Vail Health 2016

2016 / 2017 ANNUAL

VAIL VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

MEDICAL DIRECTORY The A to Z of local healthcare

GET FIT

Healthy snacks NUTRITIOUS BITES MADE EASY RX REMEDIES

Are antibiotics over-prescribed?

Improve your form; prevent injury

TAKING A HIT TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES

COLOR ADO KIDS

Official Medical Provider

At Howard Head Sports Medicine, every patient receives the same physical therapy treatment as the world’s top athletes. Whether it’s chronic pain you’ve experienced for years or a new injury, let us help you get back to what you love.

(970 ) 476-1 225 |

HOWARDHEAD.CO M | 1 0 E AG LE & S U M M I T CO U NTY LO CATI O NS

F R O M T HE P R E S IDE N T & C E O

81 REASONS

W

e ’ v e a l r e a dy

saved 81 lives in our new cardiac catheterization lab.

Our cardiology team humbly categorizes them into varying types of intervention, but I call them saves.

If Vail Valley Medical Center had not built the cath lab last year, those 81 people would have different stories. When their hearts malfunctioned, it didn’t matter if they were local or came halfway around the world to visit us. All that mattered is that we were here to save them, to ensure they’d have more stories to tell. That’s why Vail Valley Medical Center exists. We save lives here. And, we help start a few too — 466 “Vail Babies” were born this past year.

With more than 30 years in healthcare and as a longtime member of this exceptional community, I can tell you with confidence that our hospital system is anything but typical.

And it’s in the midst of becoming the most modern mountain hospital in the world.

VVMC has always believed in providing healthcare services where you live, play and need it the most. That’s why we built the cath lab. In addition, in 2015, our treasured Shaw Regional Cancer Center allowed 1,142 people to receive treatment close to home during one of life’s hardest battles. Our emergency and urgent cares in Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon and Gypsum provide life-saving services where and when you need it most.

And, with 10 locations in Eagle and Summit counties, Howard Head Sports Medicine — the same physical therapists who treat the US Ski, US Snowboard, US Freeski and USA Climbing Teams — are right around the corner from you.

For more than 50 years, Vail Valley Medical Center has defined and refined the unique nature of mountain healthcare. Our new partnership with the Steadman Philippon Research Institute means Vail will once again pioneer the future of sports medicine, this time through breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and stem cell research that extend past sports medicine.

There is no doubt the healthcare landscape is changing dramatically, but I can assure you Vail Valley Medical Center will continue to provide the wide array of healthcare services you need, right here in Eagle County. We will continue to serve everyone in our community, accepting Medicare and Medicaid. We will continue to supply athletic trainers for our Battle Mountain and Eagle Valley high school athletes at no cost. We will continue distributing ski and bike helmets to our local children each year. We’ll continue providing highly affordable health fair screenings, and we’ll continue donating millions of dollars in charity healthcare to our residents. As a nonprofit, independent community hospital, these assurances are part of who we are, because every dollar earned stays local to improve the health of our community.

One final assurance — we’re going to keep saving lives. It’s what we do.

Vail Valley Medical Center Board of Directors P R I M A RY P U R P O S E : O P E R AT I O N S Chairman Art Kelton Directors Dick Cleveland Reg Franciose, MD Chris Jarnot Doris Kirchner Jeff Shroll Susan Suggs Trustee Charlie L'Esperance Wayne Wenzel, MD

Vail Health Services Board of Directors P R I M A RY P U R P O S E : S T R AT E G Y & F I D U C A RY Chairman Michael Shannon Directors Andy Arnold Mel Bergstein Sam Bronfman Ron Davis Johannes Faessler Reg Franciose, MD Peter Frechette Art Kelton Doris Kirchner Marc Philippon, MD Jay Precourt Sally Veitch Trustee Richard Steadman, MD

doris kirchner, president & ceo va i l va l l e y m e d i c a l c e n t e r

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2016/2017 ANNUAL

CONTENTS

F E AT URE S

43

Super Kids

Eagle County is a close-knit community that nurtures families and helps promote healthy competition; many local kids excel in their sport of choice with a little help from their parents.

48

Eat Your Colors

For optimum health, "eat the rainbow" for a variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

52

Small Town Feel, Big City Care

Emergency & urgent care at VVMC continues to evolve with our community.

56

VVMC is My Hospital

Grateful patients and devoted staff members are the heart and soul of the hospital.

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09 T HE T E A M PUBLISHER

01 LETTER FROM THE

Emily Tamberino

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF VAIL VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

EDITOR

Wren Bova

24 BEST IN THE BUSINESS

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

Stephen Lloyd Wood ART DIRECTION & DESIGN

W E L L NE S S

Carly Arnold MARKETING DIRECTOR

04 Improve Your Form

Michael Holton

Expert tips from Howard Head physical therapists.

CO N T R I B U T O R S

Laura Bell, Charles Townsend Bessent, Phil Lindeman, Traci J. Macnamara, Karen Mason, Justin Q. McCarty, Scott N. Miller, Kimberly Nicoletti, Beth Potter, Caramie Schnell, Dominique Taylor

09 Snack Smarter

Snacking between meals can satisfy cravings and add important nutrients to your diet.

VA I L VA L L E Y M E D I C A L CENTER EXECUTIVE TEAM

12 The Future of Regenerative Sports Medicine

Significant research from the Steadman Philippon Research Institute is changing the world.

14 Antibiotics — Too Much of a Good Thing?

Studies by Vail Valley Medical Center and other Colorado hospitals indicate widespread antibiotic overuse.

17 Taking a Hit

Concussions are both commonplace and dangerous.

20 Just Like New

Total joint replacement is now an option in Eagle County.

22 Super Tips on Superfoods

Maximize the health benefits of nutrient-dense foods.

35 Howard Head On Location

INS IDE R 25 The World Goes Pink

Annual fundraiser for cancer patients at Shaw Regional Cancer Center is a communal tour de force.

A day in the life of national team physical therapists.

38 A Place To Play, a Place To Heal

Nicholas Brown Dr. Barry Hammaker Doris Kirchner Darrell Messersmith S. Jason Moore, PhD, PA Luke O'Brien Daniel Pennington Sheila Sherman Ted Sirotta Rick Smith Michael Westmiller VA I L DA I LY M AG A Z I N E G R O U P

Susan Ludlow Paul Abling

Eagle County is a destination for orthopaedics & sports medicine.

28 Strong Hearts

Vail Valley Medical Center and Starting Hearts partner to make Eagle County "the safest place in America to suffer a cardiac arrest."

31 The Breast Debate

New screening guidelines announced, but Sonnenalp Breast Center maintains support for annual screenings beginning at 40.

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40 A New Hospital for Our Region

VVMC’s Master Facility Plan responds to local growth with more space and a state-of-the-art facility.

OUR C RO W D 62 THE FOUNDATION 64 FACES IN THE VALLEY 66 DONOR PROFILES 68 VVMC'S 2015 DONORS 70 OUT IN THE COMMUNITY 72 MEDICAL DIRECTORY 78 MAPS FOR LOCAL CARE 80 ACCOMPLISHMENTS &

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

ON THE COVERS

Jack Arnot & Bailee Boles PHOTOS BY

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THE VAIL VALLEY

WELLNESS IMPROVE YOUR FORM

1.

Howard Head Sports Medicine's physical therapists Zack Dicristino, MSPT, OCS and Ana Robinson, PT, DPT, OCS demonstrate tips to maximize performance in some of your favorite sports

ICE CLIMBING

BY ZACK DICRISTINO, MSPT, OCS Physical Therapist and official medical provider to the USA Climbing teams 1. High Step (Knee to Chest Pull) • In a standing position, raise one knee towards your chest.

• Pull your knee closer to your chest with your hands.

• Repeat on the other side. Perform 8-10 repetitions on each side.

2.

2. Squats with Overhead Reach into Heel Raise • With feet shoulder-width apart, perform a squat while simultaneously raising both arms overhead.

• Keep your knees in line and behind your toes.

• Return to standing position, bring both arms down by your side, then go into a heel raise.

Perform 15-20 repetitions.

3. Shoulder Diagonals with Theraband • Stand while grasping a light resistive band with both arms outstretched in front of your chest.

• Simultaneously raise one arm diagonally overhead while pulling down with the other arm towards your hip.

• Repeat in the opposite fashion, switching arms. Perform 15-20 repetitions.

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3.

4a.

FLY FISHING

BY JAKE BAGLEY, PT, DPT Physical Therapist 4a. Resisted External Rotation • Hold one end of an elastic band, the other being fixed to a door or pole in front of you, at shoulder height.

• Start by positioning your arm slightly away from body (approximately 45 degrees) with your elbow bent at a 90 degree angle, palm facing down.

• Maintaining the angle at your elbow, slowly rotate your arm out, away from your body against the resistance of the band.

• Repeat 2-3 times for 15-20 repetitions.

4b. Internal Rotation • Position yourself the same way you did for the external rotation exercise. Begin with your arm away from your body.

• Maintaining the 90 degree angle at your elbow, slowly rotate your arm inward towards your body.

• Repeat 2-3 times for 15-20 repetitions.

5.

5. Full Can • Start by standing upright with hands by your side, thumbs pointed forward, with 2-5 lbs. dumbbells in both hands.

• Gently squeeze your shoulder blades back and slowly bring your arms up and slightly out to the side until your hands are level with your shoulders. Thumbs should be pointing up towards the ceiling.

• Slowly lower weights in the same plane to starting position.

• Repeat 2-3 times for 15-20 repetitions.

6. Posterior Cuff Stretch • Resting your left arm into the right arm's elbow, pull the left arm across your chest until a gentle stretch is felt in the back of the shoulder.

• Hold 30-45 seconds, repeat 3-4 times on each side.

6.

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W E LLN E S S

SWIMMING

BY SHAUNA NELSON, MS, OTR/L Inpatient Occupational Therapist

7.

8.

7. Straight Arm Pull Downs • Using a cable machine with straight bar in the overhead position, stand two feet back with a slight bend in the knees.

• Pull the weight down slowly towards your thighs, rotating only the shoulders.

• Now raise the bar back up to shoulder height and repeat.

• Remember to engage your core and pull your shoulder blades together during the exercise.

• Complete 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

8. Plank Row • With a dumbbell in each hand, lower into a plank position.

• Keeping feet hip-width apart for balance and stability, lean your body weight onto the left arm and lift the right dumbbell off the floor to the side of your body. Do not rotate your torso and keep your chest facing the floor.

• Slowly lower dumbbell, transfer body weight, and repeat with the left arm.

• Complete 3 sets of 10 repetitions on each arm.

9. Streamline Flutter Kicks • Lie on your back with your lower back against the floor and core engaged.

• Place your arms overhead in a tight, streamlined position, squeezing biceps to ears.

• Lift head slightly off the ground and flutter kick your legs about 6 inches off the ground for 30-45 seconds.

• Complete 3 sets, holding for 30-45 seconds each.

GOLF

By Todd Ward, PT, CSCS Physical Therapist 10. Kneeling Chops • Kneel on both knees in a tall posture with knees, hips and shoulders aligned.

Activate the glutes and core to maintain stability and control.

• With a band or cable attached above shoulder level, grab the band with both hands, looking at the band with your shoulders turned toward the band.

• Pull the band downward and past the opposite hip, keeping your arms extended and your eyes on your hand.

The rotation should come from your mid-back and neck with your low back and hips remaining stable.

• Perform on each side for 10-15 repetitions.

11. Book Openings • With your head on a pillow, lay down on one side with your top knee bent up towards your chest.

• Extend both arms in front on your chest, one on top of the other, and open up the top arm and reach back until you feel a stretch, following your arm with your eyes and head throughout.

• Repeat on the opposite side, feeling the motion in your mid-back.

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10.

11.

13.

SNOW BIKING

BY JESSE HORTON, DPT Physical Therapist 12. Bear Crawl • In a low quadruped stance (mid push-up position) keep your head extended to look in front of you.

• Crawl with one arm and opposite leg while keeping hips low and level.

• When you reach the end of the room, go in reverse. Perform two repetitions (forward and back).

12.

13. Hip Hinge • Stand erect holding a straight rod along the spine, maintaining contact points at buttocks, mid back and back of head.

• Advance your hips back as you keep a flat spine, bend your knees and lower your trunk forward towards the ground, making sure not to let the knees come forward as they bend.

• Once you feel this tension, engage the hamstrings as you return to an erect position, squeezing the glutes and finishing with fully extended hips.

• Perform 20 repetitions.

15.

14. Single Leg Squat • In an open doorway, position yourself into a split stance with the front foot flat and toes touching the door jam while the trail foot rests flat against the jam.

• Weight should be evenly distributed through the front foot as you lower your body straight down to the ground with engagement of the quadricep and glute musculature. Utilize your arms on the wall to maintain balance as needed.

• Return to starting position with force generated through the front leg.

• Perform two sets of 10-15 repetitions with each leg forward.

NORDIC SKIING

By Ana Robinson PT, DPT, OCS Physical Therapist and official medical provider to the US Nordic Ski Team 15. Single Leg Dead Lifts • Engaging your core and glutes, stand on one leg with hands on your hips.

• Lift your other leg straight behind you while simultaneously lowering your upper body parallel to the ground.

16.

Howard Head Sports Medicine | howardhead.com (970) 476-1225 | See Medical Directory for locations.

17.

16. Overhead Medicine Ball Press • Place one foot on a step with the other foot on the floor.

• With a medicine ball between your hands, stretch your arms overhead and lift your back knee to meet the medicine ball. Keep your core engaged and focus your weight on the standing leg.

• Repeat 10 times on each side, working on balance and hip control.

17. Skaters • Standing on one leg, maintain balance and push your opposite leg out to the side in a skating motion. You can use a frisbee or paper plate under the moving foot for better glide.

• Repeat 10 times on each leg.

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Your heart is in good hands.

Renowned, board-certified cardiologists Dr. Jerry Greenberg and Dr. Nelson Prager along with Kelly Fralick, NP, lead our comprehensive team of heart specialists.

With a new Cardiac Cath Lab in Vail, a clinic on Main Street Frisco, and clinics in Vail and Eagle, we bring the best to you.

Nelson Prager, MD

Jerry Greenberg, MD

Kelly Fralick, NP

Cardiologist

Cardiologist

Nurse Practitioner

services for all your heart needs • Interventional Cardiology

• Anticoagulation Clinic

• Cardiac Electrophysiology

• Cardiac Diagnostics

• Cardiac Catheterization Lab

• Cardiac Rehab Center

cardiology institute (970) 476 -1 1 1 0 | VVMC.CO M /CA R D IO LO GY | VA IL , E AG L E & FR ISCO

SNACK SMARTER Snacking between meals can satisfy cravings and add important nutrients to your diet

by caramie schnell

Minty edamame hummus comes together quickly and is great served with fresh veggies.

recipes and food styling by allana smith

J

u s t a s p r e pa r at i o n i s t h e k e y t o a

fantastic first day on the mountain — six weeks of ski conditioning classes in the rearview and freshly waxed and tuned sticks make for a lovely inaugural day, for instance — foresight is key to making healthy eating choices day in and day out.

“Plan your food for the day ahead of time. Don’t let yourself get so desperate that you end up getting cookies

and candy bars out of a vending machine,” says Dr. Dennis Lipton, an internal medicine specialist at Vail Valley Medical Center.

That might mean slipping a Ziploc bag of homemade trail mix in your jacket pocket before heading out for a few runs, like Dr. Lipton does, or tossing an apple or a whole-food bar in your work bag before leaving the house in the morning.

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W E LLN E S S PREVENT THE BINGE Dr. Lipton says it’s actually best not to snack between meals, but if you’re someone who can’t go a few hours without feeling peckish, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared with healthy food. He prefers to individualize patients' eating plans based on their lives and what’s realistic.

“For example, I know people who are not able to eat much of anything all day because of work or time constraints,” he says. “By the time they get home at night, they are so ravenously hungry that they will eat just about anything. They lose self-control and overeat the wrong kinds of food. Eating small meals five to six times per day might help to prevent such binge-like episodes.”

While there’s no proof from a medical standpoint that eating multiple small meals rather than three bigger meals helps people eat less calories and lose weight, that strategy might work well for some folks, Dr. Lipton says.

“The most important thing is what you are eating, so anything that helps someone stick to a healthier diet is beneficial,” he says.

As most of us know, skipping meals and eating less than three meals a day may contribute to overeating and unhealthy choices, says Katie Mazzia, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Vail Valley Medical Center.

“It’s really important to customize a healthy eating plan for patients based on their food preferences, daily routine, and activity and nutrition goals,” she says.

The most important consideration is the type of snack(s) between meals and that it doesn’t add excess “empty” calories, therefore contributing to weight gain, Mazzia says.

“The goal of any meal pattern is nutrient-dense foods defined as foods that have a lot of vitamins, minerals, fiber, lean protein and healthy fats,” she says.

A good example is wheat toast with almond butter and apple slices. Add some extra nutrients with a green smoothie.

THREE QUESTIONS Sometimes we snack because we want something crunchy or sweet

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or we are tired or thirsty, Mazzia says. In light of that, before you reach for a snack, ask yourself three questions: 1. Am I hungry?

2. Am I thirsty?

3. How many hours until my next meal?

Sometimes people mistake thirst for hunger, so it’s important to check in with yourself.

“If you only have an hour before the next meal, choose quickly digested snacks, like fruit, yogurt or veggies,” Mazzia says.

“If it’s longer, add a lean protein and whole grain with 3 grams of fiber or more per serving.”

And no, that chocolate-coated fiber bar doesn’t count.

“Vegetables, whole fruits or dried, unsweetened fruits and yogurts are great choices,” she says.

Read labels for portion sizes and stick to them — that means not eating directly out of the bag or box.

SNACK BASED ON YOUR ACTIVITY Consider planning your snacks based on what your day looks like. If you need a little something before a morning run, for instance, consider fruit or cereal, something with quick-acting carbohydrates.

“Trail running, you need 25 to 40 grams of carbohydrates per hour,” Mazzia says. “It’s a high aerobic activity that’s going to require carbohydrate supplementation after an hour.”

For someone who plans to spend a morning skiing, Mazzia recommends something with a little more “staying power,” that’s also portable and convenient, she says. Perhaps a Lara Bar or something similar that’s made from dried nuts and fruits. “Or choose a few whole-wheat Fig Newtons or half a peanut butter sandwich — those are good pocket snacks.”

Eagle County-based private chef Allana Smith of FOODsmith makes her own peanut butter bars. As a professional chef, there is no culinary challenges she

Private chef Allana Smith, owner of FOODsmith, serves fresh guacamole on Belgian endive to provide a crunchy, healthy snack.

can't overcome. But as a mother of four, she’s a fan of creating quick, creative snacks. Made with the nutritional powerhouse avocado, guacamole eaten on fresh endive instead of fried tortilla chips makes a healthy snack. So does a yogurt-based curry dip served with sweet potato and beet chips. And if you have a little more time for prep, make hummus using edamame and mint, and serve it with a variety of fresh, crunchy veggies.

If you’re looking for something to munch on that doesn’t provide many calories, don’t be afraid of popcorn — just leave off the melted butter. Spice it up a little with Japanese furikake (a sesame-seaweed savory blend) or togarashi (a sesame-chile blend).

SURVIVING THE BEFOREDINNER STRETCH It’s common to be hungry right when you get home for work, as this may be the longest stretch of day without food, Mazzia says.

DOMINIQUE TAYLOR

An easy start to the day can include almond butter on whole grain toast with or without apple slices and a green smoothie.

Serve curry yogurt dip with roasted vegetable chips.

FOODsmith RECIPES Kale Ginger Smoothie 4 leaves of kale, including stems 1 Bartlett pear, cored and cut into quarters 1 ½” fresh ginger root, unpeeled, sliced ¼” thick cucumber, unpeeled, sliced ¼” thick 1 banana, peeled 1 cup water

Rather than reaching for a bag of chips and a Costco-sized tub of hummus, consider chopping up an assortment of fresh vegetables and fruit on the weekend and keeping them in the fridge to snack on while you’re preparing dinner.

If you have children, you’re likely used to the never-ending snack requests. Snacks are a good way to tide kids over until the next meal, Mazzia says. Just be sure to keep the portion size in check so they don’t ruin their appetite. Her recommendations include a small smoothie (6 oz. milk or milk alternative with

1/4 cup frozen fruit), whole grain crackers, a snack box of raisins, a handful of baby carrots, a tablespoon of nut butter, a hard-boiled egg or a mozzarella cheese stick.

Ask your children to sit down to eat their snack, and turn off the computer or television screen before giving them the food.

“It’s better for kids to realize why they’re eating and when they’re satisfied so they develop the best habits,” she says.

VVMC Food & Nutrition | vvmc.com/ nutrition | (970) 479-5058

Method Combine all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Add more water if you want a looser consistency. Pour into two glasses and serve.

Edamame Mint Hummus 1 ½ cups shelled and blanched edamame ½ cup baby peas, blanched 1 tablespoon tahini ½ - 1 ounce mint leaves (pick off of stem) Zest and juice from 2 lemons 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Combine all ingredients in food processor until smooth.

Curry Yogurt Dip Note: Dip will continue to get “hotter” overnight.

2 cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon curry powder or 2 teaspoons red curry paste Zest and juice from 1 lime 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Combine all ingredients with a whisk until smooth.

WELLNESS

THE FUTURE OF REGENERATIVE SPORTS MEDICINE Significant research from the Steadman Philippon Research Institute is changing the world

I

m ag i n e what o rth o pae d ic spo rts m e d ici n e

could be 10 years from now. What if a person’s own stem cells could be injected or combined with exercise to help patients delay or avoid joint replacement — or heal faster—or enable muscles to heal stronger — or minimize scarring following surgery?

Researchers at the Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) don't think you will have to wait 10 years. The future of regenerative sports medicine is now and it’s happening right here in Vail. These advances are in development, and the person recruited by Dr. Marc Philippon to head the Center for Regenerative Sports Medicine at SPRI is Johnny Huard, Ph.D. “The opportunity to accelerate our pioneering advances in regenerative sports medicine and stem cell

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research with Dr. Huard as our chief scientific officer is exciting and potentially life changing,” says Dr. Philippon, managing partner of The Steadman Biologics Clinic and co-chairman of SPRI. are medical “As surgeons, we perform and repair with products every procedure. We are also focused on made from taking the next step to add biologics to a a biological procedure that will help the healing process, source. recovery, and keep all of us active."

UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP Dr. Huard joined SPRI on May 1, 2015. Originally from Quebec, he is the former Vice Chair for Musculoskeletal Cellular Therapeutics at the University of Pittsburgh and is world-renowned in the JOHN KELLY

fields of stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

His appointment represents a unique partnership between SPRI and the University of Texas Health Sciences Center. His 24-person research team rotates between Houston and Vail, conducting basic science and applied research in both locations.

“At SPRI, we are testing our premise that transplanting a person’s own stem cells won’t make that person younger, but will delay aging-related disease and conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis,” says Dr. Huard. “In the process, we are learning how to make healing and recovery better.”

THE SPRI CONNECTION “I became interested in The Steadman Clinic because of its excellence in research and because I knew Dr. Philippon when he was at the University ofPittsburgh," says Dr. Huard. "SPRI has always been focused on evidence-based medicine and clinical translation. With that foundation in mind, Dr. Philippon is moving the research into regenerative and translational medicine and making tremendous advances in the field of orthopaedic surgery.

“The Institute was already doing work with plateletrich plasma and cell biology. The physicians were the premier orthopaedic surgeons in the world, and they were putting themselves on the edge because of their innovative approaches.”

BENCH-TO-BEDSIDE CAPABILITY Dr. Huard says another factor in his decision to join SPRI was its capacity to rapidly take a new therapy from the research bench to the patient’s bedside. He cites a clinical trial with an anti-scarring agent called losartan as an example.

Dr. Philippon was preparing to do surgery, and Dr. Huard suggested that (with the patient’s approval) he prescribe losartan after the surgery. He did and the patient responded well.

“That kind of bench-to-bedside speed would not have been possible at a larger institution,” says Dr. Huard.

scarring could create a dramatically more satisfying and faster recovery.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS “We may be within a year for some of the advanced PRP applications,” says Dr. Huard. “With stem cells, we have already seen positive results in 12 patients to repair cardiac tissue and 400 patients to reduce bladder dysfunctions.

Because of advances in other areas, we may be able to go faster in sports medicine.”

Dr. Huard’s timetable for the Regenerative Sports Medicine Laboratory at SPRI is specific.

“By the end of the first year, we want the lab to be well funded, to be fully functional, and to have produced publications to show people what we are doing.”

(The lab became fully functional in October 2015.)

“We want people around the world to know about treatment options for orthopaedic injuries and conditions,” says Dr. Huard. “Based on our interaction with other departments at SPRI, we will be able to tell patients what works, what doesn’t, and explain the reasons why.”

At SPRI, we are testing our premise that transplanting a person’s own stem cells won’t make that person younger, but will delay agingrelated disease and conditions.

LOOKING AHEAD: DELAYING AGING, EXTENDING LIFE Life expectancy is not set in stone. Scientific innovation has contributed to an increase from 47 years in 1900 to nearly 80 years today. The research being conducted at SPRI has the potential to accelerate that trend.

In the long term, Dr. Huard envisions people having the FOUR INVESTIGATIONS opportunity to harvest their own Dr. Huard’s initial research at SPRI stem cells, preferably at a young age. involves four investigations. The The cells could be frozen, stored and first evaluates the effects of exercise then re-injected later to help those and neuromuscular stimulation/ people delay aging-related diseases, massage on tissue repair. enjoy a better, active, stronger life The second is looking at delayand get the best treatment when ing joint degeneration through the they need it. Although it will take injection of adult stem cells and time to perfect, the procedure other biologics. His team wants to might not only slow the aging find the answer to the question, process, but it could extend life “Can stem cells be the ultimate expectancy well beyond 100 years.

Dr. Huard brings an unparalbody repair kit?”

JOHNNY HUARD, PH.D. leled record of achievements, The third study is a collaboration publications, grants and awards to between Dr. Huard, Dr. Philippon, the Steadman Philippon Research Institute. Dr. Philipand Dr. Robert LaPrade, who have injected platelet-rich pon, Dr. Huard and their colleagues at SPRI represent plasma (PRP) into selected hip and knee patients to help them heal faster. The physician/researchers believe the future of regenerative sports medicine to the rest of the world, and it’s starting in the Vail Valley. that combining PRP with the patients' stem cells will significantly accelerate the healing process.

The fourth initiative is measuring the effects of antiThe Steadman Philippon Research Institute scarring agents on tissue repair. Significantly reducing sprivail.org | (970) 479-9797

Dr. Johnny Huard is the new chief scientific officer of the Center for Regenerative Sports Medicine at the Steadman Philippon Research Institute. previous page:

The advances in regenerative sports medicine and stem cell research that are being made at SPRI are both exciting and life-changing.

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W E L LN E S S

ANTIBIOTICS — TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?

A

n t i b i o t i c s c a n s av e

Studies by Vail Valley Medical Center and other Colorado hospitals indicate widespread antibiotic overuse by kimberly nicoletti

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lives, but overuse poses a serious threat to the human body.

Vail Valley Medical Center collaborated with seven Colorado hospitals on a twoyear study, which followed 533 children and adults hospitalized for soft tissue infections.

It was one of four major recent studies VVMC contributed to by measuring antibiotic prescription

practices in both rural and metropolitan Colorado regions, evaluating how the state is doing overall.

The research strongly indicated doctors are consistently overprescribing antibiotics that are too strong for specific bacterial infections, and patients are taking them for too many days, according to Jason Moore, PhD, PA, an epidemiologist at VVMC. Through a comparison of wound and skin cultures, the 533-patient

Members of Vail Valley Medical Center's Antibiotic Stewardship Program, Erin Johnson, PharmD; Jason Moore, PhD, PA; and Roy Cardwell, PharmD.

DOMINIQUE TAYLOR

study demonstrated that specific bacteria cultured could often have been effectively treated with a less potent antibiotic, Moore says.

The study, which ended in 2012, empowers both patients and physicians to be more cautious when it comes to antibiotic prescriptions.

HOW TO HANDLE ANTIBIOTICS The first step, Moore says, involves educating the general public about how antibiotics are overprescribed, and the danger of such practice.

Antibiotics are the most common drugs doctors prescribe, according to the Centers for Disease Control. While they can save lives, overuse can lead to harmful, antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, but drug-resistant bacteria remain alive, and are able to multiply. Then, some bacteria pass on their drug-resistance to other bacteria, which cause more infection. These ultraresilient “bugs” pass from person to person, and they can also remain on improperly cooked or handled animal meat and crops.

Nationally, antibiotic resistant bacteria are responsible for at least 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths annually.

Still, patients often visit doctors with the expectation of an antibiotic prescription, Moore says.

“We need to instill realistic expectations in patients,” Moore says, “and figure out which diseases need antibiotics. Sometimes no antibiotics are indicated.”

He says one of the reasons doctors overprescribe antibiotics has to do with patient expectation and pressure. Another involves training.

“A lot of us are taught to be worried about deadly illnesses, so we sometimes jump to the worst-case scenario,” he says, explaining why busy doctors also might overprescribe.

He encourages a stronger collaborative partnership between patients and doctors. For example, patients should return to the same doctor if they don’t feel better after the first visit. Instead, they often see another physician, rather than scheduling a follow-up.

“Communication is the cornerstone of every relationship, especially in this case,” he says.

“Patients should come to the doors with open ears, and, it goes the other

way, too; there’s a responsibility for doctors not to succumb to the pressure of prescribing an antibiotic.

“Patients should ask providers, ‘Does this really need an antibiotic?’ versus asking for one. I think that’s the most responsible action,” he says.

Of course, if an ailment, including a respiratory illness, for which many patients request antibiotics, worsens rather than improves, antibiotics may be necessary.

One rule of thumb involves remaining hydrated; if patients can’t tolerate liquids, it’s time to see a doctor. Most viral illnesses slowly get better, or stay about the same, within 24-48 hours, after which a person may “feel or stay crummy,” Moore says, but does not rapidly decline.

On the other hand, serious bacterial infections can take a turn for the worst in a matter of hours or days.

“If symptoms progress or worsen, the patient needs to be seen,” Moore says.

ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM VVMC helps patients navigate the often confusing process of dealing with disease not only through doctor visits, but also through the hospital’s Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP), which includes a multidisciplinary medical team that follows patients’ progress and identifies best practices.

Roy Cardwell, PharmD is the chairman of the program, and Erin Johnson, PharmD is the secretary.

Antimicrobial resistance and the emergence of so-called "superbugs" have prompted organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop advisory boards and standards for healthcare organizations to follow in order to decrease this pattern of resistance. VVMC, with Roy and Erin leading the way, is in collaboration with more than 30 other hospitals, large and small, statewide through the Colorado Hospital Association's antimicrobial stewardship collaborative. Soon ASPs will be a requirement of healthcare organizations. VVMC was ahead of the curve, as it began its program two years ago. Through the ASP, pharmacists, physicians, epidemiologists and other healthcare professionals track the suitability of specific antibiotics and make changes as necessary while patients are in the hospital. The information doesn’t

We need to instill realistic expectations in patients and figure out which diseases need antibiotics.

Sometimes no antibiotics are indicated.

DR. JASON MOORE

just affect the specific treatment of the patient. The ASP pools and analyzes antimicrobial usage data, and areas in which improvement can be made are targeted.

“Antimicrobial resistance is a problem everywhere, not just in the big hospitals, and it requires a collaborative effort between organizations to successfully address the issue,” says Cardwell.

“Patients can be assured that when they’re being treated, they truly have a multidisciplinary team, in real time, as they’re in this hospital,” Moore says.

The recent antibiotic studies support this concentrated, multidisciplinary approach, but it’s only one important aspect in which VVMC has led the way. Moore has researched the correlation between snowfall and skier/snowboarder injuries, the effects of marijuana on skier/ snowboarder injuries and more.

He believes in proactive, local clinical research rather than “waiting for the next big paper to come out to show us how to care for people.”

“From a community hospital perspective, it’s on us to do active research,” he says. “Until we know where we are, we don’t know where we want to go. We need to identify what we’re doing right and wrong. The end beneficiary of this is the patient; it directly contributes to improved patient care and patient outcomes.”

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Choose your hospital like your life depends on it.

VAIL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT b Open 24/7 - Level III trauma center b Board-certified physicians b Full-time cardiologists with Cardiac Catheterization Lab on-site b Top surgeons, including plastic surgery b State-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic equipment b Pediatric hospitalists b Emergency helicopter transport on-site

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TAKING A HIT Concussions are both commonplace and dangerous by laura bell

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a i s e yo u r h a n d i f yo u h av e h a d a

concussion.”

Kim Greene, the injury prevention specialist for VVMC’s Trauma Services, frequently asks this question in local classrooms. Five years ago, she was met with blank stares and silence. But today, on average, five students will tentatively lift their hands.

Have concussions increased that much?

“Yes,” says Greene, “and so has awareness.” Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports show the amount of reported concussions has doubled in the last 10 years.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has reported that emergency room visits for concussions in kids ages 8 to 13 years old has doubled, and concussions have risen 200 percent among teens ages 14 to 19 in the last decade.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), more commonly referred to as concussions, are getting a lot of attention lately. When left undetected, concussions can result in long-term brain damage and may even prove fatal.

The data is sobering — cumulative sports concussions are shown to increase the likelihood of catastrophic head injury leading to permanent neurologic disability by 39 2 016

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Though it was 15 years ago, Jeremy Greene's brain injury still affects him today.

He's pictured with his mother, Kim.

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Through Vail Valley Medical Center, which operates the ThinkFirst chapter, Greene visits Eagle County schools and distributes free bike helmets, provides education regarding concussions and helps administer ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), baseline testing through a computerized neurocognitive assessment.

She also does car seat inspections throughout the county, giving hands-on demonstrations on how to install them properly and safely secure a child.

While passionate about spreading the word on TBI prevention and safety, this is not the profession that Greene would have originally chosen. Her journey began when her then-16-year-old son, Jeremy, was driving his car without a seatbelt; his vehicle spun out of control and crashed into a tree.

“It was a game of wait-and-see every day,” she says.

“His brain was sloshing around in his skull.”

Derived from Latin, the word concussion means to “shake violently,” which was exactly what happened to Jeremy’s brain. For three-and-one-half months, he was in a coma and non-responsive.

“When someone is in a coma, you can’t say that in two months something in particular is going to happen. It is day to day,” she says.

Now 32 — 15 years later — Jeremy still takes things one day at a time. Although he did graduate from college, he is, as Greene says, “definitely disabled.” He can no longer drive, and has balance and vision problems. He is currently living at home as he needs the extra support.

As an example, Greene says that her son needs to be supervised percent. Additionally, according when doing anything that involves to Head Case, an organization multiple steps, such as cooking. He to help protect young athletes struggles with executive functions from the risks of undetected such as putting his day in order: cumulative concussions: what day is it, what does he need • 1 in 5 high school athletes will to do, where does he need to be? sustain a sports concussion Nineteen-year-old Clare Baker, during the season. a Vail Mountain School (VMS) • 33 percent of high school alumna, can relate. She is a selfathletes who have a sports described sticky-note junkie and is concussion report two or always writing lists. more in the same year.

Baker suffered her first of eight • 4 to 5 million concussions occur to 10 concussions when she was annually, with rising numbers in second grade and fell 30 feet among middle school athletes. from a tree. A gymnast, her first • 90 percent of most diagnosed instinct was to put her arm out concussions do not involve to protect her head. While that a loss of consciousness. broke her arm, Baker believes • An estimated 5.3 million Amerihad she not done that, she would cans live with a traumatic brain be paralyzed as she hit the injury-related disability (CDC). ground with such high velocity.

Because of heightened awareness When she arrived at the hospital, and, more importantly, a desire to she was functioning normally educate students, local parents, and answering questions. Howcoaches and medical professionals ever, she has no recollection of the BRITTNEY HUNTIMER are teaming up to get the word first few hours of what happened out on the prevention, recognition after she “hit the ground.” and treatment of concussions.

“I was not unconscious but my “When I ask students who’ve had concussions mind was essentially black,” she says. “I don’t remember to share their experience with their classmates, a thing and that is really scary. In my mind I was dead the students will listen to that. It is the most for those few hours.” effective part of what we do (in regards to Baker’s mother initially chalked up her naueducation),” says Greene, the chapter director of sea to the pain medications she was given, but ThinkFirst, an international non-profit organization her maternal instincts took over and after more that promotes education and resources. tests Clare was diagnosed with a concussion.

It doesn’t have to be a huge hit to the head to be a concussion.

If you have a hit to the head and you have symptoms, you have a concussion.

I’ve learned that after your first concussion, it is easier to get a second and then a third and so on.

“I’ve learned that after your first concussion, it is easier to get a second and then a third and so on,” Baker says.

From second to seventh grade she suffered four more concussions, some more severe than others, but each collectively contributing to the problems she experiences today. Prior to the start of eleventh grade, Baker suffered a particularly disturbing concussion when she fell at the top of the wake while wakeboarding.

“I caught an edge and hit the water, which was like glass,” she says. “I got up and was walking and talking normally, my dad said. But I was in the shower a few hours later and the hot water ‘brought me back to life.' I couldn’t remember how I got in the shower.”

“When I was in second grade I wasn’t old enough to realize what it was like not to remember what had happened, but this time I was 16 and to not remember was terrifying,” she says, pausing while choosing her words.

Determined to start her junior year at VMS the following day, Baker was tired and the lights bothered her.

Additionally, her athletic director would not let her train with the lacrosse team until she received proper clearance.

“That’s what sparked my interest in concussions, going through the whole protocol of returning to my sport. It’s one thing to sit in a dark room over the course of the summer until you feel better, but it is another when you need to be cleared.

I am glad the trainers made me go through this because they cared about my well-being,” Baker says.

Now a sophomore at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Baker is studying integrative physiology and hopes to become a physical therapist or physician’s assistant and help student athletes return to their sport after a brain injury.

Howard Heads Sports Medicine physical therapist Brittney Huntimer, who specializes in concussion and return-to-sport treatment and management, is as much an advocate of organized sports as she is of injury education and prevention. “There are great things involved with organized sports.

We just want the kids to be safe,” she says.

Huntimer notes that it can be confusing for parents who aren’t aware of the new concussion guidelines; she wants parents to be a part of the process and see the neurocognitive test results.

“We are working with medical professionals, coaches, athletic directors and others within the school system to see that parents and kids are getting the same information,” she says.

“It doesn’t have to be a huge hit to the head to be a concussion. If you have a hit to the head and you have symptoms, you have a concussion,” she says, adding that there are doctors, therapists and athletic trainers on site at many sporting events.

Prior to participating in sports, all Eagle County high school athletes must be cleared by a physician. Each spring, Vail Valley Medical Center and The Steadman Clinic’s physicians, physical therapists and athletic

CLARE BAKER

trainers volunteer their time to provide free preparticipation physicals to ensure every student-athlete is healthy to compete. The students are screened for vision, blood pressure, and general, heart and orthopaedic health. Baseline neurocognitive tests are also administered, and student-athletes and their parents are offered educational materials and the opportunity to speak with healthcare professionals who specialize in injury prevention, when to return to sport after injury and physical rehabilitation.

“In the 12 years I’ve done pre-participation physicals, I’ve met an increasing number of athletes and parents who want to learn more about concussions," says Brandie Martin, a certified athletic trainer at The Steadman Clinic and director of the athletic training program for Eagle County School District. "I have also seen an increase in the number of reported concussions, which may mean that our initiatives to educate athletes about the danger of concussions is being heard.”

“It’s important for kids to know the signs as well,” says Greene. “If two friends are skiing and one of them gets hurt, his buddy can know what signs to look for. It’s one of the things we teach.”

In 2015, Greene and her team of volunteers educated over 12,000 people about brain and spinal cord injuries and donated 1,142 bike and ski helmets to children and adults in the community through VVMC’s ThinkFirst program.

She has also formed a pledge, which she asks children and parents to sign—a formal promise to think first, wear a helmet, fasten your seatbelt and protect your brain.

Clare Baker has experienced eight to 10 concussions; she's currently studying integrative physiology in hopes of helping student athletes return to their sports after brain injuries.

VVMC ThinkFirst | vvmc.com/thinkfirst | (970) 477-5166 2 016

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hanks to the recent

arrival of Dr. Nathan Cafferky, residents and visitors suffering from arthritis and other conditions in the hips and knees now have the services of a local total joint surgeon.

When David Johnson, for example, learned last year Dr. Cafferky was coming aboard the staff at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics, he decided to wait to have his surgery done closer to home rather than travel to Denver.

The 46-year-old Grand Junction truck driver, a devoted fisherman and hunter, would begin each day feeling pretty good — but by noon, the joint would become aggravated, and by the end of the day, it was completely fatigued.

JUST LIKE NEW Total joint replacement now an option in Eagle County by karen mason

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'IT WAS NEVER-ENDING' The pain got so bad, Johnson says, he had to grab his pant leg to get his leg into his truck. He knew he needed a hip replacement and couldn't fathom the long drive to and from Denver for the procedure.

"I would go home and immediately get in the hot tub,” says Johnson. “I was taking so much ibuprofen — it was neverending. All that pain can make you really cranky. At first, I thought I was having back problems. But an MRI finally diagnosed the real cause of my pain — bone-onbone osteoarthritis in my hip.”

Dr. Cafferky told Johnson he didn’t have much cartilage left in his hip and he needed to make a decision; Johnson thought of his father, who'd had a hip replaced years ago and ended up with a long incision.

“When Dr. Cafferky told me he could do an anterior approach that only required a 3- to 4-inch incision, I was intrigued and relieved at the same time,” says Johnson. “He told me the healing and recovery time is that much better because you don’t have to cut through muscle. He did a fabulous job.”

NEW HIP; NEW LEASE ON LIFE Dr. Cafferky, in fact, had Johnson up and walking the same day as his surgery; within a week, he was down to one crutch; and by the second week, he was off crutches completely.

“I actually hurt less coming out of surgery than I did going in. I could get up out of a chair without hurting," Johnson says. "It was amazing.”

Johnson says he is looking forward to getting back to fishing, hunting and spending time with family. But more than anything, he’s looking forward to having a normal life without pain.

“I now know the best hip surgeon in the country," he says.

"He took my pain away and changed the quality of my life.”

FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED As a fellowship-trained adult reconstruction specialist, Dr. Cafferky brings a level of skill to the mountains that is allowing patients to get expert care closer to home. The most common conditions he treats are hip and knee arthritis, ranging from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis to post-traumatic arthritis.

He did his fellowship training at the University of Colorado, attended Loma Linda University School of Medicine and completed his residency

at the Geisinger Orthopaedic Institute at Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, PA. After his training, he was invited to join the team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics, providing hip and knee reconstruction services in Eagle and Summit counties.

NEW KNEE BEFORE CHRISTMAS “Dr. Cafferky is everything you want in a doctor,” remarks Paul Donen, 69, a longtime Eagle County resident and avid runner and hiker, who injured a knee while hiking.

“I had to drag my leg down the last two miles,” says Donen, who had his first knee surgery back in the 1990s. “It was bone-on-bone back then, due to years of long distance running and hiking,” he explains. “The shoes were not the quality that we have today.”

Donen heard a new doctor was coming to Vail-Summit Orthopaedics, so, like Johnson, he decided to wait.

“I knew I wanted to get it done so that I could start backcountry hiking before Christmas, which I was able to achieve," Donen says. “He spoke to me in layman's terms. I said to myself, ‘I have the right doctor doing the right thing for me.’”

WHEN MIGHT IT BE TIME FOR A JOINT REPL ACEMENT? • X-rays show advanced arthritis or other joint damage.

• You are unable to complete normal daily tasks without pain or assistance.

• You are in significant pain daily and the pain keeps you from enjoying the activities you love.

• The pain keeps you awake at night and doesn’t stop when you rest during the day.

• Walking is painful.

• Getting ready for the day is difficult, such as putting on shoes and socks.

• You experience difficulty bending to pick things up off the floor.

• Non-surgical treatments, such as medicine, physical therapy, steroid shots, and weight loss have not worked.

Donen has since gotten back to enjoying his usual active lifestyle, taking short hikes and looking forward to endurance hiking as he progresses.

“So many of my friends are starting to say they might need a knee replacement," Donen says. "I am telling them they don’t have to go to Denver.”

David Johnson says hip replacement surgery cured his pain and improved his quality of life.

Longtime local Paul Donen had knee replacement surgery with Dr. Cafferky and has since returned to his passion for hiking.

'REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS' In addition to minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Cafferky says another new exciting development is the use of computer navigation and robotic surgery.

“Plus, implant companies are creating better joints than ever before.

We’re using joints made with the latest technologies, which have the potential to last much longer than their predecessors," Dr. Cafferky says. "My goal is to work closely with my patients, to establish realistic expectations, so that they can get back to enjoying the things they like to do and reach their individual goals."

Newer technologies and techniques are improving patient satisfaction and outcomes, he adds.

“Some of the new technologies include minimally invasive surgeries," Dr. Cafferky says. "Whether it’s a posterior or anterior approach to the hip, we are able to tailor the surgery appropriately to the patient and the patient’s goals.”

Dr. Nathan Cafferky, Vail-Summit Orthopaedics | vsortho.com (970) 569-3240 See Medical Directory for locations.

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W E LLN E S S

SUPER TIPS FOR SUPERFOODS Maximize the health benefits of nutrient-dense foods by caramie schnell

Y

e s , k a l e a n d s p i n a c h m ay b e t w o

of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, but if you don’t consume them in a specific way, you risk missing out on some of the most important health benefits — a real shame, especially if you’re not Popeye and always craving a big helping of leafy greens. There’s a lot of talk about super foods but it’s important to know the science behind how to eat certain foods properly in order to extract the most benefit from your meal.

PURÉE YOUR GREENS The antioxidants and phytonutrients contained in plants exist as particles trapped within the cell walls. The walls must be broken down in order for our bodies to access and absorb these important nutrients, which help protect our cells from the effects of free radicals.

Free radicals are thought to play a role in heart disease and cancer, among other health problems. If spinach and kale aren’t chewed finely, the only benefit you’re likely getting is fiber, says Dr. Dennis Lipton, an internal medicine specialist at Vail Valley Medical Center. “The smaller the particles are that you swallow, the more nutrients you will absorb,” Dr. Lipton says.

“That's why I'm such a big fan of smoothies. Chewing green vegetables to the consistency of a purée allows maximum absorption of their nutrients.”

Make that smoothie even healthier by adding a small amount of fat, in the form of avocado, nuts or nut butter, or even ground flax or hemp seeds.

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“Adding a small amount of fat to foods that are packed with fat-soluble vitamins, especially in leafy greens and carrots, can assist with absorption,” says Katie Mazzia, a clinical dietitian at Vail Valley Medical Center.

Along with adding greens to your smoothies, consider puréeing or blending vegetables into soups or sauces to increase the nutrient availability.

GO FOR STEAMED OR RAW Besides the fact that crisp vegetables taste better than the mushy variety, there’s another big reason to avoid overcooking your carrots, bell peppers, eggplant and the like.

“Boiling or overcooking vegetables can cause significant vitamin losses,” Mazzia says.

Dr. Lipton recommends steaming vegetables for 5 to 10 minutes as the best way to cook them without losing vital nutrients. And don’t forget to hang out by the fresh veggie tray at your next work party.

“Trying to eat half of your vegetables raw is a good goal,” he says.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY CARLY ARNOLD

Adding a small amount of fat to foods that are packed with fat-soluble vitamins, especially in leafy greens and carrots, can assist with absorption.

GRIND YOUR SEEDS Seeds might be small, but they sure can be mighty. Flax seeds, especially, are chock full of micronutrients, dietary fiber, vitamin B-1 and omega-3 essential fatty acids, shown in numerous studies to protect your heart.

But if you don’t consume them properly, you’ll miss out on most everything but the fiber.

“The seeds must be disrupted, or ground, in order to benefit from the lignans and omega-3 fatty acids they contain,” Dr. Lipton says. Indeed it's the lignans — a group of chemical compounds also found in pumpkin seeds — that are thought to protect against cardiovascular disease and “prevent pre-cancerous cellular changes,” according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Mazzia recommends storing ground flax in the fridge or freezer.

“The oils break down quickly if left out,” she says.

TEA FOR TWO Tea, be it black, green, white or oolong, is a potent source of polyphenols, antioxidants known to rid the body of celldamaging free radicals. Black tea with a touch of milk might be a nice treat occasionally, but you’re better off skipping the dairy, and not just because of the extra calories you’re consuming. There’s some evidence suggesting the proteins in the milk bind with the catechins in tea, and it’s the catechins that have the most cardiovascular benefits. While you’ll still get the antioxidants and flavonoids that are good for your health, you’ll miss out on some of the heart healthy benefits. Even so, Mazzia encourages everyone to drink a variety of teas in different ways. Whether it be

KATIE MAZZIA cold or hot, it is considered a fluid, replacing water and other beverages. Swap afternoon coffee with tea and add a squeeze of lemon or orange for an added Vitamin C boost. “Although evidence is preliminary and ongoing, two to three cups of black or green tea per day may help heart health and reduce your risk of some cancers. More than five cups a day may have more risks than benefits. Also, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before drinking green tea if you take prescription medications or are receiving chemotherapy.

TO CHOP OR NOT TO CHOP? In addition to that apple, a few cloves of garlic a day might just keep a cold at bay. There are a few fruits and vegetables that undergo chemical reactions once they’re cut that have an effect on nutrition. Garlic should be cut or chopped up 10-30 minutes prior to consuming; that’s because chopping “initiates an enzymatic reaction that creates powerful antioxidants,” Dr. Lipton says. No wonder some folks swear by raw, crushed garlic when they feel that trademark tickle in the back of their throat.

Similar enzyme reactions take place when broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower and kale, are chopped.

Once chopped, sulforaphane, a sulfur-containing cancer-fighting antioxidant, is released. The problem is that for broccoli, many types of cooking methods — even the brief flash cooking done before vegetables are frozen — can destroy myrosinase, one of the enzymes needed to produce sulforaphane, so eating cooked broccoli doesn't have quite the same health benefits as raw, Dr. Lipton says. Briefly steam the vegetables,

considered a “gentler” heat, to get around this, or add “as little as ¼ teaspoon of mustard powder to your steamed frozen broccoli to boost its sulforaphane content to the level of chopped raw broccoli,” Dr. Lipton says.

Just one more thing to consider when it’s time to eat those “little trees” your mom always nudged you about.

It’s not just what you eat, but how you eat it, too.

VVMC Food & Nutrition vvmc.com/nutrition | (970) 479-5058

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BEST IN THE BUSINESS Each year, Vail Valley Medical Center honors its top employees in several Peaks of Excellence categories.

Nominated by peers or supervisors, winners are reviewed and selected by a special committee and celebrated at an annual reception.

Additionally, honors are bestowed upon the top volunteers and physicians of the year for their excellence and care.

F I N A N C E P E A K AWA R D

G R O W T H P E A K AWA R D

Gretchen Ebbeson, Howard Head Sports Medicine

Doug Emerson, Howard Head Sports Medicine

P E O P L E P E A K AWA R D

Q U A L I T Y P E A K AWA R D

S A F E T Y P E A K AWA R D

Christine Albertson, Marketing

Helen Rowe, Quality

Andrea Kuester, Women & Children’s Center

S E R V I C E P E A K AWA R D

VO L U N T E E R O F T H E Y E A R

Molly Murphy, Property Management

Anne Collins

O U T S TA N D I N G S E R V I C E VO L U N T E E R Jeannie Chatterton

P H YS I C I A N O F T H E Y E A R

CLI N IC AL E XCE LLE NCE

Dan Brajtbord, MD, Anesthesia

Bernard Riberdy, MD, Emergency Medicine

R I S I N G S TA R Kristen Ickes, MD, Hospitalist

BEHIND THE SCENES

INSIDER THE WORLD

GOES PINK

Annual fundraiser for cancer patients at Shaw Regional Cancer Center is a communal tour de force by traci j . macnamara 2 016

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O

n one special ski

day in Vail each spring, you can’t possibly miss the pink tutus and feathered boas or the pink flamingos on skis. Of course, you’ll notice the sparkly pink bras worn over ski suits and the smiles of those wearing them.

You’ll no doubt do a double-take while skiing past the men in pink spandex or the child with a photo of his mom and her years of survivorship emblazoned on his shirt. And if you don’t quite know what to make of it all, a stop at Eagle’s Nest — Pink Vail Headquarters — will give you a better sense of what it’s like to take part in the world’s biggest ski day to conquer cancer.

Other communities might get together to walk or run or bike to

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Pink Vail participants descend "Pink Vail Trail" (Simba Run, renamed for the day) in the Celebration Ski Down.

raise funds for cancer research, treatment or awareness. But here in Vail, locals and visitors alike have rallied together within a vibrant mountain culture to ski for a cause that’s close to home. Pink Vail participants can ski as individuals or organize teams to raise funds and ski in honor of those touched by cancer. And non-skiers can also participate by riding the gondola up to Eagle’s Nest and taking part in the festivities, which include all-day live music, Pink Vail Fruit Ale, spirited emcees, a costume contest, and more.

Since its 2012 debut as a fundraiser for breast cancer patients at Shaw Regional Cancer Center, Pink Vail participation has expanded rapidly, and it has become embraced as a part of

year-round local culture. Funds raised have far exceeded each year’s fundraising goal, and now Pink Vail benefits patients of all types of cancer. In just five years, Pink Vail has welcomed nearly 10,000 participants from 50 states to Vail, raising $2.5 million for patient care and the Spirit of Survival program at Shaw Regional Cancer Center in Edwards.

Throughout the day, Pink Vail participants can ski to several different checkpoints on Vail Mountain to be entered in prize drawings held before the final Celebration Ski Down from Eagle’s Nest to Lionshead. To close out the day, cancer survivors, friends, and those skiing in honor of loved ones ski down in a wave of pink as spectators at the base cheer them home.

I forgot that I was sick and remembered what it was like to have fun again. The community’s outpouring of love and support was like nothing I’ve ever seen.

A MY SCH ER M For cancer survivor Amy Scherm, participating in Pink Vail served as a much-needed inspirational kick-start. Diagnosed with breast cancer within the previous year, she had been through chemotherapy in the months leading up to the event and had gone through a radiation treatment the previous day.

But friends gathered a team together, and she didn’t want to miss out on the chance to celebrate with them. “Pink Vail was a magical day for me with a huge emotional impact,” Scherm said. “I forgot that I was sick and remembered what it was like to have fun again. The community’s outpouring of love and support was like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

All patients and survivors who are treated at the Shaw Cancer Center benefit from Pink Vail since 100 percent of its proceeds stay local. Individuals can participate in the day for as little as $25, but top individual fundraisers net more than $20,000, and the top teams bring in nearly $45,000.

Pink Vail directly funds Shaw’s Spirit of Survival program,

which is a comprehensive wellness program that focuses on supporting patients and survivors through the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of cancer treatment. The program’s participants can choose from any number of resources that are designed to make the journey through cancer a little easier, whether that involves meeting one-on-one with a therapist or de-stressing with health and fitness programs including massage, acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, and even tai chi.

Margaret Brammer, a clinical social worker who coordinates the Spirit of Survival program, is perhaps best known outside of her office as the voice of Pink Vail.

Throughout the year, she works at Shaw Cancer Center to support cancer patients at the time of their initial diagnosis, during their treatment, and into long-term survivorship. But on the day of Pink Vail, she’s on the microphone, emceeing with incredible energy from the moment the first Pink Vail skiers arrive at check-in until all have returned to the base area at the end of the day.

Beyond having “coffee and a lot of nerve” to motivate her into being such an enthusiastic presence on the day of Pink Vail, Brammer says, “Pink Vail is an event that gives us all a lot of hope, and that’s why

Pink Vail participants go all out with head-to-toe pink.

I’m able to do what I do on that day — and on every day when I meet with patients behind the closed door of my office.” While Pink Vail occurs on only one spring day each year, its impact extends to patients and cancer survivors in ripples of hope and support that extend far into the future.

Pink Vail | pinkvail.com | (970) 569-7721

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INSIDER

STRONG HEARTS Vail Valley Medical Center and Starting Hearts partner to make Eagle County 'the safest place in America to suffer a cardiac arrest' by beth potter

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a g l e va l l e y r e s i d e n t

Lynn Blake, then 27, had her whole life in front of her. Recently married, she had just started a new job when she collapsed suddenly one day in February 2007 while walking down the street.

Luckily, a bystander started performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) almost immediately. And since the incident happened across the

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Kendra Cowles, right, gives chest compressions as Luc Parra administers rescue breaths at a first aid training session provided

by Starting Hearts.

street from the fire station, Vail firefighters quickly ran over with an Automated External Defribillator (DEFIB) and shocked her heart.

Blake woke up 10 days later, unable to remember anything about the incident — a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Rescuers told her that they initially thought she wouldn’t survive, or if she did, she would suffer significant brain damage. Doctors still aren’t sure why Blake had the SCA,

although a heart arrhythmia that showed up when she was a child may have played a role.

About 326,000 Americans suffer SCA every year, and nine out of 10 of them don’t make it.

With that it mind, Blake says it was a little hard to go back to living her previous life once she recovered from the attack. And so she founded Starting Hearts, a nonprofit that offers free CPR classes and lessons on how to use defibrillators.

JUSTIN Q. MCCARTY

“I felt like my life was saved for a reason, and I decided to give back and help,” Blake says.

According to the American Red Cross, a DEFIB is the only effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during SCA. People without a medical background can easily operate one. The average response time for first responders once 911 is called is 8 to 12 minutes; for each minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival is reduced by approximately 10 percent.

"When it comes to heart emergencies, minutes matter," explains Dr. Jerry Greenberg, an interventional cardiologist at Vail Valley Medical Center. "That’s why access to defibrillators, combined with education on how to use them, will save lives."

Since its inception in 2010, Starting Hearts has installed more than 100 defibrillators throughout Eagle County. In 2015, the group educated 2,500 residents in CPR and DEFIB skills — including 1,500 children.

“Our mission is to save lives,” Blake says. “But it requires the whole community to make a difference.”

Now, Blake is partnering with Vail Valley Medical Center to get 50+ new DEFIBS installed around Eagle County in the next two years.

The partnership is made possible by a generous donation to the Vail Valley Medical Center Foundation.

The mission? To make Eagle County “the safest place in America to suffer a sudden cardiac arrest.”

"VVMC’s cardiology team and our cardiac catheterization lab are worldclass, but there’s a small window of time to save the life of a cardiac arrest victim. We need to make DEFIBS accessible in public areas and

neighborhoods, and we’re proud to partner with Starting Hearts to make Eagle County a model community.” says Doris Kirchner, president and CEO of Vail Valley Medical Center.

But it's not enough to make DEFIBS available; education is the key. Having a cadre of "citizen first responders" buys precious time while professional emergency responders are en route, she says.

"Our classes teach not only lifesaving skills, but also confidence, commitment and leadership,” Blake says.

And as Blake’s own story illustrates, it’s not always easy to predict who will need help, or when.

But the citizens of Eagle County are becoming more and more able to step in and help save a life.

Our mission is to save lives.

But it requires the whole community to make a difference.

LY N N BL A K E

PulsePoint AED Starting Hearts Executive Director Alan Himelfarb, Starting Hearts Founder Lynn Blake, VVMC President and CEO Doris Kirchner, Dr. Jerry Greenberg and Dr. Nelson Prager.

Automated external defibrillators (DEFIBS) offer instructions to users.

DOMINIQUE TAYLOR, JUSTIN Q. MCCARTY

Tap into a map of all the DEFIB locations in Eagle County with the PulsePoint AED app.

Starting Hearts has integrated the app with the Vail Public Safety Communication Center, providing reverse 911 alerts to nearby citizen responders when a cardiac arrest occurs in Eagle County.

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THE BREAST DEBATE Sonnenalp Breast Center maintains support for annual screenings beginning at 40

B

lives — we all know it. The question is when to start and how long to screen.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently changed its long-standing guidelines for breast diagnostics, now advising women to begin a screening program at age 45 — five years later than the previous recommendation.

Additionally, the ACS is suggesting that primary care physicians and patients collaborate to decide, based on personal and family history, when they feel screening should begin.

The experts at Sonnenalp Breast Center and Shaw Regional Cancer Center believe a tailored r e a s t s c r e e n i n g s av e s

Sonnenalp Breast Center at Shaw Regional Cancer Center is the only breast center with 3D mammography in Eagle County.

approach to screening will eventually become the new norm; however, at this point, there isn’t adequate information to make an informed decision about who is at average risk and should wait to begin screening, and who is at higher risk and should start screening at age 40.

WHO QUALIFIES AS AVERAGE RISK? The ACS is vague about this category and is currently reviewing the factors that would indicate which patients are at an average risk.

“If you are above average risk, you should begin screening at age 40, no question,” says Dr. Monique Fox, a certified breast radiologist at Sonnenalp.

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INSIDER

Higher risk is defined by significant family history, is 1 in 149 years. These numbers are extremely low, a diagnosis of benign proliferative breast disease and the numbers at Sonnenalp Breast Center are and/or dense breast tissue. If any of these criteria even lower because of our advanced technology.” are met, yearly screening is recommended.

In Eagle County, the percentage of cancers One flaw in this categorization is that in order to detected in women age 40-45 is 11 percent, almost know if you have dense breasts, you double the national average. “This first need a baseline mammogram. significant number of cancers found This is determined solely by warrants screening,” says Dr. Janice mammography and not by a clinical Ugale, a breast radiologist and the breast exam. “Based on this alone, medical director at Sonnenalp. it is wise to recommend a baseline mammogram at age 40,” says Dr. Fox. WHY THINGS ARE According to current data, DIFFERENT LOCALLY screening every year has decreased So why are the national numbers the mortality from breast cancer in different than those at the Sonnenalp? all age groups by 40 percent when One reason is that the data collected beginning screening at age 40. So by the ACS is more than two years old. why change the recommendations?

“At the Sonnenalp, we are seeing The national data show that only a trend of younger women being 6 percent of breast cancer is found diagnosed with breast cancer,” in women ages 40-45. This means explains Dr. Ugale. “A second reason that the percentage is low enough in is that we use 3D imaging, also this age group to warrant discussion known as Tomosynthesis.” With this with the patient on whether or technology, the average number of not she wants to be screened and times a woman will get called back DR. MONIQUE FOX accept the perceived harms of is 1 in every 14 years, 15 percent screening. “The media emphasizes lower than the national average. unnecessary callbacks and biopsies, but in fact, the “Our cancer detection rate is 40 percent higher average number of times a patient will get called than the national average using 3D imaging,” says Dr. back from screening in this age group is once every Ugale. “We are 6 percent more successful in finding 12 years,” explains Dr. Fox. “The average number of stage 1 cancers, which are the smallest detected times a patient will undergo a false positive biopsy cancers and do not have lymph node involvement,

Sonnenalp Breast Center Center in Edwards.

If you are above average risk, you should begin screening at age 40, no question.

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resulting in the best chance for cure. This is entirely due to 3D technology and annual screening. Finding early breast cancers by using 3D mammography is the goal of a good screening. We are doing it right at Sonnenalp. 3D technology screening breast ultrasound, also used at the Shaw Breast Center in Frisco, is used to increase our cancer detection rate.”

The second push by the ACS and United States Preventive Services Task Force, USPSTF, is to change to screening recommendations for women over age 50 to every other year. At age 50, or around the time of menopause, the rate of hormone-responsive cancers increases, and these tumors tend to be slower growing.

Unfortunately for this group of women, there isn’t a way to know who will get these slower-growing tumors versus the faster-growing ones. Important to note is that the incidence of breast cancer is the highest after age 50. Therefore, experts at Shaw conclude this group benefits from annual screening to detect cancer early. There is simply no good reason to wait to treat a type of cancer that is easily detected.

The Shaw Cancer Center Cancer Committee unanimously recommends annual screening for all women beginning at age 40, and encourages women to continue screening as long as they choose to be proactive concerning their breast health. They are joined by Strategic Radiology (SR), a consortium of large radiology practices across the country, in their opposition to the new guidelines, and physician organizations like the American Congress of Obstetricians, the American College of Radiology and the Society for Breast Imaging confirm the long-held recommendation to begin screening at 40 and annually thereafter. SR is concerned that the USPSTF recommendations could result in millions of women losing insurance coverage for their annual mammograms, forcing them to pay out of pocket or avoid the exam. They say that scenario negatively impacts underserved populations most. “In addition, it impacts the minority population, which is at an increased risk for developing breast cancer,” says Matthew Gromet, MD, a board certified radiologist and member of SR.

Both the US House and Senate have passed the Protect Access to Lifesaving Screenings (PALS) Act, a legislation preventing the USPSTF breast cancer screening recommendations from being implemented for two years. SR explains this two-year “time out” will allow for concerns to be addressed, while ensuring women’s continued access to lifesaving mammograms.

“Our primary responsibility at Sonnenalp is our patients,” says Dr. Ugale. “We maintain our commitment to provide the best care and expertise to guide our patients in the pursuit of breast health.”

Sonnenalp Breast Center | vvmc.com/breasthealth | (970) 569-7690

Lacey Ryan, a mammography technologist and certified breast patient navigator at Shaw, uses the breast center's new automated breast ultrasound, which provides additional screening for women with dense breasts.

Dr. Monique Fox, a board certified radiologist specializing in breast imaging and diagnostic radiology.

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Practice made perfect.

Working among the nation’s most selective plastic surgery clientele in Santa Monica, California for more than two decades has helped Dr. Jeffrey Resnick become a master at face, breast and body contouring. Fortunately for us, his artistic talents are available full-time right here in the Vail Valley.

Jeffrey Resnick, MD Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery · Yale University undergraduate studies · University of Pennsylvania Medical School · H arvard Medical School at Massachusetts General Hospital plastic surgery residency · UCLA craniofacial surgery fellowship · USC & UCLA clinical faculty for twenty years · Member American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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INSIDER

HOWARD HEAD ON LOCATION

Howard Head's Matt Mymern stands to the right of Mikaela Shiffrin at her first slalom win in Are, Sweden.

A day in the life of national team physical therapists

T

eetering on tiny

footholds and gripping small spikes of rock with their fingers, tourists and locals alike find that rock climbing in Arco, Italy, allows them to experience the beauty of the area’s stunning mountain scenery.

A climber’s paradise of sorts, this northern Italian town was chosen as the location of the 2015 World Youth Climbing Championships,

by traci j . macnamara where Nico Brown found himself immersed in the action as a physical therapist working with members of the USA Climbing Team.

As vice president of Howard Head Sports Medicine, as well as a physical therapist, Brown has been involved in developing the recent official medical provider partnership between USA Climbing and Howard Head Sports Medicine, which is also the official medical provider for the

US Ski, Snowboard and Free Skiing Teams. Even though Brown, an Eagle local and climber since age 13, has worked as a physical therapist with athletes attending annual World Cup climbing competitions held in Vail since 2008, his presence in Arco marked the first time a Howard Head physical therapist worked on-site with USA Climbing athletes at an international event since the partnership officially launched.

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INSIDER Like other Howard Head physical therapists who work with the US national teams, Brown endured a grueling, yet rewarding, schedule during his nine days in Arco. He woke up early in the morning and ate breakfast with the athletes, using the opportunity to get updates on injuries or aches and pains and to plan out his morning schedule. For the next two hours before the day’s competition began, he devoted his time to pre-competition treatments, which he tailored to meet each athlete’s needs. Treatments could include anything from helping athletes warm up and mobilize their joints to helping them minimize overuse injuries by applying tape to support tendons in the fingers and hands.

“I also see myself as a motivator in addition to being simply a physical therapist when I’m working with athletes at competitions,” says Brown. “While I’m doing last-minute finger taping before climbing athletes compete, I’m a part of the positive energy that begins to develop before they take it with them where they need it the most.”

In this dual capacity, Brown functions as a part of the overall athlete support team like Howard Head physical therapists Eric Dube and Philip Galloway, who work with USA Snowboarding athletes at snowboard cross competitions. Part of their role involves being with athletes in the moments before they enter the gate and relaying any final instructions from coaches out on the course, as well as offering their own words of encouragement.

When each day’s competition ends, the work that these national team physical therapists do with athletes and coaches is far from over. Before and after dinner, they’ll often perform injury or recovery treatments to help alleviate pain, muscle soreness or swelling so that athletes are ready to compete at their highest level again the next day. During dinner, meetings often occur, and after dinner, the physical therapists of some teams view video from that day’s competitions in order to analyze how an athlete’s movement patterns could be enhanced.

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Nico Brown with USA Climbing Team athlete Megan Carr at the World Youth Climbing Championships in Arco, Italy.

“Working at international competitions among the world’s greatest athletes and coaches can be an intense experience, but this is also an amazing opportunity for professional growth,” says Brown. “I am naturally curious about what drives success in athletic competition and especially how medical providers can act as a catalyst for top performance.

After the competition, we take the knowledge gained from this experience and bring it back to our clinics so that we continue to improve our care for athletes and patients locally.”

With Howard Head Sports Medicine as the official medical provider for the US Ski, Snowboard, Free Skiing and Climbing teams, the same physical therapists who work with Olympic gold medalists and other athletes competing internationally at the highest level in their sport also treat recreational athletes at their ten office locations in

Eagle and Summit counties.

“The work that I do with recreational athletes is similar to the work that I do with professional athletes,” says Galloway. "This is a unique area with so many high-level athletes of all ages, and while they may not all be competing at the level of an elite athlete, their body still responds to the physical challenges of their sport in a similar way.” Even though the performance goals of recreational versus elite athletes may differ, the fundamental way that their bodies work and respond to treatment may not be so far apart.

Matt Mymern, a physical therapist who works with the US Women’s Alpine Ski Team, agrees. “My job is to help people reach their goals, whether they’re skiing in a World Cup event or in the Talons Challenge at Beaver Creek. I want all athletes to get back to what they love as quickly and safely as possible,” he adds.

EXPERT TIPS: Take some advice from the physical therapists who work at area Howard Head Sports Medicine locations and also partner as medical providers with the US Ski, Snowboard, Free Skiing, and Climbing Teams. Whether you’re an Olympic hopeful or a weekend warrior, these tips will help you stay safe, healthy and motivated while pursuing your passions.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: NICO BROWN Team: USA Climbing Team Expert Tip: Always listen to and respect your body, but when competing, compete.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: ERIC DUBE Team: US Snowboarding & US Snowboard Cross Expert Tip: Educate yourself about your body, and find a balance of stretching and strengthening to stay healthy.

Sometimes injuries start out as little warnings in your body, so address them right away, and don’t let them grow into something that’s larger and harder to treat. I believe in the idea that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: ZACK DICRISTINO Team: USA Climbing Team Expert Tip: Target sport-specific muscles and their stabilizers in your training. People often work out the major, obvious muscles they use in their sport, but it’s also important to strengthen smaller, stabilizing muscles to help protect larger muscles and prevent connective tissue injuries. And don’t forget your core muscles, as they’re a key source of stability and strength.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: ANA ROBINSON Team: US Ski Team - Nordic Expert Tip: Add Nordic skiing into your winter cross-training routine, especially if you’re a summer mountain biker or runner.

Nordic skiing challenges balance and upper body strength as well as multidirectional and multiplanar strength. Plus, it puts far less impact on your joints than running.

Nordic skiing also requires a massive cardiovascular effort, so it’s great for endurance athletes.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: MATT MYMERN Team: US Ski Team Women’s Alpine Expert Tip: Do ski-specific conditioning before entering the ski season. Even if you’ve been mountain biking or trail running all summer, take some time to challenge the muscles you’ll use while skiing, specifically working quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core stability prior to start of season. Gradually increase intensity and duration of skiing throughout the beginning of season to increase ski-specific endurance.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: PHILIP GALLOWAY Team: US Snowboarding & US Snowboard Cross Expert Tip: Focus on being smooth and in control rather than pushing yourself so hard that you’re on the verge of crashing at any moment. Embrace the idea that it’s better to ride or race within your limits and avoid injuries so that you can continue doing what you love for a very long time. I’ve noticed that pro athletes stay within their limits even when it may look like they’re on the edge.

Robinson with national team skier, Caitlin Gregg, and and physical therapist Zuzanna Rogers in Falun, Sweden at the World Championships in 2015.

Snowboard cross athletes Lindsey Jacobellis and Faye Gulini look on as Eric Dube highlights the emergency action plan for the sprint course in Feldberg, Germany.

Physical therapist Zack DiCristino works with Alex Puccio, American Bouldering Series national champion and a member of the USA Climbing team.

The work that I do with recreational athletes is similar to the work that I do with professional athletes.

PHILIP GA LLOWAY Just as Arco, Italy, provides a location where recreational and elite athletes can come from all over the world to play in the mountains they love, Colorado’s Eagle and Summit counties do the same. As long as skiers come to Vail and Beaver Creek to enjoy the snow, and as long as mountain bikers show up in Breckenridge to ride the mountain’s summer trails, physical therapists at Howard Head Sports Medicine are engaged in helping athletes of all ages and abilities keep their bodies in top shape. Plus, they’re valued for gaining experience from across the globe and bringing it home to share.

Howard Head Sports Medicine howardhead.com | (970) 476-1225 See Medical Directory for locations.

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INSIDER

The year-round outdoor saline pool at the Westin Riverfront Resort is ideal for Howard Head Sports Medicine's aquatic therapy program.

A PLACE TO PLAY, A PLACE TO HEAL Eagle County is a destination for orthopaedics and sports medicine

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by scott n . miller

o m p e t i t i v e at h l e t e s from around the world have long traveled to Vail for the expertise and research-based medicine that keeps their bodies — and careers — intact. With the world-class facilities and stellar reputations of Vail Valley Medical Center, The Steadman Clinic, the Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Howard Head Sports Medicine and Vail-Summit Orthopaedics, Vail has put football and soccer players back on the field, hockey players back on ice and musicians back on stage. But those same specialists and amenities are not reserved for celebrities alone. The

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best orthopaedic care is available to anyone who lives in or visits the Valley, and a growing number of patients are taking advantage of it. With local hotels and lodges providing amenities for patients to heal in comfort, Eagle County is becoming a destination for medical tourism.

And, as with other tourists, some just don’t want to leave: Courtney Knott grew up in southern New Mexico. A few years ago, Knott had a troublesome knee that doctors in New Mexico and Texas just couldn’t get right. A friend who had also experienced knee trouble — and numerous surgeries elsewhere — recommended The Steadman Clinic.

“I started doing research and I found out Steadman was a pioneer in the orthopaedic world," Knott says. “I came out in August of 2012 and had surgery, then came back in October to rehabilitate with Howard Head Sports Medicine."

That fateful second trip sparked Knott’s affection for Eagle County, which continues today. She moved to the area in December of 2012 and has lived here since.

Knott stayed in Beaver Creek for her surgery, then in the heart of Vail Village at the Sonnenalp Hotel during physical therapy. With the Sonnenalp’s front door just a couple of blocks from Vail Valley Medical Center, it was easy for Knott to get to VVMC for follow-up appointments and physical therapy, as well as enjoy what the town had to offer.

The Sonnenalp, Four Seasons and Sebastian hotels in Vail are examples of properties that are partnering with the orthopaedic and sports medicine teams to accommodate guests post-surgery. The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa and the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch provide down-Valley options for patients.

And because much of a surgery’s success rests in the physical therapy that comes afterwards, partner resorts offer transportation to nearby Howard Head clinics in Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek and Edwards. The therapists work closely with the teams at The Steadman Clinic and Vail-Summit Orthopaedics to develop rehabilitation programs and ensure the highest quality continuum of care for each patient.

Talena Williams, a physician's assistant to The Steadman Clinic's Dr. Marc Philippon, says that creating plans with physical therapists in other cities can be tricky.

“If (patients) can stay here longer, we can help more,” Williams says. Working with the area’s top doctors and researchers, Howard Head’s progressive sports medicine treatments are designed to get people back to the activities they love.

Many patients bring a caregiver, and some families make a vacation out of the surgery. Patients are drawn to discounted lodging packages offered to those requiring an extended stay, along with amenities to make their visit easier — handicapped access rooms, transportation to the hospital and Howard Head Sports Medicine and access to fitness rooms, swimming pools and spas.

Plus, it’s helpful across the board to be in a culture that promotes — expects, even — an active lifestyle. The rest of the family can enjoy ski-in/ski-out capabilities at many of the resorts, along with all of the perks that come with staying in a resort town: restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Many of the lodging properties welcome four-legged family members, too!

With area hotels accommodating these longer stays, the growing number of destination orthopaedic patients is becoming a significant part of the valley’s economy.

According to an independent analysis, visiting surgical patients are estimated to provide more than $30 million

per year, including nearly 100,000 visitor nights, annually in direct economic impact within Vail alone in hotel, restaurant and retail spending.

Dr. Nathan Cafferky, a joint replacement specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics, has noticed several trends that he believes attract patients to pursue their surgery in Vail.

He says that while it isn’t unique, it’s nice to have medical specialists, physical therapists and hospital care all on one relatively compact campus. Even a “commute” from Beaver Creek to Vail wouldn’t evoke nearly the same frustrations as fighting traffic in a major city for an office visit or physical therapy.

Then there’s the fact that Eagle County is as attractive to medical professionals as it is to tourists and second homeowners. Eagle County is home to some of the world’s best because these top doctors also enjoy some of the world’s finest skiing, mountain biking and river activities.

Physicians also enjoy working in an environment with high success rates. “Our patient demographics are active people who are healthy to start with,” Dr. Cafferky says. “They select toward better outcomes.”

Patients and doctors also share a common trait — the desire for excellence.

“We don’t really settle for second-rate,” Dr. Cafferky says. “People here desire excellence, not just in medicine, but in their daily lives.”

That drive is why the Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) has dedicated research and education to the causes, prevention and treatment of orthopaedic disorders since 1988. SPRI is one of the most prolific non-academic institutes to publish orthopaedic research articles on these topics, and their “bench to bedside” approach translates the scientific research they’re conducting to clinical applications that directly impact the patient. “Our patients at The Steadman Clinic benefit from the outcomesbased research we do at SPRI, as it aids both the care team and the patient in making better and more informed treatment decisions,” explains Dr. Marc Philippon, managing partner at The Steadman Clinic, co-chair and director of hip research at SPRI. Good results continue to build a reputation for excellence, bringing still more people to pursue their care here.

The Sonnenalp is one of several local hotels that is partnering with VVMC to make extended stays easier and more comfortable for patients postsurgery.

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INSIDER

Rendering of the west wing from W. Meadow Drive.

I

n t h e pa s t 5 0 y e a r s ,

Vail Valley Medical Center has responded to the growth of the local community and its guests from around the world. Healthcare has changed, and the hospital itself has expanded in its Vail location and throughout the region. While VVMC has done an outstanding job providing worldclass, top-quality care over these five decades, the main medical campus in Vail is an aging facility.

Updating the campus at the current location is the most cost-effective way to make this region a center of medical excellence and improve the healthcare available to the community and its guests.

A NEW HOSPITAL FOR OUR REGION VVMC’s Master Facility Plan responds to local growth with more space and a state-of-the-art facility

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COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF THE UPGRADED HOSPITAL: • New and bigger Emergency Department.

• Upgraded Patient Care Unit (PCU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

• More space for appointments with physicians.

• More space for physical therapy at Howard Head Sports Medicine.

• Nearly double the space for preand post-operative services.

• Relocated helipad on the hospital to expedite critical transfers.

• Expanded sports medicine research labs and capabilities.

• New entrance off of South Frontage Road West.

• Concealed loading and delivery area.

• More parking on-site, including covered parking.

• Updated, highly-functional facility that’s easy to navigate.

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE PHASED DEVELOPMENT To ensure the hospital remains fully operational during the anticipated four years of construction, the Master Facility Plan has been divided into two phases—the west wing and the east wing. After receiving unanimous approval by the Town of Vail, construction on the west wing began in August 2015, with east wing construction scheduled to to begin in 2017 and culminate in 2020.

A rendering of the new west wing, set to be completed in 2017.

A new elevator shaft with two dedicated elevators for the west wing, part of the northwest expansion.

healthcare. Vail Valley Medical Center is committed to keeping healthcare costs as low as possible while still being able to provide a wide range of convenient services and specialties.

As a nonprofit, community hospital, VVMC doesn’t send revenue to a corporate office in another city or state and doesn’t need to generate dollars for shareholders. VVMC revenue stays local and is reinvested in the community.

LEARN MORE To learn more about the Master Facility Plan, visit www.vvmc.com/build. To receive email updates about the project, email build@vvmc.com.

UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE During this period of construction, all Vail Valley Medical Center services and specialties will remain open.

Additionally, the hospital’s partners will remain fully functional, including Colorado Mountain Medical, The Steadman Clinic, the Steadman Philippon Research Institute and VailSummit Orthopaedics. Every effort is being made to minimize traffic and parking impacts to

the community. Signage, along with on-site valet parking attendants, help guide patients and visitors during construction.

WILL THE NEW HOSPITAL INCREASE MY COST OF HEALTHCARE? The needed improvements to VVMC’s facility will not increase cost of care. They are necessary investments to create a more efficient facility and to keep pace with developments in

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Big city surgeons Make sure your heart can who call Vail home. keep up with your passions.

With some of the most respected surgeons in Colorado on our team, Vail Valley Medical Center is fortunate to be the home of Mountain Surgical Associates. Known for their expertise in emergency and trauma care, they are also experts in: b General surgery: abdominal, thoracic and endocrine b Cancer detection and prevention: colonoscopy and endoscopy b Cancer surgery: breast, colon and rectal, endocrine, lung and melanoma b Laparoscopic surgery: hernia repair, gall bladder, colon and reflux disease b Trauma/critical care: around-the-clock care for critically ill and injured patients b Wound and Ostomy: treatment of acute and chronic wounds

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MD, FACS

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JASON MOORE

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PhD., PA

JOHN SCHULTZ

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VA I L & E DWA R DS

Super Kids

Eagle County is a closeknit community that nurtures families and helps promote healthy competition. many local kids excel in their sport of choice with a lit tle help from their parents.

by Laura Bell photography by Todd Thiele

I

t comes as no surprise

that Eagle County is home to many up-and-coming athletes.

Soccer, skiing, snowboarding, football, golf — the list goes on. But what about the fringe athletes, whose sports might be gaining in popularity but aren’t as mainstream as the traditional ones?

When kids compete at regional or national levels, they need support not just from their coaches, but also their families; which includes chauffeuring to events, packing lunches, booking hotels, playing psychologist and just basically being there, win, lose or crash.

While each sport requires a different skill set, there are a couple common denominators amongst the athletes: They are all incredibly determined to excel in their sport.

And while they often compete against older, more experienced athletes, they are dedicated to giving back. Whether it is helping a sibling improve, mentoring youth or promoting the sport, these young superstars excel not only in the field of sports, but the game of life.

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Benjamin Dantas ROCK CLI M B E R

As a toddler, Benjamin (Benji) Dantas would scare his poor mother, Kelly, a Vail Valley Medical Center employee, on a daily basis. She’d come down to the kitchen in the mornings only to find Benji on top of the counter having climbed his way up using cupboard handles as hoists or stopping points on his ascent.

Fast-forward to one summer that Kelly toted her two toddlers with her to work at Beaver Creek, giving them the opportunity to play on the climbing wall and bungee trampoline. "Benji had no interest in anything except spending hours on the climbing wall," says Kelly. By the end of that summer, though he was only five, Benji's dad, Dave, thought he would be well-served on a climbing team.

After watching him maneuver on the wall at the Vail Athletic Club, the climbing coach made an “age exception” and let the upward-bound Benji join the team.

Since then, Benji has won his age division in the GoPro Games for the past two summers and excels in both bouldering and sport climbing.

Travel throughout the state and region is necessary, as are bi-weekly practices. Now that Benji’s younger sister participates, as well as mom and dad, climbing has become a way to enjoy an afternoon together after a morning on the slopes or other activities.

Now 11, Benji has made the national team. If he re-qualifies each year, he will be able to compete in North America and eventually around the world.

“I like that it is an individual sport and you can reach your full potential,” he says.

“I hope that climbing can get into the Olympics and I can do this as a living.”

He also participates in middle school sports: basketball, football and track.

It’s a full schedule, but Benji says he enjoys it all — especially the time he gets to spend with his teammates.

“When I play football I’m a lineman so I can’t always get the person I’m supposed to and I want to show how good you can be at the sport so it’s tough,” he says. “But in climbing you can show how good you are up the route and if you fall or something goes wrong you don’t give up, you just keep on going.”

Abi Elizade M O U N TAI N B I KE R

Biking around the neighborhood was always a fun way for Abi Elizade to blow off some steam and enjoy time with her friends. So when she heard that a local mountain biking team was forming in the area, Abi went to a meeting for Cycle 44

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“I feel I can encourage them not just to mountain bike, but to know there is a chance that they can do things — things that people didn’t think they could do.” ABI ELIZADE

Effect, a non-profit organization dedicated to “empowering young women through mountain biking to achieve brighter futures and build stronger communities.”

Since joining the organization, Abi, now 18, has forged lasting friendships, triumphed in her sport and determined her long-term career objective: to work with children.

“I really like helping the younger girls,” says Abi, whose sister Dariana is a teammate. “I feel I can encourage them not just to mountain bike, but to know there is a chance that they can do things — things that people didn’t think they could do.”

She takes pride in knowing that she is often referred to as the Hispanic face of the mountain biking community and believes her strong family ties have helped her succeed. “My parents never miss a race,” says Abi.“They always come and support me and cheer for me. My dad gives me tips and my mom tries to help me eat healthier.”

A “second mom” is Cycle Effect’s volunteer head coach, Tamara Donelson.

“Tam is my role model. She is a strong woman, she connects with us and helps us. I just want to be like her and be a good

sport,” Abi says, then adds with a laugh that Tamara’s husband and the group’s founder, Brett, “motivates you to do your best. The first year you may hate him because he keeps pushing you; he does that because he knows you have the potential to do well.”

In 2015, Brett did push Abi to train some days at 5 a.m. in order for her to qualify for the USA Cycling 2015 Mountain Bike Nationals in Mammoth, CA. And train she did, not only at 5 a.m. but also in the afternoons with teammates. In April, she qualified for nationals.

The experience was eye-opening for Abi, who had never been to the area and was shocked to see it was a ski resort. She enjoyed bonding with other girls and the experience has motivated her to find a college where she can compete.

As a senior, mixing education with practice has become a little tricky as Abi takes a CMC class for dual enrollment (high school and college credit).

But just like the mountains she climbs on her bike, (“You are already dying when you get to the top,” she says ruefully), she knows the entire ride is worth the effort.

Davis Hermes S L ACKLI N E R

Just one look was all it took for Davis Hermes to determine his future: slacklining. For those not familiar with the sport, think tightrope walking on loose webbing. Add a few back flips, knee drops, chest and butt bounces, and you’ll begin to imagine the incredible balancing act of this young athlete. The 16-year-old witnessed the sport at the GoPro Games in Vail four years ago.

He convinced his mom, Amy, to buy a slackline and then proceeded to spend hours a day, every day, teaching himself how to walk across the line. From there, he progressed to doing tricks.

Starting out, Davis says, is “really hard because the slackline is an unpredictable surface. Your body is used to a predictable surface where your muscles know how to react. Your muscles have no idea of what is going on and your legs are going to shake back and forth.”

It impossible to master slacklining, but after falling in love with the sport, he progressed to highlining— basically slacklining at elevation above the ground or water. Sometimes that’s way above ground — 400 feet or so, which was the height of Davis’s first highline in Moab, UT. Amy admits to being terrified watching her then-12-year-old son walk a highline for the first time.

“I was thinking, ‘Is this neglectful parenting?’” she says, laughing. “But it is safe: You are harnessed in so if you fall you don’t go plummeting to the ground, and it brings me joy to see him do this.

Highlining is really where he shines and it is a testimony to his talent.

“I chose to nurture it rather than fight it,” she sagely adds.

Amy, a former mountain bike racer, also inspires her son. “I can see she was always very determined and I can tell she was passionate about mountain biking so she inspires me in general,” he says.

At 15, Davis was one of the youngest competitors in the GoPro Games last summer in Vail. As there are no age brackets, he was competing against slackliners in their 20s, but that is not a hindrance. “I’ll compete against whoever they put me up against,” he says.

Davis currently competes four to five times a year and in the future he’d like to compete internationally. In the interim, he is determined to start a slacklining club in the valley to introduce others to the sport.

And while that is in the works, Davis has found other ways to give back. He went on a church mission to Argentina and helped build playgrounds in Indian neighborhoods.

Taken in context with his determined nature, his high hopes for the future seem very down to earth.

"Starting out is really hard because the slackline is an unpredictable surface. Your body is used to a predictable surface where your muscles know how to react."

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“When you are on Team USA you help other kids.

You can’t do the sport by yourself and you need a mentor. There are good people who are willing to help you out.

And I like being a part of that.”

JACK ARNOT

Jack Arnot F LY F I S H E R MAN

Jack Arnot grew up casting a traditional spinner reel with his mom, Katie Mazzia, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Vail Valley Medical Center. At 10, his dad gave him a flyfishing rod and he became, well, hooked.

After completing several mandatory clinics in North Carolina and Pennsylvania at age 13, Jack won a spot on the US Youth Fly Fishing team. And then last summer at age 14, he entered The World Youth Fly Fishing Championships in Vail, filling in as a “ghost angler” at Sylvan Lake where the US Youth team finished with a Gold Medal. While he is just starting his competition career, Jack is already ranked 7th nationally. His ultimate goal is to make the travel team for US Youth and compete in Spain this year and Slovenia next year.

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Jack’s family welcomes the sport as an opportunity to travel, as most of the events are throughout remote places in the United States and, in fact, Jack is the only team member who lives west of Georgia.

According to his mom, it is planes, trains or automobiles. Competitions can last 1-3 days and anywhere from 4-15 hours total.

When he’s not on the road, Jack can walk down to Brush Creek and fish, or he’ll go with his mom or friends out on the Eagle River. “When we first started going into this I was kind of green. There were times when we were out all day until 7 at night.

I thought, ‘I need to bring my Camelback and more food.’ We’ve taken road trips all over Colorado and fished amazing lakes, creeks and rivers, which is great,” says Katie.

Jack, a student at Vail Christian High School, says his favorite place to fish is on the Eagle River. He thinks it is one of the best rivers in the world for trout and likes the sport because, as he says, “It’s independent and there are changes that can happen. You have to be prepared for a lot of situations.”

When not fishing, you’ll find Jack tying flies and hanging out with his friends. He also likes to give back to the sport by mentoring up-and-coming fishermen and women.

“When you are on the US Youth team, you help other kids. You can’t do the sport by yourself and you need a mentor. There are good people who are willing to help you out. And I like being a part of that,” he says.

Bailee Boles BA R R E L RACE R

Growing up on a ranch, it was natural for Bailee Boles, 15, to learn to ride before she could walk. Horses always have been — and if this adventurous teen has her way, always will be — part of her life.

In the summer of 2014, after giving a speech and performing a riding pattern for judges, Bailee was crowned the Eagle County Rodeo Princess. During her year-long reign, she represented the county, assisted with 4H events and had countless media appearances.

“Kids would always run up to me and their faces would light up,” Bailee recalls.

Even without her sash and crown she was recognizable and children would squeal with delight, “I’ve seen you before! You are the rodeo princess!”

Bailee is a keen barrel racer who has been competing since she was 10. Her Quarter Horse, Rango, was not bred to be a barrel horse, but with skill and patience, Bailee has turned Rango into a top competitor.

Her parents offer support in multiple ways, from making sure Rango is sound to driving her throughout the region to compete in rodeos.

“It’s amazing what she’s done and to see how far she’s come,” says Shelly McCoy, one of her coaches.

McCoy, Kendra Scott and Kris Whittaker founded Eagle County’s Freedom Riders, a mounted drill team organization, 14 years ago. Bailee is not only an active participant but also a role model for the younger children.

“Bailee is a great kid,” says McCoy. “She is always helpful and wants to be a leader and is willing to go wherever we need her. She is very good with all the kids and has good communications skills.”

“The Freedom Riders help give kids experience and confidence on horses and I’m proud to be a part of it,” Bailee says.

A member of the Soroco High School volleyball team, Bailee divides her time between schoolwork, volleyball, rodeos and training.

“I try to train every day on my horse, but when the weather is bad I’ll stay

inside and practice tying a rope around my feet,” she says.

And what purpose does that serve?

Goat tying, of course. And that is Bailee’s next goal: to compete in the timed sport in which she must run her horse to a tethered goat, flip the goat and tie a specific knot around the goat’s feet. In the future, Bailee would like to compete at the national level and then study equine science or agricultural management to help her family with their ranch.

Benno Sheidigger Jr. and Kira Sheidigger B M X RACE RS

At least once a week — weather permitting — Benno Scheidegger, Jr., age 11, hits the Eagle BMX track with his younger sister Kira, age 7. BMX — an abbreviation for bicycle motocross — is a fast-paced sport that Benno likes not only because he’s competitive but also because he gets to hang out with his friends, as well as make new friends.

In 2003, the International Olympic Committee made BMX a full-medal Olympic sport for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, and though he’s still a few years out from qualifying, that’s Benno, Jr.’s goal.

Competitions take Benno and Kira across the country, and the duo’s parents, Kristi and Benno, Sr., are fine with that.

Thanksgivings are spent in Tulsa, OK, where the Grand Nationals are held.

“It is kind of strange to be in Tulsa for Thanksgiving, but since a lot of my friends are there, it is fun and there’s a lot of racing going on,” says Benno, Jr., who cites the race as the biggest in the country. It was in Tulsa that he took first place at the Race of Champions in the 10 Cruiser division in 2015. Kira came in sixth in her division and finished 9th amongst all 7-year-old girls in the nation.

And it was at the Grand Nationals in 2012 where Benno, Jr. took top honors and a six-foot-trophy in his age group. The trophy is taller than he is.

“He’s told us that if the house was on fire and he could save one thing, it would be that trophy,” says his dad, laughing.

With both of their children riding, Kristi and Benno, Sr. are “pit crew, nutritional crew and hydration crew.”

Trips to Greeley and the Front Range occur most weekends and there are races throughout the year.

But that doesn’t stop both Benno, Jr. and Kira from playing hockey, skiing and just hanging out with friends.

Benno enjoys hockey because it is very aggressive and offers the opportunity to be part of a team, whereas BMX riding is an individual sport.

“I spend the whole year biking and the only time I’m off is in December,” says the young racer. “When I’m not racing, I miss it a lot.”

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EAT YOU R COLORS 'Eat the rainbow' for a variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients by wren bova • photography by justin q. mccarty

GREEN Granny Smith Apple Tower Pistachio, Golden Raisin, Kiwi Fruit Coulis Raisins add a decadent flavor, as well as fiber, Vitamin B6 and riboflavin.

In addition to adding some nice crunch, unpeeled, raw apples deliver Vitamin C and fiber.

Though broccoli and spinach are easy and popular go-tos for green, don’t forget about kiwi, a superfood that can double for dessert. It’s full of Vitamins C, E and K, as well as fiber.

A

recipes and food styling by steven topple

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s any home economics instructor will tell you, a proper meal includes a balance of colors.

That’s not simply because it looks better, though of course it does. It’s one of the best ways to make sure you’re consuming all of the nutrients your body requires to be healthy, fight off illness and prevent future maladies. In terms of diets, Dr. Dennis Lipton says before you consider portion sizes or how often you eat, think about the food itself.

“The most important thing is what you are eating,” he says.

Vitamins and minerals impart specific colors to the foods they’re in; if you eat the rainbow, you’ll get all of the necessary nutrients.

“I always tell people to eat food as close to the way it was picked as possible. Therefore, local, fresh food is always preferred,” he says.

And that’s a concept Game Creek Executive Chef Steven Topple agrees with. During his tenure as the executive chef at Beano's Cabin in Beaver Creek from 2006-2011, he helped make local and organic ingredients a top priority at all Vail Resorts restaurants. Raised by vegetarian parents, Topple creates dishes with a wide range of fruits and vegetables, in addition to the expected protein mains.

“I believe you eat with your eyes first, so making beautiful and colorful food is important,” Topple says.

Mix and match from the following dishes to create your own multi-hued meal.

PU RPLE & B LU E Juniper-Rubbed Elk Tenderloin Beet-Walnut Rosti, Red Cabbage, Huckleberry Sauce

Walnuts are rich in iron, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium.

Beets and elk tenderloin are both great local ingredients.

Beets are rich in folate, manganese, fiber and riboflavin.

Elk tenderloin is a lean protein rich in Vitamin B12, as well as riboflavin, iron, zinc and copper.

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Granny Smith Apple Salad with Pistachio, Golden Raisin and Kiwi Fruit Coulis

Beet Rosti 2 large red beets, peeled and grated

This dish can be served with cooked apple or raw apple; following is the raw apple option.

10 walnuts, slightly crushed

Ingredients 2 Granny Smith apples sliced into thin rounds, skin on but seeds removed 1 Granny Smith peeled and diced, placed into lemon water while cooking ¼ cup toasted pistachios, skins removed ¼ cup golden raisins 1 cup apple cider 4 peeled kiwi fruit, roughly chopped ½ cup fresh spinach Method 1. In a small saucepan, place the golden raisins with half of the apple cider. Bring to a boil remove from heat, and add peeled pistachios.

2. Place the kiwi fruit and spinach into a blender with the other half of the apple cider. Purée until a smooth sauce has been made, strain using a fine strainer.

3. To plate, place a pool of kiwi fruit coulis on bottom of plate, then place one apple slice and top with pistachio and golden raisins in a neat pile evenly distributed. Repeat twice more until an apple tower has been made. If you like, garnish with a little sprig of mint on the final assembly. Serve and enjoy.

Serves 4 Juniper-Dusted Elk Tenderloin with Red Cabbage, Beet Walnut Rosti and Huckleberry Sauce Elk Tenderloin

2 egg yolks Cabbage 4 cups red cabbage, finely shredded 1 cup orange juice 2 cups red wine

Method 1. Cook cabbage: Place ingredients into a small pan and cook for 25-30 minutes until cabbage is soft.

2. Preheat oven to 400F and a sauté pan to medium to high heat. Season elk with salt and pepper and juniper berry dust. Sauté in a drizzle of olive oil, getting a nice even brown all over elk. Place into oven for 8-10 minutes for medium rare.

3. Make rosti: In a small bowl, mix beets with salt and pepper, egg yolks, and a few crushed walnuts (save a few for later). Shape into small rounds. Cook in a nonstick pan with a little olive oil over medium heat. Crisp on first side about 2-3 minutes, then flip over rosti and make golden brown on other side.

4. Warm beef demi glaze with huckleberries.

5. To plate, place beet rosti and cabbage in small mounds; slice the elk into thin slices and add to plate.

Ladle on the huckleberry sauce, sprinkle walnuts around plate for decoration. Serve and enjoy.

Serves 4 Chilled Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho with Red Pepper Salsa Gazpacho

Note: Make soup 24 hours before serving; it’s best if the flavors have time to meld and develop.

½ small watermelon, peeled and diced

4 6-ounce elk tenderloin portions

3 large vine-ripened tomatoes, diced

10 juniper berries ground fine

3 shallots, diced

½ cup beef demi glaze 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

½ cucumber, peeled and diced 1 jalapeño, chopped with seeds; remove if you don’t like spice 1 red pepper, seeded and diced 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

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Both watermelon and red peppers are good sources of Vitamins A and C.

1 juniper berry, crushed

Note: If you can’t find juniper, substitute allspice.

¼ cup frozen huckleberries

RED Chilled Watermelon Tomato Gazpacho Roasted Red Pepper Salsa

Tomatoes are a powerhouse food: lots of Vitamins A, C and K, fiber and potassium.

What's so great about Vitamin C?

It helps protect against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease and even premature aging of the skin.

4 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Salsa 1 roasted red pepper, peeled, seeded and diced very small 1 shallot, finely diced 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

Seared Wild Salmon with Sweet PotatoCarrot Hash and Yellow Pepper Coulis Ingredients 4 6-ounce wild king salmon, skin on and deboned 2 large carrots, peeled and diced

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon cumin

(Mix all ingredients in small bowl)

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1. Place all gazpacho ingredients into a blender and purée until very smooth. Strain using coarse strainer. Check seasoning and add more salt and pepper as desired.

2. In a small bowl, mix salsa ingredients together.

3. To serve, place gazpacho into a bowl and sprinkle with red pepper salsa.

Serve chilled and enjoy.

Serves 4

2 teaspoons olive oil 2 shallots, peeled and diced 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed 2 yellow bell peppers, seeded and diced 1 cup white wine (Chardonnay) Salt and pepper to taste Method 1. Preheat oven to 400F and sauté pan to medium-high heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper, place into

a hot sauté pan with a little drizzle of olive oil, then place into oven and cook until desired temperature, 10 minutes for medium rare and 14 minutes for medium.

2. In a small saucepan, sweat the shallots, garlic and yellow pepper in a little drizzle of olive oil.

Once softened but not browned, add the white wine and reduce by half.

Season with salt and pepper, add 2 tablespoons of water, and blend until smooth and thick.

3. Blanch the sweet potato and carrot dice together in boiling water, strain and cool. Sauté carrots and sweet potato in the olive oil with cumin, salt and pepper. Add a little maple syrup to help with browning, and remove from heat.

4. Place the sweet potatocarrot hash into the center of plate, then place cooked salmon on top of hash, spoon yellow pepper coulis around plate. Garnish with yellow pepper julienne if you like, serve and enjoy.

Serves 4

Why eat Omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3s can curb stiffness and joint pain caused by inflammation. Additionally, they can lower elevated triglyceride levels and help prevent some heart disease.

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, niacin, Vitamins B6 and B12 and selenium.

Carrots and sweet potatoes are good sources of Vitamins A, B6 and C, potassium and fiber.

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SMALL TOWN FEEL,

BIG CITY CARE

Emergency & Urgent Care at VVMC continues to evolve with our community

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t's certainly not what many people living in, or visiting, Vail imagine when they find themselves in need of emergency healthcare services — after a skiing or automobile accident, perhaps, or a heart attack — but the care they receive here in this remote mountain community in Colorado rivals that of any large metropolis.

In some cases, it's even better.

"Here at VVMC, it's high tech meets high touch; there's really no system quite like it," says Mark Goldstein, director of emergency services at Vail Valley Medical Center, overseeing staff operations at the hospital's main facility in Vail, as well as others in Beaver Creek Village, Avon and Gypsum. "We're very fortunate in this valley to have world-class destination mountain resorts — and a worldclass destination hospital."

Indeed, VVMC's Emergency Department is unique, having evolved since the early 1960s to serve a unique, fast-growing resort community that was created to attract people to unique, fast-growing and sometimes dangerous winter sports, namely skiing, then snowboarding.

Now, serving a community of about 60,000 full-time residents — but with tens of thousands of adventurous tourists on any given day at high season, as well — the hospital’s 24/7 Level

top: Beaver Creek Medical Center is just steps from the ski slopes. above: VVMC has been providing emergency services since the early 1960s.

III Trauma Center has evolved into a microcosm, actually, of its counterparts in major urban areas, such as Colorado's Front Range, but with intimacy and quick access, a dichotomy, of sorts, between big city expertise and small town feel. VVMC's Emergency Department is the 4th busiest Level III Trauma Center in the nation and the 2nd busiest in Colorado.

"We see the same amount of traumas and heart attacks relative to anywhere in the nation," Goldstein says. "The nice thing about VVMC is it has the same services as a big city hospital."

To understand what makes VVMC's Emergency Department unique is to know its roots, first as a rudimentary clinic in Vail, in the basement of the Red Lion restaurant and bar, the heartbeat of an outpost in the 1960s primarily created to serve a few hundred locals

building a ski resort, along with the occasional injured or ailing skiers from Vail Mountain.

Back then, Ski Patrollers typically had no training in trauma care, and patients requiring anything more than minimal medical attention had to be driven by highway to Aspen, at least two hours drive by ambulance on a good day, or to Denver, up to eight hours away, up and over Vail Pass and Loveland Pass on old U.S. Route 6, depending on weather.

Things changed with the arrival of Dr. Jack Eck, a flight surgeon from Pennsylvania in the U.S. Army, who moved to Vail in 1971 after tours of duty in Vietnam to become the town's third full-time doctor. He didn't know how to ski very well, but he learned enough right away to join the Vail Ski Patrol that year as its medical director — mainly so he could deliver a 2 016

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VVMC's Emergency Department has evolved greatly since its beginnings in the early 1960s.

mobile medical kit to the scene of a trauma, then have the wherewithal to use it effectively.

One day, while riding Vail's Highline Lift, for example, he heard on Ski Patrol radio — an innovation at the time — a male skier was in cardiac arrest somewhere above Mid-Vail. Dr. Eck skied directly to the scene, where he joined two other doctors to stabilize the patient.

"Just before I got there, a cardiac surgeon skis up to help, too. He had no idea what we had on the mountain, but then a Ski Patroller skis up with a defibrillator we had in a cardiac kit at the top of the mountain; then I ski up with the drugs and an anesthesiologist skis up, too, and we're all working on the guy and get him stabilized," Dr. Eck says. "The cardiac surgeon looks at me and says, 'Where did all this stuff come from? We don't have this much stuff in the emergency room at home.'

He couldn't believe what we had on the hill, and we saved a life.

"That was really something in its time; today, it's normal," Dr. Eck adds. "Back then, we had 54

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one kit on the whole mountain; today, we have a kit at every Ski Patrol HQ — there's six of 'em."

Before that, Dr. Eck's role with the Ski Patrol was called into play when a skier from Michigan, Gerald Ford, began visiting Vail to ski, first as President of the United States in 1969, then, more often, years later, in retirement at Beaver Creek. As Ford's personal doctor whenever the president was in town, it was Dr. Eck's responsibility to organize communications and medical services — including Flight for Life helicopter transport, if necessary — not only for Ford but his family and the entire Secret Service entourage.

"That really beefed up our services as an incentive to make sure our system really worked.

We were able to show the Secret Service what we were able to do here," Dr. Eck says. "In fact, we were doing it so well they actually copied the kits we had here and followed Ford around with them the rest of his presidency."

Perhaps the defining moment for VVMC's fledgling emergency services back then came in 1976,

Members of the care team at Beaver Creek Medical Center: Dr. Matt Kamper, Cindy Olson, Dr. Chip Woodland, Dr. Gayle Braunholtz, Christopher Ewart and Edward Pietrzyk.

poignantly, when two gondola cars fell from the cable high above Lionshead's Born Free ski run and plunged to the snow below, killing four people and seriously injuring eight more.

"That's when having our act together meant everything.

There were some people lost, and it happened before we were even a hospital; we were just a clinic and didn't have an ER," Dr. Eck says. "Without the interconnectivity we had from the mountain to the clinic we would have had many more deaths, I believe.

But it proved we weren't just a clinic that took care of broken bones off the mountain."

That spirit of "interconnectivity" and the on-mountain protocols it spawned make up the hallmark of what today is one of the most advanced trauma-scene-to-operatingroom systems in the world, says Dr. Barry Hammaker, surgeon and chief medical officer for Mountain Surgical Associates, a group of doctors at VVMC known not only for their expertise in emergency care, but for assessing and managing a patient's situation from the scene of the trauma, during their transport by ambulance to the emergency room and either on to the operating room or a helicopter for a flight to Level I facilities in Denver.

"The helicopter is just one piece of the system, just like transporting an injured skier off the mountain is another," Dr. Hammaker says, adding similar measures with the Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Patrols have continued to evolve, now with paramedics, local lawenforcement agencies, Vail Mountain Rescue, even the Eagle County SWAT Team. "In general, if we're in contact, we'll know who that person is, or, if anything, what their capabilities are. That's important in terms of assessment of what's going on wherever the patient may be and what we need to get set up in the emergency room or operating room to move efficiently and quickly and proceed to a life-saving intervention."

A critical part of this combination of state-of-the-art communications among hospital staff and other agencies in oftextreme mountain conditions and the teamwork involved is

We see the same amount of traumas and heart attacks relative to anywhere in the nation. The nice thing about VVMC is it has the same services as a big city hospital. mark goldstein

what distinguishes VVMC's Emergency Department from others, says Dr. John "Chip" Woodland, a 24-year veteran of emergency services, now medical director for the department's physicians.

"One thing I've noticed after working at bigger hospitals in big cities — everybody's here because they want to be here," Dr. Woodland says, adding mountain camaraderie tends to manifest itself in the service an emergency department's dedicated staff provides. "People just seem to be happier here. There's a great team sense and collegial sense in this department."

Mary Jastrab, a full-time charge nurse and staffer at VVMC's Emergency Department for 26 years, agrees.

"My favorite description is 'pit crew' — you have an accident or illness and when you come to us we have a team that works to get you back to your life, vacation, wedding, work, whatever," Jastrab says. "Patients comment on how well we work together and know each other. I think that makes them feel more secure."

"Taking care of your own is an honor and a privilege," Jastrab adds. "I think our ED does a great job making you feel like you are one of us."

Goldstein, meanwhile, points to the department's patient satisfaction scores, among the best in the United States. In 2015, for example, Vail Valley Medical Center's emergency care services were ranked in the 95th percentile, he says.

top: Emergency medical staff from left,

nurses Karen Letourneau and Ruth Bopes, and Director of Emergency Services Mark Goldstein, collaborate to work quickly, efficiently and effectively. above: Radiologist, Dr. Lawrence Emmons, left, and radiologic technologist, Steven Van Slyke, examine an x-ray.

"We focus on exceptional customer service and care. This is a huge feat," Goldstein says. "We all have the same mission — to provide high-quality healthcare — but here, we provide a heck of a lot better guest service. Just go sit in the waiting room for four hours at a big city emergency room just to get seen, instead.

Here, we're seeing you faster and we have a very personal touch."

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IS MY

VVMC HOSPITAL

Vail Ski Patrollers Drew Warkentin, Duncan Robinson, Billy Mattison and Brice May with Lee Olch (center).

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Grateful patients and devoted staff members are the heart and soul of the hospital by p h i l l i n d e m a n

LEE OLCH

V VM C C ATH L AB PATI E NT In March 2015, Lee Olch was enjoying a quintessential bluebird morning on Vail Mountain.

“It was just a glorious day,” said Lee, a longtime Seattle resident who’s owned a condo in Lionshead since 2013. “It had a snowed a few days before and we had it all to ourselves.”

Lee, who retired in 2008, is a lifelong skier who enjoys the vast, almost limitless terrain Vail has to offer. On that particular day, he and a friend had skied several runs before he went inside for a short break. When he noticed he felt “a little off,” he walked himself right into Ski Patrol Headquarters. An otherwise healthy guy, Lee had suffered a heart attack a year and a half earlier, and he didn’t take chances with his health.

“Then it just hit,” Lee remembered. “I had this massive pain in my throat and chest. I’d be dead, but these guys were just incredible. The next thing I knew the patroller was helping me outside and they already had the sled for me.”

Patrol went “100 miles an hour” to get him down the hill and directly to the cardiac catheterization lab at VVMC, a relatively new addition founded just days before Lee’s heart attack. The pain was unbearably intense after a sled ride that “felt like it lasted hours and hours,” Lee said, and the cath lab staff moved just as quickly as the patrollers when he arrived.

He was the cath lab’s second heart attack patient and recalled, “It was absolutely a miracle that the lab was open on that day.”

“If that cath lab had not been open, the only thing they really could’ve done was put me in a helicopter and send me to Denver,” said Lee. “I would’ve been dead by then. The cath lab virtually saved my life and I believe that 100 percent.”

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ALEX PUCCIO

WO R LD CU P BO U LD E R I N G C HA M P AN D H OWAR D H E AD PATI E NT It was the worst injury of her professional climbing career.

In 2015, Boulder’s Alex Puccio was warming up for the World Cup bouldering competition at GoPro Mountain Games in the heart of Vail Village. The 26-year-old is a 10-time American Bouldering Series national champion and member of the USA Climbing Team, someone who has the strength and stamina to literally pull herself up a wall with her fingertips.

Shortly before her competition climb, Alex was warming up down the street from the main event at the Vail Athletic Club. She tried a dyno, an explosive technique during which the climber’s hands and feet leave the wall for a brief second. It’s something she’s done hundreds, if not thousands, of times, but this time she slipped.

“I heard all of the tears,” Alex remembers about falling on her leg. “My friends around me heard them too. It was the worst pain I’ve ever been in. I was on the ground, rolling around and just screaming.”

Luckily, VVMC was only a short trip away. Alex arrived and the Emergency Department physician confirmed her fears: she had torn her ACL and meniscus, plus a partial tear of her MCL. After surgery, she promptly began her recovery with Howard Head Sports Medicine, the hospital’s physical therapy department.

The clinic’s collection of signed jerseys and thanks from other pro athletes was a welcome sight.

“I was blown away that everyone goes there for surgery and recovery, and that really did comfort me,” Alex says. “You can just tell that everyone there loves their job. That makes it so comfortable for everyone who is there to recover.”

Her PT, Zack DiCristino, is no exception.

He’s also an avid climber, and was the first person to assess her injury on the scene of her accident. Post-surgery, Zack tailored a program to fit Alex’s elite demands. He’s familiar with ACL and MCL injuries after seeing dozens of rehabbing skiers, but a climbing rehab program required in-depth knowledge of the sport.

Within three months, Alex was back competing and winning at the pro level — nearly three months before doctors expected her to recover. She’s hardly missed a beat and has Zack’s expertise to thank.

“Zack just set the bar so high,” says Alex, who still goes out of her way to see him in Vail and climb with him occasionally in Boulder.

“He loves helping climbers.

“Any time I’ve had problems, even in Boulder, I’ve been able to text him and get help right away. It’s pretty amazing to have that.

Zack helped me get on my feet sooner than I ever expected.”

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Any time I’ve had problems, even in Boulder, I’ve been able to text him and get help right away.

It’s pretty amazing to have that.

Zack helped me get on my feet sooner than I ever expected.

I don’t think I would have been able get through this hardest year of my life if it wasn’t for everyone at Shaw. And that’s what’s allowed this to feel like a second home to me.

DANIEL ELSBURY

S HAW R EG I O NAL C AN C E R CENTER PATIENT/SURVIVOR

His move to Colorado was supposed to be the start of something fresh and new. But Daniel Elsbury hardly expected to battle cancer at the same time, and he never expected it to hit him at 31 years old.

About four years ago, the Topeka native decided he “wasn’t meant to be an eight-to-five guy” and worked as a bartender in Fort Collins, then Boulder.

In October 2013, he followed a few friends to the Vail area. Around the same time he started “feeling something weird, just not right,” and went to VVMC for a colonoscopy when his insurance kicked in. The diagnosis was shocking: colorectal cancer between stages 2 and 3.

“I had no idea what I was in store for, no idea what the next steps were,” Daniel says. “I was just in shock so much that I listened to the doctors and what they recommended. I was fortunate enough to be 15 miles from that cancer center in Edwards. It made a huge difference.”

Shaw Regional Cancer Center became Daniel’s best friend in a strange, new

place. He made regular trips to Shaw for sessions with doctors, nurses and and free exercise physiologists.

“That’s helped changed my lifestyle and everything else,” Daniel says. "When I got back to Vail after surgery, that's when I had a sense of normalcy again. You have all your friends, the support, and that’s when things started to get a bit better.”

In January 2016, nearly a year after his diagnosis, Daniel was in remission. It’s been a rough and grueling road, but he’s nearly at the end — and ready to enjoy Vail.

“The hardest part about moving to Vail is that this is one of the best places in the country and all it’s been for me is cancer,” Daniel says. “Everyone at Shaw has been extremely supportive though.

I don’t think I would have been able get through this hardest year of my life if it wasn’t for everyone at Shaw. And that’s what’s allowed this to feel like a second home to me. I walk around Shaw and talk to the nurses like they’re my mom. It’s nice to have everyone look out for me.”

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Lyn Fitzpatrick, Kathy Roper, Shama Sambergerova, Amy Lavigne, Molly Baumel and Katie Young, members of the perinatal services team at VVMC.

AMY LAVIGNE

V VM C M ANAG E R O F PE R I NATAL S E RVI C E S It’s been a long and fascinating journey for Amy Lavigne, the manager of perinatal services at VVMC. She started as an acute care nurse in the Detroit suburbs before moving to Colorado in 1999.

Once here, she hardly looked back.

“We didn’t think of anywhere but the Vail Valley,” Amy says. Now celebrating her 17th year at the hospital, Amy looks back at her early days on the Patient Care Unit to the last 16 years in the Women & Children's Center, where she worked her way from a staff nurse to charge nurse to clinical educator and now manager.

“I’d always had a passion for perinatal nursing,” Amy says. “This is truly individualized care here: What does each person, each mom, each family want for their experience?

That’s what we strive for, and our patients are very happy with what we provide. They feel like they have a voice in their care, and that’s very near and dear to our hearts here.”

Amy now oversees about 30 staff members in labor and delivery, postpartum care, the Level II Nursery — the only one of its kind between Vail and Denver — and services for prenatal patients with complications or other concerns. The journey has been long for this career nurse,

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but each and every childbirth reminds her why she fell in love with her unit.

“After 16.5 years, I never get over watching a couple come in, just the two of them, and then leave with a third person, with their baby,” Amy says. “To be a witness to that shift is incredible.

Their life has been completely altered. It’s a lot of responsibility on their part and a lot of responsibility on our part to help them be as successful as they can be.”

It truly is about the people for Amy. When she arrived, the hospital had about 200 births per year, and in 2007 it had nearly 720.

These days, Amy and her staff help welcome about 470 Vail babies per year. She’s proud of her department’s continuity of care: At a larger hospital, new moms might see doctors and nurses and other specialists in several different departments — or buildings.

Here, in Amy’s unit, it’s a second home.

“Because we’re smaller we’re able to focus on the entire family, whatever that means for the individual patient,” Amy says. “We take care of our dads exactly the same as our moms. We can give that level of individualized care. There’s a sense of taking care of each other as a staff and a community, and that has a really amazing feeling to it.”

Because we’re smaller we’re able to focus on the entire family, whatever that means for the individual patient.

We take care of our dads exactly the same as our moms. We can give that level of individualized care.

ERIN DALY

M OTH E R O F FO U R AN D G R ATE FU L PATI E NT O F TH E WO M E N & C H I LD R E N'S C E NTE R Erin Daly has spent plenty of time at Vail Valley Medical Center. And there’s no place she’d rather be when it’s time to welcome a new Daly into the world.

By now, the 37-year-old Maryland native has been living, working and playing in the Valley for nearly 15 years. She’s had four kids in that time, and all were born at VVMC, beginning with her eldest, 7-year-old Asher.

When it was time for Asher’s birth, Erin and her husband, Kevin, didn’t think twice about going to the hospital in their adopted hometown. Erin entrusted her prenatal care to Dr. Kent Petrie, a longtime family medicine physician, who has since retired.

“He’s been like a dad to me,” Erin said of Dr. Petrie, who is known throughout the Valley as Saint Petrie. “VVMC was just an amazing facility and I knew for sure that was where I wanted to go. I didn’t even really think about going anywhere else.”

Dr. Petrie was with the young and growing family ever since then, helping Erin welcome 6-year-old Selah, 4-year-old Jesse and 1-yearold Josiah to the family. All four siblings were born in private rooms with only their mom, dad, doctor and trusted nurses, just like all children born at the hospital. You could call it the Dalys’ extended VVMC family.

“I feel like when I go back, I’m going back to see my friends,” Erin said of the nurses and doctors she’s come to know so well. “It’s been a pleasant experience every time. One of the most exciting parts of being pregnant is going back to the hospital to have my babies. I joke with my husband that we should have a fifth child so I can go see everyone.”

Nurse Andrea Kuester presents Josiah Daly to his siblings — September 2014.

One of the most exciting parts of being pregnant is going back to the hospital to have my babies. I joke with my husband that we should have a fifth child so I can go see everyone.

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OUR C R OW D

THE FOUNDATION History of giving helps VVMC better serve our community by stephen lloyd wood

A

s a n i n d e p e n d e n t,

nonprofit medical center, Vail Valley Medical Center relies on philanthropy to purchase state-of-the-art equipment, attract and retain top-tier medical staff and fund a wide range of programs and services offered to the community and visitors worldwide.

Philanthropy, in fact, has played a significant role in the hospital’s growth from a small clinic in Vail Village with one-full time physician to perhaps the most modern mountain healthcare system in the world.

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Dr. Jack Eck (center) with Brandon Mays, the original manager of Jack's Place, and and Mary Randall, an instrumental member of the Shaw Outreach Team, at the ribbon cutting ceremony of Jack's Place in 2007.

From local fundraisers like a tennis tournament hosted by Sheika Gramshammer years ago to purchase a defibrillator for the hospital to single donations, estate planning and large events like Pink Vail, VVMC’s history is rich with stories of philanthropy.

"Community support at all levels has made a profound impact on our capabilities as a community hospital with a global impact," says Dr. Jack Eck, who in 1971 became Vail's third full-time doctor — and who can recall nearly every major contribution that changed the future of healthcare in Eagle County.

ONGOING PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS: • Howard Head Sports Medicine Fellowship Program — Funds two fellows for a year of education at Howard Head Sports Medicine.

• Free community education programs and health screenings.

• Funding for underserved patient care.

• ThinkFirst — An education program to prevent head injuries; gives free helmets and car safety seats for children throughout the community.

• Free accommodations for patients at Jack’s Place.

— Vail Valley Medical Center Foundation

Philanthropic gifts in recent years have made the following technology, programs and services possible at VVMC:

2013

Shaw Regional Cancer Center

"The hospital benefits immensely from that revenue stream, and the community has been very generous.”

‘SHE ASKED HOW SHE COULD HELP’ One of Dr. Eck's most treasured memories of generosity is from 1980, when a Vail resident was getting tired of driving her partner to Denver for medical treatments on a regular basis. As a result, she took him to see Dr. Eck in Vail instead and was very thankful for the care that followed.

"We didn't have any hospital beds, nor did we have an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). You can't do surgery without an ICU," Dr. Eck says. "One day, she asked how she could help, and she wound up giving us money to build an ICU." ORTHOPAEDIC EXCELLENCE Soon thereafter, in 1987, ski and racquet sports icon Howard Head and his wife, Martha — early investors in Vail who'd sought healthcare from Dr. Eck and his colleagues over the years — donated $1 million to the hospital that ultimately led to the creation of the “Howard Head Physical Therapy Clinic.”

Now known as Howard Head Sports Medicine, it continues to grow with the community, with 10 clinics in both Eagle and Summit counties that serve not only residents but visitors and athletes from around the world who trust Vail as a center of orthopaedic excellence.

"Its cache is very important to Vail, of course," Dr. Eck adds.

"And that million dollars from the Heads would be worth many times that now."

HISTORICAL DONATION More recently, Shaw Regional Cancer Center, which opened its doors in Edwards in 2001, is the result of the largest donation in the hospital’s history. Longtime Vail residents Harold “Hal” Shaw, Sr. and his wife, Mary Louise, gave nearly $18 million to build the cancer center. The story behind that donation actually began decades earlier too, Dr. Eck says, when their son, Harold Shaw, Jr., died in an automobile accident on Vail Pass during a snowstorm.

“Hal, Sr. donated money to the clinic in his son's name, and the patient unit was named the Hal Shaw, Jr. Patient Care Unit,” Dr. Eck says.

As the Shaws were preparing to leave Vail for warmer temperatures, they asked again, “What can we do?” And with Dr. Eck’s guidance, they donated the funds to build Shaw, which today serves the community, the region and beyond.

GIVING THEIR TIME Supporters of VVMC have been generous with their time, as well.

The Shaw Outreach Team (SOT), for example, was instrumental in the creation of Jack’s Place, a cancer caring lodge and welcoming second home for patients receiving care at Shaw Regional Cancer Center.

When the SOT heard about a patient sleeping in his pickup truck between cancer treatments — "an older guy, a radiation patient, who said there was no place to stay in the winter, and he couldn't afford a hotel," Dr. Eck explains — they rallied to raise $4 million to design and build a permanent housing facility next to the cancer center, with Dr. Eck as its namesake.

“Those folks were the kind of people who, as I've always said, ‘give 'em an idea and get out of the way,’” Dr. Eck explains of the SOT.

Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) Linear Accelerator: Targets radiation directly into cancerous tissue.

2015

Cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology lab: For life-saving interventional cardiology.

2015

50+ automated external defibrillators, or DEFIBS, being installed throughout Eagle County, boosting the total number to close to 350.

2016

Automated breast ultrasound: Produces 3D imaging to improve quality of readings for those with dense breasts.

— Vail Valley Medical Center Foundation

‘HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?’ Now with its Master Facility Plan underway, which includes renovating and expanding its main campus in Vail, VVMC is refocusing its fundraising efforts to secure $75 million to help fund the $200 million project.

To meet this challenge and fund future growth, the hospital has established a fully staffed fundraising organization – the Vail Valley Medical Center Foundation.

“The Foundation serves a vital role in identifying and partnering with grateful patients and community members who want to support the hospital," says the Foundation's president, Dan Pennington. "We provide the structure to make it easier for them to give back to the community.

“If someone asks me what I do, I tell them I have the best job in the world. Our doctors, nurses, caregivers and researchers wake up every morning and think to themselves, 'how can I help my patients get better faster?' On the other hand, we have philanthropists who get up in the morning and think, ‘how can I make a difference in the world?'" Pennington adds.

“We have the privilege of matching up these individuals and their goals, and helping enhance healthcare in Eagle County and the region.

That’s why the Foundation exists.”

HOW TO GIVE For more information on giving to Vail Valley Medical Center, contact the Foundation at (970) 569-7766, or make a donation through VVMC’s website at vvmc.com/waystogive.

VVMC's new cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology lab

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THANK YOU! THANK YOU! For 50 years, the community has supported VVMC through fundraisers, volunteer opportunities and personal donations. For so many people's dedication and generosity, we are grateful!

clockwise, from top left: VVMC Volunteer Corps member Joyce Chizmadia at one of many bake sales that raise funds for medical programs and equipment at VVMC. Thousands of participants and donors from around the world helped raise funds for Pink Vail, benefiting patient care and programs like "Spirit of Survival" at Shaw Regional Cancer Center. Men (and women!) raised awareness and funds for Shaw Regional Cancer Center at Eat, Drink & Be Manly in November. Dave Portman, Ellen Moritz, Leslie Pavelich and Jeff Apps at Scramble Against Cancer Golf Tournament, hosted by the Sonnenalp of Vail Foundation. Eagle River Fire Protection District wore pink t-shirts throughout the month of October to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Shaw Regional Cancer Center. Suzy Donohue, Greer and Jack Gardner, Doe Browning and Jack Hunn at VVMC’s Donor Appreciation event.

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NATASHA HOPKINS

PHOTO BY NATASHA HOPKINS

clockwise, from top left: 3rd-5th graders from Eagle County Charter Academy’s Girls on the Run program raised funds for Jack’s Place and literally ran a check from school to Jack’s. The Breckenridge National Repertory Orchestra hosted a “pink” concert in support of Shaw Regional Cancer Center. Brook Richards, Charla Blizzard and Jennifer Bradbury at Pinktoberfest, hosted by The Dusty Boot in Eagle to raise awareness and funds for Shaw Regional Cancer Center during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. George Johnson; Mary Sue Shannon, Event Chair; Mike Shannon, Vail Health Services Board Chair; Tim Shannon; Susanna Johnson Shannon and Geordy Johnson at the 35th annual Family Dinner Dance, which raised funds for research, education and patient care at Howard Head Sports Medicine. The Eagle County Fair & Rodeo's Tough Enough to Wear Pink to raise awareness for breast cancer, with funds benefiting Shaw Regional Cancer Center. Members of the Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group Board, co-founder Brenda Himelfarb, Linda Lund, Nikki Denton, Jessica Denton, Joyce Bradley, co-founder Patti Weinstein, Heidi Bricklin and Frances Karsh, who hosted Bradazzled, an event to raise awareness and funds for Sonnenalp Breast Center at Shaw. Sara Charles; Shaw Outreach Team board member Suzy Donohue; Dr. Patti Hardenbergh, radiologist at Shaw Regional Cancer Center; Chris and Mary Randall; and Linda Pancratz at the annual Hike, Wine & Dine, which raises funds for Jack’s Place and Shaw.

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CHRIS JARNOT Why Support Our Community Hospital?

D

uring an interview

with Vail Valley Medical Center Foundation staff, Vail Mountain’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Jarnot talks about why he believes it’s so important for our community to support Vail Valley Medical Center.

Jarnot is a board member of VVMC. vvmc foundation: What does VVMC mean to the Vail Valley?

chris jarnot: In any community, excellent medical care is essential.

VVMC’s founders believed this when they created the hospital 50 years ago, and it’s just as true today.

Providing high-quality care close by also reassures our guests they will receive the best care possible. vvmc foundation: Why should people support VVMC? cj: Before I joined the hospital’s board of directors, I didn’t understand why people need to support a hospital, outside of using its services and paying bills. I now realize how lucky we are to have access to so many specialists that normally wouldn’t be available in a small, rural community like ours. These services are possible only because VVMC is an independent, nonprofit hospital. It’s unlikely they would be available if the hospital was part of a large healthcare system. vvmc foundation: What does the recent partnership between VVMC and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute mean to our community? cj: With VVMC and SPRI partnering more closely, research can now move from bench to bedside faster. This means our patients will receive the most advanced, evidence-based care sooner. vvmc foundation: Why is the renovation and expansion of VVMC necessary? cj: Completely updating and expanding the current facility will provide huge benefits to the community. In fact, when construction is complete,

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VVMC AND SPRI KICK OFF CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Vail Valley Medical Center and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute are embarking on a combined campaign called "Together: A Campaign for a Healthy, Active Tomorrow." The goal of this four-year effort is $75 million.

Priorities include: • Investing in regenerative research and creation of the Center for Regenerative Sports Medicine • Updating and expanding the VVMC facility in Vail with: - Upgraded patient care units - Improved and expanded trauma and critical care areas - Expanded sports medicine and research labs - Relocated helipad - Expanding community outreach programs and education services

the hospital will have increased its square footage by 50 percent to accommodate the area’s growing population.

Patients will receive care in a modern, state-of-the-art environment. It’s what they expect and deserve. The expansion and renovation build the foundation for even better patient care, medical research and health and education in the Vail Valley.

DEBBIE KING FORD Paying it Forward - And Coming Full Circle

W

h e n s h aw r e g i o n a l c a n c e r c e n t e r

opened in the fall of 2001, Vail resident Debbie King Ford — who had undergone a lumpectomy earlier that year at VVMC, followed by radiation in Denver — wanted to help other women battling breast cancer. She joined the Shaw Outreach Team, the SOT, a group of volunteers throughout the community, many of whom have survived cancer.

SOT’s founders went to Dr. Patti Hardenbergh, the thennew director of the cancer center, and asked, “What do you need?”

“Housing,” Dr. Hardenbergh replied. “I’ve got out-oftown patients sleeping in their cars.”

The SOT took the need to heart. In less than a year, they raised $4.5 million to build a warm, lodge-like facility for Shaw cancer patients and their caregivers. The group named it “Jack’s Place” in honor of Dr. Jack Eck, who had played a pivotal role in creating the cancer center.

At that point — the money raised, the facility built — King Ford rotated off the SOT board and moved on to other causes. “Mission accomplished,” she thought. All done with cancer.

Except she wasn’t.

A routine mammogram in October 2014 showed microcalcifications in King Ford’s left breast: clusters of tiny white dots that can be an early sign, sometimes the only early sign, of breast cancer. “I was stunned,” she recalls. “I’m healthy. Really healthy. Ski-all-day healthy.

Bicycle-over-Vail-Pass healthy."

She’s also decisive. One day after the call about her mammogram, King Ford met with Shaw's multidisciplinary tumor board to discuss her prognosis and treatment.

“I’d had radiation back in 2001,” she says, “so that wasn’t an option this time.”

Two weeks later, taking no chances, King Ford had a double mastectomy and preliminary reconstructive surgery. Thanks to Shaw’s comprehensive facilities and specialists, she didn’t have to leave Vail.

King Ford liked the convenience; she loved the care she received. “The service was impeccable,” she says. “The doctors, the nurses, the nurse navigator—everyone was wonderful. And I was so thrilled and honored that the facilities I’d helped raise money for could be the place I got my treatment.”

The doctors, the nurses, the nurse navigator— everyone was wonderful.

And I was so thrilled and honored that the facilities I’d helped raise money for could be the place I got my treatment.

OUR C R OW D

V VMC 2015 DONORS FISCAL YEAR 2015 NOV 1, 2014 THROUGH OCT 31, 2015

V VMC PL ATINUM SOCIET Y $100,000.00 AND ABOVE Susu and George Johnson, Jr. Molly and Jay Precourt Mary Sue and Mike Shannon Shaw Outreach Team Sally Veitch

V VMC GOLD MEDALLION SOCIET Y $50,000.00 – $99,999 Ann Smead and Michael Byram Susan and Christopher Congalton Betsy and Bud Knapp Katharine and Roy Plum Sonnenalp of Vail Foundation

V VMC SILVER MEDALLION SOCIET Y $25,000 - $49,999 Karen Berndt Doe Browning Amy and Steve Coyer Craig Foley Marjorie Anne Roberts Estate Peggy Fossett The Willard T.C. Johnson Foundation, Inc. Doris and John Kirchner Nexgen Hyperbaric LLC Susan and Steve Suggs Vail Valley Surgery Center, LLC

GORDON AND THELMA BRIT TAN SOCIET Y FOUNDER’S LEVEL $15,000 - $24,999 Anonymous Ann Newman and Andy Arnold Kathy and Erik Borgen Kelly and Sam Bronfman II April and Art Carroll Encore Electric Thomas Claugus Michele and Tony Hannan Mary Ellen and Gates Hawn Judy and John Angelo Sara and Eric Resnick Sheila Sullivan and Harvey Simpson Linda and Stewart Turley Barbara and Richard Wenninger

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PRESIDENT’S LEVEL $5,000 - $14,999 Alpine Bank Anonymous Apollo MD Barbara and Jack Benson Bertini and Mel Bergstein Katie and Bill Weave Charlotte and Kent Brittan Lilia and Nicholas Brown Centennial Bank Alison and Tim McAdam V Kay and Thomas Clanton, MD Caryn Clayman Anne Collins Colorado Cancer Coalition Angela and Peter Dal Pezzo Lucinda and Andy Daly Carol and Gerry Darver Mary and David Davies Lucy and Ron Davis Lisa Dennis Denver Health & Hospital Foundation Fred Distelhorst, DDS Diversified Radiology of Colorado Suzy and Jim Donohue Duane Morris, LLP Cathe and Chip Dyer Kathleen and Jack Eck, MD FirstBank of Colorado Debbie King Ford and Rob Ford El Pomar Foundation Marsha Brown and Michael Fischer Greer and Jack Gardner Catherine Garland GE Johnson Construction Company Tracy McCoy Gillette Donna Giordano Grafton Enterprises LLC Martha Head HealthONE Gwynnie And Riley Hogle James C. Allen Charitable Foundation Bruce Jarvis Alexia and Jerry Jurschak Amy and Carter Keller Elaine and Arthur Kelton, Jr. Peter Kompaniez Patrice and Ron Lara Tara and Bob Levine Irmgard and Charles Lipcon Deb and Dan Luginbuhl Brenda and Joe McHugh

Liz and Luc Meyer Sarah and Peter Millett, MD Lindsey Nelson, MD Joyce and Jim Nielsen Pauls Family Foundation, Inc. Pam and Dan Pennington Senenne and Marc Philippon, MD Ann and Richard Rothkopf Joan and George Schmidt Elise and Paul Schmidt Cynthia Reese and W. Grant Williams III The Steadman Clinic/ The Steadman Philippon Research Institute William Sterett, MD Carol and Hans Storr Town of Gypsum Town of Vail Laura and Keith Tucker John Tyler US Bank Vail Avalanche Dogs Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Summit Emergency Physicians Vail Summit Orthopaedics VVMC Volunteer Corps Jim Wear

BENEFAC TORS LEVEL $1,000 - $4,999 Jennifer and David Adkins Sara and John Almond Alpine Party Rentals Mary Ellen Anderson Steven Anderson Amy and Cliff Aronson Astra Zeneca AXA Foundation Richard Badenhausen Jane Barber Laura and Len Berlik Charmayne and Chas Bernhardt Martha and Bill Bevan, Jr., MD Sue and Sidney Blandford III Kara and Farley Bolwell Anthony Borg Randi Borgen John Boudreau Eleanor and Gus Bramante IV Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival Kathy and David Brewer Noelle Brock Virginia Browning Tom Burch

Susan and Graham Burton Cristina and Ron Byrne Carolyn and Gary Cage, MD Katie and David Campbell Peggy Carey Peter Carmen Christie and Steve Carver Taylor Cave and James Cave Patsy and Pedro Cerisola Cerner Corporation Don Chappel Sara and Michael Charles Kathy Langenwalter and Dick Cleveland Peter Cobos Kathleen Cole Tad Cole Colorado Mountain Medical, P.C. Laura Cook Jean and Paul Corcoran, DDS Barbara Cosgrove Country Club of the Rockies Paige and Chris Cumming Judi and Gen. Peter Dawkins, (Ret.) Anne and Dale Decker Sharon Dennis Jacqueline and John Deveric Maryanne Diaz Gail and Carl Dietz Lorna Donatone Jane and Matt Donovan Irene and Jared Drescher Dusty Boot Steakhouse and Saloon Eagle County Board of Commissioners Eagle County Junior Livestock Sales Eagle Valley Community Fund East West Resorts Edwards Building Center Peggy and Gary Edwards Jane and Stan Edwards Gail and James Ellis Pamela and Ernest Elsner Michele and Chris Evans Fairfield County Bank Jean and David Farmelo Sallie and Robert Fawcett Dave Firenza Cookie and Jim Flaum Stephanie and Lawrence Flinn Susan and Harry Frampton III Joan Francis Helen and Bob Fritch Patricia and David Fritz Nancy Brooke Gage Diane and Tom Gates Genentech Rose and George Gillett Mimi Glode, MD and Michael Glode, MD Paula Gold The Golden Bear Lyn Goldstein Becka and Stuart Green Alison and Michael Greene Jeanne and Jim Gustafson Anne and Harry Gutman Valerie and Robert Gwyn Rol Hamelin Michael Hammer Mitchell Hankin Linda and Christopher Hanson Stephanie and John Hanson Haselden Construction

Head/Tyrolia Winter Sports, USA Heery Design, Inc. Deborah Wittman and Rik Heid Jeanne and William Hellegas Betsy and Mike Henritze Lucy Hibbard Lorraine and Harley Higbie High Country Copiers Clairlee Hawn Hirsch and Robert Hirsch Pam and Steve Holton Honest Engine LLC Tracy Horn Nancy and Charlie Hovey Verna and Tom Howard Heather and Jim Hughes Carol and Richard Hunton Rossie and John Hutcheson Jackson Building Company Shelly and Chris Jarnot Cheryl and Bill Jensen Kathryn and Calvin Johnson Carter and Geordy Johnson Mary Heinen and Drew Jones Gretchen and John Jordan II June and Peter Kalkus Patty and Stanton Kamens Catherine and Peter Kane Kaplan Financial Services Diane Pitt and Mitchell Karlin Charlene and Leroy Kirby Joyce and Paul Krasnow Ron Kruszewski Margie and Lawrence Kyte, Jr. Muffin and John Lemak Argie Ligeros and Pat Tierney Vicki and Kent Logan Ann and William Loper Janet Loring Stanley Whitemore Nancy and Richard Lubin Luigi’s Pasta House Lululemon USA, Inc. Lynne and Peter Mackechnie Nancy and Ron Marshall Margaret and Peter Mason Dana and Brian Maurer, DPM May Family Foundation Maya Restaurant George Mayer Chuck McArthur Lori and Michael McCaffrey Ingrid and Sean McGinley Melanie and Tim McMichael Peg and Ag Meek Michael Meints Carolyn and Eugene Mercy Leigh and John Middleton Anne and James Millett Cindy Moen Lisa Monaco Elizabeth and Ern Mooney Tyler Miller Jeanne and Dale Mosier Mountain Beverage Company Judy and Robert Meuleman Irene Nelson Nichols Interactive Maury Niebur Northern Trust Marge and Phil Odeen Barbara and Preston Parish Henry Parker Pediatrix/MEDNAX Services, Inc. Lisa Dillon and Jay Peterson

Darci and Hap Pool Ann and Ralph Poucher Judith Pyle and Wayne Pitluck Gretchen Price Nancy Quisenberry Paul Raether Gretchen and Robert Ravenscroft The Real Ladies of the Vail Valley Sharon and Vern Ritzman, MD John Roberts Margaret Rosenquist Barbara and Howard Rothenberg Thea Jean and Fred Rumford Karen Ryan Brent Sands Chelle Schane Barbara Schane-Jackson Suzanne and Bernard Scharf George Schmidt Elaine and Steven Schwartzreich Peggy and Tony Sciotto Patricia and Dale Seal Sandra and Kenneth Seward Susanna Johnson Shannon and Timothy Shannon Marshall Short Don Sjostrom Slifer Smith & Frampton Foundation Devon DeCrausaz and Rick Smith Pamela and Richard Smith Patricia and William Smith, Jr. Margie and Larry Snow Robyn Specthrie The Squash Blossom Arianthe and Paul Stettner Evelyn and Barry Strauch Tom Swarsen Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. Cindy Taylor Kenneth Taylor Nancy and Jon Tellor The Tivoli Lodge Jean Urquhart, MD and Alec Urquhart, MD US Bank Vail Breakaways Vail Catering Concepts Vail Pinball Association Vail Radio Partners Vail Valley Dental Care Lois and John Van Deusen Jackie Hurlbutt and Norman Waite, Jr. Judy and Phil Walters Jill and Robert Warner, Jr. Jan and Stephen Watson Jim Wayne Ben Welsh Betsy and George Wiegers Christine and Patrick Wilhelm Jane and Thomas Wilner Andrea and Gary Yetman

SUPPORTERS $500 - $999 Rebecca Adochio, MD and William Adochio AGRB Holdings, LLC Jackie Anthony Lisa Appel Virginia and Ronald Askew Joseph Audie

Bryan Austin Gretchen and Judd Babcock Patricia and John Bailey Dierdre and Ronald Baker Renee Ballen Margo and Roger Behler Fredrick Behringer Tracey and David Bentley Ann and Hank Bernbaum Berry Creek Middle School Anthony Binsfeld Fred and Suzanne Boettcher Denise Delaney and Glenn Bourland Vicky and Garry Boxer Benjamin Boyd Robyn Boylan Dan Brajtbord, MD Dan Braun Dana and Thomas Braun Patti and Ronald Brave Thomas Brink Suzanne and Richard Bross Geraldine and Charles Campisi Jonah Cave Barbara Cecil Victoria and Clifton Chester Patti and John Cogswell Mary and Jeff Cohen Cindy Callaway and Matt Cole Judie and Richard Conn Michael Conroy Kathy and Steve Corneillier Caron and Charles Crevling Arlene and John Dayton Michelle Dhanda Jacqueline Dimitri Michel Dimitri Sue and Erik Dorf, MD Meg and Jamie Duke Eagle Valley Middle School Andrea Eddy Helen and Chris Edwards Lois and Stephen Eisen Jean Ellis Christine and Thomas Engleby e|town Diane and Larry Feldman Christine and William Ferguson Elizabeth and Jesse Fink Ellen and Bruce Fleisher Noreen and Darryl Flores Dawn and Tim Force Michelle and Brian Foster Sally and Crosby Foster II Tim Foulk Julie and Mark Fox Patricia and Peter Frechette Neil Freder Guerin Fritzlen Grace and Stephen Gamble Gary Geiger Amy Gish Terri and Scott Glasser, MD Carol and Ron Goldman Carol and Charles Goolsbee Margaret and Thomas Gorrie Lynn and John Gottlieb, MD Grace Church School Rainy and Fred Green Lisa and Jerry Greenberg, MD Robert L. Grundy Jeanne D. Gustafson Philip Hadley Kathleen and George Haller Maggie Pavlik and John Halloran Patricia Hardenbergh, MD and Gordon Hardenbergh, MD

Katie Jane Hardenbergh Grace Harrigan Robert Hart Nicole T. Heiden Rebecca Hernreich Francesca Hetfield Hidden Valley Ski Team Margo and Paul Hields Julie Hinton Joanna and Gordon Hoffstein Heather Hogle Tracy Horn Roger Houck Nancy Lipsky and Bill House Steve Hyde Julie and Brice Jackson Patricia and Nicholas Jent Liz Jeplawy Sharon McKay Jewett and Clay Jewett Greg Johnson Jane Johnson JWE Designs, INC. Brice Karsh Lainie Edinburg and Joel Kaye James King Julie Kinne Lindsey and Travis Kirby Dani and Lee Klingenstein Linda and Mark Kogod Nancy and Carl Kreitler, Jr. Joyce and Paul Krasnow Lissa Tyler and Mike Larson Christina and Josh Lautenberg Dawn Leeds Nancy Luley Kelly and David Lyle Lyle Project Solutions Gena Buhler and Zach Mahone Linda Malone Michael Mangan Maximum Comfort Pool & Spa Inc. Heather and JP McInerny Kasia and George McNeill, Jr., PsyD Stacey Boltz and Andrew Meltz Anna Menz Valerie and Gary Mesch Lisa and Bill Middlebrook Ellen Mitchell Allison and Russell Molina Jody and Jeff Morgan Paul Morrissey Motherloaded Tavern Hazel and Matthew Murray, Jr. Vicki and Trygve Myhren Robert Newman Wendy and Skip Nichamin Margaret B. Nicholls Northeastern University Dorothy and Henry Norton O’BOS Enterprises, LLC Kevin O’Brien Jaime and Luke O’Brien Paula and Prentice O’Leary Katy Orr Palm Restaurant Kerry and Robbie Pearson Genevieve and George Peirce Kimber and Carlos Peralta Perch Vail Jack Piccininni Holly and Buck Elliott Jill and Kevin Plancher, MD Brook and David Portman Hattit and Robert Potts, Jr, MD Georgia and Robert Pourchot

Amanda Precourt Herbert J. Prince Tori Ragen Ann Ramert Mary and Christopher Randall Jeremy Randall Anne Reed Michele and Jeffrey Resnick, MD Rebecca Richmond Riding With Cosimo Anne and Ron Riley Ginny Roberts Rodeno Family Foundation, Inc. Jamie Roosa Kerry and David Ruttum, MD Wendy Sacks Bobi Salzman Karen Sather Lana and Marvin Schilling Matt Schulte Diane and Louis Schultz Betsy and Walt Seabert Sue and Douglas Sewell Patricia Shanks Thomas Shaw David Shea Marsha and Edwin Sherry Priscilla O’Neil and Peter Sieglaff Manolita Smith Elizabeth and Matt Spohn Joan and Frank Stasiowski Hermann Staufer Kathryn Stephenson Pat and Larry Stewart Ben Stone, Phd Mark Syracusa Dhuanne and Douglas Tansill Nancy and John Tellor Janet and Paul Testwuide Michelle and Matt Spidell Gerald and Deana Stempler Stephen Tomlinson Florence Fitgerald and Mitchell Toms Thi Tran, MD Laurence Trotter Linda and Stewart Turley Rosie and Robert Tutag Twin Beeches Foundation Vail Vitality Center Pasquale Varra Jeanne Varwig Doug Vogt Diane Voytko, MD and Jarrett Osborn Janis Wackenhut Ward and Roger Ward Joy and Benjamin Warren Wells Fargo Private Bank Dee and Wayne Wenzel, MD Leslie White Judy L. Wilner Virginia Wood Kenneth Wright Susan and Ronald Zapletal Barbara Zorich

TRIBUTE DONORS IN HONOR OF Kristen L. Bell Patricia and David Fritz Barbara L. W. Benson Elise and Victor Micati Jubal E. Bobb Henry Parker

Carmen Celiz Susan and Robert Baker, Jr. Susan Cline Henry Parker Jacqueline and William Congalton Susan and Christopher Congalton Edward L. Dent, MD Anna Policastri Jim Dillon Lisa Dillon and Jay Peterson Joseph S. Dillon Lisa Dillon and Jay Peterson Suzy Donohue Nancy MezeyGroff and Neal Groff Victoria and Steven

Jacobson Stanley Whitemore Jack Eck, MD Thomas Bowers Nancy and Charlie Hovey Pam and Dan Pennington Patricia Riggin Amy Roth, PhD Kathleen and Jack Eck, MD Cynthia Strauss and Harry Sherr James Eckert Matthew Farley John Paul S. Elton, MD Anne LivingstonGarrett Debbie King Ford Suzanne Sloan Reginald J. Franciose, MD April and Art Carroll Mary Ann Johnston Lawrence W. Gaul, MD Carol and John MacLean Ed Rubenstein, CHFC Sarah H. Giovagnoli, OD Henry Parker Stephen E. Godar, MD John Stetzer, III Thomas R. Hackett, MD John Feagin, MD Martha Head Barry T. Hammaker, MD Laura and Alexander Webb III Patricia H. Hardenbergh, MD John Feagin, MD Martha Head Karen and Buck Klugh Henry Parker Lorraine M. Haslee Nina and Robert Bandoni Sam Horan Stanley Schlosser Robert R. Jarnot Marcie Kittay Jerilyn and Albert Teplin Cheryl Kohn, DO Linda and Timothy Beringer, Sr. Lawrence Kyte, Jr. Sally and Wil Hergenrader Teri Lebeau Barbara and Bob Rosen Ronald Linton, MD Christiane Gras Anne M. Martin Patricia and David Fritz Peter J. Millett, MD Carolyn Meadow S Jason Moore, PhD Laura and Alexander Webb III

Scott W. Nagely, MD Laura and Alexander Webb III Rick Navarrete Jeanne and Rick Navarrete Norman D. Numerof Nancy Baumer Jennifer Reed Dana Whelan Ann F. Rothkopf Elise and Victor Micati John P. Schilling Lana and Marvin Schillling Judy Sibley Gretchen M. Sibley William I. Sterett, MD Jacqueline and Robert Kavanagh Lisa Stoffel Phyllis Shapiro Debra Stull Debra and David Stull Marj and Art Tichenor Susan and Christopher Congalton Suzanne Torris John Feagin, MD Martha Head Katharine and Roy Plum Alexander T. Urquhart, MD Debra Deverell Karen and Buck Klugh Angela Van Dyke Henry Parker Randall W. Viola, MD Judith and Robert Sadilek VVMC Volunteer Corps Kelley and Michael Gottlieb Hilary WelchPetrowski Henry Parker Wayne Wenzel, MD John Feagin, MD Martha Head Allison Worl Patricia and David Fritz

TRIBUTE DONORS IN MEMORY OF F. Don Allen Marilyn Eck John H. Bennett Mary and Joseph Harker Jo Brown Carolyn Swanepoel Barney Dill Marlene Kearney Gregory H. Hampton Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation Alice Price Gerry Hawthorne Tammy and Dave Armitage Yvette Held Patti Held Steven Holland Mary Lou and Robert Armour Betsy Bowling Marcia A. Busse Melanie and Richard Chancellor Helen and Robert Chancellor Joanne and Jac Donald Dorothy and Virgil Drohman Sue Gilbert Malin Johnsdotter-Zeltman

Steven Holland (Cnt'd) Debra and Randy Korbelik Linda J. Miller Deb and Don Schaver Eric Simon Pam and Peter Warren Anna and J. Bruce Yanke Paul R. Johnston Peter Abuisi Gretchen and Barry Florescue Steve Landry Jan and Lawrence Landry Gary Leeds Kelli and Jeffrey Bailey Charmayne and Chas Bernhardt Kathleen and David Cope Debra Deverell Martha Grant Kulenkamp Living Trust Alice Leeds Vicki Lickteig Laura and Stephen Muehleck Laurel Sapper Judith Stang Philip Liebowitz Sheila E. Liebowitz Paul Maloney Mary Bochain-Maloney Noah B. Mills Ellen and Tyler Dawson Ms. Jackie Kennedy-Wood Mona NaughtonDuch Diane Morris-Rabe Mikaela Romano Joyce and Jim Nielsen Norma Schlosser Phyllis and Larry K. Perry Chuck Schmidt Charles Tamblyn Joan Schmidt The Home Depot Foundation George Schmidt Joe Smead Jim Jones Madelyn Thomas Hollie and Richard Hood Eve Karazikas Exarhakis Barbara and Bob Rosen Elizabeth Voltz Karen Shupe and Norman Bowles Roberta and Thomas C. Sipe Julie Whitaker Charmayne and Charles Bernhardt Stanley L. Whittemore Nancy MezeyGroff and Neal Groff Betty Winkler Mary Jo and Jim Steiert Geno Yellico Robert Rathbun Wilfred C. Yeo Patricia Riggin

STEINBERG SOCIET Y Cary and Edward Carlson Kathy Langenwalter and Dick Cleveland Kathleen and Jack Eck, MD Elizabeth Anne Hintz Elaine and Arthur Kelton, Jr. Linda Pancratz Suzanne and Bernard Scharf Linda and Craig Wescoatt 2 016

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OUR C R OW D

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OUT IN THE

COM MUNIT Y

this page: clockwise, from top left: VVMC’s Human Resources team helps clean up Vail Mountain for summer operations; Vice President of Howard Head Sports Medicine Nico Brown competes at the GoPro Mountain Games; VVMC's Liz Pyke, Jeanne Stough, Dr. Steve Yarberry, Dr. Reg Franciose and Christine Albertson at the LG Tri; Admissions Representative Cathy Vecchio with "Blizzard," VVMC’s Sun Safety Dog, at Vail America Day’s 4th of July Parade; Dr. Rebecca Adochio gives a presentation on endocrinology at one of VVMC’s free speaker series; PA Tania Engle provides free physicals to nearly 250 high school athletes; VVMC’s Injury Prevention Coordinator Kim Greene fits a child’s helmet at Wild West Days. opposite page: clockwise, from top left: Members of VVMC’s mountain biking team; Director of Marketing Michael Holton and his rafting partner Jens Werner at Vail Recreation District's Whitewater Race Series; VVMC’s softball team, the Scrubs; Norma Marquez, Sarah Miranda and Nate Blanks with VVMC’s Mobile Medical Training Lab at the Wings & Wheels Festival in Eagle; Nico Brown volunteers at the Summer Food Service Program; VVMC nurses volunteer at the 9Health Fair.

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MEDIC AL DIREC TORY

W

hile it ’s sometimes uncommon to find a wide array of medical services in a rural setting like Eagle County, VVMC believes in providing quality healthcare in the communities where our patients and their families need it the most. With over 350 physicians, services are offered in Eagle and Summit counties, including urgent care facilities in Gypsum and Avon, as well as specialty clinics for cardiology, endocrinology, internal medicine, cancer diagnosis and treatment, physical therapy and plastic surgery. The main campus in the heart of Vail is a Level III Trauma Center, Level II Nursery, 58-bed hospital and home to some of the world’s most celebrated surgeons.

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A demonstration of Shaw Regional Cancer Center's Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) Linear Accelerator.

AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

BREAST HEALTH

Vail Institute for Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

See Cancer Diagnostics & Care

www.vvmc.com/plastics 320 Beard Creek Road, 2nd Floor Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 569-7656

Sonnenalp Breast Center, Shaw Breast Center & Cancer Clinic

CANCER DIAGNOSTICS & CARE Shaw Regional Cancer Center www.shawcancercenter.com

Dr. Jeffrey Resnick is a boardcertified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience.

Applying the latest innovations in plastic surgery, Dr. Resnick specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breast and body contouring.

322 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 569-7429 Shaw Regional Cancer Center provides high-quality, compassionate cancer care that’s close to home. Patients are drawn to Shaw by our

M E D I C A L D I R E C TO RY

impeccable reputation, Ivy League doctors and top-of-the line equipment – including the latest Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) Linear Accelerator and 3D Mammography. But it’s the rest of the care – courtesy of a dietitian, exercise physiologists, social worker, genetic counselor, nurse navigator and a complimentary 12-room cancer caring lodge in a stunning setting – that empowers cancer patients to become cancer survivors.

Sonnenalp Breast Center—Edwards www.vvmc.com/breasthealth 322 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 569-7690 Established in 2002, Sonnenalp Breast Center provides the most sophisticated technology available for breast imaging and diagnosis of breast cancer in the Rocky Mountains, including 3D Mammography.

The Breast Center features a relaxing, spa-inspired interior in a private setting.

Our knowledgeable and compassionate radiologists, patient navigator and mammography technologists provide the best care and expertise to guide patients in pursuit of breast health.

Jack’s Place www.vvmc.com/jacksplace 332 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 569-7644 Patients traveling to Shaw Regional Cancer Center for treatment are invited to stay with their caregiver at Jack’s Place, a cancer caring lodge.

Overlooking the spectacular Lake Creek Valley and peaks of the Sawatch Mountain Range, Jack’s Place features 12 luxurious private rooms, an inviting common living area, gourmet kitchen, library, yoga studio and massage rooms.

With a pay-what-you-can philosophy, guests are invited to take respite at Jack’s for the day or overnight, for as long

as they need. Jack’s Place was built and funded by the Shaw Outreach Team.

Shaw Breast Center & Cancer Clinic – Frisco www.shawcancercenter.com 323 West Main Street, Suite 101 Frisco, CO 80443 (970) 668-6400 Shaw Breast Center and Cancer Clinic in Frisco offers the latest in breast screening, including 3D Mammography, in a convenient Main Street location. The clinic also offers infusion treatments and provides the greatest knowledge and compassion for patients.

Shaw Regional Cancer Center, Sonnenalp Breast Center, Shaw Breast Center & Cancer Clinic and Jack’s Place are outpatient departments of Vail Valley Medical Center.

EAR, NOSE & THROAT Colorado Mountain Medical See Primary Care

ENDOCRINOLOGY Endocrinology Clinic www.vvmc.com/endo 322 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 477-5160 323 West Main Street, Suite 101 Frisco, CO 80443 (970) 668-6404 Vail Valley Medical Center's board-certified endocrinologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases related to the hormones of the endocrine system, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic and weight disorders, menopause and hormone therapy, osteoporosis, adrenal gland disorders and pituitary disease.

EYE CARE Eye Center of the Rockies www.eyecenterrockies.com 232 Broadway Street | Eagle, CO 81631 | (970) 928-0105 Eye Center of the Rockies provides eye care and ophthalmology, including

medical and surgical care for cataracts, glaucoma, retina and LASIK. Dr. Matthew Ehrlich is the only ophthalmologist who practices full-time in Eagle County and sees patients (including children) for routine eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions and contact lens fittings.

Not owned or operated by Vail Valley Medical Center.

EMERGENCY & URGENT CARE SERVICES IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 FOR IMMEDIATE HELP

Vail Valley Medical Center Emergency Department www.vvmc.com/emergency 181 W. Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 (970) 479-7225 Open Mon – Sun, 24 hrs Vail Valley Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) is a 24-hour facility staffed by board-certified emergency physicians. A Level III Trauma Center, emergency trauma care is provided to infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults and geriatrics.

Beaver Creek Medical Center 1280 Village Road Avon, CO 81620 (970) 949-0800 Open during ski season only Beaver Creek Medical Center is located in Beaver Creek Village.

The clinic offers emergency care services with a 12-bed treatment area, two of which are critical care. X-ray, lab services, occupational health services, wound care, orthopaedic and respiratory care are available. No appointment is needed. Open during ski season only.

Avon Urgent Care 230 Chapel Place Avon, CO 81620 (970) 949-6100

Gypsum Urgent Care 410 McGregor Drive Gypsum, CO 81637 (970) 777-2800 Avon and Gypsum Urgent Cares are both equipped to manage most emergency medical situations, including wound, orthopaedic and respiratory care.

They also feature critical care trained nurses, on-site x-ray and lab services such as urinalysis, quick strep, influenza, pregnancy, occult blood and glucose testing.

Appointments are not necessary.

TREATING: + Abrasions, bruises, scrapes and lacerations + Cough, cold, fever and flu symptoms + Respiratory or urinary tract infections + Ear, eye, nose and skin infections + Minor burns + Minor fractures + Sprains and strains + Intestinal illness, including dehydration

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Vail Valley Surgery Centers www.vvmc.com/surgery (970) 476-8872 181 W. Meadow Drive Vail, CO 8165 320 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 Vail Valley Surgery Centers are world-class, multi-specialty outpatient surgical centers, offering the finest state-of-theart technology, treatment and physician expertise.

Partially owned, but not operated,

by Vail Valley Medical Center.

For orthopaedic surgery, see orthopaedics.

Mountain Surgical Associates www.vvmc.com/surgeons (970) 479-5036 181 W. Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 322 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 337 Sylvan Lake Road Eagle, CO 81631 With some of the most respected surgeons in Colorado, Vail Valley Medical Center is home to Mountain Surgical Associates (MSA).

Known for their expertise in emergency and trauma care, MSA’s surgeons are experts in: • General surgery: abdominal, thoracic and endocrine • Cancer detection and prevention: colonoscopy and endoscopy • Cancer surgery: breast, colon and rectal,

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Wound & Ostomy Clinic www.vvmc.com/woundcare (970) 479-5036 181 W. Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 322 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 337 Sylvan Lake Road Eagle, CO 81631 Using advanced wound care treatments designed to accelerate the healing process and maximize patient comfort, the care team specializes in diabetic, venous stasis, arterial and pressure ulcers, as well as burns and trauma and surgical wounds. Physician referral is required.

VVMC's cardiologists, Dr. Jerry Greenberg and Dr. Nelson Prager, specialize in interventional cardiology and electrophysiology, respectively.

Vail Valley Medical Center’s Anticoagulation Clinic provides convenient care for patients taking warfarin (Coumadin®), heparin and low molecular weight heparin. The staff provides assessments, reviews and adjusts medications, checks for possible drug interactions, provides patient education and guides the management of blood thinners for invasive procedures.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

108 S. Frontage Road W. #206 Vail, CO 81657 337 Sylvan Lake Road Eagle, CO 81631

Cardiopulmonary Services

Cardiology Institute www.vvmc.com/cardiology (970) 476-1110

GENERAL SURGERY & WOUND CARE

Anticoagulation Clinic

Cardiac Rehabilitation delivers care to individuals who have experienced a significant heart event or are involved in the maintenance and prevention of further disease. Patients are closely monitored as they follow the guidance of trained professionals to improve strength and endurance.

HEART & LUNG

endocrine, lung and melanoma • Laparoscopic surgery: hernia repair, gall bladder, colon and reflux disease • Trauma/critical care: aroundthe-clock diagnostic and therapeutic care for critically ill and injured patients

allows cardiologists to visualize the arteries and chambers of the heart, treat abnormalities and diagnose and treat arrhythmias.

323 West Main Street, Suite 101 Frisco, CO 80443 Led by board-certified cardiologists, the Cardiology Institute offers adult cardiology services, including pacemaker implants and the management of coronary heart disease, hypertension, lipid disorders, arrhythmia, vulvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies and congestive heart failure.

Cardiac Diagnostics The Cardiology Institute provides a full range of cardiac diagnostic testing, including nuclear stress testing and stress echocardiograms. In addition, echocardiography, EKGs, CT angiograms and heart rhythm monitoring services are available.

Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Lab Vail Valley Medical Center's new cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology lab

www.vvmc.com/respiratory 181 W. Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 | (970) 479-7218 Cardiopulmonary medicine deals with the heart and lungs, specializing in respiratory care, cardiology, electroencephalography (EER) and sleep services.

Cardiopulmonary Services provides diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to routine and critical care clients. Dr. Samuel Brescia from Rocky Mountain Pediatric Cardiology offers a pediatric cardiology clinic, assisting patients with suspected or known heart disease from newborn to age 18.

INTERNAL MEDICINE Internal Medicine www.vvmc.com/internalmed (970) 477-3090 108 South Frontage Road West, Suite 306 | Vail, CO 81657

M E D I C A L D I R E C TO RY

320 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 323 West Main Street, Suite 101 Frisco, CO 80443 Vail Valley Medical Center’s board-certified internists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases in adults of all ages. They help patients achieve optimal health, as well as manage complex or life-threatening chronic illnesses. Women's health is also a focus. No referral is necessary, and all Medicare patients and most people with health insurance can receive an Annual Wellness Visit with 100 percent of the initial costs covered and no out-of-pocket expense to the patient.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & VACCINES Traveler’s Clinic www.vvmc.com/travel 230 Chapel Place, Unit D 101 Avon, CO 81620 (970) 569-7715

MEDICAL LIBRARY & PATIENT RESOURCE CENTER

VVMC’s Traveler’s Clinic is a full-service provider of immunizations, travel medication prescriptions, medical advice and documentation for world travelers. Immunizations offered include hepatitis A and B, influenza, yellow fever, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, rabies, meningococcal disease, tetanus/diphtheria, Japanese encephalitis, polio, typhoid fever and pneumococcal disease.

Kimberly’s Corner 181 West Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 Located in the atrium of Vail Valley Medical Center, Kimberly’s Corner is a patient resource center, as well as a place for patients, guests and employees to take respite.

The resource center is a peaceful setting and provides computers and select books and journals.

LABORATORY & BLOOD WORK

Medical Library at Shaw Regional Cancer Center

Laboratory www.vvmc.com/lab

www.vvmc.com/library

181 W. Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 (970) 479-7280

322 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 569-7607

Vail Valley Medical Center’s laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists and offers comprehensive testing.

The Edwards Medical Campus brings healthcare services to a convenient midValley location.

Free to the public, the Medical Library loans books, journals, magazines, audio books, videos and children’s materials. The wide-ranging, up-to-date

healthcare collection is open to patients and the community.

The library is home to the region’s only certified medical librarian and offers many personalized services, including reference, interlibrary loan and document delivery, material loans, databases and over 320 electronic journals.

OBSTETRICS/ GYNECOLOGY (OB/GYN) Colorado Mountain Medical www.cmmhealth.com (970) 476-7600 Colorado Mountain Medical is home to all five Eagle County OB/GYNs, specializing in women’s health, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, urinary incontinence, infertility and in-office procedures, including Essure.

Not owned or operated by Vail Valley Medical Center.

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Women and Children’s Center www.vvmc.com/childbirth 181 West Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 | (970) 479-7181 Vail Valley Medical Center’s Women and Children’s Center is a labor and delivery unit and Level II Nursery, equipped to handle most babies born after 32 weeks or full-term babies with health concerns. Home to pediatric specialists and neonatal nurse practitioners, the center also offers lactation counseling and childbirth classes, including natural birth seminars, breastfeeding, “I Love My Sibling,” and more.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND WORKERS COMPENSATION Occupational Health Clinic www.vvmc.com/occmed 181 West Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 | (970) 479-5085 230 Chapel Place, Unit D 101 Avon, CO 81620 | (970) 569-7715

Occupational medicine offers services specialized to the needs of employees and employers. Common services include physical exams, drug screening, injury prevention programs and vaccination programs, as well as custom programs built for the particular needs of each workplace.

ORTHOPAEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

Not owned or operated by Vail Valley Medical Center.

Peak One Drive, Suite 180 Frisco, CO 80443 (970) 668-3633

www.sprivail.org

See Physical Therapy

181 West Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 | (970) 479-9797

The Steadman Clinic www.thesteadmanclinic.com 181 West Meadow Drive, Suites 400 & 200 Vail, CO 81657 | (970) 476-1100

360 Peak One Drive, Suite 340 | Frisco, CO 80443 (970) 668-6760

Vail-Summit Orthopaedics

The Steadman Philippon Research Institute

Howard Head Sports Medicine

322 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 476-1100

The Steadman Clinic is a worldrenowned orthopaedic clinic with facilities in Vail, Edwards and Frisco. Specializing in knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, hand, spine, foot and ankle injuries, The Steadman Clinic’s experience and research have led to significant advances in orthopaedics and sports medicine.

Vail Valley Medical Center's ThinkFirst program donates helmets and educates children throughout Eagle County on injury prevention.

Founded in 1988 by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. J. Richard Steadman, the Steadman Philippon Research Institute is an independent, nonprofit organization, known throughout the world for research into the causes, prevention and treatment of orthopaedic disorders.

Not owned or operated by Vail Valley Medical Center.

www.vsortho.com 108 S. Frontage Road West, Suite 300 Vail, CO 81657 | (970) 476-7220 1140 Edwards Village II, B-105 Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 569-3240

Specializing in knee, shoulder, elbow, hand, spine, foot and ankle injuries, Vail-Summit Orthopaedics (VSO) was founded in 1979 and has been an active part of the community since. VSO’s physicians are fellowshiptrained and take an integrated approach to injury repair and healthy recovery by creating customized treatment plans.

Not owned or operated by Vail Valley Medical Center.

PHARMACY Eagle Valley Pharmacy (Vail Village) 181 W. Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 | (970) 479-7253 The only pharmacy in Vail Village, the Eagle Valley Pharmacy is located inside Vail Valley Medical Center.

The pharmacy retails overthe-counter medications, has a wide assortment of braces and accepts prescription transfers from other pharmacies, telephone prescriptions and multiple insurance plans (insurance card needed). They also offer adult vaccines, including flu, TdaP (whooping cough), shingles and pneumonia, all administered by vaccinecertified pharmacists.

Edwards Pharmacy www.vvmc.com/pharmacy 322 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 569-7676

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Located at the Edwards Medical Campus, the fullservice pharmacy specializes in hormone replacement therapy, drug compounding, medicine flavoring and is an official provider of Burt’s Bees.

A wide array of insurances is accepted, and over-thecounter medications and prescription delivery are available. The pharmacy also offers adult vaccines, including flu, TdaP (whooping cough), shingles and pneumonia, all administered by vaccinecertified pharmacists.

PHYSICAL THERAPY Howard Head Sports Medicine www.howardhead.com Avon: The Westin, 126 Riverfront Lane Avon, CO 81620 (970) 845-9600 Beaver Creek: 1280 Village Road | Avon, CO 81620 (970) 949-5522 Breckenridge: 505 South Main Street | Breckenridge, CO 80424 | (970) 547-2763 Eagle: 377 Sylvan Lake Road Eagle, CO 81631 | (970) 328-6715 Edwards: 322 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 | (970) 569-7777 Frisco: 360 Peak One Drive, Suite 370 | Frisco, CO 80443 (970) 668-3169 Gypsum: 52 Lundgren Boulevard | Gypsum, CO 81637 (970) 777-2700 Silverthorne: 265 Tanglewood Lane | Silverthorne, CO 80498 (970) 262-0179 Vail (West Clinic): 181 West Meadow Drive Vail, CO 81657 (970) 476-1225 Vail (East Clinic) 108 South Frontage Road West Vail, CO 81657 (970) 479-7291

Howard Head Sports Medicine (HHSM) helps athletes rebuild their body and spirit. Working closely with the world's top orthopaedic doctors and researchers, our progressive sports medicine protocols are reshaping physical therapy worldwide. HHSM offers rehabilitative, preventive and nonsurgical therapies.

Services: aquatic therapy, dry needling, hand therapy, lymphedema therapy, occupational therapy, orthopaedic rehabilitation, Pilates, sports rehabilitation, total joint therapy, vestibular rehabilitation and men’s and women’s health.

PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE Colorado Mountain Medical www.cmmhealth.com (970) 476-7600 Colorado Mountain Medical is a team of primary care physicians and specialists, including ear, nose and throat; OB/GYN,

Howard Head Sports Medicine offers rehabilitative, preventive and nonsurgical therapies to help athletes rebuild their body and spirit.

pediatrics; family medicine and gastroenterology. Their providers offer total family care, emphasizing wellness, as well as well as treatment of illness.

Not owned or operated by Vail Valley Medical Center.

Mountain Family Health Center: Edwards www.mountainfamily.org 320 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 945-2840 Mountain Family Health Center provides high-quality, integrated primary, behavioral and dental healthcare with special consideration for the medically underserved, regardless of ability to pay.

Not owned or operated by Vail Valley Medical Center.

SLEEP DISORDERS See Cardiopulmonary Services under Heart & Lung

UROLOGY Colorado Mountain Medical www.cmmhealth.com (970) 926-6340

Rocky Mountain Urology (970) 928-0808 These board-certified urologists have decades of experience in adult and pediatric urology. In addition to general urology care, the urologists diagnose and treat many conditions of the urinary tract, including enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), kidney stones, prostate cancer, low testosterone, incontinence (including nonsurgical options), bladder cancer and more. They also perform many office and surgical procedures, including vasectomies.

Not owned or operated by Vail Valley Medical Center.

Owned and operated by Vail Valley Medical Center.

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GYPSUM URGENT CARE

EAGLE

EDWARDS

EXIT #147

EXIT #163

ARROWHEAD

Eagle County Airport

EAGLE HEALTHCARE CENTER

HOWARD HEAD (PT)

BEAVER CREEK

Cardiology Institute Colorado Mountain Medical Howard Head (PT) Mountain Surgical Associates

BEAVER CREEK MEDICAL CENTER (SKI SEASON ONLY) Howard Head (PT)

GYPSUM L E GYP S U M / EAG

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LUNDGREN BLVD

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OFF

BEARD CREEK RD

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BEAVER CREEK MEDICAL CENTER

EDWARDS MEDICAL CAMPUS Colorado Mountain Medical Edwards Pharmacy Endocrinology Howard Head (PT) Internal Medicine Jack’s Place Mountain Family Health Center: Edwards Mountain Surgical Associates Shaw Regional Cancer Center Sonnenalp Breast Center The Steadman Clinic Vail Institute for Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery Vail Valley Surgery Center — Edwards

HOWARD HEAD (PT)

HOWARD HEAD (PT) BRECKENRIDGE FRISCO SPECIALTY CLINIC Shaw Breast Center & Cancer Clinic Cardiology Institute Endocrinology Internal Medicine

VAIL EXIT #176

AVON EXIT #167

VAIL MEDICAL CAMPUS AVON URGENT CARE

Cardiology Institute Cardiopulmonary Services Colorado Mountain Medical Eagle Valley Pharmacy Emergency Department Howard Head (PT) Internal Medicine Mountain Surgical Associates The Steadman Clinic The Steadman Philippon Research Institute Vail-Summit Orthopaedics Vail Valley Surgery Center Women & Children’s Center Wound Care Clinic

Occupational Health The Traveler’s Clinic

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ANNUAL REPORT

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & COM MUNIT Y O UTR E ACH

Fiscal Year 2015 | AT A GLANCE Revenues

$231,482,000

Expenses

(194,350,000)

Capital Expenditures

$23,463,000 COMMUNITY BENEFIT COSTS

$12,426,000

Represents VVMC costs to support Eagle County community including financial assistance program, Medicaid subsidies, donations to local nonprofits, and free health and education services, among others

Number of Licensed Beds

58

Number of Physicians on Medical Staff

260

Number of ED and Urgent Care Visits

27,862

Number of Babies Delivered

466

Number of Surgeries Performed

6,738

80

Vail Health

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MILESTONES VVMC broke ground on a $200 million Master Facility Plan that will provide a new and bigger Emergency Department, upgraded Patient and Intensive Care Units, an on-site helipad to expedite critical transfers, increased privacy for patients, more workspace, additional scientific research capabilities and more parking.

VVMC received the Gold Seal of Approval® from The Joint Commission and was recognized as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®. The Joint Commission is the leading accreditor of healthcare organizations in the United States.

VVMC signed a 10-year partnership with the Steadman Philippon Research Institute to support research on regenerative medicine and using patients’ own stem cells to heal the musculoskeletal system.

Howard Head Sports Medicine, the same medical provider for the US Ski, Snowboard and Free Ski Teams, became the official provider for USA Climbing.

VVMC formed a partnership with local nonprofit Starting Hearts to install 50 additional defibrillators in the community with the goal of making Eagle County the safest place in America to experience sudden cardiac arrest.

Shaw Regional Cancer Center received certification from the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) for its commitment to excellence and ongoing quality improvement.

Pink Vail was named “Colorado Nonprofit Project of the Year” by Colorado Healthcare Communicators.

VVMC’s Trauma Services Injury Prevention program educated over 12,000 people about brain and spinal cord injuries and donated 1,142 bike and ski helmets to children and adults in the community.

VVMC was recognized as one America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics by the 2015 Women’s Choice Award.

——— winner ———

QUALITY ONCOLOGY PRACTICE INITIATIVE CERTIFICATION by the American Society of Clinical Oncology

——— winner ———

——— award ———

——— award ———

$1.35 MILLION GRANT

COMMISSION ON CANCER ACCREDITATION

BREAST IMAGING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

by the American College of Surgeons

by the American College of Radiology

by the American Society of Clinical Oncology Cancer Foundation® & Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

——— winner ———

——— renewed ———

GOLD LEAF AWARD

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

for “Best Colorado Event” 3 years in a row for Pink Vail

10-Year partnership for clinical trials

The perfect setting to conquer cancer.

What brings patients to us is our impeccable reputation, Ivy League doctors, and top-of-the-line equipment – including a new Linear Accelerator and 3D Mammography. But it’s the rest of the care, courtesy of a dietician, exercise physiologists, nurse navigator and a complimentary 12-room cancer caring lodge in a stunning setting, that keeps everyone’s spirits lifted to their absolute peak.

(970) 569-7429 | SH AWCA N CE R CE N T E R .CO M | E DWA R DS, CO LO RA D O

The best healthcare out there, is right here.

From modest beginnings over 50 years ago, Vail Valley Medical Center has grown into the world’s most advanced mountain hospital, providing Olympic-quality sports medicine, leading evidence-based research, modern cancer care and extensive cardiology services.

Thanks to the vision and determination of compassionate community members, Vail is home to an independent, nonprofit medical center that provides high-quality care to locals in our region and visitors from around the world.

(970) 476-2451

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