Wellness Resource 2014

Wellness resource A reference guide to

health & Wellness

1

A special advertising publication of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

the ridge athletic clubs should be the same thing. You should expect to do it every day like brushing your teeth. Get into the mindset that this is a daily habit.”

Davila said that regular physical activity and a healthy eating plan have benefits for people of all ages and can help improve the quality of life. He said regular physical activity is important to help improve and maintain aerobic capacity and to improve muscle strength.

“I think one of the big things with anybody is just to engage in physical activity,” Davila said. “Get up and go for a walk with a friend, mow your lawn, work in the garden, just get out and be active. When people stay stationary, that’s when we tend

When it comes to healthy living advice, maintaining a consistent exercise regimen frequently tops the list. Research indicates that regular exercise can help with weight loss, improved mood, higher energy levels and more.

However, in an already busy, on-the-go lifestyle, ensuring exercise remains a part of the daily routine often proves difficult.

According to Ed Davila, Bozeman Ridge Athletic Clubs fitness director, a good way to keep exercise from falling off the daily “to do” list is to make it a habit.

“You get up in the morning and do what you do - brush your teeth, eat breakfast,” Davila said. “Fitness and eating right

2

to run into trouble.”

Davila recommends 30 minutes “most days of the week” or 150 total minutes per week of moderate physical activity.

“I always tell people five days a week,” Davila said. “That’s what’s expected to get the general health benefits.”

For healthy adults, Davila suggests adding both cardiovascular as well as resistance exercise to the routine. He recommends doing resistance exercise two to three times each week and cardiovascular exercise five times per week.

Davila said physical activity is also important for children.

“We just want them to engage in play, to get moving,” he said.

According to Davila, fed-

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

eral guidelines recommend 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity most days of the week for children.

For anyone having trouble staying motivated, Davila recommends setting realistic, short-term goals and working with a personal trainer.

“Achieving those short-term goals is a good strategy to staying with a program,” Davila said. “A fitness professional will look at body mechanics, help develop a routine for your goals and guide you in your overall journey.”

The Ridge features a variety of programs, classes and services for all ages.

Visit www.ridgeathletic.com.

billings clinic have one every five years. Additionally, Freeman said a woman’s first pap smear should be done at age 21.

According to Freeman, the pap smear is “an excellent screening test” that can detect abnormal cells.

“In the developed world, people shouldn’t get cervical cancer anymore because of this screening,” Freeman said.

Although the pap smear isn’t necessary on an annual basis, Freeman said a yearly exam is. During the exam, she said blood pressure and weight are both measured and the breasts, vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries are examined.

“We are looking and feeling for any abnormalities,” Freeman said.

She said the annual exam

For years, women have been told that they need to have an annual pap smear.

However, research conducted over the past two decades, suggests otherwise.

Fanee Freeman, M.D. at Bozeman OB/GYN Billings Clinic said that although “we’ve all been drilled that we are supposed to go every year,” women can actually wait five years between screenings, depending on their age.

“The actual pap smear, where we take cells from the surface of the cervix to screen for cervical cancer, doesn’t need to be done annually,” Freeman said.

She said as long as the pap smear is normal, women in their 20s should have a pap smear done every three years and women 30 and older should

also provides an ideal time to talk about contraception options and exercise habits and to discuss any future plans for pregnancy.

In addition to an annual exam and regular pap smears, Freeman said it is recommended that women in their 40s start getting mammograms.

In most cases, she said this can be done every other year until age 50 when it is recommended annually. She said colonoscopies are also recommended every three to 10 years, beginning at age 50.

While pap smears, colonoscopies and other screenings must be done by a doctor, Freeman said there is one exam that women should be doing at home - the breast self exam.

“Ideally, women should be

doing a breast exam once a month,” Freeman said.

She recommends doing the exam post-period, or mid-cycle, rather than right before menstruation, pressing on all of the breast tissue from the nipple into the armpit. She suggests selecting a day that is easy to remember - birthday, anniversary - and doing it on that same day every month.

“If you do regular exams, you will find out what is normal,” Freeman said. “A lot of lumps are found by women themselves.”

Screenings and other women’s health services are available at Bozeman OB/GYN Billings Clinic.

As the longest standing OB/GYN practice in Bozeman, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive health care to women, including:

Caring for generation after generation since 1976

Tyler Bradford, MD

Stacy Shomento, MD

Fanee Freeman, MD

Samuel Sillitti, MD

Shelby Haugan, MD

Christene McDonnell, PA

Amy Korten, MD

Cassie Belzer, CNM, MSN

William Peters, MD

Lori Newman, CNM, FNP

• Obstetrics

• Annual Physicals

• Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Care

• Female Continence Services

• Gynecology

• Menopause Management

• Gynecological Surgery

• Minimally Invasive Surgery • Midwifery • Nutrition • Diabetes Counseling

For more information or to make an appointment, call (406) 587-9202 or 1-866-587-9202 or visit bozemanobgyn.com 925 Highland Blvd, Suites 1210/1220 • Bozeman, MT Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:45 pm

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 3

cancer support community

Join Us.

There is strength in Numbers. You Count.

Welcome to Cancer Support Community. A place where you walk through the door as one touched by cancer and instantly become part of something much bigger, much stronger. Through education, support and encouragement, everyone speaks the same language. You are not alone on this journey. You are part of a community. You count.

Ensuring that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

Partnering with Bozeman Deaconess Cancer Center www.cancersupportmontana.org

ozog eye care For many, a pair of glasses or contacts provides the key to a clearer view of the world around them. But while these lenses offer a means of vision correction, some grow weary of dealing with constant maintenance and replacements or fogged up glasses and turn to Lasik.

Karla Ellis, practice manager at Ozog Eye Care and Laser Center in Great Falls, said Lasik is corrective surgery that reduces the dependence on glasses or contacts.

“We say that because there is no guarantee that you will get that infamous 20-20 vision that everyone talks about,” Ellis said. “It’s a healing process and everybody’s eyes heal differently. We can’t predict how someone’s eyes are going to heal.”

4

Finding the time and motivation to workout can be tricky for anybody. But for those fighting cancer it can prove even more challenging. Between visits to the doctor, treatment sessions that last several hours, fatigue and other symptoms, motivation to get up and exercise may not be easy to find.

According to Becky Franks, executive director of Cancer Support Community Montana, although it may not be easy, it is important for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer and those who are undergoing treatment to exercise.

“It’s a hard thing because the fatigue is so big, but exercise will help reduce the fatigue, improve your ability to recover, and help you feel more normal,” Franks said. “It decreases depression and anxiety and we know that exercise is one of the key ingredients to help cancer stay away.”

In addition to exercise, Franks said it is also important for any-

The surgery, which Ellis said takes just “a moment,” involves lifting back a small f lap of corneal tissue, using a laser to reshape the cornea and laying the f lap back down. She said some patients notice a change in their vision immediately, while others need a few weeks or months to heal properly.

While Lasik may help patients with near and farsightedness, Ellis said it is not beneficial for those who have presbyopia - the loss of the ability to focus on objects that are close - and rely only on reading glasses.

“We can still do things for that but we can’t fix it with a laser yet,” she said.

For more information about Lasik, visit www.ozogeye.com.

one battling cancer to seek out support. She said although friends and relatives may provide a good source of support, “they don’t quite understand what someone is going through.” Franks said it can be helpful to join a support group and meet with others who are dealing with similar issues.

“Support groups provide that true level of understanding,” Franks said. “People in a support group understand what it’s like to lose your hair and to raise children while you have cancer.”

Franks recommends trying a support group at least three times.

“See if it improves the quality of your life,” Franks said. “If you don’t like it, you’ve only wasted a few hours.”

Visit www.cancersupportmontana.org for more information about Cancer Support Community Montana’s support groups and events.

Lasik

SEE LiFE CLEaRLy

Call today to schedule your FREE initial Lasik screening!

406-453-1613 or 1-800-541-2417

Mark F. Ozog M.D. | 1417 9th Street South #100 | Great Falls, MT 59405 Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

advanced medical imaging tive than a chest X-ray.

For years, doctors have re-

“A chest X-ray tends to miss

lied on chest X-rays to search

stuff,” Duwe said.

for tumors in the lungs. How-

Information on the Boze-

ever, in Bozeman, another op-

man

tion is available.

Deaconess

Hospital

Information posted to the

website states that a low dose

Bozeman Deaconess Hospital

chest CT scan “uses the low-

website, states that the hospital

est possible amount of radia-

and Advanced Medical Imaging

tion without contrast dye, to

are among the first in the state

produce diagnostic quality

to offer low dose chest CT scans

images of the chest.”

“This has a little more radi-

for lung cancer.

As stated on the website, Kev-

ation than a chest X-ray, but

in Duwe, M.D. at Advanced

is comparable to the radia-

Medical Imaging and Intercity

tion during a mammogram,”

Radiology said, “This is cutting

Duwe said.

quick and easy,” Duwe said.

Because the scan is more

“If you’re a high-risk patient,

sensitive and can reveal in-

this clearly has been shown to

formation sooner, Duwe said

have benefits.”

Duwe said candidates for this screening are those between the ages of 55 and 74, who cur-

cancer may be caught in the earlier stages.

“The idea is that if we find a

rently smoke or who have quit

stage 1 lung cancer, the likeli-

within the last 15 years and who

hood of successful treatment is

have a history of smoking one

much higher,” Duwe said.

pack of cigarettes each day for

Currently, Duwe said insur-

the past 30 years. He said these

ance does not cover the scan,

candidates are considered high

which costs $400. However, in

risk for lung cancer. Information posted on the Advanced

the near future, he said it should be covered.

edge stuff based on the recently

According to Duwe, the

Medical Imaging website states

released National Lung Cancer

scan takes about 30 seconds

that the American Lung Asso-

Screening Trial data.”

and is not difficult or painful

ciation recommends an annual

low dose chest CT scan, visit the

for the patient.

screening with a low dose chest

Advanced Medical Imaging web-

CT for this group.

site at www.amibozeman.com.

According to Duwe, the

“It’s really something that’s

chest CT scan is more sensi-

For more information about a

LUNG CANCER.

No one likes to see those words; no one likes to hear them. But the truth is, there are many new screenings available to detect different cancers at their earliest stages—where they’re much more treatable and outcomes are often significantly better.

AMI now offers a Low Dose Screening Chest CT that can detect lung cancer at its earliest stages or even rule it out. If you’re 55 or better and currently smoke or have a history of smoking, you may qualify. Ask your doctor if you would benefit from this screening and for a referral to AMI. It could save your life.

amibozeman.com | 406-414-5201 | Bozeman, MT

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 5

Rocky Mountain vein clinic leg against gravity,” Seu said.

“When these valves fail and leak, the blood goes in the wrong direction in that vein it goes backwards - and that’s the condition.”

Seu said symptoms associated with varicose veins include leg aching, heaviness, pain, swelling, itchiness, restlessness or fidgetiness (especially at night).

According to Seu, the most common cause of varicose veins is genetics.

“It’s a condition that’s inherited,” he said.

Other risk factors include pregnancy, inactivity, obesity and occupations that require prolonged sitting or standing.

Seu said during pregnancy, fluids gained, as well as hor-

Though thousands of people are affected by varicose veins each year, many do not realize they are dealing with an easily treated condition.

According to Rocky Mountain Vein Clinic’s Bozeman clinic director Philip Seu, M.D., up to 25 percent of adults in the U.S. are affected to some degree by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), the underlying condition that causes varicose veins.

“If you look at patients over 50, probably 50 percent of adults over 50 are affected,” he said.

Seu said CVI occurs when a valve in the leg malfunctions.

“Veins in people’s legs work by having valves that allow the flow of blood to go up the

mones can damage valves. For those who lead a sedentary lifestyle or have a job that involves sitting or standing for hours at a time, Seu said blood is more likely to pool in the veins and not get pumped out of the legs.

When it comes to treating varicose veins, Seu said there are a number of options.

“One of the first things we recommend are graduated compression stockings,” Seu said.

“They are stockings that put different amounts of pressure on different parts of the leg.

He said the stockings put more pressure on the lower part of the leg, helping blood to move back up through the leg.

Another method Seu uses is endovenous ablation. He said

this treatment is an outpatient procedure done under a local anesthetic. It involves putting a catheter into the vein and treating it from the inside. He said this causes the vein to collapse and over time, the body will absorb it.

For Seu, it is important that people realize the difference treatment can make.

“It’s an easily treatable condition that makes a significant difference in the way that people’s legs feel and in their quality of life,” Seu said. “Early treatment can stop the development of more complications from varicose veins.”

For more information, visit www.rockymountainveinclinic.com.

These symptoms affect one in four adults.

Tired

Itching

Swelling Cramping

Aching

Restless

Don’t let vein disease slow you down.

Conveniently located in Bozeman at 822 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 2.

Call us at (406) 922-8346 Toll free (855) 955-8346

Other offices located in Billings, MT (406) 252-8346 Toll Free (877) 251-8346 � Cody, WY (307) 527-7129 Toll Free (800) 418-0346

6

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

If you are suffering from these symptoms and they are affecting your daily lifestyle, then we at Rocky Mountain Vein Clinic in Bozeman have the solutions.

Our comprehensive treatment plans for varicose or spider veins will give you your freedom and active lifestyle back.

Treatments are virtually painless, take less than two hours, and immediately relieve the symptoms.

Best of all, procedures are covered by insurance.

Learn more about vein disease, call us today or visit our website at: www.rockymountainveinclinic.com

Regional leader in vein care.

www.rockymountainveinclinic.com

bozeman sport & spine “There just aren’t any other physicians who have my background to do it,” Aylor said.

Bozeman Sport and Spine specializes in innovative non-surgical spine, neck and musculoskeltal care. Evaluation and treatment is available for a variety of conditions, ranging from back and neck pain and tennis elbow, to shoulder pain, hip pain and carpal tunnel.

“It’s a sports medicine kind of approach,” Aylor said.

For the last few years, the clinic has offered the use of an ultrasound to help diagnose a patient’s problem and to help apply the correct treatment.

One of the biggest benefits of using ultrasound in this

For Dr. Bradley Aylor at Bozeman Sport and Spine, it’s not just about treating a patient’s injury.

“Really the question in the back of their mind is, ‘Is this going to come back?’” Aylor said. “We really have a strong emphasis toward trying to prevent recurrences.”

Aylor, director of Bozeman Sport and Spine, received his medical training at the University of Utah and at Brown University in Rhode Island.

He has a degree in physical therapy and completed graduate studies in exercise physiology. Aylor is board certified in four specialties: sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain medicine and neuroelectrodiagnostic medicine.

fashion is that physicians are able to see how the soft tissue moves. That way, it can be determined if a patient has a torn tendon or maybe some f luid between the muscles.

Aylor added that the machine is small enough to be used on small areas.

In addition, it’s cost effective. While an MRI scan could cost a patient more than $2,000, an ultrasound runs about $400, Aylor said.

While other countries have used ultrasound in place of traditional MRI scans for years, Aylor said it is a relatively new practice in the United States.

But it’s not just about the traditional methods of pain reduction at Bozeman Spine and Sport.

The best results come Start living a healthy, from pain-free life today. the best clinics

Why Wait?

Aylor’s practice includes acupuncture, nutrition and obesity medicine.

“The emphasis is not just to use the conventional methods to treat your pain,” Aylor said.

But a patient’s journey doesn’t end simply when the pain is relieved. Educating clients on what to do in the future to keep those injuries from happening again is pillar of Bozeman Sport and Spine’s business.

“Not only do we diagnose the problem, but we really work toward addressing the pain and how we’re going to restore that person to a high level of function and try to do that without surgery,” Aylor said.

Bozeman Sport & Spine is Montana’s premiere medical management center for innovative spine, neck, and musculoskeletal care.

Bozeman Sport & Spine offers a full range of non-surgical therapies and treatments individually tailored to each client’s specific needs or injuries. From back pain, tennis elbow, to sprains and strains, we’ve got you covered.

Bozeman Sport & Spine Directed by: Dr. Bradley Lewis Aylor, M.D. Board-Certified in Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, and Electro-Diagnostic Medicine.

Enhancing Your Quality of Life in 2014 …and Beyond.

925 Highland Blvd • Suite 1130 Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 522-9067 • sportandspine.com

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 7

Act Now to Keep

Death with Dignity Legal in Montana!

The Supreme Court’s 2009 Baxter decision made Montana one if the few state to allow aid in dying. Now, some groups won’t stop until they take that right away from us.

You can help.

Sign and return this petition today to protect your right to a peaceful death.

compassion & choices montana

Support. Educate. Advocate. Choice & Care at the End of Life.

8

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

montana compassion & choices T he u nt h i n k a ble h a p p en s .

You’re

not, or what to do if you

s e vere ly

are in a vegetative state.

mon questions Baehr said

member can sometimes be a better person.

i nju re d i n a c a r w re c k

“It helps health care

a nd you’re i n a ve g e t a-

providers know what you

wanting

t ive s t ate.

want,” said Ninia Baehr,

out who should be their

W hat would you like

an end of life specialist

health care proxy in the

your family to do? Would

volunteer for Compassion

event they can’t speak for

you want them to prolong

and Choices in Bozeman.

themselves.

your life with a feeding

I n A pr i l, C omp a s sion

While advance direc-

a nd C hoic e s volu nte er s

tive forms allow people

the elderly population,

These are the kinds of

s t ate w ide ho s te d a s e -

to be very specif ic for

Baehr added.

decisions folks can make

r ie s of e vent s on Na-

things like administra-

“I recommend them for

for themselves ahead of

t ion a l He a lt h C a re D e -

tion of antibiotics and IV

people of any age,” she

time thanks to advance

c i sion D ay t h at t au g ht

f luids, “sometimes situa-

said. “An advance direc-

health care directives.

p e ople how to f i l l out

tions arise that you can’t

tive is a good thing for

a dv a nc e d i re c t ive s .

anticipate,” Baehr said.

everybody to have.”

tube and ventilator?

Volunteers

and

staff

she

receives help

is

people

“It c a n b e s o d i f f ic u lt

f iguring

to m a k e t ho s e h a rd de -

at Montana Compassion

B a e h r s a id t he y a re

Baehr said a health care

and Choices, a national

si mple to f i l l out , don’t

proxy does not necessar-

nonprof it

organization

re qu i re a l aw yer a nd

ily have to be the same

that works to advance

c a n b e re g i s tere d w it h

person you might desig-

choice in care at the end

t he

nate as the executor of

of life, is leading a charge

ment of Ju s t ic e.

to get folks to f ill out advance directives.

Advance directives let health

One of the most com-

D e p a r t-

s he s a id .

Advance

directives

aren’t just a good idea for

Talking can

be

about

death

uncomfortable,

but having routine conversations about end-of-

your will. It should be

life desires is a positive,

But f illing out the pa-

someone who knows your

Baehr said.

perwork is just the start,

values, who you trust and

“Once someone is then

Baehr said.

who lives in the area if

facing a medical crisis, I

possible.

think that it could make

providers,

“One of t he mo s t i m-

family and friends know

p or t a nt t h i n g s you c a n

“This allows you to re-

one less thing to stress so

ahead of time what kinds

do i s t a l k to you r f a m-

ally think through who

of treatment you would or

i ly,” B a e h r s a id . “It’s

you want to do it,” Baehr

much about,” Baehr said.

wouldn’t like in different

re a l ly

said.

medical situations when

s h a re you r de si re s w it h

you’re unable to speak for

you r f a m i ly b e fore h a nd

ily isn’t always the right

yourself.

s o t he y k now w h at you

choice to be a health

For example, advance

w a nt , a nd t he y h ave a

care proxy, Baehr said. A

from Montana Compas-

directives can direct your

c h a nc e to e x pre s s a ny

friend who you know and

sion and Choices as well

doctor to give you life

c onc er n s

trust but isn’t as involved

as the Montana Depart-

prolonging treatment or

h ave.”

in your life as a family

ment of Justice.

care

Mont a n a

c i sion s for a love d one ,”

i mp or t a nt

t he y

to

m i g ht

And

sometimes

fam-

For anyone interested in f illing out their own advance

directive,

pa-

perwork can be obtained

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 9

RANKED ONE OF THE NATION’S TOP 100 HOSPITALS Bozeman, MT :: 406.414.5000 :: bdhg.org

406.414.1644 :: bdhg.org

DOCTORS WHO ARE ALWAYS ON YOUR SIDE. From day-to-day care to referrals to specialists, to hospital visits, they’re on hand to coordinate your care and provide continuity. From pediatrics to geriatrics and just about everything in between, Bozeman Deaconess Health Group has a doctor for all of you. audiology :: cardiology :: cosmetic surgery :: diabetes center :: family medicine :: gastroenterology :: geriatrics :: gynecology hematology infectious disease + travel medicine internal medicine :: medical oncology :: nephrology :: neurology :: neuropsychology :: nutrition specialists obstetrics :: otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat) :: palliative medicine pediatrics :: physical medicine + rehabilitation :: pulmonary disease + critical care pulmonary exercise testing :: rheumatology :: sleep medicine :: urology :: women’s health

10

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

bozeman deaconess health services This year, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital was named to two of the nation’s top 100 lists.

In March, the hospital was named one of the nation’s 100 top hospitals by Truven Health Analytics. Then in June, the hospital was also named one of the nation’s 100 Great Community Hospitals by Becker’s Hospital Review.

According to a press release provided by Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, “hospitals named to the (Great Community Hospitals) list all have fewer than 550 beds and minimal teaching programs and many are located in rural areas.” As stated on the Becker’s Hospital Review website, each of the hospitals on the list “have continually worked to

provide the quality of care and the experience patients deserve and expect.” The hospitals were selected on the basis of a variety of rankings and awards, including Truven Health Analytics.

As stated on the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital website, only 20 hospitals nationwide earn the Truven Health Analytics award in the small community hospital category. The Top 100 Study “identifies hospitals and leadership teams that provide the highest level of value to their communities.” Hospital performance is measured across 10 areas of performance including patient safety, patient satisfaction, adherence to clinical standards of care and overall operating performance.

Kevin Pitzer, president and CEO of Bozeman Deaconess Health Services said the hospital is honored and privileged to win the awards.

“These awards reflect a commitment in all areas of the organization to high quality, safety, and a focus on patient experience,” Pitzer said.

Vickie Groeneweg, chief nursing officer at Bozeman Deaconess, said the hospital has been recognized as a “culture of excellence” because of its work to build “a culture of continuous improvement.”

“We are always getting better at what we do,” Groeneweg said.

She said the mission of Bozeman Deaconess Health Services is to improve community health and quality of life.

“The more we can improve and the more we can develop in quality, the more the people in our community who are our families and friends will benefit,” Groeneweg said.

Pitzer said he believes the awards are the “cumulative effect of a lot of effort over a number of years.”

“I do think it’s built on a culture of excellence and commitment to quality that has existed for a number of years,” Pitzer said. “We first and foremost ensure providing

patient-centered

care

across the organization. That truly benefits patients in our community going forward.”

bozeman deaconess health group Bozeman Deaconess Health Group patients now have online access to their medical records, medical office team and more, through the health group’s new patient portal.

The portal was launched group-wide last February following a soft launch in Dec. 2012 and a more “robust” launch in 2013 with the family medicine and pediatrics clinic.

Tracy Reamy, director of clinic operations for Bozeman Deaconess Health Group said the family medicine and pediatrics clinic served as the pilot group for the portal.

According to Reamy, the portal provides patients with a secure online resource for accessing health information at

any time or day of the week.

Through the portal, patients may request non-urgent appointments, communicate securely with their provider, request copies of their medical record, view lab results, access online bill pay and more.

Reamy said in time it will also be used to inform patients about flu vaccine availability.

“It really is a great way to enhance our communication with our patients,” she said.

Reamy said the portal is open to any Bozeman Deaconess Health Group patient and is free to use. Parents may also enroll their children in the portal.

Chris Darnell, vice president of Bozeman Deaconess Health Group said the portal was cre-

ated to provide greater communication with patients and to get them more involved.

“We want patients to get more involved in their own care,” Darnell said. “The portal gives them an opportunity to interact and become more engaged. That is one of our goals - to have the patient be involved in the delivery of their care as well.”

Registration for the portal may be done in person, or by calling the office of primary care within the health group.

Reamy said the registration process takes about five minutes to complete.

Currently, Reamy said only parts of patient records are available through the portal,

but “as we move forward, that will begin to expand.”

Although it is new to most patients, Reamy said those who have used the portal so far “are finding it to be a great tool.”

“Our initial feedback has been very positive,” she said.

Darnell said he believes the portal is a good way to cater to health group patients. He said although some may never use it, he believes it is important to have the portal available for any patient that may want to.

Reamy and Darnell encourage patients to visit www.bdhg. org/#patient_portal for more information about the portal.

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 11

montana buds shifted from its medical use to its recreational use and people forgot about all of this information.”

But how does it work a s a med icine?

According to information posted on WebMD.com, the human body “already makes marijuana-like chemicals that affect pain, inf lammation and many other processes.

Marijuana can sometimes help those natural chemicals work better.”

Information provided by Shalon Doney, marketing consultant with Montana Buds, states that the medical benefits come from cannabidiol, a compound in cannabis, that provides the benefits without the feeling of being “high.”

And while smoking it is one way to ingest the cannabinoids, Douglas said there are a

Featured in films such as “Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke,” “Friday,” “Half Baked” and “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle,” marijuana is often depicted for its recreational use. However in recent years, marijuana has made headlines for another reason - its medical use.

Lindsay Douglas, an affiliate with Montana Buds in Bozeman, said although many people think of marijuana use as nothing more than smoking a joint to get high, the cannabis plant has been used as a medicine for thousands of years.

“They knew thousands of years ago the medical properties of this,” Douglas said. “In the year 300, it was being used in Jerusalem. In the year 900, scientists started noticing its antibacterial effects. Society

variety of other options.

“It’s not about smoking pot, it’s about taking high doses of cannabanoids,” Douglas said.

Both Douglas and Doney said medical marijuana has proven effective in treating a number of conditions including migraine headaches, anxiety, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, cancer and more. In fact, Douglas said she would recommend medical marijuana for “almost anything,” though she suggests that anyone considering it as a treatment option do some research first to determine the best way to use it for a particular condition.

In addition to providing relief from symptoms, Douglas said there is another benefit to using medical marijuana she said it is also a safer form of medication.

“The treatments for some of these diseases are worse than the diseases themselves,” Douglas said. “This is a medicine that if your kid accidentally eats it, it won’t hurt them like other medicines.”

According to Douglas although there are endless examples of cases in which cannabis has provided benefits and symptom relief for a variety of conditions, “because of the stigma, people are scared to try it as an option.” She hopes however, that patients will begin to realize the benefits and consider it for treatment.

“If someone is touched by this, it will change their mind,” Douglas said.

INTRODUCING MONTANA’S PREMIER PATIENT RESOURCE AND INFORMATION CENTER!

Cannabis Education Coalition (CEC)

The is dedicated to assisting patients who benefit from the use of medicinal cannabis. The CEC assists patients by locating both a qualified provider in their area who has an understanding of cannabis and cannabis-derived medicines.

The CEC can also help guide patients through the process of becoming legal patients in accordance with State Laws and Montana’s Medical Marijuana Program. The CEC provides information about the use of cannabis as medicine and can help make recommendations to patients when choosing their legal source of medical grade marijuana.

For more information about the CEC and our complimentary patient and community services please email: cecpositive@outlook.com or call 406.220.2713 The Cannabis Education Coalition does not promote the casual or recreational use of marijuana or any other prescription medication. The CEC supports the use of cannabis as a medication for recognized ailments in accordance with Montana State Law and is in no way affiliated with any specific provider or qualified practitioner. The CEC makes provider and physician recommendations based upon the individuals medical condition(s), location and accessibility to medical cannabis and cannabis-derived products. If you are a patient or interested in learning more about medicinal cannabis, please contact us by phone at 406.220.2713 or by email at cecpositive@outlook.com.

12

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

Chronic Pain Cancer HIV/AIDS Cachexia Wasting Syndrome Intractable Nausea Epilepsy Seizure Disorders Multiple Sclerosis Parkinson’s Disease Migraines Crohn’s Disease Central Nervous System Disorder Peripheral Neuropathy Hospice Care *this list represents the ailments approved by the State of Montana for Cannabis treatment

Benefis health system

This October marks the first anniversary of the opening of Benefis Health System’s senior living community, The Grandview at Benefis in Great Falls.

According to Benefis Health System chief communications officer Karen Ogden, “The Grandview is the only senior community in north central Montana to offer a continuum of care,” which means assisted living, memory care assisted living and skilled nursing are all available on one campus.

Ogden said having each level of care available on campus contributes to a “seamless” transition into a higher level if circumstances change.

The Grandview includes 48 one-bedroom studio apartments, 16 memory care assisted living suites and 32 skilled nursing suites.

Cale Younce, Benefis life enrichment/move-in coordinator, said The Grandview was designed to offer “a completely different model of care.” As stated in a press release provided by Benefis, residents at The Grandview “are the stars of the show” and the staff is trained in resident-directed care. Ogden said this means that staff members work around residents’ schedules and residents can decide what time they want to get up in the morning, when they want to eat and which activities they want to participate in.

Additionally, Younce said staff members work as a team, often assisting with a variety

of different tasks, to ensure that residents are cared for in the capacity that they need.

“You may be a CNA, but you may also help drive the bus, take a resident to lunch, help with laundry or bake cookies with someone,” Younce said. “We want to create meaningful relationships with the residents.”

In his role as life enrichment/move-in coordinator, Younce said he strives to develop activities that residents enjoy, but also that provide a sense of purpose. He said he meets with new residents to discover their likes and dislikes, as well as activities that they used to enjoy doing so that he can find a way to integrate them in a meaningful way.

Younce said some recent activities at The Grandview include Wii bowling, garden planting, Shirley Temple socials, Saturday evening hootenannies, and even a “Chopped” competition.

“The fellowship, laughter and spontaneity that comes out of these events creates a really special atmosphere,” he said.

At The Grandview, Younce said everything is centered around life enrichment.

“We want people to live and to grow and to thrive,” he said.

“We want to grow the sprit as well as keep the body healthy.”

For more information about The Grandview at Benefis visit www.thegrandviewatbenefis.org.

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 13

What mat ters most...

Relationships.

14

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

livingston healthcare Preparing for a new baby can be a busy time. There are

ognize hospitals and birthing

necessary to successfully ini-

ter the baby is born.”

centers that offer an optimal

tiate and continue breastfeed-

supplies to purchase, prepa-

As stated on the website,

level of care for mother and

ing their babies or feeding

rations to make in the home

the Mother & Newborn Ser-

baby bonding and for infant

formula safely and gives spe-

and appointments to attend.

vices staff understands that

feeding. It’s the gold standard

cial recognition to hospitals

for mother and baby infant

that have done so.”

But the planning doesn’t

every delivery is unique. It

end there. In addition to pre-

is also noted that “while our

paring to bring a new baby

job is to ensure you have a

home,

healthy delivery we want to

mothers-to-be

also

do it your way.”

spend time making arrange-

“We offer very personalized

ments for the big day itself, as

care,” Boyd said.

well as the days immediately

Information posted on the

following delivery.

When it comes to mak-

website states that the care

ing these plans, Mary Boyd,

provided in Mother & New-

care. It’s looking at the moth-

In addition to providing

er and baby and family as an

the information, confidence

integral system that they are

and skills to initiate breast-

needing to be cared for together and that separating mothers and babies when it’s not necessary is not good for that team.”

born Services comes with op-

As stated on the Baby-

HealthCare’s Mother & New-

tions. To create the desired

Friendly USA website, earn-

born Services, said Livingston

birthing experience, mothers

ing Baby-Friendly designa-

HealthCare has a variety of

are given choices about who

tion also includes successful

services to assist.

they want to be there, how

implementation of the Ten

According to its website,

pain will be managed and

Steps to Successful Breast-

Livingston HealthCare offers

whether or not the baby will

feeding

a number of different classes

stay in the nursery.

tional Code of Marketing of

nurse manager of Livingston

for expectant mothers. These

“We want to make it the ex-

classes include a prenatal se-

perience that the mother and

ries as well as several child-

the family wants,” Boyd said.

birth classes to help women

According to Boyd, Liv-

prepare for and learn what to

ingston Hea lthCare is cur-

expect with delivery.

rently work ing to achieve Baby-Friendly

And when the big day final-

Hospita l

and

the

Interna-

Breast-milk Substitutes. The site notes that the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding “have been shown to increase

feeding, Boyd said mothers receiving care at Livingston HealthCare’s Mother & Newborn Services have access to 24-hour breastfeeding assistance because each of the nurses is a certified lactation counselor.

“That’s a real asset that we are here 24 hours a day in feeding and caring for their infants,” she said.

Boyd said she believes the Mother & Newborn Services staff has been striving to provide the same level of

breastfeeding initiation and

care the initiative requires

duration” and that a hospital

all along.

or birthing facility must ad-

“The big thing is the in-

here to these steps to receive

dividualized care that you

“The official title is the Ba-

and retain designation. The

get here,” Boyd said. “We’re

by-Friendly Hospital Initia-

Baby -Friendly Hospital Ini-

smaller, we are giving mothers

“We’re the total package,”

tive,” Boyd said. “It’s a global

tiative “assists hospitals in

information and we are doing

Boyd said. “We take care of

program that was started in

giving all mothers the infor-

the best for what is healthy

the mother during labor and

1991 to encourage and rec-

mation, confidence and skills

for mother and baby.”

ly arrives, Boyd said Mother

certif ication

& Newborn Services nurses

Friendly USA.

assist mothers throughout the delivery process.

then the mother and baby af-

by

Baby-

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 15

community health partners cated,” Karl Janovits, Community Health Partners outreach and enrollment program director said. “Because of the fact that we work on this every day, we can help people get through the process.”

Janovits said Community Health Partners offers assistance with enrollment by helping enrollees learn more about insurance and how it is priced.

He said they also assist people by going through the features of each plan and helping them to select the one that best meets their needs.

“The process involves listening to people, assessing their needs and helping them understand what the Affordable Care Act is about,” Janovits said.

He said Community Health Partners is impartial and does

When the open enrollment period began for insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) last October, many enrollees were left feeling frustrated as they attempted to purchase insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Between glitches with the website and multiple plans to choose from, many people were left with questions.

For local residents, the process was made easier.

Community Health Partners provided, and continues to provide, ACA education and enrollment support to the community through the work of eight licensed people at five different sites in Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston and West Yellowstone.

“The ACA is crazy compli-

Medical

Bozeman • 406-585-1360 Belgrade • 406-922-0820 Livingston • 406-222-1111 West Yellowstone • 406-646-9441

not have relationships with insurance companies.

“We do not select plans for people,” Janovits said. “We work hard to give them the information they need to make an informed decision. We are charged with the objective of working in the citizens’ best interest. That’s what we do.”

Although open enrollment ended in March, Janovits said Community Health Partners continues to assist the community with ACA questions, determining tax credit and Medicaid eligibility and helping those who qualify for the special enrollment period. He said they also assist small employers with their insurance needs.

Under the ACA, Janovits said training is required to become either a certified applica-

Dental

Bozeman Dental • 406-585-8701 Livingston Dental • 406-922-0881

tion counselor or navigator (or both), in order to help people enroll. He said those who assist through Community Health Partners took training and exams at both the federal and state levels.

“We really work together as a team and we help each other and talk all the time to keep things current,” Janovits said.

According to Janovits, assistance at Community Health Partners is done in 1-2 hour appointments in a confidential environment. Assistance is free and is open to anyone in the community. Janovits said Community Health Partners will assist with open enrollment when it begins again Nov. 15.

Contact Community Health Partners at 406-220-2131 for more information.

educational

Learning Partners, Livingston 406-823-6356

Call today for free eligibility sCreening and enrollment help 16

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

alta physical therapy and fitness decrease compression - anodyne - an infrared heat treatment often used in patients who have peripheral neuropathy - heat, ice and proprioception (spatial awareness of limbs) activities.

She said the treatment is based on the diagnosis and if one approach does not work, there are various others to try.

“Basically, we are trying to get people back to their functional status,” Simard said.

“With injuries, we want to get them back to 100 percent of where they were before the injury.”

Simard said oftentimes, patients believe that once they are injured, they will be unable able to participate in certain activities following recovery.

However, she said that is not the case. According to Simard, after physical therapy treatment, “you should be able to do everything you did functionally before the injury.”

When it comes to selecting a physical therapist, Simard said patients have the right to choose the therapist they prefer, even if they are directed to a particular facility.

“The patient can tell them where they would like to go,” Simard said.

In Montana, Simard said patients have direct access to physical therapists, or they may be referred. However, federal programs such as Medicare, require a physician referral.

Simard said physical therapy is covered by federal, state and private insurance plans.

Visit www.altaptandfitness. com for more information.

Following an accident, injury or surgery, patients often turn to a physical therapist for treatment. Those with chronic pain, orthopedic problems and certain diseases frequently do the same.

But what exactly does a physical therapist do?

According to Michele Simard, physical therapist and owner of Alta Physical Therapy and Fitness in Bozeman, “physical therapists are trained to properly diagnose and treat the patient.” She said through treatment, the goal is to decrease pain and increase range of motion and strength.

“We cover a very large scope of practice – musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/ pulmonary and wound care – with an age span from pediatrics to geriatrics,” Simard said.

To diagnose and treat each patient, Simard said a physical therapist creates and carries out an “evidence-based treatment plan.”

“Physical therapists perform evaluations by taking history, conducting systems review and performing tests and measures to properly diagnose and treat the patient,” she said.

When it comes to treatment, Simard said there are various types including aquatic therapy, strength development and stretching programs, gait and balance training, functional capacity testing - done to give parameters for lifting and bending at work - hippotheraphy (horse therapy) and work hardening, as well as modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction - which helps to

Come join us at Alta Physical Therapy & Fitness

One-to-One Care Eliminate Pain Maximize Strength Increase Flexibility Improve Balance & Coordination SPORTS INJURIES, POOL THERAPY, GERIATRICS

Continue to exercise in our supervised setting once physical therapy has been discharged.

We Bill All Insurance Companies

2430 N. 7th Avenue, Unit 2 Bozeman • 586-2772 www.altaptandfitness.com

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 17

Drs. todd & amy kinney It’s a truth as old as the hu-

this advanced technology.”

Studies have shown that Wa-

For anyone who needs den-

man race: we fear the unknown.

The Waterlase® laser system,

terlase Dentistry™ can be less

tal work, but may be putting

It’s also one of the main reasons

from Biolase Technology of

traumatic than the drill. The

it off because they’re afraid of

many people are still afraid of

Irvine California, is a revolu-

combination of laser and a fine

going to the dentist. They sim-

tionary dental tool that uses a

spray of water is precise and

ply don’t know how comfort-

patented combination of laser

gentle, so it preserves healthy

able an experience having their

energy and water to perform

tooth or gums around a cavity

teeth fixed can be. With Water-

a variety of dental procedures,

or diseased gums. “It’s an ap-

fear of dentists. “Like they say,

lase Dentistry™ Drs. Todd and

in most cases with no shot, no

proach called minimally inva-

‘Knowledge is power’”, Dr.

Amy Kinney in Bozeman can

drill and no pain. Cleared by

sive dentistry.” says Dr. Todd

Amy Kinney explains, “and the

treat patients in greater com-

the U.S. FDA for use in many

Kinney. “The idea is to fix the

more people know about Wa-

fort than ever. “Most people

kinds of dental work – from

diseased part of your tooth,

don’t even know that Waterlase

fixing cavities to preparing

gums or bone without dam-

Dentistry exists,” explains Dr.

teeth for crowns, performing

aging adjacent healthy tissue.

Amy Kinney. “We are always

root canals, and even putting

Waterlase Dentistry gives us a

looking for ways to improve

in implants – the Waterlase® la-

big advantage in providing ex-

tal work they need. We simply

the comfort and clinical care of

ser is being used by thousands

cellent clinical care with maxi-

feel it’s just a better way to get

our patients, so we invested in

of dentists worldwide.

mum patient comfort.”

your dentistry done.”

the discomfort, visiting Drs. Todd and Amy Kinney’s office could mean an end to their

terlase Dentistry, the easier it is for them to conquer their fears and let us take care of the den-

Are you ready for a healthy change?

Experience the difference of integrative dentistry today.

Over 19 years experience in General Dentistry Holistic Dental Care Dental Implants TMJ, Headaches & Jaw Pain Orthodontics & Clear Aligners Complex Reconstructive & Bioesthetic Dentistry

Laser Dentistry & Fillings Mercury Free Dentistry Veneers and Crowns Sleep Apnea & Snoring Oral Sedation Laser Perio Therapy

TODD A. KINNEY, DDS AMY C. MADDEN KINNEY, DDS center for integrative dental medicine

406.582.8500 • 3502 Laramie Drive • Bozeman • www.drskinney.com 18

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

Montana vein and surgical clinic to document if that is true,” Grace said. “Cross your legs at will. That’s not driving even the smallest of varicose veins in people.”

According to Grace, there are a number of procedures that can be utilized to treat varicose veins.

“There’s been really a huge leap forward in terms of the techniques we have available these days,” Grace said. “Years ago, treatment involved bigger operations that were difficult to recover from. We are fortunate to be in an era now where there is minimally invasive treatment available for varicose veins.”

Grace said treatments are done in office, under a local anesthetic. He uses a laser or catheter to “very precisely” close veins down in the leg.

He said very small incisions of 1-2 millimeters may be used to remove bigger or superficial veins.

The idea with treatment, Grace said, is to get the veins working better so that patients feel better.

“We want to improve circulation as much as we can to reduce the likelihood of problems down the road,” Grace said.

Although Grace said varicose veins are not life threatening, if left untreated, they can potentially lead to dangerous conditions in the future.

For more information about varicose veins, visit www.montanaveinclinic.com.

While varicose veins may seem like a simple, cosmetic issue, anyone who has experienced them knows this is not the case.

In fact, Andrew Grace, medical director at Montana Vein and Surgical Clinic, said varicose veins can cause a variety of symptoms beyond just what is visible on the surface.

According to Grace, varicose veins are veins that are no longer working as well as they once did.

“The job of the veins is to get blood back to the heart to be re-circulated,” Grace said.

“Varicose veins have stopped functioning as well as they used to. They are working, but not as efficiently.”

Grace said varicose veins can manifest in different ways at or under the skin’s surface - bulging or swelling and sometimes causing discoloration - often resulting in aching, heaviness, leg tiredness and ankle swelling. He said symptoms are often worse at the end of the day, particularly in people who sit or stand for extended periods of time, as blood pools and pressure builds.

Although he said the greatest risk factor for varicose veins is genetics, other risk factors include pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle, injury, occupations that involve prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and trauma.

Despite the my th, Grace said one factor that does not cause varicose veins is leg crossing.

“There is no medical data

Minimally Invasive | Outpatient | Fast Recovery

MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED INCLUDING MEDICARE

Bozeman’s Expert Varicose Vein Treatment Center (406) 585-5037 Locally Owned & Operated since 2007 Andrew W. Grace, MD, FACS Diplomat of the American Board of Phlebology Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery

Only at Bozeman Deaconess MontanaVeinClinic.com

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 19

The Fusion of Healthcare and Preventative Medicine to Create a Brighter Future

A Call to Action Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?

Do you have a plan to change?

We do.

If you are serious About changing your health, Alleviating fatigue and brain fog, Getting rid of the belly fat forever, Restoring the vitality and vigor of your youth,

Call us.

Fresh Start Health And Wellness

Remember— nothing change!s until you act 20

Dr. Bradley L. Aylor mD Using a functional medicine approach to restore your health and wellness

406-219-3945 Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

fresh start health and wellness Or as Aylor simply puts it, Fresh Start Health and Wellness looks beyond the symptoms and treats the source of patient’s issues.

The non-insurance based programs last anywhere from three months to a year depending on the client, Aylor said. Programs address nutrition, digestion and detoxification of foods, exercise and restoring hormones to an appropriate balance.

The program includes looking at a client’s medical history, performing laboratory studies that look beyond what is typically obtained in a medical fist, measuring a person’s energy consumption, body fat and muscle percentages and then creating an appropriate diet and exercise wellness program.

Fresh Start Health and Wellness accepts 30 to 35 clients a month. Aylor said the biggest

Brad Aylor likens his philosophy at Fresh Start Health and Wellness in Bozeman to a tree.

If a tree has dead, brown leaves, you wouldn’t just cut off the leaves to make the tree better. You would take a look at the root of the tree to get to the real problem.

“There’s a lot of people out there that we can’t find a cure for them from a medical standpoint,” Aylor said. “The principle of the program is getting to the root of the issue and trying to optimize that person’s healthy so that these various conditions they have resolve.”

At Fresh Start Health and Wellness, medical director Aylor and his staff help create comprehensive, individualized lifestyle programs for clients who need help with conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension and others.

thing his clinic is looking for in perspective clients is desire.

“Fresh Start Health and Wellness is looking for people that want to make a change,” Aylor said. “They want to make a change and they are willing to do whatever they need to do to get there.”

Improving health and wellness takes discipline, Aylor said.

So in addition to the evaluation tools and treatment plan Fresh Start Health and Wellness provides its clients, it also provides coaching and mentoring to help participants reach their goals.

“I’m after people who really want to change,” Aylor said.

Education is also a pillar of Fresh Start Health and Wellness programs.

Aylor, who also directs Bozeman Sport and Spine Center, received his medical training at the University of Utah and

Brown University. He also holds a degree in physical therapy and has completed graduate studies in exercise physiology.

In addition, Aylor is board certified in four specialties: sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain medicine and neuro-electrodiagnostic medicine.

As a medical doctor, Aylor is able to write prescriptions for any medications. However, he said he tries to stay away from that, instead opting to add natural products, minerals, vitamins, herbs or neutriceuticals.

“If you’re frustrated and you don’t know what to do and you’re feeling lousy,” Aylor said, “and you start to get that sense that it’s all in your head, maybe it’s not.”

Montana skin cancer and dermatology center While there are a number of treatment options available for skin cancer, there is one that has proven the most effective over the years in treating various skin cancer types - Mohs surgery.

According to Aaron Bruce, DO, owner of Montana Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center, Mohs surgery is a technique used to treat the most common types of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. He said it is utilized when the tumors are located on delicate structures such as the ear, eyelid, nose or lip.

Information posted on the Montana Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center website indicates that “with the Mohs technique, physicians can precisely identify and remove an entire tumor while leaving

the surrounding healthy tissue intact and unharmed.”

Bruce said the surgery is done in office, under a local anesthetic in about two to four hours. He said a “narrow margin around the tumor” is removed - keeping the hole as small as possible - and checked in the lab while the patient waits. He said this ensures complete removal of the cancer.

“Before we put in one stitch, we know that the tumor is gone,” Bruce said.

According to Bruce, Mohs surgery offers the “highest cure rate of any modality for these types of skin cancers.”

For more information about Mohs surgery, visit www. montanaskincancer.com.

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 21

AWARE INC. For the past 30 years, Montana has consistently ranked among the top five states for suicide rates in the nation.

However, the most recent data released by the American Association of Suicidology reveals that Montana is currently tied with Wyoming for first.

In response to these startling statistics, Montanans all across the Treasure State have stepped up to try and bring this number down.

Leonard Lantz, M.D. is one of these people.

Lantz, who is the medical director for AWARE Inc., said although he is contributing to reducing the suicide rate in

22

Montana through his work as a physician, he felt compelled to do something more. For Lantz, doing something more meant getting involved in a variety of capacities including supporting Montana’s suicide prevention coordinator, Karl Rosston, and being appointed as chair of the Montana suicide review team.

As a member of the suicide review team, Lantz works with team members from a “broad array of disciplines” to review data from deaths by suicide in the state of Montana. The team, which was created after Gov. Steve Bullock signed House Bill 583 into law last spring, requests records to learn more about suicides in the

state and the circumstances surrounding them. Lantz said the team will study the data and “hopefully come up with meaningful recommendations” to prevent more deaths.

According to Lantz, the team has “a very ambitious goal” of meeting 8-12 times per year.

“We will be reviewing every single suicide in Montana,” Lantz said. “The desire is to obtain the best information that we can and make recommendations that could help larger groups of people.”

Although the team has the authority to review records, Lantz said the confidentiality of the families who have lost a loved one to suicide remains protected.

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014

“There are several measures in the bill to protect confidentiality,” Lantz said. “We certainly have no desire to cause families any more pain.”

In addition to his work on the suicide review team, Lantz has also organized a statewide conference on suicide prevention for two consecutive years. He said the idea behind the conference was for people to put their political and other agendas aside and come together to work on reducing the suicide rate in Montana.

He plans to continue offering conferences in the future.

“I believe that we can lower our suicide rate in Montana,” Lantz said. “If we truly work together, hopefully we can do that soon.”

blue cross blue shield of montana Keeping employees healthy

To fulfill the requirements of

Swanson said. “Many incen-

grow from two groups to 15.

and reducing the number of

the program, each year employ-

tives are premium discounts to-

She said although the company

sick days taken each year can

ees must complete a preventa-

ward their insurance rates. Oth-

oversees “a handful” of well-

be a challenge for any employer.

tive health care visit. During

ers provide gift cards, raffles,

ness programs, Total Health

Employees may not make a con-

this visit, they will complete a

certed effort to visit their doctor

form with their provider, which

cash incentives or leave time for

Management

on a regular basis or even real-

will be sent to Blue Cross Blue

participating. Employees also

one of the most robust, home

ize that they are dealing with an

Shield for entry into the system.

get the benefit of a preventative

grown programs.”

underlying condition.

Swanson said topics covered

probably

health exam each year. They get

According to Swanson the

an incentive from their employ-

difference between Total Health

er just to have taken the steps to

Management and other wellness

take care of their health.”

programs is the promotion of a

In an effort to help employ-

during the exam include tobac-

ees adopt healthy behaviors and

co use, blood pressure, weight,

to promote overall health and

height and BMI, as well as

wellness in the workplace, Blue

screenings relevant to age such

Cross Blue Shield of Montana

as colon, breast and cervical

each participating employee,

developed the Total Health

cancer screenings.

Swanson said the Total Health

“Many people don’t even

Once the results are entered

Management program also of-

have providers,” Swanson said.

According to Kelli Swanson,

into the system, Swanson said

fers a number of benefits for

“They don’t know who their

health and wellness manager

each employee is given a health

the employer.

primary physician is, or where

at Blue Cross Blue Shield of

factor score. Employers are

“All employers are interest-

to go until they are sick. It’s

Montana, Total Health Man-

then notified about employee

ed in rising health care costs,”

important to establish that rela-

agement is “an outcome-based

participation. Swanson said

Swanson said. “We know that

tionship early.”

wellness program that’s used

specific medical information

to help employers improve em-

about employees is not given

preventable disease like dia-

Overall, Swanson said feed-

ployee health.”

to employers.

betes, heart disease, stroke,

back from participating em-

etc. account for 75 percent

ployees about the Total Health

of medical dollars spent each

Management

year in medical care. Things

been positive.

Management program.

In addition to benefits for

relationship between a provider and the employee.

“Ultimately, the goal is to

As a reward for their partici-

reduce health care costs long

pation, Swanson said employees

term,” Swanson said. “To-

are given incentives each year.

tal Health Management uses

She said typically during the

clinical guidelines to do that.

first year, employees receive an

The purpose of Total Health

incentive simply for participat-

Management is to help em-

ing. In the second year, incen-

Swanson said other benefits

ventative visit,’” Swanson said.

ployees form a relationship

tives may be offered for involv-

include increased productivity

“We have several examples

with their provider so they can

ing children or spouses in the

in the workplace, greater job

from all employers of people

catch problems early and treat

program. During the third

satisfaction and morale, a de-

who said, ‘I didn’t have any

them before things happen like

year and beyond, Swanson said

crease in absenteeism, improved

clue that I had high blood pres-

emergency room visits and cat-

incentives are often awarded

camaraderie and a sense of en-

sure.’ I think the program has

astrophic events.”

based on specific outcomes such

gagement with employees.

been well received.”

Swanson said the program is

as working with a doctor to lose

managed in the workplace by a

weight or quit smoking.

group leader and incentives are of-

“The incentives are provided

fered to participating employees.

“is

from employer to employee,”

program

has

covered in a preventative med-

“We’ve received feedback

ical office visit can help pre-

from people saying, ‘thanks

vent these things.”

for pushing me to get that pre-

Since the launch of the pro-

Visit www.wellwithbluemt.com

gram in 2012, Swanson said

for more information about

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mon-

the Total Health Manage-

tana has seen participation

ment program.

Big Sky Publishing • July 2014 23

When it’s time to find the health insurance solution that’s right for you, choose the one voice that speaks on your behalf and has been there for you since 1940—Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana. True Blue.

bcbsmt.com I 1.800.447.7828 A Division of HeAltH CAre serviCe CorporAtion, A MutuAl legAl reserve CoMpAny, An inDepenDent liCensee of tHe Blue Cros s AnD Blue sHielD As soCiAtion.