health! - St. Joseph Medical Center, Spring '12

health!

St. Joseph

FROM

ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL AND THE OTHER SERVICES OF FRANCISCAN HEALTH SYSTEM

Hall of fame coach

keeps winning as heart patient See page 9

The BEST care for your baby!

Newborn intensive care elevated at St. Joseph

See page 14 fo r o u r

Calendar of Events

Treat your feet right Franciscan Health System • SPRING 2012

Find your new health care professional today!

3 PRIMARY CARE Keep current with immunizations

9 PATIENT PROFILE Hall of Fame coach manages heart disease with winning attitude

Daniel Clerc, MD

DANIEL CLERC, MD Family Medicine ›› Enumclaw Medical Center 360-825-6511 3021 Griffin Ave. Enumclaw

Gary Pingrey, DO

10 PODIATRY

GARY PINGREY, DO Family Medicine ›› Gig Harbor Medical Clinic 253-858-9192 6401 Kimball Drive N.W., Suite 201 Gig Harbor

Get help for your ailing feet

11 WEIGHT LOSS A little weight loss may help reduce incontinence

12 FHSHEALTH.ORG Newly redesigned site has a treasure trove of free health information

Check out! us

Troy Houseworth, MD

Troy Houseworth, MD ›› St. Francis Weight Loss Surgery Clinic 253-275-6030 200 S. 333rd St., Suite 150 Federal Way

Health! online ›› WWW.FHSHEALTH.ORG

Know your health risks! ›› When it comes to health conditions and diseases, early detection is key.

Get insight into your health risks at www.knowmyhealthrisk.org.

The assessments are simple, quick— and may just keep you healthy!

Sign up for free health talks ›› Interested in attending? Get more information or register by visiting the Franciscan website at www.FHShealth.org/classes or calling 888-825-3227 toll-free.

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Paul Schmidt, DO

PAUL SCHMIDT, DO Family Medicine ›› University Place Medical Clinic 253-564-0170 7210 40th St. W., Suite 100 University Place

Franciscan Health System | Spring 2012

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube! ›› Get news and information about health events and more at: www.facebook.com/ FranciscanHealth

www.twitter.com/ FHShealth www.youtube.com (Search for Franciscan Health System.)

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Declining immunization rates pose ACT ACT ACT ACT growing health concerns now now now now now

The percentage of unvaccinated school-age children in Washington has climbed to 6.2 percent, or one in 20 kindergarten students, posing a Martin Cieri, MD significant health risk.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, has reached epidemic levels this year in Washington state, an example of the danger caused by opting out or under-immunizing children.

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Washington state has the highest rate of unvaccinated children in the U.S. The success of vaccines in the last 30 years has caused people to forget the dangers of opting out of immunizations, says Martin Cieri, MD, a pediatrician with the Franciscan Medical Group.

The decision to not immunize children presents major health risks, notes Dr. Cieri, who specializes in

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Pediatric Infectious Disease at St. Joseph Medical Clinic, adding that the risk extends beyond the individual to the community at large.

Those health risks include lower immunity throughout the entire U.S. population, an increasing number of infectious disease cases each year and a weakening of a community’s herd immunity.

Herd immunity is an important concept to consider when explaining why vaccines keep entire communities healthier. Immunizations stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases in communities by lowering the number of people who could host the diseases, Dr. Cieri adds. Without hosts, the diseases can’t spread and the entire herd is protected.

Misinformation about vaccines is a leading reason mothers are deciding to not have their children immunized, he noted.

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Find your doctor at Franciscan Medical Group.

Call 888-825-3227 or go to www.SouthSoundDoctors.org.

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“Mothers want to make the best decisions to protect their children,” Dr. Cieri says.“They talk with their friends and share experiences in order to make many of their parenting choices, but the information they get isn’t always correct.”

It is important to see a primary care physician to talk about immunizations and find out the facts before making the decision to opt out of any immunization.

“The risk of death and illness from preventable diseases is greater than the risk of side effects from vaccines,” Dr. Cieri says. “There are no vaccines that a parent should opt out of because the diseases we vaccinate against have the potential to cause death.”

The success of vaccines in the last 30 years has caused people to forget the dangers of opting out of immunizations, says Martin Cieri, MD, a pediatrician with the Franciscan Medical Group.

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

In June, a new Washington state law will take effect requiring an informational visit with your primary care provider for children to attend school without the required vaccinations. Below are the required vaccines for children to attend public schools in Washington.

Age

Newborns to 3 years

12 months to 3 years

4 years to 10 years

11 years to 18 years

Required

Hep B (3 doses)

MMR (1 dose)

DTaP (5th dose given)

Tdap (1 dose)

vaccines

DTaP (4 doses)

Varivax (1 dose)

IPV (4th dose given)

Meningococcal (2 doses)

HiB (4 doses)

Hep A (2 doses)

MMR (2nd dose given)

HPV (3 doses)

IPV (3 doses)

Varivax (2nd dose given)

PCV 13 (4 doses) www.FHShealth.org

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St. Joseph Medical Center St. Joseph welcomes Franciscan Vascular Associates Franciscan Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of a new clinic, Franciscan Vascular Associates at the St. Joseph Todd Kihara, MD Medical Pavilion. Vascular surgeon Todd Kihara, MD, and two nurse practitioners, Jennifer Barnett, ARNP, and Pamela Charboneau, ARNP, bring a wealth of experience to the field of Jennifer Barnett, vascular disease, and ARNP provide patients with high-quality, compassionate care. They have been in practice at the same location in Tacoma since 1999.

Board certified in Pamela general and vascular Charboneau, surgery, Dr. Kihara ARNP earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. He completed his residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, and a fellowship in vascular surgery at Penn State University in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Kihara specializes in minimally invasive endovascular stenting, open and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, carotid disease and in-office varicose vein treatment.

Franciscan Vascular Associates Located in the St. Joseph Medical Pavilion 1802 S. Yakima Ave., Suite 204 Tacoma, WA 98405 253-383-3325

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Franciscan Health System | Spring 2012

Treating kidney disease close to home Franciscan opening a dialysis center in East Tacoma Comfort and convenience: welcome words for anyone with chronic kidney disease and on dialysis. Now, for those who live in East Tacoma, there is a beautiful new dialysis center scheduled to open soon in your neighborhood that fits that description!

To better serve the needs of its East Tacoma dialysis patients and family members, Franciscan Health System will be opening a new, 12-chair dialysis facility near East 72nd and Portland Avenue, called Franciscan Dialysis Center – Eastside.

“We’re excited that so many of our patients will now have a dialysis center significantly closer to their homes,” says Raj Narayanan, MD, medical director of St. Joseph Medical Center’s Outpatient Dialysis Unit. “And like all of our dialysis units, this one offers the latest in technology. Patients here will receive dialysis using state-of-the-art

B. Braun dialysis machines that are advanced and quiet.”

The new center has a cozy, spa-like feel with heated recliners, TVs with headphones at chairs, shaved ice, coffee, and free Wi-Fi. It also has ample parking and access to public transportation.

St. Joseph Dialysis Services provides more than 65,000 treatments each year at its state-of-the-art dialysis centers in Tacoma, Puyallup and Gig Harbor, as well as through its Home Dialysis Program and acute inpatient dialysis services at St. Joseph Medical Center and St. Anthony Hospital.

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Would you like to transfer your dialysis care to the new Eastside location? To learn more, contact Diane Vevig at 253-426-6703 or dianevevig@FHShealth.org.

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Patients at the new Franciscan Dialysis Center – Eastside will appreciate the heated recliners, free Wi-Fi and other new amenities.

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Pharmacy

Prescription meds sent to your bed Franciscan provides prescription discharge program at St. Joseph, St. Clare and St. Francis People look forward to going home from the hospital, but the transition isn’t always easy. Getting your prescriptions for home used to be a nuisance, but with the new prescription discharge program, the process is easy.

Instead of making an extra trip to the pharmacist, your prescriptions can now be delivered to your bedside at no additional charge, before you leave the hospital. Other benefits of the program include: • reducing the risk of duplicating medications you already own

• competitive pricing on prescriptions • flexible and convenient billing options • bedside consultations provided by our pharmacist upon request “Studies show that the quicker patients get their prescriptions filled, the better,” says Keith Sinay, manager of Ambulatory Pharmacy Services at Franciscan. “Our program helps patients leave the hospital with what they need, improving the chances that they comply with their doctor’s orders and begin taking the medications they need as soon as possible.”

The new prescription discharge program is simple for hospital patients to use. To get the process started, tell your nurse or pharmacist that you want your prescriptions filled before you are discharged. A pharmacy representative will determine the costs and insurance coverage.

Ask your Franciscan pharmacy experts To learn more about the prescription discount program, call the Franciscan Pharmacy and Home Medical Supply at any of the following three locations: St. Joseph: 253-426-6920 St. Francis: 253-944-4040 St. Clare: 253-985-6290

Save money on prescription medications with the Franciscan Prescription Discount Card Prescription medications can play an important role in the healing process and in managing complex diseases and other health issues. Franciscan Health System is pleased to be able to help make prescription medications more affordable with the new Franciscan Prescription Discount Card.

Simply present the discount card at any participating pharmacy at the time of purchase to instantly save an average of 15 percent on brand-name medications and 55 percent on generic medications not covered by insurance. It’s that easy.

Anyone with limited or no prescription drug coverage can benefit. If you already have insurance coverage, you may still find the card useful, as it can discount medications that are not covered by your health plan. The Franciscan Prescription Discount Card is also useful if you are a senior enrolled in a Medicare plan without prescription drug coverage.

There are no age or enrollment restrictions, and anyone can benefit from the plan.

All FDA-approved prescription medications are covered, as well as diabetic supplies

and insulin. The card can also be used for mail-order prescriptions for even greater savings.

The Franciscan Prescription Discount Card is available at any Franciscan pharmacy, and in Franciscan hospitals and clinics. You can also access and print the card at www.FHShealth.org/pharmacy.

www.FHShealth.org

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Family Birth Center

Baby steps

Get ready for a healthy pregnancy

If you’re thinking about having a baby, think about this: The best time to prepare for a healthy pregnancy is before you conceive. Here are 10 steps to take if you’re considering a pregnancy:

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Can we talk? Sit down with your partner and talk honestly. Planning a pregnancy together will make it a happier time for both of you.

See your doctor. Make an appointment with your doctor before you try to conceive. Talk to him or her about your health history, diseases that run in your family and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take.

Nice shot! Make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations. Certain diseases, such as chickenpox, can hurt a developing baby.

Strength in numbers. To prevent birth defects, take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day for at least one month before you get pregnant and during early pregnancy.

Folic acid helps a baby’s brain and spinal cord to develop.

Weight for it. The American College of Gynecologists says it’s best if you are at a healthy weight before pregnancy. Being overweight can increase your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes during pregnancy and premature delivery.

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Food for thought. Ditch the chips and fast food, and get into the habit of eating delicious, healthy foods now. After you are pregnant, anything you eat also feeds your baby.

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Franciscan Health System | Spring 2012

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The right fit. Being active may help you have an easier pregnancy and delivery. When you become pregnant, don’t overdo it—talk with your doctor about how much activity and what kinds of activity are right for you.

Just say no! Starting now, don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs. These substances can harm a baby’s organs, which begin to form a few weeks after conception.

Because you have already been pregnant for at least two weeks before your first missed period, the safest time to stop is before you start trying to conceive.

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Cool it. Don’t soak in a hot tub or a hot bath if there is any possibility that you are pregnant because it may harm your baby.

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now now now Hazardous to your health. If you think you may

be pregnant, avoid toxic substances, radiation and chemicals such as insect killers. Don’t touch cat feces or rodent droppings.

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Franciscan Birthnow Centers now To learn more about Franciscan Birth Centers, call 888-825-3227 or visit FHShealth.org.

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Thrilled new mom appreciates supportive St. Joseph staff

Responsive, compassionate care keeps mom coming back

When asked what she liked about her birthing experience Sarah Keller is planning to have her fourth St. Joseph at St. Joseph Medical Center, Megan Workman, who became Medical Center birthing experience this September. a mom for the first time in December 2010, says, “Pretty Nursing staff care and the excellent preparedness of the much everything!” birthing team are the reasons Sarah and her husband Joe Megan, also a part-time bookkeeper at The Home Depot, continue to choose St. Joseph. and her husband Erik were excited about the birth of their Sarah, who performs advanced planning for Lockheed son Cooper. But Megan learned early in her pregnancy that Martin, describes her pregnancies as average. But during she had low amounts of amniotic fluid—the protective previous births, there have been potential issues with liquid that surrounds a baby in the womb. meconium—the baby’s first bowel movement—occurring Her St. Joseph Women’s Clinic midwife Angie assured before birth was complete. If this sticky substance accidenher that with careful monitoring, everything would be OK. tally enters the baby’s lungs, it is a medical emergency.

“She kept me informed. She listened to my fears, and let me “We never did have a serious issue, but St. Joseph always know it was OK to talk about them,” says Megan. had a pediatrician there just in case, ready to start treatment,” When Megan and Eric arrived at St. Joseph, Megan Sarah explains. “It has always been reassuring to have that remembers the calm confidence of the woman who checked kind of backup available.” them in. “She was so sweet, telling me jokes and making me When describing one of her delivery experiences, laugh. She put Eric at ease, too,” Megan says.

Sarah says, “The nurse was just so sweet and sincere. All the Stacey, her nurse, also respected Megan’s wishes when it came nurses at St. Joseph really take time to listen to you and to the involvement of the couple’s extended family. “She was make you comfortable.” kind, but made it clear that when I was ready, they could Attending each of her previous births was a midwife see us. It was great to have an advocate,” Megan says. from Pearl Place Midwives. “Every time I’ve had a Today, Cooper is happy and healthy. Megan question or concern about something, the clinic and Erik are hoping to give him a little sibling has called me back within a day.They really Our NICU soon—who will also be born at St. Joseph. make an effort to educate you, too,” says Sarah. has been elevated

See the back page for more info.

to Level III.

Megan Workman gave birth to her son Cooper in December 2010 at St. Joseph Medical Center.

Sarah Keller, pictured at right with her family, plans to have her fourth child at St. Joseph Medical Center this September. www.FHShealth.org

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Heart care

You can prevent or manage heart failure Learning about this common condition—including after a heart attack— can help you avoid or control it In heart failure, your heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to feed your body’s organs. Although there’s no cure, you can take steps to help prevent and manage it. Here are answers to some key questions about the condition.

What are the symptoms?

People with heart failure may feel a range of symptoms. They can include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and ankles. The condition often comes on gradually, with symptoms worsening over time.

For some, symptoms are barely noticeable. Others have symptoms so severe that they are unable to do almost any physical activity.

How can I prevent heart failure?

If you have a healthy heart, doing everything you can to prevent any kind of heart disease can also help prevent heart failure: • Eat a heart-healthy, low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

• Don’t smoke.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Exercise for 30 minutes a day most days of the week.

• Don’t use illegal drugs.

Certain ailments heighten your risk for heart failure. Treating these problems—which include high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes— can help you avoid heart failure.

How do I manage heart failure?

Proper management of this condition is crucial to your well-being and longevity: • Reduce your salt intake. The sodium contributes to swelling that strains your heart and worsens symptoms.

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Franciscan Health System | Spring 2012

• If you’re overweight, lose weight to help your heart work better.

• Eat a heart-healthy diet and cut back on foods that are high in cho­les­terol,

• Refill your prescriptions on time so that you don’t run out.

• Take your medications routinely, at the same time each day.

If you have had a heart attack “Taking aggressive action to manage your symptoms as effectively as you can immediately after a heart attack can prevent or delay heart failure.”

—R osemary Peterson, MD, cardiologist, medical director of Franciscan’s Heart Failure Clinic. trans fat and saturated fat. Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor what exercise routine to follow.

• Take your medications as directed: • Never skip doses.

• Don’t change your dosage or stop taking a medication without clearance from your doctor.

• Bring all medications, or a list with dosages, to your doctor visits.

Make any other lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor. Working closely with your health care team can slow the progression of heart failure and manage symptoms so you can enjoy life more.

Seven minutes online could save your life!

Take the free online St. Joseph HeartAware risk assessment Half of the people at risk for heart disease don’t know it. Their first symptom will be a heart attack. Heart disease can often be predicted—and prevented. Take the HeartAware evaluation today. If you’re not at risk, you’ll have peace of mind. If you are at risk, you can get a FREE heart health screening appointment at St. Joseph Heart & Vascular Center.

Go to www.HealthyHeartCheck.org today.

Patient story

Attitude makes the difference

St. Joseph Heart Failure Clinic helps Hall of Famer make health gains Forrest “Frosty” Westering is living proof that attitude helps you achieve your best.

As head football coach at Pacific Lutheran University, Frosty topped 300 career wins, joining only a handful of coaches to do so and is in the College Football Hall of Fame. He’s also doing the work it takes to keep his heart failure under better control with the help of his team at St. Joseph Heart Failure Clinic in the St. Joseph Medical Pavilion.

breath. I couldn’t walk without stopping,” Frosty says. “Now, the last time they tested me on the cycle, my knees got tired before my heart did!” Frosty is happy to be in the bleachers, supporting his grandchildren’s pursuits on area football

down. He’s glad his team at St. Joseph Medical Center approaches health care with the same helpful spirit.

“When I heard the term ‘heart failure,’ I thought, wait a minute! Coaches don’t talk about failure— they talk about success!

what you can be when you are motivated,” he explains.

Frosty adds that the affirmation he receives at St. Joseph Medical Center is helping him realize his potential at this stage of the game. “They are winners,” Frosty says.

Frosty stays ahead of the game — and his heart failure — with his care team at St. Joseph Heart Failure Clinic.

Peak performance

As a condition, heart failure means your heart doesn’t pump as well as it used to.

This can allow fluid buildup around the heart and lungs that reduces physical stamina.

To keep Frosty’s heart functioning at its highest potential, physical therapist Eddie Brewer coaches him in specialized exercise sessions each week. Franciscan cardiologist Rosemary Peterson, MD, monitors his heart health on a regular basis. And clinic provider Patti Aramburu, ARNP, watches his heart failure closely, making adjustments to his regimen, which includes fine-tuning his medications. This steady support has kept Frosty out of the hospital since an initial stay at St. Joseph Medical Center about a year ago.

“When I was referred to St. Joseph, I was short of

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fields, baseball diamonds and volleyball courts.

Winning spirit

As a Christian coach, with a doctorate in education, Frosty has been an active staff member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has always felt it’s critical to choose words that build people up, not tear them

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charge now now now Takenow They affirm and encourage.

It’s all about your attitude,” says Frosty. So together, he and his care team agreed to use the term ‘remodeling,’ instead of ‘failure.’

Setting goals in positive terms has played an important role in Frosty’s life as a coach and motivational speaker. “You close your gap between what you are and

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of your heart health!

If you have been diagnosed with heart failure, your provider may refer you to the St. Joseph Heart Failure Clinic. To learn more, call 253-426-4972 or visit www.FHShealth.org.

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Podiatry

Give attention to ailing feet Feet hurt? You’re not alone. One in six Americans has foot problems, and more than a third of them believe Paul Scott, DPM their foot problems require medical care.

Getting older and weighing too much can increase foot pain risk. Poor-fitting shoes may also be to blame. But Paul Scott, DPM, Franciscan Foot & Ankle Specialists – Tacoma, says most foot problems run in the family. “It’s more about the type of foot you were born with. Wearing the wrong shoe adds to the problem,” he says.

Painful conditions influenced by poor shoe choices that most often require professional medical care for pain relief include: • Bunions—a bump where the big toe joins the foot • Hammer toes—toes that curl downward tightly • Calluses and corns—thickened skin • Morton’s neuroma—pain between the third and fourth toes Sprained ankle, heel pain and Achilles tendonitis are other painful foot conditions that may seem like issues you can treat at home. However, professional medical care promotes optimal healing and helps prevent future problems.

Here’s how:

Why is medical care important?

Untreated ankle trauma can lead to early-onset arthritis. Torn ligaments may require surgery. “But even less severe sprains can lead to ankle weakness and future sprains if not treated properly,” says Dr. Scott.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is heel pain caused when the ligament that supports the arch of the foot is inflamed. Pain gradually worsens, often flaring first thing in the morning. People with overly flat feet or high arches are most susceptible.

Sprained ankle

Sprained ankle is a painful, swollen injury that results when ankle ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range. Seek medical care for a sprain. A physician will assess severity and recommend treatment, which may include rest, compression wraps and physical therapy.

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The good news is you don’t have to live with heel pain, Dr. Scott says, adding, “We have a range of therapies that help, including rest, anti-inflammatories and physical therapy. Pain management injections, orthotics, night splints or occasionally even surgery are also helpful.”

Franciscan Health System | Spring 2012

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis causes aching, stiffness, tenderness or pain in the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It’s caused by microscopic tendon tears and typically develops after a sudden increase in physical activity.

Rest, ice and anti-inflammatories can provide short-term relief. “But these injuries tend to linger if we’re not using physical therapy or immobilization to speed up the healing process,” notes Dr. Scott.

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nowyour feet now Treat right now No matter what ails your feet— from arthritis to a sports fracture— Franciscan foot and ankle specialists will help get you moving again.

To make an appointment with Dr. Scott, call Franciscan Foot & Ankle Specialists at 253-382-8200.

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Weight loss

Rushing to the bathroom?

A little weight loss may help

Anastasia Fyntrilakis, MD

If you’re carrying extra pounds, you may be at increased risk for urinary incontinence. But a recent study in Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that shedding just a little weight may greatly reduce incontinence symptoms. These symptoms can range from some loss of urine when you cough or sneeze to an urgent need to use the bathroom.

Major changes, even for frequent symptoms

Researchers studied the effects of weight change in 338 overweight or obese women with urinary incontinence. All had a body mass index between 25 and 50 and were provided information on healthy lifestyles or enrolled in a weight loss program.

After 18 months, results showed major changes for women who lost just 5 to 10 percent of their body weight. These women were up to four times more likely than women who gained weight to report significant improvement in their symptoms. Many of them reduced incontinence episodes each week by 70 percent or more.

The key to weight loss? Manageable goals

St. Joseph Medical Clinic family medicine practitioner Anastasia Fyntrilakis, MD, says the key to gaining meaningful health benefits from weight loss is to start with manageable goals.With exercise, that means starting slow.“I may ask my patients to start exercising three days a week for 20 minutes, then add a couple minutes to their routine each week.

For diet, Dr. Fyntrilakis recommends portion control. “Americans are eating too many carbohydrates. I ask my patients to picture their dinner plate. Half of it should be vegetables. A quarter should be your starch—potato, rice, pasta. The last quarter should be your protein. It’s a lot easier than counting carb or protein grams.”

Rule out other issues

Dr. Fyntrilakis says that while weight loss is a great way to improve bladder control, it’s important to rule out other health concerns that could be causing bladder control issues, such as a nerve problem. “It’s definitely something to talk to your doctor about,” she says.

Franciscan also has other resources for bladder control help. “We help patients learn Kegel exercises, and we offer a physical therapy program that specializes in helping women without using medication,” Dr. Fyntrilakis says.

Talk to a Franciscan physician for help

Losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight is a reachable goal. For a 200-pound woman, that’s as little as 10 pounds. For help with a weight loss plan, talk with your Franciscan primary care provider.

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For Franciscan weight loss resources, visit FHShealth.org, then choose “Health Care Services” and “Weight Loss.”

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Online resources

FHShealth.org: a treasure trove of free health information and tools Are you one of the 650,000 people who visited the Franciscan website this year and discovered the free health information, resources and tools? If you haven’t visited our website, here’s what you’re missing!

Start at the Health Information section of the website, www.FHShealth.org.You can sign up for events, email a get-well card to patients, and do so much more!

Award-winning Franciscan Health Library

Social media

With more than 3,900 health-related articles and 3,000-plus videos and images, you can learn about everything from arthritis to zinc. The library is also a great resource for students who are working on health-related projects.

• Like us on Franciscan’s Facebook page for health tips and happenings in our community.

• Follow us on Twitter and get daily updates about health news and events with experts in your area.

• On the Franciscan YouTube channel, you can listen to health experts in the comfort of your own home as they discuss stroke prevention, heart health, weight loss and many more vital health topics.

• Check in on Foursquare to keep up with your friends and to discover what’s nearby. (All Franciscan clinics are on Foursquare. Be sure to check in when you go see your doctor.)

Franciscan Symptom Navigator

Is it a cold or a fever? Is my headache serious? The interactive Symptom Navigator guides you through more than 300 symptoms, so that you better understand when to self-treat and when to give your doctor a call.

Find a Doctor

Are you looking for a doctor who will work with you to find the best treatment that suits your health care needs and unique lifestyle? Click the Find a Doctor link on FHShealth.org home page for a fast and easy search.

Franciscan’s mobile site HealthAware Risk Assessment

Go to KnowMyHealthRisk.org to learn if you are at risk for potentially critical health conditions—many of which don’t show any signs or symptoms. The seven free risk assessments are: HeartAware, StrokeAware, SleepAware,VascularAware, CancerAware-Breast, CancerAware-Lung and DiabetesAware.

Go to FHShealth.org on your smartphone to get directions and contact information for emergency departments, hospitals, clinics and physicians.

Check out our website today! Go to www.FHShealth.org.

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In the community

The gift of giving Local boy inspires friends and family to give to Franciscan Hospice House Joshua Currey celebrates his January birthday like many young boys. He gathers friends and family together at a popular pizzeria, eats hearty and plays video games. But his celebration diverges from those of most of his friends in one key way: He prefers to give rather than receive.

Rather than accept gifts for his birthday, Joshua Joshua decided at Currey (right) has family and friends give to charity. age nine that he didn’t need more toys made him laugh; his mom or gifts right after Christmas.

What he really wanted was to liked the flowers in the room that were kept fresh by staff, make a difference in the world. For the last three years, and the whole family commented on how welcoming it he has asked his friends and was to be here at this time family to join him at the pizzeria and donate money to when emotions were high.

Joshua is the grandson of the cause of his choice. This Franciscan Health System year, as he turned 11, Joshua employee Connie Pyles, collected $515 in memory of manager of the respiratory his grandfather, Juan Carlos therapy department at St. Santiago, who passed away at Joseph Medical Center. It is Franciscan Hospice House in always such an honor when November 2011. one of our own thinks highly Joshua wanted to honor all enough of us that they allow us the volunteers who were so welcoming and friendly during to care for a family member.

Blessings to Joshua and his the two weeks he and his family and to the staff and family were visiting his grandfather at Hospice House. volunteers at Hospice House— you are all truly the angels He especially liked the ice on earth. cream cart volunteers who

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If you have been diagnosed with heart valve disease, or you have symptoms of valve disease but no formal diagnosis, there is a place where you can get answers about your condition.

The St. Joseph Heart Valve Clinic offers a convenient, one-stop, single-day appointment where the region’s leading cardiovascular experts will examine you and talk with you about your heart history, perform state-of-the-art diagnostic exams, and work with you to develop a treatment plan to manage or improve your valve health. Some commonly treated conditions include: • Heart murmur • Mitral valve prolapse or regurgitation • Aortic valve prolapse or regurgitation • Aortic or mitral valve stenosis If you want to learn more about valve disease, its effect on your life, and what you can do to keep your heart as healthy as possible, speak to your physician about making an appointment at the St. Joseph Heart Valve Clinic or call 253-426-6700.

St. Joseph Heart Valve Clinic Location in the St. Joseph Medical Pavilion 1802 S. Yakima, Suite 102, Tacoma, WA 98405 253-426-6700 Physician Cardiologist Scott Werden, DO, FACC, FASE Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates Surgeons Craig Hampton, MD, FACS Gilbert Johnston, MD, FACS John Luber, MD, FACS St. Joseph Cardiothoracic Surgeons

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established home-based hospice care and its inpatient hospice services, please call 253-534-7000.

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Franciscan opens new patient-centered St. Joseph Heart Valve Clinic

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Scott Werden, DO, FACC, FASE

Craig Hampton, MD, FACS

Gilbert Johnston, MD, FACS

John Luber, MD, FACS

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www.FHShealth.org

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Health Resources & Events F ranciscan H ealth S y stem

ST. JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER 1717 S. J St Tacoma • 253-426-4101

ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL 34515 Ninth Ave S Federal Way • 253-944-8100

ST. CLARE HOSPITAL 11315 Bridgeport Way S.W. Lakewood • 253-985-1711

ST. ELIZABETH HOSPITAL 1455 Battersby Ave Enumclaw • 360-802-8800

ST. ANTHONY HOSPITAL 11567 Canterwood Blvd N.W. Gig Harbor • 253-530-2000

Most programs and classes are free, but many require registration. For more information, call the number listed.

UPCOMING EVENTS ›› The Peninsula Metric Century Bike Ride The Peninsula Metric Century, organized by the Tacoma Wheelmen’s Bicycle Club and sponsored by Franciscan Health System, is a challenging bike ride through the scenic Kitsap Peninsula. Choose from routes of 29, 44, 62, or 100 miles.

Riders will enjoy panoramic waterfront views, rural countryside, and rolling hills on a well-marked course with cue sheet and map, support vehicles, fully stocked rest stops, and dessert at the finish line.

Gig Harbor Medical Pavilion, 6401 Kimball Dr. N.W. Gig Harbor Cost: $25 per person, $45 per family Date: Sunday, June 3 Time: Registration begins at 7 a.m.

Registration Instructions: Visit www.twbc.org

›› American Cancer Society Relay for Life Multiple locations throughtout June and July.

Register online at www.relayforlife.org

›› Enumclaw Street Fair The Enumclaw Street Fair is a fun family event with activities for all ages--a full carnival with rides, games and good ol’ fair food! Whether you enjoy just strolling down Cole Street visiting the many vendors, or sitting and enjoying the entertainment on Main Stage, you are sure to have fun!

Stop by the St. Elizabeth Hospital booth for health information and prizes.

July 20 and 21, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

ENUMCLAW Downtown/Cole Street

FAMILY EDUCATION For more information about our classes and to register online, go to www.FHShealth.org/ childbirthclasses or call the Family Education information line at 253-426-6253.

›› Childbirth Preparation

›› Conscious Fathering

St. Joseph Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital and St. Elizabeth Hospital offer childbirth preparation classes. Topics include pregnancy comfort measures, labor and birth including variations and interventions, and postpartum. $100 per couple or free with Provider One/DSHS card. Register online or call 253-426-6253.

Dads-to-be discuss priorities, life adjustment, fears, problem solving, partnership and basic infant care. $40. Call to register: 253-426-6253.

›› Welcome to Our Home Maternity Reception and Tour—FREE! Be prepared for your upcoming delivery with preregistration, a tour of the birth center and tips for going home with your baby.

FREE yet registration is required. Call to register: 253-426-6253.

›› Teen Childbirth Preparation Pregnancy preparation specifically addressing the unique needs of young people 19 and under. $60 per couple or free with Provider One/DSHS card. Call to register: 253-426-6253.

›› Newborn Preparation A resource for parents preparing for discharge after delivery, this one-time class includes topics such as postpartum care of mom and baby, hints for adjusting to new roles, basic newborn care, and resources. $50 per couple. Register online or call 253-426-6253.

›› Infant Massage Fun, relaxing three-hour class designed to nurture the bond between parents and babies. $55 for parents and baby. Call to register: 253-426-6253.

›› CPR/Child Safety Learn basic resuscitation and how to make your home safe for children. $50 per person, $60 per couple. Call to register: 253-426-6253.

›› Protecting Your Pelvic Floor Franciscan physical therapists, specialists in pelvic floor muscle training, offer techniques to strengthen and protect your pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and the birth process. Class fee is $50, which includes an exercise kit. Register online!

›› Breastfeeding Preparation Covers basic breastfeeding initiation tips and accessing postpartum lactation resources. $40 per couple. Register online!

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Spring 2012

Franciscan Health System | Spring 2012

›› Safe Sitter Babysitting training for adolescents. Discusses many topics including how to handle emergencies. $55. Call to register: 253-426-6253.

›› Free Car Seat Safety Check Is your child’s car seat installed correctly? Certified technicians will show you how to install your car seat according to national safety guidelines.

First Tuesday of each month. 5:30-7 p.m.

St. Francis Hospital Medical Office Building B, 34509 9th Ave S, front entrance. No registration required.

HEART HEALTH TALKS ›› Heart-Healthy Nutrition Series Four-week series on heart-healthy eating topics, including meal planning, food labels, eating out and portion control.

Call 888-825-3227 to register and for more information. For Nutrition Services, call the St. Joseph Outpatient Nutrition Center at 253-426-4926.

Support Groups Please visit FHShealth.org/support for a list and details of current support groups available.

Caregiver Support Group First and third Thursday of the month, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Call 360-802-8800 to confirm dates, rooms and times.

ENUMCLAW St. Elizabeth Hospital, Cedar Room

Grief Support Group First and third Wednesday of the month, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Call 360-802-8800 to confirm dates, rooms and times.

ENUMCLAW St. Elizabeth Hospital, Cedar Room

path of grief become a little less lonely and a little less painful.This small group, six-week support group is sponsored by the pastoral care department at St. Anthony Hospital.

Call 253-530-2142 for information about upcoming sessions. Registration is required.

Diabetes Support Groups The Franciscan Diabetes Support Group is designed for people with diabetes and their family members. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and feelings, and in return learn and find encouragement and support from others coping with similar issues.

Registration: None required. Call Franciscan’s Diabetes Services at 253-426-6753 for more information. Dates, times, locations and costs subject to change. Locations and times: Fourth Monday of the month, Noon - 1 p.m.

TACOMA St. Joseph Medical Center, call for room locations

›› NEW! The Path of Grief

Fourth Wednesday of the month, Noon - 1 p.m.

FEDERAL WAY St. Francis Hospital, Executive Dining Room (located in cafeteria area)

Through conversations and story-telling, participants find support, new ways to care for self, and new sparks of hope to help the

One Wednesday per month (date varies), Noon – 1 p.m.

LAKEWOOD St. Clare Hospital, Classroom A

WEIGHT LOSS Free Weight Loss Surgery Information and Seminars Learn how weight loss surgery can help you reclaim your body and lead a healthier, happier life. To register, call 888-825-3227 or visit us online at FHShealth.org

›› Weight Loss Surgery—Learn the Facts Join this FREE seminar to learn your sugical options at the St. Francis Center for Weight Management, a designated Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Registration is required.

Go to www.StFrancisWeightForLife.org or call 888-825-3227. Free support groups also available. Call 800-823-6525.

›› Healthy Solutions A medically supervised weight loss program, Health Management Resources® incorporates

Franciscan Orthopedics and Sports Medicine announces sponsorship of Rainier to Ruston Well known for its Ultra (50 mile) Marathon and Relay race, Rainier to Ruston (R2R) was founded to bring public attention to the Foothills Trails, from the shoulders of Mt. Rainier to the shores of Puget Sound.

Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, R2R has changed the courses to offer Pierce County’s most scenic routes. R2R includes an Ultra (50 mile) Marathon and Relay, 50k Ultra, Full (27.7mile) Marathon and Half (13.1 mile) Marathon. Join us on National Trails Day, June 2, 2012! Learn more at www.rainiertoruston.com.

Fourth Thursday of the month, 4 – 5 p.m.

GIG HARBOR St. Anthony Medical Building 4700 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW, Suite 107

Weight Loss Surgery Clinic welcomes Troy Houseworth, MD, FACS Troy Houseworth, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery. He practices at St. Francis Weight Troy Houseworth, Loss Surgery Clinic in Federal Way and operates at both St. Francis Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center. A highly skilled surgeon, Dr. Houseworth is a MD veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as chief of general surgery and developed a bariatric surgery program for Keller Hospital in West Point, New York.

The St. Francis Weight Loss Surgery Clinic is located at 200 S. 333rd St., Suite 150, in Federal Way. To make an appointment with Dr. Houseworth, call 253-275-6030.

healthy shakes and entrees, intensive lifestyle education and follow-up with emphasis on long-term weight maintenance. Free orientation. New class starts in June. Call 888-825-3227 for information.

FEDERAL WAY St. Francis Center for Weight Management, 34509 Ninth Ave S, Suite 310

›› Sound Weight Loss Designed to support weight management, this program incorporates a behavior modification approach. Ten, one-hour weekly classes, plus a one-on-one session with a registered dietitian. $250 fee. Free orientation. Call 800-823-6525.

Franciscan Health is now on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter! ›› Search for “Franciscan Health System.” www.FHShealth.org

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health!

St. Joseph

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A publication of Franciscan Health System

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

FRANCISCAN HEALTH SYSTEM 1717 South J Street Tacoma, WA 98405

PAID

FRANCISCAN HEALTH SYSTEM

St. Francis Hospital 34515 Ninth Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003 St. Joseph Medical Center 1717 South J St, Tacoma, WA 98405 St. Clare Hospital 11315 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 St. Elizabeth Hospital 1455 Battersby Ave, Enumclaw, WA 98022 St. Anthony Hospital 11567 Canterwood Blvd NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 Franciscan Medical Group 1313 Broadway Plaza, Suite 200, Tacoma, WA 98402 CEO, Franciscan Health System Joe Wilczek President, St. Joseph Medical Center Syd Bersante Franciscan Health System is part of Catholic Health Initiatives, which has health care facilities throughout the United States. ©2012, Franciscan Health System. All rights reserved.

For questions or comments, or if you’d like to be removed from the health! mailing list, please contact us at 253-382-3850, (fax) 253-382-3877, www.FHShealth.org or write to: Editor, Franciscan health!, Franciscan Health System, Marketing & Communications, PO Box 2197, Tacoma, WA 98401-2197.

About Franciscan Health System

››

OUR MISSION To create healthier communities OUR VISION To be the South Sound's first choice for healing of mind, body and spirit OUR VALUES Reverence, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence

St. Francis Hospital • St. Joseph Medical Center • ST. CLARE HOSPITAL • st. elizabeth HOSPITAL • ST. ANTHONY HOSPITAL • FRANCISCAN MEDICAL GROUP

The BEST care for your baby!

Introducing our new Level III neonatal intensive care nursery Good news! St. Joseph Medical Center now offers a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This means that the type and quality of care that we can offer new moms, babies and families is more comprehensive and better than ever: Moms and their families have access to an expanded continuum of care for preemies as young as 28 weeks’ gestation and as small as just over two pounds.

Premature infants born with special medical needs now receive the expert care they need close to home.

All delivering mothers benefit from enhanced, patient-centered care, with choices that suit their needs and preferences for pain control, water birth, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), and other essential factors.

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We are proud to be able to provide our families with comprehensive prenatal and delivery services including Level III neonatal intensive care for at-risk and prematurely born babies.

Got questions? To learn more about St. Joseph Medical Center’s Level III NICU, call 888-825-3227.

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