12 minute read
HEALTH & WELLNESS
OLYMPIA OB/GYN HEROES:
Babies Born During a Pandemic
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by Emily Happy
Babies are born when they are ready, not when a pandemic says so. Dedicated medical personnel tackle coronavirus challenges to deliver them safely. That’s true of the team at Olympia Obstetrics & Gynecology (OOG) as they work with patients at the office and welcome babies at the Family Birth Center at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia.
“We love moms and babies,” said Dr. Darrel Bell. “The virus hasn’t changed how special each delivery has been. I thank all those who protect mothers and babies by wearing masks and practice social distancing.” Providence welcomes moms and an essential support person in the delivery room which, for many patients, creates an intimate experience. These individuals are screened upon entry; moms are also tested. Masking goes without saying…
Expecting a newborn during the COVID-19 pandemic adds stress to an already challenging time in a family’s life. As they care for moms and their babies, OOG and Family Birth Center staff work together to maintain the highest standards of care and safety for their patients and families. The goal is to keep newborns with their mothers in their rooms, as a basic tenet of infant and family-centered care.
Occasionally, separation is necessary because infant care cannot take place safely in the mom’s room. This is rare. An average of 100 babies a month are delivered by OOG’s medical staff with positive patient feedback.
OOG is using technology in positive ways to keep everyone safe. Carie Bussey, certified nurse midwife with the clinic, said, “We’ve discovered a lot of silver linings. Health care workers have been forced to hop on the telemedicine effort. We’ve been able to quickly adopt what works for us and patients enjoy some benefits while remaining safely distanced. OOG utilizes a telehealth system that ties the visit to the patient’s electronic health record. Patients receive a link via email or text and can access us through their mobile phones, iPads and desktops.”
Deb Cannon, practice manager at the clinic, said, “We are a big family, and maybe none of us really understood what it means to be an ‘essential worker’ until now. We have been proud to have maintained a safe environment for everyone; that includes the babies.” OOG anticipates continuation of masking and social distancing until we have fast, accurate testing and a widely accepted and utilized vaccine.
OLYMPIA OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
olyobgyn.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS CLOSE TO HOME BY JULIE LEYDELMEYER
Moving to a new community means finding new healthcare providers for you and your family. Thurston County offers a wide variety of independent health practitioners and large healthcare systems to meet the needs of every member of your household. You’ll find high quality services, which rival larger communities, conveniently close to your new home.
Thurston County’s Public Health & Social Services department provides a wealth of information online about services and programs to achieve and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. A list of community gardens, helpful information and resources for quitting smoking, first-time pregnancy support, and much more is available on their website.
When you’ve finished lifting moving boxes and are ready to get back to lifting weights, Thurston County is home to several national gym franchises, in addition to locally-owned facilities and YMCA branches. You won’t have to look very far to find options for cardio, strength training, yoga, or aquatics. Recreational leagues for both youth and adults are offered seasonally through city parks and recreation programs for football, soccer, baseball, and volleyball.
Health and wellness resources are abundant and convenient in Thurston County. As you meet your new neighbors, ask for recommendations about their favorite healthcare practitioners, recreational activities, and wellness programs. It won’t take long to find the right combination of care providers and healthful activities that are the best fit for you and your family.
Health & Wellness Resources
Hospitals & Emergency Departments Capital Medical Center | capitalmedical.com Providence St. Peter Hospital | providence.org/swsa
Urgent Care Clinics MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care | indigourgentcare.com Providence Immediate Care
washington.providence.org/campaign/sw/sw-right-care-right-time Rapid Orthopaedic Urgent Care olyortho.com/rapid-orthopaedic-care UW Neighborhood Olympia Clinic | uwmedicine.org
Dental Care Thurston-Mason Counties Dental Society | tmcdental.org
Mental Health National Alliance on Mental Illness/Thurston-Mason Chapter | namitm.org
Parks & Recreation Programs City of Lacey | ci.lacey.wa.us City of Olympia | olympiawa.gov City of Shelton | sheltonwa.gov City of Tumwater | ci.tumwater.wa.us
Senior Centers/Resources lmtaaa.org/local-senior-centers.html
OLYMPIA
FARMERS MARKET
Shopping at the Olympia Farmers Market can be a great way to get to know your community while supporting your local economy. Open year-round with three distinct operating seasons, it’s a great addition to your weekly shopping routine. The market is open Thursday to Sunday, April through October for High Season, Saturday and Sunday in November and December for Holiday Season, and every Saturday in January through March for Winter Season, always 10am to 3pm. (Please check for current hours due to pandemic restrictions.)
Founded in 1975, the Market has been in its current location at the top of Capitol Way in downtown Olympia since 1996. With four dedicated full-time employees and a volunteer board of directors comprised of vendors, they are committed to their mission “to promote and encourage the development of local, small-scale agriculture and ensure a dynamic market balance for small, local growers and others to make available their products to residents of this community.”
The open-air, barn-inspired building provides protection from the weather and space for over 100 unique small businesses from the South Sound region to connect directly with customers in the community. Visitors to the market will find fruit and produce, artisan foods, wine, plant starts, cut flowers, pasture-raised meats, dairy, baked goods, seafood, jams and preserves, confections, handcrafted gifts including jewelry, woodworking, textiles, ceramics, glasswork, photography, local art and more. Free daily live entertainment can be enjoyed at the Market main stage with ample seating and space to enjoy delicious foods from the eight restaurants. The Market also has over 200 free two-hour parking stalls, accessible restroom facilities, and three ATM’s for customer convenience. The Market accepts new farmer and food processor applications year-round and new crafter applications annually from December 1 through December 31. Visit the website for more information at www.olympiafarmersmarket.com.
SERVICE AND CONVENIENCE AT THE HEART OF LIGHT DENTAL STUDIOS BY LEAH GROUT
We can all agree on the qualities for the ideal dental provider: round-the-clock service, free consultations, same-day appointments, entire-family bookings, empathetic service and affordable care. It’s nearly impossible to find a full combination of such attributes. But then there’s Light Dental Studios.
The dentist-owned company—with 16 locations in the South Puget Sound—has customer service at the core of its mission.
“We try to treat people the way we would want to be treated,” says owner and CEO Dr. Steven Broughton, who bought his first office from a former dentist in 1997. “People say our practice feels like we’re all neighbors, like they’re just going down the street for friendly dental care.”
With hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. including Saturdays, doctors available 24/7, free consultations, same-day appointments, and entire-family same-day care, Light Dental Studios has solutions patients need.
“We’re trying to make dentistry effortless by making it about our patients, not the dentists,” says Broughton. “Our schedule accommodates their schedule, not the other way around. Our doctors are always available, and almost all procedures are done in-house.” Besides standard dental checkups, treatments and other services, Light Dental Studios offers on-site orthodontics, implants, surgeries and dentures. Children’s dental care is also offered. In fact, the offices frequently schedule care for entire families side-by-side on the same day to save time.
Light Dental Studios also gives back to the community at the annual South Sound Free Dental Day. That’s when the staff donates its time and skills to give away more than $90,000 worth of dental work—including fillings and extractions—on a first come, first-served basis.
“We want patients to feel comfortable,” Broughton says. “Our first goal is to provide same-day treatment.”
Broughton notes that Light Dental Studios will continue to add offices over the upcoming years in growing neighborhoods.
LIGHT DENTAL STUDIOS
lightdentalstudios.com
TUMWATER EYE CENTER DESIGNED WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY BY LYNN CASTLE
At the Tumwater Eye Center, Dr. Douglas Jeske and his wife Karen have created a distinctive look and customer experience for their patients. This new facility, located at 6510 Capitol Boulevard SE, features state-of-the-art eye care technology and equipment.
With the help of Orca Construction, Quincy Home Interior Design, and Tovani Hart Architecture, the Jeskes turned a 1950’s home office into a classic, yet contemporary eye clinic. On the exterior of the building there are large overhanging eaves, created with sustainable hardwood and composite siding materials, creating a uniquely Northwestern style which adds depth and character to the building. Upon entering, you are greeted by the warm, welcoming open-design entry featuring vaulted ceilings and extensive windows that flood the space with natural light. The optical display cabinets use beautiful LED illumination and textured laminates to enhance the international frame collection. Noted elements of the design feature budding birch cabinetry harvested from sustainable crops, sliding office door enclosures, and natural linens encased in a recyclable resin.
Beyond the beauty of the location, Tumwater Eye Center features extensive use of technology to create a unique patient experience. Dr. Jeske uses premium computerized refracting equipment to create precise vision corrections. The vision concerns of patients are solved using the most current contacts and progressive lens designs and materials, including blue light blocking lenses Qualified and compassionate staff help patients through state-of-the-art digital and infra-red retinal imaging and dark adaptation testing to allow early diagnosis of eye disease. Computer monitors in each exam room allow patients to observe images of their own eyes as Dr. Jeske offers practical education on eye health. The practice is also on the cutting edge of telemedicine, which allows remote patient examination with the simplicity of FaceTime.
TUMWATER EYE CENTER
6510 Capitol Blvd SE, Tumwater tumwatereye.com
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County inspire youth to realize their greatness. The Clubs fill the gap between school and home by providing a welcoming, positive, out-of-school environment. Kids and teens have fun, participate in life-enhancing programs and activities, and build supportive relationships with peers and caring youth development professionals.
From homework help to tutoring, arts to sports, and STEM activities to gaming, the Club experience prepares kids and teens for future success. By focusing Club activities on academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles, youth are better prepared to graduate from high school, have plans for their futures, and thrive as adults.
Nearly 3,000 kids and teens find safety and support annually at Clubs in Lacey, Olympia, Rochester, Tenino, Tumwater, Yelm, and new this year, a second Lacey branch located in the Raj Manhas Activity Center (RMAC). Low membership fees and scholarships keep the Club accessible to youth who need them most, thanks to 76% of funding coming from generous individuals and community supporters.
Visit BGCTC.org or contact one of the seven Thurston County Club locations to see if the Club is right for youth in your care:
Lacey Branch
(360) 438-6811 1105 Tracey LN SE Lacey, WA 98503 Facebook: @LaceyBGCTC
Olympia Branch
(360) 556-3615 Jefferson Middle School 2200 Conger Ave NW Olympia, WA 98502 Facebook: @Olympia-Boys-Girls
Rochester Branch
(360) 273-9397 10140 Hwy. 12 SW Rochester, WA 98579 Facebook: @BGCTCRochesterRocks
Tenino Branch
(360) 810-3700 Tenino Elementary School 301 Old Highway 99 N Tenino, WA 98589 Facebook: @BGCTCTenino
Tumwater Branch
(360) 570-8888 600 Israel Rd. SW Tumwater, WA 98501 Facebook: @TBGCTC
Yelm Branch
(360) 529-5392 105 W Yelm Ave Yelm, WA 98597 Facebook: @BGCTCYelm
NEW! RMAC Branch (Next to North Thurston HS)
(360) 888-6614 200 Sleater Kinney Road NE Olympia, WA 98506 Facebook: @BGCTCRMAC
Warm-Weather Wellness Tips for Seniors
Warmer weather often awakens a desire to get outside and be active. But seniors who have a higher sensitivity to heat need to use caution when making plans in the sun.
1. Put on Your Walking Shoes. Walking is an excellent physical activity. And doing so in a park or forest is a great way to connect with nature. Joining a group can also be an easy way to meet new friends. Choose terrain—and supportive shoes—suitable for your activity level and balance.
2. Take an Exercise Class. Get your endorphins flowing! Yoga, pilates or tai chi can all improve balance and flexibility, decreasing the chance of falling. Water aerobics is good for those with arthritis or chronic pain. Or try low-impact sports such as horseshoes, miniature golf, bocce ball, bean bags, badminton or croquet.
3. Get Outside and Garden. Gardening can be as calming and relaxing as an hour of meditation. Digging, planting and weeding can improve strength, flexibility and agility. If you don’t have a garden, consider volunteering at a local park.
4. Lighten Up Your Diet. With fruits and vegetables coming into season, it’s time to enjoy salads, light soups and other lighter fare.
Farmers markets provide an opportunity to get outdoors and select healthful foods for dinner.
5. Stay Hydrated. As we age, our ability to notice thirst may decrease, so keep an eye on your water intake, especially when you’re outdoors in the sun. At home, drink water and herbal tea rather than other beverages.
6. Watch for Allergies. Summertime can mean allergy season, so pay attention to allergy forecasts. Untreated allergies are uncomfortable and can lead to breathing problems or sinus infections. Your doctor can recommend or prescribe a treatment to help prevent serious respiratory problems. 7. Check the Side Effects of Your Prescriptions. Some medications increase sun sensitivity. Find out whether you need to take extra precautions. Following other suggestions on this list will help you avoid problems.
8. Relish the Outdoors. Enjoy the great outdoors with a picnic! Just remember to pick an area with comfortable seating and shade, even if it’s in your own backyard. Bird-watching and photography are two other pastimes to stimulate the mind and body. If you love to shop, flea markets are a fun summertime activity. Just remember to protect yourself with sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and bug repellent.
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SUMNER, WA PERMIT #51
