Hernia Surgery At Estes Park Health

from Estes Park News, August 4, 2023

News From The Art Center Of Estes Park

Helps Art Turpin Get Back On The Trail

Art Turpin of Estes Park, who turns 90 in August, is a retired high school teacher who goes hiking three days a week and reads six books a month. When an inguinal hernia threatened his routine, he turned to the experts at Estes Park Health.

“Art was not able to hike as much as he likes due to symptoms from the hernia,” explained EPH General Surgeon Dr. Jennifer McLellan. “The main risks of not fixing a hernia include a possible strangulated hernia (where the intestine becomes stuck in a hernia and starts to diet) or that the hernia will get bigger over time.”

Of course, there are also risks to surgery. However, Dr. McLellan emphasized that most people tolerate the procedure very well, even patients in overall good shape who are starting their tenth decade of life.

Art was scheduled to have surgery on St. Patrick’s Day, but pre-operative testing showed he had a yeast infection and the team had to delay the procedure.

“I remember Dr. McLellan reassured me by saying, ‘I will make sure you get this, even if I have to come in on a day when I am not scheduled to work,’” Art recalled. “She made good on her word, and I had the procedure on May 2.” than it was years ago. Many hernia surgeries are now performed laparoscopically.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery is performed through three small incisions about ½ inch each. The surgeon uses a camera and long thin instruments that are inserted through these little incisions to fix the hernia. A large piece of mesh is used to patch the hole, which is what a hernia is. The mesh is secured to the ligament overlying the pelvic bone, as well as to the inside of the abdominal wall. The surgery takes about one to two hours.

“I have seen major advantages of this method for my patients,” she explained.

“Compared to most open hernia surgeries, patients who have laparoscopic surgery tend to have less pain and faster recovery. Because we performed Mr. Turpin’s surgery laparoscopically, he was back on the trails in just a few short weeks. And he barely used any pain medications after surgery!”

Symptoms from an inguinal hernia can vary, but in general, people experience a bulging in the groin, usually associated with mild pain or discomfort. The bulge can typically be pushed back in, especially when lying down. Both men and women can develop inguinal hernias, but it is more common in men. Women should usually have a hernia repaired if one develops, whereas men do not necessarily need to have a small hernia repaired.

August 4 - August 10

“I am grateful to Dr. McLellan for performing the operation and getting me back in shape so I could get outside this summer,” Art said. “I have used the services of Estes Park Health over three decades and overall, I am very pleased with the care I have received. We are lucky to have this facility right here where we live.”

Three-and-a-half weeks after his procedure, Art was back to regular activity.

“It feels so great to be able to help all my patients,” Dr. McLellan commented, “especially someone like Mr. Turpin who really wanted to get back to his hiking as soon as possible. I’m so glad he has done well.”

Dr. McLellan wants patients to know that hernia surgery is much different

If you notice a bulging in your groin, or you are having pain, please talk to your doctor. Physicians usually recommend surgical repair in men if the hernia bulge starts to get larger, if it is more difficult to push back in, or if it is becoming more symptomatic. Signs you might need an emergency hernia repair include being unable to push the bulge back in and having severe pain. This can be associated with nausea and vomiting as well if the intestine is stuck in the hernia.

Dr. McLellan and Dr. Chris Bogardus both offer laparoscopic and open hernia repairs at Estes Park Health. If you would like to learn more, please speak to your primary care provider, and have them send a referral if appropriate to the Estes Park Health General Surgery Service.

Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu

Estes Park Health Honors Women With Flowers

flower was 62-year-old Valerie Baldwin of Estes Park who makes sure she gets the cancer screening each year.

“I think it’s great,” Baldwin commented. “The flower is absolutely beautiful! I’m going to use it to decorate my truck.”

Estes Park Health strives to make the patient experience as positive as possible. The gift of a flower serves as both an incentive and a reward for women to keep on schedule with their mammograms.

Gift encourages patients to get regular mammograms

Women who come to Estes Park Health for their yearly mammogram now have an extra incentive to make an on-time appointment for the important cancer screening. Patients who get their mammograms within 13 months of their previous test will receive a lifelike pink rose to commemorate their decision to protect their breast health.

Estes Park Health started presenting mammogram patients with roses this month.

“Most women do not look forward to the examination,” said EPH Mammogram Technologist Sheila Shirley. “When they leave with a smile, we’ve done something right.”

Estes Park Health offers 3D Digital Mammography

The digital mammography unit in the Estes Park Health Diagnostic Imaging Department uses x-rays to produce detailed images of the breast. Digital mammography technology produces better images and has a higher sensitivity to identify abnormalities, allowing for more precise diagnoses compared to conventional film screen technology. Call 870-235-3100 for additional information or to schedule an appointment.

Patients who get their mammograms within 13 months of their previous test will receive a lifelike pink rose to commemorate their decision to protect their breast health.

Aug 7 – 11

Monday, Aug 7 Breakfast Croissant (eggs & cheese topped w/ sausage patty), Hashbrowns & fruit

Tuesday, Aug 8 Fried Chicken (3 pc) w/ Mashed Potatoes, gravy & vegetables

Wednesday, Aug 9 Avocado Bacon Cheddar Burger w/ Potato Salad

Thursday, Aug 10 Chicken Primavera w/ Spaghetti, garlic bread & side salad

Friday, Aug 11 Shrimp Basket (8 fried) w/ Homemade Chips & soup of the day

Aug 14 – 18

Monday, Aug 14 Denver Omelette (ham, mushrooms, onions & green peppers) w/ Hashbrowns & fruit

Tuesday, Aug 15 Mexican Platter (beef taco in corn shell, bean burrito topped w/ pork green chili & cheesy quesadilla) w/ refried beans

Wednesday, Aug 16 Chicken Salad Croissant w/ Greek Salad

Thursday, Aug 17 Chicken Parmesan w/ Spaghetti, garlic bread & side salad

Friday, Aug 18 Fish & Homemade Chips w/ soup of the day

Meals are $7 for current 2023 EP Senior Citizens Center members and are by reservation only. (Or 3 meals for $20; use pre-paid meal tickets.) Exact cash or check payment required. Reservations must be made by 1:00 PM at least one business day in advance. Note, if you want to reserve a meal for Monday, Aug 7th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Aug 4th. For reservations call 970-581-2195 and leave a detailed message. Pre-paid meal tickets and membership forms are available at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center located at 1760 Olympian Lane.

The Center is OPEN (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10-1; Tuesday 10-2) TriFit M-W-F 10:30-11:15; Yoga T-T 10:15-11:15; Circuit Balance Class Mondays 1-1:45 PM

Mahjong Tuesdays 10 – 2

Live Music & Presentations Tuesday @ 12:00 – 1:30 (TBA)

Two Bridge Groups: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wed. of the month & Every Thursday 12:30 - 4 PM

Reserved Meals-to-Go delivered to your vehicle or EAT at the Senior Citizens Center Check out our website: estesparkseniors.org or call for the latest information

Estes Park Health started presenting mammogram patients with roses in July.

What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library

SUMMER HOURS

Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Fridays & Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sundays, 1-5 p.m. KEY

Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Book Club for Mortals:

A Beginner’s Guide to the End Ⓡ

Thursday, August 10, 10-11:30 a.m., Wasson Room & online

Discuss end-of-life issues and our shared mortality. August’s feature, A Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death, describes a clear-eyed action plan for approaching the end of life.

The Prophets: Author Talk with Robert Jones, Jr. Ⓡ

Tuesday, August 15, 2-3 p.m., online

Spend an engaging hour with New York Times bestselling author Rober Jones, Jr. as he discusses his award-winning debut novel, The Prophets. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.

A Deadly Education: A Book Discussion Ⓡ

Tuesday, August 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m.,

Wasson Room

Read and discuss the first book in the Scholomance series, set at a school for the magically gifted where failure means certain death – until one girl, El, begins to unlock its many secrets. Recommended for adults and teens.

The Mortal Instruments Series: Author Talk with Cassandra Clare Ⓡ

Wednesday, August 23, 6-7 p.m., online

Join globally recognized and international bestselling author Cassandra Clare as she discusses her newest series, The Last Hours. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Adults

Cancel Culture: A Living Room Conversation Ⓡ

Wednesday, August 9, 5-6:30 p.m., Wasson Room

This Living Room Conversation is an opportunity to discuss personal relationships with free speech and accountability, and how they connect to lines drawn by government or other public or private entities. Presented in collaboration with Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership.

Wildlife Window Nature Series: More Than Meals, More Than Trophies Ⓡ

Monday, August 14, 4-5:30 p.m., Hondius Room & online Intended as food, recreation, novelty pets, or mosquito control, every fish has a story, whether or not their species is native to our state. Learn about Colorado’s fish with Naturalist

Kevin Cook.

Voter Registration Drive

Tuesday, August 22, 5-7 p.m., Library lobby

The League of Women Voters of Estes Park will be on hand to help with voter registration, important election dates, and other information about voting in Estes Park and Colorado.

TEENS & KIDS

Laser a Bookmark Ⓡ

Saturday, August 5, 2-3:30 p.m., Makerspace repeated Tuesday, August 8, 4-5:30 p.m., Makerspace

Learn to use the laser, then personalize a bookmark – perfect for the upcoming school year. All supplies provided.

Artwork Wednesday: Collage A Journal Ⓡ

Wednesday, August 16, 5-6 p.m., Makerspace

Prep your school supplies or decorate your personal journal with magazines, newspapers, and other print materials. All supplies provided.

Marble-ous Machines Ⓡ

Saturday, August 19, 4-6 p.m., Hondius Room

See computing in a new way and learn about binary math by getting hands-on with marble-driven computers, calculators, and logic games. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

KIDS & FAMILIES

Learn more and sign up at estesvalleylibrary.org

Library Storytimes

Babies: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.

Preschoolers: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.

Storybook Explorers: Sat., August 12 at 11:15 a.m. Ⓡ

Making Music with Nancy Bell: Wed., August 16 at 4:30 p.m.

Read to Therapy Dog Annie: Wed., August 23 at 4:30 p.m.

Yoga Storytime with Diana Laughlin Ⓡ

Wednesday, August 9, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Hondius Room

Through kid-friendly mindfulness and yoga activities, we’ll explore how to stay calm and centered in our minds and bodies. Recommended for ages 4-10.

Tap-n-Shake Music Ⓡ

Thursday, August 10, 11-11:45 a.m., Hondius Room

Join Sonia Brooks for musical play as we sing, dance, tap rhythm sticks, and shake sound shakers. Recommended for ages 0-6.

Make A Stick Pony Ⓡ

Saturday, August 19, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Hondius Room

Prepare for the 150th anniversary of MacGregor Ranch by making a stick pony to race at the community birthday party on August 23.

ALL AGES

Intro to A. I. Ⓡ

Wednesday, August 23, 6-7:30 p.m., Wasson Room

Chat GPT, Mid-Journey, Dall-E… What are these AI systems and how do they work? We’ll explore answers to these questions as we learn the tools and concepts of artificial intelligence.

Makerspace Classes

Learn the 3D Printer Ⓡ

Thursday, August 24, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).

LEGAL SELF-HELP

Free Legal Self-Help Clinic Ⓡ

Wednesday, August 9, 2-5 p.m.

One-on-one legal advice for library patrons who do not have a personal attorney. Appointments are necessary and can be scheduled by calling 970-5868116. More information at estesvalleylibrary.org/legalclinic.

Friends Of The Library Foundation

Cliffhanger Used Books

Celebrate National Book Lovers Day on August 9 with the annual super sale! All books are $1 each. Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the post office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, and music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

KEY

Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.

A Wilderness Survivalist, The Sun God’s Daughter, Or A Brewery Owner: Who Has Your Vote?

In 1986, a shy and intelligent twentyyear-old named Christopher Knight left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine, and disappeared into the forest. He would not have a conversation with another human being until nearly three decades later, when he was arrested for stealing food. Living in a tent even through brutal winters, he survived by his wits and courage, breaking into nearby cottages and taking only what he needed but terrifying a community never able to solve the mysterious burglaries. Why did he leave? And what did he learn?

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child – not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power –the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

Two sisters, one farm: a family is split when their father leaves their shared inheritance entirely to Helen, the younger daughter, who builds a thriving beer company by single-handedly inventing light beer. Edith, Helen’s older sister, shares none of this grand ambition, even as a champion pie baker in the state of Minnesota. Edith struggles to make a living and can’t help wondering what her life would have been like with even a portion of the farm money her sister kept for herself. Family resolution can take generations… Will these sisters find their way back to each other?

For over eleven years, the Estes Valley community has made it a tradition to read and discuss a shared book through

Left, Up, A, Right, Down, B: Video Games Arrive At The Estes Valley Library

When you picture a library, you likely first think of a collection of books. Thick volumes of old classics, shiny covers of new bestsellers… books of all shapes and sizes that patrons can take home, read, and return.

Over time, library collections have expanded to include newspapers and magazines, DVDs and Blurays, and even non-traditional items like musical instruments and cooking equipment. Most recently, libraries have begun adding video games.

pants 50 and older – improvement that lasted for several years.

You can view the collection at the Library’s downtown branch or browse from home by visiting estesvalleylibrary.org/videogames. You can even put a game on hold from the online catalog – just have your library card number handy.

the annual literary celebration called One Book One Valley. What will we read next? Now through August 18, we’re seeking your vote to choose the 2024 title.

Visit estesvalleylibrary.org/onebook to learn more about this year’s finalists: The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel, Circe by Madeline Miller, and The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal. Submit your vote (one per person, please) and we'll reveal the winning title in early November. One Book One Valley takes place in January.

Thanks to generous support from the Library Friends & Foundation, One Book One Valley is an opportunity to celebrate literacy, community, storytelling, and civic dialogue through the shared reading of a single title.

Summer Residents Association’s Hikers

As of August 1, local gamers can browse and check out over 50 video games from the Estes Valley Library, including ones for PlayStation 4, xBox One, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5. Games were selected based on recommendations from tween and teen patrons, as well as based on highly-circulating items at other Colorado libraries.

“We are very excited to offer patrons of all ages popular games like The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword, Hogwarts Legacy, Animal Crossing, and more,” said Youth Services Librarian Bre Vegas. “We have even added novel games like Splatoon 3 and Chef Life, a restaurant simulator.”

Why video games? Because they’re just plain fun. Also, research has shown that video games can benefit players of all ages. One study showed that people with dyslexia improved their reading comprehension following gaming sessions heavy on action play. Another study showed that just ten hours of play led to increased cognitive function in partici-

The Estes Valley Library regularly updates and curates our collection to ensure all patrons can find something they’d like to read, watch, use, or play. Check out the new video games and other great items today!

Summer Residents Association (SRA) members enjoy volunteer led activities which include three levels of hiking with the Scramblers recently hiking to Pierson Park followed by refreshments at the hike leader’s home, Ramblers hiking to Calypso Cascades, and Amblers exploring the Birch Ruins followed by lunch at Claires’s. Hiking programs continue into the fall beyond the time when our Cookout breakfasts and Buffet dinners with programs conclude. Mah Jongg, Ukulele and Book Club meet weekly in members homes with beginners always welcome. Golf, Friday Game Night, Bridge and Pickleball round out our activities.

We are a lively group and new members are always welcome! It’s never too late to make new friends.

If you are interested in learning more about SRA membership, text, call or email Jane Wright ninelivz@yahoo.com (314) 994-0645 or John Vorreiter jvorreiter@aol.com (408) 730-8300.

361 Mills Moraine Drive

$849,500

The mountain escape you've waited for.... Private 2‐acre site at the boundary of RMNP and The Longs Peak area, offering total peace & quiet in a sub‐alpine environment of pine forest and aspen. Like your own treehouse in the woods, this immaculate home offers 2062sf of living space, with towering ceilings and walls of windows, bringing the outside in as part of the experience. Updated kitchen with lots of storage, hardwood flooring throughout and plenty of room for friends & family, with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and all the toys with a detached 2‐car garage. Hike all day, right from your back door and 10‐min to the Longs Peak trailhead, then meander home and relax on the no‐maintenance decks as you follow the sun & the shade throughout the day... Morning coffee on the private deck off the primary, bbq and dinner on the huge back decks and then an evening beverage on the front porch overlooking the forest... Magical setting in the woods and at the base of Longs Peak. Offered fully furnished and ready to enjoy at $849,500.