanning campus. Her nursing career centered on cardiac care and home health, including positions at the Mayo Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota, and Kearney, as well as a long-term care facility in Atkinson.

She says, “I lost my hearing in 1998, but after receiving cochlear implants, I found my interest in biomedical research ignited.”

That interest lead to a PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2013, with an emphasis in biomedical research and virology.

“While pursuing this degree, I began an adjunct teaching role at Bryan to help pay for graduate school. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the world of education,” she notes. She taught Microbiology Lab and Pathophysiology, Immunology, Epidemiology and Introduction to Public Health.

“I became the Biomedical Sciences Program director in 2012, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the new Biomedical Sciences major. The determination and excitement of our students is infectious, and I love working with them to achieve their career goals,” she continues.

“I also worked very closely with our administration to remodel the science lab area on the Bryan West Campus. It was exciting to bring our campus up to date.

“The dean oversees the Biomedical Sciences and Sonography programs, as well as the Associate of Sciences in Health Professions degree, and my role includes maintaining accreditation needs, program development, serving on academic committees and providing resources and leadership to faculty.”

What’s next?

“Everyone keeps asking what I’m going to do in retirement,” says Kathol. “I’m looking forward to spending as much time as possible with my family and my new infant grandson!”

Dr. Crabtree says, “The future of health care demands that providers are passionate and well-prepared. Students who come to Bryan are up to that challenge.

“Caring, Equality and Learning are our core values. We truly have excellent faculty and students who are committed to integrating these into the classroom and clinical areas.

I’m so proud to be part of this rewarding educational environment, where we instill a lifelong love of learning to each student coming through our doors.” n To learn how you can support Bryan College of Health Sciences, call 402-481-8605.

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Congratulations, Grads Dec. 18 commencement at Saint Paul United Methodist Church

Melanie Stoner (right) helps Mary Girard adjust her mortar board.

Bryan Health Chief Financial Officer Russ Gronewold spoke.

Brandi Koehler (left), Megan Collamore and Melissa Dakan share a selfie.

Paula Aldana’s apricot-colored hood signifies her Master of Science in Nursing.

Bryan Journeys 29

BRYAN ALUMNI

She was first of family’s 7 alumni

Y

When Maryan Carlson, Class of 1952, attended nursing school, the dorm was in Fairview, the former home of William and Mary Bryan.

Maryan Carlson

30 Winter 2016

Vivian McCann

Diane Kinnan

ou never know how your choices are going to affect those around you.

“Initially I had planned on attending nursing school in Denver,” says Maryan (Franzen) Carlson, retired RN. “Little did I know, my decision would impact so many others in the years to come!”

At the end of her senior year of high school in the late 1940s, Maryan discovered many of her friends were planning on attending Bryan School of Nursing. Knowing the reputation of Bryan, coupled with a desire to stay close to friends, Maryan wrote a letter to the school to inquire about admission.

“My parents didn’t know about the letter,” she chuckles. “The school staff said that if I could get there to take the entrance exam at the end of May, I could start school in August.”

A friend gave her a ride from her hometown of Gothenburg to Lincoln, where she was able to take the exam. A short while later, she received an acceptance letter from Bryan School of Nursing.

“I had to break the news to my parents that I had written to another school and changed plans entirely,” she laughs. “However, they were supportive, and I’m forever grateful.”

After receiving her diploma in 1952, Maryan worked as a surgical nurse before getting a job as a nursing director at Cozad Community Hospital. After 28 years, a brain tumor forced her to resign. Fortunately, her tumor was removed by neurosurgeons Benjamin Gelber, MD, and Eric Pierson, MD, at Bryan, and she was able to continue volunteering for the American Red Cross — a role that eventually turned into a paid nursing position. She worked for the Red Cross for 22 years.

Jodi Doran

Julie Ahlman

Bradley Kinnan

Megan Harris

BRYAN ALUMNI Throughout her career, she was quick to credit Bryan for making her career possible, equipping her with the skills necessary to be an excellent nurse.

“Bryan had a reputation for preparing students above and beyond for the medical field, and I found that to be true.”

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon her family members were choosing Bryan School of Nursing, as well. First was Maryan’s niece, then her younger sister; then her daughter; and the list goes on.

“I didn’t convince anyone to attend Bryan School of Nursing,” she says. “I believe my skills demonstrated the value of a Bryan education.”

Maryan’s influence inspired six family members to attend Bryan School of Nursing. The alumni include: • Niece, Vivian (Scott) McCann (Class of 1959), nurse in the U.S. Navy and later LPN instructor (died in 1996).

• Sister, Diane (Franzen) Kinnan (1967), RN in North Platte.

• Daughter, Jodi (Carlson) Doran (1976), advanced cardiac care nurse at Seton Hospital, Austin, Texas.

• Niece, Julie (Dyer) Ahlman (1978), NICU nurse at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings.

• Nephew, Bradley Kinnan (1994), RN at Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney; married Lisa Molzer (Class of 1996).

• Niece, Megan (Kinnan) Harris (1998), clinical supervisor at Sanford Children’s Clinic, Klamath Falls, Oregon.

“Obviously, I made the right choice! It’s had a cascading effect,” says Maryan. “It’s brought me so much joy. In all these years, I’ve never dreaded having to go to ‘work.’

Each day I was doing something I enjoy, which is the best gift of all.” n

Luncheon links donors and scholarship recipients

Nancy and Wayne Hester (seated at right) host students Tyler Stark (standing, left), Evan Placke, Taylor Glesinger and Kelsey Wendel, and Lacie Ferguson (seated, left) and Catherine Howat.

Marian Price with student Maxine Turvey

Donor Lloyd Hinkley met scholarship recipient Emily Daugherty at the Oct. 14 luncheon.

Leigh Grosvenor with donors Jim and Suanne Stange

Donors Carl and Shirley Wohlfarth with Bryan student Samantha Mlinar

To learn how you can support Bryan College of Health Sciences, please call 402-481-8605.

Keri Cartagena with David and Marilyn Moore

Helen Weber with student Megan Rekusek

Bryan Journeys 31

BRYAN STERLING CONNECTION

Helping you be your best!

S

ince 1988, Sterling Connection has helped keep you healthy and active.

Here are some of the many benefits available to members:

• Community educational programs.

• Quarterly Journeys magazine.

• Special events, including ice cream and

• • • • • • •

holiday socials.

Travel opportunities.

Notary Public service.

Discounts in Bryan Cafeterias & Gift Shops.

Discount on LifePointe enrollment fee.

Medicare Drug Plan events.

Discounted blood screenings.

Annual flu shot clinic.

There’s no fee to join for those 50 and more.

Go to bryanhealth.org/sterlingconnection for an online application, or call 402-481-3355.

Adventures await in 2016 Visit bryanhealth.org/travel to download your trip brochures, or call 402-481-3355 or 800-742-7844, and ask for Bryan Sterling Connection.

Membership has privileges. Bryan Sterling Connection members and guests enjoy music from the Plain Label String Band during the annual Holiday Social, which was held Dec. 13 in the Bryan Plaza Conference Center.

EXTENDED VACATIONS Grand Canyon by Rail — April 25-30 Canadian Rockies — July 17-27 Mississippi River Cruise & Cranberry Country — Sept. 27-30

ONE-DAY TRIPS Savor the Flavors of Europe — including Four Ethnic Communities in Western Iowa Tuesday, May 17 Farms to Marbles — York Tuesday, June 14 Northeast Nebraska Adventure Tuesday, Aug. 2 The Answer My Friend is Blowin’ in the Wind — Exploring Windmills, Wind Turbines and Energy Generation Thursday, Sept. 15 Nebraska Winery Passport Saturday, Oct. 8

32 Winter 2016

Bryan Sterling Connection is here to assist you! Our Board includes (seated, from left) Bill Schuller, Diane Engelsma, Tom Beachell, Debbe Bundy and Caroline Caauwe, and (standing, from left) Rogene Lowery, Lori Lee, Karen Beek, Deanna Troxel, Norma Hyman, Cynthia Conn, Mary Wit, Theresa Hohmeier, Paul Lommasson, Carolyn Henning, Karen Koch, Diane Belschner, Kathy Wolf, Cathy Weichel, Ken Majors, Gordon Bair, Larry Monaghan and Pam Bly. (Not pictured: Dorene Casey and Kay Geis.)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Countdown to a healthy heart n Fatigue, Dizziness, Shortness of Breath: Could

February is Heart Month! Join us for a variety of interesting events and informative presentations from the region’s leading heart experts, as well as quick tips on ways to keep your heart healthy.

6 5

You Have Pulmonary Hypertension?

Thursday, Feb. 18, 6:30-8 p.m.

Presented by Bill Johnson, MD, of Nebraska Pulmonary Medicine and Bryan Heart cardiologist Ryan Whitney, MD. n Living with a Pacemaker or Defibrillator

Support Group

Thursday, Feb. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. n Women and Heart Disease Thursday, March 31, 6:30-8 p.m.

Presented by obstetrics & gynecology specialist Stephen Swanson, MD.

Warning signs of a heart attack n Chest discomfort or pain. n Pain or discomfort in one or both arms,

your back, neck, jaw or stomach. n Shortness of breath. n Sweating. n Nausea or vomiting. n Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

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Videos, podcasts & Twitter chat Starting Feb. 1, check out these videos and podcasts — they have great information and tips for you!

Video — My Racing Heart: What Does it Mean?

Featuring Bryan Heart cardiologist Robert Percell, MD. VIDEO Video — Three Tips for a Healthy Heart, featuring Bryan Heart cardiologist Matthew Johnson, MD. n Podcast — A Healthy Plate and Happy Heart Presented by Lauren Christensen, Bryan LifePointe registered dietitian. n Podcast — Move it for a Healthy Heart Presented by Rhonda Becker, Bryan LifePointe exercise specialist. n Twitter Chat — How Does Running Improve Your Heart Health?

Go to twitter.com/bryan_health.

Tuesday, Feb. 23, noon-1 p.m.

Presented by Bryan Heart cardiologist — and avid runner — John Steuter, MD.

4

Free community programs n My Racing Heart: What Does it Mean?

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 6:30-8 p.m.

Presented by Bryan Heart cardiologist Robert Percell, MD.

Important screenings you should know about

n Coronary Calcium CT Scan – You can

prevent a heart attack before it happens.

n Bicuspid Aortic Valve Screening — If

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this disease is in your family, you need to be tested. n AFib (atrial fibrillation) Screening — Thursday, Feb. 18, appointments are available 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Activities to improve your heart health n Bryan Health Indoor Triathlon

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Saturday, Feb. 27 — First wave begins at 7:30 a.m.

Cost is $25 per participant or $75 for teams of three triathletes. Space is limited! Register today! n Two Hearts Sweating as One Join a friend for this Bryan LifePointe personal training special offer for two. It’s a great way to strengthen your heart and have fun with a friend.

This test could save your life Take our free online HeartAware screening.

In seven minutes or less, you’ll know your heart risk.

Go online. Get checked. Save Your Life.

Get the details, view videos, listen to podcasts, and take the HeartAware screening at bryanhealth.org/heartmonth.

Bryan Journeys 33

BRYAN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATING 90 YEARS

BASH

Saturday, April 30, 2016 6-10 p.m.

Nebraska Club

• $90 per person • Partnership opportunities available • Proceeds benefit the patients and families of Bryan Health • To make reservations or for more information contact the Bryan Foundation, 402-481-8605

1600 S. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68506

Address service requested

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LINCOLN NE PERMIT NO. 1299