Living Well in Estes - Fall 2024 by Prairie Mountain Media

Top 9 Hikes for the Season

FALL 2024

Estes Park Health

New Physician Profiles

“Catch The Glow” in Estes Park

Livingwell in Estes

Fall into living well!

Happy autumn! Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are great places to live well in the fall. The leaves have changed, the first blanket of snow has covered the mountains and wildlife remains active. It is a beautiful time of year to be in this mountain valley.

In this issue, you will find important news about new and old faces at Estes Park Health. You can also read about EPH’s plans for the future as they transition to an affiliation with UCHealth, Colorado’s largest health system

The pages are also chock full of ideas about getting outdoors to stay in shape, the latest additions to the Estes Park holiday season, and much more.

As always, we are grateful to our sponsors. Without them, we would not be able to deliver this publication to you.

Enjoy!

(Dawn Wilson Photography)

Estes Park Health Board of Directors ratifies letter of intent with UCHealth

By Daniel Webb Estes Park Trail-Gazette

The Estes Park Health Board of Directors voted unanimously on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, to ratify its letter of intent to join UCHealth.

According to the letter, the assets and operations of Estes Park Health will be transferred to a UCHealth affiliate, which will operate the hospital after the transaction closes. The transaction is anticipated to close in the late spring or early summer of 2025. The operating lease will have a term of at least 50 years, subject to 10-year automatic renewal periods.

Once the agreement closes, the hospital board will include representation from both the district and the community. UCHealth will also assume the Park Hospital District’s existing debt, around $11 million.

Existing Estes Park Health employees are expected to benefit from the move, according to Board Chair David Batey.

UCHealth intends to offer employment to all hospital employees, with total compensation not less than current amounts, subject to preemployment screenings. With some 35,000 employees, Batey said, UCHealth

has far more leverage in acquiring health care insurance for its workers than the hospital of 320 employees has had in the past. Batey said a larger workforce adds to personnel development opportunities and increases both recruitment and retention.

UCHealth Vice President of Communications Dan Weaver said he hopes to set up question-and-answer sessions with employees this spring, as communication with employees about the future is likely to be a challenge going forward.

Batey said Estes Park Health and UCHealth have maintained a fruitful relationship for years, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and the support the hospital received from UCHealth during that and other significant events.

“When we’ve had to evacuate, they helped us,” Batey said. “Even more moving to me, with the Alexander Mountain Fire. We didn’t call them, they called us and said, ‘What do you need? We’ll help you.’ It was great.”

According to Weaver, the organization is the largest Medicaid provider in the state. UCHealth has served over 2.7 million patients at 14 hospitals and over 200 clinics in the region.

“We are dedicated to the communities that we serve,” Weaver said. “We partner with over 200 organizations throughout

the region.”

UCHealth has also integrated a new primary care and behavioral health model, now with psychologists inside many of its clinics and providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care in 12 clinic locations.

“There is a stigma around that,” Weaver said. “It is hard to walk in the door and talk about those issues.”

Batey cited shared values as a major factor in this partnership being the right fit. He said a partnership with a for-profit organization would be unlikely to lead to as many shared values like trust, integrity and a patient-first mindset.

“The ones that succeed typically have shared values,” Batey said. “The ones that have difficulties typically don’t have shared values.”

He also noted that UCHealth has maintained strong financial status year after year, a leading factor in Estes Park Health’s decision to pursue the partnership.

According to the letter of intent, UCHealth will make ongoing commitments to the hospital’s operations and facilities, including $20 million for strategic and routine capital over 10 years; continued operation of ambulance services in Estes Park consistent with community need; evaluation of provision of new services for behavioral health, Telehealth, and outpatient-based urology and surgery; and maintaining the “critical access hospital” status for the hospital under the Medicare program or other similar status that meets community health care needs.

“Proceeds from the district’s mill levy and assessments will be assigned to UCHealth and will continue to be used to support hospital and/or ambulance operations and patient care in the Park Hospital District consistent with historical practice and as authorized by Ballot Issue 8A, which passed with 80.3% support by district voters on May 3, 2023,” according to the letter of intent.

“Instead of delivering great quality of care, we have the chance, as a staff, to deliver world-class care,” said Estes

Estes Park Health and UCHealth sign partnership letter of intent (Estes Park Health – Courtesy Photo)

Park Health CEO Vern Carda. “… I think it will be a challenging and really exciting opportunity to work with other professionals in the industry.”

EPH Vice Chair Drew Webb said many people may not grasp the complexity of getting to this point. Finding the best path forward takes time, he said. Estes Park Health Board member Stephen Alper commended the hospital leadership for its diligent work to get “our house in order” as the potential of this change loomed.

“Some very difficult decisions had to be made in terms of programming and leadership structure,” Alper said.

He said he believes the move puts the community in a much stronger position in regard to health care The board was clear that this is not the end of the process. More work and more meetings are to come.

“UCHealth will strengthen Estes Park Health and open up resources and opportunities for continued improvement and growth,” Board member Brigitte Foust said. “I would like to thank everyone for their patience with this process.”

Weaver gave an in-depth view of

what UCHealth can offer at the Estes Park Health Board of Directors meeting Wednesday, Oct. 23. He said the broad vision is to “move from health care to health.” He said he hopes for people to stay healthy and out of the hospital, improving the overall health of patients and communities, while being available when people do need help.

“Moving forward, I think we see great things for the community and Estes Park Health,” Weaver said.

Estes Park Trustee Bill Brown took the podium during the public comment portion of the Wednesday night meeting and said he believes the community has lost its trust in the board and hospital leadership. He said he suspects that, though much of the letter of intent is confidential and cannot be released, a portion of it may not be confidential but has not been shared. He said the board’s refusal to say “anything other than ‘we’re negotiating’ contributed to the loss of community

trust throughout the process.

“I encourage you to figure out how to be more transparent to the community, because the community is very upset about it,” Brown said.

However, Estes Park Health Chief of Staff Bridget Dunn told the board she could not be any happier Estes Park Health Marketing and Communications Specialist Wendy Rigby told the board that she and most community members she has heard from are excited for the future.

“UCHealth will strengthen Estes Park Health and open up resources and opportunities for continued improvement and growth.”

“The reaction in the past week has been incredibly positive,” Rigby said. “… Bill Brown does not speak for me.”

A handful of positive online comments were shared with the board and those present for the meeting as well.

The agreement must be reviewed by the Colorado Attorney General before becoming final, and the letter of intent, itself, remains confidential.

“Catch the Glow”

in Estes Park this holiday season

By Visit Estes Park

For the Trail-Gazette

As the winter chill settles over the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park transforms into a captivating holiday destination that feels like stepping into a snow globe. Known as the base camp for all the winter adventures of Rocky Mountain National Park, this charming town becomes an enchanting hub of festive activities and magical experiences during the holiday season. With its family-friendly festivals, interactive events, dazzling performances, and

breathtaking light displays, there’s no better place to celebrate the holidays.

A dazzling centerpiece

This year, a stunning 36-foot Pixel Pine tree (hint, hint: just like the one in Disney Land) will take center stage in Bond Park, captivating visitors with its state-of-the-art light show, choreographed to beloved holiday tunes. From Nov 23 through the New Year, this enormous tree will illuminate the town with nightly shows running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Light up the holiday season

The festivities officially kick off with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov 23. Families can gather in Bond Park to meet Santa, participate in holiday craft kits, and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides. At 5:30 p.m., with warm hot chocolate and cookies in hand, watch as Mayor Gary Hall flips the switch to light the town. All activities are free, making it a perfect outing for families.

On Nov 29, the excitement continues with Estes Park’s traditional Catch the Glow Parade. Starting at 5:30 p.m., this beloved event draws up to 20,000 spectators who line Elkhorn Avenue to witness a procession of over 40 custom floats, marching bands, and

festive vehicles. Santa himself will be there, spreading joy and holiday cheer to everyone.

The following day, Nov 30, the Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest invites you to sip your way into the festive spirit. This year’s event showcases 15 to 20 local wineries, alongside food options and the chance to snap a selfie with Santa. Your admission includes a wine glass, a tote, and unlimited tastings (remember, participants must be 21+).

Fun for the whole family

Mark your calendars for the Snowman Festival on Dec. 7! This delightful event features a scavenger hunt for hidden snowmen around town, nostalgic carriage rides, and live ice sculpting. Children can meet Santa and enjoy a variety of festive treats from local food trucks.

On Dec. 8 and Dec. 22, make your way to downtown for a magical encounter with Savannah the Reindeer. From 12 to 2 p.m., kids and families can take photos with the reindeer and Kris Kringle himself—a truly enchanting experience!

Timeless traditions

Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a performance of The Nutcracker Suite on Dec. 14, performed by Boulder Ballet at

Downtown Estes Park all aglow during the holiday season. (John Berry/ Visit Estes Park – Courtesy Photo)

The new LED tree for Bond Park this holiday season is a 36-foot tall Pixel Pine tree.

(Visit Estes Park – Courtesy Photo)

the picturesque Pavilion on The Stanley Hotel Campus. This beloved classic promises to fill your heart with holiday magic.

Later that evening, the Estes Park Chorale will host its annual Holiday Concert, showcasing classic Christmas tunes at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies.

On Dec. 8, head to the Estes Valley Community Center for Scrooge the Musical-Candlelight Dinner Theatre. This timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he is taken on a fantastical journey through his life over the course of a single Christmas Eve night. After receiving a warning from the ghost of his business partner Jacob Marley, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future take Scrooge on a musical adventure toward his hopeful redemption.

Sweet treats and festive fun

On Dec. 21, join the Sweets Stroll Festival for a delightful day filled with candy, ice cream, and delicious treats. With a free punch card in hand, explore downtown’s sweet offerings, collecting stamps for prizes along the way The festival also features a petting zoo, inflatable slides, and life-sized photo ops.

If you’re feeling adventurous, participate in the Chase the Glow 5K on the same day. This familyfriendly run/walk takes you through Estes Park’s dazzling light displays, finishing in Bond Park with hot chocolate and artisanal cookies waiting to warm

you up.

A holiday town experience

This winter, The Bull Pin will transform into Holiday Town, featuring twinkling lights and festive fun. Enjoy a jolly breakfast with Santa, indulge in holidaythemed cocktails at Tinsel Tavern, or take part in wreath decorating workshops. There’s something for everyone at this family-friendly venue.

For those who prefer a leisurely pace, consider embarking on the Estes Park Holiday Lights Driving Tour. This free, self-guided tour will guide you through the town’s dazzling decorations, perfect for a cozy evening drive.

Plan your holiday getaway

This holiday season, don’t miss your chance to Catch the Glow in Estes Park. Whether you’re seeking festive activities, family fun, or a peaceful retreat in the mountains, this enchanting town offers everything you need to make lasting memories. Start planning your trip today!

Horse-drawn carriages will be a part of holiday festivities in Estes Park this Christmas season. (John Berry/Visit Estes Park – Courtesy Photo)

The Sweets Stroll Festival on Dec. 21 is a family-fun event filled with candy ice cream and delicious treats (John Berry/Visit Estes Park)

PODCAST

Estes Park Health, Estes Park featured in new United by Fire podcast

By Wendy Rigby Estes Park Health

The Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is addressing an important issue for all Coloradans: living with wildfire in a warming world.

Season 4 of the award-winning podcast Laws of Notion launched this month. United by Fire is a 10-part series using in-depth interviews and storytelling to explore the catastrophic 2020 wildfire season.

Estes Valley residents know all too well how the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak fires tore through Colorado and, as the producer of the podcast put it, “challenged what we

thought we knew about wildfire behavior.”

Along with residents, firefighters, ecologist, land managers, community planners and entrepreneurs, the podcast producers also interview Estes Park Health CEO Vern Carda about his experience evacuating the hospital on the fateful day all the Estes Valley had to leave, not knowing what their homes would look like when they returned.

provided a small window providing a view into the larger issues sparked by the extraordinary 2020 Colorado wildfire season.

HistoricParkTheatre

“Including Estes Park Health helps highlight the intersection of multiple crises — catastrophic wildfires amidst the COVID-19 pandemic — and how that stretches health care resources to the limit, especially in a small mountain community,” explained Kristan Uhlenbrock, executive director, The Institute for Science and Policy and host of the podcast. “Their story captures the resilience of a community to take care of one another during extreme circumstances.”

“Our approach to the podcast centers on including community voices and experiences, while weaving together the science, policy, and elements of our human nature to examine critical issues facing our state,” Uhlenbrock said.

“The challenges faced by Estes Park Health during the East Troublesome Fire illustrate the difficulty of making decisions once a fire is knocking on your front door.”

New episodes of United by Fire are released weekly

You can listen to the podcast on these platforms:

EPH and local Estes Park residents are featured in episode three of United by Fire which went live Oct. 23.

Learn more about this season’s podcast at: Institute.dmns. org/united-byfire. Estes Park Health’s story

• Apple Podcasts podcasts.apple.com/us/ podcast/ laws-of-notion/id1592564134

• Spotify open.spotify.com/show/ 5tgmzeITAZkFr3T7dh2hoW?si= 38d5bf9a09964dc7&nd=1

• Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/ podcasts/fee87e36-80f4-4203b2fad7a0e27aca33/ laws-of-notion

Jän and Wendy Rigby are two of the local residents interviewed for the podcast. (Estes Park Health/Courtesy photo)

HEALTH NEWS

Help the EPH Foundation fall campaign

By Wendy Rigby Estes Park Health

Carolyne Boettger of Estes Park recently had an important test at Estes Park Health. It’s a cardiac ultrasound, also known as echocardiography Boettger has atrial fibrillation. Her doctors are monitoring her condition to see if there are any changes.

“I know when I go into A-fib,” she remarked “You can tell that it’s an irregular heartbeat. It’s been on and off. It isn’t all the time. It’s been controlled mostly through medications. I have had two ablations in the past. I have had several cardio versions when it wouldn’t snap out of it. Now there is an a-flutter condition, too, that’s all part of this whole thing. It’s very simple. They just run the stuff where they need to look at things and it comes up on a screen for them. Totally painless.

Tonya Fitzpatrick is a cardiovascular sonographer at EPH.

“I do ultrasounds of the heart and ultrasounds of the arteries,” Fitzpatrick explained. “We’re looking for narrowing of the arteries, how well the valve is working, the valves in the heart, how well the heart squeezes, so the function of the heart.”

The 20-to-30-minute exam yields a wealth of information for cardiologists like Dr Chad Stoltz at EPH.

The cardiac ultrasound machine at Estes Park Health is almost 10 years old. It’s nearing the end of its life. Now the Estes Park Health Foundation is running a campaign to raise money to replace it with a state-of-the-art model.

Fitzpatrick performs five to eight of these exams four days a week at Estes Park Health. She said she is excited about the possibility of a brand-new machine.

“The images are much better, she noted, “and we’ll have the capability of doing 3D. I’ve seen a lot of patients here in Estes Park. From my experience, they’ve all been very grateful for the work that’s done here in the cardiology department. So, they would benefit

from a new machine with optimization, maybe even 3D They deserve the best of the best.

For patients like Boettger, who rely on Estes Park Health for many of their health care needs, she is in favor of the Foundation raising money for a new cardiac ultrasound machine.

“For me, it’s very important,” Boettger stressed. “Technology changes so fast that if you’re not keeping up, you really have a problem. One of the reasons we picked Estes Park to retire to was because it had a hospital and because it had a well-rated hospital. I have gotten excellent care all the way through. It is very important to me that I can continue to get that care up here.”

The EPH

Foundation fall fundraising campaign is called “Waves of Hope.” For more information about this project, including a video about the care Boettger receives, and to donate, log on to eph.org/campaigns/cardiac.

Carolyne Boettger of Estes Park has atrial fibrillation. Doctors use cardiac ultrasound to monitor her condition. (Photo by Wendy Rigby/Estes Park Health – Courtesy Photo)

How to build strength (for all ages) and prepare indoors for outdoor activities

By Julie Bunton Fitness and Adult Programs Manager

Estes Valley Community Center

Whether you’re preparing to hit the slopes this winter, gearing up for winter hiking or simply looking to stay strong and agile indoors, a fitness routine is key Being out in the elements demands a combination of strength, balance and endurance — and for seniors, adding stability and functional movements can make a big difference in injury prevention as well. Of course, these are just suggestions, please consult your doctor to make sure these exercises are right for you.

Building balance and core stability

Balance is essential. As we have more birthdays, we need to work on it even more For skiing, hiking and other outdoor adventures where you’re constantly adapting to uneven terrain, a strong core is needed to stabilize your entire body and protect your back while supporting good posture.

• Core Stability Exercises: Planks, bird-dogs, and Russian twists are some of my favorite indoor exercises to engage your core. Start with 20-second plank holds, gradually increasing as you feel stronger. I like to challenge my clients to try this out while

“Whether you’re preparing to hit the slopes this winter, gearing up for winter hiking or simply looking to stay strong and agile indoors, a fitness routine is key.”

watching a TV program, during commercial breaks. Start with holding the plank for the first commercial and then rest for the second. Continue this method through the commercial break. In a few days, you can try holding the plank for two commercials, resting on the third, etc. In time, work up to holding the plank for the entire commercial break – which could be around two minutes!

• Balance Drills: A simple but effective drill is to stand on one foot for 30 seconds, and then switch sides. Try this while brushing your teeth or washing dishes to challenge your balance throughout the day Make sure you are standing next to a counter or wall in case you are unsteady

• Snow Specific Movements: Practice standing lateral shifts to simulate skiing motion, shifting your weight side to side in a halfsquat position. This movement also strengthens your quads and glutes.

For skiing, hiking and other outdoor adventures where you’re constantly adapting to uneven terrain, a strong core is needed to stabilize your entire body and protect your back while supporting good posture.

Indoor Fitness Classes: If you have access to fitness classes, Pilates, Water Walking, TRX and Yoga classes would be beneficial to do in the off season.

Strengthening the legs and glutes

These muscles support your balance and absorb impact, helping you stay safe and agile.

• Leg Exercises: Squats, lunges, and step-ups are foundational for lower-body strength. Start with body weight and, if you’re comfortable, add resistance with dumbbells or a resistance band.

• Joint-Friendly Alternatives: For seniors, or those with join issues, chair squats (sitting and standing from a chair) or glute bridges are gentle but effective for building strength without putting too much strain on the knees.

In all of these, make sure to put all the weight into your heels/back side, so as not to overload your knees.

Indoor Fitness Classes: If you have access to fitness classes, Weight Lifting, Water Walking and Cycling classes would be beneficial to do in the off season.

Developing upper body endurance

Having a strong upper body helps with

pole plants while hiking/skiing, balance, and carrying gear. For seniors, upper body strength also plays a key role in functional tasks, from carrying groceries to maintaining posture.

• Upper Body Exercises: Seated rows, wall push-ups, shoulder presses, and triceps extensions are excellent for building upper body strength. Use resistance bands or light weights if available.

• Focus on Endurance: Try higher reps (10–15 per set) with lighter weights to build endurance rather than bulk. Strong, steady endurance is what helps with tasks that require ongoing strength, like maintaining form while skiing or supporting your posture as you move.

Indoor Fitness Classes: If you have access to fitness classes, Pilates, Resistance Training, TRX and Yoga classes would be beneficial to do in the off season.

Boosting cardiovascular endurance

All outdoor aerobic activities require stamina, so maintaining cardiovascular health is essential. For indoor options, add a few quick routines/interval training to keep your heart rate up.

• Quick Indoor Cardio: High

knees, marching in place, and stair stepping are simple ways to increase cardiovascular endurance.

• Low-Impact Alternatives: For seniors or those with joint issues, gentle marching or step-touch movements on soft surfaces provide a cardio boost without excessive joint strain.

• Circuit Training: Combine strength and cardio by moving quickly between exercises, like a 5-minute circuit of squats, pushups, and step-ups with minimal rest in between. Try 30 seconds of an exercise, rest for 10 seconds then switch to another exercise.

Indoor Fitness Classes: If you have access to fitness classes, Swimming, Aerobics and Cycling classes would be beneficial to do in the off season.

Flexibility and stretching

Flexibility helps prevent injury and improves movement efficiency. Stretching daily will support muscle recovery and promote a greater range of motion. Dynamic stretching is better as a warmup while static stretching is best when your muscles are warm after your workout.

Indoor Fitness Classes: If you have access to fitness classes, Pilates, Stretching and Yoga classes would be beneficial to do in the off season.

Nutrition and hydration

It is important to properly fuel your body with the proper amounts of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Seek a dietician or doctor’s opinion on a diet that is right for you. Staying hydrated during exercise and outdoor activities is also vital. Water is your friend.

Consistency is important. Try to get into a routine you can stick with two to three times a week. Choosing exercises/workouts you enjoy will help you stay motivated to continue. Start simple and light and work your way up. Don’t push too hard at the beginning and end up with an injury If you’re looking for overall fitness, longevity, and improvement in your functional abilities, give these indoor exercises a try for a safer, stronger, and more stable time in the great outdoors!

Flexibility helps prevent injury and improves movement efficiency Stretching daily will support muscle recovery and promote a greater range of motion.

HEALTH

Estes Park Health Rehab Services expanding hours, adding pediatric PT

By Wendy Rigby Estes Park Health

Estes Park Health Rehabilitation Services is adding hours and expanding services to meet the needs of the Estes Valley Community.

The rehab center at 420 Steamer Drive next to Urgent Care is now open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m Friday

“By extending our hours Monday through Thursday, we hope to accommodate patients who need appointments later in the day, after work or after school,” said Kendra Vancil, EPH Rehabilitation Services & Urgent Care manager.

Rehab Services has also hired a new physical therapist with specialized training in pediatrics. Kate Jamis, PT, moved to Estes Park from Kansas City and started working in mid-August.

Jamis decided she wanted to pursue physical therapy in middle school.

“I had a fascination with how the human body works,” Jamis explained. “I knew I wanted to work with kids. Physical therapy was the perfect opportunity to do both of those things together I realized I could powerfully impact the lives of someone at such a young age, that was something that really appealed to me.”

physical therapy than you might think,” she stressed. “There are many children who are born with challenges that might impact their physical development, like Down’s Syndrome, spina bifida, or prematurity Children have accidents. They fall and hit their heads and that sometimes warrants therapy. Once the older children get into sports, they can get injured that way.”

“The addition of pediatric physical therapy means that children in the Estes Valley will no longer have to drive to the front range to receive physical therapy.”

She attended the University of Missouri, where she took part in a five-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program In Kansas City, she worked in several different pediatric facilities, mostly pre-schools, but also some outpatient settings like aquatics and a school district.

“A lot more pediatric patients need

Jamis said she likes working at the modern EPH Rehabilitation Services facility where she will also be helping adult patients with their physical therapy needs.

“I think we’re very fortunate,” she commented. “We have all the space we need and all the things we need. We have individual treatment rooms. There is always a room available for evaluations or talking about things that we don’t want to talk about in the gym with patients. I think we’re a little bit spoiled because it’s all shiny and new

and lovely and wonderful.”

Having visited Estes Park for many years as a tourist, Jamis is happy to call the Estes Valley home.

“I saw the job opportunity and I had always wanted to live here,” she added. “The stars sort of aligned for us and we got to make the move. My drive to and from work is spectacular. Right now, the elk are everywhere, and the leaves are changing. I think we probably couldn’t have timed it better. We’re getting in all the wonderful summer and fall things before winter My husband is most excited about winter because he is all about snow We’re loving it.”

Jamis will have appointments open at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. each Monday through Thursday.

“The addition of pediatric physical therapy means that children in the Estes Valley will no longer have to drive to the front range to receive physical therapy,” Vancil noted. “We feel privileged to be able to provide these expanded services to our community.”

To contact Estes Park Health Rehabilitation Services, call (970) 577-4368.

Estes Park Health Rehabilitation Service has hired a new physical therapist with specialized training in pediatrics Kate Jamis PT moved to Estes Park from Kansas City and started working in midAugust. (Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Health)

By Wendy Rigby Estes Park Health

WEstes Park Health introduces new occupational therapist

hen people stay in the hospital after injury, illness, or surgery, the occupational therapist is the professional who makes sure these patients can go home and get around their house again. The OT has a very practical job: making sure people can cook, clean, shower, get dressed, and many other activities of daily living.

Inna Wines is the newest inpatient occupational therapist on the medical/ surgical unit at Estes Park Health.

“My family and I have been coming to Estes Park since I was born,” Wines said. “Every year there were family reunions, family vacations. I knew that eventually I wanted to move to Colorado. I wasn’t sure it would be Estes Park specifically It all just kind of worked out. In June, I was here for a girls’ trip. I decided, ‘I don’t want to leave. I want to stay I want to figure out how to live here.’ I quit my job. I applied for new jobs and luckily found housing. My manager at EPH called and asked if I wanted a full-time job. I said, ‘Yes. That would be amazing.’”

Wines moved to Estes Park two months ago. She has enjoyed the slower pace, and what she describes as a good work/life balance.

“I grew up always knowing that I wanted to do some sort of service for others,” Wines said. “I wasn’t sure exactly what it was going to be. Healthcare always spoke to me.”

Wines and her brother were adopted from Russia. He has a lot of sensory and developmental issues and went to occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy growing up.

“He wouldn’t participate in his therapy unless I was part of it,” she said. “I really got to see what they did, how it contributed to his life, how it changed the way he was able to socially interact with people.”

Wines originally thought she would go into pediatric OT because of her

experience with her bother. But she did an acute care rotation in Dallas (where she is from) and fell in love with the geriatric population. She earned her undergraduate degree in Public Health from the University of Arkansas. She went to Abilene Christian University in West Texas for her master’s degree in occupational therapy. Before she moved to Estes Park, she worked at UT Southwestern in Texas for the last three years.

“I kind of got burned out just because I was seeing lots and lots of people throughout the day,” Wines stated. “I just knew I wanted a change.”

Since starting at EPH, Wines has helped many kinds of patients,

from tourists who have been hiking and hurt themselves to people who need hip or knee replacement surgery Wines also works with medication management and helps patients with fine motor skills.

“The big focus is making sure everyone can get home,” Wines emphasized. “But if they can’t, OTs provide social workers, doctors, and nurses the information they need to decide if a patient needs to go to a skilled nursing facility, a nursing home, or assisted living.”

The goal of occupational therapy is consistent, to keep everybody as independent as possible.

To listen to a podcast featuring Inna Wines, go to blubrry.com/ 1471883/138171120/mountaintopmedicine-from-estes-park-healthestes-park-health-introduces-newoccupational-therapist.

Inna Wines is Estes Park Health’s new Occupational Therapist.

(Photo by Wendy Rigby/Estes Park Health)

Top hikes as fall transitions to winter

A woman heads out on her snowshoes around Lake Estes in falling snow in Estes Park, Colorado

By Dawn Wilson

The short fall season is starting to move into the rearview mirror as winter starts to settle into the area and snow begins to pack on the layers as it blankets the surrounding mountains.

But just because Trail Ridge Road closed for the season doesn’t mean there aren’t still a plethora of trails to explore in the region to stay fit and healthy. Hikers and those looking to enjoy the outdoors have many options in the Estes Valley, including in Rocky Mountain National Park, Roosevelt National Forest, Larimer County Open Spaces and even in the Town of Estes Park with options for a wide variety of skill levels and interests, including a few that welcome your pooch too.

Lake Estes Trail

Looping around Lake Estes, this

3.75-mile trail is one of the easiest and most accessible trails in Estes Park. Completely paved and open to dogs, the trail circumnavigates the lake and provides many views of Longs Peak, the Continental Divide, Lumpy Ridge and Mount Olympus. The trail can be picked up at Fisherman’s Nook, Wapiti Meadows, Cherokee Draw, the Estes Park Visitor Center and the Estes Park Parking Garage.

Lily Lake and Lily Ridge

Located on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park along Colorado Highway 7, this 0.75-mile loop trail only has an elevation gain of 29 feet. For a longer hike, take the trail to the north up Lily Ridge for a 1.4-mile loop that rises about 200 feet above Lily Lake. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

Gem Lake

A 3.4-mile moderate out-and-back trail that leads up to Gem Lake in the Lumpy Ridge area of Rocky Mountain National Park, views from this trail are

some of the best in the area to see all of the features that make Estes Valley one of the most scenic regions in northern Colorado. Views from this trail include Mount Olympus, Lake Estes, Kruger Rock, Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

Bierstadt Lake

Bierstadt Lake is named for Albert Bierstadt, an American landscape painter who explored the West during the late 1800s. He admired the region in 1877 while visiting Colorado with his friend, Irish aristocrat Windham Thomas Wyndham-Quinn, the Fourth Earl of Dunraven. The 3.2-mile-loop trail starts off navigating through a small section of lodgepole pine trees before climbing steeply up the Bierstadt Moraine and then flattening out on the last segment to the lake. Dogs are not permitted on this trail but it makes a great snowshoe hike.

Homer Rouse Trail

Managed by Estes Valley Recreation and Park District, this four-mile out-and-

Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Photos by Dawn Wilson Photography

back trail that welcomes dogs navigates through the forest on the north side of Twin Sisters and above Cheley Camp. Bikes and horses are also permitted on this gentle trail that stretches from the parking lot near Fish Creek Road to the Twin Sisters Parking Lot on Colorado Highway 7. The trail can be completed by using two cars parked at either end for a shorter two-mile hike or returning to the start as an out-and-back trail.

Lion Gulch to Homestead Meadows

This nine-mile moderate out-andback trail takes hikers and dogs into Roosevelt National Forest and back to historic homesteads. The destination can be as long as nine miles on a roundtrip hike back to Irvin Homestead. For a shorter hike of about six miles

roundtrip, stop at the Homestead Meadows sign, which provides some history about the various hearty pioneers who settled in this approximately 60acre valley at about 8,700 feet between 1889 and 1923. With a trailhead located along U.S. Highway 3, eight miles east of Estes Park, the trail follows along a small creek and climbs about 1,300 feet to the homesteads. Wagon tracks left by the homesteaders now make up the network of trails in the area.

Kruger Rock

Located in Hermit Park Open Space just four miles from Estes Park, this 3.6-mile trail takes hikers up to Kruger Rock. At an elevation of 9,338 feet, this rock formation overlooks the Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course, Estes Valley and the surrounding peaks. Rated a

moderate hike for its elevation but with a gain of only 984 feet, it starts out as a gentle walk through the meadows of the upper foothills before climbing through rocky outcroppings and bit of rock scrambling at the end to reach the highest point along this out-and-back trail. Hermit Park Open Space closes in mid-December to protect wintering wildlife.

Brainard Lake

This gem of a trail any time of year becomes a snowy trek for snowshoers by early November because of its elevation above 10,000 feet. Starting at the winter parking lot in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area near Ward, Colo. about an hour south of Estes Park, the 5.7-mile, lollipop trail rises a gentle 472 feet but the elevation at about 10,000 feet will take your breath away Dogs are permitted only on the snow-covered road and not on the cross-country ski trails through the forest.

Pole Hill

This 4.2-mile moderate trail in Roosevelt National Forest follows a portion of Pole Hill Road, the original dirt road that settlers of Estes Valley used to access Estes Park from Loveland before the road through the Big Thompson Canyon, now U.S. Highway 34, first opened to travel in 1904. This dogfriendly trail offers views of Lumpy Ridge, Estes Valley and the peaks of the Continental Divide on its loop through the forest just east of Estes Park.