SAN LUIS PROGRESS Health & VALLEY Recreation
2017
March 1, 2017 719-852-3531 835 First Ave. Monte Vista, Colo.
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Health & Recreation Progress
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History opens its medicine bag for today’s people
ALAMOSA— After spending a number of years in finance, Rick Wertz decided to retire and do something else, and something else, it is. His practice, Sunshine Acupuncture, is making its way into the health regimen of San Luis Valley folks of all ages. At 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday, Wertz is at the Alamosa Senior Center offering the potential of improved mental clarity, focus, concentration and memory, increased energy, improved sleep, reduced stress, reduced anxiety and irritability and improved mood and outlook. Three Mondays out of the month, he is at the senior center at 1 p.m., offering acupuncture to veterans. All this is free of charge. Treatments are based on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear protocol, proven to be extremely powerful. This isn’t only for the elderly. The body, mind and spirit are all interconnected, one-in-the-same. Sometimes, when the energy becomes stuck, stifled or depleted, symptoms appear: perhaps as bodily illness, mental confusion or emotional distress. This can be intense, scary, and even debilitating. Acupuncture can get your energy flowing in its optimal, natural way. “I have always been fascinated with energy,” says Wertz. “I have read a lot about Einstein and his ideas and have kept up with the new developments in quantum physics. According to the physicists, physical atoms are made up of vortices of energy that are constantly spinning and vibrating, each one radiating its own unique energy signature. We are really beings of energy and vibration. Nikola Tesla said ‘If you want to know the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.’” “After I retired, I decided to learn more about energy and that is why I chose acupuncture to study. Two thousand years ago, the Chinese discovered the energy patterns that emanate within our bodies. They found ways to access that energy to promote and sustain human energy. They discovered that if the energy in unbalanced, we are not healthy. They developed the art of acupunc-
ture, which taps into human energy to tonify, sedate, unblock and balance it.” Wertz explains that Western and Chinese medicine have evolved from two different perspectives. One fundamental difference is that “Chinese medicine is based on experience, whereas Western medicine is based on experiments.” “However, over the centuries, both Western and Chinese thought have come to similar conclusions. For example, the word ’qi,’ which is basic to Chinese medicine, is often translated as energy, which is the basis for quantum physics. Conversely, qi may more accurately be thought of as information, which also echoes quantum theory. The great 20th century Japanese acupuncturist, Dr. Yoshio Manaka, described acupuncture’s meridian system in the following terms, “The twelve channels represent pathways of information/signal transmission and sites of information/signal reception.” While this interpretation has a more modern sound to it, the underlying principle echoes the classical understanding that the channels allow qi to flow throughout the body, and that this qi can be affected at specific points. “Acupuncture is a wonderful alternative to drugs,” says Wertz. For more information, call 719-580-8916. Herbal remedies While acupuncture works on the outside, herbal medicine has been working inside since prehistory. Archaeological evidence indicates that the use of medicinal plants dates back to the Paleolithic age, approximately 60,000 years ago. Written evidence of herbal remedies dates back over 5,000 years, to the Sumerians, who compiled lists of plants. A number of ancient cultures wrote about plants and their medical uses in books called herbals. In ancient Egypt, herbs are mentioned in Egyptian medical papyri, depicted in tomb illustrations, or on rare occasions found in medical jars containing trace amounts of herbs. Many of the pharmaceuticals currently available to physicians have a long history of use as herbal remedies, including opium, aspirin, digitalis and quinine. Ac-
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The entire body is interconnected. cording to the World Health Organization, approximately 25 percent of modern drugs used in the United States have been derived from plants At least 7,000 medical compounds in the modern pharmacopoeia are derived from plants. Among the 120 active compounds currently isolated from the higher plants and widely used in modern medicine today, 80 percent show a positive correlation between their modern therapeutic use and the traditional use of the plants from which they are derived. For 37 years, the Valley Food Co-Op has been dedicated to providing the San Luis
Valley with a wide profile of products that promote optimum and holistic health and wellbeing. Visit today – they’re open seven days a week in the Villa Mall. They work closely with local farmers to provide fresh food that’s also cost-effective. Save money by purchasing local produce and dry goods in bulk. Looking for a health supplement or a healthier version of a favorite food? Medicinal herbs can be found at the co-op, along with alternative cancer treatments including non-harmful cancer cures and therapies such as diet, herbs, supplements and more for curing and preventing cancer.
Nursing careers a San Luis Valley specialty
SAN LUIS VALLEY—A career in ing students who wish to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) at Trinidad nursing is well within reach for State Junior College (TSJC) and then San Luis Valley residents who complete a Bachelor of Science want it. degree at Adams State UniIt can begin with a simple versity (ASU). certificate allowing work Second level students in a number of places currently enrolled in good and can grow to a fullstanding at TSJC fledged specialty caare eligible for reer. The Registered dual enrollment and Nurse to Bachelor will follow a special of Science in Nurscurriculum ing dual enrollment plan. This plan places a student leads to an where he or she accredited wants to be. The program is b a c h e l o r ’s designed for nursdegree in nurs-
ing for students who undertake 126 credit hours minimum and earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.5, complete all general education courses and earn a minimum grade of C in all required courses, as well as be able to pass a writing proficiency assessment. While it’s a good idea to engage in classroom and hands on education, there are also online courses accredited through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. At ASU, nursing is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This makes advanced study easier for students who are already working and seek to advance. At TSJC, updates to the advising pro-
cess in the nursing department include a progression toward increasing access and operational excellence through the option of online chatting with the advisor or nursing director. Students can print transcripts of conversations for future reference. ASU currently enrolls some 3,700 students per semester and a growing number of these are in the field of nursing. Established in 1925, TSJC was the first community college in Colorado. With campuses in Trinidad and Alamosa, it provides an affordable and accessible education to students in southern Colorado and beyond. TSJC has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1962. Cooperation with ASU in the nursing programs is another way to advance this proud history.
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Health & Recreation Progress
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Trails beautify Del Norte
BY A NTHONY GUERRERO
DEL NORTE— Located in the San Luis Valley there is a hidden gem of a small old mining town known as Del Norte. The quiet and historic town in recent years has positioned itself to be the hub of all season fun for the area and is increasingly being recognized throughout the state of Colorado as well as nationwide for its amazing natural beauty and redevelopment and economic efforts. One such effort bringing attention to the town is the Del Norte Trails Organization (DNTO). Beginning in 2007 this organization has built and developed six trails with breathtaking views of the mountains and the San Luis Valley. The trails that have been been built or are currently being worked on include Middle Frisco Trail, Pronghorn Trail, Bishop Rock, Del Norte Parks and Trails which includes Lookout Mountain, Linear Walking Trail and Del Norte River Walk, Stone Quarry and Penitente Canyon. Led by Marty and Bonnie Asplin, who demonstrate a great love for their community by engaging in multiple economic development projects, DNTO partners with various organizaPhoto by Anthony Guerrero tions including the Bureau of Land Management, United States Since 2007 over 2,700 volunteer hours have been Forest Service, Volunteers for logged in building the Del Norte trails system. Outdoors Colorado, Southwest Conservation Corps, Great Outdoors Colo- experience with nature. The path is good rado, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors and to see small wildlife and for enjoyment of multiple other organizations throughout the fall foliage. “The town of Del Norte has partnered with the Rio Grande Headwaters region and state. Every summer volunteers from differ- Restoration Project and Trout Unlimited to ent organizations visit Del Norte to help create recreation on the river. We’re going build the new trails. Since 2007 over 2,700 to get a boat ramp put in. There will be work volunteer hours have been logged. Last to restore the banks and to create better fish summer youth volunteers from Southwest habitat,” said Marty Asplin. In the area Del Norte locals have also Conservation Corps visited and built the Pronghorn Trail System south of town. expressed interest in there being an amphiWhat makes this trail and other upcoming theater in the area which would make this projects unique is that the trail will connect trail and park truly remarkable. “It will be a into town allowing residents and visitors nice feature to have on the river and it would the opportunity for easy access. The trail be the first entertainment venue along the is one of DNTO’s most impressive and Rio Grande River. We are very conscious gives hikers, equestrians, runners and more to ensure there is no interruption to water spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo appropriation and irrigation rights. We have Mountains. The volunteer project was also to make sure we don’t interfere with the a unique experience as volunteers camped business of water.” in the area and frequented Del Norte. The River Walk Trail expansion project Pronghorn Trail is completed. However, there may be a bit more construction on it is now in the planning phases. Multiple this summer. A piece may be added which organizations are writing up the documents will make the trail even more unique by and applying for grants to make this a returning it into an exaggerated figure eight. ality. “The ultimate goal is to restore the Pronghorn is also the only trail within the banks, create fish habitat and create some system to have closures to protect wildlife in recreation,” said Marty Asplin. The project the area. Since animals live and have their will probably take two to three years to young in the area, the trail is closed to the complete. This year DNTO also announced that public from Dec. 31 through May. 1. Volunteers for Outdoors Colorado will DNTO also maintains a beautiful trail begin work on an “eastern Valley” trail. It right in the town limits, known as the River Walk Trail. It is right next to Del Norte’s will be in the area of Crestone and Baca. It most used North Park and is a 2,600 square is hoped that the trail will connect directly foot concrete path. Running next to the Rio to the Sand Dunes. “It will be a big boost Grande the trail offers a serene and close to the Valley trail system,” he said.
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Maria Sandoval, 24, holds her newborn, Aubrianna Hope.
Pregnant addicts have limited medical options Pregnant with hope BY LORI JANE GLIHA Rocky Mountain PBS News Securely swaddled in white blankets, one-day-old Aubrianna snoozed silently against her mother’s chest. Maria Sandoval, 24, held her newborn close as she lay in her hospital bed. Her voice was soft and gentle as she described her rough, tumultuous history with opioid addiction. If Sandoval hadn’t found a path toward recovery, Aubrianna might not be nestled next to her mother- let alone have the middle name revealing Sandoval’s new outlook on life: Hope. Addiction sucked her in Sandoval started hanging out with the “wrong crowd” while she was growing up in Monte Vista, a rural town in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, with a population just shy of 5,000. “It’s small. There’s not really much to do,” Sandoval said. “That’s why everyone’s out getting high, stealing from the stores to get high, but once you get clean there is so much more to that.” Her addiction started with pills, and eventually changed to heroin. The drug snatched three years from her life. “Your body just aches, and you do not feel good. You withdraw. You’re hot.
You’re cold. You’re angry. You do anything to get money,” she remembered. When she started gaining weight and feeling ill, Sandoval wondered whether she had an infection or was experiencing withdrawal. Instead, she discovered she was fourmonths pregnant. “I cried for days,” she recalled. Babies born to opioid-addicted mothers are at risk of experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms like shaking, seizures, trouble feeding, low birth weight, miscarriage or premature birth. What the data shows Colorado does not consistently and uniformly track where and how often drugaddicted mothers give birth to babies who suffer from withdrawal symptoms related to opioid use, also known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. However, at the request of Rocky Mountain PBS, the Colorado Hospital Association evaluated five years of medical codes from birth records at the organization’s 100 hospitals statewide. According to their data, the number of newborns experiencing opioid-related withdrawal symptoms increased nearly two and a half times between 2011 and 2015. There were 109 diagnosed cases in 2011. In 2014, the number of documented cases increased to 221. Medical coding methods changed in 2015, but according to annualized data compiled by CHA, the number of cases increased to 268 that year. Nationally, the problem is growing Please see HOPE on Page 6
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Valley-Wide dives into two residency programs BY LYNDSIE FERRELL SAN LUIS VALLEY— Several years ago, Valley-Wide Health Systems took part in a region-wide residency program that introduced new people to the differences of rural medical and dental training. As a result the Valley saw an increase in both health and dental providers, only to have to give up the program when the people running it moved away. Now, years later, other health and dental officials have taken over and will be reintroducing the residency to the Valley this summer. Dr. Barbara Troy explained the medical residency program, beginning with the fact that thanks to recent legislature changes, the state of Colorado will be funding the program in order to train more doctors in the rural lifestyle setting. “There is a significant difference between rural medical training and metropolis medical training. For one, in a city specialists are available on demand. In rural areas, like the communities in the San Luis Valley, we have to send people abroad to a specialist or have people here in the area trained for specific medical practices,” stated Troy. Residents enrolled in the program have gone through a rigorous selection process for three Colorado communities that will serve as test locations for the program through Rural Training Track. Alamosa, Fort Morgan and Sterling, Colo. will each receive two family resident medical doctors in July that will help serve their communities for the next two years. The residents begin at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pueblo prior to coming to the Valley to receive initial training for the rural communities they will serve. Once the residents arrive in the Valley, each will be responsible for a wide range of services including OB, ER, clinic and everything in between. “Residents will spend half of their day in the hospital and then the rest of the day in our clinic doing family medicine practice,” explained Troy. The purpose of the program is to introduce the next generation of doctors to the area and in such a way that would increase the chances they will stay in the area. “This program is really for the good of the Valley. It is different in the sense that it is an accredited family medicine residency program,” continued Troy. She continued stating that they hope to train the participants in the program to not only
become exceptional doctors in the Valley, but community leaders as well. The Alamosa Rural Training Track interviewed 28 potential residents for the program last fall and have chosen the final two that will be placed in our community beginning July 1. The residents spend one year in the Pueblo hospital training for the next two years that will be spent in Alamosa. The interviews were geared towards people who would have the most likelihood of staying in the areas they would be placed in to create board certified family doctors with specific areas of medical specialties. “These people will be delivering babies, seeing regular clinic patients, surgery, emergency room shifts and anything else that will be beneficial to the community,” stated Troy. In addition to the medical residency program, the Valley-Wide dental offices throughout the Valley are also taking part in another program, which is similar to the medical residency. Like the medical program, the dental clinics in the Valley have to depend on specialists in neighboring communities like Pueblo and Colorado Springs to serve their clients when they are unable to perform a procedure in local clinics. Doctor David Sisneros and relatively new Dental Operations Director Dee Kessler explained their program stating that they will also be bringing in up to four residents by this spring and summer. Due to the large pool of patients that the clinics across the Valley have, scheduling issues have been one of the main problems. “When I came on board I made all of the clinics leave two appointments open per day so that either the doctors could fit in more patients or have longer with current patients if necessary,” explained Kessler. When asked what made people want to come to the area to serve a one-year residency with the dental clinic Dr. Sisneros explained that in a setting like the Valley-Wide clinics residents could get a richer learning experience and also the fact that the clinic has a great loan repayment program that interests many residents into coming to the area. “We want them to have a good experience here and want to stay in the area once their program is over,” explained Sisneros. Having the new scheduling policy in
Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell
Dr. David Sisneros and Dental Operations Director Dee Kessler share their excitement about the coming residency program. conjunction with an additional four dental residents, the clinics would increase their daily patient number significantly. One of the other main issues with the clinic in Alamosa is lack of space. The clinic has seven stations for dental procedures and one station for the hygienist. Once the residents come in the participants will be spread out among the clinics in Center, Monte Vista, San Luis and Alamosa. The program is through an initiative from New York University, where all of the chosen
residents come from. Dental Clinic Director Karl Kohlgraf implemented the program into the Alamosa clinic when he was hired as clinic director last fall. Their residency will last one year with the clinic with the option to stay at the end of the program. Patients will be notified prior to their appointments if they will be seen by a member of either the medical or dental residency participants. More information on the programs will be provided in the near future.
Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics plan expansion BY ANTHONY GUERRERO
DEL NORTE— Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics is continuing its tradition of offering the best quality health care in the western end of the San Luis Valley. The hospital and clinics have become trusted and preferred community health providers and as a result even more expansion is needed. Every year RGH hosts the “Keeping the Dream Alive” benefit auction and dinner. It is a celebration of the hospital’s commitment to the community and proceeds are used to expand services that the Valley’s small rural communities might not otherwise have access to. Last year’s auction raised $100,000. Over the last few years the money has been used for building a new family practice clinic in Monte Vista with a full-service pharmacy. That goal and dream has been successfully achieved. The 2017 fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12. The hope is to once again raise $100,000 from community members, donors and supporters. With the funds that are raised the hospital is prepared to expand even further. The money, gifts and donations will be used for hospital expansion of physical therapy and new cardiac and pulmonary rehab services; additional office space for specialty care; expansion of the emergency room and remodeling the Del Norte Clinic to support a patient-centric care model, called Team Based Care. The expansion is in very early planning phases but if everything proposed can be accomplished the hospital will continue to position itself as a leader for this part of Colorado. One hope is to have one of the best wound care centers between the Front Range and Durango. An item that would be available to help with
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The present Rio Grande Hospital has been in use for over 12 years and the needs of the community have outgrown the ability of the hospital to meet the current needs. that goal is a hyperbaric chamber. New services, more providers and access to jobs will have a continued positive effect on the western end of the San Luis Valley. It certainly will add to the influence, importance and perception of Del Norte, Monte Vista, South Fork and Creede. The construction project is expected to begin this spring. Approximately, 10,000 square feet will be added to the hospital building. The project will also connect the clinic building to the hospital making one full facility rather two
separate structures. The present hospital has been in use for over 12 years and the needs of the community have outgrown the ability of the hospital to meet the current needs. It is estimated that utilization has increased by five times since the early beginning of the hospital and clinics. To meet the current and anticipated needs, the hospital will expand. The project is estimated to cost approximately 11 million dollars and is made possible through a USDA rural development direct and guaranteed funding arrangement.
Rio Grande Hospital has been awarded the money to begin construction. Arlene Harms, CEO, remarked, “It’s an amazing time for our organization, and we are excited for the opportunity to better serve our community with new services and better accommodations for our present services. Additionally, we will be adding conference rooms to support education and networking for the community, one of the specific requests voiced during the Community Health Needs Assessment meetings.”
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Health & Recreation Progress
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SLV Health recognized at national healthcare conference
LONG BEACH, Calif. — On Feb. 8, at the 2017 HealthCare Service Excellence Conference, in Long Beach, California, San Luis Valley Health was awarded 13 Awards. Eleven Outstanding Achievements in Breakthrough Awards were presented to SLV Health as well as nominations for the Service Excellence Council, Provider/Physician and a nomination and win for Program Director. SLV Health is now in year 3 of the Service Excellence program, implemented in 2014 to provide evidence based solutions to increase patient care and safety. Marisa Fricke, Service Program Director of San Luis Valley Health, previously achieved Pinnacle status but was elevated to Summit Status when she was named the 2016 National Recipient of the Program Director Summit Award at the HealthCare Conference. Nuwan Pilapitiya, MD of San Luis Valley Health was recognized as a nominee for the Customer Focused Physician/Provider Pinnacle Award and the 2016 Service Excellence Council at San Luis Valley Health was nominated for the Service Excellence Council Courtesy Photos Summit award. SLV Health employees and conference attendees accept awards at the National HealthCare Conference in Long Beach, Calif. San Luis Valley Health was awarded 11 Breakthrough Awards for outstanding achievements in Healthcare Service Excellence based on patient experience (HCAHPS) scores and the increase in rating over the course of one year from quarter 3 in 2015 to quarter 3 in 2016. San Luis Valley Health also won first place for the 2017 “Team Bragging Video” (TBV) Award for their video submission on patient care where they highlighted the exceptional service and outstanding patient care offered at San Luis Valley Health featuring patients as the organization’s superheroes. The SLV Health TBV Production Team includes (from left to right): Daniel Quintana, Marisa Fricke, Chad Chavez and Christian Harmsen. Breakthrough Awards
Gold Awards: Progress towards Patient’s Goals’ Bronze Awards: Hospital Environment – Clean Hospital Environment – Quiet Recommend the Hospital Registration Process Total Time Spent Waiting Emerald Awards: Staff Explained Purpose of New Medication Helped by Visit Ruby Awards: Staff Communicated with Designated Family Member or Friend Clear/Complete Discharge Instruction Marisa Fricke (middle) accepts the National Program Director SLV Health Program Director Marisa Fricke and Chief Nursing Received Care Within 30 Minutes (Emer- Award with CLS, CEO, Brian Lee (right) and Conference Chair Pat Officer Patti Thompson hold a few of the accolades awarded to gency Department) Goodberry-Dyck (left). SLV Health.
Draft of Obamacare replacement released BY TERESA L. BENNS
SAN LUIS VALLEY — A new bill entitled “The Access to Insurance for All Americans Act” drafted by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., would place all Americans on the same medical plan provided to federal employees and their families. The report appeared in Times of San Diego, a free daily email newsletter. The plan would offer Americans access to quality, privately operated insurance plans covering pre-existing conditions and also would cover dependents till age 26. The 10-page proposed law will be posted online for all to see, Issa said. He invites feedback and says he is looking for a way to bridge the gap between those wishing to retain their Obamacare coverage and others seeking to escape from limited choices among carriers and skyrocketing deductibles. Critics of Issa’s plan say it is not much different than Obamacare itself, which is modeled on a plan originally proposed by Republicans. The new plan will be more
expensive, they maintain, by over a billion a year. It also fails to address the issue of subsidies, opponents object, making it possible the government could cover not only those at poverty level, but also those in the middle income range. Overall there is little enthusiasm for the Issa plan, and many have pointed out it is only a revival of Kerry’s plan proposed in 2004. Basically the details of how Obamacare will be replaced when repealed have yet to be fleshed out, partly because of the delay in appointing Pres. Trump’s Secretary of Humans Services pick Tom Price. Articles written for The Denver Post report that dismantling Obamacare would adversely impact Colorado healthcare systems. Providers and healthcare consumers worry that ending Obamacare would also mean an end to the Medicaid expansion in Colorado subsidized by the federal program. Some 1.3 million Coloradans now are enrolled in Medicaid, according to one Denver Post article, and
407,000 of these are there following the passage of Obamacare. The increased number of those on Medicaid, some claim, also accounts for the lower numbers of the uninsured reported following Obamacare passage. And if Congress puts a halt to Medicaid expansion, that number could rise again. This is a concern for Colorado hospitals, which have seen a decline in those seeking emergency room care without insurance. State figures show costs to hospitals dropped by $1.2 billion with Obamacare. But while more of these costs may be covered, as Sen. Scott Tipton warns, patients may be more likely to overuse emergency rooms. Others believe they also may be more likely to use emergency facilities after hours on a convenience basis. This results in actually higher medical costs overall. And the healthcare exchange Obamacare helped to create — Connect for Health Colorado — has some definite problems. Last month auditors told the organization it owes
some $9.7 million for wrongful spending and improper documentation of grant funds used to create it. In 2015, the non-profit insurer Colorado HealthOP closed its doors. This after the group wasted an estimated $72 million in federal loans, leaving more than 80,000 residents without insurance. A Denver Post article last month explained how health executives throughout Colorado are warning that erasing Obamacare without a healthy replacement could force hospitals to cut back their services and even result in hospital closures. An unnamed hospital in the San Luis Valley was specifically mentioned as being adversely impacted. A total of eight hospitals statewide could struggle to stay afloat if Congress does not implement a new healthcare plan. In short, things could worsen health-wise in Colorado before they get better, and gridlock over a replacement plan for Obamacare could endanger the health of Americans nationwide.
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Health & Recreation Progress
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Partnership offers safe sleep for every SLV baby
SAN LUIS VALLEY—Every baby in the San Luis Valley can have a safe crib thanks to a partnership between San Luis Valley Health, all of the SLV Public Health Departments and Cribs for Kids®. San Luis Valley public health departments applied in unison for child fatality prevention funding to purchase Graco ® Pack ‘n Play® portable cribs through Cribs for Kids®. Since 1998, Cribs for Kids ® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative has been making an impact on reducing the rate of infant sleep-related deaths due to accidental suffocation, asphyxia, or undetermined causes in unsafe sleeping environments. Cribs for Kids®, headquartered in Pittsburgh, has a mission to prevent these deaths, by education and by providing Graco® Pack ‘n Play® portable cribs. The Cribs for Kids® program uses Graco products because it is a trusted brand for safety, has a knowledgeable compliance team and testing is completed on all products to make sure they meet or exceed all applicable standards. The Cribs for Kids® Unit cannot be returned to a retail outlet by the client for cash or store credit, assuring that the unit will be used for its intended purpose. To date, Cribs for Kids® has distributed over 250,000 cribs in the United States. More than 3,500 sudden, unexpected infant deaths occur each year. Research shows that up to 90 percent of the deaths are accidental due to placing babies to sleep in unsafe sleeping environments. These deaths are preventable. To prevent sleep-related deaths due to unsafe sleeping environments, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), Cribs for Kids®, and most safe sleep experts recommend these guidelines: 1: The safest way for your baby to sleep is alone (no bed-sharing), on the back, in a safety-approved crib with no pillows, no bumper pads, no stuffed animals, and no comforters. 2: The baby’s crib should be in the parents’ room, if possible. Room-share, don’t bed-share! Railings that are not more than 2 inches apart. (You should not be able to fit a soda can through them.) A firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame.
A fitted sheet that is tight around the mattress. No quilts, comforters, duvets, heavy blankets, stuffed animals, bumper pads, sheepskins, etc. These items can obstruct the baby’s breathing. A wearable blanket is recommended. 3: Take care of yourself and your baby – Eat well and see your doctor regularly; get all required immunizations for your baby. 4: Do not overheat or overdress your baby – If you’re comfortable, baby is comfortable. Don’t overheat or overdress your baby. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing. Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult (between 68-72 degrees F). 5: No smoking around baby – There should be no smoking near pregnant women or infants. This goes for you and anyone else around your baby. Smoke increases the risk of an unsafe sleep environment and other health problems. Set strict rules for smoke free homes and cars and eliminate second-hand tobacco smoke from all places in which children and other nonsmokers spend time. 6: Breastfeed your baby if you can – Breastfed babies have less colds and ear infections. 7: Consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime once breastfeeding has been established. 8: Do not bed-share – The act of bringing an infant into a sleep environment with adults, other children, or pets puts the baby in danger of suffocating, either by being smothered in bedding; by positional asphyxia, which occurs when a baby’s position prevents them person from breathing adequately; or by being accidentally rolled over by a sleeping companion (overlay). A baby who bed-shares is at 40 times greater risk of dying. 9: Room share – Babies should sleep on a close, but separate, surface in the same room as the caregiver. The AAP recommends that a parent and infant sleep within a “sensory” distance of each other, meaning that each can tell that the other is near, by their touch, sight, or even smell. 10: Tummy Time – Tummy time is for babies who are awake and being watched. Your baby needs this to develop strong muscles.
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Pictured here with the first safe crib giveaway are from left to right: SLV Health nurses from the labor and delivery floor: Connie Duarte, Anna Salazar, Beverly Strnad from Alamosa County Public Health, holding baby boy Harley Eicher is Amber Abeyta, CarrieAnn Mondragon, Heather Rodman and Sarah Herrera. According to PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System) results from 2011-2014, 78.2 percent of San Luis Valley respondents reported placing their infants on their back to sleep, compared to 85.8 percent for Colorado. San Luis Valley Health’s OB department provides education about AAP-recommended safe sleep practices to the family of every baby born here. In addition, they will now be providing a voucher to each family to take to their county public health department to get a Pack N’ Play, ensuring that every baby has a safe place to sleep. Public health nurses will reinforce safe sleep education and issue a brand-new Pack N’ Play which has been purchased from Cribs for Kids ®. Nurses will also have additional safe sleep materials in English and Spanish. Participating Public Health Department information: Alamosa County Public Health Depart-
ment: 8900B Independence Way, Alamosa, 719-589-6639 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. **you can come to Alamosa no matter what county you live in** Conejos County Nursing Service and Public Health: 19023 Highway 285, La Jara, 719-2744307 Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Costilla County Public Health Agency: 233 Main Street, Suite C, San Luis, 719672-3332 Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Rio Grande Public Health Agency: 925 6 th Street, Room 101, Del Norte, 719-657-3352 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., closed noon-1 p.m. Saguache County Public Health Agency: 505 Third Street, Saguache, 719-6552533 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
HOPE
Continued from Page 3 more rapidly in rural areas, according to a are obvious,” said Troy, eyes widening under recent study conducted by the University of her glasses. Dr. Troy is the only doctor within at least Michigan. Researchers found the number of rural babies experiencing opioid-related 50 miles of her rural community with training withdrawal symptoms after birth increased and proper certification to treat patients with by more than six times during a recent span buprenorphine, according to federal records. Currently, according to SAMHSA, nearly of 10 years compared to nearly three and a half of the 64 counties in Colorado do not half times for urban babies. have a medical provider with training and proper certification to legally prescribe buTreatment options The American College of Obstetricians prenorphine. During her first year working for Valleyand Gynecologists recommends only two treatments for pregnant addicts: methadone Wide Health Systems in Alamosa, Troy was – a liquid which is usually administered only permitted to assist 30 patients, in acin a clinic – and buprenorphine, an under- cordance with the law. “I went from zero to thirty quickly,” Troy the-tongue film or tablet, which requires a doctor to have special training in order to said. “The goal was I wanted to take care of these mommies and babies. That was my prescribe it. According to a 2010 National Institutes of main goal – was to protect the babies because Health study comparing the two treatments, when you protect a baby in utero, you’re pro“buprenorphine resulted in similar maternal tecting them for a lifetime – and a lifetime of and fetal outcomes, yet had lower severity of public assistance if you don’t do it.” [Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome] symptoms, Not enough providers thus requiring less medication and less time Dr. Kathryn Wells, a child abuse pediatriin the hospital for their babies.” cian and co-chair of a Colorado task force on substance-exposed infants, helped make Not many rural doctors Dr. Barbara Troy, a jovial obstetrician with sure addicts seeking prenatal care would a perpetual grin, sees many pregnant addicts receive protection from criminal prosecution at her clinic in rural Alamosa, including by advocating for a Colorado law that went into effect in 2012. Maria Sandoval. “When [an addict] shares this information When Troy arrived in town in 2014, she immediately recognized an opioid abuse with a health care provider for the purpose problem in the community and very few of getting prenatal care or determining if she is pregnant, then that is not going to be medical options for treatment. “You see all kinds of needles, and you look able to be used for a criminal prosecution,” around and you see all kinds of addicts. They said Wells.
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Dr. Barbara Troy is one of the only doctors in Colorado who can prescribe buprenorphine. She said a woman will not automatically have her child removed from the home simply because the mother used drugs during the pregnancy. “At least in my experience, just because a
baby was exposed prenatally does not equal a removal. It equals an assessment to what needs that child in that family might have and how can it be assured that that child is safe in that environment.”
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Health & Recreation Progress
Page 7
Second report on marijuana health effects released
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COLORADO— The state’s Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee has released its second set of findings from the committee’s review of the scientific literature currently available on the health effects of marijuana use. The report, “Monitoring Health Concerns Related to Marijuana in Colorado: 2016,” also provides survey data about marijuana use in Colorado and data from hospitals and the poison center on potential marijuana-related health effects. Senate Bill 13-283 requires the committee to monitor the emerging science and medical information about marijuana use and report its findings. “Just as with tobacco and alcohol, continued monitoring of marijuana use and potential health effects help guide our work to protect the health of Colorado’s citizens,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, executive director and chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “We want to base policy decisions and educational campaigns on sound science.” The report recommends continued monitoring of several trends, including: • About 6 percent of pregnant women choose to use marijuana while pregnant. This percentage is higher among those with unintended pregnancies as well as younger mothers or those with less education. Using marijuana during pregnancy is associated with negative effects on exposed children, including decreased cognitive function and ability to maintain attention on task. Effects may not appear until adolescence. • At least 14,000 children in Colorado are at risk of accidentally eating marijuana products that are not safely stored, and at least 16,000 are at risk of being exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke in the home. The committee found strong evidence such accidental exposures can lead to significant clinical effects that, in some cases, require hospitalization. • More than 5 percent of high school students use marijuana daily or nearly daily. This has been the case since at least 2005. The report finds weekly marijuana use by adolescents is associated with impaired learning, memory, math and reading, for as long as 28 days after last use. Weekly use also is associated with fail-
ure to graduate from high school. In addition, adolescent marijuana users are more likely to develop cannabis use disorder or be addicted to alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs in adulthood. • In Colorado, one in four adults ages 18-25 reported past-month marijuana use and one in eight use daily or nearly daily. These numbers have been consistent since marijuana’s legalization.
There are indications that policy and education efforts about the potential health effects of marijuana are working. For example, marijuana exposure calls to the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center have decreased since 2015. This includes calls about accidental exposures in children under 9 years old. In addition, the overall rate of marijuana-related emergency department visits dropped 27 percent from 2014 to 2015. (2016 data is not available yet.)
The report also cited these trends: • Past-month marijuana use among adults and adolescents has not changed since legalization either in terms of the number of people using or the frequency of use. • Based on the most comprehensive data available, past-month marijuana use among Colorado adolescents is nearly identical to the national average. • Daily or near-daily use of marijuana among adults in Colorado is much lower than daily or near-daily use of alcohol or tobacco.
Based on its findings, the committee also recommends continuing to use survey, poison center and hospital data to monitor trends in marijuana use and health effects; state support of research to fill important gaps in public health knowledge; and continued public education about the potential risks of marijuana use. The 14-member Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee includes physicians, scientists and public health officials. Committee members are experts in drug epidemiology, surveillance epidemiology, medical toxicology, pediatric medicine, psychiatry, drug addiction, pharmacology, pulmonary medicine, neonatal and perinatal medicine, and public health.
Medication Take-Back location now at Valley-Wide Pharmacy
ALAMOSA—Valley-Wide Health Systems is pleased to announce that the ValleyWide Pharmacy, is now a registered dropoff location for the Colorado Household Medication Take-Back Program. There is now a drop-off receptacle located at the pharmacy for the collection of household medications, including both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Drop off any unwanted household medications for free at the Valley-Wide Pharmacy. The Valley-Wide Pharmacy is conveniently located inside the Alamosa Family Medical Center clinic, directly across the street from Adams State University’s Nielsen Library, at 1710 First St, Alamosa.
Medication Take-Back Program The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in partnership with the Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention developed the program in response to the increased need for safe
ers); medicated patches (used Fentanyl and Duragesic® patches are extremely hazardous. They may be folded in half, sticky-side together and flushed down the toilet); medication samples; medicated ointments; vitamins; pet medications; unused drug injection cartridges, e.g. unused EpiPens® and insulin pens (must be unused with needle still protected inside). The following can NOT be disposed of: marijuana; illicit drugs (e.g. DEA Schedule I drugs like heroin, LSD, etc.); needles, syringes, and other sharps; chemotherapy drugs; medical tools and supplies; bloody or infectious waste; personal care prodHelp solve the problem Help solve this problem by dropping off ucts; thermometers; empty containers and any unwanted household medications for medication wastes generated by health care safe and secure disposal. The following can facilities, including nursing homes. be disposed of: prescription medications, including prescribed controlled substances There is a drop-off receptacle located at (DEA Schedule II– V); over-the-counter Valley-Wide Pharmacy in Alamosa. medications; liquid medications (small amounts in original, non-leaking containCourtesy Photo disposal of prescription medications. The average American household has four pounds of medications, including both prescription and over-the-counter medications. At the same time, teen abuse of prescription medications is on the rise. Research shows almost 38 percent of teens who abuse prescription drugs obtain them from their parents’ medicine cabinet. There are also 35 prescription drug related deaths per month in Colorado. For more statistics please visit http://takemedsseriously.org/the-problem/ colorado-statistics/
Page 8
Health & Recreation Progress
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Freddie Jaquez retires as SLV AHEC director BY DONNA WEHE
SAN LUIS VALLEY — The San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center (SLV AHEC) is advertising for a new director. The last time they had to do that was in 2007 when Freddie Jaquez replaced Al Kelly. Freddie had been working at various other agencies such as Rocky Mountain SER and Alamosa County Department of Social Services while serving for 15 years as a volunteer board member for the non-profit AHEC agency when he agreed to apply for the director position. Now Freddie is retiring after a career of helping others in various positions of leadership in the San Luis Valley. Born and raised in San Luis, Freddie graduated from Centennial as well as earning a bachelors from Adams State College. His mom operated a grocery store, where growing up with his two brothers and two sisters, he spent a lot of time under the candy counter. “As I grew up and found out that all that food wasn’t free, I also learned about what it takes to run a business: being organized, ability to plan, manage finances, hard work, and commitment,� reflected Jaquez. A solid foundation of compassion for others, hard work and education made Freddie the person he has become today. His mother recently passed away, and caring full time for her with his siblings was another learning curve in his life journey. Even though he got kicked out once, he completed his degree at ASU with majors in Chicano Studies and psychology. He later got his MA in guidance counseling, which has helped him as the director of Counseling Services for the College Assistance Migrant program (Project ALMA-Advanced Leadership for Migrant Americans) at Adams State University, director of the Alamosa County Department of Social Services, Field Services Representative for Rocky Mountain SER, and most recently the director of the San Luis Valley AHEC. “I learned to be patient, to be a good listener, to not make quick decisions and to communicate clearly. As a trained psychologist, I learned it was okay to move at a slower pace, not jump to conclusions and hear people out. Everyone has a unique perspective, and I have learned how to take other opinions, look at data, and reflect and then make the best decision possible,� com-
mented Jaquez. He said, “If you are good at your job as a leader, you might not please everyone all the time. But I’ve learned to be transparent, to think things through, and it’s helped me defend my decisions when necessary.� The SLV AHEC is affiliated with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (UCAMC). Much of the funding for the programs comes through the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) through a legislative mandate of 1972. Other funding sources include state funding through UCAMC and UCAMC health professions schools. Each local center, and there are six total in Colorado, is a private, non-profit governed by its own board of directors. Local AHEC agencies each have their own funds to fundraise and also are allowed to create unique ways to serve their basic missions. At SLV AHEC, there are five full time employees and 11 volunteer board members. The common focus of all AHECs are to support the rural clerkship programs, where health professions students from the Anschutz Medical Campus are assigned preceptors for their rural clinical rotations. SLV AHEC is in charge of about 50-70 students each year to provide logistics to access rural health care agencies and has to manage their housing needs. Freddie laughed, “I tell my board that we are in the hotel business, because that is what it seems like sometimes.� Freddie’s passion has always been with the youth and that is where he and his predecessor have created a program that has been modeled in other areas. The “Grow Your Own,� program has two components: Summer Health Careers Institute and the Student Health Careers Guild. The Summer Health Careers Institute is a healthcare careers pipeline for high school students in the SLV to be exposed to healthcare careers during the summers between their sophomore, junior and senior years; and the Student Health Careers Guild is where the same high school students are supported after their summer commitment with further meetings and pre-collegiate assistance. When funding is available, the Grow Your Own students are placed in work experience practicums where they can receive a stipend for their job performance. Intensive research in following these students through a survey entitled “From High School
Courtesy photo
Among his many talents, Freddie Jaquez is a talented singer and guitar player. He is shown here entertaining in Taos, New Mexico.
to Health Careers,� has resulted in data which Luis. He hopes to develop his woodworking shows that over 44 percent of Grow Your Own hobby and spend more time in his wood shop. graduates are working in medically related He jokes, “I cut boards twice and they’re careers. Jaquez presented this program at a still too short. I discovered these toys called National AHEC Organization (NAO) confer- saws about 10 years ago and I can be quite ence in Las Vegas, Nevada and it was widely dangerous.� acknowledged by his peers. Whether he is entertaining with his music, Freddie is the father of one daughter, Anna creatively making picture frames, or helping Jaquez, married to Jeff Espinoza and has three mentor young, future doctors, one thing is for grandchildren, Louie, Alex and Kristina. He certain, the San Luis Valley is a better place has four siblings: Charlie Jaquez Jr., Lillian thanks to Freddie’s dedication to helping others. English, Marie Gomez and Jim Jaquez. Freddie The job description for the new director left ALAMOSA— Meet 2017 fitness goals this at tlrobins@adams.edu or 719-587-7663; or Jor- is a talented singer and guitar player and was out one important qualification requirement: year with help from the Adams State University dan at alexjordan@adams.edu or 719-587-7246. instrumental in the early days of Mariachi San “Must be Able to Fill Some Really Big Shoes.� Human Performance and Physical Education (HPPE) Department. HPPE continues to offer the community a variety of affordable fitness tests. Testing will be located in the Human Performance Lab room 106, located in the East Campus Building. Dr. Tracey Robinson, professor of HPPE, and graduate assistant Alex Jordan will conduct the tests from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. every Thursday. Fitness testing appointments are mandatory. Robinson and Jordan are more than willing to help identify current fitness levels and develop individualized fitness plans based on personal goals, needs, and physical limitations. Lifestyle modifications are not easy on your own, graduate students can give the personal drive you need. Fitness tests available include VO2 Max $50, Wingate anaerobic power test $10, FitnessAge $15 and body composition $10. The VO2 max test is an aerobic endurance assessment of the maximum amount of oxygen a body is able to utilize during high intensity aerobic activity. The lab also tests your blood The M Th Monte t Vi Vista t M Medical di l Cli Clinic i lactate levels to assess individual lactate threshPha Pharmacy is now open! The pharmacy’s olds, which are used to determine proper trainconv convenient drive-thru is open MondayFriday 9 a.m.-5 a p.m. We have short wait-times, ing intensities for maximal benefit. Test time is f accept prescriptions from any provider and accept most approximately 45 minutes. major insurances, medicare and medicaid. Come in the The Wingate power test is an assessment office inside the Monte Vista Medical Clinic, pull up to the of anaerobic power. It consists of a 30 second drive thru window or call (719) 628-0533 to talk to our super maximal effort on a cycle ergometer; test time friendly pharmacy staff for more information! approximately 10 minutes. 6HUYLFHV 5HVSLUDWRU\ 2UWKRSHGLFV The FitnessAge test is a comprehensive as(PHUJHQF\ 7KHUDS\ 6XUJHU\ sessment of muscular strength and endurance, 5RRP 3K\VLFDO 8OWUDVRXQG cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and /DERUDWRU\ 7KHUDS\ 05, 6HUYLFHV 5DGLRORJ\ body composition. Individual test results are compiled to give an overall fitness “age.� Test ‡ &5 ‡ 'HO 1RUWH time is approximately 20 minutes. To set up an appointment, contact Robinson ZZZ ULR JUDQGH KRVSLWDO RUJ
ASU Human Performance Lab can help with 2017 fitness goals
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