FALL 2023
BACK IN BLACK Multi-Sport Athlete Overcomes Torn Labrum JOURNEY TO BETTER HEALTH Health Challenges Overcome by Motivation and Inspiration
GROWTH FACTORS
Regenerative Medicine Helps Patient Live Pain Free
NEW NURSING TRACK
Allen College Offering Accelerated Nursing Programs
unitypoint.org
WHAT’S INSIDE 1. Growing Team for Growing Families New pediatric clinic opens at North Crossing 2.
Back in Black Waterloo East athlete overcomes torn labrum to return to diamond
4. ‘I Really Thought I Was Going to Die’ Dr. Joz’s holistic approach leads to patient’s inspiring health journey 6.
Growth Factors Regenerative medicine helps patient rediscover pain-free life
8.
Allen College Update Continued excellence in healthcare education
9.
Pelvic Health Therapy Emerging programs beneficial for all genders
Introducing
Jenni Friedly I am humbled and grateful to take on the role of President at UnityPoint Health – Waterloo, and I have been blessed with overwhelming support since stepping into this position in August. For those I haven’t met yet, I am proud to have been with UnityPoint Health for the past 14 years, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer at Allen Hospital. My career started as a nurse, and I carry that experience with me every day when I make decisions about patient care. I am a Waterloo native, graduate of East High School and feel honored to be a leader in our community. My predecessor, Pam Delagardelle, helped us improve quality of care and achieve growth at levels that put the organization in a terrific position for success. Pam has moved on to a new leadership role within the UnityPoint Health system, and now it’s my job to ensure the communities we serve continue to have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare and our team members are empowered to be their very best. The truth is, our hospital and clinics have never been busier. It’s a testament to our teams providing an excellent experience, quality outcomes and making UnityPoint Health the preferred choice for healthcare services. I appreciate and respect the magnitude of that opportunity, and you have my commitment that I will put our patients, their families and our dedicated staff at the center of all we do. Jenni Friedly, RN, MSN
Fall 2023 LiveWell magazine is produced by UnityPoint Health®. 1825 Logan Ave. | Waterloo, IA 50703 (319) 235-3941 | unitypoint.org Copyright ® 2023 UnityPoint Health. All Rights Reserved. ® SM trademarks of UnityPoint Health.
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JOIN
OUR TEAM! See open positions and apply online at unitypoint.org/joinourteam
HEALTH CLIPS Growing Pediatric Team at North Crossing Waterloo native Dr. Kristina Cook joins Rebecca Koresh, MD, Devon Balles, DNP and the rest of the pediatric team at the new North Crossing clinic. A growing team means convenient access to care, including same-day appointments for sudden illnesses that every young family encounters. Call to schedule your next appointment with our dedicated pediatric providers. UnityPoint Clinic Pediatrics – North Crossing 2140 Logan Ave., Ste. D, Waterloo | (319) 222-2903
Trusted Heart Care Experts in Northeast Iowa UnityPoint Clinic has expanded its network of cardiology specialists to patients in the Cedar Valley and outreach locations including:
Devon Balles, DNP, Rebecca Koresh, DO and Kristina Cook, MD
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Cresco
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Grundy Center
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Independence
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Oelwein
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Sumner
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Waverly
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West Union
Our team offers comprehensive heart care expertise, including:
New Rheumatology Clinic at Prairie Parkway
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Interventional cardiology
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Cardiac testing
UnityPoint Clinic is proud to welcome rheumatologist Dr. Suman Khicher to UnityPoint Health – Prairie Parkway in Cedar Falls.
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Vascular disease and intervention
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Sleep medicine
Patients struggling with sore muscles and joints, along with bone pain, now have access to a local expert who can develop a personalized care program to help meet goals, recover faster and enjoy a better quality of life. Ask your primary care provider for a referral to see Dr. Khicher.
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Stress testing and surgery consult
UnityPoint Clinic Rheumatology – Prairie Parkway 5100 Prairie Pkwy, Ste. 100, Cedar Falls (319) 222-2738
Suman Khicher, MD
UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital Cardiovascular Center 419 E Donald St., Waterloo (319) 236-1911
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Back in Black Waterloo East Athlete Overcomes Torn Labrum with Help of Sports Medicine Surgeon Caleb Peters, a freshman at Waterloo East High, had long dreamt of sharing the baseball field with his older brother. Brayden was a senior, and his final baseball season was just a few months away. However, Caleb’s hopes were in jeopardy. The 15-year-old had battled the pain of a torn labrum since a wrestling injury in seventh grade, and physical therapy had only resolved so much. He didn’t want to risk reinjury yet assumed any surgical procedure would sideline him for baseball season. Peters was referred to UnityPoint Clinic orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon Rafael Serrano, MD, who affirmed the original diagnosis. What followed wasn’t a recommendation, life advice or even an assumption. It was a question that got to the heart of the matter. Dr. Serrano asked Peters, “What do you want?” Peters wanted to play sports again – specifically, to wrestle and play baseball with his brother, all without pain or the fear of reinjury.
Multi-sport athlete Caleb Peters returned to health in time to share the baseball diamond with his brother, Brayden.
Rafael Serrano, MD Orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist
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That’s all Dr. Serrano needed to hear. He performed a left shoulder scope with labral repair in December 2022. By spring – with help from his team of Alexa Ginther, ARNP, and Caylee Miller, RN – Peters was back on the field starring for East as a shortstop and starting pitcher. He finished the season as honorable mention all-conference and All-Metro, while finishing among the Trojans’ leaders at the plate (RBIs) and on the mound (strikeouts).
“I have nothing but gratitude every time I step on the field,” Caleb says. “Without Dr. Serrano, I’d be missing out on playing baseball with my older brother. For years, we talked about how awesome this would be.”
Surgery wasn’t the only option for Caleb. Physical therapy could have helped him attempt to manage the pain and avoid surgery. However, he would still face the risk of reinjury and physical limitations. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that’s inherently unstable because of its shallow socket. The labrum, a soft rim of cartilage, helps accommodate the head of the upper arm bone, but it can be torn with a traumatic injury or overuse. “Caleb’s injury isn’t one of those where surgery is mandatory for activities of daily life,” explains Dr. Serrano. “But if he wanted to return to competitive sports, the only way to fully go back and play without pain and further damage to the labrum was with surgery.”
“Dr. Serrano himself called to check in on Caleb to see how he was handling the first couple of days after surgery,” recalled Dominic, Caleb’s father. “This meant a lot to us. It showed he had truly invested in our child. We cannot thank him and his staff enough for all they did.” The surgery did require Caleb to miss wrestling season, but his seamless recovery preserved the plans he and Brayden had about sharing the baseball diamond. “If I said I wasn’t upset about missing the wrestling season because of this, I would be lying,” says Caleb. “This was hard on both of us. So, to be able to play baseball together is awesome.”
“I was worried Dr. Serrano would tell me I wouldn’t be able to wrestle anymore,” Caleb says. “The first time I met him, even the way he checked out my arm was different. He was very complete in everything. No one at this point had even moved my arm and shoulder the way he did. Yeah, it hurt. It hurt really bad.”
“The first thing he asked me was, ‘What do you want? Do you want to compete in sports again? Is your plan to wrestle, play football or baseball again?’ Of course, without even thinking, I answered yes!” Caleb’s family also had input about how his high school career could play out. “It was hard to watch Caleb go through what he did for about two years,” said his mother, Meghan. “We have absolutely no regrets, and we’re completely astounded by the outcome we’ve seen.”
UnityPoint Clinic Sports Medicine Center As the only dedicated sports medicine center in the Cedar Valley, our team understands what is most important to athletes and can provide surgery or other therapies in one location. This ensures a safe recovery and helps return athletes to action as quick as possible. We specialize in: • ACL tear
• Shoulder dislocation
• Sprained ankle
• Muscle strain
• Breaks and fractures
• Concussion
• Other sports-related injuries
UnityPoint Clinic Orthopedics – United Medical Park | 1753 W Ridgeway Ave., Waterloo | (319) 833-5789
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Thanks to Dr. Andrew Jozwiakowski and his holistic approach, Dorothy Smith and her dog, Diamond, are on a healthy path.
‘I Really Thought I was Going to Die’ Holistic Approach Leads to Patient’s Inspiring Health Journey From their first encounter, Dr. Andrew Jozwiakowski believed in Dorothy Smith. Her medical concerns were serious, but one of his first objectives was to help Dorothy to believe in herself.
“I was so sick. I really thought I was going to die,” she said. “They kept telling me I would be OK and I’m like, ‘Y’all are just telling me that to make me feel better.’ But they were right. I just couldn’t see it.” Her inspiring journey has turned Dorothy into an example for others to follow.
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Dr. Jozwiakowski known affectionately as Dr. Joz by his patients, first met Smith in the emergency department at Allen Hospital. As a family medicine physician in UnityPoint Health’s Waterloo residency program, he supplements his training with rotations in various areas and specialties outside of family medicine. Smith was new to Iowa and struggled coming to grips with the fact she had heart failure at the age of 35. Despite some nursing education and a CNA license, in addition to numerous prior appointments, her condition had gone undiagnosed in Mississippi.
Worse yet, her symptoms were becoming dire, and she didn’t have the resources to make significant progress. She was unable to work and had virtually no support system around to help. So, she presented to the ER frequently. Smith was instantly impressed by Dr. Joz’s ability to deliver a diagnosis and treatment plan in a compassionate way. She exclaimed one day, “I wish you could be my doctor.” Dr. Joz told her it was possible, as he wasn’t a full-time emergency physician. Through his role at the UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine Residency – Prairie Parkway, the primary care provider began regular appointments with Smith to focus on her heart failure and other concerns. “It seemed obvious she needed consistent outpatient care,” Dr. Joz says. “Over time, I was motivated by her continued progress.” Since then, Smith’s growth has been remarkable. After many scary days, she’s now off oxygen. She has completed cardiac rehab, pulmonary rehab and physical therapy capably and is now nearing a return to work. Along the way, the clinic helped her develop self-care skills and confidence. In fact, she’s mustered a place on the honor roll and President’s List for four consecutive semesters of online courses at the University of Southern New Hampshire. “Dr. Joz – I just love the way he takes care of his patients,” Smith says. “He’s not the type of doctor to put a Band-Aid over a problem. He’s the kind who’s going to get to the root of the problem. He comes up with a whole plan to make you better. That man changed my life.”
To be certain, it was a team effort. Smith has seen many physicians in the residency clinic, including Miriam Donovitch, MD, and Sarah Terrones, DO, and remains on a first-name basis with many of the nurses and support staff. In fact, when Smith’s breathing issues were at their worst, the clinic team took turns dog sitting Smith’s beloved Teacup Chihuahua, Diamond.
“When I say they’ve been like family, they’ve been there for me more than my biological family,” Smith says. “I mean that, from the bottom of my heart.” “Ultimately, Dorothy’s story is great because it’s a prototype for what healthcare and social services should be,” says Dr. Joz. “Initially presenting to the ED over and over, she was expending excess healthcare resources but not receiving the right level of care. Once plugged into the right resources, her health improved and her cost to the healthcare system decreased. “While our team and others put in substantial work, she herself did the work, as well. Supported by our office and various Black Hawk County and Iowa social services, she climbed out of a bad situation. If patients in similar situations could receive this care and engage with it, our healthcare system would be much less burdened, our social services pocket a bit deeper and our population much healthier.”
Primary Care at UnityPoint Clinic Family history, age, diet and lifestyle are among several factors that determine when healthcare is necessary. UnityPoint Clinic primary care providers develop personal relationships with patients and families and coordinate care with specialists as needed to address health issues early before they become bigger. You can find a provider near you in: • Cedar Falls
• Evansdale
• Parkersburg
• Denver
• Grundy Center
• Waterloo
• Eldora
• Hudson
• Waverly
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Jeff Zaputil struggled with severe lower back pain for nearly a decade until Dr. Ashar Afzal used regenerative medicine to provide a “pain-free” future.
PATIENT FINDS PAIN RELIEF Through Non-Surgical Procedure Jeff Zaputil wanted to explore a non-surgical alternative to battle chronic pain. What he got was a double portion of relief. Jeff struggled with severe lower back pain for nearly a decade. The 62-year-old was considering surgery but wanted to explore every other avenue first. He’d tried conservative treatments, epidurals and physical therapy. At best, those options provided some relief. At worst, he had days where he laid on the floor and struggled to get up.
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Eventually, Jeff was referred to the UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital Center for Pain, where Dr. Ashar Afzal recommended regenerative medicine. It’s a process where Super Concentrated Platelet (SCP) is injected using advanced imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy for precise placement. The injections contact healing growth “factors” that enhance your body’s natural ability to repair itself. The procedure often helps with issues related to osteoarthritis, joint injuries, spine pain, overuse conditions and common sports injuries.
Jeff was both optimistic yet skeptical, as he knew regenerative medicine doesn’t work for everybody. Still, he underwent a procedure in October 2021 and waited several months to see if it would help. About nine months later he had his answer, and it was better than he could have anticipated.
“It’s worked very well for me,” says Jeff, who has supplemented the procedure with regular back exercises and stretching. “I’m basically pain-free in my back now. I really don’t have any back issues. I get up in the morning these days, and it’s not a big deal. Every now and then I lift my bulldog, which weighs about 75 pounds, and it doesn’t bother me.” However, Jeff’s battle with pain was transitioned to his right knee. He injured it playing football at Wartburg College in the early 1980s and never got it repaired. So, Jeff asked Dr. Afzal to try regenerative medicine on his knee, and the early results have been encouraging. “It seems to be working, and I really can’t do anything with it for a couple months yet,” Jeff says. “Jeff has been an ideal candidate for regenerative medicine,” said Dr. Afzal. “He was open-minded about exploring an alternative form of pain relief. Then he researched it and was well-educated about the procedure and its outcomes long before the procedure. “Jeff wanted to take control of his healthcare, and this was a safe and proactive way for him to do just that.” For Jeff, the care provided by Dr. Afzal and the pain clinic has been more than just effective. It’s been exemplary. “Now, whenever I talk to someone who’s having pain issues, I tell them about the clinic,” Jeff says. “In fact, I’ve sent several family members there. I tell them, ‘Whatever you do, before you have surgery, go there first. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, you can always have your surgery.’”
Ashar Afzal, MD
Rob Maldonado, MD
Regenerative Medicine: What Conditions Can it Treat? When you suffer from a degenerative condition or injury, your body works to repair the damaged tissue. When we inject your own growth factors directly to the injured area, with a product such as Regenexx®, it helps stimulate tissue repair and accelerates the natural healing process. Ask a physician how Regenexx can help with: • Sports injuries • Ligament and meniscal tears • Spine conditions • Rotator cuff and labrum injuries • Overuse syndromes • Tendonitis • Degenerative joint disease • Sciatica • Nerve entrapment Allen Center for Pain Medicine 3630 W 4th St., Waterloo | (319) 235-7246
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ALLEN So Many Choices Health Sciences Undergraduate Degrees Radiography Diagnostic Medical Sonography Medical Imaging Medical Laboratory Science Public Health
Graduate Degrees Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Education in Health Professions (EdD)
Nursing Undergraduate Degrees Nursing – Accelerated & Traditional Nursing – RN-BSN
Graduate Degrees Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Leadership in Healthcare Delivery Doctor of Nursing Practice
For more information go to AllenCollege.edu
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Allen College Offering Accelerated Nursing Programs To meet the diverse needs of future healthcare workers, Allen College has implemented new curriculum for both traditional and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) tracks. After conducting comprehensive analysis and comparisons of data, the accelerated BSN track can be completed in just 12 months (three semesters), and the traditional track is a 24-month option. The revised curriculum provides students an immersive clinical experience throughout their program to enhance their education and ease the transition from student to practicing nurse. Ongoing collaboration with clinical partners will continue to be essential to provide exceptional preparation for real-life patient care. The changes are a result of meticulous planning by the nursing leadership faculty to continue providing educational opportunities that allow Allen College graduates to maintain exemplary outcomes in both certification scores and job placement.
Since the beginning of 2021, Allen College students have achieved a 98.29% pass rate on the NCLEXRN licensure exam (234 test takers). That is compared to the national average of 79.78% for all RN programs over the same time period.
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Pelvic Health Therapy
FOR YOUR HEALTH
Pelvic health therapy can be beneficial for people of all ages. UnityPoint Clinic physical therapists have more than 10 years of experience addressing pelvic health issues. Common diagnoses treated: • Under- or over-active pelvic floor muscles, including urinary urgency and incontinence
• Bowel dysfunction
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Gender affirming and transgender health
• Pelvic pain • Pelvic floor dysfunction
Course Series Register for a four-class series on pelvic health aiming to offer education, resources, guidance and hands-on feedback for women at any stage of motherhood. Course curriculum includes pelvic floor and breath connection, posture and postpartum topics, exercise strategies and bowel, bladder and intimacy guidance. Cost is $120.
REDUCING YOUR RISK FOR DIABETES November is National Diabetes Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the disease and celebrating advancements, like continuous glucose monitoring, which allows people with diabetes more freedom in their daily lives. Ramey Creery OTD, OTR/L Rachel Kinnetz, DPT, PT
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 37 million Americans have diabetes and about 96 million more are prediabetic. While they may not notice symptoms, people with prediabetes have increased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems and nerve damage. Early screening and care can reduce the risks of and complications from diabetes by up to 75%. Adults age 35 and older should be screened at their yearly physical. The American Diabetes Association offers a 60-second screening tool at diabetes.org/diabetes/risk-test for anyone who has an immediate family member who has diabetes, carries excess weight in their midsection or was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). Tips for preventing or delaying diabetes: • Move more. Strive for 20 minutes of activity per day to raise your heart rate.
Prairie Parkway Garden Thanks to a strong partnership with the Cedar Falls Lions Club, the Prairie Parkway Garden continues to grow. More than 20 free gardening and cooking classes were held at the garden located at 5100 Prairie Pkwy. in Cedar Falls this past year, culminating with the annual Harvest and Cider Festival in October. Check back for classes open to all ages next spring and summer or visit ParkwayGarden.org for more information.
• Change your diet. Add more fruits and vegetables and decrease processed foods. • Lose weight. Even a 7% decrease can make a difference. Check with your primary care provider about being tested for diabetes or find a doctor at unitypoint.org/providers. For more information about diabetes, call UnityPoint Clinic – Endocrinology, Diabetes Care and Healthy Living Clinic at (319) 298-2200.
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1825 Logan Ave. | Waterloo, IA 50703
Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Waterloo, IA Permit No. 152 We apologize for mailing problems such as duplicate copies. If you have questions or concerns about LiveWell magazine, please email allenhospital@unitypoint.org. Copyright ® 2023 UnityPoint Health. All Rights Reserved. ® SM trademarks of UnityPoint Health.
There are three As in HEART ATTACK If you or someone you know is having symptoms of a heart attack, remember: Ambulance Aspirin Allen