Wednesday, January 19, 2022 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
FOCUS on Health
PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY
We’re lucky here in Sisters Country. We live in one of the more healthful environments in the world — with clean air and water, a temperate climate, and a culture that celebrates living well. Health is about so much more than merely avoiding or healing from sickness or injury, though those elements are obviously critical. True health and well-being are about quality of life — the physical, emotional, and spiritual. We’re fortunate again in Sisters Country. Our natural environment is conducive to health — a world-renowned playground for active folks who seek to get the most out of each day, each season. And the area is home to a vast array of health and wellness practitioners. If you do get sick or hurt, there are highly trained professionals here to help you recover. If you’re seeking to stay youthful and active for as long as you can, there are practitioners who are wellversed in every technique and modality to help you do that. If you are seeking solace and balance in challenging times, there are people who can help you along that sometimesrocky trail as well. From medical treatment to diet to safety to emotional and psychological well-being, Sisters’ health professionals know how to link all of the elements of well-being together, and they are here day in and day out to help you along your path to attaining the best possible version of yourself.
Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
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Wednesday, January 19, 2022 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
The Hard Way By Jim Cornelius | Editor in Chief
A couple of weeks ago, my friend Vernon Stubbs sent me a most inspiring video. It features highly decorated Marine combat veteran Major Brian Chontosh, who, after leaving the military, has continued to challenge himself in ultramarathons and Crossfit competitions. The artfully shot 13-minute video is titled “The Hard Way.” In the context of chopping down and bucking a tree with an ax over a 24-hourstraight period, Chontosh extols the many benefits of challenging ourselves, of making ourselves uncomfortable. Not just vaguely uncomfortable. Extremely uncomfortable. Pushing ourselves to the point where we want to quit — and keeping on. The video expresses an ethic we can all adopt, even if we’re not approaching the exceptional level Chontosh has hit: We need risk, failure and constant testing of our capabilities. The belief that modern living has provided way too much comfort — and that comfort is actually killing us not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually — is having a bit of a cultural moment. Journalist Michael Easter has touched a nerve with his recent book, “The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self.” Easter cites data we’re all familiar with by now. A huge proportion of the American population is overweight — many qualifying as clinically obese. Many people have mobility issues and diabetes. But what is perhaps more stark is that Americans are suffering tremendously from disorders of the psyche and the soul. Easter writes: “People today are also suffering more and more from diseases
of despair: depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicide. Overdose deaths in the last two decades are up more than threefold, and the average American is now more likely to kill themselves than ever before… these diseases of despair caused the U.S. life expectancy to fall in 2016, 2017, and 2018. There hasn’t been a lifespan drop like this since the period from 1915 to 1918, when World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic united in a symphony of death.” The book is a journey through the myriad ways that taking on tough physical challenges, “rewilding,” detaching from constant stimulus and allowing ourselves to be “bored,” and mindful contemplation of the fact that we all must die can be liberating and unlock dramatic improvements in both health and happiness. It’s convincing. I have seen the pernicious effect that an addiction to comfort brings — comfort of the physical, intellectual, psychological order. The most miserable people I’ve seen believe themselves to be victims, are afraid to challenge themselves — and can’t seem to get themselves in decent shape. They are inveterate seekers (in vain) of comfort. The happiest, most satisfied people I know are those who are not merely unafraid to challenge their physical, intellectual,
and psychological comfort, but are eager to do so. They do it every day, in some form or other. It doesn’t have to be an ultramarathon — but it has to be something. I know I’m a better man, and easier to be around, when I do the hard stuff — whether it’s pushing myself physically, challenging myself to learn a new skill, or taking a good, hard, raw look at cherished beliefs. Chontosh says that everyone has a ruler that they can measure themselves by. His ruler is not my ruler is not your ruler. How our ruler stacks up against someone else’s isn’t particularly relevant. What is relevant, Chontosh insists, is whether we’re pushing ourselves further and further out along our own ruler. As cliché as it may sound, what matters is continuing to become better and better versions of ourselves. And that only comes with — and from — discomfort. We are blessed to live in an environment where it’s easy — and actually attractive — to push ourselves. There are mountains to climb, rivers to run, trails to hike or run or ride. It’s easier to be eager to push ourselves when we’re doing it in such a beautiful, inspiring, and soul-stirring environment. One of the simplest and most beneficial ways to challenge ourselves is
To view the video, scan the QR code at right or visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JgE4SZ89DQU&t=3s. (Editor’s note: minor degree of salty Marine language.)
PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY
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to put on a pack (it’s good to work with a little extra weight) and simply walk. Walk long, and walk far. It’s good for the body; it clears the mind; and it soothes the soul. One of the outfits Easter connects with in his “Comfort Crisis” journey is GORUCK. With missionary zeal and entrepreneurial spirit, GORUCK (goruck.com) encourages people to get out in groups with a weighted rucksack and move. They promote challenging “group rucks.” “It implies action, energy, and purpose,” the company says. “Rucking requires strength, endurance, and character — and builds it, too.” Of course GORUCK thinks that rucking makes the world a better place. They’re in the business of selling rucksacks and other gear, right? “Sure we sell rucks,” cofounder Jason McCarthy told Easter. “But this is America and we believe in the role of business to drive social and societal change. We want people to get out and be active together. Doing more of this is how we define success. Not by the amount of rucks that sit in peoples’ closets, but by how many people are out using them.” Easter concludes: “In our pursuit of better living we’ve allowed comfort to calcify our natural movements and strengths. Without conscious discomfort and purposeful exercise — a forceful push against comfort creep — we’ll only become weaker and sicker. We have allies in making our individual forceful push. The mountains and rivers are calling. They’re beckoning us to slough off our comforts for a time and go out and do things The Hard Way. See you on the trail.
FOCUS on Health
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
AMP-3 FIRST AID KITS 15% OFF
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Nova Health
Your Care is now Nova Health — but patients will still get the hometown care they’ve come to appreciate from Sisters’ own Dr. Eric Wattenburg and his staff. “We’re not changing anything that people have grown to love at Your Care,” says Stephanie Rhoades of Nova Health. She said that Nova Health partnered with Your Care as its first clinic on the east side of the Cascades because, “it really fit our model.” What are changing are opportunities for both staff and patients. Nova Health will expand service lines and recruit additional providers so that more of the kind of service patients appreciate will be on offer. There will be increased stability and growth opportunities for staff, which will aid in retention and the building of longterm relationships. “Nova Health and Your Care share the same vision for compassionate patient care across both urgent care and occupational medicine,” says Dr. Eric Wattenburg, cofounder of Your Care. The new partnership holds out the prospect of continuing the hometown care that has made Your Care a Central Oregon success story, while enhancing services into the future.
Amp-3 First Aid Kits
Whether we’re adventuring in the Sisters backcountry or on a road trip over Santiam Pass — or just living our day-today life in Sisters — a quality first aid kit is an essential part of our preparedness. Through Amp-3 First Aid Kits, David and Beth Pruett offer a range of topquality first aid kits tailored to a variety of needs. They are Made in the USA — assembled right here in Sisters. David Pruett is a former emergency room doctor and woodland firefighter, so he has expert insight into what needs to go into a first aid kit. When you need it, you want your first aid kit to deliver, and AMP-3 offers military grade/medical grade quality — both in the contents and in the durable pack they’re carried in. From an everyday carry kit that can fit in your purse to kits that you can carry in your backpack or store in your car, AMP-3 signature kits cover the full range of preparedness needs. There’s a kit specifically designed for woodland firefighters; one designed for first responders; a range kit; a blood-stopper kit; and a wound-care kit. They’ll be launching a very simple “boo-boo” kit later this year.
Radiant Day Spa
Radiant Day Spa in Sisters is on a mission to create a more beauty-filled life for everyday people. To further that mission, they’re now offering Radiant Select Facials — a range of four different facials at an excellent price point that cater to the specific needs and desires of clients. Dealing with sun damage? The Bright Skin option might be the one for you. Skin feeling burnt and abraded by harsh winter weather? Calm Skin will soothe you. Clear Skin addresses problems with acne and Firm Skin does just what the name suggests. Each facial uses targeted, estheticianrecommended products. With a 50-minute facial at $110, Radiant Day Spa is bringing that beauty-filled life into reach. Ask about the $12 Spa-In-A-Bag Kit, containing take-home Éminence products tailor-made for specific skin types. Winter is especially hard on the skin, so now is the time to visit Radiant Day Spa and bring a little extra beauty into your day-to-day life. Radiant Day Spa in Sisters is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by special appointment on other days. For more information visit instagram.com/radiantdayspasisters.
SHE SOARS
PSYCHIATRY
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Wednesday, January 19, 2022 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Chaplains on the front line of healthcare By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
When we think of healthcare workers, most likely it’s nurses followed by doctors that top the admiration list. Possibly others like lab technicians, therapists, or paramedics are who we think of as at the top rungs of the medical complex. It’s unlikely that chaplains would be the first mentioned. For perspective, Kit Hall, who has served at St. Charles for 23 years said: “Professional chaplains provide a nonjudgmental, listening presence to all. Led by the patient, we assist in discovering or drawing out the strength and power within them to support them physically, emotionally, and spiritually, during times of transition and healing. “Chaplains provide support for families and staff and serve in a variety of capacities within the hospital system. During times of uncertainty and transition, a caring presence speaks volumes.” Two of St. Charles’ six full-time chaplains and three on-call chaplains live in Sisters — Jack Erskine and Ann Bowersox. Erskine has been on staff for 12 years and Bowersox has served over five years. At the Bend main campus, three chaplains cover all departments within the hospital with shifts that run 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. An additional chaplain serves in a full-time position with the Advanced Illness Management Team (palliative care), two full-time chaplains serve in outpatient hospice, and three on-call chaplains cover time off for the full-time staff and night calls from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. A chaplain covers Redmond, Prineville, and Madras four days a week, and coordinates Critical Incident Stress Management support
for emergencies that may occur on all campuses and auxiliary facilities. The Nugget asked Erskine what is the most rewarding part of his job. His answer: “Listening and being present to someone who is in need either physically, emotionally, or spiritually. We listen to patients and their families as well as the staff. As I listen I attempt to focus on the sacredness of the moment that happens when people meet people on the deepest level (obviously I don’t always connect with every person). I’m touched that people in dis-ease will trust me with their anguish in the midst of their deepest hurt while feeling incredibly vulnerable.” With respect to COVID-19, Erskine said, “COVID has meant more time caring for the staff, especially the RNs. At the beginning of the pandemic they were applauded as heroes; now they are often vilified as they are the gatekeepers letting families know that they can’t come into the hospital if they are unvaccinated. They are often bearers of bad news: letting families know that not only can they not see their COVID patient in the ICU, but that the patient will most likely die (or has died).” The one thing St. Charles chaplains don’t care about is your faith, if any. It matters not, and they often have to navigate a patient’s or family’s bias toward organized religion. “I do pray with lots of people, but I always ask if that is their practice,” said Erskine. “We coach the staff not to ask patients or families if they want the chaplain; instead we ask that they page us if they sense a chaplain visit would be beneficial. The analogy is this: Would you ask a patient if they want the respiratory therapist or an x-ray?” Bowersox, an on-call chaplain who has been more or less on duty
PHOTO PROVIDED
St. Charles employs six full-time and three on-call chaplains to meet the needs of patients and their families. constantly since the outbreak of COVID, said: “My calling has always been to be a parish pastor, to build deep and abiding relationships that journey together over time. However, in this season of my life, chaplaincy is offering me new challenges and growing points. “The relationships that occur with patients and families are often much briefer and the time you have to assess how you can best be of service much more compact. There is a richness though in that conciseness. It really is moments in time, deep and intense moments often, that a chaplain is allowed to share with those who may well have been strangers just minutes before. I view those
moments as a gift every time people allow us to walk with them through the darkest of times for them, even if it is but for a few hours.” In describing some of the more difficult and satisfying parts of her job, Bowersox said: “Another task we are often involved with is trying to find families for those persons who come in and have no ID on them and are not able to communicate. It happens more often than one would think and it is rewarding when we are able to connect their family with them.” In listening to Bowersox, Erskine, and Hall, their passion and compassion are obvious — and they are an essential part of healthcare in Sisters Country.
Think people who set goals for the new year are silly?
Fit For
Sisters
Andrew Loscutoff, Columnist
Many who frequent the gym year-round love to jab at the new people coming in January. They’re an easy target: wide-eyed, with a chip of motivation on their shoulders. They’re seen in the wee hours of the morning when, under their own accord, they’d be sleeping soundly. While it is true that many of these people will at some time
lose this newfound lifestyle, they are actually moving the needle in their lives and needn’t be ribbed for doing so. In a study, researchers examined New Year’s resolutions and tried to correlate how successful these people were with some data. Here’s what they found: 66 percent of goals were to do with diet, exercise, and weight loss. After one year, 55 percent of people reported success in their resolution. The type of language mattered: 58 percent vs. 47 percent success in action vs. avoidance goals (more on this later). While people failed, more actually succeeded. That may have something to do with knowing that a researcher was going to question them on a monthly basis, but this shows that not everyone is a lemming with their head in the clouds when making New Year’s resolutions.
Here are some ways that a person can claim success from a New Year’s resolution. Did they gain a skill? Perhaps they figured out how to better organize their time, prepare, be more efficient, push unnecessary things, and focus. This is a success regardless of whether or not they met a goal metric. Did they make progress? So what if they didn’t lose 20 pounds? Did they lose 10? Did they set up a system for eating better? Are they giving effort? It’s very cynical to think someone who set a goal and is making an effort to accomplish something is foolish. Support our compatriots in health and wellness, and respect their effort. Even better, help someone do better goal-setting. Speaking of goal-setting, here are some tips to set goals that can bring more success: Use affirmative goals instead of
avoidance language. For example, a person will eat veggies every night for dinner instead of “don’t eat carbs.” Make the goal process-oriented, such as working out three times a week. This allows flexibility in the outcome while you might find you gain muscle and lose fat, which might result in little weight loss. Now, give the goal a deadline, but keep it in perspective. A weekly or monthly goal is a lot easier to achieve, and doesn’t seem so far that you presume you have a lot of time to get there. Goal-setting isn’t about achieving a goal per se, but more about a learning process and making incremental steps forward. Cut people trying to keep New Year’s resolutions some slack, because they are usually pretty genuine and are putting forth effort.
FOCUS on Health
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
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All American Hearing
For Lanie Tandy of All American Hearing, getting folks in Sisters to get their hearing tested is a mission and a calling. Early testing is critical: Tandy notes that if you wait to test until you notice diminished hearing, “the brain loses its ability to process speech sounds — and you never get that back.” Conversely, if you take action when your understanding is still at 100 percent, your prognosis to retain understanding is 100 percent. Knowledge is power, and early action is the best hope for good outcomes. Maintaining good hearing is key to quality of life — and is tied to long-term mental health. Lanie is committed to bringing good hearing healthcare to Sisters, and she urges folks — even if their hearing still seems OK — to pick up the phone and set up an appointment for testing. There are many, many options available today, and there is no cost for a consultation. “It starts with a conversation,” Lanie says. Get that conversation started with a phone call today.
You’re in the right hands
Audrey Holocher Hypnotherapy
The times we live in have put many of us under an unusual amount of stress. So many problems distill down to stress — and hypnotherapy is a drug-free, healthy approach to reducing and managing that pernicious element in our lives. “Once you reduce stress, there’s so much healing that can happen,” says Holocher. While we can’t eliminate stress, we can manage it, and that’s the purpose and function of Audrey Holocher Hypnotherapy’s recorded sessions. “You learn to control your own mind,” Holocher says. Often, we don’t even recognize our own level of stress. Hypnotherapy exercises teach what stress vs. relaxation feels like, to create active relaxation. Improved relaxation can help us boost our immunity, increase blood flow, improve sleep and digestion — and thus aid our health. What Audrey Holocher Hypnotherapy offers has many beneficial effects, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychotherapy. As an adjunct to other treatment, or as a means of reducing stress, hypnotherapy can enhance quality of life.
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Sisters Dental
Sisters Dental is always seeking ways to serve its patients in Sisters — and that has led to a new partnership with Dr. Shannon Woods of Woods Ortho in Bend. One or two Mondays each month, Dr. Woods will be at Sisters Dental to see local patients. “We send so many of our patients to her for ortho, this will be so much more convenient,” says Kylie Frideres of Sisters Dental. Since orthodontics can be a lengthy, ongoing process, having access to Dr. Woods in Sisters will save local families many hours travel time driving back and forth to Bend. As Frideres notes, orthodontics is more than a matter of cosmetics — it can play an important functional role, which makes a close relationship between dentist and orthodontist a critical element of good dental care. And caring for patients over the long haul is what Dr. Frideres, Dr. Everson, and Dr. Kawasaki at Sisters Dental are all about, helping to ensure the best dental health and overall well-being for families in Sisters.
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Wednesday, January 19, 2022 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Avoiding the injuries of winter By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
Winter in Sisters Country is a season of beauty and it can offer a lot of fun — but it can also ding you up if you don’t watch out. Whether it’s a fall on the slopes or just walking to your car, whether it’s the strain of too much time on the Nordic trails or too much time behind the snow shovel, winter is a season of injury in Sisters. Matt Kirchoff of Therapeutic Associates told The Nugget last week that his practice is starting to see the typical injuries of the season — mostly shoulder and lower back trouble from people working in that last dump of heavy, wet snow. Turns out that shoveling snow is one of the most fraught of winter activities. A story recently made the media rounds with a doctor positing that if you’re over 45 years old and have any symptoms of chest discomfort or heart trouble, you shouldn’t be shoveling snow at all. Beaumont cardiologist Dr. Barry Franklin said, “You’ve got a perfect storm here. You’re asking the heart to do a tremendous amount of work, and you’re simultaneously increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and constricting the coronary arteries. Every year we lose 1,000 to 1,500 individuals across the U.S. who died suddenly while shoveling heavy, wet snow, and we want to try and prevent that in the future.” There are those of us well on the other side of 45 who continue to wield the snow shovel and aren’t willing to hang it up. But no matter how “in shape” we feel like we are, we can run ourselves into trouble, so it’s wise to take some precautions. Shoveling snow is an athletic activity — and we should treat it that way. Instead of getting up off the couch, chugging down a mug of coffee, and heading out into the cold, we should take a bit of time to warm up. Some “prehab” work like stretching and foam rolling can help prevent shoulder and back impingement. Warm up to the work — don’t just walk out and start going at it like John Henry trying to beat a steam drill. That really is asking for trouble — just ask John Henry. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks. It’s easy to get dehydrated during winter activities, because we sometimes don’t feel as thirsty when it’s cold. Make sure you’re taking on plenty of fluids. The kind of fluffy snow we got around Christmastime is pretty easy to deal with — and it’s always better to push the snow out of the way rather than lifting shovelfuls and heaving. The heavy, wet snow that came in at the end of the month is the kind that can hurt you. Push it when you can, lift it
if you must. Take small bites. A full, heavy load at the end of a snow shovel — which is not the most ergonomic tool ever developed — requires a lot of leverage to move. If you’re relying on your back to do that over and over again — from a stooped-over position — you’re going to get hurt. Don’t hold your breath when you lift. Shift the direction in which you shovel, so you’re not making the same motion over and over again. A heavy load at the end of a shovel is hard on the shoulders, too. The higher we lift the shovel, the harder it is on the shoulders, so avoid trying to throw a big load over the top of a tall berm. Raking snow off a roof with your arms up over your head can wreak havoc on the shoulders. Good rehab and range-of-motion exercises before work can help, but be mindful of not over-taxing the shoulders and doing too much awkward reach-and-pull. Just walking around in snowy, icy conditions can be dangerous. Falls account for a whole lot of injuries in winter. The old adage to “walk like a penguin” is a good one. Hold your arms out to your side
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Warm up before shoveling snow. “Prehab” work like stretching and foam rolling can help prevent shoulder and back impingement. (don’t walk with your hands in your pockets), bend your knees a little, and shuffle side-to-side rather than striding out. If you do slip and fall, especially backward, tuck your chin so your head doesn’t hit the ground. Over-shoe traction devices like Yak Trax can really help keep traction when it’s slick. Yes, they’re a pain to keep putting on and taking off, but much less of a pain than a visit to the emergency room. If your back or shoulders or other parts start barking at you, don’t just pop down
some ibuprofen and ignore it. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” said Megan Rheeder, a physical therapist and athletic trainer who works at Green Ridge Physical Therapy and Wellness in Sisters. Trying to tough out an injury just makes it worse and lengthens recovery time, taking away from time we want to be having fun in Sisters’ winter wonderland. Kirchoff concurs. “The quicker we see somebody after an injury, the quicker we can address it,” he said.
Falling down in Sisters During the month of December, the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District responded to 16 emergencies related to falls. That is a fall every other day during the month, and only four of which were related to weather. The World Health Organization reports that each year an estimated 684,000 individuals die from falls globally. Adults over the age of 60 years of age suffer the greatest number of falls. Out of the 16 patients the fire district responded to in December, only three were under the age of 60. Over half of these patients required transport to a hospital for further testing/treatment. Falls can cause broken bones and serious head injuries. Head injuries can be very serious for people who take blood thinners. Many people who fall become afraid of falling and that fear can cause them to alter their everyday activities. Less activity actually causes weakness, which increases the chances of falling according to the Centers for Disease Control. Factors that increase your chance of falling include: • Lower body weakness. • Vitamin D deficiency. • Difficulty with walking or balance. • Certain medications that may affect balance. • Vision problems. • Foot pain or improper footwear. • Home hazards like broken or uneven steps, and throw rugs or clutter.
Most falls occur due to a combination of factors and can increase during winter weather.
TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT FALLS: • Talk to your doctor to evaluate your risk, review your medicines and supplements. • Do strength and balance exercises. • Have your vision checked. • Make your home safer.
The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District offers home safety inspections free of charge for residents in Sisters and Camp Sherman. You can schedule a home safety inspection by calling 541-549-0771, or online at https://www.sistersfire.com/ home-safety-program/. Tai Chi can assist all ages and abilities with balance, flexibility, stress relief, and overall health. Shannon Rackowski teaches a free Tai Chi class on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The class is sponsored by Sisters Drug. Her studio is located in the Ray’s Complex in Sisters, and you can sign up for classes by calling 541-2720529. Rackowski is also starting a new Balance Class on Wednesday, January 19. The balance classes will last an hour and will be for six weeks. To sign up, please contact Shannon at 541-272-0529. Tai Chi is also offered through Sisters Park & Recreation District. See www. sistersrecreation.com for more information. For more information about how you can prevent falls, call Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District at 541-549-0771. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ANDREYPOPOV
FOCUS on Health
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
HELPING PATIENTS GET MOVING!
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Advantage Dental
Advantage Dental believes that oral health care should be based on the individual. Everyone should have a personalized treatment plan created just for them, one that suits their individual lifestyle. Advantage Dental aims to create a partnership between the patient and practice team, and it is through this unique partnership that Advantage Dental provides personalized quality care that fits one’s personal lifestyle and overall health goals. They call this approach to care Preventistry®. Advantage Dentistry’s innovative teledentistry program allows you to connect with a dentist from home, a parked car, or anywhere you can be on your phone or computer. With this tool, you can take care of many dental concerns by talking directly with the dentist on video or phone. It’s a great way to get a fast assessment in a dental emergency. It’s also a way of keeping ahead of issues that can lead to problems later. It can be conducted as a live video call, a phone call, or chatting (similar to texting). Teledentistry can be faster, more convenient, and affordable — and if an in-person visit is necessary, it’s easy to schedule.
Forget Me Not Medicine
Dr. Lisa Del Alba and Benjamin Bell of Forget Me Not Medicine in Sisters are committed to helping their patients overcome or manage chronic conditions or injuries, moving toward a dynamic state of health. Dr. Del Alba is a broadly experienced naturopathic doctor with expertise in addressing allergy, autoimmunity, and other immune-dysregulating conditions; cardiovascular and digestive health; nutritional and herbal medicine; and more. Benjamin Bell is a certified medical assistant and licensed massage therapist specializing in Advanced CranioSacral Therapy (CST), a gentle, noninvasive technique that supports the body in its capacity for self-correction and balance. Both recognize that uncertainty about cost creates a barrier to people seeking help. They are lowering that barrier by offering care packages crafted around common health concerns. These packages will enable patients to figure out what is truly going on with their health and to take action, without the concern that they are committing to an expensive series of appointments. It’s one more way that Forget Me Not Medicine seeks to move Sisters toward dynamic health.
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Therapeutic Associates
Therapeutic Associates has been helping people in Sisters recover from injury and surgery and get back to their active lifestyle for almost 29 years. In a unique partnership with Sisters Athletic Club (SAC), Therapeutic Associates offers a “step-down” program that eases patients from physical therapy into active, assisted recovery with trainers at SAC. And access to the SAC pool means Therapeutic Associates can offer aquatic therapy, which is an outstanding, effective, and low-impact way to recover and to build resilience against injury. Physical Therapist Taylor O’Dell is now on hand at the clinic five days a week, which means that Therapeutic Associates can usually get people in for an appointment within 48 hours. Matt Kirchoff emphasizes the need for early intervention to prevent a nagging injury or impingement from becoming a major problem. “The quicker we can see people after an injury, the quicker we can address it,” he says. And Therapeutic Associates makes it quicker and easier than ever to get on top of an injury so you can get back in the game.
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