FALL 2020
CEDAR RAPIDS
HEALTHCARE HEROES Frontline team members reflect on COVID-19
VICTORY OVER COVID-19 A survivor story
WELCOMING TRIPLETS Coordinated and collaborative care make for safe delivery
ASK THE EXPERT Taking care of mental health during a challenging year
unitypoint.org
WHAT’S INSIDE 1
Health Clips Health news you can use.
2 Caring for the Community After the Derecho How UnityPoint Health team members came together to serve patients and the community following the derecho. 3 Road to Recovery A Marion man’s journey to recover after a heart condition caused a chain of events that altered his life. 4 Victory Over COVID-19 A Cedar Rapids man details his battle with the coronavirus and his long recovery. 6
Healthcare Heroes Frontline team members reflect on COVID-19 and teamwork to provide exceptional patient care.
8 New Vienna Couple Welcomes Triplets Coordinated and collaborative care between UnityPoint Clinic Maternal Fetal Medicine and St. Luke’s NICU made for a safe and healthy delivery of multiples. 10 Back in Step A local woman is glad to be taking walks again after knee replacement surgery. 12 Ask the Expert Taking care of mental health during a challenging year. 13 For Your Health Timely health and medical news.
COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS AT ST. LUKE’S 225 individuals treated as in-patients at St. Luke’s for COVID-19
50 COVID-19 patients received convalescent plasma 32,626 cloth masks sewn and donated to St. Luke’s from 45 states & 5 countries 24,000 medical grade face masks and shields gifted to the hospital
$271,485 in donations to the Healthcare Worker COVID-19 Compassion fund Fall 2020 LiveWell magazine is produced by UnityPoint Health®. P.O. Box 3026 | Cedar Rapids, IA 52406 (319) 369-7395 | unitypoint.org Copyright ® 2020 UnityPoint Health. All Rights Reserved. ® SM trademarks of UnityPoint Health.
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33 local restaurants donated over 9,000 meals to St. Luke’s for frontline team members
158 critical care rooms added in the spring to care for a surge of COVID-19 patients (Information as of Aug. 28, 2020)
Health Clips
Safe Care during COVID-19
Masking & Social Distancing Guidance
Taking care of patients and keeping them safe is important to UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids.
Together we can all do our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following several simple steps. Dr. Nate Brady, St. Luke’s Work Well Solutions, developed materials to help guide workplaces and individuals during COVID-19.
St. Luke’s has many safeguards in place to protect patients and ensure health and safety. •
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Everyone who enters the hospital and clinics should expect to answer a brief health questionnaire and have their temperature checked. Patients with respiratory symptoms are screened before they enter our ER and are typically sent directly to a room. However, if there is a wait, St. Luke’s has a separate waiting area for respiratory patients. Masks are worn by everyone, including patients in the hospital and clinics. If you have a mask, please bring it with you, but if you don’t, we’ll provide you with one. Our hospital and clinics are constantly cleaned and disinfected between patients. High touch areas are cleaned throughout the day. All patients admitted to UnityPoint Health hospitals are tested for COVID-19 including planned admissions and transfers of all ages who have not been tested for COVID-19 in the prior 72 hours.
If you still aren’t sure where to go for care, or if you have other questions, you can always call your primary care clinic, or message your doctor directly with the MyUnityPoint patient portal. Or visit unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/care for details on Urgent Care locations and doctor’s offices.
One thing to remember is, it is not about either/or but about how to do the most to protect ourselves, families, co-workers and other individuals in the community. One of the main things you can do to protect yourself and others is to wear a mask in public or when you are not able to socially distance. Keep in mind that while, two people, both wearing masks is good, adding a social distance of greater than six feet is even better. In addition, if we keep interactions to less than 10 minutes, that makes the best possible combination for minimizing risk of infection. Think about good, better and best in daily interactions to prevent risk and to keep everyone safe. We invite you to watch a video to learn more about COVID-19 best practices at bit.ly/UPHSocialDistance. You may also download or request FREE materials with these safety tips.
Don’t forget your flu shot With COVID-19 still a global health threat it’s more important than ever for individuals to receive the influenza vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) while COVID-19 and flu viruses are thought to spread in similar ways, COVID-19 is more contagious among certain populations and age groups than flu. Many of the symptoms of both the coronavirus and flu are similar. That’s why getting a flu shot may help healthcare providers better determine your diagnosis and protect you from the flu. Watch our podcast video as Drs. Dustin Arnold and Clete Younger discuss the flu season during COVID-19 at bit.ly/COVID-Flu. And be sure to call your UnityPoint Clinic provider to schedule your flu shot. If you don’t have a doctor, visit unitypoint.org/findadr to chose one that’s right for you.
LiveWell Fall 2020 | 1
DERECHO
#CRSTRONG
Caring for the community after the Derecho Ironically St. Luke’s ER team members were set for a disaster drill this fall on how to continue delivering care during a power outage. They can now check that scenario off their list since the Derecho served up the real experience on Aug. 10. “We have been working on disaster planning for the past couple of years and that really paid off in the wake of the Derecho,” said Ryan Sundermann, MD, St. Luke’s ER medical director. “Not only was there power loss but the way we communicate was essentially cut off as well. Everyone came together and they were amazing.” Team members throughout St. Luke’s supported the ER during the surge of patients following the Derecho. The ER saw its second highest number of patients following the storm – second only to the 2008 Flood when Mercy Medical Center was shut down. “It should be noted that this disaster occurred during COVID-19, which has also touched several St. Luke’s ER team members and many also had significant storm damage,” shared Ryan Dowden, MD, St. Luke’s ER. “I am thankful for the selfless service of these individuals in these circumstances. I am incredibly proud and humbled to be part of this team and have no doubt we stand ready to accept whatever challenge is thrown our way next.” St. Luke’s ER is ALWAYS ready to care for the community 24/7/365.
DERECHO BY THE NUMBERS Healthcare Assistance 1,092 storm-related injuries treated in St. Luke’s ER (Aug. 10-23) 16 oxygen-dependent individuals sheltered after losing power
St. Luke’s with the support of UnityPoint Health and other generous donors, helped our neighbors in need following the Derecho at this resource site at St. Paul’s Methodist Church.
40 oxygen deliveries a day by UnityPoint at Home – Home Medical Equipment employees to homes and shelters, over
1,000 tanks dispensed (12 a day is average)
All 240 UnityPoint at Home patients’ needs cared for and checked on immediately following the derecho Community Assistance Donations
St. Luke’s Foundation assistance to team members
14 boxes of toothbrushes
135 cases of diapers
2,000 meals and 800 food bags distributed the first
7 toothpaste cases
3 cases of baby wipes
1 box of deodorant
3 cases of Depends
60 cases of paper towels
19 cases of toilet paper
6 boxes of combs
18 cases of shampoo
7 cases of soap/bodywash 60 cases of bottled water 15 cases of tissues
week after the storm to team members
2,500 meals given to our team member’s families the second week after the derecho
1,300 storm-impacted team members received $100 cash cards Temporary food pantry set up at St. Luke’s for team members from a $12,500 medical staff donation
$202,900 awarded to team members with significant damage
PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
Road to Recovery A trip to the bathroom at his Marion home during the night on April 2, would alter Mike Cutler’s life. The 69-year-old suddenly blacked out and hit his head on the wall. His wife of 33 years Nancy heard a loud thud and found her husband unconscious on the floor. She called 911 and an ambulance transported him to St. Luke’s ER. Doctors determined Mike’s fall was most likely caused by bradycardia. It’s a heart condition, which slows the heart rate. A CT scan later discovered Mike’s fall caused a spinal cord injury. He had surgery on his spinal cord the following day with Dr. Ahmad Bader, a neurosurgeon at UnityPoint Clinic Neurosurgery.
Mike and Nancy Cutler at St. Luke’s after a physical therapy session.
“I came out of surgery and was in the ICU for 15 days,” Mike
motivated to get back home to his wife. It was an inspiration
shared. “I was on a ventilator for 12 days.”
to see his determination.”
“Because of COVD-19, I was unable to accompany Mike to
TRANSITIONAL CARE CENTER
St. Luke’s,” Nancy shared. “It was hard, but the ICU nurses were great. They would call me and keep me informed. They used FaceTime to show me how Mike was doing.”
When he finished his time in rehab, Mike was discharged to St. Luke’s Transitional Care Center for additional recovery and therapy. He was there for six weeks.
REHABILITATION
“They get you ready to go home,” explained Mike. “They
“After my ICU stay, I was able to move to St. Luke’s Physical
helped me re-learn how to do things a new way. They brought
Medicine and Rehabilitation,” shared Mike. “They were
Nancy in and showed her how to help assist me when I
tremendous. It was a lot of therapy. They helped me get my
returned home. They were very helpful.”
strength back. We worked on basic things because at first, I
It’s now been over two months since Mike has been home.
couldn’t feel my hands but slowly some things have started to come back.” “Some of Mike’s neurons were merely damaged, some destroyed leading to his impaired strength and sensation,” explained Devin Smith, MD, St. Luke’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physiatrist. “We are finding there is a greater capacity for healing even many months after an injury, so
Initially it took some adjustment. “The care was tremendous,” Mike said. “I wouldn’t have done anything different. My goal was to go home to be with my wife. I am just so happy to be back home and see her smile again. Life deals you some funny hands. You have to play with whatever life deals you. It’s going to be alright.”
we keep pushing therapy. Mike worked with our integrated
Two weeks ago, Mike was able to move his right arm and leg.
rehabilitation team on physical, occupational, recreational
A welcome sign as he continues his recovery.
and speech therapy to aid in his recovery. I was impressed
To learn more about St. Luke’s Physical Medicine and
with how hard he worked and his exceptional attitude in dealing with adversity on several levels. He was highly
Rehabilitation or Transitional Care Center, visit unitypoint.org. LiveWell Fall 2020 | 3
COVID-19 Chad Edmonds leaves St. Luke’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation unit after 35 days in the hospital recovering from COVID-19. This photo was taken before St. Luke’s began universal masking.
VICTORY OVER COVID-19
A survivor story Chad Edmonds is putting COVID-19 behind him. The
“Chad was one of our first COVID-19 patients,”
44-year-old Cedar Rapids man has come a long way since he
recalled Hamad Azam, MD, UnityPoint Clinic
was diagnosed with the coronavirus in late March. He spent 35
– Multi-Specialty pulmonologist. “I remember
days hospitalized at St. Luke’s.
his condition deteriorated fast. We had to put
“It started as a slight cough, then progressed to a sinus-like drainage and then a couple days later I spiked a fever,” said
him on a ventilator quickly and he needed mechanical support for a couple of weeks.
Hamad Azam, MD
Edmonds. “It progressively got worse. I started having trouble
“That’s a hard call to make,” shared Edmonds. “To call your wife
breathing and went to St. Luke’s ER where I was admitted
at 1:30 in the morning before you are being put on a ventilator
right away.”
to tell her goodbye. You hope you are going to wake up and that everything will turn out OK, but you really don’t know.”
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al
ng.
“Chad was the start of COVID-19 really impacting us at
“They do a fantastic job,” said Edmonds. “They worked to help
St. Luke’s,” recalled Courtney Harmon, St. Luke’s Intensive Care
me become as independent as possible. I started regaining
Unit (ICU) nurse. “He was extremely sick. He was one of the
my strength and I knew I could get there. All of the nurses,
sicker patients on our unit at the time. I remember watching
doctors and staff at St. Luke’s were so caring and good to me.”
him and hoping for the best. We were doing everything we could to save him.”
OVERWHELMING SUPPORT On May 1, Edmonds walked out of St. Luke’s on his own. It was
NEVER QUIT “During this time, we kept telling ourselves many of these patients we cared for were perfectly healthy before COVID-19,” shared Dr. Azam. “We were doing everything possible to help them recover because there is hope they would improve. There were many bad days for Chad and us, but we never quit.” “I didn’t anticipate how hard it would be to care for Chad and other COVID-19 patients,” shared Harmon. “These were some of the sickest patients I’ve taken care of and they were so isolated from their family. It was hard.”
a victory for Chad and his St. Luke’s healthcare team. “When I walked out of my room at St. Luke’s and just seeing all the support from the nurses, doctors and staff all lining the hospital halls from my room to the front door cheering for me, it was amazing,” shared Edmonds. “And then I walked out the hospital door and saw family and friends – and to finally see my daughter — it was overwhelming.” “I saw Chad in my office recently and he looked great,” shared Dr. Azam. “He was a different man than the one I cared for in our ICU. I am so happy with his outcome. It’s an amazing story. Here is this young person without major medical problems,
“I know Courtney was one of the nurses in close contact with
who happened to get COVID somewhere and deteriorated
my wife throughout my hospital stay,” said Edmonds. “She set
very fast. He had to be placed on a ventilator, had multiple
up FaceTime between my wife and I, since she wasn’t able to
organs in failure, including his lungs and kidneys and then
come visit me. It helped her to see what was going on.”
took a long time to recover and now is back to baseline. Chad
LONG RECOVERY After about two weeks Edmonds was taken off the ventilator and was able to move out of the ICU. His condition was finally improving, but he had a long recovery ahead. “The thing I remember the most is really not knowing what was going on,” recalled Edmonds. “I wanted to get back to normal as quickly as I could. The week before I went to the physical medicine and rehabilitation unit I couldn’t even stand up. Sometimes I couldn’t walk any steps. It was just scary. I was ready to fight every day just to try and get back to something normal.” Edmonds spent about a week in St. Luke’s Physical Medicine
still feels some weakness, but he’s feeling much better. His lungs are almost normal without significant damage.” Edmonds was able to return to work in late June and was back coaching his daughter’s softball team. “I really appreciate the hope and support everyone at UnityPoint Health gave to my family during my time in the hospital,” said Edmonds. “We beat COVID and are returning to normal. I love my wife and daughter. I can’t imagine what they went through. This experience has really made me appreciate my life.” Visit unitypoint.org to find out how to make an informed choice about where to go for care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
and Rehabilitation unit recovering and building strength.
LiveWell Fall 2020 | 5
COVID-19
Michele Tangeman, Pierre Manirakiza and Brittany McKay outside St. Luke’s Hospital.
Healthcare Heroes
Frontline team members reflect on COVID-19 surge When COVID-19 started its spread in March across the United States, UnityPoint Health doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, techs and over 3,000 team members working in the hospital and clinics stepped forward to care for their neighbors, friends and loved ones. The important work continues but for those that bravely worked the frontlines in St. Luke’s COVID-19 unit it’s a time they’ll never forget.
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“The first time I walked into St. Luke’s COVID-19 ICU, it reminded me of a MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) unit,” recalled Michele Tangeman, St. Luke’s ICU nurse. “The typical layout of our unit changed to accommodate the negative airflow setup, which was needed to keep everyone safe. There were initial bumps and the energy and stress levels were high. But as the days went on, our innovations soared. During each shift, a nurse would think of a more
efficient or safe way to organize tasks and cares to better serve our patients. Slowly our MASH style unit turned into the resourceful unit it is today. Through it all, I always felt supported by St. Luke’s, my leadership team and most importantly my fearless co-workers.” “It was nerve-racking at first to work in the unit when it was first created,” shared Brittany McKay, St. Luke’s respiratory therapist. “We had all heard the horrific stories from New York and didn’t know what COVID-19 would bring for our personal and professional lives. Despite this we went in the unit knowing we chose healthcare as a career because we want to help our patients get better and guide them through whatever ailment brought them here.” “I initially had a lot of fear about going into rooms with COVID-19 patients,” recalled Pierre Manirakiza, St. Luke’s interpreter. “I was scared I would get sick. Every time I coughed or sneezed, I would think to myself, ‘do I have COVID-19?’ But I didn’t get sick because I carefully followed the hospital rules by wearing PPE.”
CARING FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES For these team members it’s the patients they will always remember. Healthcare workers are used to having family visit and support patients, but COVID-19 prevented it, and they took on additional duties like never before. “You may have been fearful going in, but when you saw these patients were alone and more scared then we could have imagined - I knew I had to put on a brave face and cast my fears aside,” said McKay. “We had patients who would say their goodbyes to their family through FaceTime. They weren’t sure if this would be the last time they would see their loved one before they were placed on a ventilator. We had patients that lost their battle with the virus. We were there with them when they had their final goodbyes with family through FaceTime. We saw some gut-wrenching things.” “I remember the constant desire the entire staff had for wanting these patients to get better and return to their families,” recalled Tangeman. “COVID patients don’t recover quickly, so we spent a lot of time with them, especially since their families could not see them. I will never forget the names and faces of the patients we cared for. Even on my days off, I would sit at home and constantly hope they’d be improving.”
“Some of the patients I would interpret for I knew from our community,” shared Manirakiza. It was a sad and stressful time. Through the many challenges I was happy I was able to help people and do my job too.”
THANKFUL FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT The support of the community was appreciated by St. Luke’s team members. Thousands of meals were donated, fabric masks were sewn, and signs and cards were posted and sent. The support lifted the spirts of St. Luke’s healthcare workers. “It was amazing,” said McKay. “The community was so generous with their donations. It was nice to have the support from others knowing we had this super important role within the community. We were all so grateful for these gestures.” “Most people do not get into nursing to be put in the spotlight or to be called ‘heroes’,” said Tangeman. “We became nurses because we genuinely want to help others. The community support showed they knew what we were sacrificing during a time of extreme fear and uncertainty. It felt good to know people were thinking of us and praying for our strength and safety.” We invite you to join our team of heroes, visit unitypoint.org/careers.
Hearts for Healthcare Workers A small gesture like buying a Hearts for Healthcare Workers t-shirt can have a big impact for some of the frontline heroes at St. Luke’s Hospital. UnityPoint Health created a COVID Compassion Fund. All dollars raised from shirt sales will be used to provide financial support to Cedar Rapids team members who are facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We invite you to order a shirt to show support to our healthcare workers and the amazing work they are doing for our community. Forty percent of the sales will go to St. Luke’s team members in need. Shirts are available through the end of 2020. To order, visit bit.ly/UPHHeroes.
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MATERNITY
From left: Madelyn, Reid and Adriana with Emma and Ryan Photo by: JenLea Photography in Manchester, IA
New Vienna couple welcomes triplets When Ryan and Emma Leuchs found out they were expecting
“With multiples there needs to be coordinated and
not one, but three babies they were shocked, but ultimately
proactive care,” Dr. Pedron explained. “I am very aggressive
thrilled to learn their news.
in managing higher order multiple gestation, and look at
“We found out eight weeks into my pregnancy we were
everything from a medical standpoint to try and influence
pregnant with triplets,” shared Emma. “It was one of those things
every parameter possible to optimize outcome, which is a
where you think, OK, we can’t turn back now, we’re having three
healthy mother and babies, as close to term as is safe.”
babies. Instant family. We were both pretty excited.”
A full-term, single gestation pregnancy is 40 weeks. Dr.
At that point the New Vienna couple was referred to Stephen
Pedron said in Emma’s case with triplets, their goal was 34 to
Pedron, MD, MBA, at UnityPoint Clinic – Maternal & Fetal
35 weeks gestation, but as is often the case with multiples,
Medicine in Cedar Rapids. They traveled to Cedar Rapids to see
the triplets had other plans.
Dr. Pedron for an ultrasound at 22 weeks into Emma’s pregnancy.
“I started experiencing pre-term labor at 24 weeks into my pregnancy,” Emma shared. “At that point I went to UnityPoint
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Health – Finley Hospital in Dubuque where I was admitted
care and the triplets’ care was coordinated, collaborative and
for a couple of days for monitoring. I was then sent home on
we felt well-cared for.”
bed rest.”
The triplets went home one-by-one starting in mid-March just
HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY
as COVID-19 was announced as a pandemic.
“We were seeing Dr. Pedron in Cedar Rapids weekly,” Ryan said. “Emma went to her third or fourth appointment with him and she was told it was time to stay at St. Luke’s.” “With a high-risk pregnancy like Emma’s and some of the concerns we had it was best that she remained in the hospital for surveillance of the mother and the babies,” explained Dr. Pedron. “If she would suddenly go into labor, she would need a C-section, so you really want to have a team in place when the delivery occurs, and that team is a lot of people for triplets. You need three NICU teams poised and ready to care for these babies and St. Luke’s NICU team is one of the best.” “Our NICU team works hard to be worthy of the trust this community puts in us,” said Andrew Nordine, MD, St. Luke’s NICU medical director. “Caring for very low birthweight
“I would say we were naturally quarantined because we were taking care of the babies,” Emma said. “The frequency of the feedings and caring for the triplets kept us occupied and away from other people. We did have family help us but at that point they were working from home, so we didn’t have to worry as much about COVID-19 transmission.” The Leuchs report socially distanced walks around Dubuque have become a part of their routine during COVID-19. The couple is happy to report all three babies are developing right on track. Sharing that the triplets especially love tickles, giggles and are starting to roll. Find out why three out of four babies in the Cedar Rapids area are born at St. Luke’s. Learn more about our Birth Care Center and take a virtual tour online bit.ly/UPHBaby.
infants and multiples like the Leuchs triplets requires the experience, equipment, and expertise only St. Luke’s provides in Linn County. Our mission is to provide worldclass family-centered medical care for families and their infants close to home no matter what gestation.”
TRIPLETS ARRIVE On January 22 Emma’s water broke and around 7:30 p.m. she and a small army of doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s safely welcomed Reid Michael, Adriana Lee and Madelyn Marie to the world via C-section. The triplets arrived nearly ten weeks early and weighed a little over two pounds each.
From left: Madelyn, Reid and Adriana Photo by: JenLea Photography in Manchester, IA
“It was amazing to see them after they were born,” Ryan shared. “They were so small but they all did well. Really what they needed was respiratory support. Keeping them warm, fed and giving them time to grow.” “The care at St. Luke’s was excellent from the birth care center to the NICU,” said Emma. “Everyone was helpful and friendly. The medical team knew the birth plan from Dr. Pedron. My
VIDEO Emma and Ryan talk about what it was like learning they were expecting triplets and what the delivery and NICU stay was like. Go to bit.ly/LeuchsTriplets to see the video.
LiveWell Fall 2020 | 9
SURGERY
BACK IN STEP:
Surgery during COVID-19
Pam Hansen walking along a trail at Thomas Park in Marion.
As a registered nurse working at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – Marion, Pam Hansen is accustomed to spending a lot of time on her feet. But earlier this year, that was getting to be a significant problem. Her knees were in tremendous pain, and as if that wasn’t enough, a global pandemic suddenly stood between her and the restoration of her quality of life. “I think I have a pretty high pain tolerance,” Hansen said.
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“But I was having significant pain. I’d say it was probably an eight or a nine.”
WHEN PAIN INTENSIFIES Much of the trouble could be traced back to November 2018. Hansen was getting ready to decorate for Christmas when she tumbled down some stairs in her Cedar Rapids home. Some minor pain in her knees that had previously been an aggravation suddenly ramped up considerably.
Upon consultation, Jeffrey Nassif, MD, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, orthopedic surgeon, attributed Hansen’s condition to arthritis, and she began a series of cortisone shots to help alleviate the pain. But it soon became apparent knee replacement surgery would be the best option for both knees.
“The hospital has great policies,” she said. “They are doing everything they can to keep patients safe. I had no regrets at all because I know they follow the precautions to a T.”
Jeffrey Nassif, MD
“It just wasn’t getting better and staying better for a long period,” Hansen said. “I was having so much pain and I was not walking very well for my age (58). I didn’t want to be crippled up like I was.”
“There’s a lot of pre-operative testing being done to minimize risks,” explained Dr. Nassif. “Everybody that has surgery has a COVID test around 72 hours before surgery and they’re supposed to self-isolate for the 72 hours prior to surgery. In addition, patients admitted to the hospital are also tested, so I think the environment is very, very safe.”
“It got to the point where her pain was severely limiting her daily activities,” Dr. Nassif added.
“All the hospital staff is screened and wear masks,” Dr. Nassif continued. “Extra hand-washing and hand-sanitizing precautions are in place, and I think everybody in general is more cautious, and all of that is for the good.”
A CHANGE IN PLANS
LIVING WITHOUT PAIN
On Jan. 20, Dr. Nassif performed total joint replacement surgery on Hansen’s left knee. Recovery went smoothly with no complications, and replacement surgery on her right knee was scheduled for eight weeks later.
Now fully recovered and able to resume her life without pain, Hansen has no regrets about her decision. And she provides a voice of perspective for those who must give similar consideration to an elective surgery in the current COVID-19 environment.
But before she could return to the operating room for the second surgery, the entire world suddenly became a very different place. COVID-19 exploded into the global consciousness, elective surgeries were shut down, and Hansen’s return to active living was unexpectedly put on hold. “My left knee was feeling so much better, I felt my right knee would improve with surgery,” Hansen said. “I knew my second surgery would be eventually rescheduled. And then Dr. Nassif called me fairly soon, just when St. Luke’s started doing surgeries again, and I was on board, totally.”
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS At a time when hospital safety and protocols were increasing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Hansen said her decision to return to St. Luke’s in the midst of the pandemic and have replacement surgery performed on her right knee was a simple one. Dr. Nassif performed the procedure on May 27. Hansen’s background in healthcare gave her reassurance that proper precautions were in place to protect both patients and staff from COVID-19.
“I would say try not to be too scared,” Hansen added. “It’s a different day. It’s a different time. But St. Luke’s has policies in place. Moving ahead with a much-needed surgery like I did – it can enhance your life.” For Hansen, leisurely walks are once again an option. A stroll through a park or a shopping trip are no longer tests of how much pain she can endure. “It’s just changed my life entirely,” she said. “I work. I’m physical. I don’t jog, but I do a lot of walking, and to be able to walk and not have any pain is just amazing.”
VIDEO To watch a video and to learn more about having joint replacement surgery at St. Luke’s, visit unitypoint.org/jointsurgery.
LiveWell Fall 2020 | 11
Ask the Expert
Taking care of mental health during a challenging year even just a little bit, may help with our overall mental state.” Exercise may also improve sleep, which is Aquino’s next tip for better mental health.
GET PLENTY OF REST
Christy Aquino, Clinical Social Worker It’s important to maintain mental health, along with physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of the derecho. Christy Aquino, UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital Counseling Center clinical social worker shares some tips to help cope during this time.
GET MOVING “Moving our body is very important to our overall health,” said Aquino. “Studies show exercise not only helps physical health but also our mental well-being. Keeping our bodies moving is one of the most important things we can do right now. Exercise,
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“Getting enough sleep is important to our overall well-being,” said Aquino. “During this time, our schedules may be off. People may be lacking structure in their lives and if they’re working from home, they might be working all hours of the day. There is often a direct correlation between mental health and, how we’re functioning in our day.” Besides sleep, Aquino said it’s important to carve out a little quiet time for ourselves each day, even if it’s only a few minutes. Taking time to do something for ourselves may help us recharge and improve our mood. “If an individual is struggling with sleep, they should look at their routine leading up to bedtime,” said Aquino. “If you’re fighting with the kids or your spouse right before you lay down to go to bed, that’s going to impact how you sleep. Try getting away from social media and electronic devices or taking a bath. Find something that will
calm your mind. Some people write before they go to bed. It allows them to put their thoughts onto paper, allowing them to sleep more soundly.”
IDENTIFY FEELINGS “Both adults and children struggle with identifying their feelings,” said Aquino. “Both are dealing with experiences that are new and bottling them up isn’t healthy. We need to validate feelings and then problem solve. Maybe a child is missing their friend and they can’t see them faceto-face. Talk with the child and guide them on how they can come up with solutions. That way you are not putting all the pressure on yourself to make them feel better and they are learning life-long coping skills.” Remember, it’s OK to ask for help. Aquino said it’s never too early to connect with a mental health professional before something becomes a crisis.
Make a connection with a mental health provider, by calling (319) 398-3562 or visiting unitypoint.org/mentalhealthcare to learn more about the resources available.
For Your Health
URGENT CARE OR ER – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO hospital-based ER visit even though it usually offers less services than a hospital. We invite you to learn more at unitypoint.org/ KnowBeforeYouGo.
In an emergency - go to a hospital-based Emergency Room (ER) like St. Luke’s ER to receive lifesaving care. Hospital-based emergency rooms are different than extension or freestanding ERs – as hospitals are equipped with heart catherization labs to open blocked heart arteries faster and operating rooms for traumas that shouldn’t wait.
Individuals with minor illnesses or injuries should know their primary care provider or an urgent care clinic is the most appropriate place to visit. If your healthcare provider isn’t available, UnityPoint Health has several urgent care clinics for minor illnesses and injuries. Our urgent care clinics have online check-in aimed at reducing wait times and virtual waiting rooms to keep you safe during COVID-19.
Individuals who choose an extension ER may have to be transferred by an ambulance to a hospital-based ER in order to receive a higher level of care to treat a more serious or complex issue like a heart attack or stroke.
Find the healthcare provider that’s right for you at unitypoint.org.
A standalone ER may look like an urgent care, but it’s important to know choosing an extension ER may cost about the same as a
When you need sudden care, choose the option that is the best fit for you. PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER Start with your primary care provider’s office for all of your health care needs. Your provider knows you and your medical history best. Some examples of conditions treated by a primary care provider include: • Preventive care, physicals and immunizations • Medication refills • Persistent cold or flu symptoms • Rash or skin infection • Pink eye • Stomach problems • Diabetes • High blood pressure • Anxiety and depression • High cholesterol • Minor lacerations (cuts), contusions, abrasions Welcoming new patients: Find a doctor at unitypoint.org/findadr.
EMERGENCY ROOM (ER)
URGENT CARE Choose an urgent care clinic for treatment of injuries and illnesses that are not life threatening but still need immediate attention. • Upper respiratory problems • Ear infection • Minor injuries • Sprains and strains • Urinary tract infection
In an EMERGENCY - go to a hospitalbased ER like St. Luke’s ER to receive life-saving care faster! Hospitalbased ERs are equipped with heart catherization labs to open blocked heart arteries faster and operating rooms for traumas that can’t wait. Go to the ER or call 911 if you or a loved one experiences any of the following:
• Allergic reactions, non-life threatening
• Chest pain or any symptoms of a heart attack
• Rash or skin infection
• Head injury
• Minor burns
• Trauma
• Insect bites, minor animal or human bites
• Choking, difficulty breathing
• Minor lacerations (cuts), contusions, abrasions
• Symptoms of a stroke
Skip the wait and reserve your time online at unitypoint.org/urgentcare.
• Loss of consciousness
• Open fractures • Severe lacerations (cuts) • Sudden or severe abdominal pain • Sudden or severe headache
LiveWell Fall 2020 | 13
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Urgent Care without Emergency prices. Know Before You Go
Urgent Care
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Extended ER
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UnityPoint Health is committed to reducing healthcare expenses and delivering health care in the most appropriate setting. That’s why we want you to know choosing an ER not located in a hospital isn’t always the best choice if you are having an emergency. A hospital-based ER like St. Luke’s has heart catherization labs and operating rooms on-site, seeking care at an extension ER with a medical emergency may result in a delay in critical care, and an ambulance transfer to a hospital-based ER. Also know before you go — it may look like an urgent care and promise to get you in faster, but you will be billed for an ER visit. Choosing the right care, at the right place reduces your out-of-pocket expenses and your wallet will thank you.
unitypoint.org/knowbeforeyougo Source: Annals in Emergency Medicine, Aug. 2019
