W I NTER 2023-2024
Tips for Better Sleep This Season Meet the da Vinci Surgical Robot Your Perfect Day in the Snow Heart-healthy Recipes
AFF P I CKS ST
Best Mind/Body Apps
Living Well at Altitude Discover the keys to aging well so you can enjoy your best life longer.
Contents
W I NTE R 2023-2024
VO LU M E 1, I S SU E 2
features
8 Living Well at Altitude Discover the five pillars of healthy aging
12 Revive Your Sleep Routine Tips for a good night’s rest this season
20 Meet Our da Vinci Xi® Surgical Robot Learn how new technology is helping patients heal faster
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HEALTHY JOURNEY BY ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
in this issue 5
With You, Every Step of the Way Letter from the CEO of Aspen Valley Hospital
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Heartfelt Advice Don’t let these five factors undermine your health
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Apps for Mind and Body Test your brain, track your goals and chill your vibe with our staff picks
24
Steering the Course of Community Health and Wellness An update from Melinda Nagle, MD, Chair of the AVH Board of Directors
26
Thank You, From Our Family to Yours A message from the AVH Foundation
32
Warming Up Smarter Skip the stretch and try movement instead
34
Flurries of Fun Plan your perfect day in the snow
36
Slay the Slopes Word Find Track down these wintertime gems
37
Kids Craft Corner DIY art projects for winter
38
Tasty Wintertime Eats (and Treats) Warm the cold-weather months with heart-healthy recipes
41
Word Find Answers How’d you do?
42
Calendar Ongoing classes and upcoming events not to miss
43
Directory of Services A handy list of who to call for what you need
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W I N T E R 2023-2024
CONTRIBUTORS
WINTER 2023-2024 | VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 Healthy Journey by Aspen Valley Hospital is one of the many ways we pursue our vision to foster our community as the healthiest in the nation. Our magazine is published by the Community Relations team at Aspen Valley Hospital. AVH BOARD OF DIRECTORS Melinda Nagle, MD Chair
Randy Eis, NRP, FP-C
Lee Schumacher Vice Chair
Flurries of Fun
Chuck Frias Treasurer Greg Balko, MD Director David H. Eisenstat Director
AVH FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
John Sarpa Chair Ernie Fyrwald Vice Chair Joan Gurrentz Secretary Ginette Sebenaler Treasurer Dave Ressler CEO, Aspen Valley Hospital Greg Balko, MD Director
Joe Kagan, PT, DPT, CSCS
Lee Schumacher Director
Warming Up Smarter
DIRECTORS
Pam Alexander, Cori Berger Suzanne Cain, Coley Cassidy Justin Douglas, Lisa Guth Cari Kuhlman, Pete Louras Rachel Sherman
EXECUTIVE TEAM Dave Ressler Chief Executive Officer Catherine Bernard, MD Chief Medical Officer Diana Bulman Chief Development Officer & Foundation President Michelle Gelroth Chief Information Officer
Lauren Mitchell, MS, RDN, CSSD
Elaine Gerson Chief Operating Officer
Tasty Wintertime Eats (and Treats)
Tom McCauley Chief Human Resources Officer Ginette Sebenaler Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Slaughter Chief Growth and Marketing Officer
MEDICAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chris Roseberry, MD President Mary Harris, MD Vice President Nathalia Dolan, MD Secretary/Treasurer Scott Gallagher, MD Emergency Department Chair Kelly Locke, MD Medicine Department Chair Chris Beck, MD Surgery Department Chair
Jeanne Stough, MS, EP Heartfelt Advice
connect with us
AspenValleyHospital
AspenValleyHospital
AspenValleyHospital
Non-Discrimination Statement: With regards to employment, access to, or provision of care, Aspen Valley Hospital District (AVHD) shall provide all individuals with the full and equal enjoyment of the services, privileges, facilities, advantages and accommodations without discrimination, as required by Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act of 2010. AVHD shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (which includes gender-based discrimination), disability, religion, age or veteran status. Gender-based discrimination includes discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression and nonconformity with sex stereotypes.
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With You, Every Step of the Way
T
ogether, our healthy journey continues! It is truly our privilege to be with you on your path to health and wellness, as your community hospital and Network of Care.
In this, our second issue of Healthy Journey magazine, we provide you with a host of topics all with you, your lifestyle, and your health and wellness needs in mind. There is a reason we all choose to live and spend time in our valley, because it is unique among world destinations for its naturally stunning beauty, outdoor amenities and vibrant culture. Our goal is to provide you with the information and support you need to make the most of it. Also, in this issue, we provide you with some helpful facts and figures that illustrate our long-standing and deep relationship to the Aspen community and the ways we support the broader health of our residents and visitors. We can’t do what we do without our community’s financial support. In turn, it is our job as an organization to be good stewards of these resources, to be transparent in how they are utilized, and to assure that our priorities are your priorities. Given the high costs of healthcare in our country, we are continuing to endeavor to be a part of the local solution. Over the ensuing issues of Healthy Journey, we look forward to providing you with more information and more ideas for how we can strike the right balance between providing high-quality healthcare and health services, while assuring they are accessible to everyone, so we can all live long and healthy lives.
Dave Ressler CEO, Aspen Valley Hospital
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Your Community
With convenient locations in the Upper Roaring Fork Valley, your AVH Network of Care offers you and your family the assurance that compassionate care is always nearby. Since 1891, AVH has been shaped by the needs of the community it serves. From providing lifesaving care for pioneering silver miners to improving access to high-quality and whole-person healthcare, we’re committed to growing with you.
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Your Network of Care Aspen Valley Hospital
0401 Castle Creek Road, Aspen 970.925.1120
Whitcomb Terrace Assisted Living
275 Castle Creek Road, Aspen 970.544.1530
Snowmass Clinic
77 Wood Road Suite #N200, Snowmass Base Village 7 days/week, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm 970.544.1518
After-Hours Medical Care
234 East Cody Lane, Basalt Monday – Friday, 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 970.544.1250
Aspen Valley Hospital Clinics
1460 East Valley Road, Basalt Aspen Valley Primary Care – 970.279.4111 Midvalley Laboratory – 970.544.1528
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Living Well at Altitude The Five Pillars of Healthy Aging Discover the keys to aging well so you can enjoy your best life longer.
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Y
es, it’s true: getting older brings significant life change that can make it harder to stay active, nimble and mentally strong. The good news is that adopting a few healthy habits can soften some of the edges. Learning and living these pillars of healthy aging is a great way to navigate the changes that come with time—and still live your best mountain lifestyle here in the Roaring Fork Valley. Aging Redefined Life expectancy for adults in the U.S. has changed dramatically over the last century, from an average of 54 years in the 1920s to 82 years today.1 Advancements in modern medicine along with improved living standards have extended our lives—and our quality of life. Today, practicing a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce your risk of disease as well as help with what is called “successful aging.” This refers to having the cognitive and physical capacity to actively engage with your life—and be happy. “Establish good habits early and maintain them,” said Edward Wiese, MD, Aspen Valley Primary Care and the medical director for Whitcomb Terrace, the only nonprofit senior residence in the Roaring Fork Valley. “While what your body is capable of changes over time, you can still do a lot of things to stay fit and active as you age.”
The Five Pillars of Healthy Aging Many factors influence how we age. While some, like genetics, are out of our control, others are within it. Dr. Wiese emphasizes the importance of preventive care, including seeing your doctor and keeping up with your vaccines, as well as establishing and maintaining good habits based on the five pillars of healthy aging.
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death.3 It’s important to include enough healthy protein to maintain muscle mass, and taking dietary supplements like Vitamin D can help to protect your bones. Your primary care physician can provide guidance on what’s right for you. Staying hydrated is also essential, to ensure healthy liver, kidney and brain function. In the dry air of altitude, it’s extra important to ensure that you are drinking enough. Current recommendations are 2.7 liters per day for women and 3.7 per day for men.4 While you get 20% of your daily fluids from foods, experts suggest sipping water throughout the day to ensure proper hydration.
Stay Active
Eat Well
Get Quality Sleep
There is a reason physical activity is a cornerstone of healthy aging: research suggests that people who exercise regularly live longer—and better. A study of adults ages 40+ found that taking 8,000 or more steps per day, compared to 4,000 steps, was associated with a 51% lower risk of death from all causes.2 In addition, aging brings a loss of muscle mass and strength, which can increase the risk of falls and fractures and contribute to frailty.
Eating a healthy diet can protect you as you age, and also even help improve your brain function. Experts often recommend following a Mediterraneanstyle diet, with its emphasis on fresh produce, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats. Research has shown this diet is effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and sudden
Being well-rested helps you stay alert and healthy, but as you age, it can be harder to get quality sleep. Without it, you’re more likely to feel irritable and have trouble concentrating. In addition, research reveals that a lack of sleep could increase your risk for developing dementia.5 Developing good sleep habits, including going to bed and getting up at the same time and following a consistent bedtime routine, can help you get your recommended 7 to 9 hours daily. For more on this topic, read “Winterproofing Your Sleep Routine” on page 12.
Regular exercise has many benefits, from helping you maintain a healthy weight to preserving muscle mass and function. If you don’t love exercising, take heart: even moderate activity has major health benefits. Walking, easy hiking, swimming and physical activities like gardening can all count toward an ideal goal of 30 minutes most days per week. If you have any bad habits, now is the time to break them. Smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and consuming too much alcohol can all increase your risk of chronic disease—and damage your health. Your primary care physician can provide personalized guidance to help you make changes that can improve your health.
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“While what your body is capable of changes over time, you can still do a lot of things to stay fit and active as you age.” EDWARD WIESE, MD, ASPEN VALLEY PRIMARY CARE AND THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR WHITCOMB TERRACE
#4
Keep Your Brain Sharp Cognitive functions like problemsolving and memory can change as we age, so it is important to stimulate your brain as much as possible. Reading, taking up a new hobby, or practicing an existing skill can all help—think continuing to play a musical instrument or even learning a new language.
The Five Pillars of Healthy Aging Learning and practicing these pillars can help you live your best mountain lifestyle.
Physical Activity
Healthy Diet
Quality Sleep
Brain Stimulation
Regular exercise. Even moderate activity has major benefits.
Fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats. Adequate hydration.
7-9 hours daily. Consistent routine.
Read, learn, and practice new and lifelong skills.
“Like your muscles, your brain works better the more it’s stimulated, especially when learning new skills that are challenging,” said Brooke Allen, MD, Roaring Fork Neurology. “Find and make time for things that engage your mind. This will help your brain gain and retain skills, which can help with brain plasticity as you age.”
Socializing and Finding Purpose As we age, it can be difficult to maintain social connections, but studies have shown that loneliness and isolation can create health risks like depression, heart disease and cognitive decline.6 In fact, your social network—and no, not on Facebook—may be the most important
Relationships/ Purpose Connect with others, stay engaged, find a purpose.
lifestyle factor for successful aging. “Surround yourself with people with a similar mindset who enjoy the same activities,” said Dr. Wiese. This social time can keep you motivated, reduce stress and help you feel happier—at any age. “A lot of my patients say, ‘I don’t feel as old as I am,’” Dr. Wiese added. “Aging well requires a certain frame of mind. Stay engaged, continue to find a purpose, and remember that the world holds positive things for you. Along with healthy habits, this mindset will help you enjoy a highquality life longer.” 1
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1040079/ life-expectancy-united-states-all-time/
2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32207799/
3
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/ healthy-weight/diet-reviews/mediterranean-diet/
4
Water: US National Academies of Science, Engineering & Medicine https://www.healthline.com/ nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day
5
Dementia/sleep: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/lacksleep-middle-age-may-increase-dementia-risk
6
Social isolation: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/socialisolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
“Find and make time for things that engage your mind. This will help your brain gain and retain skills, which can help with brain plasticity as you age.” BROOKE ALLEN, MD, ROARING FORK NEUROLOGY
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Winterproof Your Sleep Routine Say goodbye to drowsy: Tips for getting a good night’s rest this season.
T
he alarm jolts you awake, but it’s still pitch black outside and you feel as if you’ve barely closed your eyes. Winter mornings have a way of making it harder than ever to get out of bed, leaving you wishing for just a little more shuteye. Getting a good night’s sleep is not just a good idea, it’s also vital to your health and wellbeing. Sleep restores and recharges your body, improves your brain function, and can even help you fend off illness. Winter’s arrival, though, can cause some common sleep disturbances. Here is why sleep matters to your health, along with tips to improve yours this winter.
How Sleep Supports Health Most adults need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per night, with a minimum of 7 hours. Getting less can affect you the next day, while chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of disease.
“Sleep plays a crucial role in your overall health,” said Dr. Catherine Bernard, Chief Medical Officer at Aspen Valley Hospital. “Quality sleep not only makes you feel better, but it also helps the immune system stay strong. It can help you stave off weight gain, anxiety, depression and more.” Think of it this way: while you sleep, your body hits the “repair” and “reset” buttons. Sleep supports your health through:
ROUTINE RECHARGE. During stages of deep sleep, your body recharges vital functions. It releases growth hormones that reduce inflammation, repair tissue and strengthen bone. Adequate sleep is also essential to help you recover from heavy physical activity and build muscle.
BRAIN BOOST. When you sleep, your brain consolidates memory, clearing pathways to retain new information. This can make thinking, learning and problemsolving a little easier.
HORMONE BALANCE. Adequate sleep helps regulate hormones related to stress, like cortisol, and appetite, such as ghrelin and leptin. Hormonal balance assists with keeping a healthy weight and lowering the risk of certain metabolic diseases like diabetes.
ENERGY REFRESH. Giving your
IMMUNE PROTECTION. Sleep
mind and body the opportunity to rest conserves and recharges your energy. It’s why you wake up feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep.
fuels your immune system and antibodies to help you fight off disease and infection.
Getting your zzz’s then, isn’t just about helping you get through the next day. It’s key to your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
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Sleep Stealers
Shorter days with reduced light may interrupt your circadian rhythms by interfering with your production of melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone.
Long nights and cold temperatures can make you feel tired—and yet many people struggle to get quality sleep in the winter. “Winter’s onset can bring a number of seasonal sleep challenges,” Dr. Bernard said. “Those can include less daylight, richer foods and mood changes that make it feel harder to get up in the morning.” Recent research shows that sleep patterns change through the seasons, and in winter we naturally need more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.1 REM sleep is one of four stages of sleep, with relaxed muscles and increased brain activity, and helps support emotional processing and brain function. According to the Sleep Foundation, most adults need about two hours of REM sleep per night, and even more during the colder months.2 Yet a few common culprits can interfere with your ability to get good sleep during this season. Shorter days with reduced
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light may interrupt your circadian rhythms by interfering with your production of melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone. Screentime too close to bedtime can also disrupt melatonin production. In addition, increased darkness may trigger seasonal mood changes that affect your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. What you eat and drink can also wreak havoc with your sleep, from caffeinated beverages and alcohol to foods high in fat and sugar. So can traveling, especially if you’ve crossed time zones or are adjusting to high altitude. While winter can bring sleep challenges, there are a few strategies you can use to up your chances of getting a good night’s sleep. “A good routine is the key to getting better sleep,” Dr. Bernard said. “Staying active and establishing a predictable bedtime routine that helps you wind down can lead to better quality sleep. This in turn can help you live a happy, healthy life.”
Strategies for Better Sleep
Set a wake-up time.
Limit screentime before bed.
Practice good sleep hygiene.
If it’s difficult to go to bed at the same time, try setting a regular morning alarm. This can help you move toward a consistent bedtime.
Put away your phone or tablet 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. Consider also charging your phone across the room so you’re not tempted to check it one more time.
Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and cool. Most experts say 65 degrees is optimal. Also, treat your bedroom as a place to sleep and rest, not work.
Establish cut-off times.
Make time to relax.
Consider supplements.
Caffeine can remain in your system from 2 to 12 hours, so avoid consuming it too close to bedtime. Give yourself at least 3 hours to metabolize alcohol, too, as it can disrupt your sleep.
A few minutes of wind-down can help you fall asleep faster—and stay asleep longer. Yoga or stretching, mindfulness apps like Headspace and Calm, or 10 minutes of reading (but not on a screen!) can all help.
Some supplements like melatonin and B vitamins can also be effective sleep aids. Ask your primary care doctor for guidance.
When to Get Help Most people experience sleeping difficulties at some point in their lives. Signs can include drowsiness, difficulty focusing, irritability and more. Some people struggle with insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep long enough to get a full night of quality sleep. Another sleep disorder is sleep apnea, in which you may repeatedly stop breathing at night. Your brain wakes you enough to restart breathing, but the disorder can prevent you from getting a healthy, restful night of sleep. Seasonal Affective Disorder, known as S.A.D., can also cause sleeping problems. This seasonal depression is most common in late fall to late winter. In severe cases, S.A.D. can lead
to depression and suicidal thoughts and tendencies. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact Headquarters (formerly Aspen Strong) to find help. If you have consistently focused on your sleep hygiene, and you still struggle with sleep and low energy, check with your primary care doctor. He or she may suggest a sleep apnea screening or refer you to a sleep study, which can be used to diagnose a wide variety of sleep disorders. Winter in the Roaring Fork Valley is a wonderful time of year. This season, make sure you’re well-rested enough to enjoy all it has to offer. 1
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ fnins.2023.1105233/full#h4
2
Sleep Foundation: https://www.sleepfoundation. org/stages-of-sleep/rem-sleep
Learn More About Sleep Study Services Aspen Valley Hospital partners with Dr. Thomas A. Minor at Mountain Sleep Diagnostics to provide leadingedge polysomnography sleep study services to our community. Sleep studies can be used to diagnose a variety of sleep disorders.
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Heartfelt Advice Don’t Let These Five Factors Undermine Your Health
BY JEANNE STOUGH, MS, EP
Cardiac Rehabilitation at Aspen Valley Hospital
When it comes to cardiovascular health, we hear a lot about diet and exercise. While they are certainly important, there are some lesser known factors that can significantly influence the heart.
Rest
Overtraining
Stress
Sleep isn't just for the weary—it’s for the heart, too! Adequate, quality sleep is vital for a healthy heart. During deep sleep, the body repairs and regenerates, including the heart and blood vessels. Aim for 7-9 hours of shuteye each night.
As previously mentioned, exercise is a fundamental pillar of heart health, but there's a tipping point. Overtraining can strain your heart and lead to injuries. Give your heart some love by incorporating rest days into your routine. It's during these periods that your heart adapts and grows stronger.
When stress becomes chronic, it can have harmful effects on the heart. The body's response to anxiety can lead to increased blood pressure, heightened heart rate and artery inflammation. Over time, this can contribute to the development of heart disease. Consider finding ways to seriously relax. Even mindful breathing throughout the day can help decrease stress and anxiety.
Alcohol It’s okay to raise a glass ... but moderation is key. Excessive alcohol can lead to a host of heart problems. So, it's best to savor in sensible quantities to keep your ticker in top shape. Our medical experts recommend no more than one drink for women and no more than two drinks for men each day.
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High Altitude At higher elevations, like in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, there's less oxygen in the air. This can make your heart have to work harder to keep blood pumping. When exercising outdoors, it’s crucial to stay wellhydrated to combat the drier air. And don't overexert yourself.
By keeping these factors in mind, and living a healthy lifestyle, you can help your heart beat strong for years to come.
Quiz
Is Anxiety Stressing Out Your Heart? Answer the following questions to assess your stress levels and their potential impact on your heart health.
3. Do you find it challenging to relax or "turn off" your mind, even when you have time to rest? A) Never B) Rarely
1. How often do you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with everyday challenges? A) Rarely or never B) Occasionally C) Frequently D) Almost constantly
2. How often do you experience physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches, muscle tension or digestive issues? A) Never B) Rarely C) Sometimes D) Often
C) Sometimes D) Often
4. Have you noticed any changes in your sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up feeling refreshed? A) No, my sleep is generally good B) Occasionally, but it's not a major issue C) Yes, it's a consistent problem D) My sleep is severely affected by stress
5. How often do you engage in stress-coping behaviors like overeating, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or neglecting physical activity? A) Never B) Rarely C) Occasionally D) Often
SCORING GUIDE Add up the points for each of your answers: A = 0 points B = 1 point C = 2 points D = 3 points INTERPRETING YOUR SCORE 0-4 points: Your stress level appears to be relatively low, but it's important to continue practicing stress management techniques and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. 5-8 points: You may be experiencing moderate levels of stress that could be affecting your heart health. Consider implementing additional stressreducing strategies into your routine, such as meditation and exercise. 9-12 points: Your stress levels are elevated and could have a significant impact on your heart health. This may be a good time to make an appointment with your physician to help you manage your stress effectively.
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T(app)ing Into a Healthier You Staff picks of the most useful mind and body apps
EWG Healthy Living
Recommended by: Karra Cieslinski, MPH, CHES, Director of Benefits and Wellbeing at Aspen Valley Hospital
What does it do? The Environmental Working Group app, as the name implies, helps consumers learn about the environmental impact of products. You can scan an item, review its rating and pick the best choice for your healthy lifestyle. Why do you recommend it? It is my go-to for checking all kinds of products. It’s easy to review everyday items—from cosmetics to food to cleaning products— before I buy them, to ensure they are safe for me, my family and the planet.
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Reveri
MyFitnessPal
Apple Fitness
Calm
Recommended by:
Recommended by:
Recommended by:
Recommended by:
Laurie Osier, RDN, CDCES, Diabetes Educator at Aspen Valley Hospital
Dustin Anderson, MD, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Physiatry and Pain Management at Aspen Valley Hospital and The Steadman Clinic
Reilly Brickell, RN, EMT, Nurse Resident, Emergency Department, at Aspen Valley Hospital
Jennifer Slaughter, MHCDS, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at Aspen Valley Hospital
What does it do? The fitness app tracks your workouts, helps you set fitness related goals, and allows you to share your progress with your friends and family.
What does it do? The Calm app provides content that helps to regulate your nervous system and aids in nurturing your mindfulness and sleep habits. Content is continually expanding and includes meditations, sleep stories, music and soundscapes.
What does it do? Reveri is a self-hypnosis app based on research out of Stanford University. It uses different exercises to change mindset about a variety of health habits. Why do you like it? It supports developing an intuitive eating practice and changing mindset to eating well vs. restricting. It has a broad range of support to help you relieve stress, sleep better, enhance focus, manage pain and quit a bad habit. It is a positive approach to changing health habits, and it offers a trial to see if this approach can work for you.
What does it do? MyFitnessPal allows users to track calories, monitor progress toward weightmanagement goals, and gain support from an online community. Why do you like it? If you are looking to get in shape for ski season, it’s a great method to track your calorie intake and make steady progress towards your goals.
Why do you like it? I use the fitness app to track my mountain bike rides and compare my workouts with friends. I also enjoy the ability to set goals such as calories burned and hours spent working out. It also integrates with my Apple Watch so I can track my workout without having to carry my phone!
Why do you recommend it? I use the soundscapes feature every night to help fall asleep. The Daily Calm meditations ease me into a relaxed state at the end of a busy day. My sleep quality has never been better!
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On the
Cutting Edge Meet the New da Vinci Xi® Surgical Robot
Discover how our surgeons are using new technology to help patients heal faster.
W
hen the da Vinci Xi® surgical robot made its debut at Aspen Valley Hospital a few months ago, it ushered in a new era of surgical expertise. This state-of-the-art technology enhances surgeons’ skills, enabling far greater accuracy and precision during procedures. This also means achieving better patient outcomes, including reduced pain, fewer complications and faster recovery. “Adding the da Vinci system is an exciting step forward for Aspen Valley Hospital, because we can now offer patients the best possible surgical experience,” said Dr. Chris Roseberry, FACS, Chief of Medical Staff and Trauma Medical Director at Aspen Valley Hospital. “For 100 years, surgeons performed every operation with the open
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technique. Today, robotic-assisted surgery with this system is the new gold standard for abdominal and other procedures. It’s a huge leap forward for surgeons and patients.”
The Next Phase of Surgical Innovation The da Vinci Xi surgical robot by Intuitive is a leading surgical platform in robotic-assisted surgery. As a medical innovation, robotic-assisted surgery has gained significant adoption in recent years—and is shaping the future of minimally invasive surgery. Surgery in general falls into three categories: general or open, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted. In open surgery, surgeons make an incision in the surgical area to perform the procedure. Surgeons perform
laparoscopic surgery using special long handheld tools while viewing magnified images from the laparoscope (camera) on a video screen. Robotic-assisted surgery combines the precision of robotics with the expertise of a surgeon. While the word “robotic” is in the description, a robot does not perform surgery. The surgeon does, using the system’s instruments and advanced features in real time in the operating room. The three-part da Vinci Xi surgical system includes the robot, a surgeon console and a vision cart. “The da Vinci system’s surgical technology essentially extends the power of our surgeons’ eyes and hands,” Dr. Roseberry explained, “and that enhancement gives us the capabilities to perform surgical procedures while minimizing incision size, which can mean faster healing.”
Greater Precision, Better Outcomes Dr. Roseberry shared some of the system’s technological features and how they translate to better patient outcomes. The da Vinci Xi surgical robot enables three times the control of the human hand, giving surgeons at Aspen Valley Hospital greater range of motion and access to hard-to-reach areas. The system includes built-in tremor-filtration technology for smooth, precise movements translated in real time from the surgeon’s hands. And with crystal-clear, 3DHD magnified vision, the system enhances tenfold what the human eye sees. These advantages translate to positives for patients. Because surgeons can work through incisions as small as 8 to 13 mm, there is less soft tissue trauma, pain and scarring as well as fewer complications and a lower risk of infection. As a result, many patients have shorter recovery times and can go home sooner. “When we operate with the da Vinci, its precision means we don’t have to manipulate other organs to the same degree, resulting in much less post-operative pain and much faster recovery,” Dr. Roseberry explained. At Aspen Valley Hospital, robotically trained surgeons, led by Dr. Roseberry, are performing minimally invasive abdominal surgeries including appendectomies,
gallbladder procedures and hernia repair. Dr. Roseberry also noted that robotic surgery has become the standard of care for anti-reflux surgery, which for many years has been performed laparoscopically. “There is a significant amount of suturing in these procedures. The da Vinci enables a far more accurate surgery because suturing is more precise when done robotically. I’m excited to be able to offer this procedure now to our local patients.” For Aspen Valley Hospital and the da Vinci, the last few months mark just the beginning, with plans to expand the system’s capabilities to OB/ GYN and urology surgeries.
Bringing a Proven System to AVH Aspen Valley Hospital’s leadership team and surgical staff considered the system’s proven success at hospitals across the country in the decision to bring it here. In addition, Dr. Roseberry had previously led the introduction of the da Vinci system as Chief of Surgery at Exeter Hospital in
New Hampshire in 2018. With experience performing hundreds of robotic-assisted surgeries using the system, he could help train AVH surgical staff. In addition to improving patient outcomes, da Vinci’s debut has meant that surgeons can now perform complex cases that previously had to be referred out to other hospitals. This makes it easier for patients to receive truly cuttingedge care right here in the Roaring Fork Valley, near home, family and friends. Looking to the future, Dr. Roseberry shared, “The greatest promise of this technology is that it is always evolving. As with any of our electronic or computerbased instrumentation, it gets better all the time. What’s more, the integration of these computerized platforms with 3D, CAT scans and X-rays is advancing, which will allow us to do even more complex operations robotically in the future. That, of course, means continuing to redefine what’s possible with surgery—and in healthier patient outcomes.”
“When we operate with the da Vinci, its precision means we don’t have to manipulate other organs to the same degree, resulting in much less post-operative pain and much faster recovery.”
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HEALTHIER SURGICAL OUTCOMES Dr. Roseberry shared stories of recent patient experiences to illustrate how the da Vinci system makes minimally invasive surgery an alternative to open surgery. “When a patient presented with a ruptured sigmoid colon, we were able to surgically remove that portion of the infected intestine using the da Vinci,” he recalled. “This averted open surgery and enabled a faster postoperative recovery with less pain.” Dr. Roseberry also shared the story of a patient who recently underwent gall bladder removal in a surgery with the da Vinci platform. “Because we have the da Vinci platform, with its improved visualization and instrumentation, we were able to complete the entire operation laparoscopically, significantly shortening what would have otherwise been a prolonged hospital stay for recovery.”
Your Secure Online Health Connection
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Chris Roseberry, MD, FACS
Trauma and General Surgeon, Chief of Medical Staff
“The da Vinci system’s surgical technology extends the power of our surgeons’ eyes and hands, enabling us to achieve the healthiest outcomes for our patients.”
Minimally Invasive, Robotic-assisted Surgery is Here When life means surgery, trust our team of experts. Our highly-trained surgeons—in tandem with robotic technologies and excellent patient experience—offer you the peace of mind you deserve. The da Vinci Xi surgical robot at Aspen Valley Hospital enhances your surgeon’s skills beyond human capability, extending the capacity of your surgeon’s eyes and hands—to 10x what the human eye sees and 3x the control of the human hand.
In addition, surgery with da Vinci promotes: • Less soft tissue trauma, pain and scarring • Fewer complications and infections • Shorter recovery time
Ask your doctor if this surgery is right for you.
Get to know da Vinci.
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Steering the Course of Community Health Here to serve the needs of our community, Aspen Valley Hospital is continually assessing the role we play in supporting our community’s health and wellness, going beyond treating illnesses and injuries to support the whole of you. We are committed to investing in the services you need to nurture your good health, and to thrive as a community.
Accessible Care for All
You have proven over many years along this journey that we are partners in health."
One of the most crucial ways AVH does this is by ensuring access to healthcare services for everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. By offering a range of healthcare programs and services, we ensure individuals can receive medical attention when they need it most. In 2022 alone, we provided more than $1.4 million in uncompensated health services to patients. This allowed uninsured and low-income individuals and families to receive critical treatment. Further, we donated more than $450,000 last year in direct financial assistance to outside agencies. These programs support our most vulnerable community members. From the homeless to those struggling with addiction, AVH is committed to helping people who have additional needs and are often underserved. Our annual Health Fairs are another way we invite our community members to engage with their health. These multi-day events offer deeply discounted lab tests, allowing anyone— regardless of their health insurance coverage—to assess their current health status and identify potential concerns early on. More than 1,800 people took advantage of these events this year.
The Whole Patient and the Entire Family Another key factor is our advanced, team-based approach to providing primary care. This model places patients at the center of care and leverages the collective expertise of our healthcare professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our team, which includes internists, family medicine physicians and a pediatrician, means the whole family can be treated at the same practice. And for patients with chronic conditions, we provide care coordination to help them navigate appointments and resolve challenges. Support is also wrapped around our patients by counselors who help with nutrition, medication and behavioral health concerns. If more focused care is needed, we can refer out to our network of specialists, which include otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), ophthalmology, cardiology and oncology care, as well as expertly-trained surgeons using robotic technologies, and more. Expanding access to mental health services has been an ongoing initiative. We have taken great strides by adding behavioral health providers in both the hospital and our primary care clinic. We also offer telehealth consultations to make receiving support easy and convenient for everyone.
The Heartbeat of Our Hospital and Our Network of Care Of course, we can’t accomplish all of this alone. We rely on you, our community, to support our work and help us retain talented staff, hire specialists who keep expert care close to home, and expand healthcare access. From our volunteers to our generous donors, and ongoing support through local property taxes, it takes all of us, and you have proven over many years along this journey, that we are partners in health. Thank you for being a driving force behind our mission to provide extraordinary healthcare.
BY MELINDA NAGLE, MD
Chair of the AVH Board of Directors
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HEALTHY JOURNEY BY ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
A Picture of Health Leading the way to better health for all, Aspen Valley Hospital is committed to investing in the services you need to nurture your good health and to thrive as a healthy community. Here are some of the ways we are taking steps along our collective journey.
$1,429,021 of uncompensated care*
Walk-in clinic access in Snowmass Village & Basalt
Specialists address community needs Ear, Nose and Throat Trauma and General Surgery Cardiology & Electrophysiology
1,806
132
years serving the community!
Health Fair goers in 2023
$473,530
donated to community programs* Aspen Community Health Services Mountain Family Health Center Pitkin County Mental Health Aspen Homeless Shelter Aspen Detox Center
Robotic-assisted Surgery Medical Oncology Breast Surgery
Advanced orthopaedic care
Ophthalmology
in partnership with The Steadman Clinic & Steadman Philippon Surgery Center
Whitcomb Terrace all-inclusive, non-profit senior living
Team-based primary care in Aspen & Basalt Internists, family medicine & pediatrics Nutrition, medication & behavioral health support Care coordination
*2022 data
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A Message
S
FROM THE AVH FOUNDATION
ince its founding in 1891, Aspen Valley Hospital has needed the support of its community. In this issue, you will see the many donors who have included Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation in their charitable giving. The alphabetical list includes all of our donors from 2022. We don’t list people by the amount of their gift, because every gift matters.
For all of the gifts we have received from donor advised funds, payroll deductions, family foundations, events as well as the good citizenship demonstrated by gifts from area businesses, to those with the foresight to include us in their wills—our nurses, physicians and all of our staff who take care of this community’s health say thank you. As we enter the season where many of us sit down to think about what organizations matter to us personally, to our families, for our health and wellbeing, in the place we call home—we hope you will continue to include Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation in those decisions. Sincerely,
Diana Bulman Chief Development Officer and President of the AVH Foundation
List of Donors
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Dr. Doug Abeles
Aspen Skiing Company
Catherine Bergman
Ruth Ann and Salem Abraham
Aspen Valley Hospital Medical Staff
Gina Berko and David Fleisher
Scarlett and William Adams
Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club
Dr. Pedro and Barbara Bermann
Rita & Jeffrey Adler Foundation
Kelly and Andy Atkinson
Catherine Bernard, MD
The Stephen Adler and Sarah Brett-Smith Fund
Becky Ayres
Sallie and Thomas Bernard
Emily and Jon Albers
Susan and Stephen Baird
Wilma and Stuart Bernstein
Pamela C. Alexander Advised Fund at Aspen Community Foundation
The Estate of Mary Ann Banach
Kathy and Barry Bernsten
Abel Banuelos
Betula Aspen
Alpine Bank
Amanda Barajas
The Bezos Family
Jose Antonio Amaya
Ellen Barlow
Hannah Bickel
AmazonSmile
Victor Bartik
Sue Binkley Tatem, Ph.D.
Dr. Dustin and Sarah Anderson
Pamela Bastidas
Robert and Perri Bishop Foundation Inc.
Michelle Anderson-McCauley
Kristy Bates
Eileen Blanchard
Jennifer Andres
Connie and Buddy Bates
Leslie and Jack Blanton
Shannon and Glenn Andrews
Gail and Jeffrey Bayer
Jonathan Blau and Melissa Eisenstat
Anonymous (24)
Edward and Susan Blumenfeld Foundation
Victor Argueta
Lynda & Carlton Beal, Jr. Fund of the Beal Foundation
Betts and C.D. Armstrong
Amy Behrhorst
Bosq Aspen
Aspen Anesthesia
Chip Beir, The Beir Foundation
Karin and Brian Boyd, New Cycle Foundation
Aspen Community Foundation
Katherine Benziger and Todd Threlkeld
The Braisted Family
Aspen Emergency Medicine Physician Group
Julie and Jim Berger
Lori and Robert Brandon
HEALTHY JOURNEY BY ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
Christine and Mike Bodrogi
List of Donors
Gail and Bill Braun
Stacy Davis
Billie and Greg Erwin
Bobbie Brazzell
Susan de Saint Phalle
Deborah and Mark Breen
Darrel Degelau
Etkin Family Advised Fund at Aspen Community Foundation
James Brenner
Elsa Del Billar
Sylvia and George Falk
Dr. Elizabeth Brew and Robert Van Wetter
James DeMartini III, The Skoll Foundation
Belinda and Eric Faulhaber
Gina and Tucker Bridwell
Debra DeMeulenaere
Ella and Scott Brittingham
Maureen and John Denison
Anchor Point Gift Fund of Bradley A. Feld and M. Amy Batchelor
Arlene and Keith Bronstein
Jaclynn and George Derosier
Sarah Broughton and John Rowland
Barbara Detwiler
Susan and George Fesus
Steven Bruening
Susan and Jon Diamond
Katie Fielding
Carolyn S. Bucksbaum
Tony DiLucia and Nick Lincoln
Delfina Blaquier Figueras and Nacho Figueras
Diana Bulman
Mary Anne and Bill Dingus
Roslyn and Michael Fink
Amy Bumgarner
Muffy and Andy DiSabatino
Jessica Burchetta
Nancee and Ben Dodge
Susan and Richard Finkelstein, Sam W. Klein Charitable Foundation
Heidi Burtscher
Elizabeth Doerfler and Robert Leighton
Cache Cache
Mary and Sven Dominick-Coomer
Lynda Cameron, Cameron Family Foundation
Justin Douglas
Tracy and Tim Cameron
Sarah and Dan Drawbaugh
Campo de Fiori
Allie Dresser
Kelsey and Louie Carder
Jennifer Ducote
Caribou Club
Diane and Wayne Ducote
Amy Carter
Eliza and John Duncan Jr.
Maria and Malcolm Casas
Loyal Durand
Christine Case
Joyce and Paul Eckel
Stephen Casey
Tracy Ecklund
Adriana Castro
Randall Eis
Olexa Celine, Robert I. Goldman Foundation
Rona and Ron Eisenberg
Dr. Lesley Fraser and Regina Yunami
Chuck Chai
Nina and David Eisenstat
Allen Fredrickson
Mary and Adam Cherry, Big Blue Sky Foundation
Jane B. and Michael D. Eisner, The Eisner Foundation
Freeport-McMoran Foundation
Karra Cieslinski Rona and Jeff Citrin
Laura Thielen and George Eldred
Golda and Shelly Friedstein
City Market
élevée by Rickey
Carrie and Mark Fryer
Clark's Market
Jane and James Ellis
Steven Furer, MD
Colleen Cleveland
Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook
Lacy and Ernie Fyrwald
Raymond Clevenger
Gail and Alfred Engelberg
Melissa and Marc Ganzi
Jeanette and Norman Cohen
Gretchen Eppler and J. Peter Titsworth
Emily and David Garaffa
Lelia and Esteban Ferrer
Sistie Fischer Donna Fisher and Skip Behrhorst Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and Edward Weisiger Jr. Dr. Peter Fodor and Barbara Lowe Fodor Marylee and Howard Foley Jonathan Forbes William Forgey Alejandra and Paul Foster Krista Fox Ginna and Tim Francis Alyssa Franklin Erin Fransen
Barbara Fretz, Fretz Family Fund
Warren and Denise Cohen Pamela and Kevin Collins Lesley and William Collins Sarah and Will Cook Cain Cooklin Lourdes and James Coombs John Cooney Katy and Adam Cooper Emily and Richard Corleto Diana and Robert Cramer Dr. Craton and Mardell Burkholder Brynn and Charles Crowe, The Kirby-Jones Foundation Laurie Crown and Richard Ortega The Crown Family in honor of Renée and Lester Crown Carrie and Ernesto Cruz Catherine Cuccia Angela and Charles Cunniffe Virginia Dabney Allison Daily
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List of Donors
Sandra and Jeffrey Kallenberg Dr. Robert Kanterman and Caryn Fine Gideon Kaufman Marianne and Mark Keating Jill Kennedy Beth and William Kennedy Richard and Marianne Kipper Foundation Waynetta Kirchoff Carol Kirsh and Thomas Gottlieb Heather Knott Steven Knowles Nettie and Jeffrey Kremer Karen Kribs Ruth Kruger Cari Kuhlman Kimberly Kurr Scott La Du Michele and Jack Lafield Rachel Lahr Catherine Garber, Fergus Foundation
Katherine and Michael Heaney
Rickey Lamitie
Jose Arturo Garcia
Stefani and Christopher Heaphey
Donald Lang
Sara Garton
Hetta and Jesse Heath
Dawn Lansinger
Evalyn Gates and Eric Pelander
Christine Heller
Alice and Alan Lash
Michelle Gelroth
Susan Helm
Carol Launer
Maggie and Paul Gerardi
Melissa Helser
Susan and Harvey Lazarus
Dr. Gordon and Elaine Gerson
Shirley and Barnett Helzberg
Virginia and Gary Gerst
Diane Henry
Jeane and Bruce Lee, The Rockwood Charitable Trust
Jonathan Gibans, MD
Kristen Henry
Rebecca and Doug Leibinger
Leslie and Peter Gilbert
Yasmin Hermosillo
Jill Lerner and William Bintzer
Windy and Dallas Gillespie
Socorro Herrera
Lynne and Dan Levinson
Robert Glickman
Hildebrand Foundation
Edward C. and Linda Dresner Levy Foundation
Heidi and Mark Godomsky
Kelley Hill
Jennifer Goff
Hill Family Charitable Foundation
Karen & Russell Goldsmith Family Charitable Trust
Valerie Hincy
Dr. Michael and Caryn Goralka
Linda and Charles Ho
Melinda Gorden
Dr. Richard Hodosh and Helga Fisch
Andrea and Jim Gordon
Johnanna and Warren Hoeffner
Elise Greenberg Julia and Robert Greifeld, The Greifeld Family Foundation Sue Anne Griffith and James Kaufman Erich Grueter Margaret B. Gubser Family Trust Gucci
Gary Holbrook Cindy Holland Bert Holmes Ramon Holtz Erica Hartman-Horvitz and Richard Horvitz
Warren Lichtenstein, The Steel Partners Foundation Gary and Daylene Lichtenwalter Jeffrey Liddington Adriano Llosa Drs. Karen and Kelly Locke Margaret and Daniel Loeb, The Daniel S. Loeb Revocable Trust Lindsay, Rick, and Ruthie Lofaro Kristin and Charles Lohmiller Stevie Lomahaftewa Maggie Loomis Judi and Robert Loubier
James Hughes
Paula and Hugh Montgomery Loud
Carol, Mike and Daniel Hundert
Lugano Diamonds & Jewelry
The Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation
Katrin Luyten
Soledad and Bob Hurst, Hurst Family Foundation
Martha Madsen
Josue Hurtado
Donald MacKenzie
Deborah Hutchinson
Marlene Malek Revocable Trust
Joleen and Paul Incze
Brenden Mann Foundation
Robert Jacobson
Soila Manzano
Kennith Harvey
Lorraine and John Jardine
Dr. Frank C. Marino Foundation Inc.
Lisa and Byron Haselden
Debbie and Richard Jelinek
Patrick Marino
Haselden Construction
Julie Jenkins
Janice Martin
Becky Headden
Jan Jennings
Deborah and Troy Maschmeyer
Healthcare Alliance Fund at Aspen Community Foundation
Kristin and Ben Johnston
Mark Mason
Samantha Johnston and Jeff Kubica
Elizabeth Mayer
Arjun Gupta, MD Anne Gurchick The Joan and Rodger Gurrentz Family Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation Edward and Julia Hansen Foundation Vanessa Hardeman Ethan Harkless Harrington Smith
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The Estate of Eveline Hoffman
Melony and Adam Lewis
HEALTHY JOURNEY BY ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
Nancy Mayer and Steven Czechanski
Bruce Parlette
Molly O. Ross
Mona Look-Mazza and Tony Mazza
Caroline and Thomas Patricelli
Alan Rubenstein
Laurie and John McBride
Margaret and Andrew Paul
Jeannette Rubio
Tita and Dan McCarty
Michelle and Michael Payne
Betty Joseph and John Rutledge
Mindy and Tom McCauley
Flor Paz-Pastrana
Stephanie Ryan
Maxine McCowan
Anthony Peregretti
Joseph and Sandra Salvo
Anne McGrath
Carol and Brooke Peterson
Corrine and Lenny Sands
Katie and Jimmy McManus
Patricia and Edwin Peterson
Dr. Clare and Marius Sanger
Lynne and Rick McMillan
Hensley and James Peterson
Jan and John Sarpa
Anne McNulty
Sandra Ponce
Lisa Sarver
Miguel Medina
Tiffany and Adam Poss
Drs. Randy and Joel Schenkman
Craig Melville
Lexie and Robert Potamkin
Liz Mercatoris
Mary Powell
Betty and Lloyd Schermer, Adler Schermer Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Mewbourne
Dana and Gene Powell
Rebecca and Kevin Schmeits
Jennifer and David Millstone
Lisa Pranno
Mary Schmidt-Libby, MD
Dr. Barry and Peggy Mink
Dana Presutti
Susan and Sheldon Schneider
Tiffany Minter
Lisa Prior
Dr. Elizabeth Schneider and Jordan Rednor
Michelle and Nicholas Miscione
Allen and Kelli Questrom
B. Lee Schumacher
Jenn and David Mitchell
Veronica Zoani Quinterno and William Nutting
Neil Schuster
Genna Moe
Jose Ramos
Ginette and Pete Sebenaler
Bill Moler
Sheri and Marc Rapaport
Michelle and Steve Selby
Stacy Moore
George Records
Dr. Alana and Rahul Shah
Lucy Morgan
James Reece
Prakash Shah
Melissa Moritz
Dr. Presley and Stacey Reed
Sallie Shatz
Arthur Morris, MD
The Reese Family
Jacqueline and Neal Shear
Mariah and Craig Morris
The Resnick Foundation
Lauren and Brian Sherry
Madeleine Morrison and Chuck Bellock, Bellock Morrison Philanthropic Foundation
Dave and Julie Ressler
Patsy and John Shields
Susana and Luis Reyes Melissa Rhines
Elesabeth R. Shook, Barbara Ingalls Shook Foundation
Patricia Richards
Tracy Shopkorn
Kenneth Roberts, The M.U.S.E. Foundation
Lynn and Steve Silberman
Judy and Emerson Robinson Jr.
Ellen and Morton Silver
Suzanne Robinson
Allison and Heinz Simon
Nancy and Richard Rogers
Hillary and Scott Simon
Theresa Rogers and David Meeker
Wendi and Frank Simpson
Steve Romanello
Emi and Larry Slater
Kathy and Michael Rosenberg
Margie and Gerald Slater
Robert Rosenstein
Jennifer Slaughter and Derek Skalko
Matthew Moschetto Susan and Marvin Moses, Moses Family Foundation Inc. Michelle and Gabe Muething Donald Mullen Jr. Heather and Jimmy Mulvihill Eugenia and Carlos Murguia Drs. Heather and Michael Murphy Palmer Murray, The Otis Booth Foundation Kelsey Musser Lenore and Robert Nass Jo Ann and Stuart Nathan Meredith Nelson-Daniel Betty and Stephen Newton Kathleen and Thomas Niemer Nuages Beverly and Staman Ogilvie Blanca and Cavanaugh O'Leary Wouter Olivier, Whole Property Management and Maintenance Andrea and Doug Olson Barbara Olson Kathi Olson Renee Orros Laurie Osier Juan Osorio Jacqueline and Joshua Pack, The Pack Family Trust Stacy Paczos Helen Palmer
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List of Donors
Jamie Sloate
Monica Taitano
Drew Slocum
Paige Taylor and Ben Gragnolati
Margie and Bryan Weingarten, Wachs Weingarten Charitable Trust
Penny and Basil Smilios, Aspen Handyman Service
Lilia Tellez
Steven Weinstein
Beverly Smith
Sharon and Todd Thaden
Darcy Weissenborn
Nancy Smith
Kimberly Thompson
Dana and Michael Werner
Susan Solcher
Jamie Tisch
Amy Jo Westerman
Linda Spada Magill
Cristi Tolle
Lee Ann and Alan White
Betty Spomer
Judith Tope and John Patterson
Barbara Bakios-Wickes and Steven Wickes
Stephanie Stach and Bill White
Lucy Tremols and Galen Bright
Donna and Roy Wiedinmyer
Dr. Eric and Bari Stahl
Vicki and Jim True
Karen Williams
Sara and Jamie Star
Melody Turner
Carlotta and Wendell Willkie
Elle Stark
Sarah and Duncan Underwood
Michael Wolke
Paula and Robert Starodoj
Viktoria Vadenyuk
The Wonderful Company
Isabella and John Starr
Vail Health Hospital
David Wood
Sandra and Stephen Stay
Karen Vail
Shana and Jeff Wood
Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI)
Lisa Vantine
Tana Wood
Judith Steinberg and Paul Hoenmans
Vectra Bank
Tamara and Frank Woods
Karen and Richard Stephenson
Briana Von Ohlen
Krista Yardas
Laura and Robert Stewart
Miles Wagner
Silvia Zelaya Canas
William Stolz
Louise Walker
Drs. Dana and Susan Weinkle
Jeanne Stough
Nancy and Charles Wall Family Foundation
Cheryl Wyly Fund
Petronella Strijbos-Arthur and Scott Arthur
Donna and Tom Ward
Diane Wallace and Jeff Yusem
Andrea and Lubert Stryer
William Webb Jr. Foundation
Crispina Zacarias
Sue and Thomas Stubbs
Patti and Jay Webster
Elisha and Jeffrey Zander, The Cardinal Trust
Steven Stunda
Dr. Michael and Sherra Weil
Joe Zanin, Zanin Family Foundation
Sundance Liquor and Gifts
Randa and K.C. Weiner
Li Zhu and Don Shi
Supporting Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation Connecting People to Purpose
Aspen Valley Hospital is here for you, whenever you need us.
Cash There are a variety of ways to make gifts to AVHF and save taxes. You can make a gift of cash and receive an income tax deduction.
You can help Aspen Valley Hospital continue to deliver extraordinary healthcare in an environment of excellence, compassion, and trust by making a gift to Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation (AVHF).
Got Stock? You save even more taxes when you donate appreciated stock to Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation. If you donate stock directly to AVHF that has grown in value and that you have held for more than one year, you can avoid paying capital gains tax and receive an income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the shares.
Aspen Valley Hospital has been an essential resource for our community since 1891. Last year we cared for over 25,000 patients offering 25 different fields of medicine to care for you and your family.
Please contact Diana Bulman, President of AVHF, for more information at: 970.544.1302 or at avhf@aspenhospital.org
Thank you for your support.
An IRA Tax-Free Rollover Gift If you are over age 70½, an easy and convenient way to help AVHF is to make a charitable rollover gift from your Traditional or Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and save taxes. This gift is also called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
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1
225 $500,000 attendees
in proceeds
3
4
5
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Raising the Bar for Health in the Roaring Fork Valley Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation’s Summer Polo Charity Classic was held on August 27th and was a tremendous success. Our thanks go out to Marc and Melissa Ganzi and the Aspen Valley Polo Club, who once again hosted lovers of Polo and supporters of the Hospital for a spectacular day of sport, wonderful food, and time with friends old and new. Two hundred and twenty-five people came out on this beautiful summer day and gave generously during our spirited live auction and paddle raise. The hospital received $500,000 in proceeds from the event which will go toward hospital operations to support the continued health of the Roaring Fork Valley.
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1. Mindy Hildebrand and Kelly Pfoser 2. 2023 Summer Polo Charity Classic 3. Bill White, Stephanie Stach, Sarah Pegler, Drew Slocum 4. Carol Farnsworth Silver Sponsorship Table 5. Maureen Raynaud, Nacho Figueras, Wendy Kunkle 6. Lauren Anderson Penley, Lucy Tremols, Galen Bright, Scott Penley 7. Landen Saks, Jared Goulet, Sandy Saks 8. Carrie Wells, John Sarpa, Pam Alexander
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Warming Up Smarter Skip the Stretch Before Hitting the Slopes
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HEALTHY JOURNEY BY ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY JOE KAGAN, PT, DPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist at Aspen Valley Hospital
As you anticipate getting back to the snow this winter, let’s take a closer look at how you’re preparing to be in the best shape for the season. While static stretching has played a big role in exercise routines, it may be time for a change. Current research takes a cautious approach to this longheld regimen. Looking closer, we don’t find any noticeable benefit from static stretching. It doesn’t seem to impact injury prevention, flexibility or muscle recovery. In fact, it may be counterproductive—decreasing muscle strength, response time, and hindering athletic performance.
Stretching may be counterproductive— decreasing muscle strength, response time, and hindering athletic performance.
Movement is Medicine As an alternative to static stretching, try dynamic and activityspecific warm-up exercises. These involve actively working through movements that mimic those of the sport, promoting enhanced muscle flexibility and readiness for action. Skiers and snowboarders, for example, may want to add plyometrics and agility exercises to their routine. Whether you’re mimicking your next series of short turns or preparing to absorb terrain in the bumps, practice the movement before putting it to the test.
Intensity to Serenity When you’re ready to go from beast mode to Zen mode, stretching is fine if it feels good. Post-workout stretching doesn’t hurt. However, it’s not critical for recovery. To promote the best recovery, take adequate rest breaks when enjoying mountain sports and skip a day in between strenuous activity. This can help prevent injury and improve long-term performance.
Elevate Your Winter Workout With These Peak Pointers Embrace Layers: Temperatures in the mountains can fluctuate dramatically. Layering is your best friend. Begin with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating layers, and finish with a windproof outer layer. Sip Smart: Staying hydrated is even more crucial at high altitudes. The drier air and increased respiratory rate can lead to faster dehydration. Recognize Symptoms: Altitude sickness is particularly common with people who aren’t acclimated to higher elevations. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, headache and nausea. If you start to feel “off,” take a break. If the symptoms persist, head down the mountain to a lower elevation. Bring Equipment: Be prepared if you’re heading to the backcountry. Complete avalanche training—and carry the
necessary tools like a beacon, shovel and probe. In addition, bring other essentials such as a first aid kit, a ski repair kit, a fire starter and a tarp. Wear Sunscreen: UV radiation at high altitudes is much stronger than the sun at sea level. For the best protection, choose a physical sunscreen with minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to shield your skin. Start Slow: Injuries tend to be more common at the beginning of the season. Why? People overdo it because they haven’t hit the slopes in months. Ease into winter sports, limiting the time you spend doing strenuous activities. “Like many people, I want to catch the first chair and ski past the last,” says Kagan. “But we all should follow the Rule of Too’s. Avoid doing too much, too soon, after too little, for too long.”
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Flurries of Fun WITH LONGTIME LOCAL RANDY EIS, NRP, FP-C, CRITICAL CARE PARAMEDIC
Since 1972 I’ve been captivated by the beauty and adventure just outside my door in the Roaring Fork Valley. Wintertime in Aspen is magical, and it draws people from all over the world. While I have many wonderful memories of these snow-capped mountains over the years, there is always new terrain to explore and new experiences to try. While you have the chance this winter, take me up on a few of these recommendations to make your winter season truly memorable.
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HEALTHY JOURNEY BY ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
Randy’s top picks for your perfect snow day WINTER 2024 EVENT CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
Try skiing up the mountain with “skinning.” Strap on your climbing skins and get ready for an uphill adventure. Aspen’s mountains offer an abundance of uphill ski routes, ranging in steepness and length. Best of all, you can reward your hard work with a run when you get to the top. I often enjoy a trip up—and down— the mountains before heading to work.
Glide through Colorado’s winter wonderland. Those wanting a more relaxing activity should try our world-class cross-country skiing. We’re lucky enough to have more than 55 miles of trails between Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt. For those wanting a bigger adrenaline rush, check out skate skiing. When I’m not skinning or downhill skiing, I like to skate ski on the well-groomed trails.
Hop on a snowmobile tour. There’s no better way to experience the Maroon Bells than on the back of a roaring snowmobile. I recommend bringing the whole family on a T-Lazy-7 Ranch snowmobile adventure to take in the majestic beauty. A little touristy? Maybe. But worth doing? Absolutely!
Take a sleigh ride to the Pine Creek Cookhouse. Located at the base of the Elk Mountains, this restaurant is closed during the off-season. So, when winter comes, I look forward to their delicious meals. Getting there is half the fun because the Cookhouse offers classic horsedrawn sleigh rides. And when you arrive, be sure to catch the breathtaking views.
Enjoy a unique event. One of the reasons I love Aspen in the winter is because of the exciting roster of events. From admiring stunning snow sculptures to watching the top skiers in the world race down the mountains, Aspen offers something for everyone. Check out the winter event calendar for some of my must dos!
Venture off the beaten path. With fresh fallen powder, many people rush to go backcountry skiing. It’s easy to get excited about new snow. I absolutely love to go beyond the confines of groomed slopes. But it’s important to be safe on the backcountry peaks. Always check avalanche conditions if you’re going out on your own. And if you aren’t experienced, hire a professional guide.
Wintersköl January 12-15, 2024 Aspen’s annual “toast to winter” returns for the 72nd year. The four-day celebration features onmountain activities, snow sculptures, a torchlight descent down Aspen Mountain, fireworks and more.
X Games Aspen January 27-29, 2024 Returning for its 22nd consecutive year, Winter X Games will take place on Buttermilk, with the top contenders in extreme snow sports.
FIS Alpine Ski World Cup March 3-5, 2024 Aspen Snowmass welcomes the return of international ski racing this season with the Men’s World Cup. The top men in the world will compete on the America’s Downhill course on Aspen Mountain.
An area resident since 1972, Randy Eis is dedicated to helping people. As a critical care paramedic at Aspen Ambulance, he administers immediate treatment to patients before transporting them for further care. And as a member of Aspen Ski Patrol, he keeps the slopes safe, too. When he’s not saving lives, Randy enjoys the many cold-weather activities for which Aspen is known.
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Slay the Slopes Making tracks in Aspen’s winter wonderland can feel dreamy. It’s also a great way to support your physical and mental wellbeing. From expert-level chutes to Buttermilk’s gentle glades, there’s a ski run for just about everyone. So, whether you’re after heart-pumping action or an easy groomer in snowy paradise, get moving and carve your own healthy adventure.
How many runs, slopes and lifts can you spot below? T
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7. Copper Bowl 8. Spar Gulch 9. Silver Queen Gondola
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24. Big Face Hollow 25. Panda Hill 26. Sterner Gulch
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Explore more adventures in our beautiful Valley. Visit aspentrailfinder.com to find a cross-country ski or snowshoe trail by location, length and level.
HEALTHY JOURNEY BY ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
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Kids Craft Corner
DIY
Do-It-Yourself Winter Art Project
With just pens, paper, scissors and glue, you can make cool, wintery decorations for your home. Let’s get started!
Instructions MAKE A TEMPLATE
• Place a piece of thin white or see-through paper over one of the designs. Trace the shape onto your paper. Then cut out your tracing to make a design template. CREATE YOUR ART
• Trace the new design onto a fresh piece of thick paper or cardboard. Cut it out and start decorating.
• Glue on glitter, cotton balls or ribbon, and use colorful pens to give your art some flair. Attach string or yarn and hang your project around your home.
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HEALTHY JOURNEY BY ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
Tasty Wintertime Eats (and Treats) Warm the cold-weather months with these heart-healthy recipes. BY LAUREN MITCHELL, MS, RDN, CSSD, NUTRITIONAL SERVICES
Turmeric Milk Turmeric is a golden, warm spice that adds beautiful color and flavor to dishes and drinks. It’s also known to help reduce bodily inflammation. Makes 2 servings INGREDIENTS
1½ cups unsweetened nut milk (like oat or almond milk) 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 1 whole cinnamon stick (or ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon) 1 pinch ground black pepper* 1 tablespoon sweetener (for example, maple syrup or honey) INSTRUCTIONS
Curried Chickpea Salad This golden spice salad makes a great meal-prep for the week and is full of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. Makes 4 servings
1. To a small saucepan, add milk, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon stick, black pepper, and sweetener.
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
For the dressing:
2. Whisk to combine and warm over medium heat. Whisk frequently and heat until hot to the touch but not boiling—about 4 minutes.
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey)
1. Optional: Toast chickpeas, broccoli and bell pepper at 350 F for about 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown.
3. Turn off heat and taste to adjust flavor. Add sweetener, turmeric or ginger to taste. 4. Serve immediately, dividing between two glasses and leaving the cinnamon stick behind. Best when fresh, though leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot. *Black pepper enhances absorption of turmeric in the body
1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Juice of half a lime 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 teaspoon turmeric or ginger ½ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper
2. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl. 3. Place salad ingredients in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss to combine.
For the salad: 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed ½ small bunch cilantro, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped ½ cup raisins or grapes 2 cups chopped broccoli
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Mediterranean Egg Muffin Bites Try these delicious and easy egg muffin bites for a healthy breakfast, and keep them stocked in the fridge for later. Makes 12 muffins INGREDIENTS
10 large eggs 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon salt 2 bunches spinach or leafy greens, finely chopped ¼ cup basil, finely chopped 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced ¼ cup olives of choice, diced ¼ cup feta cheese, chopped INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a muffin pan.
Chocolate Muffins Made with whole-grains, these muffins are naturally sweetened and include heart-healthy fat, such as avocado or canola oil. Makes 10 muffins INGREDIENTS
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and spices. Set aside.
1 cup whole wheat flour
3. Add spinach, basil, mushrooms, tomatoes, olives and cheese evenly to the 12 muffin cups.
⅟₃ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4. Pour the egg mixture over the veggies, filling each cup 3/4 full. The egg mixture will expand in the oven.
1 teaspoon cinnamon
5. Bake 15-20 minutes or until egg looks set and golden in color. 6. Can store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
½ cup oat flour (can blend quick cooking oats in a blender to make oat flour) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ cup milk of choice (cow's milk, unsweetened almond or oat milk, etc.) ¼ cup honey or maple syrup 1 egg 2 mashed bananas ¼ cup avocado oil or canoa oil 1½ teaspoons vanilla ½ cup chocolate chips Optional add-ins: Nuts, peanut butter, or crushed peppermint sticks. INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Add liners to a muffin pan. 2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk milk, honey or maple syrup, egg, mashed bananas, oil and vanilla. 4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. 5. Spoon batter evenly into 10 muffin cups. Bake at 425 F for 8 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 F and bake for another 9-10 minutes. Let cool. 6. Can store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Satisfying Substitutes If you’re experimenting with swapping ingredients, check out these handy tips.1 Sugar For sweet treats, keep moderation in mind. Serving size. Less is more. Try cutting sugar in recipes by a half or third for a lower sugar impact. Sources. Tap into fruits and vegetables. They contain natural sugars and are loaded with nutrients. Mix bananas, applesauce, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin puree, cauliflower or zucchini to recipes for a more nutritious dish. Substitutes. Instead of white or brown sugar, you could sub honey, agave, molasses or maple syrup. However, these ingredients are still added sugar. Egg
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Bites Oatmeal, nut butter and warm flavors join forces in these grab-and-go healthy snacks for the week.
Eggs act as a binder in recipes. If you’re egg-free, consider these alternatives. Flax egg. 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds with 3-4 tablespoons water. Combine and let sit for 5 minutes. Chia seeds also work. Aquafaba. Liquid from canned chickpeas. Whisk aquafaba at a high speed to create a binder. Around 3 tablespoons of aquafaba = 1 egg. Vinegar and baking soda. 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar + 1 teaspoon baking soda = 1 egg
Makes 18 bites
Yogurt. ¼ cup plain low-fat yogurt = about 1 egg.
INGREDIENTS
Flours
2 cups old-fashioned oats ¼ cup ground flax seed 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice ½ cup nut butter (the drippy kind)
Trying out new flours? Here’s a cheat sheet. Oat flour. Make it at home from whole oats and a food processor. Blend until
very fine. Whole wheat flour. Swap all or half the white flour with whole wheat in a
recipe to increase the fiber intake.
⅟₃ cup pure maple syrup or honey
Almond and rice flours. These baking options work for gluten-free recipes.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Consult a Registered Dietitian for personalized guidance if needed.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, stir together oats, flax, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Add nut butter, maple syrup and vanilla and stir until combined. 3. Wet hands and form dough into about 18 balls. Place on cookie sheet. 4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
An elite athlete and Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Lauren has used her own knowledge of sports nutrition to fuel her performance goals. In addition to working with patients with special dietary needs, she provides nutritional coaching for athletes of all ages and abilities to help give them an edge. Lauren is a six-time Boston Marathon qualifier, a New York City Marathon qualifier and an Ultra-marathoner.
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Calendar monthly events
ongoing
Board of Directors Meetings
Aspen Birth Center Classes
Second Monday of the month, at 5:30 pm.
The Aspen Birth Center offers the Childbirth Preparation Series, a six-week series of classes covering labor, delivery, relaxation, anesthesia, C-section, postpartum, breastfeeding and newborn care, for a total cost of $75. This class is offered multiple times throughout the year. Online registration and more details are available at aspenhospital.org/events.
Meetings are available to the public via Zoom. You can access our monthly meeting information at aspenhospital.org/events.
Blood Drives In affiliation with Vitalant Blood drives take place at AVH from 10:30 am–3:00 pm. Registration is required ahead of time at aspenhospital.org/events. There are no walk-in appointments available. Tuesday, February 13 Tuesday, April 9 Tuesday, June 11 Tuesday, August 13 Tuesday, October 15 Tuesday, December 10
Bosom Buddies This free support group is led by our lactation experts and provides professional and peer counseling for breastfeeding mothers. Now available in Spanish at the Eagle County Community Center in El Jebel. Call the Aspen Birth Center at 970.544.1130 to get more information and reserve your spot.
Cardiac Rehabilitation/ Pulmonary Exercise and Rehabilitation Surviving a heart attack or any other cardiovascular or pulmonary event doesn’t end with a trip home from the hospital. These programs certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation help people reclaim the richness of an active life. For more information, call 970.544.1383.
Diabetes Education Ongoing classes in Aspen and Basalt offer education for those who are managing Type 1 or Type 2, gestational or prediabetes conditions. For more information, call 970.544.7394.
Oncology Rehab
health fair Deeply discounted lab tests are offered to our community so you can take charge of your health. Appointments are required for blood draws, no walk-ins. For the latest updates, including 2024 health fair event dates, test descriptions, frequently asked questions and more, visit aspenhospital.org/health-fair.
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Oncology Rehabilitation at AVH holistically addresses cancer-related symptoms during and after cancer treatment through cardiovascular exercise, resistance, balance and neuromuscular training in a supportive group environment. For class schedule information and to set up your preliminary interview, contact Jeanne Stough at 970.544.1566 or jstough@aspenhospital.org.
Dietitian Demos Multiple posts a month are hosted on our Instagram at @aspenvalleyhospital. Registered Dietitians Lauren Mitchell, MS, RDN, CSSD, and Kristy Bates, RDN, bring you bite-sized recipes and helpful tips for leading a well-nourished and healthy lifestyle. Check aspenhospital.org/dietitiandemos for more information.
Aspen Valley Hospital Whitcomb Terrace
Snowmass Clinic
After-Hours Medical Care
Aspen Valley Hospital at Willits
Directory of Services Want to schedule an appointment? Wish to check on a patient? Have a billing question? For all of your questions and requests, here is a list of Aspen Valley Hospital phone numbers to call.
Hospital Departments General Information
970.925.1120
Oncology and Infusion
970.544.1507
Administration
970.544.1261
Outpatient Scheduling
970.544.1392
Admissions
970.544.7350
Pain Center
970.544.1146
After-Hours Medical Care in Basalt
970.544.1250
Patient Care Unit
970.544.1135
Aspen Ambulance District
970.544.1583
Pharmacy
970.544.1778
Aspen Birth Center
970.544.1130
Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation Services
970.544.1177
Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation
970.544.1302
Same Day Surgery/Outpatient
970.544.1327
Billing Help Line
970.544.7694
Snowmass Clinic
970.544.1518
Breast Center
970.544.1420
Spanish Resources
970.544.1543
Business Office/Billing
970.544.7377
Surgery Scheduling
970.544.7391
800.262.3067
Whitcomb Terrace Assisted Living
970.544.1530
Cardiac Rehabilitation
970.544.1383
Cardiopulmonary/Respiratory Clinic
970.544.1264
Community Relations
970.544.1296
Diabetes Education
970.544.7394
Diagnostic Imaging
970.544.1192
Aspen Valley Primary Care
970.279.4111
970.544.1392
Cardiology
970.544.7388
Emergency Department
970.544.1228
Ophthalmology
970.544.1560
Gift Shop
970.544.1304
Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)
970.544.1460
Human Resources
970.544.1367
Endocrinology
970.544.1395
Laboratory
970.544.1570
Gastroenterology
970.384.7510
Medical Records
970.544.1290
Orthopaedics/The Steadman Clinic
970.476.1100
Midvalley Imaging Center
970.544.1260
Pulmonology
970.298.5864
Nuclear Medicine
970.544.1127
Rheumatology
970.544.1395
Nutrition Services
970.544.1145
Urology
970.928.0808
Diagnostic Scheduling
Medical Practices Center for Medical Care
A compassionate, highly-trained nurse makes all the difference in your healthcare. Aspen Valley Hospital is committed to teaching, training and preparing recent nurse graduates for lifelong, fulfilling and satisfying careers as part of our New Graduate Nurse Residency Program. Our goal is to help facilitate the transition from nursing school into professional nursing practice by: promoting leadership fostering high patient satisfaction retaining local new nurse graduates improving professional satisfaction increasing the confidence and competence of recent nursing graduates
Help Us “Grow Our Own” Nursing Graduates For more information on how to make a financial contribution toward curriculum development, textbooks, program management, costs associated with online coursework, and access to simulation labs, please contact Diana Bulman, President, Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, at 970-544-1301 or email dbulman@aspenhospital.org. Donate Today
aspenhospital.org