The Nugget Newspaper's Partners in Health & Well-Being 2023 // 2022-08-16

Partners 2023 artners in Health & Well-Being

One of the great draws of Sisters Country is the opportunity to live in a healthful environment that promotes a sense of well-being. Many people in Sisters live active lives, out in the garden or on the trail on a bike, on foot or on horseback. We engage in all kinds of sporting activities.

Central Oregon is full of providers of services that enhance health and well-being. They’re here for the same reasons, and they understand the need to help their clients and patients stay on the path of adventure — or get back on it when injury takes them down. Whether it’s healing from an injury or maintaining good health from head to toe, these providers seek to work in partnership with their patients and clients — because health care is most efficient and effective when we are proactive and engaged.

No matter what is ailing or troubling us, we do better when we act early, before problems become acute. And each of the providers profiled

in Partners in Health and Well-Being make it easy and comfortable to act.

This place is also a beautiful setting in which to end our journey, and there are caring providers who help families make the final steps on the path comfortable, dignified, and affirming.

With experienced and expert professionals to help us, we can optimize our health and wellbeing to enjoy the best of the Sisters Country way of life.

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief The Nugget Newspaper

Sisters program promotes strength and mobility

Sweat PNW originated from the idea that breathwork and movement are intertwined and work most powerfully when used together.

The small group class size allows the coaches to work with individual client needs and modifications. Each class is designed to build strength from the stabilizing of muscles, increase mobility, and improve breath rate and recovery. The motto at this gym is: Breathe. Sweat. Stretch. Each class begins with breathwork to prepare the mind and lungs, followed by a blend of cardio and strength training, transitioning into a guided stretch at the end.

At Sweat PNW, classes and clinics are focused on strength, balance, flexibility, cardio, and bodyweight exercises. The blend of pilates and weight training is designed to complement proper form and awareness of each individual’s body and its unique design. The coaches are highly qualified and motivational. Sweat PNW’s primary objective is to help each member meet their own health and fitness goals in a

The

Spa self-care is health care

Time at the spa may feel like a lovely indulgence — but it’s also an important element of health care. The services offered by Radiant Day Spa in Sisters promote feeling and looking your best — and also being your best.

— Ashlee Francis

fun and safe way supported by an encouraging community. Sweat PNW also offers personal training, fascial stretch therapy, and clinics to improve skills in running, pullups, skiing, pickleball, mobility, and more.

“The experience at Sweat PNW will leave you feeling stronger, more empowered, and more confident” said proprietor Ashlee Francis.

If you would like to learn more about joining this supportive, welcoming community, check out the Sweat PNW website or email hello@sweatpnw.com.

“Whatever your goals may be, Sweat PNW is ready to help you achieve them,” Francis said.

Massage therapy can help with one’s overall well-being by regulating the nervous system, which then reduces stress and improves sleep,” said Radiant’s massage therapist Chloe. “Massage also helps to reduce muscle tension and pain. This can then result in enhanced exercise performance and increase in range of motion. Keeping up regularly on massage is a great way to maintain the body and nervous system.”

Kristin, Radiant’s nail technician, notes, “Regular nail care is a form of self-care that is not only important for our mental well-being but also prevents discomfort and disease.”

Facials are important for overall health, as Teresa, an esthetician, can tell you. They don’t just deeply clean the skin.

“Facials help remove toxins, bacteria, and dead skin cells,” she said. “The massage techniques we use on our facials help with circulation and lymphatic drainage to leave your skin cells fresh and renewed. Facials promote collagen development of cell regeneration, which helps with fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin an overall youthful look.”

Even hair removal has a significant health and well-being element.

“Today’s health-conscious clients are looking for holistic alternatives to their beauty needs, and hair removal is no exception,” said Courtney, an esthetician. “Sugar hair removal uses natural ingredients (sugar, lemon, and water) and works with the body to effectively remove, refine, and reduce unwanted hair. Sugar paste is eco-friendly, skin-friendly, and causes less discomfort for the client than other forms of hair removal. No need for shaving as your skin will be smooth and hair free for weeks after the appointment.”

Partners In Care serves families in need

Everything that Partners In Care does is founded on finding and filling a community need.

“We’ve been serving this community for over 40 years,” said Partners In Care Communications Director Maureen Dooley.

As a nonprofit, supported by the community it serves, Partners In Care is able to offer programs that are vital to the well-being of patients and families — including programs that are not directly connected to hospice services — even if they are not profit centers for the organization.

“One of those programs is our Transitions program,” Dooley said.

Transitions is a resource-based, non-clinical case management program for medically fragile people with a life-limiting condition and prognosis, including those who may not qualify for home health or hospice. The program is completely free of cost to families.

“We get absolutely no reimbursement from this program,” Dooley said.

Transitions coordinators work with clients to connect them with resources. Early engagement can make a big difference for the client.

“They’re really adding resources to enhance quality of life for people who are dealing with lifelimiting conditions,” Dooley said.

“We have clients as far out as Fort Rock and Christmas Valley. We have Transitions clients in Sisters as well.”

Anyone can refer to the Transitions program, from the patient themselves to medical providers, community members, and family members.

Palliative care is another key program that enhances quality of life for people with serious conditions — Alzheimer’s disease; ALS, COPD; cancer.

“It’s appropriate for many illnesses,” Dooley said. “Each situation is unique.”

The Partners In Care palliative care team helps make patients dealing with treatment for serious illness as comfortable as possible. While a primary care provider treats the disease, the Partners In Care team manages the side effects of treatments and provides symptom relief.

The care is undertaken by an interdisciplinary team of palliative care specialists, including doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, chaplains, and social workers.

Palliative care specialists are specifically trained to expertly treat the many symptoms related to an advanced illness. Conditions may include pain, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, constipation, loss of appetite, or difficulty sleeping — as well as the spiritual or emotional stress that can be associated with a life-limiting illness.

The care team works alongside a patient’s doctor and focuses on the patient’s priorities, whether that’s supporting the patient simply to be more comfortable or to help them be able to do the things they love to do.

“They really focus on living,” Dooley said.

“A lot of people associate palliative care with hospice,” Dooley noted. “That’s the furthest thing from the truth. Palliative care should really be accessed at the onset of an illness.”

Accessing palliative care requires the approval of the patient’s primary care doctor.

“A lot of times, they get referred by their doctor,” Dooley said.

The organization partners with Summit Health and is embedded in Summit’s Bend clinic to enable easy access.

Partners In Care also engages in community outreach and education.

Palliative care specialists are spe- Partners In Care also engag-

“That’s something that is very important to us as an organization, because we pride ourselves on being a teaching organization,” Dooley said.

Hospice care is Partners In Care’s primary focus, and their work in the field is recognized as being of the highest quality.

Partners In Care received the top 5-star rating in 2022 by Medicare/ Medicaid in the national Hospice Quality Reporting Program and care assessment survey by families.

“That, to us, is what our focus is,” Dooley said. “That shows that our focus is on the patient. It’s a testament to our team.”

Partners In Care recently reached a milestone in hospice care with the opening of the stateof-the-art Hospice House in Bend. The new 12-suite facility, which doubled the capacity to serve the community, will help meet the needs of Central Oregon’s population.

It’s all part of Partners In Care’s clear and committed focus on the needs of patients and their families in times of need.

Promoting healing through therapy, exercise

The therapists at Redbird Physio live the active Central Oregon lifestyle — so they know how important it is for their patients to find their way back to health, well-being, and adventure.

The therapists strive to provide a positive healing environment with evidence-based treatment approaches, focusing on manual therapy and exercise.

Redbird Physio has clinics in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. In Sisters, lifetime athlete Seth Wilkie works with clients on knee and shoulder mobility, and takes on many complex spinal injuries.

“I strive to provide evidencebased guidance and interventions that have the best short-term and long-term impact not only on pain and function, but have the best return on investment for health span and function for people in their eighth, ninth, and even tenth decade of life!” he said.

Ida Kolodziejczyk is a world traveler who has returned to her native Central Oregon to serve the community. She received her doctorate of physical therapy in 2022.

Oral health is tied to overall well-being

“After traveling to Poland for a few months, she came back to Sisters and started her physical therapy career with us,” said Redbird Physio business manager Kristen Childress.

She has a particular interest in treating vestibular issues — problems with balance and/or dizziness.

“A lot of that is spinal-related,” Childress noted. “It’s very treatable with exercise and training.”

As a Central Oregon native with a passion for the outdoors, Ida understands the value of being able to engage within the environment without limitations. She aspires to provide compassionate and evidence-based care that focuses on the unique goals, values, and needs of the whole person. With a strong emphasis on education, empowerment, and active treatment approaches, she strives to help people optimize their movement and physical health to return to what they love doing.

“She has a way with patients to make them comfortable,” Childress said.

Dr. Zach Sunitsch “feels very welcomed” in Sisters after recently establishing his practice here in the offices previously operated by Dr. Tom Rheuben.

Pine Desert Dental offers a full range of dental services from preventative care, to restorative work, emergency care and cosmetic dentistry.

Good dental hygiene and regular care is critical to overall health. Research has shown that keeping teeth and gums healthy improves blood pressure and is important in controlling diabetes and heart disease. Sleep apnea, acid reflux, and oral health are all tied together. Dr. Sunitsch screens for oral cancer — and he’s caught some.

Dr. Sunitsch thinks most folks are aware of that.

“Everyone understands the importance of dental care now,” he said.

However, accessing that care can be an issue.“One of the barriers I’ve found is that when money gets tighter… dentistry is one of the things that comes off the top sometimes,” he said.

Pine Desert Dental is working on breaking down that barrier, developing an in-office membership program to cover preventative care.

“We’re not entirely sure what that program would look like,” he said. However, it’s a priority because it “would eliminate a lot of the third-party stuff we have to do in health care.”

Basic maintenance and cleaning can prevent more complicated and more expensive problems from developing.

“There’s a lot of stuff I can catch by people coming in regularly and taking a look around,” Dr. Sunitsch said.

There’s a lot of stuff I can catch by people coming in regularly and taking a look around.

— Dr. Zach Sunitsch

SPRD is on a mission to promote wellness

Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) has a mission to provide exceptional recreation opportunities that enhance the livability of the Sisters community. A big part of that is providing programs that promote the health and well-being of citizens of all ages — from youth to seniors.

Those programs promote well-being not just physically but mentally as well, according to SPRD Executive Director Jennifer Holland. Programs provide activities — and also social interaction and engagement that enhances quality of life for everyone participating.

“We look at the whole person, and part of that is physical and mental well-being,” Holland said.

Patrons appreciate fitness programs — particularly Better Bones and Health, Holland noted. This research-based exercise class is designed to improve bone health, muscular strength, and balance in a fun, social, community environment. Classes include strength training, aerobic exercise, flexibility exercises, and balance exercises.

Offerings include tai chi, walking clinics, yoga (returning Fall 2023), and the perennially popular Zumba — a cardio class that combines easy-to-follow dance moves and fitness elements. Students work out at their own fitness level and intensity. No prior dance experience is necessary.

SPRD continually works to find instructors with a particular passion to bring to bear. Scheduling is always a challenge, and SPRD works hard to find ways to make programs accessible.

“When you think about your working adult, that 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. class isn’t going to work for them,” Holland said.

SPRD is open to a broad concept of offerings, and welcomes inquiries from people interested in providing a class.

“There are different trends and different things that people want to try,” Holland said.

“We don’t necessarily require a specific certification,” Program Director Jared Lustig said. “We right now are open to anyone who has experience in the fitness realm.”

For trademarked fitness brands, instructors are certified by that program.

“Zumba would be an example of that kind of program,” Lustig said.

Fitness programs are not SPRD’s only offering in the realm of health, fitness, and well-being. The youth sports program continues to grow, recently adding a kindergarten soccer program.

“We want to be able to provide something each season,” Holland said. “But we also have to balance what our town can absorb and support.”

Coaching opportunities are available. Lustig notes that SPRD offers an online training program for prospective youth sports coaches.

“We’re working with the National Alliance for Youth Sports,” he said.

General and sport-specific training is available.

Parent volunteers are also a welcome and necessary resource.

“They don’t necessarily need to come in with any experience,” Lustig said. “As long as they’re willing to be open and willing to learn, we’ll support them in stepping up to be parent volunteer coaches.”

Holland also noted that SPRD’s campus at the west end of the Sisters High School parking lot offers fun, informal opportunities to be active. The skate park, designed and built by local skaters, is one of those facilities. Holland notes that the Hyzer Pines Disc Golf Course draws visitors — but is under-used by locals. The bike park with its jumps and pump tracks is like an outdoor gym.

“Our bike park is a great way to access that outdoor health and wellness element,” Holland said.

In all of its offerings and efforts, SPRD seeks to give Sisters residents what they want and need in the realm of health and wellness — and enhance the quality of life in Sisters Country.

[Parent volunteers] don’t necessarily need to come in with any experience. As long as they’re willing to be open and willing to learn, we’ll support them in stepping up to be parent volunteer coaches.

— Jared Lustig

Gilmore Dental encourages good oral health

“The biggest thing we hear is, ‘Well, it’s not bothering me’” said Amy Remick, office manager at Gilmore Dental. “Just because it’s not bothering you doesn’t mean it’s not a problem.”

A lot of disease doesn’t present early with pain and discomfort — yet ignoring it can have disastrous consequences. We wouldn’t ignore precancerous cells because we’re not in pain. Gilmore Dental continually urges folks in Central Oregon to think of their oral health in the same way — and act early to avert problems that can cause loss of teeth, diminished health, and reduced quality of life.

Invest in your overall health and well-being — and save money in the long run — by regularly visiting your dentist and acting quickly and decisively to head off dental health problems.

Missing teeth:

When a tooth is lost, the effects are not solely limited to the immediate area. There can also be progressive adverse effects to the surrounding and opposing teeth that should be reviewed with your doctor. When a tooth is lost, whether to an injury or decay, if the empty space left behind is not occupied, the structure of the mouth can begin to alter as a result.

The immediate area where the tooth is lost suffers adverse changes in the bone and gum support, typically in the form of tissue loss. These changes can spread to the neighboring teeth resulting in loss of bone support and the teeth drilling into the vacated space. Additionally, the tooth opposing the empty space begins to ascend or descend into the space in a process called over-eruption. This then jeopardizes additional surrounding bone structure and teeth. The progression of alterations can lead to issues with the patient’s bite as the teeth gradually become misaligned. Each step in this progression can escalate the severity of holistic damage to the mouth and the measures needed to remedy it.

Progression of decay:

The process of tooth decay starts with plaque and bacteria building up on the tooth structure, creating acid. This acid begins to erode the hard protective coating on the tooth, also known as the enamel. Once the acid breaks through the outside layer of the enamel, the decay spreads faster due to the inside layer, known as the dentin, not being as hard as the enamel. If the decay is allowed to expand through the dentin, it can penetrate the interior of the root requiring additional procedures to remove the infected tissue.

A range of external damage can result from this decay as well, such as cracking or fractures in the tooth potentially progressing beneath the gum line and along the root structure. This could ultimately result in the loss of the tooth. It is important to detect and address issues of tooth decay early in the process to prevent these unpleasant and expensive consequences.

Regular visits to your dentist, good oral hygiene, and a proactive attitude toward your dental health will help minimize this risk.

Cracked teeth:

Sometimes teeth can develop cracks, and when not treated this can have serious consequences for your oral health. Cracks can come from injury or large fillings that weaken the rest of the tooth. Even small cracks can allow bacteria into the tooth, causing decay or infection, leading to further destruction. A cracked tooth may or may not be sensitive to hot and cold or be painful when biting or chewing. Cracks that progress too far can result in entire sections of the tooth breaking off and in some cases loss of the tooth.

Failing fillings:

Dental amalgam, also known as silver fillings, is made of a mixture of metals, including mercury, and is most commonly used to repair cavities in the back of the mouth. It is an extremely durable material and has been the go-to material for fillings for many years. However, over a long period of time, a tooth with an amalgam filling can develop cracks, and when not treated can have serious consequences for your oral health.

In the same way that mercury expands and contracts in a mercury thermometer, this too can happen in amalgam fillings. Years of temperature changes in your mouth make the filling expand and contract. Unfortunately, your teeth do not, thus increasing the likelihood of a crack. The larger the amalgam filling, the more likely you are to have a fracture or cracked tooth. Even small cracks can allow bacteria into the tooth, causing decay or infection, leading to further destruction. A cracked tooth may or may not be sensitive to hot and cold or be painful when biting or chewing. Cracks that progress too far can result in entire sections of the tooth breaking off and in some cases loss of the tooth.

Malocclusion:

Occlusion is a term dentists use to describe how teeth come together. When a patient has proper occlusion, it means that their teeth touch as intended, much like gears coming together in an engine. In some cases, a patient’s rear molars line up properly but their front teeth are out of place, whether from spacing problems, crowding, rotation, or from overly protruding forward.

Bite misalignment, or malocclusion, can result in a number of consequences as the teeth come into contact in unintended ways. These can include jaw and muscle pain, excessive or uneven wear, cracking, and potential loss of affected teeth. There are several options to treat bite misalignment issues. Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause and the severity of misalignment, making it critical to work closely with your doctor to develop a plan that best meets your unique needs.

We tend to think of our teeth almost as tools rather than as part of our body and our health. We use them every day, and figure that as long as it’s not broken we don’t need to fix it.

Act early to prevent hearing loss

Lanie Tandy is a hearing instrument specialist at All American Hearing in Redmond. The hardest thing for her to hear from a client is “I wish I would have done something sooner.”

Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities in older people, affecting about one-third of people over the age of 65. Tandy advises that anyone over the age of 60 — sooner if they are experiencing particular symptoms — should schedule an appointment for an assessment of their hearing.

Establishing a baseline helps monitor the progression of any hearing loss, and makes early intervention possible.

Symptoms of hearing loss include trouble understanding speech. You may be hearing what someone is saying but having difficulty understanding them clearly. You may find when you are in a noisy room, or there is a lot of background noise, you have trouble understanding what the person you are listening to is saying. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is annoying and can also indicate hearing issues. Do you find yourself more

— Lanie Tandy

frequently asking people to repeat what they just said? Is it becoming more difficult to hear when you are talking on the phone? You may need to adjust the volume on the television or when you are on your computer in a Zoom meeting. Any one or more of these situations could be indicating a loss of hearing.

If hearing loss is not addressed early on, there is risk of permanent damage to the auditory system. Specialists can treat the hearing loss most effectively the sooner the patient comes in for help.

Tandy recognizes that many people worry that hearing aids are expensive, and opt just to live with hearing loss — and a diminished quality of life. Her message to those people is:

“Better hearing is available to anyone and everyone. We have a solution for everyone.”

Keeping Sisters folks active

Sisters is an active community — people enjoy their hiking, sports, fitness activities, horseback riding. They also get hurt.

Therapeutic Associates makes a point of getting patients back in the game as quickly as possible. Two new physical therapists are on site in the Sisters clinic, Cameron Allen and Steven Dobson. Being well staffed means patients can get in quickly and get back on the road to recovery.

Therapeutic Associates therapists are well versed in the kind of injuries found in active folks.

“Sisters is a big equestrian community, so we see a lot of horserelated injuries,” said physical therapist Matt Kirchoff.

Even sports like pickleball, which is usually pretty easy on the body, can produce injury, though Kirchoff said they’re usually pretty minor.

“Any racquet sports where there’s quick stops and starts, there’s some inherent risk,” Kirchoff said.

The most important key to rehabilitation is acting early. Trying to tough out an injury often

makes things worse, more complicated, and delays healing and recovery to full capacity.

“The sooner we catch these, the easier they are to treat,” Kirchoff said.

Some people use Therapeutic Associates proactively, to prevent injury.

“We see people in the clinic for conditioning,” Kirchoff said. “We see a fair number of patients for balance as well.”

Working on balance is better than rehabilitating from a fall. Both on the front end and in the treatment phase of working with patients, Therapeutic Associates works hard to educate, to provide a better understanding of how the body works. Each patient gets home exercises to work on and learns techniques to maintain well-being. That’s all about empowering them to take an active role in their healing — and, better yet, prevention of injury.

Therapeutic Associates also offers aquatic therapy, a unique step-down program in partnership with the adjacent Sisters Athletic Club.

Better hearing is available to anyone and everyone. We have a solution for everyone.

Sisters Apothecary promotes well-being

Every Western town should have an apothecary — and Sisters has its own.

What is an apothecary?

“The Webster’s definition is rather a person than a place,” notes Sisters Apothecary’s owner, Sheree Vance. “A person who prepares and sells or compounds medicines or remedies. Over time an apothecary came to be known as a place to go for things that may help you feel better. Whether that was a compound, salve, tea, or a special tincture, you can only imagine what it may have been like walking into an old apothecary in the 1800s in the Wild West — the creaking barnwood and the smell of arnica and teas.”

Sisters Apothecary offers a range of remedies for the stresses and strains of modern life.

“I like to say Sisters Apothecary is a place to go for all the things that help you feel better,” Vance said. “Your need might be for pain, allergies, skin care — or some cool or cozy pajamas.”

Vance carefully curates the products offered at Sisters Apothecary, emphasizing quality and local producers when possible. She continually adds products that she knows will help customers.

Verdant Leaf mushroom blends and tinctures (therapeutic not psilosybin) can help with digestion, focus, and endurance before a big event for athletes. Luna Delgado Botanicals are an ayurvedic approach to skin care, mood, hot flashes, and sleep.

“Her line is based off of the four elements: fire, water, earth, and air,” Vance said. “I am personally loving the bodywash. It is like an aromatherapy session in the shower!”

Tumalo Tea loose-leaf smallbatch teas are made in Central Oregon.

“If the beautiful artwork on the package captivates you, the tea surely will,” Vance said. “I may even have some freshly made poached pear iced tea to sample when you come in.”

Lollia and Library of Flowers lotions, bubble baths, perfumes, and creme perfumes are favorites.

Vance really likes Body Lounge small-batch arnica lotions, rubs, and bath salts.

“Yes, not every arnica is created equally, and this one is my favorite,” she said.

Sisters Apothecary caters to both men and women.

“We also recently expanded

our Duke Cannon line,” Vance said. “You may rec-

our Duke Cannon line,” Vance said. “You may recognize this as the madein-America ‘Big A** Brick of Soap’ brand. They also carry great shampoos, deodorant, and Bloody Knuckles hand cream. This company gives a portion of their profits to veteran services.”

Vance seeks to be responsive to customer requests.

“I often get requests for a palm-oil-free bar soap or shampoo bar,” she said. “After searching for a long time for the right company, it just recently walked right into my door as if it was destiny. Purely Maxwell products are new on the scene. They are made in Bend. No chemicals, or sulfates, or palm oil. Their products consist of bar soap, shampoo bars, face oils, body butters, and even mosquito repellent. Those buggers have been bad this year!

Sisters Apothecary’s owner, Sheree Vance, carefully curates her offerings.

“I can’t leave you without bragging about one of my favorite remedies,” Vance said. “Great

OUR CUSTOMERS’ FAVORITE BRANDS

wleaf Farms | Locally Made Pet CBD Products

Verdant Leaf | Mushroom Blends & Tinctures

Luna Delgado Botanicals | Skincare, Mood, Hot Flashes & Sleep

Purely Maxwell | Chemical/Sulfate/Palm Oil Free Skincare & Mosquito Repellent

The Body Lounge | Arnica Lotions, Rubs & Bath Salts

Lollia & Librar y of Flowers | Lotions, Bubble Baths & Perfumes

annon | Soap, Shampoos, Deodorant & Hand Cream

Tumalo Tea | Small-Batch Loose Teas

wland Simple Syrups | Pure Cane Sugar Syrups ajamas & Victorian Classics Nightgowns!

pajamas! We have so many fun prints of cotton pajamas this summer in several sizes. We are also carrying Victorian Classics white embroidered nightgowns and

Working on the body’s connections

John Seitzinger spent more than 20 years as a registered nurse and nurse anesthetist. That background gave him a profound understanding of the workings of the body. He brings that to bear in his practice at True Wellness + Bodywork.

Working with a variety of modalities, Seitzinger, a licensed massage therapist, tailors his treatments to meet the needs and goals of his patients. He takes the time to get at the root of problems, achieving pain relief, flexibility, and mobility.

“It’s not uncommon to spend 60 to 90 minutes on just neck and shoulders,” he said.

The connectivity of the body requires an astute assessment. An area of discomfort may not be the source of that discomfort. And, Seitzinger notes, “You can have release in one area and feel it in another.”

Quick fixes are often not adequate. Whether you are dealing with an acute or a chronic ailment, you’ll benefit from sessions that get at the root cause. Treatment for prevention and maintenance is also beneficial.

Whether it’s calming your nervous system and/or providing relief from chronic or acute aches, pains, and injuries, True Wellness + Bodywork is passionate about the healing power of therapeutic touch via massage and bodywork.

Hospice focuses on what’s important

When Heart ’n Home Hospice and Palliative Care providers talk to their patients, there’s one question they always ask: “What’s important to you today?”

That question reflects an operating philosophy that ensures that their work is always patient-focused.

As Executive Director Mandy Putzier puts it: “People are more than their medical conditions. We want to care for them physically and emotionally and spiritually.”

While making sure patients are comfortable is of critical importance, there’s much more to care than that.

“People want to go out and spend time with their families and their friends, or do activities that they enjoy,” Putzier said. “Those things that fill up our cups, that bring joy to our lives.”

The staff honor their patients’ lives. Putzier cites “veteran pinnings” as an example. These recognition-of-service observances often include a barbecue and a sharing of stories.

“It almost turns into a living wake,” Putzier said. “It’s very rewarding to the veteran.”

It’s also of benefit to their loved ones.

“It ends up being a very important last memory,” Putzier said.

Such engagement reflects a commitment to help patients and their families in whatever way possible as a life’s journey comes to its end.

Program provides vital transport

STARS (Sisters Transportation and Ride Share) has become a widely used, highly valued, and well-regarded Sisters community service over the last three years. Providing nonemergency medical rides to Sisters Country residents unable to drive themselves, volunteers have become indispensable to many who say, “I have no idea what I would do without you.”

Currently, 99 percent of STARS passengers are elderly or have mobility, vision, or memory challenges. STARS partners with the community to get our most vulnerable to medical appointments, helping them age in place.

Mileage reimbursements of 50 cents per mile offsetting high gas prices have helped STARS recruit, reward, and retain volunteers, who gain new friends and a deeper connection with the community through their service.

STARS’ goal is to become a sustainable service and a model for other communities. Central Oregon Interagency Council is currently conducting a sustainability study for STARS, and the outcome and transition plan will ultimately determine how STARS will become sustainable.

“A few volunteers cannot continue the service forever, so it is important for those who want to make sure STARS continues to serve the community to engage in the process,” said STARS Program Manager Rennie Morrell. “If you want to volunteer on any level, email STARS at volunteer@starsride.org and someone will call you to discuss.”

conditions. Our palliative care is focused on quality of life and comfort for people.

Recovery is critical to healthy living

Daybreak Wellness has made a big impact in Sisters since its opening in March of this year. Utilizing advanced capabilities and protocols, Daybreak offers athletes help in recovering from injury or in optimizing their performance. They help retired folks stay active and visitors to Sisters get the most out of their active vacation — or rest and recover from the day-to-day grind.

Their massage therapists are trained in advanced therapeutic treatments. Daybreak Wellness offers state-of-the art red light therapy to combat inflammation. Cryotherapy, compression boots, and full-body sauna offer speedy recovery, both from injury and from vigorous workouts or outdoor activities.

Compression boots really help with muscle soreness, whether it comes from work or fun. Red light therapies and cryo facials are beneficial for anti-aging efforts.

It’s the smoky season in Sisters and halotherapy — the inhalation of tiny salt particles — can be beneficial in detoxing and respiratory recovery. The therapy is also relaxing and may help with skin conditions and allergies.

Whether you are working through an injury or chronic condition, seeking recovery from an active — or overactive — lifestyle, or just want to take care of yourself in a pleasing, healing environment, Daybreak Wellness offers the expertise, equipment, and environment to meet those needs.

Commentary...

Thoughts on ‘well-being’

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

It’s always a pleasure interviewing local health care providers and practitioners for our annual Partners in Health & Well-Being special section.

They all have a pretty expansive definition of what constitutes “health” — one that really trips over into the quest for “wellbeing.” Hence, the title of the section.

Health is easily defined as an absence of illness. Many practitioners and providers can help us when we’re sick — but that’s fixing the car when the engine breaks down. The folks in these pages are after more than that. They’re after preventive maintenance that keeps the engine from breaking down in the first place — at least for as long as possible. And they’re after still more than that: They seek to help us optimize performance — whatever that might mean on our terms.

Strikingly, that’s true even of the outfits that are caring for people right at the end of their journey. It’s not just about easing pain and creating comfort — although that’s important — it’s also about creating the opportunity to have a meaningful quality of life right up to the end.

Talking to such folks gets a person thinking about all the components that go into “well-being.” We’re fortunate to have so many of those components ready-to-hand in Sisters and Central Oregon. Each of us will list varying sets of components that constitute well-being, but I’d bet there is considerable overlap from person to person. Here’s a few of mine.

• Connection with nature: It’s a good bet that most folks who migrated here or grew up here and made the effort to stay do so because of the natural beauty of the

place. There’s something restorative in that unparalleled mountain view, in birdsong in the morning, in watching the sun fall through the clouds to the west of an evening. Studies back it up, but we don’t need them; we intuitively know that we feel better, we are better when we get out amongst the trees and the waters of Sisters Country.

• Outdoor activity: The corollary of the value of connection to nature is the benefits of getting our exercise on in the great outdoors. Whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood, a climb up Black Butte, or bombing a mountain bike trail, we’re heirs to a vast playground where we can get in exercise that not only improves and protects our health but gives us psychological solace.

I know that my outdoor activities are as important for the inner man as they are for staying in physical shape. If I’m prevented from doing my thing, it’s not good. Early this summer I jacked up my back. My usual prescription for any ailment is “more kettlebell,” but that was definitely not the protocol with this injury. The practitioners I went to see understood how desperate I was to get back on the trail — because they are all the same way themselves. Five days. That’s all it took to get me back in action — and I bless them for their knowledge, expertise, and fundamental understanding that made that possible.

• Community connection: Loneliness and social isolation are recognized as acute health issues across the U.S. and the globe. Our great good fortune is to have a community that still is a real community. There are many, many ways to plug in, whether it’s through a vibrant arts and music scene; recreation; church; gardening; or volunteering with myriad outfits that help others. There are so many organizations in Sisters that punch well above their weight when it comes to dynamic action, virtually everyone can find their niche — or multiple niches — and plenty of opportunity to do something cool.

• Meaning and purpose: Those critical components of well-being and a satisfying life flow naturally out of those community connections. As does…

• Spiritual engagement: People find spiritual connection and engagement in many places. If you are a person of faith, the faith community here is vibrant. Some find deep spiritual connectedness and solace out in the woods alone — or in art and music. It’s all here, and none of it is exclusive of any other aspect of it. And if you’re lost, there are a lot of folks around here who can help you get found.

Life in Sisters is still life — and it’s bound to hurt you and beat you down sometimes. But if you need to heal, and if you seek to keep yourself well, it’s hard to beat this place. After 30 years here, I feel more grateful for it than ever.

Fixing a ‘broken’ mouth

Dental care is often given short shrift when people think about their overall health and wellbeing. Sometimes they think of their “bad teeth” as a cosmetic issue, or just something they have to live with, not something that they put a priority on fixing.

Lynn Miller, a Sisters rancher, artist, author, and the publisher of Small Farmers Journal, was one of those folks. He had some pretty serious problems. It wasn’t that he didn’t take the issues seriously — but getting his teeth taken care of continually got pushed aside amid the many, many chores that need to be done each day in a busy and varied life.

He smiles when he describes where he was with the condition of his mouth.

“I’m 76 years old,” he said. “Ten years ago, I had a broken mouth, in many, many different respects. I would complain about pain and the usual things.”

He would have liked to have things working better, but he didn’t see his way to getting it done. His attitude was “It’s not worth it. I’m old and I think I just have to live with this condition.”

Luckily for Lynn, he is friends

with Dr. Trevor Frideres, and Dr. Frideres wasn’t having it.

Dr. Frideres owns and operates Sisters Dental at 491 E. Main Ave. He has built a thriving practice out of a commitment to the small-town feeling of connection to patients and the community that he and his staff prize. He values building relationships and earning trust by making sure each patient feels heard. He enjoys providing education and collaborating with each patient, taking time to explain complex situations or conditions so that each patient can make the best choice for their care.

Sisters Dental has a high level of skill in restorative dentistry, and Dr. Frideres helped Miller come around to the realization that he could do something about his “broken” mouth.

“He’s a good-humored guy,” Miller said of his dentist. “He really cares about people.”

Miller had extensive dental bridgework done.

“It felt like it took two weeks, but I’m sure it took a year and a half,” Miller said with a grin.

He figures the process could have gone quickly, but he had to

do things in phases.

Though the pro-

Though the process was extensive, Miller found it nearly painless.

cent of the problem you go in expecting it

“For me, 90 percent of the problem with dentistry is that you go in expecting it to hurt,” he said.

There were a coulittle ouchy,” but that was

There were a couple of times where things felt “a little ouchy,” but that was it.

“I did have to have

“I did have to have some teeth pulled,” Miller said. “My teeth are difficult to pull, because they’re deep rooted. Those teeth couldn’t be saved. But it didn’t hurt.”

Miller is very glad that he didn’t just “live with it.” The extensive, permanent bridgework has transformed his life — made it better in many ways.

“I’m not lisping anymore,” he said. “I don’t clatter anymore when I’m talking… I don’t avoid people like I used to.”

And, he said with a wide

grin, “I can eat what I want to — which shows in my magnificent physique!”

Miller’s case is an excellent example of Sisters Dental’s approach — educating patients on what’s available to them, then providing a service with quality and care.

Lynn Miller embraced restorative dentistry — yielding a pain-free, healthy mouth.