Inspire Fall 2015 by Clementine Words

FALL 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 4

A Healthier You

St. Thomas More Hospital

NEW

LIFE

New parents are enjoying the newly renovated Birth Center at St. Thomas More Hospital, featuring large birthing suites and plentiful amenities.

COPING WITH GRIEF Page 2

Christie and Aaron Mull welcomed son Henry to the world at the new Birth Center.

Read their story on Page 4.

EARLY CANCER DETECTION Pages 3 & 6

HEADING OFF DIABETES Page 7

PHOTO BY STEVE BIGLEY

inspiring health

COPING WITH GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS Give a shoulder, not a slogan

WHILE HOLIDAYS CAN SIGNAL JOY, THEY CAN ALSO TRIGGER GRIEF, particularly for those suffering a loss within the past year. “Grieving is typically more challenging during holidays because of memories and traditions associated with the loved one or friend who is no longer there,” says Rev. Christopher McDaniel, board-certified chaplain and manager of Mission Integration at St. Thomas More Hospital. Grief entails a loss of a loved one or friend caused by death or the end of a relationship, such as divorce. McDaniel offers the following four tips to help ease grieving during the holidays:

Five phrases to avoid while supporting someone who is grieving:

Rev. Christopher McDaniel

Be strong

Move on

u Seek support. Reach out to family, friends, support groups, religious organizations, and/or a

therapist. u Acknowledge your feelings. Express your emotions in tangible or creative ways, like through art or writing or scrapbooking. u Take care of your physical health. Get adequate sleep, eat right, and exercise. u Start new traditions. Consider traveling or swapping out your loved one’s specialty dish with a new one of your own.

Time heals all wounds

Keep busy

Let go

“Everyone grieves differently. These phrases are really myths, not reality,” McDaniel says.

Learn how to deal with grief during the holidays by attending a FREE seminar hosted by St.

Thomas More Hospital Mission Integration on Thursday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Garden Park Building. Lunch provided. For details or to register, go to stmhospital.org/calendar or call 719-285-2061.

PERSONAL PASSION

Orthopaedic surgeon joins St. Thomas More Physician Group

Dr. Jacob Patterson

Being an orthopaedic surgeon is like being a jet pilot,” Patterson says. “It’s exhilarating, challenging, and rewarding.

nurse, work hand in hand to provide personalized patient care every step of the way. “We really try to get to know our patients,” Patterson says. Patterson attended medical school and completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Patterson and his wife have five children, including a son who is training to become an orthopaedic surgeon. Outside of work, Patterson enjoys golfing, hunting, playing the piano, and taking bike tours with his family.

Do your joints ache? Visit stmhospital.org/physician-group for more

information about Dr. Patterson or call 719-285-2646 to schedule an appointment.

INSPIRE ST. THOMAS MORE HOSPITAL

PHOTOS: BUBBLES ©DOLLARPHOTOCLUB.COM/FLOWERSTOCK; DOCTOR BY STEVE BIGLEY

THERE’S NO BETTER MEDICAL SPECIALTY THAN ORTHOPAEDICS for Jacob Patterson, MD, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. “I have the best job because most all of my patients get better with treatment or surgery,” says Patterson, who specializes in knee procedures. “It’s incredible to see a patient improve function and be able to enjoy life again.” Patterson has called Cañon City home since 1991. After years in private practice, he recently joined St. Thomas More Physician Group. “As part of the Centura Health family, I can continue my passion and provide optimal care for my community,” he says. Patterson and his wife, Marion, a registered

inspiring health

UNCOMMON OCCURRENCE

SUPERFOODS OFFER BREAST CANCER PREVENTION To reduce your risk of breast cancer, look no further than your kitchen. You can reduce your risk of breast cancer at every meal by opting for a diet packed full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans.

PHOTOS: FOODS FROM TOP ©DOLLARPHOTOCLUB.COM/VIKTAR; /WHITESTORM; /JILLCHEN, /MNY-JHEE; /BARBONE; TIME /SKARIN

April Irvine, registered dietitian at St. Thomas More Hospital, tells us how these superfoods help:

Berries, kale, beets, and other bright veggies contain antioxidants and phytochemicals, a naturally occurring compound in plants that have potentially healthpromoting effects.

Including fiber-rich foods helps you feel full longer, which can help you reduce the number of calories you consume and maintain a healthy weight, which reduces your cancer risk.

Limiting processed foods, alcohol, and foods with added sugar also helps reduce inflammation, which reduces the risk for cancer.

2½ cups

of fruits and vegetables daily should be your goal

Ovarian cancer is rare but not to be ignored

Ovarian cancer is rare, accounting for less than 3 percent of cancers in women. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth worrying about, says Kathryn Zamboni-Cutter, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at St. Thomas More Physician Group. “Ovarian cancer is one of Dr. Kathryn Zamboni-Cutter the deadliest cancers that strikes women,” ZamboniCutter explains. “That’s because there are no screenings to detect it and by the time women report symptoms to their doctors, the cancer has usually progressed.” If the cancer is detected while still confined to the ovary, 94 percent of patients will survive, according to the American Cancer Society. That’s why it’s critical for women to report any symptoms as soon as possible to their doctors. Chances are good that it won’t be cancer, Zamboni-Cutter says, but it could be something else that can be treated, such as endometriosis, fibroids, and even irritable bowel syndrome.

Women should report these symptoms to their doctor as soon as possible: p Abdominal bloating or

increased abdominal size

p Abdominal and/or pelvic pressure

or pain

p Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating p Urinary symptoms (having to go

urgently or often)

To learn more ways to reduce your risk, go online to centura.org/breast-cancer-prevention. And if you are over 40, be sure you are getting annual mammograms to help detect breast cancer early. Call 719-285-2255 to schedule your mammogram.

To make an appointment with Dr. Zamboni-Cutter, call 719-285-2735.

STMHOSPITAL.ORG FALL 2015

ppYDay! H Birth

new beginnings

St. Thomas More Hospital’s newly designed Birth Center delivers big on care

NEW LIFE HAS BEEN BREATHED INTO THE ST. THOMAS MORE BIRTH CENTER.

A $2.5 million renovation of the center was recently completed, including new private birth and postpartum suites, each equipped with a private bath, a state-of-the-art surgical suite designed to care for complicated and multiple births, and a newborn nursery. The entire Birth Center is now housed in one location, with all areas tucked comfortably close to the nurses’ station for round-the-clock, comforting care.

HOSPITAL BAG MUST-HAVES

We asked the expert team at the St. Thomas More Birth Center to share packing recommendations for the perfect parents-to-be hospital bag. Check out the items that top their lists: 1 > IPAD/IPOD FOR MUSIC: Set the mood in your room by playing your favorite tunes. 2 > ROBE AND SLIPPERS: Be prepared for walks around the unit and visits with family and friends coming to meet your little one. 3 > COMFORT ITEMS: There’s nothing like having your own pillow throughout your stay. If you plan to use one, don’t forget your breastfeeding pillow! 4 > COMFORTABLE CLOTHING: Remember, you’ll still want comfy clothing during the days after delivery, and baby will, too. Save the dress-up fun for home and pack your comfort wear for hospital days. 5 > PERSONAL CARE/HYGIENE ITEMS: Feeling like your old self is critical during the early days after childbirth. Make sure your hospital bag includes your favorite toiletries. 6 > CASH: Your partner will receive a guest meal, but bring along a little pocket money for snacks, gifts, or forgotten items you can purchase in the café or gift shop.

“The Birth Center is where families welcome each little miracle into their lives,” says The Birth Center Director Shellee Fortune, MSN, RNC-OB. “The new design allows our patients to remain close to their babies and families in a welcoming environment, throughout their stay with us.” Modern labor and delivery suites welcome parents-to-be with soothing colors that promote a relaxing and healing environment. Bathrooms are equipped with walk-in showers with rain showerheads to maximize moms’ comfort. Rooms are spacious and easily accommodate visitors in support of The Birth Center’s open visiting hour policy. Security remains a top priority Shellee Fortune, at The Birth Center, according The Birth Center Director to Fortune. All visitors use a doorbell system for entrance after staff confirms their identity. After delivery, babies are linked to the Hugs® tag system, the leading provider of newborn security. This tiny, ankle-fitted GPS system tracks each baby’s whereabouts, sounding an alarm near any entrance or exit. INSPIRE ST. THOMAS MORE HOSPITAL

PHOTOS BY STEVE BIGLEY

Henry Mull made his grand entrance at the newly renovated St. Thomas More Birth Center in June.

HIGHLIGHT OF NEW DAD AARON MULL’S ST. THOMAS MORE BIRTH CENTER EXPERIENCE: “ They allowed me to be hands-on as much as possible, especially when the nurses were caring for my wife.”

A staff that’s second to none The new Birth Center also allows for increased continuity of care, with the same nurses attending to a patient through every phase of care. “From labor and delivery to postpartum, patients benefit from working with the same nurses,” says Fortune. “And if baby has extra needs after birth, those same nurses have specialization in newborn care as well.” That continuity of care and the staff-to-patient ratio are making a meaningful impression on moms. “The one-on-one care they provide is so appreciated,” says new mom Christie Mull, who welcomed son Henry with husband Aaron in June. “I felt like I was always a priority whenever my nurse was with me.”

PHOTOS: BEAR ©DOLLARPHOTOCLUB.COM/JACARTOON; BOOTIES ©DOLLARPHOTOCLUB.COM/VANNAMORO; FAMILY, BOOKS AND SHIRT PHOTOS BY STEVE BIGLEY

The Mulls’ nurse not only helped them deliver Henry and navigate his first few magical days, she even walked them to their vehicle to check the security of the car seat when it was time to take him home. “The specialized attention our nurses are able to provide allows for complete education of new parents during their time with us,” Fortune says. “We’re so proud to be able to deliver this level of care.” Mull, a registered nurse at St. Thomas More Hospital’s emergency department, describes The Birth Center staff members as patient, kind, and knowledgeable. “What was especially surprising was how hands-on our anesthesia provider was in the operating room,” says Mull, who required a cesarean delivery. “She helped me while the doctor finished my surgery. She made my first moments with Henry really special.” The staff made sure Mull felt completely involved despite the need for a cesarean section, and she appreciated their efforts. “I was even able to hold Henry in my arms while I was taken from the OR back to my room,” Mull says.

Christie and Aaron Mull with baby Henry.

life and their specific wishes about their birth experience. It’s a thrill to watch them do what they do best in this new, thoughtfully designed environment.” Mull agrees with the perfect combination that Fortune describes. “The Birth Center and its staff are wonderful and allowed us to be actively involved,” she says. “As new parents, they settled any anxiety we had about what to expect.”

St. Thomas More Hospital and the Better Beginnings program are partnering to provide babies born at the St. Thomas More Birth Center with a book and a onesie. Better Beginnings promotes early literacy and provides education to parents about the importance of reading to children at an early age.

Visit

stmhospital.org/birth to view our calendar of upcoming childbirth education classes and take a virtual tour. Prefer to see The Birth Center in person? Call 719-285-2043 to schedule a private tour.

NEW MOM CHRISTIE MULL’S ADVICE TO NEW MOMS:

“Rest when the baby rests.”

A perfect combination Respect for their wishes was critical for the Mulls, who said The Birth Center did everything they could to make those wishes a reality. From lactation consulting to rooming in with baby to quick treatment for pain so Mull could truly enjoy her first days with Henry, The Birth Center staff worked with the Mulls to keep their experience in line with their desired birth plan. “The feedback from new parents has been wonderful,” says Fortune. “Our staff is so dedicated to this very special time in a family’s STMHOSPITAL.ORG FALL 2015

early detection

So glad she did

Regular mammograms meant Lynette Joines’ cancer was caught early enough to avoid radiation LYNETTE JOINES MADE MAMMOGRAMS PART OF HER ANNUAL ROUTINE. She doesn’t even remember when she started doing them. “I started a long time ago,” says the 64-year-old Cañon City resident. “I don’t have any breast cancer in my family. It was just something I knew I should have done.” And, boy, is she glad she kept up with them. On July 31, 2014, Joines had a mammogram at St. Thomas More Hospital. And the results came back abnormal. “They called me back to look at my right breast again,” she says. “In early August, I found out that I’d need to have some abnormal cells removed.”

Coordinated care, start to finish Joines’ primary care physician at St. Thomas More Physician Group referred Joines to a surgeon at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. As a sister hospital in the Centura Health network, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services surgeons and staff had instant access to Joines’ records through a shared electronic medical record. “It was really nice that they assigned a coordinator at the cancer center to coordinate my surgery at Penrose,” Joines says. “Anytime I had questions and didn’t want to bother the doctor, I could always call the coordinator.” After surgery, Joines decided against radiation and instead committed to a five-year course of tamoxifen. “It’s a pill you take every day for five years,” she explains.

Words of wisdom Joines is now an advocate for annual mammograms. “I tell the women in my quilting circle, ‘Don’t put it off,’” she says. “This is not something that I could’ve felt or found on self-examination. What my doctor removed was smaller than a pinhead. That’s not anything you could’ve found yourself.”

A guide on guidelines The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women begin getting screening mammograms every other year, beginning at age 50. However, the American Cancer Society, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American College of Radiology continue to recommend annual screening mammograms starting at age 40. “Every month I see cancers in women between the ages of 40 and 50,” says Conor Heaney, MD, a radiologist at St. Thomas More Hospital. “So I continue to recommend annual screenings beginning at age 40 along with physician-directed breast exams. Mammography is not perfect, but it is an excellent screening tool for detecting breast cancer at an early stage.”

INSPIRE INSPIRE ST. ST. THOMAS THOMAS MORE MORE HOSPITAL HOSPITAL

Dr. Conor Heaney

Lynette Joines didn’t miss a stitch with her breast cancer diagnosis because her annual mammogram caught it early.

St. Thomas More Hospital is part of the Centura Health Cancer Network, delivering integrated, advanced cancer care across Colorado and western Kansas.

Margaritas and Mammos The town’s favorite breast cancer awareness event is back! Join us on Oct. 19 from 4:30-7 p.m. for the fourth annual Margaritas and Mammos. The festivities kick off with FREE (nonalcoholic) margaritas; a delicious dinner prepared by the St. Thomas More Hospital executive chef and dining services team; and informational booths about nutrition, fitness, the Women’s Wellness Connection, smoking cessation, and breast health. Breast health experts will present the latest information on breast cancer prevention and knowing your family history. Women can schedule their annual mammograms, check out the latest selection of unique items at the “From the Heart” gift shop booth, and register to win door prizes. The event is FREE, but you must register by phone at 719-285-2179 or online at stmhospital.org/ margaritas-and-mammos. The first 175 women through the door will receive a special gift.

Fortunately, that could be done right at St. Thomas More as well. Then the good news came. Joines’ cancer was classified Stage 0, which means it was still confined to a small area of her breast.

DEALING WITH

One in five Fremont County adults are at risk of diabetes due to obesity

DIABETES Fair warning Prediabetes is like the thunder before the lightning or in this case, the warning that a diabetes diagnosis is in your future unless you take action. One-third of Americans has prediabetes, yet only one in eight of those knows it. And knowledge is power. A new study found that people who are made aware that they have prediabetes are more likely to start exercising and trying to lose weight, efforts that can reverse the condition and prevent diabetes. You can find out if you have prediabetes with a simple blood test by your family doctor.

Exercise beats out genes In the U.S., 50 to 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes also have high blood pressure, two of the leading risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. While doctors have long known that exercise helps prevent both of these conditions, new research has found this true even when genetics come into play. For example, the FTO gene (also known as the obesity gene), which promotes obesity and overeating, is more pronounced in people who are sedentary. Yet individuals who meet the daily recommendation of 30 minutes of daily exercise can overcome FTO’s effects on conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Low blood sugar danger When it comes to diabetes, plenty of patients focus on blood sugar spikes. But low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is just as dangerous, if not more so. “High blood glucose readings can be life-threatening, but they have more of a cumulative effect,” says Shannon Minich, a certified diabetes educator at St. Thomas More Hospital. “But one low blood sugar could kill you or someone around you.” Hypoglycemia — defined as a blood glucose Shannon Minich, reading under 70 mg/dL — usually comes on Certified Diabetes Educator quickly and can lead to shakiness, confusion, lightheadedness, blurred vision, lack of coordination, seizures, or loss of consciousness. “If you’re driving, that’s a danger to you and everyone else around you,” Minich says. “You need to know how to treat low blood sugar, and it’s not with a candy bar.” If you are hypoglycemic, the American Diabetes Association recommends: > Glucose tablets (follow package instructions) > 2 tablespoons raisins > ½ cup juice or regular soda > 1 tablespoon sugar, honey, or corn syrup > 8 ounces nonfat or 1 percent milk

GET SMART Diabetes Classes: Recognized by the American Diabetes Association, St. Thomas More Hospital’s diabetes education program helps people with prediabetes and diabetes learn how to manage their health through diet, exercise, and medications. Classes are covered by most insurance plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid. For more information, call 719-285-2712.

Attend our FREE annual Diabetes Management event on Nov. 16. See Page 8 for details!

Diabetes Support Group: This FREE support group meets the third Tuesday of each month from noon-1 p.m. at the hospital. It is open to anyone with diabetes or prediabetes, and their family members and caregivers. In addition to getting support and tips from others with diabetes, guest speakers provide education on a variety of topics from nutrition and fitness to preventing diabetic complications. For more information or to register, call 719-285-2712.

STMHOSPITAL.ORG FALL 2015

INSPIRE

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St. Thomas More Hospital

INSPIRE is published quarterly by St. Thomas More Hospital as part of our Mission to nurture the health of the people in our community. The information herein is meant to complement, not replace, advice provided by a licensed health care provider.

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To comment or unsubscribe, email us at inspire@centura.org. INSPIRE is produced by Clementine Health Marketing. Executive Editor: Jillian Maes. S T M H O S P I TA L.O R G St. Thomas More Hospital is part of Centura Health, the region’s leading health care network. 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 303-804-8166. Copyright © Centura Health, 2015.

INSPIRATION MONDAY, OCT 19  4:30-7 P.M.

Our signature October event offers women education on breast health, a delicious dinner, plenty of giveaways, (nonalcoholic) margaritas, and prizes! Knowing your family history is key, so you’ll learn more about genetics as well. Don’t miss it! Location: Evangelical Free Church, 3000 E. Main St. Cost: FREE Registration: stmhospital.org/margaritasand-mammos or 719-285-2179

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION WEDNESDAYS, NOV 4-25  6-9 P.M.

Prepare yourself, your partner, and baby for labor and delivery, and learn what to expect in your third trimester, labor techniques, pain management, breastfeeding, and postdelivery care. Location: St. Thomas More Hospital, Community Room Cost: $25 for you and a support person; scholarships available upon request Registration: stmhospital. org/childbirth-education or 719-285-2058

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS FRIDAYS, NOV 6-DEC 11  NOON-1 P.M.

This six-week class will teach you to build and maintain healthy relationships by learning what to look for in relationships, communication and listening skills, how to avoid toxic relationships, how to set boundaries, and conflict resolution. Relevant for all types of relationships — spouses, children, friends, and co-workers! Location: St. Thomas More Hospital, Community Room Cost: $25 for community members; FREE for hospital employees Registration: stmhospital.org/calendar or 719-285-2711

DIABETES MANAGEMENT MONDAY, NOV 16  8:30 A.M.-NOON

In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, we’ll help you gain control of your diabetes through exercise, healthy eating, disease management, and more. Caregivers are encouraged to attend. Breakfast will be served. Location: Evangelical Free Church, 3000 E. Main St. Cost: FREE Registration: stmhospital.org/calendar or 719-285-2712

St. Thomas More Hospital reminds you to fight the flu this season. A yearly flu shot is the first and most important step in protecting you, your family, and the community against flu viruses. Look to your physician, Fremont County Public Health, or local pharmacies to get your flu shot!

COPING WITH GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS THURSDAY, DEC 3  11 A.M.-1 P.M.

The holidays can be a difficult time for those suffering a loss. Learn how to seek support, acknowledge your feelings, take care of your health, and more. Lunch will be served. Location: Garden Park Building, 201 N. 6th St. Cost: FREE Registration: stmhospital.org/calendar or 719-285-2061

4TH ANNUAL MARGARITAS AND MAMMOS

Join our health experts to learn how you can make small changes that make a big impact on improving your health! For a complete list of classes and details, visit stmhospital.org/calendar.