Fall 2016 HealthQuest Magazine

HealthQuest FALL 2016

A publication of

Skagit Regional Health

Milestones Comprehensive cancer care celebrating 10 years; latest in treatment 6

Flu season Prevention tips, vaccination clinics 19

MyEClinic Easy access to health care by computer or phone 24/7

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Par Tee’s record year; New board members

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PRESENTED BY SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ASSOCIATED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

NEW LOCATION

Skagit Center • Christ the King Church 1000 Fountain Street • Burlington, WA

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Breakfast at the Northpole 9 – 11 a.m.

Family Festival Day Noon – 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 GALA AND AUCTION Sponsored by Heritage Bank and Whidbey Coffee 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Family Festival Day 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

FOR INFORMATION AND TICKETS:

Visit SkagitFestivalofTrees.org or call 360-814-5747 FOR EVENT UPDATES:

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A strong health care system We are delighted that Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics have come together as one, strong health care system to serve the needs of our communities.

These two organizations share common values and have a long-standing record of working together to bring advanced, quality and safe health care services to the region.

This integration is based on retaining and expanding health care services; enhancing access to care; bringing a new Electronic Health Record to our growing health care system; and making sure that residents of the region have the health care services they need now and in the future.

This is a commitment and a positive step for our patients, employees and the communities we serve.

As a system, Skagit Regional Health now operates two hospitals, 18 clinics and offers 25 specialties in north Snohomish, Skagit and Island counties. The organization’s clinical affiliation with UWMedicine will help us achieve our goals to enhance health care here in the community.

At the outset, very little has changed, including the familiar caregivers and staff at Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics. We are most appreciative of the warm welcome from the Cascade Board of Commissioners, employees and the greater Arlington community.

As a board, we believe that coming together as a caring, connected health care system will bring benefit to the people of the region.

James L. Hobbs President, Public Hospital District No. 1, Skagit County

HealthQuest FALL 2016 | VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 3

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

For additional copies of Healthquest or more information, contact Outreach and Media Coordinator Meggan Carrigg Davidson at 360-814-2325 or go to our Web site at www.skagitregionalhealth.org.

MyEClinic

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A growing system

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COVER PHOTO The Gunn family uses a laptop computer to access MyEClinic from the comfort of their living room. Parents Ben and Jenny with children Boston, 11; Jaegan, 9; and Ellcey, 5.

Care available 24/7, from the comfort of home

Celebrating the integration of Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics

Photo by Linda Wright

Cancer care

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Dogs on Call

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Center reaches milestone; latest in equipment

Record year for the Par Tee; New board members

Four-legged friends provide patient comfort

New providers

9 New radiation oncologist, 11 10 residents and five more providers 16

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HealthQuest Classes

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HealthQuest Classes

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HealthQuest Class

Stanwood and Camano Island Mount Vernon Registration

join Skagit Regional Health

Fall 2016

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MyEClinic Skagit Regional Health is pleased to offer a convenient, new way for patients to access care on demand, called MyEClinic. You can connect with a board certified health care provider, who is experienced in treating patients over the phone or using video chat, any time, day or night. The provider can assess your symptoms and prescribe a treatment plan, all without leaving your couch.

“Patients will benefit from being able to access care from the comfort of their own home for routine health issues,” said Dr. Mary Ann Hink, former internist in Sedro-Woolley and Medical Director of Clinical Services for Skagit Regional Health. “I view this service as being particularly helpful for busy families.”

Skagit Regional Health is the first health system in the local market to offer care online or over the phone, often referred to as “virtual care” or telemedicine.

One goal of MyEClinic is to help ensure that patients can get the care they need, at a time and place that’s right for them.

“We are working hard to improve access to care,” said Jane Root, Regional Vice President of Clinic Operations at Skagit Regional Health. “Our service area is growing and MyEClinic is one way that we are responding to the needs of the communities we serve, by offering a convenient and affordable way to talk with a health care provider, day or night.”

Skagit Regional Health partnered with Carena, Inc. to develop MyEClinic which launched in July 2016.

Carena is a Seattlebased organization, founded by a physician in 2000, that provides telemedicine services for health systems and businesses in

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multiple states. The providers who staff MyEClinic are employed by Carena.

How does MyEClinic work?

You can request an appointment online or call toll-free to speak with a member of the MyEClinic concierge team who can answer questions and walk you through the process of requesting a visit.

During enrollment, you will be asked to provide your contact and payment information and the reason that you are seeking care. As soon as you submit a request for care, a visit will be arranged with the next available provider, typically within 30 minutes. A certified physician or ARNP will contact you over the phone or via video chat, SkypeTM or FaceTime®, based on your preference.

Your MyEClinic provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. He or she may also ask you to take your temperature or use a flashlight to aid in the exam.

The provider is able to write prescriptions for allergy medicine, skin cream or antibiotics, when clinically appropriate. They can also refer you to follow-up care, if needed.

After your visit is complete, you will receive a visit summary, accessible through

your MyEClinic account. This will include any treatment recommendations or follow-up care. A visit summary will also be sent to your primary care provider, identified during enrollment.

What symptoms can be treated by using MyEClinic?

MyEClinic can be used for symptoms of bronchitis, cold or cough, ear pain, fever, flu symptoms, pink eye, rash, sinus infection, sore throat and urinary tract infections.

These common conditions can be diagnosed with a thorough medical history from the patient.

If the provider believes that a physical exam is required, you will be referred to one of Skagit Regional Clinics’ locations or to the nearest emergency room, if necessary.

What does a MyEClinic visit cost?

Each visit costs a flat rate of $40, payable by credit card (Visa®, Mastercard® or Discover®). Patients may request an invoice to submit to their insurance carrier for reimbursement. Individual insurance programs should be contacted to determine if telemedicine services are covered or if the visit fee can be applied towards their deductible.

Who can use MyEClinic?

People of all ages can use MyEClinic as long as they are in the State of Washington. However, patients with government-sponsored insurances, such as Medicaid and Tricare, are not eligible due to restrictions from those programs.

Medicare does not cover telemedicine services, but patients with Medicare can choose to pay out-of-pocket. You do not need to be a Skagit Regional Health patient to use MyEClinic.

How can I learn more?

Visit MyEClinic.org or call 855901-9139 to learn more about this service or to request a visit.

One caring, connected health care system: Skagit Regional Health, Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics

Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics are now a unified, integrated health care system.

On June 1, Skagit Regional Health officially started leasing and operating Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics.

A celebration featuring remarks

by U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen and Paul G. Ramsey, MD, Chief Executive Officer of UW Medicine, along with representatives of Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics, took place on June 2 at Cascade Valley Hospital.

Speakers noted the integration is a positive step for patients, employees and the communities we serve.

“We plan to retain and increase the quality of health care in this region,” said Skagit Regional Health Commissioner Jim Hobbs, who expressed appreciation for a warm welcome from the community.

“This is the best way to succeed and be better, together,” said Dr. Ramsey of UW Medicine. The occasion also highlighted the recent opening of a new helipad at Cascade Valley Hospital and an Airlift Northwest helicopter was on hand for the event.

Peter Wolff, MD, president of Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics Medical Staff, spoke about the long history of the hospital and providers.

“This is a terrific opportunity and a fantastic medical staff,” Dr. Wolff said. “We will make a winwin out of the whole thing.”

As a system, Skagit Regional Health now operates two hospitals, 18 clinics and offers 25 specialties in north Snohomish, Skagit and Island counties.

The Board of Commissioners of Skagit County Public Hospital District No. 1 have governance responsibilities for operations at Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics.

Snohomish County Public Hospital District No. 3 remains owner of the facilities and property with oversight by the district’s Board of Commissioners.

ABOVE: Acting Chief Executive Officer Mike Liepman addresses the crowd at the June 2 integration celebration at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington.

Fall 2016

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Patient Support Services: Facing cancer together Staff at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center believe everyone should have someone by their side in the face of cancer. In fact, there is an entire team to support each patient physically, emotionally, mentally and financially through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

Patient navigators follow each patient from diagnosis

through their entire care pathway.

Patient navigators work with the Oncology Social Worker to identify barriers to care – such as transportation to treatment, family system supports or emotional supports. Together, they provide the support needed to address the barriers and provide a holistic plan for each patient.

The Patient Support Services team also includes a Patient Financial Advocate, who works with patients to find funding and grant sources for patients to receive treatment. The Patient Financial Advocate also helps patients navigate the financial challenges of their diagnosis and find financial counselors to support them.

ABOVE: (left to right) Dayle, Patient Financial Advocate Katherine, Breast Cancer Navigator Dominique, Breast Institute Manager Peter, Oncology Social Worker Sarah, Patient Navigator

CANCER CARE TIMELINE 1975: Skagit Valley Hospital receives accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

The hospital offers chemotherapy and visits with board certified oncologists in a 3,000-square-foot department. The department has maintained accreditation, with commendation, ever since.

1991 through 2003: The cancer program at Skagit Valley Hospital was part of Affiliated Health Services, including United General Hospital.

2004: As the affiliation ends, planning begins for a new comprehensive cancer care center. The existing center served 40 to 50 patients in a modest space in the oldest part of the hospital, built in 1958.

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March 2005: Skagit Valley Hospital officials announce that the hospital will bring the resources of three internationally renowned cancer care institutions to enhance oncology services in our community as a network member of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, a partnership of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s.

October 2005: Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center. The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation announces a $4 million capital campaign to assist in funding the $10 million project.

July 2006: Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics invites Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center to operate the oncology program in Arlington.

The program was originally located in a nursing unit on the second floor of Cascade Valley Hospital and staffed by Oncologist George Gjerset, MD.

New linear accelerator features latest in treatment 2006: Theodore Kim, DO (below), joins Robert Raish, MD in medical oncology at the Regional Cancer Care Center.

Staff in the Susan and Leighton Wood Family Radiation Wing at the Regional Cancer Care Center, from left, Shelli Oki, Jennifer Leseberg, Monica Baca, Rochelle Cornett and Mary Elefson, stand with the latest

January 2007: More than 750 people attended an open house at the new comprehensive cancer care center.

2008: Mehrdad Jafari, MD (below), medical oncologist and former assistant professor of medicine in hematologyoncology at the University of Oklahoma, joins the cancer care team.

December 2006: The new, 20,000-square foot comprehensive cancer care center opens in Mount Vernon with a large, open chemotherapy suite, two state-of-the-art linear accelerators, a PET/CT simulator and beautiful healing gardens.

radiation therapy equipment installed earlier this year. The new linear accelerator, an Elekta Versa HD, brings the latest in treatment with a focus on reducing side effects, lowering treatment times and destroying cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue.

December 2008: The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation successfully completes the capital campaign, raising $4 million to help fund the new Regional Cancer Care Center. Several areas within the center are named for generous donors including: Susan and Leighton Wood Family Radiation Wing; Dr. Maynard and Selma Johnson Lobby; Bishop Patient and Family Consultation Room; PACCAR Patient Education Resource Center; Gerry and Susan Christensen Complementary Therapy Center; the Walter Blade Healing Garden and the Skagit-Mount Vernon Rotary Healing Garden.

Fall 2016

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Four-legged friends

provide therapy to cancer patients Several new volunteers are on the job at the Skagit Regional Health Regional Cancer Care Center in Mount Vernon – and they each have four legs, kind eyes and a calm friendliness that patients appreciate.

Max, Mac and Titan are registered therapy dogs who, along with their

owners, Nancy Ptacek, Christine Hill and Sara Broderick, volunteer their time to benefit cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. They are all part of Dogs on Call – DOC – an all-volunteer organization founded in Skagit County in 2006.

ABOVE: Cancer patient Harry Hill visits with Christine Hill and Mac, a registered therapy dog, at the Regional Cancer Care Center.

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CANCER CARE TIMELINE 2009: A multidisciplinary team of providers and staff launch The Breast Institute to provide wrap-around care to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

The cancer center’s first patient navigator is central to the program, assisting patients in making appointments and linking them to important resources for the patient and family. The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation received $750,000 in grants over four years from Safeway Inc. to launch The Breast Institute.

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2009: Kiarash Kojouri, MD (below), medical oncologist and former assistant professor of hematology and oncology in the Department of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, joins the cancer care center with a special interest in research.

2010: Skagit County native Michal Whiton, MD (above) joins David Kantorowitz, MD in radiation oncology.

January 2010: The Regional Cancer Care Center at Cascade Valley Hospital expands and moves to the hospital’s brand new wing.

Dr. John Register joins radiation oncology team

2010: A third linear accelerator is added at the Mount Vernon location in the ongoing effort to provide the latest in radiation therapy. The expansion was funded, in part, by a $406,000 federal appropriation.

John Register, MD, is very familiar with the scary uncertainties that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Oftentimes, the conversations about treatment options are confusing and full of complex medical jargon. Dr. Register is not just committed to compassionate, patient centered care – he’s committed to translating all of the difficult medical terminology into “patient English.”

“I find it deeply fulfilling to empower patients and help them navigate through their cancer fight,” said Dr. Register, who joined the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center in June. “I want to ease patient anxiety by eliminating many of the scary unknowns in cancer care, in what is often a ‘foreign land’ for them.” He says that this clear communication really helps form a partnership with his patients, so they can decide together on the best treatment approach.

Dr. Register, who is board certified in Radiation Oncology, also enjoys

his specialty because he is able to utilize very sophisticated imaging and treatment delivery tools.

“Using a variety of techniques, technologies and therapies to treat cancer is really interesting,” he said. He often utilizes techniques like 3-D Conformal, Respiratory Gating, Intensity Modulated Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), just to name a few.

Dr. Register graduated from The Ohio State University Medical School in 1995, and completed his residency at William Beaumont Hospital in 1999.

He joins David Kantorowitz, MD, PhD and Michael Whiton, MD, along with an experienced staff, in providing radiation oncology services.

Outside of the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center, he enjoys spending time with his family, gourmet cooking and being active outdoors.

March 2012: The Regional Cancer Care Center at Cascade Valley Hospital expands again and moves to the new Smokey Point clinic. Three oncologists, Mehrdad Jafari, MD, Kiarash Kojouri, MD and Bruce Mathey, MD provide care for patients.

2016: Installation of new linear accelerator equipment was complete in June, featuring the latest in radiation therapy. The investment of $3.3 million updates one linear accelerator and purchases a new machine, aligning their treatment capabilities to increase efficiency, reduce treatment time and to offer the latest in radiation therapy technology for patients.

2012: Though a very young program, The Breast Institute was granted a threeyear, full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. The program again received accreditation in 2015.

JUNE 2016: A new radiation oncologist, John Register, MD (above), joins the team.

December 2016: Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

Fall 2016

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Five physicians complete Skagit Regional Health residency program Five physicians have completed a three-year residency program in Internal Medicine and Family Medicine at Skagit Regional Health.

The five graduating residents were celebrated in July with a commencement ceremony featuring keynote remarks by former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Five residents have completed their training and look forward to their next destinations: David Escobar, DO, Family Medicine Skagit Regional Clinics, Stanwood David Hoschek, DO, Family Medicine Providence Medical Group, Urgent Care, Mill Creek

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Chelsey Spence, DO, Family Medicine Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Lakeside, Montana Matthew Becker, DO, Internal Medicine Providence Newberg Medical Center, Newberg, Oregon Brian Gutshall, DO, Internal Medicine Hospitalist Grays Harbor Community Hospital, Aberdeen

The event also included the announcement of several awards within the Graduate Medical Education program, including:

• Family Medicine Intern of the Year: Danh Ngo, DO

• Internal Medicine Intern

of the Year: Lindsay Barrett, DO

• Family Medicine Resident

of the Year: David Escobar, DO

• Internal Medicine Resident

of the Year: Matthew Becker, DO

• Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO

Family Medicine Osteopath of the Year: Fumiko Naughton, DO

• Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO ABOVE: Graduating residents include, from left, David Escobar, DO, David Hoschek, DO, keynote speaker former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Chelsey Spence, DO, Brian Gutshall, DO and Matthew Becker, DO.

Internal Medicine Osteopath of the Year: Matthew Becker, DO

• Sir William Osler, MD Teacher

of the Year: Mark Wallace, MD

• Community Service Award: David Escobar, DO

New Medical students Third-year students from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima who will spend two years studying at Skagit Regional Health include from left Lea Shim, Shelly Higman, Sahar Khalaj, Lydia Albjerg, Cassandra Czanetzke, Douglas Hayes, Thao Tran, Isaac Pak, Caroline Wade, Matthias Struck, Rahul Farwaha and Christopher Crudder.

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Family Medicine residents 1 - Erika Pope, DO: Dr. Pope was born and raised in Skagit County, earning her undergraduate degree in Biology and Mathematics from Western Washington University.

She completed her graduate degree at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.

2 - Oksana Miller, DO: Dr. Miller was born in Russia and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Linguistics and Elementary Education from International Pedagogical University in Russia.

Dr. Miller received her Doctoral Degree from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine.

3 - Marissa Capasso, DO: Dr. Capasso is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She studied biology at Duquesne University before pursuing her graduate degree at Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine.

4 - Aaron Arnold, DO: Dr. Arnold was born and raised in Fremont, California. Before attending Rocky Vista University, he studied Biology and Philosophy at Saint Mary’s

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Internal Medicine residents

College. Dr. Arnold then completed a graduate degree in Forensic Science and Molecular Biology at Drexel University College of Medicine.

5 - Courtney Beuning, DO: Dr. Beuning was born in Montana and studied Wildlife Biology at Montana State University, before earning a second undergraduate degree in Biotechnology. Dr. Beuning completed her graduate medical education at the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.

6 - Corey McCart, DO: Dr. McCart was born in Alabama and received his undergraduate degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Washburn University in Kansas. He earned his Masters and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.

8 - Nicholas Hasandras, DO: Dr. Hasandras was born in Texas and attended the University of Texas at Austin to study Mechanical Engineering. He went on to study medicine at Rocky Vista University in Colorado.

9 - Giles Gifford, DO: Dr. Gifford grew up in Colorado, and has lived in Washington for 14 years. He attended the University of Colorado where he received a degree in journalism. Dr. Gifford completed his medical degree at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.

10 - Bethany Mulder, DO: Dr. Mulder was born in Chicago and grew up in Central Washington. She received a Biology degree from Trinity Christian College and attended Des Moines University for medical school.

7 - David Barnett, DO: Dr. Barnett was born in Western Washington. He attended Eastern Oregon University, graduating with a degree in Biology before completing his graduate medical education at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.

Fall 2016

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Hospice of the Northwest names new executive director, additional promotions Hospice of the Northwest announces the appointment of Bob Laws to the position of Executive Director.

“We are excited to have Bob take over the leadership of this dynamic service which supports patients and families at Hospice of the Northwest,” said Ted Brockmann, Hospice of the Northwest Operations Board President. “Bob has a comprehensive set of skills that will ensure the Mission of ‘Compassion and Dignity Every Moment of Life’ will continue in to the future.”

Laws has worked at Hospice of the Northwest since February 2008. He has five years of experience providing nursing care to patients and families and was promoted to Manager of the Referral Center where he worked for almost two years. His most recent position, since November 2014, has been Clinical Manager for Nursing.

Laws and his family have lived in Anacortes for 20 years and are an integral part of the community.

Laws replaces Jean Leib who announced her retirement. “Bob’s a great choice – he is a smart, caring nurse and a leader who is highly respected by everyone at Hospice of the Northwest,” Leib said.

In addition, two more Hospice employees received promotions to new positions. Toccara Jule is the new Clinical Manager for Nursing and Nadelie Newman is the new Manager of the Referral Center.

For more than 25 years, Hospice of the Northwest has provided expert end-of-life care to patients and families in Skagit, Island, Snohomish and San Juan counties. Hospice is a multidisciplinary health care service that addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the dying.

Serving patients and families wherever they call home – be it a private residence, a memory care unit, a nursing home, a retirement community and more - Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many insurances. Hospice of the Northwest also offers comprehensive bereavement and grief programs to anyone coping with loss. If you or someone you know might benefit from hospice care, call 360-8145550 and request to speak with our Referral Center or go to www.hospicenw.org.

BELOW: Nadelie Newman, Bob Laws and Toccara Jule.

Hospice earns second star in We Honor Veterans program Hospice of the Northwest has earned the second star in the We Honor Veterans program sponsored by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

We Honor Veterans involves education and training to recognize the unique needs of veterans and their families. To earn the second of four stars, Hospice of the Northwest's staff received training regarding the

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needs of veterans based on where and when they served, to better tailor services and understand the unique circumstances of each conflict and generation.

In addition, Hospice of the Northwest has a veteran-to-veteran volunteer program, works closely

with the Veterans Administration (VA) and offers information sessions with the VA, Veterans of Foreign Wars and NAS Whidbey.

Best place to work!

Great news! Hospice of the Northwest has been named one of the top 100 “2016 Modern Healthcare Best Places to Work in Healthcare.”

Congratulations to Executive Director Jean Leib, and incoming Executive Director Bob Laws, the entire staff, providers, Hospice of the Northwest Foundation and the Operations Board for this national honor.

Where Hospice of the Northwest will place on the top 100 list will be announced in October when Modern Healthcare holds an awards event in New Orleans.

To see the alphabetical list of 100 honorees, go to: www.modernhealthcare.com

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Amazed. Inspired. Grateful.

The Hospice of the Northwest Foundation would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their generous sponsorship of the Ports of Call Auction and Gala. Their gifts provide dignity and compassion to those in our community coping with a life limiting illness.

Green Turtle:

• Baird Private Wealth Management • Bellevue Healthcare • Creekside Continuing Care Community • DA Davidson Reep Elliot Group • Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory • Gilbert and Gilbert Lawyers, Inc., P.S. • Gregg & Lea Davidson, In Memory of Opal Davidson Reim • Island Hospital • Josephine Caring Community • Skagit Bank • Skagit Regional Health • Twin City Foods, Inc. • United General District 304 • Holland Homecare & Rst

• Right at Home Northwest • Skagit Law Group • Snelson Companies, Inc. • Steve Sutton Financial Advisor Morgan Stanley Smith Barney • The Bridge at Mount Vernon Living Community • Mountain Glen Retirement Community & Ashley Gardens Alzheimer's Care Center • LM Lang Accounting • PJ Lang Construction, Inc.

Special Thanks:

• Annette Booth - Booth Agency Mount Vernon

Star Fish:

Blue Whale:

• Corporate Air Center

Dolphin:

• Bill Dingle & Jackie Ford

Orca:

• Sierra Pacific Foundation • Breast Care Center/Skagit Radiology • Lithtex NW

• Anacortes Kiwanis Sunrisers • Blade Chevrolet • Burlington Morning Rotary Club • Chad Fisher Construction • Chandler's Square Retirement Community • Country Meadow Village • Dennis Edmonds, DDS • Dr. Karen Homitz, DDS • Drs. Ute & Charlie Collins • Fidalgo Healthcare and Rosario Assisted Living • Larson Gross CPAs & Consultants • Life Care Center of Skagit Valley • Makers Compounding Pharmacy

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.

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ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD – ARTICLE STILL TO COME

MyEClinic is: It’s 3 a.m. and I feel just well enough to make it to the computer. With MyEClinic that’s as far as I have to go.

I request a visit, answer a few questions and receive a call back within 30 minutes, at 3 a.m. (or any other time of the day or night). My call back will be from an experienced medical professional, who will provide me with diagnosis and treatment for my symptoms. When the call has concluded, my visit summary will be forwarded to my primary care provider. It’s efficient, it’s easy, and it’s where I am for just $40 a session.

MyEClinic.org is Easy

Talk to a Provider • 24/7 • 365 Days a Year • $40 855-901-9139 www.MyEClinic.org

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For more information please call 855-901-9139 or visit

MyEClinic.org

Skagit Regional Health named Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality Skagit Regional Health is recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.

The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.

Skagit Regional Health earned top marks in meeting nondiscrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.

Skagit Regional Health is one of a select group of 496 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality.

“The patients and staff at Skagit Regional Health deserve an environment of care that is nondiscriminatory, non-judgmental

and welcoming,” said hospital Commissioner Bruce Lisser. “We have started a purposeful journey that includes education and staff training, at all levels, to make sure that our actions are in line with our philosophy. It is our hope that though this process that we become an organization that is more diverse, more accepting, more understanding and more representative of the communities we serve.”

Skagit Regional Health has been a member of the Institute for Diversity in Health Management since 2009, added diversity as a core value in 2010 and signed the American Hospital Association’s Equity of Care Pledge this year.

Skagit Regional Health is a sponsor of the Champions of Diversity scholarship program at Skagit Valley

College and is part of a pipeline project for high school students interested in careers in health care.

“Economic development is successful only if it empowers and lifts up all segments of the community. As with investments, a community’s economy is strongest when it is diverse. This is true in health care as well, where all in the population deserve the best care with the utmost dignity,” said John Sternlicht, Executive Director of the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County. “We are so proud of Skagit Regional Health and its designation by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as a ‘Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality,’ one of a select group nationwide. This designation indicates the value placed on equal and dignified treatment for all, and exemplifies the highest values in our county.”

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2016, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

Trio addresses national audience Three leaders from Skagit Regional Health presented a program titled “Our journey continues: Roadmap to diversity” to an online national audience in June sponsored by the Institute for Diversity in Health Management, an affiliate of the American Hospital Association.

The team, including Regional Vice President of Quality and Population Health Connie Davis, MD, MHA and Diversity and Inclusion Consultant Anthony Young, MBA also presented in person to the Washington State Hospital Association’s 40th Annual Rural Hospital Leadership Conference in June.

“With an ever more diverse future fast approaching, my greatest hope is to simply inspire others to see ‘diversity’ as the positive it really is and embrace it with open arms,” Young said. “It was an honor to have the opportunity to tell our story and share our progress at Skagit Regional Health with health care leaders across the state and the United States.”

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New Providers FAMILY MEDICINE

ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

CARDIOLOGY

YuJin Kim, DO

Brittany Shepherd, PA-C

Robert Lessard, PA-C

Specialty: Family Medicine

Specialty: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Specialty: Cardiology

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon Practice Philosophy: I strive to work in partnership with my patients, helping them manage their health.

Why did you pursue a career in medicine? I chose a career in medicine because I wanted to help people improve their health.

What do you enjoy most about your practice? I enjoy it when my patients actively participate in their health care, seeing positive results.

Dr. Kim attended Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines, Iowa. She went on to complete family practice residency at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Bay Regional Medical Center. Outside of the office Dr. Kim enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, music and sports. Family Medicine appointments with Dr. Kim are available for patients ages five and older. Please call 360-428-2501.

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend Practice Philosophy: I believe a large part of staying healthy and active revolves around education so I think it’s important to keep my patients informed on how to prevent, manage or recuperate from injuries. I want to help inform my patients on the best steps to take and walk them through their conditions.

If surgery is necessary, I aim to help manage expectations and to create the best outcome for my patients.

What do you enjoy most about your practice? I have always enjoyed orthopedics because I love the feeling of helping people get back to the things they love. We live in such a beautiful place and I want to help my patients get back to being active so they can enjoy it.

Ms. Shepherd completed a Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Idaho State University. Her most recent experience includes working at Orthopaedic Associates of Duluth in Minnesota. Appointments can be made by calling 360-814-6800.

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon Cardiology Practice Philosophy: My goal is to work with the cardiology group to optimally manage our patients’ heart disease.

Special Interests: My special interest is cardiovascular stress testing.

What do you enjoy most about your practice? I enjoy spending time with patients and helping to educate them about their health issues.

Mr. Lessard performs cardiac stress testing. He also assists the cardiologists in the hospital and helps to manage their patients in the outpatient setting. He completed a Bachelor of Medicine in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Florida. Mr. Lessard brings 22 years of experience in a variety of specialties, including family medicine, urgent care, occupational medicine and emergency medicine. Prior to becoming a PA, he worked as a Cardiac Catheterization Technician. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing and listening to music as well as hiking, biking and spending time with his family. Cardiology appointments can be made by calling 360-336-9757.

FAMILY MEDICINE John Dew, DO Specialty: Family Medicine Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Residency Clinic Practice Philosophy: I get to know the patient and their family, understand their medical needs and help them achieve their body’s maximum potential in a loving, holistic and patientcentered environment.

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Special Interests: My special interests include sports medicine, regenerative medicine/prolotherapy and osteopathic manipulative medicine.

What do you enjoy most about your practice? I enjoy taking care of the entire family – all ages, all ailments.

Dr. Dew attended Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing. He went on to complete an internship at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital in Highland Park, Michigan, followed by

family medicine residency training at Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation – Family Medicine Center. Dr. Dew is a member of the Skagit Regional Health Residency program’s teaching faculty, and is board certified.

In his time off, Dr. Dew enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding and fly fishing. He also enjoys listening to music, reading and spending time with his family.

Appointments can be made by calling 360-814-6230.

URGENT CARE Tara Montgomery, DO Specialty: Urgent Care Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon, Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend, Skagit Regional Clinics – Smokey Point Practice Philosophy: To provide compassionate care to each individual or family at the time he or she needs care, while treating the whole patient and not just their symptoms.

What would you like patients to know about you? I am an osteopathic physician and I pride myself in treating the whole patient, not just the symptoms. I treat with empathy and respect that each individual deserves.

Dr. Montgomery received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. She went on to complete an internship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and an Emergency Medicine residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Bethlehem, PA. She is board certified in Emergency Medicine.

Outside of the office, Dr. Montgomery enjoys spending time with her daughter, extended family and friends. She also enjoys anything to do with nature, especially hiking and camping.

New program for Parkinson’s Disease Physical therapist Bree Corbin, MPT has completed the required comprehensive hands-on training and testing to offer a new service for Parkinson’s Disease patients at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Corbin completed the training through LSVT Global to become a certified LSVT BIG clinician. LSVT BIG is a research-based exercise program focused on amplitude (bigger movement) training for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, the disease “is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. Nearly one million people in the United States are living with Parkinson's disease. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there

are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms.”

Parkinson’s Disease often results in slowing of movements and decreased size of movements leaving the individual struggling with daily tasks and walking. The 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 sessions: four days a week for four weeks. Each session is an hour long with homework practice daily.

This program is appropriate for all stages of Parkinson’s disease. Please discuss program options with your healthcare provider; a physician referral is required for this program.

For more information: www.LSVTGlobal.com

LOOKING AHEAD In the next issue of HealthQuest magazine, you will learn about the following new specialists: William Haynal, MD – Sleep Medicine Wanwarat Ananthapanyasut, MD Nephrology Christopher Sheu, MD – Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Trisha Halvorsen, MD – OB/GYN Roger Lee, MD – Family Medicine, Sedro-Woolley Learn more about all new providers by visiting www.skagitregionalhealth.org.

Did you know? Skagit Regional Clinics’ Women’s Health department now offers five OB/GYN providers?

Call 360-428-2575 to schedule an appointment. Learn more about the Women’s Health department in our next issue of HealthQuest magazine.

Did you know? Skagit Regional Clinics now offers outpatient nephrology appointments in Mount Vernon. Learn more about nephrology in our next issue of HealthQuest magazine.

ABOVE: Physical Therapist Bree Corbin, MPT shows John Sweeney one of the BIG movements used in a new program for patients with Parkinson’s Disease.

Fall 2016

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Fitness Apps If you have a smart phone, chances are that you’ve spent some time in the App Store. You may have noticed there are tons of fitness apps – so many, it can be completely overwhelming. There are a lot of common apps; ones that accompany a new fitness tracker like Fitbit, ones that go along with a membership program like Weight Watchers, or those that link up to your gym membership.

Here are a few not-so-common apps that might be worth a try:

RunGo is a free app designed specifically to discover and design routes. This is useful for anyone who walks, runs or rides and wants to plan their routes ahead of time. The touch screen allows you to tap your finger on a Google-like map to create your route, and then share it with your walking buddies or a cycling group. And, if you don’t have time to make your own route, the app

gives you a list of nearby routes that other people or organizations may have posted. RunGo also acts as an activity tracker, and will record your efforts as you walk, run or ride along your route. (www.rungoapp.com)

Glympse is an app that can be used for fitness, and for daily life.

It’s a quick, free way to share your location in real-time, with only the people you want to have that information. While you can share a Glympse when running late to a meeting (I’ll be there in 5 minutes!), it’s a great way to share your exact location information with a loved one while exercising alone or trying a new route. You can either use it for a period of time, such as allowing your partner to track you on your hour-long walk, or you can set a destination, so your family can know when to expect you home for dinner after a jog. You determine who sees your real-time location, and for how long. (www.glympse.com)

The “Couch to 5K” (C25K) program has been around for years, providing a gentle transition from walking to running a full 5K (3.1 miles). The app gives you an easy to follow, eight-week program with 30 minutes of combined walking and running in each workout. The app alerts you of each pace change as you go, so you don’t have to keep track of anything. It even remembers where you are in the schedule, so you just have to show up and hit start - no calendars or timers needed. For anyone who has ever wanted to try a 5K, a walk/run combined program is the easiest way to get started. There are many similar apps on the market – this one just happens to be free! (www.c25kfree.com)

MyFitnessPal is a popular and comprehensive tool for weight loss.

The app allows you to configure weight loss goals, and then provides suggestions for daily calorie intake and exercise. MyFitnessPal boasts a wide-ranging food database in their meal diary, and can break down your daily intake by nutrient. This can be helpful if you follow a special diet. It also syncs with many fitness apps and accessories, like Fitbit and Jawbone, to import activities recorded on these trackers into your MyFitnessPal app. (www.myfitnesspal.com) With so many great health and fitness apps available, it’s impossible to review them all. Sometimes it’s a good idea to try a few and see which ones work best for your lifestyle.

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Where to get a vaccination?

Flu

Prevention Tips Seasonal influenza outbreaks can begin as early as October and often last into the spring.

Symptoms of influenza or “flu” include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people, typically children, also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Unlike a cold, people with flu report a sudden onset of symptoms that can last several days to two weeks.

In addition to these symptoms, influenza can also make chronic health problems worse or cause pneumonia, sinus and ear infections or bronchitis. These complications are particularly serious for people over the age of 65, pregnant women and young children.

Protect yourself and others from influenza by following these simple steps: Get immunized every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone ages six months and older. This is the most important step in protecting yourself and those who are most vulnerable against flu viruses. It

takes approximately two weeks after receiving immunization for antibodies to develop that protect against flu, so the earlier you are vaccinated the better prepared you will be this flu season. See sidebar for information regarding flu clinics.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper arm or elbow rather than your hands to help prevent the spread of disease.

Wash your hands frequently using warm, soapy water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

Limit close contact with anyone who is sick. If you have flu symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to seek medical care.

If you have questions about flu vaccines, speak with your health care provider.

Flu vaccines are available without an appointment on weekdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Skagit Regional Clinics - Riverbend Pharmacy, located at 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon. For more information, call 360-814-6840.

To schedule an appointment for a flu vaccine, call one of the locations listed below.

All children under age 19 can receive flu and other recommended vaccines regardless of ability to pay.

These vaccines are offered at all clinics that participate in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. Clinics that participate in the VFC program are designated with an asterisk (*).

CASCADE VALLEY

Pediatrics Clinic* 875 Wesley, Suite 130, Arlington 360-435-6525 Darrington Clinic* 1190 Riddle Street, Darrington 360-436-1055 Cascade Valley Granite Falls* 405 West Stanley, Granite Falls 360-691-2419

SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS

Camano Island* 127 N. East Camano Drive, Camano Island 360-387-5398 Mount Vernon Family Medicine* 1400 E. Kincaid Street, Mount Vernon 360-428-2501 Mount Vernon Internal Medicine 1400 E. Kincaid Street, Mount Vernon 360-428-2592 Pediatrics* 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon 360-814-6800 Residency Clinic* 819 S. 13th Street, Mount Vernon 360-814-6230 Riverbend Pharmacy* 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon 360-814-6840 No appointment needed Sedro-Woolley Family Medicine* 1990 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley 360-856-4141 Sedro-Woolley Internal Medicine 1990 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley 360-856-4222 Stanwood* 9631 269th Street NW, Stanwood 360-629-1600 Fall 2016

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Skagit Regional Health

around the REGION MIKE LIEPMAN TAKES HELM AT SKAGIT

ELEVEN JUNIOR MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS EARN SCHOLARSHIPS

MIKE LIEPMAN is the new leader of Skagit Regional Health.

Liepman will serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer until the Board of Commissioners completes the formal process to name him the permanent CEO. Liepman joined Skagit Regional Health in June 2012 and previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Liepman was promoted to the CEO role after Skagit Regional Health President and Chief Executive Officer Gregg Davidson, FACHE stepped down in August after 37 years with the organization.

Eleven recipients of 2016 Junior Medical Volunteer Scholarships were recognized at an April reception at Skagit Valley Hospital. To date, the program has awarded 73 scholarships totaling $36,500.

“I would like to thank Gregg for his outstanding vision and commitment to bring Skagit Valley Hospital from a community hospital to the growing, integrated health care system that Skagit Regional Health is today. I have worked with many talented CEOs in my career and Gregg runs with the best,” Liepman said. “I look forward to the opportunity to keep our momentum going as we continue to move forward to bring the best in health care services to the region.”

Mr. Liepman’s experience includes serving as Chief Executive Officer at Valley General Hospital in Monroe; Vice President of Guest Services and Facilities for the Franciscan Health System in Tacoma; Chief Operating Officer at Empire Health Services in Spokane and Chief Executive Officer for Valley Hospital and Medical Center in Spokane.

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In addition to achieving academic success, these 11 students found time to be part of their community, contributing a combined total of 1,570 hours to Skagit Valley Hospital Scholarship recipients for 2016 are: SANDRA ANTONIO-SALGADO who hopes to pursue a career as a Radiology Technician/Sonographer at Bellingham Technical College.

ELIZABETH COVARRUBIAS who hopes to pursue a career in the medical field.

DYLAN ELTON who plans to attend Brigham Young University to pursue a career as an emergency room physician.

CHLOE FOSTER who would like to become a doctor or nurse practitioner.

MARISSA FRAZZINI who plans to study nursing or biology at George Fox University or Whitworth.

EMILY GARD who plans to attend George Fox University to pursue a career in pediatrics.

SONJA KARHINEN who plans to attend Trinity Western University or the University of Washington to pursue a career as a neonatal nurse practitioner.

FRANCISCA MARTINEZ who plans to pursue a career in molecular and cellular biology or business administration.

RYAN MCLAUGHLIN who will attend Washington State University where he plans to pursue a career in medical research or as a physician.

LYUBOV MURZA who will attend Skagit Valley College to become an Registered Nurse or Dental Hygienist.

ZAIRA SILVERIO who plans to attend the University of Washington or Seattle University to pursue a career in political science or environmental studies.

BELOW: Pictured from left to right Jane Root, Regional VP Clinic Operations, scholarship recipients Sonja Karhinen, Dylan Elton, Sandra Antonio-Salgado, Emily Gard, Zaira Silverio, Lyubov Murza, Marissa Frazzini, Chloe Foster and Steve Schultz, Director of Volunteer Services. Not pictured are scholarship recipients Elizabeth Covarrubias, Ryan McLaughlin and Francisca Martinez.

NEW BUSINESS CENTER OPENS IN MOUNT VERNON Employees in 11 Skagit Regional Health departments moved in July to the new Business Center, located at 1515 N. 18th Street in Mount Vernon. The 53,000-square foot Business Center has a capacity for 270 employees.

Departments located in the Business Center include Human Resources, Risk Management, Performance Improvement, Insurance Verification, Skagit Regional Clinics Business Office, Skagit Regional Clinics Downtown Business Office, Skagit Valley Hospital Business Office, Finance, Revenue Cycle, Quality Management and Information Systems.

which will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The new building features on-site security staff and is equipped with a variety of security cameras inside and outside. A shuttle service will be available for employees on a route between the Business Center and Skagit Valley Hospital, helping to improve parking for patients and visitors at the hospital campus.

Visitors will enter the building through the main front door,

ANDERSON SERVES AS SECTION LEADER FOR NATIONAL ORGANIZATION LEANNA ANDERSON, Hospice Care

Team Manager for Hospice of the Northwest, is serving as the Social Work Section Leader for the National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals (NCHPP). The council is a vital component of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and is the largest end-of-life individual membership organization.

As the Social Work Section Leader Anderson’s responsibilities include participation on the executive committee and educating and mentoring section members.

“I’m grateful for the support of my agency and the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation in being a part of NCHPP,” Anderson said.

“Without their support this would not be possible.”

CARDIAC MRI NOW AVAILABLE

STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS FROM CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL AND CLINICS MEDICAL STAFF

Cardiac MRI services are now available in the Diagnostic Imaging Department at Skagit Valley Hospital. MRI has long been useful for diagnosing problems of the brain, spine, joints and other stationary organs. MRI uses radio waves, a magnet and a computer to create images without the use of ionizing radiation which carry the risk of causing cancer.

Cardiac MRI is a safe, noninvasive test that creates detailed still and moving images of the heart and supporting blood vessels, which are used to diagnose and evaluate many diseases and conditions. For information, call 360-814-8208.

The Medical Staff of Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to three high school students with plans to pursue careers in medical fields.

The scholarship recipients are:

RIGHT: Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics Medical Staff President Peter Wolff, MD congratulates scholarship winners, from left, Bailey Drake, Marissa Blair and Robin Hernandez.

BAILEY DRAKE, a 2016 graduate

of Arlington High School, who will attend Western Washington University to be followed by nursing school and potentially on to training as a nurse practitioner.

ROBIN HERNANDEZ, a 2016 graduate of Arlington High School, who will attend the RN to BSN nursing program at the University of Washington – Bothell.

MARISSA BLAIR, 2016 graduate of Lakewood High School, who will attend Spokane Falls Community College to get a nursing degree and a minor in business, with future plans to operate an adult family home.

Fall 2016 21 21

A word about GERD Lifestyle, medications, surgery can help provide relief

By Allison Porter, MD and Joel Dean, MD

What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which abnormal reflux of stomach contents travels backwards into the esophagus causing troublesome symptoms and/or complications. The esophagus is the muscular tube in your chest that connects your mouth to your stomach. Normally, food and stomach acids are limited from passing back up into the esophagus by a special valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, sometimes this valve does not work properly, resulting in abnormal reflux. This can cause symptoms of heartburn, sore throat, unexplained cough, acid taste in the mouth, chest pain, trouble swallowing; and it can lead to irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett esophagus, and possibly exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Sometimes, a hiatal hernia contributes to reflux, which is when a portion of the stomach is pushed above the diaphragm; this also can impair the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Studies suggest that two out of every 10 American adults suffers from GERD, meaning that if you do not have it yourself, you probably know someone who does. Fortunately, there are a number of good treatment options available for GERD:

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Lifestyle modification Although there are medications and surgery that can help, probably the best thing to do first is to make some lifestyle changes. Certain foods and drinks are known to make GERD worse. These include coffee, chocolate, spicy foods, carbonated drinks and alcohol, among others.

Reducing or eliminating your intake of these may help with your symptoms.

GERD may also be worsened by smoking; just one more reason to quit! Obesity is also known to exacerbate reflux and symptoms improve with weight loss.

Medications Many of the symptoms related to GERD are caused by stomach acid in the esophagus. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus does not tolerate acid exposure well. There are a number of types of antacid medications that are used for the treatment of GERD. These work by reducing the acidity of the gastric juices so that they are not as irritating to the esophagus.

The most common and effective medications are called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. Prilosec is an example of a PPI. PPIs directly block the cells in the stomach that secrete acid and are very effective in relieving many of the symptoms of GERD, and they can also prevent ulcers.

As with all medications, PPIs have potential side effects. Stomach acid is normal and helps to digest food and kill bacteria. Not surprisingly, there is increasing evidence that

long-term PPI use can cause a number of problems with digestion and infections. Because of the lack of acid caused by PPIs, some patients may experience trouble with calcium absorption and develop osteoporosis, or brittle bones. Use of PPIs has also been linked to C. difficile infections (a type of infection of the colon), and pneumonia. New data also suggests that PPIs may contribute to kidney disease.

Surgery Surgery is considered for GERD in patients who still have symptoms despite appropriate medical therapy, or who would like to try to get off of their medicines. In patients who have both GERD and a hiatal hernia, the hernia is also repaired at the same time. The operation takes two to three hours and is performed laparoscopically under general anesthesia: this means that the abdomen is filled with air, and a video camera and long instruments are used through five tiny incisions to perform the operation. During the operation, the portion of the stomach closest to the esophagus is released from surrounding tissue, and then wrapped around itself in a specialized form that helps to re-create the oneway valve mechanism of the lower esophageal sphincter. The goal of the new valve is for food to travel to the stomach, but for acid to not travel backward into the esophagus.

Typically surgery involves a one-night stay in the hospital and a modified liquid/soft diet for two to three weeks after surgery. Patients who work outside of the home usually take one to two weeks off.

After surgery, nine out of 10 patients report improvement in heartburn

and regurgitation. In patients for whom cough or other respiratory symptoms are caused by reflux, eight out of 10 have improvement. Forty percent of patients still choose to use a PPI after surgery, however, their symptoms are substantially improved.

A potential disadvantage of the new one-way valve is possible difficulty with belching and vomiting; some patients also experience bloating and diarrhea, which is treated with diet modification.

A special situation in the treatment of reflux is in patients with morbid obesity, who are at increased risk of failure of surgery. The standard of care for surgical treatment of reflux in these patients is gastric bypass, which also substantially improves reflux but has the additional benefit of weight loss without the increased risk of failure.

New procedures and devices There are a number of new and innovative procedures and devices aimed at treating GERD. These range from endoscopic procedures performed through the mouth using a scope, to rings of magnets that are placed around the lower esophagus with an operation. These are still in the experimental stages and only performed at specialized centers.

Is surgery right for you?

Because GERD is a mechanical problem (i.e. a dysfunctional valve), a mechanical solution (i.e. surgery) makes sense. A broken front door that keeps coming open will let cold air into the house and lower the temperature (and may let the neighbor’s cat in); similarly, a poorly functioning lower esophageal sphincter will keep coming open, exposing the esophagus to stomach contents. If you have symptoms of GERD and either find they are not controlled with medication, or simply don’t want to take medications for the rest of your life, surgery might be right for you. Very high surgery success rates are achieved both by meticulous, expert surgical technique, but also by appropriate patient selection. The symptoms of GERD can be mimicked by other conditions; not all patients who experience symptoms of GERD truly have a broken valve. Also, the surgical treatment for GERD is very individualized and the best type of operation for you is dependent on many different health factors.

Four important tests are performed before an operation for GERD to determine if those pesky symptoms are truly from reflux, as well as to help make a plan for the best operation for the patient: Upper

endoscopy (a video camera is used to look at the stomach and esophagus directly), upper GI fluoroscopy (a video X-ray looking at the shape of the esophagus and stomach), 24hour pH testing in the esophagus to determine how much acid is traveling backwards, and esophageal manometry to determine how well your esophagus is working. All of these tests are important and help decide if surgery is right for you.

Call If you have GERD, or think you might have GERD and are interested in surgery, schedule an appointment to see a member of Skagit Regional Clinics’ experienced surgical team.

To schedule a surgical consultation for GERD call 360-428-2586.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS DR. ALLISON PORTER is a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Washington School of Medicine. She completed a General Surgery internship and residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center, and then returned to the University of Washington for an Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgical Fellowship which focused on surgery of the stomach and the esophagus.

DR. JOEL DEAN received his MD at Washington University in St. Louis, MO and completed a General Surgery internship at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ and a Residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center.

Medicare Advantage 2017 open enrollment starts soon Do you need help comparing or choosing a Medicare plan?

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

Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage 2017 will run from October 15 through December 7, 2016.

For Medicare patients needing help comparing and choosing the right Medicare plan the Skagit Regional Health Medicare Insurance Helpline is available, serviced by MedicareCompareUSA*. Highly-

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

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

Call toll-free (866) 389-0445 for more information or to schedule a no-obligation Medicare insurance consultation. *MedicareCompareUSA is a Medicare-specialty insurance agency not affiliated with the federal Medicare program. Services of MedicareCompareUSA are offered at no cost; MedicareCompareUSA compensated directly by the Medicare plans accepted by Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Regional Clinics and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics.

Fall 2016

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Foundation Welcomes New Board Members The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is pleased to welcome six new members to its Board of Trustees:

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.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is led by the following group of community leaders who serve generously and without compensation.

Zach Barborinas Dee Berglin Kevin Bingham Katie Biringer Jill Christensen Kati Collins Cheryl Conner Mary June Curtis

Jacqueline Hawkins Dr. Joshua Hawkins Debbie Hendricks Jama Hiltz Jim Hobbs Aldi Kllogjeri Matt Lehman Mike Lervick

Linda Frizzell Executive Director

Wendy Ragusa Development Coordinator

Michael Lervick is a graduate of Central Washington University and is a co-owner and salesman for his family business, Twin City Foods. He was raised in Stanwood and currently resides in Marysville with his family.

Aldi Kllogjeri is a Vice President and Commercial Banking Officer with Skagit Bank. A native of Albania, he and his family now reside in Burlington. Aldi is a graduate of Washington State University.

Becky Wells Development Associate

Larry Otos is a resident of Mount Vernon. He has retired from the City of Mount Vernon and is the principal of The Otos Group, LLC. Larry is a graduate of Western Washington University.

To learn more about how you can support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, visit skagitregionalhealth.org/Hospital-Foundation Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-428-2140

www.facebook.com/ SkagitValleyHospitalFoundation

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Katie Biringer is a substitute teacher for the Burlington-Edison School District, and assists her husband with their family business, Biringer Nursery. She is a resident of Mount Vernon and a graduate of Western Washington University and Seattle Pacific University.

Jean Miller Melissa Nelson Larry Otos Jill Pickering Richard Roozen Brett Simbe Jim Spane Dr. Rob Zwick

S TA F F

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Jama Hiltz lives in Mount Vernon and is the sales manager and buyer for Gretchens kitchen store in Mount Vernon. She is a graduate of Central Washington University.

Matt Lehman is a Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer at Heritage Bank. He is a graduate of Western Washington University and a resident of Burlington.

New Foundation officers installed At the annual meeting of the Foundation in May, the following community leaders were installed as officers for the 2016-2017 year: VP/Sunrise Inn: Dee Berglin President: Richard Roozen VP/Cancer Care: Mary June Curtis Vice President: Jill Pickering VP/Planned Giving: Brett Simbe Secretary: Debbie Hendricks Treasurer: Zach Barborinas Assistant Treasurer: Kevin Bingham

EM The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s partnership with Seattlebased glassybaby raised more than $20,000 this past spring with a May road show at Skagit Valley Hospital and as the beneficiary of glassybaby’s annual summer seconds sale. The Foundation has earmarked these proceeds to support its current kidney dialysis campaign and seconds sale proceeds to support the Foundation’s Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund. glassybaby has also dedicated 10 percent from the sale of each dark purple glassybaby named “tulip” to the Foundation’s Cancer Care Patient Assistance fund. Visit www.glassybaby. com or a glassybaby store to purchase.

This special partnership began in 2014 and has since raised more than $50,000 for projects and programs at Skagit Regional Health.

The Foundation thanks its many supporters and glassybaby fans for participating in these special sales.

The Foundation is truly grateful for glassybaby’s on-going support!

Join us December 6, 2016, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. for a “glassybaby holiday road show” in the north lobby of Skagit Valley Hospital!

Making A Difference

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glassybaby Partnership Glows

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Skagit Regional Health employees give back!

The incredible employees of Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Clinics gave generously during the 2016 Employee Giving Campaign.

74 employees made gifts totaling $31,118.12. These gifts were made to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation through payroll deductions, cashed out vacation time and direct gifts.

The money raised will be gifted back to various areas of Skagit Valley Hospital to provide program support and equipment purchases. It is the mission of the Foundation that these gifts and other funds raised throughout the year will enable us to continue to support top quality care for the patients we serve.

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

one of a kindness

The Foundation’s $415,000 Kidney Dialysis Campaign is nearing its fund-raising goal with more than 78%, or $323,000, raised to date. The Foundation Board of Trustees and staff are indebted to many generous donors for the amazing support already shown for this project. Proceeds from the Par Tee Golf Classic, the annual Employee Giving Campaign, playhouse raffle, and glassybaby road show, all held in the last quarter, benefitted the campaign.

This year’s Festival of Trees proceeds are also dedicated to the project.

Funds raised will purchase 27 new hemodialysis machines for Skagit Regional Health’s Skagit Valley Kidney Center.

You can be part of making a difference!

The Foundation is accepting tax-deductible donations to the Kidney Center Campaign. Gifts of any size are important and may be made:

Online: www.skagitvalleyhospital foundation.org Call us: 360-428-2140 Mail to: Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation/KD Project P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

®

Mount Vernon Road Show

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital - North Lobby of sales will be donated to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation For information, call 360-428-2140 or visit us on

Fall 2016

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13TH ANNUAL

GOLF

Par Tee Golf raises record Classic amount!

152 golfers played in the 13th annual Par Tee Golf Classic on June 24, 2016 at Skagit Golf and Country Club in Burlington. A record $72,945 was raised to benefit the Cancer Care Patient Assistance fund and the Kidney Dialysis project.

Golfers were treated to a continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, welcome bags, putting and KP contests and activities at each hole. Other features included hole-in-one prizes, a raffle, progressive poker hand, silent auction and many give aways.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation would like to thank the nearly 80 volunteers and the following sponsors for contributing to the success of this year’s tournament: TITLE SPONSORS • Bristol-Myers Squibb Company • Voya Financial Services EVENT SPONSORS • Baird Private Wealth Management – Mendoza Stewart Group • Comprehensive Pharmacy Services

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• Coverys • Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family • ECG Management Consultants • Experian Health • Foster Pepper PLLC • Janicki Industries • LabCorp/Dynacare Laboratories • Leverage Information Systems • Meyer Sign & Advertising • Moss Adams, LLP • Piper Jaffray • Renton Collections, Inc. • Retail Lockbox • SB & C, Ltd • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • Skagit Regional Clinics • Skagit Transportation, Inc. • Skagit Valley Hospital Guild • TeamHealth • Thomas Cuisine Management • TRICO Companies, Inc. • Whidbey Coffee Company HOLE AND GAME SPONSORS • Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts • Associated Petroleum Products • Birch Equipment Co., Inc. • Biringer Nursery • Cascade Natural Gas

• Chad Fisher Construction • CPI Plumbing and Heating • D.A. Davidson – Kyle Reep • Epic • Express Employment Professionals • Farmers Equipment Company, Inc. • G & W Commercial Interiors • Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park • Sean and Debbie Hendricks • Alfie Hill-Banta • Judd and Black • Just Peachy Frozen Yogurt • Life Center of Skagit Valley, Sedro-Woolley • Lisser & Associates • Maple Wood Farms • McKinstry Energy Services • North Cascade Harley Davidson • Optimum Properties • Pat Rimmer Tire Centers – Les Schwab • Resource Corporation of America • Skagit Bank • State Farm Insurance – Carol Lawson, Brad Methner and Keith Sorestad, Agents • Dr. Rob Zwick

Fall 2015

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2016 playhouse raffle raises more than $3,200 for Kidney Dialysis

ABOVE: Monica Baca of the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center, “Lassies” Nancy Yarwood, Jackie Van Tassell and Sandi Gascoigne and Linda Frizzell, Director of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

Camaloch Lassies The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is very fortunate to be supported by local organizations such as the “Camaloch Lassies” who recently delivered a $2,631 check for the Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund. These funds were raised during their annual golf tournament held at Camaloch Golf Course on Camano Island.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation sincerely thanks community members who purchased raffle tickets for a chance to win the “Gas ‘N’ Sip,” a Spane Buildings, Inc. designed playhouse. The playhouse was one of four custom playhouses built by different builders, for the 36th annual Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association (SICBA) Home and Garden Show held in March at the Skagit County Fairgrounds.

The annual raffle raised more than $3,200 to support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Kidney Dialysis Campaign. The winning ticket belonged to Christie and Keith Peterson of Burlington.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is grateful to Spane Buildings, Inc. for their generosity and partnership with the Foundation for the seventh year in a row. We also sincerely thank their project partners Cascade Lumber, Hagge Design Associates and Rubmco Painting.

Dwayne Lane's Skagit Subaru As part of the Subaru Love Promise program, Dwayne Lane's Skagit Subaru, part of Dwayne Lane's Auto Family, joined forces with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Together these two organizations donated more than 30,000 blankets and messages of hope to community cancer centers across the country.

Recently, 250 blankets were presented to the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center to provide comfort to cancer patients in our community.

Burlington-Edison High School ASB Representatives of the BurlingtonEdison High School ASB presented a check to Dr. Patrick Stevens and Dr. Mehran Zaini at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

These funds were raised during the high school’s annual “Cure Cancer Week.”

We are grateful for their support!

ABOVE: Christie and Keith Peterson's grandchildren enjoying their Gas ‘N’ Sip playhouse.

Sedro-Woolley High School ABOVE: Monica Baca with the Regional Cancer Care Center, Tom Lane and Sheila Countryman - Bean of Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family, Cheryl Pratt and Lea Davidson of the Skagit Valley Hospital Auxiliary, Victoria Wenick of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Hans Brannfors of Dwayne Lane’s Skagit Subaru.

Sedro-Woolley High School student Treyton Howell presented Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Director Linda Frizzell with a $1,278 check to benefit the Heather Schols Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.

Treyton raised the funds in memory of Heather Schols by selling wristbands at various community and school events throughout the year. Thank you for your great work and support Treyton!

Fall 2016

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Diabetes Management Class Tuesday, September 27, 2016 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM UW Neighborhood Smokey Point Clinic 3823 172nd Street NE Lobby on the 2nd floor at the top of the stairs This free class on how to live well with the diagnosis of diabetes is presented by Dr. Natalia Usoltseva, a board certified internal medicine physician at UW Neighborhood Smokey Point Clinic. Dr. Usoltseva will discuss: • Symptoms of diabetes • Causes and complications of high and low blood sugars • Treatment options • Diet and exercise programs Dr. Usoltseva will provide information that will help you to maintain optimum health by managing your diabetes effectively on a daily basis. This class is especially useful if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes or if you experience impaired blood glucose control.

Go to uwmedicine.org/smokeypoint

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Four-legged friends CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Registered therapy dogs are selected for their calm temperament and then go through obedience training and socialization exercises to be familiar with a wide variety of people, settings and noises.

Hill knew right away that Mac was a good fit for the job of therapy dog.

“He had a lot of empathy and was able to read how people were feeling,” she said of the five-year-old Australian Shepherd. “People can pet him and he will calm them and take away their anxiety.”

Titan the Golden Retriever has been in service since he was 18 months old and has always enjoyed time with children reading to him.

Titan and Broderick are finding their visits with cancer patients to be very rewarding.

“You get a lot of smiles – and not just from patients, but from the staff and patients as well,” Broderick said.

Oncology Manager Kristi Terwilliger said the idea for visits by the DOC volunteers came from a cancer patient and she agreed that the program has been very well received.

“Everybody loves it,” she said.

“They all know the dogs and want to know what dogs are here today so they can have their chance for a visit.”

ABOVE: Diane Nowotny with Max BELOW: Nancy Ptacek of Mount Vernon and her Golden Retriever Max, Christine Hill of Mount Vernon and her Australian Shepherd Mac, and Sara Broderick of Anacortes and her Golden Retriever Titan, have become regulars at the Skagit Regional Health Regional Cancer Care 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 Cholesterol/Diabetes, Vitamin D and Bone Density Screenings Full Lipid Profile plus Glucose: 10-12 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Fee: $15 Vitamin D: Fasting is not required. Fee: $39 Bone Density: This is a non-invasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

Debit or credit card or personal check – no cash accepted.

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

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

Pre-registration is required.

October 18 and 19 (Tue/Wed) 1 - 5 p.m.

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

October 5 (Wed) 8 – 9 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW

Blood Drive December 19 (Mon) 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)

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

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

November 2 (Wed) 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Camano Senior Center 606 Arrowhead Drive Camano Island

Photo by Linda Wright

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

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

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

Stanwood

9631 269th St. NW Stanwood 360-629-1600 Fall 2016

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HealthQuest

CHANGE YOUR

Doc Talks

CLASSES Unspoken MS Issues: Bladder and Bowel

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may find that bladder and bowel symptoms prevent them from fully interacting with their community, friends and family. It doesn’t need to be that way.

Join us for this discussion about the latest advances and recommendations from a clinician at the forefront of MS treatment. Dr. Patti Brettell, neurologist, Skagit Regional Clinics, will be available to answer questions and lead a group discussion.

September 26 (Mon) 6 - 8 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Conference Room

Innovations in Breast Cancer Management Learn about innovative ways breast cancer is managed. Topics will include a discussion on the confusing guidelines for screening mammograms, recent developments in immunotherapy and hypofractionated radiation therapy.

The speakers will be Dr. Karen Dec with Skagit Radiology, Dr. Theodore Kim and Dr. Michal Whiton with the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center. Time will be available for questions.

October 6 (Thur) 3:30 – 5:00 pm Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Conference Room

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Continuing Health Education Weight Management Program

Learn nutrition information that is science based, providing you with the knowledge to make healthier choices, determining a healthy weight and learn lifestyle choices for disease prevention in this four-week program.

Weekly topics include: How to make healthy eating part of your lifestyle; how to create quick healthy meals and snacks; the importance of exercise in your daily routine and grocery shopping on a budget.

This class is taught by Mary Beth Robinson MS, RD/LD, with Skagit Valley Hospital who is certified in adult weight management. She is

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.

passionate for healthy living and is excited to show you how to change your health through your nutrition.

Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 (Tue) Noon - 1 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Conference Room $125

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

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

October 19 and 20 (Wed/Thur) 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

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

Meditation for Calming and Focusing Your Mind Let an experienced meditator guide you in simple techniques to become comfortable with this valuable skill in this popular threesession class. Meditation is now scientifically recognized to help reduce stress and anxiety, blood pressure and help with restful sleep.

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

November 2, 9 and 16 (Wed) 6 – 8 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Conference Room $39

AARP Driver Safety Program

Certified Diabetes Education Program

Total Joint Replacement Class

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

Pre-registration is required.

Skagit Regional Health offers a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive education program for adults with diabetes, either newly diagnosed or for those patients who want additional guidance to help reduce the negative consequences of diabetes. The program includes individual and group education.

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

A1C testing is also available.

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

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

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

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

November 1 and 2 (Tue/Wed) 1 – 5 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Conference Room Pay at the class

Exercise Program for Parkinson’s Patients Skagit Valley Hospital physical therapist Bree Corbin, MPT has completed the required comprehensive hands-on training and testing through LSVT Global to become a certified LSVT BIG clinician. LSVT BIG is a research-based exercise program focused on amplitude (bigger movement) training for individuals with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease often results in slowing of movements and decreased size of movements leaving the individual struggling with daily tasks and walking. The 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.

Please discuss program options with your healthcare provider; a physician referral is required. For more information: www.LSVTGlobal. com. For more information call 360-814-2184. See story on page 17.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program This intensive program can help patients with a wide variety of chronic lung disorders including, but not limited to, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or asthma. The goal is 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 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. or from 1:30 – 3 p.m. for approximately 10 weeks. For more information call 360-814-2236.

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

Heart Healthy Fitness Program Come join us for exercise in a safe and stress-free environment at Skagit Valley Hospital. The Heart Healthy Fitness Program focuses on individual goals and plenty of one-toone attention. We work on strength training, balance and cardiovascular fitness. For questions, cost and class times, call 360-814-8368.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Have you had a recent heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty or stent placement, heart valve surgery or congestive heart failure? 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 Physiologist 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.

Photo by Gary Brown MD Fall 2016

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Diabetes Prevention Program

FREE Skin Cancer Screening

Stroke and Aneurysm Screening

The National Diabetes Prevention Program can help you lower your risk for type 2 diabetes with gradual, modest lifestyle changes. The program includes year-long support and motivation with 16 weekly class meetings followed by eight monthly meetings. The next class is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 19 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

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

Corinne Sayler, PA-C with Skagit Regional Clinics – Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

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

The cost is only $59 for the combined carotid and aorta screening. To register for an appointment, call 360-428-8208 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Screenings are held at Skagit Radiology located at 1320 E. Division, Mount Vernon.

Health & Wellness Screenings

Cholesterol/Diabetes, Vitamin D and Bone Density Screenings Full Lipid Profile plus Glucose: 10-12 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Fee: $15 Vitamin D: Fasting is not required. Fee: $39 Bone Density: This is a noninvasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

Debit or credit card or personal check only – no cash accepted.

September 28 (Wed) 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Conference Room

October 3 (Mon) 1 - 4 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics-Riverbend Dermatology Department 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon

FREE Vein Screening Steven Lee, MD, surgeon with Skagit Regional Clinics, will be administering screenings to evaluate visible varicose veins that may be causing heavy, achy, tired legs and help raise awareness of venous disease and the available treatment options. Treatment options are covered by most insurances.

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. Any follow-up diagnostic tests are the financial responsibility of the patient; please check with your insurance provider.

October 26 (Wed) 1:40 – 3:30 p.m.

November 30 (Wed) 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Conference Room Pre-registration required

FREE Vision Screening A certified ophthalmic technician with Cascadia Eye 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. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

October 28 (Fri) 1 - 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital San Juan Conference Room

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Blood Drives Sept. 19; Dec. 12 (Mon) 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Mobile van at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon December 29 and 30 (Thur/Fri) 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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

Free Blood Pressure Screenings Automated blood pressure machines are available at the following locations: • Skagit Valley Hospital – Kincaid Street entrance • Skagit Regional Clinics Mount Vernon and Stanwood

Is it Time for Your Mammogram?

In accordance with the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, screening mammograms are recommended yearly beginning at age 40.

The Breast Care Center

1320 East Division Street Mount Vernon 360-428-7270 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 pediatric care provider to discuss your baby’s first three months. The fee is $110. Medical coupons are accepted. Full payment or a copy of your medical coupon is required two weeks before the class begins. Classes are offered at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Pre-registration is required. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to register.

Childbirth Preparation: Weekend Course Skagit Valley Hospital offers a two-day childbirth preparation class on weekends. Plan to begin the course in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. The class includes the same topics as the sixweek course. A tour of the Family Birth Center is included. The fee is $95. Medical coupons are accepted.

Pre-registration is required. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to register.

Family Birth Center Tours

New Mom’s Group

Prenatal Fitness

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

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

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

Prenatal Fitness is designed to accommodate all stages of pregnancy and various fitness levels. This class is taught by a certified pre- and post-natal fitness instructor.

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 pediatric care provider will be available to provide information on newborn care – time for questions will be allowed. Pre-registration required. The fee is $25 for this two and one-half hour program. The cost is only $20 when registering for the weekend childbirth preparation class at the same time. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 for class dates and times.

Sept. 27 – Nov. 15 (Tue) 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center Waiting Room $79

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

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

Free tours of the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center are offered twice a month. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule a tour.

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

Photo by Gary Brown MD Fall 2016

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Gestational Diabetes Program Diabetes during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes, can result in serious complications to your baby. Skagit Valley Hospital offers a referral-based education program to improve gestational diabetes selfmanagement skills and provides tools for moms-to-be to feel confident 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 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 parentsto-be, prior to the birth of your new baby, to learn how to safely install and use your car seat. Cosponsored by Safe Kids Northwest.

Pre-registration is not required.

Sept. 22; Oct. 20; Nov. 17 (Thur) 1 - 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital at main entrance covered area

Kidney Dialysis Education Kidney Failure Treatment Options

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

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

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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 offers a monthly support group for individuals and their caregivers dealing with the emotional life changing challenges of a cancer diagnosis. The group is open and available on a drop-in basis (pre-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 e-mail at pwold@skagitvalleyhospital.org.

The meetings are held in the Safeway Conference Room at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center, third floor.

Look Good, Feel Better The Look Good, Feel Better sessions are led by trained, volunteer cosmetologists who teach women either in active cancer treatment or about to start treatment how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Women also learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves and other accessories. Preregistration is required; register by calling American Cancer Society Everett office at 425-404-2193.

October 24 (Mon) 5 – 7 p.m.

Sept. 26; Nov. 28 (Mon) 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.

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

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

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. We provide the Grief Recovery Method Support Group throughout the year. The Grief Recovery Method Program provides action choices that help people move beyond the pain caused by loss. It is an eightweek program that creates a safe environment in which to look at old beliefs about dealing with loss; to look at what losses have affected your life; and to take new actions which lead to completion of the pain attached to one of those losses. For more information, referrals 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 spirituality. You can also visit our website at: hospicenw.org, select Helpful Resources, then click on Hospice Resource Library Catalog.

The Resource Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Hospice office at 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A in Mount Vernon and after hours by appointment. For information call Hospice of the Northwest at 360-814-5550.

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

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. A fall volunteer training is scheduled for September 23, 30 and October 7 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Hospice Office in Mount Vernon. Prospective volunteers must apply in advance. The next training will be held in spring 2017.

To learn more, contact Julie Pryor Barr, Volunteer Supervisor at 360814-5588 or jbarr@hospicenw.org.

These workshop classes educate, encourage and empower the family and friends of people living with memory loss due to dementia. The instructor, Leta Benfield, RN, has been a registered nurse for 39 years and worked in memory care for over 16 years.

There is no cost but preregistration is required. All classes are held in the San Juan Conference Room at Skagit Valley Hospital from 6 – 8 p.m. with plenty of time allowed for questions.

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

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

Journey of Dementia Educational Seminars

September 28 Dementia, what is it?

October 12 Communicating with People with Dementia October 26 Understanding and Managing Difficult Behaviors November 9 Self Care for Families November 30 Aging with Grace

Mental Health Support Group National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Skagit Open Support Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Shuksan Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. Family members and those living with mental illness are welcome. For more information contact Marti at 360-770-5666 or Al at 360-424-5802.

PhotoPhoto

by Gary

by Thom BrownReese MD Fall 2016

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Family-to-Family Evidence-Based Education Program

Youth and Adult WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)

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

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

The next class will begin September 26, 2016 and continue each Monday and Thursday from 6:30 – 9 p.m. through November 3. Call Marti at 360-770-5666 or Judy at 360-4245802 for more information. Space is limited so reservations are required.

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

by Skagit Valley REACH Center.

For more information call 360-873-8635, or email Center Director Jeff Reynolds reynoldsj@svreach.org.

Peer-to-Peer Education Program Free ten-session (five week) course for adults with mental illness or brain disorders to help them better understand their illness and maintain and improve their recovery. NAMI Skagit provides this program at no charge. The next course will begin mid-September, 2016. 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. SVRC is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 1413 E. College Way in Mount Vernon WA. For information call 360-873-8635, or email Center Director Jeff Reynolds reynoldsj@svreach.org or visit www.cvabonline.com.

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

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

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Groups A safe and supportive support group to share and learn from other caregivers offered in Burlington and Anacortes. Provided by Skagit Adult Day Program. Visit www.skagitadultdayprogram.org for more information.

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.

Stroke Support Group This caring support group for stroke survivors, their loved ones and caretakers provides up-todate education and information.

Provided by Skagit Regional Clinics neurologists and rehabilitation therapists. Meets the last Friday of each month from noon – 1 p.m. in the Shuksan Room at Skagit Valley Hospital (use Kincaid Street entrance.) No charge. For more information call 360-814-8394 or email ahagel@skagitvalleyhospital.org.

Community News & Resources Speakers Bureau

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

Volunteer Services at Skagit Regional Health Volunteer opportunities at Skagit Regional Health include information desks, pianists, clerical and many others. Call Steve Schultz at 360-814-2142 for more information.

Junior Medical Volunteers

The Junior Medical Volunteer program is for students age 16-18.

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 fundraising groups including the Grace Cochrum Guild, J.E.M. Guild, SVH Auxiliary and SVH Guild.

Other Volunteer Department Services: Hospital and Clinic Tours

Tours of our facility for groups and individuals are available.

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

Gift Shop

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

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

PCAP (Parent-Child Assistance Program) PCAP is a research-based program that assists women who have abused drugs and/or alcohol while pregnant to access services in the community. Women who meet the eligibility criteria will receive three years of intensive case management, which includes home visitation, intervention and transportation. PCAP will help clients build and maintain healthy, independent family lives, assuring that children are in safe and stable homes and work with the client to prevent future births of drug and alcohol exposed children.

PCAP is now hosted by Brigid Collins Family Support Center in Skagit County. For more information on the program, eligibility criteria, or to make a referral, contact Elizabeth, the program supervisor, at 428-6622.

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 Doctor?

Call our free Find a Doctor Phone Line at 360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850 from Stanwood or Camano Island. The referral line is open Monday - Saturday between 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Photo by Gary Brown MD

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

Open enrollment for qualified health plans runs from Nov. 1, 2016 through Jan. 31, 2017. Enrollment for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) continues year-round.

HealthPlanFinder is a program of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, and provides a single point of contact for any business, individual or family looking for health coverage.

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

If you are a Washington State resident, you are able to

call and have a customer service representative walk you through the online process of getting health insurance for you and your family.

You can also apply over the phone at 1-855-923-4633, via the web at www.wahealthplanfinder.org.

You may get assistance at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon or by calling 360-424-2613 or e-mail exchangeinfo@skagitregionalhealth.org.

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If you are unsure of which office to visit, please call our toll-free line and we will assist you to the appropriate office: 800-428-0010. Routine clinic hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Pediatric and Pharmacy departments are open extended hours for your convenience. Call for more information.

Specialties

Locations

Oak Harbor: 360-639-3093 Riverbend: 360-814-6800

MOUNT VERNON

1400 E. Kincaid St., Mount Vernon Appointments: 360-428-2500 Toll Free: 800-428-0010

MOUNT VERNON CARDIOLOGY

307 S. 13th St., Ste. 300 Mount Vernon Appointments: 360-336-9757

RESIDENCY CLINIC

819 S.13th St., Mount Vernon Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Appointments: 360-814-6230

ANACORTES UROLOGY

1213 24th St., Ste. 600, Anacortes Appointments: 360-293-2173

CAMANO ISLAND

127 N. E. Camano Dr., Camano Is. Appointments: 360-387-5398

URGENT CARE SMOKEY POINT Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Weekends and Holidays: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL (SVH)

CARDIOLOGY

Anacortes: 360-293-0308 Smokey Point: 360-336-9757 Mount Vernon: 360-336-9757 Sedro-Woolley: 360-336-9757

DERMATOLOGY

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Mount Vernon: 360-814-6315

FAMILY MEDICINE

Camano Isl&: 360-387-5398 Darrington: 360-436-1055 Granite Falls: 360-691-2419 Mount Vernon: 360-428-2501 Residency Clinic: 360-814-6230 Sedro-Woolley: 360-856-4141 Stanwood: 360-629-1600

GASTROENTEROLOGY

RIVERBEND

1415 E. Kincaid St., Mount Vernon 360-424-4111

SVH - Regional Cancer Care Center

GENERAL SURGERY

Mount Vernon: 360-428-2586

STANWOOD

307 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon 360-814-2146

9631 269th St. NW, Stanwood Appointments: 360-629-1600

3823 172nd St. NE, Arlington 360-618-5000

Mount Vernon: 360-848-4150

SEDRO-WOOLLEY

SVH - Wound Healing Center

Mount Vernon: 360-428-2592 Residency Clinic: 360-814-6230 Sedro-Woolley: 360-856-4222 Stanwood: 360-629-1600

2300 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon Appointments: 360-814-6800

1990 Hospital Dr., Sedro-Woolley

Internal Medicine

Appointments: 360-856-4222

Family Medicine:

Appointments: 360-856-4141

URGENT CARE MOUNT VERNON Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Weekends & Holidays: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

URGENT CARE RIVERBEND Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Weekends & Holidays: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

OAK HARBOR

1300 NE Goldie Rd., Ste. A, Oak Harbor Call for Hours Appointments: 360-639-3093

SMOKEY POINT

3823 172nd St. NE, Arlington Appointments: 360-618-5000

ANACORTES CARDIOLOGY

2511 M Ave., Ste. D, Anacortes Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Appointments: 360-293-0308

208 Hospital Pkwy, Mount Vernon 360-814-2600 208 Hospital Pkwy, Mount Vernon 360-814-2600

SVH - Kidney Center

208 Hospital Pkwy, Mount Vernon 360-814-8260

CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL (CVH)

Mount Vernon: 360-814-6113

INFECTIOUS DISEASE INTERNAL MEDICINE

NEPHROLOGY

Mount Vernon: 360-428-2550

NEUROLOGY

Smokey Point: 360-428-2550 Mount Vernon: 360-428-2550

330 S Stillaguamish Ave, Arlington 360-435-2133

NEUROSURGERY/SPINE

CVH - Darrington Clinic

ONCOLOGY:

1190 Main St., Darrington 360-436-1055

SVH RCC: 360-814-2146 Smokey Point: 360-657-8660

CVH - Granite Falls

OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

Mount Vernon: 360-814-6880

405 W. Stanley St., Granite Falls 360-691-2419

Smokey Point: 360-657-8700 Mount Vernon: 360-848-4150

CVH - Arlington Pediatrics

OPTOMETRY

875 Wesley St., Ste. 110, Arlington 360-435-6525

Mount Vernon: 360-428-6464 Sedro-Woolley: 360-854-2750

CVH - Orthopaedic Clinic

ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

328 S. Stillaguamish Ave., Arlington 360-435-6641

Riverbend: 360-814-6800 Arlington: 360-435-6641

CVH - Women's Health Clinic

PAIN MANAGEMENT

903 Medical Center Dr., Arlington 360-435-0242

Mount Vernon: 360-814-6880

CVH - Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center

Riverbend*: 360-814-6800 Arlington: 360-435-6525

875 Wesley St., Ste. 210, Arlington 360-403-8158

PEDIATRICS

PLASTIC/RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Mount Vernon: 360-814-6120

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PODIATRY

Mount Vernon: 360-848-4120 Stanwood: 360-629-1600

PULMONOLOGY

Mount Vernon: 360-428-2550

RHEUMATOLOGY

Riverbend: 360-428-2550

SLEEP MEDICINE

Mount Vernon: 360-428-2586

URGENT CARE*

Smokey Point: 360-657-8700 Mount Vernon: 360-428-6434 Riverbend: 360-814-6850

UROLOGY

In Partnership with Island Hospital Anacortes: 360-293-2173 Smokey Point: 360-814-6565 Mount Vernon: 360-814-6565

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Mount Vernon: 360-428-2575 Arlington: 360-435-0242

WOUND CARE

SVH Wound Healing Center: 360-814-2600

CVH WOUND CARE & HYPERBARIC

Medicine Center: 360-403-8158

Services LABORATORY

Camano Is: 360-814-5985 Cascade Valley Hospital: 360-435-2133 Smokey Point: 360-657-8713 Mount Vernon: 360-428-2567 Riverbend: 360-814-4129 Sedro-Woolley: 360-854-2729 Stanwood: 360-629-1608

PHARMACY

Cascade Valley Hospital: 360-435-2133 Mount Vernon*: 360-428-6465 Riverbend*: 360-814-6840 Sedro-Woolley*: 360-854-2760

RADIOLOGY/IMAGING

Smokey Point: 360-657-8760 Mount Vernon: 360-428-2541 Riverbend: 360-814-6800 Sedro-Woolley: 360-854-2770 Stanwood: 360-629-1608 *OPEN EXTENDED Hours

Urgent Care locations open seven days a week Skagit Regional Clinics’ urgent care locations in Mount Vernon and Smokey Point are open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

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

Our three Skagit Regional Clinic locations are: MAIN CAMPUS (Mount Vernon) 1400 E. Kincaid Street RIVERBEND (Mount Vernon) 2320 Freeway Drive SMOKEY POINT 3823 172nd Street NE

HealthQuest

Upcoming Holiday Hours for Urgent Care: THANKSGIVING

CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY NEW YEAR’S EVE NEW YEAR’S DAY

The Riverbend and Smokey Point Urgent Care locations are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Urgent Care at the main campus in Mount Vernon will be closed on Thanksgiving.

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

All locations closed.

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

All locations open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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: ____________________________________

Expiration Date:________________________ Signature: ____________________________________

Mail

HealthQuest

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

Phone

360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481

Internet

www.skagitregionalhealth.org, click on Events

Fax

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

Questions?

Call Skagit Regional Health at 360-814-2424, from Stanwood and Camano Island call 360-629-6481 or for hearing impaired, please call TTY 360-814-2219 Fall 2016

39

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376

LITHTEX NW

Sponsored by Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

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

2 Hospitals

Cascade Valley Hospital • Skagit Valley Hospital

10 Communities

Anacortes • Arlington • Camano Island • Darrington Granite Falls • Mount Vernon • Oak Harbor Sedro-Woolley • Smokey Point • Stanwood

A Caring, Connected Health Care System

18 Clinic Locations

Twenty-five specialty care areas are staffed with more than 2,400 dedicated professionals across three counties.

The Whole Team!

Skagit Regional Health is teaming up with Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics to provide excellent health care in north Snohomish County. We bring you a unified health care system, providing personalized support through all stages of development. A continuum of care in one system, just for you.

Thank you for welcoming Skagit Regional Health With special thanks to the Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics board and employees, the City of Arlington and surrounding communities for a warm welcome.

For more information on Skagit Regional Health, call 360-814-2424 or visit us online at

skagitregionalhealth.org