SCOPE Magazine June 2009

June 2009

Where caring counts. Feel the difference.

Shelton Family Medicine Now Part of the “Family” E

ffective April 1, 2009, Shelton Family Medicine (SFM) – co-founded by John V. Butler, M.D., and Timothy J. Weber, M.D. in 1978 and 1977 respectively – joined the family of Mason General Hospital and Clinics. SFM is a full-service family medical clinic that provides pediatric, adult, and geriatric care; gynecological care and treatment for women’s health issues; and osteoporosis/bone scans.

“Doctors Butler and Weber have built a clinic that has served this community well over the years,” said Bob Appel, CEO of MGH. “We plan to work hard to maintain and build on this reputation.” The staff and physicians at SFM remained the same, as have the clinic hours, and its acceptance of most insurance plans, including Group Health. Other healthcare providers at SFM include Doris H. Wilson, M.D. and Bonnie J. Davis, M.D., and physician assistants, Resa Delaney and Katie Hackney.

Our Focus Is on Board-Certified Physicians WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Many people have wondered what it means when a physician’s name is followed by the term, “Board Certified.” For those of us who have seen this credentialing and didn’t know exactly what it meant, a doctor is board-certified when he or she has taken additional training to ‘specialize’ in a certain area of medicine. This usually means at least three years of residency training in a post-graduate institutional program in their area of specialization.

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the recognized standard-setting organization for certifying a physician who has met the training and examination requirements for certification by the boards they represent. It is comprised of 24 primary medical specialty boards and six associate members, including the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, the Association of Medical Colleges, and the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Medical specialty boards expect very high standards of training and performance that require applicants to take a rigid examination to become Continued on page 10…

BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIANS N (360) 426-1611 www.MasonGeneral.com

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Vol. 25 No. 3

Digital Mammography NOW at MGH! Thanks to the generous support of local donors, MGH Foundation and Treasures Thrift Store, MGH’s diagnostic imaging department now has digital mammography.

With this addition, MGH’s diagnostic imaging capability is 100% digital.

There are many advantages to digital mammography: • Improved image quality for all women, especially those under 50 years old • Reduced patient exam time, increasing availability of appointment times • Ease of access and transfer of patient images and records • Images are immediately available for consultation with healthcare specialists, as needed Mason General Hospital is a member of the National Consortium of Breast Centers. All of our mammographers and radiologists are certified in digital breast imaging. For an appointment call (360) 427-9590.

We still need your support.

Give the gift of healthcare today.

MGH Foundation still needs your help to fund the new state-of-the-art digital mammography unit now in service at Mason General Hospital. Your support of mammography services at Mason General is needed now more than ever. We welcome contributions made in honor or in memory of loved ones.

To make your tax-deductible contribution, please call Jennifer Capps, chief development officer, Mason General Hospital Foundation at (360) 427-3623; or send an e-mail to jcapps@MasonGeneral.com. Gifts of pledges, multi-year commitments, appreciated stock, and major credit card payments are accepted.

Foundation Donates to Congestive Heart Failure Care illa land V e k a L

A ge Golf Course, llyn, WA

Sponsors*

J

anis Byrd, vice president of the MGH Foundation, recently presented a check for $450 from the Foundation to members of MGH’s Congestive Heart Failure Team - Melissa Cark, R.N., and Gayle Ziegler, ICU support coordinator. The money will be used to buy bedside scales and pill boxes for congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. The focus on CHF is a part of the Healthcare Improvement Initiative at MGH called “Transforming Care at the Bedside.” Looking on at the presentation was (third from left) Jennifer Capps, chief development officer at MGH.

Congestive Heart Failure Support Class Now Formed As part of the MGH’s strategic initiatives to ‘develop and offer programs that maximize health and independence for those with chronic healthcare needs,’ and in conjunction with the ‘Transforming Care at the Bedside Institute for Healthcare Improvement,’ MGH has created a new support group – HEART HEALTHY CLUB. The group will meet every other month beginning in September, after taking the summer off.

Group: Heart Healthy Club When: June 11, 2009 — 1:30 p.m. to 3 p m.

Where: Ellinor room at MGH — Snacks will be provided.

Guest speaker: Sarah Fulkerson, R.D., C.D.E., MGH’s registered dietician. Sarah will give an in-depth, highly interactive class about heart healthy low-salt food choices.

There will be a one-hour educational session with a half-hour ‘socializing’ and sharing of ideas regarding patients’ experiences with congestive heart failure.

Seeking the Causes of Psoriasis Doctors believe that psoriasis is caused by an abnormality of the immune system that leads to an excess production of skin cells. The disorder tends to run in families but is often triggered by external stressors.

A large majority of patients report that their flare-ups tend to follow emotional trauma such as a new job or a death in the family. Infections, injury to skin, and certain medications, such as beta blockers, can also aggravate symptoms. [SOURCE: “Understanding psoriasis – the basics, “WebMD Medical References, reviewed by Norman Levine, M.D., November 22, 2008]

Title Sponsor: Mt. St. Helens Evergreens & Eveland Family Men’s Prize Sponsor: Squaxin Island Tribe Advertising Sponsor: KMAS Radio AM 1030 Awards Dinner Sponsor: Hiawatha Corporation Prize Sponsor: Dynamic Collectors Putting Contest Sponsor: Denali Advanced Integration 3rd Place Prize Sponsor: Fred Finn Registration Brunch Sponsor: Bob & Betty Paulsen/AIG Retirement Hospitality Cart Sponsor: Healthcare Management Administration

Hole Sponsors Level A

Arnold & Smith Insurance Olympic Mountain Millwork Robert W. Johnson, Attorney at Law Flakus Family Hood Canal Lions El Sarape V McCarty & Associates “a marketing firm”

Hole Sponsors Level B

Green Diamond Falcon Financial D.R. Gardner Accounting Pro Build Prudential NW Real Estate Shelton Health & Rehabilitation Center EFI “Creating Life Opportunities” Bill Schultz Insurance Dr. Richard C. Downing, D.D.S. South Sound Radiology Heritage Bank Simpson Investment Company Capital Business Machines Healthcare Laundry Services Brady Trucking Company William Busacca, D.D.S. First American Title Company KPS Health Plans Wittenberg, CPA, P.S. Electrocom Fidelis Communications, Inc. Cardiology Associates *Committed Sponsors as of May 6, 2009 If you are interested in sponsoring, please call Meghan Lucas at the Foundation Office at (360) 427-3623 or email: mlucas@MasonGeneral.com

Meet Family Practice Physician

I am coming to Mason General Hospital as a patient

Dr. Allen L. Millard

– Now what do I do?

W

hen you arrive at Mason General Hospital for outpatient services – surgery, laboratory, diagnostic imagining, ER, to name a few – it is best and closest to park your car in the parking area outside of the Hospital’s MAIN ENTRANCE (north end of the building).

As you enter the hospital, you will find a small desk (on your left) just inside the door. On top of the desk you will see a ticket dispenser. Please choose the service you will be needing (i.e., laboratory, diagnostic imaging, etc.) or select the service “closest” to what you need.

Then press the button, and a ticket will be dispensed for you. Next, take the ticket, which has a number on it, and have a seat in the waiting area (don’t lose this ticket). You will be called by number to one of the booths, where you will be registered for the service(s) you need. Even if you have “scheduled” an appointment, you will need to register at one of these booths before proceeding to the appropriate outpatient service area. The Registrar will direct you to your destination.

Remember to… bring your ID and Insurance Cards, along with any orders that you received from your physician ask your physician if you need to fast prior to having any Lab testing done, and for how long you need to fast We want to save you time and steps, so following the above instructions will speed up your visit and get you on your way much quicker.

Get back to your life again!

Stay close to home for your surgery.

General Surgeon, Vanni Manthiram, M.D. wants you to feel at ease about your surgery, which can be close to home in the comfort and convenience of Mason General Hospital.

Specializing in men’s and women’s breast issues, thyroid, colon, hernia, cancer surgeries, and laparoscopic procedures – MGH’s surgical team will take care of your surgical Vanni C. needs and can get you back Manthiram, M.D. Board Certified, to your life soon!

General Surgery

(360) 426-4142 “Seeing new patients.”

1710 N. 13th Loop Rd, Shelton, WA

Dr. Allen L. Millard

M

ore than 100 physicians in 21 specialties are on staff at Mason General Hospital, and they all have one thing in common − they like helping their patients get, and stay well. Family practice specialist, Allen L. Millard, M.D., is no exception.

“Helping my patients learn to improve their health by making healthy choices is important,” said Dr. Millard. “Our lifestyle plays a critical factor in our health, so teaching my patients to work through these issues and make positive changes is vital to me.” Helping people adopt healthy lifestyles is something Dr. Millard enjoys doing out of the office, too. In his spare time, he coaches his son’s U-16 Recreational Team. “It’s fun,” he said.

“We placed 2nd in State, which is great.” When coaching, he is able to encourage the young men to eat properly and stay physically fit. “Soccer really promotes a healthy lifestyle,” he added.

Dr. Millard is a father of three, and married to Kendra, who is also a family practice physician. He grew up in the small town of Milton, Wisconsin, where his father was a college biology professor and his grandfather an obstetrician/gynecologist and general surgeon. “I guess you could say health science is in my blood,” Dr. Millard said.

He chose family practice medicine because he liked the variety it offered, and noticed how much other doctors in this specialty enjoy their work.

Dr. Millard moved to Shelton to follow his love of sailing, and joined Shelton Family Medicine in 1989. In January of 2009 he moved his practice to Olympic Physicians, P.L.L.C., Shelton. Dr. Millard received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1986, and is board-certified in Family Practice and the National Board of Medical Examiners. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Protecting the Safety and Lives of Our Patients RAPID RESPONSE TEAM

By Tom DiDonna, RN, MSN

Mason General Hospital takes patient safety and well being very seriously.

A major advancement in providing a safety net for all of our patients is the implementation of the “Rapid Response Team” or RRT. The team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is deployed when a staff member recognizes patient symptoms that may indicate an impending life-threatening event. The team consists of a critical care nurse, an emergency services nurse, a respiratory therapist, and the house supervisor.

All of the RRT members are experienced and certified in advanced cardiac life support.

The RRT enhances patient care by bringing additional expertise to the patient’s bedside.

When the team responds, it determines what further care is required to prevent a cardiopulmonary arrest. If necessary, the team stabilizes the patient, communicates with the patient’s physician, and assists in transporting the patient to a higher level of care in our critical care unit.

Since the RRT began operating in January of 2008, there have been 14 rapid response calls made by staff. Of the 14 patients, 13 were transferred to the critical care unit, which may have prevented those patients from continuing to deteriorate and suffering cardiopulmonary arrest and possible death.

Mason General Hospital has a cardiopulmonary arrest team that responds to an arrested patient, but our goal is to recognize early signs and symptoms that may indicate a potential arrest in order to and prevent it from occurring.

Studies provided by the Institute of Health Improvement reveal specific, yet often subtle, changes in a patient’s condition just prior to them experiencing an arrest. When our staff recognizes these changes, they call for the RRT to investigate and decide what the next steps should be to prevent further deterioration in the patient’s condition.

Developing the RRT took plenty of planning, cooperation, and training from a multitude of staff, with the full support of the senior leadership team. Our goal is one of continuous quality improvement − which results in lives saved.

Mason General Hospital’s staff is an active participant in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s 100,000 Lives Campaign. This campaign is a nationwide effort to reduce the number of unintended deaths by 100,000 hospitalized patients over an 18-month period, and maintain such progress each year thereafter. The entire staff at Mason General Hospital shares in the efforts and goals of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement with ‘patient well being’ as priority number one!

Local Nursing Scholarships Awarded

Sarah Brownstein, Shelton High School, Sara Huang, Shelton High School, Diane Hermanson, R.N.C., Mason General Hospital, and Teryssa Toppano, Mary M. Knight High School – all received a nursing/medical scholarship from MGH’s Auxiliary. The girls were honored at the Auxiliary’s annual luncheon in May. Ms. Brownstein plans a career in physical therapy, with Ms. Huang and Ms. Toppano planning to study nursing. Ms. Hermanson will use the scholarship to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

Cramped Travel Can Cause Clots Persons who traveled long-distance – whether by air, car, bus, or train – had a two-fold increased risk of developing a blood clot, according to a population-based case control study. The risk was highest in the first week after travel.

Because the risk was higher for all forms of travel, the researchers believe that immobilization was a major factor. Short people and tall people had an even higher risk – presumably because the tall subjects were more cramped and the short ones were more subject to compression of leg veins because their legs did not reach the floor.

Prevention involves drinking plenty of fluids and getting up every hour or so to move around and stretch the legs. [SOURCE: Suzanne C. Cannegieter, et al, “Travel-related venous thrombosis: results from a large population-based case control study (MEGA study),” Public Library of Science Medicine, September, 2008]

“Safety First”

Oakland Bay Junior High Learns CPR

at MGH “We take every possible action to protect

and promote the health of the people...” is very real at MGH, and includes not only your health and well being, but your safety. Here is a list of some of the “behind the scenes” actions compiled by MGH’s Safety Team, to assure your safety at MGH: • Safe, Clean Floors: We choose flooring with good, slip-resistant qualities, and keep it clean with environmentally-friendly and effective sanitizers.

• Safe, Clean Equipment: Rooms and equipment are thoroughly cleaned after each patient use.

• Clean Hands: Staff wash/sanitize their hands before touching you. You are encouraged to verify this by asking staff if they have washed their hands if you don’t see them doing it.

• Clean and Comfortable Air: Our air is filtered and adjusted to provide correct temperature, humidity, pressure, and directional flows.

• Fire and Safety: Staff practice and are skilled in fire response methods. The building and systems are maintained to immediately detect and extinguish a fire and to prevent the spread of fire or smoke. Our patient care areas are at ground level. Despite a lack of space, we keep our hallways clear.

• Safe Patient-Moving Equipment: MGH is one of the leaders in the industry in having “state of the art” patient-handling equipment, to provide safe and secure transfers to and from beds or chairs.

• Security: While MGH is a facility with doors open to the public, access is controlled after visiting hours, and we can “lock down” instantly at any time with an automatic door-locking system that prevents entry from the outside unless authorized by staff.

Infant abduction is controlled by a banding system that sounds an alarm and locks doors when bands are moved or removed in an unauthorized manner, which also initiates a staff code response.

• Rounds: While your medical condition is being monitored by staff, so is your safety.

Staff are proactively watching for your needs by making regular visits just to see how things are going. In addition to all the usual and routine medical concerns, staff are empowered and you are encouraged to report anything that “just doesn’t feel right.”

This includes the feelings of family members and visitors.

Sherry Curtis, certified nursing assistant, monitor tech and education assistant at MGH, instructs students from Oakland Bay Junior High School in administering CPR. The students in Mrs. Lytle’s Leadership class spent the morning at MGH learning CPR skills, and in the afternoon they went back to OBJH and, together, taught 10 more students. “This way, we train the trainers,” said Tom DiDonna, R.N., education coordinator at MGH. “We train 10 students and then they train 10 students, and in one day we have 100 more CPR-trained volunteers. It is such an effective program.”

Barbara Lazowicki, environmental services, is one of the many EVS staff members who help to keep the hallway floors clean and free from clutter. “Open and clean hallways are very important to patient safety,” said David Pearch, safety manager at MGH.

•

Condition Help or “Condition H”: We also have a formalized response if you, a family member, or a visitor feel something is wrong and the nurse doesn’t seem to be responding. Just call “O” for the house operator from any hospital phone, state the problem and the location, and the house nursing supervisor will come and evaluate the situation and take further action, as needed.

Welcom e to It will be the

Welcome Shelton Family Medicine

the

sam e gr eat car ea su sua l–

John V. Butler, M.D. Board Certified Family Practice

Call for your appointment

to the family of Mason General Hospital.

f am

ily...

sam e do ctors , staff,

hours, and location.

Bonnie J. Davis, M.D. Board Certified Family Practice

(360) 426-2653

Timothy J. Weber, M.D. Board Certified Doris H. Wilson, M.D. Family Practice Family Practice 939 Mtn. View Dr., Ste. 100, Shelton, WA

Hours: M-F: clinic opens at 8 a.m. Call for evening & weekend hours.

Physician Assistants: Resa Delaney, PA-C Katie Hackney, PA-C

News Briefs… ...Congratulations to MGH “Employee of the Month” for May – Patty Binion, materials; and June – Barb Parker, R.N., intensive care unit. ...Treasures Thrift Store recognized “Volunteer of the Month” for March – Kim Davis; and April – Judy Lucero. Congratulations! ... Mason General Hospital has a diabetes nurse educator at the Skokomish Tribe Health Clinic on the second Wednesday afternoon of each month. For more information call MGH’s Diabetes Wellness Center at (360) 427-7332 (from Allyn (360) 275-8614). ... If diabetes is a part of your life, plan to attend Mason General Hospital’s three-day session entitled, “Living Well With Diabetes.” The three consecutive days are September 8, 9, and 10 in the Ellinor Room at MGH, starting at 9 a.m. Due to space limitations, advanced registration is required. Most health insurance covers a significant portion of this service.

For more information call (360) 427-7332 (from Allyn (360) 275-8614). …Volunteers, Robert Kimbel and Robert Hayek were recently honored by Treasures Thrift Store for their hours of service. Kimbel has more than 5,000 hours over the past four years, and Hayek has 2,244 hours over the past year. “I enjoy my job, as I get to deal with people, sort books, and help Mason General Hospital,” said Hayek. Kimbel helps with the unloading and sorting of donations in the back room. In addition to clothing, Treasures Thrift Store also sells household items, furniture, collectibles, and jewelry. New merchandise is also available. Treasures Too, book store, two doors down from the main store, includes several hundred books and collectibles. ...Auxiliary Gives $3,500 to Hospital Departments - MGH’s Auxiliary gave five checks to five different hospital department managers during its annual meeting in May. The checks were presented by Auxiliary President, Mary Anne Munson. The departments receiving the checks, which totaled $3,500, were – laboratory, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, culinary and nutrition, and environmental services.

Are you ready for this?

Let’s get you back on top of your game for Spring.

Dr. King is accepting new patients at Mason General Hospital Shelton Orthopedics, located right next to MGH – where you can have your surgery “close to home”.

Specializing in hip and knee joint replacement, sports injury procedures, surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, and wrist, hand, acute knee and ankle injuries, as well as arthroscopic procedures, Dr. King is here to provide expert orthopedic care.

939 Mountain View Dr, Suite 130 Shelton, WA

David C. King, M.D Board Certified, American Board of Orthopedics

(360) 427- 0663 Accepting New Patients

Employee Focus: Live, Learn, Work at MGH Linda Geary Environmental Services/Safety Linda Geary, secretary in environmental services and safety, enjoys working at MGH for many reasons. “I enjoy the work and the employees. Everyone works hard to help each other out.” Linda noted that one of the reasons she has stayed at MGH for the past 12 years is the sense of camaraderie among the staff. “Employees choose to stay here because of the people – we really like each other!”

Community Helps Welcome New Physicians Every year, MGH, Green Diamond, and Simpson host a “Physician Reception” to welcome the new doctors to the area.

This year’s event was held in April.

MGH wants to thank the following businesses* for their generosity: Shelton Athletic Shelton/Mason Club County Chamber of Commerce Cutter’s Edge (brochures, maps, Barber Shop etc.)

Steph’s Espresso Our Community Cooper Studios Credit Union Peninsula Community Olympic Gallery & Custom Federal Credit Union Framing, LLC URRACO Coffee Co. Shelton Cinemas Steven’s Fine Dining Alderbrook Resort Angela’s Beauty Blooms By The Boutique Park Balance Day Spa Walter Dacon Sage Book Store Wines Hoodsport Winery Sensaria EJ’s Glass Company Taylor Shellfish Farms Lynch Creek Floral Bob’s Tavern Ferguson Flowers & Gifts Mary Martha’s Mariano Fine Jewelry Anytime Fitness & Design Olsen Furniture DocLinks *List compiled as Vern’s Restaurant of May 1, 2009

“Day of Caring”– See the Difference

Staff Collects Food for Food Bank

O

n June 23, 2009, United Way of Mason County, with the cooperation of community partners, is hosting a “Day of Caring,” to take on projects requested by local health and human services agencies. For more information, or if you would like to form a team to help, contact United Way of Mason County at 426-4999 or email uway3@hctc.com.

Strong Quads Mean Healthier Knees If you want to keep your knees healthy for many years, pay attention to quadriceps muscles in the front of your thighs and keep them strong.

In a 30-minute study of 256 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, subjects with the strongest quad muscles were least likely to lose cartilage along the side of the knee, the most common site of arthritis. They also had less pain and were more physically active than subjects with weaker quads. [SOURCE: “Longevity Facts,” Johns Hopkins Medical Letter, April, 2009; Arthritis & Rheumatism, vol. 60, p. 189]

When Arthritis is a Pain in the Neck

Jen Capps, chief development officer, and Marie Gofigan, administrative assistant to the COO, help Ern Brown, Matlock Food Bank, load his van with more than 400 pounds of food collected at MGH in honor of National Hospital Week. Staff members were encouraged to bring in three non-perishable food items apiece to care for those in our county who are going through tough times.

X-rays taken of men and women as young as age 40 often show signs of osteoarthritis of the neck. This is mainly due to age-related wear and tear, and the person may have no symptoms or only minor neck pain and stiffness that develops later.

In about 10 percent of cases, on the other hand, arthritis of the neck is severe enough to impinge on nerves, causing symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, legs and feet, difficulty walking, lack of coordination, and loss of bladder or bowel control.

Be sure to see a doctor if you have neck pain that gets worse,doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medications, or is associated with numbness in your arms or legs.

[SOURCE: Mayo Clinic Staff, “Cervical Spondylosis,” MayoClinic.com, February 27, 2008]

Hate taking tests? Take it easy.

Think close, convenient, & fast... MGH! Lab NOW open at 6 a.m. M–F

Lab Services @ *To monitor Warfarin/ Coumadin levels per physician orders.

Spring is calling...

“Come outside and play!”

Blood test… urine test… *finger stick protime test… whatever the doctor requires… drop-in at Mason General Hospital’s Lab to get your tests done. It’s close, convenient, and no appointment is necessary. Now open from 6 a.m. Monday to Friday. Your results can be sent to your physician electronically.

We’ll help you get into Spring.

(360) 426-3102 247 Professional Way Shelton, WA Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Physicals: camp, sports, & school • Immunizations (including HPV & Rotavirus) • Well-baby checkups • Free prenatal consultations • Convenient “Electronic” medical records • Accepting new patients – birth thru 18 years

A Birth Center Nurse’s ‘Labor of Love’

Women’s Health Center Soon to be “Family” M

Fran Hammack, R.N., is a remarkable lady.

At 73, she is a dedicated and valued nurse at Mason General Hospital – and an inspiration to both nurses and seniors. A registered nurse since 1956, Fran now works at MGH’s Birth Center on an “as needed” basis for labor and delivery. She also leads the way with her recent achievements in the electronic world. Over the past two and a half years, Fran has learned MGH’s Meditech program (electronic medical record keeping), The Birth Center’s Perinatal Centricity program, contributing to the hospital’s status among the “most wired” hospitals, nationwide. Prior to this, Fran had no computer skills outside of her email.

ason General Hospital recently signed an agreement to purchase Mountain View Women’s Health Center (MVWHC) – a local gynecology and obstetrics clinic in Shelton, founded in 1994 by Jonathan A. Gold, M.D. The acquisition takes effect July 1, 2009.

In the announcement, Bob Appel, CEO of MGH stated, “Over the years, Dr. Gold has built a clinic that has an outstanding reputation. We, at MGH, want to continue the delivery of care that the women of Mason County have grown to depend on. We are thrilled that the transition will be seamless, as the staff and other physicians at Mountain View Women’s Health Center resume the high level of patient care established by Dr. Gold. Dr. Gold is moving his family to California, and he will be missed. We wish him the best.”

Physicians, Lystra B. Wilson-Celestine and Nkem Nwosa, currently working at MVWHC, will remain on staff caring for women with gynecological and obstetrical needs. Some of the services they provide include obstetrical care – general and high risk; well-woman care; family planning; 3-D ultrasound, peri-menopausal/menopausal care; bone density testing; gynecological surgery; urinary incontinence and UTIs; and infertility services.

Mountain View Women’s Health Center joins Mason General Hospital’s family of clinics that include MGH Shelton Orthopedics, MGH Surgery Clinic, MGH Eye Clinic, Oakland Bay Pediatrics, and Shelton Family Medicine.

Lavarse Las Manos: Una manera fácil de evitar una infección Lavarse las manos es un hábito sencillo que muchas personas realizan sin pensarlo. Y además el lavarse las manos de una forma efectiva ayuda a mantenerse sano.

Aun cuando se ha comprobado los beneficios de lavarse las manos muchas personas no tienen este habito – y no se lavan las manos aun después de ir al baño. Durante el día se acumulan los gérmenes en sus manos, ya sea teniendo contacto directo con otras personas, superficies contaminadas, comida, animales y desecho de animales. Si no se lava las manos frecuentemente usted puede infectarse con estos gérmenes al tocarse los ojos, nariz y / o boca.

Y puede además contagiar estos gérmenes a otras personas ya sea tocándolos o tocando superficies que ellos tocaran.

Las enfermedades infecciosas que se pueden contagiar con gérmenes son la gripe común, la influenza e infecciones de diarrea.

También puede trasmitirse la salmonela, E cola que causan nausea, vomito y diarrea.

Forma Efectiva de Lavarse las Manos Mojarse las manos con agua y agregar jabón liquido o una barra de jabón limpia.

Cubrir toda la mano y entre los dedos de jabón, incluyendo las uñas y frotar el jabón por 15 a 20 segundos.

Enjuagar bien Secar las manos con una toalla de papel limpia.

Usar la toalla de papel para cerrar el lavabo y abrir la puerta del baño.

Después tirar a la basura.

También se puede utilizar gel desinfectante para manos con alcohol (60% alcohol).

“La Vitamina D- La Vitamina De Los Rayos Del Sol” Informacion interesante sobre la vitamina d: La Vitamina D es una hormona producida por muestra piel además de ser una vitamina.

La mayoría de los norteamericanos tienen un nivel bajo en la sangre de vitamina D. Se ha encontrado que la falta de Vitamina D puede causar un riesgo mayor a la artritis, cáncer, diabetes del tipo 1 y 2, presión alta, enfermedades infecciosas, esclerosis múltiple, enfermedad de los huesos, fibromialgia y otros problemas de salud.

Para las personas que viven en Washington y en otras áreas de países del hemisferio norte nuestra piel no puede producir la vitamina D durante el invierno, aun en un día soleado y puede ser que no produzcamos lo suficiente durante el verano.

La cantidad que nuestro cuerpo produce de Vitamina D disminuye con la edad.

El usar bloqueadores para el sol disminuye en un 99% la producción del cuerpo de la vitamina D. La obesidad aumenta la necesidad de la vitamina D ya que se guarda en las células de grasa.

La mayoría de los alimentos no proveen las cantidades necesarias de vitamina D.

El Hospital Compra La Clinica de la Familia de Shelton A

partir de Abril 1 2009, la Clínica de la Familia de Shelton – fundada por el Dr. John V. Butler y el Dr. Timothy J. Weber en 1978 y 1977 – se une a la familia de Clínicas y al Hospital General de Mason.

La clínica tiene servicios para toda la familia que incluyen pediatría, cuidado de adultos y ancianos; ginecología y tratamientos para las mujeres y pruebas para la osteoporosis y huesos.

“Los Doctores Butler y Weber han construido y formado una clínica que ha proveído servicios a la comunidad por 10 años” dijo el Director del Hospital General de Mason Bob Appel. “Pensamos continuar el gran trabajo que se ha realizado y mantener la buena reputación”.

Los médicos y empleados de la clínica seguirán siendo los mismos, así como las horas de la clínica y el tipo de seguro medico que se acepta, incluyendo Group health. Otros de los médicos en la clínica incluyen la Dra. Doris H. Wilson, la Dra. Bonnie J. Davis y las asistentes medicas Resa Delaney y Katie Hackney.

Viajar en una posición limitada puede causar coágulos Las personas que viajan largas distancias – ya sea en coche, avión, autobús o tren – tenían mayor riesgo de desarrollar un coagulo de sangre según un estudio basado en casos en la población.

Como el riesgo estaba basado en cualquier tipo de forma de viaje entonces los investigadores creen que un factor importante es la falta movilización. Las personas pequeñas y las personas muy altas tenían un riesgo más alto debido a que las personas altas están más apretadas en el espacio y las personas pequeñas tienen presión en las venas debido a que sus piernas no alcanzan a tocar el suelo.

La prevención incluye el tomar muchos líquidos y levantarse para caminar y mover las piernas cada hora. [SOURCE: Suzanne C. Cannegieter, et

al, “Travel-related venous thrombosis: results from a large population-based case control study (MEGA study),” Public Library of Science Medicine, September, 2008]

Hacer ejercicio ayuda a mantener saludable el cuerpo Ha realizado ejercicios durante su vida, entonces puede esperar tener una larga vida y mantener los músculos en buen estado para prevenir incapacidades relacionadas con el envejecimiento. La contracción rápida de los músculos que es muy importante en muchas actividades atléticas es también muy importante para las personas mayores para poder recuperarse de una pérdida de balance y así prevenir caídas.

Un estudio encontró que los atletas que realizan ejercicio para tener mejor condición física durante toda su vida como los corredores y los que realizan entrenamientos de fuerza tenían mejores músculos y fuerza que las personas que no entrenan. Sin embargo las personas que entrenan para tener fuerza en comparación a los que entrenan para tener mejor condición preservan mejor sus músculos y tienen mejor contracción rápida de los músculos. [SOURCE: Per Aagaard, et al, “Mechanical muscle function, morphol-

ogy, and fiber type in lifelong trained elderly,” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, November, 2007]

Mason General Hospital POB 1668 Shelton, WA 98584

ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID OLYMPIA, WA PERMIT NO. 78

Approved by the Joint Commission 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.

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

Business Office: Office hours: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Spanish Translator Available. Located at Gateway Center, 2505 Olympic Hwy N., Suite 460, (360) 427-9547 Mason General Hospital: Visiting hours: 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., daily. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) visiting hours: special hours on a patient-by-patient basis, call for Unit hours. Located at:

Treasures Thrift Store Fashion Show

Focus on Board-Certified Physicians continued from page 1… certified. Physicians who complete all the requirements to become certified are considered ‘board-eligible’ until they take the examination to make them ‘board-certified’. Most certificates expire within seven to ten years, and require a re-examination to renew their status.

When the designation, ‘Board Certified’ appears after a physician’s name, there is an assurance that a high standard of training and skill has been attained, which says a lot for the quality of healthcare you are being offered. Mason General Hospital is pleased that their physicians are either board certified or board eligible. Just another way of saying, “Where caring counts. Feel the difference.”

Times may be tough, but not at Treasures Thrift

Store in Shelton. Donations are up, especially in high-end merchandise, and as a result, they were able to host a Fashion Show in May – featuring donated clothing. Proceeds went to MGH. Coordinator of the Fashion Show was Debra DeVore-Nelson. Debra is holding one of the many ‘designer’ articles of clothing sold at the Fashion Show. This piece is a woman’s green wool suit by Donatella Versace, in size 8.

901 Mountain View Drive, PO Box 1668, Shelton, WA 98584-5001, (360) 426-1611, from Allyn (360) 275-8614. Serving the medical needs of Mason County since 1968.

Accredited by the Joint Commission. TTY/TTD: (360) 427-9593.

Translation Services Provided. Se habla español. Equal Opportunity Provider.

Administration: Bob Appel, chief executive officer; Eric Moll, chief administrative officer; Saad Al Alou, M.D., chief of staff; Nancy Trucksess, commissioner/president; Scott Hilburn and Don Wilson, commissioners.

2300 Kati Court Suite C Shelton, WA