SCOPE Magazine December 2006

December 2006

10,000 Steps a Day to Wellness Studies show that taking 10,000 steps a day can improve your health and fitness level substantially. So how do you know if you are taking 10,000 steps? Easy – use a pedometer! A pedometer is a great tool for measuring steps in your daily activity, and is very inexpensive and easy to use.

You simply snap it on and go – and you can take a reading any time throughout your day to see how many steps you have taken.

The beauty of the pedometer is your fitness program becomes part of your day without you having to even think about it. The pedometer actually motivates you to do things like, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking your car further away, or taking the dog for a walk. It encourages you to be more active in your daily routine by reminding you to meet your daily stepping goal. If you have any health concerns, please talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

In a 3-month study, 44 people used a pedometer to monitor taking 10,000 Continued on page 2…

What’s Inside: 2 3 4 5 6 7 9

Walking to Cabo Fantasy Forest Are You Ready for a Disaster?

Baby Warmer Fund-an-Item MGH Awarded “Top Performer” News Briefs Fund Raises $9,000 for Breast Cancer

Where caring counts. Feel the difference.

TM

Vol. 22 No. 4

Our Emergency Department – Your Care As a patient in our emergency room, your welfare is our main concern. We want to help make your visit as easy and as comfortable as we can.

What will happen when I arrive in the Emergency Department?

1. First, you will see the triage nurse.

When you arrive at the Emergency Department, triage personnel will evaluate your condition and determine the first step in your care. Please be prepared to give the following information: ● Reason for your visit ● When you had your last tetanus shot ● Names and doses of medications you are taking ● If you are allergic to any medications ● If you think you may be pregnant ● Previous medical history The triage nurse has special training to assess how quickly you need treatment and in which room your care needs to take place.

Some of the Emergency Room staff members at MGH (back row) Laurie Zinn, R.N.; Tana Snyder, R.N.; (front) Judy Kangas, monitor tech; Jodi Sisson, monitor tech; and Jamie Schumacher, monitor tech.

The triage nurse will ask you questions about the reason for your visit to the Emergency Department and about your general health. He/she will take your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and breathing rate, and take note of any allergies you may have and current medications you are taking.

Continued on page 4…

Hospital CEO Awarded Prestigious Honor Bob Appel, CEO of MGH, was recently awarded the prestigious Joe Hopkins Memorial Award from the Washington State Hospital Association.

The award is named after a former hospital Bob Appel, CEO of MGH association chair and hospital administrator who lost his battle with cancer in 1987. The award was created in honor of Hopkins’ outstanding

leadership and special qualities of warmth, persistence, insight, hardworking attitude and humor. The award recognizes those who exhibit similar qualities in service to hospitals in Washington state, and honors leaders from both sides of the Cascades, in hospitals large and small.

Bob was widely praised as a model of compassion, hard work and real solutions.

“Bob’s staff called him ‘the best boss I’ve ever had,’ and his colleagues described him as a carContinued on page 9…

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Did You Know...

There are more than 40 diseases that can be prevented, improved or cured with one prescription – WALKING?

Employees Walk to Cabo Public Hospital District No. 1 – the governing body of Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics and North Mason Medical Clinic – was so serious about the health benefits of exercising, the staff “walked” to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The walk started on October 5. On Monday, October 30, Caminata a Cabo Team, from MGH’s Environmental Services Department, won with a combined total of 1,894 miles. Each week, team members tracked their steps on a pedometer to tally their total miles “walked” to Cabo. More than 288 district employees and volunteers made up the 24 teams. “We had people from all hospital departments and clinics, and volunteers participating,” said Candy Mattson, certified registered dietitian at MGH, and chairperson of the walk. “We had hospital commissioners, administrators, physicians, staff and volunteers ‘walking’. The enthusiasm for this event was overwhelming.” The walk took 3.5 weeks to reach Cabo.

Pictured here is the winning team (back row) Rey Cabotage, Yvonne Jorgensen, Joy Carlson, Glenda Thale, Lisa Miller, Andrew Bales. Front row - Cathy Onisko, Robin Montaya and Brenda McLaughlin. Not pictured: Gerarad Ruvalcaba, Rose Loran and Abe Fimbres.

Stay tuned for the next walk to begin December 19 as we “Stroll to the Pole” — a 3,000 mile walk!

10,000 Steps a Day Continued from page 1… walking steps per day, making a combined total of over 30 million steps equaling nearly 15,000 miles. The results showed that people who had a pedometer and a daily goal were able to improve their overall levels of fitness, blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and body weight. Most lowered their blood pressure and had more energy, and the average weight loss was 4+ lbs. Everyone in the study agreed to make the program part of their lifestyle.

Imagine everyone in Mason County with a pedometer – stepping into a healthier lifestyle!

The distance is nothing once you have taken the first step. The gift shop at Mason General sells Accusplit pedometers, one of the most accurate, for only $15.

Here are the diseases: Hypertension Depression Obesity Diabetes Pregnancy Complications Cardiovascular Disease Elevated Cholesterol Elevated Triglycerides Low HDL Sleep Apnea Osteoarthritis Gall Bladder Disease Constipation Osteoporosis Metabolic Stress Syndrome Gynecological Complications Pre-diabetes Hypoglycemia Impaired Fasting Glucose Hyperglycemia Back Pain Breast Cancer Colon Cancer Endometrial Cancer Stress Urinary Incontinence Liver Cancer Esophageal Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Hypothyroidism Gout Fertility Complications Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Kidney Stones Prostate Cancer Congestive Heart Failure Angina Pectoris Fatty Liver Disease Respiratory Problems Hyperinsulinemia Insulin Resistance Anxiety

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T H R E E

2006 Fantasy Forest Underwriters & Sponors Presenting Underwriter

Thank You All for the Generous Support of This Year’s 2006 Fantasy Forest

Sherrie Vig Hiawatha Corporation Grand Gala & Auction Underwriter The Peste Family in Memory of Fred Peste Swing Fever Festival Underwriter Dynamic Collectors Toast to Tree Designers Underwriter Christmas Village Father/Daughter Night Out Underwriter John L. Scott Realty Teddy Bear Party Underwriter Alpine Way Retirement Apartments Senior Tea Underwriter Heritage Bank Gift Shop Underwriter Sage Book Store Community Open Houses Underwriter Taylor Shellfish Two Foot Trees Underwriter McComb Funeral Home Volunteer Room Underwriter Steve and Karen Anderson Children’s Gift Shop Underwriter Our Community Credit Union Memorial Tree Underwriter

Silver Tree Sponsors CellNetix Pathology, P.L.L.C. Peninsula Credit Union Sherrie Vig

Forest Star Sponsors Bob and Melanie Appel Gateway Property Management Gillis Auto Center Healthcare Laundry Services Michael R. Bell & Company Mt. View Women’s Health Center Prudential Northwest Real Estate Settle & Johnson, P.L.L.C. Steven H. Bowers, D.D.S., P.S. Vince Himlie/Windermere Real Estate Himlie, Inc. Washington Timberland Management, Inc.

Mike and Sue Patterson.

Sue Patterson was bestowed the “2006 Flame Award” of the Mason General Hospital Foundation at this year’s Fantasy Forest. The “Flame” is bestowed upon its recipients based on outstanding volunteerism for the Mason General Hospital Foundation’s fundraising efforts in support of Public Hospital District No. 1 and the missions of both the Foundation and the Hospital District.

Sue moved from Bellevue to Shelton in 1996, her first and only “small town” she has ever called home. As a way of getting acquainted, Sue began volunteering at Treasures Thrift Stores in 1997 where she continued her volunteer work through 2005. During her five years at Treasures, Sue sat on the Guiding Council where she served two years each as both secretary and president.

In 2000, Sue became involved with Fantasy Forest, helping design and decorate the Treasures designer trees for the live auction and selling raffle tickets at Fantasy Forest events. In 2001 she jumped in as co-chair of the entire event and served in that capacity through two ensuing years during which the event was moved to The Pavilion at Sentry Park.

After a hiatus in 2004, Sue came back to Fantasy Forest in 2005 and 2006. In each of these two years she worked in the procurement of donations for auction items, co-chaired Tidbits & Trinkets, the gift bazaar and vendor day, co-chaired the management of all the silent auctions, and co-designed and decorated a tree for the Live Auction. (By the way, this year Sue and her co-designer won their first tree award!)

Sue enjoys the creative and problem-solving aspects of volunteering, and considers herself an agent of change. She is most pleased with her part in the amount of funds raised through the combined successful efforts of the people involved in Fantasy Forest and the Treasures Thrift Stores.

Sue and her husband, Mike, parents and grandparents, own Steve Pool Service in Aberdeen. Sue’s work experience has nearly always involved accounting and that is what she now does for their current business. Previously, she worked for Bellevue Public Schools where they lived while raising their daughters and where they started their first family-owned business before buying the business in Aberdeen and moving to Shelton.

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Are You Ready for the Next Disaster?

Here is easy help.

The Washington State Department of Health’s 2007 Emergency Resource Guide is now available to the public at their website. This 42-page guide contains information on all types of emergency planning issues – from anthrax to windstorms.

Along with updated information throughout the booklet, there are new resource sheets on preparing for pandemic flu, protecting pets, the Strategic National Stockpile, and more.

To read or print out this booklet go to www.doh.wa.gov/phepr/handbook.htm.

Keep Talking.

We Like What We Hear!

It was truly amazing how well I was treated.

– ER patient The best ER experience in my life. And I have had many. – ER patient I am from Olympia and wish I had come to MGH before. MGH is excellent and I am going to recommend it to everyone I know.

– Ambulatory patient You have outstanding service. Keep it up. The ER is excellent and extremely well staffed. – ER patient Best hospital, staff, nurses and doctors I have ever had.

– Ambulatory patient

F O U R

Hospital’s Didonna To Teach Internationally Tom DiDonna, R.N., education coordinator at MGH, was recently asked to lead a delegation of physicians and nurses to represent the American Heart Association in a voluntary, international Advanced Resuscitation educational endeavor in Paraguay, the end of November, 2006.

Tom, two American physicians and physicians from Costa Rica and Panama will teach upwards of 30 Paraguayan physicians the skills necessary to implement the new guidelines for Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Tom DiDonna, R.N. Support for the patients in their country. Tom has also secured Education Coordinator resources to bring life-saving defibrillators to Paraguay, as they are in short supply of such equipment.

“This is very exciting,” said Tom, after receiving the request. “To be able to take what I teach in our community and teach it internationally, is a great honor.” Tom is a member of the National Faculty for Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support, as well as a certified instructor. Tom teaches various American Heart Association courses throughout the year at Mason General Hospital and actively volunteers to teach in other regions of the state for instructor updates.

Our Emergency Department

Continued from page 1…

2. Next, you will be registered. The triage nurse gives your information to a registration clerk. The clerk will ask you for your name and address, insurance card and photo identification, your family doctor’s name, and an emergency contact number. It is important that we have accurate contact information from you in case we need to reach you to discuss test results that return after you are sent home. The clerk will make up your chart and give you an identification band.

If the triage nurse feels you need to be seen immediately by a physician, a family member can register for you.

You will be seen at triage and registration on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once you are assessed, you will be seen by a doctor in order of the severity of your condition. This order is revised constantly, so other patients who have arrived after you may be seen before you. Please let a staff member know if your condition changes while you are waiting.

3. After registration, you will receive treatment. Depending on your medical condition as assessed by the triage nurse, you may be sent to the appropriate area of the Emergency Department to be seen by a physician or you may be asked to stay in the waiting room until an examination room is available.

In the treatment area, a primary nurse will assess your condition and be responsible for your care while you are in the Emergency Department.

Tests or procedures will be ordered as needed. Test results and diagnostic procedures can take time to be completed and for the results to be available.

4. Why may I have to wait? We do our best to let you know when you will be seen. Things can change quickly in the Emergency Department and delay your care. Patients requiring the most urgent care must be treated first. There may also be delays while we wait for your test results from the laboratory or diagnostic imaging (ultra sound, CT scan, x-ray).

Please understand that our aim is to provide you with the most efficient service possible. If you do have to wait, a nurse will be nearby to answer your questions and monitor your condition. Your patience is appreciated.

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Thank you, Golf Tournament 2006

Treasures Donates $98,600 Treasures Thrift Stores donated $98,600 to Mason General Hospital’s Surgical Fund to pay for seven new CPR defibrillators. In addition, Treasures contributed $25,000 for the endowment fund for 2006. Holding the “check” for the CPR machines are Katt Gullett, Carolyn Vogel, Janet Poupitch, Darlene Wilson, Lois Hunter, Bob Kimbel, Yvonne Stedman, assistant manager, Sandy Jackson, manager, and Tom Martin. Treasures is always in need of good quality donations and volunteers. Store hours are Monday – Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Donation hours are Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday by appointment. You may call Treasures at (360) 427-3858 or visit them at www.treasuresthriftstores.org.

2006 Fantasy Forest “Fund-an-Item” – Stationary/Portable Overhead Baby Warmer Within five minutes, $35,000 was raised during Fantasy Forest’s 11th Annual Grand Gala Dinner & Live Auction “Fund-anItem” to purchase three new Ohio 3400 baby warmers – two stationary, and one portable.

Baby warmer Newborn babies get cold very easily due to emerging wet, after being used to living in 98.6 degree draft-free “rooms”, and having a lot of body surface area relative to their size. The Ohio 3400 warmer is where all newborns at MGH now will be placed as part of their birth experience. The warmer is pre-warmed for every delivery, and when all goes well, the baby is first kept warm by being dried quickly and held close by Mom. The baby then goes to the warmer for his or her first examination, and later for the first bath. If complications occur, the warmer provides safe and controlled heat for continued treatment and observation. The fully-equipped warmer also provides oxygen and suction when it is needed, along with attachments for monitoring high-risk babies, and drawers for routine and emergency supplies.

It is an all-in-one baby care center.

This year’s Golf Tournament, under the direction of Jack Stark and Steve DeMiero, recently donated $23,561 to purchase a Lap FX-C Generator Cautery for surgery, and a Bi PAP machine for respiratory therapy at MGH.

What is the Arts Commission?

In 1992, the Mason General Hospital Foundation Arts Commission was created to acquire “healing art” for the public areas of MGH. The art is for the benefit of the thousands of patients at MGH, the hundreds of hospital staff and volunteer members who serve, and the countless families and friends who visit.

The MGHF Arts Commission is a board of 15 volunteers who raise funds (the major fundraiser is the Bistro at OysterFest), jury the donated art, and purchase, install, maintain and annually rotate the art pieces throughout the hospital. Currently located within the halls or on the campus of MGH are more than 100 pieces of art including sculptures, original paintings and limited edition prints, valued at more than $100,000. The bulk of the hospital collection was acquired through art donations from private owners. Some of the pieces purchased through the Arts Commission’s fundraising efforts over the years include: the kinetic wind sculpture at the south entrance, “Pumped”; the sculpture in the outdoor Heritage Court; and “Generations”, the tabletop sculpture which is rotated inside the hospital. As an added touch, the Arts Commission also annually “lights” Heritage Court with white lights during the winter holidays.

Within the past few months the Arts Commission accepted the donation of seven new pieces of art which will soon be installed for public display. Three are limited edition prints and four are originals.

Individuals wishing to donate art to the MGHF Arts Commission should call the Development Office at (360) 427-3623 (from Belfair (360) 275-8614) for more information.

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Patient Safe-Care at the Hospital

Hospital Receives State Award for $5,000 as Top Performer Washington Hospitals Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation trust plan recently presented Mason General Hospital’s safety program with a check for $5,000 for their excellent work in promoting worker safety. The program was honored as a “2006 Top Performer” for their performance in claims and safety management, which resulted in an improved safety record.

“Being the Top Performer is a significant way to address using best practices and receive acknowledgement for doing so,” said the Trust. Bob Appel, CEO at MGH (far right), presented the check to Trina Gustafson, human resources, who administers the injury claims program, and Dave Pearch, safety officer at MGH. Hospital district commissioners Scott Hilburn (far left) and Don Wilson (second from right) helped make the presentation. The check will be used for future enhancements in the safety program.

Hospitalization is a partnership between you and your healthcare providers, and when you, the patient, take an active role, your outcome is likely to be better. Safe care begins with the patient, so it is very important that you ensure your own safe care or the safe care of your loved one during their hospitalization.

Providing accurate health history information upon admission of the patient will ensure safe care. You should bring a written list of all your current medications, both prescription and over-thecounter, as well as any herbal medications or supplements you are taking. Keeping a card in your wallet at all times is recommended, and you must remember to update the list every time your medications change. MGH has medication record cards available for this purpose. Just ask your nurse.

Here are some tips on how you can help with your own healthcare in the hospital: Provide your complete medical history.

Know and record all your medications.

Confirm your identity whenever you are being given medication, undergoing tests or having blood drawn.

Report any adverse reactions to medications given.

Follow your healthcare directions carefully during your stay, and get written instructions for your follow-up care at home.

It is very important that you follow the instructions of your healthcare providers, and never tamper with your IV pump, monitors or devices you are hooked up to.

Proper hygiene is another critical issue in the hospital environment. Your attention to hand washing for yourself, your visitors and even your healthcare givers is vital.

“If something doesn’t feel right, or if you are unsure about something, speak up,” says Rosie Noah, infection control at MGH. “You have a right to question anything.”

[Source: The Arizona Republic, October/2006]

Families of Outpatient Surgery to Receive Pagers Starting last September, family members and friends accompanying patients for outpatient surgery at MGH now receive a pager while in surgery. This new convenience for patients is commonly referred to as “The Interpage System”.

The pager is similar to the Olive Garden Restaurant’s pager, which is about the size of a deck of cards, and can alert the support family anywhere on the MGH campus, including outside.

When activated, it will beep and vibrate for three minutes, which alerts the family that the surgery is completed, and to proceed to the surgical waiting area to talk with the surgeon. For family members of patients coming from other areas of the hospital (i.e. labor and delivery, medical/surgical) a family member should go to the outpatient surgery office to check out a pager.

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EMPLOYEE FOCUS

Glenda Thale environmental services “I love how everyone here – co-workers, patients and visitors – are all so nice to work with. They all care about you.”

News Briefs ...Congratulations to MGH “Employees of the Month”: October - Amelia Cobb, social worker/patient discharge planner; November - Katie Bina, business office; and December - Carol Seeley, R.N., med/surg/peds. ...Treasures Thrift Store recognized “Volunteer of the Month” for August - Bob Kimbel; September - Connie Coombs; and October - Jo Walters. Congratulations. ... In keeping with our Mission Statement,“...to protect and promote the health of the people in Mason County while extending respect and compassion...”, Public Hospital District No. 1 wants to help make healthcare affordable. If you need financial assistance with hospital expenses, please call the MGH Business Office at (360) 427-9547 for more information on: • 25% Discount • Property Tax Adjustment • Charity Care.

Go to www.masongeneral.com and click on “Charity Care” for a brochure. ...Welcome, Meltem Karatepe, M.D., board-eligible pediatrician, to Oakland Bay Pediatrics. Dr. Karatepe started seeing patients in November. She received her medical degree from the University of Istanbul, Turkey, and completed her residency at the Metropolitan Hospital, New York. Her training included pediatric and neonatal intensive care pulmMeltem Karatepe, M.D. onology, endocrinology, infectious diseases, cardiology, dermatology, radiology, nephrology, hematology-oncology, genetics and adolescent medicine. She may be reached at Oakland Bay Pediatrics at (360) 426-3102. ...Farida Ghoghawala, M.D., board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, is now seeing patients at Mt. View Women’s Health Center.

She joins Dr. Jonathan Gold in caring for the women in our area. To make an appointment Farida Ghoghawala, M.D. call (360) 426-0955.

Want to see what’s happening at Treasures Thrift Stores? Go to www.treasuresthriftstores.org

S E V E N

Do a Physician Search at

www.masongeneral.com

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2007 “Living Well with Diabetes” Classes Circle these dates on your calendar for the upcoming classes of Mason General Hospital’s “Living Well With Diabetes”: • April 17, 18 ,19 • June 19, 20, 21 • Oct 9, 10, 11.

According to Sue Barwick, R.N., certified diabetes educator and coordinator of the class, “Diabetes self-management can be improved with proper knowledge and skills, and most people with diabetes can lead a healthy, active life.” MGH has a team of healthcare providers that teach the class. Studies show that effective self-management of the disease is beneficial for the patient and their family.

Content of the class includes diabetes diagnosis, proper meal planning, diabetes medications, exercise, prevention and treatment of complications, stress management, living with diabetes, and the use of support people and a healthcare team.

To register call Mrs. Barwick at (360) 426-1611, ext. 3301 (from Belfair (360) 275-8614, ext. 3301).

E I G H T

Put Orange Color on Your Table The bright orange color of pumpkin, sweet potato and winter squash look attractive on a holiday table. More importantly, the orange color is a sign that these foods contain high levels of betacarotene, a precursor of vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance.

Studies have indicated that persons eating a diet rich in betacarotene have a reduced risk of heart disease, some cancers and degenerative diseases such as arthritis.

[SOURCE: University of Illinois Extension Bureau, “Pumpkin Nutrition”]

Vista su Mesa de Color Naranga El color naranja de las calabazas, las calabacitas y las papas dulces son muy atractivas en la mesa durante las fiestas. Y lo que es más importante el color naranja indica que estos alimentos contienen niveles muy altos de beta-caroteno que es un precursor de la vitamina A. La vitamina A tiene un gran poder antioxidante y antiinflamatorio.

Los estudios indican que las personas que consumen una dieta rica en beta-caroteno tienen menor riesgo a contraer enfermedades de corazón, cáncer y otras enfermedades degenerativas tales como la artritis.

Cereal and Milk Good for Teens Adolescents with a high intake of whole grains, refined grains and dairy products were less likely than other youth to have high blood concentrations of homocysteine, according to data from the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health. A high homocysteine level during childhood and adolescence is believed to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in later life.

No association was found between homocysteine concentrations and intake of fruits, vegetables or red or processed meats. A high intake of poultry was associated with higher homocysteine levels.

[SOURCE: Pamela L. Lutsey, et al, “Serum Homocysteine is Related to Food Intake in Adolescents: The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June, 2006]

La Leche y Los Cereales son Buenos para los Adolescentes Los adolescentes que consumen altas cantidades de granos integrales y productos lácteos tienen menos posibilidades que otros jóvenes de tener una alta concentración de homocisteína en la sangre de acuerdo a los datos obtenidos en un estudio sobre la salud cardiovascular de niños y adultos. Un nivel alto de homocisteína en la sangre durante la infancia y la adolescencia puede aumentar el riesgo de contraer enfermedades cardiovasculares a una edad más avanzada.

No se descubrió ninguna relación entre la homocisteína y el consumo de frutas, verduras, las carnes rojas y las carnes procesadas. Un consumo alto de carne de ave aumenta el nivel de homocisteína.

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Red Meat Implicated in Cancer Risk

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Red meat and processed meats were associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, according to seven years of data from the Multiethnic Cohort Study. The study found no association between cancer risk and intake of chicken, fish, dairy products or other sources of saturated fat.

Another study examining broad dietary patterns among Canadians found that persons with a high intake of fruits and vegetables had 49 percent reduced risk of pancreatic cancer.

[SOURCE: Andre Nkondjock, Parvis Ghadirian, Kenneth C. Johnson and Daniel Krewski, “Dietary Patterns and the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer,” the Journal of Nutrition, December, 2005]

Prestigious Honor Continued from page 1…

The annual Karen Hilburn Breast Cancer Fund’s “Masked Affair,” held in October at Steven’s Fine Dining, Shelton, was another big financial success, with more than $9,000 raised. “The enthusiasm and support just keeps building in the community to help women who need financial assistance to pay their medical bills for breast cancer treatment,” said Karen Hilburn, founder of the fund (on right in picture). “A special thanks goes out to everyone who contributed to the success of this event.”

Pictured above with Karen are endless supporters of the fund, Angela Wake and Kern Dolby, of Steven’s Fine Dining. Others of note included musician, Paul Barber, Mariano’s Fine Jewelry, Robin Hood Restaurant, and Walter Dacon Winery, plus many others.

Want to see Mason General Hospital from the comfort of your home? Go to www.masongeneral.com and click on “Video Tour” found at the bottom of the website home page.

ing, thoughtful person who has met healthcare challenges with optimism and enthusiasm,” said Leo Greenawalt, president of the Washington State Hospital Association. “We are thrilled to recognize Bob’s outstanding contribution to the health of his entire community.”

Appel’s nomination came for his work in a variety of areas, including: ● His leadership in founding MASON MATTERS, a program which seeks to reduce the causes and effects of domestic violence and teen pregnancy in Mason County.

MASON MATTERS has increased resources for domestic violence, founded a free teen clinic, and developed a web-based network to enhance health services for the Latino community. ● His commitment to increased medical interpretation services for non-English speakers in Mason County. ● His energetic work in the CHOICE Regional Health Network, which improves access to healthcare for the uninsured and underserved populations.

“Bob has worked hard to bring needed services to the District over his nearly 15 years of tireless service,” said Public Hospital District Commissioner, Don Wilson, in his letter of nomination. “When he sees a way to enhance quality of life, he finds a group of people who share that passion and rallies them to performance. His leadership is extraordinary, and it allows the people who work with him to blossom and shine.”

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Folate May Help Keep Mind Strong Popeye was known for being able to “fight to the finish” because he ate his spinach. And there are many other benefits from eating green, leafy vegetables and other foods rich in folate. Older male subjects in the Veterans Affairs Normative Study on Aging who obtained more folate through their diets showed significantly less decline in verbal fluency and spatial coping skills over a three-year period than those with lower folate intake.

Another study published in the same issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found low folate associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

[SOURCE: “Folate and Other B Vitamins May Fight Mental Decline with Aging,” Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, December, 2005]

For current Support Groups at Mason General Hospital go to: http://www.masongeneral.com/ support_groups.htm Our Mission: We take every possible action to protect and promote the health of the people in Mason County while extending respect and compassion as we serve each individual.

Published by: Public Hospital District No. 1 for Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics and North Mason Medical Clinic.

Mason General Hospital: Visiting Hours are 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., daily. Business Hours are 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Spanish Translator Available.

901 Mt. View Drive, Building 1, PO Box 1668, Shelton, WA 98584-5001, (360) 426-1611, from Belfair (360) 275-8614. Serving the medical needs of the entire county since 1968.

Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. TTY/TTD: (360) 427-9593. Translation Services Provided. Se habla español.

Equal Opportunity Provider.

Oakland Bay Pediatrics: 247 Professional Way, Shelton, WA 98584, (360) 426-3102 North Mason Medical Clinic: 140 N.E. S.R. 300, Belfair, WA 98528, (360) 275-4084, (360) 426-8405 Administration: Bob Appel, chief executive officer; Eric Moll, chief financial officer; Diane Stillman, chief operating officer; Doug Lindahl, D.O., chief of staff; Nancy Trucksess, commissioner/president; Scott Hilburn and Don Wilson, commissioners.

Scope: Published four times per year. Editor: McCarty & Associates, Inc. “a marketing firm”

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Mason General Hospital POB 1668 Shelton, WA 98584

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Shelton, WA Permit No. 56

ECRWSS Postal Customer