3 New CT scanner
4 Eye surgery
6 Eating for the
will benefit patients
changes lives
right reasons?
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N o r t h f i e l d H o s p i ta l & C l i n i c s
FamilyHealth Spring 2011 • Vol. 16, No. 2
507-646-1494
Hospital to expand clinic space for Infusion Services/Chemotherapy Northfield Hospital & Clinics plans to redesign space in the hospital’s main corridor to provide for the clinical expansion of Infusion Services/Chemotherapy and Sleep Medicine. The $2 million remodeling project will create customized outpatient clinic space for those services, improving the patient experience with better access and THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE WILL BE more privacy. ENHANCED WITH NEW, DEDICATED Work is expected SPACE FOR CHEMOTHERAPY AND to get underINFUSION SERVICES. way in July with completion comJuliana Sayner, RN, BSN and OCN, clinical coordinator of Infusion Services, being in the first quarter of 2012. gins a therapy regimen for Ellis Lysne. The clinical expansion will require relocation of some non“We see this as the most will also allow us to improve the clinical services. In anticipation economical approach to improvspace we dedicate to diagnostic of that, Northfield Hospital & ing these services at Northfield sleep studies.” Clinics recently purchased the Hospital,” said Mark Henke, With the expansion of these former Village School at 1100 president and CEO of Northfield outpatient services in the hospiBollenbacher Drive in NorthHospital & Clinics. “Space now tal’s main corridor, the admission field. It will be the new home to used for non-clinical functions desk will be moved closer to the Patient Financial Services, Health will be redesigned to better meet front entrance of the hospital, a Information Services and Finanthe needs of our chemotherapy conference room will be expandcial Services. and infusion services patients. It Continued, page 8
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A D O L E S C E N T H E A LT H
Healthy Kids Day
Mock crash illustrates consequences of bad choices DEAD AT THE SCENE! That will be the fate of two characters in the mock car crash planned for Tuesday, May 24, 1 p.m. at Northfield High School. The fatalities will be an adult and a teen, fictional casualties of an under-aged drinking and driving episode. The event, called “One For the Road,” is a reality-based portrayal of a car crash and the subsequent response by first responders, emergency medical personnel and law enforcement agencies. The audience will be some 600 juniors and seniors at Northfield High School. According to Brian Edwards, manager of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Northfield Hospital & Clinics and a coordinator
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of the event, the purpose of the exercise is to impress upon students the serious consequences of drinking and driving. “This exercise is designed to deliver an emotional punch,” said Edwards. “We want students to understand on a gut level what can happen when students engage in risky behavior.” Kelli and Ron Landsverk of Faribault will be the impact speakers following the crash simulation. The event will be held at the Northfield High School’s east parking lot. The public is invited to attend.
Northfield Area YMCA and a multitude of community partners are sponsoring Healthy Kids Day, Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. to noon at Northfield High School. There will be safety demonstrations, emergency vehicles to tour, and interactive displays by community agencies and local businesses. The event is free. “The Y holds Healthy Kids Day to teach healthy habits to kids and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity,” said Saturday, May 7 9 a.m. Virginia Kaczmarek, Northfield executive director of High School the Northfield Area YMCA. “At a time when the Centers for Disease Control reports that one in three children in the United States is overweight or obese, developing healthier habits that include increased physical activity is more important than ever.” For more information, contact the YMCA at 507-645-0088 or go to: www. northfieldymca.org.
Parenting seminar
A coalition of community groups is sponsoring a FREE parent workshop on Thursday, May 19, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Northfield High School Auditorium. Behavioral expert Kirk Martin and his teenage son, Casey, will offer practical Thursday, May 19 7-9 p.m. parenting advise you Northfield can use when you go High School home. Their presenAuditorum tation is informative, humorous and engaging. Their advice is designed to give parents tools they can use to sidestep the power struggles and improve kids’ focus and behavior both at home and at school. For a preview of Martin’s presentation, go to: www.celebratecalm.com/workshops.html.
H O S P I TA L N E W S
Air transport is close at hand Emergency air service is just seven minutes away from Northfield Hospital. Since 2009, North Memorial Air Care has had a flight base in Lakeville, making air ambulances more accessible to hospitals in the south metro area. Northfield Hospital Emergency Department flies a minimum of five patients a week to Level I hospitals in the Twin Cities or Rochester. North Memorial transports more than half of them. Deb Maestri, RN, manager of Northfield Hospital Emergency Department, says the air services’ base in Lakeville has made a big difference. “It’s really decreased the transport time a lot,”
she said. “We make one phone call and they are here.” North Memorial air ambulances’ top speed is 180 mph. They can travel to metropolitan hospitals in 20 minutes or less.
New CT scanner will benefit patients Northfield Hospital is adding a new high-end Computed Tomography System (CT) to its diagnostic imaging repertoire in June. The 64-slice system promises higher quality images with less radiation exposure for patients. It will also expand the number of diagnostic procedures that can be done at Northfield Hospital, reducing the need for patients to travel out of town for their health care. Sandy Mulford, director of Diagnostic Imaging at Northfield Hospital & Clinics, said this scanner will help create a better patient experience. The ability to
Patient Imaging Services for 2010
MRI
scan 64 slices at one time makes the scan very fast, so a patient can get on with their day more quickly. In addition, the donut that surrounds the patient during the scan is larger in circumference to accommodate larger people, reducing a patients’ sense of confinement. Because of the advanced technology of the system, patients will be exposed to less radiation during the procedure. A special software program that the hospital has purchased will reduce the radiation dose up to an additionMammograms
1,229 1,753
al 68 percent, Mulford said. Computed Tomography is available 24 hours a day at Northfield Hospital. Emergency Department physicians commonly use it to evaluate abdomen and chest pain, rule out blood clots in the lungs and to evaluate other parts of the body. With the addition of a 64-slice scanner, Northfield Hospital will be able to also perform CT angiography, a noninvasive way to look specifically at the arteries in the body, brain and extremities.
Ultrasounds
3,775
CT Scans
4,005
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SURGICAL SERVICES
Eye surgery can be life-cha Sharon Collins’ one wish was to see her grandson get married – in living color, not through the muted tones and cloudy veil imposed by her cataracts… “I wanted to be able to see their faces, so I could see how much in love they were,” said Sharon, a retired Human Development Advisor at Laura Baker Services Association. Michelle Muench, MD, an ophthalmologist with Northfield Eye Physicians & Surgeons, made it happen. She operated on Sharon’s right eye days before the wedding. Sharon was able to witness the momentous event in all of its radiant clarity. “It was a beautiful wedding,” Sharon remembers. Dr. Muench Dr. Muench said she is constantly impressed at how life-changing cataract surgery can be. “People ask me all the time: ‘When is it time to have cataract surgery?’ said Dr. Muench. “I say have your surgery when your vision starts to interfere with the things you like to do.” That could be night-time driving for some; for others it would be sewing or reading the sports scores crawling across the bottom of the television screen. For Sharon it got to the point
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Iris Cornea
Retina
Lens
Iris
where she could no longer read her Bible or follow the flow of her weekly card games. “I just hadn’t realized how bad it was and what a difference surgery could make,” Sharon said. “I played cards yesterday, and I could see the cards laying in front of my partner.” It’s not unusual for cloudy vision to sneak up on a person. A
“I SAY HAVE YOUR SURGERY WHEN YOUR VISION STARTS TO INTERFERE WITH THE THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO.” – DR. MICHELLE MUENCH
cataract develops when aging tissue or an injury begins to cloud the lens, scattering the light that passes through the eye and preventing a clear, well-defined image from reaching the retina. The surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. The procedure is well tolerated and the recovery time is brief. Sharon saw results right away. Her vision was clear and colors were more vibrant. She can see
SURGICAL SERVICES
anging experience “I JUST HADN’T REALIZED HOW BAD IT WAS AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE SURGERY COULD MAKE.” – SHARON COLLINS
the television and read better. It’s like discovering a whole new world. “I’m noticing something new everyday,” she said. Sharon said the staff at Northfield Hospital was a wonderful help, comforting and thorough, something she’s come to expect from the hospital. Dr. Muench says she receives compliments all the time on the good work done by the staffs in Same-Day Surgery and the Operating Room. “I appreciate the personalized care my patients receive at Northfield Hospital,” said Dr. Muench. “I grew up in Northfield, and we all appreciate that our patients are our neighbors, and we are looking for the absolute best outcome for them.” Dr. Muench sees patients in clinic at River Valley Vision Centers and Sharon Collins can now enjoy her weekly card games again thanks to her cataoperates at Northfield Hospital. ract surgery done by Dr. Michelle Muench.
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H E A LT H U P D AT E S
Don’t let your eating patterns control you
Eby
Are you eating for the right reasons? Is it nutrition or comfort? In this age of abundance, where we are confronted at every turn with highlyprocessed foods, more and more people are overeating. Courtney Eby, RD, LD, a nutrition therapist at Northfield Hospital & Clinics, says many are eating for the wrong reasons. Their food consumption has taken on an addictive pattern that masks deeper “YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO CONSUME FOODS FOR NOURISHMENT RATHER psychological issues. THAN COMFORT.” There is not yet an accepted medical – COURTNEY EBY definition of a food addiction. But Eby says it is present when someone is overwhelmed by their cravings for food and have lost the ability to regulate their food consumption. The biochemistry is similar to that associated with alcohol and drug addiction, she said. Today’s processed foods are engineered with fats, salts and sugars to appeal to the brain’s pleasure centers. When food becomes your primary source of comfort, you have a problem. “We see people eating all day,” she said. “They are trying to push back those feelings of anxiety, depression or boredom.” Women seem to be more susceptible than men to a food addiction. Some of the warning signs of an addictive pattern are: • Being obsessed with meal preparation, food shopping, recipe collecting; • Eating in secret; • Hiding and hoarding food; Tips for becoming a mindful eater: • Feelings of guilt over eating pat–[ reserve at least 20 minutes for each meal terns; –[ eat while sitting down • Requiring food for comfort. –[ chew food well, don’t inhale it • Exhibiting strong physical cravings for food. –[ put down your fork between bites –[ keep food out of your car, don’t eat while driving
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“You have to learn to consume foods for nour–[ be present while eating – take time to taste the food and take in the whole dining experience ishment rather than comfort,” Eby said. She recommends people work with both a nutritional therapist and a behavioral therapist to get a handle on a pattern that will eventually compromise a person’s health. People need to observe their habits and develop strategies to control their use of food. Strategies include having a structured meal plan, controlling portions, learning to cope with cravings and avoiding situations where you will be tempted. Eby suggests approaching food consumption in a studied manner. If you have questions about addictive eating or other nutritional issues, call 507-646-1410 and ask for Courtney Eby or Kristi Von Ruden.
HOME CARE
Home care meets patients needs at home Northfield Home Care makes house calls. Sometimes its because patients are transitioning from hospital to home. Sometimes its because they are recovering from surgery. Sometimes its because they have a chronic condition but want to live out their lives in the familiar surroundings of their own homes. All will find home care staff at their doorstep. Take Kay Costa for instance. This Northfield woman recently had knee replacement surgery. During her recovery, she benefited from the full complement of home care services. Home care nurses were there for education and medication management. Home care aides provided personal care and light housekeeping. Kay had physical therapy in her home twice a week, and an occupational therapist provided information and wise counsel to help her navigate her home in safety. “I received more than I expected,” Kay said. “Each of the providers seemed to anticipate my every need and graciously offered suggestions to solve my dilemmas.” Lorraine Tabor’s was a different story. Tabor A victim of polio in her teens, Lorraine spent 60 years in a wheelchair. She died last year at the age of 80 in her home as she
“EACH OF THE PROVIDERS SEEMED TO ANTICIPATE MY EVERY NEED.” – KAY COSTA
Kay Costa
wished. Lorraine was able to stay in her home because of Northfield Home Care. She was a patient for 15 years. Home care staff saw her four times a day. They got her up in the morning, checked on her twice during the day and helped her into bed at night. Aides helped with shopping, cleaning, cooking and laundry. Steve Hanson, a friend, said Lorraine’s desire was to stay at home. “She couldn’t have done this alone,” he said. Kathy Bengtson, Northfield Home Care director, said Lorraine considered the home care aides her family.
“She always used to say to me: ‘Kathy, it’s because of you girls that I’m able to be at home.’” Home care sees a wide range of patients, for varying lengths of time. It’s cost effective and most patients do better at home. “Without Home Care I would not have had the comforts of my own home and especially my own bed,” Costa said. ”I think my friends felt more comfortable visiting me at home. There is something about the laughter and conversation of friends that speeds recovery as well.” For more information about services provided by Northfield Home Care, contact Kathy Bengtson at 507-646-1457.
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FAMILYHEALTH is published as a community service for households served by Northfield Hospital & Clinics. Additional copies are available by calling Community Relations, 507-646-1034.
Mark Henke President and CEO
Dixon Bond Chair, Board of Trustees
Randy Reister, MD Clinic Medical Director
Scott Richardson Editor
2000 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057
Information in FAMILYHEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved.
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Northfield Hospital Roundup
Auxiliary announces book fair dates
Clinic office hours
The 50th Great Northfield, Minnesota Book Raid, the Northfield Hospital Auxiliary’s annual book sale, will be Tuesday, April 26, to Saturday, April 30, at the Northfield Ice Arena. Sale hours will be 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 27-April 29; Great Northfield, Minn. and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. Book Raid The Hospital Auxiliary is dedicating funds raised this year to the expansion of clinical space for Infusion Services/Chemotherapy at Northfield Hospital.
FamilyHealth Medical Clinic – Northfield 507-646-1494 2000 North Avenue Northfield, Minn. 55057 8 to 8, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8 to 5, Wednesday and Friday 9 to 12, Saturday
50th
Expansion: Auxiliary pledge helps with cost From page 1
ed to allow for training functions and the Northfield Hospital Auxiliary’s gift shop, Kaleidoscope, will be moved next to the hearth waiting area. The Auxiliary is helping to fund this project with a pledge of $150,000 over the next five years. Juliana Sayner, RN, BSN and OCN, clinic coordinator of Infusion Services, said the objective is to create a therapeutic environment designed specifically for oncology patients and non-oncology infusions. There will be space for consultations with oncologists, nutrition therapists, and Social Services. The clinic will be more accessible to patients, just a short walk
from hospital parking, and it will allow oncology patients with compromised immune systems to avoid other patient populations. Therapy rooms will have windows that provide a restful, scenic view of the nature area on the St. Olaf College campus. The new space for Infusion Services/Chemotherapy will serve as a complement to Mayo Clinic’s new radiation oncology center, which is scheduled to open in July. Sleep medicine is another service that is expected to grow. Henke said creating customized space for diagnostic sleep studies will position the hospital to be accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
FamilyHealth Medical Clinic – Lonsdale 507-744-3245 103 15th SE Lonsdale, Minn. 8:30 to 5, Monday through Friday FamilyHealth Medical Clinic – Farmington 651-460-2300 4645 Knutsen Drive Farmington, Minn. 55024 7:30 to 6, Monday and Wednesday 7:30 to 5, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday FamilyHealth Medical Clinic – Lakeville 952-469-0500 9974 214th St. West Lakeville, Minn. 55044 8:30 to 5, Monday through Friday 8 to noon, Saturdays Women’s Health Center 507-646-1498 2000 North Avenue Northfield, Minn. 55057 8 to 4:30, Monday through Friday Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic 507-646-8900 1381 Jefferson Drive Northfield, Minn. 55057 8:30 to 5, Monday through Thursday 8:30 to 4, Friday Northfield Eye Physicians & Surgeons 507-645-9202 2019 Jefferson Road Northfield, Minn. 55057 8 to 4, Tuesday and Thursday
Our focus is to provide a positive and healing environment that is patient centered. If you are interested in becoming a member of our highly-skilled and compassionate staff, please view our employment opportunities at www.northfieldhospital.org.