Spring 2012
Evergreen Spine Institute Consistently Provides Breakthrough Care The Evergreen Spine Institute, in partnership with orthopedic physicians and Evergreen Healthcare’s surgical center, offers clinical excellence and
Jeffrey S. Roh, MD Evergreen Spine Center
Horizons promotes a healthy outlook beyond age 55. www.evergreenhospital.org Evergreen Horizons is a service of Evergreen Senior Health Services.
Editor: Rosemary Langford To receive this free, quarterly Horizons publication, leave a message at 425.899.1858 or email us at Horizons@ evergreenhealthcare.org.
exceptional outcomes through innovative techniques. Jeffrey Roh, MD, is a practitioner of this breakthrough care, and he is one of the reasons Evergreen enjoys the distinction of excellence. The Evergreen Spine Institute provides care pathways that are personalized for each patient, and that process begins with diagnosis: “If you have back or neck pain that is associated with leg or arm pain, you should seek help,” said Dr. Roh. “The first thing to do is see your primary care physician (PCP) for an initial assessment.” Your PCP may send you to a physiatrist – a specialist in spine and sports medicine who focuses on nonsurgical treatments. These treatments are successful for many people, however: “If medications, physical therapy and injections are ineffective,” said Dr. Roh, “then it’s good to be evaluated by a surgeon.” Dr. Roh performs all of his inpatient surgeries at Evergreen. “Evergreen’s stated purpose is to enrich the health and well-being of every life we touch,” said Dr. Roh. “The people at Evergreen truly believe that excellent patient care is their top priority. And even as we’ve become a regional center of excellence for spine care we’ve kept the heart of this philosophy.”
And Evergreen has become a center of excellence: “We perform more minimally invasive spine surgery than any other hospital in the state,” said Dr. Roh. Many of Evergreen’s surgeons are leaders in this field: Two of our surgeons (Dr. Roh is one of them) are among the handful of Washington state surgeons who are members of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. “Our surgeons not only have committed to learning and refining these techniques,” said Dr. Roh, “but we’ve become leaders. Surgeons come from all over the world to learn from us how to do these procedures. Continued on back page
Classes and Events April – June 2012
These classes for seniors are made possible through your levy support of Evergreen Hospital Medical Center (King County Public Hospital District No. 2). Classes are free unless a price is listed. Pre-registration is required for all classes.
Brittany Park 17143 133rd Ave. NE, Woodinville
Trouble Choosing Supplements? There are so many types and brands of supplements on the market today that it is hard to know which are right for you. We will discuss quality, brands and absorbability of supplements. This class should make your next visit to the vitamin shop less challenging. April 3, 2-3 p.m. Call 425.402.7100 to register
Tai Chi for Back Pain Easy-to-learn movements matched with breathing and visualizations help reduce and relieve back pain, strengthen and protect the spine and improve health and wellbeing. April 17, 2-3 p.m. Call 425.402.7100 to register
You & Your Medications Take an active role in your healthcare by learning more about the medications you take ever y day. A pharmacist will discuss common dr ug interactions and side effects, how aging affects medication and how to effectively communicate with your pharmacist.
May 1, 2-3 p.m. Call 425.402.7100 to register
Understanding Leg Pain We’ll discuss several types of leg pain caused by impairment of blood flow and what steps you can take to alleviate your discomfort. May 15, 2-3 p.m. Call 425.402.7100 to register
Sugar and Spice: Eating with Diabetes Learn to create meal plans to maintain proper blood levels, the best foods and times to eat and what should be avoided. June 5, 2-3 p.m. Call 425.402.7100 to register
Acupuncture A certified acupuncturist will present concepts and methods of acupuncture, including its histor y and instr uments used. Discussion will include healing benefits of acupuncture. June 19, 2-3 p.m. Call 425.402.7100 to register
EnhanceWellness Program Struggling to reach your health goals? Want to feel healthier, more active, less isolated, in control of your health? This six-month FREE program may be for you. Get personalized help to set your health goals and make an action plan. Call today to meet with an RN at one of these locations: For Northshore Senior Center, please call Jeannie DeSmet at 425.286.1029. For Kirkland, Mill Creek or Kenmore, please call Lee Gresko at 206.268.6740
Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.
Emerald Heights
Evergreen Hospital
10901 176th Circle NE, Redmond
12040 NE 128th St., Kirkland
Is It My Thyroid? Fatigue, weight problems, dr y skin and hair, mood swings and depression are all signs of thyroid problems. Women are especially vulnerable. Learn about various thyroid conditions, their impacts and treatment options. April 26, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Call 425.556.8138 to register
AARP Driver Safety Program Interested in improving your driving skills and possibly receiving an insurance discount? This program, designed and conducted by AARP, provides eight hours of classroom instr uction, covering the effects of aging and medication on driving, basic driving r ules, license renewal and more.
Light on Your Feet April 14, May 12, June 9 Are tired, aching feet slowing 9 a.m.-5 p.m. you down? Explore common Fee: $12 AARP members foot ailments, treatment $14 non-members Call 425.899.3000 to register options and the best shoes and products available to keep Caring for your Joints you light on your feet. Learn all about your joints May 10, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Call 425.556.8138 to register and hear tips for how to keep them happy and healthy. Medications for a Keynote will address arthritis, Healthier Heart and breakout sessions A discussion of medications will include nutrition, used to manage heart failure rehabilitation, knees and hips, and how to help your meds spine and others. Snacks and work best for you. refreshments provided. June 28, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Call 425.556.8138 to register
Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques for the Shoulder The shoulder is one of the most vulnerable joints in the body and one of the more difficult to treat. Learn about the minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques available for shoulder problems and cutting edge therapy. April 26, 6:30-8 p.m. Call 425.899.3000 to register
Cholesterol and Diabetes Screening Screening will include fasting full-panel cholesterol test and glucose. Results will be given before you go home! Limit 25 participants; must register for time slot. Free. May 17, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Call 425.899.3000 to register
Considering Knee or Hip Replacement? Learn more about minimally invasive, computer-assisted knee and hip replacement surger y. It means a smaller incision, less pain and April 7, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. quicker recover y. Join our Call 425.899.3000 to register surgeons for a free seminar From Snoring to Snoozing on Evergreen’s comprehensive joint program. We will cover snoring and May 24 and June 28 sleep apnea, as well as 6:30-8:30 p.m. treatments that are available. Call 425.899.3000 to register April 19, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Call 425.899.3000 to register
Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.
Self-Care and Exercise Learn how to optimize your cardiovascular health through exercise and lifestyle choices that are right for you. June 7, 10-11 a.m. Call 425.899.3000 to register
Be Good To Your Feet We will discuss aspects of injur y prevention for the foot and ankle, as well as overall good foot care. June 21, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Call 425.899.3000 to register
Lifetimes and Traditions: Creative Memory Making We all have the ability to create keepsakes that will reinforce our unique memories and experiences, as well as comfort our loved ones when we are gone. This life-affirming session will review fun and creative ways that you can create and share your legacy for years to come. June 8, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Call 425.558.4700 to register
Senior Fairwinds Redmond Kenmore Center 9988 Avondale Rd. NE, Redmond
Diabetes:The Facts It is important for those with diabetes to monitor and manage it properly. Find out what can be done to help those with diabetes remain healthy.
April 13, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Call 425.558.4700 to register
Fighting Fatigue Fatigue is not normal. Fatigue can be caused by food allergies, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal gland burnout and much more. Stop feeling fatigued and start feeling fabulous today!
6910 NE 170th St., Kenmore
“Bone� Appetite Join a dietitian to explore the foods and recipes that can help strengthen bones and slow the effects of osteoporosis.
April 16, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 425.489.0707 to register
Sound Advice Explore techniques for improving communication skills and maximizing your hearing. Discover lip-reading basics and how to deal with noisy places.
Incontinence Therapy It can happen at any age and have various causes. Learn about the different types of incontinence primarily seen in women and available methods of treatment.
June 18, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 425.489.0707 to register
Madison House 12215 N.E. 128th St., Kirkland
Learn to Hear Again! Learn techniques to improve communication for hearing impaired people. For those with hearing loss and their families.
April 12, 2-3 p.m. Call 425.821.8210 to register
What You Need to Know About Stroke Find out about preventable risk factors and steps you can take to prevent strokes. Learn stroke signs and symptoms, along with cr ucial first responses to these signs. May 10, 2-3 p.m. Call 425.821.8210 to register
May 21, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 425.489.0707 to register
May 11, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Call 425.558.4700 to register
Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.
Avoiding Medication Misadventures Do you know that adults process dr ugs differently as they age? The same medication at the same dose at age 50 may need adjustment at age 70. Learn how this process can affect medications’ safety and effectiveness for older adults. June 14, 2-3 p.m. Call 425.821.8210 to register
Stomach Virus, Flu or Food Poisoning? Learn the signs and symptoms of upset stomachs, when to be treated by the doctor and how to treat symptoms at home.
Caring for Your Kidneys Learn how kidneys function; how they are affected by medication, hypertension and illness; and what you can do to protect yourself.
Northshore Senior Center
Cholesterol and Diabetes Screening Screening will include fasting full-panel cholesterol test and glucose. Results will be given before you go home! Limit 25 participants; must register for time slot. Free.
June 20, 1-2 p.m. Call 425.948.7170 to register
10201 E Riverside Dr., Bothell
Home Treatments for Common Spring Allergies & Colds 15720 Main Street, Annex Cut down on being sick by (Huntron) Building next to Mill treating yourself with simple, Creek City Hall natural remedies that boost the immune system and speed Mill Creek healing. Do You See What I See? April 10, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.487.2441 to register Explore the changes in our eyes that occur with age. Mindercise for Memory Discover common problems Enhancement and the latest treatments Learn the 3 A’s of memor y available to keep your eyes enhancement: attitude, healthy. attention and activity. See April 18, 1-2 p.m. Call 425.948.7170 to register how the 3 A’s can either help or hinder memor y and When to Worry concentration skills. Emphasis Signs of dementia build is on fun and mental over time, and can gradually stimulation. interfere with daily living. April 24, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.487.2441 to register Learn the various warning signs that may point to the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease.
Mill Creek Senior Center
May 23, 1-2 p.m. Call 425.948.7170 to register
May 8, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.487.2441 to register
May 22, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Call 425.487.2441 to register
Breast-Healthy Habits Learn how to do a proper breast self-exam and about the myths and realities surrounding breast cancer and mammography. Hear about Evergreen’s newest technology for mammograms. June 5, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.487.2441 to register
Meditation and Wellness Meditation has been shown to have many health benefits including managing stress, regulating emotion, increasing physical resilience and self awareness. Learn and practice meditation techniques. June 19, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.487.2441 to register
Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.
Peter Kirk Community Center 352 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland
Soy:The Dark Side Learn the good, the bad and the ugly of soy. Learn why those with chronic inflammation or thyroid problems shouldn’t eat soy and what effect soy has on your hormone levels.
Healthy Aging: Reducing Your Stress Research shows that as we age, stress greatly affects our quality of life. Older adults are faced with the stress of chronic illness, caring for a loved one with a chronic illness or even the loss of someone close. Discover techniques to effectively cope with stress and anxiety to increase your well-being.
Medications for a Healthier Heart A discussion of medications used to manage heart failure and how to help your meds work best for you.
May 25, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.587.3360 to register
Acupuncture for Pain Relief Acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial for treating April 6, 12:45-2 p.m. chronic pain symptoms in Call 425.587.3360 to register May 4, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.587.3360 to register some individuals. Find out What’s In Your Medicine which conditions respond Summer Nutrition Cabinet? well to acupuncture and Learn healthy eating strategies acupressure. A pharmacist clarifies what June 1, 12:45-2 p.m. and discover quick, fun and your medications do, along Call 425.587.3360 to register easy menu choices, as well with their interactions with as tips for appropriate water other dr ugs and certain Meditation Made Easy consumption for those warm foods. Bring a list of your Learn easy ways to benefit summer days. medications and your from meditation as it calms May 11, 12:45-2 p.m. questions. Call 425.587.3360 to register the mind, heals the body and April 13, 12:45-2 p.m. balances the emotions. Call 425.587.3360 to register Cholesterol and Diabetes June 8, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.587.3360 to register Screening Self Defense for Seniors Give yourself confidence and Screening will include fasting The Low-Down on High full-panel cholesterol test and Blood Pressure peace of mind by learning glucose. Results will be given some simple techniques that Get the low-down on will help you protect yourself before you go home! Limit 25 hypertension risk factors and participants; must register for and ensure your personal current treatment options. time slot. Free. safety. Explore how diet, exercise May 18, 8:30-10:30 a.m. April 20, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.587.3360 to register and medication can affect Call 425.587.3360 to register your blood pressure. June 15, 12:45-2 p.m. Volunteering Is Good for Body and Spirit Among Evergreen Hospital’s volunteers, one 90-year-old has logged 3,400 volunteer hours; an 85-year-old, 4,700; and a 79-year-old, 1,300. These volunteers are amazing people, and examples of how volunteering can positively affect your health. If you’d like to become an Evergreen volunteer, we’d love to have you. You may apply online at www. evergreenhospital.org. Click on the “Become a Volunteer.” quick link on the left-hand side. Or call 425.899.1994.
Call 425.587.3360 to register
Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.
Doc Talk Make sure you’re prepared for your next physician’s visit by learning important questions to ask, what ser vices you should request and how to ensure you are informed of all medical options available. Take control of your health by effectively communicating with your provider. June 22, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.587.3360 to register
What’s Great on Your Summer Plate? With summer upon us, there will be many parties, barbeques and other gatherings that will offer new challenges for maintaining healthy lifestyles. Learn healthy eating strategies and discover quick, fun and easy menu choices, as well as tips for appropriate food safety for those warm summer days. June 29, 12:45-2 p.m. Call 425.587.3360 to register
Redmond Senior Center
Alternative Medicine Alternative medicine includes, but is not limited to, homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, herbal remedies, relaxation techniques and supplements. Learn how to apply these to your health care. April 25, 10-11:15 a.m. Call 425.556.2314 to register
Headache Management Oh, my aching head! Take part in this discussion on the causes, diagnosis, management and treatments related to headache problems.
Easing Back Pain Whether your back pain is occasional or chronic, you could benefit from this talk on common back problems and basic back care. Topics include exercise, body mechanics, medications and other treatments that may help ease that aching back.
June 27, 10-11:15 a.m. Call 425.556.2314 to register
Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) This program is designed to reduce risk of falls with May 9, 10-11:15 a.m. exercise, and is open to Call 425.556.2314 to register adults 50 or better who limit Cholesterol and Diabetes or modify their activity due to fear of falling. Registration Screening is required at least one week Screening will include fasting before class begins. Group full-panel cholesterol test and meets twice per week for 6 glucose. Results will be given weeks. before you go home! Limit 25 Begins April 16 participants; must register for Call 425.556.2314 to register time slot. Free. May 23, 9-11 a.m. Call 425.556.2314 to register
Aging and Your Skin 8703 160th Ave. NE, Redmond How your skin ages depends on a variety of factors: your The Arthritis & Diet lifestyle, diet, heredity and Connection other personal habits. Learn Discover the connection diet, what changes can take place, nutrients and food allergies factors and various treatment may have with the cause and care options. of and relief from arthritis June 13, 10-11:15 a.m. pain. The role of the immune Call 425.556.2314 to register system will also be reviewed. April 11, 10-11:15 a.m. Call 425.556.2314 to register
Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID
12040 NE 128th Street
Mailed from zip code 98034 Permit No. 300
Kirkland, WA 98034
“Evergreen has become a center of excellence: We perform more minimally invasive spine surgery than any other hospital in the state.
Continued from page 1 “We have much better coordinated care than most other hospitals, and we have some of the premier nonsurgical spine specialists on our staff. Our many talented surgeons and nonsurgeons work together to provide the least invasive options available anywhere.” For more information about Evergreen’s orthopedic services please visit our website at www. evergreenhealthcare.org/ortho, or call the Evergreen Healthline (425.899.3000) and press “1” to speak with a referral coordinator.
“If a patient wants to explore the range of options for spine treatment, he or she should come to Evergreen. We work together to choose the
best course of action – both nonsurgical and surgical – for each patient. And with our minimally invasive surgical techniques, patients experience faster recovery, less blood loss, a lower risk of infection and a quicker return to work. For spine care, there is no better choice than Evergreen.” – Jeffrey S. Roh, MD Evergreen Spine Center Our website has excellent educational videos that feature our physicians and Evergreen’s breakthrough techniques.To learn more about your range of options for spine treatment, please visit our website at www.evergreenhospital.org/ortho. Or you may call the Evergreen Healthline (425.899.3000) and press “1” to speak with a referral coordinator.