vol: 6 issue: 1
Losing Weight, Gaining Confidence Linn Woman Loses 70 Pounds After Sleeve Gastrectomy In Time To Celebrate Son’s Wedding
page 12: harold price reflects on a lifetime of health care
Table Of Contents Page 6
Page 14
Boone Hospital Center’s mission is to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.
Jim Sinek President
Page 19
Page 22
Ben Cornelius Communications and Marketing Manager
Jessica Park Marketing Coordinator
Madison Burke Multimedia Marketing Specialist Photos By
Madison Burke
5...................................................... A Note From Boone Hospital President Jim Sinek
Contributing Writer
6.....................................................................................................
Jacob Luecke
myBoone Health Stories
8................................................................................................................ Hospital Headlines 10........................................................................................................ Got The Winter Blues?
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12................................................................................................................. A Lifetime Of Care 14.............................................................................................................. Sending A Message 16............................................................................................................. Boone By Numbers 18................................................................................................... The Foundation C.A.R.E.s 19....................................
Meet The WELLAWARE Fitness Center’s “Social Director”
20.........................................................................................
Understanding Food Allergies
22............................................................................. Healthy Eating: Am I Doing It Right? 24................................................................................. Losing Weight, Gaining Confidence
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28......................................................................................... Getting To Know A BHC Doctor 29.......................................................................................... Getting To Know A BHC Nurse 30.................................................................. News from the Boone Hospital Foundation BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Winter 2016
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A Note From Jim
Happy New Year!
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n behalf of Boone Hospital Center’s staff, medical staff, the Boone Hospital Foundation board, our board of trustees, and our volunteers, I want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year! Boone Hospital is looking forward to 2016 as we continue our efforts to achieve our mission of improving the health of the people and community we serve.
Jim Sinek President Boone Hospital Center
Boone Hospital is looking forward to 2016 as we continue our efforts to achieve our mission of improving the health of the people and community we serve.
A new year always brings the opportunity for New Year’s resolutions or initiatives you want to achieve. I thought I would share some of Boone Hospital Center’s New Year’s resolutions for 2016. First: A continued effort in investing in our outstanding staff. We were named the No. 1 hospital in mid-Missouri by U.S. News and World Report primarily because of the dedication and compassion of our Boone teammates who touch the lives of our patients and their family members each and every day.
opened primary care clinics in Boonville, Mexico, north Columbia and Moberly. We look forward to bringing Boone Hospital and BJC HealthCare’s high standards of care closer to the people we serve throughout mid-Missouri. Fifth: Preparation for the implementation
of the EPIC electronic medical record system. 2016 will bring with it significant work on the design and build of our new electronic medical record system. This will support functionality and integration with other systems across Boone and BJC. It is anticipated that Boone Hospital Center will begin the actual implementation of EPIC in the third quarter of 2017. sixth: Continued integration with our affiliated
hospitals. We look forward during 2016 to work closer together with Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall, Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield and Samaritan Hospital in Macon in coordinating care, increasing services and improving the patient experience. seventh: Growth will continue to be the
second: Increased integration with our
medical staff to improve continuity of care, day-to-day operations, the patient experience, clinical outcomes and the development of an integrated network of providers across midMissouri to provide the highest quality, lowest cost care to patients. third: The opening of our new Nifong
Medical Plaza, located at the corner of Nifong Boulevard and Forum Boulevard, on Feb. 8, 2016. Nifong Medical Plaza will feature seven primary care physicians including internal medicine practitioners and family medicine practitioners; a convenient care service providing after-hours primary care; radiology services; a laboratory; a pharmacy; and physical therapy services – all conveniently located in a beautiful new facility.
theme at Boone Hospital Center during 2016. We are excited about our numerous opportunities to expand our existing services and to develop and provide new services under the Boone Hospital Center umbrella. As we work on these initiatives during 2016, we have the advantage of a team of stellar physicians, nurses, technicians, ancillary clinical staff, support staff and managers who take the quality of their work very seriously, with compassion and empathy for patients, family members and each other. From the Boone Hospital family, we wish your family a happy and healthy new year and hope all of your New Year’s resolutions become a reality!
Fourth: Continued expansion of our primary
care network. In 2015, Boone Medical Group BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Winter 2016
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myBoone Health Stories Visit myBooneHealth.com To Read More — And Share Your Own Story
“At Boone, All Of The Staff Are Standouts.” Bruce Bushee
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would like to take a minute to tell you what a fine hospital you have. On Oct. 24, 2015, I had to come to the Emergency Department for treatment of a kidney stone. I am a long-haul truck driver and was in town visiting family for the weekend. I have a long history of kidney stones and have been in several hospitals for treatment. Boone Hospital is by far the best facility I have been in. Most facilities have one or two standout staff members, but at Boone, ALL of the staff are standouts, from the registration clerk to the medical staff. Considering I was in at just before midnight on a Friday night, this is no small feat. Before I climbed back into a truck, I was a paramedic for 16 years and am all too familiar with how hectic an ER can be and the typical attitudes it brings. But Boone was such a change from what I am used to. I would like to mention the staff who treated me. My IV was started by a medic
student named Maria. She was able to start my IV with one stick. She is only the second person to ever do this. My main nurse was Jared. I cannot say enough about Jared. His happy, positive attitude was incredible. When you are in the amount of pain I was in, having someone like that is a game changer for someone in pain and from out of town. I was also helped by another nurse named Addison — same happy personality and attitude. Katie came in and did an ultrasound on my bladder. She was impressive. She came in while so much was going on, with starting the IV, getting vital signs, etc. and was able to do it without slowing down anything. A CNA named David also came in and assisted me when I needed a steady hand to walk. Last but not least, Dr. Heredia. Where to start? By far he has been one of the finest doctors I have ever met. When he found out that I have a history of kidney stones, he wanted to know how many scans I had
had. He was concerned about the amount of radiation I have been exposed to recently. He actually listened to me, and together, we came up with the best treatment course for me. While I was waiting on lab results, I witnessed him teaching someone about acidbased balance and hyperventilation. Due to my vantage point, I could not see who he was teaching, but just seeing an ER doctor taking the time to do that on a Friday night was, to say the least, impressive. To have a couple of staff members like this is good, but to have an entire ER staff like this is impressive and unheard of. I commend you on your staff and hospital. I don’t know what your secret is, but I wish every hospital could duplicate it. Since I know that is not realistic, I will just know that any time I am in Columbia, I have Boone Hospital to go to if I need it. Thank you and the staff for shining such a bright light on the medical field and letting me see what a hospital can be.
“I Don’t Feel Like ‘Thank You’ Is Enough.” Jenna and Dennis Houchins
Adley Jae (Boone Baby,
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Winter 2016 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER
I June 10, 2015)
delivered my baby on June 10, 2015, and was beyond pleased with my care and the care of my baby girl. This was my first pregnancy, and I was more nervous than ever before. The team at Boone gave me the peace of mind I needed. Our experience at Boone Hospital was nothing but wonderful! Dr. Thies’s professionalism and calm demeanor, combined with her contagious attitude and energy and love for life is exactly what a labor and delivery patient and new mom needs. I appreciate her patience with me through my pregnancy, delivery and postpartum, as there were a few days in which the surprise of delivering a little early had me in complete shock. Her patience in the delivery room allowed me to be able to deliver naturally and without C-section. The pure and genuine care Dr. Thies showed for me was impeccable. Dr. Thies made my experience one that I will look
Share your story myBooneHealth.com
A Moment in Boone Hospital History In November 1981, while celebrating our 60th anniversary, Boone Hospital Center unveiled a 22-foot-tall and 15-foot-wide aluminum sculpture of our new logo, created by artist Kathy Montie. The logo has come to be known affectionately as the “Spoonheads” by staff, and represent family and community.
back on with only happy memories. I don’t feel like “Thank you” is enough. I would also like to recognize Brandy, who was our nurse and more than that. She felt like family to my husband and me. We first met Brandy when we took the hospital tour. The tour guide that was supposed to be there was busy, so Brandy stepped up and gave us the tour. We left and I told my husband, “I really hope Brandy is here for us when I deliver!” After I checked in at 5 p.m. and went into labor the following morning, Brandy came on shift. I couldn’t have been more thankful. The entire nursing staff at Boone was great, but Brandy stood out above all of the rest. She was there for us. As I labored and delivered and through my postpartum care, she was there by my side. Brandy made me feel comfortable in a very unfamiliar place and made me feel like there was nothing to fear. She was professional and very personal. Being personal is not something that can be taught, but
is ingrained in one’s personality, and in Brandy, it is deeply ingrained. She has genuine care for the patients she helps. I know that Dr. Thies and Brandy were both godsends! I am thankful for them daily. My husband and I love our little Adley Jae more than life itself, and our lives have taken on new meaning. Without Dr. Thies, Brandy and the staff at Boone Hospital, none of this would have been possible. We are forever grateful. It is my hope and request that Dr. Thies and Brandy are both recognized and rewarded for the work that they do. It is people like them who encourage patients to keep coming back to Boone. Thank you again!
This was my first pregnancy, and I was more nervous than ever before. The team at Boone gave me the peace of mind I needed.
BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Winter 2016
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Hospital Headlines News From Boone Hospital Center
Boone Hospital Center, Boone Medical Group Open Convenient Care in Moberly
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oone Medical Group opened a new convenient care location in Moberly on Dec. 3, 2015, with Melissa Pettig, FNP-BC. “The Moberly community is very important to Boone Hospital Center,” says Boone Hospital Center President Jim Sinek. “We are excited to have a presence in Moberly again to make it easier for residents to access quality care close to home.” Boone Medical Group Convenient Care will provide walk-in care for minor injuries or illnesses, such as cough and colds, flu shots, sprained ankles, infections, minor scrapes, sore throats, earaches, insect bites, and low fevers. Plus, the co-pay is the same price as a primary care visit, which is often
less expensive than a visit to an urgent care or emergency room. Boone Medical Group is pleased to welcome nurse practitioner Melissa Pettig, FNP-BC, who will provide these services. She is a native of the Moberly area and happy to serve her hometown. Pettig is passionate about the convenient care model because it provides an alternative to a primary care visit. “Patients cannot plan their illnesses, so I am here for those patients who do not need to go to the emergency room, but cannot get in to see their primary care provider,” she says. Pettig graduated from the University of Central Missouri with her master of science in nursing degree and is a board
H certified family nurse practitioner. She has extensive experience with urgent and emergency medicine and is passionate about treating and managing injuries. “I particularly like emergency medicine because it is fast-paced and focused on solving immediate issues,” she says. “I also enjoying getting to know patients and establishing trust, so they can feel confident in the care that they receive.” In January 2016, Kathy Kinnamon, FNP-BC, will join Melissa, allowing the clinic to offer extended hours. This new location is located at 300 N. Morley in Moberly, Missouri, and can be reached at 660.263.1225. For more information, please visit www. boonemedicalgroup.org.
Boone Hospital Center hosted the 4th annual Excellence in Nursing Awards to celebrate the efforts of the nursing staff. Congratulations to the winners: Trudy Barnes Excellence In Professional Nursing 2015 Szu Chao Partner In Caring 2015 Julie Cluver Excellence In Professional Nursing 2015 Kelsey Day Year One Wonder 2015 Jennifer Harrison Excellence In Nursing Education 2015
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Taylor Larson Year One Wonder 2015
Zoe Prevette Beyond Boone 2015
Matthew Lear Partner In Caring 2015
Tina Trusty Nursing Spirit 2015
Stephanie Mayfield Excellence In Nursing Education 2015
Mary Wright Excellence In Professional Nursing 2015
Crystal Nichols Partner In Caring 2015 Kristen Maxey Transformational Leader 2015
Winter 2016 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER
Amanda Yung Nursing Spirit 2015
Monica Smith, MSN, RN, NE-BC, vice president of patient care and chief nursing officer and Amanda Yung, RN, winner of the Nursing Spirit Award.
The latest news boone.org
Boone Family Birthplace Achieves High Care Standards
Dr. Misiewicz Elected President of Missouri Podiatric Medical Association
M
arianne J. Misiewicz, DPM, has been elected as the first female president of the Missouri Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Misiewicz has been a member and served on MPMA’s Board of Governors for several years. Dr. Misiewicz graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland in 2000, and then completed a three-year podiatric surgical residency with Veterans Administration Medical Center-Salt Lake City/University of Utah in Salt Lake City. In 2003, she joined Columbia Podiatry, where she is in private practice. She practices at outreach clinics in Moberly and Boonville and is on the medical staff at Boone Hospital Center, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Cooper County Memorial Hospital. Dr. Misiewicz is board qualified in foot surgery with the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
W
e are excited to celebrate excellence in women’s health care at Boone Hospital Center, as evidenced by our remarkable achievements of zero early elective deliveries and zero abdominal hysterectomy surgical site infections throughout 2015. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of all births in the United States are performed early without a medical reason. These early births scheduled without a medical reason, also known as early elective deliveries, occur between 37 and 39 weeks of pregnancy. Elective deliveries may occur either by induction or Cesarean section (C-section), and are associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity and longer hospital stays for both mothers and newborns, as compared to deliveries occurring between 39 and 40 completed weeks gestation. For more than 30 years, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has promoted a clinical guideline discouraging elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks gestation
without medical or obstetrical need. By following these strict clinical guidelines, and providing comprehensive education to families, Boone Hospital Center women’s and children’s services and Women’s Health Associates meet the highest standard of providing zero early elective deliveries in 2015. An abdominal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus through an opening in the abdomen. If the area involved in the surgery becomes infected, it is called a surgical site infection. Nationally, 2.7 percent of abdominal hysterectomies are complicated by a surgical site infection. The Surgical Care Improvement Project is a national effort to reduce complications following surgery, and outlines measures to take with every surgery to reduce the potential for infection. Boone Hospital Center surgery services and Women’s Health Associates carefully follow these very specific steps before, during and after surgery to prevent infection, resulting in zero abdominal hysterectomy surgical site infections in 2015.
ery reunion at Cosmo Park. d its 18th annual Intensive Care Nurs The Boone Family Birthplace hoste bers attended this year’s event. Nearly 180 graduates and family mem BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Winter 2016
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Got The
Winter Blues? If This Time Of Year Always Brings You Down, It Might Be Seasonal Affective Disorder
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fter the excitement of the holidays is over, it’s normal to feel underwhelmed returning to the daily grind, especially with several months of cold winter weather ahead of us. But some people feel more than a post-holiday letdown. For people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the change of seasons brings a change of mood. SAD typically affects adults and usually starts in the fall and winter months, when exposure to natural daylight is decreased. People living further north, where days are shorter during winter, are more likely to experience SAD — in Florida, 1.4 percent of the population has been diagnosed with SAD, while in New Hampshire, the rate is 9.7 percent. “According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, about 4 to 6 percent of the overall population in the United States experiences fall and winter SAD, and 10-20 percent of the population may experience mild SAD. This is a significant number of people,” explains Rob McGavock, MEd, LPC, a 10
Winter 2016 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER
licensed professional counselor with Boone Hospital Center’s Employee Assistance Program. McGavock adds that SAD affects women more often than men. Some people experience a less common form of SAD that starts in spring and summer months. Seasonal changes can also trigger manic episodes in some people with bipolar disorder.
What causes SAD?
Changes of exposure to daylight hours cause fluctuations of melatonin, a hormone produced in the brain that regulates your sleep cycle and internal clock. Most people feel this effect in fall and winter and suffer with symptoms of clinical depression due to the changes. Even though Seasonal Affective Disorder is commonly called SAD, depression isn’t the same thing as sadness. Depression is a complex medical condition with many possible causes that trigger physical and emotional symptoms.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder: Sleep problems:
You sleep more than usual and have difficulty waking up in the morning. Loss of energy:
You feel fatigued. Your arms and legs feel heavier. Feeling depressed:
You feel generally unhappy without any external cause, or you feel “flat.” Feelings of hopelessness:
You feel pessimistic about the future or feel like “everything is pointless.” Increased irritability:
You’re more irritable and more easily upset. You cry more easily and frequently. You have increased feelings of anxiety. Impaired function:
You find it harder to concentrate. Everyday tasks feel very difficult and take you longer to complete. Appetite changes:
Your appetite has increased and you have gained weight. You crave foods with a lot of carbohydrates. You overeat to try to feel better. Lower sex drive:
You lose normal interest in intimacy with your partner.
Social withdrawal:
You feel like being alone more than usual. You avoid going out with family or friends. Lack of pleasure:
You lose interest in doing the things that you used to enjoy. You no longer look forward to doing your favorite activities. It feels difficult to have fun or enjoy life. Self-medicating:
You may try to make yourself feel better by overeating, drinking alcohol or abusing drugs. Suicidal thoughts or feelings:
You feel hopeless and have thoughts that life is too hard to want to live. Seek help immediately. “You should go to the emergency department or call 911 if suicide feels like an option to you,” McGavock advises. “It’s always best to be safe.” People who experience SAD in spring and summer months may have some different symptoms. They usually sleep less than usual, have a decreased appetite and an increased sex drive.
treatment options:
I
f you’ve been experiencing symptoms of depression for a few weeks, see your doctor. Your doctor can determine if your depression is caused by Seasonal Affective Disorder or any other type of depression, and discuss which treatment options are right for you. There are several effective options for managing SAD.
Light Therapy: Light therapy is a proven treatment for relieving symptoms of SAD. In the morning, you sit for about 30 minutes near a light box, a full-spectrum lamp that mimics bright sunlight. Dawn simulators, alarm clocks that use gradually brightening light to wake you up, are another light therapy option. You can find light boxes and dawn simulators in stores and online, with a wide range of features and prices. Before buying a light therapy device, ask your doctor for recommendations. Medication: Your doctor may recommend taking a prescription antidepressant during fall and winter months. Some patients find relief from symptoms of SAD with prescription medications that are usually used for some sleep disorders, such as for narcolepsy. Therapy: Talking to a mental health professional can help you cope with the symptoms of SAD, learn how to manage stress, and help to change any behaviors and thoughts that are making you feel worse. Healthy Habits: You may not feel like exercising when depressed, but regular exercise, especially outdoor exercise, is good for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Take a brisk walk outside on a sunny day! Maintain a regular sleep schedule and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Other Treatments: Other treatments for SAD are currently
being researched and tested, such as ionized air administration or ear canal light therapy. “Recently it’s been discovered that brain tissue cells in the ear canal are highly light sensitive. A study in Finland found that ear canal light treatments decreased depression quite significantly,” McGavock says. The 2014 study participants received 12-minute-long treatment sessions every day for three weeks.
Don’t suffer needlessly: No matter what season it is, don’t
be afraid or embarrassed to get help if you’ve been feeling depressed. You’re not “weak” or “crazy.” You can’t force yourself to “snap out” of a mood disorder any more than you can snap out of the flu. Remember that you deserve to feel your best and that there are people who can and want to help you. “There’s no need to suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder,” McGavock says. “It’s a medical issue, not a character defect or a psychological problem.” By Jessica Park BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Winter 2016
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To watch Harold tell his story, visit youtube.com/BooneHospital
A Lifetime Of Care Harold Price Reflects Upon How Health Care Professionals Helped Him Throughout His Life
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arold Price was born with a coarctation — a narrowing of the aorta that prevents the main blood vessel from carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. This complication ended up being just one of many health difficulties has Harold has faced throughout his 69-year life. The coarctation was not discovered until Harold’s preschool physical. The coarctation, fever and other issues landed Harold in an Oklahoma welfare hospital at least four times between ages 6 and 12. “One of my favorite stories is when I was in the hospital and losing weight,” Harold says. “A social worker came to talk to me about it, and I told her I was losing weight because the other kids were stealing my food. I was on an IV and couldn’t chase them. She talked to a nurse aide who said she would take care of it. The nurse aide came back with a plastic
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baseball bat for me and told me to ‘knock the hell’ out of anyone who tried to take my food. I didn’t get any more food stolen after that.” The day before Harold’s 13th birthday, he had surgery to repair the coarctation. It was successful, but his aorta had sustained damage over the years, which led to several hospital stays during Harold’s teens. “During one of my stays, they had to take blood every 30 minutes. I had a resident who would take me down to his office to take my blood so the other kids didn’t see me cry. That was real important to me,” Harold says. When Harold was 42, he underwent a successful double valve surgery, leading to 26 years of good health. This summer, Harold’s mitral valve began leaking, and he underwent surgery. The repair leaked, causing many of Harold’s organs to shut down. Boone Hospital Center physicians worked with Barnes-Jewish Hospital physicians to treat and stabilize Harold. “I owe my life to Boone and Barnes,” Harold says. Harold also says he was touched by the kindness and compassion of the staff at the two hospitals. “I found that Boone and Barnes were different from most places I’ve been. The staff really cared for each other. I had never seen staff that loved each other and worked together so well — from the doctors to the housecleaning,” Harold says.
“One of the housecleaning ladies at Boone knew every time I had been admitted down to the day. That was real important to me. You just feel like you’re a real human being and they care about you.” Supportive Care Nurse Mandy Schmidt spent a lot of time with Harold during his time at Boone Hospital. She says he often told her he wanted to give back to the hospital that gave him so much, and she encouraged him to share his story as a way to do that. “Something that meant a lot to me as a member of his care team and a Boone employee was the amount of gratitude Harold had for every person he came in contact with throughout BJC,” Schmidt says. “Harold had compliments for dietary, housekeeping, nursing, patient care techs and physicians alike. Harold explained to me the day I met him that he wanted to give something back to Boone, but he wasn’t sure how to do that but was willing to share his story and compliments so everyone knows what wonderful care Boone Hospital provides from the bottom to the top.” Schmidt also says that throughout Harold’s ordeal he talked about his faith and trust in God to help him through his struggles. “He was so calm, yet unwilling to give up,” she says. “He talked about drawing strength from his faith and wanted to share that part of his story as much as any other part.”
Schmidt says Harold’s wife, Doris, was key to his survival, noting the closeness between the two. “They are the kind of couple that can finish each other’s sentences, talk without speaking and truly value the life they get to live together each day. Harold and Doris seem to have always considered the other before themselves in making decisions and yet can find grounds to compromise and live happily despite the challenges life throws their way. You come in contact with lots of patients and families in the hospital, but the relationship between Harold and Doris through this entire life of illness is unlike any other I have ever witnessed, and it has been a blessing to see.” Harold and Doris are now living comfortably in their south Columbia home. They enjoy spending time with their daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. By Madison Burke
“I found that Boone and Barnes were different from most places I’ve been. The staff really cared for each other. I had never seen staff that loved each other and worked together so well.” — Harold Price
BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Winter 2016
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To read more about Jeff, visit his site wellnesstide.com
Jeff Bergman and David Schlossman, MD, of Missouri Cancer Associates
Sending A Message Surprise Illness Inspires Kirksville Man To Lead Others Toward Health
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eff Bergman’s life is dedicated to living and working at his fullest potential — and helping others do the same. His background in the arenas of public speaking and human potential has positioned him to inspire individuals and organizations to create a culture of greatness. It’s more than a job; it’s a way of life. Jeff studies the messages of today’s leading empowerment coaches. He’s filled the walls of his Kirksville home with positive, inspiring messages that continually remind him to push himself forward and find new ways to improve. With this aggressive attention to selfimprovement, perhaps it’s natural that he overlooked something small that almost derailed everything. 14
Winter 2016 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER
It started in 2011, when Jeff was 41. He had noticed what would later be diagnosed as a tumor that metastasized during a sixmonth period. “I thought, ‘I’ll let it go,’” he says. “I’ll work through it.’” Over time, the situation became more difficult to ignore as the symptoms reached a higher level of intensity. However, Jeff continued to avoid seeking medical treatment. “It was very painful, but I suffered through it,” Jeff says. “I went through about six months like that. I’m not proud about it.” His worsening condition became impossible to avoid; one day, Jeff collapsed while walking. Finally, he called his doctor. An ultrasound and CT scan at his local hospital led to Jeff ’s diagnosis of testicular
cancer. He sought treatment at Boone Hospital Center from David Schlossman, MD, of Missouri Cancer Associates. A PET scan at Boone Hospital revealed that Jeff was suffering from stage three cancer. The diagnosis was devastating. Jeff was overwhelmed because he knew his apathy toward his symptoms had contributed to this dangerous situation. “My life immediately turned upside down,” Jeff says. “I researched it on the Internet and I was finding things out that I didn’t want to. I thought I was going to die. I thought, ‘This is it.’” Despite his years of work at peak performance and personal mastery, he realized the solution to this new crisis could not manifest on its own. He knew he
Jeff returns to Boone to thank the doctors and nurses who cared for him.
Jeff gets his heart checked at Missouri Heart Institute.
needed help, so he turned his future over to Dr. Schlossman and the care team at Boone Hospital. Jeff quickly was scheduled for surgery to have the tumor removed and begin the first of three aggressive chemotherapy rounds. “I remember the first time I went to chemotherapy,” he says. “The thing that I was anticipating most was the first drip. It was like, ‘Here we go.’” During his treatment, Jeff says he was impressed by everyone he met — from his nurses, to his transporter and the employees at the hospital’s front desk. Everyone treated him with compassion and warmth. “It made a big, big difference,” he says. “I am a Boone Hospital fanatic.” He has special praise for Dr. Schlossman’s professionalism, knowledge, and communication style. “He is a professional, and I respect that immensely,” Jeff says. “He didn’t coddle me, and I didn’t want to be coddled.” Chemotherapy worked, and Jeff soon learned he was cancer-free. However, he was about to face a new challenge. During one of his chemo sessions, Jeff suddenly noticed his vision was warping, and he couldn’t raise his left hand.
Within hours, the situation worsened. He developed a throbbing headache and began seeing black and white spots he likened to the pattern of a cow. Before long, he was in the emergency department at Boone Hospital Center where he learned he had suffered a stroke. While he was recovering from his stroke, sudden cardiac arrest caused him to develop issues with his heart, and Jeff had to have a pacemaker installed. Dr. Schlossman says these kinds of complications are very rare and unexpected in a patient Jeff ’s age. “While I was quite concerned, I always thought that careful and thorough management of each of his problems would bring him through to a good recovery,” he says. “The most important steps were listening to Jeff ’s description of his symptoms, examining him, running the appropriate tests and following the data where it led us, even when the correct diagnosis was very surprising. With the help of a good neurologist, Dr. Joel Shenker, and a good cardiologist, Dr. David Brown, we were able to provide effective treatments for each of his problems. Jeff also helped himself by
having faith we could help him get well and putting in a super effort during his rehabilitation therapy.” The treatment plan worked and Jeff recovered. His journey toward health also changed the course of his life, for worse and for better. Jeff lost his home and car during his illness. He is also blind in one eye because of the stroke. But through it all, he’s remained determined to turn his experiences into something positive. In 2014, he launched WellnessTide as a pathway to help individuals and organizations reach full potential through cultural transformation and healthy habits. Jeff uses his personal story as a peak performance coach and empowerment speaker just like those who inspired him while he managed their speaking engagements. He is credentialed as a Corporate Wellness Coach and currently is pursuing certifications in both Health and Stress Management Coaching. His trademark presentation, “My Perfect Storm,” chronicles his journey as he battled late-stage cancer, stroke and sudden cardiac arrest simultaneously. Jeff ’s aggressive pursuit of optimal health yielded big dividends. He lost 90 pounds at the request of his medical team at Boone Hospital. “My physicians told me to act immediately, adopt a steady pace and enjoy the benefits,” he says. “This is one of the best things that have ever happened to me because it allowed me to look at life in a whole different way,” Jeff says. “I have more of a purpose now than I did before. My goal is to empower people for longevity and fulfilling their dreams.” Dr. Schlossman said it’s valuable for patients like Jeff to share their stories. “Jeff overcame great challenges during his cancer treatment and went on to become a cancer survivor with excellent quality of life,” he says. “His story is an inspiration for other patients, providing hope that they too can overcome great obstacles and return to good health and a happy life.” Dr. Schlossman said Jeff ’s recovery “means everything. “For most physicians, forming good relationships with their patients and helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes are the most satisfying and fulfilling aspects of medical practice,” he says. By Jacob Luecke BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Winter 2016
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Boone by For more than 94 years, thousands of patients have come to Boone Hospital Center to receive health care every year. While our doors may have changed locations a few times over nine decades, they never close; we’ve been open every day since our first day on Dec. 10, 1921. What does it take to keep a hospital running for more than 187,000 days? By Jessica Park
22 Height, in feet, of the Boone Hospital Center “spoonheads” on the outside of the building
1
Daily transactions in our pneumatic tube system
Power plant, which manages all of Boone Hospital Center’s utilities, including city electrical power, emergency power, water, heating steam, medical gases, fire sprinklers and fire alarm systems.
779,527
Total square footage of Boone Hospital Center’s main building
1,800
30,000 Capacity, in gallons, of the rainwater-harvesting tank that supplies our irrigation system
5,532,208 16
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Gallons of water used in 2014
numbers 151 Employees in our support services departments, including clinical engineering, distribution, linens, safety, security, plant operations, telecommunications, environmental services, and planning, design and construction, all of whom work together to keep Boone Hospital Center open and ready to serve you and your family.
9.3 Acres of snow and ice removed
750 425
Heating and air conditioning devices
Electronic devices recycled in 2014
2,000 Desktop and laptop computers
5,000 3,900
Light bulbs replaced every year
Phone lines
800 412 Sinks unclogged every year
Fire extinguishers
17,190,232
Kilowatts of electricity used in 2014
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The Foundation C.A.R.E.s
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hirley Brown had been in pain for a year when she was recommended to visit orthopedic surgeon Benjamin Holt, MD. What started as a dull hip pain had progressed to at times excruciating pain. “I was really scared when I went to see Dr. Holt. I had a lot of pain and didn’t know if anything could be done about it,” Shirley says. Dr. Holt ordered an X-ray and discovered Shirley was in need of a total hip replacement. “He said I was ‘bone on bone,’” Shirley says. Shirley says she was nervous arriving at the hospital for the procedure, but Dr. Holt, his P.A. Ray and the Boone Hospital Center nurses were very reassuring and walked her through every step. “The staff was so kind and calmed my fears to the point where I was looking forward to the rest of my stay,” says Shirley. The procedure was successful, but on the first night following the surgery, Shirley found herself having a hard time sleeping because of the pain. That’s when a nurse turned on the hospital’s Continuous Ambient Relaxation Environment, or C.A.R.E, Channel on her TV. The C.A.R.E. Channel features relaxing music and beautiful scenery to comfort patients who are recovering in the hospital. “The second that channel was on, I was so enthralled by the beautiful music and scenery that my pain didn’t seem quite as bad anymore,” Shirley says. Shirley found herself watching the C.A.R.E Channel for most of the remainder of her stay. She loved it so much she asked her daughter and nurse to find out who was in charge of providing it. That’s when Boone Hospital Foundation executive director Barb Danuser paid her a visit.
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“The second that channel was on, I was so enthralled by the beautiful music and scenery that my pain didn’t seem quite as bad anymore.” “I told Shirley that the Foundation is so happy to provide the channel to patients just like her who could use a distraction from their pain. The channel’s purpose is to ease anxiety, stress and help patients deal with any discomfort,” Danuser says. The Foundation pays more than $2,400 a year to provide the C.A.R.E channel to patients. The programing helps mask hospital noises and provides a good distraction to anything stressful that may be going on during a patient’s stay. “The Foundation’s mission is to provide exceptional health care in our community. This channel is just one way the Foundation helps Boone Hospital go above and beyond in patient care,” Barb says. Shirley says finding the C.A.R.E. channel, the successful surgery and the kind staff were all an “answer to prayer.” By Madison Burke
Learn more at boone.org/WELLAWARE
Meet the WELLAWARE Fitness Center’s “Social Director” 92-Year-Old Lois Sellmeyer Credits Her Longevity And Good Health To Exercising At Wellaware Fitness Center
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f you work out at Boone Hospital’s WELLAWARE Fitness Center, chances are you know Lois Sellmeyer. Lois is 92 and has worked out at the gym three days a week for the last 17 years. She is known for her outgoing and friendly demeanor and has made lots of friends during her time at the gym. She’s even been nicknamed the “social director” by WELLAWARE staff. “We’re really like a family there. Everybody cares about each other and we get worried if somebody doesn’t make it in one day,” Lois says. Lois began going to the gym when her doctor recommended that she get more active to improve her arthritis. “I didn’t know when I started that I was going to like it so much,” she says. “I really enjoy exercising.” A regular visit to the gym for Lois consists of 45 minutes of cardio — 15 minutes on three different cardio machines. “I credit my longevity to my exercise,” Lois says. “It also has really helped me manage my arthritis. It makes it more livable.” Lois hasn’t just made friends with other gym members, she has also become close to WELLAWARE staff, particularly married couple Nicky and Jeff Zimmermann. “I met Lois when I started working at WELLAWARE 10 years ago,” Nicky says. “Lois is very outgoing and welcomed me as a new staff member. She’s a friendly and direct person and will tell you what she’s thinking.”
Ever since they met, Lois has become a regular at the Zimmermann home. “They have twin boys that are so cute,” Lois says. “I love going over to their home and having them to mine. They are good friends.” Nicky says she’s seen the impact exercise has had on Lois’s life and says Lois is a great example of how beneficial exercise can be to seniors. “Exercise has definitely kept her body stronger than if she didn’t exercise, and the socializing is great because Lois has met so many people over the years,” Nicky says. “I attended Lois’s 85th birthday party and I’m looking forward to her 95th in three years.” By Madison Burke
Jeff and Nicky Zimmermann treated Lois Sellmeyer to lunch at her favorite restaurant in Glasgow for her birthday.
If you are interested in joining the WELLWARE Fitness Center, please contact 573.815.3876. Nicky or any of the other staff would be happy to show you around and discuss membership options. They would be glad to have you join their family! BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Winter 2016
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Understanding Food Allergies
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ood allergies are a health problem with increasing prevalence over the last three decades. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, food allergies affect approximately 5 percent of children and 4 percent of adults in the United States. A food allergy is defined as an adverse health effect arising from a specific immune response that occurs reproducibly on exposure to a given food. Food allergies are different from food intolerance, which is a nonimmune adverse reaction to a food. While almost any food can cause an adverse reaction, eight foods account for 90 percent of food allergies: hen eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. Some food allergies, such as egg, dairy, soy and wheat, tend to fade after a few years of food avoidance. Allergies to peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish tend to be lifelong. Your risk for food allergies is higher if you have a family history of food allergies, particularly in your parents and siblings. People with asthma or atopic dermatitis are also at higher risk for developing a food allergy. Allergy symptoms range from minor to life threatening and can affect many areas of the body. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, reddened or itchy skin, chest tightness, wheezing, swollen tongue, nausea or vomiting. But if you have one of these symptoms after eating something, don’t assume you have a food allergy or eliminate a food without a proper evaluation by a health care professional. Many times, reactions to food aren’t caused by allergies. Food allergies are considered if a person presents with anaphylaxis, a rapidly progressing, severe and lifethreatening allergic reaction; experiences symptoms
within minutes to hours of ingesting food, especially young children; or repeatedly experiences symptoms after eating a particular food. Your doctor can test you for food allergies. The most common tests to diagnose food allergies are the skin prick test (SPT) and allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) testing. Skin prick tests are used most often. These tests are inexpensive and results are available immediately. The sIgE test detects the presence of sIgE antibodies. A diagnosis isn’t determined by testing results alone; the results are considered in correlation with your medical history. Elimination diets and oral food challenges can also help your doctor diagnose an allergy. Dietary restrictions and avoiding specific allergenic foods are the primary ways to manage food allergies. If you have a food allergy, learn how to interpret the ingredients listed on food packaging and how to recognize food allergen labeling. Medications, such as antihistamines, are used to manage symptoms, and epinephrine is the first-line treatment in anaphylaxis. No medications are recommended to prevent food allergies. The National Institute of Allergy and Asthma does not recommend restricting your child’s diet to prevent food allergies or delaying the introduction of solid or potentially allergenic foods. Based on recent research on peanut allergies, it’s recommended that peanut-containing products be introduced early in life to infants with a higher risk of peanut allergies. Delayed introduction of peanuts is actually associated with increased risk of peanut allergy. Living with food allergies can present challenges, but there are many resources and health care professionals who can help you. Over the last few years the number of allergen-free foods available has grown significantly, offering more variety and options. By Jennifer Anderson, RD, LD, CDE
If you’d like to learn more about food allergies and living with a food allergy, here’s a list of helpful resources: Websites: www.foodallergy.org www.acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodallergy www.allergyeats.com
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Apps: Allergy Ally CIAF (Cook It Allergy Free) iEatOut Gluten Free & Allergen Free ShopWell
Products: www.allerbling.com www.iansnaturalfoods.com www.beckmannsbakery.com
Gluten Free, Nut Free Thai Amazing Chicken Source: www.sunbutter.com
Ingredients 1/2 cup SunButter速 sunflower spread (any creamy variety) 3 tablespoons gluten free Thai fish sauce 1 fresh lime, juiced 4 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar) 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste) 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated or minced Kosher or fine sea salt and pepper 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into1-inch pieces 8 cups broccoli florets 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Directions In a small saucepan combine SunButter, fish sauce, lime juice, honey (or agave), red pepper flakes and water and bring to a boil, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and set aside. In a large skillet with a lid, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and toss for about 15 seconds. Add chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Add broccoli, stir to coat, cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until broccoli is crisp tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 3 more minutes. Add about 1/4 of the Sunbutter sauce to the chicken and broccoli, toss to coat, place in a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve the rest of the sauce on the side. SERVING SUGGESTION Serve with rice or gluten free rice noodles.
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Learn more at boone.org/food
Healthy Eating: Am I Doing It Right? Our Wellaware Dietitians Say A Healthy, Balanced Diet Doesn’t Have To Be Extreme Or Expensive
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healthy, balanced diet isn’t just good for weight loss; it can give you energy, keep your body in good working condition and enhance your workouts. You may have resolved to eat healthier this year but don’t know where to begin or what you really need to do to eat healthy. Boone Hospital WELLAWARE registered dietitians Jennifer Anderson (listed as JA), Kelsie Knerr (KK) and Jennifer Tveitnes (JT) answered our questions.
If you want to begin a healthier diet, do you need to start with a detox diet or cleanse? JA: No. Our bodies naturally “detox.” That’s your liver’s job. You don’t have to do anything more to make your body eliminate toxins. JT: Detox diets seem to provide more of a psychological benefit. They can make you feel like you’re doing something good for your body, but some of these programs can be potentially harmful and deprive you of nutrients. You can get the same psychological benefit if you throw out your junk food.
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What about programs like juice-only diets? KK: While it’s great to get all those vitamins and minerals, when you juice fruits and vegetables, you don’t get the fiber. Why would you take that amazing thing away? The concentrated sugars in juice will make your blood sugar spike and fall, but keeping the fiber can help bring more stability. JT: You’re also missing out on protein, calcium and healthy fats by drinking only juice. JA: Think about how many vegetables it takes to make a little glass of juice — if you ate those vegetables instead, you’d be full!
What about foods that claim to give you more energy, like Bulletproof Coffee? It’s coffee you make with grass-fed butter and a special kind of coconut oil. JT: Straight fat for breakfast? Three tablespoons of butter is 300 calories! KK: The majority of the fats in grass fed butter and coconut oil are saturated, I’d prefer you drink your coffee with some nuts on the side to get more unsaturated fats instead. JT: They’re not as bad for your heart as trans fats, but not as healthy as olive oil. Also, breakfast is a great time to get your proteins, fruits and grains. KK: I can think of better ways to spend calories at breakfast and much better ways to enjoy butter than eating a big hunk in my coffee.
Can you eat processed foods as part of a healthy diet? JA: It’s always good to eat more whole foods, but most of us aren’t going to grind our own flour! JT: There are less or minimally processed foods with less sodium or added sugar and fewer ingredients. If the ingredient list is a mile long, look for an alternative with a shorter list. KK: You can fit processed foods into a balanced healthy diet. They say to shop the perimeter of the supermarket, but you can find great foods in the aisles, too. Grab some whole-wheat pasta to go with your lean ground beef and tomatoes!
Do fruits and vegetables need to be organic to be healthy? Organic produce can be rather expensive. JT: We’d prefer you eat non-organic fruits and vegetables than not eat them at all because you can’t afford organic. JA: In the summer, I encourage people to go to a farmers market, where you can find fresh and local produce at a good price. You can freeze and store produce to enjoy later in the year. You can also grow your own fruits and vegetables. I have a garden where I grow tomatoes and peppers. My cherry tomatoes have much more flavor than storebought ones.
If you’re considering meeting with a professional to talk about a healthy diet plan, what’s the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist? JA: A registered dietitian is required to have a four-year college degree, do an internship, pass a registration exam and take continuing education. JT: A registered dietitian is a nutritionist, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. You want to see those two words! KK: Also, insurance plans only cover nutritional counseling provided by registered dietitians.
Do you need to eat superfoods to be healthy? JA: Superfoods is a term used for some foods with high nutritional value, but you can get those nutrients from other foods. JT: It’s important to eat a variety, too. If I ate kale every day, I’d go crazy! KK: You shouldn’t worry about eating spinach instead of kale. They’re both good for you. We’re just happy if there’s something green on your plate. Don’t feel like you’re doing it wrong if you eat a fruit or vegetable that’s not called a superfood.
What about foods or supplements that claim to prevent or cure medical conditions? JA: If a product says it cures something, I would be wary. Anything that says it’s a miracle cure probably isn’t. JT: If something was a miracle cure, everyone would already know about it. JA: And no single vitamin or mineral is proven to treat or prevent specific health problems. It’s actually impossible to pinpoint the effects of any vitamin, mineral or other nutrient, because they all work together.
Is it possible to take healthy eating too far? JA: Yes. There’s a word for it: orthorexia. That’s when you become obsessed with what you’re eating and preoccupied with what you’re going to eat next. You might even eliminate foods that are actually healthy. If your diet is too restrictive, you might skip social outings or miss family gatherings. JT: And healthy eating doesn’t have to be hard. By Jessica Park
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Learn more at boone.org/weightloss
Losing Weight, Gaining Confidence Linn Woman Benefits From Sleeve Gastrectomy At Boone Hospital
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osting an outdoor wedding in early November is risky business, but it certainly worked out for Jeff and Ashton Blauvelt. The couple exchanged vows on November 7, 2015, beside a rocky, wooded hillside covered with freshly fallen leaves and under a setting sun. The scene was breathtaking. But during the celebration, the groom’s friends were apparently taken aback by something else they saw—Jeff ’s 55-yearold mom. The men, half her age, flattered Christi Blauvelt that evening, calling her “beautiful” and “striking.” One greeted her with “Hey, hottie!” While the flirty compliments were all in good fun, Christi says, “Of course it made me feel incredible. How else could it make you feel?” The wedding served as the public debut for Christi’s nearly 70-pound weight loss, helped by a procedure offered at Boone Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and the physicians at Columbia Bariatric Associates. During the summer of 2014, Christi came to Boone Hospital Center where surgeon James Pitt, DO, performed a sleeve gastrectomy procedure. The minimally invasive surgery drastically reduces a person’s stomach size. A trained surgeon divides the patient’s stomach with staples, then removes approximately 80 percent of the stomach. The procedure helps patients lose weight by allowing them to eat less food and still feel full. The sleeve gastrectomy procedure complements the gastric band and gastric bypass weight loss surgery options also available at Boone Hospital. Dr. Pitt says that no matter which option patients 24
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Christi Blauvelt with her sons Aaron, Jeff and Brian Blauvelt
choose, surgery is just one of many important steps on the path toward successful weight loss. “Regardless of the operation done, it’s a tool to help the patient make and maintain the lifestyle changes necessary for being healthy,” he says. Christi agrees. “The surgery wasn’t a magic trick,” she says. “This is a change in life. I have to make a daily effort to eat and exercise the way I am supposed to.” Christi used the surgery as a tool to battle weight she gained during a period
of depression following her divorce. Her weight problems compounded as she faced early menopause. Her increasing weight dragged her down during those difficult years. “When I started gaining weight, my confidence level plummeted even more, and I just started staying home and eating more,” she says. “It was a vicious circle.” Over time, the weight became a detriment to Christi’s health. She had to take medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol. Walking long distances became painful for her knees and feet.
“Just simple things like taking my grandkids for a walk was more difficult,” she says. “My confidence level was very low, and I didn’t want to go out with friends.” Weight loss surgery wasn’t her first attempt to shed the pounds. “It would be easier to name what I didn’t try,” she says. “I tried almost every ‘get thin quick’ trick in the book.” After these many attempts, Christi’s primary care doctor suggested she consider weight loss surgery. She eventually chose Boone Hospital because it was the closest hospital to her Linn home where weight loss surgery was covered by her insurance. However, she quickly became a fan of the gentle care at Boone Hospital and the professional guidance provided by her clinicians. “I love them! Dr. Pitt and registered nurse Tina Bartels treat you like real people,” she says. “I have never felt like they were judging me but were there to actually help me. Don’t get me wrong, they will tell you like it is. If you need a good slap up the back of the head, they are there to do it — figuratively speaking of course!” In planning for her procedure, Christi chose sleeve gastrectomy over the popular gastric banding procedures. Gastric banding requires periodic trips back to the physician’s office to have the band adjusted for optimal weight loss. Living an hour away, Christi didn’t want to make those trips, which weren’t necessary with sleeve gastrectomy. She also liked how sleeve gastrectomy is permanent compared to the band options, which are reversible. “To be totally honest, I was afraid that with the band I would be more likely to regress and go back to my old ways,” she says. “I decided that the sleeve was a better option for me. It is definitely a personal preference.” Christi had her surgery on July 16, 2014, and the procedure was successful. She says she underestimated the difficulty of the recovery period, however, she was quickly back to full speed. “I’m not going to lie; it was a painful recovery, but it was short-lived,” she says.
Sleeve, Band or Bypass? Boone Hospital Weight Loss Surgery offers three options to patients seeking surgical help as they strive for their weight loss goals. Patients considering weight loss surgery should consult with their doctor to choose the best option. Below are some basics about the three surgical options available at Boone Hospital. In addition, the hospital will soon begin offering an FDA-approved Orbera intragastric balloon weight loss procedure. To read more details about all of the available options and watch educational videos, visit boone.org/weightloss. You can also talk to a weight loss expert by calling 573.815.6466. Gastric Band A gastric band is an adjustable silicone band that is placed on the upper part of the stomach to help patients feel full. Gastric band procedures are the only adjustable weight loss surgery option. It’s the least-invasive and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return to work in less than a week. Following the procedure, the patient makes a number of visits to the weight loss clinic to have their band adjusted — a quick procedure. Gastric band patients typically experience the slowest weight loss — although slow isn’t a bad thing — and can expect to lose 40-45 percent of their weight on average. Sleeve Gastrectomy During a sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon staples and removes a portion of the patient’s stomach. This helps patients eat less because they feel full after eating smaller portions. They feel less hungry overall due to a reduction in ghrelin, a hunger hormone produced primarily in the portion of the stomach which is removed. This procedure is permanent. It can’t be adjusted or reversed. Patients typically stay in the hospital for less than two days following a sleeve gastrectomy, however it can take up to two weeks before they have recovered enough to return to work. Sleeve gastrectomy patients can expect to lose 60 percent of their weight on average. Gastric Bypass Like a sleeve gastrectomy, a gastric bypass involves using staples to create less room in the stomach for food, helping patients feel full. Gastric bypass also requires cutting and rerouting a portion of the patient’s intestines to connect to a new smaller portion of the stomach used for food. Gastric bypass does not involve removing the remaining portion of the stomach; it remains dormant. Gastric bypass surgeries are not adjustable and reversals are uncommon and difficult. The hospital stay for this procedure can last up to two days, and it can take up to three weeks before the patient can return to work. Gastric bypass patients typically experience the fastest weight loss and can expect to lose up to 65 percent of their weight on average.
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Clockwise from above left: Christi and Jeff during the mother/son dance; Christi with her daugherin-law, Ashton; Dillan, Macci, Aaron and Avery Blauvelt (front), Jamie Peters, Christi and Jeff, Whitney, Brian and Rokzen Blauvelt.
“I had the surgery on a Wednesday and was doing work from home on my computer on the following Monday. I was back in the office the following Tuesday. I travel quite a bit with my work. I wasn’t able to do that for a couple of weeks.” During this time, Christi got accustomed to her down-sized stomach. In the early days after surgery, she could only eat a tablespoon of food before feeling full. As a result, she quickly lost 30 pounds. Five months later, she’s lost 70 pounds. Over that time, her stomach adjusted, allowing her to eat right-sized portions of food. She’s been able to maintain her 70-pound weight loss since and she is working to lose about 20 more pounds to reach her personal goal. Along the way, she has benefited from Boone Hospital’s weight loss surgery support group. “They are the best thing in the world for me,” Christi says. “Everyone there has been or is going through the same thing. We all understand each other and keep each other on track. There’s no judging; just a great group of support.” As Christi dropped the pounds, she also dropped all her blood pressure and cholesterol medications — those problems are gone. Her knees and feet feel better, too. 26
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“We always talk about weight loss, in pounds or percent of excess weight lost,” says Dr. Pitt. “But it’s the control, resolution or prevention of the many comorbid conditions that occur with obesity that make people healthier. Those things are just much harder to objectively measure.” From Christi’s perspective, the only downside to losing weight has been gaining excess skin on her arms, neck and midsection. “Exercise helps, but it doesn’t eliminate it so be prepared for this,” she advises others considering weight loss surgery. “It definitely doesn’t outweigh the benefits,
and I would do it all over again, but it’s something that I think should be mentioned.” Despite the extra skin, Christi’s life is better today. She can go on longer walks with her grandchildren. When she’s out shopping with her friends, she doesn’t suffer from achy feet and knees that relegate her to sitting on a bench alone while everyone else has fun. And a few flirty compliments at her son’s wedding didn’t hurt, either. “My confidence level is so much higher it is unbelievable,” she says. By Jacob Luecke
getting to know a BHC Doctor
› ricardo hernandez, MD [
medical director of the ICU ] Why did you get into the health care field?
I wanted to help people, and found medicine intellectually challenging.
What interested you in your particular specialty?
I like the fast pace and excitement of the ICU. I also like doing procedures. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Treating a very sick patient who has a high likelihood of death without the medical assistance I provide, being able to prevent adverse outcomes or death, and returning the patient to his or her family are all extremely gratifying. What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Effectively managing the fatigue that comes along with the long hours and high stress, while trying to give my family the best of me in the time that I have with them, as well as remaining up-to-date on the most pertinent literature. Basically, maintaining balance in my life while giving my family and my patients the best of me. What do you see changing in health care in the next five to 10 years? I can’t be completely sure of how
medicine will move, but I would hope more attention is given to preventive medicine.
What advice would you give someone looking to become a doctor? Make sure you really love it, because
it is not easy. Make sure you maintain balance in your life and give enough time to your career without neglecting family.
I was born in Dominican Republic, where I went to medical school. I did my medical residency in New York and fellowship in St. Louis at Mercy hospital in a combined program with Saint Louis University. I have been with Boone Hospital since November 2014. I was offered the position of medical director of the ICU, which was officially announced in September. I am married and have one child, a 9-year-old boy. 28
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What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my wife and son. I also like to work out and practice martial arts. My wife and son are my world, and exercise and martial arts keep me focused, disciplined and healthy. I also enjoy reading when I can find time to read anything that is not medicine.
What advice would you give to someone who is going to be a patient in a hospital for a period of time? Educate yourself as much as possible about whatever
condition you get diagnosed with. Know your medical history well. Follow your doctor’s advice and work with him or her in a partnership to keep you healthy.
getting to know a BHC nurse
› jill myers, RN, BSN I have been a nurse for 18 years, an ICU nurse with Boone Hospital Center for 13 years and a part-time clinical nursing instructor for the past eight years. I started my career as an LPN, received my associates degree in nursing in 2001, my bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2008 and my master of science in nursing in 2014. Apparently, I’m a lifelong student! Why did you get into the health care field? I became
interested in health care because of the numerous opportunities being a nurse provides. I’m certain that I will always have a job in nursing in one aspect or another. I currently am afforded the opportunity to do the two things I love: nursing and teaching nursing. Being an ICU nurse has given me confidence and knowledge that I can pass on to my students.
What interested you in your particular specialty? I wanted to be an ICU nurse because of the fast pace and amazing learning potential. Every day you learn something new and use your critical thinking skills to make decisions at critical points in your patients’ lives. What keeps me interested are the amazing treatments we do for patients, such as CRRT, balloon pumps, ECLS and induced hypothermia. To see patients improve because of these treatments is awesome. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Taking
care of patients and families at a time when support and kindness is critical for those people. Many times, you’re meeting a patient or their family members on the worst day of their lives. Being able to provide comfort and compassion to those in need gives me a purpose. I feel blessed to be part of their lives for a time. Hopefully, I have made a positive impact on the patient and family. It’s also rewarding to work with the nurses, physicians and secretaries in the ICU. There is mutual respect among all team members. The physicians trust our judgment and knowledge to do the right thing for the patients.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job? The most challenging aspect is documentation. There’s new information that must be documented on patients for reimbursement. Although necessary, making sure all those items are documented appropriately can be a little time-consuming. What has changed in your field since you started practicing? Technology and charting; everything is computer-
driven now.
What do you see changing in the next five to 10 years?
Technology is always changing. There will always be new equipment, procedures and protocols. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my husband, playing fetch with Tucker, and watching anything on truTV related to forensics. What advice would you give to someone looking to become a nurse? I would encourage them to work hard.
Understand that textbook nursing is not always the same as reallife nursing. Flexibility is one of the keys to success in this career. Not everything is black or white. No matter how long you’ve been a nurse, it’s still okay to be tearful when your patient’s outcome is not as you had hoped. BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Winter 2016
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Learn more at boone.org/foundation
News from the
McGrath Laryngoscope
iPads
The Foundation purchased iPads to entertain young patients undergoing tedious tests and procedures in the pediatric department. These iPads are loaded with games and puzzles and help these children forget about their medical conditions for a little while.
The Foundation purchased new laryngoscopes for first responders, who are often required to intubate individuals in emergency situations. These new scopes make the process faster and safer for those in an emergency situation.
CardioHelp Education
Magnet Conference The Foundation presented a check to Boone’s Magnet Committee allowing five additional nurses to attend the 2015 ANCC National Magnet Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. At this conference, Boone’s nurses collaborate with nurses from around the country and learn new ways to provide excellent care to our patients.
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BHC purchased the CardioHelp device, which provides support to patients with severe cardiac and/or pulmonary failure. This device elevates Boone’s cardiac program to a higher level of service for patients who, in the past, would have been transported outside of the mid-Missouri region. With this new program, significant education and training was required. The Foundation funded clinical training for nurses, perfusionists, respiratory therapists and the medical staff.
Norma Monroe
Mr. & Mrs. David N. Carr
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Buchert
Amy Henderson
Mr. & Mrs. James Flink Mr. & Mrs. Jim Beck
Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Wilson Beckett
Warren Lathrop
Dr. & Mrs. John Boyer
Helen Crawford
Anthony T. Sublett
Elaine Janes
Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Van Trease
Gustav J. Lehr
The Boone Hospital Foundation would like to thank its community donors for the 2015 campaign. Proceeds from this year’s campaign will help improve the health of our community by supporting programs such as community outreach, neonatal intesive care, spiritual care, home health care, hospice and the Stewart Cancer Center.
Mr. & Mrs. John W. Youle
Joe Machens Ford Lincoln Mercury
Jean Gurucharri
Fay Stine
Ronald M. Schlimme Mr. & Mrs. Frank Conley
Mr. & Mrs. Charles W. Digges, Jr.
William J. Flamank
Mr. & Mrs. James Schatz
Mr. & Mrs. Herb Willbrand
ABC Laboratories (Analytical Bio-Chemistry Laboratories, Inc)
Daniel J. Stubler Mr. & Mrs. Dan Schuppan Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning
Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Getzoff Mr. & Mrs. Charles W. Digges, Sr.
William S. Thompson Sharon K. Ford Jim and Stephanie Sinek with Sandra and Virgil Van Trease at the 2015 Gala
C. E. Gene Ridenhour Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Brandon Wanda J. Roberts Mr. & Mrs. Dave Danuser Club La Booche Inc.
Byron Stover Angie Sullivan
Moresource Inc.
Karen L. Luebbert
golf classic
Ann K. Covington
Cynthia Walters
Frank Aten
Save the Date!
Veterans United Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Cerny
Isle of Capri Casino, Boonville
Norm Stewart, Kathy Digges and Virginia Stewart at the 2015 Gala
Sara E. Lemone
Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Kennett
Mr. & Mrs. Marvin E. Wright
Anonymous
2016
Calendar of events January
20, 21
Art/Linen Sale
March
21, 22
Book Sale
May
9
13th Annual Golf Tournament
May
TBD
Jewelry Sale
July – August
TBD
Community Campaign
September
TBD
Book Sale
November
TBD
Annual Gala BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Winter 2016
31
Boone Hospital Center 1600 East Broadway Columbia, Mo 65201 573-815-8000
NONPROFIT U.S. Postage
PAID
Columbia, MO Permit 286