Journeys Winter 2014

WINTER 2014

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

Going the extra mile

JOURNEYS WINTER 2014

01 FROM OUR PRESIDENT 02 BRYAN HEART

Side by side for the long run

Screenings available at Bryan and online

BRYAN HEALTH’S ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR NEBRASKA PARENTS

06 NEW AT BRYAN

Bryan Lung Cancer Center approach revolutionizes treatment

Welcome, Bryan Lung Cancer Center 10

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BRYAN LIFEPOINTE LifeSpring: Helping recover lives after cancer BRYAN FOUNDATION Hershbergers help nursing students achieve dreams Help us grow a peaceful garden for families of miracle babies

14 NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE 16 MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Ask the doctor: When will I need an endocrinologist?

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MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE New faces at Bryan BRYAN LIFEPOINTE Classes and events of interest

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IN SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY Beyond the boardroom: Evnen and Brake continue to serve others BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES Scholarship luncheon generates smiles Accreditors applaud students, faculty Caps, gowns signal successes

CapitalMOM – newest way for parents to connect It’s called CapitalMOM — but it includes dads — and it’s Bryan Health’s newest online community for parents to connect with other parents and learn about the joys of pregnancy, motherhood, parenting and even caring for a parent. You’ll also find resources and support services, parent blogs and connections to social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest — all at your fingertips.

Meet our parent bloggers:

26 CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER

CAMC supports community health by building walking trail 28 VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE

Assembling gifts of love 32 BRYAN STERLING CONNECTION 33 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Join the fun at capitalmomnebraska.com!

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.

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.

Tifini welcomed her daughter at the fragile age of 27 weeks. The Bryan NICU cared for her baby Izabella for the next 56 days. Izabella’s home now and on her way to all kinds of newborn adventures!

Adam is the father to three adventurous young boys.

As a stay-at-home dad, Adam’s “typical day” is full of surprises, trials and, most of all, fun.

30 ACHIEVEMENTS

“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.”

As a mother of three, Anne is no stranger to the concept of time management. She’s entered the “driving around” parenting stage of taking her kids to various activities.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT Your contributions help us care for those who come to Bryan at every stage of life. To find out how you can participate, call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605, or write to us at:

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

Kimberly Russel President & CEO, Bryan Health John Woodrich President & COO, Bryan Medical Center Gary “Gus” Hustad, 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

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

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ryan Health’s mission is to advance the health of individuals in our region through collaboration with physicians and communities.

An exciting new venture, which brings this mission to life, is Bryan Health Connect, Bryan Health’s physician hospital organization (PHO).

Bryan Health Connect works with independent physicians and critical access hospitals to develop a comprehensive and cost-effective network of care to improve quality outcomes. This new Bryan entity is governed by a board of health care leaders from across Nebraska. We are fortunate to have this team working to improve care in our state.

The Bryan Health Connect Board members are: Lincoln Independent Physicians Nathan Green, DO, chairperson Sarah Cada, MD William Johnson, MD Royce Mueller, MD Stephen Russell, MD Bryan Health Clyde Meckel, MD, vice chairperson Andrew Bohart, MD Leslie Spry, MD Ken Foster Russ Gronewold Heartland Health Alliance Tom Sommers, secretary-treasurer, Beatrice Jim Ulrich, McCook Fran Carlson, MD, Lexington Jared Kramer, MD, St. Paul Bill Sugg, Ord

— Aristotle

Bryan Health Connect is just one more way we’re preparing for how we’ll care for each other in the future.

Bryan Health is recognized for the strength of its governance. This requires committed community leaders, who volunteer their time to serve as trustees on our boards. Boards carry out the fiduciary duties of nonprofit governance on behalf of the community at large. Boards maintain responsibility for the quality of patient care, financial stewardship and strategic guidance.

On Pages 20-22, I’m pleased to introduce you to Richard Evnen and Gene Brake, leaders of the Bryan Medical Center Board and Bryan Health Board, respectively. These outstanding leaders are dedicated to Bryan’s patient care mission.

And here’s a follow-up to an earlier success story.

In the Spring 2013 edition of Journeys, we featured interventional radiologist Michael Budler, MD, of Advanced Radiology and a new treatment he provides for chronic tendon pain. You learned how the Tenex Health TX Technique helped patients who were suffering from debilitating heel pain and elbow pain.

Dr. Budler now ranks among the top three physicians in America for number of TX Technique procedures performed. His partners, Jeffrey Himmelberg, MD, and John Allen, MD, also are among about 400 physicians trained to perform faciotomies and tenotomies, and Bryan Medical Center is Nebraska’s only Tenex Center of Excellence for this technique.

Forward. Together. Helping you prepare for what’s next in your life will always be what’s next in ours.

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

Bryan Journeys 1

BRYAN HEART

Side by side for the long

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etermined to lose weight and lower his blood pressure, Rick Jackson, MD, started running in 1976. And after two heart surgeries, the Pawnee City family physician is still running, thanks in no small part to his cardiothoracic surgeon, Robert Oakes, MD, who also is an

avid runner.

Both doctors love running. Competitive running.

Marathons. They run for the challenge and to improve their stamina so they’re able to perform at the top of their game for their patients — patients in Dr. Jackson’s busy practice in a small southeastern Nebraska community and patients in Dr. Oakes’ cardiothoracic surgical practice at Bryan Heart in Lincoln.

When the two physicians met in 2011 at Bryan Heart’s Fall Cardiology Symposium, little did they realize their roles would be as surgeon/patient in less than two years.

“When I read an article about Dr. Oakes and saw him on television explaining how the focus, planning and endurance required for his competitive running benefits his patients, I knew he would understand my passion for running,” Dr. Jackson recalls. “And later when I went to him for my surgical consultation, I definitely had an instant bond with him.”

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Winter 2014

“We did connect quickly because of our shared interest in running and being athletic,” Dr. Oakes agrees. “When patients say they want to be able to run a race by a certain date or to get back to running in general, I never discourage their resolve but rather encourage them to get back to physical activities that make them feel good and enable them to meet their health goals.”

Life-saving aortic valve surgery Dr. Jackson has been referring cardiac patients to Bryan Heart for many years and has been a long-time patient himself. In 1983, it was discovered he had a congenital heart problem — his aortic valve had two leaflets (bicuspid) instead of the typical three.

A new technology at the time, UltraFast CT (now known as Coronary Calcium Screening CT Scan), unveiled a thoracic aortic aneurysm, for which Dr. Jackson underwent surgery in 2001. That bulge in the wall of the vessel was removed and replaced with a Dacron graft, but the bicuspid valve was not removed because it was functioning well. Bryan Heart cardiologist Robin Hibbard, MD, continued to monitor Dr. Jackson’s condition through the next 10 years and in 2011 referred him to Bryan Heart’s cardiothoracic surgeons.

“I started having some mild reduced exercise tolerance in 2011, and heart catheterization, transesophageal echocardiogram and VO2Max stress tests revealed that my valve was beginning to narrow but had not reached the severe stage,” says Dr. Jackson.

“With aortic stenosis the heart compensates and

BRYAN HEART

run gradually gets used to the narrowed valve, but when it reaches a certain point, it progresses rapidly and carries the risk of sudden death (even without exertion).”

A year-and-a-half later, Dr. Jackson’s stenosis had reached the severe stage; on July 22, 2013, Dr. Oakes replaced Dr. Jackson’s bicuspid valve with the newest, most advanced valve available: the St. Jude Medical Trifecta bioprosthetic valve that combines synthetic materials with the pericardial tissue from a cow. “My odds of living without the surgery were not good; I credit Dr. Oakes and his team with saving my life,” he says.

Importance of monitoring Through his personal cardiac situation, Dr. Jackson has shown that paying attention to early symptoms and faithfully following physicians’ advice with testing and intervention pay off. And for those who also have bicuspid valves, early detection and close monitoring are imperative.

“Bicuspid valves are associated with aneurysms of the ascending aorta that can be life-threatening as symptoms may not be apparent until an aneurysm has formed and ruptured,” Dr. Oakes explains. “Additionally, bicuspid valves wear out faster than tricuspid valves and will most likely need to be replaced at some point.”

A strong relationship Before the surgery, Dr. Jackson had visited with Dr. Oakes and his partner, cardiothoracic surgeon Richard Thompson, MD, at meetings and communicated by phone and email about the patients Dr. Jackson had referred to Bryan Heart.

“There’s always been a strong relationship between Dr. Jackson and Bryan Heart, but it’s not often we operate on referring physicians,” remarks Dr. Oakes, “It is great to know that Dr. Jackson thought so much of our system to trust us with his own life.”

“I have had personal experience with the cardiologists and surgeons at Bryan and feel that since I chose them for my own care, why wouldn’t I send my patients there?” says Dr. Jackson. “When I pick up the phone to make a referral or ask advice, it’s likely that the physician who answers will be someone I know personally and someone who knows me.”

Setting an example Though Dr. Jackson’s heart problem is largely the result of a congenital malformation, he still believes it is important to reduce cardiac risk factors as much as possible by living a healthy lifestyle. Running is his exercise of choice, but studies show brisk walking provides the same cardiovascular benefits — it just takes longer.

“Ever since I started running in ‘76, I have wanted to set an example for my patients — that with resourcefulness

Bryan Journeys 3

BRYAN HEART

Doctor looks ahead to lifetime of running and determination one can achieve a high level of fitness, with all the health benefits, while living in a rural region and pursuing a demanding career,” he adds.

Dr. Jackson, who is 69, has been a physician in Pawnee City for 43 years, and for the last 37 years has been running and biking the 4 ½ miles to work from the 80-acre farm he shares with his wife Barb, who raises and trains quarter horses.

After work and on weekends, Dr. Jackson runs in the country with Angel, his black lab rescue dog. Last year, Dr. Jackson ran just under 1,000 miles and biked more than 500 miles.

Competitively, he has run 19 marathons (including three Boston Marathons) and has won age-group firsts in the Lincoln full and half marathons.

Dr. Oakes says Dr. Jackson’s athleticism and determination helped him through two big heart operations and allowed

him to jump back into his practice and athletic activities very quickly. Dr. Jackson walked his first mile eight days after surgery and resumed running just five weeks later. At eight weeks after surgery, he ran a 5K race and at 10 weeks ran in Bryan Health’s Run to Overcome in Lincoln.

“I feel great now and am looking forward to getting back to more competitive racing and the active lifestyle that has served me so well. I’ve even invited Dr. Oakes to run with me in a 5K race in Pawnee City in June,” says the physician.

Dr. Oakes echoes, “I’m looking forward to running races with Dr. Jackson this spring and summer. It’s very rewarding to run with patients like Dr. Jackson who we’ve been able to help get back into training and running.”

That’s taking the relationship the extra mile. n

Dr. Rick Jackson and his running buddy, Angel, have logged thousands of miles together on trails near home — and during a visit to Pioneers Park in the capital city.

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BRYAN HEART

Screenings available at Bryan and online

Dr. Robert Oakes (left) cheered Dr. Rick Jackson at the Sept. 29 Bryan Run to Overcome — only 10 weeks after valve replacement surgery.

VIDEO

To learn how your gift can support Bryan Health and the work of the Bryan Heart team, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

Hear more from Dr. Jackson at bryanheart.com.

Bryan Heart’s bicuspid aortic valve screening program was developed to ensure early identification of abnormal valves by screening family members and those who may be more genetically disposed to the condition, according to cardiologist Keith Miller, MD. To learn more about this program, contact Bryan Heart at 402-483-3333.

What is heart valve disease? Is it life-threatening?

Valves prevent the backward flow of blood as it moves from the heart’s upper chambers to the lower chambers (ventricles). These valves are flaps (also called leaflets) on each end of the ventricles. They act as oneway inlets for blood to enter one side of a ventricle and as one-way outlets on the other side. Normal tricuspid, aortic and pulmonary valves have three flaps, whereas mitral valves have two.

Regurgitation occurs when valves don’t close completely. Blood flows backward through the valve, so the heart is forced to work harder because it has to pump more blood on the next beat.

Stenosis (narrowing of the valve) limits the flow of blood. The heart must pump with increased force to move blood through narrowed or stiff valves.

Heart valves can have both malfunctions at the same time. When valves fail to open and close properly, the heart’s ability to pump blood through the body may be hampered — and that can lead to heart failure.

Causes of heart valve damage vary for each patient, but some of the causes are congenital birth defects, damage resulting from a heart attack or infection, rheumatic fever or changes in the heart valve structure as a person ages.

See your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, migraine headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath or palpitations.

Bryan Health also offers Heart Aware, a free online screening at bryanhealth.com/online-screenings. This simple test could save your life! n

Bryan Journeys 5

NEW AT BRYAN

Bryan Lung Cancer Center approach

Revolutionizes treatment

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wenty-three years ago, Richard Thompson, MD, had his first encounter with lung cancer. In November 2013, at the first Shine a Light on Lung Cancer event — a vigil designed to raise awareness of lung cancer — he told that gathering of lung cancer survivors and supporters about a 1990 phone call from his parents that confirmed the passing of his beloved grandmother from this awful disease.

“I was devastated,” he says. “But even more disturbing were some of the things people were saying about my grandmother.

Like she somehow deserved that outcome.”

As a cardiothoracic surgeon and director of the Bryan Lung Cancer Center, Dr. Thompson regularly encounters this stigma.

While the majority of lung cancer cases are linked to smoking, 1015 percent occur in patients without a history of smoking and may be linked to environmental factors, such as radon and asbestos.

“Patients make poor choices with their health in many areas, but no one deserves to develop cancer,” Dr. Thompson says.

“As a society, we need to stop blaming people for their diagnoses. Instead, we need to make sure we’re doing all we can to detect lung cancer as early as possible so patients have an increased chance for survival.”

Effective treatment for Dawn Hynek meant she and husband Brad were able to attend all three of their children’s weddings.

Survivors and family members gather at Bryan for the first Shine a Light on Lung Cancer event. The nationwide vigil in November is designed to raise awareness of lung cancer.

6 Winter 2014

UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS, SPECIAL CARE Forty-seven-year-old Dawn Hynek of Western is thankful for the dedication of Dr. Thompson and his team.

A wife, mother of three and grandmother of two, Dawn was preparing for a busy year, as each of her children was getting married in 2013. However, a mysterious set of symptoms sent her looking for answers.

“The left side of my body was tingling and going numb,” Dawn recalls. “I thought it might have something to do with my nervous

NEW AT BRYAN system, so I scheduled an appointment with a neurosurgeon, Dr. Daniel Tomes.”

An MRI scan confirmed her worst fears. Dawn had a tumor in her brain. Upon further review, doctors determined that Dawn’s cancer started as a lung tumor that had metastasized to her brain.

Though her mother had died of lung cancer in her 60s, Dawn was still in her 40s with no history of smoking. With the goal of dancing at her son’s wedding later that year, she decided to aggressively treat the cancer.

After working with medical oncologist Nathan Green, DO, and radiation oncologist Phillip Hynes, MD, to treat the brain tumor, Dawn was encouraged to schedule a visit with Dr. Thompson at the Bryan Lung Cancer Center to examine possibilities for surgical treatment of the cancer in her lung.

“The way we treat cancer continues to evolve. Cases like Dawn’s exemplify the need for a multidisciplinary approach so we can present the best recommendations to our patients,” Dr. Thompson says.

Bringing a comprehensive expanse of knowledge, results and resources into one room, the Bryan lung cancer team holds multidisciplinary conferences on a biweekly basis to develop a plan of care for each patient, identifying next steps and prescribing treatment. Coordinated by nurse navigator and clinical nurse specialist Ruth Van Gerpen, APRN, the conferences promote

Donna and Bob Long of Clay Center, Kan., say a routine scan led to his life-saving cancer surgery at Bryan.

collaboration between physicians and experts from a variety of specialties. Radiologists, pathologists and pulmonologists evaluate images and tissue specimens obtained in screening, diagnosis and planning, and discuss this information with the assembly of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Remaining objective and centered on best possible outcomes, the team focuses on questions such as: What do we know about the research and recommended guidelines for this type of cancer?

Can the patient tolerate this type of surgery? What are the patient’s goals and desires for treatment?

TEAMWORK BRINGS RESULTS Dr. Thompson introduced the concept of biweekly multidisciplinary conferences shortly after joining Bryan Health in 2010. Pulmonologist John Rudersdorf, MD, and others participating in these conferences praise the program and salute Bryan for offering this for the good of patients in our community.

Ruth acknowledges the impact of the conferences and the level of commitment demonstrated by each provider. Seen by many as the “quarterback” of the program, as nurse navigator she guides patients through the cancer treatment process, helping them understand what to expect before, during and after treatment.

“It’s amazing to see the collaboration among more than 30 expert medical providers. We spend time discussing each individual patient — it’s one of the things I’m most proud of at Bryan,” she says.

Dawn’s case was brought to the biweekly conference to analyze the cancer and make recommendations for treatment.

The team determined she was a candidate for surgical resection.

Shortly thereafter, Dr. Thompson performed a lobectomy to remove the cancer in her lung.

“When they told me they were able to remove the cancer, I was ecstatic. I realize it may come back, but I was able to dance at my son’s wedding and celebrate life,” she says. “We even have a new grandchild coming in 2014, so I have a lot to look forward to!”

Dawn will continue to receive routine screenings, including CT scans every six months for the first two years, and then on a yearly basis. Routine monitoring is the key to detecting changes that may warrant action. In fact, it was a routine scan that saved the life of a Kansas man named Bob Long.

EARLY DETECTION IS KEY “I had a post-op workup done for a different surgery. Within the imaging files, doctors discovered a nodule on my left lung,” Bob recalls. “With a family history of lung cancer, I didn’t want to take

Bryan Journeys 7

NEW AT BRYAN any chances. We decided to make the three-hour drive to Bryan Health to meet with Dr. Oakes.”

Early detection, according to Robert Oakes, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon at the Bryan Lung Cancer Center, is often the key to survival.

“It’s not uncommon to discover lung cancer during a chest X-ray or CT scan done for another reason,” he says. “The spot may be small, but we need to check it out.”

Though Bob had a long history of smoking, he did not have any active symptoms of lung cancer.

“When a patient presents with lung cancer symptoms, such as coughing up blood or having difficulty breathing, it may be too late to have the cancer treated surgically,” Dr. Oakes explains.

To treat the cancer, the surgeon performed a lobectomy to remove the upper lobe of Bob’s left lung. Following that procedure, Bob encountered a situation that helped him see the power of the lung cancer team in action.

“At one point, I was having some issues with pain management and my nurse navigator, Ruth, helped me manage the pain,” says Bob. “She’s just an exceptional person, going above and beyond to serve her patients.”

Ruth had discovered a creative solution that eased his pain and allowed Bob to rest.

“In a certain subset of patients, we utilize a more strategic or comprehensive solution to manage their pain,” says Dr. Oakes.

“Anesthesiologists follow up with each patient, and our nurse

navigator talks with them to determine other options.”

Bob’s surgery was a success, and a post-op CT scan confirmed that all of the cancer had been removed. A follow-up CT scan six months later confirmed the prognosis.

“My pulmonologist in Kansas was really tickled about my progress,” Bob says. “I’m pretty happy about it, too!”

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST For the team at the Bryan Lung Cancer Center, the opportunity to help people like Bob, during one of life’s most frightening experiences, is truly rewarding.

“The potential to cure someone of cancer is amazing,” says Dr. Oakes. “You can really make a difference in the life of a patient and their family.”

The development of the center further supports the standard of care carried forth by the lung cancer team. Beginning this year, it will be possible for lung cancer patients at Bryan East Campus to see a pulmonologist, thoracic surgeon and nurse navigator all in the same visit.

Now that Bob is cancer free, he is enjoying his new lease on life. He recently traveled to witness his granddaughter graduate from culinary school and has plans to head to the east coast to spend time with his other grandchildren.

“We want to live life to the fullest,” says Bob, smiling. “And Dr. Oakes and Ruth have given me hope for many more years.”

While doctors can help with the treatment of cancer, people

The multidisciplinary conference invites health care specialists from throughout the community to share insights that can improve patient outcomes.

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NEW AT BRYAN need to be reminded of actions they can take to prevent the development of lung cancer. Through education and awareness, Dr. Thompson dreams of the day when lung cancer is openly discussed and treated like other well-known cancers, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.

“We need three things to make this happen: a multidisciplinary approach to care, advanced cancer treatment —

including early detection — and a significant focus on prevention,” says Dr. Thompson.

Patients like Bob and Dawn support the efforts to increase awareness of lung cancer. They hope no one has to battle the disease like they have.

However, if they do, their advice is clear: “Call the team at Bryan Health.” n

Welcome, Bryan Lung Cancer Center

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ccording to points out benefits extend far the Centers beyond convenience. for Disease “The initial interaction Control and with a patient, coupled with Prevention, communication among more people in the United providers, will truly expedite States die from lung cancer the treatment process,” he than any other type of says. “When patients face cancer. With this statistic a potentially life-altering remaining true for both diagnosis, there are many men and women, Bryan unknowns. We need to Health is introducing a process information quickly resource that will fuel the and effectively, leveraging the fight against lung cancer. expertise from a variety of Located on the Bryan providers.”

The leadership team East Campus, the Bryan at Bryan Health is pleased Lung Cancer Center to bring such a valuable provides a variety of resource to Lincoln and resources to improve surrounding communities. diagnosis and treatment “This type of resource of lung cancer. Opening Bryan Lung Cancer Center director Richard Thompson, MD, (left) and for lung cancer care is rare in early 2014, patients nurse navigator Ruth Van Gerpen, APRN-CNS, discuss patient treatment except in very large academic will be able to see a options with pulmonologists Jeff Jarrett, MD, and Sean Barry, MD. cancer centers,” says Dr. pulmonologist, thoracic Thompson. “We’re looking surgeon and nurse naviutilizing advanced diagnostic tools gator all in the same visit. forward to seeing how this opportunity and working as a team, we can quickly Richard Thompson, MD, cardiowill change the lives of those with lung communicate regarding symptoms, test thoracic surgeon and leader of the results and more, helping us determine cancer.” n lung cancer program, believes this will the sequence of events for treatment.”

For information about the Bryan Lung improve overall care and allow the team to The multidisciplinary approach Cancer Center, call 402-483-3255. effectively improve outcomes for patients offers many benefits, such as patient To learn how you can support and their families. empowerment and convenience, as many Bryan Health, please contact the Bryan “Our goal is to see patients while other patients travel great distances to work Foundation at 402-481-8605. specialties are present,” he explains. “By with the team at Bryan. Dr. Thompson

Bryan Journeys 9

Cancer survivors Leigh Cave (left) and Meredith Petrick reconnect with LifeSpring program coordinator Kristi Beyer at Bryan LifePointe.

10 Winter 2014

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE

LifeSpring

Helping recover lives after cancer

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t 36 years of age, Meredith Petrick received a phone call that turned her world upside down.

“I remember my daughter sitting happily in her high chair. We were slowly starting our day when I got the call,” Meredith says. “They told me that after reviewing the results of my mammogram, I needed to come in for more testing.”

Over the next 14 days, Meredith had a biopsy, lumpectomy, sentinel node procedure and MUGA scan and had a port-a-cath put in. The final diagnosis was breast cancer, Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma, Grade 3 of 3, triple negative.

She dove right into treatment.

Several months later, she attended the Bryan Health Breast Cancer Survivors Luncheon where she learned about LifeSpring.

“The speaker talked about the design of the LifeSpring program, offering education and exercise for individuals who had cancer or were going through treatment,” she says. “Little did I know that this program would have such a profound impact on my life.”

Since 2007, LifeSpring has helped men and women with cancer combat fatigue and increase vitality. Funded by the Bryan Health Foundation, this free 12-week program is designed to help patients thrive after a recent cancer diagnosis. The program includes twiceweekly exercise, paired with a weekly educational session on topics such as nutrition and weight management, sleep, exercise, cognitive functioning, spirituality, coping and relationships, music therapy, healing arts, and visual imagery and relaxation.

“Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and distressing side effects experienced by patients with cancer,” says clinical nurse specialist Ruth Van Gerpen, APRN, a nurse navigator at Bryan Health and one of the founders of the LifeSpring program.

Meredith gained confidence by learning more about her cancerrelated fatigue.

“To have a nurse tell me that it was not only normal but actually expected was reassuring to say the least,” she says.

Fatigue often can last two to three years following treatment. Leigh Cave, a two-time breast cancer survivor and one of the first participants in LifeSpring, was surprised by her level of fatigue.

“The chemotherapy just robbed my body of its vitality,” Leigh says.

“The LifeSpring program helped me get my energy back.”

Determined to beat the cancer, Leigh underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

“Even though I’d just had surgery, I was ready to start the program,” she says. “This was my second battle with cancer, and I knew from my first experience how vital LifeSpring was to the healing process.”

A research article published by Ruth and physical therapist and professor Betsy Becker in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing discusses improvements seen by LifeSpring participants as it relates to their quality of life, especially in the areas of fatigue, depression, sleep and pain.

With exercise and fatigue, though, comes a common misunderstanding.

“Many people think they are too tired to exercise. In fact, the opposite is true. You are too tired not to exercise!” says Kristi Beyer, exercise physiologist for LifeSpring. “Once individuals begin the program at the level that’s right for them, they begin to experience the surge of energy that comes from regular activity.”

With a master’s degree in exercise physiology, Kristi can design a wide variety of exercises for all activity levels.

“We incorporate water aerobics, cardio machines, pneumatic fitness equipment, strength training, tai chi, yoga and more,” she says. “The challenge is to keep it interesting and appropriate for individual fitness levels.”

While research demonstrates measurable outcomes, the program offers intangible benefits such as support and camaraderie.

“We develop a common bond and fellowship with people who are wanting to live with NED — No Evidence of Disease,” says Meredith.

To join the program, participants go through a screening process with an oncology nurse to determine whether they are a good fit for LifeSpring. Participants also complete a fitness assessment with an exercise physiologist to determine the appropriate level of exercise for them.

“I was revived mentally, physically and spiritually,” Leigh says with a smile. “I always tell people that I had cancer, but cancer didn’t have me.”

Leigh and Meredith both are in remission and continue to carry forth the habits learned in the LifeSpring program to live a full and healthy life.

LifeSpring is available for anyone diagnosed with cancer in the past two years or currently receiving treatment. Open to the public, individuals do not have to be Bryan Health patients to take advantage of this free 12-week program.

To learn more about LifeSpring or to sign up for the next session, call Kristi Beyer at 402-481-6306. n

Hear more from Leigh and Kristi in a video production at bryanhealth.org/lifespring.

VIDEO

Bryan Journeys 11

BRYAN FOUNDATION

William Jennings Bryan Society profile

Hershbergers help nursing students achieve dreams

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without leaving a will. That made it more housands of graduates know a difficult to straighten out her finances, and degree from Bryan College of it became an impetus for us to make sure Health Sciences is their entry to our own estate plans were in order.” exciting and fulfilling careers.

Greg retired in his mid-50s, and they Just ask Cathy Hershberger and her moved back to Lincoln in 2005 to help husband, Greg. Her 1970 diploma from care for their parents.

Bryan College of Nursing allowed Cathy to “We love Lincoln, and the city’s only work in hospitals throughout the United become better over time!” says Cathy.

States, as Greg’s positions while a federal “There are so many new things to see law enforcement officer took the couple to and do, and the Bryan College of Health communities in eight states and the District Sciences is a marvelous facility.” of Columbia.

During the Hershbergers’ college She credits the clinical experience she years, Cathy’s parents lived in O’Neill, gained as a Bryan student for giving her and Greg’s parents lived in Milford. advantages in the job market — and now Today, Cathy’s parents and twin sister she’s helping others achieve their dreams. are in Lincoln, and Greg’s mother lives in In 2013, the Hershbergers established Seward. Those family ties convinced the the Catherine Skelley Hershberger retired couple to move back and split time Scholarship, which will be awarded annually between Nebraska’s capital city and a to nursing students from smaller Nebraska home in Arizona. towns. The first scholarship was awarded “Since retiring, we’ve had time to help in the fall, and Cathy and Greg met that Members of the William Jennings Bryan care for our parents, and we’ve been able scholarship recipient.

Society, like Greg and Cathy Hershberger, to participate in a lot of church-related Cathy has fond memories of her time at have made planned gifts. activities,” Greg notes. “For instance, we Bryan. just returned from a mission trip to Kenya, “As students, we actually scrubbed in and we’ve been on teams that helped after Hurricane Katrina and and helped circulate in the O.R.,” she recalls. “I loved working in natural disasters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Joplin, Mo.” surgery and chose that as my career. As a nurse, I sometimes felt Although serving others always has been important to the sorry for students from other programs, whose only experience in Hershbergers, a recent situation completely changed their the O.R. often was as little as a one-day observation. timetable.

“Bryan graduates are much better prepared.”

Earlier this year, Greg’s father was having heart surgery, and The couple met at Bryan while Greg — then a University of that convinced Greg and Cathy to re-evaluate their priorities.

Nebraska student — was an orderly in surgery and Cathy worked “That’s why we decided to contribute part of our current assets in surgery and the recovery room. to begin the scholarship right now — so that today’s students “I always say, ‘We met behind the mask,’” Cathy teases her can benefit — but we’ve also made arrangements so that after husband. “We married during Greg’s senior year, and after we die, funds have been set aside to make sure the scholarship graduation we moved away from Lincoln. It’s been a wonderful is endowed and continues to help tomorrow’s students and their life, and I’ve always been able to find nursing opportunities that future patients. interested me.”

The Hershbergers became involved in financial planning long “This is how we’re giving back,” he concludes. n before most couples.

To find out how your gift can support Bryan Health, please “Before we were 40, we made sure we had a will and had call 402-481-8605, or email deetta.mayrose@bryanhealth.org or begun planning for our retirement,” Greg says. “It’s important for valerie.hunt@bryanhealth.org for more information. everyone to do this. For example, Cathy’s aunt died unexpectedly

12 Winter 2014

BRYAN FOUNDATION

Help us grow a peaceful garden for families of miracle babies

A

campaign for Bryan Medical Center’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in two phases will dramatically enhance the experience for families of our smallest patients.

Phase 1 constructs a rooftop healing garden to provide an escape from the stress of an institutional environment, with the unique needs of patients and their families in mind. The garden will offer a space for patients, families and health care staff to refocus and regroup. Access to pleasant outdoor environments can reduce pain, anxiety, emotional distress and complications, as well as increase clarity for decision making and sense of wellbeing for patients, families and caregivers.

For many patients, a hospital stay is a short, infrequent visit.

However, for patients and their families who find themselves in need of extended care and services, those days, weeks and months can be difficult to face inside hospital walls. The rooftop garden will be located above Bryan Medical Plaza on Bryan East Campus, with access from the Women’s & Children’s Tower’s third floor NICU. (See Pages 14-15 for photos from our NICU.) Phase 2 will create an endowment for ongoing programmatic and capital support, technology and education.

The rooftop healing garden on third floor will provide space for patients and families to refocus and regroup.

For more information regarding the NICU campaign, please call 402-481-8605, or email deetta.mayrose@bryanhealth.org or valerie.hunt@bryanhealth.org.

Access to a pleasant outdoor environment offers a healthy diversion and helps reduce pain and anxiety.

There’s more on the horizon In addition to the campaign to support Bryan’s neonatal intensive care unit, other projects will come to life in the next year, thanks to donor gifts now and in the future.

On the Bryan West Campus, a beautiful chapel will become a place of comfort and solace for patients and families. Bryan College of Health Sciences has launched a new program — the Center for Excellence in Gerontological Studies — that can truly be enhanced with donor support. This center provides students with exceptional resources for becoming competent, compassionate care givers for older adults. And gifts will begin to endow other new services, such as our oncology nurse navigator program, where each patient and family has a champion to turn to on their cancer journey.

Please join your neighbors, friends and family in making gifts to the Bryan Foundation; your support helps Bryan Health continue to provide excellent patient and family-focused care.

Thank you!

Bob Ravenscroft, Vice President of Advancement and Chief Development Officer

Bryan Journeys 13

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE

In NICU, we are family

Jamie Phillips cradles her sleeping daughter Phoenix. The new mom traveled from Kansas to be with her baby in the NICU at Bryan East Campus as much as possible.

H

undreds of babies have been cared for in Bryan’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) since it opened five years ago.

Every family has a story to tell about their precious newborns; staff members say it’s a privilege to care for these children, who often arrive early and with special medical needs that require longterm care before they can go home.

Jamie Phillips (pictured on this page) and Chris Wright of Belleville, Kan., were expecting twins.

“I was very sick throughout the pregnancy,” she recalls. “When I went into labor, I was transferred by ambulance from our local hospital to Bryan.”

Chiles was born at just 20 weeks and

lived for 45 minutes after his delivery.

“My other twin, Phoenix, decided she wasn’t ready, and I carried her for six more weeks,” says Jamie. For the rest of the pregnancy, she saw maternal-fetal medicine specialist Sean Kenney, MD, who helped her prepare for the birth of her daughter.

“Phoenix was born Oct. 15, weighing 1 pound 11.1 ounces. After 63 days in the NICU, she weighed 5 pounds, 2 ounces, so Chris and I could take her home.”

Jamie adds, “All the nurses and doctors at Bryan are absolutely wonderful and caring. They are our second family.

“They treated Phoenix as their own and were just as excited as I was with every milestone she reached.”

Wendy Tran, RN, (below) enters stats into Phoenix Phillips’ medical record.

14 Winter 2014

It takes a big team for quadruplets! Lisa Collins (left), Cindi McCarter, Bethany Fausch, Dr. Kenneth Gross, Jenna Boon, Dr. Albert Owusu-Ansah, Amy Stevens, Dr. Sean Kenney, Allison Moritz, Carly Maack, Sara McQuistan, Ashley Johannes, Heidi Dostal, Chris Wagner, Katie Allison, Amy Termaat, Susan Wittler, Megan Teahon and Casey Splattstoesser, as well as Kristen Lorimor and Cailee Haskell, delivered the Meyers’ babies.

Ashley Meyers beams Dec. 18 as she holds her quadruplets — Aubrey, Sam, Cole and Macie.

It was the first time all four babies were together since their Dec. 7 birth.

Reporters hear from maternal-fetal medicine specialist Sean Kenney, MD, and Ashley and Brian Meyers.

T

he first quadruplets born at Bryan are the talk of the town. Aubrey, Sam, Cole and Macie Meyers were delivered Dec. 7. Before they had even gone home, their arrival was noted in local newspapers and TV reports.

Parents Ashley and Brian Meyers and big sister Lauren of Lincoln know life is changing. For example, they estimate the newborns will need about 10,000 diapers in the upcoming year!

Bryan Journeys 15

MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Ask the doctor: When will I need an endocrinologist?

Shannon Wakeley, MD, of Complete Endocrinology answers questions about the field of endocrinology.

Q: What does an endocrinologist do?

These physicians specialize in treating diseases that affect the production of hormones by endocrine organs in the body.

Q: What are the endocrine organs?

These are the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pancreas, adrenal gland, ovaries and testes. The endocrine system affects the entire body. For example, your thyroid’s hormone affects metabolism, temperature regulation, bone metabolism, emotions, heart rate, fertility and even bowel movements.

Q: What medical training does an endocrinologist need?

Endocrinology is a specialty branch of internal medicine.

After medical school, one must complete an internal medicine residency and an endocrinology fellowship to become eligible to take the board exam.

Q: How did you become interested in endocrinology?

I had wonderful mentors in medical school and residency who inspired me to take this direction.

Endocrinology is fascinating to me. I’ve loved learning the hormonal pathways and appreciating the interconnectedness of the endocrine system with the rest of the body.

Q: What are diseases of the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland is your body’s “master gland.” This gland produces hormones that control the function of several endocrine organs. Pituitary tumors can cause either an overproduction or underproduction in hormones.

Examples of disease caused by pituitary tumors are acromegaly (too much growth hormone) and Cushing’s disease (too much cortisol). Prolactin-secreting pituitary hormones are the most common form of pituitary tumors. Fortunately, most of these can be 16 Winter 2014

You can contact Dr. Shannon Wakeley at www.lincolnendocrine.com.

MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT treated by taking a pill, as opposed to surgery. Pituitary insufficiency refers to an inadequate production of pituitary hormones. This can lead to various conditions, including hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism and diabetes insipidus.

Q: What are diseases of the thyroid gland?

Hypothyroidism refers to when your thyroid gland is not making enough thyroid hormone. This most often is due to Hashimoto’s disease, which occurs when antibodies attack the thyroid gland and prevent the production of hormone. The opposite condition is hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid makes too much hormone. This can be due to Graves’ disease, thyroiditis or excess thyroid hormone production from thyroid nodules.

Thyroid nodules are fairly common, often found incidentally on imaging studies done for a reason unrelated to the thyroid. For example, a CT scan done in the Emergency Department after a car crash may reveal a nodule. Fortunately, the majority of thyroid nodules are benign, but cancer can start in the thyroid gland. The most common thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, is very treatable and has an excellent prognosis in the majority of cases.

Q: What are diseases of the adrenal glands?

The adrenal glands are located above each kidney. Different parts of the adrenal glands make specific hormones. These affect a variety of things in the body, such as blood pressure control, salt balance, pubertal development and response to stress. Adrenal insufficiency refers to when the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough cortisol.

Classic symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness and fatigue. Adrenal nodules can produce excess cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine and aldosterone.

In many cases, however, they don’t produce extra hormones and simply need to be monitored for growth. Some nodules can be larger or cancerous and need to be treated surgically.

Q: What are diseases of the ovaries?

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a condition commonly treated by endocrinologists. This condition causes irregular periods and an imbalance in male hormone levels that can lead to hirsutism and acne. Insulin resistance is thought to play a role in developing PCOS. Patients are monitored closely for diabetes and high cholesterol and counseled on the importance of weight loss through dietary changes and exercise. Premature ovarian failure occurs when women go through menopause at an unusually young age. Treatment involves replacement of estrogen and close monitoring of bone health.

Q: What are diseases of the testes?

Hypogonadism is the most common endocrine condition. This can be due to an inability of the testes to make testosterone (referred to as primary hypogonadism) or the inability of the pituitary gland to direct the testes to make testosterone (referred to as secondary

hypogonadism). Low testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction, low libido, decline in muscle mass and even osteoporosis. This is treatable with testosterone replacement. Fertility needs to be taken into consideration when deciding what type of treatment to use.

Q: What are diseases of the pancreas?

Diabetes is the most common endocrine disease of the pancreas.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when antibodies attack insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, thereby preventing insulin production.

Treatment requires both long-acting (basal) and short-acting (bolus) insulin. Type 1 diabetes is a very treatable disease but requires a great amount of discipline on behalf of the patient.

Type 2 diabetes is due to insulin resistance. The pancreas continues to make greater amounts of insulin in an effort to overcome the resistance. There are numerous medications available to control blood sugar levels. Some patients can control their diabetes through diet and exercise alone while others require insulin.

Q: What percentage of diseases can be treated with medication?

Nearly all endocrine diseases can be treated with medication, except for tumors which may require surgery.

Certain thyroid cancers can be treated with radioactive iodine following a thyroidectomy.

Q: How would I end up seeing an endocrinologist?

You would be referred to an endocrinologist if your doctor feels you have an endocrine condition that he or she doesn’t have as much experience treating. Diabetes is by far the most common endocrine disorder. However, most physicians are very capable of managing this condition. Endocrinologists typically see diabetic patients with more complicated insulin regimens, patients using insulin pumps or those with other medical conditions that complicate their diabetes care.

Q: Does an endocrinologist work in a hospital or an office?

Both. The majority of endocrine diseases are treated in the outpatient setting, but endocrinologists also are needed in the hospital. Unfortunately, there is a lack of endocrinology providers in Lincoln, which limits the ability we have to be in both places.

Our community is fortunate to have excellent hospitalists who do a great job of managing complicated endocrine conditions and who call us whenever help is needed.

Q: What’s the best thing about being an endocrinologist?

My patients, hands down. When I moved to Lincoln, I was shocked to hear my patients say, “Thank you for coming here” and “Thank you for being my doctor.” They make me feel appreciated every day.

When they have success in their personal health, I’m excited for them. The majority of my patients are diabetic and have to work to control their disease. I’m simply a guide for them and sometimes a cheerleader. When they make monumental lifestyle changes and feel better both mentally and physically, I feel honored to have been involved in their journey. n Bryan Journeys 17

MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE

New faces at

Bryan

Welcome these colleagues to the Bryan medical community Ana Luisa Delgado, MD, neurology, is associated with Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, 402-413-3531.

Dr. Delgado earned her medical degree in 2003 from Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia. She completed a neurology residency and neurorehabilitation fellow- ship at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she served as a clinical instructor.

Dr. Delgado is board certified in neurology. She has written for many medical

journals, reviewed manuscripts and presented clinical vignettes at regional and national conferences.

Hamza Ismail, MD, internal medicine, joined East Lincoln Internal Medicine, 402-484-4940.

He graduated from the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences in Maharashtra, India, in 2002 and completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in McKeesport, Pa. Before moving to Lincoln, Dr. Ismail was a staff physician in the Department of General Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics at Iowa City. He also taught at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.

Dr. Ismail is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Rugmini Warrier, MD, nephrology, is associated with Lincoln Nephrology & Hypertension, 402-484-5600.

Dr. Warrier graduated in 1994 from Christian Medical College and Hospital in Vellore, India, where she was the senior house surgeon in Accident and Emergency Services and completed an internal medicine residency.

She was a research assistant in the Department of Gastroenterology at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Trenton, N.J., before completing an internal medicine residency at the Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha.

Dr. Warrier is board certified in internal medicine. She was a hospitalist at Bryan Medical Center from 2009-2011, then MEET THE RESIDENTS completed a fellowship in nephrology at Eight new physicians are enrolled as first-year residents in the Lincoln Family Medicine Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

Program. They will receive clinical experience in several areas of Bryan Medical Center. This She also was an instructor and Lincoln Medical Education Partnership program prepares doctors for certification as family physicians. The residents are Erin Schrunk, MD (left); Horacio Alvarez Ramirez, MD; Danielle mentor of medical students at Creighton Wooldrick, DO; Heather Sammons, DO; Patrick Courtney, MD; Mary Haas, DO; Johnathan University Medical Center. n Leck, MD; and Josue Gutierrez, MD.

18 Winter 2014

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE Fitness at Bryan LifePointe

Campus, 7501 S. 27th St. To register, go to bryanhealth.org/ calendar, or call 402-481-6300.

Feeling like you need more accountability and motivation in your workouts?

Tandem Training is for you! Studies show individuals who work out with a buddy tend to work harder, stick to their exercise routine and have more fun! Motivate yourself (and a friend) with our special pricing on personal training during February.

You save up to $15 per session!

Cost: $25 per person/two people for a 45-minute session or $150 per person/two people for six 45-minute sessions.

Call 402-481-6300 now to schedule your appointment and get fit for warmer weather!

n Comprehensive Blood Screening Cost: $40 for Sterling Connection members, LifePointe members, Bryan employees and volunteers, or $45 for non-members.

This screening includes a comprehensive metabolic panel, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), lipid panel (cholesterol) and hemogram. You must fast for 12 hours before this screening.

Two Hearts Sweating as One

Size Wise Exercise

Wednesdays and Fridays, Feb. 19-March 28, 7-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 5:45-6:15 p.m. on Fridays Cost: $40, LifePointe members; $60, non-members.

Does your size limit you from doing daily activities? Have you been reluctant to exercise because gyms are intimidating? Then this medically integrated movement program might be just what you have been waiting for and needing. Lead by two masters-prepared exercise specialists, this size-sensitive group program creates a safe environment where individuals can feel secure while moving their bodies. This six-week activity class is created to be accessible and achievable to help individuals of size feel empowered.

To register or for more information, call 402-481-6306.

Screenings for Your Health

Thursday, Feb. 20, 7-9:15 a.m.

The following screenings are by appointment only.

Screenings will be held in Classroom 2 at Bryan LifePointe

College Exploration Day — for Kids!

Saturday, March 1, 10-11 a.m.

Bryan College of Health Sciences, 5035 Everett St. It’s free!

Has your child talked about becoming a nurse or working in health care? Bryan College of Health Sciences uses state-ofthe-art learning tools to train future nurses, sonographers, nurse

n High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (Cardio CRP) Cost: $45.

This screening can help evaluate your risk of heart disease. You must fast 12 hours before this screening. n Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) Cost: $20.

This screening indicates average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months.

Carb Counting: Is It Really Necessary?

Mondays, March 3, 10 and 17, 4-5 p.m.

Register by Friday, Feb. 28.

Do you have a family history of diabetes? Has your doctor mentioned that your fasting glucose level is starting to rise? Often foods we think of as healthy may not be, whether that’s due to portion size or hidden carbohydrates and sugars. Being in the know about the foods you choose can help you feel better, maintain or lose weight, and even avoid or delay diabetes and other health conditions.

Join registered dietitian Jenna Meyers to learn how to read food labels, count carbohydrates and create a plan for healthy living.

Cost: $30. To register before Feb. 28, call 402-481-6300, or go to bryanhealth.org/calendar.

anesthetists and others.

This unique event offers opportunities for kids up to age 12 to explore the nursing skills lab, ultrasound machines and biomedical sciences and learn more about how the human body works. You won’t want to miss this! Parents are asked to stay on site and participate with their children.

Call 402-481-8886, or go to bryanhealth.org/calendar.

Bryan Journeys 19

IN SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

Beyond the boardroom

Bryan leaders Evnen and Brake continue

The board chairs of Bryan Medical Center (Richard Evnen) and Bryan Health System (Gene Brake) are very different and yet have much in common. They both were born in Sioux City, Iowa, and moved to Nebraska at a very young age. Both have strong connections to Bryan in one or more interesting ways. And both have a passion for community betterment through civic service.

Please read on to get to know them.

F

ew board members can say they had Bryan nursing students as baby sitters — but Richard Evnen can. This chair of the Bryan Medical Center Board has a long history with Bryan.

“I grew up at 49th and A streets and went to Holmes Elementary School, so I lived in this neighborhood,” he recalls.

“And it did have an impact on us in different ways. Not the least of which, my mother would find baby sitters in the Bryan School of Nursing. They lived in a dormitory and you could call and arrange for students to be baby sitters.”

Richard’s father, Everett Evnen, served on Bryan boards for years. “He was deeply committed to it and honored to serve, and I think he was an outstanding board member,” Richard says.

Other family members have worked at Bryan and served as board members, including his sister, Jaine Merliss, of the Bryan Foundation Board, and brother-in-law, cardiologist Andrew Merliss, MD, of the Bryan College of Health Sciences Board. Still, like Gene Brake, Richard has a varied history of community service — in his case, going back to boyhood.

“I have a history of volunteerism, and I don’t know that it springs forth from anything inside me, but as a kid I sort of got oriented this way,” he says. “I became interested in other people and cultures, and after sixth grade I volunteered in a Head Start classroom for part of a summer, just helping with small children.

I was raised in a family that believed in volunteering and in civic duty.”

In high school, a class about volunteerism further sparked his interest, and Richard became a volunteer at the Lincoln Regional Center, where he worked throughout high school. He volunteered in the hospital section of the center, helping feed patients, taking them in wheelchairs for trips through the center’s grounds, offering companionship.

20 Winter 2014

Richard Evnen, chair of the Bryan Medical Center Board

IN SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

to serve others “I had a lot of signals throughout my Living in Cambodia also allowed him to life about the importance of volunteerism enjoy one of his passions: photography. “It was and I also had the benefit of knowing what quite an experience. I got to travel around the it felt like performing volunteer work — country and see a lot of Cambodia.” how it made me feel the joy you receive He also likes to spend time with his from people in those organizations.” family even though his children are grown.

Richard also has served on various “Parenting doesn’t stop when your kids leave community committees and boards, such as the house,” he says with a grin. He also the Lincoln Electric System Board and the likes to cook and tour the Southwest on his Bright Lights Board, which he found quite motorcycle. He and his wife, Kim Heier, enjoy rewarding. He currently is a CASA (Court traveling; he credits her with supporting his Richard Evnen shot these photographs Appointed Special Advocates) volunteer and during a life-changing visit to Cambodia. desire to volunteer in Cambodia, and she continues to serve the Jewish community as visited him while he was there. a member of the regional Anti-Defamation Richard was in Cambodia when Bryan League Board and as president of the local Health leadership asked him to serve as board Jewish cemetery. chair. President and CEO Kim Russel and Earlier this year, he spent three months Richard emailed back and forth; ultimately, in Cambodia, living in an apartment in Richard notes, he was flattered and knew it Phnom Penh. would be an honor and a great opportunity to As a selected member of the volunteer serve the medical center in this way. corps of the American Jewish World “My experiences at Bryan have been Service, an organization that provides remarkable. I’ve only been chair for a few financial support to grassroots nonprofits months, so I’m still learning the ropes in how in developing countries, he worked as an to execute my duties in the best possible advisor to a Cambodian non-governmental way,” he says. “The board plays an essential organization (NGO). There, he worked with function, but it’s only one little piece of the Cambodian youth, instilling in them an story, and all the other pieces combined are interest in civic duty and helping develop what make Bryan the organization it is.” life and work skills to help them better Indeed, at every monthly meeting, the themselves and their families.

Bryan Medical Center Board recognizes a staff member who made His work in Cambodia had a lasting impact and solidified a positive difference for patients or co-workers. And each meeting something he already knew: That despite our histories, at the core, ends with a “mission moment” where members hear a true story we are all the same. “Amidst all the poverty and the darkness and about someone’s experience — how a person’s life was changed or repression, are the Cambodian people — people who wake up impacted in some way by the work at Bryan. every day with many of the same things on their minds that we “We delight in hearing stories from every corner of the have on ours. They want to have a good day. They want to have organization. Of course we’re interested in facts and statistics, but food. They want to have shelter and safety and security and some as a board we also are interested in human stories associated with measure of happiness. And they want a better life for their children. our work,” Richard says.

It was really an honor to be part of that. I certainly learned a lot “It’s how we conclude every meeting, and it’s the framework for more from them than I could have possibly left behind.” our commitment and our duty as board members.”

Bryan Journeys 21

IN SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

G

ene Brake is in his third, two-year term as chair of the Bryan Health Board.

Gene, CEO of HomeServices of Nebraska and a longtime Realtor®, has served on and chaired many boards in our community through the years — Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, to name just two — but he thanks his late father-in-law, pioneering heart surgeon Herbert Reese, MD, for instilling a passion for Bryan.

“Those who knew Dr. Reese know he really loved medicine, but he also loved Bryan. When he was still with us, I would go over to his house after board meetings, and Doc always had an interest in what was going on over at Bryan,” he recalls. “That love and connection was just infectious.”

On a personal level, Gene has a great love of Lincoln and a deep desire to see it grow in a positive way. From his years in community leadership, he says, he’s learned that for Lincoln to grow, it needs to have a number of things in place, including a great school system, and a great hospital system. “I feel Bryan is part of that,” he says.

“What I love about Bryan are the people. They’re great, passionate people — I don’t care if it’s the greeter at the registration desk or if it’s the heart team — they’re all there for a reason, and that’s to help people,” Gene says.

“It’s a great institution; everyone works hard to provide great facilities,” he continues. “I think our professionalism and expertise are second to none, and the staff has a real passion not only to provide great quality service, but also to continue to grow Bryan as our community grows. The Bryan team is not satisfied with status quo. And it’s fun to be around bright, energetic people.”

Gene also appreciates the fact that medical center leaders are focused on the changes in health care today; he believes they are ahead of the curve.

“Our team saw the changes in health care coming from Washington, so we made sure our strategic planning was forward thinking to deal with those changes. We don’t know how it will filter out, but we know change is coming, and we’re ready for it. We will adjust and provide great service and care to our patients.”

He says the changes he’s seen in Lincoln over the last 38 years are tremendous. “And if you go back and look at Bryan 38 years ago, it was just a small hospital experimenting with a heart program,” he notes. “And looking at it now, it’s a large health system with a major cardiac program. Just to be a small part of helping Lincoln grow, through chairing the chamber during changes and also chairing at Bryan as it went through so many changes — helping take Bryan to the next level is very rewarding for me and very exciting.”

So, what may have instilled this civic mindedness?

22 Winter 2014

Gene Brake, chair of the Bryan Health Board

“Pace Woods hired me right out of college,” Gene recalls. “Pace said that if you’re going to take something from a community, you have to give back. And my late wife, Mary Brake, Dr. Reese’s daughter, lived by the adage, ‘The more you give, the more you get.’ And it’s amazing to see how true that is. People who have been either lucky or blessed have to give back — either in time, treasure or talent. And if you don’t, as a community we lose out.”

Although Gene spends a lot of time working and in his civic roles, he takes time when he can for himself and his 14-year-old daughter, Bayley. Gene enjoys golfing, fishing and hunting, and he’s an avid bicyclist and motorcyclist. He and Bayley also enjoy spending time during the summer in Canada. n To learn how you can support Bryan Health, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Sharri Rowley with student Mariah Peck

John Dalton (left) and Michael Marsh of Davis Design with student Jessica Roettger

Pam Edwards with student Kelsey Sell

Scholarship luncheon generates smiles

Opal Stivrins with student Lacey Huber

Bryan College of Health Sciences hosts a special luncheon every fall, and students who received scholarships have opportunities to meet those who contributed to scholarships. To find out how you can help the Bryan College of Health Sciences, please contact major gift officer DeEtta Mayrose of the Bryan Foundation by calling 402-481-8287.

Phylis Hollamon Berg (left) and the Rev. Darrel Berg Doug and Lois Wilson with student with students Hernan Aguilos and Megan Tuenge Katie Stoltenberg

Herm and Helen Wiebers with student Megan Himmelberg

Bryan Journeys 23

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Accreditors applaud students, faculty

A

Accreditors are from similar types of programs elsewhere in the ccreditors who visited Bryan College of Health United States. Preparing for such visits means schools go through Sciences in 2013 raved about the programs they many hours of self-evaluation before a team arrives on campus. evaluated.

Accreditation is a voluntary process. Why invest the time and “In exit reports, the teams were certainly resources? positive and indicated they would recommend Dr. Moore says earning accreditation recognizes a quality approval for re-accrediting two of our programs program and makes a college eligible for federal financial aid. and giving the first accreditation for one of our newest programs,” “It’s an important measure of your school,” says Dr. Maize. says Bryan College of Health Sciences President Marilyn Moore, “They don’t just review the curriculum — they investigate EdD. “They said wonderful things.” everything that goes into it, from your mission and philosophies to Provost Kay Maize, EdD, RN, notes, “What really stood out were comments that our students were poised and professional. That demonstrates they’re being prepared well for careers in health care.”

Teams interacted with students at the college and in clinical settings.

“The teams noted the cleanliness and overall environment of our medical center,” says Dr. Maize. “They appreciated the teamwork they saw among the faculty and Accreditors say our students are evidence of excellent programs at Bryan College of Health Sciences. staff. One of the team members who visited our masters-level students even said, ‘I’d like to teach here, too!’” your administrators and library and clinical sites. An external group Dr. Moore says, “The accreditors were very impressed with the looks at your processes, product and your resources. facility and said we have a high-quality program. And one of the “The final piece is your outcomes and how you use assessment teams noted our commitment to diversity was evident.” data to continually improve.”

“As well as promoting a diverse student body relative to age, And there’s more! Another team will arrive in February 2014 gender and ethnicity, they saw we’re preparing students to care for for a reaffirmation visit that will determine if Bryan will receive a diverse population of patients,” Dr. Maize says. continuing collegewide accreditation.

Three separate teams visited Bryan in September and October.

The administrators say they look forward to this challenge and Due to the time lines of the accrediting bodies, notification of final welcome insights into how Bryan College of Health Sciences can action is received at varying times. improve its programs even more. n • The Cardiology and Vascular Sonography program received To find out more about certificates and degrees offered final notification of continued accreditation. at Bryan College of Health Sciences, go to bryanhealth.com/ • The action for re-accreditation of the Bachelor of Science in ProspectiveStudents, or call 402-481-3801.

Nursing program and initial accreditation of the Master of To learn how your gift can support Bryan College of Health Science in Nursing are in process, with notification expected Sciences, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605. this summer.

24 Winter 2014

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Caps, gowns signal successes

Seventy-one Bryan graduates were recognized Dec. 20 during commencement ceremonies at Saint Paul United Methodist Church.

2

1

5 3

(1) Bryan Medical Center Board Chair Richard Evnen delivered the commencement address.

4

Kylee Collins (left), Elizabeth Shockey and Elizabeth Blood (2) show off their diplomas. Kayla Bledso (3) and her niece give a big “thumb’s up” to the festivities. Heather Gerhard (4) is congratulated by Bryan College Board Chair Georgianne Mastera, PhD. Provost Kay Maize, EdD, (5) assists with the hooding of Carey Deeds.

Bryan Journeys 25

CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER

CAMC supports community health by building walking trail

I

t takes one of Nebraska’s craziest weather days to empty the community walking trail by the Crete Area Medical Center (CAMC). Most days, the trail’s dotted with employees fitting in exercise over a break, families walking side by side on its wide expanse or visitors relaxing on the trail’s steel benches.

Pretty nice results from a light bulb-moment less than two years ago.

It started with the Crete Community Breakfast Group, a group of area leaders including CAMC, who teamed up to find ways to rebrand Crete and rejuvenate its aesthetics. The group worked with a University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Architecture community planning and design team, who researched Crete’s strengths, weaknesses and potential in order to revitalize it.

One of Crete’s weaknesses? It’s not very walkable. Using criteria such as connectivity and sidewalk condition, the team’s research rated only 12 percent of Crete as “good” in terms of walking in the city of nearly 7,000.

One of Crete Area Medical Center’s strengths? It sits on 30 acres of open land.

“It occurred to me that our property has plenty of land and nothing stopping us from creating a walking path on our campus,” says Carol Friesen, vice president of health system services for Bryan Health and former president of CAMC. The more CAMC considered the idea, the more ideal it seemed. The medical center campus had a picturesque view of Crete, a creek, natural shade and room for a nearly half-mile span of trail.

The UNL students — architects, landscape architects and planners — designed a trail and potential trails to attach to Crete Public Schools, Doane College and a wider walking path system. Their conceptual plan included other walking trail loops in the eastern portion of Crete. The medical center’s loop was the first phase constructed, built just west of the hospital, between the hospital and the annex building.

It lives up to the potential that administrators saw in it. It

26 Winter 2014

Area students and members of the Crete community joined Bryan Vice President Carol Friesen in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the walking trail.

winds through a creek and woodland area; a walk bridge spans a small pond on the north end; and the 5-foot-wide concrete path hugs the natural topography of the land. It’s quiet and picturesque. In the summer, walkers appreciate the canopy of trees covering part of their pathway. With entry points at the annex building parking lot and CAMC, it’s easy to access the path for a quick half-mile walk or bike ride, or circle twice for a full mile.

The path officially opened in September 2013 with an open house. Children from a local after-school program were the first to walk the path.

“To see the kids walking, skipping and running on the path was amazing,” Friesen says. “To see a vision come to life has

CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER been very rewarding. I drive by and see people on the path on most days. People stop me at the grocery store, church and downtown, just to tell me about the wildlife they and their families saw while using the walkway.”

The medical center funded its trail and received some donations related to equipment and the benches installed along the path. Tad Hunt, current president and CEO of CAMC, says having a walking trail on a medical campus is becoming more of a trend.

“It’s part of a focus on population health and making communities healthier — looking at what can we do as medical centers to provide wellness opportunities. CAMC is leading the charge with the innovation of the walking path and its focus on preventive health care,” he says.

And the center wants to continue to expand the trail.

The project ties in with CAMC’s efforts to create a medical home for all of its patients. Walking can be a key component of preventive medicine, an integral part of the medical home concept.

“There are so many studies on the efficacy of walking,” Friesen points out. “No matter what age group, walking has a number of benefits for you. Roughly 30 minutes per day, five times a week, can make a huge difference in a person’s health status. So we wanted to create an opportunity to make that easy to do at the medical center.”

The community trail project recently got a boost from

Casey’s General Store (west) in Crete. Casey’s received $10,000 as the company that sold a winning lottery ticket over the summer. On Nov. 5, the store presented a $10,000 check to CAMC for development of the community walking trail, choosing it because it aligned with Casey’s General Stores Inc.’s Health and Wellness Program.

Someday, the trails near the medical center may connect to other parts of Crete. The proposed trail systems are still conceptual, but could connect many of the city’s assets on the east side of Crete, including Doane College, the proposed high school, Wal-Mart and CAMC. It took the help of many groups to bring the medical center’s trails to reality, administrators say. That list includes the UNL team that designed the pathway, CAMC facilities director Rick Buchanan and his team that helped prepare the site, and generous donors, local contractors and volunteers from Boy Scouts, Rotary, hospital staff and other groups.

Crete residents appreciate the trail, people like Tim Smejdir, who said thanks in a recent Letter to the Editor in the Crete News. He wrote: “It is truly worth the time for everyone to take a walk through the area and to experience both Mother Nature’s beauty and the hard work that has taken place in our community … I personally want to say thank you to CAMC for giving the community an opportunity to experience a safe and a relaxing area to bring our families.” n

Children from a local after-school program were the first to use the community walking trail after it officially opened in September. Thanks to support from Crete Area Medical Center and other organizations, the popular loop near the hospital is a reality.

Bryan Journeys 27

Assembling hundreds of pillows for patients recuperating from heart surgeries and orthopedic operations takes teamwork. Helping stuff and sew heart pillows are (clockwise from left) Rogene Lowery, Dot Haskins, Kay Abbott, Marcy McCracken, Lorraine Clouston, Willa Lanik and Vera Heimsoth. Other volunteers in the project are Wilma Ackermann, Jane Austin, Diane Belschner, Cary Goble, Joyce Hakenewerth, Teri Johnson, Cathy Martin, Georgia Oorlog, Kathy Richter, Kathy Tyler and Sally Waddle.

28 Winter 2014

VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE

Assembling gifts of love

I

t all starts with a snow-white mountain and a Clouston, who has volunteered for about 12 years. bundle of volunteers.

“The patients appreciate them.”

The mound of stuffing is so high you can’t The mountain of stuffing has depleted to see the people on the other side of the table. eye level and someone adds more to the pile.

Slowly, bits are torn away by the volunteers Meanwhile, bags of heart pillows grow beside each and packed into covers to make pillows for chair. cardiac and orthopedic patients.

June Garrison has been volunteering for 13 The cardiac pillows are red, shaped like hearts, years. After her husband retired, they decided and have a black baseball stitch down the middle to they needed to “do something.” So they chose to look like a real open-heart surgery patient’s. volunteer at Bryan. “This project means a lot. So “The heart pillows started approximately 28 many people have stopped to tell us thank you. I years ago,” says Ellen Beans, director of volunteers had a cousin who had a pillow, and he said those and customer care. “They serve a healing purpose. things are great. We have a great group to work The patients hold them in front of their chests with. We really have fun,” she notes. whenever they need to cough. The pillows are a “My husband has a pillow and he swears by it,” symbol of comfort and of what the patient has says Marcy McCracken, who’s been a volunteer for overcome. We’ve had patients come back one to 17 years. “I look forward to coming. It’s fun getting two years post-surgery and ask for another pillow together. I know the patients appreciate the pillows.

June Garrison (left) and because theirs is worn.”

You test the pillow to see if it has enough stuffing Theresa Hohmeier assemble The blue, bone-shaped pillows also serve a by holding it to your chest and pushing. There bone-shaped pillows that will go healing purpose. They’re used as props under the should be plenty of cushion; you shouldn’t be able to orthopedic surgery patients. ankles and knees of orthopedic patients to keep to feel anything on the other side.” them sitting at the right angle.

During this day of stuffing and finishing, “We’ve thought about buying the pillows,” Ellen says. “But the there’s a raging discussion on how best to cook a turkey and another patients want the homemade ones, the ones that the volunteers conversation about a new restaurant. make. They’re a gift of love.”

“You feel you’ve accomplished quite a bit for the people that Every month, a large group of volunteers makes 100 bone need them,” says Dot Haskins, a volunteer for 32 years. “You feel pillows and 50 heart pillows. The scissor gang cuts the fabric into the like you’re doing something useful. Volunteers and customer care is appropriate pattern, and the seamstresses take the fabric home and great. They always have time to listen.” sew it into shape. Then once a month, a group of about 10 volunteers Kay Abbott has been a volunteer for more than 20 years. Her meets to stuff pillows and hand sew them shut. husband, Bud, was a heart patient, and she knows firsthand how Vera Heimsoth, a volunteer who has logged in many hours over much the pillows were needed. the past 21 years, says, “There was a doctor who came in, shook our “It’s a joy to share ideas, recipes and restaurants,” she says. She hands and told us thank you.” Vera also replenishes the cupboards on adds, “At volunteers and customer care, you’re appreciated and the cardiac and orthopedic floors with pillows. She notes that, as she useful.” pushes her overflowing cart to distribute the bundles of love, “There’s “It’s a good, warm feeling, helping others,” adds Theresa a lot of thank-yous as you walk past patient rooms.”

Hohmeier, a volunteer for seven years on the pillow stuffing project.

Rogene Lowery, who has been a pillow volunteer for seven years, “I love it because of the friendships. It is just so much fun.“ says, “Once the pillows have been stuffed, I like to work on closing While the volunteers are having fun, hearts and bones are made them. This also is a group of people that I like to see every month. We and mended. n talk about everything while we work … recipes, you name it.”

“I like to work with the people,” says Willa Lanik, who has volunTo find out about volunteer opportunities at Bryan Medical Center, teered for about 15 years. “The volunteer staff treats us so well.” please call 402-481-3032, or visit www.bryanhealth.org/volunteer.

“These are worthwhile things we are doing,” adds Lorraine

Bryan Journeys 29

ACHIEVEMENTS

Murray leads Litzenberg hospital Julie Murray is the new chief executive officer of Litzenberg Memorial County Hospital of Central City.

This native of Superior has more than 20 years of experience in developmental, leadership and management positions.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity,” she says. “The first 10 years of my career were in health care marketing and development, then I decided that I wanted to move to the operations and business side.”

She served the past decade in clinic and hospital leadership, operations and professional service roles for Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha and MCH Health System in Blair.

Murray graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 1992 and earned a Master of Arts in Management from Bellevue University in 2004. Her career also includes positions in Arizona, Loop City, Omaha and Superior, and she was a health care and marketing consultant for medical practices in Omaha.

Litzenberg Memorial County Hospital signed an agreement of affiliation with Bryan Health. Under this agreement, Bryan Health provides management support to the locally governed Litzenberg hospital, and staff members from both organizations are working closely together.

“There are a lot of benefits to living in a smaller town, and my husband Ted and I both are from that area of Nebraska,” Murray says. “We’re really excited to become part of the community.” n

30 Winter 2014

Gary Hustad, MD, is the newest Chief of Staff of the Bryan Medical Staff.

Laurie Ketterl, RN, was recognized for innovative thinking that helped patient experiences.

Dr. Hustad begins term as Chief

Ketterl receives national award for care

Longtime family medicine physician Gary “Gus” Hustad, MD, is the new Chief of Staff of the Bryan Medical Staff.

He succeeds John Trapp, MD. Other executive council officers are Vice Chief Scott Heasty, MD, and Secretary/ treasurer Darla Eisenhauer, MD. Dr. Hustad graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, completed a residency in Phoenix and moved to Lincoln in 1981. He was associated with Lincoln Family Medicine for 30 years and currently practices at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. n

Neonatal intensive care unit manager Laurie Ketterl, RN, is one of only six to receive a national award sponsored by Cherokee Uniforms. Recipients were recognized for their impact on others through extraordinary patient care, sacrifice and innovation.

Ketterl’s innovative thinking and compassion were demonstrated when a critically ill new mother needed lifesaving surgery while her newborn baby remained in the NICU on Bryan East Campus.

Just before the surgery, Ketterl reunited the family using iPads and wireless networking. n

ACHIEVEMENTS

Ruth Van Gerpen, APRN-CNS, MS, had her cancer recovery research findings published.

Marcia Kube, EdD, (left) accepts the Faculty of the Year Award from Provost Kay Maize, EdD.

Kara Madison, RN, BSN, CIC, earned certification in infection control.

Van Gerpen research touts LifeSpring

Dr. Kube wins Outstanding Faculty Award

Madison earns infection control certification

Clinical nurse specialist Ruth Van Gerpen, APRN, MS, coauthored an article documenting successes of the LifeSpring program at Bryan LifePointe.

She wrote “Development of an Evidence-based Exercise and Education Cancer Recovery Program,” which was published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing.

The article points out LifeSpring is available to anyone diagnosed with cancer within the past two years, and six years of study demonstrated significant positive effects on participants’ fatigue levels and quality of life. n

Marcia Kube, EdD, RN, CNE, received the Bryan College of Health Sciences Outstanding Faculty Award.

Dr. Kube is a professor at the college and directs the graduate nursing program.

Nominators noted: “Dr. Kube is recognized as a clear voice of reason. She is able to distill complex issues and build consensus.”

“She is a role model for clinical teaching excellence.”

“She was instrumental in developing the curriculum and helped navigate the college through accreditation.” n

Nebraska Hospital Association President Laura Redoutey (left) presents awards to Liya Plaksina (above) and Rachel Pickering.

Caring Kind awards salute excellence Patient registrar Liya Plaksina, Bryan Health, and medical technologist Rachel Pickering, laboratory, Crete Area Medical Center, were saluted as our Caring Kind Award winners during the Nebraska Heart Association’s annual conference. n

Infection preventionist Kara Madison, RN, BSN, CIC, Organizational Quality, earned the certified infection control (CIC) credential from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology.

This identifies health care professionals who have shown a mastery of knowledge in infection prevention and control.

Those with the CIC credential develop and implement infection control measures, educate other health care workers and the public about prevention, analyze data and strive for zero infections in health care settings. n

Bryan Journeys 31

BRYAN STERLING CONNECTION

Your connection to fun and friends

T

ake the right steps to a healthier you in 2014. See Pages 33 and 19 for listings of upcoming seminars to keep you current on health and financial topics. Please note: Our seminars begin at 6:30 p.m.

We know regular exercise is important.

Nebraska weather sometimes makes it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities that keep us healthy and

active, so consider joining Bryan LifePointe.

For fitness and weight loss, our highly qualified staff members are experts in helping people reach their goals.

Go to bryanhealth.com/aboutlifepointe, or call 402-481-6321 for more information.

Social connections can help you live longer and better.

Take a class, be active at church, or join your fellow Sterling Connection members on a tour. Below is the list of the fun places we will visit this year.

Join us!

Sterling Connection

Center, Museum of Religious Arts, Harrison County Historical Village, Loess Hills Lavender Farm and more.

Homesteaders to Church Pews Thursday, July 17 Relive the pioneer spirit at the Homestead National Monument. You also will visit a church pew manufacturer, Beatrice Bakery — home to Grandma’s Fruitcake — Yesterday’s Lady and more.

Puppies and Pie Thursday, Sept. 11 Discover how service dogs are trained to help people. Visit the Marcon Pie Company of Washington, Kan., and Herr’s Memory Lane.

Join us in 2014 Extended vacations

TravelingwithSterling Connection is a great way to meet new people and see wonderful attractions.

These tours sell out quickly, so make your reservations early!

One-day tours

Advisory Board needs you!

Orpheum Theater “Sister Act” Saturday, March 22

“Sister Act” is Broadway’s feelamazing musical comedy smash! Join us for a fun afternoon in Omaha that includes a wonderful lunch.

Want to learn more about Bryan Sterling Connection and Bryan Health? Our Advisory Board members provide important input on new ideas, program development and services for Sterling Connection and Bryan.

In addition, they may scoop ice cream, pour coffee or greet members at Sterling Connection socials.

Board members serve two years, attend board meetings three times a year and have opportunities to help at our fun events. If interested in serving, please call 402-481-3355.

Home Grown & Handmade in the Loess Hills of Iowa Thursday, June 12

Interesting sights are close to home!

Tour a creamery that makes goat cheese, Hitchcock Nature

Sterling Connection Advisory Board members are Gordon Bair, Tom Beachell, Karen Beek, Diane Belschner, Debbie Bundy, Caroline Caauwe, Dorene Casey, Don Clouston, Bill Duncan, Diane Engelsma, Carolyn Henning, Theresa Hohmeier, Norma Hyman, Lori Lee, Ken Majors, Richard Metteer, Larry Monahan, Bill Schuller, Connie Svik, Deana Troxl, Mary Wit and Kathy Wolf.

32 Winter 2014

Salt Mines to Space Capsules Friday-Saturday, April 25-26 Explore space in two ways: underground and above. This will be an eye-opening adventure to the Kansas Underground Salt Museum and Kansas Cosmosphere.

Mackinac Island Lilacs Saturday-Saturday, June 7-14 Discover the beauty of Mackinac Island as the lilacs bloom on this picturesque island.

Stay overnight at The Grand Hotel on this fun vacation in Michigan!

Irish Discovery Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 7-16 Beautiful sights await you in Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, the Dingle Peninsula and Dublin, Ireland.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Saturday-Saturday, Oct. 4-11 See more than 800 hot air balloons ascend into the clear New Mexico sky at this one-ofa-kind event! Take an all-day steam train ride and tour a pueblo.

Like more information? Visit bryanhealth. org/travel to download brochures, or call 402-481-3355 or 800-742-7844.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Tribute to Trauma Champions Thursday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. at The Rococo Theatre, 140 N. 13th St. Cost is $20. To learn more or to register, go to bryanhealth.org/calendar, under community events.

Welcome to Medicare Thursday, Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

With the large number of baby boomers getting ready to retire, understanding Medicare can be a daunting task. This class is designed to explain the basics of Medicare and is geared toward those who are, or will be, new to Medicare and/or their families and caregivers.

Alicia Jones, program director of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), will explain the ins and outs of Medicare, including online resources available to you and extra help for those with limited income and resources.

The Ramifications of the Affordable Care Act

This year we recognize trauma survivors Rodney Krogh of Lincoln and Cindy Renner of Hickman and honor the dedicated professionals throughout the statewide trauma system involved in saving their lives.

Hear their remarkable stories and salute their caregivers.

Bryan Community Health Education and Sterling Connection offer the following presentations at: Bryan East Campus, Plaza Conference Center, 1500 S. 48th St. These are FREE events, but you must register in advance! Go online to bryanhealth.org/calendar, or call 402-481-8886.

Pork on Your Fork is Smart for Your Heart Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30-8 p.m.

Pork tenderloin has received the Healthy Heart Check from the American Heart Association. With 120 calories in a 3-ounce serving, this is proving to be a healthy protein option. Studies also show that pork has 16 percent less fat than 21 years ago.

Join Chef Nader Farahbod, executive chef and owner of Billy’s Restaurant, as he discusses the benefits of cooking with pork. His presentation is co-sponsored with the Nebraska Pork Producers.

Tuesday, March 11, 6:30-8 p.m.

The Affordable Care Act is designed to expand reliable, affordable coverage options, prevent insurance companies from discriminating against those with pre-existing conditions, improve quality of care, strengthen consumer protections and boost the bargaining power of families and small businesses through the new health insurance exchanges. Russ Gronewold, Bryan chief financial officer, provides updates regarding the impact of the act on you, our community, state and health care providers.

What Can I Do for the Pain?

Thursday, March 13, 1-2:30 p.m.

Knee, hip or back pain can turn life’s simple pleasures into painful ordeals. If you suffer from joint or back pain, plan to attend this free class. You’ll learn what causes pain and effective ways to manage it, including exercises and techniques to make daily tasks easier. Presented by a physical therapist who specializes in the care of orthopedic patients.

Wills, Trusts and Fiduciary Administration (and Other Life and Death Issues) Thursday, March 27, 6:30-8 p.m.

Kara Ronnau and Don Janssen of Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather LLP are the presenters.

What are your estate planning options now, and what will happen to your estate after your death? Answers vary depending on what type of plan you implement. Whether single, married, retired or preparing for retirement years, planning now is essential to guiding your loved ones and ensuring your legacy is implemented according to your wishes.

Bryan Journeys 33

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

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