Methow Valley
Health & Wellness 2012/2013 Don Nelson, publisher/editor Sue Misao, design Robin Doggett, advertising manager Callie Fink, advertising Dana Sphar, ad design/production Linda Day, ad design Marilyn Bardin, office manager Janet Mehus, office assistant
Contributors Mike Maltais Ann McCreary Joanna Smith Marcy Stamper Laurelle Walsh A publication of the Methow Valley News PO Box 97, Twisp, WA 98856 509.997.7011 • Fax 509.997.3277 editor@methowvalleynews.com www.methowvalleynews.com
Making good
choices
The uncertainties about individual health care have never been more challenging. Who’s going to provide it? How convenient will it be? What will it cost? How will we pay for it? How will we make good choices from among complicated options? Those questions are more pressing for those of us who live at some distance from major medical centers and the concentration of health care providers they attract. We look to our local providers for not only primary care, but also advice and direction for living healthy lives and attending to health issues as they arise. That’s part of the lifestyle choice we’ve made, but it doesn’t need to be limiting when it comes to taking good care of ourselves and our loved ones. Our annual Health & Wellness special publication is intended to help with those challenging health care questions, through the topical articles we provide and by connecting you with our advertisers: local medical services, alternative care providers who tend to body, soul and mind, and related businesses. All of these taken together provide the Methow Valley with a variety of options and philosophies for overall well-being. We hope Health & Wellness will help you learn more about them. –Don Nelson
Table of Contents Women and children first Prenatal, postnatal and pediatric services.....................p. 4 Rethinking the rural hospital Mid-Valley, Three Rivers diagnose the future..........................p. 6 Emergency help is close by Valley’s responders are there when you need them........................p. 8 Seniors face special challenges Finding the best health care, living arrangements......................p. 10 It’s all about prevention Dental health requires personal commitment...................................p. 12 Directory of advertisers Supporters of this guide................p. 15 Cover photo: Hula hooper Nancy Daniels at The Studio in Twisp. Photo by Sue Misao
24 Hour Emergency & Trauma Care Baby Friendly Labor & Delivery 24 Hour Laboratory Services Radiology & Mobile MRI Imaging Columbia Medical & Surgical Services Advantage Durable Medical Equipment
507 Hospital Way • Brewster, WA 98812 www.threerivershospital.net www.threerivershospital.net HEALTH & WELLNESS 3