23 minute read
HealthQuest Classes
HealthQuest Resources for a Healthy Life
HEALTH SCREENINGS Skagit Regional Health now offers 3D mammography in Mount Vernon and Arlington
Mammography is a specific type of breast imaging that uses lowdose X-rays to detect breast cancer early – before women experience symptoms – when it is most treatable. Mammography plays an integral part in the early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before you or your physician can feel a noticeable lump. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women should begin having yearly mammograms by age 45. At the age of 55, women should talk with their doctor about the option to have mammograms done every other year, or continue with annual exams. Women can also choose to start screening with yearly mammograms as early as age 40, if they would like. SKAGIT IMAGING PAVILION 1320 East Division Street - Mount Vernon 360-424-6161 or 360-428-7575 A service provided cooperatively by Skagit
Regional Health and Skagit Radiology. CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL 330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue – Arlington 360-435-0515 *See page 9 for more information. Regularly Scheduled Screenings Can Detect Cancer Early
According to the American Cancer Society, “screening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be treated successfully.” Several reliable, cost-effective, screening tests are approved and available to help us detect breast, prostate, colon, lung and cervical cancers. Start the conversation with your healthcare provider today to determine what screening tests are right for you.
Cervical Cancer Screening
The American Cancer Society, along with the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, recommend the following for women at low to average risk: • 21 - 29 years old – Pap test every 3 years. • 30 - 65 years old – HPV and Pap every 5 years or Pap alone every 3 years. • 65+ years old – No screening if previous negative screening results.
Make an appointment with your primary care provider or gynecologist to discuss your cervical cancer risk and screening options.
Direct Access – An Easy Way to Sign up for a Screening Colonoscopy
Skagit Regional Health’s Endoscopy Department offers a Direct Access program in Mount Vernon and Arlington allowing healthy adults to register, schedule and receive a screening colonoscopy without a doctor’s referral. The colonoscopy appointment is typically scheduled to occur within two weeks. Colonoscopy is one of the most powerful means of prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. To schedule a colonoscopy through SRH’s Direct Access program, call 360-814-5739 in Mount Vernon or 360-618-7975 in Arlington. *See page 6 for more information.
Lung Cancer Screening The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that healthy adults at high risk for lung cancer should talk to their provider about screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT).
An adult at high risk is defined as the following: • 55 - 74 years old and smoking on average one pack per day for 30+ years. • Currently smoke or quit smoking in the past 15 years. • 50 years old or older and smoking on average one pack per day. • 20 years old or older who has contact with radon or asbestos, history of lung disease, other cancers or a family history of lung cancer.
Review your health history with your provider to determine your level of risk and how to schedule a screening.
EMAIL HealthQuest@skagitregionalhealth.org WEBSITE www.skagitregionalhealth.org click on Classes and Events
PHONE Call 360-814-2424 or for hearing impaired, please call TTY 360-814-2219
Prostate Cancer Screening for Men at Various Risk Levels
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and it can often be found even before symptoms occur. Based on the recommendations of the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer baseline screening for men includes talking with their healthcare provider to determine their risk level. There are two ways to determine if a man has prostate cancer: • Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): Blood test to determine if higher than normal levels of this antigen are present. • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Physical examination through the rectum to evaluate the size of the prostate gland.
If either of these tests is abnormal, further testing is necessary to make an accurate prostate cancer diagnosis and monitor treatment. Usually, a core needle biopsy is the method used to diagnose prostate cancer.
FREE Skin Cancer Screening
Samuel Wilson, MD from Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. Free of charge, but pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-7007. Availability is limited to 12 people. NOV 13 (FRI) 1 – 3 p.m. Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend 2320 Freeway Drive Mount Vernon CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL 330 South Stillaguamish Avenue • Arlington 360-435-2133
HEALTHY LIVING AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION Meditation for Everyday Living: Bringing Ease into Our Lives – Online Zoom class!
Whether you are brand new to meditation or have an established practice of this transformative way of being, join us for an intimate online class of simple ease and peace. Instructor Jan Hodgman notes, “The basis of meditation is bringing our awareness to what’s right here in the moment, just as it is. It’s quite simple to be satisfied. All we need to do is to connect with what is here right now and see that we don’t need anything more than what is already available to us. We’ll explore being with our breath in an easy natural way and how this can even be done in walking meditation. No experience necessary and we’ll sit in chairs! If you have a cushion you like to use for meditation that is welcome, too.”
Jan Hodgman, MA, has meditated for more than 50 years and spent eight years in a Zen monastery in Japan. She loves to remind students that it’s not necessary to go anywhere to experience the simple joy of being. An electronic device with a camera and speaker is required. Pre-register by calling 360-814-2424 or email Healthquest@skagitregionalhealth.org. OCT 16 (FRI) Noon - 1 p.m. Zoom meeting $12; Skagit Regional Health employees call for discount
SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL 300 Hospital Parkway • Mount Vernon 360-424-4111
NOV 11 (WED) 6 - 7 p.m. Zoom meeting $12; employees call for discount DEC 11 (FRI) 10 – 11 a.m. Zoom meeting $12; employees call for discount
Stop the Bleed®: What Everyone Should Know to Stop Bleeding After an Injury
The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma is leading the effort to save lives by teaching the civilian population to provide a vital initial response to stop uncontrollable bleeding in emergencies. Please visit www. stopthebleed.org for more information.
Medicare Compare 101: Open enrollment begins Oct. 15
Do you need help understanding Medicare and how Medicare supplement plans work? Please call the Medicare Insurance Helpline at 1-866-389-0445 for assistance in comparing and enrolling in Medicare plans accepted by Skagit Regional Health. Patients receive free and unbiased Medicare guidance provided by licensed and highly-trained insurance agents. You can also visit www.skagitregionalhealth.org/medicare or see page 31 for more information.
AARP Smart Driver™ Online Course
The AARP Smart Driver™ course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. In many states, drivers may benefit from a discount on their auto insurance premium upon completing the course. An evaluation of the course found that 97 percent of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned. You will have 60 days to complete this online course that covers: • Important facts about the effects of medication on driving. • How to reduce driver distractions. • How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car. • Proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes and new technology found in cars today. • Techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way and roundabouts. • Age-related physical changes and how to adjust your driving to compensate.
Please visit www.aarpdriversafety.org for more information.
BLOOD DRIVES
Donating blood is an essential and encouraged activity critical to sustaining community healthcare, especially during emergencies. A one-hour donation appointment is a safe and essential action to support local hospitals and patients. Pop-Up Donor Centers are being conducted by Bloodworks Northwest in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
No walk-ins, guests or people under age 16 are permitted onsite. Appointments are required to ensure social distancing. To find a Pop-Up Donor Center near you, please visit www.bloodworksnw.org or call 1-800-398-7888.
CHILDBIRTH, PARENTING & FAMILY RESOURCES
At Skagit Regional Health, our goal is to equip each mom with the knowledge and skills necessary to be the best mother she can be. We encourage new moms and their partner or support person to utilize the following educational resources below or visit www.skagitregionalhealth. org/programs-services/family-birthcenters for more information.
Please visit https://youtu.be/ W1kOKxdKUvM for a video tour of Skagit Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center. Questions, call 360-814-2424.
Free in-person tours are offered at Cascade Valley Hospital Family Birth Center by appointment only by calling 360-618-7754.
Lactation Service
Skagit Regional Health offers newborn weight checks and breastfeeding consultations with our lactation specialists during your hospital stay and after you return home. For more information call 360-814-2283 in Mount Vernon or 360-618-7754 from Arlington.
Baby Line
If you have any questions about caring for your baby, call 360-814BABY (2229) in Mount Vernon or 360-435-2133 in Arlington to speak with a registered nurse who can answer questions about newborn care or any postpartum concerns.
Child Safety Seat Checks
All in-person car seat inspections have been put on hold. We hope to offer a virtual way of inspecting cars seats in the near future. For car seat laws and tips visit www. nhtsa.gov/parents-and-caregivers. Nurse-Family Partnership
The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) serves first-time moms who are eligible for Apple Health or WIC. Moms are paired with nurses who meet with them from early pregnancy until their child turns two, providing personalized information and support for a healthier pregnancy and a more confident parenting experience. NFP is provided by Skagit County Public Health at no cost to families. For more information, please call 360-416-1523. Learn more at www. nursefamilypartnership.org/firsttime-moms/stories-from-moms.
Skagit Bright Beginnings
Check out the NEW Skagit Bright Beginnings website where you can find information about programs, services and fun activities for families who are expecting a baby or who have young children. Go to www.skagitbrightbeginnings. com or text “Skagit” to 474747. Call or text 360-630-8352 to talk with a local resource specialist.
Welcome Baby Welcome Baby provides families with support, resource referrals, and connection to activities and events in Skagit County. Having a baby? Welcome Baby, a United Way of Skagit County program, has a gift for you! Call or text 360-9222644 for more information or visit www.skagitwelcomebaby.com.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
The WIC program provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and linkage to health and social services. WIC serves women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or post-partum and infants and children up to age 5. WIC is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate. Clinics are available at multiple locations across Skagit and Snohomish counties: • Anacortes: 360-416-7595 • Arlington: 360-435-3735 • Camano Island: 360-387-0184 • Concrete: 360-854-0435 • Granite Falls: 360-691-7039 • Marysville: 360-657-4102 • Mount Vernon: 360-416-7595 • Sedro-Woolley: 360-854-0435 • Swinomish Indian Health Clinic: 360-466-3900
Skagit Regional Health offers a multidisciplinary, comprehensive, individual education program for adults with diabetes, either newly diagnosed or for those patients who want additional guidance to help reduce the risks of long-term complications. Other services offered by Diabetes Education: • Professional Continuous Glucose
Monitoring (CGM): A small sensor, worn in the abdominal area, measures and stores glucose data for 7 - 14 days. • Personal Continuous Glucose
Monitoring (CGM) set-up • A1C testing • Insulin pump starts and insulin pump management
A physician referral is required 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 in Mount Vernon and Arlington, contact our Diabetic Education Program Scheduler at 360-814-8329 or visit www.skagitregionalhealth.org and search for Diabetes Education.
Gestational Diabetes Program
Diabetes during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes, can result in serious complications to your baby. Skagit Regional Health offers a referralbased education program to improve gestational diabetes self-management skills and provide tools for moms-to-be to feel confident that they are doing all they can to have a healthy baby. 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 at Skagit Valley Hospital offers individual nutrition therapy appointments. For more information please contact our Diabetes Education Program at 360-814-8329. COMMUNITY RESOURCES Nutrition Class for Kidney Disease
Nutrition education for chronic kidney disease will be held one on one with a Registered Dietitian. For more information, please call 360-814-8329.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Have you had a recent heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty or stent placement, heart valve surgery or congestive heart failure? We have a program to help you return to your active lifestyle and learn how to reduce your risk factors. A team of Clinical Exercise Physiologists supervise the classes to provide a safe, friendly atmosphere to ask questions and learn how to pace yourself as you recover. This is a physician-referred program. Medicare and most insurances cover cardiac rehab. This program typically lasts for 8-12 weeks. For more information call 360-814-8368.
Heart Healthy Fitness Program
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.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
This intensive program can help patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other chronic lung diseases to reduce respiratory symptoms, improve functional independence and complications and reduce hospitalizations. The program is provided by a multi-disciplinary team plus individualized education to help patients understand and learn how to manage and cope with daily activities. 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 classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays for approximately 12-16 weeks. For more information call 360-814-8368. CPR Classes Online Classes from the American Red Cross take only a few short hours, but can help you save a life when every second counts. Designed for coaches, parents, adults and teenagers, our online CPR classes make it easy to gain the skills needed to respond during cardiac or breathing emergencies. Taken entirely online, these courses do not include the opportunity for you to demonstrate skill proficiency to a certified instructor, and therefore may not meet requirements for workplace safety certification. If you must complete a CPR class that allows you to do so, check out our blended Simulation Learning and classroom-based courses. CPR online courses are simple to access and easy to complete. All that’s required is a willingness to learn, internet access, and a laptop, desktop computer, tablet or smartphone. Visit www. redcross.org to find a class today.
Stilly Valley Health Connections
Stilly Valley Health Connections, in partnership with Skagit Regional Health, will host online cooking and nutrition classes later this fall. Please visit stillyvalleyhealth. org for more information.
HOSPICE OF THE NORTHWEST Grief Support Services
Our grief services department will continue to offer support to the community with secure video chat via Zoom. This secure video chat is HIPAA compliant and therefore protects privacy as we continue to provide services to those who are grieving. To schedule a secure video appointment with one of our counselors, call 360814-5570. Or visit www.hospicenw. org for more information.
Grief Recovery Method
Grief is the normal and natural reaction to a loss of any kind. Therefore, the feelings you are having are also normal and natural for you. People say you have to let go and move on in your life, but they don’t tell you what you need to do to accomplish that. The Grief Recovery Method not only makes that possible, but provides partnerships and guidance to ensure that it happens. The Grief Recovery Program builds on each previous
session, which means attendance and commitment are essential. Program costs are 100 percent funded through the donors of the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation. For more information and for pre-registration, please contact Diane Hart dhart@ hospicenw.org or 360-814-5570.
A unique and meaningful volunteer opportunity is available through Hospice of the Northwest, serving patients and families in Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties. With more than a dozen different “job descriptions,” volunteers offer their skills, support and companionship to staff, families and individuals who are receiving hospice services. Volunteer training is scheduled a few times a year, with a segment of the training available online. Information about ways to volunteer and the on-line application is available on the website at www.hospicenw.org. Select the “How You Can Help” tab and scroll to “Become a Volunteer” to find the “Volunteer Application Packet.” To learn more, contact the main office at 360-814-5550.
PROGRAMS FOR PARKINSON’S
Parkinson’s BIG® Program
Skagit Regional Health Occupational Therapist Jenna Williams, OTR/L and Physical Therapists Dana Sturtz, DPT, Bree Corbin, MPT and Kaitlyn Ambrose, PTA have completed the required comprehensive hands-on training and testing through LSVT Global to become certified LSVT BIG® clinicians. LSVT BIG® is a researchbased exercise program focused on amplitude (bigger movement) training for individuals with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease often results in the slowing of movements and decreased size of movements leaving the individual struggling with daily tasks and walking. The LSVT BIG® program focuses on teaching the amount of effort needed to produce normal movements through intensive and high-effort practice. The protocol consists of 16, one-hour sessions, four days a week for four weeks. This program is appropriate for all stages of Parkinson’s disease and is offered at Skagit Valley Hospital. Please discuss program options with your healthcare provider; a physician referral is required. For more information: LSVTGlobal.com or call 360-814-2184.
Parkinson’s LOUD® Program
Skagit Regional Health Speech Language Pathologist Kristin Conzo, MS, CCC-SLP and Mallory Metzger, M.S., CCC-SLP have completed the required comprehensive hands-on training and testing through LSVT Global to become certified LSVT LOUD® clinicians. LSVT LOUD® is a research-based exercise program focused on amplitude (loud voice) training for individuals with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease often results in a slowing of movements and decreased size of movements leaving the individual struggling with daily tasks related to communication and swallowing. The LSVT LOUD® program focuses on teaching the amount of effort needed to produce normal loudness through intensive and high-effort practice. The protocol consists of 16, one-hour sessions, four days a week for four weeks. This program is appropriate for all stages of Parkinson’s disease and is offered at Skagit Valley Hospital. Please discuss program options with your healthcare provider; a physician referral is required. For more information: LSVTGlobal.com or call 360-814-2184.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES Connections Support Group
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connections Support Groups are for people living with a mental illness. These groups are free, confidential and peer led. Gain insight from hearing about the challenges and successes of others and leave knowing that you are not alone in living with a mental illness. These groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators. Meetings are held the first and third Mondays of each month from 7 - 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Registration required by calling Sandy at 360-420-6595. Mental Health Support Groups
NAMI Skagit Open Support Group is held on the fourth Tuesday of every month, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Family members, partners and those living with mental illness are welcome. Registration is required by calling Marti at 360-770-5666.
NAMI Family Support Group is for families who have a loved one living with a mental illness. This group meets via Zoom on the first and third Monday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required by calling Julie at 360-941-0996.
NAMI Skagit Open Daytime Support Group is held every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. online through Zoom. It is for both family and the person living with mental illness. Registration is required by calling Julie at 360-941-0996.
Family-to-Family EvidenceBased Education Program
Free eight-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 at no cost by NAMI Skagit, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Registration is required; class is limited in size. Call Marti at 360770-5666 for more information.
Peer-to-Peer Education Program
Free eight-week course for adults living with mental illness or brain disorders to help them better understand their illness and maintain and improve their recovery. NAMI Skagit provides this program at no cost. Registration required; size is limited. For more information, call 360-559-1509 or email namiskagitp2p@gmail.com.
SUPPORT GROUPS Cancer Support
Cancer patients and survivors please call 360-814-8255 to find resources near you.
Diabetes Support
The Diabetes Support Group has been temporarily suspended. We will meet again when we can safely gather at Skagit Valley Hospital. In the meantime, please call Karen at 360-588-4142 if you have questions.
Caregiver Support
A safe and supportive group to share and learn from other caregivers offered in Burlington. Provided by Skagit Adult Day Program. Please email info@ skagitadultdayprogram.org or call 360-755-1235 for more information.
Ostomy Support
The Ostomy Support Group has been temporarily put on hold. We will meet again when we can safely gather as a group at Skagit Valley Hospital. In the meantime please call Cathy at 360-202-3410 if you have questions.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer Services at Skagit Regional Health GIVE BACK
Whether it’s by pushing a wheelchair, escorting a visitor, delivering newspapers or mail, working in the gift shop, playing the piano or providing pet therapy, our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in creating a healing environment. Volunteers take the time to make patients and visitors feel comfortable and welcomed.
LEARN
Many of our clinical and nonclinical staff began their journey in healthcare as hospital volunteers. Volunteering in a hospital setting can help students gain exposure to the hospital environment of care, standards and processes. If you’re interested in pursuing a career, there is no better way to learn about all that a hospital offers. Great volunteers can make great future employees.
CONNECT If you’re interested in making social connections, or networking for future goals, hospital volunteers can make friends that last a lifetime. • All volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 100 hours of service. • Most volunteers are asked to commit to one regularly scheduled volunteer shift each week. • Volunteers are asked to get a flu shot and to complete training updates each fall.
CONTACT US
For more information about any of our volunteer programs or services, including programs at Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital, please call 360-814-2142 or email volunteer@skagitregionalhealth.org. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Get social and be the first in the know!
Join us on social media to stay up-to-date with events and programs going on throughout Skagit Regional Health and the communities we serve. Get to know your healthcare team, participate in health awareness days and organizational events and read helpful articles on health and wellness. Follow Skagit Regional Health on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube today!
Facebook – Skagit Regional Health
Twitter – @SkagitHealth
– Skagit Regional Health HealthQuest Minute eNewsletter – https://bit.ly/3jVqqB3
Need a Doctor?
Call our free Find a Doctor Phone Line at 360-848-5555. The referral line is open Monday - Saturday between 6:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Longtime volunteer Ron Newell of Mount Vernon also serves on Skagit Regional Health’s Patient and Family Advisory Council.
Honoring Veterans with expert end-of-life care
A generation of World War II and Korean War Veterans are facing endof-life care decisions now. They are quickly being followed by younger Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans, many of whom are confronting serious illnesses at an even earlier age. It surprises many Americans to learn that 25 percent of all the people who die in this country annually have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
With more than 700,000 Veterans living in the Hospice of the Northwest service area, it is imperative that our staff and clinicians are equipped to address the unique needs of our communities’ Veterans. To that end, Hospice of the Northwest is taking part in an innovative program called, We Honor Veterans. The program was developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The primary purpose of incorporating We Honor Veterans at Hospice of the Northwest is to provide patient centric education to staff and volunteers, build organizational capacity to provide care for Veterans and their families, develop and strengthen relationships with the Veterans Health Administration medical centers and other Veteran organizations and increase access and improve quality of care for Veterans in our community.
Throughout the year, Hospice of the Northwest staff and volunteers participate in the We Honor Veterans program by learning about patients’ service histories, connecting Veteran patients with Veteran volunteers, recognizing Veterans with pinning ceremonies and challenge coins and connecting them with Veteranspecific resources in the community. In this way, we make sure every Veteran is served with compassion and dignity every moment of life.
One of the reasons why Hospice of the Northwest excels at serving local Veterans is because many of our staff and volunteers have served in the military. As Halley, an MSW and U.S. Army Veteran explained, “As a social worker, being a veteran helps immensely. I share the understanding of what it’s like to serve. There is an entire culture you have an understanding of, you don’t have to explain. There is an instant connection through the bond and brotherhood of serving. You just know you can count on them for your life.”
Hospice of the Northwest is committed to honoring Veterans and their loved ones for their service and sacrifice as they near the end of life. Distinguished and exceptional Hospice of the Northwest staff and volunteers who are Veterans themselves help to ensure highquality, compassionate and dignified hospice care is available to every Veteran in our community.
If you know a Veteran who is in need of the special care hospice brings to people facing serious and life-limiting illness, please reach out and help them learn more about care options by visiting hospicenw.org or calling 360-814-5550.
Halley, a Hospice of the Northwest Social Worker, is a. U.S. Army Veteran Apache Helicopter Mechanic.
Debbie is Hospice of the Northwest’s accountant and information systems specialist and also a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.
Father and son duo Wayne and Sean, are both Veterans and have served hospice patients for years with their invaluable volunteer work with Hospice of the Northwest and the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation.
