Journeys | Summer 2014

SUMMER 2014

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

Protecting our protectors

Your health information at your fingertips — 24/7

JOURNEYS SUMMER 2014

01 FROM OUR PRESIDENT 02 BRYAN HEART

Program protects our protectors 06 BRYAN BARIATRIC ADVANTAGE

With weight-loss surgery, Christina has a new lease on life 10

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BRYAN INDEPENDENCE CENTER Open house reveals new Independence Center NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE Helping our youngest patients Rock-a-bye, Sweet Baby Blues

14 BRYAN FOUNDATION

Profiles of William Jennings Bryan Society members 15 TRIBUTE TO TRAUMA CHAMPIONS 16 MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Ask the doctor: How do I pick the best heart program for me?

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MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE New faces at Bryan BRYAN LIFEPOINTE Trainer helps Nikki achieve personal goals BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES Helen stays true to her school Nurse anesthesia students earn doctorates at Bryan Congratulations, Grads!

Sonography classes fulfilling refugee’s dreams College Alumni News

29 VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE

Take Five: It’s a welcome change of pace 30 CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER

Luedkes proudly lead Care and Share drive in Crete 31 ACHIEVEMENTS

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ondering about your latest lab or radiology test results? Discharge instructions? Other health information? It’s all available to you through our new patient portal, called myHealth24-7.

Through myHealth24-7, you have secure access to: • Your lab results.

• Your radiology results.

• Your discharge instructions from an inpatient hospital visit.

• Additional health information, including medications and a summary of your visit.

You can use myHealth24-7 from anywhere you have access to the Internet, any time of the day or night.

MyHealth24-7 is available to Bryan Medical Center, Bryan Heart and Holmes Lake Family Medicine patients ages 19 and older. In the future, myHealth24-7 will be expanded to include patients of Crete Area Medical Center and these Bryan Physician Network offices: Center for Maternal & Fetal Care, Family Medicine of Lincoln, Southeast Lincoln Family Medicine & Internal Medicine, and other providers.

32 BRYAN STERLING CONNECTION 33 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

VIDEO

ALL ABOUT JOURNEYS

STAY IN TOUCH

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

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

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

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

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

OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT 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

Learn more at bryanhealth.org/my-health-24-7.

There’s an instructional video, too!

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

“Be a yardstick of quality.”

— Steve Jobs, Apple Inc. co-founder

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’m often drawn into conversations with people seeking a path through all the health care information now available at our fingertips. They tell me they want to make informed choices, but the sheer volume of information is overwhelming and often conflicting.

At Bryan Health, our medical centers and specialties frequently are listed on national “Top” lists. It seems every week some organization is telling us we are good, better or best at something, and we do appreciate such recognition.

However, we don’t publicize this news when fees are charged for securing the rights to market those third-party endorsements — that can be expensive, and we believe it’s better to put resources back into care delivery.

Our decision has been simply to thank organizations that compile those types of lists, roll up our sleeves, and get back to work.

That’s why the quote above, from Steve Jobs of Apple Inc. computer fame, is so appropriate to our work at Bryan. We embrace every opportunity to measure ourselves against other leading centers in the country. We know quality begins with collaboration with our talented medical staff, and it leads to compassionate care for you. Our yardstick tells us more people

are choosing Bryan than ever before — to have their babies, to treat complex medical conditions and to keep them healthy and well.

Thank you for your trust in Bryan.

So, what do I tell people when they seek guidance? I encourage them to ask their physician. That’s what I do, and that is why this edition of Journeys includes a question/answer feature with Bryan Heart cardiothoracic surgeon Richard Thompson, MD. Based on recent questions from readers, he shares his thoughts on quality and the measures patients should note when selecting a heart program.

I am so proud of our employees and medical staff for their continuous pursuit of excellence and their commitment to your health and wellness. Our pledge is to continue to push forward, together with you, helping you prepare for what’s next.

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

AND NOW, THE REST OF THE STORY

Former patient Annie Dragoo (second from left) returned to Bryan this summer to reconnect with the team that saved her life. Cardiothoracic surgeon Robert Oakes, MD, (far left) and pulmonologist Ellen Miller, MD, (far right) were among the well-wishers who greeted the Dragoos and their daughter, Haley, at a reception.

The spring edition of Journeys introduced Annie Dragoo of Austin, Texas. She and her husband, Billy — both high school drama teachers — were in Lincoln in June 2013 for the annual International Thespian Festival. Annie was walking near the University of Nebraska campus with daughters Haley and Sadie when Annie suddenly collapsed.

She was treated for cardiac arrest at Bryan Medical Center and remained in the intensive care unit for more than two weeks.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Robert Oakes, MD, put Annie on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine (ECMO), and cardiologist Michael Kutayli, MD, implanted a cardioverter defibrillator to keep her heart beating.

Back in Lincoln for the 2014 festival, Annie stopped by to thank her caregivers at Bryan.

Bryan Journeys 1

Program protects our protectors Early detection coordinator Bobbi Clinch (right) assists the Lincoln Police Department in screening for heart risks. Capt. Michon Morrow (left), I.D. Lab specialist Jim Betts and Officer Launa Groves enthusiastically support Bryan’s Protectors Protection Program.

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im Betts was feeling great, exercising regularly, eating right and keeping his weight in check — so it took some urging from co-worker Officer Launa Groves to convince him to take a heart risk assessment offered as part of a new Lincoln Police Department employee wellness initiative. An I.D. Lab specialist and former crime scene investigator (CSI), Jim became curious and signed up for Bryan’s Protectors Protection Program — a program he now credits with saving his life.

Jim had no symptoms of heart disease, so he was unaware a virtual time bomb was lurking in his chest. After Bryan’s online screening tool showed he had high risk factors, Jim had a calcium CT scan and other tests. Those led to an appointment with Bryan Heart cardiologist Matthew Johnson, MD, who through heart catheterization found that Jim’s left anterior descending artery (LAD) was blocked — a condition commonly

2 Summer 2014

referred to as “The Widowmaker” because survival rates are low if not discovered before the artery ruptures.

Taking the initiative Bryan Heart cardiothoracic surgeon Robert Oakes, MD, performed a double bypass to repair Jim’s LAD. After completing cardiac rehabilitation at the Bryan LifePointe Campus, Jim feels good and is thankful for Drs. Oakes and Johnson, the Bryan cardiac intensive care team and the rehab experts at LifePointe who helped him get back to his life.

Jim says he’s received tremendous support from co-workers and is grateful the LPD Wellness Committee had the foresight to put the protectors program in place.

“I don’t know how long Jim would have gone before he became aware of his heart condition if we hadn’t brought the Bryan program to the police department,” says Groves, who’s on

BRYAN HEART that Lincoln Police Department committee.

The wellness initiative began as an outgrowth of the Mayor’s Wellness Committee, on which Capt. Michon Morrow represents the police department. Intrigued by the possibilities of tailoring wellness offerings to the department’s unique needs, she was able to establish an internal wellness committee with representation across departments, including commissioned and civilian staff, from feet-on-the-ground officers to support staff and to leadership. The program also was offered to employees of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department.

HeartAware identifies risks The committee’s first event was a fitness fair in January 2013. Representatives provided information on physical, nutritional, mental and financial fitness.

After conducting blood pressure screenings at that inaugural fair, Bryan Health RN and early detection coordinator Bobbi Clinch shared with Groves and Capt. Morrow — the LPD Wellness Committee chairperson — that she had noticed an above-average incidence of high blood pressure among the officers and civilian employees. Clinch told them about Bryan’s HeartAware online risk assessment program, and the officers were enthusiastic about introducing HeartAware to the department that May.

Jim Betts returns to the Cardiac ICU at Bryan East Campus to thank the staff for their care and show off the heart-shaped pillow that helped make him comfortable during his recovery from surgery.

HeartAware risk assessment results from the May screenings showed a high number of officers and employees exhibiting greater-than-average risks for heart disease. Their risks ranged from high cholesterol and high blood pressure to a family history of heart disease. Concerned, Clinch consulted with Bryan Heart cardiologist Steven Krueger, MD, who immediately wanted to do something for this group that protects our community.

Dr. Krueger has a passion for keeping first responders healthy. In 2009, he designed a risk assessment study for Lincoln firefighters to address their high incidence of heart disease, which is three times greater than that of the general population. Clinch was aware of the study and knew firefighters and police officers have a similar risk factor, called sudden physical stress. It results from going from sedentary positions to quick action, then returning to a more relaxed state. Whether chasing a suspect, responding to an accident or putting out a fire, the accompanying adrenaline rush causes stress to the heart. In addition to the physical aspects, responders may experience emotional stress.

Dr. Krueger received support from his Bryan Heart partners and Bryan Health senior managers to move forward with what he named the Bryan Protectors Protection Program.

“Dr. Krueger has always been a visionary and is really

Bryan Journeys 3

BRYAN HEART

Assessments key to program’s success the champion of this; I simply help to identify those who may need additional medical attention,” Clinch says.

Everyone benefits Most of those participating in the Protectors Protection Program are commissioned staff, but the program is open to all LPD employees. “We can’t exist as law enforcement officers out on the street without our support staff, our 911 dispatchers who are under incredible stress, our records personnel who transcribe reports that often detail horrendous aspects of human nature,

and our service desk employees and others who may be dealing with those in the public who may not be having their best day,” Capt. Morrow explains.

Groves says, “The Protectors Protection Program and HeartAware in particular provide the benchmark — the jumping-off point for our wellness initiatives — with other programs providing support for long-term success.”

In addition to health and fitness education and department challenges, the wellness committee also arranges with Clinch to bring the Bryan Mobile Screening truck on site once a year for

cardiac and vascular screenings.

Take the first step The first step of the protectors program is the online HeartAware risk assessment. This is followed by a personal visit with Clinch, who explains risk factors and counsels employees on how they may lower those factors.

Through this Lincoln Police Department program, those at high risk are eligible for a calcium CT scan paid for by the LPD and a visit with a cardiologist. About 100 have participated in the program.

“Police department leadership,

Bobbi Clinch, RN, meets with Jim Betts in the Early Detection Center at Bryan East Campus.

4 Summer 2014

BRYAN HEART including Chief Jim Peschong and Assistant Chief Brian Jackson, are completely on board with the wellness committee and the initiatives in place,” says Capt. Morrow. This is evidenced by the fact that employees are allowed to participate in personal HeartAware evaluations while on duty.

“The evaluations take minimal time, but this shows employees the department is truly supportive of employee health,” she says.

After having been stunned by the loss of one of their most beloved colleagues, Officer John Clarke — who suffered a heart attack while working out at the gym just before the program was launched — the LPD became even more motivated to help employees discover possible health risks. Only 43, Clarke stayed in good shape and had not had any symptoms of heart disease, bringing home the fact that many people aren’t aware of serious problems until it’s too late.

Look no further than Bryan Capt. Morrow speaks for the committee in expressing its mission to have testing and support available to employees so they do not have to be motivated by loss. “We feel so strongly about the benefits of this program and encourage other companies and law enforcement agencies to work with Bryan to bring HeartAware and associated programs to their organizations, too,” she says.

“Bobbi has been amazing, and her enthusiasm and willingness to work with us have allowed us to offer this wonderful program. We were so fortunate to have the program in place for Jim.”

Online screenings can help you, too “The future of health care is prevention, so why doesn’t everyone take advantage of the HeartAware risk assessment?” asks Bobbi Clinch, RN, coordinator of the HeartAware program at Bryan Health.

A free community service, HeartAware is a quick and easy seven-minute online survey that helps determine if a person is at risk for heart disease. Persons taking the test receive a private report and, if found at risk, are offered a consultation with a Bryan Health clinician who explains risks and discusses ideas for lowering those risks. It’s a great enhancement to any wellness program.

HeartAware risk assessment is available online at all times. Usage has increased each year since its inception in 2008, with almost 1,400 people taking the online heart risk assessment in the past year.

Clinch worked in the cardiac catheterization lab at Bryan Medical Center for 25 years before she began

Understandably a strong proponent of the program that helped save his life, Jim urges: “Take advantage of opportunities that exist to determine your present level of cardiac health, and if you need any kind of procedure that involves the heart or heart

managing the HeartAware screening program in 2012.

“I feel like I have the best job in this health system because I am able to help people prevent coronary artery disease when they’re able to make changes to lower their risk factors,” she says.

Operating out of the Early Detection Center at Bryan East Campus, Clinch helps deliver HeartAware and education and early detection tools outside of Bryan. The center operates a mobile screening truck that has the same leading-edge diagnostic equipment as at Bryan to provide heart and vascular screenings to hospitals, businesses and other organizations throughout the state.

Go to bryanhealth.org/onlinescreenings to see all the available screenings. Besides HeartAware, you may choose lung, sleep or mental health (depression or anxiety) and alcohol screenings.

For more information, call Clinch at 402-481-8018. n

rehabilitation, look no further than Bryan.” n To learn how you can support Bryan Health, please contact the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

Bryan Journeys 5

BRYAN BARIATRIC ADVANTAGE

With weight-loss surgery, Christina has

A new lease on life

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f anyone can claim to have a new lease on life, Christina Perrier can.

When you go from being 28 years old and 430 pounds — unable to walk without discomfort and fatigue — to 29 years old and 180 pounds, walking, cycling, enjoying the outdoors and thinking about a nursing career, it’s hard to call it anything else.

Christina underwent gastric bypass surgery a little over a year ago. The procedure, called sleeve gastrectomy, removed 85 percent of her stomach. It wasn’t a decision she made lightly.

“I tried a lot of other things to lose weight,” she says. “I worked with my primary care physician, who helped me with nutrition and exercises, but I could not get past losing more than 50 pounds.

It was frustrating because I was in my mid-20s and not able to do a whole lot. I weighed 431 pounds.

“That’s where I started.”

Enough was enough Christina decided she had had enough. As she puts it, she was watching life pass her by. She wasn’t dating. She was afraid to go to college for fear of not fitting into the desks. She had difficulty doing everyday tasks, like shopping or walking the stairs to her apartment.

Christina credits Bryan clinical services director Marcy Wyrens with

6 Summer 2014

encouraging her to look into the Bryan Bariatric Advantage program headed by surgeon R. Armour Forse, MD. After meeting him, Christina was convinced the surgery would help her get her life back. “Dr. Forse is amazing,” she says.

Dr. Forse has performed more than 1,000 bariatric operations, including gastric bypass, gastroplasty, gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, biliary pancreatic diversion and revision of bariatric surgery.

In addition, Bryan’s comprehensive

bariatrics program has a team comprised of nutrition and exercise specialists, counselors, nurse navigators and support staff.

Essential evaluations Before being accepted, the bariatrics team evaluates surgery candidates for many factors, such as potential health complications, untreated medical issues and aspects such as whether the person has a good support system.

Clinical psychologist Kimberly

“Before fully committing myself to the Bryan Bariatric Advantage program, I was watching my life go by. But when I started losing all that weight, it was like a new world opened up for me.”

BRYAN BARIATRIC ADVANTAGE Corner, PhD, is on the team. She says psychological evaluations are conducted before a bariatric procedure to ensure the individual is an appropriate candidate for surgery with the best chances for a successful outcome.

“These evaluations are important,” says Dr. Corner. “Factors such as an untreated mental health or substance abuse issue, difficulty with followthrough, lack of social support or an inability to follow a structured postsurgery treatment regimen could mean the person is not a good candidate. We want people to have a successful surgery experience, so if we find any significant concerns through the psychological evaluation process, we ask that patients address those concerns before proceeding with surgery.”

Another part of pre-surgery preparation is the physical component.

At Bryan LifePointe Campus, Christina worked with clinical services liaison Cindy Kugler and exercise specialist Kristi Beyer.

Beginning the journey “This is a major operation, so we want to get potential bariatrics patients in the best possible health and shape,” Kugler says. “This also is the stage where we gauge their commitment and readiness. There needs to be a strong understanding of the lifestyle changes required for the procedure and outcomes to be successful in the long term, so we help them start to make those changes well before they have the surgery.”

Kugler acknowledges that many of these individuals are not confident enough or comfortable walking into a gym. “We work with them to find something they can do and that will be

Bryan Journeys 7

BRYAN BARIATRIC ADVANTAGE

Christina finds herself effective,” she says.

By all accounts, Christina has been a role model for commitment and outlook.

“Christina has taken it all on. She did a lot of soul searching and was honest with herself about what she needed to do to make it happen,” Kugler says.

Using exercise resistance bands during work breaks and walking on the established walking routes in the Bryan Medical Center’s lower level helped Christina get started. She began to understand the benefits of physical activity and how good it felt to start losing weight.

It took a little less than a year of preparation before Christina was cleared for the operation. She started the process in March 2012 and had bariatric surgery in December of that year. She says she was never particularly afraid, but was a little nervous the day of the surgery.

No longer afraid

Christina and clinical services liaison Cindy Kugler discuss fitness strategies during a walk around the track at Bryan LifePointe Campus.

8 Summer 2014

“I couldn’t allow myself to be afraid because it seemed I’d been afraid my whole life, and so I hadn’t accomplished anything,” she says. “So, I just took it a day at a time.”

Today, the possibilities are pretty much limitless for Christina. She started a new job in Kansas as a certified nurse’s assistant and hopes to continue her studies to become a registered nurse. She

BRYAN BARIATRIC ADVANTAGE

This was Christina before her transformation.

does a lot of walking and bicycling and is adding yoga to her workout routine. She has a special man in her life. Shopping and trading clothes with friends are other activities she very much enjoys since her weight loss.

And eating? It has become a pleasure for Christina — no more anxiety surrounding food. “I don’t even think about it. Once in awhile when I go home, and my mom makes my favorite meal, I wish I had a normal-sized stomach so

Losing more than 250 pounds was difficult, but Christina says, “It’s the best thing I ever did.”

I could eat more, but it’s not something I dwell on,” she says. “Normal portions are just automatic; I know how much I should and shouldn’t eat. Every once in a while I’ll have some badness — I’ll enjoy some ice cream — but portion sizes aren’t an issue for me, and I’m very diligent about eating healthy foods.”

Christina continues to work through the emotional aspects and social changes that came with her weight loss. Some friendships were lost, but the door also

opened for kinship with other supportive and understanding friends.

“Changes inevitably come with this,” she says. “I can’t emphasize enough to those who are considering this surgery, to surround yourself with positive, supportive people.”

Would she do it all over again?

“It’s the best thing I ever did, but it was really challenging. It’s a lifetime change. It’s not just a diet. It’s not temporary. People have a hard time wrapping their heads around that — it took me a little while, too,” she says with a laugh.

“Once I started losing weight, it was like a whole new world opened up for me. I discovered myself again.” n For information about weight-loss surgery, attend a free information session. Visit bryanhealth.org/calendar for dates and times.

To learn how you can support Bryan Health, please contact the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

Bariatric team adds nurse navigator

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re you considering bariatric/weight-loss surgery or have you had bariatric surgery and want additional support? Bryan Bariatric Advantage offers new options and support for those ready to lose weight and commit to a healthy lifestyle. We encourage you to visit our website at bryanhealth.org/bariatrics to learn about our program and surgery options, meet our team and discover the many services we offer.

Our team of health professionals spans many disciplines, including exercise, nutrition and mental health.

We also offer diverse programs for before and after the surgery, such as free presentations and seminars to inform

and motivate you, walking groups, clothing exchanges and many others.

New to the team is Rebekah Irwin, APRN, Bryan Bariatric Advantage program’s nurse navigator. She has 14 years of nursing experience, the last seven years as a nurse practitioner.

Nurse navigators guide and support patients through the presurgical and postsurgical bariatric experience.

To learn more, visit bryanhealth.org/bariatrics, or call 402-481-5490. n

Bryan Journeys 9

BRYAN INDEPENDENCE CENTER

Thanks to you, we continue to help In previous editions of Journeys, you read about what we call our unrivaled commitment to behavioral health. It is a claim we make because throughout our region, Nebraska and beyond, you will not find a medical center that does more than Bryan Medical Center. What is this? It is the dedicated mental health emergency department, inpatient and outpatient mental health care, including dedicated inpatient units for children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics, and inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment we provide.

Why does Bryan choose to do this, when almost all other hospitals have exited this type of care? Quite simply, it is to deliver a better future for communities and families. The need is overwhelming — and still growing — so reducing treatment options would impact public safety, limit what people contribute to society, and destroy families.

A little less than five years ago, the Bryan Foundation launched a campaign to secure funding to renovate and construct new facilities for maintaining and enhancing this unrivaled level of care. It is a service where revenue generated can be easily outpaced by operating expenses. Your response to the campaign meant we were able to move into a remodeled outpatient counseling center more than a year ago, and this September’s opening of the new Bryan Independence Center completes our goal.

We could not have accomplished this without your charitable gifts. While we will continue to welcome your support for an endowment that will ensure care is delivered, my request of you is the following: If you know a loved one who needs mental health or substance abuse treatment, please don’t go it alone. There is not only an incredibly talented and committed staff, but now they have the facilities to help you, your friends or family.

We are proud to provide this service and very grateful to those who continue to support us.

Bob Ravenscroft, Bryan Vice President and Chief Development Officer

10 Summer 2014

Open house reveals new Independence Center

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he wait is over! After more than a decade of planning and dreaming, a new facility for the Bryan Independence Center is nearly ready. Open house events are scheduled Sept. 12, and clients move into the building Sept. 16.

“This has been a long time coming,” says Jerome Barry, director of the Independence Center and pastoral care. “We’re very excited about the building and certainly appreciate the efforts that went into making this a reality — from thoughtful input from architect Davis Design and builder Sampson Construction to the support of our administration and staff and of course the fund raising that made it all possible.”

The center found a home in the former Lincoln General School of Nursing dormitory in the late 1970s,

but changes in building codes and ongoing maintenance issues eventually made that structure obsolete for an alcohol and substance abuse treatment program.

Something needed to be done.

“I was told about the potential for a new facility when I interviewed for this job back in 1999,” Barry recalls. “Blue prints were drawn up several times over the years — finally the timing was right.

“We were challenged to garner support from the community, employees, physicians and our Independence Center alumni.

Everybody became invested in this opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of our recovering community.”

Barry adds, “I was excited to see so many Bryan employees come out to witness the ground breaking ceremony and tour the outpatient

Promises kept: The Bryan Independence Center links the remodeled former Counseling Center (at left) with a brand new facility on the Bryan West Campus.

BRYAN INDEPENDENCE CENTER

Bryan Independence Center and pastoral care director Jerome Barry proudly surveys what will be the building’s new lobby.

mental health facility, then reach into their pockets and say, ‘I want to be part of this.’”

He points out that the field of addiction treatment and mental health is not always high profile, but Bryan’s coworkers and friends recognized the need.

“That touched me, to see so many who care for the clients we serve,” he continues. “We named this ‘The Fine Line’ campaign because there really is a fine line between people who feel they have a handle on alcohol or other drugs and those who find out it’s the drugs that have a handle on them.

“To have the community recognize the need for our new facilities reaffirmed to me that I had chosen the right career and in Bryan, the right organization.”

He notes that when he entered the field in 1980 in the Omaha area, the Independence Center was already known as a trendsetter.

“Fast forward 34 years, and we’re one of only a few hospital-based mental

health and drug and alcohol treatment centers still operating in the region. We are blessed,” he says.

The new facilities have many advantages.

“It enhances confidentiality.” Barry points out. “For some, there is a stigma related to mental health and addiction, so seeking help can somehow be shameful and embarrassing for them.”

That’s why the Independence Center design incorporates soundproof meeting areas and privacy fences, and outpatient clients are separated from the inpatient population. Those coming for

Welcome to our open house Grand opening festivities on Friday, Sept. 12, include a ribboncutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m. and an open house from 2-7 p.m.

Bryan Independence Center is at 16th and Lake.

an outpatient visit go to a lobby which is distinct from the inpatient waiting area. The same is true for the Bryan Counseling Center (Phase I of the Fine Line campaign).

There are 26 residential beds for substance abuse patients and three for detox in the Bryan Independence Center.

There also will be an exercise room, and the courtyard south of the building will meet a wide range of needs.

The front entry and lobby waiting areas are among the highlights of the new Bryan Independence Center facility and remodeled Bryan Counseling Center.

Barry says, “They are grand entries that make a really welcoming setting.

That’s what we tried to capture.

The Bryan Counseling Center moved to an inviting new area in September 2013. A year later, the Bryan Independence Center is ready to open in a new location, too.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the construction team, who educated us and adjusted to our needs; they had the right people leading the project,” Barry concludes. n To learn how your gift can support the work of Bryan Health, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

Bryan Journeys 11

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Helping our youngest patients

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ynn McKeag, retired after a 40like universities and hospitals, really need year nursing career, remembers the help of the public,” Bruce says. “If what trying to locate a vein in people are able to give, these gifts really do make a difference.” infants and small children used The couple also has designated a to be like. planned gift to the “Having spent medical center many years in upon their death. the nurseries of When Lynn, both Bryan West who’s become a Campus and Bryan Bryan volunteer, East Campus, a and Bruce learned few situations of the opportunity presented when I assisted in finding to contribute an infant’s vein for to the Bryan placing an IV. We Foundation, she devoted a lot of said her thoughts training to finding immediately went veins in little babies to the vein viewer.

— we sometimes “I realize the had to stand over importance of quickly finding the baby for a long time, trying to find a vein and a vein,” she recalls. establishing In fact, there a route for were times when medications into Lynn was called Bruce and Lynn McKeag made a gift to help the blood stream,” during her days she says. our staff care for newborns and infants. off to come to the “Success hospital to help, on the first try also gives parents greater satisfaction because she had become so adept at finding those little veins. and comfort. In infants, but especially It’s fitting then, that Lynn and her those born before their due date, we husband, Bruce, a retired life insurance may also start IVs in the hands, feet or underwriter for State Farm, would allocate scalp. An IV may be necessary to provide nutrition, fluids and medications. The a gift to the Bryan Foundation to purchase small, delicate veins are difficult to access additional vein viewers. These illuminating instruments in our children’s units make when deep within the skin and not easily finding veins in babies so much easier. seen. Accuracy and efficiency in a timely “Most institutions of public service, manner are extremely important.”

12 Summer 2014

Lynn was among the first nurses to work in the Bryan neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) when it opened in 2008. It was a dream fulfilled. “I was very thankful for the opportunity to work in the NICU,” she says.

Lynn says giving back was important because of her long professional association with Bryan; both of her children were born at the medical center; and Bryan provides an opportunity to work in a positive, healing environment.

“We look at this as a way of paying it forward,” she says. “My career at Lincoln General Hospital and Bryan was truly a wonderful experience.

“I am happy to give back to the hospital through the Bryan Foundation so that patients can experience our pursuit of excellence.” n

Viewers cast light to highlight small, delicate veins.

To learn how you can support Bryan Health, please contact the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Rock-a-bye, Sweet Baby Blues

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he inaugural Sweet Baby Blues, a celebratory evening of fine art, music, wines and culinary delights, brought more than 400 guests to the Kiechel Fine Art Building and generated $102,000 in charitable support for the Bryan Medical Center neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

We give special thanks to our co-chairs, Cori Amend and Beth Smith, to the Sweet Baby Blues Committee and to our premier partners for their leadership support: n Entertainment Host — Kidwell Inc. n Fine Art Host — Inpatient Physician Associates. n Vineyard Host — Davis Design. n Media Host — Channel 8 KLKN TV. To all our partners, guests and everyone involved with the May 31 Sweet Baby Blues, thank you for helping raise awareness and funds that will go toward the NICU. We especially recognize those dedicated to the care of our NICU babies and their families.

For more information about the NICU Campaign or future Bryan Foundation special events, please contact Rachel Greene at 402-481-3139 or rachel.greene@ bryanhealth.org.

Neonatology specialists Dr. Mark Brisso (left) and Dr. Albert Owusu-Ansah (third from left) pose with Matilda Frimpong and Bryan Medical Center Board Chair Richard Evnen and Bryan Medical Center COO John Woodrich.

Co-chair Cori Amend (at left above) and Bryan Health CEO Kim Russel are all smiles during the successful event.

In the photo at right, Brian Thomas (left), Bob and Dee Ann Wenger and Cher Thomas are among hundreds who supported Sweet Baby Blues.

Medical equipment for caring for NICU (below) babies took center stage among the Kiechel Fine Art Building displays.

Dr. Amy Holst (at left above), Karina Elias, Lynn Steuer, Kay Evans, Dr. Alissa Clough and Aaron Clough socialize.

Kidwell Inc. sponsored The Lightning Bugs (below) and two other musical groups.

Bryan Journeys 13

BRYAN FOUNDATION Profiles of William Jennings Bryan Society members

Retiree supports tomorrow’s health care

R

etired accountant Lewis Cooley is supporting future health care in his community with a planned gift to Bryan. He says, “I figured this was a good cause that I wanted to support, and I’ve enjoyed working with the Bryan Foundation staff to set this up.”

Lewis, who’s 89, and his five older sisters grew up on a farm near Waverly.

“I was active in 4-H quite a bit,” he says, smiling modestly when quietly mentioning he won “maybe a few” blue ribbons from showing livestock at local fairs.

But health issues impacted the family farm while Lewis was a young man.

“My father had heart problems and died of a heart attack when I was only 19,” Lewis recalls. “We moved to Walton, and my responsibilities in helping run the farm had kept me out of World War II, so farming seemed to be my future — but in 1957, I needed back surgery.”

He had the surgery at Bryan, and when his brother-in-law moved to the farm, Lewis enrolled in the former Lincoln School of Commerce. After graduating, he began his career as a cost accountant at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. “I enjoyed my work at Goodyear and made a lot of lifelong friends through the company, my church and in the community,” he says.

Today he likes playing cards — especially bridge and poker — at the retirement community where he lives in Lincoln.

What are his ties to Bryan Health?

Besides Lewis’ back surgery at Bryan, his wife, Doris, and sisters were patients — and one sister’s four children all were born here.

14 Summer 2014

The Cooley family history also includes a brush with the hospital’s first benefactor, statesman and famed orator William Jennings Bryan.

“My father told the story of the day he saw Bryan, back in the early 1900s, when William Jennings Bryan was traveling to Lincoln to speak on the 4th of July,” Lewis recalls. “But when the train arrived in Waverly, Bryan wasn’t on board.

There was panic for a while until an automobile pulled into town — with the congressman riding inside.

“So, Dad got to see William Jennings Bryan — and for many people in the crowd, it also was the first automobile they’d seen — and later some of the men had to help push when that car got stuck.”

Much has changed in transportation and in health care since those early days in Nebraska. Thanks to supporters like Lewis, the future remains bright for Bryan Health and patients in our region.

Longtime friend’s gift helps Bryan

S

harri Rowley is highlighting her lifelong association with Bryan Health with a planned gift.

“Bryan’s been part of my life for 60-plus years,” she says. “I was born in Kansas, but when I was about three, my father, Ed, and my mother, Mildred Rowley — who graduated from the Bryan School of Nursing — moved back to Lincoln.”

She’s been connected ever since.

“When I was a little girl, Mom worked in the emergency room on the Bryan East Campus,” Sharri says. Mildred was a nurse and nursing director during her 30-year career at Bryan and served on the State Board of Nursing after retiring in 1985.

“Dad passed away several years before

that, so I was like a companion to her for more than 20 years,” Sharri says. “We lived in the neighborhood near Bryan, and I enjoyed going with her to hospital-sponsored picnics and events and visiting at her co-workers’ homes, like Phyllis Bovee, who was a director of the nursing school and a Bryan vice president.”

Before Mildred Rowley died in 2007, she and Sharri established the Mildred and Sharri Rowley Nursing Scholarship to help future nursing students.

Sharri’s commitment to Bryan doesn’t end there. For six years, she has been an active volunteer at Bryan. Three days each week, she travels to Bryan East Campus.

“I deliver the mail to offices at Bryan and to the nurses’ stations and bring items back to the lost and found,” she says. “I’ve made friends with other volunteers and with the people I meet around the hospital.”

For her service, she’s already received a recognition pin from Bryan Volunteers and Customer Care for achieving more than 1,000 hours. She proudly wears that pin beside one of her mother’s — and next to a new bronze badge that signifies her membership in the William Jennings Bryan Society.

“I’d been wanting to do this for a couple of years, as a way to show my appreciation, and DeEtta Mayrose from the Bryan Foundation was so very helpful in working with me and my lawyer to set this up. I’m really pleased,” she says.

“Bryan is like my second home, so I hope that I can be involved here and keep volunteering for a long, long time.” n If you’re interested in giving to support Bryan Health, please call major gift officer DeEtta Mayrose at 402-481-8605, or email DeEtta.Mayrose@bryanhealth.org for more information.

TRIBUTE TO TRAUMA CHAMPIONS

Wall-to-wall courage and dedication were on display as caregivers were recognized at Bryan’s annual Tribute to Trauma Champions.

Banquet salutes survivors and heroes who saved them

1

Reginald Burton, MD, (above left) presented the 2014 Trauma Directors Award to Ed Mlinek, MD, during the April 24 event.

2

We recognized trauma survivors Rodney Krogh of Lincoln and Cindy Renner of Hickman and honored the dedicated professionals from throughout the statewide trauma system involved in saving their lives. To hear their remarkable stories, go to bryanhealth.org/trauma-champions-2014.

VIDEO

Rodney Krogh (in center of Photo No. 1) and Cindy Renner (center, No. 2) pose with their families and those who were first at their crash scenes.

Bryan Journeys 15

MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Ask the doctor: How do I pick the best heart program for me?

Q: How does the cardiovascular surgery program at Bryan compare to other hospitals regarding surgical outcomes?

We’re very pleased to say that, because of our excellent cardiovascular surgical outcomes, we were recognized by the American Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) as being in the top 12 to 14 percent of cardiovascular surgery programs in the country in 2013.

That’s the highest recognition awarded by the society, and it means Bryan Heart has surgical outcomes that are on par with the top cardiovascular surgery centers in the United States.

Q: What does the STS measure to determine performance?

The STS database is the most complete and accurate database in the world for cardiac surgery outcomes. The database keeps track of patient mortality, infections, length of hospital stay and many other measures of the quality of a surgical program.

Q: What do these measurements mean?

Bryan Heart had outstanding results in 2013 regarding patient morbidity and mortality rates after surgery. This means far fewer of our patients had serious medical problems (such as infection) after surgery compared to the national average, and mortality among our patients was much lower, as well — approximately 0.5 percent, compared to about 2.0 percent among cardiac surgical patients nationwide.

16 Summer 2014

Q: What factors led to such excellent results for Bryan Heart’s surgical program?

We have for many years taken a team approach to patient care excellence, which led to our outstanding surgical outcomes last year. Our approach is to look at our surgical outcomes data at least every three months and make careful systematic changes based on the latest evidence-based protocols and clinical studies from throughout the world.

We also introduced innovations from our surgeons, surgical nurses, operating room technicians and midlevel providers, and changes suggested by consulting physicians. It’s very satisfying to see positive results of a group effort like that and to continue to bring the best quality of surgical care to our patients.

Q: Who are the Bryan Heart surgeons?

My colleague, Robert Oakes, MD, and I are the two cardiothoracic surgeons at Bryan Heart.

We received our medical school education at Harvard and Columbia universities, respectively, and our medical residency training at Stanford and

Dr. Richard Thompson is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Bryan Heart.

MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT Duke universities, so both Dr. Oakes and I bring training and education from major East and West coast medical centers to our work in Lincoln.

We both have had numerous articles published in peerreviewed international medical journals and given talks at national and international conferences. We are able to offer the same expertise here in Lincoln as found at major academic medical centers across the country. Having this tremendous variation and breadth of training definitely benefits our patients.

Q: What types of heart and chest surgeries do you and Dr. Oakes most often perform?

As cardiac and thoracic surgeons, Dr. Oakes and I perform a wide variety of procedures at Bryan.

For example, we implant ventricular assist devices (VAD) and do transapical and transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR), coronary artery bypass (CABG), repair or replace all cardiac valves, and perform ascending aneurysm repairs and peripheral vascular cases.

Surgeries of the lungs include video-assisted thoroscopic surgery (VATS), lobectomy, pneumonectomy, wedge resection, open lung biopsy, lung pleurodesis and decortication (operations for fluid in the chest cavity), stereotactic lung procedures, robotic lung procedures and the ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) procedure.

We also direct the Bryan Lung Cancer Program.

This is a multidisciplinary program involving radiologists, pathologists, pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurses and other clinicians who provide services to patients

with lung cancer who are cared for at Bryan. Because the next nearest

specialty lung cancer centers are in St. Louis and at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, we have worked to offer a truly integrated thoracic oncology center of excellence at Bryan, where we bring innovative, new techniques in lung cancer surgery and the ability for patients to participate in clinical trials.

Q: How would you describe the environment at Bryan?

We know we can count on the support of Bryan Health for our ideas and innovations that bring the best cardiovascular care possible to patients in this region.

This support from the Bryan Health administration has been instrumental in achieving the kind of results we have been able to achieve.

Q: What’s on the horizon for cardiovascular care? What new procedures and therapies are showing promise?

Cardiovascular care is always evolving. Device therapy for heart failure will continue to develop over the next few years, hopefully culminating in a fully implantable left ventricular assistance device that does not involve the need for an external power cord. This will be a huge advance in treatment for people with heart failure, a true game changer. Cellular and genetic therapy for heart failure also continues to advance, and hopefully one day we will be able to use this approach to help the heart repair itself.

Q: What are the most satisfying aspects of working in this field of medicine?

There is no job more rewarding or challenging on a daily basis than being a cardiothoracic surgeon. Being able to help lung cancer patients and patients with heart disease every day is a miracle and a privilege.

If you have questions about surgical treatments related to the heart or chest, ask your physician or call Bryan Heart at 402-438-3255, or go to bryanheart.org for more information.

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

Bryan Journeys 17

MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE

New faces at

Bryan

Welcome these colleagues to the Bryan medical community Benjamin Byers, DO, FACOG, maternal-fetal medicine, is associated with the Center for Maternal and Fetal Care, 402-483-8485.

Dr. Byers graduated from Central College at Pella, Iowa, in 1997 and earned a doctorate at Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center in 2001. He completed an obstetrics and gynecology internship and residency through the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium of Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Byers also completed a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has taught at medical colleges in Maryland, Maine and Texas, and during Dr. Byers’ military career, this lieutenant colonel served at U.S. Army medical centers in Texas and New York and was deployed in Iraq as a battalion surgeon.

18 Summer 2014

Jessica Heckman, MD, family medicine, is associated with Antelope Creek Family Physicians, 402-483-6000.

Dr. Heckman earned a bachelor’s degree at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., in 2005 and a doctorate in 2011 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha.

She completed her family medicine residency in the Lincoln Medical Education Program in 2014.

Andrew Livingston, MD, neurosurgery, is associated with Neurological and Spinal Surgery, 402-488-3002.

Dr. Livingston graduated from Chadron State College, Chadron, Neb., in 2003 and earned his doctorate in 2007 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha.

He interned in general surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he also completed his neurosurgery residency in 2014.

Benjamin Thayer, MD, family medicine, is associated with Southwest Family Health, 402-420-1300.

He graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, in 2007 and earned his doctorate in 2011 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha.

Dr. Thayer completed his family medicine residency in the Lincoln Medical Education Program in 2014.

MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE Frank Weirman, MD, FAAFP, family medicine, is associated with Lincoln Family Medical Group, 402-488-7400.

Dr. Weirman earned a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pa., in 1968 and a doctorate from Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1972. He also attended Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Mich.

He completed an internship at Allentown, Pa., and a family practice residency at Highland Hospital, Rochester, N.Y. Dr. Weirman was a clinical instructor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and practiced in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Nebraska before serving a medical mission in Bangladesh.

Dr. Weirman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice. n

Eight begin residencies The newest residents in the Lincoln Family Medicine Program are (seated, from left) Anna Kolbeck, MD; Janae Dudgeon, MD; and Elizabeth Wooster, MD; and (standing, from left) Adam Rasmussen, MD; Mackenzie Hemje, MD; Doug Bauer, DO; Eli Burks, MD; and Mansoor Ahmad, MD. Bryan Health supports the threeyear residency program through the Lincoln Medical Education Partnership.

We remember Dr. Anis and Dr. Cherry Ophthalmologist Aziz Anis, MD, FACS, died June 29 at age 79. Dr. Anis was a native of Egypt and graduated from the University of Cairo Medical School in 1958. He practiced in Egypt and in England before moving in 1969 to the United States, where he completed an ophthalmology residency at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Anis began his practice in Lincoln in 1972. He was the first to perform Lasik corrective surgery in Lincoln.

He was a member of the Bryan Medical Staff and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He held more than 30 patents for microsurgical instrument design and developed the Anis Posterior Chamber Lens, the Dry Intercapsular Technique for cataract extractions and the concept of hydrodissection. Following his retirement in 2006, Dr. Anis moved to Kansas City.

General surgeon LeGrande Dwight Cherry, MD, 93, of Lincoln died June 5.

Dr. Cherry was raised in Cortland. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1943 from the University of Nebraska College of Agriculture in Lincoln and a medical degree three years later from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha. Dr. Cherry completed an internship at Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital and a residency at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. During World War II, he was assigned to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lincoln.

Dr. Cherry served as Chief of Staff at the former Lincoln General Hospital and was president of the Lancaster County Medical Society and the Nebraska State Medical Society. He also served as president of the Nebraska Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and was a governor of the American College of Surgeons before retiring in 1985. Dr. Cherry was an avid horseman and farmer and was elected commander of American Legion Post No. 3. n

Bryan Journeys 19

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE

Trainer helps Nikki achieve personal goals

W

hat if you looked at a photo and no longer recognized yourself?

Registered nurse and Bryan Health employee Nikki Colgrove knows exactly what that’s like.

Over the last two-and-a-half years, Nikki has lost more than 100 pounds. No surgeries, no gimmicks, just a full-fledged commitment to get in shape and eat a healthy diet. It all began with a first step.

“I always struggled with being overweight,” Nikki says. “Unfortunately, I usually gravitated toward quick fixes and crash diets.”

Plagued by severe asthma, Nikki spent much of her youth on the sidelines of physical activity. Her chronic condition sent her to the hospital on multiple occasions. She lived in constant fear of experiencing another asthma attack. As she got older, this excuse kept her from joining a gym or participating in activities with her kids. In addition, the stress of motherhood plus a busy nursing career led to unhealthy food choices to cope with a demanding schedule.

“I just ate without thinking.

Exercise wasn’t a part of my life either,” she says. “The numbers

20 Summer 2014

on the scale kept creeping higher and higher.”

Life-changing decision In December 2011, Nikki read an article that made all the difference. In the article, an obese young woman suffered a heart attack. The woman’s children happened to be nearby, calling 911 to save her life. Nikki was horrified to think the same could happen to her. She cringed, considering the need to teach her children what they should do if she had a heart attack.

She immediately resolved to change her life, beginning Jan. 1, 2012.

“My aunt had a certificate for a free week at the Bryan LifePointe Campus, so I figured I’d give it a shot,” Nikki says.

“My husband encouraged me to take time for myself. He supported me from day one.”

Nikki was determined to succeed. She joined as a full-time member, but longed to move beyond the typical 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. Realizing the need for a plan and an external source of motivation, she decided to sign up for personal training.

“I knew I needed to change, but I didn’t know where to start,” says Nikki. “I was

honestly looking for someone who would just tell me what to do and push me toward my goals.”

Jon Cook, a health fitness instructor and personal trainer at LifePointe, has had the privilege of working with Nikki during her transformation.

“I love seeing clients get excited when they achieve their goals,” Jon says. “They’re ecstatic when they can start to see progress from their workouts.”

At the start, Jon worked with Nikki to conduct a variety of fitness assessments to establish a baseline for

Nikki Colgrove, RN, says encouragement from personal trainer Jon Cook was essential to her successful weight loss.

progress. The two began meeting a couple of times a week for personal training sessions. For the remaining days, Jon provided Nikki with a plan of workouts she could do on her own. Nutritional consultations, while not available with every training session, were added to the mix in the beginning.

“People often sabotage their own success in one of three ways: wrong intensity, wrong frequency or poor diet,” Jon explains. “By including proper instruction, workout planning and nutritional consultation, Nikki was able

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE

Nikki says, “If you’ve never worked with a trainer, start now.

You’ll be happy you did.”

to counteract these common pitfalls.”

Personal training helps While success is achievable, Jon is quick to point out that a weight-loss journey is never easy. Despite TV shows and success stories that glamorize the process, it takes commitment and a series of lifestyle changes to achieve positive results.

Personal training helps individuals with this commitment.

LifePointe sales and member services manager Sally Hempel highlights the importance of focusing on individual outcomes.

“We want to make sure that everyone who comes

through the door at LifePointe finds a solution that works for them,” she says. “We design personalized solutions surrounding the answers to four questions: What is the fitness level of this person?

What is their goal or objective?

How practical is it? And what can we do to make that happen?”

For some, this means joining LifePointe and attending a handful of the 100-plus group exercise classes each week. Others may opt for a combination of personal training and individual workout sessions.

Some members choose to pursue group training or tandem training sessions where they can spread out the fees

amongst more people while still receiving personalized workout instruction and encouragement.

“We often see individuals consider personal training as a strategy to break through a plateau,” Sally says.

Although hitting a plateau is common, most people are surprised when it happens to them.

Trainers like Jon remind clients that plateaus are normal, and that small changes over time lead to big outcomes.

Exceeding expectations “We all have a threshold for what we think our bodies can do,” Jon explains. “But it’s usually far below our actual abilities. As a personal trainer,

I help people like Nikki realize what they’re capable of. I encourage them to challenge their perceived limitations.”

When Nikki first started working with Jon, she mentioned she’d like to do the Lincoln half-marathon someday. Jon encouraged her to aim for the next year.

She wasn’t so sure, but Jon’s response was simple.

“Why not?” he asked.

He explained that she could establish a goal of simply finishing the race. This meant crossing the finish line, whether running, walking or crawling. It was possible, and he would help her get there.

Nikki was excited and nervous at the same time.

“I hadn’t even walked a mile

Bryan Journeys 21

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE

Nikki shares her inspirational story in the last several years, let alone 13 miles!” she says.

“But we started small, and in May of 2013, I finished my first half-marathon!”

Reaching for new goals Fueled by the fire of a major goal accomplishment, Nikki set the bar higher. In the last year, she finished another half-marathon and a triathlon.

“We work together to view these goals as a series of small steps,” says Jon. “Walk a mile, then two, then four, then seven. Eventually you work your way up to milestones you never thought possible.”

While finishing a half-marathon is amazing, the numbers from the last two-and-a-half years have been impressive, as well. Through Nikki’s personal training journey, Jon has conducted regular fitness assessments to compare to her baseline data. The results read like a made-for-TV testimonial: Lost 100 pounds. Lost 50 percent body fat. Decreased blood pressure. Decreased cholesterol. Increased flexibility. Increased energy.

“I’m a completely different person!” says Nikki.

“While I thought personal training would be a temporary source of motivation, it’s turned out to be a critical component to my success.”

Jon and Sally agree.

“It’s very rewarding for us to work with clients like Nikki,” Jon says. “To be able to witness such a radical transformation is amazing.”

People who meet Nikki are inspired by her story and ask how she did it. She’s quick to credit her trainer, her family and her co-workers for the motivation to succeed. She also encourages others to take that first step.

“If you’ve never worked with a trainer, what are you waiting for?” she says. “Start now. You’ll be happy you did.” n For more information about Bryan LifePointe’s personal training program, call 402-481-6300, or visit bryanlifepointe.com.

22 Summer 2014

Marian Christensen and Jodi Sudik.

Nikki shares her inspirational story

Keeping active for a century

Need motivation for a healthier life? Meet 100-year-old Marian Christensen.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:45 am, you’ll find her with small weights in hands and a stretchy exercise band nearby. One of the first to join LifePointe, Marian is committed to regular activity to manage her congestive heart failure. She participates in the Stretch, Tone and Balance class taught by Jodi Sudik, a certified ACSM health fitness specialist. Marian has been coming to class for almost 17 years, starting at Bryan East Campus before the Bryan LifePointe Campus was built.

“She joined as a natural extension of cardiac rehab and has been with us ever since!” Jodi says.

The 45-minute class is perfect for beginners and older individuals to increase their activity level. It features exercises for muscular endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. Participants exercise standing or in chairs and use bands, weights, balls and other props.

“Jodi is a great instructor,” says Marian. “She keeps us focused.”

Though Marian is the oldest in the class, she’s developed friendships with participants of all ages. The group gets together for lunch once a month to a celebrate milestones. When Marian turned 100 in February, the group gathered as usual. But this time her family joined in the celebration and treated everyone to a meal at a local restaurant.

“It was so special,” Marian recalls. “I love getting to know people through LifePointe, and then continuing that friendship outside of class.”

Does she have the secret to life? Her advice is simple: “I take it one step at a time. It’s not always easy, but I keep going.” n

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Helen stays true to her school

S

eventy-five years after earning her nursing school diploma, Helen Weber is helping ensure that others receive the best-possible education at Bryan College of Health Sciences.

She established a scholarship a few years ago; this spring Helen made another generous gift, to create the Helen Weber Endowed Professorship for Nursing Education. Funds will help faculty members continue their education or bring nationally regarded experts to speak on campus.

“I always wanted to be a nurse, from the time I was just a little girl in Nehawka,” recalls the 96-year-old. “After high school, I enrolled at Bryan School of Nursing and graduated in 1939.”

Memories of those days still are vivid.

“We lived in the Fairview home. Hours were long, but rewarding. After chapel at 6:30 a.m., we worked in the hospital, then had class before going back to work on the patient floors,” she says. “Students were supposed to have three hours off each day, but we often used that time to attend lectures given by local physicians.”

The cost in those days? Her only expense went toward a $25 breakage fee, which unfortunately was depleted when she accidentally damaged a surgical light.

Helen enjoyed her time assisting in the operating room, but the months following graduation set the stage for the rest of her life.

She rented an apartment in the 13th and L neighborhood; next door lived an apprentice mortician, named Ralph Weber.

“I was a private duty nurse, caring for a child of the Stuart family. Their chauffeur picked me up and drove me back home each day. Well, Ralph asked the neighbors about me, and another boy from Nehawka introduced us — we began dating and

married in 1941,” she says.

Ralph worked at Roper and Sons Funeral Homes, served in the military during World War II and later became a Gooch’s Feed salesman.

The couple bought a home at 37th and F and had a child, Scott. Life seemed good for the Webers, but Ralph died suddenly at age 41, when Scott was only 14.

“I went back to Bryan Medical Center and became a nursing supervisor,” says Helen. “But I was encouraged to go into school nursing, so I went to work for Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) and attended summer school at Nebraska Wesleyan University and continued to take night classes until I graduated in 1961.”

The LPS administration urged her to apply for a supervisor’s position, but a master’s was required — which meant night school at the University of Nebraska to get a degree in educational psychology.

She retired in 1985, but remained very active. Helen served as a Red Cross volunteer nurse at the sites of eight natural disasters over the years. Now she looks forward to monthly gatherings with other retired nurses.

Photographs of family members, a painting of the Nehawka farmstead and a scrapbook of certificates and awards are prominent in her home. She proudly notes that Scott became a pediatrician and was the medical director of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas before retiring, and her grandson also is a pediatrician.

Helen’s been honored by Lincoln Public Schools, Sertoma Club, the American Red Cross and the University of Nebraska, among others. She also won the 1977 Alumni Service Award and 2014 Loyalty Award from the Bryan College of Health Sciences Alumni Association.

And she continues as a big Bryan booster.

“I’ve always thought highly of this nursing school, so that’s where I wanted this gift to be designated,” she notes.

To learn how your gift can support Bryan College of Health Sciences, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

Bryan Journeys 23

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Nurse anesthesia students earn doctorates at Bryan

B Bryan College of Health Sciences alumnus Matt Tritt, CRNA, is the newest instructor at the School of Nurse Anesthesia, which this spring was approved to offer a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degree.

Tritt earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Creighton University, Omaha. He received a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia in 2009 from Bryan, where he has been a practicing nurse anesthetist.

24 Summer 2014

eginning this year, new students in the Bryan College of Health Sciences School of Nurse Anesthesia will be earning the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree.

“In May, we received notice of approval from the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits colleges in our region,” says Sharon Hadenfeldt, PhD, CRNA, who’s Dean of the School of Nurse Anesthesia. This followed approval from the state coordinating commission on postsecondary education and the national Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

“Advanced practice nursing is moving toward doctoral preparation because the health care environment has become more complex,” she says, “so our goal is to give students a background in evidence-based practice, health policies and professional leadership principles.”

Dr. Hadenfeldt adds, “Bryan has a distinctive history. There’s been a nurse anesthesia program here since 1968, and it’s evolved to become one of the few hospital-based graduate programs offering a doctorate.”

The college’s 36-month program for registered nurses is unique to the region. This two-phase program combines coursework in science, anesthetic principles and health care policy with hands-on clinical practice early in the curriculum.

The first doctorates will be awarded in 2017.

“Our mission isn’t changing from our master’s degree program, which means incoming students still will be bachelor’s prepared nurses who have critical care experience,” she says.

“Most of our graduates go into clinical practice — to hospitals of all sizes or to ambulatory surgery centers, for example — and later in their careers, some may specialize in a certain type of practice or move into an administrative role or into education. They have lots of options.”

For more information on programs offered at Bryan College of Health Sciences, visit bryanhealth.com/ CollegeofHealthSciences, or call 402-481-3194. n To learn how your gift can support Bryan College of Health Sciences, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Congratulations, Grads!

THEIR BIG DAY: Seventy-six Bryan College of Health Sciences graduates were recognized May 9 at commencement.

HATS OFF TO GRADUATES: Bryan College of Health Sciences President Marilyn Moore (left) welcomes the audience at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, and President Emeritus Phylis Hollamon (right) wears a nursing cap while delivering the address.

Bryan Journeys 25

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Sonography classes fulfilling refugee’s dreams

F

or as long as he can remember, Sulaiman Murad wanted to be a sonographer. Even before he graduated with a veterinary degree. Before his native Iraq was plunged into chaos. And before he took on a dangerous job with the U.S. military as an interpreter in 2005.

But finally, at age 32, Sulaiman is realizing his dream. He was accepted into the adult cardiac and vascular sonography program at the Bryan College of Health Sciences and begins his studies in August.

He and his wife, Waseela, have been in Lincoln for about four years. Their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Ghazal, was born here.

“Ghazal means ‘dear’ in our language,” he says. And Ghazal was the name of Sulaiman’s grandmother, who often cared for him and his siblings.

Since coming to Lincoln from northern Iraq he has worked as an interpreter in Lincoln’s hospitals and public schools and anywhere else he is needed.

Their decision to choose Lincoln as their new home was a fairly easy one: A few hundred people from his tribe, the Yazidis, already had settled here, escaping conflict and persecution in the Middle East. But the road to get here was not so easy.

Political upheaval in his country meant a change in course.

Life was difficult for everyone, and Sulaiman took on work in a community cultural center.

It was there that a United States military official met Sulaiman and was impressed with his English skills. He encouraged Sulaiman to apply with the military as an interpreter, where he could make much more money. Although his father, a tribal leader, and his family worried about the dangers, he decided it would be a good way to support his country and his family. All of his immediate family members, including his eight siblings, still live in Iraq.

Sulaiman worked for nearly five years helping to bridge the gap — not only of languages and dialects, but of cultural and tribal differences. In this role, he witnessed his share of atrocities, including the deaths of close friends, killed by Iraqi militants in retaliation for aiding the U.S. These deaths haunt him still, and were the genesis of his book about his experiences during his time with the troops in Iraq. “Far Beyond Words: Stories of Military Interpreting in Iraq” was written with the help of local friend Phip Ross. It is a compelling book of short essays that tell the stories of the soldiers and interpreters who worked side by side in treacherous Iraqi refugee Sulaiman Murad wrote this book about circumstances. his experiences as a military interpreter in the Middle Change in course On a deeper level, it is a book East. To learn more, go to www.farbeyondiraq.com.

As a young man, Sulaiman about cultures and understanding. studied veterinary medicine — in part, Eventually, the U.S. began to please his grandfather. “I didn’t practice,” he says. “Actually issuing special immigrant visas for many of the interpreters, my dream even then was something to do with sonography, who were putting their lives on the line for the U.S. Sulaiman radiology — something related to human health — but I didn’t was among those who applied for the visa, knowing that it was have that chance.” only a matter of time before he, too, would be a target. And

26 Summer 2014

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Sulaiman Murad is excited to begin courses leading to a bachelor’s in adult cardiac and vascular sonography from Bryan College of Health Sciences.

that is how he and his wife made their way to America and to Lincoln.

Honored to receive visa “I was very honored to get that visa,” he says. “Coming to Lincoln was an easy choice, because a lot of my community are living here.” He and his wife feel that Lincoln is a quiet, easy place to live and that the community has been helpful to the refugees. But, he adds, transitioning to life in America is not always easy, and leaving his country, the land and his people, was tough.

Once his family was settled, he was ecstatic to learn about Bryan’s sonography program and grateful to have been accepted as a student. He was already familiar with Bryan and many staff members and physicians through his hundreds of hours of interpreting among patients and caregivers.

“I just had this realization that I have to be in that

program,” he says. “I said this is the time to do what is in my heart. I’m finally going to study something that is very specific to my interests. I am excited about that.”

One day, in the distant future, Sulaiman would like to teach. He dreams of bringing students from Iraq to Bryan for sonography studies, who could then take those skills back to the Iraqi people.

“Maybe after 10 or 20 years,” he says with a smile. “So maybe in this way I can do something for my country, too, if I was able to do this.” n To find out more about certificates and degrees offered at Bryan College of Health Sciences, visit bryanhealthcollege.edu, or call 402-481-3801.

To learn how your gift can support Bryan College of Health Sciences, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

Bryan Journeys 27

COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS

Weekend reunites classmates

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he Bryan College of Health Sciences Alumni Association hosted a series of reunion events June 6 and 7 for graduates of Bryan School of Nursing, Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing and Bryan College of Health Sciences.

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It was a time for sharing memories and catching up with friends, like these members of the 50-year classes from Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing (Photo No. 1) and Bryan School of Nursing (No. 2). Representatives from many graduating classes made the trip to Lincoln to reminisce at this year’s alumni reunion (No. 3).

3 1 The Alumni Association saluted Helen Weber (center in photo at right) with its Loyalty Award. Helen graduated from Bryan School of Nursing in 1939. Assistant Prof. Jan Tubbs (at left), Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing ‘74, and Dean of Students Deb Border, Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing ‘74, received Professional Development Awards. Esther Fox, Bryan College of Nursing ‘61, (not pictured) received the Volunteerism Award, and Ann Nebel, Bryan College of Nursing ‘07, received the Clinical Excellence Award.

28 Summer 2014

VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE

Take Five: It’s a welcome change of pace

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hey came in droves to the little white awning pitched on the sure patients and families, visitors, staff and physicians get great soft grass at the Bryan West Campus. Some walked; some customer care.” were in wheelchairs; even a bed was moved onto the grass.

The volunteers provide welcoming customer care in many ways.

All this hubbub to see Pokey, a pygmy hedgehog tenrec, and Nova, a For example, they also introduced fresh flowers and a welcome sign white rat, from the Critter Outpost at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. at every information desk. Baskets of juicy apples frequently sit at This event was part of the Volunteers and Customer Care “Take the front desk for visitors. Volunteers wheel the tasty treat cart, with Five” series for freshly baked cookies and beverages, to every unit waiting area. employees, patients And they purchased an electric car to transport people to and and visitors. These from their vehicles at the Bryan East Campus. monthly events offer a “We try to make people feel welcome. We get wonderful chance to take a break comments about people who were treated with respect and with a fun activity. kindness from the time they entered the front door,” Ellen says.

At a zoo-themed “I have enjoyed each Take Five event. I especially enjoy having the opportunity to meet people, whether it is a staff Take Five, Sue Philipps person I have never met, or a visitor who has never been to said “Hi, sweetheart” Bryan. to Pokey and held “When I look back at the events, I recall the joy of the rehab Nova for a photo. patients as their nurses brought them down to sip lemonade “I love Take Five,” Zoo animals are a hit with patients and and reminisce about the ‘cool cars’ on display. I think of the staff says Sue, who works Bryan employees at a recent Take Five. in patient financial who came to pick up homemade caramel apple kits and their services. “It’s fun to get out for a minute, and it’s good for excitement to take the patients, too.” kits home and create a “We come to every one,” says Lisa Hook of the Bryan family memory. When Physician Network. “We got our picture taken with Homer (the we displayed notes Lincoln Saltdogs mascot) at another Take Five.” But she says the of thanks our Child Take Five with Pokey and Nova was the best of all.

Development Center Marleen Kontos, a patient, adds, “It was fun. It was a reason children shared with to come outside, and it was nice to smell the grass and see the us, I could hear the sky. It gives you a break in your routine.” immediate laughter A little boy was wheeled out in a hospital bed. His mom, that only a child’s Elizabeth Kramer, notes, “He loves all animals. We’ve been in the thoughts can bring.” hospital for three weeks, so it’s nice to be outside.”

The Volunteers Patient Kara Lee agrees. She says, “I’ve been in the hospital and Customer Care Employee Dave Schanse shows off his vintage for more than eight weeks. It’s nice to get out.” staff is contemplating Chevy during “Cool Cars on Campus.”

Take Five has a different theme every month. Some from the wellness and music past year have been: “Fun with our Four-legged Friends” certified themes for upcoming events — they will see what happens when Animal Assisted Therapy dogs; “Beat the Heat” popsicles and ice they put their heads together. cream bars; “Cool Cars on Campus” featuring employees’ cars; “Think “It’s been fun to see how a simple idea can create so much Spring” with complimentary daffodils and punch; and Homer, the laughter and excitement. We really want to create Take Five experiences that bring out the joy in simply taking a break and Saltdogs baseball team mascot for “Seventh Inning Stretch.” sharing a pleasant moment with those around us,” Ellen says. n Take Five evolved from Volunteers and Customer Care department goals. “Two years ago we were asked to add customer care to our department,” says director Ellen Beans. “Bryan Health To find out about volunteer opportunities at Bryan Medical already provides excellent medical care; now we try to help make Center, please call 402-481-3032, or visit bryanhealth.org/volunteer.

Bryan Journeys 29

CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER

Luedkes proudly lead Care and Share drive in Crete

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illis and Suzanne new hospital.

Luedke moved from • Willis in the emergency room for Wisner to Crete chest-pain-turned-heart attack. in the 1950s, to The line on the heart monitor goes teach vocational agriculture and flat. A defibrillator, CPR and a raise their babies and see where talented team stabilize him. He life took them. As a family of wakes up at Bryan Medical Center, five of average health, they did recovering from quintuple bypass not expect the local hospital to surgery. play a large role in their life, but • Willis on the treadmill at the new somehow it did.

CAMC rehabilitation center.

They suspect the role is • Willis at a retirement party, often bigger than people realize, stepping down after nine years on but taken for granted. That’s a the CAMC Board, helping guide message they’ll share as they this place he was so proud to see lead this year’s Crete Area Health prosper to become an area health Care Foundation’s Care and care center, drawing patients Share Campaign: Don’t take it for from a wide area and specialists granted. To have a facility and from partnering medical facilities.

Willis and Suzanne Luedke are leading the Crete Area Health staff of CAMC’s quality in a rural • A Christmas, three years ago, Care Foundation’s Care and Share Campaign. community is a blessing. when mammogram results shake The Luedkes sit side-by-side their world. Suzanne has in a medical center office. They are in their 70s now, sharing their surgery at CAMC, followed by six months of chemotherapy and story, one filling in words for the other when they get to the happy 33 radiation treatments. She suffers from lymphedema and and the hard parts of their health journeys. medication side effects. So she appreciates every sunny person or If the former Crete hospital and CAMC played a highlight reel thing that helped her through her cancer battle. of their lives, its footage would look something like this: That’s the other reason — the intangible reason — they are • New parents and new babies; a son born in the Crete hospital, leading this year’s drive. A medical facility is only as good as its tired mom smiling, swaddled newborn sleeping. people, they say.

• Doctors recognizing a problem; a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis, “Just the love that came out of this hospital, I tell you…” a transfer to Lincoln for a successful surgery.

Suzanne says, with a quiver in her voice as its trails off.

• Toddlers. Grade-schoolers. ER visits. Parents’ kisses for skinned And Suzanne shares one more image. She’s at the medical knees. Bruises and bandages. Checkups with a favorite center cafeteria line, to grab a cup of coffee. She tells a food service physician, Dr. Robert Quick. employee how much she likes her hat; it’s dressier than any of • An appendix (Willis’) hasty exit. A tough senior year when the the scarves Suzanne has found for her chemo-bald head. “Just a Luedkes’ oldest, Robin, is diagnosed with lupus. minute,” the woman says. That employee goes to her car, retrieves a hair net and presents the hat to Suzanne.

• Meetings. Conference rooms. Votes. Studies. Willis at the table at the hospital board. The hospital is showing its age. Do “They treat you like family ... We want to give back to the they remodel? Do they build a modern hospital? Bryan Health community for the benefit of having a facility like this,” she System contacts the board with a third option, to partner on a adds. n

30 Summer 2014

ACHIEVEMENTS

Christie Bartelt, interim nurse manager of acute inpatient rehabilitation, former co-worker Cindy Miller, rehabilitation services director Linda Stones, Autumn Jay, RN, Vice President Lisa Vail, rehab center therapy manager Bonnie Kreiter and clinical coordinator Katie Tiedeman celebrate Jay’s statewide award.

Tiffani Arndt, director of emergency and critical care, Molle Barker, RN, and Talia Peterson, manager of cardiovascular intensive care, are all smiles about Barker’s Top Ten finish.

Jay and Barker among Best Nurses in Nebraska finalists Autumn Jay, RN, acute inpatient rehabilitation, and Molle Barker, RN, cardiovascular intensive care, were named to the Lincoln Journal Star’s Best Nurses in Nebraska list for 2014. Jay was the runner-up in the judging. Barker also was a Top Ten finalist, and Carolyn Bernasek, RN, radiology, was among nominees from across the state. n

Christina Nickel earned national recognition among young laboratory professionals.

Peer specialist Rhonda Cron (left) admires Linda Knudsen’s Journey Award.

40 Under 40 list features Nickel

Knudsen honored for new program

Laboratory technology manager Christina Nickel, MHA, MLS, was named to the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s (ASCP) “40 Under 40” list for her achievements in the medical laboratory field.

The program recognizes 40 pathologists, residents and pathology professionals under age 40 who have made significant contributions to the profession and stand out as the future of laboratory leadership.

ASCP launched the program to honor young professionals for their diverse experiences and innovative work in the laboratory environment. n

Education coordinator Linda Knudsen, Bryan Mental Health Services, received the Journey Award at the Mental Health Association of Nebraska’s “Success, Hopes and Dreams Conference” in Lincoln this spring.

The association recognized Knudsen for her efforts to develop a new Peer Specialist Program in the Mental Health Emergency Department on the Bryan West Campus.

Her plaque reads, “Although the journey may be long and difficult, your continued support is a light along the path.” n

Bryan Journeys 31

BRYAN STERLING CONNECTION

Fun, tunes and ice cream were treats for all

Scoops of frozen treats, as well as fruit, snacks and beverages, were popular at the Ice Cream Social.

Sterling Connection

A full house packed the Plaza Conference Center June 22 to listen to the music of The Oasis Bluegrass Band. Bryan Sterling Connection is for anyone age 50 and more.

Call 402-481-8886, or go to bryanhealth.org/sterlingconnection to find out about member benefits.

32 Summer 2014

Traveling with Sterling Connection: Puppies and Pie Thursday, Sept. 11 Discover how service dogs are trained to help people. You will also visit the Marcon Pie Company of Washington, Kan., and Herr’s Memory Lane.

Would you like more information? Visit bryanhealth.org/travel to download a brochure, or call 402-481-3355 or 800-742-7844.

Bedwetting: What causes it?

Tuesday, Sept. 23, 6-8:30 p.m.

It’s a myth that laziness causes bedwetting. Millions of children and adults wet the bed — but why?

Join pediatrician Heather Dews, MD, of Lincoln Pediatric Group as she discusses bedwetting and how you can help.

This program is in the Plaza Conference Center at Bryan East Campus, 1600 S. 48th St. It’s free, but you must register by calling 402-481-8886, or go online to bryanhealth. org/calendar.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Bryan Community Health Education and Sterling Connection present

Arthritis that Really is in Your Head!

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6:30-8 p.m.

Rheumatologist Robert Valente, MD, will discuss how polymyalgia rheumatic (PMR) arthritis and giant cell arthritis can affect your head, neck and shoulders and why early detection and treatment are crucial to managing these diseases.

You must register for this free program by calling 402-481-8886, or go online to bryanhealth.org/calendar.

This presentation is in the lower level Conference Center at Bryan West Campus, 2300 S. 16th St.

Eating Bright with the Cardiologist Sept. 23-25, beginning at 6 p.m.

Bryan Heart cardiologists and Hy-Vee registered dietitians present a series on preparing heart-healthy foods. Learn why brightly colored foods are important for a nutrient-rich diet.

The menu includes watermelon herb salad, massaged kale salad, salmon sliders and caramel dip with Honeycrisp Apples.

Your fee for any one of the following sessions is $12.

• Tuesday, Sept. 23, Matthew Johnson, MD, Hy-Vee at 70th and Pioneers. Call 402-489-4244 to register.

• Tuesday, Sept. 23, Joseph Kummer, MD, Hy-Vee at 40th and Pioneers. Call 402-421-2462 to register.

• Wednesday, Sept. 24, Michael Kutayli, MD, Hy-Vee at 50th and O Street. Call 402-314-6704 to register.

• Thursday, Sept. 25, Scott Coatsworth, MD, Hy-Vee at 27th and Superior. Call 402-477-4764 to register.

• Thursday, Sept. 25, Ryan Whitney, MD, Hy-Vee at 84th and Holdrege. Call 402-467-5505 to register.

The Mysteries of the Human Matrix: Finding a Tough Happiness in Difficult Times Wednesday, Oct. 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Shawn Christopher Shea, MD, is an acclaimed speaker in the field of suicide prevention and creating resiliency. His fresh definition of happiness has ramifications for self-exploration, solving problems and transforming during difficult times.

Call 402-481-8886 to register for this free presentation. A health fair at 6 p.m. will continue after the lecture in the Plaza Conference Center at Bryan East Campus. This program is sponsored by The Kim Foundation and co-sponsored by Bryan Medical Center, Sterling Connection, CenterPointe, Region V Systems, Lincoln Lancaster Mental Health Foundation and Community Health Endowment of Lincoln.

Run to Overcome Sunday, Sept. 28 Kids’ Run and 5K and 10K Join us for the fourth annual Bryan Health Run to Overcome. This family-friendly event features a 1-mile kids’ run, 5K run/walk and 10K run. A looped course through the neighborhood begins and ends on the track at Lincoln Southwest High School.

Everyone from beginner to experienced road runner is encouraged to participate!

Proceeds will provide education about depression and mental health.

Shirts are included if you sign up by Sunday, Sept. 14.

Final registration deadline (no shirt provided) is 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26.

Cost: Kids’ Run: $10 fee includes a short-sleeve cotton shirt.

5K and 10K races: $20 fee includes short-sleeve cotton shirt or $25 for a short-sleeve dri-fit shirt.

Tribute Champion. This special $100 sponsorship is an opportunity for two runners to celebrate a loved one during the race. Sponsors receive two entries to Run to Overcome with dri-fit shirts and sticker decals to display their loved one’s name on race day. Their tribute also will be listed on the Run to Overcome website.

Where: Lincoln Southwest High School, 7001 S. 14th St. For information or to register, go to bryanhealth.cvent. com/events/2014-run-to-overcome, or call 402-481-8855.

Bryan Journeys 33

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