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MID-COLUMBIA MEDICAL CENTER
Hometown Cancer Care For Veterans
Learning to Live Well With Diabetes
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Looking Good, Baby! Helping New Moms Bounce Back www.mcmc.net
7 Tips for Mind-Body Health Winter 2012
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Dear Neighbor In the 23 years that I have had the good fortune of being associated with Mid-Columbia Medical Center, stories of our innovative, humanistic approach to caring for our patients and communities have appeared in literally hundreds of media outlets around the globe. Needless to say, we are not used to the kind of attention we have received lately related to the alleged acts of an anesthesiologist who once was entrusted with the care of our patients. Certainly we have never had to endure a series of one-sided statements designed to discredit our own handling of the related investigation. In the history of this organization, this is the first time that our deep commitment to our patients’ safety has been compromised so terribly. Measures that were always in place to safeguard our patients have been revisited and strengthened where necessary to help ensure this can never happen again, but we know we can’t make the pain go away quickly. Our hearts go out to the victims of these horrific acts and their loved ones. They have suffered most of all. But this has also been painful for every member of the MidColumbia Medical Center family, including all the employees, physicians and care providers, volunteers and board members who have worked so hard to build a truly special, and safe, center of healing. It is especially painful to endure the allegations made against this organization, and the good people who comprise it, without having the freedom to respond with complete facts — with our side of the story. Winston Churchill said, “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” We will have our time, and trust that in the end any questions you may have will be answered. But for now please accept my assurances, and those of every member of our organization, that nothing is more sacred to us than the safety and well being of our patients.
Duane Francis President/CEO
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It is Our Mission… To lead and act as a catalyst in promoting health for all people. To recognize the individual as a whole human being with different needs that must be enthusiastically met. To communicate a vision of health, art, education, technology and create a center for healing which will continually upgrade the quality of life in the community environment in which we live. To empower people to become partners in their health care. Mid-Columbia Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare organization offering comprehensive services to the Mid-Columbia Region and governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees: Robert L.R. Bailey Daniel Boldt Paul Cardosi, M.D. Rob Carnahan Duane Francis Gretchen Kimsey Carina Schmidt Wallace Wolf, Jr., D.V.M.
In This Issue:
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Home For The Brave War veteran Bob Barrett takes a stand so he can stay close to home and receive his cancer care at Celilo.
Beating Diabetes With the help of MCMC diabetes educators, people with the disease are learning that they still are in control of their own lives..
Mommy Wellness New program helps new moms refuel, refresh and revitalize.
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Be SMART … Learn how to set healthy goals you can achieve.
Healthy Edge Including mind-body therapies in your routine can pay healthy dividends.
Picking Up The Pace A new cardiac exercise program is designed to help heart patients feel more comfortable returning to physical activity.
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Nurse Of The Year Being named an Oregon Nurse of the Year is a crowning achievement for MCMC's Shelley Reynolds Wacker, R.N.
Wellness at Water’s Edge Clinics, classes and programs to help you reach your healthy best.
WellAware is published by: Mid-Columbia Medical Center 1700 East 19th Street The Dalles, OR 97058 mcmc.net Editor: Dick Baltus e-mail: richardb@mcmc.net Writers: Dick Baltus, Cate Hotchkiss, Mark Adams Photography: Lauri Streaker Pages 4-5, 14-15 Jim Semlor Pages 2, 9-13 Printed with Agri based inks on recycled paper,10% post consumer. All rights reserved. No information may be reprinted without the written consent of MCMC.
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Celilo’s Linda Glanden, R.N., was part of Bob Barrett care team at Celilo.
Home For The Brave War veteran Bob Barrett takes a stand so he can stay close to home and receive his cancer care at Celilo. Navy veteran Bob Barrett had one immediate thought last fall when his Portland doctor told him the results of a biopsy showed he had prostate cancer.
Faced with the threat of not being able to make his rent and truck payments and cover all the other expenses of daily living, the 78-year-old Korean War veteran made a difficult decision.
“I just remembering thinking, Wow; what happens next?,” Barrett says.
“I advised the VA that it would cause me great financial difficulty, so if they could arrange my care in The Dalles, I would like to have the treatments,” he says. “But if not, I would forgo the treatments and just live with the cancer ‘til it took me, or whatever the Lord planned for me.”
Treatment options were considered, and eight weeks of almostdaily radiation therapy at OHSU Hospital was recommended. But Barrett had a huge problem with that option. He lives and works in The Dalles. Trying to commute back and forth to a Portland hospital, or spending more than two months staying in the metro area, might mean the loss of his security guard job at home.
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By Mark Adams
What happened next was an example of diligent, thorough and cooperative collaboration between Barrett’s VA urologist in Portland, the doctor’s staff and members of the Celilo Cancer
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Center team. Barrett was soon referred to Celilo for treatment. His story highlights the opportunity for military veterans in The Dalles to work with their VA doctors and benefit from high-quality cancer care closer to home at Celilo. The veteran credits the support he received from his best friend and cancer survivor Mary Martinez with helping guide him through the ordeal. She had received treatment at Celilo and spoke highly of its services.
“I think it’s important for veterans to know they have a choice. It's all about what is best for the patient to help them get through this difficult time. And getting care close to home is obviously beneficial.” Linda Glanden, R.N., Celilo Cancer Center
“Her outlook on life and the things she faced made me a better person,” he says. Barrett says after two months of radiation therapy at the center, the prostate cancer cells were eliminated. He gets a blood test every three months as part of his follow-up care. “Words can’t express the gratitude and admiration I have for the staff of Celilo,” he says, before proceeding to give it a try. “They are the most caring, loving, cheerful, beautiful, marvelous, awesome, most wonderful people in the world. To see them smiling and friendly every day during my treatments made me feel 10 feet tall, and I was ready for anything.” The staff at Celilo is just as appreciative of what Barrett brought to them. Linda Glanden, R.N., is a radiation oncology nurse who since 2001 has been working with Keith Stelzer, M.D., Ph.D., Celilo’s medical director of radiation oncology. She served in the Air Force and thinks it is important for fellow veterans in The Dalles to understand they can work with the VA health system to arrange for cancer care at Celilo just like Barrett was able to do. ”Bob became the impetus for his healthcare,” she says, referring to Barrett taking the initiative to ask his urologist about being treated in The Dalles instead of Portland. Celilo Cancer Center
Glanden remembers Barrett’s regular visits to Celilo fondly. “I so enjoyed having him as a patient. He was a bright spot in the day when it was his radiation treatment time,” she remembers. “And from listening to his interactions with other patients in the waiting room, he was a bright spot in their day, too.” Gladden adds that military veterans are probably their own best advocates in arranging for care at Celilo. Veterans should understand that they need to work through the VA system so necessary protocol and procedures can be followed for referrals to Celilo. But, as Barrett proved, that is not an insurmountable task, she says. “I think it’s important for veterans to know they have a choice,” Glanden says. “It's all about what is best for the patient to help them get through this difficult time. And getting care close to home is obviously beneficial.” Barrett says he has enjoyed a full life, which includes his Navy tour from 1950 to 1953 and stints as an ambulance driver, deputy sheriff and casino surveillance expert before landing his current position in security. “Most of my life I felt I was a very lucky guy,” he says. “Then I woke up. I wasn’t lucky, I was blessed by God. He had been taking care of me. I just didn’t realize it.” He firmly believes that his blessings now include his experience with Celilo, and he urges other veterans in The Dalles to consider it as an option for care if needed. “A lot of vets don’t understand the benefits they’re allowed,” he says. “They need to know what they’re entitled to. I’m very happy my treatment was arranged at Celilo”
Additional information for area veterans is available through the VA Clinic (541-296-3937) and the Veterans Service Office (541-506-2502) in The Dalles.
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By Dick Baltus
Beating Diabetes With the help of MCMC educators, people with diabetes are learning they still are in control of their own lives.
“The treatment of diabetes requires a multi-pronged approach that involves much more than just the selfmonitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar values. That’s why education can be so helpful.” Jessica Castle, M.D. Endocrinologist
One day you're cruising along, minding your own business; the next, you're a person with diabetes. Just like that. Or so it seems to many people, including Robert Wojtecki of The Dalles. One day he was a 68-year-old retired telephone repairman; the next he was a guy with numbness in his hands and a 210/110 blood pressure reading. One trip to the MCMC Emergency Department later and Wojtecki learned he had a high blood sugar count too. Just like that. In reality, the onset of diabetes isn't nearly as immediate and dramatic as the diagnosis can be. According to the American Diabetes Association, people typically have diabetes for six and a half years before they are diagnosed. Then one day that diagnosis comes. And with it comes the real test: Are you prepared to make the lifestyle changes required to keep diabetes at bay — to take control of diabetes instead of letting it take control of you?
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Truth is, diabetes is a manageable disease, and people diagnosed with it can live long and fruitful lives. But they have to learn management techniques, and be motivated enough to use them. That's why resources like MCMC’s diabetes education program can do so much to help people newly diagnosed with the disease, or others who have been living with it, improve their quality of life. “The treatment of diabetes requires a multi-pronged approach that involves much more than just the self-monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar values,” says Jessica Castle, M.D., an endocrinologist from Oregon Health & Science University who sees diabetes patients in The Dalles through MCMC’s Outpatient Specialty Services clinic. “It can get complicated and can be a tough job for patients to do on their own. That’s why education can be so helpful.” Learning how to minimize the impact of diabetes through proper medication management and lifestyle changes is extremely important, Dr. Castle says.
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“Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, non-traumatic amputation and kidney disease,” she says. “But patients who are ready to accept their diagnosis and motivated to make changes in their lives typically do very well living with the disease. I see very significant differences between patients who haven’t received education and those who have.“ Wojtecki is a walking testament to that. Despite a family history of diabetes, he didn’t worry much about having the disease himself, and generally felt fine prior to his diagnosis in January 2011. But that doesn’t mean he was the picture of health. “I didn’t eat right, I didn’t exercise, and my body finally told me: Hey buddy, I’m breaking down,” he says. Wojtecki took the message to heart. He entered MCMC ‘s Diabetes Education Program shortly after he was diagnosed. In the program, he benefited from one-on-one counseling from certified diabetes instructors and training on self-management tools, as well as classes covering an array of topics, including: •
Medications •
Blood-sugar monitoring •
Equipment options for self-care •
Nutrition and meal planning •
Making successful lifestyle changes •
Coping with illness and stress •
Community resources Learning that being overweight is a leading risk factor for obesity, Wojtecki went right to work, both on a home gym, on a bicycle, which he rides 15 miles through town three times a week and, when weather sends him indoors, on a stationary cycle.
Diabetes: Things to Know Diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) disease in which there are high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Diabetes is caused by a problem in the way the body makes or uses insulin. Insulin is needed to move blood sugar into cells, where it is stored and later used for energy. •
When you have type 2 diabetes, your fat, liver and muscle cells do not respond correctly to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. As a result, blood sugar does not get into these cells to be stored for energy.
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When sugar cannot enter cells, high levels of sugar build up in the blood. This is called hyperglycemia.
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Type 2 diabetes usually occurs slowly over time. Most people with the disease are overweight when they are diagnosed. Increased fat makes it harder for your body to use insulin the correct way.
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Type 2 diabetes can also develop in people who are thin. This is more common in the elderly.
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Family history and genes play a large role in type 2 diabetes. Low activity level, poor diet and excess body weight around the waist increase your risk.
Symptoms Often, people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at first. They may not have symptoms for many years. The early symptoms of diabetes may include: •
“Once I found out what was wrong with me, what was causing it and what I needed to do to make positive changes, I started doing it,” he says. “They taught me how and what to eat and got me started exercising again.”
Bladder, kidney, skin or other infections that are more frequent or heal slowly
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Fatigue
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Hunger
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Increased thirst
He’s lost 35 of his 270 pounds, with a goal to shed even more.
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Increased urination
“This has really opened my eyes to what you are doing to your body if you aren’t taking care of it,” he says.
The first symptom may also be: •
Blurred vision
Wojtecki also saw how diabetes had affected his entire family, including his mother, a sister and an older brother, whose death was attributed to the disease. He knows he has no choice but to live with his diabetes. But now he also knows he has the power to choose how well he lives with it.
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Erectile dysfunction
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Pain or numbness in the feet or hands
For more information about the Diabetes Education Program at Mid-Columbia Medical Center, call 541.296.7319.
If you experience any of these symptoms and are concerned they might be diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about the variety of screenings and tests that can be conducted to help diagnosis or rule out the disease. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine
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By Cate Hotchkiss
Looking Good, Baby! New program helps new moms refuel, refresh and revitalize. If you’re a new mom, you know that it takes a lot of energy to take care of your baby — let alone make time for yourself to exercise, eat right or even read a few pages of a book. “Being a mom is like an endurance event,” says Susie Griffin, a certified personal trainer at MCMC’s Health and Wellness Center at Water’s Edge. “If you don’t care for yourself, your energy is going to get zapped. You need to nourish yourself to nourish your baby and family.” Griffin says women should not feel guilty about taking personal time to “refuel, refresh and revitalize” so they are at their best — an idea that underpins MCMC’s unique wellness program for new moms at Water’s Edge called Mommy Wellness. The Class Mommy Wellness is a four-week program that aims to help new moms get back in shape while planning for the healthiest future for themselves and their families. Griffin will join other team members including a physician, dietitian, counselor, nurse midwife and physical therapist to provide comprehensive wellness education and training. Moms with babies ranging in age from 6 months to 2 years will meet twice each week for one hour. Each class will consist of a presentation and hands-on exercise instruction. During some of the classes, babies will exercise with their moms. The class is free to moms who delivered their babies at MCMC and is offered at a minimal cost to those who gave birth elsewhere. Child care will be available at The Kids Club at Water’s Edge. “We want to create healthy communities and healthy communities start with the family,” says Griffin. During the program, childcare will be available at the Kids Club located within the Water’s Edge facility. The cost is just $2 per hour for members of the Fitness Center at Water’s Edge and $4 per hour for non-members. During some of the classes, babies will exercise with their moms.
She hopes the program will serve as a springboard for a personalized and effective self-care plan for each participant. Her goal is to give women the education, support and resources they need to create their own path to wellness. “Once a woman becomes a mom, her whole life is dedicated to her child,” Castellano says. “Then she becomes 50 or 60 and her body often starts falling apart.” One of the program goals is to help moms learn to exercise effectively so they get the results they desire. “A lot of moms feel unfit or they are unhappy with their bodies right after delivery, so they exercise too hard, too fast, and then don’t achieve their goals,” Castellano says. “We teach them to set realistic goals, pace themselves and exercise effectively so they are successful.” Castellano and Griffin will work together to teach participants the right ways to exercise for the best results — from how to lift weights to how to do a proper kegel to prevent incontinence, a common post-partum problem. Women will also learn about postural awareness and biomechanics, including how to preserve their backs while properly lifting their baby or carrying a car seat. Other components of the class include stress-reduction, relaxation through yoga, time management, post-partum depression and healthy eating. Finding Support Castellano points out that MCMC, the Health and Wellness Center at Water’s Edge and the community at large offer numerous resources for moms, yet many women are unaware of them. “From getting car seats fitted to finding help with finances, in Mommy Wellness we’ll provide information about how to access these resources,” she says.
The first Mommy Wellness class begins Monday, Feb. 13. To register and for more information, please call 541-506-5779.
Getting back in shape — body, mind and spirit Christina Castellano, P.T., D.P.T., a physical therapist with MCMC’s Outpatient Therapy program, spearheads the program.
Christina Castellano helps White Salmon new mom Leslie Reagan get back in pre-baby shape.
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By Susie Griffin, certified personal trainer
Be SMART About Your Goals At Mid-Columbia Medical Center, we encourage everyone to set goals for healthy change and work to achieve them one step at a time — not just in January, but throughout lifetimes.
4) I will hire a personal trainer or wellness coach to review my SMART goals and gain new ideas on caloric intake and caloric expenditure options.
To help accomplish goals, we suggest implementing the "SMART" principle. That is, make sure you set goals that are:
5) For staying on track and working toward my goals, I will reward myself each month with a facial at The Spa at Water's Edge.
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Specific (Personable)
Goal #2
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Measurable
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Action-based
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Realistic
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Time-based
Here are two goal makeovers to illustrate the idea: Goal #1: I want to lose 15 pounds. I'll do it by exercising more and eating less. Goal #1 Makeover: I will lose 15 pounds in four to six months because I want to have more energy to play with my grandchildren and go on a Grand Canyon hike this summer. Here's my SMART plan for this week: 1) I will walk for one hour four times per week at 6:30 a.m. on the Riverfront path with my good friend Jane and my dog.
I want to reduce stress. Maybe I'll try yoga or get a massage. Goal #2 Makeover: I will manage the stress in my life because I will feel more energetic and fulfilled. I acknowledge the importance of balancing mind, body and spirit in my life. I acknowledge that I am worthy of devoting time, energy and money to achieve this balance as it will reward me with healthier relations with family, friends and co-workers. 1) I will attend Sunrise Yoga at 6:15 am at Water’s Edge on Tuesdays and Thursdays because it will increase my flexibility, help me feel more relaxed and start the day in a positive way. 2) I will hike on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on trails near my house for 30 minutes each day because walking in nature calms me.
2) I will attend one Body Flow class (see next page) each week at Water's Edge on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
3) I will put $20 per week in a self-care account to pay for a massage once a month to release tension and renew my mind, body and spirit.
3) I will schedule an appointment on Wednesday of next week with a Water’s Edge dietitian to develop a personalized eating plan that focuses on portion control and optimal nutrition.
For additional tips on creating a wellness plan that works for you, call 541-506-5779.
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Healthy Edge Let it Flowwwww Long, strong, balanced and calm. Who doesn’t want to feel that way? Body Flow, a new one-hour class consisting of yoga, Pilates and tai chi set to music, is designed to help people achieve these things, says Patti Boyd, a certified personal trainer and one of four Body Flow instructors at the Health and Fitness Center at Water’s Edge. Plus, she says, “it’s fun.” “It’s different than your typical yoga or Pilates class because you’re flowing with the music,” says Boyd. “Each song has a specific focus. People enjoy it because it offers something a little bit different.” Boyd says the exercises build flexibility and strength, while promoting a sense of well-being. Other benefits include burning calories—an average of 390 calories per class, toning, shaping and improved cardiovascular functioning.
Healthful News From the Health & Wellness Center at Water’s Edge
Listen to your body, and do what feels right.
Like the popular Body Pump class also offered at the the Health and Fitness Center at Water’s Edge, Body Flow is pre-choreographed.
The class is an intermediate-level program, yet Boyd says the instructors offer options for beginners for some of the more challenging poses.
“The nice part about it is members know what they’re walking into. There are no surprises,” says Boyd. “Once they’ve attended a class, they know what to expect.”
“I think it’s really important for people to let go of expectations and self-judgment; to really listen to your body and do what feels right. That’s how we progress. Rather than trying to accomplish every pose perfectly, be O.K. with where you are today,” says Boyd.
Body Flow, she adds, is a great complement to resistance training or cardio work, such as running or cycling. “It’s really important to maintain flexibility and range of motion,” says Boyd. “When our muscles get short or tight, we’re more prone to injury. Stretching out and the practice of yoga can help reduce risk of injury, strengthen the joints and ligaments.”
The Mind As Medicine
Body Flow is offered five times per week: Mon, Wed, and Fri at 9 a.m.; Tues at 4:30 p.m.; and Sat at 10:30 a.m.
For more information, call 541-506-5779.
Body Flow instructor Patti Boyd
Including mind-body therapies into your daily routine can reward you with an array of healthy dividends.
By Cate Hotchkiss How will you invest in your health in 2012? That’s a question Barb Robison, director of MCMC’s Mind-Body Medicine program, would like for people to ask themselves. The question, she says, sparks ideas: lose weight, eat more vegetables, do yoga, get massages, start walking, manage stress, try sailing, start a garden, meditate, spend more time with friends and family. The list of potential answers is almost limitless. “My goal is to encourage people to create a self-care plan,” she says. “And to feel good about investing in their health — about spending time on something that is so vitally important.”
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It’s well known that lifestyle choices significantly impact people’s health and well-being. The Centers for Disease Control reports that chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes, are the most common and costly of all health problems, accounting for 84 percent of healthcare spending in the U.S. Yet, they are also the most preventable. “The easiest and most cost-effective way to invest in your health is to prevent and reduce the risk of disease,” Robison says. “Yet sometimes, we get into the ‘reverse’ stage. But there’s still a lot we can do. The key is to manage your condition well.” “There is a growing interest in mindbody medicine,” says Robison. “People want to learn more about ways to
include complementary therapies into their routines.” She’s referring to practices such as yoga and meditation, as well as procedures such as massage, acupuncture, facials and hydrotherapy. “Mind-body therapies don’t just feel good, they are good medicine, too,” says Robison. Studies show that mind-body treatments can both promote health and help people make healthy choices. Mind-body therapies focus on the interactions among the mind, body and behavior. At the core of mind-body medicine is the idea of mindfulness, or using the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health.
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Barb’s Big 7 Mind-Body Medicine MCMC’s mind-body medicine director Barb Robison offers seven suggestions for including mind-body therapies in your wellness routine: 1 Create a budget for self-care. Consider starting a “good-health bank account.” Don’t feel guilty about spending time and money on your health and well-being. Taking care of yourself improves your quality of life now and in the future. 2 Save for a “spa-cation. “ Think about how much money you spend on lattes each week. By saving just $20 a week, you could have $1,140 by next January for a relaxing get-away.
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Mindfulness, Robison explains, is the opposite of multi-tasking. It’s about being fully aware in the moment. Research shows that mindfulness plays a key role in helping people choose to eat better, exercise more and manage stress. “Where the mind goes, the body flows,” she says. Robison says that while we often know what to do, actually doing it is where the challenge lies. “It’s too easy to put things off until tomorrow or someday,” she says. Her advice: Take small steps toward your goals each day. Small successes, she says, can lead to big rewards.
3 Schedule a facial. They are not just for movie stars. Facials should be as routine as getting your haircut. But we often don’t value something we might consider pampering. Research shows that a good skin care practice can reduce signs of aging and improve skin problems. Our aestheticians use advanced-grade skin care products to help you maintain, renew and rebuild healthy glowing skin. Plus, they’ll teach you how to care for your skin. And, of course, facials feel great and help us de-stress. 4 If you need to lose weight, start today. Consider joining Healthy Weight Solutions, an evening class that takes a mindfulness-based approach to weight management. You will learn about the relationship between food and stress and how to take weight off and keep it off. We don’t try to take off 40 pounds in 30 days. Instead, we teach mindful living, a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle that is natural, attainable and enjoyable 5 Try a mind-body movement class such as yoga. One of the most popular mind-body practices in the country, yoga is a perfect complement to aerobic activities such as running, walking or cycling. Adding a mind-body exercise such as yoga or tai chi to your routine will help balance body, mind and spirit.
Benefits of yoga include increased flexibility, strength, balance and mindfulness. It has been shown to help reduce stress and increase mood. Studies have also shown that yoga benefits chronic medical conditions including arthritis, back pain and asthma, as well as having an effect on heart disease. It helps lower blood pressure and has been associated with decreased cholesterol. It also helps boost the immune system—an important benefit during cold and flu season. 6 Schedule a relaxing massage. Massage therapy not only feels wonderful, but it also can help to relax muscles and release tension. Recent studies show that multiple sessions of massage can reduce depression and pain, particularly lower back and chronic neck pain. The benefits can be felt for many days after the treatment. For evidence-based information on massage, visit The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s (NCCAM) website — http://www.nccam.nih.gov. 7 Sign up for a Mindfulness Meditation class. Like yoga, meditation is an ancient mind-body practice that has become increasingly popular. According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, approximately 20 million U.S. adults use meditation for health purposes. Research suggests that people experience numerous benefits from mindful meditation including enhanced well-being, improved quality of life, improved attention, better sleep, increased calmness, improved immune function, improved mood, decreased fatigue and anxiety and increased mindfulness. The Spa at Water’s Edge offers free one-hour mindfulness meditation classes each month and a full 8-week meditation course twice each year. Check out the class schedule for dates and times. 11
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Picking Up The Pace By Mark Adams
MCMC's Jan Polychronis supervises the exercise of Norwood Smith (L), Larry Angell (R) and Jessie Stinson (opposite page) while a state-of-the art computer monitors their heart activity.
A new cardiac exercise program designed to help heart patients feel more comfortable returning to physical activity is set to begin at Water’s Edge. After suffering a heart attack or other heart-related event, patients often find increasing their level of physical activity to be an exercise in anxiety. A new program at Water’s Edge is designed to ease those feelings of trepidation. Classes supervised by an exercise specialist are being offered for those who no longer need continuous heart rhythm monitoring but who are not quite ready to start exercising independently. “The biggest benefit is that participants will be exercising in a safe place,” says Brandon Strizich, exercise specialist and fitness manager at Water’s Edge. “The program provides peace of mind, with monitoring by a professional.” The classes are open to anyone with a physician’s referral. After an individual assessment, participants will begin a supervised exercise program tailored to their specific needs. The emphasis is on aerobic exercise, using fitness equipment that includes treadmills, stationary bicycles and upper-body strengthening exercise focused on improving cardiovascular conditioning. The length of time participants spend attending the program will depend on their progress and readiness to continue conditioning on their own. Classes will meet twice a week at Water’s Edge.
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Some private insurance programs will pay for the cardiac exercise development program. There are typically four phases involved in cardiac rehabilitation. Phase 1 begins while a patient is still hospitalized, with intensive medical and rehabilitation assistance that continues in the outpatient setting. It extends into the patient’s home and community as he or she works toward optimal heart health.
One of the biggest advantages of the classes at Water’s Edge is that they allow people facing the same medical and physical issues to work together and support each other as they work toward optimal health. The second phase involves the beginning of physical exercise, with constant monitoring of heart rhythm normally required. MCMC already offers the first two phases of cardiac rehabilitation. The new cardiac exercise program at Water’s Edge is part of the third and fourth phases of rehabilitation, when a patient moves toward self-sufficiency.
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The fitness experts who run the classes are fully trained to help heart patients continue to advance and closely monitor those in the classes to ensure no problems arise. Clinical markers will be watched as a patient improves, with blood pressure, heart rate and breathing patterns checked regularly, signaling when a patient is ready to advance to a transitional program leading to even more independence.
MCMC Again Receives Rare Planetree Honor Mid-Columbia Medical Center has been awarded re-designation as a Planetree Designated Patient-Centered Hospital. Three years ago, MCMC was among the first hospitals nationwide to achieve Planetree Designation (which is awarded for a threeyear term). Today, it remains the only hospital in Oregon and one of only 16 hospitals worldwide to have achieved this status. Striving for and achieving this designation demonstrates to residents of the region that MCMC is a hospital where providers partner with patients and families, and where patient comfort, dignity, empowerment and well-being share equal status with providing high-quality clinical care. The program is coordinated by Planetree; however, all designation determinations are made by an independent committee whose membership includes national healthcare experts from a wide range of settings. The criteria that MCMC had to satisfy to achieve designation reflect what patients, family members and healthcare professionals in hundreds of focus groups held across the country say matters most to them during a healthcare experience.
The program will be expanded in coming months to include patients with lung conditions and those with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers, who will learn ways to improve coordination, flexibility and safety in movement. One of the biggest advantages of the classes at Water’s Edge is that they allow people facing the same medical and physical issues to work together and support each other as they work toward optimal health. “The peer support network is very important and beneficial,” Strizich says. Classes will begin in February or March but can be joined at any point. For more information on the cardiac exercise program, call Brandon Strizich at (541) 296-7209. He also can be reached by e-mail at brandons@mcmc.net.
More than 50 specific criteria address components of a patientcentered healthcare experience, including patient-provider interactions, access to information, family involvement, the physical environment, food and nutrition, spirituality, arts and entertainment and integrative therapies. In addition, the criteria focus on how the hospital is supporting its staff, providing opportunities for staff, patients and families to have a voice in the way care is delivered, and reaching beyond its walls to care for its community. “Planetree is very pleased to award Mid-Columbia Medical Center re-designation,” said Planetree President Susan Frampton, Ph.D. “This achievement is a true testament to the staff and leadership at this special hospital, each of whom has played a crucial role in integrating the philosophy of patient-centered care into their day-to-day work. The team at MCMC is not only making a difference for individual patients and family members, but is also effectively transforming the culture of the organization, and fundamentally altering what this community expects when they come to the hospital.”
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By Dick Baltus
Nurse of the Year! Being named an Oregon Nurse of the Year is a crowning achievement in the distinguished career of MCMC’s own Shelley Reynolds Wacker, R.N. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to measure any individual’s capacity for caring. But if you considered how and where a person spent the majority of his or her time, you would at least have a decent place to start. By that standard, MCMC’s Shelley Reynolds Wacker, R.N., offers more than 30 years’ worth of evidence to indicate that some people may have no limits on their ability to care. There are numerous reasons why the March of Dimes selected Reynolds Wacker as one of its 14 Oregon Nurses of the Year for 2011, but the fact she has devoted more than 60,000 hours to caring for others truly is a decent place to start. Reynolds Wacker was one of more than 400 nominees for the Nurse of the Year Award, including 12 others from MCMC, and she was one of only two honorees from outside the Portlandmetropolitan area. “It really speaks well of Shelley that she was named a nurse of the year along with these nurses who, for the most part, are working at large urban hospitals,” says Regina Rose, R.N., MCMC’s vice president of nursing services. The official press release from March of Dimes adds that the 14 nurses of the year “were acknowledged for their constant care, compassion and dedication to improve the quality of others’ lives through service.” Rose, who served on the state judging committee, was able to offer more specific details. “There was a long list of criteria for choosing the 14 winners, and it included involvement in professional organizations, leadership and clinical skills, commitment to education and a dedication to providing compassionate care,” Rose says. “ When measured in those areas, Shelley is very deserving.”
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Reynolds Wacker is a Sherman County native who left the area to attend Portland Community College. After graduating with her associate degree in nursing, she went to work at St. Vincent Hospital. “The director of nursing asked me, ‘What is it about you that should make me want to hire you?’,” Reynolds Wacker remembers. “I don’t remember what I said, but somehow I talked myself into a job.”
“When I went back to school to get my bachelor’s degree they were just starting to talk about holistic healthcare, so I was excited to be able to practice it when MCMC became a Planetree hospital. To be able to spend more time with your patients and to be more of an educator was what nurses had always wanted.” Shelley Reynold Wacker, R.N.
She worked at St. Vincent a couple years before heading to Southern Oregon College in Ashland to get her bachelor’s degree in nursing. In 1979 she returned to the area and joined the MCMC staff. Five years later she was named manager of the hospital’s critical care unit, a position she held for 22 years. Reynolds Wacker says she enjoys virtually every aspect of the nursing profession, from the chance to help bring patients back to good health to helping others confront the dying process. Like so many other MCMC nurses, she has a strong commitment to her own continued learning as well as to educating
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her patients. She is accredited by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, a process that requires nurses to pursue ongoing education and be tested for recertification every three years. “Nursing has always been about teaching,” says Reynolds Wacker. “It’s ironic in a way, because way back when, if you were female about all you could be was a nurse or teacher.” In MCMC, Reynolds Wacker says she found her “dream job,” especially after the hospital adopted the Planetree model of patient-centered care in the early 1990s. “When I went back to school to get my bachelor’s degree they were just starting to talk about holistic healthcare, so I was excited to be able to practice it when MCMC became a Planetree hospital,” she says. “To be able to spend more time with your patients and to be more of an educator was what nurses had always wanted.” When Reynolds Wacker reached her 30th year in her profession, she stepped down from he management duties and now works part-time. She jokes that she “didn’t want to be one of those people you just can’t seemed to get rid of. I wanted to go out on top of my game.” Being named an Oregon Nurse of the Year is a pretty good sign Reynolds Wacker is not just on top of her game, she’s made the all-pro team.
MCMC Nurse of the Year nominees included (left to right): Sarah McQuade , Sandra Felderman, Kim Hartley, Catherine Whalen, Ann Becker, Dave Stone, Shelley Reynolds Wacker and Debra Draper not pictured: Matah Brown, Cindy Diede, Melodi Johnson, Kathy Kahler, and Eileen Leslie
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WELLNESS AT WATER’S EDGE
WINTER 2012
CORE HEALTH & WELLNESS
All classes and clinics are held at Water’s Edge, 551 Lone Pine Blvd., The Dalles, unless otherwise indicated. Pre-registration required; please call 541-296-7319 to register or for appointments.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic Cardiac Rehabilitation is the next step after a heart attack or heart surgery, a diagnosis of stable chest pain or other cardiac conditions. This 10-week clinic includes supervised exercise, nutrition and education in heart health management. This clinic will help you regain strength, lessen fatigue while learning the tools to reduce cardiac risk factors. Classes are offered throughout the year and covered by most insurance plans.
Individual Diabetes Nutrition Education Meet one on one with our registered dietitian. Our dietitian will review your blood sugars in relationship to your nutrition. Together you will customize a healthy eating plan that will support living healthy with Diabetes. Covered by most insurance plans.
Pulmonary Health Services The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Mid-Columbia Medical Center is designed for patients with chronic respiratory disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis and other chronic lung conditions. This 10-week class explores
the relationship between breathing disorders and physical activity. It will guide patients in making lifestyle changes that will help them to improve their endurance and quality of life. Goals within this program include: • Decreasing shortness of breath • Improving physical conditioning and exercise tolerance • Improving emotional well being
Acupuncture Therapy Acupuncture is one discipline taken from the heritage of Chinese medicine. The technique involves the insertion of very fine needles at specific points in the body which have been shown to be effective in the treatment of various conditions.
Individual Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator Consultation Schedule a one on one with our registered nurse and learn about the many aspects of blood sugar management. In this visit our nurse will work with you and customize the visit to your specific concerns. Covered by most insurance plans.
For information or to register call 541-296-7319.
Water’s Edge Mid-Columbia Medical Center
at Lone Pine Village
551 Lone Pine Blvd., The Dalles
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Individual Nutrition Consultation By appointment only. Some insurance plans may cover a portion or all of the visit. Meet one on one with our registered dietitian. Research indicates, nutrition plays a vital role in health and disease management. Our dietitian will guide you in eating healthy and feeling your best.
Borderline or Pre-Diabetes Class Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1 to 2:30 pm Free Studies show that diabetes can be delayed for 10 years or prevented with lifestyle change. If your healthcare provider has told you have pre-diabetes or you are interested in preventing diabetes, this class is for you.
Couples Massage Class Friday, Feb. 10, 6:30 to 9 pm $75 This couples massage class is based on simple, easy-to-learn relaxation massage techniques and is designed to help you and your partner share the nurturing, relaxing, therapeutic benefits of massage with each other. Limited to 8 couples, the class will begin with basic instruction and then each couple will be assigned a room and practice with guidance from our massage therapists. Each couple will receive a complimentary bottle of our customized massage oil blend.
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W E L L N E S S R E S O U R C E S F R O M M I D CO LU M B I A M E D I C A L C E N T E R
WORKSHOPS & CLINICS Mindfulness Breath Wednesday, Feb. 15, April 4 or June 6 7 to 8:30 pm Free Learn simple breathing techniques that can lower blood pressure and pulse, decrease stress and anxiety, improve immune function, ease insomnia, improve digestion and speed healing time. Wear loose comfy clothing.
Aromatherapy for Massage Therapists Tuesday, Feb. 28, 9 am to 3 pm $75 This class is geared to massage therapists who are interested in customizing Essential Oils in their practice. Instruction will include basic chemistry and how essential oils work in harmony with the body, how to choose oils based on physiological and emotional levels, the art of blending and three treatments you can do with clients. Six continuing education units will be given at course completion.
Aromatherapy — How to Use Essential Oils in Your Home and Workplace Saturday, March 3, 9 am to noon $50 (includes supplies) Aromatherapy is a multifaceted healing art, using the essential oils of aromatic plants and trees to promote health and wellness. This class will provide education in the safe use of essential oils, both at home and in the workplace. You will learn how to use aromatherapy when you have cold and flu symptoms, for stress reduction and other home therapies. Students will create their own aromatherapeutic blends to take home.
Living Healthy with Diabetes
stress reduction, medications and much more. We encourage a support person to attend, at no additional fee. Day and evening classes are available throughout the year. The Diabetes Education program at MCMC is accredited by the American Diabetes Association.
Mindfulness Meditation Wednesday, March 21 or July 11 7 to 8:30 pm Free Mounting research is showing the health benefits of relaxation practices. In this basic class you will learn the history of mindfulness, the medical benefits and simple relaxation techniques that you can use in your personal plan of good health.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Wednesdays, begins April 11 8 weekly classes; 2:30 to 4:30 pm $199
Day class: March 5, 12,19 & 26, 2 to 4:15 pm In this clinic our instructor will help you Evening class: May 7, 14, 21 & 28, 6 to 8:15 pm to explore ancient and modern evidenceThe Diabetes Self-Management Education Class is a learning experience for people who are newly diagnosed or have a history of diabetes. In this class, you will learn blood sugar monitoring, nutrition and meal planning,
based researched healing techniques. You will experience gentle meditative yoga and other natural techniques, called mindfulness relaxation practices, to help you activate your own natural healing powers.
Spa Menu – Combine any two single services and receive a 10% discount excluding waxing. Gift Certificates available. MASSAGE
Relaxation............................................ 60min/$65 90min/$90 Therapeutic ............. 60min/$75 90min/$100 120min/$135 Relaxation ................................. 60min/$150 90min/$200 Therapeutic ............................... 60min/$170 90min/$220 Youth Sports............................ 45min/$60 series of four/$220 ADD ONS
Add warm stones to any massage ............................ $15 Extend massage by 15 minutes .................................. $15 Hitto Muscle Repair Gel ................................................ $15 Includes use during treatment plus 4 treatments for home REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology .............................................................. 60min/$65 Reflexology & Relaxation Combo ...................... 90min/$100 ACUPUNCTURE
Evaluation & Treatment...................................................... $85 Followup Treatment .......................................................... $55
HYDROTHERAPY
RESURFACING TREATMENTS FACIAL AND BODY
Botanical Mineral Bath & MiniReflexology ..........................................................$45 & Essential Facial............................................................$105 & Relaxation Massage...............90min/$99 120min/$120 & Therapeutic Massage ..........90min/$109 120min/$130 HAIR REMOVAL
Eyebrows ...................... $15 Bikini............................. $35 Full Face........................ $50 Full Leg ......................... $60 Brazilian ....................... $85
Lip or Chin .................... $10 Underarm..................... $35 1/2 Leg.......................... $35 Full Leg w/Bikini......... $85 Back..................... $35 & up
SKIN CARE AND FACIALS
Men’s...............................$75 Essential ...................... $75 Teen .............................. $45 Treatment Focused .....$85 Back .............................. $95 Make-up Application & Lesson .................... $50 $25 applied to make-up purchase
Infusion Peel......................................... $95 series of five/$400 Microdermabrasion................................ $95 series of six/$485 Add an Essential Facial $50
Therapeutic Body Exfoliation ........................................... $55 Vichy Exfoliation................................ 45min/$75 75min/$110 Essential .............................................................. 45min/$75 Therapeutic ...................................................... 75min/$110 TREATMENT PACKAGES
Renew Total Body Skin Care ........................ 2.5 hours /$150 Essential Facial / Body Exfoliation / Botanical Mineral Bath
Relax................................................................ 2.5 hours /$170 Essential Facial / Botanical Mineral Bath / Tea
Rejuvenate $25 in skin care products ............ 2.5 hours /$200 Facial Peel or Microdermabrasion Resurfacing Treatment / Essential Facial / Tea Revitalize $50 in skin care products ............. 2.75 hours /$295 Treatment Focused Facial / Vichy Exfoliation / Tea 60 min Relaxation Massage / Lip and Eye Collagen treatment
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OUTPATIENT THERAPY Wellness Retreats and Spa Packages
Water’s Edge 551 Lone Pine Blvd. 541-296-7202 Our multidisciplinary approach to outpatient rehabilitation services includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and aquatic therapy.
Specialized Programs Physical Therapy Biomechanical Bicycle Fitting Golf Clinic Mobility & Seating Clinic Vestibular Rehab & Balance Therapy Women’s Health Physical Therapy Plan a healthy and relaxing spa day retreat for yourself, family, co-workers and friends. Contact the Spa Desk for more information. 541-506-5788.
Valentines Gift Certificate Packages
Aquatic Therapy Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy and Upper Extremity Lymphedema Treatment and Therapy Speech Therapy Dysphagia
Rehabilitation Programs Orthopedic Rehabilitation Neurological Rehabilitation
With a physician’s referral, these therapies are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. We will assist you to determine your insurance benefits.
WINTER FEATURE Do You Have Shortness of Breath?
Prices vary.
Check out Water’s Edge website for new spa services and specials. www.Wellness@WatersEdge.Com
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Mid-Columbia Medical Center’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic is a comprehensive supervised exercise program with education and stress-management lectures designed to help patients with an array of chronic lung and breathing problems, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), emphysema, bronchitis, fibrosis of the lung, Lung Cancer and asthma. Program staff assess each patient and set realistic goals to help them function better — often dramatically better — with their condition. Whatever their initial goals, says program Coordinator Susan Benedict, R.N., virtually every patient leaves the program a
different person, stronger, more selfconfident and less short of breath than when they came in. Under the supervision of a physician, an array of health professionals assists participants through the 10-week Pulmonary Rehab program. These include nurses, a pharmacist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and stress-reduction expert. During the educational component of Pulmonary Rehab they offer an array of useful information, covering topics from how to use their medication, nutrition, and how to get the most out of visits to their care provider, as well as how to prevent respiratory infections. Participants learn how to better manage stress, which has a role in most medical conditions, and they benefit from individualized and monitored exercise to build strength and endurance. If you would like to learn more about the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at MCMC, please call 541.296.7319. The program is covered by Medicare.
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AEROBICS, YOGA & TAI CHI THE
Health & Wellness CENTER
Our facility offers a medical fitness approach to achieving lasting lifestyle change and optimal wellness. We offer a comprehensive selection of group exercise classes for all fitness levels. All group classes are included with membership. Non-members are welcomed. Please call for prices. Some class sizes are limited. Registration becomes available 7 days prior to each class. The class schedule is subject to change; please check the calendar at www.WellnessAtWatersEdge.com
EXERCISE CLASSES Les Mills BODYPUMP™ – Mon/Tues/Thurs 5:30-6:30 pm;
Schedule HOURS Monday - Friday: 8 am - 1 pm, 3-8 pm Saturday: 8:30 am - 1 pm
Wed 5:45-6:45 am; Sat 9-10 am
Gentle Yoga – Tues/Thurs 7:30-8:30 am
A challenging barbell workout for all your major muscle groups; this class combines great music and exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls that will shape and tone muscles.
Hatha Yoga All Levels –
Les Mills BODYFLOW™ – Intro to BODYFLOW Tues 4-4:30 pm Reg. classes Mon/Wed/Fri 9-10 am; Tues 4:30-5:30 pm; Sat 10:30-11:30 am Fusion of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates inspired classes that will leave you feeling strong, centered and calm.
Group Cycle/Core – Mon/Thurs 5:45-7 am (core focus) This is an awesome 45 minute cardio blast workout on a stationary bike followed with 30 minutes of core specific exercises.
Group Cycle – Mon/Wed 8-8:45 am; Thurs 4:45-6:45 am A great way to get a vigorous workout on an exercise bike! Participants determine their own exertion level.
Monday: Ball hop games Wednesday: Jump Rope and Hula Hoop Games Friday: Twister Please contact the Kid’s Club for more information regarding 2012 workshop and Parent’s Night Out schedule. 541.506.5786
An easy-does-it class perfect for beginners.
Mon/Wed 6-7:45 pm This class incorporates props, allowing participants to receive the maximum benefit from each posture.
Healing Hatha Yoga – Mon 3:30-5 pm This class is tailored to the individual. Beginners welcome!
Sunrise Yoga – Tues/Thurs 6:15-7:15 am Breathe, stretch, strengthen and begin your day in a positive way. All levels.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga – Wed 5-6 pm
Love to dance? Try this class!
Explores flexibility, strength and balance.
Core Yoga – Thurs 9-10 am
TAI CHI
Zumba – Wed 6:15-7:15 pm/Fri 4:30-5:30 pm EVERY WEEK
YOGA
This is a mat-based core stabilization/yoga blend class.
Water Aerobics – Mon-Fri 9-10 am; Mon/Tues/Fri 6-7 pm; Mon/Wed/Fri 10:30-11:30 am A lower impact water workout that will improve muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness. All levels.
Tai Chi for Balance – Mon 9-10 am; Tues 5:30-6:30 pm A great introduction to Tai Chi. Participants may sit or stand during this class.
Circuit Training – Mon/Wed/Fri Noon-1 pm
Personal Training – One-on-one sessions with a
Interested in building strength while simultaneously getting a great cardio workout?
personal trainer can assist you in developing a training program and reaching personal goals. Trainers can work with your physician, physical therapist and other healthcare specialists to develop a safe program.
Boot Camp – Tues 5:45-6:45 am Ramp up your workout with a dynamic combination of plyometric drills, and body and weight exercises. Intensely fun!
Mommy Wellness – Begins Feb. 13 Water’s Edge is launching a new program for moms with babies 6 months to 2 years old. Moms will have the opportunity to exercise with and learn from skilled experts. Come exercise, develop a support network with other new moms, learn about community resources, expand your body awareness, and discover how to become a strong, healthy mom. 4 week program meeting twice a week. Call 541-5065779 for class details and to register.
Body Evolution Resolution – Attend 45 group exercise classes in 60 days and be entered to win great prizes! Call 541-506-5779 for details and to register or come down the fitness center and register on site. Registration begins Jan. 2, 2012. Performance Testing – Please call 541-506-5779 to learn more about the following: Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), VO2 Max, Lactate Thresholds, Body Composition, Sub-max VO2, and Sub-max Strength Assessment.
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NON-PROFIT U.S. Postage
PA I D
CURRENT RESIDENT
MID-COLUMBIA MEDICAL CENTER Permit #161
1700 E. 19th St., The Dalles, OR 97058
Planetree Health Resource Center Spring Lecture Series Lectures are free and held Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. at Water’s Edge, second floor Deschutes Room, 551 Lone Pine Blvd. Call 541-296-8444 or visit www.mcmc.net/library to register. TUESDAY, FEB. 21
TUESDAY, MARCH 13
Pre-diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome
Safety First: Medication Safety and Management
Pre-diabetes, sometimes called insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome are increasingly common in our population, and both conditions increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Dr. James Lundblad, an OHSU endocrinologist specializing in diabetes and metabolic disorders, will discuss the causes, risk factors, treatment and, most importantly, what you can do to prevent them from developing in the first place.
Many people today are prescribed multiple medications for a number of different conditions. The more medicines you take, the higher the risk for taking the wrong
medicine or the wrong amount, or for experiencing dangerous side effects from drug interactions. Dr. Maile Anslinger, of Water’s Edge Medical Clinic Internal Medicine, talks about how to manage your medicines safely and avoid dangerous mistakes.
TUESDAY, FEB. 28
After The War: Treatment of Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder is a longlasting illness developing as a result of frightening, life-threatening experiences. PTSD is as common for veterans as for survivors of natural disasters, rape and physical or verbal abuse. Join local clinicians Amy Marshall, LCSW, and Michael Stevens, LCSW, for a presentation on living with and working through this debilitating illness. TUESDAY, MARCH 6
Treating Foot and Ankle Disorders We usually don’t give a lot of thought to our feet and ankles unless we injure them or a painful condition develops. Healing can take a few weeks to several months due to the number of bones, joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments. Some conditions, such as arthritis, can be hard to avoid as we age. Join Dr. John Schwartz, of MCMC | OHSU Orthopedics as he discusses causes, treatment options and prevention for some common foot and ankle disorders.
for Women’s Heart Health February 2, 3 & 4! The Heart Truth is heart disease can largely be prevented. .
Join women throughout The Dalles for three days of heart healthy fun and activities beginning Thursday, Feb. 2, through Saturday, Feb. 4. It’s time to Go Red and learn how to love your heart. For more information contact the Planetree Health Resource Center at 541-296-8444 or www.mcmc.net/library.
A health promotion project of Mid-Columbia Medical Center, Planetree Health Resource Center, North Central Plublic Health District and Water’s Edge.
www.hearttruth.gov
Thursday, Feb. 2 Forks Over Knives Film Viewing and Panel Discussion — Water’s Edge, 6 to 8 p.m. View this provocative documentary that examines the claim that the food we eat can control and even reverse most degenerative and chronic diseases; then join in on the discussion. To register call 541-296-8444. Friday, Feb. 3 Heart Expo & Noon Heart Walk — The Dalles Civic Auditorium, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Free health screenings • Free Noon Heart Walk – Poker Fun Walk • Coupons for reduced cost lipid profile • Free interactive exhibits & raffle drawings • Learn to reduce stress at our Relaxation Station • Soup & bread lunch available in the Heart Health Café ($3 - cash only) Saturday, Feb. 4 The Heart Truth – 3k/5k Walk/Run — Klindt’s Pocket Park, 10 a.m. • On-site registration 9:30 am • Pre-registration: $15 or Day of Race: $20