The Nugget Newspaper's Partners in Health & Well-being 2020 // 2020-03-25

Health & Well-being

CONSTRUCTION • REAL ESTATE • AT THE TABLE

2020

Partners P in Health & Well-being

The Dedicated Healthcare Professionals & Wellness Specialists Who Serve Sisters

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Central Oregon offers an active, healthful lifestyle. The area is also blessed with a wide range of health services that help us stay fit and well to enjoy all of what life here has to offer.

Services and products that are usually associated with a much larger community are available in Sisters, with the added benefit of a genuine hometown touch. Healthcare can be complicated and stressful to deal with; practitioners here offer alternatives that are accessible, affordable, and personal, from healthcare to senior living accommodations.

In these pages, you will find caring, committed professionals who help make our home a safe and special place to live.

pg. 20 Providing appropriate nutrition at the end of life .............................pg. 2 Medics share a passion for adventure .............................pg. 3 Supporting seniors’ health and happiness .....pg. 4

Dental health is critical to overall well-being............................pg. 6 Providing accessible, affordable healthcare for all ......................................pg. 8 Tools to overcome pelvic floor dysfunction ............pg. 10

Easy living for independent seniors .....pg. 12 Act early to arrest hearing loss .......................pg. 12 Shibui Spa at FivePine pursues wellness............pg. 13 Spas, saunas enhance health and well-being ................pg. 13

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief The Nugget Newspaper Travel can be good for health and well-being ................pg. 14 New women’s health services in Sisters ...........pg. 14 Returning to the doctorpatient relationship .......pg. 15 Visiting an alpaca ranch can be therapeutic ........pg. 16

Chiropractor keeps his patients active ..........pg. 17 Camp Sunrise helps youth through grief.....................pg. 18 SPRD keeping Sisters residents active................................... pg. 20

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Partners in Health & Well-being // The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

Nutrition at the end of life

By Kathleen Derrickson rn chpn

When it comes to nutrition at the end of life, there are no rules or a one-size-fits-all approach, but there are some guiding principles.

When we talk about “end of life” specifically for hospice patients, we are referring to people thought to be in their last six months or so of life; although almost 20 percent of people admitted to hospice “graduate” or are discharged alive. Statistics from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association state that 30 percent of patients admitted to hospice services nationally have cancer and although that is the highest percentage, the rest are categorized in this descending order: circulatory/heart (17.6%), dementia (brain failure) (15.6%), other (13.9%), respiratory (11.0%), stroke (9.4%), chronic kidney disease (2.3%).

Each of these diagnoses come with different nutritional issues and needs. For instance, while some specific nutritional supplements are suggested for those undergoing cancer treatments, there is also a school of thought that believes that supplementation can also “feed” the cancer cells causing it to progress faster.

Generally, it is advised by national health organizations to NOT take supplements and to instead, derive nutrients from foods whenever possible. It is often easier to take a

multivitamin than to eat food, especially if you have a sore mouth or an upset stomach. And while this may allay our desire to get nutrients, it probably isnʼt helping and may, in fact, be hurting (not only your body but your pocketbook). So, when we admit patients to hospice services, we often will recommend that patients stop their supplements/ vitamins. This is not out of a desire to hasten the dying process, which is contrary to the hospice philosophy, but out of the desire to help reduce potential problems and symptoms.

An example relevant to patients with heart disease is while, during their disease course, they have been told what they can and cannot eat.

The benefit of hospice care is this can be much more liberalized based on the personʼs desires in order to maximize quality of life and make the most of every day, which is at the core of hospice philosophy.

For someone with dementia, their brain often forgets how to safely swallow, so to push food/fluids on them when they cannot keep it from going into their lungs can cause more suffering in terms of lung congestion and may shorten life. This is a similar issue in some people who have had a stroke that has affected that area of their brain.

It is important to remember that the nutritional needs and desires of an ill person are different from those

of a healthy person. Most people will experience a lack of appetite as their body prepares to make a transition, and this lack of appetite is often a way to protect the body from discomfort.

One guiding principle is that a person should let their body guide them to what and how much they feel like eating — even if itʼs ice cream every night for dinner. As loved ones, you can help support this by offering small frequent meals.

We often encourage that whatever they put into their body be of high calorie and high protein in order to get the most benefit for their effort.

Use whole milk instead of other less nutritious options. An egg is a sustaining source of nutrition and can be cooked in many palatable ways.

Freshening up the mouth before meals can be helpful to increase appetite. Offer foods that are easy to swallow such as soups, pudding, smoothies or gelatin.

Another guiding principle is to offer but never force a person to eat.

Because the lack of food/fluid can be an indicator to how close one is to end of life, there is often a desire from families and loved ones to try to control this process and push, cajole, and sometimes even force feed. Ultimately, it is the relationship that is most important, so it is best to try to avoid this as a power struggle all together. Instead, find

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Kathleen Derrickson is a nurse with Partners In Care, serving all of Central Oregon as a local, independent, and nonprofit organization. other alternatives to mealtime such as looking through photo albums, reading aloud, or listening to music together. This is a radical shift from our strong, deeply seated and emotional desire to nurture with food, so be easy on yourself!

Since these are generalities, you will want to consult with a nutritionist, your palliative or hospice provider, or your primary care provider for guidance.

Kathleen Derrickson is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse at Partners In Care, a local, independent, nonprofit organization providing home health and hospice care throughout Central Oregon.

The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

// Partners in Health & Well-being

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Medics share a passion for adventure

By Jim Cornelius editor in chief

Central Oregon draws people from all around the world to experience its natural beauty, its first-class cultural events and to pursue a life of adventure.

Matt Sabelman is one of those people — and he founded Adventure Medics to help ensure that people can enjoy all the riches the region has to offer in safety and good health.

Adventure Medics provides medical staffing to events from festivals to backcountry races, and a roster of classes to help local adventurers be more prepared for emergencies themselves.

Sabelman described the origins of Adventure Medics: “I’d been working in Alaska doing remote medicine for about 12 years, and I wanted to do my own thing,” he recalled. “I’d always wanted to go to Bend.”

He wanted to combine the two passions in his life — emergency medical services and a lifestyle filled with adventure. He researched what was available in Bend, and felt he had a niche to fill.

“I just kind of jumped right in,” he said.

Sabelman wanted to shift perceptions about what standby emergency medical services at events can be and do. Adventure Medics does a lot more than simply man a medical tent or

have an ambulance waiting for something to happen. They’re not just stationed at the start/finish line of a race.

“That’s not where things happen,” he said. “They happen out in the field.”

From first aid to concussion protocols to ambulance transport, Adventure Medics strives to raise the standard of medical care in the prehospital setting and provide peace of mind for event promoters.

“All of our treatments are free,” Sabelman noted.

And he says that the medics seek to be patient advocates — seeking to determine the best course for patients.

That doesn’t automatically mean a trip to the hospital for any kind of injury.

“We feel that there’s lots of unnecessary transports these days,” he said.

From a start out of Sabelman’s home, Adventure Medics now has a full-size headquarters in Bend, and has expanded to take on events across Oregon and Washington. Adventure Medics now has seven full-time and about 40 part-time staff.

The impact of Adventure Medics’ services is illustrated by the work they did for solar eclipse events outside of Madras.

“We did primary care at that event,” Sabelman said.

There were some 30,000 to 40,000 people on site, and Adventure Medics treated 450 patients. They were able

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to keep patients on site at the festival and keep them healthy — which was great for them and also served to reduce a potentially heavy burden on medical services in Madras.

Adventure Medics also offers a roster of classes for individuals and customizable classes for businesses. CPR/AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) classes are highly valuable and can save lives. They also offer wilderness first aid classes, where participants practice utilizing materials at hand to cope with backcountry incidents.

Sabelman emphasizes that, “all of our instructors are experienced paramedics and EMTs” — meaning they

regularly practice what they teach.

Advanced classes for providers are also available, and Adventure Medics is keen to work with students in school environments.

Sabelman continues to engage in the adventurous lifestyle that defines Central Oregon.

“I love going out on the motorcycle; I love going out to these festivals,” he said.

To be able to combine this lifestyle with his capability in and passion for medical services and serving the community he loves is extraordinarily gratifying for Sabelman.

“For me, it’s a dream come true, to be honest,” he said.

Adventure Medics — Raising the Standard

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541-639-9993

20585 Brinson Blvd. #4, Bend www.advmedics.com

dventure Medics was founded by Matt Sabelman because he wanted to combine two passions in his life: Emergency medical services and a lifestyle filled with adventure. The medics employed by Adventure Medics share this life passion.

They are rock-climbers, mountain-bikers, surfers, endurance runners, kayakers, and much more. They have been around the world providing medical services in all sorts of settings from the frigid cold of the Alaska tundra to sweltering jungles in Costa Rica. They strive for excellent patient care and continuously perfect their skills through training and experience.

After attending events where the medical support was either nonexistent or extremely sub-par, Matt decided to start Adventure Medics. They work to raise the standard of medical

care in the pre-hospital setting and provide peace of mind for event promoters.

Our Specialty Medical Services: • High angle, industrial, off-road and water rescues • Events: Festivals, sports, film sets • Wildland fire medical support • Mobile medical and interfacility transport

Are You Prepared To Save A Life?

• CPR/AED and FIRST AID classes • WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) classes • BLENDED LEARNING SKILLS classes • Custom and on-site training options

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Partners in Health & Well-being // The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

Supporting seniors’ health and happiness

By Katy Yoder correspondent

It’s hard for Scott Nay to believe that The Lodge in Sisters is already celebrating its one-year anniversary. The Lodge’s executive director, Nay says occupancy projections are right on track with 60 percent of the 62 apartments filled by singles and couples.

Walking into the beautifully appointed foyer, family room and dining area, it’s easy to see why residents feel at home. Handcrafted light fixtures by local glass artist Susie Zeitner provide an inviting, soft glow to the comfortable lodge.

Couches and chairs create social hubs with artwork highlighting the beauty all around the facility.

Many residents relocated to Sisters because their adult children live nearby. It’s provided families the opportunity to live closer, while retaining their parents’ independence and freedom from day-today responsibilities. Chefs prepare three tasty meals per day. There’s for a quick chat before rejoining a licensed RN who oversees health her friends for a dice game called and wellness as needed. The Lodge Ten Thousand. offers the option for staff to man“I’ve never lived in a facilage residents’ medications, take ity like this before, but I wasn’t vitals, and provide a myriad of nervous or skeptical at all, espeactivities and social opportunities. cially because it came highly The Lodge’s private bus is avail- recommended by my daughter. able on Tuesdays and Thursdays for Everything has jelled for me,” she medical appointments. On the other said. “I go to Susie to get my hair days, residents provide their own done and spend more time with my transportation. daughter.”

Nay loves seeing the smiles on As she spoke, a friend came in people’s faces as they enjoy each and wondered when she was headother’s company and entertain their ing down to the next pinochle family and friends. game. Doris smiled politely and let “We’re providing a lifestyle me know it was time to let her go that promotes health and peace of — her friends were waiting. mind,” he said. “Being here offers Being an active member of the a way for families to spend pre- community is an important compocious time together. Families come nent for The Lodge. here or take their folks home to cel“We are partnering with Sisters ebrate holidays and special occa- Park & Recreation District (SPRD) sions as well as running errands to have their instructor, Shannon and spending come over to time in town. It do Tai Chi in all contributes fitness My mother thought she our to our resicenter room,” dents’ health said Nay. “We wanted to live in her and well-being invite the puband gives them house forever but after lic to come in a feeling of and join our value and purresidents once she came to stay for pose. We see per week. We a while, she decided it have yoga a lot of happiness and joy in classes too. our residents was a good place to be. Step and Spine when they does a balance — Susie Johnson don’t feel isoclass with a lated anymore. couple of their That’s huge!” therapists.

Doris Johnson’s family lives We’re partnering with other healthnearby and she was concerned related businesses to come in and about dangerous driving condi- provide different opportunities to tions over the pass that often kept maintain physical and mental abiliher children from visiting her in ties. We’re very active here and our Tigard. She’s enjoying her new residents enjoy being a part of the Sisters home and is so busy, it was community. We schedule activities hard finding 10 minutes to talk with in the spring, summer and fall for her. She came by the sitting room outdoor outings with short hikes to

photo by jerry baldock

beautiful destinations like Sahalie Falls. We have a bus that holds 14 people that gets our residents out having fun.”

The Lodge hosted music events last summer and staff plan to do more. Residents were taken to events like the Christmas celebration at the Belfry and to Fir Street Park for concerts.

“We also took a group to the SPRD Luau at Village Green Park,” said Nay. Other collaborations included inviting an artist from Caldera to present a program about telling your story with drums. “It was really neat to hear their stories. We’ve had painting and flower arranging classes too. We’re always looking for ways to work with local artists.

There are so many good ideas,” added Nay. “With Lodge staff promoting healthy, active lifestyles, you can be as busy as you want to be.”

If getting your fingers in the soil brings joy and a sense of accomplishment, Nay says there’s a small garden for residents.

“This year we’re planning to open it up and get our residents more involved. We go in the direction our residents request and listen to their ideas and do what we can. We plan on growing more parsley, chives and sage that can become seasoning for meals.”

The property is surrounded by walking and biking paths, so there are places to enjoy fresh air and sun while never losing sight of home.

Walking to downtown Sisters is easy with a path from The Lodge along Larch Street. Residents can have a cat or a dog living with them.

“We have quite a few pets which wasn’t in our original plan, but

we’re happy to have them here. We also have a therapy dog coming in on a regular basis. We might have a miniature horse visit,” chuckled Nay. “We’re always looking for new things like that. We try to do intergenerational activities, too.

Last year we had children from pre-school to first grade singing Christmas Carols.”

If pampering and a fresh haircut are needed, the Lodge can provide it on-site. There’s a foot care specialist, massage therapist, a beautician with a shop for hair, nails and pedicures.

“We have our own fitness room with weights, exercise balls and a variety of machines including a recumbent bike and treadmill. Our fitness room can help with rehabilitation too,” said Nay. About a half dozen local practitioners come in to offer services.

As Nay hears about people’s needs, he’ll do his best to bring in new practitioners.

Hairstylist Susie Johnson comes to The Lodge two days per week.

By far, this is her favorite place to work. She’s been cutting hair in a variety of senior facilities and knows what it takes to have a happy place to call home. She loves The Lodge in Sisters so much she’s moving her mother here. Skeptical at first, once her mother spent some time in The Lodge, she understood why her daughter recommended it so highly.

“The staff is wonderful, they’re not just caregivers, they’re nice people too,” said Johnson. “My mother thought she wanted to live in her house forever but after she came to stay for a while, she decided it was a good place to be.

The Lodge has done so much to make people feel welcome and at home.”

The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

// Partners in Health & Well-being

Luxury Senior Living Available in Sisters!

If you are a senior considering a move to a more carefree lifestyle...

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Our lodge is designed for seniors who wish to maintain their independent lifestyle and for those that may need assistance from our wonderful caring staff.

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Photos by Jerry Baldock

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411 E. Carpenter Ln., Sisters • 541-549-5634 www.TheLodgeInSisters.com

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Partners in Health & Well-being // The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

Dental health is critical to overall well-being

By Jim Cornelius editor in chief

Good oral health means a lot more than a nice smile. The condition of our teeth is critical to our overall well-being. Studies are increasingly showing connections between oral health and serious health concerns like heart disease.

And what’s going on in the rest of the body can also be reflected in our oral health.

And yet most of us don’t make that connection — and we tend to put off going to the dentist. That can be a costly mistake on several levels.

“They look at their teeth as a piece of hardware,” said Amy Remick, office manager at Gilmore Dental in Redmond.

“They don’t connect it to their overall health.”

Gilmore Dental wants to help people take charge of their own oral health — to stay on top of it and act early if there are concerns so that a concern doesn’t become a costly and dangerous crisis.

To help patients stay on top of their own care, Gilmore Dental offers a Healthy Mouth Membership at an affordable monthly rate. This keeps patients on a regular maintenance schedule that includes regular exams, X-rays and cleanings, along with discounts on other services.

“Our entire goal is to get patients in and earn their trust,” Remick said.

Gilmore Dental keeps abreast of best practices and the most effective technology to improve the patient experience. They do

most of their work on-site, and can create same-day bridges and crowns, which means patients don’t have to wait days or weeks and put up with temporary devices. That’s all part of making the patient experience as pleasant as it can be.

But earning trust is not just about skill in dentistry. It really comes down to how patients are treated.

Stephanie F., a Sisters patient at Gilmore Dental, said, “Look at the interaction they have with people. You don’t find that. You walk in, it’s like ‘Cheers’ here.

I’ve been in customer service for 30 years, so that’s huge for me.

You have to make that connection.

They’re glad to see you — not just because you’re spending money but they’re genuinely glad to see you.”

Remick notes that the staff is always working on refining the way it communicates with patients — being understanding of reluctance or resistance while still promoting the importance of consistent, proactive care.

Remick and the rest of the staff at Gilmore Dental recognize that going to the dentist is not high on most people’s list of favorite activities. And they realize that there is a perception that dental offices pressure patients to come in regularly just so they can keep cash registers ringing.

That’s not what it’s about at all, Remick asserts. For the staff at Gilmore Dental, it really is about wanting the best for all of their patients.

Gilmore Dental meets a high build relationships and improve standard of care. They’re not just outcomes.

Educational videos help going to do a quick cleaning — they need to know what’s going patients understand why proactive on in your mouth, which means care is important.

“We grow up and we’re taught thorough diagnostics, including X-rays. Remick understands that to brush and floss — but we aren’t patients want to minimize time taught why,” Remick observed.

Gilmore Dental’s dentists don’t investment and financial costs — but minimizing or avoiding care dictate to patients. They believe in ends up being more costly in the “co-diagnosis,” identifying issues with patients and working togethlong run.

She can recount many instances er to determine the approach that where people have put off dealing works for the individual.

“Dr. (Richard) Gilmore’s going with relatively straightforward dento tell you what tal issues — cavithe findings are; ties, or even basic he’s going to let cleaning — until You walk in, it’s like you know the they become full‘Cheers’ here. I’ve been consequences blown health crises. An abscess in customer service for of not acting,” Remick said. can be a very From there, serious medi- 30 years, so that’s huge it’s up to the cal issue, even for me. You have to individual to do requiring hospitalization if make that connection. what’s best.

“We’re putinfection spreads.

— Stephanie F. ting the patient Dental neglect in the driver’s always ends seat,” Remick up costing the patient more — in pain, risk and said. “Bottom line, we’re as condollars — than proactive measures servative as we can be.”

Our teeth are much more than would ever cost.

And most of us, if we’re hon- tools we use to chew our food and est, know what we should do — pearly whites we flash in a smile. but still we wait, avoid and hope They are a critical part of a complex system that must be kept in for the best.

“Most people learn the hard good condition if we are to lead way,” Remick said. “We can’t healthy lives. Gilmore Dental really save people from learning understands that — and the whole staff is committed to helping the hard way.”

Nevertheless, the staff at folks in Central Oregon achieve Gilmore Dental is continually good dental health as cost-effecevaluating how they can work tively — and as pleasantly — as more effectively with patients, possible.

Before and after...

Taking care of your teeth has immediate effects both on appearance and oral health.

Taking immediate action on a damaged tooth can prevent further and more expensive problems down the line.

New techniques and technology make the work faster and better.

photo provided

The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

// Partners in Health & Well-being

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Partners in Health & Well-being // The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

Providing accessible, affordable health care for all

By Katy Yoder correspondent

Dr. Eric Wattenburg and his wife, Debora Wattenburg, lead a team of dedicated, health professionals focused on providing quality, compassionate healthcare.

In 2013, the Wattenburgs realized their dream of running their own clinic, when they opened Your Care in Redmond. The move ensured the couple’s commitment to exemplary patient care and the opportunity to serve and live in Central Oregon.

Debora is Your Care’s operations director and Eric is the medical director. Their backgrounds and education make the partnership a winning combination.

Owning the clinic has offered the Sisters couple the opportunity to bring medical care back to what they know it can be.

“We are here serving our community as they need it and when they need it,” said Debora.

Your Care does walk-in same day medical care, urgent care, has a department dedicated to local businesses and occupational health and has even been able to help people with wellness physicals. Businesses often need their expertise to ensure Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division regulations are being followed.

“We can join a company’s health and safety meeting. We’re committed to keeping our community healthy as a whole and doing whatever it takes. We love working with the schools, too.

When we’re asked, we’ll do what people need. I’m a community member and the person people can talk to. We travel throughout the community doing flu shot clinics for local businesses and have even been known to go to someone’s home when they couldn’t get to us,” said Debora.

Your Care is an option for locals and visitors alike.

“We serve the tourism base in Sisters and welcome everyone.

We want all our patients to feel safe and in caring hands.” For the

photo provided

Dr. Eric Wattenburg sees patients of all ages at Your Care. They are committed to exemplary patient care and accessibility.

Sisters area, patients find that the clinic is easier to get to than alternatives in Bend.

“Hop on the highway and two turns and you’re here,” said Debora from the clinic, which is located at 3818 SW 21st St., Suite 100, in Redmond.

“We see a lot of Sisters folks and they use us often,” she said. “ We love being a part of the Sisters community.”

The Wattenburgs raise cattle on their property and enjoy a variety of outdoor sports. They’re often out on their property taking care of their livestock. Debora enjoys riding, working the cattle on her horse, and she and Eric enjoy flyfishing together.

“We love it here and put our kids through the Sisters schools system,” Debora said. “The community has been so good to our

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family and we’re so grateful. We appreciate every opportunity to give back. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. We are committed to keeping the heart of our community in healthcare.

“We take all insurances and have a large percentage of Medicare and Medicaid patients and a discounted cash rate,” added Debora. “We serve many of our Central Oregon first responders and are honored to do so. Our son’s a first responder and a paramedic and firefighter in Central Oregon. I’m so passionate about serving those who serve our community. My dad’s a retired police lieutenant.”

The Wattenburgs’ emphasis is to serve people and businesses medically and make everyone’s lives easier.

“We are a pressure release valve for many businesses. If you don’t feel well on the weekend, we don’t want them to be afraid about going to a doctor. We’re a gap filler and a bridge,” said Debora.

Understanding that money is tight for many Central Oregonians, the Wattenburgs and their staff try to make medical bills a lot less painful than the injury or illness that brought you through their doors.

“We’re the option when you don’t actually need an Emergency Room. If you can’t get into your primary doc and it’s not life or

limb threatening, you’ll get the care you need in our clinic,” Debora explained.

The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on Christmas Day. Due to community demand, extended hours are coming soon.

The Your Care staff includes doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants and an administrative team dedicated to making the office run smoothly.

In addition to Dr. Wattenburg’s practice, every Sunday at 5 p.m. he takes calls on Central Oregon’s KBND 1110 AM/100.1 FM, offering advice about listeners’ medical questions. A variety of topics are covered, all in language that’s easy for people to understand and use constructively in their own lives.

“It’s all about serving our community, families and the businesses here. We’re so passionate about it because we are part of the community,” Debora said.

Originally from a remote area, Eric’s rural background and time spent treating and caring for patients without a lot of healthcare options, confirmed his desire to do full-span healthcare. Back then Debora said that patients sometimes showed up on their doorstep.

For more information visit www.yourcaremedical.com.

The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

// Partners in Health & Well-being

. . . u o Y k Tha n

…to the community as we celebrate serving you for 7 years.

Here’s to many more!

Our Promise...

We’re Here For You. Open every day, after hours and weekends.

OUR SPECIALTIES: Urgent Care Occupational Medicine Workers Compensation Physicals:

DOT, FAA, Employment & More

Community Services:

R U O E V O WE L !

S R O I N E S

Flu Shot Clinics Safety Training Meeting Presentations Water Donations for your Fundraiser Call Deb — We love being part of our community!

Same-Day Walk-In Care Sports Physicals • Onsite X-Ray Urgent Care We accept most insurance plans and offer cash-pay discounts.

HAVE YOU HEARD? DR. WATTENBURG’S HA TALK RADIO SHOW

YourCare ~ YourHealth A listener-driven call-in show to answer your medical questions and get advice!

Tune into www.kbnd.com from 5 to 7 p.m. every Sunday. Call in, 541-388-1110

“I wanted to make a comment about the ‘Your Health Your Care’ by Dr. Eric Wattenburg. This program is very informative and real, and it’s very much W appreciated and I hope the show goes on for a long time. His medical advice a is very educated and informed and you can tell he really cares about the community. Thank you!” c

541-548-2899 | YourCareMedical.com 3818 SW 21st Pl. Hwy. 126 to Redmond, two turns and you’re there! (Near fairgrounds) Open every day except Christmas

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Partners in Health & Well-being // The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

Tools to overcome pelvic floor dysfunction

By Katy Yoder correspondent

Brittany Estuesta, PT, DPT has heard many stories about how pelvic floor challenges can produce embarrassing situations.

She knows that worrying about bladder leakage from laughing, sneezing or physical exertion can impede people’s activities and ability to get out there and have fun. Suppressing laughter, always having to know where the closest bathroom is, or foregoing activities like running, hiking or horseback riding can become a way of life for women and men who are suffering in silence.

Estuesta grew up in Oregon and was inspired by her mother, an orthopedic and pelvic floor physical therapist. Driven by a desire to help people get back to the things they enjoy, she completed the Doctor of Physical Therapy at George Fox University. She discovered the lack of care options for individuals struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction and how that seemed to impact her patients with chronic low-back and sacroiliac joint pain. She then went on to complete her pelvic floor post-graduate training at Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy.

With the knowledge she needed

to treat both men and women with pelvic health issues, she joined Step & Spine to serve Central Oregonians.

Many Sisters-area residents are finding relief and a sense of freedom after receiving treatment from Estuesta.

Pelvic floor issues are common among baby boomers, mothers, post-menopausal women and men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer. Regardless of why people are experiencing challenges, symptoms can have negative effects on quality of life. That’s where Brittany comes in.

“I like helping people learn how to take control of their bodies to reduce their symptoms and get them back to the activities they love,” she said. “There’s a lot of misinformation about what can and can’t be done about leakage, and often symptoms get dismissed as ‘normal’ or ‘expected’. However, there are a lot of resources out there, if people just come in and ask.”

According to Estuesta, there are many forms of pelvic floor dysfunction including incontinence, urinary urgency, pelvic pain, pregnancy-related changes and postpartum complications, prolapse, and post-menopausal issues.

“I often hear women tell me that their incontinence problems

photo provided

Brittany Estuesta of Step & Spine works with patients to help them take control of pelvic floor and bladder issues.

have become the ‘joke’ in their social groups – it’s easy to laugh about or dismiss incontinence problems from coughing, sneezing, or laughing. When you’re in public that can be very embarrassing… my goal is to help teach individuals how to take control over their bladder and pelvic floor rather than the bladder controlling them.”

Estuesta adds that how much healing is possible is unique to each individual because everyone’s symptoms and complaints are unique. That’s where an internal pelvic floor muscle assessment can shed some light on why patients are experiencing problems and is extremely helpful in creating an individualized plan for patient success.

From her mother’s 40-year career as a physical therapist to Brittany’s time, a lot has changed, and treatment is evolving at a quick rate.

“We’ve learned there’s more to it than just strengthening the pelvic floor. You can have weakness, tightness, decreased coordination, and sometimes you can have a combination,” she explained from the Step & Spine office in Redmond where she sees patients.

“Sometimes injuries to the pelvic muscles from childbirth never completely healed or didn’t return to an optimal state. Over time things can get weak, tight and short, just like with injuries to other parts of your body. I have a lot of post-menopausal women in my practice. I work closely with urologists and primary care doctors. After menopause, you don’t have as much estrogen and your hormone levels can affect your pelvic and perineal tissue. When the muscles can’t work as effectively, it makes symptoms more obvious,” she said.

Estuesta says you can have leakage of all types, which people really don’t like to talk about. “For men, any time the prostate has been removed, usually for cancer treatments, it affects the pelvic floor. There’s a nerve bundle close to the prostate which can cause a problem with incontinence and erectile dysfunction. There can also be pelvic pain from radiation or chemo from tissue scarring.

There’s soft tissue work you can do to help with that,” she said.

The key message Estuesta wants to get out is that there’s help for those suffering in silence and embarrassment. “I have patients who plan their day around where they will have bathroom access and some that don’t leave their home very often because they have this issue. I’m passionate about educating the community

photo provided

Brittany Estuesta, PT, DPT.

I like helping people learn how to take control of their bodies to reduce their symptoms and get them back to the activities they love.

— Brittany Estuesta about pelvic floor dysfunction.

It’s a lot more than just Kegels or pelvic floor muscle exercise, and there’s a lot of education involved.”

To understand what is happening in the body, she does an internal pelvic floor assessment to really know what’s going on.

“I spend a lot of time educating the patient to make sure they know exactly what we are doing and why. That’s so important.

I don’t do the assessment until the patient is fully comfortable.

I assess the muscles and tissue quality and assess if the pelvic floor is strong, weak, or tight.

Sometimes it’s too tight and is working so hard it can’t perform when you need it to,” she explained.

“I use external pelvic floor biofeedback which is a device that allows us to visualize the pelvic floor activation via connection to a computer screen. It’s a great visual for people to see if they are performing a contraction or relaxation of the pelvic floor well,” said Estuesta. “I encourage people to talk to their physician about their pelvic floor complaints.”

There can be great benefits with PT, which is often now the first line of treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Estuesta invites those experiencing pelvic floor challenges to come in for a consultation. Learn more about Brittany Estuesta and Step & Spine at https://www.stepandspine.com/ pelvic-floor-dysfunction.

The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

// Partners in Health & Well-being

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Partners in Health & Well-being // The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

Easy living for independent seniors

By Jim Cornelius editor in chief

The active Central Oregon way of life extends deep into the senior years. Active seniors want to sustain the active lifestyle as long as possible.

Not for them a retreat into a rocker on the porch and a long, slow sunset.

They want to really live and enjoy the richness of leisure well-earned.

Stone Lodge in Bend offers a lifestyle option for “individuals who are independent but want life to be a little easier.”

‘Easier’ means that dining is taken care of with three chef-prepared meals a day; there are two happy hours a week and ample time and opportunity to indulge in hobbies and build the kind of interpersonal connections that can be hard for some folks to find and maintain in retirement years.

It is well-documented that sustaining social engagement is critical to health, well-being and quality of life.

JesseJane Slater notes that Stone Lodge prizes a real family atmosphere among residents and the staff of approximately 25.

“Everybody really likes each other,” she said. “They create relationships here.”

While Stone Lodge serves those

55 and older, most residents are active folks in their 70s. The 114 rooms are double-occupancy, but Slater says “most people are single.”

Stone Lodge is often an option for families in Central Oregon with aging parents.

‘Active’ is the operative word for the residents of Stone Lodge. Many residents continue to engage in their individual pursuits and pastimes, and Stone Lodge offers a variety of field trips — from weekly breakfast or lunch excursions to local restaurants to cultural enrichment activities like visits to the High Desert Museum.

Residents can stay in shape through fitness activities ranging from strength training to chair yoga to active games. Summer is filled with outdoor activities.

For residents who want to venture off on the road, Stone Lodge offers 260 Travel & Stay partnerships with affiliated properties across the nation.

“Our residents can stay for a week at a time at any of those properties and go on vacation for free, basically,” Slater said.

In order to promote the carefree mode of living at Stone Lodge, it is all-inclusive except for phone and car.

Stone Lodge is a welcoming community that truly feels like home.

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Act early to arrest hearing loss

By Jim Cornelius editor in chief

It’s one of the hardest parts of Lanie Tandy’s work with All American Hearing: sitting across a table from someone who tearfully tells her, “I wish I’d done something sooner.”

For Tandy, getting folks in Central Oregon 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… At that point, it’s often too late to help them to the degree that we could if they’d acted as soon as they started experiencing hearing loss.”

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 hearing is important in keeping up quality of life. Hearing loss can create social isolation and depression — and research is increasingly showing that hearing is intimately connected to the retention of cognitive function.

Tandy is committed to bringing

photo provided

good hearing healthcare to Central Oregon, and she urges folks — even if their hearing still seems OK — to pick up the phone and set up an appointment for testing. She encourages annual testing to establish a baseline.

She recognizes that people are nervous about what they might find out, and about the financial cost of addressing hearing loss. But she assures them that she’s there to answer questions and to ease people’s minds. There are many, many options available today, and there is no cost for a consultation.

“That’s really what a visit to our office is all about,” she said.

“Waiting does nothing but further damage your hearing — and that damage is irreversible.”

The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

// Partners in Health & Well-being

Shibui Spa at FivePine pursues wellness

Spas, saunas enhance health and well-being

‘Wellness’ means a lot more than just the absence of illness.

True wellness is a state of being that encompasses physical robustness, emotional well-being and overall resilience. Achieving and maintaining wellness requires attentiveness not only to avoiding sickness, but also to eating well, sleeping enough, and coping with the inevitable stresses of day-to-day living.

Shibui Spa has made an ethic and a mission of pursuing wellness, ever since founder Zoe Willitts started providing massage in a garage on the FivePine property at the east end of Sisters. Shibui immediately became the spiritual center of the FivePine development.

“You disconnect from the world and you reconnect with yourself or your partner,” Zoe reflected. “The concept was a quiet place to find yourself — that was it.”

To facilitate that connectedness, Shibui has made a concerted effort to keep massage and spa services accessible. They offer a Winter Wellness Wednesday discount program. In a special community-centric program, they offer an opportunity to help and honor a special person with the “gift of

Anybody who has sat in a hot tub after a long day at work knows that it’s a great way to relax, relieve stress and soothe the aches and pains of the day. But relaxation and soothing are just the beginning of the health benefits of a spa.

The American Whirlpool hot tubs and swim spas that Rick and Mel Trammel of Aqua Hot Tubs offer in Sisters are designed and programmed with physician input on jet placement so they have therapeutic massage benefits. Swim spas provide an excellent means of exercise that is easy on the joints.

People have been using saunas for hundreds of years to enhance their health and well-being. Many people are now using saunas to relieve chronic pain and fatigue symptoms and to counteract the negative sideeffects of medical treatments like chemotherapy for cancer (those with a medical condition should consult a doctor before using a sauna).

Recent research also indicates that being in a sauna two to three times a week may even help prevent dementia.

Aqua Hot Tubs offers traditional rock saunas built in Oregon by Finlandia. Traditional saunas can run much hotter than infrared and have

photo provided

giving back.” Shibui offers treatments to select recipients free of charge based on a narrative of their story. The program has aided cancer patients, people dealing with traumatic stress in their lives, and people who have given so much to others that others wish to give back to them.

The narrative may be sent to info@shibuispa.com, subject: Gift of Giving Back. Recipients will be chosen on a case-by-case basis.

A centerpiece of the wellness focus is an annual 10-day cleanse held in the supportive environment of Shibui Spa.

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photo provided

the added effect of steam. Saunas are common appliances in European homes.

The Trammels use both their hot tubs and saunas. Being able to also service the products they sell is a big plus for the customer. Regular maintenance is important when owning a hot tub and having Aqua Hot Tubs maintain it is affordable and provides peace of mind, not to mention improving your health and wellbeing.

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Partners in Health & Well-being // The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

Travel can be good for health and well-being

New women’s health services in Sisters

While traveling may be viewed as a luxury item, your health is your most important asset. Have you considered an active or wellness vacation? There are so many options now available in these travel arenas.

Many of us living in Sisters are exceptionally active. Now that it’s spring and the trails and roads are thawing, how about a biking or hiking adventure this summer as a conditioning goal? There are many organized outfitters for these trips now.

Depending on your fitness and intensity level, this will dictate which supplier and destination you choose. It also will provide that necessary gym motivation for your trip. If you’re going on an active trip, the nature of that trip should dictate how you train.

These trips require forethought and training — maybe even hiring a personal trainer to help you prepare for your adventure.

Susan Waymire of The Travel Store sells active adventures for those getting back into hiking or biking, as well as those who are more seasoned active travelers and want something more strenuous.

“I’ve planned many trips from gentle hiking in Croatia to climbing Kilimanjaro for my clients,” she said.

“Different destinations have varying

Obstetric and gynecologic appointments are now available at St. Charles Family Care in Sisters.

St. Charles Center for Women’s Health is now seeing patients at the clinic in Sisters.

A provider from the Center for Women’s Health office is at the clinic on Wednesdays to provide obstetric care, well-women exams, contraceptive management, menopause treatment and other services. The Center for Women’s Health has board-certified physicians, women’s health nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives who collaboratively work together to meet patients’ needs.

Offering the Wednesday appointments at the clinic is part of St. Charles’ effort to make obstetric and gynecologic services more accessible to women of all ages in Sisters, Black Butte, Camp Sherman and throughout the region.

“Women may suffer from problems such as pelvic pain, irregular bleeding and bladder incontinence, but delay seeing a provider because they either feel this is ‘normal’ or they encounter barriers to accessing care,” said Tricia

photo provided

levels of difficulty — it’s important to be upfront with how much activity you want when booking a trip.”

Another option may be a yoga or wellness destination. Many wellness resorts offer a full array of services such as healthy eating programs, yoga, and active conditioning classes. Several of the hiking suppliers now offer yoga or stretch class as part of their program to create an overall wellness trip. You may just want to take that time for yourself to explore and rejuvenate your mind and body.

“Whatever your fitness or wellness goals, I can make some great suggestions to get you moving,” Waymire said. “Contact me to get you out there!”

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Clay, manager of clinic operations at St. Charles Center for Women’s Health.

“As women age, it’s important they see a provider yearly for preventive exams and screenings, and to address concerns they have as they get older and approach menopause.”

Women seen in Sisters who need care beyond what can be provided at the clinic are referred to the Center for Women’s Health in Redmond to see a board-certified OB-GYN. Any surgical procedures needed can be performed at St. Charles Redmond.

“We are so excited to expand our services to another location, making it more convenient for women to get access to the care they need,” said Dr. Beth Murrill, a board-certified OB-GYN. “We’re very much looking forward to connecting with and supporting the Sisters community.”

St. Charles Family Care is located at 630 North Arrowleaf Trail in Sisters, where they provide the local community with comprehensive family medical care aimed at treating the whole patient.

The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

// Partners in Health & Well-being

Returning to the doctorpatient relationship

By Jim Cornelius editor in chief

five people waiting for me,” she said.

She is limiting her practice to 500 patients to ensure that the one-on-one relationship where she really gets to know her patients is preserved. (Most family doctors have 2,000 to 3,000 patients in their practice.)

“As soon as people learn about it, I’m going to be full,” she said.

Direct primary care works well for most patients and is particularly appropriate for people with highdeductible health plans.

If direct primary care seems like a sensible and beneficial way to manage medical care, well, Dr. Pennavaria thinks so, too. And so do increasing numbers of healthcare professionals who are tired of jumping through bureaucratic hoops that take time and energy away from their primary purpose and mission —taking care of patients.

“There are a lot more people getting into this,” Dr. Pennavaria said.

She believes so strongly in the model that she is interested in helping other doctors to shift to direct primary care practices.

“I tell you what — this is the way to practice medicine,” she said. “I love it.”

Dr. Laura Pennavaria’s practice at Homestead Family Medicine is at once an old-fashioned concept — and perhaps the future of family medicine. Homestead Family Medicine is a direct primary care practice.

Members pay a monthly fee and enter into a direct relationship with Dr. Pennavaria.

“It’s really about bringing medicine back to the doctor-patient relationship,” she said. “It’s removing all the middlemen.”

The monthly fee, which starts at $100/month for the first family member and slides down for each subsequent member, caps out at $325/month per family. For that fee, patients get “all the visits you need — plus, when someone calls my practice, I answer the phone.”

People often think of such programs as “concierge medicine,” but Dr. Pennavaria makes a distinction between that and direct primary care: “Concierge doctors typically both bill insurance and charge a membership fee. The fee is usually much steeper than a DPC membership, thus the model is directed to and tailored for more affluent patients. Direct primary care clinics don’t accept insurance, rather they choose to work directly with the patient, providing wholesale labs, deeply discounted prescription prices, and other cost savings along the way.”

The discounted prescriptions can mean significant savings.

“I just gave a lady a full course of antibiotics for 86 cents,” said Dr. Pennavaria. “I don’t make any money off of that; I don’t need to make any money off of that. It’s part of the benefit I offer my patients.”

Dr. Pennavaria will also make house calls where necessary and Dr. Laura Pennavaria won’t make you appropriate — at no additional feel rushed through an appointment, charge. and there’s never a question you Dr. Laura Pennavaria won’t have time to ask. received her MD degree from the University of California, San Diego in 2001. She completed a residency in family medicine at Kaiser Permanente in Orange County, California, and is board certified in family medicine, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She has done work in medical administrative roles that gave her a firsthand look at how increasing overhead, bureaucracy, and red tape have driven physicians and their patients apart.

“That’s not how I want to practice,” she said.

In her model, patient visits are relaxed and take as much time as needed to address the matter at hand.

“When I’m in the exam room with my patients, no one is knocking on my door telling me there are photos provided

Be one of hundreds, not thousands, with direct primary care.

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541-516-1705 • 568 NE Savannah, Ste. 1, Bend www.homesteadfamilymedicine.org

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Partners in Health & Well-being // The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

Snuggle Up For All Your Occasions With Alpaca Kisses!

Visiting an alpaca ranch can be therapeutic

By Vicki Curlett correspondent

If, as an adult, you’ve forgotten the value of spending some time playing in the fresh country air, you might want to spend some time watching alpacas frolic in sunny, rolling pastures. The alpacas who live at Alpaca Country Estates love to show off, and there’s nothing better than getting an alpaca kiss to tickle your nose and make you smile and feel good. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself wondering where all that “humming and clicking” is coming from.

Alpacas are very musical — toe tapping accompaniment is permitted at the ranch.

“Don’t forget your cameras — the selfie possibilities are endless,” said ranch owner-operator Nancy Chapel-Izer.

Bring your family to meet alpaca babies (crias) who are very inquisitive. If you are patient enough, they will come to greet you. Alpaca Country Estates loves to share the young babies with their guests and let them visit the nursery.

“Help us with some names for our new arrivals,” said Chapel-Izer.

The first ranch book, “Baby Alpaca’s Adventure,” is due to be published soon. The educational story allows you to follow a cria’s journey meeting farm animals — such as a Spanish-speaking field mouse — and at the end of his exploring finds his true purpose. The book — ideal for 6 to 10 year olds as a read-aloud story — was inspired on the farm and written by Ann Rivera of Bend. A Spanish glossary and map of the cria’s adventure is included.

“We also invite schools to bring their classes and sack lunches for very fun activities like making alpaca felting soaps or watching shearing demonstrations,” she said. “Seniors from area assisted-living communities find time spent at the ranch very therapeutic, too.”

If you’re in need of a

mini-vacation with a loved one but don’t have much time or money to go far, Alpaca Country Estates offers a retreat.

The sunrises and sunsets from the bed-and-breakfast suite patios can’t be beat. For the more adventurous, they are adding extra-large tipis, a yurt, and one motorhome hook-up to the accommodations this spring so you really can play cowboys and Indians again if you wish.

Other things to do include a stop in the well-stocked Magical Strands Boutique, full of all things warm and fuzzy made with alpaca fiber, from toys to home decor and clothing.

If you weave, knit or crochet, they have a wide assortment of yarns for your next hobby project created in the USA from the farm’s alpaca fiber.

Alpaca Country Estates’ renowned alpaca breeding program yields champions as well as pets. If you’re thinking about having alpacas of your own, they can guide you through the musthaves of ownership and care, then deliver your new friends.

Alpaca meat products can be part of a healthy diet.

As with other types of farming and ranching, they sometimes must harvest non-breeding mature animals for their meat. Alpaca meat is known for being one of the healthiest meats available. It is high in protein, low in cholesterol and grass fed, with no gamey taste. Meat is available in the same types of cuts as any other meat, making it easy to substitute in almost any of your favorite recipes. Order online at their website or call ahead for easy pickup.

Alpaca Country Estates also offers an alpaca meat appetizer tasting class periodically. Register at www.alpaca countryestates.com. Space is limited.

“Come try some yummy appetizers, get the recipes, and then buy some alpaca meat to take home with you,” Chapel-Izer said.

“We always appreciate you calling ahead to schedule a tour of the ranch, as we are sometimes away at shows.”

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Hours vary by season — please see our website. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment.

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Perfect f ffor Singles, l Couples, l Families l withh Kiddos d 134 Acres, 1,000+ Cuddly Alpacas, Stargazing Well-appointed suites, gorgeous views, privacy • Farm tours Shearing demos • Home-cooked breakfast, full kitchens

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70397 Buckhorn Road, Terrebonne Only 20 minutes east of Sisters www.alpacacountryestates.com

The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

Chiropractor keeps his patients active

By Jim Cornelius editor in chief

People in Central Oregon treasure their active way of life. Dr. Rich Huddleston has dedicated a 30-plus-year career to helping people remove restrictions to their activity — first in Napa, California, and now at his practice at Eagle Crest Resort between Sisters and Redmond.

Dr. Huddleston discovered his path early. As a high school athlete, he was injured at age 15 on the football field and turned to a chiropractor for help.

“He adjusted me three times and I was back out there, little or no pain,” he recalled. “I believe in this; it’s helped me tremendously. Coming out of high school, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.”

Huddleston Chiropractic practices the Gonstead Method, a highly specific approach to chiropractic care that uses careful visual examination, palpation, examination with a nervoscope to find areas of inflammation, patient symptoms, and X-rays when necessary.

“Subluxation is a fancy term for a misalignment,” Dr. Huddleston explained.

That particular subluxation is then addressed, using specific contact points on the hands for the adjustment.

“With the Gonstead Method, it is very specific,” Dr. Huddleston. “One specific vertebrae is moved where it needs to be… You fix the subluxation, you fix the misalignment — then you leave it alone.”

Dr. Huddleston discovered the Gonstead Method at the beginning of his career, and he’s employed it ever since, finding that it is more effective and patient-centric than a one-sizefits-all adjustment approach.

Dr. Clarence Gonstead described the principles of the method succinctly: “The principles of the Gonstead Method are the simple principles of chiropractic put to work; how to understand what causes nerve pressure, how to find it on the patient,

how to achieve a corrective setting of the offending vertebra, and how to know when the chiropractor’s job is done and nature’s begins.”

“It just made so much sense to me,” he said.

Dr. Huddleston practiced in his hometown of Napa for three decades before pulling up stakes to come to Central Oregon — as so many have — for the outdoor lifestyle it offers.

He chose Eagle Crest as the location of his practice with deliberate intent.

“I wanted to be in this area because I knew that there are 3,000 to 3,500 people who live here, at least in the summer,” he said. “They want to stay active, so why not be here where I can do my part to keep them active?”

His office near the entrance to Eagle Crest Resort is also just a short drive down the road for folks from Sisters and Redmond.

“By providing a quality service, they’ll come here,” he said.

Dr. Huddleston values building relationships with patients so that he truly understands their needs. He doesn’t believe in keeping patients coming back for weeks at a time — but he does believe that patients benefit from periodic adjustments — roughly every four to six weeks.

“Come in when you feel like something’s not right,” he said.

As with most health issues, acting early saves time, pain and money in the long run.

“Otherwise, it’ll take two or three adjustments when it would have taken just one,” Dr. Huddleston said.

Spring is in the air, and folks in Central Oregon are ready to get out and enjoy it. Huddleston Chiropractic stands ready to keep them on the trail, the golf course or the court — free from pains and restrictions.

“I just found Dr. Huddleston here at Eagle Crest, and after two adjustments I am 95% better already. HE IS PERSONABLE, WARM, CARING, AND EASY TO TALK WITH. He asked lots of good questions to pinpoint exactly what I was feeling. What impressed me the most was that the same day I had my first adjustment, he called me at home to see how I was doing.

That is caring! I have confidence in his knowledge and skill. Not only have I found a chiropractor close to my home but I have also made a new friend.” — Janet Leigh “DR. HUDDLESTON WAS A RARE AND MUCH-NEEDED FIND FOR ME 25+ years ago. After a serious injury which left my back damaged, he was successful in realigning my spine when needed. If you seek a caring and very effective chiropractor, you’ve found him! Without a doubt I can say, California’s loss is Redmond’s gain. You have an absolutely fantastic chiropractor in your area now. I urge you to schedule a treatment with Dr. Huddleston, as only then will you know the caliber of the person and level of his work.”

— D. Laughlin “DR. HUDDLESTON IS, WITHOUT DOUBT, ONE OF THE VERY BEST CHIROPRACTORS I have had adjust me. He always finds the tricky problem areas, and with minimal force gets me back in line. I went to five different chiropractors in my town before finding him. I will sorely miss him and wish him well in Oregon!” — Al Czap

// Partners in Health & Well-being

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Partners in Health & Well-being // The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

Camp Sunrise helps youth through grief

By Jim Cornelius editor in chief

Losing a loved one can be a particularly devastating blow to a child. The trauma can create feelings of confusion, overwhelming sadness, loss of control, anger, guilt, and abandonment.

For two decades, Camp Sunrise, held for a weekend each June at Suttle Lake United Methodist Camp west of Sisters, has been enabling children ages 7-14 to gather with others who have shared the experience of loss, to express and come to terms with their grief, and to learn practical means of moving forward.

In 2019, 34 children participated in the camp. Sixty-five percent of them had experienced the death of a parent, and many are dealing with multiple deaths in their family. A third of the losses were traumatic deaths such as suicide or homicide.

Rachel Delance, a social worker in Madras, attended the camp in 2003 and came back later as a counselor. She lost her father to a rare form of cancer when she was 13, and struggled to process his death. She worried about her own health and was teased at school. The experience of the camp not only helped her deal with confusing feelings of grief and loss — they shaped her future path.

“It was life-changing,” she said.

Seventeen years down the line, she keeps mementos of the camp — her camp T-shirts and a handcrafted “power stick” — and they are alive in her world.

“I still have my power stick,” she said. “My kids play with it and we talk about Grandpa… For me, Camp Sunrise served as my memorial to him.”

Shawn Diez was a counselor at Sisters Elementary School when he started working as a counselor

at Camp Sunrise. His first year, “I was in a cabin with, I think, five kids.”

Today, Diez serves as a co-facilitator of the camp.

He notes that counselors are extensively trained and they learn to tread lightly with the grieving youth, “kind of meeting the individual where they’re at.”

“As you can imagine, many are nervous,” Diez said.

Counselors learn to practice “reflective listening,” Diez noted. Their purpose is not to tell the campers how to feel or even to reassure them, but to “allow them to tell their story.”

That story can be told through art projects, through plays and music, including the camp song, “Keep Me In Your Heart For Awhile.”

“The brains of children younger than 14 are usually not developed enough to process this kind of information, traumatic or otherwise, in language,” Maureen Krebs, communications director for Hospice of Redmond explained. “At Camp Sunrise we provide children with nonverbal forms of expression such as art, movement and music in order to help them find a voice to these strange and often frightening feelings of grief. Grief has other faces, too, such as loss of a stable environment, and loss or change related to other meaningful relationships because the adults around the children are also grieving. Children at Camp Sunrise are most comforted by the connection they make with other children who are experiencing similar emotions. Maybe for the first time since the death they don’t feel so alone and different from their peers.”

photos provided

The release of handcrafted memory boats into Link Creek marks a release of emotional turmoil and grief. The event is one of the significant symbolic activities at Camp Sunrise.

“They gave me tangible coping mechanisms that I could use day-today,” Delance said. “Little things that really helped me process the grief.”

Many volunteers return year after year.

“It really amazes me the work they do and their heart for that,” Krebs said.

Vo l u n t e e r e f f o r t s extend out into the community. East of the Cascades Quilters has stepped up for years.

“Every single camper gets a quilt on their bed,” Krebs said.

H a n d m a d e Te d d y Bears and other keepsakes offer Delance affirmed the role the counselors play in facilitating this comfort and connection.

The broader community also process.

“You don’t have to have supports the program financially answers or responses,” she said. through fundraisers and direct donations. It costs about $1,500 “You just have to be present.”

She recalled the profound per camper to offer the program.

“We do take donations, because impact it had on her to be around this is completely free for children others who had shared a similar experience, and counselors who and families,” Krebs said.

Delance is an example of the were unafraid to simply sit with a deep and long-lasting resonance grieving child. the Camp “It makes Sunrise me tearful,” experishe said. ence has for I still have my power “These are a campers. It lot of amazstick. My kids play with i n f l u e n c e d ing people her career who really path into it and we talk about cared and social work were willing — where she Grandpa… For me, to stay in that sees trauma uncomfortCamp Sunrise served as and grief and able space.” can provide There is a resources. my memorial to him. remarkable “I refer blossomkids to Camp — Rachel Delance ing come Sunrise Sunday, whenever I which feahave a famtures one of the key symbolic rituals of the ily that needs those services,” she said. camp.

Krebs said that youth usually Campers construct memory boats using all natural materi- attend Camp Sunrise about a year als — pinecones, sticks, flowers, after experiencing bereavement.

“If it’s less than six months, birdseed, and paper. A procession of campers and counselors wends sometimes it’s a little too recent,” their way down to the shore of she said.

The June weekend at Camp Lake Creek and each camper releases their memory boat, rep- Sunrise is a powerful experience, resenting the circle and seasons of both for attendees and for vollife. Following the boat release, unteers — taking them through campers gather to share their a gamut of emotions, forming thoughts about the weekend while attachments and most of all letting staff prepares them to return to bereaved youth know that they are not alone in their grief, that oththeir families.

Siblings often attend camp ers are feeling what they feel and together, and some young chil- they understand. That can be a gift dren return to camp several years beyond price, and one for which Rachel Delance, like hundreds of later as they hit adolescence.

“When they turn 13, they may her peers, continues to cherish.

Camp Sunrise represents a probe experiencing very different emotions than when they were 7,” found effort to support the vulnerable and to heal the hurt.

Krebs said.

“It’s a huge benefit to our comThe impacts of Camp Sunrise last well beyond a single weekend. munity,” Delance said.

The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

// Partners in Health & Well-being

Camp Sunrise A place for grieving children

June 19-21, 2020 At Camp Sunrise: • We listen...to the feelings of grief • We share...the sadness • We understand...the feelings of loneliness • We can help...the healing begin

For more information, call 541-548-7483 or download an application at www.hospiceofredmond.org — No cost to families who attend —

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Partners in Health & Well-being // The Nugget Newspaper // March 25, 2020

SPRD keeping Sisters residents active

By Katy Yoder correspondent

Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) is dedicated to health and well-being for all ages.

“We have something for everyone,” said Recreation Programs Director Chad Rush.

Activities included in upcoming programs reflect what they’re hearing from community members. It’s one way they try to make activities accessible and affordable.

Keeping people active is a multifaceted effort focusing on different ages, interests and available resources. Program directors have seen results that include healthier bodies and minds as people spend time with those who share their interests.

Whether you’re five or 75, it’s clear having fun with friends is good for you.

SPRD offers evening classes for those busy during the day. Children’s activities are scheduled to overlap with adult classes, so parents have access to childcare. Group fitness classes, youth athletics and summer programs cover the gamut, ensuring everyone can be as busy and active as they choose.

Programming begins with Tiny Tikes serving children from preschool through kindergarten. “We continue to improve our Tiny Tikes group by doing separate activities that build strong foundations

for understanding how to be a team player and successful in sports. It’s learning the fundamentals and how to keep improving regardless of whether you win or lose,” said Rush.

SPRD partnered with Together for Children to run a Friday-morning playtime class for kindergartners.

“They’re seeing a real need for kids to just have fun playing. Parents are encouraged to network while their children are playing, or they can take a fitness class,” Rush said.

SPRD’s pre-school program is going strong with expanded opportunities for kids to be active.

From first grade to sixth, SPRD offers youth athletic programs that establish standards and consistencies for all sports. Efforts include educating coaches and parents, which makes for a healthier, more satisfying experience for young athletes.

“Our numbers are going in the right direction,” said Rush. “We hope it’ll continue to grow. This is where it all starts for K-12 approaches for athletics. We reached out to high school coaches and invited them to be part of our programs. They each do what works for them and their programs. We structure our programs with health and well-being as a focal point whether it’s soccer, basketball or football. It’s not all about winning, it’s about progressing, and the skills kids need to succeed. We provide good scaffolding for our coaches,

kids and families as they grow in the programs.”

Offering programming for highschool-aged students is a challenge.

With busy schedules and demanding academics, there isn’t much time for other activities. SPRD offers a place to hang out and play ping-pong or pool during open periods.

“They’re always welcome,” said Rush.

SPRD is looking for ways to connect with young adults and new families through adult league sports like co-ed softball.

“We like to respond and provide what people are interested in as well as tweaking timing to ensure we meet their needs.”

There are fitness classes designed for older adults approaching or in retirement. There are excursions once per month for social networking and getting exercise. When they’re active, there’s a natural decline in social isolation which promotes well-being.

There are music and

art classes in the evenings. Playing the fiddle or ukulele or picking up a paintbrush and capturing a sunset are all good medicine. Communities and society now realize there’s social, mental and physical health that contributes to well-being for all ages.

“It’s all about making happier, healthier human beings,” said Rush.

photo by jerry baldock

We have something for ALL ages!

and

Fun Fitness

with Sisters Park & Recreation District!

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

Group Fitness Classes • Youth Athletics • Summer Programs For a full listing of activites and programs, visit sistersrecreation.com 541-549-2091 | 1750 W. McKinney Butte Road, Sisters