Prime Fall 2018

prime Helping seniors flourish

Fall 2018

Healthy Holidays Safeguard your home for holiday family visits p3

Score your heart health, p 4 Share your health wishes, p 12 Secure home health services, p 14 ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/FATCAMERA

PRACTICE Makes Perfect

Think spirituality only benefits the soul? Think again. It may actually help you live longer, according to research published in PLOS One, the journal of the Public Library of Science.

“It’s important to remember that we are made up of body, mind, emotions, and spirit; and healthy human beings give attention to all of these dimensions,” says Rev. Tom Umbel, staff chaplain at PenroseSt. Francis Health Services.

To incorporate a spiritual practice into your life:  Set an intention. Ask yourself what’s important to you and where you want to be spiritually.  Carve out time for solitude. Pray, meditate, or simply unplug for 15 minutes.

“Seeking out times of quiet every day can bring renewal and spiritual refreshment,” Umbel says.  Do things differently. “Experimenting with a variety of practices is important,” Umbel says. Try reading scripture, taking a yoga class, or spending time in nature.

3027 North Circle Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80909

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prime is published by Penrose-St. Francis Health Services.

Executive editor is Jill Woodford. As part of Centura Health, we are on a mission to build whole person care and flourishing communities. The information herein is meant to complement and not replace advice provided by a licensed health care professional. For comments or to unsubscribe to this publication, please email us at bloom@centura.org. prime is produced by Clementine Healthcare Marketing.

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Get ready for the

GRANDKIDS

The holidays mean visits from grandchildren. Make sure they’re safe in your home with these tips from Sarah Amoroso, DO, a pediatrician with CHPG Pediatrics NorthCare.

Secure your meds. “Probably the biggest concern is medication poisoning,” Amoroso says. “Kiddos are very curious and like to dig through cabinets and Grandma’s purse.” Lock away prescription and nonprescription drugs.

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Anchor your furniture. Little ones will climb anything. Mount flat-screen TVs and anchor furniture to the wall to keep it from tipping.

Hide the laundry detergent. “Make sure all poisons, including household cleaners and laundry detergent pods, which are really appealing to kids, are stored out of reach so they can’t be ingested,” Amoroso says.

Stow the candy dish. Candy can be a choking hazard for young children, as can foods like grapes, cherry tomatoes, and hot dogs. “Children need supervision while eating in case they choke,” Amoroso says.

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What’s Your

SCORE? Calcium scan can help determine your risk for heart attack

You keep up with cholesterol tests and regularly check your blood pressure. But is that enough to give you a true picture of your heart health? Maybe not, says Brain Metz, MD, a cardiologist with Colorado Springs Cardiology, A Centura Health Clinic.

“Having elevated blood pressure or cholesterol doesn’t give us a very good idea of how much plaque buildup is in the heart arteries, which is what leads to a heart attack,” he says. “Calcium scoring, on the other hand, helps us quantitate how much buildup there is.”

What is CALCIUM SCORING?

Calcium scoring is a simple noninvasive test that detects calcium buildup, also known as plaque, inside the arteries of the heart. It’s performed using a CT scan in about 10 minutes.

What do the RESULTS mean?

After the scan, you’ll be given a calcium score, which indicates how much buildup you have in your heart. The more you have, the higher your risk for heart attack.

But a high score doesn’t mean a heart attack is inevitable.

Your physician will take your test results and other risk factors into account to recommend treatment options, such as lifestyle changes, cholesterol medication, or aspirin.

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Who should be TESTED?

“I generally recommend it for people with elevated cholesterol, especially if they have at least one other risk factor for heart disease, such as being a male over 45 or a female over 55, or having diabetes, hypertension, family history, smoking, or obesity,” Metz says. “It’s helpful in deciding who should be started on statin medications for treatment of their cholesterol, as well as aspirin.”

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CALCIUM SCORE CARD 0

No calcified plaque buildup

1 to 100

Mild buildup

101 to 400

Moderate buildup

>400 Severe buildup; your risk of heart attack is much higher than if your score was 0

Calcium scoring does not require a physician order. To schedule a scan, call 719-776-8080.

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Why should I get a flu shot when it didn’t work last year?

A: The vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent the flu, says Dominique Walker, MD, with Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care for Seniors.

Each year, the vaccine is formulated in anticipation of the coming flu season, but — as in 2017-2018 — it’s not always a match.

It’s still beneficial to get vaccinated, though.

Even if it doesn’t stop the flu, it can help shorten the duration and reduce the severity.

“It’s particularly important for older, highrisk populations to get vaccinated because of potentially serious flu complications such as pneumonia.”

Dominique Walker, MD Mission: To make every one of my patients feel like they are unique, they are being heard, and they are being cared for in the best way possible.

If you’re on Medicare or getting close, consider becoming a member of Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care for Seniors, a physician practice dedicated to helping seniors achieve optimal health. Learn more at our monthly presentation. See Page 8 for details.

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Calendar

FALL

Free Hernia Screening

Join our surgical experts to learn about the signs and symptoms of a hernia, the importance of early detection, and the latest minimally invasive procedure for repair available at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. Patients can experience groin pain or a bulge in the affected area. However, some patients have no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Screening to follow presentation.

Presented by surgeons Peter Zimmer, MD, and William Lechuga, MD. Light refreshments will be provided.

Date ǀ Thu, Nov 1 • Time ǀ 5:30-7 p.m.

Location ǀ St. Francis Medical Center, Conference Room 2, 6001 East Woodmen Road Cost ǀ FREE • Registration ǀ penrosestfrancis.org/events

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SilverSneakers®

SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading fitness program designed exclusively for older active adults. Get fit the way you want, at your convenience. With this innovative program, you can take part in our strength training or SilverSneakers Classic Fit classes. Plus, we have treadmills, NuStep® recumbent bikes, arm ergometers, resistance bands, dumbbells, and stability balls.

Paperwork and orientation are required before participating.

Location ǀ 3030 North Circle Drive, Suite 217 Cost ǀ FREE Eligibility ǀ People who are 65+ and have insurance through AARP, Aetna, Anthem BlueCross/Blue Shield (HMO and HMO SNP), Humana, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare; to get your membership ID card, visit silversneakers.com and click on “Join In Now” Information ǀ 719-776-4880 Fall 2018 7

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FALL

Massage Therapy

Enjoy the freedom from long-term aches and pains that develop from tension and repetitive activities. Centura Physical Therapy TriLakes now offers massage therapy to improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental stress and physical fatigue, and promote faster healing of muscle tissue.

Location ǀ Tri-Lakes Health Pavilion, 17230 Jackson Creek Parkway, Monument Cost ǀ 30 minutes: $35; 60 minutes: $60 Information and Appointments ǀ 719-571-7080

$149

This noninvasive CT scan is a quick, painless method for detecting heart disease.

You can learn at the time of your screening by a cardiac nurse if you are at risk for heart disease before a single symptom occurs. A heart scan does not require a physician referral, but you should consult with your physician to see if calcium scoring is right for you. To schedule an appointment, call 719-776-8010. For more information, call 719-776-8080.

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Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care for Seniors Presentation

Are you about to turn 65 and join Medicare? Learn how we are redefining senior health care. A UnitedHealthcare salesperson will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 719-331-9126 (TTY: 711). Visit chpgprimarycare.org/ penrose-seniors for clinic details.

Date ǀ Oct 17, 10-11 a.m.; Oct 23, 10-11 a.m.; Nov 6, 5-6 p.m.; Dec 5, 5-6 p.m.

Location ǀ Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care for Seniors, 3027 North Circle Drive Cost ǀ FREE Registration ǀ 719-776-4650

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Heart Scan

STOP THE BLEED

Everyone should be prepared to respond to help prevent deaths caused from blood loss. Stop the Bleed, provided

by Penrose-St. Francis Trauma Services, is a one-hour class that teaches basic actions to stop life-threatening bleeding.

Participants will learn how to use bandages, tourniquets, and pack wounds. FREE! Limited class sizes, so register early.

Date ǀ Fri, Oct 19 Time ǀ 1:30-2:30 p.m. OR 3-4 p.m.

Location ǀ Penrose Pavilion Conference Rooms A and B, 2312 North Nevada Avenue Date ǀ Fri, Nov 16 Time ǀ 1:30-2:30 p.m. OR 3-4 p.m.

Location ǀ St. Francis Medical Center, Conference Rooms 4 and 5, 6001 East Woodmen Road Date ǀ Fri, Dec 21 Time ǀ 1:30-2:30 p.m. OR 3-4 p.m.

Location ǀ St. Francis Medical Center, Conference Rooms 4 and 5, 6001 East Woodmen Road Registration ǀ Call Brandi Martinez at 719-776-3673 or email brandimartinez@ centura.org

Advance Medical Planning: Having THE Conversation

The best time to make decisions about medical care is BEFORE you or your family has a medical crisis. Advance medical planning allows you to determine who can make medical decisions for you in the event you are not able to make them yourself.

We’ll help you understand the requirements and nuances, guide you through the various advance directive forms, and answer questions. Lunch provided with RSVP. Date ǀ Thu, Nov 8 Time ǀ 10-11 a.m.

Location ǀ Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care for Seniors, 3027 North Circle Drive Cost ǀ FREE Registration ǀ Register by Nov 5 at 719-776-5813 or penrosestfrancis.org/events

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FALL

From Coverage to Care: How to Access the RIGHT Health Care at the RIGHT Time

When you are not feeling well, there are an increasing number of options (primary care, urgent care, freestanding emergency rooms, hospital EDs) that are available to you. They may or may NOT be your best option. This workshop will help you determine what is your best option and how you can manage your experience to get the best and safest care possible. Lunch provided with reservation.

Date ǀ Wed, Nov 14 Time ǀ 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location ǀ Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care for Seniors, 3027 North Circle Drive Cost ǀ FREE Registration ǀ Register by Nov 1 at 719-776-5813 or penrosestfrancis.org/events

Urgent Need for Blood

In November and December, many blood donors are busy and don’t donate. But this time of year, accidents, emergency surgeries, and illnesses still happen. Penrose-St. Francis Blood Bank holds several community blood drives and blood donation hours at Penrose Hospital. Call 719-776-5822 or visit penrosestfrancis.org/ bloodbank for donation times, to schedule an appointment, or to view upcoming community blood drives. Free valet service available. All blood donated to Penrose-St. Francis stays in El Paso County.

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One-Stop

Wellness

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Convenient care for seniors

WELCOME

From your doctor’s office to radiology, and then physical therapy.

One ailment can send you running around. Wouldn’t it be nice to have all these services in one place?

Welcome to Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care for Seniors.

“Our patients love the ‘onestop shop’ convenience our clinic offers, which includes X-ray, lab services, physical therapy, and integrated behavioral health under one roof,” says office administrator Tami Charles. “We also offer health coaching to help patients maintain their wellness.”

PSF Primary Care for Seniors has three dedicated physicians; direct access to a pharmacist, dietitian, and certified diabetes educator; reserved patient parking; plus, on-site urgent care from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We’re focused on whole health for today’s seniors,” Charles says.

“Many of them are still working, so we want to make health care as convenient as possible.”

Call 719-776-4650 to register for a monthly informational session to learn more about Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care for Seniors.

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Planning Ahead

Advance directives take the guesswork out of tough health care decisions No one likes to talk about end-of-life decisions, but doing so takes a weight off your loved ones.

“It’s very stressful having to make life-and-death decisions for someone you love without knowing their wishes,” says John Zondlo, healthy church facilitator for Penrose-St. Francis Health Services.

“With advance directives, you can relieve some of that burden.”

“Advance directives” is an umbrella term that describes three documents recognized by Colorado state law summarizing your choices.

A medical durable power of attorney (MDPOA) designates someone to make decisions for you in the event you become 1 unable to do so.

“Colorado does not recognize next-of-kin hierarchy in making these decisions,” Zondlo says. “If you don’t have an MDPOA, the hospital has to pull together a proxy committee [see sidebar] to designate a decision maker.”

A living will outlines your wishes regarding life support.

“In this document, you are being very specific about what, 2 if any, kind of life-sustaining measures you would like to have initiated, including breathing machines and artificial nutrition and hydration,” he says.

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A CPR directive indicates you do not want CPR to be initiated or sustained in an emergency. It must be signed by a provider 3 to be valid. If you would like CPR to be performed, you will not have a CPR directive.

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What is a proxy committee?

In the event you become unable to make health care decisions for yourself and you have not named a medical power of attorney, Colorado state law says a panel must be assembled to make decisions on your behalf.

“Any interested parties can invite themselves to be part of the proxy,” says Zondlo. “Most often that’s close family and friends, but it can also include distant relatives and ex-spouses.” If they can’t agree, the decision will go to court.

Sign up for a FREE Advanced Medical Planning workshop. See Page 9 for details.

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HEALING

Home health services provide care where you Hospitals are perfect for acute care, but what about the ongoing help you need once you return home? Home health services help you continue your healing at home.

“Our team supports any number of aspects of ongoing care,” says Cassandra Pratt, BSN, RN, director of Centura Health at Home.

“For some patients, that could mean helping with wound care, medication teaching, and disease process education. For others, it’s working on walking or daily tasks, such as bathing and eating.”

Who home care is for Your physician may refer you for in-home care if you are homebound, meaning leaving home is a major effort, and you require intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, or speech-language pathology services. But don’t worry about cost.

“Medicare and most insurance plans cover home care at 100 percent,” Pratt says.

During your first visit, your home health provider will discuss your diagnosis and ask about your recovery goals. Do you want to learn how to manage a chronic condition such as diabetes or COPD? Would you like to get back on the golf course following surgery?

“From there, we create a care plan centered around each individual’s goals,” Pratt says.

Your plan will outline the frequency of visits — daily, three times a week, or an as-needed basis. Most visits last 45 minutes

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What you can expect

at Home

need it most

to an hour, and you’ll see the same provider each time.

“We don’t want you to have to tell your story again and again,” Pratt says. “We really focus on establishing relationships.”

CENTURA HEALTH AT HOME SERVICES • Skilled nursing • Physical and occupational therapy • Speech therapy • Wound care • Stroke rehabilitation • Cancer rehabilitation • Pain management • Medication management

To find out if your insurance plan will pay for home health services, contact a Centura Health at Home benefits adviser at 303-561-5000.

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2222 North Nevada Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80907

PAID

Denver, CO Permit No. 3280

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711).

Copyright © Centura Health, 2018. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711).

Let’s redefine senior health care together.

Call today to learn how you can become a patient.

719-776-4650 3027 N. Circle Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80909 CHPGprimarycare.org/penrose-seniors