Stormont-Vail's Healthy Times Summer 2015

Stormont-Vail HealthCare

Dedicated to your health ... for a lifetime.

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FAMILY HEALTH Palliative Care: A Part of Advance Care Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 LIFESTYLES Human Papillomavirus Vaccine is Cancer Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Stormont-Vail Affiliation with Mayo Clinic Care Network Provides Care Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MEDICAL NEWS MacVicar Location Slated for 2016 Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3D Mammography: A New Way of Looking at Breast Tissue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Endobronchial Ultrasound: Crucial Step to Early Diagnosis, Staging of Lung Cancer . . . . 9 Doctor's Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 CALENDAR Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Support Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Family Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Parenting

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 HealthWise 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Healthy Summer 2015

TIMES

Stormont-Vail Expands Outpatient Therapy Services The outpatient therapy services of the Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital (KRH) and the former KRH therapy staff became a part of the Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy department of Stormont-Vail.

The therapists and their programs will continue to be located at KRH, but the areas of clinical expertise of aquatic and neurologic rehabilitation will now be available to Stormont-Vail patients.

“These skilled clinicians are of great value to Stormont-Vail and the community,” said Steve Englander, MSPT, director of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy. “We will now be in a position to better serve the community by adding these skilled clinicians to our team and the specific skills they possess in aquatics and neurologic rehabilitation will benefit our patients greatly.”

The KRH location joins the department's three other outpatient locations: Fleming Place, 4019 S.W. 10th Ave.; Kansas Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 909 S.W. Mulvane; and CottonO’Neil Clinic in Carbondale. Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy also provides acute care services at StormontToby Thompson Vail Regional Health Center.

The addition of the KRH location “It opens up more services and allows also gives Stormont-Vail patients another patients to get in sooner,” he said. In addition option of where to go for therapy, said Toby to the aquatic and neurologic therapy, the clinic Thompson, outpatient clinic supervisor for the will also offer STAR certified oncology therapy.

Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy clinic at KRH.

(Continued on page 2)

MEDICAL NEWS “This will be a big help for our cancer patients, being right across the street from the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center,” Thompson said. Previously, the only location for oncology therapy was Fleming Place. In addition, the therapy staff at the KRH location also provides hand therapy and workers’ compensation therapy services.

What is aquatic therapy?

Aquatic therapy uses the gentle resistance of water, taking excess pressure off joints while still building strength and increasing range of motion.

What are the benefits of aquatic therapy?

Aquatic therapy can give patients increased flexibility, improved circulation, boosted cardiovascular stamina and strengthening of injured tissue.

How do I know if aquatic therapy can help me?

Many common conditions including: foot, ankle and knee pain; stroke; musculoskeletal disorders; arthritis; brain injury; chronic back pain; and amputation may be helped by aquatic therapy. It also can help patients who have had difficulty with traditional physical therapy begin treatment and then transition to a land therapy program.

Does insurance cover aquatic therapy?

Yes, most major insurance plans cover therapies including aquatic.

What is neurologic therapy?

Neurologic therapy covers a range of treatments to mitigate the debilitating effects of many neurological disorders.

What are the benefits of neurologic therapy?

Neurologic therapy helps patients overcome the impairments that neurological disorders can cause when they try to perform everyday activities such as grooming, bathing, cooking, eating, walking and engaging in leisure activities. It can also help improve speech and language skills reduced by neurological disorders as well as help build social skills, mood and motivation.

How do I know if neurologic therapy can help me?

Patients who have suffered from neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, brain injury and concussion, stroke, Guillain-Barre Syndrome and spinal cord injury can all benefit from neurological therapy.

Does insurance cover neurologic therapy?

Yes, most major insurance plans cover therapies including neurologic.

– Corey Shoup

The KRH facility features a large therapy services room for physical and speech therapy sessions as well as an on-site pool for aquatic therapy sessions.

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MEDICAL NEWS

MacVicar Location Slated for

2016 Completion Construction continues on Stormont-Vail HealthCare’s new building on S.W. MacVicar, with a move-in date slated for early 2016. The center will be the new home of Orthopedic Surgery, Stormont-Vail Single Day Surgery and the Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy departments.

The center’s design allows for easy access by patients, and the bringing together of both surgery and therapy services allows for cross-functional collaboration of the health care teams.

“We worked with the staff and physicians to understand their processes to better design the layout for them,” said David Cunningham, vice president of support services and facilities/construction officer of Stormont-Vail. The sloped site allows for the east entrance on the first floor for surgery, with the west entrance on the second level for physical therapy.

“It’s a beautiful site, and it brings all of our orthopedic medicine together,” Cunningham added.

The center was the culmination of several years of planning, including saving a rare female gingko tree on the site. The grounds will also include a walking trail for patients and staff.

– Corey Shoup

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MEDICAL LIFESTYLES NEWS

Human Papillomavirus

Vaccine

Is

Cancer Prevention Some parents shut down the conversation with their child’s health care provider when the clinician mentions the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

The HPV vaccine doesn’t open the door to sex. It closes the door to cancer – providing the child with important protection from a virus

that is getting new victims every day.

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“Like all of the other routine childhood vaccines, HPV vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective in reducing the risk of cervical cancers in females and genital warts and cancers in males. If your teen hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet, talk to their doctor about getting it for them as soon as possible,” said Maryam Tabrizi, M.D., FAAP, pediatrician at PediatricCare.

Just as early immunizations are important

to babies and young children, these adolescent vaccinations help protect children as they get closer to their adult years.

Kansas ranks the lowest of all states in the HPV vaccination rates for adolescents, with rates decreasing further since 2009.

Several statewide initiatives are underway to reverse that trend, including one by the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care (KFMC), which has started discussions among health organizations, providers and others across the state.

HPV is a common virus that impacts both men and women. The HPV vaccine reduces the risk for HPV infections that cause cancer. In the United States, each year HPV causes about 17,000 cancers in women

LIFESTYLES

and 9,000 cancers in men. About 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and about 14 million more become infected each year.

HPV infections can cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal and throat cancers, as well as genital warts.

HPV vaccination has been recommended since 2011 by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for both boys and girls. The HPV vaccines, administered as a series of three shots over six months, produce a higher immune response in preteens than older adolescents. To increase immunity to the virus before exposure, the ACIP recommends routine vaccination against HPV-related cancer.

Nationally, HPV vaccination rates are lower than those for other vaccines recommended for adolescents. The Tdap vaccination rate was 86.0 percent, while the rate for the HPV vaccine three dose series was only 13.9 percent for boys and 37.6 percent for girls.

In Kansas, data show current rates for the HPV vaccine three dose series of 8.6 percent for boys and 17.2 percent for girls. That means the next generation of Kansans is vulnerable to HPV cancers. A child’s

Adolescent Vaccinations for Your Child Parents want to protect their children and keep them safe. They teach them to wear a seatbelt when riding in the car or wear a helmet when bicycling. Getting immunizations to protect a child today and in the future is extremely important, and includes adolescent immunizations that protect against very serious illnesses.

These include: • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine, which protects against an infection that causes meningitis and blood infection.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against infection with a virus associated with cervical and other forms of cancer. The HPV vaccine is given in a three-dose series over a six-month period to protect both females and males.

• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) booster vaccine that includes protection against tetanus (lockjaw), a bacteria found in the soil that enters the body through a wound; diphtheria, a contagious bacterial disease that affects the respiratory system; and pertussis (whopping cough), which is caused by direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. Pertussis has been on the rise in the U.S., and is particularly dangerous to infants and small children who may be infected by unvaccinated adolescents and adults.

health care provider should have a discussion with adolescent patients and their parents, recommending that the HPV vaccine is necessary and safe, and will help prevent future cancers.

At Stormont-Vail, the Cancer Committee in 2015 has an initiative to raise awareness of the link between cancers and HPV and to encourage parents and adolescents to talk to their provider about the vaccine. Stormont-Vail’s pediatric group, PediatricCare, knows the importance of the HPV vaccine, resulting in immunization rates above the national average.

“Response to the vaccine is better at 11-12 years of age, compared to older ages. We vaccinate at this age so children have the best protection possible long before the start of any kind of sexual activity,” said Dr. Tabrizi. “We vaccinate people well before they are exposed to an infection, as is the case with measles and other recommended childhood vaccines. Similarly, we want to vaccinate children well before they get exposed to HPV.” – Anita Fry

What is HPV? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common family of viruses that causes infection of the skin or mucous membranes of various areas of the body. There are over 100 different types of HPVs. Different types of HPV infection affect different areas of the body. For instance, some types of HPV cause warts in the genital area and other types can lead to abnormal cells on the cervix, vulva, anus, penis, mouth, and throat, sometimes leading to cancer.

Vaccines are available to protect against the types of HPVs that give rise to most HPV-caused cancers.

The vaccines are recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American College of Physicians (ACP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CSC) and the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC).

For maximum protection, it’s important for the adolescent to receive all follow-up doses of the vaccines. If you have questions about what vaccinations your child needs, talk to your child’s health care provider.

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FAMILY HEALTH

Palliative Care:

A Part of Advance Care Planning It has been said that the measure of a life is not its length, but its fullness.

Making sure life is as full as it can be, regardless of the limitations an illness may place on it, is what the Stormont-Vail Palliative Care Program is all about.

Patients at Stormont-Vail HealthCare diagnosed with a serious or chronic condition, regardless of prognosis, can benefit from the symptom management, pain management and support services of this program.

The main goal is to follow the patient’s lead and help enhance the quality of life – spiritually, emotionally and physically. More than just medication relief, the palliative care program offers personal consultation,

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specialized care in a comfortable environment, and long-term planning if needed.

“Palliative care is very focused on setting goals,” said Gary Robertson, Stormont-Vail Palliative Care coordinator. “It is a management option for patients when faced with a life-shortening illness that is designed to involve whoever needs to be a part of this important process, extended family included, to ensure continuity of care and symptom control issues are addressed and that the patient’s wishes are carried out.”

FAMILY HEALTH

If a patient receiving treatment in a unit within the hospital is referred to palliative care services by their treating physician, a member of the team will consult with the patient, their physician and family to discuss a plan that’s right for them. The palliative care team at Stormont-Vail HealthCare consists of Drs. Michael Cox, Aileen McCarthy and Travis DeVader; Connie Rundle, APRN; and Gary Robertson, Palliative Care coordinator.

Creating a plan for making important decisions about care includes such things as determining how to continue treating symptoms, whether to employ life-sustaining or life-extending measures, what kind of post-hospital care to coordinate, and what arrangements to make should a condition worsen.

“Planning should start early on in the diagnosis of an illness,” said Robertson. “That is the ideal time to start an individualized treatment plan that can be developed to adapt to a patient’s rapidly changing medical condition.”

Patients and their family may ask for a consult, but usually their physician will make a referral for palliative care.

“Physicians are making referrals earlier compared to over two years ago,” said Travis DeVader, M.D. “As a service we have grown 30 percent and we are looking to expand. I think more physicians are educated about the resource and understand how important it is to involve the palliative team early on for the patient and their family’s peace of mind.”

Normally, the care plan involves moving from the hospital to home or to a hospice or nursing center. There are several exceptional hospice providers in Stormont-Vail’s service area.

Palliative Care assists patients and family in linking up with the hospice of their choice to provide services in the home or in an institutional care setting. Sometimes, when time is short, there is no benefit to the patient or family in leaving the hospital setting.

At such times, the Palliative Care room on 6-North provides a special setting that will accommodate the patient and family in a more home-like environment with comfortable chairs, colorful bed quilts, crocheted blankets and snacks.

“Bringing in palliative care does not have to destroy hope in patients,” said Robertson. “It is knowing support is out there for end of life and it gives hope for something very difficult to handle. It’s about making the patient feel like they haven’t been abandoned and sometimes it gives permission for the patient to say when treatment is enough. With involving family and the treating physician, the patient doesn’t feel like they are letting anyone down. Everyone has been a part of the discussion and the patient can now have some control over maximizing comfort with managing pain for the time they have.”

– Linda Ruiz

Transportable Physician Order for Patient Preferences (TPOPP) A Living Will focuses on life-prolonging interventions at the very end of life, but a Transportable Physician Order for Patient Preferences (TPOPP) covers a broader spectrum of treatment issues for patients with progressive, advanced and chronic illnesses or frailty that may be encountered over the last year or two of life.

This bright pink form is a tool used to capture a patient’s treatment goals in the form of a physician order, helping to avoid confusion.

It is filled out during an extended discussion with a patient’s physician and it does not replace Advance Directives, but instead should serve to clarify them. Use of the original pink form is strongly encouraged, but photocopies and faxes of signed TPOPP forms are valid as well. A copy should be in a patient’s medical record.

“Patients should be having these important conversations with their physicians often,” said Travis DeVader, M.D. “When an emergency happens you could have treatments that you might not want given, by a care team that is not familiar with your current medical condition or patient preferences. A TPOPP will follow a patient wherever they go and will serve as a guide ensuring that the patient’s wishes are followed as a patient moves from one health care setting to another including home, hospital, or other facility.”

TPOPP orders are to be respected by all receiving providers in compliance with institutional policy.

There is no statutory basis for the TPOPP orders, but this document is the result of a national initiative (also known as POLST – Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) and has been utilized in the Topeka area for the past several years.

TPOPP forms should be reviewed when: • The patient is transferred from one care setting or care level to another, or • There is a substantial change in the patient’s health status, or • The patient’s treatment preferences change Completing a TPOPP form is always voluntary and a patient can modify or void a TPOPP at any time and they can request alternative treatment. A patient with the ability to do so, at any time, can revoke a TPOPP by any means that indicates intent to revoke. It is recommended that revocation be documented by drawing a line through Sections A through D on the form, writing “VOID” in large letters, and signing and dating this line.

– Linda Ruiz

Kim Olson, social worker at the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center, is a part of the palliative care team at the cancer center.

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MEDICAL NEWS

3D Mammography: A new Way of Looking at Breast Tissue What comes to mind when you think of 3D? Perhaps computer graphics or 3D movies – the kind that requires you to wear special glasses. Or maybe you think about 3D printers, which make threedimensional solid objects from a digital file and have been taking the world by storm.

You might think 3D in regards to health care is science fiction and out of this world—or at least out of the Topeka area. But 3D mammography, which is changing how some breast cancers are detected, is now available at the Jane C. Stormont Women’s Center in Topeka.

While digital mammography is still one of the most advanced technologies available today, it is only a two-dimensional picture of the breast. The breast is a three-dimensional structure composed of blood vessels, milk ducts, fat, and ligaments. All of these parts of the breast, located at different places within, can overlap and cause confusion when viewed as a two-dimensional, flat image. This confusion of overlapping tissue may appear abnormal, leading to inaccurate results.

3D mammography allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time by using high-powered computing to convert digital breast images into a stack of very thin layers or “slices” – building what is essentially a “three-dimensional” visual of breast tissue.

A good analogy for 3D mammography is thinking of the pages in a book. If you look down at the cover of a closed book, you cannot see all of the pages. But if you open the book up, you can go through

the entire book page-by-page to see everything between the covers. 3D mammography is designed with the same concept in mind.

Stormont-Vail HealthCare follows guidelines by the American Cancer Society that recommend annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40. Doctors agree that early detection is the best defense again breast cancer. Successful treatment and survival rates for breast cancer are dramatically affected by early detection of breast cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, if breast cancer is detected early, before it has spread to lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent.

A 3D mammography exam is very similar to having a traditional 2D mammography exam. A technologist will position you, compress your breast and take images from different angels. There’s no additional compression required with 3D mammography and it takes just a few seconds longer for each view. Very low X-ray energy is used during the screening examination, so your radiation exposure is below the FDA guidelines.

Multiple studies show that all women, regardless of breast type or density, benefit from 3D mammography. 3D mammography may also be used during a diagnostic mammogram if you happen to be called back.

Not all insurances cover 3D mammography at this time. Be sure to check with your insurance company about coverage before scheduling a 3D mammography.

Stormont-Vail HealthCare and the Jane C. Stormont Women’s Center continue to provide women with the resources and opportunities to take care of their breast health needs. To schedule a mammogram at the Jane C. Stormont Women’s Center, contact (785) 354-5960.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

A stereotactic breast biopsy is a surgical procedure that uses mammography to collect a tissue sample from a breast lump. It is normally done because your doctor suspects the lump might be cancerous. This form of biopsy is often used when small growths or accumulations of calcium are detected on a mammogram, but do not appear on an ultrasound.

Stereotactic breast biopsies use the X-rays from mammograms to locate problems within the breast.

The images help guide a specialist so that he or she can extract a small sample of the tissue. The sample is then tested for cancer cells in a laboratory.

– Linda Ruiz Libby Vance, ARRT (R) (M), is a registered mammographer at the Jane C. Stormont Women's Center.

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MEDICAL NEWS

Endobronchial Ultrasound:

Crucial Step to Early Diagnosis, Staging of Lung Cancer Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women and it accounts for 27 percent of all cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Every year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.

While lung cancer has a very serious prognosis, the key to treatment is early and accurate detection and diagnosis.

Salah Najm, M.D., and fellow pulmonologists at Stormont-Vail HealthCare use a new technology to enhance and speed the process Salah Najm, M.D. of diagnosing lung cancer. The EndoBronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is an ultrasound device attached to a bronchoscopy tube that is inserted into a patient’s mouth or nose and passes through the trachea (wind pipe) into the lungs.

According to Dr. Najm, the EBUS “allows us to examine the airways with direct visualization using a camera and an ultrasound.”

The EBUS is used on patients who have had an abnormal PET or CT scan. Doctors who suspect their patient may have cancer or an abnormality can refer the patient to the pulmonologists who may schedule a bronchoscopy with an EBUS. Registered Respiratory Therapist Christie Wedeking said the EBUS “helps visualize things that are beyond the vision of the actual scope, the tissue behind the airways, for example, the lymph nodes.”

Once the camera and the ultrasound are inserted into the lungs, doctors can see abnormalities as well as take samples for biopsy with a small needle inserted through the scope.

The procedure takes about an hour and patients are under a general or local anesthetic. Any patient who undergoes this outpatient procedure, should expect to be in the hospital for three to four hours including registration and recovery times.

Before the creation of the EBUS, doctors had to rely on PET scans, CT scans and mediastinoscopy to diagnose and stage lung cancer. In a recent study by Dr. Kazuhiro Yasufuku, director of the Interventional Thoracic Surgery Program and Associate Profession of Surgery at University of Toronto, the staging of cancer using an EBUS is accurate 98 percent of the time compared to either a PET scan which is accurate 72.5 percent or a CT scan which is accurate 60 percent of the time.

In addition to the accuracy of an EBUS, the results are generated very quickly.

“In some cases we can have a rapid interpretation of the slides, we can have the pathologist come up and look under the microscope and identify right then and there if there was a cancer,” Wedeking said.

Dr. Najm notes that this is an important aspect of getting patients the right treatment quickly. He said that once a diagnosis is reached, the pulmonologists will reach out to oncologists to set up a cancer treatment plan immediately.

In some instances, patients could have an abnormal scan, undergo an EBUS and have an appointment set with an oncologist in less than a week.

Unlike a mediastinoscopy, there is no surgery so recovery time is quicker for patients. “There is no recovery time if [the patient] is going to start chemotherapy, for example, there is no need to wait for wound healing,” said Dr. Najm.

Endobronchial Ultrasounds are not a cure for lung cancer, but they are a crucial step in the early diagnosis and staging of cancer that can lead to the right treatments.

Patients who may be at risk for lung cancer include smokers, people who experience unexplained and rapid weight loss, cough up blood or have pain or discomfort in their chest. These patients should contact their doctor.

– Niki Maloney

Understanding the Terms Bronchoscopy – a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease that uses a bronchoscope – a long flexible scope.

CT scan – computed tomography imaging that uses special x-ray equipment to make cross-sectional pictures of your body.

Mediastinoscopy – a surgical procedure with a biopsy in which a lighted instrument is inserted into the space in the chest between the lungs through a small incision in the neck.

PET scan – a positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body.

Ultrasound – a type of imaging that uses high frequency sound waves to look at organs and structures inside the body.

Source: Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine

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MEDICAL LIFESTYLES NEWS MEDICAL NEWS

Stormont-Vail Affiliation with

Mayo Clinic Care Network Provides Care Collaboration

Bradley Marples, M.D.

Stormont-Vail HealthCare recently celebrated its first year anniversary as a members of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. One of the key services provided through the network is eConsults, which gives Stormont-Vail physicians the opportunity to collaborate with Mayo Clinic specialists on requested cases. Dr. Bradley Marples, medical informatics and eConsult coordinator, successfully manages the eConsults process for Stormont-Vail.

The majority of eConsults are generated by Cotton-O’Neil specialists.

Using the electronic medical record, a specialist orders a Mayo eConsult.

They address five questions as part of their request and prepare a summary note that is critical as it describes in detail the patient and situation. The eConsult request and summary information are then forwarded to Dr. Marples and he gathers additional information to send to Mayo consultants.

MRI scans, chest X-rays, pathology slides and/or laboratory information may be included. If needed, he also obtains patient records, lab tests, and scans from KU Med and other hospitals. Electronic records allow sharing in a matter of minutes and hours compared to the courier and mail services of past years.

Once Dr. Marples has collected all pertinent information, he bundles the large amount of information and sends it through an Internet portal to Mayo. Mayo receives the information and it is reviewed first by pathologists and then sent to radiologists and selected disease-specific specialists for their opinions. Within 48 hours a preliminary report is electronically sent back to Dr. Marples and the signed report follows. The information is quickly shared with the requesting Cotton-O’Neil specialist and any other physician working with the patient. Mayo physicians may call Cotton-O’Neil physicians to verbally discuss the case, ask a few more questions, and/or offer treatment suggestions. In cases when information is needed immediately, Cotton-O’Neil physicians will call Mayo directly to discuss the case.

At the end of Stormont-Vail’s first year as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Dr. Marples has completed more than 160 eConsults and Cotton-O’Neil specialists have responded positively about the process and share that their patients have benefited from these services, enabling patients to receive excellent care while staying close to home.

– Lenora Kinzie, MLS

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FAMILY HEALTH

Doctor's Orders Helping preschoolers to be active is imperative to their good health.

Healthy Times spoke with Maryam Tabrizi, M.D., FAAP, pediatrician at PediatricCare in Mission Woods. Dr. Tabrizi is now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment for your child, call (785) 273-7571.

When should my preschool age child begin to exercise?

According to Dr. Maryam Tabrizi, a preschool-aged child may seem to have an endless supply of energy. But too often, that energy never gets used. Mainly because preschoolers frequently spend hours a day in front of the television, their energy levels go to waste, which leads to an increased risk of becoming overweight. In fact, today’s children are four times less active than their grandparents were.

Building healthy eating habits and growing a taste for healthy food and snacks is very important and being physically active is just as important as eating right. The best way for kids to stay active is by incorporating physical activity into their daily routine.

Benefits of Being Active

Kids learn life skills and grow socially, physically and developmentally by playing and being active. Further more, being physically active has so many other benefits, to name a few: • Strengthens muscles and bones • Controls weight • Decreases risk of developing type 2 diabetes • Leads to better sleep • Allows for a better outlook on life

Maryam Tabrizi, M.D., FAAP

Healthy, physically active kids also are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. And physical competence builds selfesteem at every age.

It’s important to keep in mind that your preschooler’s physical skills are developing faster then their good judgment. Always keep playtime supervised in order to keep them from harm.

Activities to Do with Your Preschooler Age 2: Running, walking, galloping, jumping, swimming with adult supervision

Age 3: Hopping, climbing, riding a tricycle with training wheels and a helmet, catching, throwing, bouncing and kicking a ball

Age 4:

Skipping, tag, sledding, swimming, obstacle course

Age 5: Riding a bicycle with a helmet, somersaulting,

rollerblading or ice-skating, gymnastics, soccer, or virtual games such as Wii

– Tami Motley

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Calendar JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST 2015 SUPPORT & EDUCATION GROUPS Lunch and Learn with the Stormont-Vail Auxiliary Learn about the Stormont-Vail Auxiliary at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 18, in Stormont-Vail HealthCare, Administrative Conference Center, 1500 S.W. 10th Ave. The Auxiliary is a group of men and women that support the health center with voluntary service and monetary assistance of programs. If you are interested in attending the meeting to learn about the Auxiliary’s activities, please contact Stormont-Vail HealthCare Auxiliary Services at (785) 354-6095.

Medicare Educational Seminar Century Health Solutions, a division of Stormont-Vail HealthCare, will hold a Medicare educational seminar at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 10, July 8 or Aug. 12, at 2951 S.W. Woodside Dr., Topeka. Learn the basics of Medicare and all of its options. Seminars are designed for those becoming eligible for Medicare as well as those considering making a change during open enrollment. Please contact Crystal for reservations at (785) 286-6402. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

Depression and Bi-Polar Support Alliance Sponsored in part by Behavioral Health Services at StormontVail West, meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at Valeo, 330 S.W. Oakley and at 1:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Topeka Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Alzheimer’s Support Groups The Alzheimer’s Association has three caregiver support groups available as well as other support services. Call Alzheimer’s Association at (785) 271-1844 for days and times.

Topeka Celiac Support Group The Topeka Celiac Support Group provides information, support and knowledge of how to eat safely to avoid gluten from grainbased proteins in wheat, rye, barley and possibly oats. Meeting is 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Pozez Education Center. For more information, contact Sharon Larson, president, (785) 379-0479.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Group First and third Thursdays of the month from 6 to 8 p.m.

Pozez Education Center. For information, call (785) 354-5225.

The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Group, which has regular meetings to share information and experiences, also has a blog for members, which offers communication, resources and support. If you are interested in learning more about the blog, please e-mall lrosen@stormontvail.org Topeka “HEALS” Support Group A confidential peer support group that is also known as Survivors of Suicide, “HEALS” stands for “Healing After Loss by Suicide.” It is for those who have lost a loved one by suicide.

First and third Tuesdays of the month in Pozez Education Center at 7 p.m. For more information, call (785) 249-3792.

Topeka Chapter, The Compassionate Friends Peer-facilitated group offering friendship, hope and support to families who have experienced the death of a child, at any age and from any cause. Fourth Monday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Formation Room of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish Center, 3601 S.W. 17th. Bi-monthly newsletter and three memorial events a year. For more information, call Susan Chan, (785) 554-4895.

“On the Road to Better Managing Your Diabetes” Class In need of an update or “refresher” on your diabetes knowledge and skills? We have just the class you need.

Upcoming class dates are Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, Aug. 6. Meeting time is 9 to 10:30 a.m. for both dates. Class will be held in the Diabetes Learning Center classroom, lower level of the Cotton-O’Neil Endocrinology Center, 3520 S.W. 6th Ave. Call (785) 368-0416 to reserve a seat. Your insurance will be billed for the cost of attendance.

Living with Diabetes Adult Support Group Meets from 10 to 11 a.m. each Tuesday, except holidays, at the Cotton-O’Neil Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, lower level, 3520 S.W. 6th Ave. A Diabetes Learning Center staff educator facilitates each meeting. There is no fee to attend and no need to pre-register. Call (785) 368-0416 with questions.

MOMS: Moms of Multiples Support Support group for parents expecting or parenting multiples. For information about meetings, call Angela at (785) 267-2955.

Cancer Support Group Meets Mondays at 11 a.m. to noon in the library of the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave. For more information, call 1-800-354-0091.

Grief and Loss Support Groups Midland Care offers weekly grief and loss support groups available to the public. For more information, call Tim Keogh at (785) 232-2044.

Loved Ones Partnering for Support (Caregivers Group) Meets Tuesdays at 2 p.m. in the library of the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave. For more information, call 1-800-354-0091.

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Cancer Center Pet Meet and Greet Wednesdays at 10 to 11 a.m. in the lobby of the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave. For more information, call 1-800-354-0091.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group Affiliated with SPOHNC (Support for People with Head and Neck Cancer). Meets the second Wednesday of the month, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center library, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave. For more information, call 1-800-354-0091.

Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets the first Thursday of the month at St. Francis Comprehensive Cancer Center, second floor conference room, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Men who have been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer or have been cancer-free for years are invited to attend. Family members welcome. The group is lead by a cancer survivor volunteer. For more information, call (785) 230-4422.

Parents Partnering for Support Support group for parents with children with a diagnosis of cancer. Fourth Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. For location and information, call Leigh Ann at (785) 270-4905.

Tai Chi for Patients and Families of the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center Tai Chi Easy offers physical and mental benefits no matter what your age or physical limitations. Tuesdays at the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center (3:30 p.m. hard, and 4:30 p.m. easy). For more information, call 1-800-354-0091.

Look Good Feel Better Educational Program Program is offered at the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, June 15. For more information, call 1-800-354-0091 or the American Cancer Society at (785) 273-4462.

Stroke Support Group at KRH A stroke support group is now meeting the first Friday of each month at the Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital. Meetings are 4 to 5 p.m. in the West Dining Hall, first floor. The support group is for patients and families of those who have suffered a stroke. For more information or to RSVP, call Randy Williams at (785) 235-6600, Ext. 553.

FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAMS To register for Family Education classes, call Health Connections at (785) 354-5225.

And Baby Makes Four or More (for children 5 and older) 6:30 to 8 p.m. • Thursdays, June 11 and July 9, and Wednesday, Aug. 26 • Pozez Education Center $10 per family Lori Hamilton, occupational therapist This class for potential siblings and their parents includes a tour of The Birthplace, a video presentation and a discussion of what to expect after the baby comes. The special roles of big brother and big sister are explored. Parents are able to address how they can help their older child adjust to the new baby.

CALENDAR And Baby Makes Four or More (for children ages 2 to 4) 6:30 to 8 p.m. • Wednesdays, June 10, July 8 and Aug. 19 Pozez Education Center • $10 per family • Lori Hamilton, occupational therapist This sibling preparation class includes a tour of The Birthplace and provides structured activities to help young children verbalize their concerns and expectations about when “the new baby come.” This class is for young children who will soon be big brothers and big sisters and their parents.

From Girl to Woman Saturdays, June 20 and Aug. 8 • 9 a.m. to noon Pozez Education Center • $25 mother/daughter couple Course pre-registration required.

The time in a girl’s life between ages 8 and 12 is one of dramatic physical and emotional changes. This program for girls and their mothers, will address menstruation and other physical changes of puberty, the emotional upheaval of adolescence, and communication techniques for mothers and daughters.

From Boy to Man Saturday, June 20 and Aug. 8 • 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Pozez Education Center • $25/parent/son couple Course pre-registration required.

When we think of puberty and its changes, we usually think of girls and the transition they make, but boys experience puberty, too. While usually starting later than girls, the time in a boy’s life between the ages of 10 and 13 is filled with many physical and emotional changes. These changes are exciting, but often puzzling, sometimes embarrassing, and usually challenging to a young adolescent. Join us for a discussion that will focus on the physiological changes of puberty, the developmental tasks of early adolescence and ways to improve communication between boys and their parents. This class features time for boys and parents together but also time for separate facilitated discussion.

PARENTING PROGRAMS To register for Parenting classes, call Health Connections at (785) 354-5225.

Welcome Baby Sundays, June 28 and Aug. 30 • 2 to 5 p.m. • Pozez Education Center • $15 per family This three-hour class will consist of updated information for the whole family. Such topics include an overview of pregnancy with strategies to deal with common discomforts, intro to labor and birth, what to expect, choices and options during labor and delivery. In addition, baby care, including car seat information, a gift bag and community resources will be provided. Finally, adjustment to parenthood and grandparenthood will also be covered in this class. Mothers are welcome to bring their support person, family or a friend who provides support during their pregnancy and beyond.

Childbirth Preparation I: For New Parents Please visit us online at www.stormontvail.org for class dates and times • Pozez Education Center • Weekday evening and weekend classes available • $60 (payable at the first class) Learn breathing and relaxation skills plus information is provided

on other pain control measures. Included is information on late pregnancy, labor and birth, early parenting experience and a tour of The Birthplace. Classes are taught by experienced instructors and are tailored to the adult learner with plenty of opportunity for individuals and couples to explore their own personal needs. Dress comfortably and bring two pillows. eLearning Online Childbirth Education Program eLearning Online Childbirth Education Program is an alternative for those parents who cannot attend conventional prenatal classes due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts or time constraints. It is an interactive web-based program that includes animated illustrations, videos and voice-overs. It can be viewed on a PC or Mac. High speed Internet is advised, but dial-up will work; it will take longer to download.

Upon registration, we will send you a code to access the class.

Once you log in with the code issued, you have six weeks to complete the information at your own pace. The fee also includes a tour of the Birthplace. Visit us at www.stormontvail.org to register.

Childbirth Preparation I: For Parents Having Cesarean Sections Please visit us online at www.stormontvail.org for class dates and times • $30 (payable at the first class) Whether this is your first cesarean section or you are having a repeat cesarean section, your delivery is an event we would like to help you prepare for. You will find out what to expect from admission to dismissal. We will watch films, show slides, have open discussion, practice breathing and relaxation techniques, and tour The Birthplace.

Birthing with Confidence Please visit us online at www.stormontvail.org for class dates and times • Pozez Education Center • Weekday evening and weekend classes available • $60 (payable at the first class) This class is designed for woman and their support person who would like an in depth exploration of alternative ways to deal with the pain of labor besides epidurals and IV pain medications. The instructors, who have many years of experience with laboring women will help the participants to be aware of their strengths and abilities to cope with the process of labor and the strategies that are effective for pain control. There will be opportunities to examine potential barriers to reaching individual goals and methods to overcome those barriers in order to achieve their unique goals. This class series is interactive and uses videos, games and more to prepare you and help you understand that birth is a normal, natural, and healthy process.

Breastfeeding Basics First Tuesday of each month (except for holidays) • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. • June 2, July 7 and Aug. 4 • Pozez Education Center • $10 This informal introduction to breastfeeding provides pregnant women and their families an opportunity to learn all they need to know about breastfeeding before their babies are born. Classes are designed to help families prepare for their breastfeeding experience by providing information on how breastfeeding works, how to get started, problems that may arise and how to incorporate breastfeeding and working.

Pumping for Your Baby Second and fourth Thursdays • 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. • Breastfeeding Clinic, Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center • Free Designed for women planning to work outside of the home or for

those who are breastfeeding but want the flexibility to be away from their baby. This class is designed for mothers who have delivered.

Mothers who are at least 2-3 weeks postpartum would benefit most from this class. We will provide information and options for expressing milk from the breast. We’ll address breast pumps and how to choose one, pumping techniques, milk storage and maintaining adequate milk production. For the mom working outside of the home, we also will explore issues of time management, negotiating with employers and relationships with co-workers. We’ll also discuss the very important role childcare providers play in breastfeeding success and methods of feeding breast milk to infants. Babies welcome, preregistration not required.

Breastfeeding Clinic Weekdays 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Second and Fourth Thursdays 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

An opportunity to obtain help and information about any breastfeeding issue. Clinic is staffed by registered nurses and lactation consultants. Stop by during open clinic hours or appointments are available after hours for a fee. Please call (785) 354-5034.

Infant Massage Class 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. • Aug. 20 • Breastfeeding Clinic • $30 Infant massage class is designed to give parents the opportunity to learn and practice massage techniques. Massage helps to calm babies and strengthen infant development. Infant massage can provide a fun way of communicating with your baby and growing child. Come join us and get to know your baby through touch.

Join Us: Welcome Baby Jubilee Stormont-Vail invites pregnant and soon-to-be pregnant couples to an open house that showcases the services and amenities that the Birthplace and the Neonatal IntensiveCare (NIC) provide women and their families during the labor and delivery process.

Refreshments, tours, door prizes and information on Birthplace services and classes are provided. Physicians and other staff will be on hand to answer your questions about pregnancy and infant care. Vendors and other community resource representatives will be present.

Pregnant and soon-to-be pregnant couples are welcome to drop by anytime during the open house. Enter for a chance to win $250 gift card to Babies R Us or Medela Breast Pump. Visit stormontvail.org for details. To attend the Jubilee, please email us at marketing@stormontvail.org or click “I’m Attending” on the Stormont-Vail HealthCare Facebook event page.

Mark Your Calendar for Welcome Baby Jubilee: Please join us from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Pozez Education Center, 1505 S.W. 8th Ave. (Stormont-Vail’s main campus). Please park in the parking garage.

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CALENDAR

HealthWise 55 Programs June, July and August 2015

HealthWise 55 is an organization sponsored by StormontVail HealthCare for those 55 years of age and older who want to stay current on health information and health resources. Membership is free. For information about joining HealthWise 55, a packet of exercise information and reservations for Senior Suppers, Lunch Bunch and coffees, call Health Connections at Stormont-Vail at (785) 354-5225. For clinic information and appointments, call (785) 354-6787.

Senior Supper Information Reservations - Call (785) 354-5225. Please provide a name and phone number for each person attending.

To help us have an accurate count, please call for reservations or cancellations by Thursday before each program. We understand this isn’t always possible. Thank you for your consideration.

Parking - Please enter through Stormont-Vail HealthCare Main Entrance. Volunteers will be available with mobility assistance, if requested. We offer an alternative parking solution to those attending Senior Suppers. Aldersgate Village and Brewster Place offer free transportation from the parking lot of Grace Episcopal Cathedral (West side of parking area) to the Main Entrance of Stormont-Vail HealthCare. The bus will be in the parking lot at 4:45 p.m. and leave at 5 p.m. Let Health Connections know you are utilizing this option when you make your Senior Supper reservation.

Caregiving for Loved Ones-Support for your Changing Role Dessert and Coffee • Arbor Court • Wednesday, June 10 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Deborah Edelman-Dolan, LSCSW Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

The Benefits of Updating Your Health Record Lunch Bunch • Thornton Place • Monday, July 6 11:45 a.m., presentation with lunch to follow at 12:30 p.m. • Speaker: Kristen Booth, RN • Free Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Stroke Prevention & Recognizing the Signs Lunch Bunch • Presbyterian Manor • Thursday, June 11 • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Rodecap, RN, BSN, SCRN • $5 per person • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Stroke Prevention & Recognizing the Signs Dessert and Coffee • Arbor Court • Wednesday, July 8 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Rodecap, RN, BSN, SCRN Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Stroke Prevention & Recognizing the Signs Dessert and Coffee • Lexington Park Independent Living Monday, June 15 • 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Rodecap, RN, BSN, SCRN • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Caregiving for Loved Ones-Support for your Changing Role Lunch Bunch • Brewster Place • Tuesday, June 16 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Speaker: Deborah EdelmanDolan, LSCSW • $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Stroke Prevention & Recognizing the Signs Koffee Klatch • First Apartments • Monday, June 22 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. • Speaker: Angie Rodecap, RN, BSN, SCRN • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Caregiving for Loved Ones-Support for your Changing Role Lunch Bunch • Thornton Place • Monday, June 1 11:45 a.m., presentation with lunch to follow at 12:30 p.m. • Speaker: Deborah Edelman-Dolan, LSCSW Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Caregiving for Loved Ones-Support for your Changing Role Dessert and Coffee • McCrites Independent Living Tuesday, June 23 • 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Deborah Edelman-Dolan, LSCSW • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

HealthWise 55 Program-New Faces, Same Great Program Koffee Klatch • Aldersgate Village • Thursday, June 4 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. • Speaker: Dana Dobbie Blindt, RNC, CHC • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

The Benefits of Updating Your Health Record Dessert and Coffee • Atria Hearthstone • Wednesday, June 24 • 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Kristen Booth, RN Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

The Changing Face of Health Care Providers Senior Supper • Pozez Education Center • Monday, June 8 • 5 to 6:30 p.m. • Speaker: Kent Palmberg, M.D. Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Summer 2015 Vol. 12, No. 3 Healthy Times is a local, community newsletter providing information on health care concerns, issues and interests for you and those you love. Published quarterly by Stormont-Vail HealthCare, 1500 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604-1353, www.stormontvail.org

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Caregiving for Loved Ones-Support for your Changing Role Koffee Klatch • Aldersgate Village • Thursday, July 2 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. • Speaker: Deborah Edelman-Dolan, LSCSW • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

The Benefits of Updating Your Health Record Lunch Bunch • Presbyterian Manor • Thursday, July 9 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Speaker: Kristen Booth, RN $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Asthma and Sleep Apnea Senior Supper • Pozez Education Center • Monday, July 13 • 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Brockmann, APRN • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Asthma and Sleep Apnea Dessert and Coffee • Lexington Park Independent Living Monday, July 20 • 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Brockmann, APRN • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Asthma and Sleep Apnea Lunch Bunch • Brewster Place Main Building • Tuesday, July 21 • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Brockmann, APRN • $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Caregiving for Loved Ones-Support for your Changing Role Dessert and Coffee • Atria Hearthstone • Wednesday, July 22 • 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Deborah EdelmanDolan, LSCSW • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Asthma and Sleep Apnea Koffee Klatch • First Apartments • Monday, July 27 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. • Speaker: Angie Brockmann, APRN Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

The Benefits of Updating Your Health Record Dessert and Coffee • McCrites Independent Living Tuesday, July 28 • 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Kristen Booth, RN • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Design: jones huyett Partners

Editor: Anita Miller Fry Advisers/Contributors: Melissa Moore, R.D., L.D. Nancy Burkhardt Tami Motley Carol L. Wheeler, RN, BSN, FACHE

Niki Maloney Linda Ruiz Lenora Kinzie, MLS Lesa Roberts, MPH, RN Corey Shoup

To receive your free subscription to Healthy Times, call (785) 354-5225.

CALENDAR

Indoor Picnic Senior Supper • Pozez Education Center • Monday, Aug. 3 • 5 to 6:30 p.m. • Representatives and booths from Stormont-Vail HealthCare and Cotton-O’Neil providers • $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Stroke Prevention & Recognizing the Signs Lunch Bunch • Thornton Place • Monday, Aug. 4 11:45 a.m., presentation with lunch to follow at 12:30 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Rodecap, RN, BSN, SCRN Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

The Benefits of Updating Your Health Record Koffee Klatch • Aldersgate Village • Thursday, Aug. 6 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. • Free • Speaker: Kristen Booth, RN Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Are You Getting Your ZZZZs? Dessert and Coffee • Arbor Court • Wednesday, Aug. 12 • 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Jenny Kwong • Free Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Asthma and Sleep Apnea Lunch Bunch • Presbyterian Manor • Thursday, Aug. 13 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Brockmann, APRN • $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Caregiving for Loved Ones-Support for Your Changing Role Dessert and Coffee • Lexington Park Independent Living Monday, Aug. 17 • 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Deborah Edelman-Dolan, LSCSW • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Stroke Prevention & Recognizing the Signs Lunch Bunch • Brewster Place Main Building • Tuesday, Aug. 18 • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Rodecap, RN, BSN, SCRN • $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Caregiving for Loved Ones-Support for your Changing Role Koffee Klatch • First Apartments • Monday, Aug. 24 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. • Speaker: Deborah Edelman-Dolan, LSCSW • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Asthma and Sleep Apnea Dessert and Coffee • McCrites Independent Living Tuesday, Aug. 25 • 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Brockmann, APRN • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Asthma and Sleep Apnea Dessert and Coffee • Atria Hearthstone • Wednesday, Aug. 26 • 2 to 3 p.m. • Speaker: Angie Brockmann, APRN • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Senior Car Fit Check Lane AAA Partnering with HealthWise 55 • Grace Episcopal Cathedral parking lot, 701 S.W. 8th Ave. • Wednesday, May 13 • 9 a.m. to Noon Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

• Sunrise Optimist Club parking lot, 50th and Rochester Road • Wednesday, May 27 9 a.m. to Noon

HEALTHWISE 55 CLINICS The Health Wise 55 Resource Center hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The office is located at 2252 S.W. 10th Ave. #B, Topeka, Kan. For appointments and information on clinical services, please call (785) 354-6787.

Blood Pressure Clinics • Free • No appointment necessary • Call (785) 354-6787 for more information.

Walk-ins are welcome at the following locations: • First Monday • 9:30 to 11 a.m. • Downtown YMCA, 421 Van Buren.

• Every Tuesday • 10 a.m. to noon • HealthWise 55 Resource Center, 2252 S.W. 10th Ave. #B • First Tuesday • 9 to 10:30 a.m. • West Ridge Mall (Food Court, Restroom Entrance), 1801 S.W. Wanamaker Rd. • Second Thursday • 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Southwest YMCA, 3635 S.W. Chelsea • Third Thursday • 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. • Oakland Community Center, 801 N.E. Poplar • Third Thursday • 9 to 10 a.m. • Rose Hill Place, 37th and Gage • Fourth Thursday • 9 to 10:30 a.m. • Kuehne Branch (North) YMCA, 1936 N. Tyler St. SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansans) Counseling • For questions and assistance with Medicare, Supplemental, Long Term Care Insurance or the Medicare Prescription Drug Program HealthWise 55 Resource Center • Free • Call (785) 354-6787 for times and appointment.

Medication Clinics • Every Wednesday • Bring questions to our trained pharmacy staff regarding your medications (prescriptions or over-the-counter) 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. • HealthWise 55 Resource Center Free • Call (785) 354-6787 for an appointment.

Information and Referral • Assistance to help connect you with resources in the community • Free • HeathWise 55 Resource Center • Call (785) 354-5225 for assistance.

Nutrition Clinics • Every Wednesday • Meet with a Registered Dietician to discuss your nutrition needs and questions • Free • HealthWise 55 Resource Center Call (785) 354-6787 for times and appointment.

AARP DRIVING PROGRAM AARP Smart Driver Course • Tuesday and Wednesday, July 21 and 22 • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Pozez Education Center • (NEW PRICES) $15 per person for AARP members, $20 per person for non-members of AARP (Must bring your AARP membership card at time of registration. Bring your HealthWise 55 membership card for a discount in the Food Connection if you plan to eat lunch at Stormont-Vail) • Registration: (785) 354-5225.

HEALTHWISE 55 EXERCISE Exercise Programs Available to HealthWise 55 Members • HealthWise 55 exercise group meets in the Pozez Education Center every Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Included in the schedule: chair aerobics, strength training, balance and flexibility.

Cost is $25 for 20 times.

• YMCA Exercise Programs with special rates for HealthWise 55 members.

• Great Life Golf and Fitness with special rates for HealthWise 55 members. The YWCA and many other locations are managed by Great Life. A list of locations is included in the packet.

• Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital offers aquatic exercises classes, Wavemakers and Tai Chi • Healthy Steps: A walking program sponsored by Stormont-Vail HealthCare and West • Ridge Mall.

Call Health Connections at (785) 354-5225 to have a packet of information mailed to you regarding these exercise programs.

Zostavax Clinics • Every Tuesday and Thursday Ask your primary care doctor if you are a candidate for the shingles vaccine. (Prescription Required) 8 a.m. to noon • HealthWise 55 Resource Center Call (785) 354-6787 for an appointment.

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MEDICAL NEWS

Stormont-Vail HealthCare Named One of the Nation's 100 Top Hospitals Stormont-Vail HealthCare has been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Truven Health Analytics, a leading provider of data-driven analytics and solutions to improve the cost and quality of health care.

The Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals® study identifies hospitals and leadership teams that provide the highest level of value to their communities, based on a national balanced scorecard. The 100 Top Hospitals balanced scorecard measures overall organizational performance across 11 key analytic measures, including patient care, operational efficiency and financial stability. The study has been conducted annually since 1993. This is the first year Stormont-Vail has been recognized with the 100 Top Hospitals award.

“Having Stormont-Vail receive this honor, ranking us among the best hospitals in the country on overall performance, is tremendous,” said Randy Peterson, president and chief executive officer of Stormont-Vail HealthCare. “Being identified as a 100 Top Hospitals award winner establishes us as a high performing health care organization providing

exceptional value to our community, and positions us as a national leader. Our medical staff, employees and leadership have worked hard to achieve these national benchmarks and should be very proud.”

To conduct the 100 Top Hospitals study, Truven Health researchers evaluated close to 3,000 short-term, acute-care, nonfederal hospitals. Riskadjusted methodologies were used to analyze public information – Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) data, and core measures and patient satisfaction data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare reports. Hospitals do not apply, and winners do not pay to market this honor.

The winning hospitals were announced in the March 2, 2015 edition of Modern Healthcare magazine.

“This year’s 100 Top Hospitals represent the highest national standards in hospital care and management today. They set the benchmarks for peers around the country to follow – consistently delivering outstanding quality of care, satisfaction and community value at a reasonable cost,”

said Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and the 100 Top Hospitals program at Truven Health Analytics. “The majority of the 2015 award winners have produced year-to-year performance improvement, as well. This speaks to the consistent focus on excellence by the entire organization and the men and women who serve patients.”

The study shows that if all hospitals in the U.S. performed at the level of this year's winners: • 126,471 additional lives could be saved.

• 108,926 additional patients could be complication-free.

• $1.8 billion in inpatient costs could be saved.

• The average patient stay would decrease by half a day.

• Episode-of-illness expense would be two percent lower than the peer average.

More information on this study and other 100 Top Hospitals research is available at 100tophospitals.com.