2015 Fall HealthQuest

HealthQuest FALL 2015

A publication of

Skagit Regional Health

Antibiotics Know when you need them; know when you don’t 6

Welcome New primary care,

specialty providers join Skagit Regional Clinics 17

Get back in the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine specialists help you return to action 4 Par Tee’s record year; A Board in Action

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SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION I N PA R T N E R SH I P W I T H

ASSOCIATED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS PR E SE N T T H E 27 T H A N N UA L

To continually

Improve Gala & Auction Gala sponsored by Heritage Bank

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2015 5:30 p.m.

Saint Joseph Center 215 North 15th Street, Mount Vernon

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Breakfast in Wonderland 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Food Services of America

FamilyFestival Day 12 noon - 5:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Skagit Bank

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29

FamilyFestival Day

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Thomas Cuisine Management

FOR INFORMATION AND TICKETS: Call 360-814-5747 or visit skagitregionalhealth.org/Hospital-Foundation PROCEEDS BENEFIT SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH’S SKAGIT VALLEY KIDNEY CENTER

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At Skagit Regional Health, we do more than just talk about our mission and vision, we live and work by them every day. Our mission “To continually improve the health of our communities, serving with compassion and respect, one person at a time” reflects on our drive to help people be well and live well.

Our role in the health of the community goes well beyond taking care of people when they are sick or injured; it also includes helping people manage chronic illness and learning prevention and lifestyle choices to avoid the onset of illness in the future.

As noted in our vision, “Skagit Regional Health will transform health care by improving access, service, quality and efficiency in support of our goal of healthier communities.”

This effort goes well beyond Skagit Regional Health — it involves dozens of partners in the community with the same goals in mind for the health of our population. We are working with cities, counties, schools, providers, agencies and others to better understand the health care needs of our communities and create plans to meet those needs. We are also intent on building a health care workforce for the future that represents the diversity of our communities.

With our mission and vision as our backbone, we continue to grow and advance medicine in the region.

Our partnerships with UW Medicine and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics are key components of our efforts to expand access and bring the latest in technology and services to our patients.

Our Graduate Medical Education program continues to grow – we currently have 26 residents in Family and Internal Medicine in our program.

These are practicing physicians who are continuing their training.

We also have 22 thirdand fourth-year medical students in training. These are our providers of the future.

We also continue to bring in new providers. We recruited 33 new providers in 2014 and have recruited 25 more through July of this year to help provide access to primary and specialty care.

Health care is a rapidly changing landscape and we have lots going on to meet the challenges. Most importantly, we keep our mission and vision of creating healthy communities at the heart of all we do.

Gregg Agustín Davidson, FACHE Chief Executive Officer

Photo by Thom Reese

FALL 2015 / VOLUME 12 / ISSUE 3

HealthQuest HealthQuest is published three times a year by Skagit Regional Health and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

WHERE TO FIND US In Person:

Main Skagit Valley Hospital entrance located on Hospital Parkway in Mount Vernon.

By Mail:

P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Phone: 360-424-4111 Fax: 360-814-2416

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On the Web:

Orthopedics and Sports Medicine specialists help you return to action

www.skagitregionalhealth.org

Find a Doctor Phone Line:

360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850

SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS Anacortes: 360-293-0308 Anacortes Urology: 360-293-2173 Camano Island: 360-387-5398 Cardiology: 360-336-9757 Mount Vernon: 360-428-2500 Oak Harbor: 360-639-3093 Residency Clinic: 360-814-6230 Riverbend: 360-814-6800 Sedro-Woolley: 360-856-4222 Stanwood: 360-629-1600

CASCADE SKAGIT HEALTH ALLIANCE Arlington: 360-618-5000

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For additional copies of HealthQuest or more information, contact Outreach and Media Coordinator Linda Wright at 360-814-2325 or go to our Web site at www.skagitregionalhealth.org.

Welcome

New primary care, specialty providers join Skagit Regional Clinics 24

Record year for the Par Tee; See the Board in Action

Phone: 360-814-2146 Fax: 360-814-2445

360-814-8148

Affiliation

Skagit Regional Health, UW Medicine and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics work together

By Phone:

THE BREAST INSTITUTE

Antibiotics

Know when you need them; know when you don’t

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTER In Person: 307 South 13th St., Ste. 100 Mount Vernon, WA

Get back in the game

Cover Photo

Orthopedic Surgeons Michael Thomas, MD, Michael Picco, DO and Richard Williamson, MD, are part of the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team at Skagit Regional Clinics.

HealthQuest Classes

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HealthQuest Classes

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HealthQuest Class

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Stanwood and Camano Island Mount Vernon Registration

Photo by Kelsey Damon

Fall 2015

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READY FOR

Football player Noah Saunders’ first football game during his junior year at Mount Vernon High School was one that he won’t soon forget. In the third quarter, the defensive lineman took a hard hit to his knee. At the time, Noah didn’t know that it would be his last game of the season.

After several weeks on crutches, he returned to football practice, but his knee quickly began hurting again. Noah tried physical therapy, but ultimately made an appointment with Skagit Regional Clinics’ orthopedic surgeon Christopher Kweon, MD. “Knee injuries can lead to a variety of symptoms,” explained Dr. Kweon. “Sometimes there is just pain, sometimes the knee feels unstable, sometimes it cannot bend or straighten normally; other times it will swell and be uncomfortable.”

After examining Noah, Dr. Kweon’s diagnosis was a torn meniscus.

“Dr. Kweon knew within the first five minutes,” said Noah’s mother, Robyn, of her son’s diagnosis.

After an MRI to confirm the diagnosis, Dr. Kweon provided Noah with multiple treatment options.

When Dr. Kweon explained the different surgical approaches, Noah thought of how he would feel as an adult and didn’t want to be 40 with a bad knee. He decided to have

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gets back in the game his meniscus repaired rather than having the damaged tissue removed.

This method meant a longer recovery, which was difficult for the active teenager, but would likely yield better long-term results.

“I appreciated that Dr. Kweon had Noah’s future in mind and didn’t just fix his knee for the moment,” said his mother.

Recovery required hard work in physical therapy to build back muscle strength.

Several months after his surgery, Noah is able to participate in the activities he enjoyed before his injury. “I’m happy to be healthy again,” Noah said.

Noah recently returned for his senior year at Mount Vernon High School, ready to play football again. “I’m passionate about football,” he said. “You shouldn’t let an injury get in the way of something that makes you happy.”

Following graduation, Noah would like to go to culinary arts school to become a chef. He also hopes to assist the MVHS football team in the coming years.

Expert orthopedic and sports medicine care is available at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend. To schedule an appointment, call 360-814-BONE.

Michael Thomas, MD Michael Thomas, MD is the newest addition to the SRC Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team. Dr. Thomas has more than 16 years of surgical experience and takes pride in providing high quality care. He is a graduate of University of Health Sciences/ The Chicago Medical School.

He went on to Swedish Medical Center in Seattle to complete an internship followed by orthopedic residency at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. Dr. Thomas’ special interests include joint replacement of the hip and knee, knee arthroscopy, rotator cuff pathology, hand overuse and traumatic injury (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, trigger digits, hand fractures), fracture care and rehabilitation, athletic injuries and Sports Medicine.

SRC OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE FOR THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

• Joint replacement services: hip, shoulder and knee

• Minimally invasive

(arthroscopic) surgery

• Sports injury management for

competitive and recreational athletes

• Fracture care for children and adults • Pediatric orthopedic care LEFT: Orthopedic Surgeons Richard Williamson, MD, Michael Picco, DO and Christopher Kweon, MD are part of the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team at Skagit Regional Clinics.

Fall 2015

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Know when you need antibiotics

(and when you don’t)

By Mark R. Wallace, MD, Infectious Disease specialist

The development of effective antibiotics represents one of the greatest scientific advances in human history. These diverse groups of drugs kill harmful microbes (germs) with minimal toxicity to the infected patient, and have saved untold millions of lives over the past 70 years.

These drugs once seemed to be a “silver bullet,” capable of eradicating infectious diseases in both humans and livestock. Some experts predicted the elimination of infectious disease by the end of the 20th century.

Unfortunately, those predictions proved too good to be true. The last 50 years have been marked by the emergence of antibiotic resistance in many common bacteria which cause human infection. Examples include drug resistant staph (MRSA or “mersa”), Salmonella, gonorrhea, and E coli. Drug resistant bacteria have developed partly because of the inherent capability of bacteria to mutate, but also because of the overuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock. When antibiotics are overprescribed, bacteria get additional opportunities to develop and select for mutations to overcome our antibiotics.

Over the past decade, efforts to limit antibiotic use to situations when they are absolutely needed have been developed. Such initiatives are termed stewardship programs, and

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typically involve hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. It is estimated that one third of all antibiotic drug use is unnecessary, and such misuse directly contributes to the development of drug resistant bacteria. Common situations where antibiotics are misused include when they are used to treat colds and bronchitis, most of which are caused by viruses and will not be helped by antibacterial drugs. Another common area of over prescription is possible with urinary tract infections.

Many older people have bacteria in their urine but no symptoms of a bladder or kidney infection; this is normal and does not require therapy, but many doctors go ahead and treat this harmless situation with antibiotics. In other circumstances, doctors may use unnecessary broad antibiotics (“big guns”) when a narrow spectrum, older antibiotic like penicillin or amoxicillin would do just as well. This will inevitably lead to the rapid loss of the more powerful, broad spectrum antibiotics, a situation now growing critical in many parts of the world.

Here at Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Clinics we are implementing aggressive measures to limit unneeded antibiotic use. We attempt, through provider education and prescriber feedback, to limit the use of broad spectrum antibiotics to circumstances where they are absolutely needed, and use narrower

spectrum drugs when possible. We also use newer laboratory tests to help us avoid excessively long courses of antibiotics, which may also lead to the development of resistance. In the near future we plan to meet with the medical leadership of the local skilled nursing facilities to coordinate community efforts to use antibiotics more effectively.

Consumers can play a vital role in antibiotic stewardship. If your health care provider informs you that your cold, bronchitis or sinus infection does not warrant antibiotics, don’t insist on a prescription anyway “just in case” a bacteria might be involved.

Such infections are usually viral and the unneeded antibiotic may cost you in money or side effects. Worse, it may increase community antibiotic pressure and favor the development of ever more difficult to treat bacteria in the near future.

Antibiotics continue to have a vital place in modern medicine but we must work together to avoid the premature loss of this precious group of drugs. Bacteria are clever and will eventually overcome our best agents, but we need to prolong the life of each antimicrobial drug as long as possible while researchers continue to produce new, novel compounds to aid in our struggles against diseasecausing microbes.

Skagit Regional Clinics Infectious Disease Specialist Mark Wallace, MD has nearly 30 years of experience, including training and working in Panama, South Africa, Uganda, Bahrain and Somalia.

Q Antibiotics A AND

Q: How should I use antibiotics to protect myself and my community from antibiotic resistance?

A: Here is what you can do to help prevent antibiotic resistance:

Tell your healthcare professional you are concerned about antibiotic resistance.

Ask your healthcare professional if there are steps you can take to feel better and get symptomatic relief without using antibiotics.

Take the prescribed antibiotic exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.

Discard any leftover medication.

Ask your healthcare professional about vaccines recommended for you and your family to prevent infections that may require an antibiotic.

Never skip doses or stop taking an antibiotic early unless your healthcare professional tells you to do so.

Never take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or the flu.

Never pressure your healthcare professional to prescribe an antibiotic.

Never save antibiotics for the next time you get sick.

Never take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.

For more information, go to www.choosingwisely.org

Worker’s Health A Common Goal

By James Laurino, MD Occupational Medicine Specialist

Both the employee and employer have a common interest in the goal of keeping employees healthy. The employee needs to maintain health to keep his or her job in order to support themselves. The employer needs healthy employees to get the tasks of their business completed.

Skagit Regional Clinics has occupational medicine physicians to help obtain this common goal.

Occupational medicine is the only specialty in healthcare that works with both the employee and employer to coordinate the treatment of a person injured on the job.

All workers are insured by law under the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries rules, which gives special permission for doctors to communicate injury treatment and progress to the employer.

This allows doctors to inform the employer of the nature, extent and progress of an employee’s illness or injury that was caused by the job duties the employee must perform.

There are many reasons why this three-party cooperation works to benefit everyone:

• Medical bills

are paid out of the Worker’s Compensation Fund.

• Occupational medicine specialists are

trained to determine when an illness or injury is indeed connected to the job.

• The employee has a doctor who is

authorized to set work restrictions and accommodate any temporary disability.

• Any documentation required can

be promptly and easily submitted electronically to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

• The employee has a provider who can communicate the status of treatment and recovery so that proper return-towork protocol can be put in place.

Ultimately, working with an occupational medicine specialist reduces uncertainty and anxiety with employers and injured or ill employees.

James Laurino, MD is an Occupational Medicine specialist with Skagit Regional Clinics. For more information, go to www.srclinics.org or call 360-657-8700.

Fall 2015

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The Breast Institute:

How Does it Work?

By Michal Whiton, MD, Radiation Oncologist There are few patients who require input from more experts than the newly diagnosed patient with breast cancer. For what was once considered a single disease is now understood to be an incredibly large and varied family of diseases, whose only common trait is the site of origin – in the breast.

Unique combinations of treatments are required for the various subtypes of breast cancer, making coordination between multiple specialties extremely important.

Breast cancer treatment began over a century ago with surgery alone, but has expanded to a virtual orchestra of expertise that includes breast imaging specialists, pathologists, geneticists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, and physical therapists with expertise in managing lymphedema.

Research has shown that when the coordination of care between specialists is optimized, it produces better outcomes and better patient experiences.

Oncologist Theodore Kim, DO, established The Breast Institute at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center in 2009. With a generous grant from the Safeway Foundation, the program is designed to increase our community’s access to coordinated multidisciplinary breast cancer care, offer wellness surveillance visits for survivors, and provide education for our community in all aspects of breast health. For those diagnosed with breast cancer, the goal of The Breast Institute is to help guide patients through the complex system of cancer care as simply as possible, while also coordinating the critical discussion between specialists regarding the best path of treatment.

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Here’s how it works. After a patient undergoes a biopsy that confirms the presence of breast cancer, the next step is for the patient to be referred to The Breast Institute by calling the patient navigator at 360-814-8236. The patient navigator immediately calls the new patient, and begins coordinating appointments with a surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist. These three appointments are essential so that a patient understands what kind of treatment each specialty provides, and the likely timing of their specific treatment. The new patient’s case is then presented at a weekly Breast Institute conference, where imaging and biopsy results are reviewed by the group of specialists who discuss consideration of genetic testing, further imaging studies such as breast MRI, surgical and reconstructive options, and in some cases, the use of chemotherapy prior to any surgical intervention. Further testing – if needed – is then arranged, results are again reviewed with the group, and a final personalized management plan is developed which represents a consensus of all involved specialists.

As the new director of The Breast Institute, my hope is that this closely

coordinated care between specialists will help decrease the anxiety and stress that many patients experience, particularly in the immediate days after a breast cancer diagnosis.

What I believe sets our program apart is that our patient navigator, Dominique Dailly, not only helps patients with the logistics of multiple appointments, but also acts as a sounding board for them, offering advice, guidance, support, and a single point of contact for absolutely any question as the journey unfolds, so that no patient feels at any moment that they don’t know who to call.

The Breast Institute program has received accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the American College of Radiology, and is recognized as a center of excellence by the American College of Surgeons.

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center is a network member of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, which is a partnership between the world-renowned Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s. This close relationship with the experts at the SCCA provides physicians and their patients with access to clinical trials and the latest breast cancer research.

Women’s Health & Wellness Event Skagit Valley Hospital October 21 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Pink-O-Ween: Mammogram Event Skagit Radiology October 31 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Five facts about prostate cancer

In honor of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Skagit Regional Clinics urologist Sandra Hadjinian, MD shares the following five important facts about the disease:

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Prostate cancer is the most common type of urologic cancer.

The American Cancer Society reports that 220,800 new cases of prostate cancer are reported in the United States each year. One in seven American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

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Prostate cancer may not present with any symptoms.

Early prostate cancer is not typically symptomatic, said Dr. Hadjinian; however, more advanced prostate cancer may cause urinary symptoms such as weak stream or blood in the urine.

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Age, family history and ethnic background are the main risk factors for prostate cancer.

Six in 10 men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are age 65 or older, according to the American Cancer Society. Rarely are men diagnosed before the age of 40. Men of African-American decent have higher incidence of prostate cancer as do men with a family history.

“Research is finding that there may be an association between breast, ovarian, colon, and prostate cancers in terms of family history,” said Dr. Hadjinian.

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Prostate cancer cannot be prevented.

“While prostate cancer cannot be prevented, there are some suggestions that not smoking, eating a wellbalanced diet and avoiding obesity are helpful in reducing your risk,” said Dr. Hadjinian.

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The good news: Prostate cancer is beatable.

Survival rates are the highest when prostate cancer is diagnosed early. The American Urological Association recommends that men ages 55 to 69 speak with their urologist or healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits of testing the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in his blood.

If the PSA level is high, the test may be repeated or a prostate biopsy may be ordered to determine if cancer is present.

“I recommend that patients with risk factors or urinary symptoms be referred to a urologist,” said Dr. Hadjinian. “There are so many nuances that it requires a tailored discussion with each patient. We specialize in this area and can discuss the risks and benefits of screenings.

We can also decipher if urinary symptoms could be coming from something benign.”

Treatment for prostate cancer is dependent upon the grade of the prostate cancer and if the cancer has spread. Three common treatment options include:

• Surveillance of localized cancer under the care of a urologist

• Removal of the prostate gland • Radiation Many factors including age, overall health and the treatment that a man receives can affect his prognosis; however, the American Cancer Society reports that the relative fiveyear survival rate is nearly 100 percent.

To learn more, attend a free Doc Talk about Prostate Cancer presented

by Dr. Hadjinian. For more details, see page 30. To schedule an appointment with a urologist, call 360814-6565. Skagit Regional Clinics offers urology appointments in Mount Vernon, Anacortes and Smokey Point.

SANDRA HADJINIAN, MD completed medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City. She went on to complete residency training at the University of Kansas Medical Center followed by a urologic oncology fellowship at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Her two-year fellowship provided extensive experience treating urologic malignancies, with heavy focus on treating prostate and testicular cancers.

Fall 2015

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Exercise tips for Baby Boomers The baby boomer generation may be getting older, but that does not mean that they have to slow down.

Staying active and healthy in middle age is important for overall health and longevity and can potentially decrease risks for Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other chronic conditions. Lowering risks with exercise now can have enormous benefits later in life and lower related health care expenses.

Remaining physically active as we age may present new problems, aches and pains that were not present in earlier years. However, this should not deter individuals looking to become more active or increase current activity amount.

Aging individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any new, rigorous workouts especially if they have been sedentary for some time. If you are moderately active or looking to increase your activity level, use these tips to help you avoid injury.

WARM UP AND COOL DOWN: Cold muscles are more injury prone. Warm up with simple exercises such as jumping jacks, or walking for five plus minutes, followed by stretching, holding each stretch for 30 seconds. Cooling down after exercise will help muscles recover faster and prepare your body for the next time you exercise.

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CONSISTENCY IS KEY: Avoid “weekend warrior” syndrome squeezing hours worth of activity into two days. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day to keep your body tuned and ready for weekend activities.

LISTEN: With age, one may not realize they are not as limber or quick as they once were. Adjust your activity to meet your body’s needs.

10% RULE: When increasing your activity level, do not increase your activity time, distance, weight, etc. by more than 10% per week.

INVEST: Don’t skimp on proper shoes, equipment or appropriate clothing. Purchase equipment and apparel that is right

for your body, activity and fitness level. Improper equipment, shoes and apparel may not be properly supportive and injury can occur.

CROSS TRAIN: Don’t simply do the same exercise every day.

Incorporating a mix of cardiovascular, flexibility and strength training exercises will provide a total body workout and could lessen your chance for injury. A diverse program could also keep you energized and excited about working out!

FIX YOUR FORM: Whether you’re a beginner or a lifelong participant of your activity, lessons or guidance from a personal trainer are a worthwhile investment. Ensuring proper form when active can reduce risk of injury as well as the risk for developing an overuse injury such as tendinitis or runner’s knee.

KNOW WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR: For mild swelling and discomfort, use the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compress, elevate) method.

If discomfort does not improve within a few days, see your health care provider. Health care providers will properly treat the injury and develop safe return-to-play protocol.

Longtime pharmacist

fills final prescription Clyde “Bud” Chappel is no stranger to the Skagit community. With more than 60 years of practice in the area, the local pharmacist recently retired.

Living in Minnesota as a young man and on the verge of being drafted, Bud wanted to attend college. After receiving notice from the draft board that his educational test scores exempted him from military service, Bud searched for an educational pathway. A good friend, George, suggested pharmacy school.

“I thought that sounded like a pretty good deal! I like the world of pharmacy and the information involved with medication. I felt right at home. Plus, I thought I could work for years until my knees gave out,” Bud said with a laugh. “It turned out to be a real good thing for me.”

After school, Bud’s journey to Skagit County began with the lure of a good college friend, Jack Horn.

“Jack was instrumental in getting me out here. He would always tell me, ‘you’ve gotta come West.’ The hunting, fishing and scenery is all amazing!”

“That was the best thing that happened to me,” Bud said. “My wife and I moved here from Minnesota to make a new life and it turned out so good. I’ll always thank Jack for getting me to make the move.”

Bud began his career in 1955 working for a pharmacy in downtown Mount Vernon. Later, he worked as the first pharmacist at the former Skagit Valley Pharmacy.

From there, Bud purchased, owned and operated a pharmacy in the Stanwood community for 12 years.

After selling the business, he worked at a pharmacy in Burlington and eventually “came full circle” back to Mount Vernon, working the last decade of his career at Skagit Regional Clinics Pharmacy, he said.

Over his career, Bud has seen many changes in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Keeping up with continuing education was so important to me.

I had to work hard because things change so fast. The introduction of drug advertising on television was a big thing. There was a time when you just didn’t see that,” Bud said. The change in pharmaceutical company landscape was also a drastic change he noted. Companies that once specialized in providing specific medications grew and eventually purchased other companies. These conglomerates are what now primarily make up the industry.

“Pharmacy techs were a new thing to me at SRC pharmacy. When

I owned my own pharmacy, it was me and a typewriter. The computer eventually snuck in on us,” Bud joked. “I am so appreciative of the technicians. They are so professional and good at what they do.”

“Skagit Regional Clinics Pharmacy is doing so well. I know the people who work there and I will refer any friend or anyone I know to get their prescriptions filled there. With the national pharmacies, ‘mom and pop’ stores and smaller pharmacies are beginning to be a thing of the past,” he said.

Skagit Regional Clinics Managing Pharmacist Kevin Bingham, RPh said Bud was a role model for customer service.

“We try to keep the ‘mom and pop’-style service at SRC pharmacy and that is something that Bud excelled in,” Bingham said. “He not only provided a vast knowledge of medicine but also had the persona to interact with the public. Our staff love him, the customers love him.

People gravitate to him and he has the demeanor and familiar face that calms and reassures others. It’s hard to find employees like him.”

Fall 2015

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HELP WANTED Discussions focus on creating a pipeline for future health care workers

Skagit Regional Health is working with partners to create a pipeline for the future health care workforce that represents the diversity of our communities.

Skagit Regional Health, Skagit County’s largest employer, is working with the Mount Vernon School District, Burlington-Edison School District, Skagit Valley College and others to create an educational pipeline for bi-lingual students interested in health careers. A similar

program, based on the Recruiting Washington Teachers model, involves students from the Mount Vernon and Burlington-Edison school districts, who attend SVC and go on to Western Washington University to complete their degree in teaching.

In addition, Skagit Regional Health is engaging students of all ages to draw interest in health care by participating in career fairs, Mount Vernon High School Science

Night, YMCA Healthy Kids Day and other community events.

Skagit Regional Health also is a member of the Institute for Diversity in Health Management, an affiliate of the American Hospital Association, committed to helping health care organizations plan for a more diverse future while meeting today’s challenges.

For information go to www. skagitregionalhealth.org/careers.

Administrative Fellow starts year with Skagit Regional Health

In July, Skagit Regional Health welcomed new Administrative Fellow Valarie Simonova, MHPA. Simonova graduated from Washington State University in May with a Master of Health Policy and Administration.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication, also from Washington State University, and has worked in outpatient clinics throughout the last seven years.

“My experience in healthcare gives me insight into what it’s like

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to be out on the floor in a clinical setting. Because I’ve worked from the ground up, I have gained keen appreciation for many aspects of healthcare that has given me a professional edge and experiental learning,” said Simonova.

During her one-year fellowship, Simonova will be working directly with the executive team on a wide variety of projects and will have the opportunity to participate in organizational initiatives.

“We are very excited to be welcoming our new Administrative

Fellow, Valerie Simonova, to Skagit Regional Health. With her extensive clinical experience and enthusiasm for process improvement, she will be a great addition to our organization,” said Jonathan Lyons, preceding Administrative Fellow, who has accepted a position as Manager of Special Projects for Skagit Regional Health.

Simonova’s professional interests include physician relations, human resources and operations. She also spent a summer in West Africa volunteering as an ophthalmic assistant and is fluent in Russian.

Three health care organizations form clinical affiliation UW Medicine, Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics have approved a threeway agreement to form a long-term clinical affiliation to enhance access to high-quality medical care for residents of the region.

UW Medicine will enter into a long-term affiliation with Skagit and Cascade. In addition, Skagit Regional Health will enter into a long-term lease of Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics, with Skagit Regional Health running the operations, finances, dayto-day management and governance of the hospital in Arlington and affiliated clinics. Decisions regarding details and final timing for the agreements are in process.

“UW Medicine, Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics share a common

value to improve the health of the community,” said Paul Ramsey, MD, chief executive officer of UW Medicine. “The combined efforts of UW Medicine and Skagit will benefit the entire region. We are excited to continue and enhance our relationships and work with Skagit and Cascade to share best practices, recruit providers and improve access for patients to primary and specialty care.”

“This is a very positive step and a major milestone for health care in our region, bringing together three well-respected public organizations with a history of collaboration,” said Gregg Davidson, chief executive officer for Skagit Regional Health.

“We see this as an opportunity to move forward, advance medicine and achieve our strategic goals for

the benefit of the people we serve, our physicians and our employees.”

“I am very excited to retain and expand the medical services available to our community, and to further improve the quality and sophistication of those services. This enhanced relationship between our three organizations will provide great benefit to our patients, and opportunities for our physicians and employees,” said Clark Jones, chief executive officer at Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics. “This affiliation marks the transition of Cascade Valley from a small independent medical community to part of a large, well-respected medical network and provides greatly expanded resources and opportunities.”

About Skagit Regional Health About UW Medicine UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing patient care, and training the next generation of health professionals. The system includes Harborview Medical Center, Northwest Hospital & Medical Center, Valley Medical Center, UW Medical Center, UW Neighborhood Clinics, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine and Airlift Northwest. www.uwmedicine.org

Skagit Regional Health includes the 137-bed Skagit Valley Hospital and 10 Skagit Regional Clinics locations in Skagit, Island and north Snohomish counties. Skagit County Public Hospital District No. 1 has provided health care services to the people of the region since 1958. www.skagitvalleyhospital.org

About Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics Operated by Snohomish County Public Hospital District No. 3, Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics includes the 48-bed acute care facility, which has served Arlington and the surrounding communities for more than 100 years, five associated clinics and a free-standing surgery center.

Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics is also a partner with Skagit Regional Health in the primary and urgent care clinic in Smokey Point. www.cascadevalley.org

Fall 2015

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Skagit Regional Health Skagit Regional Health welcomed its fourth group of resident physicians in July.

Six new Internal Medicine residents and five new Family Medicine residents joined the graduate medical education program, bringing the total number of residents practicing at Skagit Regional Health to 26.

Each of the residents graduated from an accredited medical school with a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree and are continuing training through one of Skagit Regional Health’s three-year residency programs. Residency includes teaching time with local physician

faculty and direct patient care.

Patients are able to establish care with a resident physician.

Residents provide the same services as an established physician, such as ordering tests and making referrals.

Established physicians who serve as teaching faculty confirm residents’

findings and approve treatment decisions to ensure high quality care. Resident physicians see patients at Skagit Regional Clinics – Residency Clinic, located at 819 S. 13th Street, Mount Vernon.

Meet our Internal Medicine residents 3 - LINDSAY BARRETT, DO: Dr. Barrett was born in the Chicago area. She attended the University of South Florida in Tampa and Saint Petersburg to study biology and psychology. She completed her graduate medical education at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, CO. 5 - MICHAEL FRY, DO: Dr. Fry was raised in Bremerton and attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a degree in microbiology. He attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Erie, PA.

1 - HOANG HUYNH, DO: Dr. Huynh is a Vietnamese-American who immigrated to United States as a child. He attended the University of Iowa for his undergraduate studies and continued his education at Columbia University-Teachers College and The Institute of Human Nutrition in NYC. Dr. Huynh received his DO at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

6 - GEORGIA LEAKE, DO: Dr. Leake spent most of her childhood in Aurora, Colorado. She attended the University of Kansas where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She continued studying at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences where she earned a Master of Arts in Bioethics and a Doctor of Osteopathy.

4 - ANDREW QUISUMBING, DO: Dr. Quisumbing grew up in Manila, Philippines. He graduated from Seattle University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and attended Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima for his medical degree. He spent two years at Skagit Regional Health during medical school.

2 - VIKTORIYA YANCHUK, DO: Dr. Yanchuk was born in Ukraine and moved to Los Angeles as a child. She went to Fresno State and received a degree in Chemistry. She attended Western University COMP for her medical education.

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Meet our Family Medicine residents 7 - BENJAMIN HEGENBARTH, DO: Dr. Hegenbarth spent most of his youth in Montana. He attended Bible College in Southern California and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana, Missoula in Fine Arts Acting. Dr. Hegenbarth completed his graduate medical education at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.

10 - DANH NGO, DO: Dr. Ngo was born in Vietnam and grew up in Seattle. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Microbiology and received his DO degree from Western

University of Health Sciences in Lebanon, OR. Dr. Ngo plans to remain in the Pacific Northwest to work with immigrant communities.

9 - HELEN NGUYEN, DO: Dr. Nguyen was born and raised in Vietnam and came to the United States at the age of 15. She graduated with high honors in Integrative Biology at University of California, Berkeley and went earned her DO degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Lebanon.

8 - NOAH O’DONNELL, DO: Dr. O’Donnell was born in Colorado and has spent most of his life in Florida.

He completed his graduate medical education at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, CO. Dr. O’Donnell’s professional interests include urgent care, preventive medicine, and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.

11 - JULIE SOARES, DO: Dr. Soares was raised in Leavenworth and graduated from Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry. She received her DO degree from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and completed two years of rotations at Skagit Regional Health.

Congratulations Class of 2015 Graduates The 2015 Residency graduation ceremony took place on June 27 at Skagit Valley Casino Resort with five residents completing their training in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine and awards given to residents and teachers.

Graduates are Carmine Van Deven, DO, Hanh Hoang, DO, Heather Preissler, DO, Sharon Brown Kunin, DO and Trent Sensiba, DO.

AWARD WINNERS INCLUDE:

• Intern of the Year Award, Family

Medicine: Fumiko O. Naughton, DO

• Intern of the Year Award, Internal

Medicine: Collin T. de la Houssaye, DO

• Resident of the Year Award, Family Medicine: Chelsey L. Miller, DO • Resident of the Year Award, Internal Medicine: Heather R. Preissler, DO

• Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO Osteopath of the Year Award, Family Medicine: Thomas C. Van Deven, DO

• Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO Osteopath of the Year Award, Internal Medicine: Heather R. Preissler, DO

• Sir William Osler, MD Teacher of the Year Award: Dorien L. McAbee, DO

• Chief Resident Award, Family

Medicine: Tuyet-Hanh N. Hoang, DO

• Chief Resident Award, Internal Medicine: Heather R. Preissler, DO and Trent T. Sensiba, DO

• Community Service Award: David M. Escobar, DO

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Medical students arrive Skagit Regional Health serves as a clinical training site for third- and fourth-year medical students from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.

A new group of 12 third-year medical students arrived in July eager for hands-on training with local physicians. The medical students will complete two years of rotations at Skagit Regional Health as they prepare for graduation.

Welcome to the following medical students: 5 - JEFF ARMALY Hometown: Hornell, NY Area of Study: Cellular Biology at the University of Washington

4 - DANIELLE FELDHAUS Hometown: Lynnwood, WA Area of Study: Biology and PreMedicine at Augustana College

11 - TAUFIQ RAJWANI Hometown: Kisumu, Kenya Area of Study: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Washington

9 - WILLIAM LEHECKA Hometown: Burlington, WA Area of Study: Psychology at the University of Puget Sound

1 - HUNTER SPENCER Hometown: Everett, WA Area of Study: Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia

12 - AMBER MCDONALD Hometown: Whitefish, MT Area of Study: Biology at Pacific Lutheran University

10 - ERIN SWIETER Hometown: Anchorage, AK Area of Study: Psychology at the University of Puget Sound 8 - SHANNON SECKEL Hometown: Lakewood, WA Area of Study: Human Physiology at Seattle Pacific University

7 - BROOK ASHCRAFT Hometown: Burlington, WA Area of Study: Medicine at Western Washington University

6 - TRACEY TAYLOR Hometown: Edmonds, WA Area of Study: Biology and Spanish at the University of Washington

3 - JONATHAN BALE Hometown: Raymond, WA Area of Study: Behavioral Neuroscience at Western Washington University

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2 - RACHEL ANNE PONTEMAYOR Hometown: Dedeo, Guam Area of Study: General science, pre-professional training at Seattle University

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New Providers ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

GENERAL SURGERY

URGENT CARE

Jon Ruff, PA-C

Chinnaya Parimi, MD

Frederick McDonald, DO

Specialty: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Specialty: General Surgery

Specialty: Urgent Care

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon and Skagit Regional Clinics - Riverbend

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics - Riverbend Practice Philosophy: “The success of a community depends upon the health of its members. I want to improve the quality of life for my patients, by treating illness, injury or pain. When function is restored to a limb and limitations from disease and injury are reduced, people are able to contribute to society in a way that benefits all who live around them. I enjoy meeting people and participating in their efforts to increase wellness and enhance living.”

Special Interests: I love sports medicine and helping people stay active.

Mr. Ruff completed the Physician Assistant program at Idaho State University and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Outside of the office he spends time outdoors, being active with his family. Appointments can be made by calling 360-814-6800.

Practice Philosophy: “Strive for what is best for the patient every day.”

Special Interests: Hepatobiliary (liver, gall bladder and bile ducts), colorectal, endocrine, oncologic surgeries What do you most enjoy about your practice? I enjoy being directly involved in making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Dr. Parimi is a graduate of Gandhi Medical College in India. He completed a surgery internship at the Mayo Graduate School of Medical Education in Rochester, MN followed by a general surgery residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Dr. Parimi is certified by the American Board of Surgery. He is fluent in Hindi and Telugu.

In his free time, Dr. Parimi enjoys hiking, music and spending time with his wife, who is also a physician, and family.

Appointments can be made by calling 360-428-2586.

New Urgent Care Hours Skagit Regional Clinics’ urgent care locations in Mount Vernon changed hours on August 1, 2015.

The new hours for Urgent Care at SRC’s main campus, 1400 E. Kincaid Street, and at Riverbend, 2320 Freeway Drive, in Mount

Vernon are 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

The new hours mirror the schedule of Skagit Regional Clinics’ Urgent Care location in Smokey Point, 3823 172nd Street

UPCOMING HOLIDAY HOURS FOR URGENT CARE:

Practice Philosophy: “Patients first - I believe providing high quality, evidencedbased care in partnership with those I serve leads to better outcomes.”

What do you enjoy most about your practice?

I enjoy the pace, the variety, and working with a dedicated team of professionals.

Dr. McDonald completed his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences – College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, CA followed by an internship and residency training at United States Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton. Dr. McDonald is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. In his free time, Dr. McDonald enjoys playing golf, reading, and spending time with his family. Skagit Regional Clinics Urgent Care is offered in Mount Vernon and Smokey Point to treat non-life threatening illnesses and injuries without an appointment.

NE, giving consistency to patients and staff at all three locations.

Urgent Care is open 364 days per year to treat non-life threatening illnesses and injuries without an appointment. For information about all of Skagit Regional Clinics’ urgent care locations and to view current wait times, visit www.srclinics.org.

THANKSGIVING The Riverbend and Smokey Point Urgent Care

locations are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE Early closure. All locations open 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

NEW YEAR’S EVE Early closure. All locations open 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Urgent Care at the main campus in Mount Vernon will be closed on Thanksgiving.

CHRISTMAS DAY All locations closed.

NEW YEAR’S DAY All locations open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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New Providers URGENT CARE

CARDIOLOGY

ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

Lisa Frederick, ARNP

Todd McLaughlin, PA-C

Michael Picco, DO

Specialty: Urgent Care

Specialty: Cardiology

Practice Locations: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon, Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend and Cascade Skagit Health Alliance

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon Cardiology

Specialty: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Practice Philosophy: “I believe being sensitive to a patient’s unique communication style and personality is key to analyzing the history of present illness, information gathering and symptom analysis. A provider’s passion, cultivated expertise and respect for the patient’s view will yield the most accurate differential diagnosis and plan of care.”

What do you enjoy most about your practice? I enjoy the challenge and variety that every day holds.

Ms. Frederick is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Nursing in Galveston. In her free time she enjoys dancing, hiking, biking and spending time with her husband and son. Skagit Regional Clinics - Urgent Care is offered in Mount Vernon and Smokey Point to treat non-life threatening illnesses and injuries without an appointment.

Practice Philosophy: “My practice philosophy is to listen to my patients’ concerns and to provide my patients with the best quality health care. I believe that patients want to know all that they can about their heart problems.”

Special Interests: My special interest within my cardiology practice is the prevention of heart disease. I enjoy teaching my patients on a level that they can understand about their specific heart problems.

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Practice Philosophy: “My approach to care is always patient-centered. I provide my patient with education and information about the available options then allow him or her to choose the desired course of care.”

Special Interests: Joint replacement (particularly of the hip and knee), fracture care, and treating injuries of the shoulder or rotator cuff.

What do you enjoy most about your practice? I’ve been blessed to be a part of a great Cardiology staff. I thoroughly enjoy being able to provide our patients with a thorough cutting edge experience.

What do you enjoy most about your practice? I enjoy helping people; it is rewarding to have patients tell me about the activities they are able to do, such hiking and traveling, because I have helped them.

Mr. McLaughlin completed the Physician Assistant program at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He brings more than 28 years of medical expertise to Skagit Regional Clinics.

Appointments can be made by calling 360-336-9757.

Dr. Picco is a graduate of Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, California. He completed an orthopedic surgery residency at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, MI. Dr. Picco practiced on Whidbey Island for seven years before joining Skagit Regional Clinics. Appointments can be made by calling 360-814-6800.

Recruitment by the numbers

In 2014

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics - Riverbend

Through July 2015

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new providers recruited

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Family and Internal medicine residents

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third and fourth-year medical students

PEDIATRICS

FAMILY MEDICINE

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Donna Queyquep, MD

Justin Gill, ARNP

Sarah Evans, ARNP

Specialty: Pediatrics

Specialty: Family Medicine

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics - Riverbend

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Sedro-Woolley

Practice Philosophy: “Pediatrics is not only treating illness. It also involves making an impact in the physical, social, and emotional health of our patients. I believe that above providing excellent medical care, what really creates the difference is empathy and compassion, and being in partnership with the patient and her/ his family in achieving health goals.”

Practice Philosophy: “I feel that my role as a provider is a partnership with my patients. Health and wellness are relative to all individuals, and I believe that achieving this requires a partnership with patients to co-manage diseases.”

Practice Philosophy: “My goal is to provide access to healthcare to the community and to partner with my patients to reach their healthcare goals.”

Special Interests: ADHD, weight management and asthma management What do you enjoy most about your practice? Children are a challenge and a source of joy at the same time.

Seeing the babies grow and the children thrive is most enjoyable.

Dr. Queyquep completed her medical degree at University of the Philippines in Manila and residency training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso. Dr. Queyquep worked at Skagit Regional Clinics between 2010 and 2012. She is fluent in Tagalog.

Appointments can be made by calling 360-814-6800.

Special Interests: I am particularly interested in co-managing and preventing chronic cardiovascular conditions such as diabetes, and high blood pressure. Additionally, I have a special interest in working with adolescent and pediatric populations.

What do you enjoy most about your practice? I enjoy the trusting healthcare relationships that I form with my patients.

Mr. Gill completed his ARNP training at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Outside of the office Mr. Gill enjoys hiking and enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Appointments can be made by calling 360-428-2501.

Special Interests: Preventative health What sparked your interest in medicine as a career? I like interacting with people and the science of medicine.

What do you enjoy most about your practice? I enjoy the interactions with my patients.

Ms. Evans completed her Master of Nursing degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Ms. Evans worked at Skagit Regional Clinics from 2007 to 2014. In her free time, she enjoys biking, reading, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Appointments can be made by calling 360-856-4222.

LOOKING AHEAD In the next issue you will learn about more of our new specialists including: George Ang, MD is an endocrinologist who joined Skagit Regional Clinics in July. He sees patients on Skagit Regional Clinics’ main campus in Mount Vernon.

Bhrigu Parmar, MD joined the Skagit Regional Clinics Cardiology office in July.

Dr. Parmar cares for patients in Mount Vernon, Anacortes and Sedro-Woolley.

G. Rhett Andelin, DO is the newest addition at Skagit Regional Clinics – Stanwood. Dr. Andelin is a Stanwood native who offers primary care, obstetric care and osteopathic manipulative treatments.

Michael Thomas, MD is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who joined Skagit Regional Clinics’ Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team in August. His special interests include joint replacement of the hip and knee, hand overuse and traumatic injury fracture care, athletic injuries and sports medicine.

Allen Johnson, MD is an experienced internist who joined Skagit Regional Clinics – Sedro-Woolley in July.

Allison Porter, MD joins Skagit Regional Clinics’ General Surgery department in October following completion of an Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgical Fellowship at the University of Washington.

Learn more about all new providers by visiting www.skagitregionalhealth.org.

Fall 2015

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Skagit Regional Health

in the NEWS OPEN HOUSE BRINGS GUESTS TO SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS - RIVERBEND Nearly 100 members of area Chambers of Commerce enjoyed an after-hours social at SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS - RIVERBEND in June. Members of the Anacortes, Burlington, Concrete, La Conner, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley

chambers enjoyed refreshments, tours and a game of Operation.

BELOW: Members of area Chambers of Commerce enjoy sunshine and refreshments in June at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend.

ABOVE: The Relay for Life took on a pirate theme in June.

RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT HONORS SURVIVORS Skagit Regional Health joined IN THE ANNUAL RELAY FOR LIFE – Skagit County in Burlington

June 13. A total of 56 teams and 364 participants jointed in the event, which raised more than $80,000 for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.

NURSES JOIN EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN NEPAL Three Skagit Regional Health nurses were part of the international wave of emergency response to the devastating earthquakes in Nepal last Spring.

Within hours of the first 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal, Skagit Regional Health Registered Nurse MIRIAM WITT answered the call to go for a two-week stint with an International Medical Assistance Team. She met up with fellow nurse KRISTA BROWN, RN on a response team serving Kathmandu

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and the surrounding countryside. Both returned to the U.S. before the second earthquake struck Nepal. Miriam returned again, this time with fellow nurse RACHEL FOWLER, RN, to provide medical assistance, supplies, food and shelter to the Nepali people. On her Facebook page Miriam wrote: “Nepal is a country of needs. I am right where I need to be.

Doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.”

BELOW: Skagit Regional Health Nurse Miriam Witt, RN, right, helps deliver food to a remote village after the earthquake in Nepal.

ISLE LINDALL HONORED WITH ANNE JACKSON AWARD ISLE LINDALL, a Skagit Regional Health Emergency Department Tech and 37year volunteer with Skagit County Search and Rescue was honored in March with the Anne Jackson Award by the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office. The award is presented in remembrance of Deputy Anne Jackson, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2008.

The award is in recognition of Jackson’s

characteristics of teamwork, commitment, thoughtfulness, charity, selflessness, humanity and humor. Lindall has been active in a wide variety of Search and Rescue groups, including ground search efforts, as an operations

section chief, training EMTs and assisting with the Search and Rescue Academy. “Her years of tireless effort and dedication to the Search and Rescue program have formed the foundation for what is arguably the best program in the state,” Sheriff Will Reichardt said. “The Sheriff’s Office and citizens of Skagit County are fortunate to have such a dedicated volunteer in their service.”

RESIDENTS STAFF MEDICAL STATION AT SKI TO SEA THANK YOU DR. MARTIN! Thank you and congratulations to internist TEAK MARTIN, MD who retired in July after serving the community for 40 years.

During his medical career, Dr. Martin cared for patients at Skagit Valley Hospital, United General Hospital, Skagit Valley Medical Center and Skagit Regional Clinics – Sedro-Woolley.

Family Medicine residents (from left) SHARON BROWN-KUNIN, DO, CARMINE VAN DEVEN, DO, Family Medicine Residency Program Director DAVID KANZE, DO, and resident DAVID ESCOBAR, DO assisted racers at the

annual Ski to Sea race in Bellingham in May. The team treated cuts, scrapes and minor injuries, and performed osteopathic manipulative treatment for participants in the final two legs of the race.

RIGHT: Students from Lincoln Elementary School in Mount Vernon spent the afternoon touring Skagit Valley Hospital and picking up a mini bus load of school supplies.

NURSES LEAD THE WAY ON SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH NURSES CELEBRATED NURSE’S DAY and NATIONAL HEALTHCARE WEEK in May by supporting the next generation of healthcare workers. Nurses rallied fellow employees to donate school supplies for students at Lincoln Elementary School, located just blocks from Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon. On May 15, six students from Lincoln accepted donations on behalf of their fellow students and toured the hospital. Staff

from the operating room, imaging, physical therapy, and the emergency department gave students an inside look at their jobs and how they help patients. “Skagit Regional Health staff are amazing and have made a big difference in the lives of our students,” said Linda Stromer, Lincoln Elementary School nurse who accompanied the students on their tour.

“We are grateful to be supporting the future generation of healthcare workers.

The kids will remember this ‘field trip’ forever,” said Kandi DeVenere, BSN, RN, who organized the event at Skagit Regional Health.

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Coverage is here! Skagit Regional Health offers enrollment assistance Health insurance is now available for thousands of local people and Skagit Regional Health staff are available to assist people in enrolling for these new plans and get connected to a primary care provider.

Open enrollment for qualified health plans runs from Nov. 15, 2015 through Jan. 31, 2016. Enrollment for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) continues year-round.

HealthPlanFinder is a program of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, and provides a single point of contact for any business, individual or family who is looking for health coverage. Based on your income, you may be enrolled in Medicaid-funded health care or receive discounts to purchase your choice of commercial insurance.

If you are a Washington State resident, you are able to call and have a customer service representative walk you through

the online process of getting health insurance for you and your family.

You can also apply over the phone at 1-855-923-4633, via the web at www.wahealthplanfinder. org, through the mail or in person at a variety of Skagit County locations including:

SEA MAR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS Mount Vernon, 360-542-8907.

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH Mount Vernon, call 360-424-2613 or e-mail exchangeinfo@skagitregionalhealth.org.

Service center located at Skagit Valley Hospital.

All the plans offered by the Washington HealthPlanFinder are required to have meaningful levels of coverage, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, preventive care, maternity, pediatric and newborn care, and mental health care. You can learn more about the levels at

COMMUNITY ACTION OF SKAGIT COUNTY Mount Vernon, 360-416-7585.

MOUNT BAKER PLANNED PARENTHOOD Mount Vernon, 360-848-1744, Ext. 3822.

ISLAND HOSPITAL Anacortes, 360-299-4924.

UNITED GENERAL HOSPITAL Sedro-Woolley, 360-856-7292.

http://wahbexchange.org/aboutthe-exchange/policy-discussion/.

Medicare Advantage 2016 open enrollment opens soon Do you need help comparing or choosing a Medicare plan?

If you do, free Medicare agent onsite support is available at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend, 2320 Freeway Drive in Mount Vernon.

Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage 2016 will run from October 15 through December 7, 2015.

For Medicare patients needing help comparing and choosing the right Medicare plan, we make available the Skagit Regional Health Medicare Insurance Helpline,

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serviced by MedicareCompareUSA*.

Highly-trained MedicareCompareUSA agents provide patients with unbiased plan comparisons for our accepted Medicare plans (including Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Prescription plans).

Agents are available to help by phone and by personal appointment at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend, located at 2320 Freeway Dr. in Mount Vernon. This is the easiest way to compare and choose a Medicare plan that is guaranteed to

be accepted by your Skagit Regional Health providers.

Call toll-free 866-389-0445 for more information or to schedule a no-obligation Medicare insurance consultation. * MedicareCompareUSA is a Medicarespecialty insurance agency not affiliated with the federal Medicare program.

Services of MedicareCompareUSA are offered at no cost; MedicareCompareUSA is compensated directly by the Medicare plans accepted by Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Clinics.

Donors provide $318,500 for Hospice of the Northwest programs The Trustees of the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation voted unanimously in March to approve program funding requests for Hospice of the Northwest totaling $318,500. The Foundation is able to fund these grants to Hospice of the Northwest through the generous donations of individuals and businesses in Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties.

The funding will support uncompensated patient care,

non-routine patient care, clinical education and training, complementary therapies like massage and music, bereavement services, outreach and education, volunteer services, and the purchase and maintenance of equipment and technology.

In the past five years, the Foundation has approved more than $1.2 million to enhance Hospice care.

“We are truly grateful for the financial support of this community

as well as the dedication and experience of the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation Board,” stated Jean Leib, Hospice of the Northwest Executive Director.

“This type of direct funding helps us to continue to provide the type of compassionate and comprehensive care this community expects and deserves.”

Hospice and Palliative Care team attend assembly Dr. Anita Meyer, Dr. Leslie Estep and Denise Katterhagen, MSW, attended the 2015 Hospice and Palliative Medicine Annual Assembly in Philadelphia to learn more about how to improve healthcare for community members with advanced illness.

“Palliative Care is a relatively new specialty, which makes it essential to share innovative ways to care for patients,” Dr. Estep said Dr. Meyer is the medical director of Hospice of the Northwest; Dr. Estep is an assistant medical director at Hospice of the Northwest and is the medical director for the inpatient Palliative Care consultation service; and Denise Katterhagen is the care coordinator and social work specialist for the inpatient Palliative Care team at Skagit Valley Hospital. The Hospice of the Northwest Foundation supported the trio in attending the March conference.

Our medical delivery system is at a transition and palliative care has shown many promising improvements in providing higher quality care, that patients and families value,

at a lower cost.

Three years ago, Drs. Meyer and Estep worked with Skagit Regional Health to launch an inpatient Palliative Care program that now sees more than 600 patients per year. That multidisciplinary program now includes Dr. Cindy Moffet, Sharmon Figenshaw, ARNP (both certified in palliative care) and Denise Katterhagen, MSW. Drs. Meyer and Estep are working to establish programs that bridge the gap between serious illness management and hospice care.

“Though hospice care is well established in our community, there are many patients who come to hospice too late in their illness to take full advantage of the benefits,” Dr. Meyer said. “Hospice staff provide guidance for patients and families at the end of life, bringing comfort and meaning to this natural and important phase of living.”

There are several initiatives going on to improve care in advanced

illness in Skagit County. One is Hospice of the Northwest’s “Caring Conversations,” sponsored by the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation.

Community members come together over dinner to discuss what is important to them as they age, and to complete documents that help support those priorities. Katterhagen and Dr. Estep are collaborating with Skagit Valley Hospital to provide an extra layer of support to patients and families receiving care in the Critical Care Unit. Other initiatives include outreach to regional dialysis centers’ social workers, and to local specialists and facility staff who provide care to people with advanced illness.

For information about Palliative Care or Hospice, e-mail info@hospicenw.org.

The Hospice of the Northwest Foundation funds dignity, compassion and comfort to terminally ill members of our community and ensures that quality hospice care is available to all who are coping with a life-limiting illness. If you would like more information about the Foundation or Hospice of the Northwest services, please visit our website, www. hospicenw.org, or call 360-814-5702.

Dr. Anita Meyer, Denise Katterhagen, MSW and Dr. Leslie Estep.

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Assuring the availability of quality health care

Mission The mission of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is to raise, manage and distribute funds to assure the continued availability of quality health care services and programs at Skagit Valley Hospital.

The Foundation will foster awareness of and community support for Skagit Valley Hospital through the involvement of the people it serves.

Board of Trustees Volunteers are the key to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s efforts in securing philanthropy. We are pleased to acknowledge the efforts of our trustees, who unselfishly give their time and resources as an example to all, and who provide leadership in the Foundation’s prudent stewardship of gifts.

Zach Barborinas Dee Berglin Kevin Bingham Susan Brown Chris Cammock Jill Christensen Kati Collins Cheryl Conner Mary June Curtis Gregg Davidson Jacqueline Hawkins Dr. Joshua Hawkins Debbie Hendricks Kelli Hutchens Balisa Koetje Virginia Learned Pattie Lewis Jean Miller

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Melissa Nelson Christie Peterson Jill Pickering Richard Roozen Brett Simbe Jim Spane Shirley Watkinson Dr. Rob Zwick

Staff

Linda Frizzell Executive Director Wendy Ragusa Development Coordinator Becky Wells Development Associate

Foundation Welcomes New Board Member The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is pleased to welcome Melissa Nelson to the Board of Trustees. Melissa is the Administrator at Life Care Center of Skagit Valley. She resides in Mount Vernon with her husband Torey and their three active boys.

New Foundation Officers Installed At the May annual meeting of the Foundation, the following community leaders were installed as officers for the 2015-2016 year:

Richard Roozen – President Jill Pickering – Vice President Chris Cammock – Past President Kelli Hutchens – Secretary Zach Barborinas – Treasurer Kevin Bingham – Assistant Treasurer

Dee Berglin – Vice President/ Sunrise Inn Susan Brown – Vice President/ Cancer Care Brett Simbe – Vice President/ Planned Giving

Starbucks Supports Foundation

Thanks to Starbucks employee Sarah Miller, the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation received a $1,000 grant from Starbucks Coffee Company. After volunteering for 100 hours at Skagit Valley Hospital, Sarah submitted a request to Starbucks’ partner-time match program, who continued to pay it forward with a $1,000 gift. A big thank you to Sarah and Starbucks for their support!

To learn more about how you can support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Visit: skagitregionalhealth.org/Hospital-Foundation Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Find us on Facebook

360-428-2140

GOLF

Jack Carroll’s Skagit Hyundai team

Joe Radil, Tom Banta and Bruce Berglin practice putting.

Chad Fisher, Bruce Lisser, Kevin Lisser and Joel Shroyer.

A Record Year!

152 golfers played in the 12th Annual Par Tee Golf Classic, which took place on June 19, 2015 at Skagit Golf & Country Club in Burlington. The tournament, played in scramble format, began at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start.

Golfers were treated to continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, welcome bag, putting and KP contests, use of a golf cart and activities and refreshments at each hole. Other features included hole-in-one prizes, a raffle, progressive poker hand, silent auction and many giveaways! This year’s event raised a record gross $70,655 with a net of $44,935. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s Cancer Care Patient Assistance fund and the Kidney Dialysis project. The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation would also like to thank the following sponsors for contributing to the success of this year’s tournament:

• AmeriTeam Services/TeamHealth • Associated Petroleum Products, Inc. • Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts • Baird Private Wealth Management – Corey Mendoza & Jeff Stewart • Big Lake Fire Department Auxiliary • Board of Commissioners – Public Hospital District No. 1 • Cascade Natural Gas • Chad Fisher Construction LLC • Comprehensive Pharmacy Services • Coverys • CPI Plumbing & Heating • D.A. Davidson – Kyle Reep • ECG Management Consultants • Experian Health • Express Employment Professionals • Farmers Equipment Company • Foster Pepper PLLC • G & W Commercial Flooring, Inc. • Hammes Company • Hexcel Corporation • Alfie Hill-Banta • Impact, Inc. • Jack Carroll’s Skagit Hyundai • Judd & Black • Just Peachy Frozen Yogurt • LabCorp, Inc./Dynacare Laboratories • Leverage Information Systems

• Lisser & Associates, PLLC • McKinstry Energy Services • Meyer Sign & Advertising • Mobile Merchandisers • Moss Adams LLP • Optimum Properties • Padgett & Padgett, PLLC • Pat Rimmer Tire Centers – Les Schwab • Piper Jaffray & Co. • Premera Blue Cross • Resource Corporation of America • Retail Lockbox, Inc. • Richard & Jaynie Roozen • SB&C, LTD • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Network • Skagit Transportation • State Farm Insurance – Carol Lawson, Brad Methner & Keith Sorestad, Agents • Skagit Valley Hospital Guild • Smiley Insurance – Shellie Eubanks, Agent • Swinomish Casino & Lodge • Tesoro Companies, Inc. • Thomas Cuisine Management • TRICO Companies, LLC • Voya Financial • Whidbey Coffee Company • Dr. Rob Zwick

Fall 2015

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Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.

- John F. Kennedy

A BOARD IN

Action Hiking, horseback riding, biking or geocaching – these are just some of the ways Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation board trustees “make waves” in getting their bodies in motion.

This is a board in action. Not just actively raising funds and promoting the good work that takes place every day at Skagit Regional Health, but actively celebrating their personal health through outdoor exercise activities and personalized fitness programs.

On the move Trustee and Skagit Regional Clinics pharmacist Kevin Bingham (above), can be called an “exercise junkie.” On land, sea or sky, Kevin finds varying his physical fitness “wakes you up and gets those creative juices flowing.”

Rarely a lone exerciser, Kevin recruits his daughters and childhood buddies to join him. “My friends and I are competitive in everything we do – work and sports. Memories are created by doing adventures together.

We work out so we can enjoy what life has to offer at its fullest!”

Sharing healthy habits Her semi-retirement and his retirement allow trustee Shirley Watkinson (left), and her husband Lloyd to share in their fitness goals together.

After Shirley experienced a couple of injuries and became unable to play softball, volleyball or jog, the Watkinsons now

enjoy something very similar to geocaching – hiking to find clues to solve a riddle. This summertime activity with family and friends has become a mainstay in their healthy lifestyle. “I always have an extra pair of shoes in my car in case we see something we want to get out and explore,” says Shirley.

10 minutes at a time is fine.

How much physical activity do adults need? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say ideally 150 minutes of exercise a week is desirable. That sounds like a lot but you can spread that out into smaller time segments during the day. It’s about what works best for the individual as long as you’re doing physical activity at a moderate

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effort for at least 10 minutes at a time.

Time together Several of our board members find “their exercise” is best done with friends. Board President Richard Roozen (right), his wife Jaynie, fellow board member Dee Berglin and her husband Bruce have hiked for years together taking their dogs along. They also enjoy long bike rides in Washington’s wine regions where “the rolling landscape gives us a strenuous workout,” says Dee.

Be an inspiration

Celebrating health “As ambassadors for Skagit Regional Health, Foundation trustees feel passionate about their responsibility to not only support the message of wellness and fitness and encourage others to get out and move, but live it and do it themselves,” says board trustee Virginia Learned (above) who rides horses with friends once a week.

Retired BE-HS teacher and coach and current Foundation trustee Christie Peterson (below) shares, “Activity has always been my life - from my career to my spare time.” Since their retirement began in 2008, Christie and her husband Keith find their travel experiences always include an element of physical activity whether hiking or deep sea fishing.

Switching gears

Sometimes your commitment to fitness wanes and activities become stale. Switching it up can be the answer to keep your energy high and commitment strong.

Nine-year trustee Susan Brown (above), has always been physically active, but relied on one activity.

“For 13 years I ran competitively; switching to biking, hiking and swimming has been easier on my body and still gives me the workout I need,” says Susan.

Commit to be fit

So as we move into fall and cooler weather, it is important to remember to keep your body in motion and engage in physical activities whether inside or outside.

Reducing sedentary behavior is recognized to be an important public health goal.

Fall 2015

27

E M P L O Y E E

G I V I N G

Skagit Regional Health Employees Give Back!

The incredible employees of Skagit Regional Health gave a generous $34,927.90 to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation during the 2015 Employee Giving Campaign titled “i care.” These gifts were given to the Foundation through payroll deductions, cashed out vacation time and direct gifts.

The money raised will be gifted back to various areas of Skagit Regional Health to provide program support and equipment purchases.

It is the mission of the Foundation that these gifts and other funds raised throughout the year will enable us to continue to support top quality care for the patients we serve.

The Foundation thanks the employees of Skagit Regional Health for their continued support!!

Foundation Announces New Campaign to Benefit the Skagit Valley Kidney Center Kidney Dialysis is the life sustaining treatment for individuals with kidney failure. Dialysis is performed by connecting individuals to a kidney dialysis machine that removes waste products from their blood. This is a function a healthy kidney normally performs. Individuals with kidney failure need dialysis treatment three days a week, every week of their lives.

At their recent annual meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation announced that they will champion a campaign to raise $415,000 to purchase 27 new kidney dialysis machines for the Skagit Valley Kidney Center. The current machines are nearing the end of their “useful” life and require expensive repair.

The new machines are extremely efficient. “We see this campaign as an opportunity to change lives. The dialysis machines are needed by our kidney dialysis team to continue to provide quality kidney dialysis care for the patients of our region, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Board President Richard Roozen.

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The Skagit Valley Kidney Center, now in its’ 23rd year of providing dialysis, currently serves more than 130 patients from Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties. In 2014, 18,321 hemodialysis treatments were performed. The center operates six days a week, from 3:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

If you would like to help fund the Kidney Dialysis Campaign, contact Linda Frizzell at 360-428-2140 or send your check to Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Gifts can also be made on-line at skagitregionalhealth. org/Hospital-Foundation

HealthQuest CLASSES

CHANGE YOUR

DON’T WAIT TOO LONG! Many of our classes fill quickly so early registration is recommended. You are not confirmed in the class until we receive your payment (for classes requiring payment). Don’t lose your space in class – pay early!

See the inside of the back cover of this magazine for registration information.

Pre-registration is required for all classes unless otherwise noted.

STANWOOD/CAMANO NEIGHBORHOOD Screening to Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), Elevated Cholesterol and More!

Attend this popular screening to find out your risk factors for developing PAD, cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce them. Call 360-6296481 to schedule an appointment for this screening program that takes just 40 minutes! The cost is only $39 and it is held on Monday mornings in Mount Vernon. Visit page 32 for more information.

Skin Cancer Screening Providers with Skagit Regional Clinics – Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. No charge. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

November 18 (Wed) 1 - 4 p.m.

Provided by Corinne Sayler, PA-C Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW

Cholesterol/Diabetes, Vitamin D and Bone Density Screenings Full Lipid Profile plus Glucose: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Fee: $15 Vitamin D: Fasting is not required.

Fee: $39 Bone Density: This is a noninvasive, painless scan of one hand.

Results are available immediately.

Fee $10 (cash or check only).

For information call 360814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required. Cash or check only.

October 7 (Wed) 8 – 9 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW November 4 (Wed) 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Camano Senior Center 606 Arrowhead Drive - Camano Island

AARP Driver Safety Program This two-session program for people older than 50 is designed to enhance the driving skills of the mature adult. Insurance companies are required to give a discount on auto insurance for those over age 55 who complete the course. Course fee is $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members.

Pre-registration is required.

October 5 and 6 (Mon/Tue) 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW Pay at the class

Blood Drive October 20 (Tue) 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW – mobile van Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

Island County Health Department The Island County Health Department is located at 127 N. East Camano Drive, down the hall from the Skagit Regional Clinics - Camano Island. Visit www. islandcountyhealth.org for more information or call 360-387-0184.

Camano Island Stanwood & Camano Island A department of Skagit Valley Hospital

127 N. East Camano Drive, Suite A Camano Island 360-387-5398

All classes require pre-registration unless specified. Call 360-814-2424 or see inside of back cover.

Stanwood

9631 269th St. NW Stanwood 360-629-1600 Fall 2015

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HealthQuest

CHANGE YOUR

Think Pink.

Women’s Wellness Event

Especially for Girls: What’s Happening to Me?

Join us for our annual women’s health and wellness showcase.

Events and activities will include: • Breast cancer awareness and prevention

Skagit Regional Health is offering this popular mother-daughter class on puberty that will help them address the sensitive topics of physical and emotional development taught in a relaxed environment

by Jean Chakraborty, MD, OB/GYN with Skagit Regional Clinics-Mount Vernon.

Designed for girls ages 8-11, the class includes information about girls’ changing bodies, menstruation, an overview of hygiene products, emotional changes and issues regarding self-esteem, healthy eating, development and body image.

It is not a sex education class.

• Exercise, nutrition and stress management information • Women’s health information • Doc Talks • Health screenings and more!

Wednesday, October 21 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital - Main Lobby FREE

Doc Talks

Prostate Cancer Update This discussion with urologist Sandra Hadjinian, MD with Skagit Regional Clinics will highlight early detection of prostate cancer and recommendations by the American Urological Association. Dr. Hadjinian will also discuss how prostate cancer can be treated or followed.

September 24 (Thur) 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital No charge but pre-registration required

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CLASSES

October 7 (Wed) 6 – 8 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital No charge but pre-registration required

What’s Shaking?

It could be Essential Tremor (ET).

ET is the most common movement disorder affecting approximately 10 million Americans. ET is a progressive neurological condition that causes the hands, head, voice, legs or trunk to shake and can cause significant disability.

DON’T WAIT TOO LONG! Many of our classes fill quickly so early registration is recommended. You are not confirmed in the class until we receive your payment (for classes requiring payment). Don’t lose your space in class – pay early!

See the inside of the back cover of this magazine for registration information.

Pre-registration is required for all classes unless otherwise noted.

Come learn about the causes, diagnosis and latest treatment options available. The guest speakers are Ryder Gwinn, MD, neurosurgeon, Medical Director for the Center for Neuromodulation and Functional Restoration at Swedish Neuroscience Institute in Seattle and Patti Brettell, MD, neurologist with Skagit Regional Clinics – Neurology in Mount Vernon.

A light dinner will be served at no charge.

October 15 (Thur) 6 – 7:30 p.m. (check-in begins at 5:30 p.m.)

Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church 1511 E. Broadway, Mount Vernon No charge but pre-registration required

Bladder Matters Learn about bladder control problems including overactive bladder, urge incontinence, and stress incontinence in the presentation by urologist Amy Arisco, MD with Skagit Regional Clinics.

Dr. Arisco will provide information about various treatment options.

November 2 (Mon) 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital No charge but pre-registration required

Continuing Health Education Meditation for Calming and Focusing Your Mind

Let an experienced meditator guide you in simple techniques to become comfortable with this valuable skill in this three-session class. Meditation is now scientifically recognized to help reduce stress and anxiety, blood pressure and help with restful sleep.

Jan Hodgman, MA, has been meditating for more than 40 years and spent eight years in a Japanese Zen monastery.

October 14, 21 and 28 (Wed) 6 – 8 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital $39

Elder Care Many of us will one day find ourselves needing care for ourselves or a loved one. This two-evening program brings clarity to the maze of support options available. Learn about alternative living situations, transportation, nutritional and medical services, in-home care (including home-health and hospice), as well as how to access these options. Discover the costs of each and the role of Medicare, Medicaid, LTC insurance, and other funding options. The first night will focus on developing a team of support services to allow individuals to remain in their own homes while the second class will review alternative living situations and how to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

Instructor Debbie Gann, CSA Director, Home Attendant Care (Whatcom/Skagit/San Juan/Island Counties) has more than 25 years of healthcare experience and is a certified Dementia Trainer.

Sept. 30 and Oct. 5 (Wed/Mon) 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital No charge but pre-registration required

Diabetes Prevention Program

Certified Diabetes Education Program

The National Diabetes Prevention Program can help you lower your risk for type 2 diabetes with gradual, modest lifestyle changes.

The program includes year-long support and motivation with 16 weekly class meetings followed by eight monthly meetings.

Contact WSU Skagit County Extension for more information: 360-428-4270 ext. 224, Laura DeFreese, Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach or laura. defreesed@wsu.edu or visit http:// ext100.wsu.edu/skagit/fam/diabetes/

Skagit Regional Health offers a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive education program for adults with diabetes, either newly diagnosed or for those patients needing extra guidance with diabetes control. The program includes individual and group education.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is also available through the program. A small sensor, worn in the abdominal area, measures and stores data for four to five days.

A physician referral is required so talk to your health care provider.

The program and CGM is covered by most insurance companies. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm. For other questions, or more information about the program, contact our Diabetic Education Program Scheduler at 360-814-2184 or visit www.skagitregionalhealth. org, search Diabetes Education.

Spanish for Health Care Providers Workshop

Learn essential Spanish vocabulary and phrases common in your health care workplace in this six-hour class, in order to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients on a basic level, while addressing several cultural differences.

The instructor is Sarah Rowan, owner of Salud! Spanish Programs. This program is approved for six contact hours of continuing nursing education.

October 21 and 22 (Wed/Thur) 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital $125 includes course materials Pre-registration required

AARP Driver Safety Program This two-session program for people older than 50 is designed to enhance the driving skills of the mature adult.

Insurance companies are required to give a discount on auto insurance for those over age 55 who complete the course. Course fee is $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members.

Pre-registration is required.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program This intensive program can help patients with chronic lung disorders including emphysema, chronic bronchitis or asthma, reduce respiratory symptoms, improve functional independence and complications and reduce hospitalizations. The program is provided by a multi-disciplinary team. Participants learn selfmanagement and relaxation techniques to improve emotional well-being, skills to help regain control of their breathing, and pursue activities to the fullest extent of their abilities.

The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. for approximately 10 weeks. For more information call 360-814-2236.

October 26 and 27 (Mon/Tue) San Juan Room A/B 1 – 5 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Pay at the class

All classes require pre-registration unless specified. Call 360-814-2424 or see inside of back cover.

Photo by Thom Reese Fall 2015

31

Total Joint Replacement Class This two-hour class helps to prepare patients for their upcoming joint replacement surgery. We have incorporated classroom instruction with procedure-specific therapy. You will learn what to expect before, during, and after joint replacement surgery.

The class meets the first and third Wednesday of the month from 1 – 3 p.m. at Skagit Valley Hospital. For more information, directions and to register for this class, please call 360-814-2424. There is no charge for this program.

Heart Healthy Fitness Program Come join us for exercise in a safe and stress-free environment at Skagit Valley Hospital. The Heart Healthy Fitness Program focuses on individual goals and plenty of one-to-one attention.

We work on strength training, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. For questions, cost and class times, call 360-814-8368.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Have you had a recent heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty or stent placement, heart valve surgery or CHF? We have a program to help you return to your active lifestyle and learn how to reduce your risk factors. A Registered Nurse and Exercise Specialist supervise the classes and provide a safe, friendly atmosphere to ask questions and learn how to pace yourself as you recover. This is a physician-referred program and Medicare and most insurances cover cardiac rehab. For more information call 360-814-8368.We have a program to help you return to your active lifestyle and learn how to reduce your risk factors.

A Registered Nurse and Exercise Specialist supervise the classes and provide a safe, friendly atmosphere to ask questions and learn how to pace yourself as you recover. This is a physician-referred program and Medicare and most insurances cover cardiac rehab. For more information call 360-814-8368.

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Autism Series 101 Skagit Valley Hospital will be hosting Seattle Children’s Hospital quarterly video-teleconferences.

Lectures are designed to provide information and support to parents and families of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Classes are open to the general public. Lectures are available through Children’s video and teleconferencing outreach program. For more information call Tina at 360-8142699. To register, call 360-8142424. These programs are free.

Health & Wellness Screenings

Heart and Vascular Screening: Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), Elevated Cholesterol and More!

The Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute offers this popular community screening on Monday mornings for all adults over age 18.

Attend this screening to find out your risk factors for developing peripheral artery disease (PAD), cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce them. The screening includes the following tests and results are immediate: • Ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior).

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat.

• Blood pressure.

• Full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast. This is a fingerstick test with immediate results.

• Review results with a health care provider.

Call 360-814-2424 or 360-6296481 from Stanwood/Camano Island to schedule an appointment for this screening program. It takes just 40 minutes! The cost is only $39 and screenings are held on Monday mornings at Skagit

Regional Clinics-Cardiology. Also see Stroke and Aneurysm Screenings on page 33 for a screening of the aorta and carotid arteries.

Cholesterol/Diabetes, Vitamin D and Bone Density Screenings Full Lipid Profile plus Glucose: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Fee: $15 Vitamin D: Fasting is not required. Fee: $39 Bone Density: This is a noninvasive, painless scan of one hand.

Results are available immediately.

Fee $10 (cash or check only).

For information call 360814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required. Cash or check only.

September 17 (Thur) 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance

FREE Vein Screening Steven Lee, MD, surgeon with Skagit Regional Clinics, will be conducting screenings to evaluate visible varicose veins in the legs and help raise awareness of venous disease and the available treatment options.

Screenings take less than 10 minutes and are open to men and women. Participants are examined individually in a private environment and should wear loose-fitting clothes (no pantyhose).

Shorts or skirts are best.

Sept. 28 (Mon) 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital No charge but pre-registration required

Skin Cancer Screening Local dermatology providers will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. No charge. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

November 4 (Wed) 1 - 4 p.m.

Provided by Corinne Sayler, PA-C Skagit Regional Clinics-Riverbend Dermatology Department 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon

Vision Screening

Bone Marrow Drives

Blood Drives

A certified ophthalmic technician with North Cascade Eye Associates will conduct vision and glaucoma screenings. This is not an evaluation of cataracts or macular degeneration.

It is an acuity (vision) and eye pressure test only. Bring a contact lens case for storage during the screening. No charge. Call 360814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

Every day in this country, over 6,000 patients stricken with lifethreatening diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell anemia search the Be The Match Registry in the hope of finding a matching bone marrow donor. You could be a possible match for a patient in need of a bone marrow transplant. It begins with a simple cheek swab. Learn more about how you can become a donor and the steps of the donation process at bethematch.org.

Sept. 21; December 7 (Mon) 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Mobile van at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon

October 6 (Tue) 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room – Kincaid Street entrance

Automated blood pressure machines are available at the following locations:

October 2 (Fri) 1 - 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital

Stroke and Aneurysm Screening This ultrasound screening test provided by Skagit Digital Imaging is non-invasive, quick and painless, and will help you identify whether you are at increased risk for stroke and vascular disease.

The cost is only $59 for the combined carotid and aorta screening and is payable by cash or check only.

To register for an appointment, call 360-428-8208 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Screenings are held at Skagit Radiology located at 1320 E. Division, Mount Vernon.

November 4 (Wed) 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Sedro Woolley 1990 Hospital Drive, top of stairs Pre-registration not required.

Visit bethematch.org for more information.

All classes require pre-registration unless specified. Call 360-814-2424 or see inside of back cover.

December 21 – 22 (Mon/Tue) 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

Free Blood Pressure Screenings

• Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon • Skagit Valley Hospital – Kincaid Street entrance • Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood

Is it Time for Your Mammogram?

The Breast Care Center

1320 East Division Street Mount Vernon 360-428-7270 A service provided cooperatively

by Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Radiology.

Photo by Thom Reese Fall 2015

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Childbirth & Infant Care

Pregnancy and Childbirth This six-week course for expectant parents includes information about emotional changes during pregnancy, the labor process, breathing techniques, the role of the support person, breastfeeding, and a local pediatric care provider to discuss your baby’s first three months. The fee is $110. Medical coupons are accepted. Full payment or a copy of your medical coupon is required two weeks before the class begins. Classes are offered at Skagit Valley Hospital. Pre-registration is required. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to register.

Childbirth Preparation: Weekend Course Skagit Valley Hospital offers a two-day childbirth preparation class on weekends. Plan to begin the course in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. The class includes the same topics as the six-week course. A tour of the Family Birth Center is included.

The fee is $95. Medical coupons are accepted. Pre-registration is required. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to register.

Family Birth Center Tours Free tours of the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center are offered twice a month.

Call 360-814-2424 or 360-6296481 to schedule a tour.

New Mom’s Group This group is led by a nurse/ lactation consultant and a WIC peer counselor. Bring your baby, join us for beverages and talk about your experiences as a new mom.

Meet other moms, weigh your baby, and get answers to your questions about breastfeeding, development, and much more. Pregnant women, moms with babies, and any woman with breastfeeding questions are welcome to attend. Held on Thursdays from 11 a.m. – Noon in the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center Waiting Room. Call 360-428-2229 with questions.

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Breastfeeding and Newborn Care

Gestational Diabetes Program

Skagit Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center’s nurse Lactation Consultants will aid parents in gaining the knowledge necessary to make feeding decisions regarding their new baby. In addition, a local pediatric care provider will be available to provide information on newborn care – time for questions will be allowed. Pre-registration required. The fee is $25 for this two and one-half hour program. The cost is only $20 when registering for the weekend childbirth preparation class at the same time.

Call 360-814-2424 or 360-6296481 for class dates and times.

Skagit Valley Hospital offers a referral-based education program to improve gestational diabetes self-management skills. Our highly trained and dedicated diabetes education team provides participants with the skills to manage their blood sugar through healthy eating, stress management, increased activity, and blood glucose monitoring. The program offers individual nutrition therapy appointments. For more information please contact our Diabetes Education Program at 360-814-2184.

Prenatal Fitness

Certified child safety seat technicians will assess your seat for age- and size-appropriateness, proper installation and use, recalls, and visible damage. This screening is highly recommended for parentsto-be, prior to the birth of your new baby, to learn how to safely install and use your car seat. Cosponsored by Safe Kids Northwest.

Pre-registration is not required.

Prenatal Fitness is an eight-week program designed to strengthen the body for all the changes it will experience during pregnancy. The class includes cardio, strength, flexibility and balance training.

Prenatal Fitness is designed to accommodate all stages of pregnancy and various fitness levels.

This class is taught by a certified preand post-natal fitness instructor.

Sept. 22 – Nov. 10 (Tue) 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center Waiting Room $79

Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital There are four Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Registered Nurses available to visit you during your hospital stay and help you experience a successful start to breastfeeding your baby.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and would like to know more about Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital, please call 360-814-BABY and one of our consultants would be happy to talk with you.

Child Safety Seat Checks

Sept. 17; Oct. 15; Nov. 19 (Thur) 1 - 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital at main entrance covered area

Kidney Dialysis Education Kidney Failure Treatment Options

This Skagit Valley Kidney Center program is for people with reduced kidney function who would like to explore treatment options for renal replacement therapy.

Patients, families, and caregivers will receive information about treatment options (such as dialysis and transplant), diet, health maintenance, financial, and social concerns. For more information and registration, call 360-416-5717.

Cancer Support Services

scarves, and other accessories. Preregistration is required; register by calling American Cancer Society Everett office at 425-404-2193.

All programs are provided for cancer patients and survivors and are free of charge. For additional information on any of these services or events please call 360-814-8255.

Grief Support Services

October 26; November 16 1 – 3 p.m.

Hospice of the Northwest provides support to anyone in our communities coping with grief and loss after the death of a loved one. Call our Bereavement Program for information and referrals, attend a free grief support group, or check out materials from our Resource Center Library. For more information and to receive a current grief group schedule, please call 360-814-5570 or 360-814-5550.

Cancer Support Group The Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center offers a monthly support group for individuals and their caregivers dealing with the emotional life changing challenges of a cancer diagnosis. The group is open and available on a drop-in basis (preregistration welcomed.) The group meets at 4 p.m. the second Thursday of each month. To register, or for further information, please contact Peter Wold, MSW, Oncology Social Worker at 360-814-8255 or via email at pwold@skagitvalleyhospital. org. The meetings are held in the Safeway Conference Room at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center, third floor.

Look Good, Feel Better The Look Good, Feel Better sessions are led by trained, volunteer cosmetologists who teach women either in active cancer treatment or about to start treatment how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Women also learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs,

September 21 5 – 7 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center Safeway Conference Room (third Floor) 307 South 13th Street Mount Vernon

Art and Healing Group First and third Mondays of each month, 2 – 4 p.m. in the Safeway Conference Room (third floor) at the Regional Cancer Care Center.

Instructor Margaret Carpenter Arnett, BSN, ATR, has been doing art therapy with cancer patients for more than 20 years. Creating art can promote healing by reducing anxiety and stress and improving emotional well-being. Please note that artistic “skills” are not required! Come and join this fun and welcoming group. For more information call 360-814-8255.

Diabetes Support This group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Skagit Valley Hospital. Call 360-814-8274 for more information.

Hospice of the Northwest Resource Center: A free lending library open to the community Books and other materials are available for adults, teens, and children. Topics include caregiving, coping with disease, end of life concerns, grief and loss, and spirituality. You can also visit our website at: www. hospicenw.org, selecting Helpful Resources, then click on Hospice Resource Library Catalog.

The Resource Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Hospice office at 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A in Mount Vernon and after hours by appointment. For information call Hospice of the Northwest at 360-814-5570.

Photo by Thom Reese Fall 2015

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In-Service Education For grief and loss presentations for your organization or employees, contact the Hospice of the Northwest Bereavement Department at 360-814-5570. For clinical education or presentations for your organization or employees, contact Hospice of the Northwest at 360-814-5550.

Hospice Program Seeks Volunteers A unique and meaningful volunteer opportunity is available through Hospice of the Northwest, serving Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties.

Volunteers offer support and companionship to individuals with life expectancies of six months or less. Volunteer trainings are held in the fall and spring of each year. To learn more, please contact Julie Pryor Barr, Volunteer Supervisor at 360-8145588 or jbarr@hospicenw.org.

Community Education Want to learn more about hospice services and what they might mean for you and your family?

Hospice of the Northwest staff is available to give educational presentations to community groups. For more information, please call 360-814-5550.

Mental Health Mental Health Support Group

NAMI Skagit Open Support Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Shuksan Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. Family members and those living with mental illness are welcome. For more information contact Marti at 360770-5666 or Al at 360-424-5802.

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NAMI Basics Education Program

Skagit Valley REACH Center

A free six-week class for parents or primary caregivers of a child or teen with mental illness or a brain disorder such as ADHD, bipolar and others. The course helps families with communication, coping, schools and education needs, rehabilitation, recovery, and advocacy. The next class is to be announced. For information, call Jerry McGaha at 360-6311238 or Marti at 360-770-5666.

People come to Skagit Valley REACH Center to build confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth, being proactive in their mental health recovery and personal wellness.

We are a peer-run center that provides volunteer opportunities, community resources, housing education, employment education, public computer access, computer classes, community voicemail, and self-supporting recovery classes.

We work with individuals age 16 and older. SVRC is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 1413 E. College Way in Mount Vernon WA. For information call 360-8738635, or email Center Director Jeff Reynolds reynoldsj@svreach. org or visit www.cvabonline.com.

Family-to-Family Evidence-Based Education Program Free 12-session (six-week) course for families of adults with mental illness or a brain disorder. The course focuses on helping family members understand the major mental illnesses and maintain their own well-being while providing needed support to their ill family members. This program is provided

by NAMI Skagit, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The next class will begin Monday, October 5. Call Marti at 360-7705666 or Judy at 360-424-5802 for more information. Space is limited so reservations are required.

Peer-to-Peer Education Program Free ten-session (five week) course for adults with mental illness or brain disorders to help them better understand their illness and maintain and improve their recovery. NAMI Skagit provides this program at noc charge. The next course will start September 10. Call Polly Lowman at 360630-9881 for more information and to register. Space is limited.

Youth and Adult WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) The Wellness Recovery Action Plan, or WRAP, is an evidence-based system that is used world-wide by people who are dealing with mental health and other kinds of health challenges, and by people who want to attain the highest possible level of wellness. This program is provided

by Skagit Valley REACH Center.

For more information call 360873-8635, or email Center Director Jeff Reynolds reynoldsj@svreach.org.

The Recovery and Wellness Program This program is available to any Skagit County resident between the ages of 16 and 24 who needs assistance with linking to community services while in substance abuse treatment, or just recently discharged from treatment. The program is housed with Catholic Community Services Recovery Center in Burlington through a grant from Skagit County.

Interested candidates can contact 360-757-0131 for more information or to make an appointment with one of the Recovery and Wellness Coordinators.

Support Groups Ostomy Support Group

A friendly support group for people with ostomies, their friends and families. Meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Shuksan Conference room at Skagit Valley Hospital (use Kincaid Street entrance) from 6 to 7 p.m.

For more information contact Cathy Schaeffer at 360-202-3410.

Community News & Resources Speakers Bureau

Skagit Regional Health’s Speakers Bureau provides speakers on a number of health care related topics, many at no cost. For more information on speaker topics or to schedule a presentation, call Val at 360-814-2424.

Volunteer Services at Skagit Regional Health

a year in advance of any school deadlines that may be applicable.

High school students seeking course or club credit should apply and begin volunteering before their senior year.

Guilds and Auxiliaries

Many volunteers choose to serve through membership in one of our volunteer service and fundraising groups including the Grace Cochrum Guild, J.E.M. Guild, SVH Auxiliary and SVH Guild.

Other Volunteer Department Services: Hospital and Clinic Tours

Tours of our facility for groups and individuals are available.

Reservations are required. Call 360-814-2142 to schedule a tour.

Gift Shop

The gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the main lobby.

All proceeds from the Gift Shop are returned back to help Skagit Regional Health in areas of need.

Volunteer opportunities at Skagit Regional Health include information desks, pianists, clerical and many others. Call 360-8142142 for more information.

Watch HealthQuest TV on Cable-Access Television Station 10 and on YouTube.com.

Junior Medical Volunteers

If you are a Comcast cable subscriber in Skagit County, be sure to tune in to channel 10 to watch HealthQuest TV. The show airs at 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. every day.

The Junior Medical Volunteer program is for students age 15-18.

For Students and Job Seekers

The number of positions are limited so prospective volunteers should apply at least

This half-hour show features a new guest each week showcasing our local providers and health care professionals on a variety of topics ranging from latest treatment options for heart disease and cancer care to prevention topics highlighting local walking trails and cooking shows. You can also view our HealthQuest shows online at www.youtube. com/skagitvalleyhospital.

Need a Doctor?

Call our free Find a Doctor Phone Line at 360-848-5555 or 360-6295850 from Stanwood or Camano Island. The referral line is open Monday-Saturday between 6:30 a.m.

– 8 p.m. Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Trail Guides, Bike Maps and More at BeActiveSkagit.org Visit the new BeActiveSkagit. org Web site to learn more about opportunities to be physically active in Skagit County including trail guides, an activity tracker and much more.

Photo by Thom Reese

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Exciting things are happening Exciting things are happening at Skagit Regional Health. We are working on the details of our long-term clinical affiliation with UW Medicine and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics. These new relationships are good news for our communities and the patients we serve.

As we navigate through the many changes in health care, working together with a health care leader such as UW Medicine will be a definite advantage for us with clinical advancements and best practices. As a Board, it’s our goal to bring the latest in prevention, diagnosis and treatment to the people of our communities, and UW Medicine has a tradition of excellence and leading the way in the use of state-of-the-art techniques and technology. The details are under development

and we will look forward to sharing more with you about what this great partnership with UW Medicine will mean to our organization, and, to you.

Likewise, we are looking forward to the advancement of our relationship with Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics.

We have worked very well with Cascade Valley over the years, our organizations share common values and we look forward to this new venture to enhance access to care in north Snohomish County.

Again, details are still in the making, however the overarching plan is to have Skagit Regional Health become the lease-operator for Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics. That means Skagit Regional Health will manage the hospital in Arlington and the affiliated clinics, will manage the finances and the

employees, and will oversee capital investments through a strategic alliance. The lease will require submission of a Certificate of Need application to the state Department of Health and we are hopeful that the state’s paperwork will be complete in mid-2016. Meanwhile, we have work groups and a steering committee hard at work to guide our progress for a smooth transition.

Our commitment to you is to keep you informed as we take these exciting steps to advance health care.

Jeffrey Miller, PhD, JD Public Hospital District No. 1 Skagit Valley Hospital Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners Public Hospital District No. 1

ABOVE: (left to right) James L. Hobbs, Clark D. Todd, Pattie Lewis, Balisa Koetje, Jeffrey Miller, Bruce Lisser and Stan Olson

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Cash Policy Notice

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2016, Skagit Regional Health, which includes Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Regional Clinics and Cascade Skagit Health Alliance, will no longer accept cash as a method of payment*. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Discover), debit cards, including pre-paid debit cards, and personal checks will continue to be accepted. *ONE EXCEPTION: Skagit Regional Clinics’ pharmacies will continue to accept cash.

Many of Skagit Regional Clinics’ satellite offices have operated under a “cashless” policy for more than a year.

These successful pilot programs have reduced security risks and helped with loss prevention. The change will also improve efficiency for patients during appointment check-in.

I do not have a bank account.

What are my options?

For patients who do not have a bank account, we suggest the use of pre-paid debit cards. Pre-paid debit cards are available at many grocery stores and other retail locations as well as at banks and credit unions.

Are cashier’s checks or money orders accepted?

I have more questions.

Who can I contact?

No. Skagit Regional Health will only accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Discover), debit cards, pre-paid debit cards and personal checks.

Our Financial Services department will be able to address additional questions.

What will happen if I do not bring in an accepted form of payment?

360-428-2521

Patients who do not cover their co-pay at the time of service will have a $15 surcharge added to their account to cover billing costs.

HealthQuest Class or Screening

Date

Fee

Total amount enclosed: Name:________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code:____________________________________________________________ Day Phone:___________________________ Home Phone:_______________________________ E-mail address:________________________________________________________________

Type of Payment (Please do not send cash) Check (make checks payable to SRH-HealthQuest) VISA

Credit Card Number: ____________________________________

Skagit Valley Hospital Financial Services (by last name) A – C 360-814-2627 D – H 360-428-2287 I – Q 360-445-8576 R – Z 360-445-8575

Class Registration

Please fill out this form and include your check or charge card number along with the requested information (use one copy for each participant - feel free to duplicate this form or register on our Web site.

Mastercard

Skagit Regional Clinics Financial Services

Expiration Date:________________________ Signature: ____________________________________

Mail

HealthQuest

Skagit Regional Health P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Phone

360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481

Internet

www.skagitregionalhealth.org, click on Events

Fax

360-814-8222 Complete this form and fax it to the number above.

Questions?

Call Skagit Regional Health at 360-814-2424, from Stanwood and Camano Island call 360-629-6481 or for hearing impaired, please call TTY 360-814-2219 Fall 2015

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MOUNT VERNON, WA PERMIT NO. 104

P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376 Sponsored by Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

*********ECRWSS**** POSTAL CUSTOMER