2015 Winter HealthQuest

HealthQuest WINTER 2015

A publication of

Skagit Regional Health

A Fall 2014

Another A! Hospital receives honors for patient safety

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Guide to important

health screenings for all ages 6

Goal 2015

Health and Wellness How to fit exercise into a busy life 4

Festival of Trees a huge success!

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SAVE THESE DATES 12TH ANNUAL

Monday February 23, 2015, 6 p.m.

Il Granaio Restaurant 100 E. Montgomery Street Mount Vernon

For reservations call: 360-814-5747 SPONSORSED BY:

June 19, 2015

Skagit Golf & Country Club Burlington, Washington

and tickets 2 For information call: 360-814-8376

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OUR VISION:

Healthier Community A vision statement spells out an organization’s goals and aspirations.

We have made it our vision at Skagit Regional Health to enhance the health of our community.

This may sound lofty; however, we are confident in our ability to make a difference by working with community partners to bring health, wellness and prevention to the forefront for all who live here.

This focus is represented in many ways across our organization, from the content of this magazine and information on our Facebook page and Web sites, to the programs and services we offer and the relationships we have with other organizations with a similar dedication to health and wellness.

Information is power. Patients at Skagit Regional Clinics and Skagit Valley Hospital now have access to their health information through patient portals. Go online to sign up and enjoy the ability to review your health information and the convenience of requesting appointments and asking for prescription refills. HealthQuest magazine in 2015 – published in January, April and September – will feature expanded content on prevention, healthy living, nutrition and tips for improving your health.

Exercise is medicine. People of all ages are encouraged to get moving.

For our heart patients, the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is raising money to create a new Cardiac Rehabilitation facility, featuring educational space and a rehab gym to help people who have had cardiac events return to activity.

Education is often the answer. Our Diabetes Education Program is an illustration of an opportunity to learn from medical professionals to improve quality of life when faced with a chronic illness.

Working together as a community is essential. We are also collaborating with a host of other organizations, including Skagit County Public Health and Community Services, cities and school districts, providers and social service agencies such as Community Action of Skagit County, to maximize our use of scarce resources to create a healthier community.

The invitation is out for all to be part of our vision. Start the New Year with a focus on wellness, prevention and a healthier community.

Gregg Agustín Davidson, FACHE Chief Executive Officer

WINTER 2015 / VOLUME 12 / ISSUE 1

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.

On the Web: 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 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 or more information, contact Outreach and Media Coordinator Linda Wright at 360-814-2325 or go to our Web site at www.skagitregionalhealth.org.

Health Snapshot

A guide to important health screenings for all ages 9

Another A!

Hospital receives honors for patient safety 24

THE BREAST INSTITUTE 360-814-8148 SKAGIT VALLEY KIDNEY CENTER AND WOUND HEALING CENTER 208 Hospital Parkway Mount Vernon, WA Kidney: 360-814-8260 Wound: 360-814-2600

Keep Fit

How to fit exercise into a busy life

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

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

Photo by George Gjerset, MD

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

Festival of Trees a huge success!

Cover Photo

Lora Cork, ARNP, made time for exercise and wellness activities while working and attending school.

Photo by Linda Wright

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

Winter 2015

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Make an appointment

for exercise, and keep it Balancing work, family, studies and exercise has been a constant challenge for Lora Cork, ARNP. Still, even while going to school full time and working full time, she found a way to get moving, make healthy meals and get her rest.

“You have to care for your body, mind and soul,” she said. “We are never too busy to take care of ourselves. I would put it on my calendar and make time for myself.”

Cork started as a volunteer in the Skagit Valley Hospital Emergency Department in 1992 and continued as she attended nursing school at Skagit Valley College. She earned her AA degree and became a staff nurse in the ER. “I was so thrilled to be in the Emergency Department,” she said. “It’s exciting. People are sick or they are injured and you can fix them and make them more comfortable.”

Cork, who is married, has three grown children and two grandchildren, said the ER staff is like a big, extended family, offering her support as she went back to school to get a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. She graduated from the University of Washington in 2011.

“At that point, I figured, it’s now or never, I better keep going,” she said of her decision to pursue a Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Seattle Pacific University, graduating with honors in June 2014.

Today, she is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in the Emergency Department, working in the “quick look” area for patients with non-life threatening injuries or illness. She also works in Urgent Care at Skagit Regional Clinics.

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Throughout her education and work career, Cork has been aware of the need to take care of her own health so she could also care for others.

“I tried to find opportunities to get up and get moving,” she said.

Walking and playing with her dog, yoga, going to the gym, CrossFit, stretching, and yard work were among the ways she fits physical activity into her day.

“It’s literally an appointment on my calendar,” she said. “And I kept my appointments.”

At home, all meals are homemade from scratch, as a result of dietary limits for her husband, which means Cork gets the benefits of the healthy meals too. “I feel better, it’s healthier. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said.

A healthy lifestyle does not have to be complex or expensive, she said.

“Just look for variety, what you enjoy, and how it makes you feel,” she said. “It’s just getting up on your feet, getting out and getting moving.”

RIGHT: Lora Cork, ARNP, enjoys a variety of ways to fit exercise into her busy life including time on the treadmill, walking her dog, yoga and yardwork.

Five tips when starting an exercise program

By Christopher Kweon, MD | Skagit Regional Clinics – Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

In the New Year, we often resolve to improve our health or become more active. For those who want to safely start a new exercise regimen, here are five helpful tips:

1 Pick the right activity for your interests and fitness level It may sound obvious, but in order to stick with a new exercise program, you need to start by picking an activity that is fun for you. If you don’t find running enjoyable, try biking or pool activities. Be sure to also consider your current fitness level. If you aren’t very active, you should engage in low impact activities, such as walking, biking, swimming or water aerobics. Other safe exercises include using light machine weights or dumbbells.

2 Noticeable results can take time Remember that some of the benefits that you get from exercising, like changes in your appearance, take patience, commitment and time. Stay motivated because you are gaining health benefits, such as increased heart and bone health, even if you haven’t noticed any changes in the mirror.

4 Warm up and cool down Don’t overlook the importance of taking a few minutes before and after you exercise for warming up and cooling down. Before you exercise, warm up with a five minute walk on a treadmill or ride on an exercise bike. This gets the blood pumping in your muscles. Stretching after your workout is an easy way to help reduce your risk of injury. Stretch your major muscles, including calves, thighs and shoulders. Use a smooth motion and hold each stretch for 30 seconds before moving on.

3 Hydrate before, during and after your workout Drink water on your way to the gym or before you start your activity to prepare your body for fluid loss during your workout.

Take sips of water while exercising and finish off your workout with a glass of water to ensure that you don’t become dehydrated.

5 Start slow A common mistake that people make when starting a new exercise program is that they work out too hard, too soon.

This can lead to burning out or injury. It is safer to start slow.

As you get more comfortable, you can either increase your intensity or the time you spend exercising for a more challenging, but safe workout.

Christopher Kweon, MD is an orthopedic surgeon at Skagit Regional Clinics. He has advanced fellowship training in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. For more information about orthopedics and sports medicine services at Skagit Regional Clinics, call 360-814-6800.

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HEALTH SNAPSHOT

Preventative care is the most important thing you can do to manage your health. Regular checkups and screenings can help your provider identify any risk factors and catch any issues and treat them before they become more serious conditions. Speak with your provider about your personal risk factors and recommended screenings.

Healthcare screenings and prevention.

Cardiovascular Disease

HEART ATTACK AND STROKE

All patients Over age 25 with risk factors Over age 35 without risk factors

OBESITY Obese patients

Blood pressure screening and control Lipid cholesterol screening and control Lipid cholesterol screening and control Lifestyle education and referral to multidiciplinary programs

Cancer LUNG Smokers

COLORECTAL Over age 50

Smoking cessation Discuss screening and colonoscopy options with your healthcare provider

Preventable Diseases INFLUENZA All patients

HEPATITIS B

Patients with risk factors and diabetes

Annual vaccination Vaccine and additional screening for high risk patients

TDAP/TD All patients

Vaccine every 10 years

VARICELLA Under 50 without immunity

One-time vaccine

Cardiovascular Disease

HEART ATTACK AND STROKE

All patients Over age 25 with risk factors Over age 35 without risk factors

OBESITY Obese patients

Blood pressure screening and control Lipid cholesterol screening and control Lipid cholesterol screening and control Lifestyle education and referral to multidiciplinary programs

Cancer LUNG Smokers

Smoking cessation

BREAST Women ages 40-50

Discuss the benefit of annual mammograms with your healthcare provider

CERVICAL Women ages 21+

Pap testing every 3-5 years

COLORECTAL Over age 50

Discuss screening and colonoscopy options with your healthcare provider

Preventable Diseases INFLUENZA All patients

HEPATITIS B

Patients with risk factors and diabetes

Annual vaccination Vaccine and additional screening for high risk patients

TDAP/TD All patients

Vaccine every 10 years

VARICELLA Under 50 without immunity

One-time vaccine

HPV

Women up to age 26

HPV vaccine

Please note that this is a generalized guide. Please check with your insurance and healthcare provider to ensure that you are covered and receiving the proper screenings.

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Breast cancer survivor finds

life’s silver linings Hollye Jacobs, a California mother, marathon runner and nurse, brought a message of hope, healing and silver linings to her Women’s Health Luncheon presentation about her journey through breast cancer.

“In an instant, my world stopped,” Jacobs said of her 2010 breast cancer diagnosis. She underwent a double mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy and radiation.

Throughout, however, she said she decided to “focus on the hopefulness, what I call the silver lining.”

Jacobs is the author of “The Silver Lining: A Supportive and Insightful Guide to Breast Cancer” published in March.

A few of her key realizations Jacobs discussed during her Nov. 5 visit to Mount Vernon were: • Include children early on so they have the facts, are aware of what is going on and can talk about how they are feeling.

• Build a team of caregivers including providers, family and friends.

• Ask for help – “It’s a sign of strength, not weakness,” she said.

• Know the power of humor.

• Look for the silver linings by looking for balance, hope and perspective to get through the difficult times.

• “Do the things that make your heart happy,” she said.

Free Copies Available In a partnership with Allstate, an abbreviated version of Jacobs’ book is available free of charge. You may pick up a copy at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center, 307 S. 13th Street in Mount Vernon or at Cascade Skagit Health Alliance at 3823 172nd St. NE in Arlington.

The abbreviated version is also available as a free download by going to: www.directrelief.org/ silverlining

Women’s “Wear Red” Heart Health Luncheon:

The Angina Monologues Join us for our next Women’s Health Luncheon on Feb. 11 when Skagit Regional Health presents The Angina Monologues Wear Red Luncheon featuring cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Kathy Magliato.

For information, go to www. skagitregionalhealth.org or call 360814-2424. See page 29 for details.

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An experience with Pulmonary Embolism: Fredrick Stilwell’s story “I’ve been scared a couple of times in my life, but I’ve never had this feeling,” said Fredrick Stilwell as he recalled the feelings he experienced during a pulmonary embolism last Spring. “I was an NCIS special agent and I was in the Navy, I’ve been in stressful situations before, but this was a feeling of total panic and loss of control.”

For Stilwell, his journey to Skagit Valley Hospital began last March when he started having trouble with kidney stones after a series of medical procedures.

His doctor at the time suggested that the stones would likely pass on their own. When this didn’t happen, Stilwell became sedentary and in extreme pain. He opted to have the stones surgically removed.

“I felt pretty good for a few days,” said Stilwell.

It was the beginning of April, shortly after his surgery and things were beginning to look up.

“I was just getting up one morning, I stood up and all of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe. My wife was there, she typically helped me in the mornings after my surgery. She called 911 and kept telling me that it would be okay.

I’ve been scared a couple times, but never this feeling. It was a feeling of total panic and loss of control. I have never had a panic attack, but I think I now know what one might feel like.”

Stilwell was transported to a local hospital, via ambulance where he had another episode.

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“When I got to the hospital, they ran a bunch of tests and I was feeling okay at this point.”

Roughly two hours after his first episode, Stilwell’s wife, Cheryl, called Skagit Regional Clinics cardiologist Dr. Kamol Lohavanichbutr (Dr. Lo).

“They rushed me over to Skagit Valley Hospital and Dr. Lo came to see me right away, he did his own tests,” Stilwell said. Dr. Lo concluded that although Stilwell’s condition wasn’t presenting itself as a heart condition, something wasn’t right and proceeded to check for blood clots. Dr. Lo concluded that Stilwell had suffered a submassive pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism is the sudden blockage of a major artery in the lung, typically caused by a blood clot that travels to the lungs from the leg.

“I treated him with an ultrasonic accerated thrombosis (a special catheter.)

This modality of treatment is fairly new and has only

been available for the past few years. The risk of bleeding is significantly lower than systemic thrombosis,” said Dr. Lo. “I cannot give Skagit Valley Hospital a high enough grade.”

Stilwell said. “From the get-go, I felt like everyone was really sharp and that was comforting. The staff was very nice to my family and the nurses were always checking on my wife to make sure she was comfortable and Dr. Lo, what a great guy he was. I cannot say enough.”

Since his experience with pulmonary embolism, Stilwell has been spending time doing what he enjoys. “I love to hunt and fish and I still go crabbing. I’ll be 80 in a couple weeks, but I feel like I’m as sharp as I ever was,” he said.

“In the elderly population, most pulmonary embolism occurs in those who are sedentary,” said Dr. Lo. “I recommend standing up and walking at least every 1-2 hours, avoid sitting at the computer or in front of the TV for extended periods of time and at minimum, pump ankles at least 10 times every hour to avoid blood clots.”

Another A! Skagit Valley Hospital

recognized for patient safety For the third reporting period in a row, Skagit Valley Hospital was honored with an “A” grade in the Fall 2014 Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from errors, injuries and infections. The Hospital Safety Score is compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is administered by The Leapfrog Group (Leapfrog), an independent industry watchdog.

The first and only hospital safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety, the Score is free to the public and designed to give consumers information they can use to protect themselves and their families when facing a hospital stay.

“Our staff does an outstanding job in providing quality, safe, compassionate care to the patients we serve,” said Gregg Davidson, Chief Executive Officer of Skagit

Regional Health. “We are very proud of this recognition and honored to be the only hospital north of Everett to achieve an ‘A’ grade.”

“We commend the ‘A’ hospitals, including Skagit Valley Hospital for helping us to raise the standards of health care nationwide, and demonstrating that they’ve made the well-being of patients a top priority,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, which administers the Hospital Safety Score.

Join in Mount Vernon Mayor’s

LEFT: Fredrick Stilwell is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time with his black lab Jet.

Winter Wellness Week January 25-31, 2015 Mount Vernon Mayor Jill Boudreau believes that a healthy community results in a greater quality of life, satisfaction, and community engagement.

Get your year off to a fun and healthy start by participating in the Mayor’s Winter Wellness Week with free activities for seven days January 25 to 31.

Activities will include an art walk at Skagit Regional Clinics - Riverbend, Zumba, Tai Chi, a free gym day, glow in the dark events downtown, and more! Visit the city’s Web site or “like” the Mount Vernon Wellness Challenge Facebook page for a current schedule and all the latest information.

For more information, call 3366211 or visit www.mountvernonwa.gov

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N E W INTERNAL MEDICINE

P R O V I D E R S

INTERNAL MEDICINE

GENERAL SURGERY

Carolyn Collins, ARNP

Peter Wilcox, ARNP

Duane Oftedahl, PA-C

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics, Mount Vernon

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics, Mount Vernon

Practice Location: Skagit Valley Hospital

Practice Philosophy: I enjoy getting to know each of my patients. Together, we work as a team to achieve the patient’s highest level of health. I strive to offer compassionate, quality health care to my patients every day.

Special Interests: Women’s health, mental health issues and treating chronic health conditions.

What I like about Internal Medicine: An Internal Medicine practice allows me the time to get to know my patients and to make a connection with them. This is the foundation for working together to make a difference in their health.

Ms. Collins is a graduate of the University of California in San Francisco.

She has more than 17 years of health care experience, including working in Spanish-speaking and Native American health clinics. She is fluent in Spanish.

In her free time, she enjoys walking with her Labrador, spending time with her family and crocheting. Appointments can be made by calling 360-4282592.

of health.

Practice Philosophy: As a healthcare provider, I am dedicated to improving the wellbeing of my clients by taking a holistic approach to address both the mental and physical components

Special Interests: I particularly enjoy wound care. As we age, we become more susceptible to developing wounds and these wounds frequently do not heal as well as they did earlier on in life. I also have a special interest in blood pressure management as this was the focus of my doctoral project.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is becoming more prevalent in the U.S. and is a risk factor for the development of other serious health complications. If hypertension is properly managed, we can greatly reduce these risks.

Mr. Wilcox is a graduate of Arizona State University in Phoenix. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, photography and exploring the North Cascades. Appointments can be made by calling 360-4282592.

What I like about General Surgery: I am very comfortable in the OR and consider it my second home. Operating allows me to help a person restore or improve their function or appearance and the results are often immediate. It is very rewarding to see the difference that surgery makes in my patients’ lives.

Mr. Oftedahl completed a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

His experience includes eight years of combat medicine in the Army and work in plastic and general surgery practices. Outside of the operating room, he is an avid runner – running 80 miles most weeks. He also enjoys participating in marathons and Tough Mudder competitions, which are 10to 12-mile obstacle course events.

He is currently training for his second Tough Mudder Championship in which participants compete for 24 hours.

Immunizations

Immunizations were developed to protect against preventable diseases, including measles, mumps, pertussis, chickenpox, shingles, polio, hepatitis B, HPV and influenza, which can cause serious complications, permanent disability and even death.

When considering immunizations, many people think about the health of the individual, but vaccinations also protect the community at large. “Community Immunity” is a term used to describe the protection achieved

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by those who cannot immunize themselves. Though newborn babies, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are not always able to be immunized, they are protected from diseases that are transmitted from person to person when surrounded by people who are immunized. Between 90-95% of the population must be vaccinated in order to effectively inhibit the spread of many contagious diseases, said Dr. Mark Wallace, Skagit Regional Health’s infectious disease specialist.

“Vaccines are an incredible achievement of science and medicine. They have dramatically reduced childhood mortality rates worldwide,” said Dr. Wallace, who has nearly 30 years of infectious disease experience, including work in Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South America.

He has witnessed children dying from diseases that we vaccinate against in the United States. Most people don’t see the devastating effects of these diseases, he said.

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INFECTIOUS DISEASE

URGENT CARE

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

Mark Wallace, MD

Sherry VanSant, ARNP

Cynthia Moffet, MD

Practice Locations: Skagit Regional Clinics, Mount Vernon and Skagit Valley Hospital

Practice Locations: Skagit Regional Clinics, Mount Vernon and Riverbend

Practice Location: Skagit Valley Hospital

Practice Philosophy: I believe that good communication is the key to a positive patient-provider interaction. My goal with each patient I see is to understand what brings them in and to make sure they, their family and their PCP or other doctors involved in their care are clear about the plan to get them healthy again.

Why Skagit Valley Hospital: “I chose Skagit Valley Hospital because of the strong palliative care team that is only two years old, but has more consults per year per provider than my previous hospital. I felt that the providers at Skagit Valley Hospital have really welcomed a palliative consultation service and see its value. I’d like to see our team grow to a point where we can offer outpatient clinics and follow some of our patients once they leave the hospital, and meet patients who have been newly diagnosed with a serious chronic illness.”

Practice Philosophy: I provide individualized care for complex infections.

Special Interests: My special interests include tropical medicine, traveler’s health, HIV, and skin, bone and soft tissue infections.

Dr. Wallace grew up in Skagit County and attended BurlingtonEdison High School.

He received his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine.

Dr. Wallace completed his residency at the University of Washington and Infectious Disease Fellowship at Naval Medical Center San Diego. He is board certified in internal medicine and infectious disease with a certificate in clinical tropical medicine and travelers’ health. His tropical medicine training experience includes extended work in Panama, South Africa, Uganda, Bahrain and Somalia. He served as a faculty member for infectious disease courses in Bolivia and Guyana and as a consultant to the Rwandan military on HIV and TB issues. He has nearly 30 years of infectious disease experience.

What I like about Urgent Care: I get to take care of people when they are acutely ill or injured. I like that I can be there for them during a time when they, or their family member, need help. I can assist them whether it’s through medication, repairing a laceration or fracture, education or arranging the care they need to get them back to being healthy.

Ms. VanSant completed a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Indiana State University. She has experience working in walk-in clinics and in a hospital emergency department.

She is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Palliative care provides a multidisciplinary approach to caring for individuals with serious illness.

Palliative care’s holistic approach focuses on pain and symptom relief, stress management and improvement of the quality of life for all illnesses.

Protection for Yourself and the Community Even in the United States, where vaccines are readily available, we have seen outbreaks of preventable diseases such as pertussis (also known as whooping cough) when vaccination rates are low and the community immunity threshold is not met. In 2012, Washington State was faced with a whooping cough epidemic. More than 2,500 cases were reported by June 2012, which was an increase of 1300% over the previous year.

That many cases had not been reported in any year since 1942.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, immunization rates among Washington students declined in the early 2000s, but have been slowing rising since 2009.

Skagit Regional Clinics’ pediatrician Dr. Rowena Pusateri strongly recommends that her patients vaccinate in order to help get rid of preventable diseases and emphasized that vaccines are safe, effective and well proven by numerous studies.

“I am a mom and I have my kids and the rest of our family members vaccinated,” she said.

It is also important for adults to keep their immunizations up-to-date and to get an annual flu shot, said Dr. Wallace.

Serious complications from vaccinations are rare and the benefits, to the individual and the community, outweigh the risks. If you have questions or concerns about vaccines, talk to your health care provider.

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Strong for Surgery

General Surgeon Morris Johnson, MD with Skagit Regional Clinics and Thomas Varghese Jr., MD, MS, FACS, director of thoracic surgery at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, recently sat down for an interview on HealthQuest TV regarding the Strong for Surgery program.

Dr. Varghese is the medical director for Strong for Surgery, which is an initiative launched in May 2012 by the University of Washington designed to improve surgical outcomes by improving the health of the patient before surgery.

Meet our surgeons: Skagit Regional Clinics has a group of five highly skilled general surgeons offering a wide variety of surgical services to patents in Skagit Valley Hospital’s state-of-the-art operating rooms.

Skagit Regional Clinics also has three certified Physician Assistants in the General Surgery Department: • Duane Oftedahl, PA-C • Fred Renco, PA-C • Brittany Rowan, PA-C

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Dr. Johnson has championed the effort at Skagit Valley Hospital, which was one of the original five pilot sites to embrace the program.

Strong for Surgery has now grown to 41 sites with 147 participating surgeons, with a goal of sharing the initiative nationwide.

Dr. Johnson has also been highly involved in the state chapter of the American College of Surgeons Surgical Care Outcomes Assessment Program (SCOAP), a collaboration of surgeons across the state, which laid the foundation for Strong for Surgery.

Joel Dean, MD A graduate of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Dr. Dean completed a general surgery internship at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J. and spent four years as a Battalion Surgeon in the U.S. Army. He then completed a general surgery residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle before joining the Skagit Regional Clinics’ group in 2014.

Strong for Surgery is built around a series of checklists to learn about a patient’s health related to four key areas: nutrition, smoking, medications and blood sugar.

When the information is gathered, it’s about offering evidence-based methods to improve patient health before surgery.

“You go through these different check lists or interactive tools, find out where the opportunities are that patients can engage in their health, get them to optimize and be in the best possible shape and that helps in driving outcomes going forward,”

Michael Erie, MD Dr. Erie joined the medical staff in 1990 and is a graduate of New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. He completed his residency at Saint Francis Medical Center of Illinois in Peoria. His scope of practice includes general, vascular and thoracic surgery.

Dr. Varghese said. “Skagit (Valley Hospital) has for a decade now been a leader in Washington State in terms of best practices for all types of patients coming into the hospital, whether they are having surgery or they are admitted for a medical issue.”

Paying attention to these four areas of Strong for Surgery can make

a difference for the surgery and for life, said Dr. Johnson, who walks through the four topics with each surgical patient.

“It’s part of our job to improve the quality of care. It’s because we work for our patients. It starts before the operation, it continues during the operation and continues after the operation,” Dr. Johnson said.

“Hopefully, it sets them on a stage that will carry them through their life.”

To see the entire interview with Drs. Varghese and Johnson, go to www.youtube.com/ skagitvalleyhospital

Four key components to Strong for Surgery: 1. Eat well

3. Medications

4. Blood sugar control

Good nutrition is highly important before going into surgery to improve wound healing and potentially reduce the time you are in the hospital. Talk to your provider about any troubles with appetite or unintended weight loss.

Your provider may order a lab test to measure serum albumin levels, work with a nutritionist specialist, and may recommend an evidence-based nutritional supplement before your surgery.

Make sure your provider knows about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements and herbal remedies. Your provider will tell you which ones to stop taking and when to stop taking them before surgery. Some medicines should not be stopped and your provider will communicate with you and with hospital staff to make sure you get the right medications before and after surgery.

Blood sugar that is too high or too low can cause problems during surgery. It is important to control blood sugar before, during and after surgery to lower the risk of infection and help in healing. Statistics show 26 million people in the United States have diabetes, but another 79 million have prediabetes and may suffer from blood sugar swings. High blood sugar doubles the risk of a surgical site infection. Your provider will recommend that your blood sugar be checked regularly, including the day of surgery.

2. Quit smoking Smoking increases risks for poor breathing and circulation, raises the chance for an infection or difficulty with wound healing and increases the chance of heart attack. Talk with your provider about a program to quit smoking, which will benefit you for your surgery and for life.

Josh Hawkins, MD A graduate of New York Medical College in Valhalla, Dr. Hawkins completed and internship and residency in general surgery at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. His scope of practice includes general and vascular surgery, trauma and critical care. Dr. Hawkins joined Skagit Regional Clinics in 2012.

TV10 Morris G. Johnson, MD A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Dr. Johnson completed a residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Dr. Johnson joined the medical staff in 1987. His scope of practice includes general, vascular and thoracic surgery with special interests in surgery of the chest, abdomen, arteries, thyroid and breast and advanced training in laparoscopic surgery.

Check out TV 10!

Comcast cable subscribers in Skagit County can watch programs featuring current health topics and interviews with local providers on channel 10. Tune in to HealthQuest TV with shows airing at 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. every day.

Steven Lee, MD Dr. Lee is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and completed a residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Lee joined Skagit Regional Clinics in 2012 and has a scope of practice including upper and lower endoscopy, hernias, gallbladder, breast, laparoscopic surgery and varicose veins.

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Skagit Regional Health welcomes new

Chief Physician Officer

In January, Skagit Regional Health will welcome Jeffrey Gibbs, MD to the role of Chief Physician Officer (CPO). Dr. Gibbs will work closely with other members of Skagit Regional Health’s Executive Team and the Skagit Regional Clinics’ Physician Governance Committee to improve operational performance, guide strategic planning, enhance care delivery and positively impact care quality within the health system’s eleven clinic locations.

Dr. Gibbs earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at the University of Minnesota before returning to the Medical College of Wisconsin for a cardiovascular disease fellowship.

Following his fellowship, Dr. Gibbs and his wife, Julie, spent nine years in Carbondale, Illinois

where he established a cardiology practice. The group grew to include six physicians by the time he moved to Seattle to join Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) in 2004. Dr. Gibbs worked in patient care and served in multiple leadership roles, including Chief of Medical Specialties and interim Chief Medical Officer, during his tenure at PacMed. Dr. Gibbs enjoyed the administrative positions he held throughout his career.

He decided to pursue a Master of Health Administration at the University of Washington.

Following graduation in 2014, he desired to transition to full-time management, making the CPO position at Skagit Regional Clinics appealing.

Dr. Gibbs said he sees great potential to positively affect the local population through his role as Chief Physician Officer.

“Skagit Regional Health can be one of the best health systems in the Pacific Northwest and that will have an enormous impact on the community. I wanted to be a part of that team,” he said.

Though he will take on many duties as Chief Physician Officer, Dr. Gibbs plans to focus energy on improving the patient experience, which will have a positive influence on other areas of the organization.

“One of the important parts of what we do in healthcare is making sure that the patient’s interaction with the provider and care team works as perfectly as possible. If we can optimize that interaction, then quality, stewardship and satisfaction will naturally fall into place,” he said.

In his free time, Dr. Gibbs enjoys running and other outdoor activities. He recently began teaching himself to play the piano.

Dr. Gibbs is married and has two grown children.

Chief Medical Information Officer

puts focus on seamless flow of patient information Dr. Jean-Paul Creusat joined Skagit Regional Health in September as Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO), responsible for working to enhance the clinical computer systems within Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Clinics.

A surgeon by training, Dr. Creusat received his medical degree from the University of Medicine Vallombrose in Nice, France and came to the United States in 1981.

Over the past 20 years, he has been involved in the leading edge of clinical informatics and the use of computers and technology

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to provide an efficient, accurate exchange of information to benefit the patient and provider.

Dr. Creusat has worked with the State Department, the National Institutes of Health and the United Nations. More recently, he worked as the CMIO for Ardent Health Systems, a Tennesseebased organization with 14 hospitals totaling 2,214 licensed beds in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

“As CMIO, it is my role to address the seamless flow of patient information from the outpatient clinic to the inpatient

setting in the hospital and back to the primary care provider on the outpatient side,” Dr. Creusat said.

Dr. Creusat is working with staff to focus on clinical informatics and chairs the Provider Advisory Committee to gain insights and feedback from doctors and other caregivers on how to make improvements to computer systems and the electronic medical record.

“The role of the physician is crucial in healthcare technology,” Dr. Creusat said.

Moving to the Pacific Northwest from Atlanta, Dr. Creusat said he is “really impressed with Skagit Regional Health, the warm welcome received from everyone and the friendly community.”

New Chief Nurse Executive puts focus on positive outcomes Roxanne Olason, RN, BSN, MHSA, NEA-BC, FACHE joined Skagit Regional Health as Chief Nurse Executive in November. An experienced health care administrator and educator, she most recently was a member of the faculty at Lake Washington Institute of Technology School of Nursing in Kirkland and is a resident of Lake Stevens.

Additional previous experience includes service as Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient and

Clinical Services with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Healthcare in Billings, Montana. She also held administrative positions at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire; Cassia Regional Medical Center in Idaho with Intermountain Health Care Inc.; The Everett Clinic; and Valley General Hospital in Monroe.

She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Washington and a Master in Health Services Administration from St. Joseph’s College in Windham, Maine. She

is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and is ANCC Board Certified in Advanced Nursing Administration.

“I am excited to be joining Skagit Regional Health and looking forward to working with the employees, physicians and the dedicated members of the senior management team,” Olason said.

“My goal professionally is to ensure all of us can be proud of where we work and what we do.

Seeing positive outcomes for the patients, employees, providers and the organization bring both professional and personal reward to us all.”

helps manage health, improve communication The implementation of Skagit Regional Clinics’ secure, online portal, called MyEChart, allows patients to better manage their health and easily communicate with their provider.

MyEChart offers 24/7 access to the patient’s personal health information. Patients who use MyEChart have the ability to request appointments and medication refills, receive appointment reminders, review their patient plan after each appointment, receive test results and securely e-mail their health care provider.

Dr. Mary Ramsbottom, internist at Skagit Regional Clinics, has heard positive feedback from patients about many aspects of MyEChart and witnessed the benefits of more streamlined communication.

“When patients are enrolled in the portal, I can send them test results and they can send me non-urgent questions and referrals, saving time for both the patient and staff in the office,” she said.

Neurologist Patti Brettell, MD has found that MyEChart provides a more efficient way to adjust her patients’ medications and can reduce the number of follow-up appointments needed.

What previously required multiple phone calls between the patient and clinic to discuss medication adjustments can now be resolved more quickly by sending secure messages to Dr. Brettell through MyEChart.

www.srclinics.org/MyEChart

“The portal allows my patients to easily ask follow-up questions. It reinforces recommendations made in the office and can help improve outcomes,” she said.

Skagit Regional Clinics’ patients can enroll in MyEChart at their provider’s office or by visiting www. srclinics.org/MyEChart and clicking the Enroll Now button.

Winter 2015

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CHRONIC CHRONIC DISEASES DISEASES What you need to know What you need to know

CHRONIC DISEASE: CHRONIC DISEASE: #1 KILLER IN THE U.S.

#1are KILLER INconditions THE U.S. Chronic diseases long-lasting that Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions can be controlled, but not cured. They are that the can be controlled, but not cured.

They are leading cause of death and disability in the the leading cause of death and disability in the United States; causing 70% or 1.7 million deaths United States; causing 70% or million each year.

Chronic diseases are1.7 among thedeaths most each year.

Chronic diseases are among the most costly, yet most preventable of health problems. costly, yet most preventable of health problems.

TOP 4 MODIFIABLE BEHAVIORS TOP 4 MODIFIABLE BEHAVIORS

Excessive Alcohol Excessive Consumption Alcohol Consumption

Poor Eating Poor Habits Eating Habits

Insufficient Physical Insufficient Activity Physical Activity

Tobacco Use Tobacco Use

The World Health Organization says that more The Organization that more thanWorld 40% ofHealth cancers and 80% ofsays heart disease, than of cancers and 80% of be heart disease, type 240% diabetes and stroke would prevented if type 2 diabetes and stroke would be prevented if individuals modified their negative behaviors. individuals modified their negative behaviors.

50% 50%

of Americans of Americans suffer from a chronic from disease suffer a chronic disease

2.5+ 2.5+ hours hours

of physical activity should of adults physical activity engage in should weekly to adults lower risk chronic engage in of weekly to lowerdiseases. risk of chronic diseases.

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Heart disease: 596,577 Heart disease: 596,577 Cancer: 576,691 Cancer: 576,691 Respiratory diseases: 142,943 Respiratory diseases: 142,943 Stroke: 128,932 Stroke: 128,932 Alzheimer's: 84,974 Alzheimer's: 84,974 Diabetes: 73,831 Diabetes: 73,831

WHAT’S WHAT’S KILLING KILLING

US? US?

75% of health care costs of the health costs in U.S.care are spent inon thethe U.S. are spent diagnosis, on the diagnosis, treatment and care treatment and care of chronic diseases. of chronic diseases.

$ 7 10

deaths are due to chronicare diseases deaths due to chronic diseases

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazine/f12-infographic-chronic-disease/ http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazine/f12-infographic-chronic-disease/ http://cmcd.sph.umich.edu/what-is-chronic-disease.html http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm

http://www.healthsciences.org/images/HSI_infograph50.png http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/chronic-disease-prevention-and-health-promotion.aspx http://www.healthsciences.org/images/HSI_infograph50.png http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/index.htm http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/chronic-disease-prevention-and-health-promotion.aspx

http://cmcd.sph.umich.edu/what-is-chronic-disease.html

http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/index.htm

ABOVE: Once again, Elma Johnson’s pie broke a fundraising record – this year it sold for an astonishing $6,700 - Dick Tinney and Elma Johnson

Photos by Damian Vines Photography

BELOW: Hospice supporter Lisa Janicki, shared her family’s experience using Hospice of the Northwest to help care for a loved one.

Donors Impact Quality of Life for Hospice of the Northwest Patients “My patient had lymphoma with tumors in her legs that were causing her great pain and made her bedbound. Because of our donors, we were able to provide her with six palliative radiation sessions which reduced her tumor size and pain.

She was able to spend her last weeks walking in her beloved garden.”

– Bob, RN

At the 2014 Ports of Call Gala and Auction, 250 donors and 30 community sponsors gave more than $211,000 in support of dignified and compassionate Hospice care.

A total of $71,000 is earmarked to provide the kind of non-routine treatments described in Bob’s quote. Sometimes, a patient needs something that is outside of what is considered “routine” care by Medicare and most insurance companies. Sometimes these needs are simple, like a second set of sheets, or a blender for a patient who can only take liquids. And, sometimes, these needs can be much more challenging, like the palliative radiation therapy that could help a bed-bound patient walk in her garden again. Generous donations

through the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation help to ensure that Hospice of the Northwest can provide the care our friends, neighbors and loved ones expect and deserve.

The Hospice of the Northwest Foundation has committed to providing more than $240,000 in program grant funds to Hospice of the Northwest during 2014. These grant funds help bridge the gap between what the agency is reimbursed through Medicare and other insurance programs, and what it costs to provide quality and compassionate hospice care. Grant funds also help defray agency costs for clinical education, technology upgrades, complementary therapy, bereavement care, and uncompensated patient care.

Hospice of the Northwest’s commitment to community Hospice of the Northwest has hired Dorian King to serve as Community Outreach Liaison. The Community Outreach Liaison acts as a bridge between the communities hospice serves and the agency.

Dorian’s primary focus is supporting caregivers, patients, and families to make empowered, informed decisions regarding end of life care.

Through public presentations, events, and private gatherings, Dorian is available to detail the layered benefits of hospice, assist in end of life planning, and provide related in-service education.

If you or your organization is interested in learning more about Hospice Care or end of life planning, Dorian can be reached at info@hospicenw. org or 360-814-5550.

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.

Winter 2015

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Vision in a Digital World

By Linda R Bertram, OD | Skagit Regional Clinics

Surfing, texting, blogging, reading, e-mailing, tweeting, game playing – there’s no escaping it – digital devices are here to stay. From classic computers to handheld video games to tablets to smart phones we are glued to digital devices more than ever before. And all that screen time can result in red, dry or itchy eyes. It can also cause eye fatigue, intermittent blurred vision and headaches as well as neck and shoulder pain. Welcome to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS).

For adults CVS can lead to reduced productivity. More than 60 percent of adults surveyed by the Vision Council reported spending more than six hours a day on digital devices and 28 percent spent more than 10 hours!

More than 80 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 17 say they use an electronic device for at least three hours each day according to a survey by the American Optometric Association. And not only are children using devices at younger ages and more frequently during the day, schools are increasingly incorporating electronic devices into the classroom. For children, all this screen time can have a major impact on school performance.

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So, what to do?

• First and foremost, make an appointment to have your eyes and vision checked.

• Make sure you have the best

corrected vision. In the digital environment, even a small amount of uncorrected vision error, especially farsightedness and/or astigmatism can increase eye strain. Even if you don’t need glasses for other daily activities you may benefit from glasses specifically designed for computer use. For adults who wear standard multifocal glasses the placement of the power in the lenses may not be suited for computer tasks. Eyeglass lens designs are available that are optimized for computer work.

• Recent research suggests the

high-energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted by hand-held devices can be harmful or, at the least contribute to fatigue. Long a mainstay for reducing glare, anti-reflective coatings are now available which block these specific high-energy blue wave lengths.

• Take frequent breaks. Follow the

20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away (or as far away as you can) for 20 seconds. This relaxes the focusing muscles of the eyes as well as the muscles that aim and point your eyes. If dry eyes are a problem do 5-10 gentle blinks to replenish the tear film. Use this time to also do some mild neck and shoulder stretches.

For kids, set a timer as a reminder.

• Our blink rate normally goes down

as we concentrate. For some, this leads to dryness and irritation in as little as 10 minutes. This doesn’t cause permanent damage but the discomfort can be distracting.

Instilling an artificial tear at the beginning a work session can help.

Choose slightly thicker lubricant eye drops like Optive Advanced or Systane Balance that are designed to stick around longer without causing prolonged blur on installation.

• Go for smart phones and tablets

with larger screens and the highest screen resolution possible. Hold hand-held devices at waist level.

Especially watch for this in kids. Closer = harder = more eyestrain and blur.

Need help signing up for insurance?

Call us Insurance enrollment is open through Feb. 15

• Position your desktop monitor so

it is directly in front of you and arm’s length way. The center of the screen should be a few inches below eye level. If possible, adjust font sizes to make text bigger and easier to read. Customize the brightness and contrast of your device by lowering it from the default setting.

• Check the environment around

your computer for light sources that create screen glare. Angle your monitor away from windows or have window coverings installed.

Use indirect lighting. Match the room lighting to the computer screen by using lower-watt bulbs or installing a dimmer switch.

Help is available – Skagit Regional Clinics’ optometrists, Dr. Linda Bertram in Sedro-Woolley and Dr. Jon Dahl in Mount Vernon perform thorough eye exams to detect problems or conditions that might put you at greater risk of digital eye strain. In conjunction with our licensed opticians they can provide customized eyewear with computer lenses tailored for your viewing distance and special tints and coating to reduce harmful blue light and fatigue-causing glare.

Call us at 360-854-2750 for Dr. Bertram or 360-428-6464 for Dr. Dahl to schedule an appointment.

Open enrollment for qualified health insurance plans runs through February 15, 2015 through the HealthPlanFinder, a program of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Enrollment for Medicaid is open year round.

Trained staff members at Skagit Regional Health staff are available to assist people in enrolling for these plans and get connected to a primary care provider. You can make an appointment to come in to see one of our trained staff members or call on the phone for some handy tips in navigating the system. Call 360424-2613 or e-mail exchangeinfo@ skagitregionalhealth.org.

Based on your income, you may be enrolled in Medicaidfunded health care or receive discounts to purchase your choice of commercial insurance.

You can 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: SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH Mount Vernon, call 360-424-2613 or e-mail exchangeinfo@ skagitregionalhealth.org. Service center located at Skagit Valley Hospital.

COMMUNITY ACTION OF SKAGIT COUNTY Mount Vernon, 360-588-5313.

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

SEA MAR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS Mount Vernon, 360-289-4503.

ISLAND HOSPITAL Anacortes, 360-299-4924.

UNITED GENERAL HOSPITAL Sedro-Woolley, 360-856-7384.

All of the plans offered by the Washington HealthPlanFinder are required to have broad 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 http://wahbexchange.org/about-theexchange/policy-discussion/.

Winter 2015

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Skagit Regional Health

in the NEWS SUPPLIES SHIPPED TO SIERRA LEONE

AWARD SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH EARNS INFECTION PREVENTION HONORS SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH was recently recognized with a Performance Excellence Award by the Collaborative Alliance for Nursing Outcomes (CALNOC) for excellence in infection prevention. The award was announced at CALNOC’s national meeting on Oct. 28 in San Diego. The recognition is specifically awarded to Skagit Valley Hospital for performance excellence in the Prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections. The award letter states “Your excellent work and efforts are exemplary and to be commended.”

MEMBERS OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN MOUNT VERNON took an offering last summer to purchase supplies to help health care workers in Sierra Leone care for people suffering from Ebola. Because of the international disaster of the outbreak, church members Dr. Winnie and Lester Bradford, Dr. Beth and Frank Repplier and Dr. Jennifer McCoy arranged to purchase the supplies at cost plus tax from Skagit Regional Health. In August, more than $1,600 worth of supplies were on their way.

In the 19 boxes were 800 gowns, 600 pairs of shoe coverings, 800 face

shields, five large tubs of wipes and 800 pairs of gloves. The Bradfords had spent 17 years in Sierra Leone years ago as missionaries. They kept in contact with the Bishop of the Methodist Church there, who expressed a need for personal protective equipment.

The items arrived in Sierra Leone on Oct. 21, 2014, eight weeks after departing from the Mount Vernon post office. First United Methodist Church members covered the entire cost of supplies and shipping which totaled $4,276. The Bishop in Sierra Leone responded with a word of thanks printed in the church bulletin: “Today, we collected the shipment of 19 boxes from the post office. It took long, but thank God they arrived safely. Let me take this opportunity to thank you and for the time, effort and financial resources invest to ensure the shipment get to us.”

LEFT: Lester and Winnie Bradford prepare packages of supplies for shipment to Sierra Leone.

RESIDENT CHOSEN FOR TRAINING PROGRAM David Escobar, DO, a second year family medicine resident, has been selected to participate in the 20142015 TIPS training. Training in Policy Studies or TIPS is an intensive series of workshops to familiarize osteopathic residents to health care policy pertaining to professional structure, accreditation and licensure, insurance and health care costs, information technology and patient safety. Graduates of this program are equipped with skills to serve

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on committees, task forces, etc. to influence and develop policy. Dr. Escobar is one of 10 up and coming leaders chosen among thousands of osteopathic residents around the country to participate in the beneficial program.

LEFT: Dr. Escobar, DO, a family medicine resident, was chosen to participate in a training program on healthcare policy.

TASTE BY THE LAKE RAISES MORE THAN $15,000 FOR THE J.E.M. GUILD ON A BEAUTIFUL AUGUST EVENING, the third annual Taste By the Lake was held at the home of Dr. Robert and Becky Rosenfeld on Lake McMurray. More than 100 people attended the event which raised more than $15,000 to benefit Skagit Regional Health’s J.E.M. Guild.

Guests enjoyed sampling wine from Kestrel Vinters, and Canoe Ridge, Vin du Lac and Mannina wineries. Beer from North Sound Brewing and Skagit River Brewery was also available for tasting. Music was provided by Marcia Kester. The highlight of the evening was a silent auction which included a Russell Wilson signed Seahawk football that

sold for $2,125. Money raised will be used to provide welcome bags for every child admitted to Skagit Valley Hospital. The zipped canvas bags are filled with age-appropriate toys, games, books and stuffed animals.

Infant and toddler bags include a cuddly blanket and a knitted hat.

The J.E.M. Guild thanks the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon, Masquerade

Jewelry, ABM Health, Lab Corp, Elite Vending, Sea Mar Community Health Centers and Russell Wright for sponsoring the event. If you are interested in joining the J.E.M. Guild, contact Skagit Valley Hospital’s Volunteer Services office at 428-2142.

New members are welcome!

PHOTOS: Taste by the Lake guests were treated to entertainment and beautiful sunny weather.

THINK PINK EVENT RAISES BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Vendors from the Breast Care Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and The Breast Institute provided people with information and education during the October “Think Pink” event held in the Skagit Valley Hospital lobby. The event put the focus on prevention, annual screenings and education about breast cancer. Attendees were also able to sign up for a mammogram.

BELOW: The photo booth was a busy place during Skagit Regional Health’s “Think Pink” event to raise awareness of breast cancer and prevention.

Winter 2015

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Assuring the availability of quality health care Our 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.

Debbie Banta Zach Barborinas Dee Berglin Kevin Bingham Susan Brown Chris Cammock Jill Christensen Kati Collins Mary June Curtis Gregg Davidson Gary Fiedler Jacqueline Hawkins Dr. Joshua Hawkins Kelli Hutchens Balisa Koetje Virginia Learned Juanita Madche Jean Miller Christie Peterson

A

Reel Class Act

The waters of Sitka, Alaska provide some of the best fishing grounds for catching wild salmon and halibut and, for many, a oncein-a-lifetime experience. Derek and Julie Floyd, owners of Reel Class Charters, help make a dream like that come true. For the past 12 years, they have provided a superb fishing experience for four anglers on one of their Reel Class charter boats

Jill Pickering Richard Roozen Deanna Scott Brett Simbe Jim Spane Shirley Watkinson Dr. Rob Zwick

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

To learn more about the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation To learn more about how you can support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, visit www.skagitregionalhealth.org/Hospital-Foundation.

Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation P.O. Box 1376 • Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-428-2140

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for the highest bidder at the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s annual Festival of Trees Gala and Auction.

“It makes me happy that I can share my passion – my experience and knowledge of fishing – to help support a cause,” shared Derek Floyd, who started Reel Class Charters back in 1994. He admits he was “Born to fish with no Plan B.” Derek and his brother, Ben, run the charter service of five boats with crews out

Like us on Facebook Check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/SkagitValley HospitalFoundation

of Sitka. Wife Julie Schink Floyd provides office support from their Sitka and Camano Island homes.

The family business is successful because of their passion and desire to create a special experience for their guests. Derek also owns and operates Anglers Choice Charter Service out of the San Juan Islands for “Puget Sound” fishing during the months of October through April.

Derek said he feels fortunate that he is able to provide a memorable adventure. He says his joy comes from seeing first-time visitors experience the thrill. “I like when people are new to this and show that super, genuine excitement,” he said. Reel Class Charters hosts more than 700 guest anglers a season, May through September.

Most guests are from the west coast. “Watching families or groups of close friends enjoy fishing together is truly special,” he said.

Local farmer and Reel Class Charters regular Roger Jungquist says, “It’s a great time. We have lots of fun.” The Foundation thanks Jungquist, along with fellow farmers Hughes Farms, Wallace Farms and Skagit Valley’s Best Produce, who have served for years as the auction item underwriters for the anglers’ Sitka accommodations.

The Foundation is deeply grateful for the Floyds’ generosity and on-going support of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and Festival of Trees.

This single perennial “fishing trip” auction item has raised nearly $100,000 for a number of projects at Skagit Valley Hospital.

With

Generous Hearts During the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees event, you will find Deanna Scott and Randy Koster sweeping, vacuuming and creating recycling piles - and doing so with smiles on their faces.

Their dedication to the event has lasted a decade, and shows the depth of their generous hearts.

Deanna, a career educator, has volunteered for the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation since joining the Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2005. Since then, she has served as the Chair of the 2006 Festival of Trees, and volunteered as the Housekeeping Chair since 2007. She is also a member of the Foundation’s public relations committee and she and Randy are volunteers at the Foundation’s annual ParTee Golf Classic.

Giving of her time at the Festival of Trees has definitely been a highlight of Deanna’s tenure on the board.

Her favorite part of the event being Tree Design Day when the trees are transformed into literal works of art. On that day, she and friend Helga Schink host and co-sponsor the Designer Luncheon and bake chocolate chip cookies throughout the

day for the tree designers.

Deanna and Randy met in 2007 and Randy immediately became part of the Festival team. His favorite event memory, he said, is “dumpster diving for wine bottles after the recycling plan had gone astray!”

Over the years, Randy has managed his way through several health challenges and has utilized medical services at Skagit Valley Hospital. “I always felt well taken care of and well informed. I have found the staff to be very kind and gracious. I am proud to support their work in any way I can,” said Randy.

Randy and Deanna also provide a monthly gift to the Foundation to be used for the project of greatest need. Currently their gifts support the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project.

When not volunteering, Randy and Deanna dedicate time to their grandchildren and their dog, Toby. They can also be found touring Canada and the U.S. in their Westy van named Stella.` “I am grateful to be a part of the tree Festival and the Foundation for all of these years,” said Deanna. “I have watched our hospital system grow and am very proud of how far it has come. The time and money that has gone into creating such a wonderful place in our small town amazes me every day. It has been an honor to be a part of it!”

Winter 2015

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Festival of Trees Raises Funds for Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s 26th annual Festival of Trees raised more than $310,000 to support the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project at Skagit Valley Hospital.

In partnership with Associated Petroleum Products, the Thanksgiving Weekend festivities began on November 28th with the Gala Evening & Auction, sponsored by Mountain Glen Retirement Community and Baird Private Wealth Management respectfully. More than 600 guests enjoyed the catering of seven local eateries including Chuckanut Manor, Edison Café, La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib, Max Dales Steak and Chop House, Oyster and Thistle, Reverie BBQ and Taste of India. The highlight of the evening was the auction of 25 trees, two tablescapes and 10 “fantastic experience” items.

sponsorship support – Williams & Nulle, PLLC – Wreath Sponsor, Key Bank – Mini Tree Silent Auction Sponsor, Alfie Hill–Banta – Raffle Tree, TechPower Solutions – Treasure Chest Sponsor and Navin, Haffty and Associates – Holiday Bar Sponsor.

Over the past 26 years, the Foundation’s signature fundraiser has raised more than $4.5 million to support programs and projects at Skagit Valley Hospital. Those dollars come from the financial support of donors, sponsors, auction buyers, designers and volunteers. Many of who give annually to this beloved community event.

President & Peoples Choice Award Christmas at the Cabin Tree

Most Traditional Award The Christmas Attic Tree

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Guests also enjoyed the opportunity to purchase designer wreaths, best of live auction tickets, raffle tree tickets, and keys to a treasure chest prize. The silent auction of the mini trees – smaller versions of the full size auction trees, was also a crowd favorite.

The Fund-A-Dream portion of the evening, sponsored by Heritage Bank (formerly Whidbey Island Bank) raised more than $75,000 to name the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Gym in memory of Mark Iverson.

The Foundation recognizes our event sponsors for their tremendous

Designers’ Choice Award Christmas Shades of Grey Tree

Best Tree Topper Fairytale Dreams Tree

Best Children’s Theme Frozen Tree

Seven Lakes in Seven Hours Benefits Cardiac Rehab Center

Design Sponsor Peoples Bank Award Fa-la-la-la-Lovely Tree

SAVE THE DATE 27TH A N N UA L

Festival of Trees

Most Original

November 27-29, 2015

Nordic Noel Tree Following the Gala Evening, two days of public tree viewing and a family breakfast provided a full weekend of holiday merriment including activities for children and entertainment. Many thanks to Skagit Bank, Thomas Cuisine Management and Northwest Health Care Linen for their sponsorship of Family Festival Days.

This year’s family-friendly pancake breakfast titled “Blitzen’s Breakfast,” was sponsored by InSight Healthcare Architecture and was held the morning after the Gala. The morning included games, craft activities and the popular “tree décor” scavenger hunt and mini tree silent auction.

This new tradition hosted more than 200 guests.

Our designers and their families enjoyed a casual evening among the trees at the annual Designer Appreciation Night on November 25. Sponsored by Peoples Bank, the evening included a champagne toast,

dessert bar, photo booth by Strike a Pose Events and a recognition program.

The winning ticket for raffle tree was drawn at the conclusion of the weekend events. Mery Laptonak of Mount Vernon was the winner of “At the Corner of Merry and Bright” a traditional themed tree decorated

by Selena Vogel and Amy Aslett of Walgreens Infusion Services.

Believe it or not, Festival planning begins every January.

The Foundation board and staff are deeply appreciative of the hours and hours of creativity, organization and volunteer management provided by our Festival committee of more than 20 community volunteers. Co-chairs Cheryl Carlson O’Bryan and Dawn Mahler, with a combined 23 years of volunteer service to Trees, led 21 sub committees to produce this year’s Festival. We give special thanks to them and their committee chairs.

Festival Volunteer of the Year Virginia Learned was honored as the 2014 Festival Volunteer of the Year. Virginia, a Foundation trustee, served as Festival Chair in 2008 and 2009 and Tree Design Chair in 2012, 2013 and 2014. With passion, creativity and leadership, Virginia’s contributions have helped shape the current Festival into the special community event that it is today. We are grateful for her dedication.

ABOVE: Ed Perry, Todd Power, Kevin Bingham and Kelly Schols complete the Seven Lakes Challenge.

The Seven Lakes in Seven Hours fund-raising event held September 12 raised more than $14,700 to benefit the new Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Skagit Valley Hospital. This first annual event featured four local “iron men” who hiked/ran more than 25 miles to the seven lakes in the Chuckanut Mountain Range in 7 hours, 2 minutes and 36 seconds.

Participants Kevin Bingham, Ed Perry, Todd Power and Kelly Schols dedicated this cardio-challenge in memory of Kelly’s late wife, Heather Schols, to benefit the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

“We’ve had so many people want to get in on the actual challenge,” said Schols. “We are working to grow the event for next year to include hikes at a variety of ability levels. There’s been so much enthusiasm that I’ve committed to raise $100,000 over the next five years for the new Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, which will be named in Heather’s memory.”

We thank these gentlemen for their energy, commitment and support!

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Tough Enough to Wear Pink Celebrates 8 years The Sedro-Woolley Riding Club recently presented the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation with a check in the amount of $778.12. These funds were raised during the 2014 Loggerodeo through their “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign.

The Foundation is grateful to the Sedro-Woolley Riding Club and the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” program for their eight years of support to the Foundation’s Breast Cancer fund, totaling $8,886.79.

ABOVE: Becky Wells, Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Staff, Dave Temple, Sedro-Woolley Riding Club member, Chris Cammock, President of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and Rachel Holmes, 2015 Sedro-Woolley Rodeo Queen.

ABOVE: Riverside Health Club owners Karen Westra and Denise Skelton present Regional Cancer Care Center Director Barb Jensen and Foundation Executive Director Linda Frizzell with a check for $1,825. The funds were raised during the health club’s “Think Pink” day. The health club donated $5 for each member who wore pink to a group fitness class on that day.

The Foundation thanks Riverside Health Club and its’ members for their support of The Breast Institute program at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

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Skagit Woodstock 2014 Benefits Cancer Care at Skagit Valley Hospital The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation recently received a $7,000 check from the Skagit Woodstock Music Festival to benefit Cancer Care Services at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Under the coordination of volunteers Tom Judge, Reed Harlow and Dave Clark, the daylong music festival featuring six local bands was held August 16 at Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon.

The following bands donated their time and talent to help cancer patients receiving treatment at Skagit Valley Hospital’s Regional Cancer Care Center – Daddy’s Gotta Girlfriend, The Troy Fair Band, The Unknown, BUCULA, Microscopic Giant and The Chris Eger Band.

The event was sponsored by Cascade Natural Gas, Lautenbach Industries, North Cascade Quick Lube/Castrol, Olmstead Trucking

Co, Inc., Post 7 American Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion, and Yorkston Oil Company, Inc. Skagit Woodstock has raised and donated more than $42,500 to the Regional Cancer Care Center during its’ five years in existence.

ABOVE: Daddy’s Gotta Girlfriend (Tom Judge, Ron Ekdahl, Leo Ekdahl and Steve Heinz) perform at the 5th annual Woodstock event at Edgewater Park, Mount Vernon.

Gift of a Lifetime Made in Memory of Guillerma “Gima” Kofoed She was the youngest of 15 children, a Hawaiian by birth and a Pearl Harbor survivor. She was a wonderful cook, a lover of roses, an excellent dancer, a devoted wife and mother of five children, and this past fall, she was the reason for a very generous gift to the Skagit Valley Kidney Center.

As an expression of thanks for the care his wife Gima received during her tenure as a patient in the Skagit Valley Kidney Center, Mr. Marvin Kofoed of Oak Harbor has made a gift of $50,000 to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Kidney Dialysis fund. The gift was also made in honor of her favorite caregivers – Dr. CJ Kuan and nurses Debbie

Woodard and Karen Kimsey.

Kidney Dialysis is the artificial replacement for lost kidney function. Dialysis – the process of eliminating waste and unwanted water from the blood – may be used for patients who have experienced kidney failure for any number of reasons. Typically, the patient visits the Skagit Valley Kidney Center for treatment three days a week.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, as well as the Skagit Valley Kidney Center and the patients we serve, thank Mr. Kofoed for this very generous gift which will be used to support programs and equipment needs in the kidney dialysis center.

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!

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 PAD, cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce it. 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).

• Blood pressure.

• Full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24 hours prior.) This is a fingerstick test with immediate results.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat.

• Review results with a health care provider.

Call 360-629-6481 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 at Skagit Regional Clinics-Cardiology. A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, if you have one, so results can be forwarded for further evaluation if suggested.

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. Please bring check payable to AARP, your AARP card or number (if you are a member), and your driver’s license number to the first class – do not mail check. Pre-registration is required.

To register call 360-814-2424.

March 23 and 24 (Mon/Tue) 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW Conference Room A/B Pay at the class

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

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

Obesity and Overweight: Is Medical Help Available?

Obesity and overweight mean having excess body fat.

Obesity is not just a cosmetic consideration.

It is a chronic medical disease that can lead to other chronic illnesses.

Natalia Usoltseva, MD, internal medicine physician with Cascade Skagit Health Alliance in Arlington provides information about obesity as a disease that should be treated. Specific treatment strategies will be discussed at this presentation including the use of medications approved for the treatment of obesity. Successful weight loss can be enhanced if the patient works in partnership with their health care provider.

February 19 (Thur) 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Cascade Skagit Health Alliance 3823 172nd St. NE, Arlington No charge but pre-registration is required

Stanwood

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

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Cholesterol/Diabetes and Vitamin D Screenings The following screenings are provided by Skagit Regional Health in cooperation with Dynacare Skagit Laboratories: Full Lipid Profile: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea.

No alcohol 24 hours prior. Results include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and glucose (blood sugar) levels. Fee: $15 (cash or check payable to SRH only).

Vitamin D: This screening can help you identify the level of Vitamin D in your blood. Fasting is not required. The cost is $39 (cash or check payable to SRH).

All results are mailed to your home. For information call 360-814-2424 or 360629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

February 12 (Thur) 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW Conference Room A/B March 11 (Wed) 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics Camano Island 127 N. East Camano Drive

Bone Density Screening

Blood Drive

Find out if you are at risk for osteoporosis by having a bone density scan. This is a non-invasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 (cash or check payable to SRH). No appointment is required.

Donating blood is a simple and generous gift that can save a life. Did you know that one blood donation can help up to three patients? The Puget Sound Blood Center urges you to donate the “gift of life” at the following blood drive:

February 12 (Thur) 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW Conference Room A/B

February 13 (Fri) 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.

March 11 (Wed) 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics Camano Island 127 N. East Camano Drive

Skin Cancer Screening Corinne Sayler, PA-C, 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.

February 25 (Wed) 1 - 4 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW Conference Room A/B

CPR and First Aid Classes CPR and First Aid Classes are held at various locations in Stanwood on the second Saturday of the month.

Visit www.northcountyfireems.com and click on Public Information, then click on Classes and Training for more information and to register.

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. They offer services ranging from TB testing, counseling and surveillance, WIC, adult and child immunizations, Healthy Baby Visits, Maternal Child Health and home visiting, travel vaccines and communicable disease. For more information call 360-387-0184.

Photo by Linda Wright

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

HealthQuest

CHANGE YOUR

Doc Talks

Understanding Infectious Diseases Mark Wallace, MD, infectious disease physician with Skagit Regional Health will present and discuss infectious disease issues including the different types of infecting microbes (bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses), vaccinations, flu, colds, and emerging and reemerging infectious diseases such as Ebola, MERS and new enteroviruses.

Dr. Wallace will also discuss drug resistance and infectious disease management techniques. Time will be allowed for questions.

January 28 (Wed) 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance No charge but pre-registration required

Mood and Cognition in MS: What You Can Do About 60 to 65 percent of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experience some degree of change in cognition, and more than half of people living with MS experience mood changes at some point in the course of their disease. Our understanding of the role that cognition and mood play in a person’s experience of

CLASSES

multiple sclerosis has expanded dramatically in recent years.

Join us to learn why and how people with MS experience changes in mood and cognitive functioning, and the latest information on how these symptoms can be addressed—from physical activity, medications and counseling to self-management strategies.

Dr. Patti Brettell, Skagit Regional Clinics neurologist with knowledge and experience in MS and a National MS Society Partner in MS Care, will be available to answer questions and lead a group discussion.

To register, call 1-800-344-4867 or go online to www.MSnorthwest.org.

February 10 (Tue) 6 – 8 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance No charge but pre-registration required

Managing Sports Injuries Whether you are a weekend warrior, a high school athlete or a regular exerciser, you can suffer a sports injury that may limit your ability to be active or compete in your sport.

Fortunately, most sports injuries can be treated effectively, and most people who suffer injuries can return to a satisfying level of physical activity after appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.

Christopher Kweon, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Skagit Regional Clinics, has extensive experience working with recreational, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes who

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.

have been injured. His goal is always to treat the athlete so they are able to safely return to sports as quickly as possible. Dr. Kweon will discuss some of the more common sports injuries and will allow time for questions.

February 23 (Mon) 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance No charge but pre-registration required

Women’s “Wear Red” Luncheon: The Angina Monologues Wear Red to help us celebrate Heart Health Month at our Women’s Heart Luncheon featuring cardiothoracic surgeon Kathy Magliato, MD. Dr. Magliato is one of just a few female heart surgeons in the world with specialization in heart failure, heart transplantation, and ventricular assist devices (artificial/mechanical hearts). She is a nationally recognized expert on heart disease in women. She is a consultant to the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, has appeared on 20/20, has been featured in Cosmo and SHAPE magazine, and is the author of the book “Heart Matters”, written to educate women about heart disease.

In her presentation, Dr. Magliato will share her journey through one of the most arduous careers in medicine, while providing advice about heart disease that could save your life.

Copies of Dr. Magliato’s book will be available for purchase Winter 2015

29

(cash or check only) and she will be available for a book signing at the end of the presentation.

Invite a friend and Wear Red to help combat heart disease in women!

February 11 (Wed) 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Swinomish Casino Conference Center Anacortes (west of the Hwy. 20 bridge) $20 includes lunch $140 for table of 8 Pre-registration required

Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions This six-week workshop teaches practical skills for living a healthy life for participants with an ongoing condition such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, or arthritis. Developed by Stanford University’s Patient Education Department, the workshop is designed to help people learn to manage their chronic conditions and improve the quality of their lives. Family members, friends and caregivers can also participate.

By participating in the six-week workshop, people increase their confidence and motivation needed to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition.

Jan. 22 – Feb. 26 (Thur) 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Family YMCA No charge but pre-registration required Call Renee at 419-3420 by January 16 to register

Spanish for Health Care Providers Workshop Learn essential Spanish vocabulary and phrases common in your health care workplace, in order to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients on a basic level, while addressing several cultural differences. Topics include greeting patients and family, discussing pain/part of the body, medical conditions, simple commands/instructions, dates and times in this six-hour class.

The instructor is Sarah Rowan, owner of Salud! Spanish Programs.

This program is approved for six contact hours of continuing nursing education.

Feb. 10 and 11 (Tue/Wed) 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

March 3 and 4 (Tue/Wed) 11. a.m. – 2 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Sauk Room Enter through Kincaid St. $125 includes course materials Pre-registration required

Elder Care Options Many of us will one day find ourselves needing care for ourselves or a loved one. This oneevening program brings clarity to the maze of support options available. Learn about alternative living situations, transportation, nutritional and medical services, in-home care (including homehealth 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.

Instructor Debbie Gann, Director, Home Attendant Care (Whatcom/Skagit/San Juan/ Island Counties) has more than 25 years of healthcare experience.

March 18 (Wed) 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance No cost but pre-registration required

Especially for Girls: What’s Happening to Me? Skagit Regional Health is offering a mother-daughter class on puberty that will help them address the sensitive topics of physical and emotional development.

“Especially for Girls: What’s Happening to Me?” is 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 talk 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. Comments from previous participants include: “I loved Dr. C’s content and how she presented the class.” “Great information and very relaxed – so great.”

April 30 (Thur) 6 – 8 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance No charge but pre-registration required

Photo by Linda Wright

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

Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Program This effective 16-week program developed by the Centers for Disease Control provides education, lifestyle coach support, and skills to help you reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Group support will provide inspiration and motivation as you make new lifestyle changes. Six monthly maintenance sessions will provide continued group support.

The class fee is $385 for all 22 sessions. There is no cost to PEBB members (State and Higher Education Public Employees) who are: ages 18 or over, are enrolled in Group Health or Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) and do not have Medicare as their primary insurance.

Also, individuals with Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts may be able to use pre-tax dollars to cover the cost of the Diabetes Prevention Program. Be sure to check with the FSA or HAS provider to confirm the reimbursement policy.

This class is provided by the Washington State University Skagit County Extension.

Jan. 13 - May 5 (Tue) Noon - 1 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital San Juan AB Enter through Kincaid St. To register call Laura DeFreese at 360-428-4270, ext. 224

Continuing Health Education Certified Diabetes Education Program

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: • Group education classes which cover the following topics: Diabetes knowledge, meal planning, physical activity, monitoring blood glucose, medication and insulin management, risk reduction, coping and problem solving; • A one-on-one appointment with a dietitian;

• A three-month follow-up group class; • Individual appointments to review medication issues related to diabetes self- management, including maximizing the use of insulin, are also available.

• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) that measures patient glucose levels every five minutes, helping patients understand how glucose levels are affected by sleep, meals, activity, and medication throughout the day.

The program requires a physician referral so talk to your health care provider. The program 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.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Do you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and want to improve the quality of your life? 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 multidisciplinary team. Participants learn self-management 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.

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. Our experienced nurses and therapists will address your concerns and will be available to answer your questions.

The class meets the first and third Wednesday of the month from 1 – 3 p.m. in San Juan B at Skagit Valley Hospital. For more information, directions and to register for this class, please call 360-814-2424. You are encouraged to bring a friend or family member to the class who may be assisting you in your recovery.

There is no charge for this program.

Heart Healthy Fitness Program Are you having trouble starting an exercise program or staying motivated? Do you need direction and professional guidance?

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, heart valve surgery, or stent placement? 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.

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. These programs are free.

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Autism Series 200 This is a 90-minute class for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand this disorder. Faculty from Seattle Children’s and the University of Washington and community providers teach the classes. Each class includes time for questions. Skagit Valley Hospital is a video teleconference site. Please call Tina West at 360-814-2699 for more information. This program is 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.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common condition that affects approximately 8 million adults in the U.S. The same risk factors associated with heart disease are also linked with PAD. Attend this screening to find out your risk factors for developing PAD cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce it. 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).

• Blood pressure.

• Full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24 hours prior.) This is a fingerstick test with immediate results.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat.

• 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. A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, if you have one, so results can be forwarded if further evaluation is suggested.

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

FREE Vein Screening Steven Lee, MD, surgeon with Skagit Regional Clinics, will be administering 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.

February 16 (Mon) 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance No charge but pre-registration required

Cholesterol/Diabetes and Vitamin D Screenings Screenings are provided by Skagit Regional Health in cooperation with Dynacare Skagit Laboratories.

Full Lipid Profile: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea.

No alcohol 24 hours prior. Results include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose (blood sugar) levels and are mailed to your home. Fee: $15 (cash or check payable to SRH only).

Vitamin D: This screening can help you identify the level of Vitamin D in your blood. Results are mailed to your home. Fasting is not required. The cost is $39 (cash or check payable to SRH).

For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

January 29 (Thur) 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance

Photo by Linda Wright

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

Bone Density Screening Find out if you are at risk for osteoporosis by having a bone density scan. This is a non-invasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 (cash or check payable to SRH).

No appointment is required.

January 29 (Thur) 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance

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.

January 28 (Wed) 1 - 4 p.m.

Provided by Corinne Sayler, PA-C March 11 (Wed) 1 - 4 p.m.

Provided by Sam Wilson, DO Skagit Regional Clinics-Riverbend Dermatology Department 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon

FREE Vision Screening 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 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

February 6 (Fri) 1 - 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance

Stroke and Aneurysm Screening No need to wait for a special promotion when you can schedule your screening exams year around and have the exams performed using state-ofthe-art equipment, conducted by board certified diagnostic technologists and reviewed by a board certified radiologist.

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 and provide information so your physician may begin preventive treatment if necessary.

A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, so results can be forwarded. The cost is only $59 for the combined carotid and aorta screening and is payable by cash or check only. This exam is not billable to insurance. Individuals whose screening results suggest the need for further evaluation will be referred to follow-up care with their physician.

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

Blood Drives Donating blood is a simple and generous gift that can save a life.

Did you know that one blood donation can help up to three patients? The Puget Sound Blood Center urges you to donate the “gift of life” at the following blood drives: January 30 (Fri) 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (except 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

March 23 (Mon) 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Mobile van at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon March 30 (Mon) 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room - Kincaid St. entrance Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

FREE Blood Pressure Screenings Automated blood pressure machines donated by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation are available at the following locations: • Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon • Skagit Valley Hospital – Kincaid St. Entrance • Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood

Is it Time for Your Mammogram?

Remember the steps to breast health 1. Do a monthly breast self-exam.

2. If you are 40 or older, have a

mammogram every one or two years.

3. Have a yearly check-up, including a clinical breast exam.

For a screening mammogram appointment, call 360-428-7270.

The Breast Care Center 1320 East Division Street Mount Vernon 360-428-7270 Open Monday – Thursday, 7:15 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fridays, 7:15 a.m. – 3 p.m.

A service provided cooperatively

by Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Radiology.

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 pediatrician 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 We offer 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.

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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.

Breastfeeding and Newborn Care 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 pediatrician 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.

Fit4Baby Fit4Baby 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. Fit4Baby is designed to accommodate all stages of pregnancy and various fitness levels.

Regular activity, such as the Fit4Baby exercise classes, can help reduce many maternal aches and pains, increase energy during pregnancy and may speed the labor, delivery and recovery process.

The class is taught by a certified pre- and post-natal fitness instructor.

Jan. 27 – March 17 (Tue) 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center Waiting Room $79

Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital Here at the Family Birth Center, we are dedicated to you and your baby’s health. That is why we provide one of the most inclusive lactation services programs in the region. There are four Internationally BoardCertified 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 or know someone who is and would like to know more about Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital, please call 360-814BABY and one of our consultants would be happy to talk with you.

Gestational Diabetes Program Gestational diabetes affects approximately 10 percent of all pregnant women. Careful control of blood sugar and weight is important to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

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.

Child Safety Seat Checks 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 parents-tobe, prior to the birth of your new baby, to learn how to safely install and use your car seat.

Co-sponsored by Safe Kids Northwest. Pre-registration is not required.

Jan. 15; Feb. 19; March 19 (Thur) 1 - 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital at main entrance covered area Mount Vernon

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, diet, health maintenance, financial, and social concerns.

This introductory session helps reduce many anxieties a person may have related to the “unknown.” The session provides an opportunity for patients to make more informed choices. For more information and registration, call 360-416-5717.

Photo by Gary Brown

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

Cancer Support Services 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.

Cancer Support Group The Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center will be offering 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. (registration 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.

LIVESTRONG The Skagit Valley Family YMCA is again offering their very popular class to cancer patients. The classes are free and a membership to the YMCA is included! It consists of an individualized exercise program based on the goals of the participant along with presentations from professionals in the community, including Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center. The next session will be held from January 13 – April 2, 2015, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Please register by January 12.

To register, participants need to complete the LIVESTRONG application at the YMCA and get their physician’s clearance before the class begins. There will be an intake meeting with each participant before the class starts to go over their goals and concerns, give a tour of the facilities and to answer any questions.

For more information or to register, contact Erin McMillan, YMCA Fitness and Sports Director at 360-336-9622 or e.mcmillan@skagitymca.org.

Look Good, Feel Better Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her selfconfidence. This program teaches beauty techniques to women in active treatment or those who are about to start treatment. It helps them combat the appearancerelated side effects of treatment.

The Look Good, Feel Better sessions are led by trained, volunteer cosmetologists who teach women 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, scarves, and other accessories.

Pre-registration is required; register by calling American Cancer Society Everett office at 425-404-2193.

January 26 from 1 - 3 p.m.

February 23 from 5 – 7 p.m.

March 23 from 1 – 3 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. Our knowledgeable 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.

It is a great opportunity to process and integrate the challenges of serious illness and treatment. 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 second Tuesday of each month from 6 -7:30 p.m. in the Shuksan room at Skagit Valley Hospital. Call 360814-8274 for more information.

Grief Support Services 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.

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 inspiration for challenging times.

The public is invited to browse materials at HNW Resource Center, or by going to our website at: www. hospicenw.org, selecting Helpful Resources, and then clicking 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. A member of the hospice team can answer questions or help you find what you need.

For information call Hospice of the Northwest’s Bereavement Program at 360-814-5570.

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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

Mental Health Support Group

NAMI Skagit Open 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.

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. They improve the quality of life and provide respite at a time when it matters most. Volunteer trainings are held in the fall and spring of each year. Office and administrative positions are also available, and these volunteers are trained on the job. To learn more, please contact Julie Pryor Barr, Volunteer Supervisor at 360-8145588 or jbarr@hospicenw.org.

NAMI Basics Education Program

Community Education

Free 12-session 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

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.

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Mental Health

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 will begin February 2015. To register, call Jerry McGaha at 360-6311238 or Marti at 360-770-5666.

Family-to-Family Education Program

by NAMI Skagit, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The next class will begin February 2015 and will be held each Monday and Thursday evening for six weeks. 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 nine-week class 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 which will start February or March 2015. Call Polly Lowman at 360-630-9881 for more information and to register. Space is limited.

Skagit Valley REACH Center 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, developing goals in recovery. 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 more information call 360-873-8635, or email Center Director Jeff Reynolds reynoldsj@ svreach.org. Our Web site address is www.cvabonline.com.

Photo by Linda Wright

Youth and Adult Wellness Recovery Action Plan

Volunteer Services at Skagit Regional Health

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. WRAP involves your Wellness Tools, and then using those resources to develop Action Plans to use in specific situations which are determined by you. WRAP also includes your individual Crisis Plan or Advance Directive. This program is provided

by Skagit Valley REACH Center.

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

Volunteer opportunities at Skagit Regional Health include:

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

Need an interesting presentation for your club or organization?

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.

Information Desks

A wide variety of locations are available.

Pianists

If you are an accomplished pianist who would like to share your talent for others to enjoy, call 360-814-2142.

Junior Medical Volunteers

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 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 fund-raising groups including the Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends, 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 2 p.m. in the main lobby. All proceeds from the Gift Shop are returned back to help Skagit Regional Health in areas of need.

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

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.

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 Physician?

Call our free Physician Referral Line at 360-848-5555 or 360629-5850 from Stanwood or Camano Island. The Physician Referral Line is open weekdays between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Trail Guides, Bike Maps and More at BeActiveSkagit.org Visit the newly revised 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.

Need Help Quitting Smoking?

For tobacco cessation support and information call toll-free 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www. smokefree.gov.

Contact Us

To inquire about volunteering or request services, please contact Steve Schultz at 360-814-2142 or contact our main information desk at 360-814-5059.

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Join our journey to

population health In the last issue of HealthQuest, we introduced the concept of population health and our role in improving the health of our community. The Skagit Regional Health Board of Commissioners is making an investment to advance this effort and serve as a leader to impact health, wellness and prevention. We invite you to join this journey.

What determines our health as a community?

• 10 to 20 percent is based on access to clinical care • 30 percent is based on individual health behaviors such as smoking, diet, exercise and alcohol consumption • 40 percent is about social and economic factors including education, income and employment • 10 percent is based on physical environment

As you can see, as a community and as individuals, some of these categories allow us to make a difference and improve our health.

Skagit Regional Health is involved in a new effort to develop a health plan for Skagit County to address these determinants of health as a community and improve outcomes.

As an organization, Skagit Regional Health is involved in a wide variety of programs to make sure we have quality health care available here in our community. We are also looking at collaborating with others, including schools, United Way, cities, the YMCA, and others to look at opportunities to bring care, education and prevention programs to our community.

We know these efforts must not focus only on those who use health care services the most, but must begin with the youngest members of our community. Learning the benefits of exercise and good nutrition from the earliest ages will create a new, healthier generation.

The young will lead – and show the rest of us how it’s done.

Maybe it’s a new app on our smart phones. Maybe it’s a wrist band for every child to count steps and physical activity. Maybe it’s a farm-to-table class that shows how to use our amazing agricultural bounty to create a healthy, fresh meal. Maybe a health coach, who guides, encourages and brings accountability to making healthy choices. Ideas abound and the community is poised to put ideas into action.

This journey to a healthier community involves all of us. Join us on the journey.

Balisa Koetje President, Public Hospital District No. 1 Skagit Valley Hospital Board of Commissioners bkoetje@skagitvalleyhospital.org

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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Services

Skagit Regional Clinics provides comprehensive health care for patients of all ages through a network of health care facilities located in Skagit, north Snohomish and Island counties.

More than 20 medical specialties are available for complete care, close to home.

11 locations 20 specialties, more than 100 providers Anacortes

Mount Vernon

Oak Harbor

Urology Address: 1213 24th Street, Suite 600 Phone: 360-293-2173

Cardiology Address: 307 S. 13th Street, Suite 300 Phone: 360-336-9757

Sedro-Woolley

Camano Island

Residency Clinic Address: 819 S. 13th Street Phone: 360-814-6230

Cardiology Address: 2511 M Avenue, Suite D Phone: 360-293-0308

Primary and specialty care Address: 1400 E. Kincaid Street Phone: 360-428-2500

Family Medicine Address: 127 N. East Camano Drive Phone: 360-387-5398

Dermatology Address: 1300 NE Goldie Road Phone: 360-639-3093

Stanwood

Primary and specialty care Address: 9631 269th Street NW Phone: 360-629-1600

Riverbend Address: 2320 Freeway Drive Phone: 360-814-6800

HealthQuest

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.

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) Mastercard

VISA

Credit Card Number: ____________________________________

Primary and specialty care Address: 1990 Hospital Drive Phone: 360-856-4222

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 Winter 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